WO2025034247A1

WO2025034247A1 - Sampling port assembly with sampling assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2025034247A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/086412
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ian Davis; Scott Larson; Barbara GRAYES
Original assignee: Qualitru Sampling Systems
Current assignee: Qualitru Sampling Systems
Priority date: 2023-08-04
Filing date: 2023-12-29
Publication date: 2025-02-13
Anticipated expiration: 2026-02-04

Abstract

Various embodiments of a sampling port assembly and a container assembly are disclosed. The sampling port assembly includes a port housing, a sampling assembly, and a mount lock. The port housing may be configured to be coupled to a container. The port housing may include a mount, and the mount may define a sampling passage. The sampling assembly may be configured to be positioned proximate the sampling passage. The mount lock may be configured to secure the sampling assembly to the mount.

Description

SAMPLING PORI’ ASSEMBLY WITH SAMPLING ASSEMBLY

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Pat. App. No. 63/530,888, filed August 4, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

SUMMARY

Various containers such as barrels, drums, intermediate bulk container (“IBC”) totes, etc., may include at least one entry point to reach a substance contained therein. Entry points') may include a cap or a small opening, port, etc. In many cases (e.g., if the containers are holding food or liquid for consumption by a living being, etc ), the containers may need to meet cleanliness and/or safety standards. Sampling of the substance in the container may be required to meet cleanliness and/or safety standards The entry point(s) into the container may need to meet certain cleanliness and safety standards. For industries and applications where the container and/or the entry point should, or must, be sanitary, the entry point may include a port with a sanitary sampling assembly. Further, it may be beneficial to industries or applications to have a sanitary sampling assembly that also allows for aseptic removal of sample(s) of the substance within the container. Aseptic removal of sample(s) may advantageously' allow a user to, for example, perform testing on the sample(s) without contaminating the entire container. This sampling method is also beneficial for industries where the substance is being aged over time, where sample(s) are taken periodically over time for testing (e g., chemical, biological, etc.), where sample(s) are taken only once, etc. Still further, some industries require sale or distribution of the entire contents of the container if a single sample is taken, unless the sample is removed aseptically. Aseptic removal of sample(s) may advantageously allow a user to, for example, perform testing on the sample(s) without requiring sale of the entire contents of the container.

In general, the present disclosure provides various embodiments of a sampling port assembly for a container. The sampling port assembly may include various sampling channels that a user may employ to remove a sample(s) of the substance from a container Such removal of a sample from a sampling port assembly is beneficial to various industries and applications, but may be especially beneficial to applications storing substances for consumption by a living being. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a sampling port assembly that includes a port housing, a sampling assembly, and a mount lock. The port housing may be configured to be coupled to a container The port housing may include a mount, and the mount may define a sampling passage. The sampling assembly may be configured to be positioned proximate the sampling passage. The mount lock may be configured to secure the sampling assembly to the mount.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a container assembly including a container, a port housing, a sampling assembly, and a mount lock. The port housing may be configured to be installed in a wall of the container. The port housing may include a mount, and the mount may define a sampling passage. The sampling assembly may be disposed at least partially within the sampling passage. The mount lock may be configured to secure the sampling assembly to the mount

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of aseptically removing a sample from a container using a sampling port assembly The method includes piercing a sample channel of the sampling port assembly using a needle. The method includes removing the sample from the container via the needle. The method includes removing the needle from the sample channel

All headings provided herein are for the convenience of the reader and should not be used to limit the meaning of any text that follows the heading, unless so specified.

The terms “comprises” and variations thereof do not have a limiting meaning where these terms appear in the description and claims Such terms will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated step or element or group of steps or elements but not the exclusion of any other step or element or group of steps or elements

The words “’preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the disclosure that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances; however, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure

In this application, terms such as “a,” “an,” and “the” are not intended to refer to only a singular entity but include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are used interchangeably with the term “at least one.” The phrases “at least one of’ and “comprises at least one of' followed by a list refers to any one of the items in the list and any combination of two or more items in the list.

As used herein, the term “or” is generally employed in its usual sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

The term “and/or” means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements.

As used herein in connection with a measured quantity, the term “about” refers to that variation in the measured quantity as would be expected by the skilled artisan making the measurement and exercising a level of care commensurate with the objective of the measurement and the precision of the measuring equipment used. Herein, “up to” a number (e g., up to 50) includes the number (e.g., 50).

Also herein, the recitations of numerical ranges by endpoints include all numbers subsumed within that range as well as the endpoints (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc.).

Also herein, the term “sanitary” is meant to mean characterized by or readily kept in cleanliness which may pass any relevant safety standards or enforcement requirements, regardless of industry or application. The term “aseptic” is meant to mean a process that does not introduce the possibility for contamination with microorganisms The term “sterile” is meant to mean free from living organisms. The term '‘sample” is meant to mean one or more samples, and should be understood to include, e.g , single samples, representative samples, etc. taken at any time (e g., once, more than once, on a set schedule, etc.).

These and other aspects of the present disclosure will be apparent from the detailed description below. In no event, however, should the above summaries be construed as limitations on the claimed subject matter, which subject matter is defined solely by the attached claims, as may be amended during prosecution.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Throughout the specification, reference is made to the appended drawings, where like reference numerals designate like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a sampling port assembly and a container FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the sampling port assembly of FIG. 1

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of the sampling port assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the sampling port assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is another schematic perspective view of the sampling port assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a mount lock of the sampling port assembly of FIG 1.

