Hermetically sealable container

Abstract

A container for airtight sealing certification reference material includes a top, a bottom, and a sidewall spanning between the top and bottom to define an interior. The container also includes an opening in the upper surface of the top, providing passage to the interior. The container further includes a recessed ring formed in the upper surface of the top, which may be concentric with the opening. The container includes an inductive seal coupled to the upper surface of the top, wherein the inductive seal is at least partially disposed in at least one recessed ring. A middle portion of the container between the top and bottom may have a generally truncated biconical shape. The container may also include a set of threads near the top to allow a screw cap to be attached to the container.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 604,358 entitled “HERMETICALLY SEALABLE CONTAINER”, filed November 30, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure is generally directed to a container for certifying reference materials, and particularly to a container that is hermetically sealed via an induction cap. Background Technology

[0003] Certification reference materials (hereinafter referred to as “CRMs”) are metrologically traceable materials commonly used as controls in analytical chemistry, forensics, pharmaceuticals, nutritional preparations, environmental and clinical diagnostics fields. Large pharmaceutical companies may use CRMs to test the quality of their products and calibrate equipment used in the manufacture of their products. Most CRMs, which exist in solid powder form, require inert packaging and hermetic seals to protect the contents from oxygen, moisture, or other forms of contamination. In other words, inert packaging and hermetic seals allow the contained CRM to maintain its integrity and provide an economically viable shelf life. Current technologies for achieving this desired level of seal integrity include crimp caps with rubber diaphragms (i.e., elastomeric stoppers) and, in some cases, flame-sealed glass ampoules.

[0004] Crimped cap seals are typically stored below ambient temperature, and are subject to thermal and physical expansion of the metal crimping ring, which can lead to loss of seal integrity. Storage below ambient temperature is permitted to reduce gas transmission through the elastomeric stopper and / or to mitigate the potential chemical stability of reagents in powdered materials. This storage condition ultimately creates a vacuum inside the container. The colder the storage temperature, the greater the pressure differential, which increases the pressure on the elastomeric stopper and its ability to maintain a seal. The mechanical properties of the elastomeric stopper that enable the seal are negatively affected by the temperature drop. Therefore, storing crimped cap seals below ambient temperature can lead to unpredictable seal failure due to thermal cycling of the elastomeric stopper. Furthermore, due to their nature, crimped cap seals, especially in the pharmaceutical industry, typically undergo headspace checks after crimping. That is, even with appropriate setup, design, and process controls, seal integrity verification is required.

[0005] The sealing of glass ampoules using powdered materials faces the challenge that a significant amount of labor is required to remove residual material from the ampoule neck before it can be exposed to a flame to melt and seal the glass. Furthermore, the high temperatures from the flame required for melting and sealing the glass can degrade the CRM (Chemical Residue Mechanism). Additionally, any powder remaining in the ampoule neck after filling may leave scorch marks on the top of the ampoule after flame sealing. The materials required for CRM are very precious and expensive. Therefore, any waste of material should be minimized to achieve acceptable levels of cost control and economic feasibility.

[0006] Therefore, a new container is needed that is constructed to contain CRM and is inert and capable of being hermetically sealed without damaging the contents of the container. Furthermore, an inert and hermetically sealable container is needed, wherein the seals resist thermal and physical expansion when exposed to normal transport and handling conditions / temperatures. Also needed is a container that facilitates easy removal of the CRM disposed within its interior. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure relates to a container for housing a CRM, the container having a top end, a bottom end, and a sidewall spanning between the top and bottom ends, which together define an internal cavity. The top end of the container may also include an opening providing passage to the internal cavity of the container. The top end of the container may also be configured to receive an inductive seal. In other words, the top end of the container may be configured to attach an inductive seal to the top end to hermetically seal the internal cavity of the container. Inductive sealing of the container allows the container to be a wide-necked container, where the neck of the container is wider than the neck of a glass ampoule. Furthermore, while inductive sealing requires heat to bond the inductive seal to the container, the temperature generated by inductive sealing is not only much lower than that required for flame-sealed ampoules, but is also very limited to a small area where the seal contacts the container lip (i.e., the top end). Inductive seals are less susceptible to the negative effects of thermal cycling than crimp caps, and checking the integrity of the seal is much easier.

