Patent ID: 8889086
Filing Date: 2014-11-18
Classification: B01L

Abstract:
1. A polymeric sample tube and sample holder, comprising: a. a closure portion, b. a strap integrally connected to the closure portion and being configured for defining a living hinge; c. a body portion having a longitudinal axis and an outer wall generally circumscribing the longitudinal axis, and being integrally and hingedly connected with the closure portion by way of the strap, the body portion including a head portion that has an opening through which a sample is dispensed, a sample portion having a first outer wall dimension and including a closed distal end being elliptical and flat in shape and a wall structure that includes an outer wall and an inner wall structure that defines a hollow cavity within which the sample resides as a sample volume after is dispensed through the head portion, the closed-ended hollow sample portion being generally elongated along the longitudinal axis and being configured for elastic deformation along a portion of its length, including in a direction that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis so that at least a portion of the wall structure compressively and resiliently deforms upon insertion to a sample block as a result of the tube having a wall thickness of about 3.05 to about 0.2 mm, and an intermediate portion joining the head portion and the sample portion, the intermediate portion being defined by a neck having a tapered wall of one or more slopes forming one or more angles relative to a bottom of the intermediate portion where it intersects with the sample portion; wherein the sample portion has an outer profile that tapers generally continually along substantially the entirety of the length of the sample portion so that it narrows in at least one axis transverse to the longitudinal axis as it approaches the closed end of the tube.