Patent ID: 6338282
Filing Date: 2002-01-15
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A liquid sampling device, comprising:a chamber, having one or more walls, for creating and sustaining a vacuum within said chamber and of sufficient size to fully enclose a sample receptacle within said chamber, said sample receptacle sized to allow positioning and support by a bottom wall of said chamber and having an opening that allows flow of air between said sample receptacle and said chamber, said chamber having a sealable door through which said sample receptacle may be placed into and removed from said chamber, a first sealable port through which air may be withdrawn to evacuate said chamber, a second sealable port through which sample liquid may be drawn for deposit into said sample receptacle when placed into said chamber, and wherein at least a portion of an inner surface of at least the bottom wall of said chamber provides an area upon which said sample receptacle may be supported and positioned when placed within said chamber; a means for withdrawal of air to evacuate said chamber and said sample receptacle placed within said chamber; a vacuum tube, having a first end slidably and releasably attached to said first port and a second end capable of releasable attachment to said means for withdrawal of air to evacuate said chamber and sample receptacle, and through which air is withdrawn from said chamber and sample receptacle when said means for withdrawal of air is activated; and a sample intake tube, having a first end for insertion into a sample source and a second end for insertion into said chamber through said second sealable port and for deposit of sample fluid into said sample receptacle, and through which air is withdrawn when said means for withdrawal of air is activated and said chamber and sample receptacle are evacuated, causing sample liquid to be drawn into said sample intake tube and thence into said chamber and sample receptacle.