Patent ID: 12201986

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed apparatuses and methods may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of particular embodiments and the examples included therein and to the Figures and their previous and following description.

A. Definitions

It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention which will be limited only by the appended claims.

It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a transverse member” includes a plurality of such transverse members, and reference to “the transverse member” is a reference to one or more transverse members and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth. Similarly, a “pair of walls” should be understood to describe an embodiment comprising at least two walls and does not rule out the presence of other walls unless context dictates otherwise.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event, circumstance, or material may or may not occur or be present, and that the description includes instances where the event, circumstance, or material occurs or is present and instances where it does not occur or is not present.

Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, also specifically contemplated and considered disclosed is the range from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value unless the context specifically indicates otherwise. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another, specifically contemplated embodiment that should be considered disclosed unless the context specifically indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint unless the context specifically indicates otherwise. Finally, it should be understood that all of the individual values and sub-ranges of values contained within an explicitly disclosed range are also specifically contemplated and should be considered disclosed unless the context specifically indicates otherwise. The foregoing applies regardless of whether in particular cases some or all of these embodiments are explicitly disclosed.

Optionally, in some aspects, when values are approximated by use of the antecedents “about,” “substantially,” or “generally,” it is contemplated that values within up to 15%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% (above or below) of the particularly stated value or characteristic can be included within the scope of those aspects.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of skill in the art to which the disclosed appliance and method belong.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word “comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and “comprises,” means “including but not limited to,” and is not intended to exclude, for example, other elements, components, integers or steps. In particular, in methods stated as comprising one or more steps or operations, it is specifically contemplated that each step comprises what is listed (unless that step includes a limiting term such as “consisting of”), meaning that each step is not intended to exclude, for example, other elements, components, integers or steps that are not listed in the step.

B. Media Holder

Disclosed herein, in various aspects and with reference toFIGS.1-8, is a media holder10having a first axis4, a second axis6that is perpendicular to the first axis4, and a vertical axis8that is perpendicular to each of the first axis and the second axis. As further described herein, the media holder10can hold media that is used to prepare a sample. The media holder10can comprise a base12and at least a pair walls14(e.g., at least two walls) that extend upwardly from the base12. The walls14can be elongate along the first axis4. The walls14can optionally be parallel or generally parallel to each other. Each of the walls14can define an upper end16, an inner surface18, and an outer surface20. Optionally, the walls14can be solid. In further aspects, the walls14can have an open structure or webbed structure to reduce the weight and cost.

A plurality of transverse members22can extend between, and couple to, at least two of the walls14. The plurality of transverse members22can each have a first end24and a second end26that are spaced along the second axis6. The plurality of transverse members22can comprise a top surface30and a bottom surface32that is spaced from the top surface along the vertical axis8.

The first and second ends24,26of the plurality of transverse members22can be configured to couple to the upper end16of a wall14. For example, each of the transverse members22can comprise, at each of the first and second ends24,26, first and second downwardly expending projections30,32that are spaced along the second axis6. The upper end16of the wall14can be received between the first and second downwardly extending projections. Each of the transverse members22can comprise at least one receiving slot34disposed between the top and bottom surfaces30,32.

In some aspects, the walls14can each have a thickness between the inner and outer surfaces18,20, and the first and second downwardly extending projections30,32can be spaced from each other along the second axis6to provide an interference fit (e.g., a press fit) between the wall and the first and second downwardly extending projections30,32. The interference fit can be selected from or range from a tight interference fit that does not allow any sliding along the wall to a loose interference that allows sliding with application of sufficient pressure. In further optional aspects, the first and second downwardly extending projections30,32can be spaced from each other along the second axis6to provide a sliding fit (e.g., enabling easy sliding of the transverse member22along the wall14).

In some aspects, the transverse members22can comprise, at each of the first and second ends24,26, a third downwardly extending projection33that is spaced from the second projection32along the second axis6. The third downwardly extending projection33can similarly be spaced from the first downwardly extending projection30to define an interference fit therebetween.

In some aspects, each transverse member22can have a width between a first side40and a second side42that are spaced along the first axis4. In some optional aspects, the transverse members22can define at least one receiving slot34that extends continuously through said transverse member from the first side40to the second side42. Optionally, the transverse member22can define a single receiving slot34that extends continuously along at least 40%, at least 60%, at least 80% or at least 90% of the length of the transverse members (along the second axis6). In further optional aspects, the transverse member22can define a plurality of receiving slots34spaced longitudinally along the second axis.

