Patent Publication Number: US-2023141451-A1

Title: Assembling and testing ampoules

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/277,896, titled Assembling and Testing Ampoules, filed Nov. 10, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/280,082, titled Assembling and Testing Ampoules, filed Nov. 16, 2021, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present technology is directed to ammunition manufacturing, and more particularly to assembling and testing sealed ampoules carried in the ammunition rounds, wherein the ampoules contain material reactive to air. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Training and practice ammunition rounds can carry a pyrophoric or reactive payload configured to react with environmental air upon impact to indicate to a user the training round&#39;s impact location. Generally, the components in training rounds containing the pyrophoric material are inspected for leaks before final assembly of the round. Two such inspection methods include pressure decay testing and helium leak testing. In a pressure decay test, the component, such as an ampoule containing pyrophoric powder, is placed in a chamber of known volume and the chamber is pressurized with air. A transducer within the chamber measures the change in pressure versus time to determine a leak rate of air into the training round. In many such systems, however, too much of the pressurized air may enter a leaky ampoule before the leak is detected, which can lead to a larger pyrophoric reaction within the ampoule. In a helium leak test, the ampoule is packaged in a helium rich atmosphere, or an interior of the ampoule is injected with a helium rich mixture. The ampoule is then placed into a chamber and subjected to a vacuum to withdraw the helium from within the training round, such that the helium can be detected by a mass spectrometer or thermal conductivity detector. However, the amount of helium used in helium leak testing can make these tests cost prohibitive. Accordingly, there is a need for improved testing methods that are safer and less expensive to perform. 
     SUMMARY 
     The system and method of the current technology overcome drawbacks experienced in the prior art and provide additional benefits. An embodiment of the present technology provides a method for assembling and testing an ampoule assembly for air leakage, the ampoule assembly having a body portion, a base portion, and a pyrophoric payload. The method comprises positioning the body portion, the base portion, and the pyrophoric payload in an air-free, inert environment, wherein the body portion has a closed end, an open end, and an interior area. The pyrophoric payload is positioned into the interior area of the body portion through the open end, wherein the body portion is oriented with the open end above the closed end. The base portion is attached to the open end of the body portion with the pyrophoric payload enclosed in the interior area and with a seal formed between the base portion and the body portion, wherein the ampoule assembly is oriented in an inverted orientation with the base portion vertically above the pyrophoric payload in the interior area and with an upper surface of the pyrophoric payload being spaced apart from the base portion by a gap. The ampoule assembly is removed from the air-free, inert environment and is positioned in a testing environment that contains air, wherein the ampoule assembly is in the inverted orientation with the gap laterally adjacent to a detection component configured to detect through the body portion energy from the upper surface pyrophoric payload. The laterally adjacent detection component monitors the upper surface of the pyrophoric payload or the gap to detect light or heat energy from a reaction between air and the pyrophoric payload, wherein the reaction indicates an air leak in the seal between the base portion and the body portion. 
     In some embodiments, forming a seal can comprise coupling the body portion and base portion with an adhesive to form an annular seal in a plane substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the ampoule assembly. The body portion and the base portion can have corresponding surfaces that sealably interconnect to form a sealing region between the base and body portions. The ampoule assembly can be moved from the air-free, inert environment to the testing environment while the ampoule assembly remains in the inverted orientation with the pyrophoric payload being carried in the body portion below the gap. The ampoule assembly is positioned in a testing environment in the inverted orientation to maintain an optical path laterally through the ampoule assembly, and the detection component conducts the monitoring laterally along the optical path. The ampoule assembly can be positioned in a transfer rack in the air-free, inert environment with the transfer rack supporting the ampoule assembly in the inverted position, and the transfer rack and the ampoule assembly are moved as a unit to the testing environment. The ampoule assembly can be positioned in a testing environment that includes a pressure chamber that pressurizes air in the chamber to a pressure above ambient pressure, and the upper surface of the pyrophoric payload or the gap is then monitored while the ampoule assembly is under pressure. The ampoule assembly can be positioned in a testing stand that supports the ampoule assembly in the inverted position. The testing stand and the inverted ampoule assembly are moved as a unit in a pressure chamber with the gap of the ampoule assembly being laterally aligned with the detecting component. 
     Another embodiment of the present technology provides a method for testing an ampoule assembly for air leakage, the ampoule assembly having a body portion, a base portion, and a pyrophoric payload. The method comprises transferring the ampoule assembly from an air-free, inert environment to a testing environment containing air, wherein the base portion is sealably attached to the open end of the body portion with the pyrophoric payload contained in the body portion. The ampoule assembly is oriented in an inverted orientation with the base portion vertically above the pyrophoric payload in the interior area with an upper surface of the pyrophoric payload being spaced apart from the base portion by a gap. The ampoule assembly is positioned in the testing environment with the gap in lateral alignment with a detection component, wherein the detection component is configured to detect energy emission from the pyrophoric payload. The detection component monitors the upper surface of the pyrophoric payload or the gap to detect light or heat energy from a reaction between air and the pyrophoric payload while the ampoule assembly remains in the inverted position, wherein the reaction indicates an air leak in the seal between the base portion and the body portion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic, cross-sectional illustration of an ampoule containing pyrophoric materials for installation within an ammunition training round in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology. 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic illustration of the ampoule of  FIG.  1    illustrated in an inverted orientation. 
