System and method for dispensing fluid

Abstract

A fluid dispenser includes: a barrel having a barrel tip with a plurality of gaps corresponding to the barrel tip, the gaps being separated by a surface aligned with the gaps that is flush with an outer circumferential surface of the barrel tip; a first seal surrounding the barrel tip, the first seal including: a first lobe; and a second lobe spaced apart from the first lobe, wherein the gap corresponding to the fluid tip is configured to be between the first lobe and the second lobe; and a barrel cap comprising a second seal at a bottom portion of the barrel cap, the second seal being integrally formed with the barrel cap and providing a pressure against an internal surface of the barrel.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPENSING FLUID CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 703,053, filed on October 3, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. FIELD

[0002] One or more aspects of some embodiments according to the present disclosure relate to a system and method for dispensing fluid. BACKGROUND

[0003] In the field of pathology, the process of manufacturing individual slides having tissue or fluid samples may be complex and time consuming. Various steps and operations may be involved from when the sample is collected to when the final slide is ready to be reviewed by a pathologist. Additionally, when attempting to manufacture multiple slides, for multiple tissue or fluid samples, and from multiple patients, the process becomes even more complex.

[0004] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background and therefore the information discussed in this Background section does not necessarily constitute prior art. SUMMARY

[0005] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a fluid dispenser includes: a barrel having a fluid chamber and a barrel tip with a plurality of gaps corresponding to the barrel tip configured to release fluid from the fluid chamber, the gaps being separated by a surface aligned with the gaps that is flush with an outercircumferential surface of the barrel tip; a barrel holder configured to retain the barrel, the barrel holder including: a dispenser chamber, the barrel tip being configured to slide within the dispenser chamber; and a groove above the dispenser chamber surrounding the barrel tip; a first seal secured by the barrel holder in the groove of the barrel holder, the first seal including: a first lobe; and a second lobe spaced apart from the first lobe, wherein the gap corresponding to the fluid tip is configured to be between the first lobe and the second lobe in a fully extended position of the fluid dispenser; and a barrel cap coupled to an opening of the barrel and configured to seal a fluid within the barrel, the barrel cap including a second seal at a bottom portion of the barrel cap, the second seal being integrally formed with the barrel cap and providing a pressure against an internal surface of the barrel.

[0006] According to some embodiments, the fluid dispenser further includes a barrel plug including: a first portion having a plurality of channels spaced apart from each other and separated by a plurality of walls, the walls having an external surface in contact with an internal surface of the barrel tip; a second portion having a circumference equal to an outer circumference of the barrel tip; and a plurality of protrusions extending from the second portion toward the barrel tip, the protrusions having an outer edge that is flush with an outer edge of the second portion and an outer edge of the barrel tip.

[0007] According to some embodiments, opposite edges of the protrusions in the gaps are parallel to each other.

[0008] According to some embodiments, the protrusions have a tapered shape from an outside edge toward a center of the barrel plug.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the barrel tip has a closed bottom surface and the gaps are formed through an outer circumferential surface of the barrel tip.

[0010] According to some embodiments, widths of the gaps are elongated relative to heights of the gaps.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the second seal comprises a compressible material overmolded over a body of the cap such that the compressible material is integrally formed with the body of the cap.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the compressible material comprises a plurality of compressible ribs.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the second seal comprises a plurality of ribs having a diameter greater than a diameter of an upper portion of the cap within the barrel.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the ribs are formed of a same material as a an upper portion of the cap above the ribs.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the ribs have a tapered shape.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a fluid dispenser includes: a barrel having a fluid chamber and a barrel tip with a plurality of gaps corresponding to the barrel tip, the gaps being separated by a surface aligned with the gaps that is flush with an outer circumferential surface of the barrel tip; a barrel holder configured to retain the barrel, the barrel holder comprising a groove above the dispenser chamber surrounding the barrel tip; a first seal in the groove of the barrel holder, the first seal comprising: a first lobe; and a second lobe spaced apart from the first lobe, wherein the gap corresponding to the fluid tip is configured to be between the first lobe and the second lobe; and a barrel cap coupled to an opening of the barrel, the barrel cap comprising a second seal at a bottom portion of the barrel cap, the second seal being integrally formed with the barrel cap and providing a pressure against an internal surface of the barrel.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the fluid dispenser further includes a barrel plug including: a first portion having a plurality of channels spaced apart from each other and separated by a plurality of walls, the walls having an external surface in contact with an internal surface of the barrel tip; a second portion having acircumference equal to an outer circumference of the barrel tip; and a plurality of protrusions extending from the second portion toward the barrel tip, the protrusions having an outer edge that is flush with an outer edge of the second portion and an outer edge of the barrel tip.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the barrel tip has a closed bottom surface and the gaps are formed through an outer circumferential surface of the barrel tip.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the second seal comprises a rib.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the rib comprises a compressible material overmolded over a body of the cap such that the compressible material is integrally formed with the body of the cap.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the rib is formed of a same material as an upper portion of the cap above the ribs.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a fluid dispenser includes: a barrel having a barrel tip with a plurality of gaps corresponding to the barrel tip, the gaps being separated by a surface aligned with the gaps that is flush with an outer circumferential surface of the barrel tip; a first seal surrounding the barrel tip, the first seal comprising: a first lobe; and a second lobe spaced apart from the first lobe, wherein the gap corresponding to the fluid tip is configured to be between the first lobe and the second lobe; and a barrel cap comprising a second seal at a bottom portion of the barrel cap, the second seal being integrally formed with the barrel cap and providing a pressure against an internal surface of the barrel.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the fluid dispenser further includes a barrel plug including: a first portion having a plurality of channels spaced apart from each other and separated by a plurality of walls, the walls having an external surface in contact with an internal surface of the barrel tip; a second portion having a circumference equal to an outer circumference of the barrel tip; and a plurality of protrusions extending from the second portion toward the barrel tip, the protrusionshaving an outer edge that is flush with an outer edge of the second portion and an outer edge of the barrel tip.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the barrel tip has a closed bottom surface and the gaps are formed through an outer circumferential surface of the barrel tip.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the second seal comprises a rib formed of a compressible material overmolded over a body of the cap such that the compressible material is integrally formed with the body of the cap.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the second seal comprises a rib formed of a same material as an upper portion of the cap above the rib. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments according to the present disclosure are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

[0028] FIG.1 is a flow diagram illustrating various operations that may occur in a pathology context or pathology environment, according to some embodiments;

[0029] FIG.2 illustrates an example of a slide after being manufactured, according to some embodiments;

[0030] FIG.3 is a block diagram of an automated biological processing system, according to some embodiments;

[0031] FIG.4 is an exploded view of the biological processing system, according to some embodiments;

[0032] FIG.5 is a partial exploded isometric view of a bulk fluid module, according to some embodiments;

[0033] FIG.6 is an exploded isometric view of a dispensing tray assembly, according to some embodiments;

[0034] FIG.7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a reagent tray carrying a dispenser and engaging a drive carousel, according to some embodiments;

[0035] FIG.8 is an isometric view of a fluid dispenser, according to some embodiments;

[0036] FIG.9 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid dispenser taken along the line 9-9 of FIG.8 when the fluid dispenser is in an extended position, according to some embodiments;

[0037] FIG.10 is a cross-sectional view of a fluid dispenser taken along the line 9-9 of FIG.8 when a force is being applied to the fluid dispenser, according to some embodiments;

[0038] FIG.11 illustrates further details of the area “A” of FIG.9, according to some embodiments;

[0039] FIG.12 illustrates further details of the area “B” of FIG.10, according to some embodiments;

[0040] FIG.13 shows further details of a barrel plug, according to some embodiments;

[0041] FIG.14 shows further details of an example barrel plug, according to some embodiments;

[0042] FIG.15 shows further details of an example barrel plug, according to some embodiments;

[0043] FIG.16 shows further details of an example arrangement of a barrel tip and a barrel plug, according to some embodiments;

[0044] FIG.17 shows further details of an example barrel tip, according to some embodiments;

[0045] FIG.18 shows further details of an example barrel tip, according to some embodiments;

[0046] FIG.19 is a cross-sectional view of a barrel cap, according to some embodiments;

[0047] FIG.20 shows an example cap assembly according to some embodiments;

[0048] FIG.21 shows further details of an example cap assembly, according to some embodiments;

[0049] FIG.22 shows further details of an example cap assembly, according to some embodiments; and

[0050] FIG.23 shows further details of an example cap assembly, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Hereinafter, aspects of some example embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout. The present invention, however, may be embodied in various different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to only the illustrated embodiments herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided as examples so that this disclosure will be more thorough and more complete, and will more fully convey the aspects and features of the present invention to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, processes, elements, and techniques that are not necessary to those having ordinary skill in the art for a complete understanding of the aspects and features of the present invention may not be described. Unless otherwise noted, like reference numerals denote like elements throughout the attached drawings and the written description, and thus, descriptions thereof will not be repeated. In the drawings, the relative sizes of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0052] It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / orsections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section described below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0053] Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “under,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of explanation to describe one element or feature’s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or in operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” or “under” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example terms “below” and “under” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0054] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may be present. In addition, it will also be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “between” two elements or layers, it can be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or one or more intervening elements or layers may also be present.

