Replaceable container for detecting a sample

Abstract

A system for holding a sample for analysis by a spectrometer, comprising a sample container unit (1) having a well (4, 13, 213) for holding a sample, the well comprising a well inner wall (5, 21, 22, 23, 23a, 34, 234) and a well floor (20), a floor aperture (32', 32, 232) in the well floor (20), and comprising a first optical element (31', 31, 231) spanning the opening of the floor aperture (32', 32, 232), wherein the well (4, 13, 213) further comprises a sealing material (33', 33, 233) at the interface of the inner wall (5, 21, 22, 23, 23a, 34, 234) and the first optical element (31', 31, 231), wherein radiation is free to pass through the floor aperture (32', 32, 232) to the first optical element (31', 31, 231).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an improved sample holder or container used in, or in conjunction with, a device for analyzing or identifying the chemical or physical composition of a sample, and related methods, particularly methods for manufacturing such a holder.

[0002] This invention relates primarily to a removable container device for holding, receiving, or containing a material sample to be analyzed or identified, the container being configured for use with or in conjunction with a spectrometer or other analytical / identification device, the analysis or identification being optical, magnetic, or other techniques. Background Technology

[0003] In many situations, including industrial, environmental, scientific, medical, and legal applications, it is necessary to determine the composition of unidentified materials. Various techniques can be applied to analyze samples of unidentified materials and determine their chemical or physical composition.

[0004] The field of spectroscopy considers the interaction between matter and radiant energy. Spectroscopy encompasses a range of applications that measure known changes in the energy spectrum caused by a material sample and identify the spectral “characteristics” of elements, molecules, or functional groups contained within the sample. Changes in the energy spectrum can occur through reflection, transmission, or emission, and the applied spectrum can be electromagnetic waves or high-energy particles, and can be visible or invisible to the human eye. This disclosure relates to all spectrometers and spectroscopic techniques, including ATR spectroscopy, reflectance spectroscopy, and transmission spectroscopy.

[0005] Like most optical instruments, spectrometers are designed to minimize sample vibrations and displacements that can interfere with analysis. To provide the necessary mechanical stability, spectrometers typically include a heavy-duty frame so that the sample is positioned in a constant and stable “platform” at a predetermined location. A spectrometer generally includes a platform for receiving the sample, an energy source and a receiver for receiving the altered spectrum, and a transmission system for guiding, focusing, and processing the incident and altered spectral beam, which typically includes a reflector or mirror unit. Among the various auxiliary components of a spectrometer, the accessibility of the platform may be limited.

[0006] In addition to stability and accessibility, spectrometers must also be able to handle large volumes of samples that need to be analyzed. In many cases, it may be necessary to perform spectral analysis on a large number of different samples within a limited timeframe. In the medical and forensic fields, rapid, continuous analysis of large numbers of samples, which may come from different patients or different investigations, may be required. In such cases, samples may need to be quickly changed or exchanged, traveling back and forth to predetermined locations within the spectrometer.

[0007] Readers will recognize the need for a device, used in conjunction with or within a spectrometer or other spectral or optical analysis apparatus, that facilitates rapid turnaround of the sample to be analyzed while still ensuring precise positioning of the sample in a predetermined location within the apparatus's radiation path. DE202017006067 discloses a sample carrier holder for interchangeable single ATR elements, having an upper plate for accommodating the sample and a lower plate.

[0008] The device must also be able to receive samples that may be in liquid form. In this case, the operator measures a certain amount of liquid, and depending on the surface tension of the liquid, the sample on the spectrometer platform needs to be positioned at a predetermined location within the spectrometer. This presents a particular challenge, as delivering the correct amount of liquid without spillage using a pipette within a confined space is difficult and unreliable. Furthermore, the spectrometer is a sensitive machine, susceptible to the effects of misplaced liquids and vapors, which can damage the machine or even interfere with spectral analysis, leading to incorrect results. If the sample material is corrosive, the damage to the machine may be exacerbated and / or permanently destroyed.

[0009] In ATR and other spectrometers, standard systems are sometimes sold with a detachable (but inconvenient) hermetically sealed container, which serves as an accessory to the spectrometer to hold the sample. Once loaded with the relevant sample, the hermetically sealed container can be installed into the spectrometer and secured in place using a screw mechanism. The hermetically sealed container must be designed and manufactured with the same care as the spectrometer, making its production both difficult and expensive. Such containers are large and bulky, and their use is inconvenient, requiring significant manual intervention to first load the sample into the container and then install it into the spectrometer. Misalignment of the container means it must be reinstalled. Hermetically sealed containers are not suitable for high sample turnover or rapid turnaround times between one detection and the next. Summary of the Invention

[0010] This invention relates to a novel and inventive apparatus and method that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks. The object of the apparatus and method in this disclosure is to provide a container device for testing samples that is easy to load and securely installed in a sample analysis instrument.

[0011] Another objective is to provide a container device and related methods that facilitate rapid turnaround of samples to be tested (including liquid samples) for detection using spectroscopic analysis, including by ATR (attenuated total reflectance) and transmission spectroscopy. References to ATR and transmission spectroscopy, as well as to ATR elements and transmission windows, are explained later in this document. Another objective is to provide a container device that is easy to manufacture.

[0012] One embodiment of the apparatus disclosed herein may include two interconnectable components: at least one sample container configured to receive and contain a sample to be analyzed; and a receiving unit that forms part of the spectrometer and is configured to receive the sample container unit. This container arrangement allows samples to be easily (including automatically) loaded into the sample container, and subsequently allows the previously loaded sample container to be simply inserted into the receiving unit of the spectrometer. The receiving unit may be permanently or temporarily rigidly secured to the spectrometer by suitable fastening devices, such that there is no relative movement between the receiving unit and the rest of the spectrometer. The receiving unit may form an integral part of the spectrometer in which it is contained. The sample container and the receiving unit are configured to interconnect with each other by their respective shapes or the shapes of components of each unit, for example, by sliding, rotating, or inserting the sample container unit into the receiving unit. Once the sample container unit is slid, rotated, or inserted into the receiving unit, the sample container unit is securely (but temporarily) fixed in position, ensuring that it also does not experience any relative movement with the rest of the spectrometer.

[0013] Both the sample container unit and the receiving unit have simple structures and can be manufactured using, for example, simple and repeatable molding techniques. The sample container unit can have a simple and inexpensive structure without compromising its ability to interconnect with the receiving unit.

[0014] According to the apparatus and method described herein, multiple identical sample container units can be provided and, if needed, can be used simultaneously or rapidly and continuously with the same receiving unit of the spectrometer. Samples can be loaded into the sample container unit external to the spectrometer, and then the loaded container unit is inserted into the recess of the spectrometer's receiving unit, ensuring proper positioning of the sample during spectral analysis for accurate alignment. This ensures repeatable alignment of the sample.

[0015] Loading a sample into one sample container unit is independent of loading another sample (potentially a sample of a different material) into another sample container unit, with virtually no time loss, and can even occur simultaneously. Loaded sample container units can be loaded (slid, insert, rotate, etc.) and unloaded, and individual samples can be analyzed rapidly and continuously in a single receiving unit within a single spectrometer. The system envisions single-use container units that can be easily loaded and positioned for analysis before being discarded. The simple structure, provided by a simple overmolding manufacturing process, ensures high-volume production at minimal cost, facilitating single-use of the sample container units. This approach is particularly suitable for detecting toxic or corrosive materials.

[0016] The following and other technical objectives are achieved through the invention disclosed herein. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Reference is now made to certain embodiments of the devices and methods disclosed herein by way of example, one or more of which are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0018] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of reflectance / ATR spectral analysis.

[0019] Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram of transmission spectroscopy analysis.

