Laboratory equipment

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to laboratory equipment including a laboratory needle for automated fluid delivery, a laboratory mixing vessel, a reduced friction laboratory powder dispenser, a laboratory vial, and a fluid-enabled and / or vacuum-enabled powder dispenser.

Description

LABORATORY EQUIPMENTSTATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST

[0001] This invention was made with government support under contract number HR00121C0027 awarded by the Department of Defense (DoD) - Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The government has certain rights in the invention.CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] The present disclosure claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 586,060, filed September 28, 2023; US Provisional Patent Application Serial No.63 / 586,517, filed September 29, 2023; US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 586,536, filed September 29, 2023; US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 586,522, filed September 29, 2023; and US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 586,543, filed September 29, 2023; all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to laboratory equipment including a laboratory needle for automated fluid delivery, a laboratory mixing vessel, a reduced friction laboratory powder dispenser, a laboratory vial, and a fluid-enabled and / or vacuum-enabled powder dispenser.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Features and advantages of various embodiments of the claimed subject matter will become apparent as the following Detailed Description proceeds, and upon reference to the Drawings, wherein like numerals designate like parts, and in which:

[0005] FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate an example syringe needle annealing methodology according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0006] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate perspective views of a laboratory mixing vessel according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0007] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate views of a laboratory mixing vessel according to other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0008] FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate perspective views of a reduced friction laboratory powder dispenser according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0009] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate views of a reduced friction laboratory powder dispenser according to other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIGS. 6A- 6D illustrate perspective views of a laboratory vial according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIGS. 7 A and 7B illustrate perspective views of a laboratory powder dispenser according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0012] FIG. 8 illustrates a laboratory powder dispenser according to other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] Although the following Detailed Description will proceed with reference being made to illustrative embodiments, many alternatives, modifications and variations thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Laboratory Needle

[0015] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an annealing method for a conventional syringe needle is provided. A conventional syringe needle may be formed of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, sold under the trade name Teflon ®), fluorinated ethylenepropylene (FEP), polychlorotrifluoroetheylene (PCTFE), and / or other known or after-developed polymers, etc., and is typically flexible, which may be disadvantageous in certain operating environments, for example, dispensing caustic and / or highly acidic solutions using robotic (automated) dispensing mechanisms.

[0016] FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate an example syringe needle annealing methodology 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS. 1A illustrates a conventional syringe needle 102, such as a needle formed of PTFE, FEP or PCTFE. The conventional needle 102 is usually flexible and is often curved due to manufacturing processes, as shown in FIG. 1A. However, a conventional flexible (and curved) needle 102 is inappropriate to use for dispensing caustic and / or highly acidic solutions. In addition, the flexible nature of the needle 102 is too inaccurate for use with a robotic automated dispensing process where the needle 102 would be moved in the z-direction while maintaining accurate control and registration in the x-y plane.

[0017] Accordingly, FIG. IB illustrates first steps in an example process to anneal the needle 102 to provide an annealed syringe needle that is stiffened and straightened for accuracy in robotic processes, and robust to reduce degradation in dispensing caustic and / or highly acidic solutions. In this example, a 1 / 8 inch (OD) stainless steel tube 104 is used as a mold. The flexible needle 102 is inserted into the bore of the tube 104. In some embodiments, the “hat” portion 103 (e.g., Kel-F ® end) is removed prior to insertion of the needle 102 into the tubing 104, as illustrated.

[0018] FIG. 1C illustrates additional steps of the annealing process. To aid in molding of the needle, in some embodiments, a stainless steel luer lock syringe needle 106 (e.g., 22-guage (1 / 32”) syringe needle) is inserted into the bore of the flexible needle 102, as illustrated in FIG. 1C. Thus, the needle 102 is confined by the stainless steel tubing 104 and the stainless steel needle 106. In embodiments described herein, annealing of the flexible needle 102 is generally provided byheating the needle 102 to a high enough temperature so that the polymer conforms to the tube 104 and the stainless steel needle 106.

[0019] By way of example, if the syringe needle 102 is formed of PTFE, the unit shown in FIG. 1C is heated to approximately 525 degrees F from an ambient temperature over three hours in a convention oven (not shown), and then held at approximately 525 degrees F. for approximately one hour in the convection oven (not shown). After 1 hour, the oven is turned off, and the unit is allowed to cool to ambient temperature at a cooling rate of approximately 50 degrees F. per hour. The unit is removed from the oven and allowed to equilibrate for at least 30 minutes. After an equilibration period, the needle 106 is removed from the bore of the syringe needle 102, and the needle 102 is removed from the bore mold 104. The resulting annealed syringe needle 102’ is illustrated in FIG. ID. As shown in FIG. ID, the annealed syringe needle 102’ is straighter and stiffer than the original needle 102 and has increased robustness to operate effectively in harsh environments.

[0020] By way of another example, if the syringe needle 102 is formed of PCTFE, the unit shown in FIG. 1C is heated to approximately 225 degrees F from an ambient temperature over three hours in a convention oven (not shown), and then held at approximately 225 degrees F. for approximately one hour in the convection oven (not shown). After 1 hour, the oven is turned off, and the unit is allowed to cool to ambient temperature at a cooling rate of approximately 50 degrees F. per hour. The unit is removed from the oven and allowed to equilibrate for at least 30 minutes. After an equilibration period, the needle 106 is removed from the bore of the needle 102, and the needle 102 is removed from the bore mold 104. The resulting annealed syringe needle 102’ is illustrated in FIG. ID.

[0021] By way of another example, if the syringe needle 102 is formed of FEP, the unit shown in FIG. 1C is heated to approximately 450 degrees F from an ambient temperature over three hours in a convention oven (not shown), and then held at approximately 450 degrees F. for approximately one hour in the convection oven (not shown). After 1 hour, the oven is turned off, and the unit is allowed to cool to ambient temperature at a cooling rate of approximately 50 degrees F. per hour. The unit is removed from the oven and allowed to equilibrate for at least 30 minutes. After an equilibration period, the needle 106 is removed from the bore of the needle 102, and the needle102 is removed from the bore mold 104. The resulting annealed syringe needle 102’ is illustrated in FIG. ID.

[0022] Of course, the heating temperature and the heating time may be adjusted based on, for example, the material of the syringe needle 102, the overall dimensions of the syringe needle 102, and a desired annealed “stiffness” of the syringe needle 102’. In the example embodiment described above, the annealed syringe needle 102’ has a stiffness of greater than 2 X 105Newton meters / Kg. Accordingly, the tip portion 108 of annealed needle 102’ is limited to a controlled deflection amount in the X-Y plane, which is suitable for automated dispensing processes using a robotic arm (not shown), for example less than 3 mm in the XY plane, and preferably less than 2 mm in the XY plane. The deflection of the annealed tip portion 108 is generally based on an anticipated acceleration of the annealed needle 102’, as may be present in an automated laboratory setting. In some embodiments, the “straightness” of the needle is determined as less than 3 mm deviation per 75 mm of length.

[0023] Accordingly, one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of annealing a syringe needle for laboratory use. The method includes inserting a flexible syringe needle into a tube, the flexible syringe needle having a bore and a liquid dispensing tip portion; inserting a straight needle into the bore of the syringe needle; heating the tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle to anneal the flexible syringe needle into an annealed needle; and cooling the tube, flexible syringe needle and the annealed needle. The tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle are heated to form the annealed needle having a tip deflection no greater than 3 mm.

[0024] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of annealing a syringe needle for laboratory use. The method includes inserting a flexible syringe needle into a tube, the flexible syringe needle having a bore and a liquid dispensing tip portion; inserting a straight needle into the bore of the syringe needle; heating the tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle to anneal the flexible syringe needle into an annealed needle; and cooling the tube, flexible syringe needle and the annealed needle. The tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle are heated to form the annealed needle having a tip deflection no greater than 3 mm. The tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle are heated from ambient temperature to approximately 525degrees F. over three hours in a convection oven, and then held at approximately 525 degrees F. for one hour in the oven.

[0025] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of annealing a syringe needle for laboratory use. The method includes inserting a flexible syringe needle into a tube, the flexible syringe needle having a bore and a liquid dispensing tip portion; inserting a straight needle into the bore of the syringe needle; heating the tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle to anneal the flexible syringe needle into an annealed needle; and cooling the tube, flexible syringe needle and the annealed needle. The tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle are heated to form the annealed needle having a tip deflection no greater than 3 mm. The tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle are heated from ambient temperature to approximately 525 degrees F. over three hours in a convection oven, and then held at approximately 525 degrees F. for one hour in the oven. After one hour the oven is turned off, and the tube, syringe needle and straight needle are cooled at approximately 50 degrees per hour until the tube, syringe needle and straight needle reach ambient temperature.

[0026] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of annealing a syringe needle for laboratory use. The method includes inserting a flexible syringe needle into a tube, the flexible syringe needle having a bore and a liquid dispensing tip portion; inserting a straight needle into the bore of the syringe needle; heating the tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle to anneal the flexible syringe needle into an annealed needle; and cooling the tube, flexible syringe needle and the annealed needle. The tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle are heated to form the annealed needle having a tip deflection no greater than 3 mm. The tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle are heated from ambient temperature to approximately 225 degrees F. over three hours in a convection oven, and then held at approximately 225 degrees F. for one hour in the oven.

[0027] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of annealing a syringe needle for laboratory use. The method includes inserting a flexible syringe needle into a tube, the flexible syringe needle having a bore and a liquid dispensing tip portion; inserting a straight needle into the bore of the syringe needle; heating the tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle toanneal the flexible syringe needle into an annealed needle; and cooling the tube, flexible syringe needle and the annealed needle. The tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle arc heated to form the annealed needle having a tip deflection no greater than 3 mm. The tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle are heated from ambient temperature to approximately 225 degrees F. over three hours in a convection oven, and then held at approximately 225 degrees F. for one hour in the oven. After one hour the oven is turned off, and the tube, syringe needle and straight needle are cooled at approximately 50 degrees per hour until the tube, syringe needle and straight needle reach ambient temperature.

