US 12,168,225 B2
Sample collection and dispensing device
Estevan Mendoza, Mountain View, CA (US); and Eric Warner, Oceanside, CA (US)
Assigned to SRI International, Menlo Park, CA (US)
Appl. No. 17/295,195
Filed by SRI International, Menlo Park, CA (US)
PCT Filed Aug. 21, 2019, PCT No. PCT/US2019/047538
§ 371(c)(1), (2) Date May 19, 2021,
PCT Pub. No. WO2020/106345, PCT Pub. Date May 28, 2020.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/770,633, filed on Nov. 21, 2018.
Prior Publication US 2022/0016617 A1, Jan. 20, 2022
Int. Cl. B01L 3/00 (2006.01); B01L 3/02 (2006.01); G01N 1/14 (2006.01)
CPC B01L 3/022 (2013.01) [B01L 3/502 (2013.01); G01N 1/14 (2013.01); B01L 2200/026 (2013.01); B01L 2200/0684 (2013.01); B01L 2200/16 (2013.01); B01L 2300/044 (2013.01); B01L 2300/048 (2013.01); B01L 2300/0838 (2013.01); B01L 2300/123 (2013.01); B01L 2300/14 (2013.01); B01L 2300/161 (2013.01); B01L 2400/0406 (2013.01); B01L 2400/0487 (2013.01); G01N 2001/149 (2013.01)] 16 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A sample collecting and dispensing apparatus comprising:
a capillary sampler disposed on a first end of the sample collecting and dispensing apparatus, wherein the capillary sampler is configured to collect a fluid sample via an opening and a capillary body;
a reagents chamber in fluid communication with the capillary sampler;
a barrier assembly disposed between the capillary sampler and the reagents chamber, wherein the barrier assembly is configured to separate fluid in the reagents chamber from the capillary sampler;
a plunger assembly disposed on a second end of the sample collecting and dispensing apparatus. the second end being opposite the first end, wherein the plunger assembly is configured to modify the barrier assembly to dispense the fluid from the reagents chamber to the capillary sampler responsive to application of a force in the direction of the first end;
a venting barrier disposed in the capillary body; and
a liquid barrier including a deformable ball configured to displace into a cavity of the capillary body in response to pressure within the reagents chamber being at or above a threshold level of pressure,
wherein the venting barrier is configured to prevent the deformable ball of the liquid harrier from passing beyond the cavity of the capillary body and to permit passage of the fluid from the reagents chamber into the capillary sampler.