Liquid sampling apparatus and method of using same

Abstract

A sampling apparatus includes an ampoule barrel for receiving an ampoule through a first opening, the ampoule barrel comprising a second opening adapted to flow a liquid into the ampoule barrel and a structure adapted break a frangible tip of the ampoule.

1 . A sampling apparatus comprising an ampoule barrel for receiving an ampoule through a first opening, the ampoule barrel comprising a second opening adapted to flow a liquid into the ampoule barrel and a structure adapted break a frangible tip of the ampoule.  
   
   
       2 . The sampling apparatus of claims  1 , wherein the ampoule is a sealed container having a negative pressure therein for drawing a predetermined volume of liquid into the ampoule, wherein a flow rate of the ampoule is less than or equal to a flow rate of the second opening.  
   
   
       3 . The sampling apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a seal located between an outer surface of the ampoule and an inner surface of the ampoule barrel.  
   
   
       4 . The sampling apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the seal prevents the liquid from passing into an upper portion of the ampoule barrel.  
   
   
       5 . The sampling apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the frangible tip is scored to promote a break in the frangible tip in a predetermined direction.  
   
   
       6 . The sampling apparatus of  claim 5 , the predetermined direction is substantially perpendicular to a descent of the ampoule into the ampoule barrel.  
   
   
       7 . The sampling apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the frangible tip includes a rounded terminus.  
   
   
       8 . The sampling apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the frangible tip is offset from a longitudinal center of the ampoule.  
   
   
       9 . The sampling apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a cap for covering the second opening of the ampoule barrel.  
   
   
       10 . The sampling apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a carrier, wherein the carrier comprises a trench receiving an end portion of the ampoule, opposite from the frangible tip, and an upper surface supporting the ampoule barrel, wherein a distance between a bottom of the trench and the upper surface is adapted to prevent the descent of the ampoule into the ampoule barrel.  
   
   
       11 . A method for taking a liquid sample comprising: 
 selecting a test system including an ampoule barrel and an ampoule comprising a desired reagent;    immersing a portion of the ampoule barrel in a liquid; and    breaking the ampoule within the ampoule barrel, wherein the ampoule draws the liquid sample.    
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising extracting the ampoule from the ampoule barrel.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising determining a test result according to the reagent and liquid sample.  
   
   
       14 . An ampoule barrel comprising: 
 a first opening for receiving an ampoule;    a tip, offset from a longitudinal center of the ampoule barrel, the tip including an elongated second opening for flowing a liquid into the ampoule barrel; and    an inner surface effective for breaking a tip of the ampoule.    
   
   
       15 . The ampoule barrel of  claim 14 , wherein the inner surface is disposed at an angle is between about 15 degrees and about 30 degrees from the longitudinal center of the ampoule barrel.  
   
   
       16 . The ampoule barrel of  claim 14 , wherein the inner surface is a convex radius relative to an interior of the ampoule barrel.  
   
   
       17 . The ampoule barrel of  claim 14 , further comprising at least a third opening on a sidewall of the ampoule barrel for flowing the liquid into the ampoule barrel.  
   
   
       18 . The ampoule barrel of  claim 14 , further comprising a flange at an end portion, opposite the tip.