Abstract:
A bulk sampling device for sampling mixtures of powder and semi-solid compositions. The sampling device comprises an apertured hollow outer tubular casing for receiving an inner receiving rod with adjacent non-communicating sample ports for holding sampled materials. The inner rod also contains removable partitions located between each sample port thereby forming non-communicating sample ports and diminishing the risk of leakage and contamination between each port. The removable partitions, located between the sample ports, are dimensioned and positioned within the partition receiving slots such that each partition remains trapped between the outer hollow tubular casing and the receiving rod when the device is assembled. The distal end of the device has a solid cone, and the proximate end has a handle to manipulate and rotate the inner receiving rod and sample ports to obtain volumetric sampling.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to bulk sampling devices, and more particularly, to improved bulk sampling devices having removable partitions to form non-communicating adjacent sample ports, and their method of use. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In the manufacture of pharmaceutical dosage forms, one of the critical processing steps is the blending of the active ingredient(s) with the inactive ingredient(s) in a blender or mixer. This step becomes even more critical in case of solid dosage forms, such as tablets and capsules, because the dry powders of the active ingredient(s) and the inactive ingredient(s) tend to segregate or separate after blending resulting in non-uniform distribution of the active ingredient(s) in the finished product. Therefore, before further processing of such blends, bulk samples are taken from different places in these blends and analyzed to check whether or not the active ingredient(s) is uniformly distributed or not. Such a test is known in the trade as a content uniformity test or a homogeneity test, and requires unit-dose samples with sample size equal to about one dose of the product. My prior U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,337,620, and 5,440,941 describe sampling devices used for unit-dose sampling. In addition to unit-dose sampling, bulk samples are also needed in order to perform physical tests, such as particle size distribution, bulk density, moisture content, etc. 
     Several types of bulk sampling devices are available in the market for the purpose of bulk sampling. Some of these devices are comprised of a single tube with a long cavity on it. Some others have a tube within a tube with multiple sample ports on the tubes with or without partitions. However, the partitions on these samplers are permanently welded in place, and it is very difficult to clean behind these partitions. In addition, these samplers with permanent partitions do not offer the possibility of using the sampler without the partitions, if desired. 
     The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the currently available bulk samplers by providing a bulk sampling device which has removable partitions, thus making it possible to clean the sampler to good manufacturing practice standards, and also offering the flexibility of using the sampler with or without the partitions in order to obtain discrete samples from different locations or one composite core sample. 
     A number of patents have been issued that address numerous sampling devices and techniques of various materials will be discussed herein. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,337,620 issued to Kalidindi on Aug. 16, 1994 teaches a multiple sampling device and method of using the same, having removable sampling dies located within a receiving a rod placed in a tubular casing. U.S. Pat. No. 5,440,941 issued to Kalidindi on Aug. 15, 1995 teaches an extendable multi-segmented sampling device and method of using the same, containing sampling dies having cavities of varying volumes located within an extendable, segmented receiving rod that is placed in an extendable, segmented tubular casing. 
     Italian Patent No. 484,331 issued on Nov., 1954 to Dino consists of an inner tube containing partitioned volume with apertures for each compartment, an outermost tube, and an intermediate tube with apertures which align with both the inner tube&#39;s apertures and corresponding apertures in the outermost tube. A portion of the second tube&#39;s apertures contains a filter. The innermost tube and the intermediate tube have separate handles for alignment of their respective apertures with the apertures of the outer tube in order to take samples of an immiscible liquid system. There is no disclosure of a bulk sampling device having removable partitions between non-communicating sample ports or a handle having multi-setting positions, a separate cone tip, or operation of his sampler without the essential intermediate tube and associated filters. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 4,790,198 issued on Dec. 13, 1988 to Jon Awtry et al. teaches a grain probe having an inner tubular member&#39;s openings aligned with the outer tubular member&#39;s opening to take grain samples. The grain probe has a pointed end to aid in the penetration of the grain pile. There is no disclosure of a bulk sampling device having removable partitions between non-communicating sample ports or a handle having multi-setting positions, or the removability of the pointed end. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,080,760 issued on Mar. 12, 1963 to Henry D. Piersma teaches a disposable sample probe for bulk chemicals including powder. The probe is a simple two-tube device with alignment of separate cavities with the outer tube&#39;s apertures for taking samples. Again, there is no suggestion of a bulk sampling device having removable partitions between non-communicating sample ports or a handle having multi-setting positions. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,694,931 issued on May 9, 1952 to R. G. Handley teaches a sectional deep bin grain sampling and measuring probe comprising a string of separable straight cylindrical sections, united by a flexible chain, and that form internal sample grain receiving chambers. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,065,637 issued on Dec. 7, 1959 to J. T. Landes teaches sectional grain test sampling and measuring probe for removing grain samples at different levels. The sampling probe comprises a point section, a handle section and an intermediate section adapted to be separably connected, and dissembled, such as for cleaning purposes. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,875,615 issued on Mar. 3, 1959 to Orrion A. Ulvin teaches a grain and seed probe sampling device which utilizes a spiral element within an apertured outer tube. However, the sampling device disclosed in Ulvin does not have removable partitions between non-communicating sample ports. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,744,256 issued on May 17, 1988 to Shale J. Niskin teaches water sampler device dropped from an airplane to obtain a single sample by utilizing a valving arrangement to open and close the sampler. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,185,651 issued on Jan. 2, 1940 to John Soiethere teaches a milk sampler including a rod with attached handle to reduce sample volume, capacity. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,660,423 issued on Apr. 28, 1987 to John M. Armstrong et al., teaches a water sampling apparatus wherein sampling is initiated by in situ puncturing of a sealed tube to obtain one sample. 
