WO2014110196A1

WO2014110196A1 - Dispensing device and method

Info

Publication number: WO2014110196A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/010771
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas E. Kane; Brian A. Jones
Original assignee: Restek Corporation
Priority date: 2013-01-10
Filing date: 2014-01-09
Publication date: 2014-07-17

Abstract

A dispensing device (600) is disclosed having an ampoule (100) with at least four storage lumens (120) extending axially along the length of an ampoule body (119), a mixing tip (126, 128) coupled to a distal end of the storage lumens (120), the mixing tip having at least four gasket seats formed therein, each gasket seat (431) corresponding to one of the storage lumens, and an outlet lumen (128) in fluid communication with the storage lumens.

Description

DISPENSING DEVICE AND METHOD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention is directed to methods and devices for dispensing liquids. More particularly, the present invention is directed to methods and devices for dispensing multiple liquids separately stored within a single container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Analytic reference materials are used as standards in chemical analysis for determining the presence and/or quantity of a particular substance or analyte. Often, the analytic reference materials are contained in glass ampoules that are hermetically sealed. The ampoules must be broken in order to access the analytic reference materials, which are then usually withdrawn with a pipette or syringe rather than being poured. The use of ampoules can suffer from various drawbacks, including that ampoules can be difficult to open, can result in and/or contaminate a sample with shattered glass, and can be time consuming to empty, among others.

[0003] Most analytic reference materials are complex combinations containing many different chemical components. Certain analytic reference materials require multiple chemical compounds of known chemical incompatibility. Placing chemically incompatible compounds in the same ampoule causes denaturing and degradation of those compounds. The denatured compounds change an analytic reference materials' chemical composition, leading to inaccurate chemical analysis. Therefore, chemically incompatible combinations are often supplied in a kit having multiple ampoules in order to keep the materials in pristine form until use. This problem is compounded by increasingly complex analytical methods that require an increasing number of components to make up the analytic reference material, resulting in so called "mega" mixes that contain a large number of individual ampoules in an analysis kit. Each ampoule contains a single analytic reference material or a combination of chemically compatible analytic reference materials. The kits require the end user to combine the contents of the ampoules, in correct amounts, to form the final analytic reference materials. These kits suffer from various drawbacks, including the large number of ampoules which must be combined to form a standard solution. The ampoules are time consuming to combine, and are prone to end user error during combination. User error, along with chemical degradation, can lead to undesirable chromatographic peaks or other errors in the data collected from various analytical techniques.

[0004] Fluids are also sometimes stored in pre-filled syringes, but which typically contain a single liquid in each syringe. In general, two individual syringes, each with their own plunger, can be held together and directed to a single output. However, those devices are difficult to handle, are difficult to depress simultaneously, present size constraints, and cannot easily incorporate more than two syringes.

[0005] In other devices, multiple liquids are held in series within a single syringe, so that as a plunger is depressed, the liquids are released one after the other. These devices suffer from their own attendant drawbacks, including that they are not capable of releasing multiple liquids at the same time and are limited by the length of the syringe.

[0006] Devices and methods for dispensing multiple liquids not suffering from the above drawbacks would be desirable in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In one exemplary embodiment, a device for dispensing liquid material comprises an ampoule having at least four storage lumens extending axially along the length of an ampoule body and a mixing tip coupled to a distal end of the storage lumens. The mixing tip has at least four gasket seats formed therein, each gasket seat corresponding to one of the storage lumens. The device also includes an outlet lumen in fluid communication with the storage lumens via the mixing tip.

[0008] In another exemplary embodiment, a device for dispensing liquid material comprises an ampoule having at least four storage lumens formed therein extending axially along the length of an ampoule body, a mixing tip coupled to a distal end of the ampoule body, the mixing tip having a mixing channel and a plurality of gasket seats, each gasket seat aligned with one of the storage lumens. The device also comprises a plunger assembly coupled to a proximal end of the ampoule, the plunger assembly having at least four pistons. The pistons are associated with corresponding storage lumens and are receivable therein. An analytic reference material subunit is provided in each of the storage lumens, the analytic reference material subunit sealed between a proximal gasket and a distal gasket slidably disposed within the storage lumens. When the distal gasket is seated in the gasket seat, the mixing channel fluidly connects the analytic reference material subunits of the storage lumens to the outlet lumen.