         FIGS.  3 A- 3 D  are schematic illustrations of various stages of manufacturing and testing the ampoule of  FIG.  2    in accordance with aspects of the present technology. 
         FIG.  4 A  is a schematic illustration of the ampoule of  FIG.  2    in a leak detection system. 
         FIG.  4 B  is a schematic illustration of the ampoule of  FIG.  2    in another leak detection system in accordance with aspects of the present technology. 
         FIG.  5    is a flow diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing and testing the ampoule of  FIG.  2   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present technology provides systems, devices, and methods for manufacturing (e.g., assembling, testing, etc.) an ampoule or payload for an ammunition round or other carrier, wherein the ampoule contains a reactive payload. The ammunition round and ampoule can be configured as a practice ammunition and/or other training round. The manufacturing process and the resulting ampoules and ammunition round overcome drawbacks of the prior art and provide other benefits. The systems, devices, and methods described herein can be safer, more accurate, and/or more sensitive compared to pressure-decay testing, helium leak testing, and other systems, devices, and methods for manufacturing ampoules. In some embodiments, manufacturing ampoules can include an assembly phase and/or a testing phase. The ampoules can each include a frangible body portion configured to carry a reactive payload or marking material within an interior of the body portion, and a base portion sealably coupled to the body portion to seal the ampoule to prevent air from inadvertently getting into the interior of the ampoule and reacting with the payload carried by the ampoule. The ampoule can be assembled in an inverted orientation where the ampoule includes a gap between the payload and the base portion. Methods for assembling ampoules in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can be performed with at least a portion of the ampoule in the inverted orientation. Additionally, methods for testing ampoules in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can be performed with the ampoule in the inverted configuration. For example, testing the ampoule can include positioning the ampoule in a leak detection system with the ampoule in the inverted configuration, aligning at least a portion of the ampoule with a leak detection component of the leak detection system positioned laterally adjacent to the inverted ampoule, and using the leak detection system to analyze the ampoule from the side for one or more leaks. The leak detection component allows for testing and inspection over a larger surface area of the associated payload in the ampoule. This assembly and testing configuration can increase the sensitivity, accuracy, and/or time-to-result of the systems described herein. 
     Several specific details of one or more embodiments of the present technology are set forth in the following description and the Figures to provide a thorough understanding of certain embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the art, however, will understand that the present technology may have additional embodiments, and that other embodiments of the invention may be practiced without several of the specific features described below. 
       FIG.  1    is a schematic, cross-sectional illustration of an ampoule  100  containing one or more pyrophoric materials in the payload  114 , and the ampoule can be positioned in an ammunition training round  10 , such as a 40 mm training round, or any other suitable round. The ampoule  100  has a frangible body portion  102  attached or otherwise coupled to a base portion  104  at a sealing region  106  (e.g., a coupling region, an intermediate region, etc.) at least partially between the body portion  102  and the base portion  104 . During manufacturing, and as discussed in greater detail below, the ampoule  100  can contain the reactive payload  114 , such as a pyrophoric or other suitable reactive material, and the properly sealed interface between the base portion  104  and the body portion  102  prevents air from inadvertently getting into the ampoule and prematurely reacting with the payload  114 . 
     The body portion  102  can be partially or fully transparent. In at least some embodiments, for example, the body portion  102  can be formed from glass, or any other suitable frangible material that will break and release the payload when the associated ammunition round  10  is fired and impacts a target area. In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion  104  can include an outer annular flange or rib  105 , which can extend at least partially or fully around an outer perimeter of the base portion  104 . The sealing region  106  of the ampoule  100  can include one or more matching and/or corresponding surfaces (e.g., end surfaces, side surfaces, etc.) of the body portion  102  and/or the base portion  104 , such that the body portion  102  is sealably connected to the base portion  104  at the sealing region  106 . In some embodiments, sealably connecting the body portion  102  and the base portion  104  is designed to provide an air-tight seal  108  (e.g., a substantially fluid-impermeable seal) between the body portion  102  and the base portion  104 . As manufacturing processes may not be absolutely perfect 100% of the time, the ampoule  100  and the seal  108  need to be tested to ensure that the seal  108  does not have a slight defect that may permit air to penetrate into the ampoule and react with the payload  114 . In the illustrated embodiment, the seal  108  is an annular seal formed in a plane substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the ampoule  100 . In other embodiments, the seal  108  can have any other suitable configuration. The seal  108  can be formed using adhesives and/or any other suitable process or technique for forming a seal  108  between the body portion  102  and the base portion  104 . 
