WO2007061967A2

WO2007061967A2 - Material storage and dispensing containers and systems

Info

Publication number: WO2007061967A2
Application number: PCT/US2006/044926
Authority: WO
Inventors: Amy Koland; Jason Gerold; Kirk Mikkelsen; Steve Bickett; Glenn M. Tom; Kevin T. O'dougherty; Matthew Kusz; Donald D. Ware; Greg Nelson
Original assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
Priority date: 2005-11-18
Filing date: 2006-11-20
Publication date: 2007-05-31
Also published as: TW200730414A; WO2007061967A3

Abstract

A material supply system including a container defining an interior volume for holding the material, such container including a dispense opening therein, a dip tube for dispensing the material from the container, and a fitment mounted in the opening of the container. The fitment in one implementation includes at least two port openings therein, through one of which the dip tube extends into the interior volume of the container, and with another of the at least two port openings being adapted for one or more of (i) filling the container, (ii) venting the container, (iii) recirculation of material during dispensing and (iv) flow of a pressurized medium into the interior volume to assist the dispensing. The container can be of a bag-in-drum or a bag-in-can type. A liner with multiple fitments may be employed. The container in another implementation is fabricated with damping structure, e.g., vibrational damping structure, to reduce susceptibility of the container to adverse vibrational and resonant frequency effects.

Description

MATERIAL STORAGE AND DISPENSING CONTAINERS AND SYSTEMS

COMPRISING SAME

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to material storage and dispensing containers and systems, and subassemblies and components of such containers and systems, as well as associated methods relating to such containers, systems, subassemblies and components.

DESCRIPTION OF THERELATEDART

[0002] In many industrial applications, various materials, e.g., chemical reagents and compositions, are required to be supplied in a high purity state, and specialized packaging has been developed to ensure that the supplied material is maintained in a pure and suitable form, throughout the package fill, storage, transport, and ultimate dispensing operations. [0003] In the field of semiconductor manufacturing, the need for suitable packaging is particularly compelling for a wide variety of materials used in the manufacture of microelectronic device products, since any ingress of contaminants to the contained material in the package can adversely affect the microelectronic device products that are manufactured with such materials, rendering such microelectronic device products deficient or even useless for their intended use.

[0004] As a result of these considerations, many types of high-purity packaging have been developed for materials and compositions used in semiconductor manufacturing, such as photoresists, etchants, chemical vapor deposition reagents, solvents, wafer and tool cleaning formulations, chemical mechanical polishing compositions, etc.

[0005] One type of high-purity packaging that has come into such usage includes a rigid outer pack containing a chemical reagent or composition, e.g., a liquid or liquid-containing medium, in a flexible liner or bag that is secured in position in the rigid outer pack by retaining structure such as a lid or cover and associated mounting/positioning elements. The rigid outer pack may, for example, be formed of a high-density polyethylene or other polymer or metal, and the liner may be provided as a pre-cleaned, sterile collapsible bag of a polymeric film material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polypropylene, (low-density, medium- density, or high-density) polyethylene, PTEE-based multilaminates, polyurethane, or the like, selected to be inert to the contained liquid or liquid-based material to be contained in the liner.

Packaging of such type is commercially available under the trademark NOWPAK from ATMI,

Inc. (Danbury, CT, USA).

[0006] Such liner-based packages are sometimes referred to as "bag in container" (BIC) or "bag in drum" (BID) packages, in reference to the bag or liner being internally disposed in a containment vessel.

[0007] The technology of liner-based packaging is the focus of intensive development efforts, and the art continues to seek improvements in the design, fabrication and operation of such packaging.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention relates to material storage and dispensing containers and systems, and subassemblies and components of such containers and systems, as well as associated methods relating to such containers, systems, subassemblies and components. [0009] In one aspect, the invention relates to a material supply system including: a substantially rigid overpack container defining a first opening and a second opening; a collapsible liner adapted for insertion into the overpack container to bound in part an interstitial space between the liner and the overpack, the liner defining an interior volume adapted to retain said material, having a first fitment adapted to register with the first opening, and having a second fitment adapted to register with the second opening; a first retaining element adapted to secure the first fitment to the overpack while the first fitment is registered to the first opening; and a second retaining element adapted to secure the second fitment to the overpack while the second fitment is registered to the second opening; wherein the first fitment is adapted to permit filling of the interior volume with the material; and the second fitment is adapted to permit any of the functions of (1) dispensing of the material; (2) recirculation of the material during dispensing; (3) pressurization of the interstitial space; and (4) venting of the interstitial space. [0010] In another aspect, the invention relates to a material supply system including: a substantially rigid overpack container defining a first opening; a collapsible liner adapted for insertion into the overpack container to bound in part an interstitial space between the liner and the overpack, the liner defining an interior volume adapted to retain said material, and having a first fitment adapted to register with the first opening; and a first retaining element adapted to retain the first fitment registered to the first opening and prevent both ingress and egress of the fitment relative to the first opening; wherein any of the first fitment and the retaining element defines a plurality of ports, and the plurality of ports are adapted to permit any of the functions of (1) filling of the interior volume with the material; (2) dispensing of the material; (3) recirculation of the material during dispensing; (4) pressurization of the interstitial space; and (5) venting of the interstitial space.

[0011] In another aspect, the invention relates to a material supply system including: a substantially rigid overpack container defining a first opening; a collapsible liner adapted for insertion into the overpack container to bound in part an interstitial space between the liner and the overpack, the liner defining an interior volume adapted to retain said material, and having a first fitment adapted to register with the first opening; a first retaining element adapted to retain the first fitment registered to the first opening and prevent both ingress and egress of the first fitment relative to the first opening; and a dip tube extending from or through the fitment into the interior volume; wherein any of the fitment, the retaining element, and the dip tube defines a plurality of ports, and the plurality of ports are adapted to permit any of the functions of (1) filling of the interior volume with the material; (2) dispensing of the material; (3) recirculation of the material during dispensing; (4) pressurization of the interstitial space; and (5) venting of the interstitial space.

[0012] In another aspect, the invention relates to a material supply system including a container defining an interior volume for holding the material, such container including a dispense opening therein, a dip tube for dispensing the material from the container, and a fitment mounted in the opening of the container, the fitment comprising at least one port opening therein, through one port opening of which the dip tube extends into the interior volume of the container, and with such one or another of the at least one port opening being adapted for one or more of the purposes of (i) filling the container, (ii) venting the container, (iii) recirculation of material during dispensing and (iv) flow of a pressurized medium into the interior volume to assist the dispensing, with the provisos that: (1) the accommodation of (iii) or (iv) would require a second port if the first port having the dip tube therein is being employed for dispensing; and (2) the accommodation of (iii) and (iv) while the first port is engaged in dispensing through the dip tube would require second and third ports to be present. [0013] In another aspect, the invention relates to a material supply system including a container defining an interior volume for holding the material, such container including a dispense opening therein, a dip tube for dispensing the material from the container, and a fitment mounted in the dispense opening of the container, the fitment comprising at least two port openings therein, through one of which the dip tube extends into the interior volume of the container, and with another of the at least two port openings being adapted for one or more of the purposes of (i) filling the container, (ii) venting the container, (iii) recirculation of material during dispensing and (iv) flow of a pressurized medium into the interior volume to assist the dispensing.

