Abstract:
A receptacle for the weighing-in of free-flowing substances has a fill opening, a tubular-shaped circumference wall, and a bottom part. The bottom part is connected to the tubular-shaped circumference wall, which it tightly closes off in the direction of gravity when the weighing receptacle is in its operating position. The weighing receptacle can be set on the weighing pan of a balance and can be filled like a beaker with free-flowing substances without allowing the latter to escape therefrom. The bottom part can be opened either by an outside force acting on the weighing receptacle and/or through the influence of a solvent acting on the weighing receptacle, forming an outlet orifice in the bottom part. The weighing receptacle, otherwise tightly sealed in the direction of gravity, can be flushed out with a fluid when the outlet orifice is opened.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of, and is entitled to benefit of a right of priority under 35 USC §120 from PCT/EP2009/060635, filed 17 Aug. 2009, which is in turn entitled to the benefit if a right of priority under 35 USC 119 from European application 08164177.1, filed 11 Sep. 2008. The content of each of these applications is incorporated by reference as if fully recited herein. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The disclosed embodiments relate to a weighing receptacle for preparing prescribed quantities of substances, a process which is also referred to as “weighing-in”. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Receptacles used for weighing-in, such as laboratory containers, bottles, beakers, shallow dishes, flasks, test tubes and the like belong to the known state of the art. They serve for example as target containers in dosage-dispensing processes where prescribed quantities of substances, for example in the form of powders or pastes, are dispensed manually. Subsequently, the substances which are in powder- or paste form are dissolved in the weighing receptacle by adding a solvent and are for example analyzed in an HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) apparatus. HPLC instruments are based on a relative method of measurement and therefore need to be calibrated with a known standard solution before the actual analysis of an unknown substance is performed. In this process it is particularly important to know the exact concentration of the standard solution, as the measurement uncertainty of the result of the analysis cannot be better than the uncertainty of the stated composition or concentration of the standard solution that is being used. Solutions are normally prepared with a mix ratio of 1:1000 to 1:10,000, and the concentration is stated in milligram per liter. Typically, the substance is weighed in as accurately as possible in a calibrated weighing receptacle, i.e. a receptacle whose volume is defined by a calibration mark. Next, the receptacle is filled with solvent up to the calibration mark. 
         [0004]    Given that substances in powder- or paste form are in most cases measured out manually, and since the minimum amount of substance that can be dispensed manually limited by natural factors such as, e.g., a steady hand of the person that does the dispensing, the shape of the spatula, the adhesive and cohesive properties of the substance particles and the like, a relatively large quantity of the solution, for example 100 ml, will have to be prepared in order to meet the precision required of the mix ratio. On the other hand, only an amount of, e.g., 2 ml of the prepared solution is used for the HPLC analysis, while the large leftover quantity will have to be safely disposed of. 
         [0005]    A weighing receptacle used for preparing a solution accordingly has large dimensions, as the substance is preferably dispensed into the same receptacle in which the solution is prepared by adding the solvent. 
         [0006]    In gravimetric measuring instrument with a high resolution of the weighing result, i.e. instruments used to weigh quantities in the milligram- or microgram range, the maximum load or maximum weight that can be set on the load receiver is not the only quantity that is subject to physical limitations. The size of the weighing receptacle likewise has a considerable influence on the weighing result. The problem stems in particular from the fact that even minimal differences in temperature will cause changes in air buoyancy of the weighing receptacle. For example, with a temperature rise of 0.1° C. the material of a 100 ml glass flask will expand to an extent that a 40 microgram deviation can be observed as a result of the increased air volume displaced by the flask. The manufacturing tolerances of weighing receptacles of this kind in regard to their weight (tare weight) and their behavior under temperature fluctuations make it impossible to find a practical way of compensating for the effects of air buoyancy. It is therefore hardly feasible to achieve a high level of precision in dispensing very small substance quantities into large weighing receptacles. 
         [0007]    As the manufacturing costs and the costs for the safe disposal of waste materials are rising, the aim in the preparation of solutions is to reduce their quantities as much as possible. It would therefore suggest itself to use balances with a higher measurement resolution in order to be able to weigh even smaller substance quantities with a higher degree of precision, so as to achieve the same mix ratio with smaller amounts of substance. However, as explained above, the size of the weighing receptacle limits the feasibility of this approach. A possible starting point for solving the buoyancy problem is therefore the idea of reducing the weighing receptacle. 
         [0008]    In a rudimentary form, this concept is being practiced in laboratories in that the substance is not dispensed directly into a large and heavy weighing container, but is measured out first into a lightweight weighing receptacle such as for example a weighing boat or a weighing paper. Next, the weighing paper is rolled into a funnel. This funnel or the weighing boat is then set into the opening of a container and the substance is flushed into the container with a solvent. However, this procedure has several drawbacks and risks. 
