KR20220066392A - Multi-chamber lid instrument with reagent ports - Google Patents

Abstract

Lid mechanism for multi-chamber containers. The lid mechanism has a top lid hingedly attached to the bottom cap. The top lid includes one or more openings for fluid filling multiple passageways extending from the bottom cap. The lower bottom cap includes welding features for welding to a multi-chamber container. The bottom cap further includes one or more auxiliary ports for injecting reagents when the lid instrument is in a closed configuration hermetically attached to the multi-chamber sample container.

Description

Multi-chamber lid instrument with reagent ports

The present invention relates to a multi-chamber lid instrument for use in the sample testing industry.

Multi-chamber containers with hinged lids are used in the sample testing industry. These lids may have a plurality of filling ports, typically one for each chamber of the container. This enables, inter alia, the simultaneous filling of each chamber of the container.

Often, such leads are molded from a polymer material and then secured to the container by, for example, ultrasonic welding. The unique physical properties and user requirements for such multi-chamber lid instruments have created difficulties both in their manufacture and use. Often, such leads are tailored for use with specific containers and reagent filling systems, and have limited versatility in use, eg, such lids generally do not permit the addition of third party reagents by the user. The immediate present invention addresses these and other concerns.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved multi-chamber lid mechanism.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide an instrument having a top lid having a major opening, the top lid comprising a hinged end and a snap fit end and a bottom cap hingedly attached to the top lid, the bottom cap comprising a top side and lower side. The top side includes a plurality of passageways and openings to facilitate automated use of lids and containers, and further includes an auxiliary port to allow addition of third party reagents by a user, while the bottom side comprises a multi-chamber container and Includes interface features for hermetic mating.

The lower side of the bottom cap may include a lower side main surface, an outermost edge extending downwardly from the lower side main surface. A plurality of outermost edge alignment features may extend downwardly from the lower side main surface. A continuous outer weld ridge may extend downwardly from a lower side between the outermost edge and the alignment surface. The plurality of walls may define a separation cavity for each passageway of the plurality of passageways. A plurality of walls may extend from a bottom surface of the lid. The inner weld pattern may extend from an end of the wall and from the lower side main surface. The inner weld pattern may be patterned such that each cavity defined by the plurality of walls is surrounded by the inner weld pattern. In the open configuration, the top lid is hinged away from the bottom cap, and in the closed configuration, the top lid engages the bottom cap. In the closed configuration, the snap fit end of the top lid engages the snap portion of the outermost edge of the lower side of the bottom cap, and the central cylinder with the top opening fits into the main opening of the top lid.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide an instrument having a top lid having a plurality of openings, the top lid including a hinge end and a snap fit end. The bottom cap may be hingedly attached to the top lid. The bottom cap may include an upper side and a lower side. The upper side may include a plurality of chimneys extending upwardly from a lower surface of the upper side. Each chimney may include a passageway extending from a top of the chimney to an opening, wherein each chimney engages a corresponding opening in the top lid. The bottom cap further includes at least one auxiliary port at each top of the chimney, the at least one auxiliary port being larger than the opening and having an opening disposed at a position corresponding to the opening in the uppermost lid. When the lid instrument is in the closed configuration and hermetically attached to the multi-chamber sample cartridge, the auxiliary port allows the user to inject third-party reagents. In some embodiments, the auxiliary port has an opening disposed on the top side and is substantially flush with the top surface of the top side of the bottom cap. In some embodiments, the port is non-circular (eg, square, pie-shaped, triangular). In some embodiments, the port opening is larger than the opening corresponding to the top lid.

The lower side of the bottom cap may include a lower side main surface. The outermost edge may extend downwardly from the lower side main surface. A plurality of outermost edge alignment features may extend downwardly from the lower side main surface. The alignment feature may be proximate to the outermost edge. A continuous outer weld ridge may extend downward from the lower side between the outermost edge and the alignment feature. Just as the inner weld pattern does not co-exist with any wall extending from the lower side main surface, the inner weld pattern may extend from the end of the wall and from the lower side main surface. In the open configuration, the top lid is hinged away from the bottom cap, and in the closed configuration, the top lid engages the bottom cap. In the closed configuration, the snap fit end of the top lid engages the snap portion of the outermost edge of the lower side of the bottom cap.