FIG. 7. is a schematic exploded view of a sampling assembly of the sampling port assembly of FIG 1.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-section view of the sampling assembly of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of the sampling assembly of FIG. 7

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a center core member of the sampling assembly of FIG 7.

FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view of the center core member of FIG. 10.

FIG, J 2 is a schematic cross-section view of the center core member of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is another schematic plan view of the opposing side of the center core member of FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of a center core member of a sampling assembly.

FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of a center core member of a sampling assembly.

FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view of a center core member of a sampling assembly.

FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of a sealing member of the sampling assembly of

FIG. 7.

FIG. 18 is a schematic plan view of the sealing member of FIG. 17 with plane A-A.

FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-section view of the sealing member of FIG. 17 along plane A-A.

FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view of a needle tip.

FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective view of a needle tip

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method of aseptically removing a sample from a container using the sampling port assembly FIG 1. DETA IL ED DESCRIPTION

In general, the present disclosure provides various embodiments of a sampling port assembly. The sampling port assembly may include a port housing, a sampling assembly, and a mount lock. The port housing may be configured to be coupled to a container. The port housing may include a mount, and the mount may define a sampling passage. The sampling assembly may be configured to be positioned proximate the sampling passage. The mount lock may be configured to secure the sampling assembly to the mount

Known container ports such as food or drink barrel drum ports may include valves to allow the substance inside to be drawn out of the container, but such valves do not allow for aseptic removal of the substance from the container. Many industries (e g., the maple syrup industry) may require sale or distribution of the entire contents of the container within a certain time window if a single sample is taken, unless the sample is removed aseptically. Thus, because known barrel drum ports are not designed to aseptically remove a sample, when a sample is taken, the entirely of the contents of the container must be sold within a certain time window This may lead to sale of product that is not aged as long as preferred, or to loss of the entire contents of the container.

One or more embodiments of sampling port assemblies described herein may provide various advantages over known ports. For exampie, the ability to aseptically remove a sample from a container may allow a. seller to age or store their product for longer periods of time and test the product periodically over time, without forfeiting the entirety of the product within the container Such a sampling port assembly may include a port housing, a sampling assembly, and a mount lock as described herein.

Embodiments of the disclosure are defined in the claims; however, herein there is provided a non-exhaustive listing of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein

Example Exl. A sampling port assembly including a port housing configured to be coupled to a container and including a mount. The mount defines a sampling passage. The sampling port assembly includes a sampling assembly configured to be positioned proximate the sampling passage. The sampling port assembly includes a mount lock configured to secure the sampling assembly to the mount. Example Ex2. The sampling port assembly of Ex I , where the sampling port assembly is configured to allow aseptic removal of a sample from the container.

Example Ex3. The sampling port assembly of any of Exl-Ex2, where the mount lock includes a threaded nut, and where the mount defines threads on an exterior side of the sampling passage configured to engage with die threaded nut.

Example Ex4. The sampling port assembly of any of Exl-Ex3, where the sampling passage defines a sampling passage opening at a first end proximate the container.

Example Ex5. The sampling port assembly of any of Exl-Ex4, where the sampling passage defines a sampling axis along a centerline of the sampling passage that extends through and includes a length of the sampling passage and the sampling passage opening.

Example Ex6. The sampling port assembly of any of Exl-Ex5, where the container is a 55-gallon drum.

Example Ex7. The sampling port assembly of any of Exl-Ex6, where the sampling assembly includes at least one sample channel, and where the at least one sample channel comprises a sample channel entry point.

Example Ex8. The sampling port assembly of any of Exl-Ex7, where the at least one sample channel is configured to be pierceable to remove a sample

Example Ex9. The sampling port assembly of any of Exl-ExS. where the sample channel entry point is positioned on the sampling axis, and 'where any remaining sample channel entry points are positioned equidistant from the sampling axis.

Example Ex 10. The sampling port assembly of any of Ex1-Ex9, where there are seven sample channels.

Example Exl I . The sampling port assembly of any of Ex 1 -Ex 10, where the at least one sample channel is configured to be used to aseptically remove a sample once.

Example Exl2. The sampling port assembly of any of Exl -Exl 1, where the sampling assembly comprises a sealing member and a center core member, and where the sealing member and the center core member define the at least one sample channel.

Example Exl3. The sampling port assembly of any of Exl-Exl2, where the sampling assembly further includes a sanitary cover, and where the sanitary cover is positioned proximate to die at least one sample channel enuy point such that it cover s an external face of the at least one sample channel entry point Example Ex 14. The sampling port assembly of any of Exl-Exl3, where the sanitary cover includes a sticker component.

Example Ex] 5 The sampling port assembly of any of Ex 1 -Ex 14, where the port housing does not extend outward past a wall of the container, such that the port housing is flush with the wall of the container or is at an elevation below the elevation of the wall.

Example Ex 16. A container assembly including: a container; a port housing configured to be installed in a wall of the container and including a mount defining a sampling passage; a sampling assembly disposed at least partially within the sampling passage; and a mount lock configured to secure the sampling assembly to the mount.

Example Ex 17. The assembly of Ex 16, where the container assembly is configured to allow aseptic removal of a sample from the container.

Example Ex] 8 The assembly of any of Exl6-Exl 7, where the mount lock includes a threaded nut, and where the mount defines threads on an exterior side of the sampling passage configured to engage with the threaded nut.