         [0009]    The biggest drawbacks are in the achievable degree of precision and in the danger of contamination by substances that are hazardous to human health and to the environment. In the subsequent rolling of the paper and also when the paper or weighing boat holding the substance is transferred from the weighing pan to the container, it can happen that substance gets spilled. Furthermore, the work area and its occupant can be contaminated by health-endangering substances, if the latter include for example volatile microscopic particles. When the paper or weighing boat is rinsed with the solvent, particles can remain stuck to the surface, particularly in places that were not wetted by the liquid at all or only insufficiently, so that the solution will differ from the prescribed concentration. One should also not disregard the risk that the substance could become contaminated during the transfer by impurities in the ambient air. 
         [0010]    It is therefore an object to provide a weighing receptacle for the weighing-in of substances, wherein the receptacle itself is of minimal material volume and weight and its design ensures safe and user-friendly handling during the operations that follow the weighing. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0011]    This and other objectives are met with a weighing receptacle that has a fill opening, a tubular-shaped circumference wall, and a bottom part. The bottom part is connected to the tubular-shaped circumference wall and tightly closes off the latter in the direction of gravity, when the weighing receptacle is set up in its operating position. A weighing receptacle of this design can be set on the weighing pan of a balance and can be filled like a beaker with free-flowing substances without allowing the latter to escape from the weighing receptacle. 
         [0012]    The bottom part can be opened either by an outside force acting on the weighing receptacle and/or through the influence of a solvent acting on the weighing receptacle, so that as a result an outlet orifice is formed in the bottom part. The weighing receptacle, which is otherwise tightly sealed in the direction of gravity, can be flushed out with a fluid when the outlet orifice is in its open state. 
         [0013]    In referring to “an outside force acting on the weighing receptacle”, the intended meaning is that the outlet orifice is opened by the action of a force alone rather than by any implement that is separate from the weighing receptacle such as for example a hollow needle, a blade, a drill and the like. Thus, the opening of the orifice occurs as an indirect result of a force acting at a specific location of the weighing receptacle and giving rise to a reactive counterforce at another location of the weighing receptacle. Consequently, the weighing receptacle is being partially deformed by the action of the force alone, whereby an outlet orifice is formed. This is of the highest importance, as the various implements mentioned above could be at least partially wetted and consequently contaminated by the solution in the course of opening the outlet orifice. The contaminated implement would then have to be put through an expensive cleaning procedure or else would have to be safely disposed of. In contrast, the specific location of the weighing receptacle for the application of the force and the other locations for taking up the reactive counterforces that occur as a result are never wetted by solvent liquids. 
         [0014]    The term “flushing out” carries the meaning that a liquid or a gas is introduced through the fill opening and that the for example pulverous substance that is present in the weighing receptacle is flushed out of the weighing receptacle through the outlet orifice by means of the fluid. Of course, as soon as the outlet orifice is opened, parts of the substance can fall under their own gravity through the outlet orifice into another container. It should be emphasized that the flush-out capability is a central feature of the disclosed weighing receptacle. This is the only possible way to ensure that the substance can be completely flushed out of the weighing receptacle into a receiving container. If the substance were dissolved already in the weighing receptacle with a solvent and then for example poured over into a larger container, a small part of the solution, and thus a small part of the substance, would remain as a surface-wetting layer in the weighing receptacle. If the solution were subsequently thinned down in the container, the resultant concentration would be incorrect, because the calculation of the concentration would still be based on the originally weighed-in quantity of substance. Furthermore, this procedure would be strongly dependent on the dissolving power of the solvent and therefore, due to the small available volume of the weighing receptacle, it would be usable only in a limited number of cases. 
         [0015]    Of course, one could also fill several weighing receptacles in sequence, then set them one after the other on the receiving container and flush them out. The receiving container could be for example a calibrated volumetric flask. After the weighing receptacle has been removed, the flask can be topped off with more solvent up to the calibration mark of, if necessary. 
         [0016]    Preferably, the force that is acting from the outside can be generated by setting the weighing receptacle onto an inlet opening of the receiving container. This means that, similar to a lock-and-key concept, the outlet orifice is opened only when the weighing receptacle is seated onto a suitably shaped structure. This prevents an unintended opening of the outlet orifice. Suitable structures can be for example the neck of a bottle, the rim of a beaker, a tubular neck, the opening of a test tube and the like. The bottom part is preferably configured in such a way that the outlet orifice extends far into the interior space of the receiving container or at least into the inlet opening of the latter. The purpose of this is to protect the inlet area, for example a ground glass neck of a receiving container, against contamination. 