In some embodiments, the multi-chamber container may be connected to a bottom cap, such that each chamber of the multi-chamber container is fluidly sealed to each other at the connection between the multi-chamber container and the bottom cap, such that the corresponding edge of the multi-chamber container is It is welded to the outermost weld ridge and the inner weld pattern.

In some embodiments, the primary opening of the top lid comprises a circular opening. The circular opening may be defined as a raised portion or may itself be a raised cylindrical feature extending from the bottom cap.

In some embodiments, the top lid includes a first lateral face and a second lateral face extending between the hinge end and the snap fit end. In some embodiments, the snap fit portion extends along a generally front end of the lid mechanism. In some embodiments, the snap fit end includes a straight snap portion displaced from the curved portion.

In some embodiments, the hinged end of the top lid comprises a first hinge and a second hinge, each displaced inwardly from the first and second lateral faces. In some embodiments, the hinged end of the top lid comprises only a single hinge.

In some embodiments, the top lid includes a cylindrical wall extending downwardly from the top-top lid surface, the cylindrical wall defining a primary opening. In some embodiments, the top lid includes a bottom top lid surface opposite the top-top lid surface, and the cylindrical wall extends beyond the bottom top lid surface. In some embodiments, the top lid includes a plurality of cylindrical walls extending from the bottom top lid surface.

In some embodiments, the plurality of outermost edge alignment features on the lower side of the bottom cap include a curved wall extending away from the outermost edge.

In some embodiments, the plurality of walls on the lower side of the bottom cap defining the separation cavity define a central cylindrical cavity and a plurality of leaf-shaped cavities extending from the central cylindrical cavity. In some embodiments, the plurality of walls defining the separation cavities further define a plurality of wedge-shaped cavities. In some embodiments, the plurality of walls defining the separation cavity share a uniform wall thickness.

In some embodiments, the inner weld pattern (ie, ridge or energy director) includes a triangular cross-section. In some embodiments, the continuous outer weld pattern (ie, ridge or energy director) includes a triangular cross-section.

Another aspect of the invention includes a method for performing a reaction or assay in a fluid container as described herein. In some embodiments, the method comprises lysis of the cell or microorganism. In some embodiments, a method comprises preparing a sample in a fluid cartridge to isolate or purify an analyte of interest. In some embodiments, the method comprises detecting an analyte of interest. In some embodiments, the analyte of interest is selected from the group consisting of cells, proteins, and nucleic acids. In some embodiments, the method comprises the use of an enzyme or binding moiety. Another aspect of the invention includes a method for filling a fluid container with a liquid reagent, the fluid container engaging a lid as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the method includes filling one or more chambers of the fluid cartridge with a reagent.

It is appreciated that the auxiliary port features as disclosed herein may be incorporated into any one of the reed instruments described herein or in any application incorporated herein by reference.

1A illustrates a perspective view of a lid mechanism in accordance with various embodiments.
1B shows a perspective view of a top side of the lid mechanism of FIG. 1A positioned according to an open configuration;
1C shows a perspective view of the bottom side of the lid instrument of FIG. 1A in an open configuration;
1D shows a close-up top view of the lid instrument of FIG. 1A in an open configuration;
1E shows a close-up bottom view of the lid instrument of FIG. 1A in an open configuration;
1F shows a close-up side view of the lid mechanism of FIG. 1A in an open configuration;
2A-2D show detailed close-up views of various features of the lid mechanism of FIG. 1A ;
3 illustrates a process for assembling a lead instrument in accordance with some embodiments.
4A-4H show various views of a lid mechanism in accordance with some embodiments.

1A shows a perspective view of a lid instrument 100 . Instrument 100 includes a top lid 102 connected to a bottom cap 104 by a hinge (not shown in this figure). The top lid 102 has a top surface 106 that defines a major opening 108 shown in a circle. The primary opening 108 is disposed at the center of the circular portion further comprising a plurality of openings 110 surrounding the primary opening, also shown as circular in shape. The upper surface 106 may also define other contours, openings, passageways, and holes.

