HK40000008B - Removable cap with seal designed to be opened by piercing in a diagnostic analyzer - Google Patents

Description

A removable cap having a seal designed to be opened by puncturing a diagnostic analyzer

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/357,912, filed on July 1, 2016, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to a cap and seal for a container used in a diagnostic analyzer, and more particularly to a container having a removable cap with a conductively bonded seal to conceal the mouth of a reagent container used in a diagnostic analyzer.

Background Art

Caps, especially injection molded screw caps, are commonly used to seal containers such as bottles. The primary function of the cap is to keep the container closed and leak-proof until the contents of the container are ready to be used.

Screw caps are known to operate satisfactorily when installed on containers sealed with induction sealing films. A protruding claw seal on the interior of such caps can be used to apply pressure to a specific top contact area or interior of the throat top surface of the container. Such cap and container assemblies can include an outer sleeve that surrounds the cap and container interface. The sleeve can prevent leaks and provide a visual indication of previous access to the container contents.

Other designs include a sealing film that includes an aluminum foil layer between two polymer layers. The bottom polymer layer is sealed to the opening of the container by induction heating of the aluminum foil layer, thereby melting the bottom polymer layer and bonding it to the container. The seal is used to protect the contents of the container and form a leak-proof enclosure for the container. Access to the container contents is achieved by removing the lid and manually peeling off or piercing the induction sealing film. However, when used in automated processes requiring high throughput (such as diagnostic analyzers), manual removal of the lid and peeling/piercing of the film are undesirable due to the amount of time required for the operator and the opportunity to introduce cross-contaminants.

Therefore, there is a need to provide access to the contents of a container in a diagnostic analyzer in an automated manner while reducing the potential for cross contamination and spillage.

Summary of the Invention

Embodiments are directed to a removable lid having a conductive seal enclosure for sealing an opening of a container.

In one embodiment, a device for covering a reagent container used in an in vitro diagnostic (IVD) environment in a diagnostic analyzer includes a cover having sidewalls, a top wall, and a planar upper portion, the top wall having an open access hole therethrough, the planar upper portion surrounding the open access hole, the cover configured to be attached to a throat portion of the reagent container, the throat portion including an opening; and a conductive seal for sealing the open access hole of the cover. The conductive seal includes a first polymer sealing layer configured to be heat-sealed to the planar upper portion of the cover; an aluminum foil layer disposed on top of the first polymer sealing layer and configured to heat-seal the first polymer sealing layer to the planar upper portion of the cover by conductive heating; and a second polymer layer disposed on top of the aluminum foil layer and configured to protect the aluminum foil layer and the first polymer layer. The conductive seal is configured to be opened by the piercing device while remaining attached to the flat upper portion of the lid and to maintain the open shape when pierced so as to provide access to the contents of the container via the open shape, the open access hole of the lid and the throat opening of the container.

According to another embodiment, an apparatus for storing one or more fluids in a diagnostic analyzer in an in vitro diagnostic (IVD) environment comprises: a container comprising one or more storage portions, each storage portion comprising a throat having a throat sidewall, an opening, and an outer surface of the opening; one or more covers, each of the one or more covers corresponding to a respective one of the one or more storage portions, each cover comprising a sidewall, a top wall, and a flat upper portion, the top wall having an open access hole on and through the top wall, the flat upper portion surrounding the open access hole, the cover being configured to attach to the throat of the storage portion of the container; and one or more conductive seals, each of the one or more conductive seals corresponding to a respective one of the one or more covers for sealing the open access hole of the cover. Each conductive seal comprises a first polymeric sealing layer configured to be heat-sealed to the flat upper portion of the lid; an aluminum foil layer disposed on top of the first polymeric sealing layer and configured to heat-seal the first polymeric sealing layer to the flat upper portion of the lid by conductive heating; and a second polymeric layer disposed on top of the aluminum foil layer and configured to protect the aluminum foil layer and the first polymeric layer. The conductive seal is configured to be opened by the piercing device while remaining attached to the flat upper portion of the lid and to maintain an open shape when pierced, thereby providing access to the contents of the container via the open shape, the open access hole of the lid, and the throat opening of the storage portion of the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention will be best understood when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings presently preferred embodiments, however, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific instrumentalities disclosed. Included in the drawings are the following figures:

FIG1 is a diagram depicting a view of a cover and a seal according to an embodiment;

FIG2 is a diagram depicting aspects of a cover according to an embodiment;

3 is a diagram illustrating aspects of a multi-layer seal according to an embodiment;

FIG4 is a diagram of an exemplary container according to an embodiment;

FIG5 illustrates an exemplary container attached with a lid having a seal according to an embodiment;

FIG6 illustrates an exemplary container attached with a lid having a seal, wherein the seal is pierced, according to an embodiment;

FIG7 is a layout of an example system architecture within which embodiments of the present invention may be used, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments are directed to a removable cap having a conductive seal enclosure for sealing an opening of a container. Advantageously, according to the embodiments provided herein, when used in a diagnostic analyzer, the cap having the seal does not need to be removed to allow a probe to access the contents of the container, thereby eliminating operator steps of cap removal and/or seal peeling or piercing. However, the cap having the seal can be removed without compromising the integrity of the seal.

According to an embodiment, automatic opening of the cap and seal combination is provided by piercing the seal without removing the cap and seal from the container. The seal advantageously maintains its open shape required for unimpeded, contactless probe access to the contents of the container. Cross-contamination and level sensing issues are addressed by preventing the probe from inadvertently contacting surfaces other than the contents of the container.

Although embodiments have been described with respect to reagent containers for use in diagnostic or clinical analyzers, the present invention is not limited thereto. The caps and seals provided herein can be used in any type of environment where it is desirable to open the seal on a container to access the contents contained therein.

1 and 2, features of a cap 100 are illustrated according to an embodiment. Figure 1 also includes an illustration of a seal 150 according to an embodiment. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the cap 100 and seal 150, and Figure 2 provides a bottom perspective view of the cap 100.

The cover 100 is composed of a side wall 110 and a top wall 120. The side wall 110 and the top wall 120 define an interior portion 130 of the cover 100 (see FIG. 2 ).

1 and 2 , a portion of the sidewall 110 and top wall 120 may have a series of ridges 112 on their outer surfaces to aid in gripping the lid 100. The lid 100 is not limited to this configuration, and the sidewall 110 and/or top wall 120 may instead have a smooth outer surface or other surface textures.

Continuing with reference to Figures 1 and 2, an open access aperture 122 is formed in and through the top wall 120 of the lid 100. In an embodiment, the open access aperture 122 is a central aperture in the top wall 120. A portion of the top wall 120 surrounding the open access aperture 122 is comprised of an upper flat portion 124 (see Figure 1), aperture sidewalls 126 (see Figures 1 and 2), and a claw seal 128 (see Figure 2). In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the upper flat portion 124 is a recessed portion relative to the surrounding area of the top wall 120.

2 , the interior sidewall 140 of the cap 100 can include threads 142 and/or one or more tabs or 144 for connecting the cap 100 to a container, as described below. The cap 100 is not limited to this configuration of the interior sidewall 140, and other designs can be used instead, such as, for example, an interior sidewall 140 having features for snap-fitting the cap 100 onto the container.

In an embodiment, the cover 100 is formed of polypropylene (such as high-density polypropylene) or other polymer materials, but the cover 100 is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the upper flat portion 124 of the cover 100 is formed of polypropylene, while the remaining portion of the cover 100 may be formed of another material.

