Abstract:
This invention relates to the design and construction of a novel sample cup including an integral cap for use in XRF Spectroscopy.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to the design and construction of a novel sample cup including an integral cap for use in XRF Spectroscopy. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention describes a novel sample cup including an integral cap for use in XRF Spectroscopy. 
         [0003]    Spectroscopic analysis (XRF Spectroscopy) utilizes sample cups to contain liquid or powder samples for elemental analysis. Sample cups generally have a thin transparent film bottom and may include a top end formed integral with the cup body known as a single ended design. Alternatively, the sample cup may include a second thin film or be secured at the top end, known as a double open end design. Sample cups are generally delivered to the analyst in parts comprised of a side wall member and complementary secondary member, which members are assembled in combination with a separate thin film component to construct a single sample cup. The sample cup, with its liquid or powder sample contained therein, is then manually transported to an XRF instrument and placed in a holder, thin film bottom down, for analysis. 
         [0004]    Sample cups are configured in various sizes to accommodate different analytical instruments and testing purposes. Some sample cups are dimensioned very small and are particularly difficult to handle. A sample cup design utilizing a separate cap assembly to be manually applied to the sample cup body after deposit of the sample into the sample cup body requires manipulating the sample cup body, sample deposit and cap assembly. This creates handling problems and opportunities for contamination of the sample and contamination or damage to the thin film assembled to the bottom of the sample cup. The ability to reduce the number of manipulated items, particularly when sized very small, increases technician productivity and reduces the opportunities for contamination or damage to the sample cup and sample specimen. 
         [0005]    The present invention avoids these disadvantages, being easily manipulated with one hand while dispensing a liquid sample and then being securely sealed for safe and contaminant-free handling. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIGS. 1-9  are various views (elevation and perspective) of two embodiments of the integral cap sample cup. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Shown in  FIG. 1  is an integral cap sample cup comprising a sample cup lower body ( 1 ) with a bottom open end, a flanged cup upper body ( 2 ) with a top open end, integral cap ( 3 ) secured to upper body ( 2 ) via a hinge ( 4 ). The cap ( 3 ) includes a vent hole ( 5 ) for pressure equalization and gas release, particularly when volatile liquid samples exist, and also includes a pull tab ( 6 ) for manipulation of the cap ( 3 ) and securing said cap in a closed position on upper body ( 2 ). Upper body ( 2 ) includes overflow chambers ( 7 ) for the collection of escaping liquids or collection of liquefied escaping gases during testing. Channels to funnel any escaping liquids or gases to said overflow chambers are provided as indicated. A first channel ( 19 ) extends from the top outside edge of an inner chamber ( 8 ) to an overflow chamber ( 7 ). A second channel ( 20 ) is situated circumferentially about the upper body top open end. The second channel may completely or partially encircle the upper body top open end. Suspended from upper body ( 2 ) is inner chamber ( 8 ). Inner chamber ( 8 ) includes one or more cutouts ( 10 ) to allow pipette deposited liquid to settle within the lower body ( 1 ) interior and be contained by a thin film secured by an outer member (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). Said inner chamber is dimensioned to allow for insertion of a pipette and contains a bottom stop (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) to prevent said pipette from contacting and damaging the thin film. The upper body may be dimensioned to include parallel opposing flat surfaces ( 2 A and  2 B) disposed perpendicular to said top open end of said upper body ( 2 ). 
         [0008]    Shown in  FIG. 2  is a partial top perspective view of the integral cap sample cup with the integral cap in the closed position. Said cap may be secured in the closed position via frictional fit with upper body ( 2 ) or via a hook and slot configuration. 
         [0009]    Shown in  FIG. 3  is a partial bottom perspective view of the integral cap sample cup with the integral cap in the closed position. In this view, the bottom stop ( 9 ) of the inner chamber ( 8 ) is shown with a cutout ( 10 ) for deposit of the liquid into the lower body interior. The outer member ( 11 ) is shown in place over lower body ( 1 ). In assembly, a thin film is placed over the bottom open end of lower body ( 1 ) and said outer member ( 11 ) then secures said thin film by friction placement as shown. 
         [0010]    Shown in  FIG. 4  is a bottom elevation view of the integral cap sample cup. The lower body ( 1 ), outer member ( 11 ) and upper body ( 2 ) are shown along with the bottom stop ( 9 ) of inner chamber ( 8 ) and bottom cutout ( 10 ). 
         [0011]    Shown in  FIG. 5  is a top elevation view of the integral cap sample cup. The upper body ( 2 ) is shown along with the cap ( 3 ) in a closed position, hinge ( 4 ) and pull tab ( 6 ). Four overflow chambers ( 7 ) are evident along with vent hole ( 5 ). 
         [0012]    Shown in  FIG. 6  is the integral cap sample cup with an alternative cap. The cap utilizes two opposing locking tabs ( 12 ). Upon closing said cap, each locking tab inserts in a corresponding slot ( 13 ) located on the upper surface of the upper body. Said locking tabs may secure the cap via a frictional fit with their corresponding slots. Alternatively, each locking tab may utilize a hooked portion ( 14 ) which mates with a corresponding hooked portion ( 15 ) positioned within each of said corresponding slots. In lieu of hooked portions, the locking tab and corresponding slot may utilize a groove and detent method to secure the cap in a closed position. First channel ( 19 ) and second channel ( 20 ) are shown in relation to inner chamber ( 8 ) and upper body ( 2 ) top open end. Also shown in  FIG. 6  is outer member ( 11 ) configured to include a gripping means ( 11 A) situated on a lower portion of said outer member to facilitate handling of the assembled sample cup. The gripping means may be ridges, stippling or any raised or embedded pattern. 
         [0013]    Shown in  FIG. 7  is the integral cap sample cup with the alternative cap in the closed and locked position. Each locking tab ( 12 ) is shown mated to its corresponding slot ( 13 ). Also shown are the upwardly extending overflow chambers. Said overflow chambers extend vertically past the closed cap, providing increased surface area on the outside periphery of the upper body ( 2 ) to aid in gripping and manipulation of the sample cup. Further gripping means are indicated on the lower portion of outer member ( 11 ) in the area designated ( 11 A) and along the outside periphery of the upper body ( 2 ). 
         [0014]    Shown in  FIG. 8  is a side view of the integral cap sample cup with the alternative cap in the closed position. The callout ( 16 ) highlights one embodiment of the described mechanism securing the integral cap to the upper body of the sample cup. 
         [0015]    Shown in  FIG. 9  is an enlarged view of the  FIG. 8  callout. The hooked portion ( 14 ) of a locking tab ( 12 ) is shown mated to the hooked portion ( 15 ) of its corresponding slot ( 13 ), located on upper body ( 2 ). It is understood that the hooked portion ( 15 ) of a slot may be positioned along its outer wall ( 17 ) or inner wall ( 18 ) with the hooked portion ( 14 ) of a locking tab ( 12 ) being positioned to mate accordingly. 
         [0016]    While the dimensions and shape of the sample cup components is not specifically defined and/or discussed herein, it is understood that such dimensions and shape may be adjusted or modified to meet industry needs or requirements without digressing from the spirit of the invention.