     The body portion  102  can include an inner surface  110  that at least partially defines an interior  112  (e.g., a chamber or a payload region) of the ampoule  100 . The base portion  104  can be at least partially aligned with the interior  112  of the body portion  102 , e.g., to at least partially cover or otherwise block an opening  103  of the body portion  102 . The seal  108  between the body portion  102  and the base portion  104  can partially or fully prevent one or more fluids (e.g., environmental air, environmental oxygen, etc.) in the environment external to the ampoule  100  from entering the interior  112  of the ampoule  100 . The interior  112  of the ampoule  100  can be partially or fully filled with the reactive payload  114 . The payload  114  can be configured to react (e.g., spontaneously react) in the presence of environmental air and, accordingly, can mark or otherwise indicate (e.g., visually indicate to a user) the impact location of a fired ammunition round  10  carrying the ampoule  100 . For example, the payload  114  can include a pyrophoric material, such as the pyrophoric VIS-IR material described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,106,473, filed Aug. 27, 2015, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein, or any other suitable marking material. Because the payload  114  can react if exposed to environmental air, the air-impervious body portion  102 , base portion  104 , and the seal  108  can maintain the payload  114  in an unreacted state and/or in an inert environment until the ampoule  100  is intentionally ruptured to disburse the payload. Accordingly, the seal  108  can allow the ampoule  100  to be stored, transported, and/or otherwise manipulated without or substantially without risk of the payload  114  inadvertently reacting. If, however, during the manufacturing and/or the assembly process the seal  108  has a flaw that can cause an air leak into the ampoule&#39;s interior area containing the payload, such flaw needs to be detected quickly and accurately by testing the ampoule during the manufacture/assembly process. 
       FIG.  2    is a schematic illustration of the ampoule  100  of  FIG.  1    illustrated in an inverted orientation with the base portion  104  positioned above the body portion  102 , such that the opening  103  of the body portion  102  faces upwardly. In the inverted orientation, the payload  114  is carried in the body portion  102 , wherein there may be a selected gap  216  between the base portion  104  and the upper surface of the payload  114 . It is noted that, for purposes of discussion only, the size of the gap  216  as illustrated in  FIG.  2    is exaggerated to better illustrate certain aspects of the present technology. A person of skill in the art will appreciate that, in practice, the gap  216  may be significantly smaller than the gap shown in  FIG.  2   . In addition, the actual size of the gap  216  may vary based on the composition of the payload  114 . For example, if the payload  114  is an iron-based pyrophoric material, the powder material may compress or settle within the ampoule&#39;s interior area after being deposited into the ampoule&#39;s inverted body portion during the manufacturing process. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the gap  216  has a distance D between a base portion surface  204   a  of the base portion  104  and a payload surface  214   a  of the payload  114 . The distance D can be between about 0.01 mm and about 10 mm, such as at least 0.01 mm, at least 0.1 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 5 mm, or any other suitable distance. In these and other embodiments, the distance D can correspond to an amount (e.g., mass, volume, etc.) of payload  114  within in the interior  112 , such as in an uncompressed condition. 
     The gap  216  between the payload  114  and the base portion  104  can provide one or more optical paths laterally through the ampoule  100 . For example, as described previously regarding  FIG.  1   , the body portion  102  can be partially or fully transparent to light (e.g., visible light, IR light, etc.) and/or heat energy and, accordingly, energy (e.g., light and/or heat energy) can be detectable through at least part of the body portion  102  at the gap  216  above the payload, and/or in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the ampoule  100 . As described in greater detail below regarding  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B , the transparent properties of the body portion  102  can allow one or more leak detection components to “see” laterally through at least a portion of the ampoule&#39;s gap  216  and along the top surface area of the payload, so as to ensure that there are no air leaks in the seal  108 . For example, the detection components positioned laterally adjacent to an assembled ampoule can be configured to detect light and/or heat energy that passes through the gap  216  of the ampoule  100  and through opposing side surfaces  202   a,    202   b  of the body portion, including any light or heat energy generated by exposure of the payload  114  to environmental air that may have entered the ampoule  100  through a leak in the seal  108 . 
     The ampoule  100  can be assembled while at least a portion (e.g., the base portion  104 , the body portion  102 , and/or any other suitable portion) of the ampoule  100  is in the inverted orientation. In some embodiments, for example, the ampoule  100  can be assembled in an inert environment in a glovebox or other suitable assembly area, while at least the body portion  102  is in the inverted orientation. In such embodiments, the reactive payload  114  can be deposited within the interior  112  of the body portion  102  through the body portion&#39;s upwardly-facing opening  103 , and the base portion  104  can be aligned and fully adhered with an air-impervious adhesive around the entire perimeter of the edge of the body portion or otherwise fully coupled to the body portion  102  to form the seal  108  completely between and around the upper edge of the body portion  102  and a mating receiving groove in the base portion. As described in greater detail below, ampoules remain in the inverted orientation during the manufacturing process, which minimizes the need for personnel to interact with the ampoules during the process. 
