Threaded tube and threaded lid for biomaterial
Inventors
Kranz, Bernd Roman • Muhlfriedel, Sven
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10155608-B2
Publication Date
2018-12-18
Expiration Date
Abstract
The invention relates to a screw cap for sealing a screw top tube for biomaterial, wherein the screw cap has a cylindrical screw section, which has an external thread, wherein the cylindrical screw section determines a longitudinal axis, a flange portion, which connects to the screw section, a recess coaxial to the longitudinal axis, which extends through the flange portion and at least part way along the screw section, wherein the recess has an inner component profile that is suitable for opening and closing with an appropriate key, and wherein the inner component profile extends axially at least part way along the screw section.
Core Innovation
A system is described that includes a screw cap and a screw top tube adapted to seal a biomaterial. The screw cap comprises a cylindrical screw section with an external thread along a longitudinal axis, and a flange portion that connects to the screw section. A recess coaxial to the longitudinal axis extends longitudinally through the flange portion and along at least part of the screw section.
The recess contains an inner component profile configured for opening and closing with a key having a corresponding external profile. The inner component profile extends axially at least part way along the screw section and extends axially from between 50% to 90% of the screw section. The screw top tube includes a hollow cylindrical section with an open end, a closed end, and an internal thread adapted to be engaged with the external thread of the screw cap.
The tube hollow cylindrical section includes a tube axis and a tube longitudinal direction, and sealing is performed at the open end by the screw cap. The described storage system is characterized as compact and adapted for cryogenic storage of biomaterial, including operation around −180°C in liquid-nitrogen gas phase. The described configuration is used to reduce size and material versus prior art and to improve sealing capability and temperature resistance while supporting compatibility with automated capper/decapper systems.
Claims Coverage
The relevant set contains one independent claim (clm-00001). The independent claim covers a screw cap and screw top tube system with a cylindrical external-thread screw section, a flange portion, and a coaxial recess with an inner component profile configured for key-based opening and closing, plus a corresponding tube with an internal thread engaged by the cap.
Key-configured coaxial recess in the screw cap
The screw cap comprises a recess coaxial to the longitudinal axis which extends longitudinally through the flange portion and at least part way along the screw section, and the recess comprises an inner component profile configured for opening and closing with a key having a corresponding external profile.
Axial extent of the inner component profile along the screw section
The inner component profile extends axially at least part way along the screw section, and extends axially from between 50% to 90% of the screw section.
Screw-top tube with internal thread engaged with the cap external thread
The screw top tube comprises a hollow cylindrical section having an open end, a closed end and an internal thread that is adapted to be engaged with the external thread of the screw cap and sealed by the screw cap at the open end.
Screw cap with external-thread cylindrical screw section and flange portion
The screw cap comprises a cylindrical screw section comprising an external thread, wherein the cylindrical screw section has a longitudinal axis, and a flange portion that connects to the screw section.
Independent claim clm-00001 broadly defines a screw cap and screw top tube sealing system for biomaterial, anchored by a cylindrical external-thread screw section with a flange and a coaxial recess containing a key-based opening/closing inner component profile with a defined axial extent, together with a tube having an internal thread that engages the cap’s external thread for sealing at the open end.
Stated Advantages
Reduced size and material versus prior art.
Improved sealing capability.
Temperature resistance for cryogenic storage (including liquid-nitrogen gas phase around −180°C).
Compatibility with automated capper/decapper systems.
Reduced sample loss.
Improved storage density.
Improved efficiency/energy and cost benefits versus a prior-art Micronic 0.5 ml Screw Cap Tube.
Documented Applications
Cryogenic storage of biomaterial, including operation around −180°C in liquid-nitrogen gas phase.
Use in a system compatible with automated capper/decapper operations for sealing biomaterial.
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