[0055] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. As usedherein, the singular forms “a” and “an” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” "includes," and "including," when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as “at least one of,” when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.

[0056] As used herein, the term "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, the use of “may” when describing embodiments of the present invention refers to “one or more embodiments of the present invention.” As used herein, the terms "use," "using," and "used" may be considered synonymous with the terms "utilize," "utilizing," and "utilized," respectively. Also, the term “exemplary” is intended to refer to an example or illustration.

[0057] Pathology is the medical discipline, which attempts to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, by studying tissue, cell, and fluid samples of patients. In many applications, tissue samples may be collected from patients, and processed into a form that can be analyzed by physicians (e.g., Pathologists), often under magnification, by physicians to diagnose and characterize relevant medical conditions based on the tissue sample.

[0058] As used herein, “biological sample,” “tissue sample,” or “sample” can be any solid or fluid sample obtained from, excreted by or secreted by any living organism, including without limitation, single celled organisms, such as bacteria, yeast,protozoans, and amoebas among others, multicellular organisms (such as plants or animals, including samples from a healthy or apparently healthy human subject or a human patient affected by a condition or disease to be diagnosed or investigated, such as cancer). For example, a biological sample can be a biological fluid obtained from, for example, blood, plasma, serum, urine, bile, ascites, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, aqueous or vitreous humor, or any bodily secretion, a transudate, an exudate (for example, fluid obtained from an abscess or any other site of infection or inflammation), or fluid obtained from a joint (for example, a normal joint or a joint affected by disease). A biological sample can also be a sample obtained from any organ or tissue (including a biopsy or autopsy specimen, such as a tumor biopsy) or can include a cell (whether a primary cell or cultured cell) or medium conditioned by any cell, tissue or organ. The samples may be tumor samples, including those from melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, and non—small-cell lung cancers. In some embodiments, the samples are analyzed for the of presence of cancer by detecting targets, including biomarkers (e.g. proteins or nucleic acid sequences), within the tissue sample. The described embodiments of the disclosed method can also be applied to samples that do not have abnormalities, diseases, disorders, etc., referred to as “normal” samples or “control” samples. For example, it may be useful to test a subject for cancer by taking tissue samples from multiple locations, and these samples may be used as controls and compared to later samples to determine whether a particular cancer has spread beyond its primary origin.

[0059] As used herein, “immunohistochemistry” refers to a method of determining the presence or distribution of an antigen in a sample by detecting interaction of the antigen with a specific binding agent, such as an antibody. A sample is contacted with an antibody under conditions permitting antibody-antigen binding. Antibody-antigen binding can be detected by means of a detectable label conjugated to the antibody(direct detection) or by means of a detectable label conjugated to a secondary antibody, which binds specifically to the primary antibody (indirect detection).

[0060] FIG.1 is a flow diagram illustrating various operations that may occur in a pathology environment or pathology system 100. For example, when a treating physician or medical provider identifies a patient for whom an analysis of a tissue or fluid sample may be beneficial for diagnosing or treating a medical condition, a tissue or fluid sample may be collected at operation 102. The patient’s identity may be collected and matched with the patent’s sample, and the sample may be placed in a sterile container and / or collection medium for further processing.

[0061] The sample may then be transported to a pathology accessioning laboratory at operation 104, where the sample may be received, sorted, organized, and labeled along with other samples from other patients, for further processing.

[0062] At operation 106, the sample may be further processed as part of a grossing operation. For example, an individual tissue sample or specimen may be sliced into smaller sections for embedding and subsequent cutting for assembly onto slides.

[0063] Then, at operation 108, the sample or specimen may be mounted or deposited on one or more glass slides. The preparation of slides may involve applying one or more reagents or stains to the sample, for example, in order to improve the visibility of, or contrast between, different parts of the sample.

[0064] In some instances, at operation 110, several slides, either during the reagent or staining processing, or after the processing is completed, may be assembled or collected in a case or folio. The case may, for example, be carefully labeled with the individual patient’s identifying information.

[0065] Between each of the operations 102 and 110, at operation 112, the sample, specimen, slide(s), may be transported within the medical facility, or between medical facilities (e.g., between a physician’s office and a laboratory), or may be stored between processing operations.

[0066] Once the processing of the samples and slides is completed, and a pathologist is ready to review the sample, the slides and / or the case(s) holding multiple slides corresponding to the patient may again be transported, at operation 112, to the pathologist. At operation 114, the pathologist may review the slides, for example, under magnification using a microscope. An individual slide may be placed under the objective lens of the microscope, and the microscope and the slide may be manipulated and adjusted as the pathologist reviews the tissue or fluid.

[0067] Once the pathologist case completed the review of the slide, the pathologist may attempt, at operation 116, to form a medical opinion or diagnosis. Meanwhile, the sample or slides may once again be transported, at operation 112, to a longer term storage facility. In some instances, the sample or slides may be again transported, either before or after some storage period, to other physicians for further analysis, second opinions, and the like.

[0068] Thus, as can be appreciated based on the pathology process flow described above, the pathology system 100 involves a wide variety of processing operations. At each operation, there is an opportunity for tissue samples to be damaged or contaminated, or for information to be lost. Additionally, the processing of individual slides can be quite time consuming and complicated, and it can be difficult for laboratories to manage processing a high volume of patient samples simultaneously. Often times, there are also time constraints, since earlier diagnosis of disease may lead to better patient outcomes, yet each operation in the pathology system 100 presents an opportunity for delay.

[0069] Thus, embodiments according to the present disclosure may relatively improve the efficiency and productivity of the pathology system 100.

[0070] FIG.2 illustrates an example of a slide after being manufactured according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the slide 204 includes a substrate 230 that may be formed of any suitable transparent material, such as glass. The sample orspecimen (e.g., a slice of tissue, bodily fluid, cavity swap, etc.) 206 may be deposited on a front face of the slide 204, which is opposite a rear face of the slide 204. After depositing the specimen 206 onto the front face of the slide 204, the specimen may be treated with various manufacturing processes or operations, for example, by applying one or more reagents and / or stains to the specimen 206. A slip 232 may be placed over the specimen 206 to protect the integrity of the specimen 206 and prevent or reduce physical impact or contact with the specimen 206, and prevent or reduce contamination by foreign contaminants. Hereinafter, a slide having a tissue sample or specimen with a slip covering the specimen may be referred to as a “coverslipped” slide.

[0071] Additionally, a label 234 may be affixed to the front face of the slide at a location adjacent to the specimen and the slip. The label 234 may include various information that includes unique identifying information about the slide, to enable the content of the specimen, the patient, etc., to be identified. For example, the label 234 may include a barcode or other alphanumeric characters operating as an identification for the slide.

[0072] The slip 232 may be relatively thin compared to the thickness of the substrate 230. The substrate 230 may have a relatively thin thickness relative to a length and a width of the substrate 230. In the present application, the width of a slide refers to the shorter distance across the front face of the slide, and the length of a slide refers to the longer distance across the front face of the slide. A width or narrow edge of a slide refers to an edge or side of the slide, not including the front face or the rear face, along the width direction. A length or long edge of a slide refers to an edge or side of the slide, not including the front face or the rear face, along the length direction. A top end of the slide refers to the end corresponding to the label 234, and the bottom end refers to the end opposite the top end.

[0073] According to some embodiments, fluid dispensing and / or staining of a specimen or tissue sample may be accomplished through the use of an automated biological processing system. FIG.3 is a block diagram of an automated biological processing system, according to some embodiments. An automated biological processing system 300 according to some embodiments includes a host device 302 and a remote device 304. The remote device 304 includes a staining module 306 and a bulk fluid module 308. The host device 302 includes a host computer 310, a monitor 312, a keyboard 314, and a mouse 316. The host device 302 commands the staining module 306 to deliver a set of fluids from an array of dispensers to process specimens on microscope slides in the staining module 306. After processing, the slides can be removed from the staining module 306 for examination or subsequent processing. In general, the automated biological processing system automates the staining of biological samples, e.g. patient biopsy samples, on glass slides that allow pathologists, or other medical professionals, to determine if a patient has a particular disease, e.g. cancer.