[0008] The advantage of inductive sealing lies in overcoming the major limitations of both crimp caps and ampoule seals for powder materials. Furthermore, when container construction employs inductive sealing, the container and associated seals are suitable for further process automation and control, such as, but not limited to, sealing highly sensitive powder materials with an inert gas atmosphere.

[0009] This disclosure relates to a container for use in certifying hermetic sealing, the container including a top, a bottom, and a sidewall spanning between the top and bottom to define an interior. The container also includes an opening in the upper surface of the top, providing passage to the interior. The container further includes a recessed ring formed in the upper surface of the top, the recessed ring being concentric with the opening. The container includes a sensing seal coupled to the upper surface of the top of the container, wherein the sensing seal is at least partially disposed in at least one recessed ring. The intermediate portion of the container between the top and bottom may have a generally truncated biconical shape. The container may also include a set of threads near the top to allow a screw cap to be attached to the container.

[0010] In one embodiment, the container may have a top, a bottom, and at least one sidewall spanning between the top and the bottom. The top, bottom, and at least one sidewall may collectively define the interior of the container. The container may also include an opening and at least one recessed ring disposed on the upper surface of the top. The opening provides passage to the interior of the container. The at least one recessed ring may be formed in the upper surface of the top and may be concentric with the opening. The container may also include a sensing seal engaged with the upper surface of the top of the container. When engaged, the sensing seal may be at least partially disposed in the at least one recessed ring.

[0011] In some instances, the container is configured to house certification reference material internally. In other instances, the certification reference material may be a powder material.

[0012] In some additional embodiments, at least one recessed ring may include an outer recessed ring and an inner recessed ring. The outer and inner recessed rings may be concentric with each other and with respect to the opening. In some further embodiments, when coupled to the upper surface of a container, the sensing seal may be at least partially disposed in the outer and inner recessed rings. In some even further embodiments, at least one recessed ring may have a semi-circular cross-sectional shape. In even even further embodiments, when the sensing seal is coupled to the upper surface of the top of the container, the sensing seal hermetically seals the interior of the container.

[0013] In another embodiment, the container may have a top, a bottom, and at least one sidewall spanning between the top and the bottom. The top, bottom, and at least one sidewall may collectively define the interior of the container. The at least one sidewall may include a lower portion, an upper portion, and a middle portion. The lower portion may be disposed near the bottom and may have a first outer diameter. The upper portion may be disposed near the top and may have a second outer diameter. The middle portion may be disposed between the lower and upper portions. Furthermore, the middle portion may expand outward from the lower and upper portions such that the middle portion has a third outer diameter greater than the first and second outer diameters. The container may also include an opening disposed on the upper surface of the top, which provides passage to the interior of the container. The container may also include a sensor seal coupled to the upper surface of the top of the container.

[0014] In some instances, the container is configured to house certification reference material internally. In other instances, the certification reference material may be a powder material.

[0015] In some additional examples, the intermediate portion may be in the shape of a tubular truncated bicone. In some other examples, the intermediate portion may include a central section, an upper sloping section, and a lower sloping section. The upper sloping section may extend upward from the central section at a first angle deviating from the vertical. The lower sloping section may extend downward from the central section at a second angle deviating from the vertical. In some and even other examples, a third outer diameter of the intermediate portion appears at the central section.

[0016] In yet another embodiment, the container includes an upper portion, a middle portion, and a lower portion. The upper portion may have a first outer diameter, a first inner diameter, an upper surface, and an outer sidewall. The middle portion may be connected to the bottom of the upper portion and may have a second outer diameter and a second inner diameter. The lower portion may be disposed below the middle portion, but is not necessarily directly connected to the bottom of the middle portion. The lower portion may have a third outer diameter and a third inner diameter. The upper, middle, and lower portions may collectively define the interior of the container. The container may also include an opening disposed in the upper surface of the upper portion, such that the opening provides passage to the interior of the container. The container may also include at least one recessed ring formed in the upper surface of the upper portion. The at least one recessed ring may be concentric with the opening. The container may also include a group of threads disposed on the outer sidewall surface of the upper portion. Additionally, the container may include a sensing seal coupled to the upper surface of the upper portion of the container, wherein the sensing seal is at least partially disposed in at least one recessed ring.

[0017] In some instances, the container may also include a screw cap that is threaded to the upper portion of the container. In some, and even more instances, the screw cap may be configured to press the inductive seal into the upper surface of the upper portion of the container.