[0028] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of annealing a syringe needle for laboratory use. The method includes inserting a flexible syringe needle into a tube, the flexible syringe needle having a bore and a liquid dispensing tip portion; inserting a straight needle into the bore of the syringe needle; heating the tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle to anneal the flexible syringe needle into an annealed needle; and cooling the tube, flexible syringe needle and the annealed needle. The tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle are heated to form the annealed needle having a tip deflection no greater than 3 mm. The tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle are heated from ambient temperature to approximately 450 degrees F. over three hours in a convection oven, and then held at approximately 450 degrees F. for one hour in the oven.

[0029] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of annealing a syringe needle for laboratory use. The method includes inserting a flexible syringe needle into a tube, the flexible syringe needle having a bore and a liquid dispensing tip portion; inserting a straight needle into the bore of the syringe needle; heating the tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle to anneal the flexible syringe needle into an annealed needle; and cooling the tube, flexible syringe needle and the annealed needle. The tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle are heated to form the annealed needle having a tip deflection no greater than 3 mm. The tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle are heated from ambient temperature to approximately 450 degrees F. over three hours in a convection oven, and then held at approximately 450 degrees F. for one hour in the oven. After one hour the oven is turned off, and the tube, syringe needle andstraight needle are cooled at approximately 50 degrees per hour until the tube, syringe needle and straight needle reach ambient temperature.

[0030] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of annealing a syringe needle for laboratory use. The method includes inserting a flexible syringe needle into a tube, the flexible syringe needle having a bore and a liquid dispensing tip portion; inserting a straight needle into the bore of the syringe needle; heating the tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle to anneal the flexible syringe needle into an annealed needle; and cooling the tube, flexible syringe needle and the annealed needle. The tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle are heated to form the annealed needle having a tip deflection no greater than 3 mm. The flexible syringe needle is formed of a polymer selected from PTFE, PCTFE and FEP.

[0031] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of annealing a syringe needle for laboratory use. The method includes inserting a flexible syringe needle into a tube, the flexible syringe needle having a bore and a liquid dispensing tip portion; inserting a straight needle into the bore of the syringe needle; heating the tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle to anneal the flexible syringe needle into an annealed needle; and cooling the tube, flexible syringe needle and the annealed needle. The tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle are heated to form the annealed needle having a tip deflection no greater than 3 mm. The tube and straight needle are formed of a material selected from at least one of stainless steel, steel, iron, and aluminum.

[0032] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of annealing a syringe needle for laboratory use. The method includes inserting a flexible syringe needle formed of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) into a tube, the flexible syringe needle having a bore and a liquid dispensing tip portion; inserting a straight needle into the bore of the syringe needle; heating the tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle in a convention oven to anneal the flexible syringe needle into an annealed needle; wherein the tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle are heated from ambient temperature to approximately 525 degrees F. over three hours in the convection oven, and held at approximately 525 degrees F. for one hour in the oven; and cooling the tube, flexible syringe needle and the annealed needle. The tube, flexible syringe needle andstraight needle are heated to form the annealed needle having a tip deflection no greater than 3 mm.

[0033] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of annealing a syringe needle for laboratory use. The method includes inserting a flexible syringe needle formed of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) into a tube, the flexible syringe needle having a bore and a liquid dispensing tip portion; inserting a straight needle into the bore of the syringe needle; heating the tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle in a convention oven to anneal the flexible syringe needle into an annealed needle; wherein the tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle are heated from ambient temperature to approximately 525 degrees F. over three hours in the convection oven, and held at approximately 525 degrees F. for one hour in the oven; and cooling the tube, flexible syringe needle and the annealed needle. The tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle are heated to form the annealed needle having a tip deflection no greater than 3 mm. After one hour the oven is turned off, and the tube, syringe needle and straight needle are cooled at approximately 50 degrees per hour until the tube, syringe needle and straight needle reach ambient temperature.

[0034] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of annealing a syringe needle for laboratory use. The method includes inserting a flexible syringe needle formed of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) into a tube, the flexible syringe needle having a bore and a liquid dispensing tip portion; inserting a straight needle into the bore of the syringe needle; heating the tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle in a convention oven to anneal the flexible syringe needle into an annealed needle; wherein the tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle are heated from ambient temperature to approximately 525 degrees F. over three hours in the convection oven, and held at approximately 525 degrees F. for one hour in the oven; and cooling the tube, flexible syringe needle and the annealed needle. The tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle are heated to form the annealed needle having a tip deflection no greater than 3 mm. The tube and straight needle are formed of a material selected from at least one of stainless steel, steel, iron, and aluminum.

[0035] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of annealing a syringe needle for laboratory use. The method includes inserting a flexible syringe needle formed ofpolychlorotrifluoroetheylene (PCTFE) into a tube, the flexible syringe needle having a bore and a liquid dispensing tip portion; inserting a straight needle into the bore of the syringe needle; heating the tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle in a convention oven to anneal the flexible syringe needle into an annealed needle; wherein the tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle are heated from ambient temperature to approximately 225 degrees F. over three hours in the convection oven, and held at approximately 225 degrees F. for one hour in the oven; and cooling the tube, flexible syringe needle and the annealed needle. The tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle are heated to form the annealed needle having a tip deflection no greater than 3 mm.

[0036] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of annealing a syringe needle for laboratory use. The method includes inserting a flexible syringe needle formed of polychlorotrifluoroetheylene (PCTFE) into a tube, the flexible syringe needle having a bore and a liquid dispensing tip portion; inserting a straight needle into the bore of the syringe needle; heating the tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle in a convention oven to anneal the flexible syringe needle into an annealed needle; wherein the tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle are heated from ambient temperature to approximately 225 degrees F. over three hours in the convection oven, and held at approximately 225 degrees F. for one hour in the oven; and cooling the tube, flexible syringe needle and the annealed needle. The tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle are heated to form the annealed needle having a tip deflection no greater than 3 mm. After one hour the oven is turned off, and the tube, syringe needle and straight needle are cooled at approximately 50 degrees per hour until the tube, syringe needle and straight needle reach ambient temperature. After one hour the oven is turned off, and the tube, syringe needle and straight needle are cooled at approximately 50 degrees per hour until the tube, syringe needle and straight needle reach ambient temperature.

[0037] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of annealing a syringe needle for laboratory use. The method includes inserting a flexible syringe needle formed of polychlorotrifluoroetheylene (PCTFE) into a tube, the flexible syringe needle having a bore and a liquid dispensing tip portion; inserting a straight needle into the bore of the syringe needle; heating the tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle in a convention oven to anneal the flexible syringe needle into an annealed needle; wherein the tube, flexible syringe needle andstraight needle are heated from ambient temperature to approximately 225 degrees F. over three hours in the convection oven, and held at approximately 225 degrees F. for one hour in the oven; and cooling the tube, flexible syringe needle and the annealed needle. The tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle are heated to form the annealed needle having a tip deflection no greater than 3 mm. The tube and straight needle are formed of a material selected from at least one of stainless steel, steel, iron, and aluminum.

[0038] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of annealing a syringe needle for laboratory use. The method includes inserting a flexible syringe needle formed of fluorinated ethylene-propylene (FEP) into a tube, the flexible syringe needle having a bore and a liquid dispensing tip portion; inserting a straight needle into the bore of the syringe needle; heating the tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle in a convention oven to anneal the flexible syringe needle into an annealed needle; wherein the tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle are heated from ambient temperature to approximately 450 degrees F. over three hours in the convection oven, and held at approximately 450 degrees F. for one hour in the oven; and cooling the tube, flexible syringe needle and the annealed needle. The tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle are heated to form the annealed needle having a tip deflection no greater than 3 mm.

[0039] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of annealing a syringe needle for laboratory use. The method includes inserting a flexible syringe needle formed of fluorinated ethylene-propylene (FEP) into a tube, the flexible syringe needle having a bore and a liquid dispensing tip portion; inserting a straight needle into the bore of the syringe needle; heating the tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle in a convention oven to anneal the flexible syringe needle into an annealed needle; wherein the tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle are heated from ambient temperature to approximately 450 degrees F. over three hours in the convection oven, and held at approximately 450 degrees F. for one hour in the oven; and cooling the tube, flexible syringe needle and the annealed needle. The tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle are heated to form the annealed needle having a tip deflection no greater than 3 mm. After one hour the oven is turned off, and the tube, syringe needle and straight needle are cooled at approximately 50 degrees per hour until the tube, syringe needle and straight needle reach ambient temperature.

[0040] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of annealing a syringe needle for laboratory use. The method includes inserting a flexible syringe needle formed of fluorinated ethylene-propylene (FEP) into a tube, the flexible syringe needle having a bore and a liquid dispensing tip portion; inserting a straight needle into the bore of the syringe needle; heating the tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle in a convention oven to anneal the flexible syringe needle into an annealed needle; wherein the tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle are heated from ambient temperature to approximately 450 degrees F. over three hours in the convection oven, and held at approximately 450 degrees F. for one hour in the oven; and cooling the tube, flexible syringe needle and the annealed needle. The tube, flexible syringe needle and straight needle are heated to form the annealed needle having a tip deflection no greater than 3 mm. The tube and straight needle are formed of a material selected from at least one of stainless steel, steel, iron, and aluminum.

[0041] Laboratory Mixing Vessel

[0042] hi another aspect of the present disclosure a laboratory mixing vessel is provided. FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate perspective views of a laboratory mixing vessel 200 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The vessel 200 includes a body portion 202 and a lid 204. A flange clamp 206 is configured to mate with the body portion 202 and lid 204 to removeably affix the lid 204 to the body portion 202. The flange clamp 206 includes a first semicircular member 207A and a second semicircular member 207B generally form fitting around a circumference of the lid 204. The flange clamp 206 includes a pivot member 208 to pivotally couple together the first member 207 A and the second member 207B. The flange clamp 206 also includes a clamp mechanism 210 (e.g., hand-rotatable, screw-type mechanism) to clamp and unclamp the first member 207 A and the second member 207B to and from the lid 204 and body portion 202. The body portion 202 includes a base flange portion 212 having one or more openings 214 to mount the vessel 200 to a selected surface (using, for example, mounting screws, etc.). The body portion 202 also includes vacuum connectors 216A and 216B in fluid communication with an interior volume of the body portion 202. Vacuum connectors 216A and 216B may include known and / or after-developed connector mechanism that may be coupled to a vacuum hose and / or vacuum supply line. The openings in the body portion 202 to receive the connectors 216A and 216B may be threaded (and the connectors 216A and 216B may include mating threaded portions),and adhesive (e.g., epoxy, thread sealing tape, etc.) may he applied to the threads to provide an air tight seal around the connectors 216A and 216B.