         [0017]    Design configurations are also conceivable in which the outside force can be generated by rotating the weighing receptacle or a part of the weighing receptacle relative to the inlet of the receiving container. 
         [0018]    The bottom part can further include a closure body which can be removed by the force acting from the outside and/or dissolved by the solvent. One could also consider a very thin adhesive joint to be a closure body, after whose dissolution for example a seam in the bottom part would pop open on its own or could be spread open under a small force. 
         [0019]    If desired, the outlet orifice, or the combination of an outlet orifice with a closure body, could be designed in such a way that after the outlet orifice has been opened once, it cannot be closed again. Of course, the outlet orifice can also be designed so that it can be closed again. As a simple way to achieve this, it is advantageous if the bottom part is at least to some extent made of a material with rubber-elastic properties which can be deformed under a load and returns to its original shape after the load has been removed. 
         [0020]    In a further embodiment of the weighing receptacle, the outlet orifice is designed with a line of intentional breakage where a slit-shaped rupture will take place when a lateral force is applied. With the design concept of a line of intentional breakage, the weighing receptacle is liquid- and gas-tight except for the fill opening. Locations of intentional breakage are normally formed by arranging areas of reduced thickness in the material. When the material is subjected to a mechanical force, it will be overstressed in the areas where the material thickness is reduced, and as a result a targeted rupture or breakage of the material will occur at these locations. 
         [0021]    Even if the location of intentional breakage cannot be closed gas-tight again after it has been broken open, it is still possible to retain a degree of liquid-tightness in the outlet orifice which under a lateral force opens up to a variable width and also closes itself to a variable degree when the force is reduced. By removing the force, the passage of the fluid can thus be slowed down or even stopped. 
         [0022]    The weighing receptacle can further have suitable means to generate not only the laterally acting force, but also shear forces and ripping forces. These means can be constituted by a specifically designed shape, for example an elliptic cross-sectional profile of the circumference wall, and also by features that are formed on the wall such as wedge-shaped wall sections, direction-changing levers, projections, cutting edges and the like. Such means do not necessarily have to be integrally connected to the weighing receptacle. A suitably configured sleeve which is movable in a straight line and/or rotatable in relation to the circumference wall can likewise serve to produce laterally acting forces, shear forces and ripping forces. 
         [0023]    A further embodiment of the weighing receptacle can include a retainer catch which keeps the outlet orifice irreversibly in the open state. This has the advantage that a weighing receptacle which has been used once cannot be used again. This forces the operator to use a new and positively clean weighing receptacle for the next weighing-in process. Especially when substances of high reactivity are involved, even the slightest inadvertently caused intermixing of two substances can have devastating consequences. 
         [0024]    The closure body mentioned above can be configured in different ways. The simplest solution consists of a sphere which is pressed into the outlet orifice and which can be pushed out of the outlet orifice in the direction of gravity through suitable means, for example with a collar around the circumference. The closure body will in this case fall into the receiving container. 
         [0025]    Preferably, the chemical and physical properties of the weighing receptacle and, if applicable, of the closure body are known, for example their exact weight and volume, their magnetic susceptibility, chemical stability and the like, and if they are known, they are preferably marked on the weighing receptacle or even stored in an electronic storage medium (RFID tag) which is arranged on the weighing receptacle. Thus, when preparing a solution it is possible for example to take the weight and/or the volume of the closure body into account for the amount of solvent to be added. Furthermore, it can be verified automatically whether the weighing receptacle placed on the balance is allowed to be used together with the intended solvent. In the case of soluble or disintegrating closure bodies, the material properties of the closure body will of course also need to be known. The soluble closure body does not necessarily have to be made of an inert solid material. It can also contribute properties to the solution that are useful in the process steps that follow after the flushing-out. Thus, the material used in the closure body can be for example an inhibitor, a catalyst or an indicator; it can have hydrophilic properties or can cause a precipitation in the solution. In the case of disintegrating closure bodies, the closure plug only breaks apart into small fragments or powder, neither of which is soluble in the solvent medium. Depending on its properties, the material of the soluble closure body may upon contact with the solvent convert entirely into a gaseous phase and escape without subsequently being part of the solution. 
         [0026]    In an ideal case, the closure body can assist in the dissolution process. When the receiving container is shaken, even a sphere can help to create enough turbulence in the solvent to significantly reduce the time needed for dissolving the substance. Even better results are obtained if the closure body constitutes for example a magnetic stirrer bar of a magnetic stirrer device. 
         [0027]    It is also conceivable that substances are dispensed which contain some contamination. To allow the proportion of contaminants to be determined through a differential measurement, it can be of advantage if the contaminants remain in the weighing receptacle. If the contaminating substances are not soluble in the solvent that being used, they can be held back in the weighing receptacle by means of a screen, a membrane or a filter insert, which are arranged in the area of the outlet orifice. By using static mixer elements, the process of dissolution could possibly be completed already with the flushing-out. 