[0009] In another exemplary embodiment, a method of providing an analytic reference material is provided employing multi-lumen ampoule devices described herein.

[0010] In one exemplary embodiment, a dispensing method includes providing a dispensing device comprising an ampoule having at least two storage lumens extending axially along the length of an ampoule body, an analytic reference material subunit in each of the storage lumens, distal gaskets sealing the analytic reference material subunits from a distal end of the ampoule, and an outlet lumen. The method further includes providing a plunger assembly coupled to a proximal end of the ampoule, the plunger assembly in communication with the storage lumens and depressing the plunger assembly to force the distal gaskets into gasket seats in the dispensing device and expelling the analytic reference material subunits from the storage lumens via the outlet lumen.

[0011 ] The dispensing devices described herein include an ampoule having a plurality of lumens that act as isolated containers for analytic reference material subunits, to ensure chemically incompatible compounds composing an analytic reference material standard solution are not stored together. Exemplary embodiments are also capable of equivalently delivering the analytic reference material subunits as a single mixture at or just prior to the point of use.

[0012] The multi-lumen design of the device provides a way for keeping the components separate through the use of gaskets that can be moved from the fluid flow path during dispensing to be received in gasket seats. This allows the analytic reference material subunits to flow past the gaskets and combine in a common mixing channel, before exiting the ampoule. As a result, a single step both mixes and dispenses the analytic reference material standard solution, greatly reducing the number of steps required of the end user, and eliminating the risk of error commonly associated with multiple liquid transfers. [0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure, in comparison to methods and products not utilizing one or more features disclosed herein, require less time for use, are less prone to user error, have a lower risk of contamination, and have a lower risk of broken glass.

[0014] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary ampoule according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 2 A is a radial cross section view showing a proximal end of an exemplary ampoule having four storage lumens according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 2B is a radial cross section view showing a mixing channel of an exemplary ampoule having four storage lumens according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 2C is a radial cross section view showing a distal end of an exemplary ampoule having four storage lumens according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[001 ] FIG. 3 A is a radial cross section view showing a proximal end of an exemplary ampoule having two storage lumens according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 3B is a radial cross section view showing a mixing channel of an exemplary ampoule having two storage lumens according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0021 ] FIG. 3C is a radial cross section view showing a distal end of an exemplary ampoule having two storage lumens according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a lateral cross section view of the ampoule of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a side view of an exemplary plunger assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure. [0024] FIGs. 6A-6D are schematic side views of an exemplary dispensing device according to an embodiment of the disclosure at various stages of plunger depression.

[0025] FIG. 7A is a lateral cross-sectional view of the distal end of the device according to an embodiment of the disclosure showing the mixing tip prior to fluid expulsion.

[0026] FIG. 7B is a lateral cross-sectional view of the distal end of the device according to an embodiment of the disclosure showing the mixing tip during fluid expulsion.

[0027] FIG. 8 is a side view of an exemplary ampoule having a plurality of lumen according to an embodiment of the disclosure having twelve storage lumens.

[0028] FIG. 9A is a radial cross section view showing a proximal end of an exemplary ampoule having twelve storage lumens according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 9B is a radial cross section view showing a mixing channel of an exemplary ampoule having twelve storage lumens according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 9C is a radial cross section view showing a distal end of an exemplary ampoule having twelve storage lumens according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0031 ] FIG. 1 0 is a lateral cross section view of an exemplary ampoule containing fluid according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0032] FIGs. 1 l A- 1 I D are schematic side views of an exemplary dispensing device according to another embodiment of the disclosure at various stages of plunger depression.