[0043] FIG. 2B illustrates an exploded view of the mixing vessel 200, with the lid 204 removed from the body portion 202. As illustrated, the body portion 202 includes an interior concave surface 220 defining an interior volume between the surface 220 and the lid 204. The surface 220 includes a plurality of openings, one of which is called out at 222. The openings 222 are generally disposed about a center point of the surface 220, and are generally equally spaced apart from one another. The diameter of the openings 222 may be form-fitted to receive industry standard vials, for example, 4mL. vials, and / or custom or proprietary vial sizes, etc. The surface 220 may also include a central opening 224 of removed material which may reduce the overall weight of the vessel 200. The size of opening 224 may be selected, for example, based on weight considerations, rotational inertial considerations, etc. A seal / gasket 218 may be disposed around a periphery of the surface 220. The seal / gasket 220 may include surface features to mate with the lid 204 and / or body 202 to provide a liquid-tight and air-tight seal between the lid 204 and the body 202 when clamped together via flange clamp 106.

[0044] The underside of the lid 204 is also illustrated in FIG. 2B. The underside of the lid 204 (i.e., the surface facing the interior surface 220 of the main body when the lid 204 is attached to the main body 202) includes a recess flange section 226 generally aligned to a center point of the vial openings 222. The lid 204 may also include ridges / recesses, shown generally at 228, to mate with the seal 218 to provide a liquid-tight and air-tight seal between the lid 204 and the body 202 when clamped together via flange clamp 206.

[0045] In some embodiments, the main body 202 and lid 204 of the vessel 200 may be formed using known and / or custom and / or proprietary 3D printing techniques, for example, 3D metal sintering, SLA 3D, etc. The vessel 200 may be printed using ceramic-like material such as PerFORM material, Ti6A14V, and / or other material that is selected to have a strength-to-weight ratio sufficient for a given mixing application and / or environment. The clamp 206 may be formed out of lower density material such as nylon, etc., to provide weight savings, and to enable the mixing vessel 100 to operate as intended. The clamp 206 is generally formed of a material that is selected to have a strength-to-weight ratio sufficient for a given mixing application and / orenvironment. As a general matter, the material selected to form the vessel 200 may be selected based on, for example, structural strength / integrity for a given operating environment. In other embodiments, the vessel 200 may be formed using knows and / or proprietary molding techniques, etc.

[0046] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate views of a laboratory mixing vessel 300 according to other embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 3A, the vessel 300 includes a body portion 302 and a lid 304. A flange clamp 306 is configured to mate with the body portion 302 and lid 304 to removeably affix the lid 304 to the body portion 302. The flange clamp 306 of these embodiments is similar to the previous embodiments of FIGS. 2 A and 2B, and includes a first member and a second member generally form fitting around a circumference of the lid 304, a pivot member 308 to pivotally couple the first member and the second member, and a clamp mechanism 310 (e.g., hand-rotatable, screw-type mechanism) to clamp and unclamp the first member and the second member to and from the lid 304 and body portion 302. The body portion 302 includes a base flange portion 312 having one or more openings 314 to mount the vessel 300 to a selected surface (using, for example, mounting screws, etc.). The lid 304 also includes vacuum connectors 316A and 316B in fluid communication with an interior volume of the body portion 302. Vacuum connectors 316A and 316B may include known and / or after-developed connector mechanism that may be coupled to a vacuum hose and / or vacuum supply line. The openings in the lid 304 to receive the connectors 316 A and 316B may be threaded (and the connectors 316A and 316B may included mating threaded portions), and epoxy may be applied to the threads to provide a tight seal around the connectors 316A and 316B.

[0047] The body portion 302 also includes fluid connector 319A and 319B. Fluid connectors 319A and 319B may include known and / or after-developed connector mechanism that may be coupled to a fluid source (not shown) for heating and / or cooling of the vessel 300, The openings in the body 302 to receive the connectors 319A and 319B may be threaded (and the connectors 319A and 319B may include mating threaded portions), and adhesive (e.g., epoxy, thread sealing tape, etc.) may be applied to the threads to provide a tight seal around the connectors 319A and 319B. The body portion 302 also includes an embedded fluid channel 330 in fluid communication with the fluid connectors 319A and 319B. As illustrated, the embedded fluid channel 330 may be generally formed as a spiraling channel or bore around the periphery of the body 302, embeddedbetween an inner wall and outer wall of the body 302. The fluid channel 330 is generally configured to receive heating or cooling liquid, and connector 319A may provide liquid ingress for the heating / cooling liquid into the fluid channel 330, and connector 319B may provide liquid egress for the heating / cooling liquid to be removed from the channel 330. Such a configuration may enable, for example, closed-loop heating and / or cooling to provide accurate and controllable temperature control over the vessel 300. The heating and / or cooling liquid may be selected based on, for example, a desired temperature of the vessel (and in particular, an interior surface of the vessel 300), etc. In other embodiments, the embedded fluid channel or bore 330 may be formed as loops (e.g., embedded loops extending horizontally and / or vertically between an inner wall and outer wall of the body 302), zig-zag pattern, etc.

[0048] FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the vessel 300 of FIG. 3A. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the body 302 includes the embedded fluid channel 330, embedded between the inner wall 351 and outer wall 353 of the vessel body 302. The dimensions of the fluid the channel 330 may be selected on, for example, overall heating and cooling requirements, weight requirements, integrity of the vessel 300 (i.e., the channel 330 may impact the structural integrity of the body 302), etc. As illustrated, the channel 330 may be formed around a majority of the periphery of the body portion 302. The channel 330 is generally configured to heat and / or cool the interior volume 321 of the vessel 300. As stated above, the connectors 319A and 319B are in fluid communication with the channel 330, as illustrated at 334. Similarly, the vacuum connectors are in fluid communication with the interior volume 321 of the vessel 300, as illustrated at 332. A seal / gasket 318 may be provided between the lid 304 and body 302, as described above with reference to FIGS. 2 A and 2B.

[0049] FIG. 3C illustrates an exploded view of the vessel 300 of FIGS. 3 A and 3B. In FIG. 3C the body 302, lid 304 and clamp 306 are illustrated as decoupled from one another. The lid 304 and body may have similar features as described above with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B. Although not shown in this figure, the interior volume 321 of the body 302 may include an interior concave surface that includes vial openings, etc., as described above. FIG. 3D illustrates an assembled view of the vessel 300 of FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C. As illustrated, the opening 332 in the lid 304 provide fluid communication with the interior of the vessel. Opening 334 (shown in FIG. 3D as a threaded opening) provides fluid communication with the channel 330.

[0050] In some embodiments, the main body 302 and lid 304 of the vessel 300 may be formed using known and / or custom and / or proprietary 3D printing techniques, for example, SLA 3D and / or DMLS 3D printing techniques, etc.. The body 302 of the vessel 300 may be printed using printable metal materials such as Ti6A14V, AlSilOMg, Stainless Steel 316 / 316L, Inconel 718, Cobalt Chrome, Stainless Steel 17-4, etc.. The lid 304 of the vessel 300 may be printed using similar material as the body 302, to provide effective thermal transfer throughout the vessel 300. The clamp 306 may be formed out of lower density material such as nylon, etc., to provide weight savings. As a general matter, the material selected to form the vessel 300 may be selected based on, for example, a desired structural strength / integrity for a given operating environment.

[0051] Accordingly, one embodiment described herein provides a mixing vessel for laboratory use. The mixing vessel includes a 3D printed body portion having an interior volume and an interior surface having at least one opening configured to receive at least one vial; a 3D printed lid removeably coupleable to the body portion; and a flange clamp member configured to clamp the lid to the body portion.

[0052] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a mixing vessel for laboratory use. The mixing vessel includes a 3D printed body portion having an interior volume and an interior surface having at least one opening configured to receive at least one vial; a 3D printed lid removeably coupleable to the body portion; and a flange clamp member configured to clamp the lid to the body portion, and also includes a seal disposed between the lid and the body portion.

[0053] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a mixing vessel for laboratory use. The mixing vessel includes a 3D printed body portion having an interior volume and an interior surface having at least one opening configured to receive at least one vial; a 3D printed lid removeably coupleable to the body portion; and a flange clamp member configured to clamp the lid to the body portion, and also includes at least one vacuum connector in fluid communication with the interior volume of the body portion, the at least one vacuum connector configured to be coupled to a vacuum source.

[0054] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a mixing vessel for laboratory use.The mixing vessel includes a 3D printed body portion having an interior volume and an interiorsurface having at least one opening configured to receive at least one vial; a 3D printed lid rcmovcably couplcablc to the body portion; and a flange clamp member configured to clamp the lid to the body portion. An interior surface of the lid including a recess in alignment with the at least on opening in the interior surface of the body portion.

[0055] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a mixing vessel for laboratory use. The mixing vessel includes a 3D printed body portion having an interior volume and an interior surface having at least one opening configured to receive at least one vial; a 3D printed lid removeably coupleable to the body portion; and a flange clamp member configured to clamp the lid to the body portion. The clamp includes a first and second members, a pivot member pivotally coupling the first and second members, and a clamp mechanism to couple the first and second members to the lid and the body portion.

[0056] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a mixing vessel for laboratory use. The mixing vessel includes a 3D printed body portion having an interior volume and an interior surface having at least one opening configured to receive at least one vial; a 3D printed lid removeably coupleable to the body portion; and a flange clamp member configured to clamp the lid to the body portion. The lid and body portion are printed using a PerFORM material.

[0057] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a mixing vessel for laboratory use. The mixing vessel includes a 3D printed body portion having an interior volume and an interior surface having at least one opening configured to receive at least one vial; a 3D printed lid removeably coupleable to the body portion; and a flange clamp member configured to clamp the lid to the body portion. The clamp is formed using nylon material.

[0058] In another embodiment, a vessel for laboratory use is provided that includes a 3D printed body portion having an interior volume and an interior surface having at least one opening configured to receive at least one vial; the body portion including an embedded fluid channel formed, at least in part, around a periphery of the body portion and between an inner wall of the body portion and an outer wall of the body portion; a 3D printed lid removeably coupleable to the body portion; and a flange clamp member configured to clamp the lid to the body portion.

