Related Application

[0001] This application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application 61/388,168 filed on September 30, 2010, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Field of Invention

[0002] The field relates to detection kits using reagents for detection of chemical compounds, such as drugs and explosive compounds, for example.

Background

[0003] Detection kits are known that use reagents for detecting chemical compounds by changes in contrast, color or the like. A variety of reagents are very well known for detecting one or more chemical compounds or classes of chemical compounds.

Summary of Invention

[0004] A detection kit comprises a plurality of swabs, each of the plurality of swabs having the form of a stick, being bundled together in a single test kit for detection of a plurality of chemical compounds. For example, five detection sticks are bundled together in a single test kit. A user can open the kit, swab a surface or surfaces with the bundled sticks, collecting chemical constituents to be tested, such as powders, on the detection surfaces of each of the sticks, enclose the bundled sticks into a reaction chamber, and rupture an ampoule in the reaction chamber to release a fluid that initiates a chemical reaction at the detection surface, if compounds to be detected are present on one or more of the detection surfaces. For example, an adhesive is present on one or more of the detection surfaces that allows easy collection of powders from a surface to be swabbed.

[0005] In one example, the detection kit has a transparent reaction chamber or transparent cover, allowing the user of the kit to observe any color change on the detection surfaces. For example, a transparent cover may be placed over the detection surfaces of the bundled sticks, enclosing the bundled sticks within the reaction chamber without obscuring a view of the detection surfaces. In one example, the transparent cover may be locked into place once the bundled sticks are enclosed by the cover inside of the reaction chamber. In an alternative example, a mechanism for rupturing of an ampoule in the reaction chamber locks the transparent cover in place, as well, sealing the bundled sticks within the reaction chamber.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] The examples illustrated in the following drawings and the detailed description are examples of the invention for the purpose of illustrating features of the invention to be recited in the claims of an issued patent and are not limiting to the scope of the inventions claimed.

[0007] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a detection kit including five detection sticks arranged in a detection kit, with a transparent cap removed from the detection kit.

[0008] Figure 2 illustrates the same detection kit with the transparent cap enclosing the detection kit, after the rupture of an ampoule, showing a color change indicating the presence of a compound to be detected.

[0009] Figure 3 illustrates the arrangement of five chambers within a partial view of the body of the detection kit for insertion of the five detection sticks and a central device for breaking of one or more ampoules in each of the detection sticks.

[00010] Figure 4A illustrates an exploded view of the detection kit, absent the transparent cover, showing a rotary mechanism for breaking of the one or more ampoules in each of the five detection sticks.

[00011] Figure 4B illustrates an alternative example of a rotary mechanism similar to Figure 4A.

[00012] Figures 5 A and 5B illustrate a single detection stick disposed in relation to a rotary mechanism shown in (A) a partial cutaway view and (B) a partially exploded cutaway view, which is similar to the examples in Figures 4A and 4B, except in Figure 5 the rotary mechanism is design to rupture two ampoules in each detection stick by forcing both the top and bottom portions of the segmented rupture mechanism to spread outwardly. [00013] Figure 6 illustrates an exploded view of the detection kit, showing a push button mechanism for breaking of the one or more ampoules in each of the five detection sticks.

[00014] Figure 7 illustrates a portion of the detection kit showing the mechanism for rupturing one or more of the ampoules of the detection sticks (two shown) in a first position, prior to rupture.

[00015] Figure 8 illustrates an enlarged view of the example in Figure 7.

[00016] Figure 9 illustrates the example of Figures 7 and 8 in a second position, after a segmented rupturing device, central to the five ampoules, is expanded, resulting in the rupture of one or more ampoules in the detection sticks (only two shown in this cutaway view).

[00017] Figure 10 illustrates an enlarged view of the example in Figure 9.

[00018] Figure 1 1 illustrates an alterative example of a detection kit in a position causing rupture of one or more ampoules in the detection sticks.

[00019] Figure 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the example illustrated in Figure 11.

[00020] Figure 13 illustrates a partially-exploded, cross-sectional view of the example illustrated in Figure 11 , identifying a housing, one or more detection sticks (only two oppositely disposed detection sticks shown in this cross-sectional view), and an integrally-formed displaceable cap and ampoule crushing mechanism.

[00021] Figure 14 illustrates the example of Figure 1 1 in a first position, prior to rupture of one or more ampoules in the detection sticks.

[00022] Figure 15 illustrates an exploded, perspective view of an example having six detection sticks, two of the six detection sticks having a co-joined wicking swab.

[00023] Figure 16 illustrates another example of an assembled detection kit.