         [0028]    To prevent as much as possible that any substance particles will remain stuck in the weighing receptacle, the insides of the tubular-shaped circumference wall, of the bottom part and of the outlet orifice which face towards the substance have a very smooth and/or coated surface. Surface coatings known from the field of nanotechnology can for example exhibit the so-called lotus effect which causes the solvent to contract into beads and run off, pulling along absolutely all powder particles. The inside surfaces are preferably dark-colored, so that retained substance particles, which are normally of a light color, will be more visible. 
         [0029]    To ensure that it is firmly positioned on the weighing pan, the weighing receptacle has at least one support pedestal. Furthermore, with a suitable design of the support pedestal, an unintended opening of the outlet orifice can be even better prevented. The preference is therefore in particular for a tubular-shaped support pedestal which sufficiently covers up the defined location where the force for opening the outlet orifice has to be applied, so that this location is accessible only from a specifically defined access direction. It is also conceivable that the internal contour profile of the tubular-shaped support pedestal is matched only to a very specific receiving container, so that the outlet orifice can only be opened if the right kind of container is present. 
         [0030]    It is possible that after a substance dose has been dispensed the further processing, i.e. the flushing-out of the substance from the weighing receptacle, does not take place immediately. It can therefore be of advantage to have a closure lid which seals the fill opening of the weighing receptacle and which can be opened and reclosed. This closure lid is preferably connected to the weighing receptacle, but this is not absolutely required. The closure lid can further have a connector for the injection of a fluid such as a gas or solvent into the interior of the receptacle, so that substances can also be flushed out or blown out of the weighing receptacle under high pressure. 
         [0031]    As has already been described above, the weighing receptacle can include an electronic information-storage medium and/or a machine-readable identification field. The machine-readable identification field can contain information in text form, or also a bar code or matrix code. As is illustrated by the following description of a method to prepare a solution with a dosage-dispensing device, a balance, a receiving container and a weighing receptacle, the information in the storage medium or identification field not necessarily limited to data concerning the weighing receptacle. 
         [0032]    Essentially, this method has the following steps: 
         [0033]    In a first step, a new and unused weighing receptacle is placed on the weighing pan of the balance. 
         [0034]    In a second step, the balance is tared. 
         [0035]    In a third step, a prescribed quantity of a free-flowing substance is dispensed by means of the dosage-dispensing device through the fill opening into the weighing receptacle. 
         [0036]    In an intermediate step, if the weighing receptacle carries an electronic storage medium, data concerning the substance and, if applicable, concerning the weighing receptacle and the dispensing process are stored in the electronic storage medium of the weighing receptacle and/or written into the identification field of the weighing receptacle. The data concerning the substance, such as its exact chemical composition and structure, its manufacturing date, hazard warnings, notes regarding the solvent, the storage of the substance and the like can be stored for example in the dosage-dispensing device, in a database, or in a storage memory that is arranged on the supply container or a dosage-dispensing unit from which the substance was taken. Data concerning the dispensing process can include for example the date, the exact time of day, the tare weight of the weighing receptacle, information regarding the ambient atmosphere such as room temperature and humidity, as well as information regarding the person performing the process. 
         [0037]    In a fourth step, the weighing receptacle is removed from the weighing pan and set on the inlet opening of a receiving container, with the bottom part of the weighing receptacle reaching far inside the receiving container. 
         [0038]    In a fifth step, the outlet orifice is opened by the action of a force, for example by a force applied vertically to the circumference wall or the support pedestal, or it is opened by introducing a fluid and thereby dissolving the soluble closure body. 
         [0039]    In a sixth step the weighing receptacle is flushed out by injecting a fluid, so that the entire substance quantity is flushed out of the weighing receptacle into the receiving container. Subsequently, the amount of fluid filled into the receiving container can be determined gravimetrically or volumetrically, or the receiving container can be topped off with additional fluid, in particular solvent liquid, up to a specific mark. 