[0059] In another embodiment, a vessel for laboratory use is provided that includes a 3D printed body portion having an interior volume and an interior surface having at least one opening configured to receive at least one vial; the body portion including an embedded fluid channel formed, at least in part, around a periphery of the body portion and between an inner wall of the body portion and an outer wall of the body portion; a 3D printed lid removeably coupleable to the body portion; and a flange clamp member configured to clamp the lid to the body portion; and a seal disposed between the lid and the body portion.

[0060] In another embodiment, a vessel for laboratory use is provided that includes a 3D printed body portion having an interior volume and an interior surface having at least one opening configured to receive at least one vial; the body portion including an embedded fluid channel formed, at least in part, around a periphery of the body portion and between an inner wall of the body portion and an outer wall of the body portion; a 3D printed lid removeably coupleable to the body portion; and a flange clamp member configured to clamp the lid to the body portion; and at least one vacuum connector in fluid communication with the interior volume of the body portion, the at least one vacuum connector configured to be coupled to a vacuum source.

[0061] In another embodiment, a vessel for laboratory use is provided that includes a 3D printed body portion having an interior volume and an interior surface having at least one opening configured to receive at least one vial; the body portion including an embedded fluid channel formed, at least in part, around a periphery of the body portion and between an inner wall of the body portion and an outer wall of the body portion; a 3D printed lid removeably coupleable to the body portion; and a flange clamp member configured to clamp the lid to the body portion. An interior surface of the lid including a recess in alignment the at least one opening of the interior surface of the body portion.

[0062] In another embodiment, a vessel for laboratory use is provided that includes a 3D printed body portion having an interior volume and an interior surface having at least one opening configured to receive at least one vial; the body portion including an embedded fluid channel formed, at least in part, around a periphery of the body portion and between an inner wall of the body portion and an outer wall of the body portion; a 3D printed lid removeably coupleable to the body portion; and a flange clamp member configured to clamp the lid to the body portion. Theclamp includes a first and second members, a pivot member pivotally coupling the first and second members, and a clamp mechanism to couple the first and second members to the lid and the body portion.

[0063] In another embodiment, a vessel for laboratory use is provided that includes a 3D printed body portion having an interior volume and an interior surface having at least one opening configured to receive at least one vial; the body portion including an embedded fluid channel formed, at least in part, around a periphery of the body portion and between an inner wall of the body portion and an outer wall of the body portion; a 3D printed lid removeably coupleable to the body portion; and a flange clamp member configured to clamp the lid to the body portion. The lid and body portion are printed using a metal material.

[0064] In another embodiment, a vessel for laboratory use is provided that includes a 3D printed body portion having an interior volume and an interior surface having at least one opening configured to receive at least one vial; the body portion including an embedded fluid channel formed, at least in part, around a periphery of the body portion and between an inner wall of the body portion and an outer wall of the body portion; a 3D printed lid removeably coupleable to the body portion; and a flange clamp member configured to clamp the lid to the body portion. The clamp is formed using nylon material.

[0065] In another embodiment, a vessel for laboratory use is provided that includes a 3D printed body portion having an interior volume and an interior surface having at least one opening configured to receive at least one vial; the body portion including an embedded fluid channel formed, at least in part, around a periphery of the body portion and between an inner wall of the body portion and an outer wall of the body portion; a 3D printed lid removeably coupleable to the body portion; and a flange clamp member configured to clamp the lid to the body portion; and at least one fluid connector in fluid communication with the fluid channel, the at least one fluid connector configured to be coupled to a heating and / or cooling fluid source.

[0066] In another embodiment, a vessel for laboratory use is provided that includes a 3D printed body portion having an interior volume and an interior surface having at least one opening configured to receive at least one vial; the body portion including an embedded fluid channel formed, at least in part, around a periphery of the body portion and between an inner wall of thebody portion and an outer wall of the body portion; a 3D printed lid removeably coupleable to the body portion; and a flange clamp member configured to clamp the lid to the body portion. The body portion is formed using 3D printing using a printable metal material selected from Ti6A14V, AlSilOMg, Stainless Steel 316 / 316L, Inconel 718, Cobalt Chrome, and Stainless Steel 17-4.

[0067] In another embodiment, a vessel for laboratory use is provided that includes a 3D printed body portion having an interior volume and an interior surface having at least one opening configured to receive at least one vial; the body portion including an embedded fluid channel formed, at least in part, around a periphery of the body portion and between an inner wall of the body portion and an outer wall of the body portion; a 3D printed lid removeably coupleable to the body portion; and a flange clamp member configured to clamp the lid to the body portion. The lid is formed using SLA printing using a ceramic material.

[0068] In another embodiment, a vessel for laboratory use is provided that includes a 3D printed body portion having an interior volume and an interior surface having at least one opening configured to receive at least one vial; the body portion including an embedded fluid channel formed, at least in part, around a periphery of the body portion and between an inner wall of the body portion and an outer wall of the body portion; a 3D printed lid removeably coupleable to the body portion; and a flange clamp member configured to clamp the lid to the body portion. The fluid channel has a generally spiral shape embedded into the body portion.

[0069] In another embodiment, a vessel for laboratory use is provided that includes a 3D printed body portion having an interior volume and an interior surface having at least one opening configured to receive at least one vial; the body portion including an embedded fluid channel formed, at least in part, around a periphery of the body portion and between an inner wall of the body portion and an outer wall of the body portion; a 3D printed lid removeably coupleable to the body portion; and a flange clamp member configured to clamp the lid to the body portion. The body, lid and clamp are formed of a material capable of withstanding 100 Gs of acceleration forces.

[0070] In another embodiment, a vessel for laboratory use is provided that includes a body portion having an interior volume and an interior surface having at least one opening configured to receive at least one vial; the body portion including an embedded fluid channel formed, at least in part, around a periphery of the body portion between an inner wall of the body portion and an outer wallof the body portion; a lid removeably coupleable to the body portion; a flange clamp member configured to clamp the lid to the body portion; at least one vacuum connector in fluid communication with the interior volume of the body portion, the at least one vacuum connector configured to be coupled to a vacuum source; and at least one fluid connector in fluid communication with the fluid channel, the at least one fluid connector configured to be coupled to a heating and / or cooling fluid source.

[0071] In another embodiment, a vessel for laboratory use is provided that includes a body portion having an interior volume and an interior surface having at least one opening configured to receive at least one vial; the body portion including an embedded fluid channel formed, at least in part, around a periphery of the body portion between an inner wall of the body portion and an outer wall of the body portion; a lid removeably coupleable to the body portion; a flange clamp member configured to clamp the lid to the body portion; at least one vacuum connector in fluid communication with the interior volume of the body portion, the at least one vacuum connector configured to be coupled to a vacuum source; and at least one fluid connector in fluid communication with the fluid channel, the at least one fluid connector configured to be coupled to a heating and / or cooling fluid source; and a seal disposed between the lid and the body portion.

[0072] In another embodiment, a vessel for laboratory use is provided that includes a body portion having an interior volume and an interior surface having at least one opening configured to receive at least one vial; the body portion including an embedded fluid channel formed, at least in part, around a periphery of the body portion between an inner wall of the body portion and an outer wall of the body portion; a lid removeably coupleable to the body portion; a flange clamp member configured to clamp the lid to the body portion; at least one vacuum connector in fluid communication with the interior volume of the body portion, the at least one vacuum connector configured to be coupled to a vacuum source; and at least one fluid connector in fluid communication with the fluid channel, the at least one fluid connector configured to be coupled to a heating and / or cooling fluid source. An interior surface of the lid including a recess in alignment the at least one opening of the interior surface of the body portion.

[0073] In another embodiment, a vessel for laboratory use is provided that includes a body portion having an interior volume and an interior surface having at least one opening configured to receiveat least one vial; the body portion including an embedded fluid channel formed, at least in part, around a periphery of the body portion between an inner wall of the body portion and an outer wall of the body portion; a lid removeably coupleable to the body portion; a flange clamp member configured to clamp the lid to the body portion; at least one vacuum connector in fluid communication with the interior volume of the body portion, the at least one vacuum connector configured to be coupled to a vacuum source; and at least one fluid connector in fluid communication with the fluid channel, the at least one fluid connector configured to be coupled to a heating and / or cooling fluid source. The clamp includes a first and second members, a pivot member pivotally coupling the first and second members, and a clamp mechanism to couple the first and second members to the lid and the body portion.

[0074] In another embodiment, a vessel for laboratory use is provided that includes a body portion having an interior volume and an interior surface having at least one opening configured to receive at least one vial; the body portion including an embedded fluid channel formed, at least in part, around a periphery of the body portion between an inner wall of the body portion and an outer wall of the body portion; a lid removeably coupleable to the body portion; a flange clamp member configured to clamp the lid to the body portion; at least one vacuum connector in fluid communication with the interior volume of the body portion, the at least one vacuum connector configured to be coupled to a vacuum source; and at least one fluid connector in fluid communication with the fluid channel, the at least one fluid connector configured to be coupled to a heating and / or cooling fluid source. The lid and body portion are printed using a metal material.

[0075] In another embodiment, a vessel for laboratory use is provided that includes a body portion having an interior volume and an interior surface having at least one opening configured to receive at least one vial; the body portion including an embedded fluid channel formed, at least in part, around a periphery of the body portion between an inner wall of the body portion and an outer wall of the body portion; a lid removeably coupleable to the body portion; a flange clamp member configured to clamp the lid to the body portion; at least one vacuum connector in fluid communication with the interior volume of the body portion, the at least one vacuum connector configured to be coupled to a vacuum source; and at least one fluid connector in fluid communication with the fluid channel, the at least one fluid connector configured to be coupled to a heating and / or cooling fluid source. The clamp is formed using nylon material.

[0076] In another embodiment, a vessel for laboratory use is provided that includes a body portion having an interior volume and an interior surface having at least one opening configured to receive at least one vial; the body portion including an embedded fluid channel formed, at least in part, around a periphery of the body portion between an inner wall of the body portion and an outer wall of the body portion; a lid removeably coupleable to the body portion; a flange clamp member configured to clamp the lid to the body portion; at least one vacuum connector in fluid communication with the interior volume of the body portion, the at least one vacuum connector configured to be coupled to a vacuum source; and at least one fluid connector in fluid communication with the fluid channel, the at least one fluid connector configured to be coupled to a heating and / or cooling fluid source. The body portion is formed using 3D printing using a printable metal material selected from Ti6A14V, AlSilOMg, Stainless Steel 316 / 316L, Inconel 718, Cobalt Chrome, and Stainless Steel 17-4.