[0074] FIG.4 is an exploded view of a staining module of the biological processing system, according to some embodiments. Referring to FIGS.3 and 4, staining module 306 is capable of performing different protocols. As illustrated in FIG.4, the staining module 306 includes a plurality of dispensers 400 for dispensing fluid. The dispensers 400 can be conveniently installed, removed, and replaced to perform different protocols or when emptied and can be stored for extended lengths of time. In some embodiments, staining module 306 may include dispensers that filter reagents to ensure proper functioning, even after the dispensers are stored for a significant length of time.

[0075] In some embodiments, staining module 306 performs immunochemical staining protocols. Example immunochemical staining protocols can include, for example, dispensing a rinsing solution (e.g., a solution comprising water and adetergent) to wash an assay region of a slide (the region containing the tissue section). An evaporation inhibitor liquid can be applied to cover the assay region. For antigens requiring unmasking, the tissue section may be combined with a stabilized proteolytic enzyme solution. The slide may be rinsed, and the evaporation inhibitor liquid is reapplied to the slide. A primary antibody in diluent containing globulins from the same species as a second antibody is combined with the tissue section for a time sufficient for substantially complete antibody binding. The slide may be rinsed and the evaporation inhibitor liquid may be reapplied. A labeled second antibody may be applied to the tissue section for a time sufficient for substantially complete antibody binding. The slide may be rinsed and the evaporation inhibitor liquid may be reapplied to the slide. Color development reagents, including a stabilized peroxidase chromophore formulation, are combined with the tissue section for a time sufficient for color development. The stabilized peroxidase chromophore formulation comprises a peroxidase chromophore (at a concentration in the working range of the enzyme) an acidic buffer, a reducing agent, and a glycol. Chromophores can include 3,3′- diaminobenzidine and tetrahydrochloride (DAB) and 3-amino-9-ethylcarbazole (AEC). After color development, the tissue section may be washed and ready for coverslipping. Each of the different liquids can be dispensed from a different dispenser.

[0076] In some embodiments, the automated specimen processing apparatus and / or the staining module 306 may include a carousel for holding a plurality of substrates (e.g., microscope slides 204) wherein each substrate includes a biological sample to be stained. The automatic staining equipment can also include a device for rotating the carousel at predetermined speeds and a mechanism for directing and controlling application of reagents, including staining compositions, onto the substrates and samples during rotation of the carousel. Once the slides are loaded into the instrument, protocols will dictate which fluids are dispensed onto the substrates at specific times. According to various embodiments, the protocols and / or order andtiming of fluids being dispensed onto the substrates may be controlled by a processor and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to control the operation of the staining module 306 to rotate the dispensers 400 and or the substrates (e.g., around a central axis) and to dispense fluid from the dispensers 400 aligned with a corresponding substrate. According to some embodiments, the processor and memory may operate as part of the host device 302.

[0077] At the appropriate time, in some embodiments, a staining module 306 will cause the dispensers 400 to rotate to align a correct fluid over a substrate and the corresponding dispenser 400 will dispense fluid (e.g., a set or predetermined amount of fluid, e.g., as may be controlled by the host device 302 and / or user input to the host device 302) onto the substrate.

[0078] The automated biological processing system 300 will allow the fluid to remain in contact with the biological sample for an amount of time (e.g., a set or predetermined amount of time, for example, that may be defined and / or controlled by the host device 302 and / or user input to the host device 302). In some embodiments, the automated biological processing system 300 further includes a heating or cooling device (such as a conductive heater or a Peltier device) such that at least one of the biological sample or the stains, fluids, or reagents applied to the sample may be heated (e.g., to a set or predetermined temperature and / or for a set or predetermined amount of time). In some embodiments, the automated biological processing system 300 can be configured to provide conductive and / or radiant heating. Conductive heating can be provided via a plate with a resistive heater. One or more lamps can provide radiant heating. The automated biological processing system 300 can controllably increase or decrease the temperature of the specimens.

[0079] Referring to FIG.4 , staining module 306 may include a dispenser assembly 402, an intermediate section 404, and a platform assembly 406. The dispenser assembly 402 can include a reagent tray 408 that supports dispensersin the form of fluid dispensers 400. Dispensers 400 can be supported by the reagent tray 408 and, in some embodiments, mounted in reagent fluid dispenser receptors 410 rotatable about a central axis 411 using a rotatable carousel 414.

[0080] Dispensers 400 can be capable of selectively dispensing desired volumes of fluids (e.g., gases, liquids, or gas / liquid mixtures) onto specimen-bearing slides (e.g., slides 204) carried on slide supports 416. The dispensed fluids can be, without limitation, reagents, probes, rinses, and / or conditioners and can include solvents (e.g., polar solvents, non-polar solvents, etc.), solutions (e.g. aqueous solutions or other types of solutions), or the like. Reagents include, without limitation, stains, wetting agents, antibodies (e.g., monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies, etc.), antigen recovery fluids (e.g., aqueous- or non-aqueous-based antigen retrieval solutions, antigen recovery buffers, etc.), or the like. Stains include, without limitation, dyes, hematoxylin stains, eosin stains, conjugates of antibodies or nucleic acids with detectable labels such as haptens, enzymes or fluorescent moieties, or other types of substances for imparting color and / or for enhancing contrast. DAB reagents can be used to provide contrast of enzyme sites (e.g., light to dark brown) and can be used to provide purple / black staining.

[0081] Once the slides are loaded into the instrument, the protocols (e.g., as controlled by the host device 302) will dictate which reagents are dispensed onto the slides at specific times. The accuracy of the reagent dispense volume is controlled by the plastic dispenser assemblies that are loaded onto the top carrousel. At the appropriate time, the dispenser rack will rotate to align the correct reagent over a slide and a top pneumatic hammer will compress the dispenser (e.g., by pressing on a barrel of the dispenser, shown in more detail below) to cause a measured dispense of reagent to be put or released onto the slide (e.g., the slide 204) and the specimen. Heating, incubating, stirring, chemistry, and washing all contribute to certain cell markers taking on different colors that can be interpreted by the pathologist.

[0082] The receptors 410 are configured to receive and hold the dispensers 400 and can be equally spaced in a circular pattern that is axially concentric with the carousel axis 411 (see FIG.4 ). The number of receptors 410 can be sufficient to accommodate the number of different reagent fluid dispensers 400 that may be desired for a cycle or series of cycles. Twenty-five fluid dispenser receptors 410 are shown, but the number can be smaller or greater according to the design of the automated biological processing system 300, and the diameter of the reagent tray 408 can be increased to accept a larger number of reagent fluid dispensers 400. A motor 418 (e.g., a stepper motor) may drive a driving mechanism (e.g., a drive belt 420, or any other suitable driving mechanism) to rotate the reagent carousel 414. In some embodiments, an actuator mechanism can be an air cylinder actuator that causes dispensing of fluid from one of the dispensers.

[0083] The intermediate section 404 may include a vortex mixing plate to which one or more mix blocks are attached. The one or more mix blocks may also be mounted on the platform mechanism 406. Other types of mixing apparatuses can also be used.

[0084] The platform assembly 406 includes a support plate 422 upon which a slide carousel 424 is rotatably mounted. The slide carousel 424 carries the slide supports 416. The slide carousel 424 may comprise one or more drip shields, such as drip shields position between adjacent slide supports 416 as further disclosed herein. Heated air is supplied by a resistive heating element and a blower. The support plate 422 also supports a controller in the form of a remote device microcontroller 426, a power supply 428, and fluid and pneumatic valves 430.

[0085] Spray blocks 432 can apply liquids such as rinses, LIQUID COVERSLIP™, etc. The remote device microcontroller 426 can include one or more processors and can be replaced by a computer. The remote device microcontroller 426 interfaces, via a wired or wireless communication protocol (e.g., BLUETOOTH®, an RS-485 line) with the host device 302. The platform assembly 406 includes a supportplate 434 supporting accessories, such as the power supply 428 and a buffer heater 436.

[0086] The platform 406 further includes a motor 440 (e.g., a stepper motor) that moves a driving mechanism (e.g., a drive belt 442, or any other suitable driving mechanism) which in turn engages a drive sprocket of the slide carousel 424. The motor 440 can controllably rotate the slide carousel 424 to position slides (e.g., slides 204) under dispensers (e.g., dispensers 400). An annular waste liquid sump may surround a shroud and may be supported on the bottom of plate 422. The waste reagent and rinse fluids may be collected in the sump and passed to a drain through an outlet tube in the sump bottom.