       FIGS.  3 A- 3 D  are schematic illustrations of various stages of a method for manufacturing and testing the ampoule  100  of  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the method in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. One or more ampoules  100  can be assembled in an air-free, inert environment, such as the sealed glovebox with a nitrogen environment, or another suitable assembly area. Referring to  FIG.  3 A , once the ampoules  100  (not shown) are fully assembled while inverted and the seal  108  ( FIGS.  1  and  2   ) is fully cured or otherwise formed, the assembled ampoules  100  are transferred into a transfer rack  320  located in the glovebox. The transfer rack  320  receives and retains the ampoules  100  in the inverted orientation, so the ampoules do not need to be further handled and flipped over to a non-inverted orientation. This arrangement can also provide additional time for the seal to cure or otherwise set without interfacing with the reactive payload  114  now fully contained in the ampoule. When one or more transfer racks in the glovebox are loaded with the assembled ampoules  100 , the full transfer rack(s)  320  can be carefully moved out of the glovebox using selected transfer protocols and to an ampoule testing station  322  ( FIG.  3 B ). 
     Referring to  FIG.  3 B , the testing station  322  has one or more ampoule testing stands  324  configured to receive and support an ampoule while still in the inverted position. Each testing stand  324  of the illustrated embodiment can be configured to support a given ampoule  100  beneath a corresponding leak detection system  330 . The leak detection system  330  is described in greater detail below regarding  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion  104  of each ampoule can be formed from or contain a ferrous or other magnetic material. In some embodiments, the base portion  104  can be formed from a combination of metallic and non-metallic materials. In other embodiments, the base portion  104  may be a non-magnetic material, such as a lightweight, high-strength plastic, while the payload may be a ferrous-based or other magnetically engageable material. Referring to  FIG.  3 C , each of the ampoules  100  with the magnetic base portion  104  and/or payload  114  can be engaged and moved out of the transfer rack to the testing stand  324  via a magnetic tool  326  configured to magnetically couple to the base portion  104  and/or payload  114  of each ampoule  100 . Movement of the ampoules  100  via the magnetic tool  326  allows for easy and quick transfer without having to rotate the ampoules  100  away from the inverted position. Additionally, the magnetic tool  326  can allow the user to interact with the ampoule  100  indirectly and/or at a distance removed from the ampoule  100 , e.g., without the user directly handling the ampoule  100  with their hands. In one embodiment, the magnetic tool  326  may be a manual tool handled directly by a user. In other embodiments, the magnetic tool  326  may be an automated or robotic tool that allows personnel to move and manage the assembled ampoules from a remote location. Interacting with the ampoule  100  via the magnetic tool  326  can be more efficient and effective than directly handling the ampoule  100 . In embodiments where the ampoule  100  assembly is at least partially automated, the magnetic tool  326  can provide a safer and/or more reliable way for an automated assembly system to transport and/or interact with the ampoule  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  3 D , each testing stand  324  can have an ampoule receiving member, such as an annular shaped retention ring  325  with an opening shaped and sized to receive an ampoule  100  while being smaller than the diameter of the base portion&#39;s outer flange  105  ( FIG.  3 C ). The testing stand  324  is configured to raise at least the retention ring  325  and associated installed ampoule  100  into a corresponding leak detection system  330  (e.g., a pressure chamber  332  of the leak detection system  330 ) via an actuating platform or lifting member  328 . In at least one embodiment, the ampoule receiving member is coupled to a closure plate attached to a pneumatic actuator that is actuated to raise and lower the closure plate and ampoule receiving member relative to the pressure chamber  332 . The closure plate can act as a chamber door that sealably engages and closes the chamber  332  with the ampoule  100  in its closed interior area that can be pressurized, as discussed in greater detail below. Once the ampoule  100  is positioned within the leak detection system  330 , the pressure chamber  332  is locked in the closed position (e.g., closure plate and/or the pneumatic actuator are locked in a closed position). Compressed air is then introduced into the chamber  332  to act as a stimulus signaling whether there is a leak path to the pyrophoric payload material in the ampoule  100 . If a leak is detected by the laterally adjacent detectors, the pressure in the chamber  332  can be exhausted and then the chamber  332  unlocked, and the ampoule  100  lowered from the chamber  332 . In some embodiments, the pressure chamber  332  can be configured so a user can manually terminate the testing sequence and override the lock command, such as if a defective ampoule needs to be removed from testing facility immediately. In some embodiments, multiple pressure chambers can be used simultaneously, and if a defective ampoule is located, a user or the system may analyze leak information. If suitable, the other pressure chambers can continue to operate until the system or operator decides to abort the testing process to extract the apparently defective ampoule. After testing is completed, the actuating platform  328  is unlocked and can lower the retention ring  325  and the installed ampoule  100 , and the tested ampoule  100  can be engaged with a magnetic tool  326 , lifted out of the retention ring  325 , and returned to a transfer rack  320  ( FIGS.  3 A and  3 B ) or other component for transfer to subsequent assembly station(s), e.g., for loading into an ammunition round. 