The top lid 102 includes a snap end 112 having a feature defining a protruding feature that “snaps” over a portion of the bottom cap 104 . The snap fit end 112 features a curved profile leading to a bulbous end 114 which in turn leads to an unbalanced side 116 . The unbalanced side connects to a hinged end 118 having a straight profile. A generally circular central portion 107 surrounds a smaller circular portion in which a plurality of openings are defined. In some embodiments, when the top lid 102 is closed, the central portion 107 is slightly recessed and the smaller circular portion is further recessed relative to the top surface 106 .

1B shows the top lid 102 and the bottom cap 104 unfolded apart in an open configuration in which the top lid 102 is hinged away from the bottom cap 104 via a hinge 105 . The bottom-facing surface 122 of the uppermost lid 102 is shown from which the main cylindrical wall 124 of the main opening 108 extends. The interior wall surface 126 extends from and delimits the perimeter of the floor-facing surface 122 . The bottom edge surface 128 rests on top of the interior wall surface.

The snap fit end 112 extends from the floor facing surface 122 down therewith with the interior wall surface 126 . The outer curved wall 132 and the inner curved wall 134 define a crescent-like shape at the snap fit end. The cavity is shim removed from between the outer curved wall 132 and the inner curved wall 134 to help maintain a constant wall thickness. The curvature of the inner curved wall 134 is hampered by a centrally located flex tab. The flex tab 136 has a straight edge for engaging with a corresponding straight portion 137 of the bottom cap 104 . In this embodiment, the flex tab 136 of the snap fit end 112 extends across the generally inner front end of the top lid. Prior devices using curved tab edges have been found to be unsatisfactory in providing a sufficient snap fit.

The lower surface 138 may include one or more openings, such as a filling hole 14, which may be formed as a key-hole. Although the passageways are arranged in an orbital pattern around the central passageway 143, the openings may be defined in other arrangements as desired.

When closed, a plurality of chimneys 402 (with passageways) protrude from the top lid into the opening 110 . Each chimney includes a passageway and a top opening. A plurality of chimneys 402 surround a central raised circular opening 143 having a raised lip or cylindrical feature that when closed protrudes into the main opening 108 of the top lid. The bottom cap 104 further includes one or more auxiliary ports 144 having openings larger than the top openings of the plurality of chimneys. In another aspect, the auxiliary port is larger than the corresponding hole in the top lid, whereas the opening in the chimney is smaller than the corresponding hole in the top lid. In this embodiment, the bottom cap includes a single auxiliary port, although it is appreciated that additional auxiliary ports may be included. In the present embodiment, the auxiliary ports 144 are non-circular in shape (eg, pie-shaped), and when the top lid is closed, no portion of the auxiliary port 144 is disposed directly above the auxiliary port 144 , respectively. It is approximately coplanar with the top surface 138 of the bottom cap as not projecting into the ridge. This allows for additional spacing to allow the user to inject a third party reagent through an auxiliary port, such as with a needle or pipette. In some embodiments, the at least one auxiliary opening is configured to allow insertion of a 0.14″ or smaller needle or pipette.

1C is a bottom view of the lower side of the bottom cap 104 including the lower side main surface 150 . An outermost edge 152a extends downwardly from the lower side main surface 150 to form an outer wall 152b. The outer wall 152b is substantially continuous around the perimeter of the bottom cap 104, with obstructions occurring adjacent the hinge.

In some embodiments, edge alignment features are located along each side of the lower side main surface 150 and in close proximity to the outer wall 152b. The edge alignment features provide a buttress for aligning the walls of the multi-chamber fluid container with the bottom cap 104 . One or both or any portion of the walls 152a/b may act as edge alignment features. A typical fluid container suitable for use with a cap can be shown in FIG. 3 . Alignment walls extend therefrom and in some cases intermediate, and edge alignment features provide additional points of engagement with respect to the walls of the fluid container.

