US 12,558,074 B2 · Sample encapsulation system

Abstract

A method for sample encapsulation. A first sampling swab is provided that includes an absorbent portion and a fluid control portion that extends from the absorbent portion. The absorbent portion is proximate a proximal end of the first sampling swab. The fluid control portion is proximate a distal end of the first sampling swab. A sample is collected with the absorbent portion. At least a portion of the sample is liquid. An encapsulation material is provided that includes a first web and a second web. The first sampling swab is positioned between the first web and the second web. The first web is urged into contact with the second web proximate the absorbent portion. The urging of the first web into contact with the second web proximate the absorbent portion causes liquid to move from the absorbent portion towards the fluid control portion. The urging of the first web into contact with the second web proximate the absorbent portion is discontinued which causes the liquid to be drawn into the absorbent portion. The first web is urged into contact with the second web proximate the distal end of the first sampling swab to encapsulate the liquid in the encapsulation material.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A sample encapsulation method comprising:

providing a first sampling swab comprising an absorbent portion and a fluid control portion that extends from the absorbent portion, wherein the absorbent portion is proximate a proximal end of the first sampling swab and wherein the fluid control portion is proximate a distal end of the first sampling swab;
collecting a first sample with the absorbent portion, wherein at least a portion of the first sample is liquid;
providing an encapsulation material comprising a first web and a second web;
positioning the first sampling swab between the first web and the second web;
urging the first web into contact with the second web proximate the absorbent portion, wherein the urging of the first web into contact with the second web proximate the absorbent portion causes the liquid to move from the absorbent portion towards the fluid control portion;
discontinuing the urging of the first web into contact with the second web proximate the absorbent portion to cause the liquid to be drawn into the absorbent portion;
and
urging the first web into contact with the second web proximate the distal end of the first sampling swab to secure the first web to the second web and encapsulate the liquid in the encapsulation material.

5 more elements

A sample encapsulation system comprising:

a sampling swab comprising an absorbent portion and a fluid control portion, wherein the absorbent portion is proximate a proximal end of the sampling swab, wherein the fluid control portion is proximate a distal end of the sampling swab, wherein a sample is collected in the absorbent portion and wherein at least a portion of the sample is liquid;
an encapsulation material comprising a first web and a second web;
and
two nip rollers that are rotatably mounted with respect to each other, wherein when the absorbent portion is positioned between the first web and the second web and passed between the two nip rollers, the two nip rollers cause the liquid to move from the absorbent portion, and wherein the fluid control portion is formed with a length such that the liquid does not move beyond an end of the fluid control portion that is opposite the absorbent portion.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Sample encapsulation system

Life of this patent

Sample encapsulation system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20