       FIG.  4 A  is a schematic illustration of a leak detection system  330  (“the system  330 ”) configured in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology. The system  330  can be configured to test, analyze, and/or otherwise determine an integrity of the ampoule&#39;s seal  108 , including whether the seal  108  includes one or more leaks. In the illustrated embodiment, the leak detection system  330  is a pressure testing system that includes the pressure chamber  332  configured to have a variable interior pressure P. The pressure chamber  332  can be operably coupled to a pressure control system  433  configured to control the interior pressure P of the pressure chamber  332 . The pressure control system  433  can include one or more valves, air compressors, vacuum components, air delivery hoses, air vacuum hoses, and/or any other suitable components. The pressure control system  433  can be configured to transition the interior pressure P of the pressure chamber  332  between selected positive pressures, such as in the range of approximately 5-65 psi. Additionally, the system  330  can include one or more leak detection components  434 , each of which can be positioned at least partially within the pressure chamber  332 . In some embodiments, for example, one or more of the leak detection components  434  can be fixed to an interior surface of the pressure chamber  332 . In other embodiments, some or all of the leak detection components can be exterior of the pressure chamber  332 , but the pressure chamber  332  can have a window or other feature that allows the leak detection components to monitor or otherwise analyze the ampoule in the pressure chamber  332  to determine whether the seal  108  has a leak. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the leak detection components  434  can include one or more photodiodes, optical sensors, cameras, IR cameras, temperature sensors, light sources, lasers, and/or any other suitable leak detection components configured to detect leaks in the ampoule&#39;s seal  108 . Although in the illustrated embodiment the system  330  includes two leak detection components  434 , in other embodiments the system  330  can include more or fewer leak detection components  434 , such as at least one, three, four, five, six, and/or any other suitable number of leak detection components  434 . In these and other embodiments, the system  330  can partially or fully prevent light from the environment external to the system  330  from entering at least a portion of the system&#39;s interior (e.g., an interior of the pressure chamber  332 ). In embodiments where one or more of the leak detection components  434  include an optically active or light-sensitive component, such as a photodiode, at least partially preventing light from entering an interior portion of the system  330  can improve the accuracy, sensitivity, and/or reliability of the optically-active leak detection component. 
     The system  330  can include one or more mounts, stands, receptacles, and/or any other suitable component sized, positioned, and/or otherwise configured to receive the ampoule  100  in the inverted configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, for example the system  330  includes the testing stand  324  (described previously regarding  FIGS.  3 B- 3 D ). The testing stand  324  can be configured to support the ampoule  100  via the annular flange  105  of the base portion  104 . The testing stand  324  can be configured to carry the ampoule  100  such that, when the ampoule  100  is positioned within the pressure chamber  332 , at least part of the ampoule  100  can be at least partially aligned with one or more of the leak detection components  434  positioned laterally adjacent to the ampoule  100 . This allows the leak detection components  434  to analyze and detect any reaction across the entire surface area of the payload below the base portion  104  as well as in the entire volume of the gap D. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the gap  216  is laterally aligned with the one or more leak detection components  434  when the ampoule  100  is positioned within the pressure chamber  332 . In other embodiments, one or more other portions of the ampoule  100  can be aligned with one or more of the leak detection components  434 . 
     In some embodiments, the system  330  can include an actuating platform  328  (described previously regarding  FIG.  3 D ) configured to receive the ampoule  100  in the inverted orientation and operable to position the ampoule  100  within the pressure chamber  332  at a correct position and orientation relative to the leak detection components  434 . The actuating platform  328  can include one or more actuators (e.g., hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, mechanical actuators, etc.) configured to move the actuating platform  328  relative to the pressure chamber  332 . As described previously regarding  FIGS.  3 B- 3 D , the actuating platform  328  can include the testing stand  324  and can be positioned below the pressure chamber  332  and actuatable to move upwardly and raise the ampoule  100  toward and/or at least partially into the pressure chamber  332 . In this raised position, the actuating platform  328  can form at least part of one or more of the sides or walls of the pressure chamber  332  and/or form an air-tight seal  439  (e.g., a substantially fluid-impermeable seal) with at least a portion of the pressure chamber  332 . In other embodiments, the actuating platform  328  can be positioned laterally relative to the pressure chamber  332  or have any other suitable position relative to the pressure chamber  332 . Accordingly, in these and other embodiments, the pressure chamber  332  can be stationary, such that positioning the ampoule  100  within the pressure chamber  332  can include moving the ampoule  100  instead of moving the pressure chamber  332 . 