The raised weld ridge 156 is continuous around the perimeter of the bottom cap 104 between the edge alignment feature and the outer wall 152b. When seated in an appropriate manner, the edge alignment features and alignment walls prevent excessive rotation of the floor cap 104 relative to the fluid container, and thus a floor cap having weldable features of the floor container (eg, an edge of a wall). Align the raised weld ridges 156 of 104 .

A plurality of walls 158 extend from a central portion of the lower side main surface 150 . The walls are patterned in a petal-like arrangement around the central cylinder. Here, the wall 158 is formed of six leaves. A raised weld pattern 160 is on the top edge of the wall 158 . The raised ridges 159 between the leaves act as energy directors to isolate the chamber defined by the walls 158 . The raised weld pattern 160 connects to the weld ridge 156 . In this way, four fluid regions are created outside the leaf. When the fluid container and the bottom cap 104 are welded through the raised weld pattern 160 and the weld ridge 156 , the sub-containers within the bottom container are connected to each other (at least at the interface between the fluid container and the bottom cap 104 ). are dynamically separated.

1D shows a top view of the lid mechanism in an open configuration with pin positions for injection molding indicated by hashed circles (see arrows). As can be seen, the opening 142a in the chimney 142 is considerately smaller than the opening in the auxiliary port 144 . Also, the auxiliary port 144 is non-circular, and there is no chimney as the auxiliary port 144 may take up available space to provide additional spacing.

In some embodiments, the opening of the auxiliary port 144 is about 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%, 125%, or 150% or more. can have a larger area than the opening in each respective chimney. Providing an auxiliary port that is substantially larger than the chimney opening allows the user to more easily inject a third party reagent, such as by needle or pipette, through the port when the lid is closed. Because the auxiliary port 144 is non-circular and does not protrude into a corresponding opening in the lid, it can be inserted or angled through the opening for the injection of reagents, such as a needle or pipette, and can be easily removed later. Even larger spacing is allowed. Conversely, inserting a needle or pipette into a circular opening can create friction pits as the needle or pipette becomes trapped when reagents are injected into the port. Such friction pits may also induce an increase in pressure, thereby preventing pressurized injection of the fluid. As shown in the described embodiment, certain shapes, such as triangular, wedge, or pie-shaped, allow for enlarged non-circular openings, as shown in the bottom view shown in FIG. This is advantageous because it fits within the leaf-shaped chamber.

2A-2D show close-up details of various features of the lid assembly of FIG. 1A ; 2A shows a detailed view of the hinge 105 . Hinge 105 comprises a thin portion having a thickness t and an inner curve radius. The thickness may be, for example, a thickness (t) within the range of 0.01-0.05", 0.01-0.03", or 0.01-0.02", e.g., 0.015" +/- 0.001" of curvature between the joined components. It is thin enough to allow. The inner radius R1 may be in the range of between 0.01-0.05", 0.01-0.04", for example about 0.03" +/- 0.01". Various other types of hinge designs may also be used. 2B shows a detailed view of an auxiliary port 144 disposed between adjacent chimneys 142. In some embodiments, the curved portion of the wedge is at an angle a1 in any of the following ranges: extend along an arc of: 75-120 degrees, 80-110 degrees, and 90-110 degrees, eg, about 97 degrees +/- 5. In some embodiments, the wedge is 0.1-0.5", 0.1-0.3 ", or at least a diameter (d) in the range of 0.1-0.2", for example, it is dimensioned to accommodate an opening of a diameter of about 0.139"+/-0.05". 2C shows the structure and dimensions of a welding ridge 156 disposed within a channel 157 dimensioned to receive a corresponding raised edge of the sample container to facilitate sealing when the ridge is welded to a raised wedge of the sample container. shows the cross-section CC showing . In this embodiment, the radius R2 of the apex of the ridge is about 0.005" or less, such as 0.002" or less, and the slope of the sidewall of the ridge is 40-110 degrees, 50-90 degrees, or 50-80 degrees; For example, determined by the arc a2 , which may be within a range between about 60 degrees +/-10. The height h1 of the ridge 156 may be about 0.05" or less, eg, about 0.022" +/- 0.01", while the height of the sidewalls of the channel 157 is greater than the height h1 of the ridge. With a height h2 , for example, h2 can be at least 0.02", at least 0.03", at least 0.04", at least 0.05" or greater, e.g., about 0.05" +/- 0.02". The overall width of the ridge 156 is w , which may be in the range of 0.01-0.05", or 0.02-0.04", eg, about 0.025" +/- 0.01". Certain dimensions are shown for the features noted above. However, it is acknowledged that these concepts are not limited as these features may be of any suitable dimension desired for a particular lead configuration.For example, the above dimensions may be determined with respect to each other, and may vary depending on the size of the lead. It can be scaled appropriately based on