As shown in FIG1 , the seal 150 is generally circular in shape. The circular-shaped seal 150 is sized to fit within the upper planar portion 124 of the cover 100 so as to conceal the open access hole 122 of the cover 100. The open access hole 122 and the seal 150 are not limited to circular shapes, and other shapes may be used. According to an embodiment, the seal 150 is sized to conceal the open access hole 122 and a substantial portion (i.e., greater than 50%) of the upper planar portion 124 of the cover 100. In an embodiment, the seal 150 is sized to conceal substantially the entire upper planar portion 124 of the cover 100 when sealed to the cover 100 according to the embodiments described herein.

3 is a diagram illustrating additional aspects of seal 150, according to an embodiment. According to an embodiment, seal 150 is composed of three layers: a first (bottom) polymer sealing layer 160 comprising a heat-sealable polymer capable of being heat-sealed to upper planar portion 124 of lid 100; an aluminum foil (middle) layer 170 disposed on top of first polymer sealing layer 160 and comprising aluminum foil for heat-sealing first polymer sealing layer 160 via conductive heating of the aluminum; and a second (top) polymer layer 180 disposed on top of aluminum foil layer 170 and configured to protect aluminum foil layer 170 and first polymer sealing layer 160.

In an embodiment, the first polymer sealing layer 160 comprises polypropylene and the second polymer layer 180 comprises polyethylene terephthalate. In an embodiment, the second polymer layer 180 comprising polyethylene terephthalate forms a laminate with the aluminum foil layer 170.

According to embodiments herein, the first polymer sealing layer 160 performs a sealing adhesive function by applying thermal energy (conductive heating from the aluminum foil layer 170 ) and contact pressure to cause molecular bonding of the two matching material components of the polypropylene first polymer sealing layer 160 and the polypropylene lid 100 .

According to the embodiments herein, the aluminum foil layer 170 performs the following functions: transferring heat to the polypropylene first polymer sealing layer 160 for molecular heat sealing the first polymer sealing layer 160 to the upper flat portion 124 of the lid 100; the formable and "memory" forming properties of the aluminum foil layer 170 introduce shape retention capabilities and therefore the ability to "hold open" the first polymer sealing layer 160 and the second polymer layer 180.

According to an embodiment, the second polymer layer 180 is exposed to the external environment surrounding the lid 100, the seal 150, and the container 200, thereby providing a protective layer for the first polymer sealing layer 160 and the aluminum foil layer 170 from degradation associated with the ambient environment or external exposure to contaminants. In this way, the second polymer layer 180 is a seal against the ambient environment, steam, and water.

4 is a diagram of an exemplary container 200 that can be used with the cap 100 having the seal 150. Other types of containers or variations of the container 200 can also be used, and the cap 100 and seal 150 combination is not limited to use with the exemplary container 200 described herein. Detailed features of exemplary reagent containers are provided in PCT patent application serial number PCT/US14/019078, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG4 , a container 200 is comprised of two storage portions (or bags) 210, 220, for example, configured to hold fluids (e.g., reagent fluids) or other materials (e.g., powders) for use in performing a specific on-board diagnostic test on a diagnostic analyzer. A gripping portion 230 may extend between the two storage bags 210, 220 and, in an embodiment, may be a generally flat surface that may have one or more protrusions or gripping portions disposed thereon.

According to the embodiments provided herein, each storage portion 210, 220 includes a throat 211, 221, respectively, to which the lid 100 having the seal 150 can be attached. The throat 211 includes an opening 212, a throat sidewall 213, and a top surface 214 of the throat sidewall 213 (i.e., the outer surface of the opening 212). Throat sidewall threads 215 can be formed on the throat sidewall 213 for mating with the threads 142 of the inner sidewall 140 of the lid 100. As noted above, the container 200 and the lid 100 are not limited to threaded configurations and, instead, each can include other features or components (e.g., snap-fit components, etc.) for mating the lid 100 and container 200 together. The claw seal 128 of the lid 100 allows the lid 100 to act as a seal between the top surface of the throat sidewall 213 and the lid 100.

Similar to throat 211 , throat 221 includes an opening 222 , a throat sidewall 223 , and a top surface 224 of throat sidewall 223 (i.e., the outer surface of opening 222 ). Throat sidewall threads 225 may be formed on throat sidewall 223 for mating with threads 142 of inner sidewall 140 of cap 100 .