[0014] It will be appreciated that in material supply systems of the foregoing type, if one port accommodates a dip tube extending therethrough that is utilized to dispense material from the container, then any recirculation of material during dispensing would require a second port to accommodate the recirculation, and if the dip tube is disposed in a first port and engaged in dispensing of material from the container, and a second port is utilized for recirculation of material during such dispensing operation, then the utilization of pressurized medium for pressure-assisted dispensing would require a third port for introduction of pressurized medium into the container interior volume.

[0015] Another aspect of the invention relates to a material supply system including a container defining an interior volume for holding the material, and a dip tube for dispensing the material from the container and adapted to be coupled with a connector providing a flow path for dispensed material and including a check valve biased to a normally closed position preventing flow through the connector flow path, wherein the dip tube when coupled with the connector is adapted to actuate the check valve to an open position and when decoupled from the connector is adapted to deactuate the check valve so that the check valve returns to its normally closed position.

[0016] A further aspect of the invention relates to methodology including use of a material supply system of one of the types described above, including: methods of containment; methods of material introduction; methods of making a semiconductor; methods of supplying material; methods of conducting a material-utilizing process; and methods of transporting a material.

[0017] Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a dispense bung assembly, including a dip tube, a fitment adapted to cooperatively engage said dip tube, and a retaining ring cooperatively engageable with the fitment for securing same in a dispensing opening of a container, wherein the fitment comprises at least two port openings therein, one of which is engageable with the dip tube, and another of which is adapted for one or more of (i) filling the container, (ii) venting the container, (iii) recirculation of material during dispensing and (iv) flow of a pressurized medium into the interior volume to assist the dispensing, with the proviso that the accommodation of (iii) and (iv) while the first port is engaged in dispensing through the dip tube would require second and third ports to be present.

[0018] A still further aspect of the invention relates to a material container susceptible in transport thereof to exposure to vibration, such container including a vibrational damping structure adapted to modulate vibrational and resonant frequency effects incident to such exposure, in relation to a corresponding container lacking such vibrational damping structure. [0019] An additional aspect of the invention relates to a material container comprising a spring-damping structure.

[0020] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of reducing susceptibility of a material container to pinholing, particle shedding and/or microbubble formation, including providing such material container with a damping structure, e.g., a vibrational damping structure.

[0021] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a material supply package including a container for holding material, a fitment secured to the container, a diptube cooperating with the fitment for dispensing material from the container, a probe assembly adapted to mate with the container and engage coupling structure thereon, said fitment comprising a first keyring including a first key structure, and said probe assembly including a second keyring, wherein the second keyring includes second key structure that is complementary to said first key structure, and wherein the respective keyrings are engageable with one another so that the probe assembly has a predetermined orientation with respect to said container when coupled therewith.

[0022] A still further aspect of the invention relates to a material supply package comprising a container including a port, a container collar circumscribing the port, a diptube and fitment cooperatively engaging the port, a probe assembly matably engagable with the container collar for dispensing material from the container through said diptube, with said container collar circumscribing said fitment and having first keying structure thereon, said probe assembly including a probe assembly collar having second keying structure thereon, wherein the probe assembly second keying structure and the container collar first keying structure are matably enagable with one another in coupling of the probe assembly with the container.

[0023] Another aspect of the invention relates to a material supply package including a container adapted to hold material, a fitment and diptube assembly secured to the container, a first plate member positioned on said fitment, a probe coupleable with the container in engagement with the fitment and diptube assembly, the probe including a second plate member, wherein the first and second plate members have matably engagable keying elements that in engagement with one another place the probe in a predetermined orientation when the probe is coupled with the container for dispensing.

[0024] In another aspect, the invention relates to a snap-fit coupler and tubing diptube assembly, said coupler including a main body portion, and a tubular distal portion including snap-fit protrusion elements, and said tubing having openings therein that are enagable with the protrusion elements of the coupler, whereby the distal portion of the coupler is insertable into the distal portion of the tubing so that the snap-fit protrusion elements snap-fittingly engage the openings in the tubing.

[0025] An additional aspect of the invention relates to a coupler for forming a diptube assembly in engagement with tubing, said coupler comprising a main body portion and a tubular distal portion with an undulant exterior surface, whereby in engagement with tubing the undulant exterior surface effects deformation of said tubing to form a press fit compression bond between the coupler and the tubing.

[0026] Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a coupling structure, comprising a fitted body including a generally tubular portion having a proximal threaded exterior surface, and an unthreaded distal surface, a tubing including a main cylindrical tubing portion of smaller diameter, and an end portion of larger diameter, with a frustoconical shape intermediate portion therebetween, and a locking nut including a distal portion threaded on an interior surface thereof, said locking nut overfitting the fitted member and the tubing when the fitted member and tubing are coupled with one another, and with said interior surface threading of the locking nut threadably engaging the proximal threaded exterior surface of the fitted body, and with the locking nut bearing compressively on the tubing end and intermediate portions and on the unthreaded distal surface of the fitted body.

[0027] A further aspect of the invention relates to a pivoting collar device for extraction of a diptube assembly from a container form which the diptube assembly is secured, said pivoting collar device comprising a main body portion having curvate tracks therein in each of which is disposed a finger assembly, said tracks being of elongated curvate form at top and bottom main faces of the main body portion of the pivoting collar of the assembly, the finger assemblies each having upper and lower pucks mounted on a shaft, with the upper puck of each finger assembly reposed in a curvate track at an upper face of the main body portion and the lower puck of each finger assembly reposed in a track at the lower main face of the main body portion, and the finger assemblies having at a lower extremity thereof finger elements adapted for gripping of the diptube assembly, with the tracks directing radial translational movement of the finger assemblies when the pivoting collar device is rotated, between a first position in which the finger assemblies are in a radially outermost position in which the finger elements are in a non-engaged state, and a second radially innermost position in which the finger elements are in an engaged gripping state, for gripping and extraction of the diptube assembly from a container to which the diptube assembly is secured.

[0028] A still further aspect of the invention relates to a shipping cap assembly for a container, comprising such pivoting collar device, whereby the shipping cap assembly includes a diptube extraction tool adapted for extraction of a diptube assembly from a container to which the cap is securable.

[0029] Another aspect of the invention relates to an O-ring seal shipping cap, comprising a main body portion threaded on an interior surface thereof for matable engagement with a coupling structure of a material container, a downwardly extending extension, an O-ring holder snap-fittingly engagable to the extension and rotatable thereagainst, and an O-ring seal element on an exterior surface of the O-ring holder. [0030] A further aspect of the invention relates to an O-ring shipping cap and drum closure assembly comprising an O-ring seal shipping cap as claimed in claim 176, a material container having a port opening, a fitment disposed in said port opening and including a retainer element securing said fitment in said port opening of the container, a cap ring enagable with the port opening and the retainer, said cap ring having matable engagement structure at an upper exterior surface thereof to which said O-ring seal shipping cap is engagable, with the O- ring holder presenting an O-ring sealing surface to the fitment and with said cap ring being secured to said container.

[0031] A still further aspect of the invention relates to a material containment package including a container with which a probe is coupleable for dispensing of material from the container, wherein the container includes a first keying structure and the probe includes a second keying structure engagable with the first keying structure, and wherein said first and second keying structures include keyrings that are non-rotatable and whose engagement defines a predetermined orientation of the probe to the container.