Example Ext 9. The assembly of any of Exl6-Exl8, where the sampling passage defines a sampling passage opening at a first end proximate the container.

Example Ex20 The assembly of any of Exl6-Exl 9, where the sampling passage defines a sampling axis along a centerline of the sampling passage that extends through and includes a length of the sampling passage and the sampling passage opening.

Example Ex21. The assembly of any of Exl6-Ex20, where the container is a 55-gallon drum.

Example Ex22. The assembly of any of Ex 16-Ex21 , where the sampling assembly includes at least one sample channel, and where each sample channel comprises a sample channel entry point.

Example Ex23. The assembly of any of Exl6-Ex22, wdiere the at least one sample channel is configured to be pierceable to aseptically remove a sample

Example Ex24. The assembly of any of Ex'16-Ex23, where the sample channel entry point is positioned on the sampling axis, and where any remaining sample channel entry points of the at least one sample channel are positioned equidistant from the sampling axis.

Example Ex25. The assembly of any of ExI6-Ex24, where there are seven sample channels. Example Ex26. The assembly of any of Exl6-Ex25, where the at least one sample channel is configured to be used to aseptically remove a sample once.

Example Ex27. The assembly of any of Exl6-Ex26, where the sampling assembly includes a sealing member and a center core member, and where the sealing member and the center core member define the at least one sample channel.

Example Ex28. The assembly of any of Exl6-Ex27. where the sampling assembly further includes a sanitaiy cover, and where die sanitaiy cover is positioned proximate to the at least one sample channel entry point such that it covers an external face of the at least one sample channel entry point.

Example Ex29. The assembly of any of Exl6-Ex28, where the sanitary cover includes a sticker component.

Example Ex30. The assembly of any of Exl6-Ex29, where the port housing does not extend outward past a wall of the container, such that the port housing is flush with the wall of the container or is at an elevation below the elevation of the wall.

Example Ex3 I . A method of aseptically removing a sample from a container using a sampling port assembly, the method including: piercing a sample channel of the sampling port assembly using a needle; removing the sample from the container via the needle; and removing the needle from the sample channel.

Example Ex32. The method of Ex31, where the sampling port assembly includes, a port housing configured to be coupled to a container and including a mount, where the mount defines a sampling passage; a sampling assembly configured to be positioned proximate the sampling passage; and a mount lock configured to secure the sampling assembly to the mount.

Example Ex33. The method of any of Ex31 -Ex32, where the sampling port assembly is configured to allow aseptic removal of a sample from the container.

Example Ex34. The method of any of Ex31-Ex33, where the mount lock includes a threaded nut, and where the mount defines threads on an exterior side of the sampling passage configured to engage with the threaded nut.

Example Ex35. The method of any of Ex3l-Ex34, where the sampling passage defines a sampling passage opening at a first end of the sampling passage proximate the container. Example Ex36. The method of any of Ex31-Ex35, where the sampling passage defines a sampling axis along a centerline of the sampling passage that extends through and includes a length of the sampling passage and the sampling passage opening.

Example Ex37. The method of any of Ex31-Ex36, where the container is a 55-gallon drum.

Example Ex38. The method of any of Ex3 I-Ex37, where the sampling assembly includes at least one sample channel, and where each of the at least one sample channel comprises a sample channel entry point.

Example Ex39. The method of any of Ex31-Ex38. where the at least one sample channel is configured to be pierceable to aseptically remove a sample.

Example Ex40. The method of any of Ex31-Ex39, where the sample channel entry’ point is positioned on the sampling axis, and wherein any remaining sample channel entry points are positioned equidistant from the sampling axis.

Example Ex41. The method of any of Ex31 -Ex40, where there are seven sample channels.

Example Ex42. The method of any of Ex31-Ex41, where the at least one sample channel is configured to be used to aseptically remove a sample once

Example Ex43. The method of any of Ex31-Ex42, where the sampling assembly includes a sealing member and a center core member, and where the sealing member and the center core member define the at least one sample channel.

Example Ex44. The method of any of Ex31-Ex43, where the sampling assembly further includes a sanitary’ cover, and where the sanitary- cover is positioned proximate to the at least one sample channel entry point such that it covers an external face of the at least one sample channel entry’ point.

Example Ex45. The method of any of Ex31-Ex44, where the sanitary cover includes a sticker component.

Example Ex46. The method of any of Ex31-Ex45, where the port housing does not extend outward past a wall of the container, such that the port housing is flush with the wall of the container or is at an elevation below the elevation of the wall. Example Ex47. The method of any of Ex31-Ex46, where piercing a sample conduit using a needle includes inserting the needle along a sample conduits axis defined by a length of the sample conduits.

Example Ex48. The method of any of Ex31-Ex47, where a needle bevel is positioned to face away from the sampling axis.

Sampling port jtssembly

FIG. 1 a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a sampling port assembly 10 and a container 100. The sampling port assembly 10 may be configured to allow' aseptic removal of a sample (e.g., food, liquid, other substance, etc.) from the container 100. 'This may advantageously allow sample removal without contaminating the entire contents within the container 100. The sampling port assembly 10 may include a port housing 12, a sampling assembly 14, and a mount lock 16. In illustrative embodiments, the sampling assembly 14 may be sanitary, as discussed further herein. In alternative embodiments, the sampling port assembly 10 is sanitary'.