[0033] It has been attempted to use like reference numbers throughout the drawings to represent like parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Referring to FIG. 1 , an ampoule 100 includes an ampoule body 1 10 and a plurality of storage lumens 120 formed therein extending axially along the length of the body 1 10. The ampoule 100 has a proximal end 1 12 and a distal end 1 14. A connecting portion 130 extends outwardly from the distal end 1 14. The connecting portion 130 optionally connects to a hollow syringe needle (not shown) or other device or conduit through which the contents of the ampoule 100 are expelled and its shape is configured accordingly. The ampoule body 1 10 may be manufactured from any suitable material and may advantageously be formed of borosilicate glass. It will be appreciated, however, that other glass and plastic materials may also be employed. Depending on the materials of construction and/or the intended contents of the ampoule, the inner, outer or both surfaces of the ampoule 100, and particularly the surfaces of the storage lumens 120 exposed to the ampoule contents, may be chemically deactivated or otherwise treated to reduce surface reactivity and reduce solvent adsorption prior to filling.

[0035] Each individual storage lumen 120 houses an analytic reference material subunit 410 (FIG. 4). The analytic reference material subunits 410 are typically liquid and may comprise a component that is itself in liquid form or a suspension, dispersion, emulsion or solution of one or more components in a liquid carrier. The size of the storage lumens 120, including both their length and diameter, may depend upon the number of storage lumens 120 and the total volume needed for the analytical reference material subunits 410 required to make up a particular analytical reference material, as well as the overall ease of use of the dispensing device. The storage lumens 120 are preferably cylindrical and typically have a diameter of about 0.01 inches up to about 0.5 inches.

[0036] Although described herein primarily with respect to analytic reference materials, it will be appreciated that exemplary embodiments are contemplated for, and equally effective for use in, other applications in which two or more fluids are preferably isolated prior to mixing, but conveniently can be collectively stored and subsequently delivered to the same point of use. For example, the multilumen ampoule 100 may be used for liquid medicaments, pigments, chemical additives, and adhesives, all by way of example.

[0037] The analytic reference material subunit 410 in each individual storage lumen 120 is isolated from each of the other plurality of storage lumens 120 prior to reaching a mixing channel 126, in which the individual storage lumens 120 combine. The lumens 120 terminate at gasket seats 431 , which provide space at the distal end of the storage lumens 120 to receive distal gaskets 423 as discussed subsequently in further detail with respect to FIG. 4. For convenience in manufacturing, the mixing channel 126 and gasket seats 431 of the ampoule may be constructed as part of a separate piece that is a mixing tip 170 that can be subsequently attached to the ampoule body 1 10.

[0038] The mixing channel 126 is also in fluid communication with an outlet lumen 128. The outlet lumen 128 provides a path for the analytic reference material subunits 410 (or other contents of the ampoule 100) to leave the mixing channel 126 and exit the ampoule 100. It will be appreciated that the mixing channel 126 and outlet lumen 128 may optionally be omitted entirely, with direct expulsion of the storage lumen contents 120 directly into a separate mixing container.

[0039] A proximal end radial cross section 1 1 1 , a mixing channel radial cross section 1 13 and a distal end radial cross section 1 1 5 are represented in FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C, respectively. Although illustrated with respect to four lumens, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the ampoule is not limited to four lumens. In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 3 A, FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C, the ampoule 1 10 may comprise as few as two storage lumens 120, while in other embodiments, the ampoule 1 10 may contain any other number of storage lumens 120, such as six, eight, ten, twelve, fourteen or sixteen storage lumens 120.

[0040] In many cases, certain chemical components used in analytic reference material solutions are chemically benign with respect to each other and may be present in the same solvent with no ill effects. In this case it is not always necessary to employ an ampoule having the same number of lumens as there are chemical compounds in the analytic reference material standard solution; the minimum number of discrete ampoule lumens is preferably greater than the smallest number of analytic reference material solution subunits necessary to minimize or eliminate unwanted component-component chemical interactions.

[0041 ] Returning to FIG. 1 , the ampoule 100 contains four storage lumens 120 radially offset toward a central point. The storage lumens 120 are within the ampoule body 1 10, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2A, while the mixing channel radial cross-section 1 13 in FIG. 2B illustrates the cross-sectional view at the ampoule body 1 10 / mixing tip 170 interface looking toward the mixing channel 126 and gasket seats 43 1 as described subsequently in more detail. The four storage lumens 120 are each coupled to the mixing channel 126, which converges to the outlet lumen 128, as shown in FIG. 2C, in which the distal end radial cross section 1 15 includes the outlet lumen 128 in a center portion of the ampoule body 1 10.