[0020] Figures 2A to 2F This is a cross-sectional view of a sample container unit according to various aspects of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3A and 3B This is a schematic diagram of a sample container unit and a receiving unit according to various aspects of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4A 4B and 4C are schematic diagrams of sample container units in open and closed positions according to various aspects of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5A 5B and 5C are cross-sections of a sample container unit according to various aspects of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 This is an example diagram of a sample container unit according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 7A 7B and 7C are schematic diagrams of sample container units according to various aspects of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 8A and 8B A cross-sectional view of a sample container unit according to various aspects of the present invention is shown.

[0027] Figure 9A This is a cross-section of a sample container unit for transmission spectroscopy analysis according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 9B This is a schematic diagram of a sample container unit for transmission spectroscopy analysis according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] This specification appropriately uses certain alphanumeric reference numerals to refer to features in the accompanying drawings. Identical or similar parts of the apparatus disclosed herein are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals in the drawings and description. In some cases, identical or similar parts of the apparatus in different drawings and descriptions are cross-referenced by reference numerals in square brackets in the drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Examples and embodiments of the devices and methods disclosed herein will be referenced in detail in this specification, one or more of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments and examples are described for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way. It will be apparent to the reader that variations can be made to the embodiments described herein that fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Features shown or described in any particular embodiment as described herein may also be used with another embodiment to provide further embodiments. This disclosure covers any changes, modifications, and improvements that fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0031] Various embodiments, aspects, and implementations of the present invention, as well as its technical objectives and advantages, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon taking into account the description herein and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “last,” etc., are used to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to define or limit the position, orientation, alignment, or importance of the specified component. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless it is clearly not the case based on the context.

[0032] One exemplary aspect of this disclosure relates to a system for receiving a sample for analysis by a spectrometer, which may include a sample container unit having a well for receiving the sample. The well may include an inner wall and a bottom plate, a bottom plate aperture in the bottom plate, and may include a first spectral element spanning an opening in the bottom plate aperture. The well may also include a sealing material bonded to the sample container unit at the interface between the inner wall and the first spectral element, wherein radiation can freely pass through the bottom plate aperture to reach the first spectral element. In another exemplary aspect of this disclosure, the well, the bottom plate aperture, and the first spectral element may be configured to align with each other, and the bottom plate aperture is configured to transmit radiation from a radiation source to the first spectral element. In yet another exemplary aspect, the sample container unit may be formed by injection molding, and the sealing material may be bonded to the sample container unit by a bonding process. The sealing material and the sample container unit may be formed together as a single integral component. The sealing material may be bonded by overmolding.

[0033] In another exemplary aspect of this disclosure, a system for receiving a sample analyzed by a spectrometer is disclosed. The sample container unit may further include: a lid including a lid opening with an inner wall, a portion of which comprises a sealing material; a body having a recess including a recess bottom plate having a bottom plate opening in the recess bottom plate; and a first spectral element spanning the bottom plate opening, wherein the lid is movable between an open position and a closed position, and the recess of the body is configured to receive a movable lid in the closed position. The inner wall of the lid opening and the first spectral element may be configured to form a well for receiving the sample in the closed position. The sealing material may be configured to form a seal at the interface between the inner wall of the lid opening and the first spectral element and to hold the first spectral element in place. The body and the movable lid may be connected to each other via a thickness reduction portion, wherein the movable lid, the body, and the thickness reduction portion form a single integral component. The thickness reduction portion may be flexible and may be configured to form a hinge between the movable lid and the body for pivoting movement of the movable lid relative to the body. In the closed position, the closing device can be configured to hold the movable cover in a closed position on the bottom of the body and force the sealing material into sealing contact with the first spectral element. The closing device may include a snap-fit ​​device comprising one or more snap-fit-flange pairs, wherein for each snap-fit-flange pair, or on the inner side of the recess or the outer side of the movable cover, a snap is included that is releasably engaged with a flange, which is included in another of the recesses or the outer side of the movable cover.

[0034] In another exemplary aspect of the system disclosed herein, a system is provided comprising a sample container unit for receiving a sample analyzed by a spectrometer, the sample container unit further comprising: a lid including a cover hole having an inner wall; a body having a recess including an inner side recess, a recess bottom plate having a bottom plate hole in the recess bottom plate, and a first spectral element spanning the bottom plate hole, wherein a sealing material may be contained in multiple portions of the recess wall intersecting with the first spectral element, wherein the lid is movable between an open position and a closed position, and the recess of the body may be configured to receive a movable lid and the first spectral element in a closed position, the movable lid and the first spectral element forming a well for receiving the sample in the closed position. The sealing material may be configured to form a seal at the interface between the recess side and the first spectral element, wherein, in the closed position, the movable lid may apply force to the first spectral element and hold the first spectral element in place on the sealing material. The system may further include a closing device, wherein the closing device may be configured to hold the movable lid on the spectral element in the closed position and force the first spectral element into sealing contact with the sealing material. The closing device may include a snap-fit ​​device comprising one or more snap-fit-flange pairs, wherein for each snap-fit-flange pair, or on the inner side of the recess or the outer side of the movable cover, a snap is configured to releasably or non-releasably engage with a flange, the flange being included in another of the inner side of the recess or the outer side of the movable cover. The body and the movable cover may be connected to each other via a thickness reduction portion, and wherein the movable cover, the body, and the thickness reduction portion may form a single integral component. The thickness reduction portion may be flexible and may be configured to form a hinge between the movable cover and the body for pivoting movement of the movable cover relative to the body.

[0035] In another exemplary aspect of this disclosure, a system for receiving a sample to be analyzed by a spectrometer is disclosed. The system includes a sample container unit, the body of which may include a recess, the recess being a well for receiving the sample. The recess has an inner side and a recess bottom plate with a bottom plate hole. The recess bottom plate includes a first hole and a first spectral element extending through the first hole. The interface between the first spectral element and the inner side includes a sealing material configured to hold the first spectral element in place. The sealing material may be included in portions of the inner side of the recess intersecting with the first spectral element. The sealing material may be included in portions of the bottom surface of the recess intersecting with the first spectral element. The sealing material may be included in portions of the inner side of the recess adjacent to the first spectral element and portions of the recess bottom plate adjacent to the first spectral element.

[0036] An exemplary embodiment of the system disclosed herein may further include a receiving unit detachably fixed to a spectrometer, the receiving unit including a recess configured to receive a sample container unit, wherein the sample container unit is configured to engage with the recess of the receiving unit.

[0037] An exemplary embodiment of the system disclosed herein may further include a receiving unit aperture for receiving radiation from a spectrometer radiation source, wherein, when the sample container unit mates with the recess, the base plate aperture is aligned with the receiving unit aperture and the radiation source, and the spectroscopic element is aligned to receive radiation from the radiation source. The sample container unit may be configured to slide into and releasably retain itself in the recess. One of the sample container unit and the recess may have an elongated groove, and the other may have an elongated flange, the elongated groove being configured to releasably receive the elongated flange.

[0038] In exemplary embodiments of the system disclosed herein, the first spectral element may be a reflective element for reflectance spectral analysis. The first spectral element may be an ATR crystal element. The ATR crystal element may be made of a material suitable for use as an ATR element in ATR spectral analysis, such as silicon, germanium, zinc selenide, or diamond.

[0039] In another exemplary embodiment of the system disclosed herein, the first spectral element may be a transmission window for transmission spectroscopy analysis. The transmission window may be made of a material suitable for use as a transmission window in transmission spectroscopy analysis, such as calcium fluoride, sapphire, zinc selenide, potassium bromide, barium fluoride, sodium chloride, or fused silica. The system may also include a frame having inner walls and forming an extended space for receiving a sample. It may further include a second transmission window in a second body, the first and second transmission windows, the first and second bodies, and the frame together forming a transmission cell for transmission spectroscopy analysis.

[0040] One exemplary aspect of this disclosure relates to an injection molding method for manufacturing a movable cap as described above in a first manufacturing process. Another exemplary aspect of this disclosure relates to an injection molding method for manufacturing a body of a sample container unit as described earlier herein in a second manufacturing process. The movable cap and the body may each constitute a single integral component.