     In operation, and with the ampoule  100  positioned within the pressure chamber  332  in the inverted orientation, the pressure chamber  332  can undergo one or more pressurization cycles, including while the leak detection components  434  are monitoring the payload and the volume of the gap D to detect any sign of an air leak into the ampoule  100 . For example, the interior pressure P of the pressure chamber  332  can be increased (e.g., pressurized) to and/or toward a selected upper positive pressure, such as approximately 50 psi and/or the interior pressure can be decreased (e.g., depressurized) to a selected lower pressure, such as ambient pressure. If the seal  108  includes one or more leaks, increasing the air pressure around the ampoule  100  can increase the rate at which air A within the pressure chamber  332  may enter the interior  112  of the ampoule  100 . Air A entering the interior  112  of the ampoule  100  can cause one or more reactions  436  with the reactive payload  114 . Each of the reactions  436  can generate energy E (e.g., optical energy, light, visible-near infrared (NIR) emissions, heat, etc., or a combination of such energies) that can pass or otherwise be detectable through one or more sides/side surfaces  202   a/   202   b  of the ampoule  100  and be detected by one or more of the leak detection components  434 . For example, the energy E can pass or otherwise be detectable through the first side surface  202   a  and/or the second side surface  202   b  of the body portion  102  and be incident and/or detected by one or more laterally adjacent detection components  434 . In response, the one or more detection components  434  can indicate the presence (e.g., to a user of the system  330 ) of the one or more leaks in the seal  108 , thereby indicating a potential flaw in the tested ampoule. In some embodiments, for example, the system  330  can include a leak indicator component (not shown) that can be operably coupled to one or more of the leak detection components  434 . The leak indicator component can include, for example, one or more lights, displays, readouts, and/or any other suitable indicator component. The leak indicator component can be configured to illuminate or otherwise indicate (e.g., to a user) the presence of one or more leaks detected by one or more of the leak detection components  434 . 
     In some embodiments, at least one of the pressurization cycles can include: (i) increasing the air pressure in the pressure chamber  332  to a first selected elevated pressure, such approximately 10 psi, (ii) decreasing the air pressure to a second selected pressure, such as to ambient air pressure or approximately 5 psi, and (iii) increasing the air pressure again to a third selected elevated pressure, such as approximately 60 psi, in sequence. The pressurization cycle including pressurization, depressurization, and re-pressurization in sequence, as described above, can have a disturbance or aerosolizing effect on at least a portion of the reactive payload material  114 , such as a powdered payload material adjacent to the gap D. The pressurization cycle can cause a portion of the reactive material  114  to be drawn upwardly (e.g., in the direction indicated by arrows  438 ) into the gap  216  to form a marking material cloud  438   a  at least partially between the upper surface  214   a  of the payload  114  and the base portion  104 . This increases the volume and surface area of the reactive payload  114  that can react with any air that may enter the ampoule  100  through a leak in the seal between the body portion  102  and the base portion  104 , which will generate the detectable energy E. 
     Leak detection systems configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology provide several advantages compared to many other leak detection systems. For example, many leak detection systems test ampoules in a non-inverted orientation such that the ampoules under test do not include a gap between the marking material and the base portion. In these systems, the detection components can detect reactions between environmental air that enters the ampoule and interacts with the mass of marking material. However, because ampoules in the non-inverted orientation lack a gap proximate the ampoule&#39;s seal, these systems cannot detect reactions between environmental air that enters the ampoule and a cloud of (aerosolized) marking material. In contrast with many systems, leak detection systems configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology are configured to test ampoules in an inverted orientation such that the ampoules under test include a gap between the marking material and the base portion. Accordingly, the leak detection systems described herein can detect reactions between environmental air that may enter the ampoule and a cloud of marking material induced/created within the ampoule, as described previously. The marking material cloud can partially or fully fill the gap between the marking material and the base portion, such that the marking material cloud can increase the surface area and volume of the payload that may react with air entering an ampoule through a leak and can position the marking material proximate the seal, reducing the distance the environmental air travels within the gap before reacting with the marking material cloud and/or reducing the time before a reaction. Accordingly, leak detection systems configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology provide improved detection sensitivity, improved accuracy, and/or reduced time for completion of the testing as compared to other conventional leak detection systems. 
       FIG.  4 B  is schematic illustration of the ampoule  100  of  FIG.  2    in another leak detection system  430  configured in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology. The leak detection system  430  can be generally similar to the leak detection system  330  of  FIG.  4 A , with like numbers indicating like elements. However, the leak detection system  430  includes a testing stand  424  configured to support the body portion  102  of the ampoule  100 . The testing stand  424  can allow the ampoule  100  to be selectively tilted or otherwise repositioned before, during, and/or after the leak testing process. 