[0087] FIG.5 is a partial exploded isometric view of a bulk fluid module, according to some embodiments. Referring to FIGS.3 and 5, bulk fluid module 308 includes an air compressor 502, a pressure relief valve 504, cooling tubing 506, a water condenser and filter 508, an air pressure regulator 510, a container 512 holding wash buffer, and a container 514 holding a coverslipping material, such as LIQUID COVERSLIP™. The air compressor 502 outputs compressed air regulated by the pressure relief valve 504 to a desired pressure (e.g., about 25 psi). The air passes from the compressor 502 through the cooling tubing 506 and enters the condenser and filter 508. From the condenser and filter 508, the air passes to the pressure regulator 510. The pressure regulator 510 regulates the pressure to a lower pressure (e.g., 13 psi). In some embodiments, the low pressure air is supplied to the wash buffer container, container and staining module. Water condensing out of the compressed air passes out of the condenser and filter through the pressure relief valve and exits the bulk module 308.

[0088] FIG.6 is an exploded isometric view of a dispensing tray assembly, according to some embodiments. FIG.7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a reagent tray carrying a dispenser and engaging a drive carousel, according to someembodiments. FIGS.6 and 7 illustrate a method of mounting a fluid dispenser 400 in a reagent tray 408. A foot 602 can be inserted into a circular U-shaped groove 604 formed in the reagent tray 408. According to some embodiments, the foot may be inserted into a rectangular shaped groove. Groove 410 of spring member 412 engages a circumferential lip 616 of the reagent tray 408.

[0089] FIG.7 is a cross-sectional view of the reagent tray 408 after the dispenser 400 has been mounted such that the foot 602 fits into groove 442. Fluid can fall through openings 606, 608 onto a specimen 610 on a slide 202 resting on a slide support 416. The spring member 412 flexes to hold the fluid dispenser 400 firmly in place. To remove the fluid dispenser 400, spring member 412 is simply bent inward slightly so that the groove 410 clears the lip 606, and the foot 602 is withdrawn from the groove 604. A user can conveniently remove the fluid dispenser 400 from the tray 408 to inspect, repair, refill, or replace the dispenser 400.

[0090] FIG.8 is an isometric view of a fluid dispenser, according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG.8, a fluid dispenser 400 includes a barrel cap 800, a barrel 802, and a barrel holder 804. As shown in FIG.8 (and illustrated and described below in more detail), the barrel cap 800 is placed into an opening at a top of the barrel 802, and is configured to retain or seal a fluid within the barrel 802.

[0091] In FIG.8, the barrel 802 of the fluid dispenser 400 is illustrated in a fully raised or extended position. To dispense a fluid, a force F is applied to the cap 800. The barrel 802 sides into the barrel holder 804 toward a lowered or depressed position to release a volume (e.g., a set or predetermined) volume of fluid. An actuation mechanism (e.g., a force provided by a spring) can return the barrel 802 to the raised or extended position. The barrel 802 can be repeatedly reciprocated (e.g., depressed and raised), for example, until the cavity or chamber of the barrel 802 is empty and all of the fluid inside the barrel 802 is dispensed. The barrel 802 and / or the dispenser 400 can then be replaced (e.g., with a full dispenser 400) or re-filled. According to someembodiments, the dispenser 400 may be disposable such that it may be discarded when empty.

[0092] FIG.9 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid dispenser 400 taken along the line 9-9 of FIG.9, according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG.9, the fluid dispenser 400 is in a fully extended or expanded position. The barrel 802 of the fluid dispenser 400 includes an internal fluid chamber or cavity 900 configured to hold a fluid 902 (e.g., a stain, fluid, or reagent) to be applied or dispensed onto a specimen on a slide as discussed above. According to some embodiments, the barrel 802 may have a generally cylindrical shape, although embodiments according to the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and that barrel 802 may have any suitable shape in a plan view (e.g., rectangular, square, polygonal, etc.) according to the design of the fluid dispenser 400. According to some embodiments, the internal walls or sides of the chamber 900 of the barrel 802 may conform to or follow the curvature of the exterior walls or sides of the barrel 802 in a plan view.

[0093] As shown in FIGS.8 and 9, and described above, after the fluid 902 is deposited or filled within the chamber 900, the cap 800 is inserted into an opening at an upper side of the chamber 900 of the barrel 802, and as described in more detail below, the cap 800 provides a fluid seal to retain the fluid 902 within the barrel 802 and prevent the fluid 902 from leaking out of the opening at the top of the barrel 802.

[0094] A bottom portion of the barrel 802 is inserted into, and retained by, a collar or barrel guide 904 of the barrel holder 804. The barrel 802 is configured to slide or actuate along the direction or axis D, guided by, and held within, the barrel holder 804. In particular, the barrel 802 is configured to move toward a nozzle tip 906 of the fluid dispenser 400 in response to the force F being applied to the cap 800.

[0095] A spring 908 is housed or contained within the barrel holder 804 and applies a pressure or force P against a bottom surface 910 of the barrel 802 in an oppositedirection of the force F. According to some embodiments, the spring 908 may be in contact with the bottom surface 910.

[0096] According to some embodiments, a barrel stop 912 may be house or contained within the barrel holder 804. The barrel stop 912 may be a rigid structure that prevents the barrel 802 from moving below a predetermined height H corresponding to a top surface of the barrel stop 912. For example, when the force F is applied to the cap 800, the barrel 802 travels along the direction D in response to the force F, until the bottom surface 910 makes contact with the top surface of the barrel stop 912. The bottom of the spring 908 may be supported by the barrel stop 912, and the spring 908 may be coiled around the barrel stop 912 and a barrel tip 914 (described in more detail below). When the force F is released or no longer applied, the spring 908 applies the pressure or force P in the reverse direction, causing the barrel 802 to return to the original position, such that the fluid dispenser 400 returns to the fully extended position. According to some embodiments, the spring 908 may be configured as a spiral that follows or surrounds (e.g., coils around) an exterior circumference of the barrel stop 912. According to some embodiments, the spring 908 may be internal with respect to the barrel stop 912.

[0097] As shown in FIGS.9 and 10, the barrel 802 includes a barrel tip or nozzle 914, that has an internal tube or channel through which the fluid is configured to flow. According to some embodiments, a barrel plug 916 may be inserted into the internal tube of the barrel tip 914 to control the flow of fluid through the barrel tip 914.

[0098] FIG.10 is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser 400 when a force F is being applied to the cap. As shown in FIG.10, and as discussed further below, when the force F is applied, the barrel 802 moves in a downward direction toward the nozzle tip 906. The spring 908 is compressed between the bottom surface 910 of the barrel 802 and the barrel stop 912. As the barrel 802 moves, a gap or opening 922 that corresponds to the barrel tip 914 for releasing the fluid 902 into the dispenser chamber930 moves past a lobe 926A of a seal 926 (described in more detail below), allowing the fluid 902 within the barrel 802 to flow through the channels 918 and the gap 922 into the dispenser chamber 930.

[0099] FIG.11 illustrates further details of the area “A” of FIG.9. FIG.12 illustrates further details of the area “B” of FIG.10. Referring to FIGS.9-12, the barrel plug 916 may include a plurality of channels 918 to allow the fluid 902 to pass through the barrel tip 914. The barrel plug 916 may include a first portion 920 that is inserted into the internal tube of the barrel tip 914. The first portion 920 may comprise the channels 918, and may be elongated in an elongation direction of the barrel tip 914 (e.g., parallel to the direction of the force F). The channels 918 may be elongated along the same direction as the elongation direction of the first portion 920 and may extend from a top of the barrel plug 916 at one end to a gap 922. The width or circumference of the first portion 920 may be equal to an internal width or circumference of the internal channel of the barrel tip 914. Accordingly, the first portion 920 may be configured to contact (e.g., directly contact) the interior surface of the barrel tip 914, for example, with a sufficient amount of pressure and friction against the internal surface of the channel of the barrel tip 914 to cause the first portion 920 to remain fixed or secured within the barrel tip 914. The channels 918 may operate as groves or channels (e.g., having a concave cross-section) that provide a pathway for the fluid 902 held by the chamber 900 of the barrel 802 to flow past the barrel plug 916.

[0100] A second portion 924 of the plug 916, below the first portion 920, may be positioned outside of the barrel tip 914 such that the second portion 924 does not extend into the barrel tip 914. According to some embodiments, the second portion 924 may have the same or similar diameter as the outer diameter of the barrel tip 914.