[0018] In some other examples, the first inner diameter may be equal to the second inner diameter, and the first outer diameter may be greater than the second outer diameter, such that a lip is formed at the junction of the upper portion and the middle portion. In even some other examples, the container may include a crimp cap connected to the upper portion of the container via the lip. In some additional examples, when the inductive seal is attached to the upper surface of the top of the container, the inductive seal hermetically seals the interior of the container.

[0019] Other systems, apparatuses, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon studying the following figures and detailed description. All such additional systems, apparatuses, arrangements, mechanisms, components, devices, methods, features, and advantages are included within this specification and within the scope of the claimed subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0020] A better understanding of the devices, components, and parts presented herein can be achieved by referring to the following figures and descriptions. It should be understood that some elements in the figures may not be drawn to scale, and the emphasis has been placed on illustrating the principles disclosed herein. In the figures, the same reference numerals denote corresponding parts / steps throughout different views.

[0021] Figure 1 The illustration shows a perspective view of a container configured to receive an inductive seal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 2 The diagram shows... Figure 1 The image shows a side view of the container.

[0023] Figure 3 The diagram shows... Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the container, where the section runs along... Figure 2 The dashed line is used to cut off the section.

[0024] Figure 4 The illustration shows a side elevation view of the upper flanged portion of a container according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the outer sidewall of the upper flanged portion includes threads.

[0025] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The illustration shows a close-up perspective view of the top end of the container.

[0026] Figure 6 The diagram shows... Figure 3 The image shows a close-up cross-sectional view of the upper flanged portion of the container, taken from... Figure 3 The dashed box in the middle.

[0027] Figure 7A and Figure 7B The diagram shows the settings. Figure 1The container shown in the figure has an induction seal that airtightly seals the container.

[0028] Figure 8A and Figure 8B The diagram shows the settings. Figure 1 The container shown in the diagram is sealed with a screw cap and associated seals. Detailed Implementation

[0029] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of this document, wherein like reference numerals always denote like parts, and wherein practical embodiments are illustrated by way of illustration. It will be understood that other embodiments may be used, and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be considered limiting, and the scope of the embodiments is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0030] Aspects of this disclosure are disclosed in the description herein. Alternative embodiments of this disclosure and their equivalents may be designed without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. It should be noted that any discussion herein with reference to “one embodiment,” “embodiment,” “exemplary embodiment,” etc., indicates that the described embodiment may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, and such specific features, structures, or characteristics may not necessarily be included in every embodiment. Furthermore, references to the foregoing do not necessarily include references to the same embodiments. Finally, whether explicitly described or not, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that each of the specific features, structures, or characteristics of a given embodiment may be used in combination with those of any other embodiments discussed herein.

[0031] Various operations can be described sequentially as multiple discrete actions or operations in a manner most conducive to understanding the claimed subject matter. However, the order of description should not be construed as implying that these operations are necessarily sequentially related. In particular, these operations may not be performed in the order presented. The described operations may be performed in a different order than the described embodiments. In additional embodiments, various additional operations may be performed and / or the described operations may be omitted.

[0032] For the purposes of this disclosure, the phrase "A and / or B" means (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of this disclosure, the phrase "A, B, and / or C" means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).

[0033] The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are synonymous.

[0034] Go to Figure 1 and Figure 2The illustration shows a container 100 configured to contain and store CRM and sealed with an inductive seal / inductive sealing process. Container 100 may be formed of any material suitable for containing CRM, including but not limited to glass, plastics (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyamide (PA), etc.) and metals (e.g., aluminum, steel, stainless steel, tin, etc.). In some embodiments, the CRM may be a powder material. Container 100 may include a top 102, an opposing bottom 104, and a sidewall 106 spanning between the top 102 and bottom 104 of container 100. The top 102, bottom 104, and sidewall 106 may collectively define an internal cavity, internal volume, or simply, interior 108. The sidewall 106 of container 100 may include a series of portions having various diameters, lengths, and shapes.