In still further aspects, with reference toFIG.7, which shows a cross sectional view of a transverse member22in a plane that is perpendicular to the second axis6, a first receiving slot34acan extend inwardly from the first side40through only a portion of the width of said transverse member and a second receiving slot34bcan extend inwardly from the second side42through only a portion of the width of said transverse member. In further optional aspects, the transverse member22can define a plurality of receiving slots34spaced longitudinally along the second axis6on each of the first and second sides40,42of the transverse member22.

In some aspects, the transverse member22can have a top portion44that defines the top surface30and a bottom portion46that defines the bottom surface32. The top and bottom portions44,46can cooperate to define the one or more receiving slots34therebetween. A web48can extend between the top portion44and the bottom portion46to divide the first receiving slot34afrom the second receiving slot34b.

Optionally, the transverse members22can be configured to couple to, or rest upon, a third wall (not shown) that is positioned between two walls14. Said third wall can provide added structural support to accommodate different sizes and weights of sample media. In these aspects, it is contemplated that the transverse member22can comprise projections that are configured to receive (e.g., via interference fit) the third wall. In further aspects, the transverse members22can rest upon the third wall. In yet further aspects, four or more walls are contemplated.

Referring also toFIGS.9-11, in some aspects, the media holder10can comprise one or more cross members80that extend between and rest upon transverse members22. Each of the cross members80can define at least one receiving slot82that is configured to receive sample media. For example, the cross members80can have the same cross section as illustrated inFIG.7, defining receiving slots82that extend inwardly from each side. Each cross member80can define slots86to receive at least upper portions of the transverse members upon which the cross member rests. The slots can have a width (along the length of the cross member) that are about equal to the width of the transverse members22. For example, the slots86can define an interference fit with or a sliding fit (with limited play along the length of the cross member80) with the transverse members22. In some aspects, the cross member80can comprise downwardly extending tabs84that extend downwardly past outer sides of the transverse members22upon which the cross member80rests.

In some aspects, the base12can comprise a first portion50that couples to a first wall14aof the pair of walls14and a second portion52that couples to a second wall14bof the pair of walls. One or more transverse portions54can extend between and couple to the first and second portions50,52. In some aspects, at least two transverse portions54(optionally, exactly two transverse portions) can extend between the first and second portions50,52to define an opening56therebetween. It is contemplated that this opening56can minimize material use and, thus, weight and cost.

In some aspects, the base12can define receptacles58(optionally, a pair of receptacles, e.g., slots) that can receive a respective lower end60of each wall14. For example, the lower ends60of the walls14can be press-fit into respective receptacles58(e.g., slots) to thereby couple the walls to the base12. This configuration can enable the base12and walls14to be assembled and disassembled, thereby enabling the media holder10to be flat-packed. Optionally, the first and second portions50,52can each define a respective slot. In various further aspects, the base12can define other receptacles58, such as a plurality of slots or holes spaced along the first axis4that receive respective tabs or pins of the lower ends60of the walls14. In further optional aspects, the base12and walls14can be integrally formed. In yet further aspects, the base12and walls14can be coupled in any suitable permanent or non-permanent coupling, including use of brackets, fasteners, adhesives, combinations thereof, and the like. It is further contemplated that the base12can be embodied in various other ways. For example, the base12can comprise multiple separate components (e.g., first and second portions50,52that are not coupled by transverse portions54). Still further, the base12can be configured to support three or more walls14. Accordingly, it is contemplated that the base12is configured to support at least two walls, and the base can be a unitary component or a plurality of components that are coupled together or remain separate and uncoupled.

In some aspects, the upper end16of the wall14can define a convex surface62. In some aspects, each end of the pair of walls can define a complementary concave surface64between the first and second downwardly extending projections32of the transverse members22on each side. It is contemplated that this complementary surface can enable easy sliding of the transverse members22along the walls14to facilitate positioning of the transverse members relative to each other along the first axis4for receiving media. In some optional aspects, the upper ends16of the walls14can be notched to retain the transverse members22in discrete positions along the lengths of the walls. Optionally, the transverse members22can define complementary features that are receivable into the notches of the upper end of the walls14.

In some aspects, the walls14can have opposed longitudinal ends68. The walls14can define a stop66(e.g., a tab that extends above the upper end of the wall) at the longitudinal ends68. In further aspects, the stop66can extend laterally from one or both of the first and second sides18,20of the wall14along the second axis6. The stop66can inhibit the transverse members from sliding off the longitudinal ends68.

In some optional aspects, the media holder10can comprise two, three, four, five, six, or more transverse members22.