[0041] Another exemplary aspect of this disclosure relates to an injection molding method for manufacturing a sample container unit as described above in a third manufacturing process, wherein, as described herein, a movable lid is manufactured together with the body as a single integral part.

[0042] Another exemplary aspect of this disclosure relates to an injection molding method in which any manufacturing process can be a single manufacturing process. The manufacturing process may include injection molding of a first material (e.g., polypropylene, acetylenebutyrolactone (ABS), or other thermoplastics, or rigid polymers) from which a single integral part is constructed. The manufacturing process may also include overmolding a sealing material onto the first material. The sealing material may be based on the first material and is rubber, or a rubber-like material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TP∪). The reader will understand that the devices disclosed herein can be used in applications of reflection spectroscopy (including ATR) and transmission spectroscopy. Unless otherwise stated, the exemplary embodiments described herein are equally applicable to reflection spectroscopy (including ATR) and transmission spectroscopy, and unless otherwise stated, references to spectral elements herein, including spectral elements (31, 31′) referenced in later sections, are equally applicable to spectral elements, ATR elements, and transmission windows (as applicable) used in spectrometers or spectroscopic devices.

[0043] Figure 1A This document provides a general description of the basic principles of attenuated total reflectance (ATR) spectroscopy, a technique used in certain aspects of the invention disclosed herein. Electromagnetic radiation (typically infrared or visible light) is introduced into a suitable spectral element (ATR element) at a predetermined angle above the critical angle and guided through the ATR element to an opposing surface that forms an interface with the sample to be detected. ATR spectroscopy is particularly suitable for liquid samples because the liquid provides a good interface between the sample and the ATR element, and highly accurate identification of the components of liquid samples (including samples dissolved in liquids) can be obtained. It can also detect samples in solid form, especially if there is good contact between the element and the solid. Alternatively, the solid sample can be ground into powder and dissolved / suspended in a liquid medium, which is then loaded onto the element.

[0044] Under ATR, radiation undergoes internal reflection at the sample / element interface, and multiple further internal reflections can occur within the ATR element. A portion of the beam exits the element and travels through the sample as an evanescent wave. Internal reflection at the sample interface causes a change in the spectrum of the incident radiation, which depends on the molecules present in the sample: analyzing the spectral composition of the reflected single beam (or multiple beams) helps determine the molecules or functional groups present in the sample.

[0045] Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of transmission spectroscopy analysis applied in some aspects disclosed herein. In transmission spectroscopy, incident radiation enters the spectral element (transmission window, rather than a reflective element as in an ATR). For example... Figure 1BAs shown, the sample forms an interface with the transmission window. Unlike ATR, in transmission spectroscopy, incident radiation passes through the transmission window without significant reflection: the transmission window does not significantly alter the incident beam (or can be considered to alter it in the analysis) and serves to contain the sample. The beam (or multiple beams) passes through the sample interface and enters the sample, where it absorbs a portion of its spectrum and is guided to the spectral analysis unit of the transmission spectrometer. The radiation absorbed by the sample is characteristic of the molecules or functional groups present in the sample. The spectrometer receives the output radiation and analyzes the spectrum absorbed by the liquid within the transmission unit to identify the molecule or functional group.

[0046] Figures 2A to 2F A schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary conceptual embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is shown, and is equally applicable to spectral analysis by reflection and transmission techniques. Figure 2A A foundation well (4) for containing a sample (6) is shown, the well (4) comprising a well wall (5), a well opening (8), and a bottom plate, the bottom plate comprising a bottom plate hole (32'); and a spectral element (31') spanning the bottom plate hole (32'). Figures 2A to 2F In this context, the sample (6) contained in the well (4) is shown as a liquid, but it could also be a solid. As explained herein, the spectral element (31') can be a reflective / ATR spectral element, an ATR element, or a transmission window. The spectral element (31') is typically planar and located on the base plate of the well (4), which serves as the bottom of the well (4), and the sample can be placed directly on the spectral element (31'). In the projection diagrams shown in these exemplary cross-sections, the sample (6) can be located on the upper surface of the spectral element (31'), and incident radiation (7) from the radiation source (in the spectrometer) freely passes through the base plate aperture (32') to reach the lower surface of the spectral element (31'). Depending on whether the spectral element is a reflective / ATR element or a transmission window, the radiation (7) is reflected or transmitted by the element (31'), as previously discussed. Figure 1A and 1B The sealing material (33') is located at the interface at the bottom of the well, that is, at the interface where it meets the spectral element (31') and the well wall (5), as explained. Figure 2A As shown. The sealing material (33') is a rubber or rubber-like material (discussed later), which is used to hold the spectral element (31') in place and provide a seal for the sample (6). Incident radiation in Figures 2A to 2F The incident radiation is shown as entering the bottom plate hole (32') vertically, but the incident angle of the radiation can be any suitable angle, as discussed earlier in this paper, and is not limited to the angles in these figures.

[0047] Figure 2A This concept is shown in its most basic form, with wells (4) formed in unspecified entities. Figures 2B to 2FA schematic cross-sectional view of some other exemplary embodiments of the invention is shown, wherein the well (4) is part of a sample container unit (1), which, according to the disclosure herein, is a conveniently movable unit for containing a sample (6): once loaded into the well (4) in the sample container unit (1) through the well opening (8), the sample can be easily moved and repositioned by the movable sample container unit (1). The sample (in the container unit (1)) can be loaded into the spectrometer, as explained in later paragraphs herein.

[0048] Figures 2B to 2D An exemplary embodiment of a movable sample container unit (1) according to the present invention is shown, wherein a well (4) is directly formed as a recess or seat in the sample container unit (1), the recess having a bottom plate having a bottom plate hole (32'). The well wall (5) includes a sealing material (33'). Figure 2B In the figure, the sealing material (33') is located within the well wall (5), above the spectral element (31') at the interface between the well wall (5) and the spectral element (31'). The sealing material (33') exerts a generally downward retaining force on the outer portion of the spectral element (31') it contacts (in the projection of the figure). Figure 2C In this configuration, the sealing material (33') extends beyond and below the outer periphery of the spectral element (31'), such that it engages with the spectral element (31') above and below its outer periphery, providing a generally radially inward retaining force in the projection of the figure. Figure 2D In this embodiment, the sealing material (33') is positioned below the spectral element (31') within the recessed bottom plate of the sample container unit (1) and provides a generally upward retaining force on the outer (peripheral) portion of the spectral element (31') in contact with it. The reader will understand that in all the embodiments shown, the force provided by the sealing material (33') is suitable for the spectral element (31') without damaging the potentially fragile element and is suitable for providing a seal around the sample (6), which may be liquid.

[0049] Figure 2E and 2F Cross-sectional views are shown according to some other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, wherein, with Figures 2B to 2D Compared to the previous embodiment, the sample container unit (1) includes a body (3) and a movable lid (2). Figure 2E and 2F In this embodiment, the movable cover (2) is shown in the closed position, i.e., inserted into a recess or seat in the body (3), such that the cover hole in the movable cover (2) combines with the spectral element (31') to form a well (4), and the inner wall (34) of the cover hole forms the well wall (5). A sealing material (33') is included in the well wall (5), as shown in the previous embodiment; however, as... Figure 2EAs shown, since the well wall (5) is formed by the inner wall of the cap hole, the sealing material (33') is contained within the wall of the cap hole. (As shown in...) Figure 2B and 2C The same as in the middle, Figure 2E The sealing material (33′) provides a generally downward and / or radially inward retaining force on the spectral element (31′) and forms a seal around the sample (6) to contain the sample. The advantages of this arrangement will be described in detail in a later section of this document.

[0050] Figure 2F The schematic diagram illustrates another exemplary variation according to the invention. Again, the movable cover (2) is shown in the closed position, i.e., inserted into a recess in the body (3), such that the hole in the movable cover (2) forms a well (4), and the inner wall of the hole forms a well wall (5). However, in this variation, the sealing material (33') is located in the bottom plate of the recess in the body (3) below the spectral element (31'), such that the movable cover (2) transmits a downward retaining force on the outer portion of the spectral element (31'), which forces the spectral element (31') into sealed contact with the sealing material (33').