[0077] In another embodiment, a vessel for laboratory use is provided that includes a body portion having an interior volume and an interior surface having at least one opening configured to receive at least one vial; the body portion including an embedded fluid channel formed, at least in part, around a periphery of the body portion between an inner wall of the body portion and an outer wall of the body portion; a lid removeably coupleable to the body portion; a flange clamp member configured to clamp the lid to the body portion; at least one vacuum connector in fluid communication with the interior volume of the body portion, the at least one vacuum connector configured to be coupled to a vacuum source; and at least one fluid connector in fluid communication with the fluid channel, the at least one fluid connector configured to be coupled to a heating and / or cooling fluid source. The lid is formed using SLA printing using a ceramic material.

[0078] In another embodiment, a vessel for laboratory use is provided that includes a body portion having an interior volume and an interior surface having at least one opening configured to receive at least one vial; the body portion including an embedded fluid channel formed, at least in part, around a periphery of the body portion between an inner wall of the body portion and an outer wall of the body portion; a lid removeably coupleable to the body portion; a flange clamp member configured to clamp the lid to the body portion; at least one vacuum connector in fluid communication with the interior volume of the body portion, the at least one vacuum connectorconfigured to be coupled to a vacuum source; and at least one fluid connector in fluid communication with the fluid channel, the at least one fluid connector configured to be coupled to a heating and / or cooling fluid source. The fluid channel has a generally spiral shape embedded into the body portion.

[0079] In another embodiment, a vessel for laboratory use is provided that includes a body portion having an interior volume and an interior surface having at least one opening configured to receive at least one vial; the body portion including an embedded fluid channel formed, at least in pail, around a periphery of the body portion between an inner wall of the body portion and an outer wall of the body portion; a lid removeably coupleable to the body portion; a flange clamp member configured to clamp the lid to the body portion; at least one vacuum connector in fluid communication with the interior volume of the body portion, the at least one vacuum connector configured to be coupled to a vacuum source; and at least one fluid connector in fluid communication with the fluid channel, the at least one fluid connector configured to be coupled to a heating and / or cooling fluid source. The body, lid and clamp are formed of a material capable of withstanding 100 Gs of acceleration forces.

[0080] Reduced Friction Laboratory Powder Dispenser

[0081] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides reduced friction laboratory powder dispensers. FIG. 4A illustrates a partial cutaway view and FIG. 4B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a powder dispenser 400 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The dispenser 400 includes a body portion 402 that includes a generally cylindrical portion 404 and a tapered tip portion 406. The cylindrical portion 404 is open at a top end 403 to receive powder. The tapered tip portion 406 defines an opening 408 at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser 400. The dispenser 400 also includes a centering insert 410 disposed at the top end 403 with a bridge portion 411 defining an opening generally centered on a centerline of the body portion 402. A powder agitation rod 412 is disposed through the opening of the bridge section 411. The body 402 and centering insert 410 may be formed of chemically resistant and electrostatic dissipative material such as, for example, electrostatic dissipative polymers such as polypropylene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, PTFE, PCTFE, etc. In addition, the body 402 may be grounded to further reduce electrostatic buildup on the body 402and / or powder within the body 402, using, for example, grounding wire / cable coupled to the body (not shown), grounding sleeve (not shown), etc. As a general matter, the body 402 and insert 410 may be formed of a material that has sufficient robustness (e.g., corrosion resistance, etc.) for an intended use. The powder agitation rod 412 may be formed of metal, polymer materials, etc.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 4B, the agitation rod 412 includes an agitating fin structure, shown generally at 430, disposed along a length 418 of the agitation rod 412, between the centering insert 410 and the tapered tip portion 406 within the body 402. A stopper 414 is coupled to a distal end of the agitation rod 412. The stopper 414 is generally dimensioned to close the opening 408 when the rod 412 is urged in an “up” position, as illustrated. A hub 418 is disposed within the opening of the bridge 411. The hub 418 has a central bore dimensioned to receive the rod 412, as illustrated. The hub 418 includes a flange portion 428 dimensioned to mate with a shoulder portion 424 of the bridge 411, so that the hub 418 remains fixed in position and generally centered within the body 402. The hub 418 includes a boss pin 420 to be received in a slot 422 defined along the length of the rod 412.

[0083] hi operation, the rod 412 may be moved upward to move the stopper 414 into the opening 408 to prevent dispensing of powder. To dispense powder, the rod may be urged downward to partially remove obstruction from the opening 408 to dispense powder. Upward and downward movement of the rod 412 is limited by the slot 422 and boss pin 420. The slot 422 may include a lateral portion 423 to receive the boss pin 420 when the rod 412 is rotated so that vertical movement of the rod 412 is “locked” to prevent unintentional dispensing of powder (i.e., in the “locked” position the stopper 414 is fully urged into opening 408, thus closing the body 402). The rod 412 is also rotatable within the hub 418 so that the agitating fin structure 430 is rotated withing the body 402 to agitate powder contained in the body 402 to aid in dispensing of the powder through the opening 408.

[0084] The agitating fin structure 430 may include one or more fin layers 430 A, 430B, ... ,430N stacked along the length of the rod 412 and within the body 402. Each layer 430A, 430B, ... ,430N may include a plurality of flexible fins or filaments (an example is shown at 432) extending outwardly from the rod 412 toward an inner surface of the body 402. Each layer 430A, 430B, ... ,430N may be offset relative to one another so that fins directly above and / or below each layerare not vertically aligned. The flexible fins 432 may each have a tapered shape, being thicker at the end affixed to the rod 412, and tapering toward an outer end. The flexible fins 432 may have a generally conical cross section, so that the surface of each of the fins 432 is generally rounded. The fins 432 may be attached to the rod 412 using, for example, a snap fit arrangement, epoxy, etc. To reduce friction between the fins 432 and any powder contained in the body, the fins may be formed of a flexible material such as silicone, etc., and an overall diameter of the fin structure 430 is less than in inner diameter of the body 402, thus reducing or eliminating friction between the fins 432 and the inner surface of the body 402. In some embodiments, the fins 432 may be arranged generally normal to the long axis of the rod 412. In other embodiments, the fins 432 may be pointed upwardly, downwardly, or a mixture of upward and downward pointing fins. The overall diameter of the fin structures 430 is selected to be less than an inner diameter of the body so that the fins 432 do not contact the inner surface of the body 402 when rotated.[00851 FIG. 2C illustrates a perspective view of an example fin layer 430B according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Except as described below, the following description of fin layer 432B also applies to the other fin layers, e.g., 432A and 432C...432N. With continued reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the fin layer 430B includes a central hub portion 450 and a plurality of fins 432A, 432B, 432C, and 432D extending outwardly from the central hub portion 450. In this embodiment the fins 432A, 432B, 432C, and 432D are equally spaced about the central hub portion 450 (i.e., approximately 90 degrees apart from one another), however, in other embodiments the fins 432A, 432B, 432C, and 432D may be unequally spaced about the central hub portion 450. In this embodiment, each of the fins 432A, 432B, 432C, and 432D are tapered structures, being thicker near the central hub portion 250 and tapering to a blunted or rounded tip. Also, in this embodiment, the fins 432A, 432B, 432C, and 432D have equal lengths, however, in other embodiments the fins 432A, 432B, 432C, and 432D may be different lengths. In this embodiment, the fins 432A, 432B, 432C, and 432D are disposed generally normal to the central hub portion 450. In this embodiment four fins 432A, 432B, 432C, and 432D are disposed about the central hub portion 450, however in other embodiments the number of fins can be greater or less than four.

[0086] The central hub portion 450 includes an upper ring portion 452 and a lower ring portion454. The upper ring portion 452 defines a first central bore 456, and the lower ring portion 454defines a second central bore 458 The fins 432A, 432B, 432C, and 432D are disposed about the outer surface of the upper ring portion 452, as illustrated. The lower ring portion 454 extends from (i.e., extends below) the upper ring portion 452, and the upper ring portion 452 has a cross- sectional diameter that is larger than the lower ring portion 454. With respect to the inner fin layers 430B, 430C, ..., 430N-1, and to provide an interlocking fit between fin layers, the central bore 456 is dimensioned to receive the lower ring portion 454 of the adjacent fin layer. Thus, a cross- sectional diameter of the lower ring portion 452 is approximately equal to a cross-sectional diameter of the bore 456. The “lowest” fin layer 432N may omit the lower ring portion 454.

[0087] The bore 458 of the lower ring portion 452 is dimensioned to receive the rod 412, and the central bore 458 is dimensioned to snugly fit around the rod 412 to reduce or eliminate sliding and / or rotation of the fin layer 432B relative to the rod 412. The bore 456 of the upper ring member 452 is dimensioned to receive the rod 412 disposed within a lower ring member 454 of an adjacent fin layer. A bore 456 of the uppermost fin layer 432A may be dimensioned substantially equal to a bore 458, since the bore 456 of the uppermost fin layer 432A does not receive a lower ring portion 454 of an adjacent fin layer.

[0088] FIG. 5A illustrates a partial cutaway view of powder dispenser 500 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment is similar to the embodiments described above, and further includes a tapered fin structure 560 disposed within the tapered portion 506 of the body 502. Thus, this embodiment includes a first plurality of fin layers 530 disposed about the rod 512 and within the body 502, and a second plurality of tapered fin layers disposed about the rod 512 and within the tapered portion 506 of the body 502. The tapered fin structure 560 may include a plurality of layers and each layer may include a plurality of flexible fins, as described above. The layers of the tapered fin structure 560 may progressively taper to conform to an inner diameter of the tapered portion 506. The flexible fins of the tapered fin structure 560 may each have a tapered shape, being thicker at the rod 512 and tapering toward an outer end. The flexible fins may have a generally conical cross section, so that the surface of each of the fins of the tapered fin structure 560 is generally rounded. The fins may be attached to the rod 512 using, for example, a snap fit arrangement, epoxy, etc., and / or the locking arrangement described above with respect to layers 432A, 432B, ..., 432N. In this embodiment, the fin layers 532A, 532B,...,532M may each be formed in a similar manner as described above. In this embodiment, the fins of each ofthe fin layers 532 A, 532B, ... ,532M may be arranged to point “upwardly” toward the first plurality of fin layers 530.