[0042] Turning to FIG. 4, a lateral cross-section of the ampoule 100 having four storage lumens 120 is illustrated in which an analytic reference material subunit 410 is shown within each storage lumen 120. While illustrated here as having the same volume, as one skilled in the art may appreciate, each storage lumen 120 may contain a different volume of analytic reference material subunit 41 0 depending upon the requirements of the final analytic reference material. Each analytic reference material subunit 410 is sealed on the proximal end 1 12 of each storage lumen 120 by a proximal gasket 421 , and on the distal end 1 14 of each storage lumen 120 by a distal gasket 423. The storage lumens 120 terminate at the distal end 1 14 in seats 431. The seats 431 receive the distal gaskets 423 as the analytic reference material subunits 410 are moved towards the distal end 1 14. It will further be appreciated that with respect to FIG. 4 and other cross-sectional views, that the different cross-hatching is for purposes of showing different elements and is not intended to refer to any specific materials of construction.

[0043] The mixing channel 126, storage lumens 120 and gasket seats 431 are configured to minimize liquid dead volume following deployment of the standard solutions. In order to ensure consistent final concentrations of the mixed solutions, the mixing channel 126 is preferably designed in a symmetrical pattern so that the dead volumes of each individual solution subunit 410 retained in the ampoule are equivalent.

[0044] The proximal gaskets 421 and the distal gaskets 423 are of any suitable size, shape and construction and include any solid object that is sealably inserted and slidably disposed within the storage lumen 120. It will be appreciated that the characteristics of the proximal gaskets 421 may be the same or different from those of the distal gaskets 423 and further that the characteristics of all distal (or proximal) gaskets 423 are also not necessarily the same, for example, in the event that one storage lumen 120 has a diameter larger than that of another.

[0045] Preferably, the gaskets 421 , 423 are constructed of an inert material or are otherwise treated so as not to react with the components of the analytic reference material subunits 410 they contain. Exemplary materials include semi-pliable materials having non-reactive surfaces, such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK), hard silicone, fluoropolymers, and particularly PTFE. The distal gaskets 423 are typically spherical or otherwise have a rounded surface, which can aid in the smooth transition of liquid from the storage lumens 120 to the mixing channel 126 when the distal gasket 423 is seated in the gasket seat 431.

[0046] In one embodiment, the proximal and distal gaskets 421 , 423 are both made of Teflon, have a spherical shape and are slightly larger in diameter than the storage lumens 120. In this manner, the proximal gaskets 421 and distal gaskets 423 are sized with respect to the storage lumen to provide enough force on the storage lumen 120 to seal it and prevent the analytic reference material subunits 410 from leaking. However, the proximal gaskets 421 and distal gaskets 423 are still slidably disposed within the storage lumens 120 to be moved when a pressure is applied, which may vary depending on a variety of factors, including the elastic modulus of the material used for the gasket and/or the ampoule body 1 10. For example, in one embodiment, Teflon balls having a diameter of 0.0625 inches can be used as proximal and distal gaskets 421 , 423 in a storage lumen 120 having a diameter of 0.0600 inches.

[0047] It is preferred, but not required, that the entire space within the storage lumen 120 between the proximal and distal gaskets 421 , 423 is completely filled with the particular analytical reference material subunit 410 and is free of air gaps or bubbles. The storage lumens 120 may be filled with the analytical reference material subunits 410 during manufacture either manually, such as by using a hand-held syringe, or through automated processing techniques.

[0048] A plunger assembly provides a mechanism by which the solution subunits 410 are expelled from the storage lumens and ultimately from the ampoule 100. Any mechanism for achieving this result may be employed. In presently preferred embodiments, the plunger assembly may be configured to use mechanical force, such as pistons or other mechanical devices, to directly contact the proximal gaskets 421 as will be described subsequently. In other embodiments, the plunger assembly may be configured to use pneumatic or hydraulic pressure.