Port Housing

The port housing 12 may include any suitable port housing or dram port (e.g., QualiTru TRUSTREAM (TM) Drum Port (QualiTru Sampling Systems, Oakdale, Minnesota)). The port housing 12 may be configured to be coupled to the container 100 The port housing 12 may be coupled to the container 100 in a variety of ways, such as, for example, a threaded engagement as shown in FIGS. 1-5. Other examples of coupling the port housing 12 to the container 100 may include a snap-fit. an interference fit, use of an adhesive therebetween, welding, clamps, screv/s, rivets, etc. The port housing 12 may be coupled to the container 100 at any location on the container 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the port housing 12 is coupled to the container 100 on one flat face of the container, but it is intended that, the port housing 12 may be coupled to the container 100 anywhere. For example, the port housing 12 may be coupled to the container 100 on a different flat face than illustrated. Further, for example, the port housing 12 may be coupled to the container 100 on a non-flat surface. In embodiments where the port housing 12 is coupled to the container 100 on a non-flat surface, the port housing 12 may be shaped to contour to the non-flat surface. The port housing 12 and the interior of the container 100 may remain sanitary in any embodiment. For example, the coupling of the port housing 12 and the container 100 may be made sanitary via heat application (e.g., “clean-in-place,” “sanitize in place,” pasteurization), chemical cleaning, etc. Further, the port housing 12 and the container 100 may be made sanitary, either individually or together, via heat application, chemical cleaning, etc.

The port housing 12 may include a port housing shoulder 20 at an end of the port housing 12 that is distal to the container 100, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. The port housing shoulder 20 may include a front face 20A and an exterior sidewall 22. The front face 20A may be configured to be flush with the exterior surface 102 (FIG. 1 ) of the container 100. The exterior sidewall 22 may be configured to be located at a depth relative to the exterior surface 102 of the container 100 (e.g., a divot or depression within the exterior surface 102 of the container 100). The exterior sidewall 22 may include ribbing or a non-sraooth surface Such ribbing or non-sroooth surface may advantageously allow' a user (or a tool that the user controls) to grip the port housing shoulder 20 and screw the port housing 12 into the container 100.

The port housing 12 may further include at least one sidewall 24 extending from the port housing shoulder 20 in an axial direction along an axis 40 (FIG. 1). The port housing 12 may further include a floor section 28 at an end of the at least one sidewall 24 that is opposite the port housing shoulder 20. The port housing 12 is illustrated with a cylindrical sidewall 24, but it is intended that various port shapes are conceivable within the description herein For example, the at least one sidewall 24 may define a cross-sectional shape in a lateral direction transverse to the axis 40 that is oval, square, rectangle, hexagon, etc. In illustrative embodiments, the port housing 12 may further include threads 26 (FIGS. 1, 3) that are disposed on an exterior side of the at least one sidewall 24. The threads 26 may advantageously allow the port housing 12 to be coupled to a surface (e.g., a sidewall) of the container 100. The threads 26 may advantageously allow' the port housing 12 to be installed in a surface of the container 100. The threads 26 may be beveled, rounded, or any other shape configured to engage with like threads and create a screw-fit iherebetw'een. There may be any number of thread rotations extending between the port housing shoulder 20 and the floor section 28, and the threads 26 may extend any distance between the port housing shoulder 20 and the floor section 28. The screw- fit may be sanitary’ such that it meets any required safety standards (e g , food safety standards). In illustrative embodiments, the at least one sidewall 24 may slope or taper on an interior surface 24A of the at least one sidewall 24 (FIG. 1). The interior surface 24A may, for example, define a relatively smaller cross-sectional dimension proximate the floor section 28 and a relatively larger cross-sectional dimension proximate the front face 20A of the port housing shoulder 20. A sloped or tapered interior surface 24A as described herein may advantageously drain fluid trapped within the port housing 12 towards the front face of the port housing 12 Fluid may be trapped within the port housing 12 as a result of user error, environmental effects (e.g , rain, condensation, other external fluids), other external effects (e.g., rough handling during transportation), etc. The sloped or tapered interior surface 24A may advantageously drain trapped fluid away from the container 100 when the axis 40 is horizontal or generally horizontal to the ground. The interior surface 24A may slope or taper in the axial direction towards the floor section 28 at an angle of about 2 degrees In alternative embodiments, the interior surface 24A may slope or taper in the axial direction towards the floor section 28 at an angle of about 1 degree, about 3 degrees, about 4 degrees, about 5 degrees, greater than 5 degrees, less than 1 degree, etc.

The port housing 12 may include a mount 18. The mount 18 may be made of a separate material from the port housing 12, or may be made of the same material as the port housing 12. The port housing 12 and the mount 18 may be manufactured as a single piece. For example, both elements 12, 18 may be integrally manufactured using an injection molding tool. The single combined piece including 12, 18 may be constructed out of, for example, polyoxymethylene, polyethylene, nylon, etc. In alternative embodiments, the single combined piece may be constructed out of, for example, other plastic, polymers, metal, ceramic, or any combination thereof.

