Method for removing a fluid substance from a sealed collection device
AssigneeGen-Probe Incorporated
InventorsBruce W. Anderson, Mordi I. Iheme, Shirley J. Johnson, Gus G. Tseo
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Abstract
A method for removing a fluid substance from a sealed collection device comprising a cap and a fluid-holding vessel, where the method aids in venting air from the collection device when the cap is penetrated by a fluid transfer device used to withdraw a fluid substance from the vessel. Venting is aided by incorporating a pause step between penetrating the cap and contacting the fluid substance held by the vessel with the fluid transfer device or by contacting the cap at a slower speed than the fluid transfer device enters the collection device after the cap has been penetrated.
Claims34
A method for removing a fluid substance from a sealed collection device comprising a cap fitted onto an open-end of a vessel, the method comprising the automated and ordered steps of:
- a) penetrating a surface of the cap with a fluid transfer device, thereby forming one or more air passageways between the surface of the cap and the fluid transfer device;
- b) pausing movement of the fluid transfer device prior to contacting the fluid substance, thereby permitting air to be vented through the air passageways;
- c) moving the fluid transfer device into contact with the fluid substance;
- d) drawing at least a portion of the fluid substance into the fluid transfer device;
- and
- e) removing the fluid transfer device from the collection device,
- wherein the fluid transfer device moves along a generally straight path from step a) to step e).
A method for removing a fluid substance from a sealed collection device comprising a cap fitted onto an open end of a vessel, the method comprising the automated and ordered steps of:
- a) penetrating a surface of the cap with a fluid transfer device moving at a first speed, thereby forming one or more air passageways between the surface of the cap and the fluid transfer device;
- b) increasing the speed of the fluid transfer device to a second speed prior to contacting the fluid substance;
- c) moving the fluid transfer device into contact with the fluid substance;
- d) drawing at least a portion of the fluid substance into the fluid transfer device;
- and
- e) removing the fluid transfer device from the collection device,
- wherein the fluid transfer device moves along a generally straight path from step a) to step e).
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.