Swab canister equipped with moisture permeable membrane and dessicant
Inventors
Kendall, John Kirby • Hilton, Alyse N. • Moreithi, Elayna W. • Reedy, Carmen R. • Toy, Erica L.
Assignees
Publication Number
US-10391494-B2
Publication Date
2019-08-27
Expiration Date
2037-02-27
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Abstract
A swab canister (101) is provided which includes a container (103) equipped with a first opening (105) and having a removable sample collector (117) disposed therein. A membrane (111) which is permeable to both moisture and a sanitizing agent such as ethylene oxide is disposed between the sample collector and the first opening. A desiccant (113) disposed between the membrane and the first opening.
Core Innovation
A swab canister is disclosed comprising a container with a first opening where a removable sample collector is disposed, a membrane positioned between the sample collector and the first opening that is permeable to both moisture and a sanitizing agent such as ethylene oxide, and a desiccant disposed between the membrane and the first opening. This construction allows post-manufacture sterilization of the interior of the canister while preventing contamination of the swab and preserving the dried state of the specimen.
The problem addressed by the invention is the persistent contamination of forensic sample swabs and swab canisters with foreign DNA and bacteria introduced during manufacture, assembly, handling, or storage. Such contamination complicates forensic analysis and can waste law enforcement resources. Prior art devices do not readily permit sterilization with ethylene oxide in the presence of desiccants, nor do they prevent exposure to contaminants during desiccant placement or subsequent handling.
The invention solves these problems by sealing the interior of the canister from the external environment with a moisture and ethylene oxide permeable membrane, enabling sanitization of the interior after manufacture while excluding foreign contaminants. The desiccant is positioned external to this membrane, typically in the cap, allowing moisture removal from collected samples without interfering with sanitization or introducing contamination. Additional structural features, such as male-female couplings on caps and containers, prevent contaminated external surfaces from contacting the interior canister surfaces.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes three independent claims with multiple inventive features related to the construction and functional components of the swab canister.
Swab canister with permeable membrane and desiccant placement
An apparatus comprising a container with a removable sample collector; a membrane disposed between the collector and first opening that is permeable to ethylene oxide and moisture; and a desiccant disposed between the membrane and the first opening.
Sample container with sealable desiccant chamber and semi-permeable membrane
An apparatus comprising a sample container with removable collector, a sealable desiccant chamber with a semi-permeable membrane maintaining fluid contact between container and chamber; a desiccant insertable in the chamber; and a chamber lid sealing the chamber after desiccant insertion, enabling sanitizing agents to access the container interior through the membrane and chamber.
Container with opposing openings, membrane-equipped cap with desiccant, and sample collector cap
An apparatus comprising a container with flat exterior surface and first and second opposing openings; a first cap seated in the first opening equipped with a membrane permeable to ethylene oxide and moisture and housing desiccant where the membrane separates desiccant from interior; a second cap removably seated in second opening with a sample collector comprising absorbent medium on a longitudinal arm mounted thereon.
The independent claims collectively cover the structure of a swab canister with a moisture and sanitizing agent permeable membrane positioned between the sample collector and the desiccant, the use of a sealable desiccant chamber enabling sanitization, and specific configurations of caps and container openings designed to prevent contamination and permit sterilization and moisture control.
Stated Advantages
Inhibits bacterial growth in the specimen swab by removing excess moisture with a desiccant separated from the sample by a moisture permeable membrane.
Allows sterilization of the interior surfaces post-manufacture using ethylene oxide or other sanitizing agents through a permeable membrane, thereby degrading biological contaminants including foreign DNA.
Prevents introduction of contaminants during desiccant placement and handling, maintaining the sterility and integrity of forensic samples.
Prevents contact between contaminated external surfaces of caps and the interior surfaces of the container, reducing contamination risk during storage and use.
Provides a container shape with flat surfaces to prevent rolling and facilitate labeling or marking of sample provenance.
Documented Applications
Forensic evidence sampling and preservation, including collection of biological materials such as blood, saliva, urine, or semen for chemical or DNA analysis.
Use in forensic investigations where maintaining sample integrity and preventing contamination with foreign DNA is critical.
Sampling scenarios that may require the use of liquid media (e.g., saline or deionized water) during collection, accommodated via an ampule integrated into the cap.
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