[0035] like Figure 2 As best illustrated, container 100 may include a lower portion 110, a first or lower intermediate portion 120, a second or upper intermediate portion 140, and an upper flanged portion 150. The first intermediate portion 120 and the second intermediate portion 140 may be disposed or oriented between the lower portion 110 and the upper flanged portion 150, such that the first intermediate portion 120 is disposed closer to the lower portion 110 than the second intermediate portion 140, and the second intermediate portion 140 is disposed closer to the upper flanged portion 150 than the first intermediate portion 120. As illustrated, the lower portion 110 may be substantially cylindrical, having a bottom end portion 112 and an opposing upper end portion 114. The bottom end portion 112 of the lower portion 110 may serve as the bottom 104 of container 100 and may be sealed relative to the interior 108 of container 100. The lower portion 110 may also include an outer surface 116 spanning between the bottom end 112 and the upper end 114, wherein the outer surface 116 serves as a portion of the sidewall 106 of the container 100 in the region of the lower portion 110. Figure 3 (It is along) Figure 2 As best illustrated in the cross-sectional view of container 100 taken by line AA, the interior 108 of container 100 extends into the region of the lower portion 110 of container 100, such that the lower portion 110 may be tubular, having an interior surface 118. The lower portion 110 may also include a substantially uniform outer diameter OD1 (e.g., Figure 3 As shown, the lower portion 110 spans between the outer surface 116 and the inner diameter ID1 (as shown). Figure 3As shown, the lower portion 110 spans between the inner surfaces 118. With the outer diameter OD1 and the inner diameter ID1 remaining consistent in the lower portion 110, the sidewalls 106 in the region of the lower portion 110 have a substantially uniform thickness (i.e., the distance between the outer surface 116 and the inner surface 118).

[0036] continue Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As illustrated, the first intermediate portion 120 may be shaped to substantially resemble a truncated tubular biconical shape having a lower end 122 and an opposing upper end 124. The first intermediate portion 120 may be disposed on top of or attached to the lower portion 110 such that the lower end 122 of the first intermediate portion is fixedly attached to the upper end 114 of the lower portion 110. The first intermediate portion 120 may also include an outer surface 126 spanning between the lower end 122 and the upper end 124, wherein the outer surface 126 serves as a portion of the sidewall 106 of the container 100 in the region of the first intermediate portion 120. Figure 3 As best illustrated in the cross-sectional view, the interior 108 of the container 100 includes and extends through a region of a first intermediate portion 120, such that the first intermediate portion 120 may be tubular, having an inner surface 128. Because the first intermediate portion 120 may be in the form of a truncated biconical shape, its width or diameter may vary along its length. Therefore, the first intermediate portion 120 may have a varying outer diameter OD2 (e.g., ...). Figure 3 As shown, the outer surface 126 spans the first intermediate portion 120) and the varying inner diameter ID2 (as shown). Figure 3 As shown, it spans the first intermediate portion 120 between the inner surfaces 128.

[0037] The outer diameter OD2 and inner diameter ID2 of the first intermediate portion 120 are maximized at the central section 130, which is located at the midpoint between the lower end 122 and the upper end 124. The central section 130 divides the first intermediate portion 120 into an upper inclined section 132 and a lower inclined section 134. The upper inclined section 132 extends from the central section 130 at an angle deviating from the vertical to the upper end 124 of the first intermediate portion 120, such that the outer diameter OD2 and inner diameter ID2 decrease from the central section 130 to the upper end 124. The lower inclined section 134 extends from the central section 130 at an angle deviating from the vertical to the lower end 122 of the first intermediate portion 120, such that the outer diameter OD2 and inner diameter ID2 decrease from the central section 130 to the lower end 122. Figure 3As best illustrated, the central section 130 of the first intermediate portion 120 of container 100 may include the maximum outer diameter OD2 and the maximum inner diameter ID2 of container 100, resulting in the central section 130 of the first intermediate portion 120 of container 100 being the most outwardly flared portion of container 100. As further illustrated, in some embodiments, the ID2 of the first intermediate portion 120 at the upper end 124 may be smaller than the ID2 of the first intermediate portion 120 at the lower end 122 and smaller than the ID1 of the lower portion 110. The outer diameter OD2 and the inner diameter ID2 of the first intermediate portion 120 may vary simultaneously and to the same extent, such that the sidewalls 106 in the region of the first intermediate portion 120 have a substantially uniform thickness (i.e., the distance between the outer surface 126 and the inner surface 128).