[0051] The reader will understand that the sealing material described herein is rubber or rubber-like in composition: due to its relative softness, the material undergoes slight displacement or "elasticity" or deformation under external pressure or force, thereby providing a seal around the component it engages with (e.g., the spectral element (31')). This seal allows a sample including a liquid sample (6) to be sealed at the bottom of the well (4) formed by the spectral element (31'). The reader will also understand that, according to the invention, the dimensions of the well (4), well wall (5), cap (2), bottom plate hole (32'), sealing material (33'), and spectral element (31') are configured to provide the aforementioned retaining force and seal. It should also be understood that the sealing material (33') extends in at least a portion of the wall (5) or bottom plate to provide the same effect: although the cross-sectional view here may only show the sealing material in cross-section, it should be understood that the sealing material extends continuously around the interface between the well wall (5) and / or the bottom plate and the spectral element (31'), thereby providing a seal.

[0052] Before discussing the sample container unit (1) in detail, its coordination with the relevant components of the spectrometer will be explained. Figure 3A and 3B This illustrates how a sample container unit according to one aspect of the invention can be configured to mechanically cooperate with associated components.

[0053] Figure 3A and 3BAn exemplary aspect of a device according to the present invention is shown, the device including a sample container unit (1) and a receiving unit (101), the sample container unit (1) being adjacent to the receiving unit (101). Figure 3A and 3B In the diagram, the receiving unit is shown in a circular form, but any shape can be appropriately conceived. The receiving unit (101) has a recess (102) open at one end (103), the shape and size of which are designed to receive the sample container unit (1), and a receiving unit hole (104) in the recess. The sample container unit (1) may have rounded ends (15) to facilitate insertion into the recess (102). The side surfaces (105, 106) of the recess (102) each include elongated grooves (107, 108), the dimensions and shapes of which are configured to receive corresponding flanges (9, 10) extending longitudinally along the side surfaces (11, 12) of the sample container unit (1). As the reader will understand, in Figure 3A In the exemplary embodiment shown, the grooves (107, 108) of the recess (102) of the receiving unit are shaped and sized to receive the elongated flanges (9, 10) of the sample container unit (1) in a close-fitting manner, such that the elongated grooves and elongated flanges combine to form a sliding device. In this way, the sample container unit (1) is configured to engage with the receiving unit (101). The sample container unit (1) can be easily inserted into or removed from the receiving unit (101) by simple manual operation by the operator.

[0054] In another embodiment (not shown), elongated grooves are present on the sides (11, 12) of the sample container unit (1) instead of on the side surfaces (105, 106) of the recess (102), while elongated flanges (9, 10) are present on the side surfaces (105, 106) of the recess (102). That is, compared to the previous example, the elongated flanges (9, 10) and elongated grooves (107, 108) are interchanged. This arrangement represents an alternative sliding device to the sliding device discussed above, but as the reader will understand, the two sliding devices function in a generally similar manner.

[0055] In one embodiment of the device disclosed herein, one end (103) of the recess can be closed (not shown), and the sample container unit (1) can engage with the receiving unit (101) in a manner other than the sliding device described in the above embodiments. The sample container unit (1) can be simply and reversibly inserted into or rotated into the recess (102) of the receiving unit (1) for spectral analysis of any sample contained in the container unit (1). In this embodiment, the dimensions and alignment are unchanged relative to other embodiments.

[0056] exist Figure 3A and 3B In this context, the recess (102) and the sample container unit (1) are both elongated in shape, but other rectangular shapes may also be conceived based on the device disclosed herein, while the shape and size relationships between the various recesses and flanges are the same as described above, and constitute sliding devices or other interconnecting devices as described above.

[0057] like Figure 3A and 3B As shown, the sample container unit (1) may include a removable lid (2) that can be closed. The lid (2) includes an opening (13) that allows suitable light or electromagnetic radiation to pass through. The sidewalls of the opening (13) extend into the removable lid (2) and are substantially perpendicular to the plane of the upper surface (14) of the removable lid (2). When the removable lid (2) is in the closed position, the opening (13) effectively forms a well (4), as previously described. Figure 3A and 3B Not visible in the middle, but discussed in detail below, the bottom of the well (4) formed by the cap hole (13) appropriately includes a reflective / ATR element or a transmission window.

[0058] The sample container unit (1) may also include a writable label space (16) for the operator to use when marking and recording tested or pending test samples. A lip (17) may be provided at the distal end of the sample container unit (1) to provide the operator with greater manual grip on the sample container unit during insertion or removal of the sample container unit (1). The upper surface of the sample container unit (1) may also include a plurality of ridges (not shown) for the same purpose.

[0059] Figure 3B Showing with Figure 3A The same components. The figure shows the sample container unit (1) after it has been laterally moved into the recess (102) of the receiving unit (101), with the elongated flange inserted into the elongated groove, which then accommodates the elongated flange. The sample container unit (1) is now engaged with the receiving unit (101). The sliding mechanism formed by the elongated flange and the elongated groove thus securely but releasably holds the sample container unit in place.

[0060] exist Figure 3A and 3B In this embodiment, the sample container unit (1), the receiving unit (101), and the recess (102) are shown as having circular or partially circular or partially arcuate geometry, and the mating arcuate surface, for example at the curved side surface (15), is also partially circular or arcuate, but the disclosure herein is not limited to this form: linear surfaces may also be conceived in embodiments of the device disclosed herein.

[0061] The reader will understand that, in order to facilitate the insertion / removal of the sample container assembly (1) from the recess (102), it is necessary to provide a firm grip on the sample container unit (1), with minimal clearance between the elongated groove and the corresponding elongated flange, and to appropriately select the relevant dimensions of the cross-section of the mating parts. A tight yet releasable fit between the mating parts is facilitated by appropriately selecting the material used to manufacture the side surfaces of the sample container unit (1). In practice, this could be a plastic or polymer with appropriate elasticity, such as polypropylene or similar materials, to provide a tight fit but sufficiently “elastic” between the corresponding groove and flange. As explained later in this disclosure, the entire container unit (1), including the spectral element (ATR element or transmission window, as appropriate), can also be manufactured as a single component in a single manufacturing process.

[0062] exist Figure 3B In the middle, the sample container unit (1) is in the mating position, and the sample container unit (1) is fully inserted into the receiving unit (101). In the mating position achieved by a sliding device or other means (such as in...), Figure 3B In the middle), the receiving unit hole (104) of the receiving unit (101), the reflective / ATR element or transmission window (as the case may be), the sample (when loaded in the well (4) formed by the cover hole (13)) and the cover hole (13) are all aligned so that radiation can pass through the receiving unit hole (104), the sample and the cover hole (13), and vice versa.

[0063] Figure 4A 4B and 4C illustrate another exemplary embodiment of the device of the present invention. These show a practical embodiment of a sample container unit (1) having a movable lid (2) including a cover hole (13). The movable lid (2) is shown in two different positions: in Figure 4A and 4B The opening position at that location, and in Figure 4C The closing position is shown. The reader will understand that... Figure 4C In the closed position shown, the cover hole (13) can be used as a well (4) for receiving and accommodating the sample to be analyzed, as per the description of... Figure 2E and 2F The subject of discussion.

[0064] Figure 4A An overview of the two main components of the sample container unit (1) is shown: the body (3) configured to cooperate with the movable lid (2).

[0065] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A An enlarged view of the device provides more details. The main body (3) includes a recess (18) configured by its shape and size to receive a movable cover (2). Figure 4BThe lid (2) in the open position is shown, illustrating its connection to the body (3) of the sample container unit (1) via a reduced-thickness section (19), which, due to its thinness, is flexible and effectively forms a pivot or hinge around which the lid (2) can rotate. Except for the sealing device (described in detail below), the entire sample container unit (1) can be made of the same material. The entire sample container unit (1), including the sealing device, can be manufactured using a single injection molding process employing overmolding technology, thus forming a single integral part, which will be described in more detail later in this document. The composition of the sample container unit (1) can be polypropylene, acetylacetonate butyrate styrene (ABS), or any suitable relatively rigid plastic or polymer.