[0049] Turning to FIG. 5, a plunger assembly 500 is extended through a plunger-ampoule interface dock 560 that can be actuated to mechanically expel the individual solution subunits 410 from the ampoule 100. In one embodiment, the plunger assembly 500 includes plunger plate 510 coupled to a piston array 530 having a plurality of pistons 531. The pistons 531 extend through the plunger-ampoule interface dock 560 and into an ampoule retaining portion 540. A radially extending flange 550 extends outwardly from the plunger-ampoule interface dock 560. The radially extending flange 550 provides a grip for a user. A plunger spring 520 (not shown in cross-section for purposes of illustration) maintains the plunger assembly 500 in a relaxed state.

[0050] Referring now to FIGS. 6A - 6D, a dispensing device 600 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is shown in various steps of use as the plunger assembly 500 is depressed (with the ampoule 100 shown in lateral cross-section for purposes of illustration). The dispensing device 600 includes the ampoule 100 coupled to the plunger assembly 500. The ampoule 100 is positioned within the ampoule retaining portion 540 of the plunger-ampoule interface dock 560. The plunger-ampoule interface dock 560 engages the ampoule 100 and aligns the storage lumens 120 with the pistons 531. The number of pistons 531 on the plunger assembly 500 corresponds to the number of storage lumens 120 in the ampoule 100. Each storage lumen 120 receives a single piston 531 at the proximal end 1 12. In a fully extended position (as seen in FIG. 6A), the pistons 53 1 are within the storage lumens 120 of the ampoule 100 in the retaining portion 540.

[0051 ] Specifically referring to FIG. 6A, the plunger assembly 500 is fully relaxed, with an initial proximal dead space 612 in the storage lumens 120. The proximal dead space 612 is an open area of the storage lumens 120 between the pistons 531 and the proximal gaskets 421. A distal dead space 614 is also present in the storage lumens 120. The distal dead space 614 is an open area of the storage lumens 120 between the distal gaskets 423 and the seats 431. The proximal dead space 612 and the distal dead space 614 allow for any thermal expansion of the analytic reference material subunits 410 within the storage lumens 120 that may occur during transport or storage. The proximal dead space 612 and the distal dead space 614 are typically occupied by a gas or liquid, but can be occupied by any substance or combination of substances allowing for thermal expansion.

[0052] As the plunger plate 510 is depressed (FIG. 6B), the plunger spring 520 is compressed, the pistons 531 slide axially further into the storage lumens 120, contacting the proximal gaskets 421 . The pistons 531 displace the proximal dead space 612 and move the analytic reference material subunits 410, and the distal gaskets 423, towards the distal end 1 14 (as seen better in the enlarged view of FIG. 7A). [0053] As the plunger plate 510 is further depressed (FIG. 6C), the pistons 531 slide further into the storage lumens 120. The pistons 531 push the proximal gaskets 421 which in turn push the analytic reference material subunits 410. The analytic reference material subunits 410 push the distal gaskets 423 past the mixing channel 126 and into the gasket seats 431 . A mixing channel gap 620 (as better seen in FIG. 7B) is formed between the distal gaskets 423 and the mixing channel 126. The mixing channel gap 620 allows analytic reference material subunits 410 to flow past the distal gaskets 423 and into the mixing channel 126. In the mixing channel 126, the analytic reference material subunits 410 combine to form a combined stream 610. The combined stream 610 flows from the mixing channel 126 into the outlet lumen 128 and is expelled from the dispensing device 600.

[0054] In FIG. 6D, the plunger plate 510 is fully depressed, compressing the plunger spring 520. The pistons 53 1 are fully deployed, pressing the proximal gaskets 421 against the distal gaskets 423. The distal gaskets 423 are fully seated in the seats 431 , completely displacing the distal dead space 614 and maximizing the volume of analytic reference material subunits 410 expelled. The total expelled contents of the ampoule 100 form a predetermined analytical reference solution based upon the individual components independently included as subunits 410 in the plurality of storage lumens 120. While some volume of unexpelled analytic reference material subunits 410 will remain fugitive within the ampoule, the design generally ensures that it does so in a manner that minimizes that volume and that retains the relative proportions of the analytic reference material subunits 410.