[00024] Figure 17 illustrates an exploded, perspective view of the example in Figure 16. [00025] Figure 18 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the exploded view in Figure

17.

[00026] Figure 19 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the assembled detection kit in Figure 16.

Detailed Description

[00027] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a detection kit including five detection sticks arranged in a detection kit, with a transparent cap removed from the detection kit. Each of the detection sticks 16, 18 may comprise a flexible outer shell 21 containing one or more ampoules that are capable of being ruptured by a rupture mechanism, such as the segmented rupture mechanisms disclosed in the examples, below. When the ampoule or ampoules of the detection sticks are ruptured, the contents are released and are transported to the detection surface of the detection stick by way of wicking, gravity, capillarity or otherwise, such as by way of a wicking tip 23 inserted into the flexible outer shell 21. The detection surface of each detection stick may have an adhesive applied to the surface, which may be a porous layer 19 that covers the entire detection surface of one of the detection sticks 18 or may be provided in a pattern, such as the dots 17 shown on one detection sticks 16 of the detection kit 1. A latching mechanism 8 may be provided on the transparent cap 7, such that the cap becomes fixed on the body 5 of the detection kit 1, when the cap is snapped onto the body prior to rupturing of the ampoules. The latching mechanism 8 may be disposed on the inner side of the cap 7, such that it engages a notch 11 formed in the body 5 of the detection kit, for example. One or more such latching mechanisms may be provided on the cap, such that the cap can be initially removed for swabbing of the detection surfaces on a surface to be tested, but when rotated to the locking position with the arrows 9, 12 aligned, the cap locks into position on the body.

[00028] Figure 2 illustrates the same detection kit with the transparent cap enclosing the detection kit, after the rupture of an ampoule, showing a color change indicating the presence of a compound to be detected. The arrows 9, 12 are aligned and the notch 11 is engaged with the latching mechanism 8. [00029] Figure 3 illustrates the arrangement of five outer flexible shells 21 of five detection sticks within a partial view of the body 5 of a detection kit 1 and a central device for breaking of one or more ampoules in each of the detection sticks.

[00030] Figure 4 A illustrates an exploded view of a detection kit 1, absent the transparent cover, showing a rotary mechanism for breaking one ampoule in each of the five detection sticks. A rupturing mechanism 40 is illustrated in an exploded view showing a spreading nut 41, having threaded inner surface 42 of a bore engageable by a threaded surface 43 on the end of a member 44 joined to a handle capable of being used for rotating the shaft. The threaded surface on the end of the member is threadingly engaged in the bore of the spreading nut, when the detection kit is assembled. In one example, the end of the member is engaged in the bore such that it is capable of rotating; moving the nut downward on the shaft, but the end is not disengageable from the nut by rotating in the opposite direction. For example, the shaft is first inserted through the bore of the nut, and the threaded end portion is then joined to the shaft prior to threadingly engaging the threaded end portion in the bore of the spreading nut. The spreading nut 41 is capable of engaging segmented rupture members 47 extending from a base 46, which may be plate-like. A detection stick retainer 49 may be provided with a hole for fitting over the rupture members 47 and may be shaped to accommodate a plurality of the detection sticks 16, 18. In one example, the detection sticks are adhered to the retainer 48, such as by gluing or potting the detection sticks within the retainer.

[00031 ] Figure 4B illustrates an alternative example of a rotary mechanism similar to Figure 4 A. In this example, the retainer 49 and base 46 are joined together. For example, the base and retainer may be adhered or integrally formed.

[00032] Figures 5A and 5B illustrate a single detection stick disposed in relation to a rotary mechanism shown in (A) a partial cutaway view and (B) a partially exploded cutaway view, which is similar to the examples in Figures 4A and 4B, except in Figure 5 the rotary mechanism is design to rupture two ampoules in each detection stick by forcing both the top 53 and bottom 59 portions of the segmented rupture mechanism 50 to spread outwardly when the handle 45 of the rotary mechanism is rotated. A flexible sleeve 51 is shown in Figure 5A, which holds individual segments 54 of the segmented rupture mechanism 50 together. The end 59 of the member attached to the handle 45 is shown extending beyond the nut 41. The spreading nut 41 spreadingly engages the end 53 of the rupture mechanism 50 when the handle is rotated. Also, the opposite end 59 engages a spreading post 52, which is fixedly attached to the base 46, resulting in the spreading of the opposite ends 59 of the segments 54 when the handle 45 is rotated. Thus the ends 53, 54 rupture both of the ampoules 55, 57 disposed in each of the plurality of detection kits, as shown in this example. The reactants mix and are transported to the wicking end 23 of the detection sticks 18 and through the adhesive layer 19 or to the powder or other compounds stuck to the patterned adhesive, for example. In Figure 5B, the spreading post 52 is illustrated in an exploded view, showing the inclined surfaces at one end of the spreading post that engage similarly sloped surfaces of the opposite end 59 of the rupture mechanism 50.