[0038] The truncated biconical shape of the first intermediate portion 120 facilitates easier and more efficient removal of the CRM from the container 100, especially when the amount of CRM within the container 100 is below the first intermediate portion 120. More specifically, the truncated biconical shape of the first intermediate portion 120 allows a user to tilt the container 100 to hold a portion of the CRM within the first intermediate portion 120. The user can tilt the container 100 such that at least a portion of the upper tilting section 132 is oriented substantially vertically and at least a portion of the lower tilting section 134 is oriented substantially horizontally. This positioning holds a portion of the CRM within the first intermediate portion 120 and allows the user to obtain (e.g., scoop) the CRM from the first intermediate portion 120 rather than from the bottom of the interior 108 of the container 100.

[0039] Continue to refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The second intermediate portion 140 may be substantially cylindrical, having a lower end portion 142 and an opposing upper end portion 144. The second intermediate portion 140 may be disposed on top of or connected to the first intermediate portion 120, such that the lower end portion 142 of the second intermediate portion 140 is fixedly attached to the upper end portion 124 of the first intermediate portion 120. The second intermediate portion 140 may also include an outer surface 146 spanning between the lower end portion 142 and the upper end portion 144, wherein the outer surface 146 serves as a portion of the sidewall 106 of the container 100 in the region of the second intermediate portion 140. Figure 3 As best illustrated in the cross-sectional view, the interior 108 of container 100 includes and extends through a region of a first intermediate portion 120, such that a second intermediate portion 140 may be tubular, having an inner surface 148. The second intermediate portion 140 may also include a substantially uniform outer diameter OD3 (e.g., ...). Figure 3As shown, the second intermediate portion 140 spans between the outer surfaces 146. The second intermediate portion 140 may also include an inner diameter ID3 (e.g., Figure 3 As shown, the second intermediate portion 140 (spanning between the inner surfaces 148) varies slightly between the lower end 142 and the upper end 144, in contrast to the outer diameter OD3. More specifically, the inner diameter ID3 may be smaller near the upper end 144 and may widen outwards near the lower end 142 and the first intermediate portion 120. Because the outer diameter OD3 remains constant while the inner diameter ID3 varies in size, the sidewall 106 in the region of the second intermediate portion 140 may have a variable thickness (i.e., the distance between the outer surface 146 and the inner surface 148). Figure 3 As further illustrated, the outer diameter OD3 may be smaller than the outer diameter OD1 of the lower portion 110. Similarly, the inner diameter ID3 may be smaller than the inner diameter ID1 of the lower portion 110.

[0040] continue Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The upper flanged portion 150 may be substantially cylindrical, having a lower end portion 152 and an opposing upper end portion 154. The upper flanged portion 150 may be disposed on top of or attached to the second intermediate portion 140, such that the lower end portion 152 of the upper flanged portion 150 is fixedly attached to the upper end portion 144 of the second intermediate portion 140. Furthermore, the upper end portion 154 of the upper flanged portion 150 may serve as the top 102 of the container 100, as further described below. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The upper flanged portion 150 may further include an outer surface 156 spanning between the lower end portion 152 and the upper end portion 154, wherein the outer surface 156 serves as a portion of the sidewall 106 of the container 100 in the region of the upper flanged portion 150. Figure 3 As best illustrated in the cross-sectional view, the interior 108 of the container 100 includes and extends through a region of the upper flanged portion 150 of the container 100, such that the upper flanged portion 150 may be tubular, having an inner surface 158. The upper flanged portion 150 may also include a substantially uniform outer diameter OD4 (e.g., Figure 3 As shown, the outer surface 156 spans the upper flanged portion 150) and the substantially uniform inner diameter ID4 (as shown). Figure 3As shown, the upper flanged portion 150 spans between the inner surfaces 158. Furthermore, the outer diameter OD4 of the upper flanged portion 150 may be larger than the outer diameter OD3 of the second intermediate portion 140 and the outer diameter OD1 of the lower portion 110, while the inner diameter ID4 of the upper flanged portion 150 may be approximately equal to the inner diameter ID3 of the second intermediate portion 140 (i.e., the inner diameter ID4 of the upper flanged portion 150 is smaller than ID2 of the first intermediate portion 120 and ID1 of the lower portion 110). With the outer diameter OD4 and inner diameter ID4 remaining consistent within the upper flanged portion 150, the sidewalls 106 in the region of the upper flanged portion 150 have a substantially uniform thickness (i.e., the distance between the outer surface 156 and the inner surface 158). The thickness of the sidewall 106 of the upper flanged portion 150 may be greater than that of the sidewalls 106 at other portions 110, 120, and 140, which creates a flange or lip 160 at the lower end 152 of the upper flanged portion 150. More specifically, the lip 160 is created by the difference between the thickness of the sidewall 106 at the upper flanged portion 150 and the thickness of the sidewall 106 at the second intermediate portion 140. The lip 160 can be used to generate force or pressure on the top 102 of the container 100 to inductively seal the container 100. For example, the lip 160 allows the container 100 to be sealed using a standard stopper (e.g., a diaphragm) and a crimp cap or crimp tape after the inductive seal 200 has been removed following the initial opening of the container 100.