[0101] As shown in FIGS.9-12, the gap 922 may be positioned below the barrel tip 914, between the barrel tip 914 and the second portion 924. As shown in FIG.9 and 11, when the barrel 802 is in the fully extended position, the gap 922 may be alignedwith a seal 926 surrounding the barrel tip 914, and the barrel plug 916. According to some embodiments, the seal 926 may be formed of a rubberized or elastomeric compressible material. The seal 926 may be housed within (e.g., secured by) the barrel holder 804 in a cavity or groove that surrounds the barrel tip 914 and the gap 922 when the barrel 802 is in the fully extended position.

[0102] According to some embodiments, the seal 926 may have a generally circular shape in a plan view (e.g., from a direction along the direction in which the force F is applied). In a cross-sectional view (e.g., as shown in FIGS.9-12), the seal 926 may be formed to have a plurality of lobes 926a and 926b. When the barrel 802 is in the fully extended position, as shown in FIGS.9 and 11, a first lobe 926a of the seal 926 may be aligned with the second portion 924 of the barrel plug 916, and a second lobe 926b may be aligned with the barrel tip 914 (e.g., a bottom portion of the barrel tip 914). A cavity or concave surface between the first lobe 926a and the second lobe 926b may be aligned with the gap 922 between the barrel tip 914 and the second portion 924 of the barrel plug 916.

[0103] As discussed above, the seal 926 may be formed of a rubberized or elastomeric compressible material (e.g., nitrile butadiene rubber, fluorocarbon rubberetc.) such that the first lobe 926a and the second lobe 926b apply a pressure against the barrel tip 914 and the second portion 924 of the barrel plug 916 when the barrel 802 is in the fully extended position. According to some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG.9-12, the seal 926 may be formed or vulcanized as a continuous ring (in a plan view) with a plurality of (e.g., four) lobes (in a cross-sectional view). According to some embodiments, the material of the seal 926 may be self-lubricating, and may be impregnated or covered with, for example, an oil, lipid, or lubricant, to reduce friction between the seal 926 and the barrel tip 914, while also maintaining a fluid seal.

[0104] By applying a pressure or force against the barrel tip 914 and the second portion 924 of the barrel plug 916, the seal 926 operates to prevent fluid 902 from flowing out of the chamber 900 of the barrel 802, through the channels 918 of the barrel plug 916, and out through the gap 922 when the barrel 802 is in the fully extended position.

[0105] By contrast, as shown in FIGS.10 and 12, when the force F is applied against the cap 800 and / or the barrel 802, the gap 922 is moved below the seal 926, such that the fluid 902 held in the chamber 900 of the barrel 802 is allowed to flow through the barrel tip 914, through the channels 918 of the barrel plug 916, through the gap 922, and into a dispenser chamber 930.

[0106] Once the dispenser chamber 930 is filled with the fluid 902 it may be retained in the dispenser chamber (e.g., by a vacuum pressure), until the force F is applied to the cap 800 and / or the barrel 802 to press the barrel 802 into the barrel holder 804 another time. When the barrel 802 is pressed down by the force F the next time, a pressure is applied (e.g., by the second portion 924 of the barrel plug 916) against the fluid 902 held by the dispenser chamber 930, and the fluid 902 held by the dispenser chamber 930 is pressed through a valve 932 into a nozzle tube 934 and out the nozzle tip 906 to be deposited on a sample (e.g., the sample 206) and / or a slide (e.g., the slide 204).

[0107] FIG.13 shows further details of the barrel plug 916 according to some embodiments. As discussed above, the barrel plug 916 includes a first portion 920 that is elongated and configured to be inserted into the barrel tip 914. The first portion 920 of the barrel plug 916 has a circumference C that corresponds to (e.g., is equal to) the circumference of the internal tube of the barrel tip 914, such that the first portion 920 contacts and maintains a mechanical friction connection with the barrel tip 914, such that the first portion 920 may be retained within the barrel tip 914. The fist portion 920 includes a plurality of channels or cavities 918 that extend along the elongationdirection of the first portion 920 (e.g., parallel to a direction of the force F). The channels 918 allow the fluid 902 held by the chamber 900 of the barrel 802 to flow past the barrel plug 916 through the gap 922.

[0108] The gap 922 is maintained by a plurality of protrusions 1300 that extend vertically from the top surface of the second portion 924 of the barrel plug 916. The top surfaces of the protrusions 1300 contact the bottom surface of the barrel tip 914 when the barrel plug 916 is inserted into the barrel tip 914, and the protrusions 1300 operate to prevent the second portion 924 of the barrel plug 916 from contact the barrel tip 914 to maintain the gap 922 between the barrel tip 914 and the second portion 924 of the barrel plug 914. The protrusions 1300 are aligned between the channels 918, and are aligned with walls 1302 that separate the channels 918, the walls 1302 defining the circumference C of the first portion 920 of the barrel plug 916.

[0109] Referring to FIGS.9-13, as discussed above, because the seal 926, and the lobes 926a and 926b are compressed against the barrel tip 914 and the second portion 924 of the barrel plug 916 when the barrel 802 is in the extended position, the seal 926 operates to prevent fluid 902 from flowing through the gap 922 into the dispenser chamber 930. In some instances, however, when the force F is applied to the cap 800 and / or the barrel 802, as the gap 922 passes past the lobe 926a, the lobe 926a may expand into a non-compressed or less-compressed state such that the lobe 926a enters into the gap 922 as the gap is laterally in line with the lob 926a. When the lobe 926a expands into the gap 922, it may cause a resistance to the force F, and create a perception of the barrel 802 being stuck in the fully extended position.

[0110] Thus, some embodiments may prevent or reduce instances of the lobe 926a of the seal 926 from extending into the gap 922 when the gap 922 moves past the seal 926. FIG.14 shows further details of an example barrel plug according to some embodiments. In contrast to the barrel plug 916 of FIG.13, a barrel plug 916 according to some embodiments may be different from the barrel plug 916 in that theprotrusions 1300 may extend to edges of the second portion 924 such that an exterior or end edge or surface 1400 of the protrusion 1300 that faces away from a central axis of the barrel plug 916 may be aligned (e.g., flush, coplanar / colinear) with the outer circumferential edge of the second portion 924 and the outer circumferential surface of the barrel tip 914. Thus, the protrusions 1300 may be configured to maintain the gap 922 between the barrel tip 914 and the second portion 924, but because the protrusions 1300 extend to an edge of the second portion 924, the protrusions may prevent or reduce instances of the lobe 926a expanding into the gap 922 when the gap 922 passes the seal 926.

[0111] Additionally, as shown in FIG.14, according to some embodiments, the protrusions 1300 may have opposite edges 1304 and 1306 that are aligned with edges of a corresponding wall 1302 between the channels 918. The opposite edges 1304 and 1306 of the protrusions 1300 may extend in a direction away from a central axis of the barrel plug 916 toward the outside circumference of the second portion 924 of the barrel plug 916. As shown in FIG.14, according to some embodiments, the opposite edges 1304 and 1306 of the protrusions 1300 may extend in a direction parallel to each other, such that a width of the protrusions 1300 is consistent or equal from the edge of the wall 1302 to the outside circumference of the second portion 924. Accordingly, the opening corresponding to the gap 922 between each protrusion 1300 may have a tapered shape with a larger width at the outside circumference of the second portion 924.

[0112] FIG.15 shows further details of an example barrel plug according to some embodiments. In contrast to the barrel plug 916 shown in FIG.14, according to some embodiments, the protrusions 1300 may have a tapered shape, such that the width of the protrusions 1300 at the outer circumference of the second portion 924 is greater than the width of the walls 1302 between the channels 918. According to some embodiments, an edge 1304 of one protrusion 1300 may extend parallel to an edge1306 of an adjacent protrusion 1300, while edges 1304 and 1306 of a same protrusion 1300 are not parallel to each other. As discussed above with respect to FIG.14, however, the openings 922 may be separated by the protrusions 1300. The outer surfaces 1400 of the protrusions 1300 may be coplanar or flush with the outer circumferential edge of the second portion 924 of the barrel plug 916. Similarly, the outer surfaces 1400 of the protrusions 1300 may be coplanar / colinear or flush with the outer circumferential edge of the barrel tip 914. Accordingly, the outer surfaces 1400 of the protrusions 1300 may be configured to prevent the seal 926 from expanding into the openings 922 in a manner that would cause resistance to the movement of the barrel tip 914 when the force F is applied.