The mount 18 may extend from the floor section 28 and within the at least one sidew'all 24 of the port housing 12. The mount 18 may include at least one mount sidewall 34 (FIG. 2) that defines a sampling passage 32 (FIGS. 1-2). The at least one mount sidewall 34 may be cylindrical as illustrated, but it is intended that various mount sidewall 34 shapes are conceivable within the description herein. For example, the mount sidewall 34 may define a cross-sectional shape in a lateral direction transverse to the axis 40 that is oval, square, rectangle, hexagon, etc. The mount sidewall 34 may be symmetric with the at least one sidewall 24 of the port housing 12. In embodiments where the mount sidewall 34 is symmetric with the at least one sidewall 24 of the port housing 12, such symmetry may advantageously maintain a sanitary environment, at least because there may be less space between the mount sidewall 34 and the at least one sidewall 24. Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5, the port housing 12 may include one or more depressions 55. The one or more depressions 55 may advantageously allow a user to more easily grip (via the user’s hand or another tool) the mount lock 16 (FIG. 5) and screw the mount lock 16 onto the mount 18. The one or more depressions 55 may further advantageously allow a user to more easily grip the port housing shoulder 20 (via the user’s hand or another tool) and screw the port housing 12 into the container 100.

In alternative embodiments, the mount sidewall 34 may be asymmetric with the at least one sidewall 24 of the port housing 12 In embodiments where the mount sidewall 34 is asymmetric with the at least one sidewall 24 of the port housing 12, such asymmetry may advantageously allow a user to more easily grip the mount lock 16 (via the user’s hand or another tool) and screw the mount lock 16 onto the mount 18. The asymmetry may further advantageously allow a user to more easily grip (via the user's hand or another tool) the port housing shoulder 20 and screw the port housing 12 into the container 100. In any embodiments, the space between sidewalls 24, 34 may be configured to be wide enough for the mount lock 16 to fit. therein.

The sampling passage 32 may define a sampling passage opening 38 proximate a first end 39. The first end 39 may be proximate the container 100. The sampling passage opening 38 may be open to the interior of the container 100. The sampling passage opening 38 may be smaller than a perimeter 18A (FIG 4) of the mount 18 at the floor section 28. The sampling passage opening 38 may be the same size as the perimeter 18A of the mount 18 at the floor section 28. In embodiments where the sampling passage opening 38 is smaller than the perimeter 18A of the mount 18 at the end proximate the container, the smaller sampling passage opening 38 may advantageously minimize risk of leaking or contamination. In embodiments where the sampling passage opening 38 is the same size as the perimeter 18A of the mount 18 at the floor section 28, the equal sampling passage opening 38 may advantageously reduce the amount of material needed to manufacture the mount 18 and may allow' for ease of manufacturing the mount 18.

The sampling passage 32 may have a constant major distance or a variable major distance, where the major distance is the largest distance measured across the sampling passage 32 in a direction transverse to a length of the passage (e.g., in the lateral direction ). The sampling passage 32 defines the axis 40 (FIG. 1) along a centerline of the sampling passage 32 that extends through and includes a length of the sampling passage 32 and the sampling passage opening 38. The sampling passage 32 includes an inner sidewall 32A (FIGS. 1, 2).

In embodiments with a variable major distance, the sampling passage 32 may advantageously provide a tighter seal with the sampling assembly 14. For example, the major distance may decrease along the axis 40 towards the end proximate the container 100. The decreasing major distance may provide a tighter seal with the sampling assembly 14. A tighter seal with the sampling assembly 14 may advantageously minimize the risk of leaking or contamination. The variable major distance may result in an angle between the sampling passage inner sidewall 32 A and the axis 40 of about 9 degrees. In alternative embodiments, the variable major distance may result in an angle between the sampling passage inner sidewall 32A and the axis 40 of less than 9 degrees or more than 9 degrees. The angle may be optimized, for example, for efficient removal of a sample from the container 100, for larger or smaller mounts 18 as needed, for ease of use, for use with different needles, etc. For example, the variable major distance may result in an angle between the sampling passage inner sidewall 32A and the axis 40 equal to or greater than 2 degrees, equal io or greater than 5 degrees, equal to or greater than 7 degrees, equal to or greater than 9 degrees, equal to or greater than 11 degrees, etc., and less than or equal to 25 degrees, less than or equal to 15 degrees, less than or equal to 10 degrees, less than or equal to 8 degrees, etc In embodiments with a constant major distance, there may be no angle, or an angle of 0 degrees, between the sampling passage inner sidewall 32A and the axis 40.

The at least one mount sidewall 34 may include the threads 30 on an external face of the at least one mount sidewall 34 (FIG. 2). The threads 30 may advantageously allow the mount lock 16 to be coupled to and/or installed on the mount 18. The threads 30 may be beveled, rounded, or any other shape configured to engage with like threads and create a screw-fit therebetween. There may be any number of thread rotations extending between a first end and a second end of the mount sidewall 34, and the threads 30 may extend any distance between the first end. The screw-fit may be sanitary such that it meets any required safety standards (e.g , food safety standards). The threads on both the mount and the mount lock and their engagement with one another may allow enough pressure and/or torque to be used to mount and hold the sampling assembly 14 to the sampling passage opening 38 within applicable industry standards and to maintain a sanitary environment.

The mount 18 may be located within the perimeter of the at least one sidewall 24 of the port housing 12 and may not extend past the at least one sidewall 24 along the axis 40, such that the mount 18 does not extend past the port housing 12 at die end distal to the container 100. In some embodiments, the port housing 12 may be flush with the exterior surface 102 of the container 100. In some embodiments, the port housing 12 may not extend outwards past the port housing shoulder 20 In some embodiments, the sampling assembly 14 may be flush with the exterior surface 102 of the container 100. In some embodiments, the sampling assembly 14 may not extend outwards past the port housing shoulder 20. In some embodiments, the mount lock 16 may be flush with the exterior surface 102 of the container 100. In some embodiments, the mount lock 16 may be flush with the port housing shoulder 20 In some embodiments, the mount lock 16 may not extend outwards past the port housing shoulder 20.