[0032] In another aspect, the invention relates to a material storage and dispensing package, including a container and a diptube assembly including a diptube arranged for dispensing of material from the container, said diptube assembly including coupler and tubing sections that are snap-fitted together.

[0033] A further aspect of the invention relates to a nestable drum assembly comprising a drum separable into upper and lower sections that are matable with one another when the upper section is inverted and reposed in the lower section.

[0034] Another aspect of the invention relates to a diptube assembly including a coupler having a distal tubular portion including a ridged exterior surface, and tubing joined to said distal tubular portion and deformably engaged with the ridged exterior surface. [0035] Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a coupling assembly including a fitted body having a main body portion including a bore therein and a threaded extension portion joined thereto, said threaded extension portion having threading on an exterior surface thereof, and a distal segment terminating in an open-ended convergent end portion, and a tube having a main smaller diameter portion joined to a frustoconical transition section joined to an end portion of larger diameter than the main smaller diameter portion, said tube having a bore that communicates with the bore of the fitted body, and with the frustoconical transition section sealingly engaging the convergent end portion of the tube, a locking nut overfitting the fitted body and the frustoconical transition section and the end portion, the locking nut having interior threading engaging the threading on the exterior surface of the threaded extension portion. [0036] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method of disengaging a diptube assembly from a container on which the diptube assembly is mounted in a port, such method comprising: providing a pivoting collar device engageable with the port, having gripping members that are urged to a first outer position during engagement, and are urged to a second inner position during disengagement of the device; engaging the pivoting collar device with the port; and thereafter disengaging the pivoting collar device from the port wherein the gripping members are engaged with the diptube assembly in the second position, and effect disengagement of the diptube assembly from the container when the pivoting collar device is fully disengaged from the container.

[0037] In another aspect, the invention relates to an O-ring sealing cap for a container, wherein the cap includes a main cap body, and an O-ring mounting member mounted on the main cap body for rotation independent of the main cap body, with an O-ring mounted on the O-ring mounting member to present an O-ring sealing surface to the container when the cap is coupled with the container.

[0038] A further aspect of the invention relates to a container including such a sealing cap. [0039] Another aspect of the invention relates to a cap comprising an outer cylindrical wall that depends downwardly to a lower edge and is threaded on an interior surface thereof, the wall at such lower edge including a sealing surface, a top annular portion joined to the outer cylindrical wall at an upper end of the outer cylindrical wall, and a central portion including a downwardly convergent frustoconical wall joined at a lower extremity thereof to a central cylindrical wall, an O-ring holder snap-fittably engaged with the central cylindrical wall for rotation of the O-ring holder independent of the central cylindrical wall, and an O-ring mounted on the O-ring holder.

[0040] A still further aspect of the invention relates to a material package including a container wherein the container comprises separable portions and each of the portions when separated is stackable.

[0041] Other aspects, features and embodiments of the invention will be more fully apparent from the ensuing disclosure and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative liner-based fluid storage and dispensing package to which various liner restraint approaches schematically illustrated and described hereinafter may be applied.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a three-dimensional liner usefully employable in the liner-based fluid storage and dispensing package of FIG. 1.

[0044] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective schematic view of a portion of a drum assembly embodying a first Concentric Port Configuration (CPCl configuration).

[0045] FIG. 4 is a vertical elevation view, in cross-section, of the drum assembly portion of FIG. 3, showing the details of construction of the dispense bung and the fill bung. [0046] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective schematic view of a portion of a drum assembly embodying a second Concentric Port Configuration (CPC2 configuration) according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0047] FIG. 6 is a vertical elevation view, in cross-section, focusing on the dispense bung and the fill bung of the drum assembly portion of FIG. 5.

[0048] FIG. 7 is a perspective schematic view of the drum assembly portion of FIGS. 5-6, further showing a cap engageable to the dispense bung.

[0049] FIG. 8 is a vertical elevation view, in cross-section, of the capped dispense bung of

FIGS. 5-7.

[0050] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective schematic view of a portion of a drum assembly employing a third Concentric Port Configuration (CPC3 configuration) according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0051] FIG. 10 is a vertical elevation view, in cross-section, focusing on the dispense bung and the fill bung of the drum assembly portion of FIG. 9.

[0052] FIG. 11 is a perspective schematic view of the drum assembly portion of FIGS. 9-

10, further showing a cap engageable to the dispense bung.

[0053] FIG. 12 is a vertical elevation view, in cross-section, of the capped dispense bung of FIGS. 9-11.

[0054] FIG. 13 is a partially exploded perspective view of a portion of a drum assembly embodying a fourth Concentric Port Configuration (CPC4 configuration) according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

[0055] FIG. 14 is a vertical elevation view, in cross-section, focusing on the dispense bung and the fill bung of the drum assembly portion of FIG. 13

[0056] FIG. 15 is a partially exploded perspective view of a portion of a drum assembly embodying a fifth Concentric Port Configuration (CPC5 configuration) in accordance with another aspect of the invention.

[0057] FIG. 16 is a vertical elevation view, in cross-section, focusing on the dispense bung and the fill bung of the drum assembly portion of FIG. 15

[0058] FIGS. 17-20 are various views of portions of a non-concentric port drum assembly according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0059] FIGS. 21-24 are various views of portions of a non-concentric port drum assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0060] FIGS. 25-26 are respective exploded perspective and sectional elevation views of portions of a non-concentric port drum assembly, according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

[0061] FIG. 27 is a perspective exploded view of a portion of non-concentric port drum assembly according to a further aspect of the invention. [0062] FIG. 28 is a perspective exploded view of a portion of non-concentric port drum assembly according to a still further aspect of the invention.

[0063] FIGS. 29-30 are respective exploded perspective and sectional elevation views of portions of a non-concentric port drum assembly according to yet another aspect of the invention.

[0064] FIGS. 31-32 are views of portions of a non-concentric port drum assembly according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0065] FIGS. 33-34 are views of portions of a non-concentric port drum assembly according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0066] FIGS. 35-36 are cross-sectional elevation assembled and exploded assembly views, respectively, of a fill bung arrangement, in a first embodiment.

[0067] FIGS. 37-38 are cross-sectional elevation assembled and exploded assembly views, respectively, of a fill bung arrangement, in a second embodiment.

[0068] FIGS. 39-40 are cross-sectional elevation assembled and exploded assembly views, respectively, of a fill bung arrangement, in a third embodiment.

[0069] FIGS. 41-43 are cross-sectional views of a check valve arrangement, in a first embodiment.

[0070] FIGS. 44-45 are perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a check valve arrangement, in a second embodiment.

[0071] FIGS. 46-47 are perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a check valve arrangement, in a third embodiment.

[0072] FIGS. 48-49 are perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a check valve arrangement, in a fourth embodiment.

[0073] FIGS. 50-51 are perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a check valve arrangement, in a fifth embodiment.

[0074] FIGS. 52-53 are perspective cross-sectional views of the check valve arrangement of FIGS. 41-43, showing the spring and O-ring elements thereof.

[0075] FIGS. 54-57 are assembled perspective, exploded perspective assembly, perspective cross-sectional, and elevation cross-sectional views, respectively, of a concentric ports probe, according to another aspect of the present invention.