Of course, the container 200 shown and described herein with reference to FIG4 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the cap 100 with the seal 150 disclosed herein. In embodiments, according to the embodiments provided herein, for example, a container to be used in combination with the cap 100 and the seal 150 can have a single storage portion. Furthermore, the container 200 or variations thereof need not be used to store reagent fluids for use in a diagnostic analyzer.

5 depicts an exemplary container 200 having lids and seals 100a-150a, 100b-150b attached to throat sidewalls 213, 223, respectively, so as to cover openings 212, 222, according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG5 , a portion of the flat upper portion 124a, 124b of each lid 100a, 100b is shown surrounding the respective seal 150a, 150b.

FIG6 illustrates an exemplary container 200 having caps 100a, 100b having pierced seals 155a, 155b attached to throats 211, 221. As shown in FIG6, the pierced seals 155a, 155b (seals 150a, 150b pierced by a piercing tool) provide access to the contents of the container 200 via openings 156a, 156b of the pierced seals 155a, 155b. As shown, the openings 212, 222 of the container 200 are accessible through the open access holes 122a, 122b of the caps 100a, 100b via the openings 156a, 156b of the pierced seals 155a, 155b (i.e., fully open access to the contents of the container 200). According to an embodiment, this access is achieved without contacting the punctured seals 155a, 155b with a probe or instrument.

According to an embodiment, the heat induced bonding (ie, holding) power of the first polymer sealing layer 160 to the cover 100 is greater than the peeling power between the first layer 160 to the second layer 170 and the second layer 170 to the third layer 180 .

In an embodiment, the holding force of the first polymer sealing layer 160 is greater than the shear force required to pierce the aluminum foil layer 170 and the second polymer layer 180 .

In an embodiment, the melting temperature of the first polymer sealing layer 160 is lower than the melting temperature of the second polymer layer 180 .

In an embodiment, the corresponding retention force of the first polymer sealing layer 160 to the lid 100 is achieved by combining the force direction with the heat applied to the seal 150 through the flat upper portion 124 of the lid 100 during the conductive sealing process of the seal 150 to the lid 100 .

In an embodiment, the second polymer layer 180 and the aluminum foil layer 170 have differences in release forces compared to the first polymer sealing layer 160 conductively bonded to the upper flat portion 124 of the cover 100 based on differences in their respective materials.

According to an embodiment, after the lid 100 is attached (e.g., screwed onto) the container 200 and the seal 150 is positioned and centered within the upper planar portion 124 of the lid 100, the lid 100 and seal 150 are exposed to a conductive heat source according to methods known to those skilled in the art, wherein heat is transferred to the meltable layer (i.e., the first polymer sealing layer 160) by heating the aluminum foil layer 170. The heat conduction allows the attachment of the first polymer sealing layer 160 to be continuous and void-free, thereby causing the first layer 160 to be molecularly bonded through the mixing of materials from both surfaces (i.e., the upper planar portion 124 of the lid 100 and the bottom side of the first polymer sealing layer 160). The application of heat to the aluminum foil layer 170 causes the polymer surface of the seal 150 (i.e., the first polymer sealing surface 160) to melt, thereby causing the first polymer sealing layer 160 to molecularly bond to the lid 100. Removing the cover 100 after heat transfer does not leave gaps or compromises in the sealing surface of the cover 100, and the sealed envelope remains until it is penetrated or punctured by a puncturing device. Penetration of the seal 150 by the opening tool or puncturing device causes the bottom side of the seal 150 to curl (i.e., as shown in FIG6 , punctured seals 155a, 155b and sealed openings 156a, 156b), and the seal 150 remains open due to the tension of the aluminum foil layer 170 of the sealing laminate. The penetration or puncturing of the seal 150 can be performed automatically, but can also be performed manually using hand tools used by an operator.

