NU 2018-017

INVENTOR

Loren Yeager

SHORT DESCRIPTION

An elevated and redesigned laboratory solution storage and dispenser system

BACKGROUND

Carboys are liquid storage units designed to contain large volumes for dispensing solutions in the lab. However, traditional designs of carboys are oftentimes not conducive to dispensing solutions into beakers, Erlenmeyer flasks or other vessels due to space limitations. Further, the spigots of these standard lab containers invariably leaks, presenting potential hazardous conditions in the lab. Lab staff typically address these issues with workarounds, constructing shelves to raise carboys to appropriate levels or placing carboys within another container to prevent spills. 

ABSTRACT

A Northwestern inventor has created BeakerBoy, a redesigned lab carboy. Traditional carboy designs require the vessel to hang over the edge of a benchtop, allowing sufficient clearance to dispense liquid into a recipient vessel. Such positioning can be challenging in lab spaces, such as the hazardous waste hood given restricted space and accessibility. Current products on the market also invariably leak on the floor, presenting hazards if strong acids or bases are stored in this manner.  BeakerBoy has an elevated design that enables it to be placed on a benchtop with sufficient room to dispense solution into a variety of vessel types and sizes. Further, it features a newly designed valve based on the classic buret with only two positions-- “on” or “off”-- minimizing leakage. BeakerBoy is a simple solution to problems that arise from such a standard and ubiquitous product.

APPLICATIONS

• Dispensing and storing solutions and liquids

ADVANTAGES

• Benchtop Placement
• Stackable Units
• Ergonomic Design
• Non-leaking valve
• Easy accommodation of various lab vessel shapes, including beakers and Erlenmeyer flasks

IP STATUS

Issued Patent No. D880,290