[0066] As an alternative embodiment and below regarding Figure 6 The movable cover (2) and the body (3) discussed herein can form two distinct, non-integral parts without any thickness reduction section (19) connecting them. The recessed end (18a) is a closed end, not an open end. Apart from this and the absence of a thickness reduction section (19), all other aspects of the two main parts (2, 3) and their interrelationships are the same in both variants (hinged and non-hinged), as described in the following section.

[0067] Removable lid (2), such as Figure 4A As shown in 4B, it can be turned on or off (e.g. Figure 4C As shown), and the recess (18) and the mating movable cover (2) can be any suitable shape such that they are configured to fit together in the manner described herein.

[0068] The combination of the cover (2) and the recess (18) includes a closing device, which can be any suitable closing device, including snap-fit, pin, screw, button, etc.

[0069] Figure 4A 4B and 4C illustrate exemplary embodiments of the apparatus and method disclosed herein, wherein the closing device is a snap-fit ​​device: the sides (21, 22, 23) of the recess (18) each include a recessed portion for receiving an integral snap-fit ​​(24, 25, 26), and the outer surface (30) of the cover (2) each includes a corresponding flange (27, 28, 29) configured to, when the movable cover (2) moves to such that Figure 4C The closed position shown engages with the corresponding latches (24, 25, 26). Further details of the closing mechanism, including the latches (24, 25, 26) and flanges (27, 28, 29), are provided later in this document.

[0070] Figure 4BIt is also shown that the base plate (20) of the recess (18) includes a spectral element (31) within the base plate (20) of the recess (18), which covers the base plate aperture (32) (not visible in this figure). Figures 4A to 5C The spectral element (31) and the bottom plate hole (32) correspond to the information about Figures 2A to 2F The described spectral element (31') and base plate aperture (32'). Corresponding features in the previous figures are shown in... Figures 4A to 5C The square brackets in the text are given below. The following is about... Figure 5A 5B and 5C describe the bottom plate hole (32) in detail.

[0071] Figure 5A 5B and 5C show Figure 4A Cross-sectional views of exemplary embodiments of the devices in 4B and 4C. Figure 5A and 5B Provide a longitudinal section of the sample container unit (1), including a thickness reduction portion (19). Figure 5C A cross-section of the sample container unit (1) is shown. Figure 5A In 5B and 5C, the movable cover (2) is shown in two different positions: Figure 5A The opening location, and in Figure 5B and 5C The closing position.

[0072] According to embodiments of the apparatus and method of the present invention, Figure 5A 5B and 5C provide further details of the closing device, including the integral snap fasteners (24, 25, 26), as well as details of the spectral element (31) and the base plate hole (32). Each snap fastener (24, 25, 26) includes a raised abutment (24a, 25a, 26a) which is integrally connected to the base plate of the recess (18) at its proximal end, but otherwise moves freely relative to the recess (18). In particular, each raised abutment (24a, 25a, 26a) is configured to pivot about its fixed proximal end, such that the distal end of the abutment (24a, 25a, 26a) can move toward or away from the center of the recess (18). Each abutment includes at its distal end an inclined planar surface (24b, 25b, 26b) and a radially inwardly extending lip (24c, 25c, 26c).

[0073] Figure 5A5B and 5C also disclose a cover (2) comprising flanges (27, 28, 29), each flange having an inclined planar surface (27b, 28b, 29B) and an outwardly extending lip (27c, 28c, 29c). When the movable cover (2) moves toward the closed position, the corresponding inclined planar surfaces of the cover (2) and the recess (18) are configured to engage with each other, i.e., surfaces (24b, 25b, 26b) can engage with surfaces (27b, 28b, 29B). In the closed position, the radially inwardly extending lips (24c, 25c, 26c) of the body (3) engage with the outwardly extending lips (27c, 28c, 29c) of the cover (2).

[0074] Figure 5A As can be seen, it shows the lid (2) in the open position. The reader can understand that as the lid (2) closes further and reaches the closed position (as in...),... Figure 5B As in the case of the lid (2), the inclined surface (28b) of the flange (28) on the outer surface (30) of the lid (2) will come into close contact with the corresponding inclined surface (25b) on the adjacent portion (25) of the recess (18). These surfaces (28b, 25b) are all inclined surfaces: when further force is applied to the lid to complete the closing, the inclined surface (28b) of the lid (2) will force the inclined surface (25b) that can pivot about the proximal end of the adjacent portion (25) to move radially outward, i.e., in a direction away from the center of the recess (18). The outward displacement of the adjacent portion (25) will continue until the inclined surface (25b) is pushed beyond the longitudinal edge of the inclined surface (28b), the lip (28c) slides radially inward past the lip (25c), and the adjacent portion (25) "clicks" back to its default position, thereby securing the flange (28) of the lid (2) in the proper position in the recess (18), as in Figure 5B and 5C At the adjacent flange pairs (24, 27; 26, 29), the same process occurs. The click sound allows the person closing the lid (2) to receive a tactile response when the lid (2) reaches the closed position within the recess (18) of the body. The same closing and / or locking process occurs at other latches (24, 26) that engage with flanges (27, 29) on other sides of the lid (2) and the recess (18), respectively.

[0075] The adjacent portion of the recess (18) of the main body (3) and the adjacent portion of the movable lid (2) are integral parts of the sample container unit (1) of the molded unit and are made of the same elastic flexible material as previously described. The reader will understand that the inclination of the inclined surfaces (24b, 25b, 26b, 27b, 28b, 29b), the composition of the material, and the dimensions of the adjacent portions (24a, 25a, 26a) are all configured to provide appropriate resistance to the closing of the container unit (1) to ensure that the lid (2) is locked using appropriate manual pressure from the user closing the lid.

[0076] Figure 5A 5B and 5C illustrate an embodiment of the invention suitable for spectral analysis of samples by reflection or transmission spectroscopy, wherein the sample to be tested forms an interface with a spectral element (i.e., a predetermined reflection / ATR element or a predetermined transmission window) according to the reflection and transmission spectroscopy techniques briefly explained above.

[0077] exist Figure 5A The embodiments shown in 5B and 5C are configured to receive and contain samples directly on the element. In the closed position, the bottom plate hole (32), the spectral element (31), and the cover hole (13) are aligned, and radiation can pass from the bottom plate hole (32) through the spectral element (31) to the cover hole (13). (For the reflection / ATR configuration, the radiation transmission through the element (31) into the cover hole (13) will be limited to an evanescent wave, as previously described). The inner wall (34) of the cover hole (13) and the spectral element (31) effectively form a well, as Figures 2A to 2F Well (4) is used to receive a sample or specimen. If the sample or specimen is loaded in well (4), it will be directly on the spectral element (31) and will also be aligned within the radiation path once loaded in well (4).

[0078] like Figure 5C As clearly shown, when loaded into the receiving unit (101) of the spectrometer, for example, as in Figure 3BAs shown, electromagnetic radiation can enter from below the sample container unit (1): thus the aperture (104) of the receiving unit (101), the bottom plate aperture (32), the spectral element (31), and the cover aperture (13) are aligned. As described above, the sample container unit (1) is sized such that when the sample container unit (1) is fitted into the receiving unit (101), the well (4) is aligned in the radiation path of the spectrometer. If the sample is loaded onto the spectral element (31), the sample will be precisely positioned in the relevant position in the optical path of the spectrometer to perform spectral analysis. Radiation from the spectrometer passes through the aperture (104) of the receiving unit (101), then through the bottom plate aperture (32) of the sample container unit (1), and enters the reflective element or transmission window (spectral element (31)) at a predetermined angle. In the ATE system, internal reflection occurs on the opposing surfaces of the ATE element (spectral element (31)) that form the sample / element interface: one or more beams of light internally reflected from the element at the sample / element interface leave the element and can be analyzed by the spectral analysis apparatus of the spectrometer. In the transmission system, the light beam passes through the transmission window (spectral element (31)) and is altered by the sample adjacent to the transmission window, and the spectrum of the altered light beam can be analyzed by the appropriate analytical device of the spectrometer.

