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Publication Number
US-11524288-B2
Publication Date
2022-12-13
Expiration Date
Abstract
A device for analysing a sample comprising a nucleic acid to be captured and detected using a test strip are described. The device comprises a resilient biasing member disposed in an analysis chamber containing the test strip. The resilient biasing member exerts a force against the test strip sufficient to urge it into the sample chamber when it is in communication with the analysis chamber. This ensures that the test strip is reliably introduced into the sample chamber when it is in communication with the analysis chamber. In one embodiment, the sample chamber comprises guide members for guiding the test strip into the sample chamber. A free end of each guide member is shaped to prevent significant rotation of the test strip, so that the test strip is in correct alignment in the sample chamber for automatic reading of the test result, for example by a camera or optical reader.
Core Innovation
A device for analyzing a sample includes a sample chamber for receiving the sample having a first opening, and an analysis chamber containing a test strip for analyzing the sample having a second opening. The sample chamber is moveable relative to the analysis chamber to enable communication between the sample chamber and the analysis chamber when the first opening is disposed in an overlapping relationship with the second opening. A sealing apparatus seals the sample chamber and the analysis chamber throughout the communication between the chambers.
A resilient biasing member disposed in the analysis chamber exerts a force against the test strip sufficient to urge the test strip into the sample chamber when the first opening overlaps the second opening, so that the test strip is automatically and reliably introduced into the sample chamber during communication. The device further includes guide members for guiding movement of the test strip into the sample chamber between the guide members, and a free end of each guide member is shaped to prevent significant rotation of the test strip about its direction of movement into the sample chamber.
An internal wall of the analysis chamber comprises a rib extending co-axially with the test strip to reduce contact area between the wall and the test strip. Reducing contact area reduces frictional force acting against movement of the test strip into the sample chamber, to ensure reliable entry of the test strip into the sample chamber. The guide members may be paddle shaped and include flared free ends.
Claims Coverage
The provided material includes three independent claims. Across the independent claims, the inventive coverage centers on overlapping openings and sealing during communication, automatic and reliable introduction of a test strip using a resilient biasing member, and maintaining correct test-strip alignment by shaped guide members that prevent significant rotation, with additional friction reduction using a co-axially extending rib.
Moveable sample and analysis chambers with overlapping openings and sealing
A sample chamber for receiving the sample having a first opening; an analysis chamber containing a test strip having a second opening; the sample chamber is moveable relative to the analysis chamber to enable communication between the chambers when the first opening is disposed in an overlapping relationship with the second opening; and a sealing apparatus for sealing the sample chamber and the analysis chamber throughout the communication.
Resilient biasing member urges automatic reliable test-strip introduction
A resilient biasing member disposed in the analysis chamber configured to exert a force against the test strip sufficient to urge the test strip into the sample chamber when the first opening is disposed in an overlapping relationship with the second opening, so that the test strip is automatically and reliably introduced into the sample chamber when the first opening is disposed in an overlapping relationship with the second opening.
Shaped guide members preventing significant test-strip rotation for reading alignment
The sample chamber comprises first and second guide members for guiding movement of the test strip into the sample chamber between the guide members, wherein a free end of each guide member is shaped to prevent significant rotation of the test strip about its direction of movement into the sample chamber when the test strip is disposed between the free ends of the guide members to ensure correct alignment of the test strip in the sample chamber for reading of a result.
Co-axially extending rib to reduce contact area and friction
An internal wall of the analysis chamber comprises a rib extending co-axially with the test strip, which reduces contact area between the wall of the analysis chamber and the test strip, thereby reducing frictional force acting against movement of the test strip into the sample chamber to ensure reliable entry of the test strip into the sample chamber.
The claim coverage spans overlapping openings and sealing during communication, urging the test strip into the sample chamber with a resilient biasing member, maintaining correct alignment for reading by preventing significant rotation using shaped guide-member free ends, and reducing friction and improving entry reliability using a co-axially extending rib that reduces contact area.
Stated Advantages
Automatically and reliably introduced test strip into the sample chamber when the first opening is disposed in an overlapping relationship with the second opening.
Correct alignment of the test strip in the sample chamber for reading of a result by preventing significant rotation.
Reliable entry of the test strip into the sample chamber by reducing frictional force acting against movement of the test strip.
Documented Applications
Reading of a result on the test strip using correct alignment in the sample chamber.
Automatic result readout using an optical reader/camera is described in the provided content as an embodiment [procedural detail omitted for safety].
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