According to the embodiment provided herein, the lid 100 is used as a seal by virtue of claw seal contact 128 with the top surface 214, 224 of the container throat 211, 221. The top lid surface (i.e., upper flat portion 124) surrounding the open approach hole 122 is used for the pressure/heat conduction sealing process of applying the multi-layer seal 150. The central open approach hole 122 in the lid 100 is provided for automatic (piercing) seal 150 opening so as to be beneficial to the automatic or manual approach to the contents of the container 200. According to the embodiment provided herein, the removal (e.g., for the addition of additives) of the sealing lid (100-150) is provided immediately after, the approach to the contents of the container 200, and the reclosing of the lid 100. The common material between the polymer lid 100 and the first polymer sealing layer 160 enables the lid 100 conduction process to adhere the seal 150 to the lid 100. The lid 100 also limits the size of the piercing tool to the central throat region of the container 200 (i.e., throats 211, 221) via the open access aperture 122. This piercing action introduces "shape retention" of the opening due to the piercing of the ductile aluminum foil layer 170, which impacts the layers 160, 180 and retains the protrusion of the aluminum foil layer 170 into the container throats 211, 221. According to the embodiments provided herein, the following capabilities are provided: access to the interior contents of the container 200 by unscrewing and removing the lid 100 and seal 150 in combination; reinstallation of the lid 100 while the outer seal 150 remains intact; and automatic opening by piercing the seal 150. According to the embodiments provided herein, although it is not necessary to penetrate the seal 150, once piercing through the seal 150 is performed, the aluminum foil layer 170 maintains the pierced shape of the opening 156, thereby facilitating continued access to the contents of the container 200. Penetration of the seal 150 results in the formation and control of the size of the access hole 156. Limited only by the size of the open access hole 122, the crimped access flange then becomes a physical method for maintaining the opening and preventing the probe from contacting the seal's breaking protrusions (see FIG6 ). These aluminum protrusions maintain the separation of the seal 150 and prevent the retraction or reclosure of the sealed opening 156, thereby eliminating contact contamination of the probe with the air supply and atomized particles deposited on the seal 150. The seal 150 remains attached to the lid 100 even when the lid 100 is subsequently removed. The problem of contact between the proximity probe and the sealing material protrusions is prevented and the aluminum and polymer seal 150 remains open and in place on the container 200. Repeated probe access to the container 200 (including emptying the container 200) is provided without the seal 150 interfering with the proximity probe.

As disclosed herein, the combination of the lid 100 and seal 150 to cover the container 200 and provide access to the contents therein offers multiple advantages: the lid 100 with seal 150 prevents waste and spillage of contents; reduces operator-induced spillage; reduces contamination incidents; and increases ease of use and operability. Furthermore, instrument errors caused by probe contact with inadvertent contamination are prevented, thereby improving customer reliability and performance. In diagnostic analyzer embodiments where the container 200 is used for reagents, the automated opening and preparation of the container seal 150 for the reagent probe during a single or full-cycle reagent probe loading process increases instrument performance by creating a large number of access targets (i.e., puncture seal openings 156a, 156b) unobstructed by the seal. This eliminates the observed downtime caused by probe contact with the seal material. This improves customer benefit by improving the reliability of reagent probe access and eliminating significant operator time.

FIG7 provides a layout of an example system architecture 700 within which embodiments of the present invention may be implemented, according to an embodiment. FIG7 illustrates: multiple transfer arms 710 (710a, 710b, 710c, and 710d) with corresponding probes; a dilution carousel 720 comprising multiple dilution containers arranged in one or more dilution rings; a reaction carousel 730 comprising multiple reaction containers arranged in one or more reaction rings; and reagent storage areas 740a and 740b dedicated to storing and supplying corresponding reagents, each of which includes space for multiple reagent containers 200. In operation, transfer arm 710a and its corresponding probes can be operated to transfer samples from an access position to one or more dilution containers on dilution carousel 720 to produce dilutions therein. Transfer arm 710b and its corresponding probes can be operated to transfer dilutions from the dilution containers to the reaction containers on reaction carousel 730. Transfer arms 710c and 710d and their corresponding probes can be operated to transfer reagents from reagent storage areas 740a and 740b, respectively, to reaction vessels on reaction turntable 730. This multiple transfer occurs using a pumping mechanism (not shown), such as, for example, a reciprocating pump attached to transfer arm 710. In addition, system architecture 700 includes one or more controllers (not shown) for controlling the operation of various components, including transfer arm 710, probes, and turntable.