[0079] When the movable cover (2) is in the closed position ( Figure 5B and 5C Samples can typically be loaded onto the spectral element (31) when the sample is in the open position, but can also be loaded onto the spectral element (31) when the sample is in the open position. Figure 5A )load.

[0080] Now back Figure 5A 5B and 5C, now the structure of the sample container unit (1) is described. For use in spectral analysis, a movable lid (2) can be adopted as follows: Figure 5B and 5C The closed position is shown. The cover (2) includes a cover hole (13). The inner wall (34) of the cover hole (13) extends to the spectral element (31). The inner wall (34) of the cover hole (13) and the spectral element (31) together form a well, equivalent to the well (4) described above, which is configured to receive a sample or specimen (not shown in the figure). The spectral element (31) covers a bottom plate hole (32) in the bottom plate (20) of the recess (18). A shallow groove (35) in the bottom plate (20) surrounds the opening of the bottom plate hole (32) in the bottom plate (20) of the recess, and the shallow groove is sized to receive the spectral element (31) and prevent its lateral movement. Figure 5B and 5C As shown, the element (31) located in the shallow groove (35) covers the sub-base plate hole (32). The sample to be analyzed can be placed directly on the spectral element (31), thereby forming an interface with the element (31).

[0081] The inner wall (34) of the cover opening (13) in the movable cover (2) includes the sealing device now described. At least the lower portion (33) of the inner wall (34) of the cover opening (13), indicated by the shaded line, is made of a sealing material. This can be a rubber or rubber-like material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TP∪). The sealing material (33) is bonded to the main material of the sample container unit (1) and forms an integral part of the cover (2) of the sample container unit (1), as explained below, the entire sample container unit (1) is formed in a single injection molding manufacturing process. The sealing material at the lower portion (33) of the sidewall (34) is softer than the material forming the rest of the sample container unit (1) and, in the closed position, abuts the peripheral portion of the upper surface of the spectral element (31). Because the sealing material (33) is relatively soft, slight deformation occurs at the interface adjacent to the spectral element (31), thereby applying pressure to the spectral element (31). The mechanical properties and dimensions of the sealing material (33) are configured to provide pressure to the spectral element (31) in a manner that prevents any damage to the spectral element but is sufficient to form a reliable seal at the interface between the sidewall (34) and the element (31). In this exemplary embodiment, when the cap (2) is in the closed position, the bottom surface of the well (4) is entirely formed by the spectral element (31). The spectral element (31) is effectively “clamped” between the bottom plate (20) and the sealing material (33), which serves to hold the element (31) in place and provide a leak-proof seal around the bottom of the well to properly contain the sample.

[0082] The closing device described above, such as the snap-fit ​​device detailed in previous chapters, is configured to hold the movable cover (2) in the closed position once the movable cover (2) is in the recess (18). The closing device, in conjunction with the sealing material (33), is configured to provide a downward retaining force on the cover (2) in the closed position, thereby providing the required pressure at the interface with the peripheral portion of the spectral element (31) via the sealing material (33), as described above.

[0083] The seal provided by the sealing material (33) at its interface with the spectral element (31) not only serves to maintain the proper position of the spectral element (31) in the shallow groove (35) and across the bottom plate hole (32), but also helps to form a reliable leak-proof seal around a sample (not shown) that may be in liquid form when positioned in a well (4) formed by the cap hole (13) and the spectral element (31). The sample, especially a liquid sample, located on the spectral element (31) in the well (4) is sealed by the sealing material (33) in contact with the spectral element (31). The seal formed at the interface between the sealing material (33) and the spectral element (31) surrounds the sample. The advantage of this arrangement is that a sample container unit (1) can be provided using a single, simple, and inexpensive manufacturing process, which holds the spectral element (31) in place and provides a good seal around the surface periphery of the spectral element (31) for holding the sample on the spectral element (31). This unit (1) is easy to load the sample and facilitates access to the receiving unit (101).

[0084] In an alternative embodiment (not shown) where the well size is larger than the element size, the lower portion (33) extends to the base plate (20) instead of to the spectral element (31).

[0085] In the sample container unit (1) for a reflection and ATR system, the spectral element (31) is an ATR element and can be formed from a suitable crystalline material (e.g., silicon or germanium). Although germanium is less brittle than silicon and is widely used as an ATR element, the sample container unit according to embodiments of the device disclosed herein provides enhanced protection for the element and can include a spectral element made of silicon, which is relatively inexpensive and easy to incorporate into a disposable device. The sealing device described above provides the additional benefit of cushioning the crystal and minimizing damage to it.

[0086] In the sample container unit (1) for a transmission spectrometer, the spectral element (31) is a transmission window made of a suitable material, such as zinc selenide, that is transparent to incident radiation and chosen to minimize interaction with the radiation. In practice, any effect of the window on the spectrum in the output beam is known or measurable, and the spectral analysis compensates for the window effect.

[0087] Figure 6Another embodiment of the device according to the disclosure herein is presented. In this embodiment, the movable lid (2) is not integral with the body (3) of the sample container unit (1), and the end (20a) of the recess (18) in the body (3) is a closed end, and is accordingly configured to have four sides (21, 22, 23, 23a). The recess (18) is configured to receive the movable lid (2), but without a thickness reduction portion (19) serving as a hinge. However, this configuration includes a closing device having snaps (24, 25, 26) and corresponding flanges (27, 28, 29), as described in the embodiments already described herein. In this embodiment, additional snap-flange devices (not shown) as previously described for other embodiments are contemplated on the fourth side of the lid (2) and at the closed end (20a) of the recess (18). The movable lid (2) can be inserted into the four-sided recess (18) and is configured to engage with it. The structure of the cover hole (13) includes an inner wall (34) having a lower portion (33) made of a softer sealing material, rubber or a rubber-like composite. Figure 6 The cover (2) comprising part (33) is made of materials that are not visible in the image, and is otherwise identical to other embodiments disclosed herein, forming a seal at the interface between the sealing material (33) and the spectral element (31). As in other embodiments, the cover (2) comprising part (33) is constructed by a single injection molding process having an overmolding process.

[0088] Figure 7A and 7B An embodiment of the device according to the present disclosure is shown, wherein the wall (34) of the cover hole (13) extends beyond the well and over the upper surface of the cover (2) to form an extended well (36), thereby providing greater protection for any loaded sample in the well. Figure 7C This embodiment is shown in cross-section. These figures show a well in circular form; however, this embodiment, as in all embodiments disclosed herein, can include wells of any geometry and shape, not limited to circular, rectangular, or square rows. A seal at the interface between the sealing material (33) and the spectral element (31) is provided as described with respect to other embodiments. A thickness reduction portion serving as a hinge (as shown) may or may not be present in the device, as discussed herein in relation to various aspects.

[0089] Figure 8A Another aspect of the device according to this disclosure is illustrated by example. In this aspect, shown in cross-section, the movable lid (2) and the body (3) of the sample container unit (1) are not connected by hinges such as the thickness reduction portion (19). Figure 6As in the embodiments described herein, the cover (2) and the body (3) are separate but mechanically mating components. The movable cover (2) can be moved to a closed position, in which the movable cover (2) is inserted into a recess or seat of the body (3) and can be held closed by a closing device, such as a snap-fit ​​device comprising at least one snap-fit ​​flange pair (25, 28), as described herein with respect to other embodiments. The closing device provides a retaining force on the cover (2), forcing the cover (2) to engage with the spectral element (31), which in turn is forced to engage with the sealing material (33) contained in the base plate of the recess of the body (3) with respect to Figure 2F The joint is as described above (corresponding reference numerals are provided in square brackets in FIG8). The seal formed at the interface between the sealing material (33) and the spectral element (31) functions in a manner similar to that described for other embodiments. As in the other embodiments described above, the body (3) and the cover (2) can be joined by a thickness reduction portion (19) such that the body (3) and the cover (2) together form a single integral part (not shown in the figure).