[0076] FIGS. 58-60 are exploded perspective assembly, elevation cross-sectional first position, and elevation cross-sectional second position views, respectively, of a check valve arrangement, in a sixth embodiment.

[0077] FIGS. 61-63 are assembled perspective, exploded perspective assembly, and elevation cross-sectional views, respectively, of a non-concentric ports probe, according to a further aspect of the invention. [0078] FIG. 64 is a perspective exploded view of a dip tube connector, according to a further aspect of the invention.

[0079] FIG. 65 is a graph of power distribution function during transport, for BID and BIC containers, showing vibration level plotted as a function of frequency, in Hertz, and indicating the resonant frequency of the respective BID and BIC containers.

[0080] FIG. 66 is a schematic elevation view of a BID container, including vibration damping sidewall structure at a lower portion of the drum.

[0081] FIG. 67 is a schematic representation of a material container connectable to a semiconductor manufacturing facility according to another embodiment of the invention, showing a spring-damper isolation assembly associated with a chime portion of a vessel.

[0082] FIG. 68 is a perspective view of a probe and container assembly, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] FIG. 69 is a perspective schematic view of a probe and container assembly of the type shown in FIG. 68, including a probe collar key ring associated with the probe.

[0084] FIG. 70 is a schematic perspective view of a probe and container assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] FIG. 71 is a perspective schematic view of a probe and container assembly according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

[0086] FIG. 72 is perspective view of a coupler constituting part of a snap-together diptube assembly according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0087] FIG. 73 is a perspective view of tubing having holes therein for snap-engagement with the snap-in-place protrusions of the coupler.

[0088] FIG. 74 is an elevation, cross-sectional view of the coupler and tubing of FIGS. 72 and 73 as engaged with one another.

[0089] FIG. 75 is a perspective view of a coupler according to another embodiment of the invention. _\

[0090] FIG. 76 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a coupler according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0091] FIG. 77 is a side elevation view, in cross-section, of a diptube assembly according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0092] FIG. 78 is a side elevation view, in cross-section, of a fitting structure that may be employed to form a diptube assembly, or other junction structure.

[0093] FIG. 79 is perspective view of a pivoting collar device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0094] FIG. 80 is an elevation view of a finger assembly. [0095] FIG. 81 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of the pivoting collar device of

FIGS. 79 and 80, showing the details of the finger assembly as reposed in corresponding openings in the main body of the collar device.

[0096] FIG. 82 shows the upper puck of the finger assembly as being reposed in a track having an interior channel therein to accommodate movement of the shaft of the finger assembly, in a first position.

[0097] FIG. 83 shows the upper puck of the finger assembly as being reposed in a track having an interior channel therein to accommodate movement of the shaft of the finger assembly, in a second position.

[0098] FIGS. 84 and 85 are cross-sectional elevation views of the coupler and pivoting collar device for extracting the diptube from the container.

[0099] FIG. 86 is a perspective exploded view of a drum featuring a drum ring mounted thereon, according to a further aspect of the invention.

[00100] FIG. 87 is perspective view of the shipping cap reposed on a drum ring, with the cap being rotated in a clockwise direction indicated by directional arrow R, to force the fingers outwardly while the cap is being threadably engaged with the drum ring.

[00101] FIG. 88 shows a corresponding perspective view of the shipping cap and drum ring assembly, in which the shipping cap on the drum ring is rotated in a counterclockwise direction indicated by direction arrow S, forcing the fingers inwardly to grip the diptube assembly for removal thereof from the drum.

[00102] FIG. 89 illustrates a cross-sectional elevation view of shipping cap/drum closure assembly, according to another aspect of the invention.

[00103] FIG. 90 is a perspective view of the O-ring seal shipping cap of FIG. 89.

[00104] FIG. 91 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the O-ring shipping cap of FIG. 89.

[00105] FIG. 92 is a perspective view of a material storage and dispensing package according to another embodiment of the invention.

[00106] FIG. 93 is a perspective view of a material package including separable container sections.

[00107] FIG. 94 is a perspective view of another separable container material package.

[00108] FIG. 95 is a perspective view of a material package including stackable components, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[00109] FIG. 96 is a perspective view of a material package including stackable components, according to another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION. AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS THEREOF [00110] The present invention relates to material storage and dispensing containers and systems, and subassemblies and components of such containers and systems, as well as associated methods relating to such containers, systems, subassemblies and components. [00111] Although disclosed hereinafter with particular reference to material storage and dispensing containers holding fluids in liner-based package applications, it will be appreciated that the utility of the invention is not thus limited, but rather extends to and encompasses a wide variety of liner-based and liner-less materials storage and dispensing containers, which are adapted to contain materials other than fluids, including, without limitation, solids, slurries, suspensions, gels and semisolid compositions, as well as multiphase materials, including solids and associated vapor phases, liquids and associated vapor phases, solid/liquid/vapor materials, liquids, gases, and mixtures of the foregoing.

[00112] The disclosures of U.S. Patent Application Publication US20030205285 published November 6, 2003 in the name of Wayne Kelly, et al. for "Apparatus and Method for Minimizing the Generation of Particles in Ultrapure Liquids," and U.S. Patent 6,698,619, issued March 2, 2004 in the name of Richard Wertenberger for "Returnable and Reusable, Bag- In-Drum Fluid Storage and Dispensing Container System," are hereby incorporated herein by reference, in their respective entireties, for all purposes.

[00113] The term "microelectronic device" as used herein refers to resist-coated semiconductor substrates, flat-panel displays, thin-film recording heads, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), and other advanced microelectronic components. The microelectronic device may include patterned and/or blanketed silicon wafers, flat-panel display substrates or fluoropolymer substrates. Further, the microelectronic device may include mesoporous or microporous inorganic solids.

[00114] In liner packaging of liquids and liquid-containing compositions (hereafter referred to as liquid media), it is desirable to minimize the head space of the liquid medium in the liner. The head space is the volume of gas overlying the liquid medium in the liner. [00115] The liner-based containment systems of the present invention have particular utility in application to liquid media used in the manufacture of microelectronic device products. Additionally, such systems have utility in numerous other applications, including medical and pharmaceutical products, building and construction materials, food products, etc., where liquid media or liquid materials require packaging.

[00116] As used herein, the term "zero head space" in reference to fluid in a liner means that the liner is totally filled with liquid medium, and that there is no volume of gas overlying liquid medium in the liner.

[00117] Correspondingly, the term "near zero head space" as used herein in reference to fluid in a liner means that the liner is substantially completely filled with liquid medium except for a very small volume of gas overlying liquid medium in the liner, e.g., the volume of gas is less than 5% of the total volume of fluid in the liner, preferably being less than 3% of the total volume of fluid, more preferably less than 2% of the total volume of fluid, even more preferably being less than 1% of the total volume of fluid, and most preferably, being less than 0.01% of the total volume of fluid (or, expressed another way, the volume of liquid in the liner is greater than 95% of the total volume of the liner, preferably being more than 97% of such total volume, more preferably more than 98% of such total volume, even more preferably more than 99% of such total volume, and most preferably more than 99.99% of such total volume). [00118] The greater the volume of the head space, the greater the likelihood that the overlying gas will become entrained and/or solubilized in the liquid medium, since the liquid medium will be subjected to sloshing, splashing and translation in the liner, as well as impact of the liner against the rigid surrounding container during transportation of the package. This circumstance will in turn result in the formation of bubbles, microbubbles, and particulates in the liquid medium, which degrade the liquid medium, and render it potentially unsuitable for its intended purpose. For this reason, head space is desired to be minimized and preferably eliminated (i.e., in a zero or near-zero head space conformation) with complete filling of the interior volume of the liner with liquid medium.