[00033] Figure 6 illustrates an exploded view of the detection kit, showing a push button plunger 60 for breaking of the one or more ampoules in each of the plurality of detection sticks 18. In this example, the rupture mechanism and base are integrally formed with the body 5 of the detection kit 1. The detection sticks are disposed in the body 5 and may be potted or otherwise fixed in the body. The plunger 60 may be integrally formed with a push button 61 on one end of a shaft 62 and a retention tip 64 on an opposite end of the shaft of the plunger 60. In Figure 7, the retention end 64 is shown engaged with the rupture end 71 of the rupture mechanism 70, which is integrally formed with the body 5 of the detection kit 1. An expanding surface 63 is capable of spreading the rupture ends 71 of the segmented rupture mechanism 71, as illustrated in the drawing of Figure 9. The retention end 64 is illustrated in a partial cross sectional, cutaway view in Figure 8. In one example, the retention end is inserted through the rupture ends 71 prior to inserting disposing the plurality of detection sticks within the body of the kit. Then, the detection kits are disposed in the body of the kit, positively locking the plunger 60 in the kit. When the plunger is pressed, such as by the user's thumb, toward the body 5 of the kit, the inclined spreading surface 63 of the plunger engages the rupture ends 71 of the segmented rupture mechanism 70, forcing the ends 71 into contact with the ampoules and rupturing the ampoules, releasing the contents, such as reagents for detecting chemical compounds. In one example, a Griess reagent is used for detecting nitrates. In another example, 4-(dimethylamino)cinnamaldehyde (DMAC) is used for detecting urea nitrate. In yet another example, a molybdate reagent is used for phosphate detection. In still another example, Nessler reagent is used for the detection of ammonium nitrate or an ammonium ion thereof. For example, a combination of one or more of the foregoing may be used in a detection kit described in the examples. Figure 10 shows a detailed view of the rupture ends 71 superimposed over the ampoules 55, showing that the ampoules would be ruptured when the plunger 60 is pressed.

[00034] Figure 1 1 illustrates another example of a detection kit comprising a plurality of detection sticks. In this example, an integrated cap and rupture mechanism 107 fits conformingly over a housing 105 that contains the plurality of detection sticks. The cap 107 may be transparent to allow the visual detection of a color change on the end of one or more of the plurality of detection sticks. Two holes 106, 109 in the cap 107 may be engaged by a raised bump 108 disposed on a surface of the housing 105, providing a first position for the cap 107 prior to rupture of any ampoules of the detection sticks and a second position after compression of the cap 107 onto the housing 105 between a thumb and a finger of a user to cause the ampoules to rupture. As illustrated in the example of Figure 12, an ampoule 121 within a flexible sleeve 21 is capable of being ruptured by a rupture mechanism 140 arranged such that the rupture mechanism 140 squeezes each of a plurality of ampoules 121 between the inner wall of the housing 105 and the rupture mechanism 140, when the cap 107 is compressively engaged on the housing 105, moving the cap 107 from a first position illustrated in Figure 14 to the rupture position illustrated in Figure 12. An ampoule releases one or more fluids, such as a reagent or solvent or both a reagent and solvent, that may be wicked by the wicking tip 23 to a porous adhesive layer 19 or to adhesive dots 17, for example. The adhesive layer or dots may be disposed on a surface of the wicking tip 23, with "on" being defined broadly to mean in contact with a surface of the wicking tip 23 and may be adhesively adhered to the surface. Preferably, the adhesive layer and dots are tacky and capture powders, particles and other contaminants located on a surface swabbed by the plurality of wicking tips 23. Each ampoule may have one or more volumes for containing the one or more fluids, which may be either premixed or separated, such as in breakable ampoules.

[00035] For example, separate detector sticks 16, 18, 118 are illustrated in Figure 13, each having a single, separate ampoule 121, for example. Alternatively, more than one ampoule may be coupled together to contain more than one fluid separated from the other. One detector stick 18 in the partial cross-sectional view of Figure 13 is illustrated disposed partially obscured behind a cross-sectional view of a detector stick 16, for example, in an arrangement

accommodating six detector sticks. The cap 107 comprises an integrated rupture mechanism 140 and dividers 141 dividing the wicking tip 23 of one detector stick 16 from the wicking tip 23 of the adjacent detector stick 18, for example. The integrated dividers 141 may prevent mixing of fluids from one ruptured ampoule 121 with a neighboring ruptured ampoule in the adjacent detector stick 18.