     German patent document DD 285,639 A5 published on Dec. 19, 1990 to Rolf Hoffman et al. teaches a sampling device where the chamber is rotatable to receive and discharge a sample. 
     USSR patent 204,682 issued on Jul. 28, 1967 to G. K. Kushchanov there discloses a sampler consisting of a pipe having inclined shelves. The pipe is disposed within a cylindrical body having ports and gates to allow samples to be collected as the device is axially rotated. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,968,184 issued on Jan. 17, 1961 to James R. Archer et al. teaches a sampling tube having a receiving member and a cover member. The cover member is slidable relative to the receiving member which is in the form of a tube and has holes cut therein. The device can be inserted into a material to be sampled and the cover is slid back to allow the material to enter the holes in the receiving member. The cover is then slid back into a closed position and the device is withdrawn. 
     Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,442,721 issued on Apr. 17, 1984 to Laura G. Singer discloses a soil moisture and consistency sampler comprising an elongate member with an insertable end, a handle end, and a plurality of generally transverse collecting means disposed proximate the insertable end that define soil collecting pockets. 
     None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singularly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus a bulk sampling device having removable partitions between non-communicating sample ports and method of using and cleaning the same, as well as solving the aforementioned problems are desired. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a bulk sampling device or tool, and a method for utilizing the same, for obtaining bulk volumetric samples from different levels in a blender or mixer containing pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, or the like, powders, ointments, creams or other semi-solid emulsions in one sampling attempt. The bulk sampling device comprises a removable bulk sampling inner receiving rod contained within an outer hollow apertured tubular casing. 
     The inner receiving rod contains a handle, a guide pin, an inner wall, an outer wall and non-communicating bulk sample ports or cavities. The bulk sample ports are separated by a plurality of removable partitions located between each adjacent sample port. Each removable partition is seated within a partition receiving slot located adjacent each bulk sample port such that each partition is retained therein when the receiving rod is completely inserted in the outer tubular casing. 
     The outer hollow tubular casing contains a grooved guide pin receiving pattern and a row of apertures. The apertures are slightly smaller than the exposed area size of the bulk sample ports and are aligned with the location of the bulk sample ports to permit retrieval and/or discharge of a sample contained within the sample ports upon rotational movement of the inner receiving rod. 
     The retrieval and/or discharge of a sample is achieved by placing the inner receiving rod with non-communicating bulk sample ports completely within the hollow apertured outer tube such that the sample ports are in a closed position by misaligning the apertures and ports, and inserting the assembled sampling device into a powder blender or similar apparatus containing a sampling material. The non-communicating bulk sample ports are aligned relative to the apertures on the outer casing by manipulating and rotating the inner receiving rod, with the handle, into an open position such that sample material enters the sample ports through the apertures of the outer tubular casing, and into the bulk sample ports. After the bulk sample ports are filled, the bulk sample ports are manipulated into the closed position by offsetting the alignment between the bulk sample ports on the inner receiving rod and the apertures on the outer tubular casing, and the sampling device is removed from the sampling material. After the sampling device is removed from the sampling material, the bulk sample ports are manipulated once again into the opened position, only this time to discharge or release the sample material contained within each bulk sample port, at the desired endpoint. The partitions located within the partition receiving slots are trapped by the outer tubular casing and are thereby retained within the inner receiving rod. 