       FIG.  5    is a flow diagram illustrating a method  540  of manufacturing an ampoule in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology. The method  540  can include an assembly phase  550  and/or a leak testing or detection phase  560 . The method  540  is illustrated as a set of blocks, steps, operations, or processes  551 - 555  and  561 - 563 . All or a subset of the blocks  551 - 555  and  561 - 563  can be performed at least in part by various components of a system, such as the leak detection system  330  of  FIGS.  3 B,  3 D, and  4 A  and/or the leak detection system  430  of  FIG.  4 B . For example, all or a subset of the blocks  551 - 555  and  561 - 563  can be performed at least in part by a leak detection component and/or other portions of a leak detection system. Additionally, or alternatively, all or a subset of the blocks  551 - 555  and  561 - 563  can be performed at least in part by an operator (e.g., a user) of the system. Moreover, any one or more of the blocks  551 - 555  and  561 - 563  can be performed with one or more components of the ampoule in an inverted orientation. Furthermore, any one or more of the blocks  551 - 555  and  561 - 563  can be performed in accordance with the discussion above. Many of the blocks  551 - 555  and  561 - 563  of the method  540  are discussed in detail below with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 4 B  for the sake of clarity and understanding. It will be appreciated, however, that the method  540  may be used with other suitable leak detection systems in addition to those described herein. 
     The method  540  begins at block  551  by applying an adhesive to at least a region of a base portion of an ampoule. The base portion can be similar to the base portion discussed above with respect to  FIGS.  1 A- 4 B . For example, applying the adhesive to at least the region of the base portion can include applying adhesive to at least a region of the base portion  104  of  FIGS.  1 - 4 B . Continuing with this example, the region of the base portion can include an outer perimeter or peripheral region of the base portion. In at least some embodiments, the region of the base portion can be a seal-forming region of the base portion and/or a region of the base portion configured to correspond to a region of a body portion of the ampoule. The body portion can be similar to the body portion discussed above with respect to  FIGS.  1 A- 4 B . For example, the body portion can include the body portion  102  of  FIGS.  1 - 4 B . In these and other embodiments, applying the adhesive to at least the region of the base portion can include applying the adhesive to at least the region of the base portion before bringing the base portion into an assembly area (e.g., block  552 ), such as the inert assembly area described previously regarding  FIG.  3 A . Applying the adhesive before bringing the base portion into the assembly area can improve the uniformity and/or accuracy with which the adhesive is applied which, in turn, can reduce the likelihood of one or more leaks forming in the ampoule&#39;s seal. 
     At block  552 , the method  540  continues by bringing the base portion (with the adhesive already applied), the body portion, and a selected pyrophoric or otherwise reactive payload (e.g., a pyrophoric, iron-based powdered material) into an assembly area. The assembly area can include, for example, an air-free inert environment such as a hermetically sealed glovebox, or any other suitable assembly area, such as the assembly area described previously regarding  FIG.  3 A . The assembly area can isolate the pyrophoric payload from the environment (e.g., environmental air) external to the assembly area, e.g., to at least partially prevent the payload from prematurely reacting. The payload can be similar to the pyrophoric material discussed above with respect to  FIGS.  1 - 4 B . 
     At block  553 , the method  540  continues by depositing the payload material within the body portion while the body portion is in an inverted orientation with the opening  103  ( FIG.  2   ) facing upwardly. At block  554 , the method  540  continues by coupling the base portion with the adhesive already applied to the body portion filled with the pyrophoric payload. In some embodiments, the base portion has a receiving groove that receives the edge of the body portion, and the adhesive is positioned within the receiving groove so as to sealably engage with the entire perimeter of the body portion&#39;s edge that defines the opening  103  ( FIG.  2   ). Because the body portion containing the reactive payload is inverted, the payload remains spaced apart from the adhesive and the interface between the body and base portions while the seal is being formed. Accordingly, the payload material will not interfere with the adhesive or the seal formation. 
     At block  555 , the method  540  continues by curing the adhesive to form a complete air-tight seal between the base portion and the body portion in the receiving area and around the entire perimeter of the body portion&#39;s edge. In some embodiments, for example, curing the adhesive can include applying ultraviolet light, heat, pressure, or other curing feature as appropriate for the adhesive. Once the seal  108  is cured, the reactive payload is fully isolated in the assembled ampoule in an inert environment within the interior area, so the assembled ampoule can be removed from the glovebox or other assembly area within an inert environment. As discussed above, multiple ampoules can be fully assembled in the glovebox and transferred while in the inverted position to a transfer rack, such as with a magnetic tool, so the assembled ampoules remain inverted when moved to the testing area remote from the glovebox. 