[0055] In another embodiment (FIGs. 1 1 A- 1 1 D), a dispensing device 1 100 has a plunger assembly 1 150 that includes a fluid dispensing apparatus coupled to the proximal end 1 12 of the ampoule 100 to expel the contents of the storage lumens 420 by pneumatic or hydraulic pressure. A working fluid 1 100 is extruded from the fluid dispensing device to the ampoule 100, where it enters the storage lumens 120. The working fluid contacts the proximal gasket 421 of each lumen 120, and drives the proximal gaskets 421 , the analytic reference material subunits 410, and the distal gaskets 423, towards the distal end 1 14 of the ampoule 100 as the working fluid is further extruded. The working fluid is any suitable liquid or gas substance that preferably does not pass through the proximal gasket 421 . It may be desirable to use a solvent compatible with the analytic reference material as the working fluid so that if any leakage of the working fluid beyond the proximal gasket 421 does occur, it will not contaminate the ampoule contents.

[0056] Thus, when a dispensing device 1 100 of the plunger assembly 1 150 is depressed (with the ampoule 100 shown in lateral cross-section for purposes of illustration), a plunger tip portion 1 1 16 of the plunger assembly 1 150 is positioned within a plunger retaining portion 1 140 of the plunger-ampoule interface dock 560. The plunger assembly 1 150 has an interior portion 1 1 1 1 with the working fluid 1 1 10 provided therein. A fluid driving member 1 1 14 is coupled to the plunger plate 510 and slidably disposed within the interior portion 1 1 1 1 of the plunger assembly 1 150. As the plunger plate 510 is depressed, the fluid driving member 1 1 14 forces the working fluid 1 1 10 through the plunger tip portion 1 1 16 into the plunger-ampoule interface dock 560 and then into the storage lumens 120 where it contacts the proximal gaskets 421. As the plunger plate 510 is further depressed, the working fluid 1 1 10 continues to drive the gaskets 421 , 423 and the analytic reference material subunits 410, until the distal gaskets 423 are seated in the gasket seats 431 in the manner described with respect to embodiments employing a mechanical plunger assembly.

[0057] Turning to FIG. 8, in another embodiment, the ampoule 800 is provided having twelve lumens 120, but which otherwise operates according to the principles already described. The twelve lumens 120 are coupled to a mixing channel 126, which is coupled to an outlet lumen 128. A proximal end radial cross section 81 1 , a mixing channel radial cross section 813 and a distal end radial cross section 815 are shown in FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B, and FIG. 9C, respectively.

[0058] Referring specifically to FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, the proximal end radial cross section 81 1 is illustrated with twelve lumens 120 radially arranged about a central point of the ampoule body 1 10. The mixing channel radial cross section 813 has twelve storage lumens 120 coupled to the mixing channel 126. As shown in FIG. 9C, the distal end cross section 815 has the outlet lumen 128 centrally located within the ampoule body 1 10.

[0059] Referring now to FIG. 10, it will be appreciated that the ampoule 800 has a larger ampoule body 1 10 to accommodate the twelve storage lumens 120 present in this embodiment, with each of the twelve storage lumens 120 provided with an analytic reference material subunit 410. It will further be appreciated that as the number of lumens increases, it may be desirable to decrease the volume of the lumens by providing the lumens with a diameter that is less than about 0.25 inches in embodiments having twelve or more lumens.

[0060] While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is:

1 . A device for dispensing liquid material, comprising:

an ampoule having at least four storage lumens extending axially along the length of an ampoule body;

a mixing tip coupled to a distal end of the storage lumens, the mixing tip having at least four gasket seats formed therein, each gasket seat corresponding to one of the storage lumens; and

an outlet lumen in fluid communication with the storage lumens via the mixing tip.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein a mixing channel in the mixing tip couples each of the storage lumens to the outlet lumen.

3. The device of claim 1 further comprising a plunger assembly coupled to a proximal end of the ampoule in communication with the storage lumens.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the plunger assembly comprises at least four pistons, the pistons associated with corresponding storage lumens and receivable therein.

5. The device of claim 3, wherein the plunger assembly comprises a working fluid dispensing apparatus in fluid communication with the storage lumens.