2D shows a close-up view of a raised weld pattern 160 having a triangular cross-section. This shape acts as an “energy director” when ultrasonic energy is applied to the instrument 100 to weld the raised weld pattern 160 (and the raised weld ridge 156 similarly formed in the same manner) to the container. Apparatus 100 is characterized by a uniform wall thickness, with the exception of raised weld ridges 156 and raised weld patterns 160 that are all triangular. Thus, the energy is preferably directed to the triangular tip contacting the edge of the container, resulting in the fusion of the triangular raised weld pattern 160 and the raised weld ridge 156 relative to the wall of the container.

3 shows the lid instrument 100 in relation to the fluid container 200 . The container 200 includes a plurality of chambers that may or may not be fluidly coupled depending on the position of the internal valve assembly. The chamber is defined by a wall extending to the top of the container 200 . The fused interface between the lid instrument 100 and the fluid container 200 as the chambers are sealed to each other via the raised weld pattern 160 and weld ridges 156 and the weld interface between the chamber of the container 200 . is created

While the instrument is seated on the container 200 , the lid instrument 100 may be welded to the fluid container through an ultrasonic welding horn connected to the lid. Welding horn 210 generally includes a metal cylinder configured to connect to and about a lead. The welding horn 210 is part of a larger welding instrument (not shown) that provides energy to the welding horn 210 . Commercially available ultrasonic welding tools are available from manufacturers such as 60103, Illinois, Bartlett, Hermann Ultrasonics, or 55344, Minnesota, Eden Prairie, Emerson Industrial Automation's Spraying, Branson Ultrasonics can be used in this process. In some embodiments, the lid mechanism is secured to the fluid container using gaskets or adhesives well known to those skilled in the art.

The lid instrument 100 and container may be constructed from any suitable material including, but not limited to, metal, ceramic, and/or plastic. Suitable plastics may include thermal plastics such as polypropylene, which are suitable materials for handling biological samples, but do not contain optimal welding properties. The lid instrument 100 overcomes this by having a near-uniform wall thickness across the bottom cap 104, which uses a relatively low power of 150 J compared to prior designs requiring 350-500 J. ) to be welded to the container. Testing has shown that good weld penetration depths (13-29 thousand) occur even at low power settings. Other suitable polymers that may be used include, but are not limited to, polyester, polyethylene, polyimide, ABS, polycarbonate, and the like.

In some embodiments, to weld the lid instrument 100 to the fluid container 200 , the bottom cap 104 is first brought into contact with the fluid container 200 . The outer bottom-sidewall and/or edge alignment features and alignment wall prevent excessive rotation of the bottom cap 104 relative to the fluid container 200 , thereby aligning the raised weld pattern 160 with the edge of the fluid container 200 . Align the raised weld ridges 156 of the bottom cap 104 with After the lead mechanism 100 is properly seated, the welding horn 210 is lowered until it contacts the lead. An energy of 150 J is then applied to the welding horn for a sufficient time to result in a welded lead assembly.

The triangular shape of the raised weld pattern 160 and weld ridge 156 allows energy to be directed from the upper surface, preferably around the lead, to the raised weld pattern 160 and weld ridge 156, and thereby the raised weld pattern. Fuse 160 and weld ridge 156 with fluid container 200 . The resulting weld is fluid tight as the chambers of the fluid container 200 are fluidly sealed from each other at the connection between the fluid container 200 and the bottom cap 104 (under pressurized conditions).