[0090] Based on the information disclosed in this article and Figure 8B In another aspect of the device shown in cross-section, the sample container unit (1) includes a body (3) having a recess (18) with a lid (2) configured to be completely non-removable. In this embodiment, a sealing material (33) is formed on the lower part of the side of the recess (18), which is closed at the end (20a) by a fourth side (23a). The size of the recess (18) is slightly smaller than the size of the spectral element (31) located at the bottom of the recess (18), such that the sealing material (33) on the lower part of the recess sides (21, 22, 23, 23a) directly engages with the spectral element (31), thereby forming a seal between the sides (21, 22, 23, 23a) (not fully visible in the figure) and the element (31). The spectral element (31) is held in place by the sealing material (33) on the recess sides. The size of the bottom plate hole (32) is smaller than that of the element (31) spanning the bottom plate hole (32), and the recess (18) serves as a well (4), as described with respect to other embodiments. The recess is configured to receive a sample placed directly on the element (31).

[0091] As described above, the exemplary embodiment of the sample container unit (1) described above can be used for reflectance and transmission spectral analysis and configured for use in a corresponding spectrometer: the spectral element (31', 31) can be a reflectance / ATR element or a transmission window and is made of a suitable material as described above.

[0092] Figure 9A and 9BAnother exemplary embodiment of a sample container unit (1) for use, particularly with a transmission spectrometer, is shown. In this embodiment, the spectral element is a transmission window (231, 231a): the sample container unit (1) includes a first transmission window (231) and a second transmission window (231a) mounted on a frame (202). The inner wall (234) of the frame (202), together with the two transmission windows (231, 231a), effectively forms a transmission unit for containing the sample in the space (213) thus formed. The transmission unit is a sealed container with windows at opposite ends through which the radiation beam from the spectrometer can pass, and the transmission unit window itself has a small effect on the spectrum of the radiation (or a known effect that can be compensated for).

[0093] This type of transmission unit can be used in transmission spectroscopy, and its basic principles are already known about Figure 1B In summary: the first window (231) allows incident radiation to pass through, which then passes through the material (the sample to be analyzed) contained in the transmission unit and exits the transmission unit via the second window (231a). As described with respect to other previous embodiments, according to Figure 9A and 9B The sample container unit (1) of the embodiment shown can cooperate with the receiving unit of the spectrometer to ensure that the window and the sample are aligned in the radiation path of the transmission spectrometer. This cooperation can be achieved by a sliding device or any other cooperation device, as described above in other embodiments.

[0094] As described in the foregoing embodiments, including as Figure 9A and 9BThe sample container unit (1) of the transmission unit can be manufactured by a single injection molding process including overmolding, wherein at least one transmission window (231, 231a) is sealed to the frame (202) of the unit (1) using a sealing material (233, 233a). The window is held in place by the sealing material (233, 233a) already described, which is included in the inner wall (234) of the frame (202), at the interface where the inner wall (234) meets the first window (231) and the second window (231a), such that the two windows (231, 231a) are sealed in place in the aforementioned manner. At least one of the windows (231, 231a) can be mounted in a cover (218, 218a), which can be fixed to the frame (202) or movable relative to the frame, and can be displaced by insertion, rotation, removal, etc., to allow sample material to be introduced into the transmission unit. The corresponding body (203, 203a) is configured to be closed and sealed in a sealing material (233, 233a). The transmission windows (231, 231a) are sized to fit into receiving recesses (235, 235a) formed around cover holes (232, 232a) in the corresponding bodies (203, 203a).

[0095] As described in the foregoing embodiments, the wall (234) can rotate on the body (203, 203a) via a hinge device (not shown) and can be formed as a single component comprising a frame (202) and a wall (234), which are connected by a thickness reduction portion (219) (not shown), similar to the thickness reduction portion described with respect to other embodiments. Alternatively, the body (203, 203a) can be formed as a separate entity distinct from the frame (202). Closing devices (225, 225a) for the body (203, 203a) can be screws, clamps, or snap-fits (not all shown) to generate the force required to form a seal in the manner already described. In a manner similar to that already described, when the body (203, 203a) is in the closed position, the closing device (225, 225a) applies pressure to the window (231, 231a) located on the sealing material (233, 233a) and together with it provides a seal, corresponding to the seal provided in other embodiments. The seal is sufficient to hold the sample in the transmission unit. The transmission unit may include a sample window (237) which provides optional means for introducing sample material into the transmission unit.

[0096] As described above, one advantage of the transmission unit is that the sample is completely contained within it, eliminating the risk of spillage and making transmission suitable for the analysis of liquid and volatile samples. Alignment in spectrometers with different orientations (including horizontal beams) becomes easier due to the transmission unit. The transmission unit can be connected to a pump via a hose (238) to facilitate sample analysis under vacuum or overpressure or under continuous flow conditions.

[0097] The following section relates to the manufacturing process of the device according to this disclosure: As already cited, the sample container unit (1) having a movable lid (2) can be manufactured as a single piece, for example, as Figure 4A As shown in 5A, 7A, and 8A, this can be manufactured using a single injection molding process, which may include one or more overmolding steps to combine two or more different plastic materials. The steps performed in this process are now described in detail.

[0098] First, a base layer is produced using a first material, which can be a relatively hard plastic-like material, through injection molding or another manufacturing technique. Then, a second material, different from the first material and possessing different physical properties (e.g., rubber or a rubber-like material), is molded onto this base layer. The final product of this process is a single, integral component comprising selected parts with different properties and functions. For example, the first material can provide the component's main structural and mechanical strength, while the second material, with its relatively softer portions, can be adapted for manufacturing ergonomic or sealing components. Such a process reduces the number of parts and production time because two functions can be achieved with a single component. Manufacturing complexity and costs are correspondingly reduced.

[0099] There are two main methods for producing overmolded parts: insert molding and secondary / multiple / combined molding. Both methods can be used to manufacture embodiments of the equipment disclosed herein. Insert molding takes a pre-manufactured part and places it in an overmolding tool, which is then overmolded in an injection molding machine to form a multi-material part. Insert molding can be used to mold: plastic-over-metal, rubber-over-metal, plastic-over-plastic, or rubber-over-plastic. In both plastic overmolding techniques, two separate injection molding steps are typically used to manufacture the finished part. The base layer is produced in the first injection molding step, then cooled before placing the part in a second tool, and the second injection molding step completes the part. Insert molding generally has lower start-up costs because the tooling is simpler, but the part cost is higher because manual labor is required to place the part into the mold. Secondary molding requires more upfront investment because the tooling is more complex, but the part cost is lower because it automates part production.

[0100] In contrast, secondary / multi-stage / combined molding utilizes a single process to manufacture overmolded parts. This method requires more complex injection molding tools because it necessitates more moving parts, thus allowing for the production of multi-material parts. For overmolded parts made of two materials, the machine starts by injection molding the base layer, after which the machine is started. Once the machine is running, the part is automatically aligned with a separate cavity in which the second material is molded onto the part completed in the first stage.

[0101] Regarding the apparatus disclosed herein, the reader will understand that the sample container unit (1) can be molded into a single integral unit corresponding to the base layer, as in the injection molding process steps described above: the body (3, 203, 203a), the thickness reduction portion (19), and the movable lid (2) can be provided as single components formed from the base layer, for example in Figure 4A and 4BAs shown, or alternatively, the body (3, 203, 203a) and the movable cover (2) can be manufactured as two separate parts configured to be joined as described above. The second material formed on the substrate by the overmolding process described above includes the aforementioned sealing material (33', 33, 233), which is relatively flexible relative to the substrate material and serves to provide the aforementioned sealing function. The overmolding process binds or fuses the sealing material (33, 33, 233) to the lower portion of the inner sidewalls (5, 21, 22, 23, 23a, 34', 34, 234) of the cavity, as in the embodiments described herein. Alternatively, in embodiments without the cover (2), the sealing material is overmolded to the lower portion of the recess sidewalls (21, 22, 23).