[0113] FIG.16 shows further details of an example arrangement of a barrel tip and a barrel plug, according to some embodiments. In particular, FIG.16 shows an arrangement in which a barrel plug as illustrated in FIG.14 or FIG.15 is utilized, as opposed to a barrel plug as illustrated in FIG.13. As shown in FIG.16, the end edge 1400 of the protrusion 1300 extends to be even (or approximately even) with the exterior circumferential edge of the barrel tip 914 and the second portion 924 of the barrel plug 916. A plurality of openings or gaps 922 are separated by the protrusions 1300. Because the end edges or outer surfaces 1400 of the protrusions 1300 extend to be even (e.g., colinear / coplanar or flush) with the outer circumferential surface of the barrel tip 914 and the outer circumferential surface of the second portion 924, when the gaps 922 move past the lobes 926a, as discussed above, the protrusions 1300 operate to maintain compression of the seal 926, such that the lobes 926a are not able to expand into the gaps 922 compared to embodiments in which the protrusions 1300 do not extend all the way to the outside circumferential edge of the barrel tip 914.

[0114] FIG.17 shows further details of an example barrel tip 914 according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG.17, according to some embodiments, rather than having a barrel plug as described above, in some embodiments, a tip or bottomsurface 1700 of the barrel tip 914 may be sealed or closed, and the barrel tip 914 may have one or more openings or gaps 1702 corresponding to and formed into the outer circumferential surface of the barrel tip 914, and corresponding to the location of the gaps 922 in FIGS.15 and 16.

[0115] That is, when the barrel 802 is in the fully extended position, the gaps 1702 may be aligned between the lobes 926a and 926b. When the gaps 1702 move past the lobe 926a in response to the force F, the surface of the barrel tip 914 adjacent to the gaps 1702 may operate to maintain compression of the seal 926, and prevent the lobe from expanding into the slots 1702 to cause enough friction or resistance against the barrel tip 914 to impede the motion of the barrel 802. Although FIG.17 illustrates a single gaps 1702, in various embodiments, the barrel tip 914 may include a plurality of gaps 1702 that are spaced apart from each other around the barrel tip 914.

[0116] According to some embodiments, as shown in FIG.17, the gaps 1702 may be elongated along a circumference of the barrel tip 914. Thus, the gaps 1702 may have a height H that is equal to or less than a distance between the lobes 726A and 726B, such that when the barrel 802 is in the fully extended position, the gaps 1702 are between the lobes 726A and 726B to prevent the fluid 902 within the chamber 900 of the barrel 802 from leaking out of the barrel tip 914. The gaps 1702 may further have a width W that is greater than the height H of the gaps 1702, such that the gaps 1702 are elongated along the circumference (e.g., in a circumferential direction) of the barrel tip 914.

[0117] Although FIG.17 illustrates a single gap 1702, one or more additional caps 1702 may be spaced apart from each other around the barrel tip 914. The gaps 1702 are separated by a surface (or surfaces) 1704 that is (or are) flush (or coplanar / colinear) with the outer circumferential surface of the barrel tip 914. Thus, the surface 1704 that is aligned with the gaps 1702 may be located between the lobes 726A and 726B when the barrel 802 is in the fully extended position. When the force Fis applied, the surface(s) 1704 may operate to prevent the seal 726 from expanding into the gaps 1702 in a manner that will provide resistance to the motion of the barrel 802 when the force F is applied.

[0118] Additionally, as shown in FIG.18, the size and shape of the slots 1702 may vary according to some embodiments. For example, as shown in FIG.18, the slots 1702 may have a generally circular or elliptical shape and may be aligned with each other in a row, and have a height that is less than the distance between the lobes 926a and 926b. Although FIGS.17 and 18 illustrate embodiments in which the slots have rounded ends, or are generally circular or elliptical, embodiments are not limited thereto, and according to some embodiments, the slots 1702 may have a generally square, rectangular, diamond, or irregular shape, so long as the height is less than the distance between the lobes 926a and 926b.

[0119] FIG.19 is a cross-sectional view of a barrel cap, further details of the barrel cap shown, for example, in FIG.9 according to some embodiments. Referring to FIGS.19 and 9, the barrel cap 800 may be configured to be inserted into the barrel 802 after the fluid 902 is placed in chamber 900 of the the barrel 802, in order to seal the fluid 902 within the chamber 900 of the barrel 802. The barrel cap 800 may have an outer circumferential edge 1900 having a same circumference or diameter as the internal circumferential surface of the barrel 802, such that when the cap 800 is inserted into the barrel 802, the outer circumferential edge 1900 of the cap 800 is in contact with the internal circumferential surface of the barrel 802. One or more prongs or protrusions 1902 may protrude from the outer circumferential edge 1900 of the barrel cap 800. The barrel 802 may have corresponding holes or openings having a corresponding shape as the prongs 1902, such that the prongs 1902 may be inserted into the holes on the barrel 802 to mechanically secure or latch the cap 800 to the barrel 802.

[0120] According to some embodiments, the barrel cap 800 may include an O-ring or seal 1904 that surrounds the circumference of the barrel cap 800. In some embodiments, the O-ring 1904 may be inset relative to the outer circumferential surface so that an interior circumference along an interior edge 1906 of the O-ring 1904 is less than the circumference of the outer circumferential edge 1900 of the cap 800. In some embodiments, the O-ring 1904 may have an outer circumference such that an outer edge 1908 of the O-ring 1904 extends past the outer circumferential edge 1900 prior to the cap 800 being inserted into the barrel 802. The O-ring 1904 may be made of a rubberized or elastomeric compressible or flexible material that is capable of being compressed when the cap 800 is inserted into the barrel 802. In this way, the O- ring 1904 may operate to provide a fluid seal to prevent the fluid 902 within the chamber 900 of the barrel 802 from flowing past the O-ring 1904 and the cap 800 and leaking out of the barrel 802. In some instances, however, when the cap 800 is inserted into the barrel 802, the O-ring 1904 may become pinched, or the compression of the O-ring 1904 by the internal circumferential surface of the barrel 802 may damage the material or integrity of the O-ring 1904 and cause the sealing integrity of the O-ring to fail. Thus, in some instances, an improper seal may occur at the O-ring 1904, which may allow the fluid 902 to leak out of the chamber 900 of the barrel 802. Thus, some embodiments may include a modified structure of the sealing structure of the cap to prevent damage to the seal that may lead to leaking of fluid from the barrel 802 in some instances.

[0121] FIG.20 shows an example cap assembly according to some embodiments. In contrast to the cap 800 shown in FIG.19, in some embodiments may not have a removable or disconnected O-ring, but rather the cap 800 includes an overmolded elastomeric compressible material that is molded to the body of the cap 800. For example, according to some embodiments, the upper body portion 2000 of the cap 800 may be made of a rigid plastic material such as polypropylene. Below the upper bodyportion 2000, a compressible elastomeric material such as a thermoplastic vulcanizates or rubberized plastic material (such as Santoprene®) may be overmolded to the rigid plastic material to form a compressible seal 2002 that is formed as one integrated body with the structure of the rigid plastic material that includes the upper body portion 2000. Thus, the compressible seal 2002 may be integrally formed with the main body of the cap 800, including the upper body portion 2000. As used herein, the term “integrally formed” or other similar phrases, refers to sub-components being merged or formed as a single contiguous component, such that the sub-components cannot be removed or separated from each other without damaging the structural integrity of one or more of the sub-components.

[0122] According to some embodiments, the compressible seal 2002 may have a circumference that is greater than that of the upper body portion 2000 of the cap 800 prior to the cap 800 being inserted into the barrel 802. When the cap 800 is inserted into the barrel 802, the elastomeric material of the compressible seal 2002 may compress such that the circumference of the compressible seal 2002 becomes equal (or approximately equal) to that of the upper body portion 2000 that is inserted into the barrel 802. Additionally, when the cap 800 is inserted into the barrel 802, the elastomeric material of the compressible seal 2002 may exert a force outwardly against the internal surface of the barrel 802 to create a fluid seal to prevent the fluid 902 within the chamber 900 of the barrel 802 from leaking past the cap 800.

[0123] According to some embodiments, as shown in FIG.20, the compressible seal 2002 may include a plurality of ribs. For example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG.20, the compressible seal 2002 may include a first rib 2004 and a second rib 2006. Prior to being inserted into the barrel 802, the first rib 2004 and the second rib 2006 may have a diameter D1, measured from an outermost surface on one side to an outermost surface on an opposite side in a plan view, that is greater than adiameter D2, measured from an outermost surface on one side to an outermost surface on an opposite side in a plan view.