     At block  561 , the method  540  continues by positioning the fully assembled ampoule (e.g., block  555 ) in a leak detection system as discussed above while the ampoule is in the inverted orientation. In some embodiments, positioning the ampoule in the leak detection system can include positioning the ampoule within a pressure chamber of the leak detection system. The pressure chamber can be similar to the pressure chamber  332  described previously regarding  FIGS.  3 B- 4 B . In these and other embodiments, the ampoule can be manufactured at least partially in the inverted orientation such that positioning the ampoule in the leak detection system can include positioning the ampoule within the leak detection system, and/or positioning a portion of the ampoule within the annular shaped retention ring  325  ( FIGS.  3 C and  3 D ) to support the ampoule while in the inverted position. Positioning the ampoule in the leak detection system can include magnetically coupling a magnetic tool to the ampoule and moving the ampoule using the magnetic tool. The magnetic tool can be similar to the magnetic tool  326  described previously regarding  FIG.  3 C . In these and other embodiments, positioning the ampoule in the leak detection system can include placing the ampoule in the retention ring or other support structure on an actuating platform of the leak detection system and actuating the actuating platform to move the ampoule (e.g., upwardly) into the pressure chamber of the leak detection system. The actuating platform can be similar to the actuating platform described previously regarding  FIGS.  3 B- 4 B . For example, the actuating platform can be the actuating platform  328  of  FIGS.  3 B- 4 A  and/or the actuating platform  428  of  FIG.  4 B . In some embodiments, positioning the ampoule in the leak detection system can include placing the ampoule on the actuating platform  328  and actuating the actuating platform  328  to move the ampoule into the pressure chamber while the leak detection system remains stationary, as described previously regarding  FIGS.  3 D- 4 B . In other embodiments, the ampoule and the retention ring or other support structure can remain stationary, and the pressure chamber component may move to receive the ampoule. In yet other embodiments, each of the supported ampoules and the pressure chamber components can be moved into engagement with each other so the assembled ampoule can be tested. 
     At block  562 , the method  540  continues by aligning at least a portion of the ampoule with one or more leak detection components of the leak detection system. Each of the one or more leak detection components can be similar to one of the one or more leak detection components described previously regarding  FIGS.  2 ,  4 A, and  4 B . For example, aligning at least the portion of the ampoule with one or more of the leak detection components can include aligning at least the portion of the ampoule with one or more of the laterally positioned leak detection components  434  of  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B . Additionally, or alternatively, aligning at least a portion of the ampoule with one or more of the leak detection components can include aligning one or more sides and/or a gap of the ampoule with one or more of the laterally positioned leak detection components. 
     At block  563 , the method  540  continues by using the leak detection system to analyze the ampoule for air leaks that allow air to prematurely enter the interior of the ampoule and react with the payload. In some embodiments, using the leak detection system to analyze the ampoule for leaks can include performing one or more pressurization cycles within a pressure chamber (e.g., block  561 ) of the leak detection system. The one or more pressurization cycles can be similar to the one or more pressurization cycles described previously regarding  FIG.  4 A . For example, at least one of the pressurization cycles can include in sequence (i) increasing the air pressure around the ampoule to a first level, (ii) relieving some or all of the pressure to decrease the air pressure around the ampoule, and (iii) repressurizing the air around the ampoule to a third level, which may be the same or different than the first pressure level. As the ampoule is undergoing one or more pressure cycles in the pressure chamber, the detection components  434  are monitoring the entire surface area of the payload below the gap, as well as monitoring the entire volume of the gap above the payload to detect any other leak-related indicia, such as a reaction between the payload material and any air that may have entered the ampoule through a leak. 
     Although the steps of the method  540  are discussed and illustrated in a particular order, the method  540  illustrated in  FIG.  5    is not so limited. In other embodiments, the method  540  can be performed in a different order. In these and other embodiments, any of the steps of the method  540  (e.g., block  552 ) can be performed before, during, and/or after any of the other steps of the method  540  (e.g., block  551 ). Moreover, a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art will recognize that the illustrated method  540  can be altered and still remain within these and other embodiments of the present technology. For example, one or more steps of the method  540  (e.g., block  562 ) illustrated in  FIG.  4    can be omitted and/or repeated in some embodiments. 
     Conclusion 
     The above description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in some instances, well-known details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. Further, various modifications may be made without deviating from the scope of the embodiments. 
     Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments. 
     The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way. Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, and any special significance is not to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for some terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any term discussed herein, is illustrative only and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control. 
     As used herein, the word “or” refers to any possible permutation of a set of items. For example, the phrase “A, B, or C” refers to at least one of A, B, and C, or any combination therefore, such as any of A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C; or multiple of any item such as A and A; B, B, and C; A, A, B, C, and C; etc. 
     Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Specific embodiments and implementations have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but various modifications can be made without deviating from the scope of the embodiments and implementations. The specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims that follow. Accordingly, the embodiments and implementations are not limited except as by the appended claims.