         [0040]    In a further step, if the weighing receptacle carries an electronic storage medium, the data that have been stored in the electronic storage medium and/or written into the identification field of the weighing receptacle are saved in an electronic storage medium that is arranged on the receiving container and/or are transferred to an identification field of the receiving container. This procedure ensures an uninterrupted trail of traceability and documentation of the preparation process of the solution. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0041]    The various embodiments of the weighing receptacle will hereinafter be explained in further detail through examples and with references to the drawings, wherein 
           [0042]      FIG. 1A  is a side sectional view of a first embodiment of a weighing receptacle with a slit-shaped outlet orifice or line of intentional breakage which opens itself when the weighing receptacle is set onto a receiving container; 
           [0043]      FIGS. 1B through 1D  are all top cross-section views taken along line X-X in  FIG. 1A ,  FIG. 1B  showing the outlet orifice or line of intentional breakage in the closed state,  FIG. 1C  showing the outlet orifice in the open state, and  FIG. 1D  showing a case where the line of intentional breakage or the outlet orifice is arranged at an angle α relative to the largest cross-sectional diameter and is shown in the closed state; 
           [0044]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  are side sectional views of a second embodiment of the weighing receptacle,  FIG. 2A  showing the embodiment in the closed state and not seated on a receiving container, with a sleeve which is designed so that when the weighing receptacle is set on a receiving container, the sleeve moves in a linear direction and, as a result, rips open the bottom part at an intended location and frees up the outlet orifice, and  FIG. 2B  showing the second embodiment seated on a receiving container and in the open state; 
           [0045]      FIG. 3  is a side sectional view of a third embodiment of the weighing receptacle with an outlet orifice that opens itself when the weighing receptacle is set on a receiving container; 
           [0046]      FIG. 4  is a side sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a weighing receptacle with a closure body which releases itself from the outlet orifice when the weighing receptacle is set on a receiving container; 
           [0047]      FIG. 5  is a side sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a weighing receptacle with a closure body which dissolves itself when solvents are added to the weighing receptacle; 
           [0048]      FIG. 6  schematically illustrates a data transfer taking place between an electronic storage medium of a dosage-dispensing device with attached dispensing unit and balance and the electronic storage medium of a weighing receptacle which is set on the weighing pan of the balance; and 
           [0049]      FIG. 7  schematically illustrates a data transfer taking place between the electronic storage medium of the  FIG. 6  weighing receptacle and an electronic storage medium of a receiving container. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0050]    The weighing receptacle  100  in a first embodiment, shown in its operating position in  FIG. 1A , has a tubular-shaped circumference wall  110  and a bottom part  111  which, in the operating position of the weighing receptacle  100 , closes off the tubular-shaped circumference wall  110  in the direction of gravity, i.e. in the downward direction. In the opposite, i.e. upward direction, the interior space  114  which is delimited by the tubular-shaped circumference wall  110  and the bottom part  111  is open and freely accessible. The upper end of the tubular-shaped circumference wall  110  thus forms the fill opening  113 . The interior space  114  is funnel-shaped, so that substance residues clinging to the internal surface of the tubular-shaped circumference wall  110  will be more visible and thus easier to flush out of the tubular-shaped circumference wall  110 . The interior space  114  is preferably kept in a dark color, so that any substance particles remaining stuck will be more visible as they are normally of a light color. 
         [0051]    To ensure that it is firmly standing on a weighing pan (not shown in the drawing), the weighing receptacle  100  has a support pedestal  140  which is connected to the tubular-shaped circumference wall  110  in the vicinity of the inlet opening  113 . With the tubular-shaped configuration of the support pedestal  140 , it is further possible to prevent damage to and contamination of the bottom part  111 . This protection can even be improved if the remaining opening of the support pedestal  140  is closed with a destructible cover foil  141 , for example of aluminum. When the weighing receptacle  100  is set on a receiving container  190  (drawn in thin lines in  FIG. 1A ), the cover foil  141  is destroyed. 
         [0052]    The bottom part  111  further has an outlet orifice  112  which in its unstressed condition has the form of a slit. The slit-shaped outlet orifice  112  of a new weighing receptacle  100  can be glued shut, or it can also be designed as a thinned-down area of intentional breakage. By applying a lateral force, the outlet orifice  112  can be opened or the area of intentional breakage, if applicable, can be caused to rupture. As a precondition for this spreading or rupturing of the outlet orifice  112  to take place, the tubular-shaped circumference wall  110  needs to have an appropriate shape. Preferably, the tubular-shaped wall  110  is given the shape of a funnel as shown in  FIG. 1A . 
         [0053]    Furthermore, the tubular-shaped wall  110 , over at least a part of its funnel-tapered height, has a cross-sectional profile of elliptical shape as shown in the cross-section X-X in  FIG. 1B . As the larger diameter of the elliptical profile is arranged in the same vertical plane as the slit-shaped outlet orifice  112 , the aforementioned laterally directed force can be generated in the act of setting the weighing receptacle  100  onto a receiving container, whereby the outlet orifice  112  is opened as shown in  FIG. 1C . Of course, other suitable configurations of the tubular-shaped circumference wall  110  are also possible, for example with a rectangular, square or rhombic cross-sectional profile. 