     It is an object of the invention to provide a bulk sampling device or tool having removable partitions between adjacent communicating sample ports in order to render the communicating ports non-communicating, to prevent contamination and leakage between neighboring ports, wherein the partitions are held snugly and securely in partition receiving slots located on the inner receiving rod. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a bulk sampling device or tool having a grooved guide pin receiving pattern located on the outer tubular casing for receiving a guide pin located on the inner receiving rod to assist in the manipulation of the opening and closing of the bulk sample receiving ports. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a bulk sampling device constructed from stainless steel, plastic or a combination of both. 
     It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes. 
     These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a bulk sampling tool according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a partial cutaway exploded view of an inner receiving rod with bulk sample ports and removable partitions of the bulk sampling tool according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a top plan view, partially broken away, of an outer tubular casing and the inner receiving rod of the bulk sampling tool according to the present invention, wherein the inner receiving rod components are shown mainly in hidden line. 
     FIG. 4 is a top plan view, partially broken away, of the bulk sampling device according to the present invention, wherein a sample port is in an open position. 
     FIG. 5 is a side elevational view, partially broken away, of the FIG. 4 bulk sampling device from a vantage point approximately 45 degrees offset from the view of FIG. 4, wherein the sample port is in a partially opened position. 
     FIG. 6 is a side elevational view, partially broken away, of the FIG. 4 sampling device, viewed from a vantage point approximately 90 degrees offset from the view of FIG. 4, wherein the sample port is in a closed position. 
     Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     FIGS. 1-6 depict the preferred embodiment of a bulk sampling device or tool  100 , used for taking multiple volumetric samples from the same area and at different depths of powder or semi-solid mixtures. As seen in FIG. 1, the bulk sampling device  100  comprises a cylindrical hollow outer apertured tubular casing  18  for receiving a cylindrical removable, rotatable inner bulk sampling receiving rod  48 . The hollow outer casing  18  has a predetermined length, a smooth interior wall  16  dimensioned to smoothly receive said inner receiving rod  48 , a row of apertures or openings  22  (three are shown in FIG.  1  and only one is shown in FIGS.  2 - 6 ), a distal end having first engaging means  17  and an opened proximate end  19  for receiving the inner rod  48  for placement within the outer casing  18 . The proximate end  19  of the outer casing  18  also contains a grooved guide pin receiving pattern  30 . 
     The bulk sampling device  100  also contains a removable cone  28 , preferably solid, having a distal end tip  29  and a proximate end having a second engaging means  26  for engaging the first engaging means end  17  of the outer casing  18 , thereby closing the distal end of the outer tubular casing  18 . Preferably, the second engaging means is external threading and the first engaging means is internal threading for receiving the external threading on the cone  28 . 
     The inner receiving rod  48  has a predetermined length for fitting snugly and removably inside the tubular casing  18 , a proximate end  49 , an opened distal end  47 , an inner wall surface  60 , an outer wall surface  69 , a row of non-communicating bulk sample receiving ports  66  (three are shown in FIG. 1, and only one is shown in FIGS.  2 - 6 ), a plurality of removable partitions  68  and a plurality of partition receiving slots  62 . The proximate end  49  of the inner receiving rod  48  has a handle  88  and a guide pin  86 . The removable partitions  68 , when positioned in the receiving slots  62 , form adjacent non-communicating sample ports with the inner rod  48 . The partitions  68  remain trapped within the receiving slots  62 , and will not fall out of the device even when the sample ports are in an opened position, as depicted in FIGS. 4-6. 
     As seen in FIG. 2, the partitions  68  are substantially spherical in shape and have an upper  98 , generally half moon-shaped, portion with a diameter d 1  and a lower  90 , generally half moon-shaped, portion with a diameter d 2 , wherein diameter d 1  is greater than diameter d 2 . Moreover, diameter d 1  is approximately at least equal to diameter d 3  of the outer wall  69  of the inner rod  48 , and diameter d 2  is approximately at least equal to the diameter d 4  of the inner wall  60  of the inner rod  48 , wherein diameter d 3  is greater than diameter d 4 . When removable partitions  68  having these overall dimensions are located in the partition receiving slots  62 , non-communicating bulk sample ports  66  are formed in the inner receiving rod  48 , thereby preventing sample leakage or contamination between adjacent ports  66 , and permitting easy disassembly and cleaning of the inner rod  48 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, the bulk sample ports  66  can act as die receiving means for containing dies (not shown) of various sizes, shapes and number; such as the dies disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,337,620 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,440,941. The apertures  22  in the outer tubular casing  18  are dimensioned such that each is smaller than the bulk sample ports  66  on the inner receiving rod  48 , in order to retain the dies securely inside the inner receiving rod  48 , even when the sample ports are in an opened position. 