[00036] The illustration of Figure 15 shows an arrangement of six detector sticks, as arranged in a single housing 105, for example. A slot 111 may be aligned with protrusion on the cap 107, such that the cap 107 may only be aligned in one way. For example, this may be necessary if a pair of adjacent detector sticks 116 have wicking tips 123 joined together. For example, two different fluids may be disposed in two different ampoules, which may mix when wicked by the wicking tip 123 to the co-joined detection surface of the pair of adjacent detector sticks 116. Two or more detector sticks may be joined together for presenting a plurality of reagents and/or solvents as necessary to induce a visual change on the surface of the detector sticks, when a target chemical is present at the surface due to swabbing of the surface of the wicking tip on a contaminated surface, for example.

[00037] Target compounds may include drugs, explosives or precursors of compounds that may be combined, such as urea nitrate, ammonium nitrate, other nitrates, urea, phosphate fertilizers and the like. The housing may be made of a low density polyethylene, may be opaque and/or may have instructions. An instruction sheet may include a peel-off label for annotation of date, time, location, conditions and the like. The cap may be a transparent plastic material, such as a polycarbonate, acrylic, urethane or the like, such that the detection surfaces of the detector sticks are visible through the cap. The housing may have color indicators identified in relation to the physical location of detection surfaces of the detector sticks, such that the user can quickly compare the detection surface to the color indicator to determine if there is a positive indication for the presence of one of the target compounds, for example. The detection surfaces may have an adhesive, either a porous layer or dots of adhesive, and/or a solid or gel reagent immobilized on the detection surface. The solid or gel reagent may be capable of directly detecting liquid, mist or vapor phase compounds. A solvent, such as alcohol, water or the like, or a liquid reagent could be released by the rupture of a reservoir in the detection sticks, for example, which could lead to a reaction at the detection surface by the solid phase reagent and a target compound or a liquid phase reagent and a target compound or a plurality of reagents, solid and/or liquid, and one or more target compounds, for example.

[00038] Figure 16 illustrates yet another example, using a push rod 201 to activate rupture of a rupture mechanism 240, for example. Figure 17 illustrates an exploded, perspective view of a detector kit 200 showing the push rod 201 insertable into a rupture mechanism 240 integrally molded with the housing 205. Six detector sticks are arranged circumferentially within the housing 205 around the rupture mechanism 240. A cap 207 includes an ergonomically-shaped compression surface 270 shaped to accommodate a thumb, finger or fingers within a concave cavity. The cap 207 may be transparent to allow visual observation of a change in color or other indication of the presence or absence of a particular contaminant, such as based on a chemical reaction between a target composition and a reagent, solvent or the like provided by the detector kit 200. The push rod 201 may have an ergonomical compression surface 202, such as the concave shape illustrated in Figure 18, for example. A bulbous tip 210 engages a constriction 244 of the rupture mechanism 201, as illustrated in Figure 19, retaining the push rod 201 within the detector 200, during storage and transport, for example. The rupture mechanism 240

comprises a plurality of fingers 242 preferably numbered and arranged to contact each of a plurality of the detector sticks when plunged into the detector 200 under compression by a user of the kit. For example, a slit 241 may separate each of the plurality of fingers 242, allowing the flexibility of the fingers to bend radially outwardly. When the push rod 201 is plunged by compression of the concave surface 270 of the push rod 201 toward the concave surface 270 of the cap 207, such as by compressing between a thumb and one or more fingers of a user's hand, then a conical ly-shaped portion 211 of the push rod 201 engages the constriction 244 of the rupture mechanism 240 forcing the fingers 242 of the rupture mechanism 240 radially outward, contacting and rupturing each of the plurality of ampoules 121 in each of the detector sticks 118, for example.

[00039] As in the previous examples, simultaneous rupturing of each of the ampoules releases a fluid that is wicked by the wicking tips 23 to the detection surfaces that are swabbed on or across surfaces that may have the presence of one or more target compositions that are to be detected, if present. The cap 207 may include dividers, as in the other examples, which may prevent cross-contamination of fluids from one wicking tip 23 to another. Alternatively, two or more wicking tips may be joined to encourage the transfer of fluid from one wicking tip to the other.

[00040] The claims are not limited to the examples, and features of the examples may be combined or modified by a person having ordinary skill in the art, based on this description and the drawings provided. The examples are provided to show various arrangements and features, and the arrangement and features in one example may be combined with the arrangement and features of other examples. For example, the ergonomically designed cap and housing of one example may be implemented in the other examples without undue experimentation, based on teachings provided in this disclosure.