Media holder for sample preparation
Inventors
Dicicco, Joseph A. • Horan, Andrew • Brady, John
Assignees
US Department of Homeland Security
Publication Number
US-11958053-B2
Publication Date
2024-04-16
Expiration Date
2042-09-20
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Abstract
A media holder can be used for preparing samples. The media holder can comprise a base, a pair of walls extending upwardly from the base, and a plurality of transverse members positioned on and coupled to a respective upper end of each of the walls. Each of the transverse members can define a receiving slot for receiving at least a portion of a media therein.
Core Innovation
The invention described herein relates to a media holder used for preparing samples, such as positive controls, especially in trace detection systems and other test apparatuses requiring samples during development, testing, and calibration phases. The media holder comprises a base and a pair of walls extending upwardly from the base. A plurality of transverse members are coupled to the upper ends of these walls, each defining receiving slots to receive at least a portion of a media therein.
The problem being addressed arises in the conventional preparation of samples on porous media, where samples are held by hand, placed on a surface, or supported in improvised manners during drying. These methods can cause cross contamination, unintended movement of liquid samples prior to drying, or falling of the samples, all of which can negatively impact the validity of test events. The disclosed media holder provides a structured, adjustable, and stable apparatus to hold media securely to prevent such issues and improve sample preparation efficiency.
Claims Coverage
The patent claims cover an apparatus comprising multiple structural components and methods of using the apparatus. There are 12 inventive features outlined, focusing on the structural design and functional aspects of the media holder and its method of use.
Structured media holder with base and walls
The apparatus includes a base and a pair of walls extending upwardly from the base, with the walls elongate along a first axis and parallel or generally parallel. The walls define an upper end, inner surface, and outer surface.
Transverse members with downwardly extending projections
A plurality of transverse members extend between the walls along a second axis perpendicular to the first. Each transverse member has first and second downwardly extending projections at each end, spaced to receive the upper end of a respective wall between them.
Transverse members defining receiving slots
Each transverse member comprises a top surface and a bottom surface spaced along a vertical axis and defines at least one receiving slot disposed between these surfaces. The slots include a first and second slot extending inwardly from opposite sides of the transverse member through only a portion of its width.
Interference fit between projections and walls
The first and second downwardly extending projections on each transverse member are spaced to provide an interference fit with the respective wall, biasing against the inner and outer surfaces to secure positioning.
Additional third downwardly extending projection on transverse members
Each transverse member may include a third downwardly extending projection at each end spaced from the second projection, providing further securement along the first axis.
Stops at longitudinal ends of walls
Walls have opposing longitudinal ends each defining stops that inhibit transverse members from sliding past the ends, maintaining transverse members within defined bounds.
Top and bottom portions of transverse members defining the receiving slot
Each transverse member comprises a top portion defining the top surface and a bottom portion defining the bottom surface, cooperating to define the receiving slot between them.
Web dividing dual receiving slots
A web extends between the top and bottom portions within each transverse member, dividing the first and second receiving slots from each other.
Base comprising first and second portions coupled by transverse portions
The base includes first and second portions each coupled to a respective wall, with at least one transverse portion extending between these portions to structurally connect them.
Base defining receptacles for walls with interference fit
The base defines receptacles that receive the lower end of each wall with an interference fit to couple the walls to the base.
Integral formation of base and walls
The pair of walls and the base can be integrally formed as a single component, enhancing structural integrity.
Method of using the apparatus to receive media in receiving slots
A method comprising inserting opposite ends of media into the receiving slots of first and second transverse members, optionally moving transverse members relative to each other along the first axis, and applying a sample to the media. This includes using different types of media simultaneously with adjustable spacing.
The claims collectively define an adjustable, structurally stable media holder comprising a base, walls, and transverse members with specialized projections and receiving slots for securely holding various sample media, together with methods for inserting media and applying samples, aiming to improve sample preparation processes.
Stated Advantages
Inhibits cross contamination by securely holding media, preventing media from falling or moving during sample preparation.
Improves testing efficiency by eliminating wasted and contaminated samples.
Adjustable design accommodates different media types and sizes.
Documented Applications
Used in contraband trace detection (TD) systems to prepare samples such as positive controls during development, testing, and calibration phases.
Applicable to other test apparatuses including chemical, biochemical, and biomedical detectors requiring sample preparation.
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