[00119] Although described hereinafter with reference to various embodiments in which the dispense port is centrally located in the container structure, e.g., in the center of a drum head or container top wall, such central location is not required, and the dispense port can be alternatively located at any region of the material storage and dispensing container. Further, the container, while illustratively shown hereinafter as a closed-top drum in various embodiments of the invention, can alternatively be open, e.g., open head drums and closed head drums can be employed in respective implementations of the invention. [00120] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative liner- based material storage and dispensing container 10. The container 10 includes a flexible, resilient liner 12 capable of holding material, e.g., a high purity liquid (having a purity of >99.99% by weight) in a generally rigid housing 14.

[00121] The liner 12 may be formed as a 3-dimensional, closed head liner. The term 3- dimensional in reference to the liner means that the liner is formed from tubular stock material, as opposed to a 2-dimensional liner formed by heat-sealing superimposed flat sheet stock pieces at superimposed edges thereof to form the liner structure. By the use of a tubular stock, e.g., a blown tubular polymeric film material, heat seals and welded seams along the sides of the liner are avoided. The absence of side welded seams may be advantageous, since the liner is better able to withstand forces and pressures that tend to stress the liner and that not infrequently cause failure of seams in 2-dimensional liners. The liner can be of a closed head form, having a sealed or otherwise closed head portion, or the liner can alternatively be an open head liner that is formed with a neck opening or a port opening on the head portion of the liner. [00122] The liner thus can be fabricated as a single-use, thin membrane, 3 -dimensional, closed head liner 12, which is removed after each use (e.g., when the container is depleted of the liquid contained therein) and replaced with a new, pre-cleaned liner to enable the reuse of the overall container 10. 2-dimensional liners may alternatively be used with various embodiments of the present invention.

[00123] The liner film preferably is free of components such as plasticizers, antioxidants, UV stabilizers, fillers, etc. that may be or become a source of contaminants, e.g., by leaching into the material contained in the liner, or by decomposing to yield degradation products that have greater diffusivity in the liner film and that migrate to the surface and solubilize or otherwise become contaminants of the material in the liner.

[00124] A substantially pure film is advantageously employed for the liner in a variety of material containment applications. The film can for example be a virgin (additive-free) polyethylene film, a virgin polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film, or other suitable virgin polymeric material such as polypropylene, polyurethane, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinylchloride, polyacetal, polystyrene, polyacrylonitrile, polybutylene, etc. The thickness of the liner film material can be any suitable thickness, e.g., in a range from about 2 mils (0.002 inch) to about 30 mils (0.030 inch). In one embodiment, the liner has a thickness of 20 mils (0.020 inch).

[00125] A 3 -dimensional, closed head liner can be formed in any suitable manner, but preferably is manufactured using tubular blow molding of the liner with formation of an integral fill opening at an upper end of the vessel, which may, as shown in FIG. 1, be joined to a port or cap structure 28. The liner thus may have an opening for coupling of the liner to a suitable connector for fill or dispense operations involving respective introduction or discharge of fluid. The cap joined to the liner port can be manually removable and can be variously configured, as regards the specific structure of the liner port and cap. The cap also can be arranged to couple with a dip tube for introduction or dispensing of fluid. [00126] The liner 12 includes 2 ports in the top portion thereof, as shown in FIG. 1. The liner is disposed in a substantially rigid housing or overpack 14, which can be of a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape as illustrated, including a lower receptacle portion 16 for containing the liner 12 therein, and an upper stacking and transport handling section 18. The stacking and transport handling section 18 includes opposedly facing front and rear walls 2OA and 2OC, respectively, and opposedly facing side walls 2OB and 2OD. The opposedly facing side walls 2OB and 2OD have respective manual handling openings 22 and 24, respectively, to enable the container to be manually grasped, and physically lifted or otherwise transported in use of the container. Alternatively, the overpack can be of a cylindrical form, or of any other suitable shape or conformation. In a BID package, the overpack is typically of cylindrical drum form. [00127] The lower receptacle portion 16 of the housing 14 is as shown slightly tapered. All of the four walls of the lower receptacle portion 16 are downwardly inwardly tapered, to enable the stacking of the containers for storage and transport, when a multiplicity of such containers are stored and transported. In one embodiment, the lower portion 16 of housing 14 may have tapered walls whose taper angle is less than 15°, e.g., an angle between about 2° and 12°. [00128] The generally rigid housing 14 also includes an overpack Hd 26, which is leak- tightly joined to the walls of the housing 14, to bound an interior space in the housing 14 containing the liner 12, as shown.

[00129] The liner has two rigid ports, including a main top port coupling to the cap 28 and arranged to accommodate passage therethrough of the dip tube 36 for dispensing of liquid. The dip tube 36 is part of the dispensing assembly including the dip tube, dispensing head 34, coupling 38 and liquid dispensing tube 40. The dispensing assembly also includes a gas fill tube 44 joined to dispensing head 34 by coupling 42 and communicating with a passage 43 in the dispensing head. Passage 43 in turn is adapted to be leak-tightly coupled to the interior volume port 30 in the overpack lid 26, to accommodate introduction of a gas for exerting pressure against liner 12 in the dispensing operation, so that liquid contained in liner 12 is forced from the liner through the interior passage of the hollow dip tube 36 and through the dispensing assembly to the liquid dispensing tube 40.

[00130] The liner 12 advantageously is formed of a film material of appropriate thickness to be flexible and collapsible in character. In one embodiment, the liner is compressible to about 10% or less of the rated fill volume, i.e., the volume of liquid able to be contained in the liner when same is fully filled in the housing 14. Preferred liner materials are sufficiently pliable to allow for folding or compressing of the liner during shipment as a replacement unit. The liner preferably is of a composition and character that is resistant to particle and microbubble formation when liquid is contained in the liner, and that is effective to maintain purity for the specific end use application in which the contained material is to be employed, e.g., in semiconductor manufacturing or other high purity-critical liquid supply application. [00131] For semiconductor manufacturing applications, when a liquid or liquid-containing material is contained in the liner 12 of the container 10, the liquid should have less than 75 particles/milliliter of particles having a diameter of 0.25 microns, at the point of fill of the liner, and the liner should have less than 30 parts per billion total organic components (TOC) in the liquid, with less than 10 parts per trillion metal extractable levels per critical elements, such as calcium, cobalt, copper, chromium, iron, molybdenum, manganese, sodium, nickel, and tungsten, and with less than 150 parts per trillion iron and copper extractable levels per element for liner containment of hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen peroxide and ammonium hydroxide, consistent with the specifications set out in the Semiconductor Industry Association, International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors (SIA, ITRS) 1999 Edition. [00132] The liner 12 of the FIG. 1 container contains in its interior space a metal pellet 45, as illustrated, to aid in non-invasive magnetic stirring of the liquid contents, as an optional feature. The magnetic stirring pellet 45 may be of a conventional type as used in laboratory operations, and can be utilized with an appropriate magnetic field-exerting table, so that the container is able, when reposed on the table with the liner filled with liquid, to be stirred, to render the liquid homogeneous and resistant to settling. Such magnetic stirring capability may be employed to resolubilize components of liquid subsequent to transit of liquid under conditions promoting precipitation or phase separation of the liquid contents. The stirring element being remotely actuatable in such manner has the advantage that no invasive introduction of a mixer to the interior of the sealed liner is necessary.