[0102] The reader will recognize that, according to embodiments of the device disclosed herein, samples can be loaded into the sample container unit (1) outside the spectrometer. In particular, compared to conventional sealed container devices, the device described herein is not only much more convenient for the operator but also ensures that the spectrometer is not contaminated by stray amounts of the sample. The device described herein is particularly suitable for toxic or corrosive samples. The previously described easy-to-assemble device ensures that when the loaded sample container unit (1) enters the receiving unit (101), the loaded sample is correctly aligned in the correct position for proper spectral analysis. This eliminates the risk of misalignment due to human error.

[0103] Readers will further recognize that this low-cost sample container unit, a product of the aforementioned simple, low-cost, low-dispersion process, can be mass-produced and consumed: it can be effectively used as a single-use item. This allows operators or analysts to load large quantities of sample container units for rapid turnover within the spectrometer. The sample container unit's dimensions of a few centimeters in length and width (e.g., approximately 4cm × 2cm) further facilitate mobility and provide a convenient size for handheld use. The small size reduces manufacturing costs, allows for large-scale storage, and permits single-use.

[0104] Traditional spectrometer systems may include crystal elements, such as diamond or germanium, which can form fixed parts of the spectrometer equipment. These elements are fragile and easily damaged and contaminated, requiring protection and repeated cleaning. Such materials are expensive. It should also be understood that, according to embodiments of the apparatus disclosed herein, the sample container unit can be formed to include, and therefore can be, disposable elements, thereby reducing the need to protect the elements from damage. In disposable sample container units, the need for repeated cleaning of elements is effectively eliminated; instead, the operator uses the next available disposable unit. This advantage is enhanced in embodiments using silicon crystal elements instead of germanium. Furthermore, due to its low-cost reproducibility, the apparatus disclosed herein can also facilitate methods for stacking or stocking samples of different materials or multiple identical samples, where samples can be examined or re-examined over a period of time (including extended periods), which is very expensive in high-cost conventional apparatuses.

[0105] Although this disclosure references numerous aspects and examples of embodiments, it should be understood that the embodiments are not limited to those explicitly referenced herein: all aspects and embodiments can be modified by any alterations, changes, variations, or substitutions, including those not specifically mentioned herein. Where some features of various examples or embodiments appear in some examples, embodiments, or drawings but not in others, this is merely for brevity and clarity. Therefore, any component or feature of any example, embodiment, or drawing may be referenced in combination with any component or feature of any other example, embodiment, or drawing. Components, features, and structures of the aspects and embodiments disclosed herein can be suitably combined, and this disclosure should be construed as including all combinations and substitutions of the features referenced herein. Therefore, embodiments of the invention should not be construed as limited to the foregoing written description, but only to the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for containing liquid samples for spectroscopic analysis, comprising a detachable injection-molded sample container unit (1), said sample container unit (1) comprising: - A cover (2) including a cover hole (13) having an inner wall (5, 34, 234), a portion of which is bonded to a sealing material (33′, 33, 233), the sealing material forming a single integral part with the inner wall; as well as - A body (3, 203) having a recess (18), the recess (18) including a recess bottom plate (20) having a bottom plate hole (32′, 32, 232, 232a) in the recess bottom plate (20), and a first spectral element spanning the bottom plate hole (32′, 32, 232, 232a), the first spectral element being one of a reflective element for reflectance spectral analysis or a transmission window for transmission spectral analysis; The cover (2) is movable between an open position and a closed position, and the recess (18) of the body (3, 203) is configured to receive the movable cover (2) in the closed position, and the inner wall of the cover hole (5, 34, 234) and the first spectral element are configured to form a well (4) for receiving a sample in the closed position.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The well (4), the bottom plate holes (32′, 32, 232) and the first spectral element are configured to be aligned with each other and the bottom plate holes (32′, 32, 232) are configured to reach the first spectral element by radiation from the radiation source.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sealing material (33', 33, 233) is bonded to the inner wall (5, 34, 234) of the cap hole by overmolding.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein, The sealing material (33', 33, 233) is configured to form a seal at the junction of the inner wall of the cover hole (5, 34, 234) and the first spectral element in the closed position and to hold the first spectral element in place.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein, The main body (3, 203) and the movable cover (2) are connected to each other by a thickness reduction portion (19), wherein the movable cover (2), the main body (3, 203) and the thickness reduction portion (19) form a single integral component.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein, The reduced thickness portion (19) is flexible and is configured to form a hinge between the movable cover (2) and the body (3, 203) for pivoting movement of the movable cover (2) relative to the body (3, 203).

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein, In the closed position, the closing device is configured to hold the movable cover (2) in the closed position on the base plate (20) of the body (3, 203) and force the sealing material (33′, 33, 233) into sealed contact with the first spectral element.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein, The closing device includes a latching device comprising one or more latch-flange pairs, wherein for each latch-flange pair, either the inner side (21, 22, 23) of the recess (18) or the outer side (30) of the movable cover (2) includes a latch (24, 25, 26) configured to engage with a flange (27, 28, 29) included in another of the inner side (21, 22, 23) of the recess (18) or the outer side (30) of the movable cover (2).

9. The system of claim 8 further includes a receiving unit (101) removably fixed to the spectrometer, the receiving unit (101) including a recess (102) configured to receive the sample container unit (1), wherein the sample container unit (1) is configured to reversibly engage with the recess (102) of the receiving unit (101).

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the receiving unit further comprises a receiving unit aperture (104) for receiving radiation from the radiation source of the spectrometer, wherein, When the sample container unit (1) mates with the recess (102), the bottom plate hole (32', 32, 232, 232a) is aligned with the receiving unit hole (104) and the radiation source, and the first spectral element is aligned to receive radiation from the radiation source.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The sample container unit (1) is configured to slide into the recess (102) and be releasably fixed in the recess (102).

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein, One of the sample container unit (1) and the recess (102) has an elongated groove (107, 108), and the other of the sample container unit (1) and the recess (102) has an elongated flange (9, 10). The elongated groove (107, 108) is configured to releasably accommodate the elongated flange (9, 10).

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein, The first spectral element is an ATR crystal element, which is composed of one of silicon, germanium, zinc selenide, or diamond.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the transmission window is composed of one of calcium fluoride, sapphire, zinc selenide, potassium bromide, barium fluoride, sodium chloride, or fused silica.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the inner wall (234) of the cover hole extends away from the body (3, 203) to form a frame (202) having a space (213) for receiving the sample.

16. The system according to claim 15 further includes a second transmission window (231a) located on the other side of the space (213) opposite to the transmission window (231) in a second body (203a), the transmission windows (231, 231a), the body (203, 203a) and the frame (202) together forming a transmission unit for transmission spectral analysis.

17. The system according to any one of claims 1-2 and 4-16, wherein the sealing material is rubber.

18. The system of claim 3, wherein the sealing material is rubber.

19. A method for preparing a sample container unit (1) of the system according to claim 1, wherein a movable lid (2) is manufactured in a first manufacturing process and a body (3, 203) of the sample container unit (1) is manufactured in a second manufacturing process by injection molding, wherein the movable lid (2) and the body (3, 203) each constitute a single integral component.

20. A method for manufacturing a sample container unit (1) of the system according to claim 5, 6 or 7 by injection molding in a third manufacturing process, wherein the movable lid (2) is manufactured together with the body (3, 203) as a single integral part.

21. The method of claim 19 or 20, wherein each of the manufacturing processes comprises injection molding of a first material, the first material comprising a thermoplastic or a rigid polymer, a single integral part being constructed of the first material, and wherein, The manufacturing process further includes overmolding a sealing material (33', 33, 233) onto the first material, wherein the sealing material (33', 33, 233) is soft relative to the first material and is a thermoplastic elastomer.

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