[0089] FIG. 5B illustrates a partial cutaway view of powder dispenser 500’ according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment is similar to the embodiments described above, and further includes a tapered fin structure 570 disposed within the tapered portion 506 of the body 502. Thus, this embodiment includes a first plurality of fin layers 530 disposed about the rod 512 and within the body 502, and a second plurality of tapered fin layers 570 disposed about the rod 512 and within the tapered portion 506 of the body 502. The tapered fin structure 570 may include a plurality of layers and each layer may include a plurality of flexible fins, as described above. The layers of the tapered fin structure 570 may progressively taper to conform to an inner diameter of the tapered portion 506. The flexible fins of the tapered fin structure 570 may each have a tapered shape, being thicker at the rod 512 and tapering toward an outer end. The flexible fins may have a generally conical cross section, so that the surface of each of the fins of the tapered fin structure 570 is generally rounded. The fins may be attached to the rod 512 using, for example, a snap fit arrangement, epoxy, etc., and / or the locking arrangement described above with respect to layers 432A, 432B, ..., 432N. In this embodiment, the fin layers 572A, 572B,...,572M may each be formed in a similar manner as described above. In this embodiment, the fins of each of the fin layers 572A, 572B,...,572M may be arranged to point “downwardly” toward the tip opening 508 and stopper 514.

[0090] The overall diameter of the tapered fin structure 260 / 270 may be selected to be less than an inner diameter of the tapered portion 506of the body so that the fins do not contact the inner surface of the tapered portion 506 when rotated.

[0091] Accordingly, one embodiment of the present disclosure provides powder dispenser for laboratory use. The powder dispenser includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; an agitation rod disposed within the body portion; and an agitating fin structure disposed along a long axis of the agitation rod.

[0092] In another embodiment, a power dispenser is provided that includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; an agitation rod disposed within the body portion; and an agitating fin structure disposed along a long axis of the agitation rod. The agitation rod is configured to rotate within the body, and configured to move along a long axis of the body portion.

[0093] In another embodiment, a power dispenser is provided that includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; an agitation rod disposed within the body portion; and an agitating fin structure disposed along a long axis of the agitation rod. The body portion is formed of a chemically resistant and electrically dissipative material.

[0094] In another embodiment, a power dispenser is provided that includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; an agitation rod disposed within the body portion; and an agitating fin structure disposed along a long axis of the agitation rod. The body portion is formed of a chemically resistant and electrically dissipative material. The chemically resistant and electrically dissipative material is selected from polypropelyene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, PTFE and PCTFE.

[0095] In another embodiment, a power dispenser is provided that includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; an agitation rod disposed within the body portion; and an agitating fin structure disposed along a long axis of the agitation rod. The agitating fin structure includes a plurality of layers stacked along the length of the agitation rod, and each layer includes a plurality of fins.

[0096] In another embodiment, a power dispenser is provided that includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at atop end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; an agitation rod disposed within the body portion; and an agitating fin structure disposed along a long axis of the agitation rod. The agitating fin structure includes a plurality of layers stacked along the length of the agitation rod, and each layer includes a plurality of fins, and each of the layers are offset from one another so that the plurality of fins of one layer are misaligned from the plurality of fins of an adjacent layer.

[0097] In another embodiment, a power dispenser is provided that includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; an agitation rod disposed within the body portion; and an agitating fin structure disposed along a long axis of the agitation rod. The agitating fin structure includes a plurality of layers stacked along the length of the agitation rod, and each layer includes a plurality of fins, and each fin has a generally conical cross-sectional shape, and tapering from the agitation rod toward an inner surface of the body.

[0098] In another embodiment, a power dispenser is provided that includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; an agitation rod disposed within the body portion; and an agitating fin structure disposed along a long axis of the agitation rod. The agitating fin structure includes a plurality of layers stacked along the length of the agitation rod, and each layer includes a plurality of fins, and each fin is formed of silicone.

[0099] In another embodiment, a power dispenser is provided that includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; an agitation rod disposed within the body portion; and an agitating fin structure disposed along a long axis of the agitation rod. The powder dispenser also includes a stopper coupled to a distal end of the agitation rod, the stopper being movaebly disposed within the opening of the tapered tip portion to controllably deliver powder contained in the body.

[0100] In another embodiment, a power dispenser is provided that includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; an agitation rod disposed within the body portion; and a first agitating fin structure disposed along a long axis of the agitation rod. The powder dispenser also includes a second agitating fin structure portion disposed along the long axis of the agitation rod and within the tapered portion of the body.

[0101] In another embodiment, a power dispenser is provided that includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; an agitation rod disposed within the body portion; and a first agitating fin structure disposed along a long axis of the agitation rod. The powder dispenser also includes a second agitating fin structure portion disposed along the long axis of the agitation rod and within the tapered portion of the body. The second fin structure includes a plurality of layers stacked along the length of the agitation rod, and each layer includes a plurality of fins pointed toward the first agitating fin structure.

[0102] In another embodiment, a power dispenser is provided that includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; an agitation rod disposed within the body portion; and a first agitating fin structure disposed along a long axis of the agitation rod. The powder dispenser also includes a second agitating fin structure portion disposed along the long axis of the agitation rod and within the tapered portion of the body. The second fin structure includes a plurality of layers stacked along the length of the agitation rod, and each layer includes a plurality of fins pointed away from the first agitating fin structure.

[0103] In another embodiment, a power dispenser is provided that includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; an agitation rod disposed within the body portion; anda first agitating fin structure disposed along a long axis of the agitation rod. The powder dispenser also includes a second agitating fin structure portion disposed along the long axis of the agitation rod and within the tapered portion of the body. The agitation rod is configured to rotate within the body, and configured to move along a long axis of the body portion.

[0104] In another embodiment, a power dispenser is provided that includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; an agitation rod disposed within the body portion; and a first agitating fin structure disposed along a long axis of the agitation rod. The powder dispenser also includes a second agitating fin structure portion disposed along the long axis of the agitation rod and within the tapered portion of the body. The body portion is formed of a chemically resistant and electrically dissipative material.

[0105] In another embodiment, a power dispenser is provided that includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; an agitation rod disposed within the body portion; and a first agitating fin structure disposed along a long axis of the agitation rod. The powder dispenser also includes a second agitating fin structure portion disposed along the long axis of the agitation rod and within the tapered portion of the body. The body portion is formed of a chemically resistant and electrically dissipative material. The chemically resistant and electrically dissipative material is selected from polypropelyene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, PTFE and PCTFE.

[0106] In another embodiment, a power dispenser is provided that includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; an agitation rod disposed within the body portion; and a first agitating fin structure disposed along a long axis of the agitation rod. The powder dispenser also includes a second agitating fin structure portion disposed along the long axis of the agitationrod and within the tapered portion of the body. The first agitating fin structure includes a plurality of layers stacked along the length of the agitation rod, and each layer includes a plurality of fins.

[0107] In another embodiment, a power dispenser is provided that includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; an agitation rod disposed within the body portion; and a first agitating fin structure disposed along a long axis of the agitation rod. The powder dispenser also includes a second agitating fin structure portion disposed along the long axis of the agitation rod and within the tapered portion of the body. The first agitating fin structure includes a plurality of layers stacked along the length of the agitation rod, and each layer includes a plurality of fins, and each of the layers are offset from one another so that the plurality of fins of one layer are misaligned from the plurality of fins of an adjacent layer.

[0108] In another embodiment, a power dispenser is provided that includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; an agitation rod disposed within the body portion; and a first agitating fin structure disposed along a long axis of the agitation rod. The powder dispenser also includes a second agitating fin structure portion disposed along the long axis of the agitation rod and within the tapered portion of the body. The first agitating fin structure includes a plurality of layers stacked along the length of the agitation rod, and each layer includes a plurality of fins, and each fin has a generally conical cross-sectional shape, and tapering from the agitation rod toward an inner surface of the body.

[0109] In another embodiment, a power dispenser is provided that includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; an agitation rod disposed within the body portion; and a first agitating fin structure disposed along a long axis of the agitation rod. The powder dispenser also includes a second agitating fin structure portion disposed along the long axis of the agitation rod and within the tapered portion of the body. The first agitating fin structure includes a pluralityof layers stacked along the length of the agitation rod, and each layer includes a plurality of fins, and each fin is formed of silicone.

[0110] In another embodiment, a power dispenser is provided that includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; an agitation rod disposed within the body portion; and a first agitating fin structure disposed along a long axis of the agitation rod. The powder dispenser also includes a second agitating fin structure portion disposed along the long axis of the agitation rod and within the tapered portion of the body. The powder dispenser also includes a stopper coupled to a distal end of the agitation rod, the stopper being movaebly disposed within the opening of the tapered tip portion to controllably deliver powder contained in the body.

[0111] Laboratory Vial

[0112] hi another aspect the present disclosure provides a laboratory vial. FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate perspective views of a laboratory vial 600 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to the partially translucent view of FIG. 6A, the vial 600 includes a body portion 602 and a lid 604. A flexible member 606 is coupled to an upper portion of the body 602 and to the lid 604 to enable a user to snap the lid 604 onto to the top of the body, to provide closure of the vial 600. The lid 604 may include ridges and / or recesses 608 that mate with ridges and / or recesses 612 on the top of the body 602 to provide a secure “snap-fit” coupling of the lid 604 to the body 602. The lid 604 may also include tab member 610 to enable manipulation of the lid 604 by a user.

[0113] The body 602 includes a generally circular sidewall having an inner surface 614 and an outer surface 615 (FIG. 6B, and 6D). Near the bottom of the body 602, the inner surface 614 is formed as a continuous curved surface 616. FIG. 6D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the side view of FIG. 6C. As illustrated in FIG. 6D, the outer surface 615 of the body 602 extends beyond the curved surface 616, as generally indicated at 618. Such a feature may enable the body 602 to remain upright when placed on a surface.

[0114] In embodiments, the body 602 and lid 604 may be formed of, for example, electrostatic dissipative polymers such as poloypropclycnc, HD polyethylene, LD polyethylene, PTFE, PCTFE, etc. As a general matter, the body 602 and lid 604 may be formed of a material that has sufficient robustness (e.g., corrosion resistance, etc.) for an intended use.