[0041] like Figure 4 As best illustrated in the diagram, the outer surface 156 of the upper flanged portion 150 may include a series of threads 170 that spiral around the outer surface 156 of the upper flanged portion 150 and extend from the upper end 154 to the lower end 152 of the upper flanged portion 150. As further explained below, the threads 170 on the outer surface 156 of the upper flanged portion 150 allow the screw cap 300 to be mounted / engaged to the container 100 at the upper flanged portion 150. In some embodiments, the screw cap 300 can be used to generate the required pressure on the top 102 of the container 100 for inductively sealing the inductive seal 200 to the container 100. The threads 170 also allow a user of the container 100 to combine a supplied or subsequently acquired screw cap with a supplied or subsequently acquired seal 340. In other words, after the user initially opens the container 100 by removing the sensor seal 200, the user can reseal the container 100 with the cap 300 and / or the seal 340.

[0042] Go to Figure 5 and Figure 6Various views of the top 102 of container 100 are illustrated. As previously explained, the top 102 of container 100 may be formed at least partially by the upper end 154 of the upper flanged portion 150 of container 100. As illustrated, the top 102 of container 100 may include an upper surface 180 on which an opening 182 is formed. The opening 182 provides passage to the interior 108 of container 100. The opening 182 may be formed in the upper surface 180 of the top 102 of container 100 such that the opening 182 is coaxially aligned with the other portions 110, 120, 140, 150 of container 100. In other words, the opening 182 may be centrally located in the upper surface 180 of the top 102 of container 100 such that the opening 182 is concentric with portions 110, 120, 140, 150 of container 100. In some embodiments, the opening 182 may include a chamfered edge 184 introduced into the opening 182 from the upper surface 180.

[0043] continue Figure 5 and Figure 6 The upper surface 180 of the top 102 of the container 100 may further include an outer ring 186 and an inner ring 188. The outer ring 186 and the inner ring 188 may be concentric with each other and with respect to the opening 182 in the top 102 of the container 100. Furthermore, and as... Figure 6 As best illustrated, the outer ring 186 and the inner ring 188 may be formed as recesses in the upper surface 180 of the top 102 of the container 100. Although the illustrated embodiment depicts two rings 186, 188, the upper surface 180 of the top 102 of the container 100 may contain any number of rings greater than one. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 As best illustrated in the diagram, the outer ring 186 and the inner ring 188 may each comprise a rounded or semi-circular cross-sectional shape. However, in other embodiments, the outer ring 186 and the inner ring 188 may comprise any cross-sectional shape. As explained in further detail below, the presence of the outer ring 186 and the inner ring 188 can be used to better adhere the inductive seal to the upper surface 180 of the top 102 of the container 100.

[0044] Go to Figure 7A and Figure 7B The illustration shows a view of a sensor seal 200 attached to the upper surface 180 of the top 102 of the container 100. The sensor seal 200 can be any type of sensor seal known at the time of submission or developed thereafter. Therefore, as... Figure 7BAs best illustrated in the diagram, the inductive seal 200 may include an upper foil layer (or other suitable material) 210 and a lower polymer layer 220. When the inductive seal 200 is placed on the upper surface 180 of the top 102 of the container, the polymer layer 220 is disposed against the upper surface 180. When pressure (i.e., from a cap or other pressure-inducing structure or device) and heat are simultaneously applied to the inductive seal 200, the polymer layer 220 at least partially melts and bonds to the upper surface 180 of the top 102 of the container 100, including bonding to the outer ring 186 and the inner ring 188. In other words, once bonded, at least a portion of the inductive seal 200 is disposed within the outer ring 186 and the inner ring 188. This bonding of the inductive seal 200 hermetically seals the interior 108 of the container 100. The outer ring 186 and inner ring 188 are formed as recesses, and the sensing seal 200 is at least partially disposed within the outer ring 186 and inner ring 188. This effectively increases the surface area of ​​the upper surface 180 of the top 102 of the container 100 to which the sensing seal 200 can be joined. Furthermore, by forming the outer ring 186 and inner ring 188 as recesses, the outer ring 186 and inner ring 188 also increase the shear resistance of the connection between the sensing seal 200 and the container 100.