6. The device of claim 1 , wherein each of the storage lumens has a diameter equal to the others.

7. The device of claim 1 , wherein each of the storage lumens are equidistant from the outlet lumen.

8. The device of claim 1 , comprising an analytic reference material subunit provided in at least two of the storage lumens.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein at least one analytic reference material subunit is chemically incompatible with at least one other analytic reference material subunit.

10. The device of claim 8, wherein each of the storage lumens has a proximal gasket sealing the analytic reference material from a proximal end of the ampoule and a distal gasket sealing the analytic reference material from a distal end of the ampoule.

1 1. The device of claim 10, wherein the distal gasket has a diameter larger than a diameter of the storage lumens.

12. The device of claim 10, wherein the proximal gasket and the distal gasket are constructed of polytetrafluoroethylene.

13. The device of claim 10, wherein the proximal gasket and the distal gasket are spherical.

14. The device of claim 1 , wherein the ampoule has at least twelve storage lumens extending axially along the length of the ampoule body, the mixing tip having at least twelve gasket seats, each gasket seat corresponding to one of the twelve storage lumens.

1 5. The device of claim 14, wherein each of the twelve storage lumens has a diameter equal to the others.

1 6. A device for dispensing liquid material, comprising:

an ampoule having at least four storage lumens formed therein extending axially along the length of an ampoule body;

a mixing tip coupled to a distal end of the ampoule body, the mixing tip having a mixing channel and a plurality of gasket seats, each gasket seat aligned with one of the storage lumens;

a plunger assembly coupled to a proximal end of the ampoule, the plunger assembly having at least four pistons, the pistons associated with corresponding storage lumens and receivable therein; and

an analytic reference material subunit provided in each of the storage lumens, the analytic reference material subunit sealed between a proximal gasket and a distal gasket slidably disposed within the storage lumens,

wherein when the distal gasket is seated in the gasket seat, the mixing channel fluidly connects the analytic reference material subunits of the storage lumens to the outlet lumen.

1 7. The device of claim 17, further comprising a dead space in the storage lumens intermediate the proximal gasket and the storage lumen's corresponding piston and a dead space in the storage lumens intermediate the distal gasket and the distal gasket seat.

18. The device of claim 1 7, wherein the storage lumens have a diameter of up to 0.5 inches.

19. The device of claim 17, wherein a volume between the outlet lumen and each storage lumen is identical.

20. The device of claim 17, wherein the storage lumens are equidistant from the outlet lumen.

21. Λ method dispensing an analytic reference material, comprising:

providing a dispensing device comprising an ampoule having at least two storage lumens extending axially along the length of an ampoule body, an analytic reference material subunit in each of the storage lumens, distal gaskets sealing the analytic reference material subunits from a distal end of the ampoule, and an outlet lumen;

providing a plunger assembly coupled to a proximal end of the ampoule, the plunger assembly in communication with the storage lumens; and

depressing the plunger assembly to force the distal gaskets into gasket seats in the dispensing device and expelling the analytic reference material subunits from the storage lumens via the outlet lumen to form the analytic reference material.

22. The dispensing method of claim 21 , wherein the analytic reference material subunits combine in a mixing tip coupled to a distal end of the ampoule body prior to expulsion from the mixing tip.

23. The dispensing method of claim 21 , comprising providing the dispensing device having proximal gaskets sealing the analytic reference material subunits in the storage lumens from the proximal end of the ampoule.

24. The dispensing method of claim 21 , wherein the analytic reference material subunits flow over a curved surface of the distal gaskets seated in the gasket seats to the outlet lumen.

25. The dispensing method of claim 21 , wherein the dispensing device is provided with a proximal dead space and a distal dead space in the storage lumens for thermal expansion of the analytic reference material subunits.

26. The dispensing method of claim 21 , comprising providing the dispensing device having at least four storage lumens.

27. The dispensing method of claim 26, further comprising providing the dispensing device having the least four storage lumens distributed in a radial configuration about a center point.

28. The dispensing method of claim 26, comprising providing the dispensing device having a different analytic reference material subunit in each storage lumen.

29. The dispensing method of claim 21 , wherein each analytic reference material subunit has at least two chemical components and at least one liquid carrier.

30. The dispensing method of claim 21 , wherein at least two of the provided analytic reference material subunits are chemically incompatible with one another.