         [0054]    If additional shear force components need to be generated in order to cause the rupturing of the area of intentional breakage, the direction of the slit of the opening  112  needs to be oriented at an angle a relative to the largest diameter of the elliptical profile, as depicted in  FIG. 10 . Depending on the material of which the bottom part  111  is made, the outlet orifice  112  can either return to the closed state (if the material is elastically resilient) or remain open (if the material is subject to plastic deformation) when the weighing receptacle  100  is removed from the receiving container. 
         [0055]    Furthermore, the weighing receptacle  100  preferably carries an electronic storage medium  150 , for example an RFID tag, in which a serial number is stored as an unmistakable identifier. This has many benefits. Specifically, it provides a link whereby a weighing receptacle  100  can be traced at any time to a work operation that was performed with it. For the safe disposal of a weighing receptacle  100 , it is for example possible to establish what substances the weighing receptacle could be contaminated with. Further, this electronic storage medium  150  could also be used to store the chemical and physical properties of the weighing receptacle  100 , so that prior to using the latter for a specific application, it can be verified whether the material of the weighing receptacle  100  is compatible with the substance or with the solvent. In addition, the electronic storage medium  150  could hold information such as the usage date, the material properties of the substance, the weighed mass of the substance dispensed into the receptacle, the solvent to be used, information regarding the further process steps, as well as safety data, for example information regarding the person using the receptacle, classification data, hazard warnings and the like. Based on these data, further equipment can be controlled or preconfigured. It is conceivable for example that a solvent pump  703  (see  FIG. 7 ) is operable only if the data stored in the electronic storage medium  150  have been examined in a processor unit  709  and have been found to meet the conditions for operating the solvent pump  703 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a second embodiment of a weighing receptacle  200  as seen from the side in a cross-sectional view, with an outlet orifice  212  which opens itself when the weighing receptacle  200  is set onto a receiving container  290 . In contrast to the preceding embodiment, the outlet orifice  212  of the weighing receptacle  200  is not opened primarily by the action of a lateral force. Rather, the outlet orifice  212  is forced apart by means of an opener sleeve  260  through a form-fitting engagement. 
         [0057]    The tubular-shaped circumference wall  210  is of an essentially similar design as the circumference wall of the first embodiment, except for several opener lugs  215  which are arranged in a star-shaped pattern around the bottom part  211  on the outside of the tubular-shaped circumference wall  210 . In the illustrated example, the tubular-shaped circumference wall  210  is connected to a support pedestal  240 , but the two parts can also be integrally joined to each other in one piece. A ring-shaped support ledge  216  and a catch ring  217  are formed on the inside of the support pedestal  240 . 
         [0058]    The aforementioned opener sleeve  260  is seated loosely inside the support pedestal  240 , with the bottom part  211  reaching into the inside passageway  264  of the sleeve. A rubber-elastic snap detent ring  262  which is formed on the opener sleeve  260  is engaged with the support ledge  212 , so that in the operating position of the weighing receptacle  200  the opener sleeve  260  is held captive inside the support pedestal  240  and cannot fall out. 
         [0059]    Further, a gripper ring  261  in the shape of a hollow truncated cone is formed inside the passageway  264  of the sleeve. With a linear movement of the opener sleeve  260  relative to the tubular-shaped circumference wall  210  in the direction against gravity, the gripper ring  261  engages the opener lugs  215 . With continued movement, due to the contour profile of the gripper ring  261  in the shape of a hollow truncated cone, the opener lugs  215  are pulled apart horizontally in a star-shaped radial pattern from the central longitudinal axis of the tubular-shaped circumference wall  210  until the outlet orifice  212  breaks open. This state is illustrated in  FIG. 2B . As is further evident from  FIG. 2B , the snap detent ring  262  is now engaged by the catch ring  217 . The purpose of this is to permanently prevent the outlet orifice  212  from closing itself again. Once a weighing receptacle  200  has been used, it can therefore be readily distinguished from an unused weighing receptacle. 
         [0060]    To prevent the inside of the opening  291  of the receiving container  290  from getting contaminated, the outside contour of the opener sleeve  260  is shaped so that the opener sleeve  260  reaches far into the opening  291 . When the weighing receptacle  200  is set onto a receiving container  290 , the weighing receptacle  200  is resting against the receiving container  290  by means of a ring-shaped shoulder  263  that is formed on the opener sleeve  260 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 3  illustrates a third embodiment of a weighing receptacle  300  as seen from the side in a cross-sectional view, with an outlet orifice  312  which opens itself when the weighing receptacle  300  is set onto a receiving container  390 . In contrast to the preceding embodiments, the outlet orifice  312  of the weighing receptacle  300  is tightly sealed by a membrane  319 . The bottom part  311  of the tubular-shaped circumference wall  310  includes several ripping elements  320  that serve to break open the membrane  319 . Each of the ripping elements  320  is hinged on the tubular-shaped circumference wall  310  by way of a flexure pivot  321 . To move the ripping elements  320 , i.e. to pivot them downwards, each ripping element  320  is mechanically coupled to a lever arm  322 . When the weighing receptacle  300  is set on a receiving container  390 , the ripping elements  320  are put into action, whereby the membrane  319  is torn open or ruptured, as soon as the lever arms  322  rests against the rim of the receiving container. 
