Containers, sample containers and associated methods
A container includes a base including at least one base seal. The container further includes a shell configured to be disposed at least partially over the base and interface with the at least one base seal. The shell includes an inlet port extending through the shell. The inlet port is configured to create a fluid connection to a cavity defined within the shell. The shell further includes an outlet port extending through the shell. The outlet port is configured to create a fluid connection to the cavity defined within the shell. The shell also includes a seal extending across the inlet port and the outlet port. The seal is configured to form a substantially fluid tight seal between the cavity and the inlet port and the outlet port.
1 . A container comprising:
a base comprising at least one base seal; and
a shell configured to be disposed at least partially over the base and interface with the at least one base seal, the shell comprising:
an inlet port extending through the shell, the inlet port configured to create a fluid connection to a cavity defined within the shell;
an outlet port extending through the shell, the outlet port configured to create a fluid connection to the cavity defined within the shell; and
a flexible seal extending across the inlet port and the outlet port, the flexible seal configured to form a fluid tight seal between the cavity and the inlet port and the outlet port, the flexible seal configured to close the inlet port and the outlet port when axially compressed along an axis of the flexible seal.
2 . The container of claim 1 , further comprising a clamping device configured to axially compress the flexible seal and form the fluid tight seal between the cavity and the inlet port and the outlet port.
3 . The container of claim 2 , wherein the clamping device comprises a clamp configured to engage two opposing axial ends of the flexible seal.
4 . The container of claim 3 , wherein the clamp comprises a band clamp.
5 . The container of claim 2 , wherein the clamping device comprises a clamping structure configured to interface with a seal structure of the shell and engage a first axial end of the flexible seal.
6 . The container of claim 5 , wherein the seal structure of the shell comprises a shell seal wall positioned on a second axial end of the flexible seal, wherein the clamping structure is configured to compress the flexible seal between the first axial end of the flexible seal and the second axial end of the flexible seal.
7 . The container of claim 5 , wherein the clamping structure is configured to change an axial position of the clamping structure relative to the seal structure of the shell through a rotational interface between the clamping structure and the seal structure of the shell.
8 . The container of claim 1 , wherein the base comprises a protrusion comprising at least one annular recess configured to receive the at least one base seal.
9 . The container of claim 8 , wherein the shell is configured to be disposed over the protrusion of the base.
10 . The container of claim 1 , wherein the base comprises a post extending from a central portion of the base, the post configured to secure a sample to the base.
11 . A method of storing a sample, the method comprising:
enclosing the sample in a volume defined by a container comprising a base comprising at least one base seal and a shell configured to be disposed at least partially over the base and interface with the at least one base seal;
removing atmospheric gases from the volume through an outlet port extending through the shell;
inputting a non-reactive gas into the volume through an inlet port extending through the shell, the non-reactive gas substantially replacing the atmospheric gases in the volume and maintaining a pressure of the volume; and
sealing the container with a flexible seal extending across the inlet port and the outlet port by axially compressing the flexible seal to close the inlet port and the outlet port, the flexible seal configured to close the inlet port and the outlet port when axially compressed along an axis of the flexible seal.
12 . The method of claim 11 , wherein inputting the non-reactive gas comprises inputting an inert gas.
13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein inputting the inert gas comprises inputting the inert gas where an atomic weight of the inert gas is greater than an atomic weight of the atmospheric gases.
14 . The method of claim 11 , wherein inputting the non-reactive gas into the volume comprises inputting the non-reactive gas into the volume at a first position in the container below a second position in the container where the atmospheric gases are removed from the volume.
15 . The method of claim 11 , wherein compressing the flexible seal comprises applying an inward axial force on opposing axial ends of the flexible seal.
16 . A sample container comprising:
a base comprising at least one base seal and a post configured to secure a sample to the base;
a shell configured to be disposed at least partially over the base and interface with the at least one base seal, the shell comprising:
an inlet extending through an upper surface of the shell, the inlet configured to create a first fluid connection to a cavity defined within the shell; and
an outlet extending through the upper surface of the shell, the outlet configured to create a second fluid connection to the cavity defined within the shell; and
a shell seal structure comprising a flexible seal, wherein the inlet and the outlet extend through the shell seal structure.
17 . The sample container of claim 16 , further comprising a clamping device configured to engage opposing axial ends of the flexible seal.
18 . The sample container of claim 16 , wherein the flexible seal comprises one or more of a rubber material and an elastomeric polymer material.