The various embodiments described here may advantageously allow for stacking of the containers 100 because there are no protrusions extending beyond the exterior surface 102 of the container 100. The various embodiments described above may advantageously protect the sampling port assembly 10 and its components from the ambient environment. The various embodiments described herein may advantageously protect the sampling port assembly 10 and its components from damage. Containers may be stacked in any possible orientation (e.g., horizontal, vertical, off-center), and the sampling port assembly 10 will not interfere with the stackability of the containers. Further, for example, in some embodiments the port housing shoulder 20 may be flush with the exterior surface 102, or wall, of the container 100 when the sampling port assembly 10 is coupled to the container 100.

In alternative embodiments, the sampling assembly 14 and the mount lock 16 may be at an elevation lower than the elevation of the port housing shoulder 20 such that the sampling assembly 14 and the mount lock 16 are within the port housing 12 and are not flush with the front face of the port housing 12. This may further advantageously allow for stacking of containers and protection of the sampling port assembly 10 and its components. In some embodiments, the elevation of the sampling assembly 14 and the mount lock 16 may be more than 0 inches and less than 1 inch below the elevation of the port housing shoulder 20 relative to the port housing shoulder 20 Sampling Assembly

The sampling port assembly 10 may further include the sampling assembly 14, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 7-16. Applicant also incorporates by reference herein U.S. Pat. No. 6,845,676, “Continuous Fluid Sampler and Method,” U.S. Pat. No. 10,800,594, “Securable Sampling Port for an Insulated Container,” and U S Pat. No. 11,511,926, “Securable Sampling Port for an Insulated Container,” in their entireties, and also specifically with respect to the sampling arrangement 106 in references U.S. Pat. No. 10,800,594 and U.S. Pat. No. 1 1,511 ,926. The sampling assembly 14 herein may be sanitary. The sampling assembly 14 may be configured to be positioned proximate the sampling passage 32. The sampling assembly 14 may be disposed at least partially within the sampling passage 32, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

The sampling assembly 14 can include any suitable number of sample channels 42 (FIGS. 7-16). In one or more embodiments, the sampling assembly 14 may include at least one sample channel 42. In one or more embodiments, the sampling assembly 14 may include at least two sample channels 42. The sample channel 42 may include a sample channel entry point 44. The sample channel 42 may be configured to be pierceable to remove a sample from the container 100. The sample channel 42 may be pierced by, for example, a needle. Any known needle may be usable with the present disclosure, as discussed further herein.

In one or more embodiments, at least one sample channel entry point 44 may be positioned on a sampling axis 36 (FIGS. 7-13). The sampling axis 36 may extend along a centerline of the sampling assembly 14 along a length of the sampling assembly 14. The sampling axis 36 may extend along the axis 40. Any remaining sample channel entry points 44 of the sample channels 42 may be positioned equidistant from the sampling axis 36, by a distance, “X” (FIG. 12). Further, any remaining sample channel entry' points 44 of the sample channels 42 may be arranged symmetrically about the sampling axis 36.

In one or more embodiments, no sample channel entry point 44 is positioned on the sampling axis 36 (FIGS. 14-16). For example, in an embodiment with three sample channels 42, each sample channel entry point 44 may be positioned equidistant from the sampling axis 36 to create a triangle pattern around the sampling axis 36 (FIG. 15). Further, for example, in an embodiment with four sample channels 42, each sample channel entry point 44 may be positioned equidistant from the sampling axis 36 to create a square or rectangle pattern around the sampling axis 36 (FIG 16). In any embodiment, the sample channel entry points 44 of the sample channels 42 may be arranged symmetrically about the sampling axis 36.

A symmetric arrangement (with or without a sample channel entry point 44 positioned on the sampling axis 36) may advantageously allow for ease of use, as each sample channel 42 will be in a predictable patern relative to the sampling axis 36. Further, each sample channel 42 will be at the same angle relative to the sampling axis 36, which may allow for ease of use and consistent use. In illustrative embodiments, the angle from the sampling axis 36 to a channel axis 46 is about 9 degrees FIG. 12). The channel axis 46 for any sample channel 42 may be a centerline defined by a length of that sample channel 42. In embodiments where the angle from the sampling axis 36 to the channel axis 46 of any sample channel 42 is 9 degrees, such an angle may advantageously allow for a smaller sampling passage opening 38 while ensuring that the sample channels 42 do not overlap A smaller sampling passage opening 38 may further advantageously avoid adding stress to the sealing member. In alternative embodiments, the angle from the sampling axis 36 to a channel axis 46 is greater than or equal to 2 degrees, greater than or equal to 5 degrees, greater than or equal to 7 degrees, less than or equal to 25 degrees, less than or equal to 15 degrees, less than or equal to 10 degrees, less than or equal to 8 degrees, etc.

In alternative embodiments, the angle from the sampling axis 36 to a channel axis 46 may be zero degrees, such that there is no angle between the sampling axis 36 and the channel axis 46. Parallel sampling and channel axes 36, 46 may advantageously allow ease of use and ease of sample removal.