         [0062]    Arranged in the interior space  314  of the weighing receptacle  300  is a screen insert  360  which holds back for example larger substance particles or substances of a pasty consistency, so that during the flushing-out phase they can be optimally attacked by the solvent. This can significantly shorten the dissolving time needed in the subsequent process phase of dissolving the substances in the receiving container  390 . Of course the screening sieve  360  could be permanently connected to the tubular-shaped circumference wall  310 , but it could also be designed as an insert which can be set in place as well as taken out. Instead of the screen insert  360 , there could also be static mixing elements, filter inserts and the like arranged in the interior space  314 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 4  illustrates a fourth embodiment of a weighing receptacle  400  as seen from the side in a cross-sectional view. The weighing receptacle  400  again has a tubular-shaped circumference wall  410  and a bottom part  411  which enclose an interior space  414 . In this embodiment, the outlet orifice  412  which is arranged in the bottom part  411  is tightly sealed by a closure body  420 . The closure body  420  is in this case a magnetic bar of a magnetic stirrer device. The chemical and physical properties of the closure body  420  are preferably known, for example its exact weight and volume, its susceptibility, chemical stability and the like, and are noted on the weighing receptacle  400 , if possible, or even stored in an electronic storage medium  450  (RFID tag) which is arranged on the weighing receptacle  400 . Thus, when preparing a solution it is possible for example to take the weight and/or the volume of the closure body  420  into account for the amount of solvent to be added. 
         [0064]    The bottom part  411  is made of an elastic material and has a ring-shaped collar  418  around its circumference. If the collar is arranged in a suitable way near the end of the closure body, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the outlet orifice  412  is stretched open when the collar  418  is turned up in the direction indicated by the arrows, and the closure body  420  falls out of the outlet orifice  412 . The turning-up of the collar occurs when the weighing receptacle  400  is set onto the receiving container  490 , which is drawn with thin lines. 
         [0065]    It is not unusual after an amount of substance  470  has been dispensed into the interior space  414  that the processing of the substance is not continued immediately. The weighing receptacle  400  can therefore have a closure lid  430  as shown in  FIG. 4  covering the fill opening  413 , which can be opened and closed up again. As illustrated, this closure lid  430  is preferably connected to the weighing receptacle  400  by means of a hinge  431 . As described already in the context of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , this weighing receptacle  400  likewise has a support pedestal  440 . 
         [0066]    Of course, a closure body can also consist of a material which is soluble by a solvent. In  FIG. 5  a fifth embodiment of a weighing receptacle  500  is shown with a closure body  520  of this kind. The measured dose of substance  570  is only held in the weighing receptacle  500  until a solvent dissolves the closure body  520 . The latter can be made to dissolve for example by immersing the outlet orifice  512  which is plugged up with the closure body  520  into a receiving container (not shown in  FIG. 5 ) partially filled with solvent. As soon as the closure body  520  has been dissolved, the substance  570  will also partially dissolve itself and fall into the receiving container. Of course, it is also possible to put solvent into the interior space  514 , whereby the closure body  520  can be dissolved from the direction of the interior space  514 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 5  shows a further embodiment of a closure lid  530 . The latter has a bell-shaped internal surface contour  532  and a connector  531 . By way of the connector  531 , a solvent can be delivered to a nozzle  534  which is formed in the closure lid  530 . To enable the nozzle  534  to produce a sufficiently vigorous shower of spray mist in the interior space  514  in order to totally cover the bell-contoured internal surface, the nozzle  534  has a nozzle insert  533  which serves to impart a rotation to the incoming stream of solvent. Of course, the connector can be outfitted with additional armatures, for example with valves that allow the inflow of solvent to be controlled and regulated. 
         [0068]    The closure lid  530  can be connected to the tubular-shaped circumference wall  510  or to the support pedestal  540  of the weighing receptacle  500  like a plug-in component, but also through a snap connection or a screw-threaded connection. In this embodiment, too, the chemical and physical properties of the closure body  520  are preferably known, for example its exact weight and volume, chemical composition and the like, and are noted on the weighing receptacle  500 , if possible, or even stored in an electronic storage medium  550  (RFID tag) which is arranged on the weighing receptacle  500 . Thus, when preparing a solution it is possible for example to take the weight and/or the volume of the closure body  520  into account and also to choose the appropriate solvent. 