[0124] A channel or concave cavity 2008 may be formed around the cap 800 between the first rib 2004 and the second rib 2006 to separate (or provide a gap between) the first rib 2004 and the second rib 2006. The cavity 2008 may provide a region to allow for the elastomeric material to expand or conform its shape as the first rib 2004 and the second rib 2006 are compressed in response to being inserted into the barrel 802.

[0125] Because the material of the compressible seal 2002 and the first rib 2004 and the second rib 2006 is an elastomeric compressible material, when the cap 800 is inserted into the barrel 802, the first rib 2004 and the second rib 2006 may be compressed such that the diameter D1is equal to (or approximately equal to) the diameter D2. The first rib 2004 and the second rib 2006 may operate to provide a fluid seal by applying a pressure against the internal surface of the barrel 802 to prevent fluid from leaking past the first rib 2004 and the second rib 2006 out of the barrel 802.

[0126] Although FIG.20 illustrates an example in which the cap 800 has two ribs, embodiments according to the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and according to some embodiments, the compressible seal 2002 may include any suitable number of ribs greater than two.

[0127] As discussed above, the compressible seal 2002 may be overmolded onto a relatively more rigid plastic material, such that the compressible seal 2002 and the rigid material (e.g., the material corresponding to the upper body portion 2000) are permanently integrated as a single contiguous body. Thus, the compressible seal 2002 may be integrally formed with the main body of the cap 800, including the upper body portion 2000. According to some embodiments, the rigid plastic material may extend below the upper body portion 2000, such that the compressible seal is formed(in an overmolding procedure) around the rigid plastic material, such that the rigid plastic material provides structural support to the compressible seal 2002.

[0128] FIG.21 shows further details of an example cap assembly according to some embodiments. Like the cap 800 shown in FIG.20, the cap 800 shown in FIG.21 may not have a removable or disconnected O-ring, but rather the cap 800 includes an overmolded elastomeric compressible material that is molded to the body of the cap 800. For example, according to some embodiments, the upper body portion 2100 of the cap 800 may be made of a rigid plastic material such as polypropylene. Below the upper body portion 2100, a compressible elastomeric material such as a thermoplastic vulcanizates or rubberized plastic material (such as Santoprene®) may be overmolded to the rigid plastic material to form a compressible seal 2102 that is formed as one integrated body with the structure of the rigid plastic material that includes the upper body portion 2100. Thus, the compressible seal 2102 may be integrally formed with the main body 800, including the upper body portion 2100.

[0129] According to some embodiments, the compressible seal 2102 may have a circumference that is greater than that of the upper body portion 2100 of the cap 800 prior to the cap 800 being inserted into the barrel 802. When the cap 800 is inserted into the barrel 802, the elastomeric material of the compressible seal 2102 may compress such that the circumference of the compressible seal 2102 becomes equal (or approximately equal) to that of the upper body portion 2100 that is inserted into the barrel 802. Additionally, when the cap 800 is inserted into the barrel 802, the elastomeric material of the compressible seal 2102 may exert a force outwardly against the internal surface of the barrel 802 to create a fluid seal to prevent the fluid 902 within the chamber 900 of the barrel 802 from leaking past the cap 800.

[0130] According to some embodiments, as shown in FIG.21, the compressible seal 2102 may include a single rib 2004. Prior to being inserted into the barrel 802, the rib 2004 may have a diameter D3, measured from an outermost surface on one side toan outermost surface on an opposite side in a plan view, that is greater than a diameter D4, measured from an outermost surface on one side to an outermost surface on an opposite side in a plan view.

[0131] Because the material of the compressible seal 2102 is an elastomeric compressible material, when the cap 800 is inserted into the barrel 802, the compressible seal 2102 may be compressed such that the diameter D3is equal to (or approximately equal to) the diameter D4. The compressible seal 2102 may operate to provide a fluid seal by applying a pressure against the internal surface of the barrel 802 to prevent fluid from leaking past the compressible seal 2102 and out of the barrel 802.

[0132] As discussed above, the compressible seal 2102 may be overmolded onto a relatively more rigid plastic material, such that the compressible seal 2102 and the rigid material (e.g., the material corresponding to the upper body portion 2100) are permanently integrated as a single contiguous body. Thus, the compressible seal 2102 may be integrally formed with the main body of the cap 800, including the upper body portion 2100.

[0133] According to some embodiments, the rigid plastic material may extend below the upper body portion 2100, such that the compressible seal is formed (in an overmolding procedure) around the rigid plastic material, such that the rigid plastic material provides structural support to the compressible seal 2102.

[0134] FIG.22 shows further details of an example cap assembly according to some embodiments. Like the cap 800 shown in FIGS.20 and 21, the cap 800 shown in FIG.22 may not have a removable or disconnected O-ring, but rather the cap 800 may include a seal 2200 with one or more rigid ribs 2202 and 2204. Although FIG.22 illustrates an embodiment in which there are two rigid ribs 2202 and 2204, embodiments are not limited thereto, and according to some embodiments, there may be additional rigid ribs or fewer (e.g., one) rigid ribs without departing from the spirit and scope of embodiments according to the present disclosure.

[0135] According to some embodiments, the body of the cap 800 including the rigid ribs 2202 and 2204 may be formed of a rigid plastic material such as polypropylene. According to some embodiments, the rigid ribs 2202 and 2204 may therefore be formed of the same material as the rest of the body of the cap 800 such that the rigid ribs are integrally formed as a single material body with the rest of the cap 800.

[0136] An upper portion 2206 of the cap 800 above the rigid ribs 2202 and 2204 may be configured to be inserted into the barrel 802 such that a diameter D5, measured from one outermost edge to an opposite outermost edge, of the upper portion is equal (or approximately equal) to an internal diameter of the barrel 802. The rigid ribs 2202 and 2204 may have a diameter D6that is greater than the diameter D5of the upper portion 2206. The rigid ribs 2202 and 2204 may have a curved outer edge to enable them to be inserted into the barrel 802, and may be separated by a channel or gap 2208. According to some embodiments, the channel 2208 may have a diameter that is less than the diameter D6of the rigid ribs 2202 and 2204. According to some embodiments, the channel 2208 may have a diameter that is equal to the diameter D5of the upper portion 2206.

[0137] The hoop stress of the barrel 802 may enable either the body of the barrel 802 or the material of the rigid ribs 2202 and 2204 to compress and conform to one another, such that, once the cap 800 is inserted into the barrel 802, the body of the barrel 802 conforms to a contour of the upper portion 2206, and the rigid ribs 2202 and 2204. For example, according to some embodiments, the material of the barrel 802 may have a rigidity that is less than that of the cap 800 and / or the rigid ribs 2202 and 2204, such that when the cap 800 is inserted into the barrel 802, the material of the barrel 802 is contoured around the contours of the upper portion 2006, the rigid ribs 2202 and 2204, and the channel 2208. Additionally, in some embodiments, the material of the barrel 802 may be more rigid than that of the material of the cap 800, such that the rigid ribs 2202 and 2204 may be compressed in response to the hoopstress of the barrel 802. In some embodiments, the pressure of the rigid ribs 2202 and 2204 against the internal surface of the barrel 802 may create a fluid seal such that fluid 902 within the chamber 900 of the barrel 802 is prevented from leaking out of the barrel 802.

[0138] FIG.23 shows further details of an example cap assembly, according to some embodiments. Like the cap 800 shown in FIGS.20-22, the cap 800 shown in FIG.23 may not have a removable or disconnected O-ring, but rather the cap 800 may include a seal 2300 including one or more tapered ribs 2302 and 2304. Although FIG. 23 illustrates an embodiment in which there are two tapered ribs 2302 and 2304, embodiments are not limited thereto, and according to some embodiments, there may be additional tapered ribs or fewer (e.g., one) rigid ribs without departing from the spirit and scope of embodiments according to the present disclosure.

[0139] According to some embodiments, the body of the cap 800 including the tapered ribs 2302 and 2304 may be formed of a rigid plastic material such as polypropylene. According to some embodiments, the tapered ribs 2302 and 2304 may therefore be formed of the same material as the rest of the body of the cap 800 such that the flexible ribs are integrally formed as a single material body with the rest of the cap 800.

