Sample collection apparatus
AssigneeAlpha-Tec Systems, Inc.
InventorsRichard O. Williams, Mark Williams, John Kempke
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present disclosure describes a sample collection apparatus for collection of biological samples, such as fecal material. The sample collection apparatus includes at least one coupling mechanism to couple a sample collection device to a cap, and includes at least one release mechanism to release at least a part of the sample collection device from the cap. The sample collection device in a first configuration is coupled to the cap and in a second configuration is displaced from the cap.
Claims18
A biological sample collection apparatus, comprising:
- a cap;
- and
- a sample collection device having a first configuration and a second configuration, where in the first configuration the sample collection device is coupled to the cap and in the second configuration at least a portion of the sample collection device is released from the cap,
- wherein a coupling mechanism positions the sample collection device in the first configuration, and a displacement mechanism positions the sample collection device in the second configuration,
- the coupling mechanism and the displacement mechanism arranged within the cap.
A method for collecting a biological sample using a sample collection apparatus, comprising:
- collecting a sample using a sample collection device coupled to a cap via a coupling mechanism;
- introducing the sample collection device with the sample into a sample specimen jar;
- releasing the sample collection device from the cap via a displacement mechanism;
- and
- retaining the cap on the sample specimen jar,
- wherein the coupling mechanism and the displacement mechanism are arranged in an underside of the cap.
A biological sample collection apparatus, comprising:
- a cap;
- a sample collection device with a shank terminating in a scoop, the shank coupled to the cap;
- and
- a release actuator to release at least a part of the sample collection device from the cap,
- wherein the release actuator is arranged on the cap.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.