[00133] The liner 12 is suitably constructed so that when filled with liquid, there is a zero- or near-zero headspace in the interior volume of the liner. By eliminating a gas/liquid (e.g., air/liquid) interface within the liner, particle generation is correspondingly suppressed; additionally, such zero- or near-zero head space liner conformation enables full filling of the liner interior volume with liquid, thereby maximizing the capacity of the liner and associated container.

[00134] The port 30 in deck 26 of the housing 14 can be coupled with a rigid port on the liner, so that the liner is fabricated with two ports, or alternatively the liner can be fabricated so that it is ventable using a single port configuration.

[00135] Deck 26 of the housing 14 may be formed of a same generally rigid material as the remaining structural components of the housing, such as polyethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinylchloride, polyacetal, polystyrene, polyacrylonitrile, and polybutylene.

[00136] As a further optional modification of the container 10, a radio frequency identification tag 32 may be provided on the liner, for the purpose of providing information relating to the contained liquid and/or its intended usage. The radio frequency identification tag can be arranged to provide information via a radio frequency transponder and receiver to a user or technician who can thereby ascertain the condition of the liquid in the container, its identity, source, age, intended use location and process, etc. In lieu of a radio frequency identification device, other information storage may be employed which is readable, and/or transmittable, by remote sensor, such as a hand-held scanner, computer equipped with a receiver, etc. [00137] In the FIG. 1 container the liner 12 allows the liquid to expand and contract due to temperature changes.

[00138] In a dispensing operation involving the container 10 shown in FIG. 1, air or other gas (nitrogen, argon, etc.) may be introduced into tube 44 and through port 30 of lid 26, to exert pressure on the exterior surface of the liner, causing it to contract and thereby forcing liquid through the dip tube 36 and dispensing assembly to the liquid dispensing tube 40. [00139] Correspondingly, air may be displaced from the interior volume of housing 14 through port 30, for flow through the passage 43 in dispensing head 34 to tube 44 during the filling operation, so that air is displaced as the liner expands during liquid filling thereof. [00140] As an alternative dispensing modality, suction may be applied to the liquid medium in the liner, to extract the liquid medium from the container in the dispensing operation. [00141] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a three-dimensional, closed-head liner 60 of a type that can be usefully employed in a liner-type package as shown in FIG. 1. The liner 60 includes a main bag body 62 formed of a blown tubular film material, such as polyethylene film. At its upper end, the main bag body 62 is joined to the head member 64 in a leak-tight fashion to provide the bag structure of the liner. The head member 64 has a central port opening 66, in which may be disposed a cap or other closure member, or a fitment adapted for matable engagement with a coupling or closure- member. A dip tube may be inserted through such central port opening 66 to effect liquid dispensing from the liner when the liner is mounted in the overpack and arranged for liquid dispensing operation.

[00142] The foregoing description, while directed to generalized liner-based packages, provides a structural context for the ensuing discussion of specific liner-based package features, and embodiments of the present invention.

[00143] The present invention in one aspect relates to a BID container having a first larger bung for venting, chemical delivery, recirculation, and drum pressurization, and a second smaller bung for filling the drum, and optionally to supply dispense pressure to the container. The liner may be installed in the drum by inserting the liner into the drum through the larger bung.

[00144] The drum in such package may be fabricated to be nestable or non-nestable in character, and can be formed in any suitable manner, e.g., using blow molding, injection molding, spin welding, stick welding or other techniques, for joining component parts of the drum to yield a unitary structure. The drum may be formed of any suitable material of construction, such as plastics, ceramics, metals, composites, etc. In one preferred embodiment, the drum is formed of a polymeric material of construction. In another embodiment, the drum is formed of stainless steel.

[00145] The invention also contemplates an improved single connector of a construction that decreases the time required to make a connection with the BID container. The connector is designed to avoid dispensing a wrong chemical and to avoid leakage of chemical during changing of the drum.

[00146] As a further feature of an improved BID container according to one embodiment of the invention, a single-use recyclable dip tube is employed, which mechanically actuates a check valve, thereby minimizing or eliminating the potential for chemical spillage and/or contamination of the material in the liner of the BID container. [00147] In one embodiment, hereafter termed the concentric ports configuration 1 (CPCl), the invention relates to a dispense bung including three ports, with two concentric ports inside a fitment on the dip tube.^" The center port of such concentric ports is utilized to dispense chemical, and the outer port is constituted by a series of slots used for recirculation and to vent the liner. A split lock ring is employed to clamp the fitment and threads into the drum. The split lock ring has a keycode structure, and a series of slots to vent or pressurize the interstitial space in the interior volume of the drum, between the liner and the drum. [00148] An exploded perspective schematic view of a drum assembly embodying the CPCl configuration is shown in FIG. 3. The drum assembly 10 includes a drum G having a circular top wall 12, shown in solid representation, which is secured at its outer periphery to an upper edge portion of the cylindrical-shaped sidewall 14 of the drum, shown in dashed line representation.

[00149] It will be recognized that the drum partially depicted in FIG. 3 has a circular bottom wall (not shown) that is secured at its outer periphery to a lower edge portion of the cylindrical-shaped sidewall of the drum, to form an enclosed drum container. The drum container is adapted to receive a liner (not shown) having two fitments C and F. [00150] The top wall 12 of the drum is fabricated with a central port opening 16 circumscribed by a threaded collar 18. The threaded collar 18 is threaded on its exterior surface, for matable engagement with a complementarity threaded coupling or closure member. The drum assembly includes a split retaining ring A that clamps around the fitment C. The split retaining ring A this provided with a series of the arcuate, circumferentially spaced-apart slots or ports 22 allowing venting of the interstitial between the liner 30 and the drum G. The slots 22 in the retaining ring A also permit pressurizing gas to be flowed into the interior volume 32 of the drum, to exert overpressure on the liner for pressure-dispensing of material from the liner through dispensing circuitry that is coupled with the dip tube B in the dispensing operation of the BID container. In this regard, it is to be appreciated that one or more fluid passages or ports for various purposes may be defined in any of the fitment C, retaining ring A, and a dip tube, to enable functions such as dispensing, recirculation, pressurization, and venting.

[00151] The retaining ring A is advantageously formed with two half-sections joined to one another by a hinge that permits the two half sections to be opened and the ring to thereby be placed around the fitment and closed thereon, so that the fitment and retaining ring form a conjoint structure, as shown in FIG. 4.