[0140] An upper portion 2306 of the cap 800 above the tapered ribs 2302 and 2304 may be configured to be inserted into the barrel 802 such that a diameter D7, measured from one outermost edge to an opposite outermost edge, of the upper portion is equal (or approximately equal) to an internal diameter of the barrel 802. The tapered ribs 2302 and 2304 may have a diameter that is equal to or greater than the diameter D7of the upper portion 2306. The tapered ribs 2302 and 2304 may have planar top surfaces 2308 and 2310, respectively. According to some embodiments the top surfaces 2308 and 2310 of the tapered ribs 2302 and 2304 may protrude from the body of the cap 800 at a direction that is perpendicular to a central axis (e.g. that isparallel to the direction of the force F), or at an angle that is acute relative to the central axis. The tapered ribs 2302 and 2304 may have planar bottom surfaces 2312 and 2314, respectively. According to some embodiments, the bottom surfaces 2312 and 2314 may protrude from the body of the cap 800 at an angle that is more acute (e.g., less than) the angle at which the top surfaces protrude from the body of the cap 800. Thus, the bottom surfaces 2312 and 2314 may be generally tapered from the outer edges of the tapered ribs 2302 and 2304 toward the body of the cap 800.

[0141] The hoop stress of the barrel 802 may enable either the body of the barrel 802 or the material of the tapered ribs 2302 and 2304 to compress and conform to one another, such that, once the cap 800 is inserted into the barrel 802, the tapered ribs 2302 and 2304 may be pressed into the body of the barrel 802. Additionally, according to some embodiments, the tapered ribs 2302 and 2304 may have a larger diameter (e.g., slightly larger) than the diameter D7of the upper portion 2306. In some embodiments, the tapered ribs 2302 and 2304 may flex when the cap 800 is inserted into the barrel 802, such that they bend upwards toward the top of the cap 800. In some embodiments, the pressure of the tapered ribs 2302 and 2304 against the internal surface of the barrel 802 may create a fluid seal such that the fluid 902 within the chamber 900 of the barrel 802 is prevented from leaking out of the barrel 802.

[0142] Thus, embodiments according to the present disclosure include a system and method for dispensing fluid. According to some embodiments, a fluid dispenser includes a barrel tip with corresponding gaps through which fluid can be discharged into a dispenser chamber. The gaps are aligned or coplanar with one or more surfaces that prevent an expandable / compressible seal from expanding into the gaps as the gaps move past the seal, thus preventing the seal from becoming damaged from use over time, and also preventing the seal from creating a resistance against the movement of the gaps past the seal. Additionally, the fluid dispense includes a barrel with a cap inserted therein. The cap includes a seal at a bottom portion of the cap thatoperates as a fluid seal to prevent a fluid within the barrel from leaking past the cap. The seal of the cap is integrally formed with the cap, such that the seal cannot be separated from the cap, which may reduce damage or leak failures of the seal as the cap is inserted into the barrel.

[0143] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and / or the present specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.

[0144] Although aspects of some example embodiments of a system and method for dispensing fluid have been described and illustrated herein, various modifications and variations may be implemented, as would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of embodiments according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is to be understood that a system and method for dispensing fluid according to the principles of the present disclosure may be embodiment other than as specifically described herein. The disclosure is also defined in the following claims, and equivalents thereof.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A fluid dispenser comprising: a barrel having a fluid chamber and a barrel tip with a plurality of gaps corresponding to the barrel tip, the gaps being configured to release fluid from the fluid chamber and being separated from each other by a surface aligned in a plane with the gaps, the surface being flush with an outer circumferential surface of the barrel tip; a barrel holder configured to retain the barrel, the barrel holder comprising: a dispenser chamber, the barrel tip being configured to slide within the dispenser chamber; and a groove above the dispenser chamber and surrounding the barrel tip; a first seal in the groove of the barrel holder, the first seal comprising: a first lobe; and a second lobe spaced apart from the first lobe, wherein the gap corresponding to the barrel tip is configured to be between the first lobe and the second lobe in a fully extended position of the fluid dispenser; and a barrel cap coupled to an opening of the barrel and configured to seal a fluid within the barrel, the barrel cap comprising a second seal at a bottom portion of the barrel cap, the second seal being integrally formed with the barrel cap and providing a pressure against an internal surface of the barrel.

2. The fluid dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a barrel plug comprising: a first portion having a plurality of channels spaced apart from each other and separated by a plurality of walls, the walls having an external surface in contact with an internal surface of the barrel tip; a second portion having a circumference equal to an outer circumference of the barrel tip; anda plurality of protrusions extending from the second portion toward the barrel tip, the protrusions having an outer edge that is flush with an outer edge of the second portion and an outer edge of the barrel tip.

3. The fluid dispenser of claim 2, wherein opposite edges of the protrusions in the gaps are parallel to each other.

4. The fluid dispenser of claim 2, wherein the protrusions have a tapered shape from an outside edge toward a center of the barrel plug.

5. The fluid dispenser of claim 1, wherein the barrel tip has a closed bottom surface and the gaps are formed through an outer circumferential surface of the barrel tip.

6. The fluid dispenser of claim 5, wherein widths of the gaps are elongated relative to heights of the gaps.

7. The fluid dispenser of claim 1, wherein the second seal comprises a compressible material overmolded over a body of the barrel cap such that the compressible material is integrally formed with the body of the barrel cap.

8. The fluid dispenser of claim 7, wherein the compressible material comprises a plurality of compressible ribs.

9. The fluid dispenser of claim 1, wherein the second seal comprises a plurality of ribs having a diameter greater than a diameter of an upper portion of the barrel cap within the barrel.

10. The fluid dispenser of claim 9, wherein the ribs are formed of a same material as an upper portion of the barrel cap above the ribs.

11. The fluid dispenser of claim 9, wherein the ribs have a tapered shape.

12. A fluid dispenser comprising: a barrel having a fluid chamber and a barrel tip with a plurality of gaps corresponding to the barrel tip, the gaps being separated by a surface aligned with the gaps that is flush with an outer circumferential surface of the barrel tip; a barrel holder configured to retain the barrel, the barrel holder comprising a groove surrounding the barrel tip; a first seal in the groove of the barrel holder, the first seal comprising: a first lobe; and a second lobe spaced apart from the first lobe, wherein the gap corresponding to the barrel tip is configured to be between the first lobe and the second lobe; and a barrel cap coupled to an opening of the barrel, the barrel cap comprising a second seal at a bottom portion of the barrel cap, the second seal being integrally formed with the barrel cap and providing a pressure against an internal surface of the barrel.

13. The fluid dispenser of claim 12, further comprising a barrel plug comprising: a first portion having a plurality of channels spaced apart from each other and separated by a plurality of walls, the walls having an external surface in contact with an internal surface of the barrel tip;a second portion having a circumference equal to an outer circumference of the barrel tip; and a plurality of protrusions extending from the second portion toward the barrel tip, the protrusions having an outer edge that is flush with an outer edge of the second portion and an outer edge of the barrel tip.

14. The fluid dispenser of claim 12, wherein the barrel tip has a closed bottom surface and the gaps are formed through an outer circumferential surface of the barrel tip.

15. The fluid dispenser of claim 12, wherein the second seal comprises a rib.

16. The fluid dispenser of claim 15, wherein the rib comprises a compressible material overmolded over a body of the barrel cap such that the compressible material is integrally formed with the body of the barrel cap.

17. The fluid dispenser of claim 15, wherein the rib is formed of a same material as an upper portion of the barrel cap above the rib.

18. A fluid dispenser comprising: a barrel having a barrel tip with a plurality of gaps corresponding to the barrel tip, the gaps being separated by a surface aligned with the gaps that is flush with an outer circumferential surface of the barrel tip; a first seal surrounding the barrel tip, the first seal comprising: a first lobe; anda second lobe spaced apart from the first lobe, wherein the gap corresponding to the barrel tip is configured to be between the first lobe and the second lobe; and a barrel cap comprising a second seal at a bottom portion of the barrel cap, the second seal being integrally formed with the barrel cap and providing a pressure against an internal surface of the barrel.

19. The fluid dispenser of claim 18, further comprising a barrel plug comprising: a first portion having a plurality of channels spaced apart from each other and separated by a plurality of walls, the walls having an external surface in contact with an internal surface of the barrel tip; a second portion having a circumference equal to an outer circumference of the barrel tip; and a plurality of protrusions extending from the second portion toward the barrel tip, the protrusions having an outer edge that is flush with an outer edge of the second portion and an outer edge of the barrel tip.

20. The fluid dispenser of claim 18, wherein the barrel tip has a closed bottom surface and the gaps are formed through an outer circumferential surface of the barrel tip.

21. The fluid dispenser of claim 18, wherein the second seal comprises a rib formed of a compressible material overmolded over a body of the barrel cap such that the compressible material is integrally formed with the body of the barrel cap.

22. The fluid dispenser of claim 15, wherein the second seal comprises a rib formed of a same material as an upper portion of the barrel cap above the rib.

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