[0115] Accordingly, one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a laboratory vial. The vial includes a body portion; and a lid coupleable to the body portion. The body portion includes an inner surface having a curved bottom portion and an outer surface extending beyond a curvature of the curved bottom portion.

[0116] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a laboratory vial that includes a body portion; and a lid coupleable to the body portion. The body portion includes an inner surface having a curved bottom portion and an outer surface extending beyond a curvature of the curved bottom portion. The body portion includes an inner surface having a curved bottom portion and an outer surface that extends beyond a curvature of the curved bottom portion.

[0117] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a laboratory vial that includes a body portion; and a lid coupleable to the body portion. The body portion includes an inner surface having a curved bottom portion and an outer surface extending beyond a curvature of the curved bottom portion. The body portion and lid have a generally circular cross-sectional shape.

[0118] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a laboratory vial that includes a body portion; and a lid coupleable to the body portion. The body portion includes an inner surface having a curved bottom portion and an outer surface extending beyond a curvature of the curved bottom portion. The lid is flexibly coupled to the body portion.

[0119] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a laboratory vial that includes a body portion; and a lid coupleable to the body portion. The body portion includes an inner surface having a curved bottom portion and an outer surface extending beyond a curvature of the curved bottom portion. The body portion and lid are formed of a chemically resistant and electrically dissipative material selected from for example, electrostatic dissipative polymers such as ploypropelyene, HD polyethylene, LD polyethylene, PTFE, and PCTFE.

[0120] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a laboratory vial that includes a body portion; and a lid couplcablc to the body portion. The body portion includes an inner surface having a curved bottom portion and an outer surface extending beyond a curvature of the curved bottom portion. The lid includes ridges and / or recesses to securely mate to a top opening of the body portion.

[0121] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a laboratory vial that includes a body portion; and a lid coupleable to the body portion. The body portion includes an inner surface having a curved bottom portion and an outer surface extending beyond a curvature of the curved bottom portion. In addition, a top opening section of the body portion includes ridges and / or recesses to securely mate to the lid.

[0122] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a laboratory vial that includes a body portion; and a lid coupleable to the body portion. The body portion includes an inner surface having a curved bottom portion and an outer surface extending beyond a curvature of the curved bottom portion. The curved bottom portion has a continuous curvature shape.

[0123] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a laboratory vial that includes a body portion; and a lid coupleable to the body portion. The body portion includes an inner surface having a curved bottom portion and an outer surface extending beyond a curvature of the curved bottom portion. The outer surface that extends beyond a curvature of the curved bottom portion enables the body portion to remain upright when placed on a surface.

[0124] Laboratory Powder Dispenser

[0125] In another aspect the present disclosure provides a laboratory powder dispenser having vacuum and / or air sources to enhance powder dispensing efficiency. FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate various views of a powder dispenser 700 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 7A illustrates two example powder dispensers where the leftmost dispenser is generally narrower than the rightmost dispenser. The overall dimensions of the dispenser 700 may be selected, for example, based on a given operating environment, etc. The dispenser 700 includes a body portion 702 that includes a generally cylindrical portion 704 and a tapered tip portion 706. The cylindrical portion 704 is open at a top end to receive powder. The tapered tip portion 706 defines an opening708 at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser 700. The dispenser 700 also includes a flange member 710 disposed at a top end of the cylindrical portion 704.

[0126] As illustrated in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 7B, the dispenser 700 includes a cap 711 disposed within the flange 710. The cap 711 includes a central annulus 713 having an opening generally centered on a centerline axis of the body 702. A powder agitation rod 712 is disposed through the opening 713 of the cap 711. The body 702 and cap 711 may be formed of chemically resistant and electrostatic dissipative material such as, for example, electrostatic dissipative polymers such as polypropylene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, PTFE, PCTFE, stainless steel, non-corrosive metal alloys, etc. As a general matter, the body 702 and insert 710 may be formed of a material that has sufficient robustness (e.g., corrosion resistance, etc.) for an intended use. In addition, the body 702 may be grounded to further reduce electrostatic buildup on the body 702 and / or powder within the body 702. The powder agitation rod 712 may be formed of metal, polymer materials, etc.

[0127] A stopper 714 is coupled to a distal end of the agitation rod 712. The stopper 714 is generally dimensioned to close the opening 708 in a down position, as illustrated. A hub 718 is disposed adjacent the opening of the cap 711. The hub 718 has a central bore dimensioned to receive the rod 712, as illustrated. The hub 718 is attached to the body 702, so that the hub 718 remains fixed in position. The hub 718 includes a boss pin 720 to be received in a slot 722 defined along the length of the rod 712. A dispensing cone 719 of a selected diameter may be coupled to the end of the tapered section 706 to provide further dispensing control of powder materials.

[0128] In operation, the rod 712 may be moved upward to move the stopper 714 into the opening 708 to prevent dispensing of powder. To dispense powder, the rod may be urged downward to partially remove obstruction from the opening 708 to dispense powder. Upward and downward movement of the rod 712 is limited by the slot 722 and boss pin 720. The rod 712 is also rotatable within the hub 718 to agitate powder contained in the body 702 to aid in dispensing of the powder through the opening 708.

[0129] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a powder dispenser 800 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment is similar to the embodiments described above in reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. In this embodiment, the flange 810 also includes vacuumand / or fluid feed connectors 816A and 816B in fluid communication with an interior volume of the body portion 802. In one example embodiment, connectors 816A and 816B may be coupled to a vacuum hose and / or vacuum supply to draw a vacuum within the interior volume of the body 802. In another embodiment, connectors 816A and 816B may be coupled to a selected air source, for example a moisture-free air source such as dry air (desiccated air), dry gas, etc. The vacuum and or air supply may be useful in operating environments where the powder contained within the dispenser 800 is hydroscopic, etc. and / or where moisture could cause the powder to clump, thus reducing dispensing efficiency. The flange 810 may include openings to receive the connectors 816A and 816B, and may be threaded (and the connectors 816A and 816B may included mating threaded portions), and epoxy may be applied to the threads to provide a tight seal around the connectors 816A and 816B.

[0130] The dispenser 800 may be formed of chemically resistant and electrostatic dissipative material such as, for example, electrostatic dissipative polymers such as polypropylene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, PTFE, PCTFE, stainless steel, non-corrosive metal alloys, etc. As a general matter, the body 802 may be formed of a material that has sufficient robustness (e.g., corrosion resistance, etc.) for an intended use. In addition, the body 802 may be grounded to further reduce electrostatic buildup on the body 802 and / or powder within the body 802. The powder agitation rod 812 may be formed of metal, polymer materials, etc.

[0131] According, one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a powder dispenser for laboratory use. Th powder dispenser includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; and an agitation rod disposed within the body portion.

[0132] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a powder dispenser for laboratory use that includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; and an agitation rod disposed within the body portion. The agitation rod is configured to rotate within the body, and configured to move along a long axis of the body portion.

[0133] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a powder dispenser for laboratory use that includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; and an agitation rod disposed within the body portion. The body portion is formed of a chemically resistant and electrically dissipative material.

[0134] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a powder dispenser for laboratory use that includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; and an agitation rod disposed within the body portion. The body portion is formed of a chemically resistant and electrically dissipative material, and the chemically resistant and electrically dissipative material is selected from polypropylene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, PTFE, PCTFE, stainless steel, and non-corrosive metal alloys.

[0135] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a powder dispenser for laboratory use that includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; and an agitation rod disposed within the body portion. The dispenser also includes a stopper coupled to a distal end of the agitation rod, the stopper being movaebly disposed within the opening of the tapered tip portion to controllably deliver powder contained in the body.

[0136] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a powder dispenser for laboratory use that includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; and an agitation rod disposed within the body portion, wherein the body portion is grounded.

[0137] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a powder dispenser for laboratory use that includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tipportion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; and an agitation rod disposed within the body portion. The dispenser also includes a flange member disposed on an upper surface of the body.

[0138] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a powder dispenser for laboratory use that includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; and an agitation rod disposed within the body portion. The dispenser also includes vacuum and / or fluid feed connectors coupled to the body portion and in fluid communication with an interior volume of the body portion.

[0139] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a powder dispenser for laboratory use that includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; and an agitation rod disposed within the body portion. The dispenser also includes vacuum and / or fluid feed connectors coupled to the body portion and in fluid communication with an interior volume of the body portion, and the connectors are configured to be coupled to a vacuum hose and / or vacuum supply to draw a vacuum within the interior volume of the body portion.

[0140] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a powder dispenser for laboratory use that includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; and an agitation rod disposed within the body portion. The dispenser also includes vacuum and / or fluid feed connectors coupled to the body portion and in fluid communication with an interior volume of the body portion, and the connectors are configured to be coupled to a selected air source.

[0141] In another embodiment the present disclosure provides a powder dispenser for laboratory use that includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tipportion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; and an agitation rod disposed within the body portion. The dispenser also includes vacuum and / or fluid feed connectors coupled to the body portion and in fluid communication with an interior volume of the body portion, and the connectors are configured to be coupled to a selected air source, and the selected air source is a low moisture air source selected from desiccated air and dry gas.

[0142] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a powder dispenser for laboratory use. Th powder dispenser includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; and an agitation rod disposed within the body portion. The dispenser also includes vacuum and / or fluid feed connectors coupled to the body portion and in fluid communication with an interior volume of the body portion.

[0143] hi another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a powder dispenser for laboratory use. Th powder dispenser includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; and an agitation rod disposed within the body portion. The dispenser also includes vacuum and / or fluid feed connectors coupled to the body portion and in fluid communication with an interior volume of the body portion. The agitation rod is configured to rotate within the body, and configured to move along a long axis of the body portion.

[0144] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a powder dispenser for laboratory use. Th powder dispenser includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; and an agitation rod disposed within the body portion. The dispenser also includes vacuum and / or fluid feed connectors coupled to the body portion and in fluid communication with an interior volume of the body portion. The body portion is formed of a chemically resistant and electrically dissipative material.

[0145] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a powder dispenser for laboratory use. Th powder dispenser includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; and an agitation rod disposed within the body portion. The dispenser also includes vacuum and / or fluid feed connectors coupled to the body portion and in fluid communication with an interior volume of the body portion. The body portion is formed of a chemically resistant and electrically dissipative material, and the chemically resistant and electrically dissipative material is selected from polypropylene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, PTFE, PCTFE, stainless steel, and non-corrosive metal alloys.