[0045] Go to Figure 8A and Figure 8B The illustration shows a view of the screw cap 300 and associated seal 340 engaged with the container 100. As previously explained, in some embodiments, the outer surface 156 of the upper flanged portion 150 may include threads 170 that accommodate a screw cap screwed onto and engaged with the upper flanged portion 150 of the container 100. The screw cap 300 may include an upper portion 310 that is substantially circular and planar (i.e., disc-shaped) having an outer surface or upper surface 312 and an opposing inner surface or lower surface 314. The upper portion 310 may also define an edge 316. A descending sidewall 320 may descend from the edge 316 of the upper portion 310. The sidewall 320 may also include an outer surface 322 and an opposing inner surface 324. The inner surface 324 of the sidewall 320 and the inner surface 314 of the upper portion 310 together define a cavity 330 configured to receive the top 102 of the container 100. In addition, a thread 326 may be provided on the inner surface 324 of the sidewall 320, which is configured to interact / engage with the thread 170 of the upper flanged portion 150 of the container 100.

[0046] like Figure 8BAs best illustrated, the seal 340 may be disposed on the top 102 of the container 100 and received within the cavity 330 when the screw cap 300 is screwed onto the container 100. As the screw cap 300 is screwed onto the upper flanged portion 150 of the container, the inner surface 314 of the upper portion 310 of the screw cap 300 may apply pressure or force to the seal 340, which in turn presses the seal 340 against the upper surface 180 of the top 102 of the container 100. This pressure enables the seal 340 to seal around the opening 182 of the container 100. In some embodiments, the seal 340 may be similar to Figure 7A and Figure 7B The inductive seal 200 is illustrated in the figure and described above. In cases where seal 340 is similar to inductive seal 200, in some embodiments, the screw cap 300 can be used to apply pressure to inductive seals 200 and 340 when heat is simultaneously applied to seals 200 and 340 to bond them to container 100. In other embodiments, seal 340 may be a diaphragm-type seal, which may be primarily used after the inductive seal has been removed from container 100.

[0047] While the devices presented herein have been illustrated and described in detail with reference to specific embodiments thereof, they are not intended to be limited to the details shown, as it will be apparent that various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention, and within the scope of the claims and their equivalents. For example, the container presented herein may be modified to include any number of shape variations, portions, cavities, inlets, and outlets; the inductive seal presented herein may have any shape and be formed of any suitable material; and the screw cap presented herein may include any number of features (e.g., threads, crimped portions, etc.).

[0048] Furthermore, various features from one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment. That is, it is believed that the disclosure set forth above covers several different inventions with independent practical applicability. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated herein should not be considered limiting, as many variations are possible. The subject matter of this invention includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements, features, functions, and / or characteristics disclosed herein. Therefore, it is appropriate that the appended claims be interpreted broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of this disclosure set forth in the appended claims.

[0049] It will also be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “outer,” “next,” and “external” as used herein describe reference points only and do not limit the invention to any particular orientation or construction. Furthermore, the term “exemplary” is used herein to describe an example or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as exemplary should not be construed as a preferred or advantageous embodiment, but rather as an example or illustration of a possible embodiment of the invention. Additionally, it will be understood that components or portions of the containers, seals, and caps described herein may be made of any suitable material or combination of materials, such as, but not limited to, glass, thermoplastics, plastics, or metals (e.g., copper, bronze, aluminum, steel, tin, etc.), and derivatives thereof and combinations thereof. Furthermore, it will be understood that the steps of the methods described herein may be performed in any order or in any suitable manner.

[0050] Finally, when used herein, the term “comprising” and its derivatives (such as “including”, etc.) should not be construed as exclusive; that is, these terms should not be interpreted as excluding the possibility that the described and defined content may include additional elements, steps, etc. Similarly, in any description of a “a” or “first” element or its equivalent, such disclosure should be understood to include one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Meanwhile, when used herein, the term “about” and its family of terms (such as “approximately”, etc.) should be understood to indicate values ​​very close to those accompanying the foregoing term. That is, deviations from precise values ​​within reasonable limits should be accepted, as those skilled in the art will understand that such deviations from the indicated values ​​are unavoidable due to measurement inaccuracies, etc. This also applies to the terms “about,” “around,” “substantially,” and “basically.”