The chambers of the fluid container devices disclosed herein may contain one or more reagents for various purposes. A user may also inject one or more reagents into one or more chambers of the sample container through one or more auxiliary ports on the lid. These reagents may exist in various forms. Non-limiting exemplary reagent forms may include solutions, dry powders, or lyophilized beads. Reagents may be intended for other purposes including, but not limited to, chemical and/or enzymatic reactions, sample preparation, and/or detection. Non-limiting illustrative purposes include lysis of cells or microorganisms, purification or isolation of an analyte of interest (eg, a particular cell population, nucleic acid, or protein), digestion or modification of a nucleic acid or protein, amplification of a nucleic acid, and/or detection of the analyte.

In some embodiments, the reagent present in the chamber of the device may be a lysing agent (such as a detergent) that can cause degradation of cell membranes, thereby releasing cellular nucleic acids and proteins for further processing. Lysing agents can be formulated to effectively lyse specific organisms such as eukaryotic cells, prokaryotic cells, plant cells, viruses, spores, and the like.

In some embodiments, the reagent specifically binds to a predetermined molecule (eg, a cell surface antigen, a specific protein, or a specific nucleic acid sequence that is the intended detection target) and isolates, purifies, or detects cells that support the related molecule or molecule. It may be an antibody, nucleic acid, or other moiety used for this purpose. Optionally, reagents with the desired binding affinity are immobilized on a solid substrate in the chamber. While an antibody or other reagent moiety can be stored stably in solution under certain conditions, it is often lyophilized or lyophilized for better stability.

In some embodiments, a reagent may be an enzyme capable of digesting a target molecule (eg, a protein or nucleic acid), such that further analysis may be performed. Many known proteases and nucleases are commercially available and can be selected for use in the apparatus of the present invention. In other cases, the reagent is an enzyme for a nucleic acid amplification reaction, such as DNA polymerase for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or reverse transcriptase for reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Like antibodies, enzymes can be maintained in solution, but often in lyophilized or dried form in the devices of the invention for stability reasons. In general, along with the enzyme, other essential components of the enzymatic reaction, such as the reaction buffer, free deoxyribonucleotides, and components of the primer, are also present in the same or different chambers, so that the desired reaction can be quickly built up when needed.

In some embodiments, reagents include essential components for a chemical reaction, such as, for example, capable of generating a detectable signal (eg, optimal signal) for detection of a particular target analyte. In addition to the components of a suitable reaction buffer, at least one substance responsible for generating a detectable signal is generally included.

4A-4H show various views and associated details of the lid instrument 100 , in accordance with some embodiments. 4A shows a top perspective view of the lid mechanism in an open configuration, and FIG. 5B shows a bottom perspective view of the lid in an open configuration. 4C shows a top side view of the lid in an open configuration. Figure 4d shows another top view of the lid in the open configuration with detail M and corresponding detail. Figure 4e shows a side view of the lid in the open configuration with detail A and corresponding detail. 4f shows a bottom view of the lid in the open configuration with detail c and corresponding detail. 4G shows a top side view and details A, D, E, F, G, H, J, K and corresponding details of the lid in the open configuration. In accordance with the inventive concepts described herein, it is recognized that a lid assembly may include any of these specific details, either separately or in any combination, and any one of the features may be replaced with a feature having a similar function.

Although the above description shows many specifics and shows specific details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but as illustrations of some illustrative embodiments only. Many possible variations and modifications to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the present disclosure.

Claims (20)