[00152] Fitment C includes a rib element that accurately locates the fitment vertically in relation to the retaining ring. See, for example, FIG. 4, in which the retaining ring A has a circumferentially extending groove in its inner surface, which cooperatively mates with the rib of the fitment. So joined, the fitment is registered to an opening in the drum and secured such that both ingress and egress of the fitment is prevented relative to the opening. [00153] The dip tube B has two ports, including a center opening 21 for supplying chemical, and a series of arcuate, circumferentially spaced-apart slots 20, providing a second port, for venting the liner and to accommodate recirculation. The dip tube B also includes a structural feature operative to open a dispense check valve in a dispense probe coupled with the drum for dispensing of a material from the liner therein.

[00154] As shown in FIG. 4, the dip tube B has an upper flange portion, and such flange portion in its outer cylindrical surface has a groove that is matably engageable with a rib extending circumferentially about the inner surface at a lower portion of the fitment C. [00155] A shipping cap (not shown) having a suitably threaded inner cap surface is threadably engageable with the outside threaded surface of the collar 18 to provide a face seal on the top of the bung and a radial seal in the fitment. Such cap can be readily removed with a standard bung wrench.

[00156] In addition to the dispense bung including port opening 16, and the dip tube and retaining ring, the drum assembly 10 includes a fill bung. The fill bung includes fill port opening 24 circumscribed by a collar 26. The liner 30 in the interior volume 32 is provided with a fitment F engageable with the plug E. The plug and fitment assembly extends through the fill opening 24 and are engaged with the retaining ring D, which is threaded on an interior surface thereof, being matably engageable with an exterior threaded surface of the fitment F. The plug E can for example comprise a standard buttress or Mauser thread. The retaining ring D is a reusable part that holds the fitment F in the drum.

[00157] As illustrated in the sectional elevation view of FIG. 4, the fitment F is threaded on both of its interior and exterior surfaces, so that the externally threaded surface matably engages corresponding threading on an inner surface of the retaining ring D, and the interior threaded surface engages corresponding threading on the plug E.

[00158] By the fill bung structure shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a radial seal is provided between the fitment F and the plug E, and a face seal is provided between the plug E and the fitment F. [00159] The drum assembly shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 provides a single connection for coupling with a dispense probe. No orientation feature is required between the retaining ring A and the fitment C. The fill bung, incorporating a standard thread in fitment F, provides a simple and ready arrangement for filling of the liner in the drum, by the simple expedient of removing the plug E and introducing material through the fill opening 24 into the liner 30, following which the plug E is reengaged with the fitment F to seal the liner containing the material to be stored and subsequently dispensed. The fill opening 24 is preferably large (e.g., substantially larger than any ports associated with the first fitment C) to promote rapid and easy filling of the liner. [00160] In the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4, the removal of the shipping cap from the collar 18 does not result in "backing out" the retaining ring A, or otherwise require left-hand threads.

[00161] In the use of the drum assembly shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the liner 30 is installed by inserting same into the drum G through the dispense bung. Concurrently, a rod may be employed to engage the plug on the fill bung, so that it is stationarily fixed in position during the liner insertion process. The locking ring D then is threaded onto the fill bung, and a spanner or bung wrench is employed to tighten the locking ring. Next, the retaining ring A is clamped on the dispense bung fitment C, and the retaining ring A is threaded into the drum, and tightened with a spanner or bung wrench.

[00162] FIG. 4 is a vertical elevation view, in cross-section, of the drum assembly 10 of FIG. 3, showing the details of construction of the dispense bung 40 and the fill bung 42. As illustrated, the retaining ring A is threadably engaged with the interior surface of the collar 18, and such ring is clamped around the fitment C having the dip tube B extending downwardly therefrom, as shown.

[00163] The top wall 12 of the drum G is integrally formed with the collar 18 of the dispense bung surrounding port 16. In spaced relationship to port 16 is fill port 24, having collar 26 mounted therein, and retaining ring D is mounted within the collar, threadably engaged with fitment F. The fitment F also threadably engages the plug E, as illustrated, with O-rings 46 and 48 serving to seal the joints associated with the fitment, in a leak-tight manner. [00164] An advantage of the CPCl conformation described above, deriving from its concentric port arrangement including a central port passage for supplying chemical, and an annular port array of passages for venting the liner and supplying a path for recirculation, is that only one keying feature is needed for keycoding to the dispense connector. The concentric fluid paths enable a highly compact connector design to be employed, with very few component parts, and with the split retaining ring A being reusable in the deployment of the BID container for material storage and dispensing purposes.

[00165] In another concentric ports arrangement, hereafter termed the concentric port configuration 2 (CPC2), the dispense bung has three concentric ports in the fitment. The center port accommodates insertion thereinto of a dip tube for dispensing chemical. A second port comprises an array of slots on the bottom of the fitment to accommodate recirculation and venting of the liner. A third port includes an array of slots on the side wall of the fitment, and is used to supply pressure for dispensing, as well as to vent the interior volume space between the liner and the drum.

[00166] In the CPC2 arrangement, a retainer snaps onto the fitment and into the drum. Such a retainer has an elastomer overmold that provides seals to the assembly, and holds the components in place. A keycode is located on the retainer. A shipping cap threads to the inside surface of the dispense bung. The elastomer overmold on the retainer supplies the seal if the liner leaks. A face seal is provided as a second seal to prevent chemical from leaking from inside the fitment into the area between the liner and the drum.

[00167] An illustrative CPC2 arrangement is shown in FIGS. 5-8. FIG. 5 is a perspective schematic view of a portion of a drum assembly 50, including a drum A whose illustrated circular top wall has a central port opening 52, circumscribed by a collar 54. A fitment C is disposed in the port opening, having dip tube D extending therethrough into the interior volume of the container, with the lower end of the dip tube adapted for contacting material in a liner secured to the fitment. A retaining ring B is adapted to cooperatively mate with the fitment C. A fill bung 56 is provided on the top wall of the drum, radially spaced from the central dispense bung associated with port opening 52.

[00168] FIG. 6 is an elevation view, in cross-section, of the CPC2 arrangement of FIG. 5, showing the details of such arrangement. The drum A features fill bung 56 in laterally spaced relationship to the dispense bung 60, with the fitment C mounted in the port opening 52. The fitment C is engaged with the retaining ring B by cooperative mating structures such as complementary rib and groove elements, and the retaining ring B in turn mates with the inner wall surface of the collar 54 by complementary mating structures such as rib and groove elements. The dip tube D as illustrated depends downwardly from the fitment C, into the interior volume of the drum A. The dip tube D may be snapped-fitted into the fitment C, or the dip tube and the fitment may be provided with complementary threading on respective facing surfaces, or be engaged with one another in other suitable manner.

[00169] It is to be appreciated that various assemblies and material supply systems include structure (e.g., multiple ports) to accommodate any one or more of the functions of (1) filling a liner within an overpack container; (2) dispensing material from the liner; (3) recirculating material during dispensing; (4) pressurizing an interstitial space between the liner and overpack container; and (5) venting the interstitial space. Various embodiments provide two, three, four, or all of the preceding functions. Certain embodiments enable multiple - e.g., up to all - of the preceding functions to be conducted through a single fitment of a liner. In other embodiments, multiple spaced-apart fitments of a single liner engage corresponding spaced-apart openings of a rigid overpack container, with one or more of the preceding functions enabled by each fitment. In one embodiment, one fitment has an associated fill opening, and the other fitment permits any one or more of the functions of material dispensing, material recirculation, interstitial space pressurization, and interstitial space venting.