In various aspects, at least a portion (optionally, all) of the media holder10(e.g., the base12, walls14, and transverse members22) can comprise polymer (e.g., optionally, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)). In this way, the media holder10can be disposable or recyclable, for example, if contaminated. In some aspects, the media holder10, or some components thereof, can be three-dimensionally (3D) printed. In further aspects, one or more components of the sample preparation holder10(e.g., the base12, walls14, and transverse members22) can be fabricated or machined from a material such as metal (e.g., steel, stainless steel, aluminum or aluminum alloy such as aluminum 6061) to allow for it to be decontaminated (e.g., cleanable via solvent wash and/or baking in an oven). Such reuse after decontamination can reduce costs in the event of a contamination event.

Optionally, an assembly can comprise one or more transverse members22that couple multiple bases12. For example, two bases12as illustrated can each support respective pairs of walls14. The bases12and pairs of walls14can be positioned adjacently so that one or more transverse members22can extend between the adjacent walls. Thus, in some aspects, two media holders10as shown inFIG.1can be coupled together by one or more transverse members22. In this way, the assembly can be expanded to hold more media and/or larger media.

Optionally, the media holder10can be placed on a covered and/or wipeable/cleanable surface to prevent contamination of the surface below in the event a surface or a spill occurs and/or within a larger container to minimize drafts during sample deposition or solvent evaporation.

Optionally, the media holder10can be designed in a manner such that it can be placed within an environmental chamber or nitrogen dry box to facilitate sample evaporation and storage of the samples.

Optionally, the base12and walls14are not configured for disassembly. Optionally, the media holder10can comprise a hook or hanger to enable easy storage thereof.

Optionally, the base12can be omitted, and the walls14can be balanced with support from transverse members22.

Referring toFIGS.12-14, in some aspects, the transverse member22of the media holder10can comprise one or more transverse members22eand22d, that include cutouts35dand35e. Each of the transverse members22e,22dcan define at least one cutout35d,35ethat is configured to receive sample media. For example, the transverse members22eand22dcan have cutouts35dof the same shape, illustrated as circular cutouts. The transverse members22eand22dcan have cutouts35eof different shapes, illustrated as trapezoidal cutouts or rectangular cutouts. Such cutouts can be shaped to correspond to features of the sample media, and can be based on other shapes for the cutouts or sampling media such as ovals, stars, triangles, diamonds, parallelograms, and so on. The transverse members22e,22dcan be slidably repositioned on the walls14of the media holder10.

FIG.13is a perspective view of the transverse member22daccording to an embodiment as inFIG.12. The transverse member22dincludes a plurality of sub-members23a,23b. The transverse member22dincludes cutouts35dthat are curved. The cutouts35don opposing sub-members23a,23bare spaced apart such that the corresponding opposing cutouts35dtogether define a circular composite cutout. Accordingly, the opposing cutouts35dtogether can receive a circular-shaped sample media. The transverse member22dincludes coupling members25dto couple the plurality of sub-members23a,23bto each other. In other embodiments, the coupling members25dcan be of shorter or longer lengths, to accommodate larger or smaller sizes of sampling media. In an embodiment, the coupling members25dare used to couple additional sub-members to the transverse member22d. The illustrated embodiment accommodates four composite cutouts along the transverse member. In other embodiments, a greater or fewer number of composite cutouts can be accommodated (e.g., the embodiment ofFIG.14includes six composite cutouts). The composite cutouts enable a media sample to be placed so that it is supported by cutouts from both of the sub-members23a,23b.

FIG.14is a perspective view of the transverse member22eaccording to an embodiment as inFIG.12. The transverse member22eincludes a plurality of sub-members23c,23d. The transverse member22eincludes cutouts35ethat are rectangular or trapezoidal. The cutouts35eon opposing sub-members23c,23dare spaced apart such that the corresponding opposing cutouts35dtogether define an angular composite cutout including a tapered end and a square end. Accordingly, the opposing cutouts35etogether can receive an angular-shaped sample media. Other shapes of the cutouts35ecan allow for correspondingly differently shaped media samples. The transverse member22eincludes coupling members25eto couple the plurality of sub-members23c,23dto each other. In other embodiments, the coupling members25ecan be of shorter or longer lengths, to accommodate larger or smaller sizes of sampling media. In an embodiment, the coupling members25eare used to couple additional sub-members to the transverse member22e. The illustrated embodiment accommodates six composite cutouts along the transverse member. In other embodiments, a greater or fewer number of composite cutouts can be accommodated (e.g., the embodiment ofFIG.13includes four composite cutouts). The composite cutouts enable a media sample to be placed so that it is supported by cutouts from both of the sub-members23c,23d.