a top lid having a major opening, the top lid comprising a hinge end and a snap fit end; and
A bottom cap hingedly attached to the top lid for movement between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the bottom cap comprising an upper side and a lower side;
The upper side is:
a plurality of chimneys extending upwardly from a lower plane of the upper side, each chimney including a passageway extending into an upper opening, each chimney engaging a corresponding opening in the uppermost lid; and
at least one auxiliary port having an opening larger than each top opening of each of the plurality of chimneys to facilitate fluid injection of a reagent therethrough when the top lid and the bottom cap are in the closed configuration;
The lower side of the bottom cap comprises:
lower side main surface;
an outermost edge extending downwardly from the lower side main surface;
a continuous outer weld ridge extending downwardly from the lower side between the outermost edge and the alignment feature; and
a plurality of walls defining a separation cavity for each opening of the plurality of chimneys and the at least one auxiliary port. According to claim 1,
each of said plurality of chimneys projecting through a corresponding opening in said top lid when closed, and wherein said at least one auxiliary port comprises said corresponding opening in said top lid when neither portion of said auxiliary port is in a closed configuration. defined in the lower plane of the upper side of the bottom cap as not projecting into According to claim 1,
and the at least one auxiliary port is substantially coplanar with the lower plane of the upper side of the bottom cap. According to claim 1,
wherein the at least one auxiliary port is non-circular. 5. The method of claim 4,
wherein the at least one auxiliary port has a triangular, wedge, or pie shape. According to claim 1,
wherein the at least one auxiliary port is configured to allow insertion of a needle or pipette no greater than 0.14″. According to claim 1,
wherein the bottom cap further comprises one or more additional auxiliary ports configured to allow injection of one or more additional reagents therethrough. According to claim 1,
wherein the lower side of the bottom cap extends therefrom and includes a wall surrounding the auxiliary port, the wall being the same shape as the auxiliary port. According to claim 1,
and an inner weld pattern extending from an end of the wall and from the lower side main surface, wherein the inner weld pattern is patterned such that each cavity defined by the plurality of walls is surrounded by the inner weld pattern. becoming an instrument. According to claim 1,
In an open configuration, the top lid is hinged away from the bottom cap, in a closed configuration, the top lid engages the bottom cap, and in the closed configuration, the snap-fit end of the top lid is connected to the bottom cap of the bottom cap. and engages the snap portion of the outermost edge of the lower side. The method of claim 1,
and a multi-chamber container connected to the bottom cap, such that the chambers of the multi-chamber container are fluidly sealed to each other at the connection between the multi-chamber container and the bottom cap, so that the corresponding edges of the multi-chamber container are welded to the outermost weld ridge and the inner weld pattern. The method of claim 1,
and the main opening of the top lid comprises a circular opening. According to claim 1,
and the top lid comprises a first lateral face and a second lateral face extending between the hinge end and the snap fit end. According to claim 1,
and the hinged end of the top lid comprises a first hinge and a second hinge, each laterally displaced from the first and second lateral faces. According to claim 1,
and the snap fit end includes a snap portion displaced from a curved portion extending along a generally front surface of the lid mechanism. According to claim 1,
and the auxiliary port is dimensioned to allow injection of reagents therethrough into the chamber of the multi-chamber container when the lid is in the closed configuration and hermetically attached to the multi-chamber container. According to claim 1,
wherein the plurality of walls defining the separation cavity define a central cylindrical cavity and a plurality of leaf-shaped cavities extending from the central cylindrical cavity. 18. The method of claim 17,
wherein the plurality of walls defining the separation cavities further define a plurality of wedge-shaped cavities. a top lid having a plurality of openings, the top lid comprising a hinge end and a snap fit end; and
a bottom cap hingedly attached to the top lid, the bottom cap comprising an upper side and a lower side;
The upper side is:
a plurality of openings, each opening having a peripheral lip extending upwardly from a lower surface of the upper side, each opening being smaller than and engaging with a corresponding opening in the top lid; and
an opening disposed between the openings of the plurality of openings and larger than the corresponding openings in the uppermost lid to facilitate injection of additional reagents therethrough when the lid instrument is in a closed configuration and hermetically attached to a multi-chamber container. at least one auxiliary port having
The bottom side of the bottom-cap comprises:
lower side main surface;
an outermost edge extending downwardly from the lower side main surface;
a continuous outer weld ridge extending downwardly from the lower side between the outermost edge and the alignment feature; and
an inner weld pattern extending from an end of the wall and from the lower side main surface, the inner weld pattern not coextensive with any wall extending from the lower side main surface;
In an open configuration, the top lid is hinged away from the bottom cap, in a closed configuration, the top lid engages the bottom cap, and in the closed configuration, the snap-fit end of the top lid is connected to the bottom cap of the bottom cap. and engages the snap portion of the outermost edge of the lower side. 20. The method of claim 19,
wherein the at least one auxiliary port is non-circular.

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