         [0069]      FIG. 6  schematically illustrates a dosage-dispensing device  601  with an exchangeable dosage unit  602  and with a balance  603 . A weighing receptacle  600  is set on the weighing pan  604  of the balance  603 . The dosage unit  602  carries an electronic storage medium  605 , for example an RFID tag or a storage chip which can be accessed through connector leads. The dosage-dispensing device  601  includes a read/write device, in this case a receiver/emitter unit, through which the information transfer can be carried out. The elements used for the information transfer are known state-of-the-art technology and are represented schematically in  FIG. 6  as signal paths  606 ,  607 ,  608  and processor unit  609 . The arrow directions on the signal paths  606 ,  607 ,  608  indicate the destinations to which the data and information are being transferred. It is also evident in this arrangement that additional data such as for example the weight of the dispensed substance as measured by the balance  603  and the tare weight of the weighing receptacle  600  can be transferred to the electronic storage medium  650  of the weighing receptacle  600 . 
         [0070]    As an alternative possibility, the dosage unit  602  can also carry a machine-readable identification field. The machine-readable identification field can contain information in text form, or also a bar code or a matrix code. Accordingly, the dosage dispensing device  601  needs to include an optical reader device in order to allow a transfer of information. If the information is to be transferred, in turn, into an identification field arranged on the weighing receptacle  600 , a printer device will also be needed. 
         [0071]    The flushing-out of a weighing receptacle  700  filled with substance, which follows after the dispensing process, is performed preferably with a flushing device  701  as shown schematically in  FIG. 7 . If the flushing device  701  includes a balance  707  with a weighing pan  708 , as shown in the drawing, the tare weight of a receiving container  790  can be determined in a first step. Next, the filled weighing receptacle  700  is plugged onto the receiving container  790 , whereby the outlet orifice  712  is opened up. Depending on the balance  707 , this step can or cannot be performed on the weighing pan  708 . The open outlet orifice already allows a large part of the substance to fall into the receiving container  790 . 
         [0072]    The flushing device  701  includes a solvent reservoir  702 , a solvent pump  703 , and an outlet nozzle  704 , the latter directed at the fill opening  713  of the weighing receptacle  700 . As soon as the solvent pump  703  has been activated, solvent is moved from the solvent reservoir  702  to the outlet nozzle  704 , and the weighing receptacle  700  is flushed out with the solvent, so that no substance remains in the weighing receptacle  700 . 
         [0073]    The data acquired from the electronic storage medium  750  of the weighing receptacle  700  by way of the signal path  716  are processed in the processor unit  709 . If the data included a work instruction, for example the amount of solvent to be added, this information is passed on in the form of control signals through the signal path  717  to the solvent pump  703 . The solvent quantity being added can also be determined by means of the balance  707 , whose weighing signal is transmitted to the processor unit  709  by way of a signal path  719 . Based on the data obtained, the exact concentration of the solution can be calculated. Of course, the weighing signal can also be used to control the solvent pump  717 . 
         [0074]    It is further conceivable that the solvent pump  703  is only operable after the data stored in the electronic storage medium  750  have been checked in the processor unit  709  and have been found compatible with the safe operation of the solvent pump  703 . If this is an issue of concern, the flushing device  701  may have a plurality of solvent reservoirs and solvent pumps, so that based on the information retrieved from the electronic storage medium  750  the correct solvent pump  703  can be selected and activated. 
         [0075]    To ensure that the information is also physically tied to the prepared solution, the receiving container  790  can carry a collar band  706  which includes its own electronic storage unit  705 . By way of the signal path  718 , all relevant information can now be transferred to this electronic storage unit  705 . 
         [0076]    Of course, the information- and data transfer according to the foregoing description can also be carried out with optical reader devices, identification fields and printers. 
         [0077]    Although the invention has been described through the presentation of specific examples of embodiments, numerous further variant solutions could obviously be created based on knowledge gained from the present invention, for example by combining the features of the individual embodiments with each other and/or by interchanging individual functional units of the exemplary embodiments. Thus, it is considered self-evident that each of the weighing receptacles described in  FIGS. 1 to 5  can be used in the devices that were described schematically in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Further designs that embody the subject of the invention are conceivable in particular if, e.g., the ripping elements of  FIG. 3  are connected to each other through locations of intentional breakage, so that a membrane becomes redundant. Of course, all embodiments can have a closure lid to close up the fill opening. Each closure lid can further have a connector to deliver a fluid such as a gas or a solvent into the interior space, so that substances can also be flushed out of the weighing receptacle under high pressure.