[0146] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a powder dispenser for laboratory use. Th powder dispenser includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; and an agitation rod disposed within the body portion. The dispenser also includes vacuum and / or fluid feed connectors coupled to the body portion and in fluid communication with an interior volume of the body portion. The dispenser also includes a stopper coupled to a distal end of the agitation rod, the stopper being movaebly disposed within the opening of the tapered tip portion to controllably deliver powder contained in the body.

[0147] hi another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a powder dispenser for laboratory use. Th powder dispenser includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; and an agitation rod disposed within the body portion. The dispenser also includes vacuum and / or fluid feed connectors coupled to the body portion and in fluid communication with an interior volume of the body portion, wherein the body portion is grounded.

[0148] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a powder dispenser for laboratory use. Th powder dispenser includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; thetapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; and an agitation rod disposed within the body portion. The dispenser also includes vacuum and / or fluid feed connectors coupled to the body portion and in fluid communication with an interior volume of the body portion. The dispenser also includes a flange member disposed on an upper surface of the body.

[0149] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a powder dispenser for laboratory use. Th powder dispenser includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; and an agitation rod disposed within the body portion. The dispenser also includes vacuum and / or fluid feed connectors coupled to the body portion and in fluid communication with an interior volume of the body portion, and the connectors are configured to be coupled to a vacuum hose and / or vacuum supply to draw a vacuum within the interior volume of the body portion.

[0150] hi another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a powder dispenser for laboratory use. Th powder dispenser includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; and an agitation rod disposed within the body portion. The dispenser also includes vacuum and / or fluid feed connectors coupled to the body portion and in fluid communication with an interior volume of the body portion, and the connectors are configured to be coupled to a selected air source.

[0151] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a powder dispenser for laboratory use. Th powder dispenser includes a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; and an agitation rod disposed within the body portion. The dispenser also includes vacuum and / or fluid feed connectors coupled to the body portion and in fluid communication with an interior volume of the body portion, and the connectors are configured to be coupled to aselected air source, and the selected air source is a low moisture air source selected from desiccated air and dry gas.

[0152] As used in this application and in the claims, a list of items joined by the term “and / or” can mean any combination of the listed items. For example, the phrase “A, B and / or C” can mean A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; or A, B and C. As used in this application and in the claims, a list of items joined by the term “at least one of’ can mean any combination of the listed terms. For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B or C” can mean A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; or A, B and C.

[0153] The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described (or portions thereof), and it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the claims are intended to cover all such equivalents. Various features, aspects, and embodiments have been described herein. The features, aspects, and embodiments are susceptible to combination with one another as well as to variation and modification, as will be understood by those having skill in the art. The present disclosure should, therefore, be considered to encompass such combinations, variations, and modifications.

[0154] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A powder dispenser for laboratory use, comprising: a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; an agitation rod disposed within the body portion; and an agitating fin structure disposed along a long axis of the agitation rod.

2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the agitation rod is configured to rotate within the body, and configured to move along a long axis of the body portion.

3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the body portion is formed of a chemically resistant and electrically dissipative material.

4. The dispenser of claim 3, wherein the chemically resistant and electrically dissipative material is selected from polypropelyene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, PTFE and PCTFE.

5. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the agitating fin structure includes a plurality of layers stacked along the length of the agitation rod, and each layer includes a plurality of filaments.

6. The dispenser of claim 5, wherein each of the layers are offset from one another so that the plurality of filaments of one layer are misaligned from the plurality of filaments of an adjacent layer.

7. The dispenser of claim 5, wherein each filament has a generally conical cross-sectional shape, and tapering from the agitation rod toward an inner surface of the body.

8. The dispenser of claim 5, wherein each filament is formed of silicone.

9. The dispenser of claim 1 , further comprising a stopper coupled to a distal end of the agitation rod, the stopper being movacbly disposed within the opening of the tapered tip portion to controllably deliver powder contained in the body.

10. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the agitating fin structure include a tapered agitating fin structure portion disposed along the long axis of the agitation rod and within the tapered portion of the body.

11. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the agitating fin structure has an overall diameter that is less than a diameter of the inner surface of the body.

12. A powder dispenser for laboratory use, comprising: a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; an agitation rod disposed within the body portion; a first agitating fin structure disposed along a long axis of the agitation rod and disposed within the generally cylindrical portion; and a second agitating fin structure disposed along a long axis of the agitation rod and disposed within the tapered tip portion.

13. The dispenser of claim 12, wherein the agitation rod is configured to rotate within the body, and configured to move along a long axis of the body portion.

14. The dispenser of claim 12, wherein the body portion is formed of a chemically resistant and electrically dissipative material.

15. The dispenser of claim 14, wherein the chemically resistant and electrically dissipative material is selected from polypropelyene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, PTFE and PCTFE.

16. The dispenser of claim 12, wherein the first agitating fin structure includes a plurality of layers stacked along the length of the agitation rod, and each layer of the first agitating fin structure includes a plurality of fins; and the second agitating fin structure includes a plurality of layers stacked along the length of the agitation rod, and each layer of the second agitating fin structure includes a plurality of fins.

17. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein each of the layers are offset from one another so that the plurality of fins of one layer are misaligned from the plurality of fins of an adjacent layer.

18. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein each fin has a generally conical cross-sectional shape, and tapering from the agitation rod toward an inner surface of the body.

19. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein each fin is formed of silicone.

20. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein the fins of the second agitating fin structure point toward the fins of the first agitating fin structure.

21. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein the fins of the second agitating fin structure point away from the fins of the first agitating fin structure.

22. The dispenser of claim 11, further comprising a stopper coupled to a distal end of the agitation rod, the stopper being movaebly disposed within the opening of the tapered tip portion to controllably deliver powder contained in the body.

23. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the second agitating fin structure include a plurality of tapered layers disposed along the long axis of the agitation rod and within the tapered portion of the body.

24. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the first agitating fin structure has an overall diameter that is less than a diameter of the inner surface of the cylindrical portion of the body; andwherein the second agitating fin structure has an overall diameter that is less than a diameter of the inner surface of the tapered tip portion of the body.

25. A powder dispenser for laboratory use, comprising: a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; an agitation rod disposed within the body portion; a first agitating fin structure disposed along a long axis of the agitation rod and disposed within the generally cylindrical portion; and a second agitating fin structure disposed along a long axis of the agitation rod and disposed within the tapered tip portion; wherein the first agitating fin structure includes a plurality of layers stacked along the length of the agitation rod, and each layer of the first agitating fin structure includes a first plurality of fins; and the second agitating fin structure includes a plurality of layers stacked along the length of the agitation rod, and each layer of the second agitating fin structure includes a second plurality of fins; and wherein the second plurality of fins are pointed away from the fist plurality of fins.

26. The dispenser of claim 25, wherein the agitation rod is configured to rotate within the body, and configured to move along a long axis of the body portion.

27. The dispenser of claim 25, wherein the body portion is formed of a chemically resistant and electrically dissipative material.

28. The dispenser of claim 27, wherein the chemically resistant and electrically dissipative material is selected from polypropelyene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, PTFE and PCTFE.

29. The dispenser of claim 25, wherein each of the layers are offset from one another so that the plurality of fins of one layer arc misaligned from the plurality of fins of an adjacent layer.

30. The dispenser of claim 25, wherein each fin has a generally conical cross-sectional shape, and tapering from the agitation rod toward an inner surface of the body.

31. The dispenser of claim 25, wherein each fin is formed of silicone.

32. The dispenser of claim 25, further comprising a stopper coupled to a distal end of the agitation rod, the stopper being movaebly disposed within the opening of the tapered tip portion to controllably deliver powder contained in the body.

33. The dispenser of claim 25, wherein the second agitating fin structure include a plurality of tapered layers disposed along the long axis of the agitation rod and within the tapered portion of the body.

34. The dispenser of claim 25, wherein the first agitating fin structure has an overall diameter that is less than a diameter of the inner surface of the cylindrical portion of the body; and wherein the second agitating fin structure has an overall diameter that is less than a diameter of the inner surface of the tapered tip portion of the body.

35. A powder dispenser for laboratory use, comprising: a body portion that includes a generally cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion; the body portion being open at a top end to receive powder; the tapered tip portion defines an opening at a distal end thereof to dispense powder contained in the dispenser; an agitation rod disposed within the body portion; a first agitating fin structure disposed along a long axis of the agitation rod and disposed within the generally cylindrical portion; and a second agitating fin structure disposed along a long axis of the agitation rod and disposed within the tapered tip portion;wherein the first agitating fin structure includes a plurality of layers stacked along the length of the agitation rod, and each layer of the first agitating fin structure includes a first plurality of fins; and the second agitating fin structure includes a plurality of layers stacked along the length of the agitation rod, and each layer of the second agitating fin structure includes a second plurality of fins; and wherein the second plurality of fins are pointed toward the fist plurality of fins.

36. The dispenser of claim 35, wherein the agitation rod is configured to rotate within the body, and configured to move along a long axis of the body portion.

37. The dispenser of claim 35, wherein the body portion is formed of a chemically resistant and electrically dissipative material.

38. The dispenser of claim 37, wherein the chemically resistant and electrically dissipative material is selected from polypropelyene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, PTFE and PCTFE.

39. The dispenser of claim 35, wherein each of the layers are offset from one another so that the plurality of fins of one layer are misaligned from the plurality of fins of an adjacent layer.

40. The dispenser of claim 35, wherein each fin has a generally conical cross-sectional shape, and tapering from the agitation rod toward an inner surface of the body.

41. The dispenser of claim 35, wherein each fin is formed of silicone.

42. The dispenser of claim 35, further comprising a stopper coupled to a distal end of the agitation rod, the stopper being movaebly disposed within the opening of the tapered tip portion to controllably deliver powder contained in the body.

43. The dispenser of claim 35, wherein the second agitating fin structure include a plurality of tapered layers disposed along the long axis of the agitation rod and within the tapered portion of the body.

44. The dispenser of claim 35, wherein the first agitating fin structure has an overall diameter that is less than a diameter of the inner surface of the cylindrical portion of the body; and wherein the second agitating fin structure has an overall diameter that is less than a diameter of the inner surface of the tapered tip portion of the body.

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