C. Methods of Using the Media Holder

The media holder10can be assembled by inserting the lower end60of the wall14into the respective receptacle(s)58. The transverse members22can be positioned on the walls. For example, the upper end16of each wall14of the pair of walls can be positioned between the respective first and second downwardly extending projections30,32at the respective first or second ends24,26of each transverse member22(e.g., a first transverse member22aand a second transverse member22b).

Similarly, to dismantle the media holder10, the upper end16of each wall14can be removed from between each of the first and second downwardly extending projections30,32of the transverse members14at the respective end. For example, the transverse members22can be lifted vertically from the walls14. The walls can then be removed from the receptacles58of the base12.

Referring toFIG.8, one or a plurality of media70can be positioned onto the media holder10for application/deposition of a sample (e.g., a substance of interest). A first end72of a first media70acan be inserted into a receiving slot34of a first transverse member22a, and a second end74can be inserted into a receiving slot34of a second transverse member22b. The media70can comprise, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-coated fiberglass, flame-resistant materials (e.g., meta-aramid materials such as NOMEX material provided by DUPONT), or any other suitable media. Optionally, the media70can be embodied as, for example, a swipe pad or a filter. In further aspects, the media70can comprise any structure that defines a surface for depositing a sample. Thus, the media70can optionally comprise, for example, PTFE, glass, metal, or any other suitable material that serves its intended purpose (e.g., receiving a deposited sample). In various applications, it is contemplated that different sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular, circular or round, flat, uneven, amorphous, etc.) of media can be used. The media holder10can be configured, adapted, or customized to accommodate different media (optionally, accommodating different media at the same time). For example, the dimensions of the transverse members22and receiving slots34can be selected based on media thickness and other dimensions.

Optionally, the first transverse member22acan be moved relative to the second transverse member22balong the first axis4to select the spacing between the first and second transverse members22a, b. In this way, the media holder10can be adapted for differently sized media. In some aspects, a first end76of a second media70bcan be inserted into a receiving slot34of the second transverse member22b, and a second end78of the second media70bcan be inserted into a receiving slot of the third transverse member22c.

In some optional aspects, a third transverse member22ccan be positioned relative to the second transverse member22bso that a spacing between the first and second transverse members22a,balong the first axis4is different than a spacing between the second and third transverse members22b,calong the first axis. In this way, differently sized media can be positioned on the same media holder10at one time.

A sample substance can be applied (e.g., deposited) onto the media70while the media is supported by the media holder10. Optionally, the sample can comprise a chemical substance such as, for example, and explosive, opioid, drug, chemical agent, etc. Exemplary deposition methods include drop cast crystallization, aerosol deposition, etc. Optionally, the sample substance on the media can serve as a control sample.

Advantages of the disclosed apparatuses and methods include the ability to hold media to inhibit cross contamination (e.g., due to the media falling during sample deposition or drying). Thus, testing efficiency can be improved by eliminating wasted samples that fall during preparation and become contaminated. Further, the apparatus can be adjustable for use with different media types.

EXEMPLARY ASPECTS

In view of the described products, systems, and methods and variations thereof, herein below are described certain more particularly described aspects of the invention. These particularly recited aspects should not however be interpreted to have any limiting effect on any different claims containing different or more general teachings described herein, or that the “particular” aspects are somehow limited in some way other than the inherent meanings of the language literally used therein.

Aspect 1: An apparatus comprising:a base;a pair of walls that extend upwardly from the base, wherein the pair of walls are elongate along a first axis, wherein the pair of walls are parallel or generally parallel to each other, wherein each wall of the pair of walls defines an upper end, an inner surface, and an outer surface;a plurality of transverse members having respective first and second ends that are spaced along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis, wherein each transverse member of the plurality of transverse members comprises:a top surface;a bottom surface that is spaced from the top surface along a vertical axis that is perpendicular to each of the first and second axes;respective first and second downwardly extending projections at each end of the first and second ends, wherein the respective first and second downwardly extending projections are spaced from each other along the second axis, wherein the upper end of a respective wall of the pair of walls is received between the respective first and second downwardly extending projections; andat least one receiving slot disposed between the top and bottom surfaces.

Aspect 2: The apparatus of aspect 1, wherein each transverse member of the plurality of transverse members has a width between a first side and a second side that are spaced along the first axis, wherein at least one receiving slot extends continuously through said transverse member from the first side to the second side.