Also included in the system architecture 700 is a reagent handling system 750 for transferring one or more containers 200 to and/or from the reagent storage areas 740a and 740b. According to an embodiment, the reagent handling system 750 includes a reagent server module 755, which in an embodiment is a refrigerated storage enclosure that includes one or more indexing rings for storing reagent containers 200.

The tray 760 is configured to hold one or more containers 200 for transfer to and from the reagent server module 755. An operator can access the tray 760 to manually load and unload containers 200 to and from the tray 760, which can be movable on tracks.

In an embodiment, the gripper assembly 765 is configured to automatically transfer a container 200 (the container 200 having a lid 100 and a seal 150 according to embodiments disclosed herein) between the tray 760 and the reagent server module 755. The gripper assembly 765 moves along the horizontal transfer arm 770 while gripping the container 200 to transfer the container 200. In an embodiment, the gripper assembly 765 includes a pair of gripper fingers oriented vertically and opposite each other for gripping a portion of the container 200 and for piercing or penetrating the seal 150 attached to the lid 100 of the container 200 without removing the lid 100 having the seal 150.

The system architecture 700 of Figure 7 and the accompanying description are merely exemplary and are not limited to the cover 100 and seal 150 disclosed herein. The system architecture 700 is merely one example system in which the cover 100 and seal 150 may be used.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments of the present invention without departing from the true spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover all such equivalent variations that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (20)

