# US 9,873,121 B2 · Reagent bottle docking system

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- Number: US 9,873,121 B2
- Document ID: US9873121B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 15/095,337
- Filed: 2016-04-11
- Published: 2016-10-13
- Granted: 2018-01-23
- Earliest claimed: 2015-04-10
- Assignees: STRATEC Biomedical AG
- Applicants: STRATEC Biomedical AG
- Inventors: Martin Trump; Thomas Lowien; Matthias Barth
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9873121B2

## CPC

- B01L 3/523: {with means for closing or opening}
- G01N 35/1002: {Reagent dispensers}
- B01L 3/5457: {for container closures}
- B01L 2200/026: Fluid interfacing between devices or objects, e.g. connectors, inlet details
- B01L 2200/14: Process control and prevention of errors
- B01L 2300/021: Identification, e.g. bar codes
- B01L 2300/048: enabling gas exchange, e.g. vents
- B01L 2300/049: Valves integrated in closure
- B01L 2300/0627: Sensor or part of a sensor is integrated
- B01L 2300/0681: Filter
- G01N 2035/00851: {process control parameters}
- B01L: CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- G01N: INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES (measuring or testing apparatus or processes other than immunoassay, involving enzymes or microorganisms C12M, C12Q)

## Abstract

A system for connecting a reagent container to a socket. The container has a cap with an outlet comprising a collar having an opening on its side, the collar surrounding a spout with a movable valve. The valve has a tube surrounded by a disk. A plug is centrally arranged within one end of the tube so the outer walls of the spout form-fit with the inner side of the tube and the inner walls of the spout form-fit with the outer side of the plug for closing the spout. The plug is connected to one end of the tube and a socket for accommodating the outlet of the container's cap. The socket comprises at least two movable levers to engage into openings of the collar and a socket gasket on one side for taking up the tube of the valve and tubing on the opposite side to drain liquids.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A system for connecting a reagent container to a socket comprising:
a reagent container for storing and providing liquids, wherein the container has a cap with an outlet comprising a collar having at least one opening on its side, the collar surrounding a spout with a movable valve; wherein the valve comprises a tube that is surrounded by a disk and a plug is centrally arranged within one end of the tube so that the outer walls of the spout form-fit with the inner side of the valve's tube and the inner walls of the spout form-fit with the outer side of the plug for closing the spout, wherein the plug is connected to the one end of the tube; and
a socket for accommodating the outlet of the container's cap, wherein the socket comprises at least two movable levers to engage into the openings of the collar and a socket gasket for taking up the tube of the valve on one side and tubing on the opposite side to drain the liquids.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the movable levers of the socket are spring loaded.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the disk of the valve is centrally arranged in at least one conically shaped connector tapering off starting at the tube of the valve.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the spout of the cap comprises a filter.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the outlet of the container and the socket form-fit.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the valve and the collar have means to limit maximal movement of the valve during opening.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, further comprising a docking station having a tongue suitable to engage in a corresponding groove of the cap to ensure insertion of correct container.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The system claim 1, wherein at least two sockets are arranged in a docking station.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the container is a bottle with a rigid outer shell and a flexible inner bag.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The system of claim 9, wherein the outer shell has at least one opening for pressure compensation.

### Claim 11 (depends on 9)

The system of claim 9, wherein outer shell and inner bag are made of an opaque material.

### Claim 12 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the cap comprises a tag for storing information regarding the content or intended use of content of the container.

### Claim 13 (depends on 12)

The system of claim 12, wherein the tag is a RFID label or a barcode.