Aspect 3: The apparatus of aspect 1 or aspect 2, wherein each transverse member of the plurality of transverse members has a width between a first side and a second side that are spaced along the first axis, wherein the at least one receiving slot comprises:a first receiving slot that extends inwardly from the first side through only a portion of the width of said transverse member; anda second receiving slot that extends inwardly from the second side through only a portion of the width of said transverse member.

Aspect 4: The apparatus of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein each wall has a respective thickness between the inner surface and the outer surface of the wall, wherein the first and second downwardly extending projections are spaced from each other along the second axis according to an interference fit with the respective wall so that the first and second downwardly extending projections respectively bias against the inner and outer surfaces of the respective wall.

Aspect 5: The apparatus of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein each transverse member of the plurality of transverse members comprises, at each of the first and second ends, a third downwardly extending projection that is spaced from the second downwardly extending member along the first axis.

Aspect 6: The apparatus of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein each wall has opposing first and second longitudinal ends that are spaced along the first axis, wherein each wall of the pair of walls defines a respective stop at each of the first and second longitudinal ends, wherein each of the stops at the first and second longitudinal ends of each wall inhibits a transversely extending member of the plurality of transversely extending members from sliding past said stop.

Aspect 7: The apparatus of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein each transverse member of the plurality of transverse members comprises a top portion that defines the top surface and a bottom portion that defines the bottom surface, wherein the top portion and bottom portion cooperate to define the at least one receiving slot therebetween.

Aspect 8: The apparatus of aspect 7, wherein each transverse member of the plurality of transverse members has a width between a first side and a second side that are spaced along the first axis, wherein the at least one receiving slot comprises:a first receiving slot that extends inwardly from the first side through only a portion of the width of said transverse member; anda second receiving slot that extends inwardly from the second side through only a portion of the width of said transverse member,wherein each transverse member comprises a web that extends between the top portion and bottom portion, wherein the web divides the first receiving slot from the second receiving slot.

Aspect 9: The apparatus of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the base comprises:a first portion that couples to a first wall of the pair of walls;a second portion that couples to a second wall of the pair of walls; andat least one transverse portion that extends between, and couples to the first portion and the second portion.

Aspect 10: The apparatus of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein each wall of the pair of walls has a lower end that is spaced from the upper end along the vertical axis, wherein the base defines a respective receptacle that receives the lower end of each wall with an interference fit.

Aspect 11: The apparatus of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the walls are integrally formed with the base.

Aspect 12: The apparatus of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the upper end of each wall of the pair of walls defines a convex surface.

Aspect 13: The apparatus of any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the plurality of transverse members comprise at least three transverse members.

Aspect 14: A method of using the apparatus as in any one of the preceding aspects, the method comprising:inserting a first end of a media into the at least one receiving slot of a first transverse member of the plurality of transverse members; andinserting an opposing second end of the media into the at least one receiving slot of a second transverse member of the plurality of transverse members.

Aspect 15: The method of aspect 14, further comprising:moving the first transverse member relative to the second transverse member along the first axis.

Aspect 16: The method of aspect 14 or aspect 15, wherein the sampling media comprises PTFE-coated fiberglass or a flame-resistant material.

Aspect 17: The method of any one of aspects 14-16, further comprising applying a sample onto the media.

Aspect 18: The method of any one of aspects 14-17, wherein the media is a first media of a first type, the method further comprising:inserting a first end of a second media into the at least one receiving slot of the second transverse member of the plurality of transverse members; andinserting an opposing second end of the second media into the at least one receiving slot of a third transverse member of the plurality of transverse members,wherein the second media is a second type of media that is different than the first type.

Aspect 19: The method of aspect 18, wherein a spacing between the first and second transverse members along the first axis is different than a spacing between the second and third transverse members along the first axis.

Aspect 20: The method of any one of aspects 14-19, wherein each wall of the pair of walls has a lower end that is spaced from the upper end along the vertical axis, wherein the base defines a respective receptacle that receives the lower end of each wall with an interference fit, the method further comprising:inserting the lower end of each wall of the pair of walls into the respective receptacle of the base;positioning the upper end of each wall of the pair of walls between the respective first and second downwardly extending projections at the respective end of the first and second ends of the first transverse member;positioning the upper end of each wall of the pair of walls between the respective first and second downwardly extending projections at the respective end of the first and second ends of the second transverse member;removing the upper end of each wall of the pair of walls from between the respective first and second downwardly extending projections at the respective end of the first and second ends of the first transverse member; andremoving the upper end of each wall of the pair of walls from between the respective first and second downwardly extending projections at the respective end of the first and second ends of the second transverse member.

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the appliance and method described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.