1. An apparatus for covering reagent containers used in a diagnostic analyzer in an in vitro diagnostic (IVD) environment, the apparatus comprising: A cap, comprising sidewalls, a top wall, and a flat upper portion, the top wall having an open access hole on and through the top wall, the flat upper portion surrounding the open access hole, the cap configured to attach to a throat of the reagent container, the throat including an opening; and A conductive seal for sealing the open access hole of the cover, the conductive seal comprising: A first polymer sealing layer, configured to be heat-sealed to the flat upper portion of the cover; An aluminum foil layer, the aluminum foil layer being disposed on top of the first polymer sealing layer and configured to heat-seal the first polymer sealing layer to the flat upper portion of the cap by conductive heating; and A second polymer layer is disposed on top of the aluminum foil layer and configured to protect the aluminum foil layer and the first polymer sealing layer; The conductive seal is configured to be opened by a piercing device while remaining attached to the flat upper portion of the cap, and to maintain its open shape upon piercing, so as to provide access to the contents of the container via the open shape, the open access hole of the cap, and the throat opening of the container. The conductive seal is configured to generate a curled approach flange that extends into the open approach hole of the cap when punctured, thereby forming and maintaining a punctured seal opening for unobstructed, non-contact, repetitive probe access to the contents of the reagent container. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the aluminum foil layer conducts heat to the first polymer sealing layer and the second polymer layer for thermally sealing the molecules of the first polymer sealing layer to the flat upper portion of the cover; and wherein the physical properties of the aluminum foil layer provide shape for the first polymer sealing layer and the second polymer layer to maintain the open shape when punctured. 3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the first polymer sealing layer and the cover are composed of the same material. 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first polymer sealing layer comprises polypropylene. 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the second polymer layer comprises polyethylene terephthalate. 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the open access hole includes an orifice sidewall and a claw seal within the inner portion of the cover, wherein the claw seal provides contact pressure with the throat opening of the container to seal the cover to the container. 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the thermally induced adhesive force of the first polymer sealing layer to the flat upper portion of the cover is greater than the peel force between the forces of the first polymer sealing layer to the aluminum foil layer and the forces of the aluminum foil layer to the second polymer layer. 8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the retaining force of the first polymer sealing layer is greater than the shear force required to pierce the aluminum foil layer and the second polymer layer. 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the second polymer layer is composed of a different material from the cover, wherein, based on the difference in their respective materials, the second polymer layer and the aluminum foil layer differ in release force compared to the first polymer sealing layer to the cover. 10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the melting temperature of the first polymer sealing layer is lower than the melting temperature of the second polymer layer. 11. An apparatus for storing one or more fluids in a diagnostic analyzer in an in vitro diagnostic (IVD) environment, the apparatus comprising: A container comprising one or more storage portions, each storage portion including a throat having a throat sidewall, an opening, and an outer surface of the opening; One or more lids, each of the one or more lids corresponding to a corresponding storage portion of the one or more storage portions, each lid including a sidewall, a top wall, and a flat upper portion, the top wall having an open access hole on and through the top wall, the flat upper portion surrounding the open access hole, the lid being configured to attach to the throat of the storage portion of the container; and One or more conductive seals, each of which corresponds to a corresponding cap in one or more of the caps, for sealing the open access hole of the cap, each conductive seal comprising: A first polymer sealing layer is configured to be heat-sealed to the flat upper portion of the cover; An aluminum foil layer, the aluminum foil layer being disposed on top of the first polymer sealing layer and configured to heat-seal the first polymer sealing layer to the flat upper portion of the cap by conductive heating; and A second polymer layer is disposed on top of the aluminum foil layer and configured to protect the aluminum foil layer and the first polymer sealing layer; The conductive seal is configured to be opened by a piercing device while remaining attached to the flat upper portion of the cap, and to maintain its open shape upon piercing, so as to provide access to the contents of the container via the open shape, the open access hole of the cap, and the throat opening of the storage portion of the container. The conductive seal is configured to generate a curled access flange that extends into the open access hole of the cap when punctured, thereby forming and maintaining a punctured seal opening for unobstructed, non-contact, repetitive probe access to the contents of the container. 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the throat further includes a throat sidewall thread formed on the throat sidewall, wherein the cover further includes a cover thread formed on its inner sidewall, wherein the throat sidewall thread and the cover thread are configured to mate with each other to attach the cover to the throat of the storage portion of the container. 13. The device of claim 11, wherein the aluminum foil layer conducts heat to the first polymer sealing layer and the second polymer layer for thermally sealing the molecules of the first polymer sealing layer to the flat upper portion of the cover; and wherein the physical properties of the aluminum foil layer provide shape to the first polymer sealing layer and the second polymer layer to maintain the open shape when punctured. 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the first polymer sealing layer and the cover are made of the same material. 15. The device of claim 11, wherein the first polymer sealing layer comprises polypropylene, and wherein the second polymer layer comprises polyethylene terephthalate. 16. The device of claim 11, wherein the open access hole includes an orifice sidewall and a claw seal within the inner portion of the cover, wherein the claw seal provides contact pressure with the throat opening of the storage portion of the container to seal the cover and the container. 17. The device of claim 11, wherein the thermally induced adhesive force of the first polymer sealing layer to the flat upper portion of the cover is greater than the peel force between the forces of the first polymer sealing layer to the aluminum foil layer and the forces of the aluminum foil layer to the second polymer layer. 18. The device of claim 11, wherein the retaining force of the first polymer sealing layer is greater than the shear force required to pierce the aluminum foil layer and the second polymer layer. 19. The device of claim 11, wherein the second polymer layer is composed of a different material from the cover, wherein, based on the difference in their respective materials, the second polymer layer and the aluminum foil layer have different release forces compared to the first polymer sealing layer to the cover. 20. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the melting temperature of the first polymer sealing layer is lower than the melting temperature of the second polymer layer.