Claims

1. A container comprising: Top, the top having an upper surface; The bottom is opposite to the top; At least one sidewall spans between the bottom and the top, wherein the top, the bottom, and the at least one sidewall together define the interior; An opening is provided in the upper surface of the top and provides passage to the interior of the container; At least one recessed ring, the at least one recessed ring being formed in the upper surface of the top, the at least one recessed ring being concentric with the opening; and A sensor seal is attached to the upper surface of the top of the container, wherein the sensor seal is at least partially disposed in the at least one recessed ring.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein, The container is configured to contain certification reference materials within it.

3. The container according to claim 2, wherein, The certification reference material is a powder material.

4. The container according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one recessed ring includes an outer recessed ring and an inner recessed ring, wherein the outer recessed ring and the inner recessed ring are concentric with each other and with the opening.

5. The container according to claim 4, wherein, When attached to the upper surface of the container, the inductive seal is at least partially disposed in the outer recessed ring and the inner recessed ring.

6. The container according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one recessed ring has a semi-circular cross-sectional shape.

7. The container according to claim 1, wherein, When the inductive seal is attached to the upper surface of the top of the container, the inductive seal hermetically seals the interior of the container.

8. A container comprising: Top, the top having an upper surface; The bottom is opposite to the top; At least one sidewall spanning between the bottom and the top, wherein the top, the bottom, and the at least one sidewall collectively define an interior, the at least one sidewall comprising: The lower portion, which is disposed near the bottom and has a first outer diameter, The upper portion, which is disposed near the top and has a second outer diameter, and A middle portion, disposed between the lower portion and the upper portion, wherein the middle portion expands outward from the lower portion and the upper portion, such that the middle portion has a third outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter and the second outer diameter; and An opening, wherein the opening is disposed in the upper surface of the top and provides passage to the interior of the container; and A sensor seal is attached to the upper surface of the top of the container.

9. The container according to claim 8, wherein, The container is configured to contain certification reference materials within it.

10. The container according to claim 9, wherein, The certification reference material is a powder material.

11. The container according to claim 9, wherein, The middle section facilitates the extraction of the certification reference material from the interior of the container at a midpoint located between the top and bottom of the container.

12. The container according to claim 8, wherein, The middle portion has a tubular, truncated biconical shape.

13. The container according to claim 8, wherein, The intermediate portion also includes: Central section; An upper inclined section, said upper inclined section extending upward from said central section at a first angle deviating from the vertical direction; and The lower inclined section extends downward from the central section at a second angle deviating from the vertical direction.

14. The container according to claim 13, wherein, The third outer diameter of the middle portion appears at the central section.

15. A container comprising: The upper portion has a first outer diameter, a first inner diameter, an upper surface, and an outer sidewall surface; The middle portion is connected to the bottom of the upper portion, and the middle portion has a second outer diameter and a second inner diameter; The lower portion is disposed below the middle portion and has a third outer diameter and a third inner diameter, wherein the upper portion, the middle portion and the lower portion together define the interior; An opening is provided in the upper surface of the upper portion and provides passage to the interior of the container; At least one recessed ring is formed in the upper surface of the upper portion, and the at least one recessed ring is concentric with the opening; A group of threads, the group of threads being disposed on the outer sidewall surface of the upper portion; and A sensing seal is attached to the upper surface of the upper portion of the container, wherein the sensing seal is at least partially disposed in the at least one recessed ring.

16. The container of claim 15, further comprising a screw cap, the screw cap being threadedly connected to the upper portion of the container via the group of threads.

17. The container according to claim 16, wherein, The spiral cap is configured to press the inductive seal into the upper surface of the upper portion of the container.

18. The container according to claim 15, wherein, The first inner diameter is equal to the second inner diameter, and the first outer diameter is greater than the second outer diameter, such that the lip is formed by connecting the bottom of the upper portion to the middle portion.

19. The container of claim 18, further comprising a crimp cap connected to the upper portion of the container via the lip.

20. The container according to claim 15, wherein, When the inductive seal is attached to the upper surface of the upper portion of the container, the inductive seal hermetically seals the interior of the container.

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