In one or more embodiments, there may be seven sample channels 42, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 10- 12 This may advantageously allow for the 9 degree offset angle described above, and may further advantageously allow for a sampling assembly 14 and sampling port assembly 10 sized for a standard 2-inch bung opening 90 (FIG. 1) on the container 100. In alternative embodiments, there may be between one and six sample channels 42, or more than seven sample channels 42, which may allow for different sized sampling port assemblies 10 for different containers 100. Each of the sample channels 42 may be configured to be used io aseptically remove a sample once

In one or more embodiments, the sampling assembly- 14 (as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 7- 16) may also be referred to as a ‘'septum unit,” and it may include a sealing member 48 (FIGS. 7- 9 and 17-19) and a center core member 50 (FIGS 7-16). The sampling assembly may be sanitary. The sealing member 48 and the center core member 50 may partially or Fully define the sample channels 42 (FIGS. 8 and 12). As illustrated in FIG. 8, the sample channels 42 extend through the top of the sampling assembly 14, and through the body of the sampling assembly 14. Additionally, once a needle has pierced the entry' point 44, it must extend through the sealing member 48 to reach the interior of the container 100, and so the sealing member 48 temporarily also defines the sample channel 42 The sealing member 48 may be made of a self-sealing elastomeric material (e.g., silicone, rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer “EPDM,” etc.) such that once a needle is removed from the sealing member 43, the hole left behind will seal itself to continue to provide a sanitary interior environment.

The sampling assembly 14 may further include a sanitary cover 52 (FIG. 5 and 7). The sanitary cover 52 may be positioned proximate to each of the sample channel entry points 44, such that the sanitary cover 52 covers an external face of each of the sample channel entry points 44. In illustrative embodiments, the sanitary cover 52 includes a sticker component that is adhered to the top of the sampling assembly 14 In some embodiments, the sanitary cover 52 may include visual indicators indicating the location of the sample channels 42. The visual indicators may advantageously aid a user in removing samples using the sample channels 42. The visual indicators may advantageously aid a user in avoiding piercing the sampling assembly- id away from the sample channels 42.

Mount Lock

The sampling port assembly 10 further include the mount lock 16, as illustrated in FIGS.

I, 5, and 6. The mount lock 16 may be configured to secure the sampling assembly 14 to the mount 18. In exemplasy embodiments, the mount lock 16 may include a threaded nut as illustrated. The mount 18 may define threads 30 on an external side/the external face of the at least one mount sidewall 34 of the sampling passage 32, as described herein. The threads 30 may be configured to engage with the threaded nut and provide a screw-fit, as described herein.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5, and 6, die nut has small cut-outs 53 on a front face distal to the container 100. These may advantageously allow for a tool to tighten the nut onto the mount 18 with little clearance between the nut and the port housing 12, and without touching the sampling assembly 14. In alternative embodiment, the mount lock 16 could include pin holes for a similar tool to screw in the nut In further alternative embodiments not shown, the mount lock 16 may include one or more clamps, an adhesive, welding, a snap-fit, an interference fit, screws, rivets, or the like io lock the sampling assembly 14 to the mount 18.

Container

In exemplary embodiments, the container 100 may include a 55-gallon drum, e.g., a 55- gallon drum used to store maple syrup. For example, the maple syrup industry may require aseptic removal of samples as the syrup is aged over time. Similar requirements may be found in other industries. Further, for example, the maple syrup industry (and other industries) may require bottling and sale of the product before aging is complete if removal is not aseptic. Common maple syrup drums include 55 gallon drums (FIG. 1), which may be stacked vertically, horizontally, or at an angle relative to the ground.

In further industries, the container 100 may be a 275-gallon IBC tote. 1BC totes are one of the most commonly used of all current intermediate bulk container design types Caged IBC totes are handling and shipping containers for the storing, transit, and operation integration of various commodities, with the most common being water. In further alternative embodiments, various sized barrels or drums may be used, etc The present disclosure is understood to apply to any container 100 (e.g., barrel, drum, IBC totes, IBC tanks, carboys, flexitanks, etc., which may be used for, e.g., storage, transit, handling, etc.)

Disclosed herein is a container assembly 101 which may include the container 100 as discussed herein, and each of the port housing 12, the sampling assembly 14, and the mount lock 16 as discussed herein (FIG 1 ). The interior of the container 100 may remain sanitary during transportation, storage, and sampling of a substance within the container 100

Method

Any suitable technique may be utilized to aseptically remove a sample from the container 100. For example, aseptic removal of a sample from the container 100 may first include proper installation of the port housing 12 into the container 100. Proper installation of the port housing 12 into the container 100 may include inspecting the container 100 for overall good condition. Proper installation may further include ensuring that the container opening (e.g., 2-inch bung opening 90) is free of gasket surface damage or thread damage. Proper installation may further include sanitizing the inside of the port housing 12 with a sanitizer spray or alcohol wipes. Proper installation may further include inserting the sampling assembly 14 into the port housing 12. Proper installation may further include

The technique utilized to aseptically remove a sample from the container 100 is described herein, and may further vary based on the type of container 100, the size of the port housing 12 and sampling assembly 14, etc. Proper installation may further include securing the sampling assembly 14 onto the port housing 12 using the mount lock 16 Proper installation may further include tightening the mount, lock 16 by applying between about 40 inch-pounds and about 50 inch-pounds of torque.

Proper installation may further include inserting the port housing 12, the sampling assembly 14, and the mount lock 16 into the container opening (e.g., 2-inch bung opening 90). Proper installation may further include ensuring that die threads 26 are properly aligned with any container opening threads. Proper installation may further include tightening the port housing 12 into the container 100. For example, between about 15 feet-pounds and about 25 feet-pounds of torque may be applied to the port housing 12.