     The embodiment in FIGS. 4-6 depicts the grooved guide pin receiving pattern  30  as comprising a first notch setting position A, an intermediate position B, and a second notch setting position C for receiving said pin  86 . The first notch setting position A enables the sample port  66  of the receiving rod  48  to correspondingly align with the apertures  22  of the outer casing  18  such that a bulk sample be collected. The second notch setting position C enables the sample port of the receiving rod into a correspondingly offset alignment with the apertures of the outer casing  18  in order to completely retain a bulk sample within the confines of a closed bulk sample and thereby prevent the sample contained within the sample port  66  from being released. It should be noted that the grooved guide pin receiving pattern  30  embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-6 is a preferred embodiment, and that additional grooved guide pin receiving patterns can also be used. 
     The pattern groove  30  and guide pin  86  also functions as a travelstop in that the once the guide pin rests in either open notch position A or in closed notch position C, at that point the inner receiving rod  48  is held in a predetermined relationship such that the sample ports  66  and the apertures  22  on the outer casing  18  can be aligned or offset, as best seen in FIGS. 4-6. 
     When the device  100  is inserted into a material for sampling, the inner rod  48  is rotated at the handle  88  such that the apertures  22  align relative to the sample ports  66 , allowing the sample material to be collected. In order to withdraw the device  100  from the sampling material and maintain the sample within each filled bulk sample port  66 , the inner rod  48  is rotated such that the apertures  22  in the outer casing  18  no longer align with the sampling ports  66 . The samples are removed from the bulk sample ports  66  for testing and the like by manipulating the inner receiving rod  48  and sample ports  66  relative to the apertures  22 , in order to allow the sample ports  22  to discharge the sampled material contained therein by opening the bulk sample ports  66 . The removable partitions  68  located between each sample port  66  within partition receiving slots  62  remain trapped between the outer casing  18  and the inner receiving rod  48 . 
     FIGS. 4-6 illustrate a range of positions that the sampling device  100  can be in manipulated in order to collect a bulk sample, wherein manipulation of the handle  88  located on the receiving rod  48  enables movement and rotation of the receiving rod  48 , thereby guiding the guide pin  86  along the grooved guide pin receiving pattern  30  of the outer casing  18 . As depicted in FIG. 4 the bulk sample port  66  of device  100  is in a completely open position such that a bulk sample (not shown) can be received within the sample port. In FIG. 4, the bulk sample port  66  is in the open position when pin  86  is in the first or open notch setting position A of groove pattern  30 . When the handle  88  is turned and the pin  86  is moved to intermediate notch position B, as depicted in FIG. 5, the bulk sample port  66  is partly closed by misaligning inner rod  48  with aperture  22 . When pin  86  is moved to the second or closed notch position C by turning handle  88 , as depicted in FIG. 6, the bulk sample port  66  is offset from the aperture  22  in outer casing  18  and in a completely closed position. The sampling device  100  may be taken out of the sampling mixture at this time. 
     It should be emphasized that the bulk sampling device  100  can be of a variety of lengths such as three, four, or more feet. All that would be required is to have an outer tubular shaped casing  18  and inner receiving rod  48  with a corresponding length. It should also be noted that although a handle  88  is shown as a manipulating member, any number of appropriate shapes such as a ring (not shown) or other curved shape could be used in its place to facilitate the manipulation of the bulk sampling device  100  into positions ranging from opened to closed as discussed above. The receiving rod  48  may have a permanently attached handle or the handle  88  may be threadingly attached (not shown) for easy removal from the receiving rod, thereby making the device more modular and facilitating easy cleaning of the receiving rod  48 . 
     The outer tubular casing  18 , the inner receiving rod  48 , the cone  28 , the handle  88  and the removable partitions  68  are preferably made of stainless steel. However, all or some combination of these components can be made from a synthetic material such as a fluorinated polymer resin commercially available as TEFLON, or an acetal polymer resin, commercially available as DELRIN. In a more preferred embodiment, the bulk sampling device  100  is approximately three (3) feet long from the top of handle to the tip of the cone; made entirely of 316 SS; has an outer casing  18  with a diameter of 1.5 inches; and has a row of three, 1.125 inch by 4.0 inch non-communicating sample ports, wherein each sample port can hold about 90 cc of a given sample. 
     The design of the bulk sampling device permits easy cleaning of the entire device because it is largely and easily dismantled and modular to facilitate a thorough and efficient cleaning process. The removable partitions are easily removed from the inner receiving rod such that upon removal of the cone tip and the partitions, and even the handle each portion of the device can be adequately cleaned. 
     It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the sole embodiment described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.