As further disclosed herein, and as illustrated in FIG. 22, a method of aseptically removing a sample from the container 100 and using the sampling port assembly 10 is described. The method may include piercing the sample channel 42 of the sampling port assembly 10 using a needle 200, 300 (indicated as 1000 in FIG. 22). The needle 200, 300 may be sterile, may be sanitary, may be clean, etc. The needle 200, 300 may be any known needle with any known point styles (e.g., a beveled needle, a flat head needle, a non-coring side-hole needle, etc.). FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate schematics of example needle tips. FIG. 20 illustrates a beveled needle 200. FIG 21 illustrates a non-coring side-hole needle 300 The non-coring side-hole needle 300 includes an entry point into the interior of the needle 300 via a hole 301 in the sidewall of the needle 300.

The method may further include removing the sample from the container 100 via the needle 200, 300 (indicated as 1002 in FIG. 2.2). The method may further include removing the needle 200, 300 from the sample channel 42 (indicated as 1004 in FIG. 22).

The step 1000 of piercing a sample channel 42 of the sample channels 42 using the needle 200, 300 may include inserting the needle 200, 300 along the channel axis 46 defined by the length of the sample channel 42. Further, in embodiments w'ith a beveled needle (e g , needle 200, FIG. 20), a needle bevel (e.g., 201 , FIG. 20) may be positioned to face away from the sampling axis 36. Facing the needle bevel away from the sampling axis 36 may advantageously avoid puncturing a second sample channel 42.

AH references and publications cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety into this disclosure, except to the extent they may directly contradict this disclosure. Illustrative embodiments of this disclosure are discussed and reference has been made to possible variations within the scope of this disclosure. These and other variations and modifications in the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the disclosure, and it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein. Accordingly, the disclosure is to be limited only by the claims provided below.

Claims

What is claimed is:

I . A sampling port assembly, comprising: a port housing configured to be coupled to a container and comprising a mount, wherein the mount defines a sampling passage, a sampling assembly configured to be positioned proximate the sampling passage; and a mount lock configured to secure the sampling assembly to the mount

2. The sampling port assembly of claim 1, wherein the sampling port assembly is configured to allow aseptic removal of a sample from the container.

3. The sampling port assembly of any of claims 1-2, wherein the mount lock comprises a threaded nut, and wherein the mount defines threads on an exterior side of the sampling passage configured to engage with the threaded nut.

4. The sampling port assembly of any of claims 1-3, wherein the sampling passage defines a sampling passage opening at a first end proximate the container.

The sampling port assembly of claim 4, wherein the sampling passage defines a sampling axis along a centerline of the sampling passage that extends through and includes a length of the sampling passage and the sampling passage opening.

6 The sampling port assembly of claim 5, wherein the sampling assembly includes at least one sample channel, and wherein the at least one sample channel comprises a sample channel entry point.

7. The sampling port assembly of claim 6, wherein the at least one sample channel is configured to be pierceable to remove a sample.

8 The sampling port assembly of any of claims 6-7, wherein the sample channel entry point is positioned on the sampling axis, and wherein any remaining sample channel entry points are positioned equidistant from the sampling axis.

9. The sampling port assembly of any of claims 6-8, wherein the sampling assembly comprises a sealing member and a center core member, and wherein the sealing member and the center core member define the at least one sample channel.

10. The sampling port assembly of any of claims 6-9, wherein the sampling assembly further comprises a sanitary cover, and wherein the sanitary cover is positioned proximate to the sample channel entry point such that it covers an external face of the sample channel entry point.

11 . The sampling port assembly of any of claims 1-10, wherein the port housing does not extend outward past an exterior surface of the container, such that the port housing is flush with the exterior surface of the container or is at an elevation below the elevation of the exterior surface.

12. A container assembly comprising: a container; a port housing configured to be installed in a wall of the container and comprising a mount defining a sampling passage; a sampling assembly disposed at least partially within the sampling passage; and a mount lock configured to secure the sampling assembly to the mount.

13. The container assembly of claim 12, wherein the container assembly is configured to allow aseptic removal of a sample from the container.

14 The container assembly of any of claims 12-13, wherein the sampling passage defines a sampling passage opening at a first end proximate the container.

15. The container assembly of claim 14, wherein the sampling passage defines a sampling axis along a centerline of the sampling passage that extends through and includes a length of the sampling passage and the sampling passage opening

16. The container assembly of any of claims 12-15, wherein the container is a 55-gallon drum.

17. The container assembly of any of claims 12-16, wherein the sampling assembly inchides at least one sample channel, and wherein the at least one sample channel is configured to be pierceable to aseptically remove a sample.

18. A method of aseptically removing a sample from a container using a sampling port assembly, the method comprising: piercing a sample channel of the sampling port assembly using a needle; removing the sample from the container via the needle; and removing the needle from the sample channel.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the sampling port assembly comprises: a port housing configured to be coupled to a container and comprising a mount, wherein the mount defines a sampling passage, and wherein the sampling passage defines a sampling axis along a centerline of the sampling passage that extends through and includes a length of the sampling passage; a sampling assembly configured to be positioned proximate the sampling passage, and a mount lock configured to secure the sampling assembly to the mount.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein piercing a sample channel using a needle comprises inserting the needle along a channel axis defined by a length of the sample channel, and wherein a needle bevel is positioned to face away from the sampling axis