[00170] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the drum assembly of FIGS. 5-6, showing a shipping cap E arranged for engagement with the collar 54.

[00171] FIG. 8 is a sectional elevation view of the dispense bung of the drum of FIGS. 5-7 showing of the shipping cap E as engaged with the collar 54. The shipping cap E for such purpose is suitably threaded on its exterior surface, for matable engagement with complementary threading on the interior wall surface of the collar 54.

[00172] The fill bung in the CPC2 arrangement has a configuration that corresponds to the structure of the fill bung in the CPCl arrangement.

[00173] In the dispense bung of the CDC2 arrangement, the retaining ring B has an elastomer overmold on the outside and inside diameters thereof, to facilitate snap-fitting of the fitment C to the retaining ring, and snap-fitting of the retaining ring to the drum. A keycode is machined into the retaining ring B. The fitment C has upper and lower structural features that facilitate locating the fitment vertically on the retaining ring B. These structural features may be grooves, slots, protrusions, tabs, ridges, etc., as may be useful or otherwise appropriate in a given application. The keycode structure may be of any suitable type, and is provided to ensure that the drum bearing such structure is coupled with a complementary connector so that the dispensed material is appropriate for the downstream material-utilizing apparatus or process being supplied via the connector being coupled with the drum.

[00174] Three ports are provided on the fitment C in the CPC2 arrangement shown in FIGS. 5-8. The outer edge of the fitment C has slots therein to vent the space between the drum A and the liner (liner not shown in FIGS. 5-8) and to supply pressure in the interior volume of the drum, exerted on the exterior surface of the liner, to effect pressure dispensing of material from the liner. A series of slots is provided on the bottom face of the fitment C that are employed to vent the liner and to provide a path for recirculation. A center opening is also provided for inserting a dip tube D into the liner, to supply chemical.

[00175] The shipping cap E (see FIGS. 7 and 8) threads into the dispense bung, to supply a face seal on the fitment C outside the recirculation path and a radial seal on the inside of the fitment. The dip tube D is fabricated with a structural feature that operates to open a dispense check valve in the dispense probe that is coupled with the dip tube for dispensing material from the liner in the drum.

[00176] The CPC2 arrangement requires only a single connection for the dispense probe to be utilized with the BID container. No orientation feature is required between the retaining ring B and the fitment C. The keycode is readily machined into a molded retaining ring B. In this arrangement, the overmold on the retaining ring B supplies a holding force and provides seals for the fitment C and the drum A. The CPC2 arrangement utilizes relatively few component parts.

[00177] In the use of the BID container of CPC2 arrangement, a liner is inserted into the drum, and a rod or other suitable tool is used to grab the plug on the fill bung. The locking ring for the fill bung is threaded on, with a spanner or bung wrench used to tighten the locking ring. Next, the fitment C is snap-fitted into the retaining ring B, and the retaining ring is pressed into the drum. [00178] The advantages of the CPC2 arrangement include the provision of concentric ports allowing for a more compact connector design, an arrangement with a single keying for the connector, and the provision of a retaining ring that is reusable.

[00179] In another concentric port arrangement, according to another embodiment of the invention, hereinafter termed CPC3, the dispense bung has three concentric ports. Two of the ports are located in/on the fitment, and a dip tube for dispensing is inserted into the center port. The recirculation/venting ports in this arrangement are constituted by an array of slots, and the pressure/venting port is located on the retaining ring.

[00180] The retaining ring threads into the drum. The fitment is provided with fingers that allow the fitment to snap into the retaining ring, and a keycode is located on the retaining ring. In this arrangement, the shipping cap threads onto the retaining ring, providing a seal between the pressure/vent and the outside of the drum. A second seal is supplied on the inside of the fitment.

[00181] The CPC3 confirmation is shown in FIGS. 9-12. As illustrated, the drum A features a central port opening 60 that is circumscribed by a collar 62. A dip tube D extends through fitting C into the interior volume of the drum. A retaining ring B is adapted for engagement with the collar 62. Radially spaced-apart from the central port opening is a fill bung 64 that is constructed and arranged similarly to the fill bung structures of CPCl and CPC2.

[00182] In the CPC3 arrangement, the retaining ring B threads into the drum and provides a face seal therewith. The retaining ring B is constructed with fingers that clamp onto the fitment C. A keycode is machined into the retaining ring B, and the fitment C is fabricated with upper and lower structural features for locating the fitment vertically on the retaining ring B. The retaining ring B has a series of slots for venting the space between the drum and the liner, and for supplying pressure for pressure dispensing operation, in which the liner in the drum is progressively compacted by pressure exerted on the exterior surface of the liner from a source of pressurized gas flow through such series of slots into the interior volume of the drum. [00183] The fitment C in the CPC3 arrangement has two ports located thereon, including a series of slots on the bottom face of the fitment that vent the liner and supply a path for recirculation, and a center opening for insertion of a dip tube D therethrough, to supply chemical to a chemical-utilizing apparatus or process supplied by flow circuitry coupled by a connector with the dip tube.

[00184] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the shipping cap E threads onto the retaining ring B, and supplies a radial seal on the fitment C and a radial seal on the retaining ring B. A standard bung wrench may be used to remove the shipping cap at the destination of the BID container, to ready it for coupling with a dispense probe assembly. This arrangement involves the use of left-hand threading. The shipping cap E is threaded on its exterior side surface for matable engagement with the retaining ring B.

[00185] The BID container of CPC3 can be utilized with a probe equipped with quick connect structure, for direct connection to the fitment C. The dip tube D in this arrangement has a structural feature for opening a dispense check valve in the dispense probe. The structural feature may be of any suitable type, as effective in engagement with the dispense probe to open the dispense check valve thereof.

[00186] The CPC3 arrangement provides a single connection for the dispense probe assembly, with no orientation feature being required between the retaining ring B and the fitment C. Keycoding can be machined into a molded retaining ring B. The fitment C in this arrangement cannot be removed from the retaining ring B and must be discarded with the single-use liner. This feature reduces the possibility of human error, since retaining rings cannot be stored and exchanged with the wrong keycode structure. The overall height of the dispense bung structure in this CPC3 arrangement can be very small, e.g., on the order of about 1 inch.

The CPC3 arrangement effectively reduces the possibility that chemical will leak between the liner and the drum during filling and dispensing operations.

[00187] In the assembly of the BID container having a CPC3 arrangement, the liner is inserted into the drum. A rod can be employed to grab the plug on the fill bung 64, fill bung 64 having a structure corresponding to the fill bung in each of the previously described CPCl and

CPC2 arrangements. The locking ring is threaded onto the fill bung, utilizing a spanner or bung wrenched to tighten.

[00188] The dispense bung fitment then is inserted into the retaining ring, and the retaining ring is threaded into the drum and tightened with a spanner or bung wrench.

[00189] The CPC3 arrangement is highly compact and character due to the concentric port design. It permits the utilization of a single keying for the connector, and requires only a single tool for threading the retaining ring into the drum. The retaining ring in this arrangement is discarded with the liner. A retaining ring with an appropriate keycode is installed by the chemical supplier. The retaining ring can be removed with a custom tool.

[00190] Another concentric port arrangement contemplated by the invention, referred to hereinafter as the CPC4 arrangement, is similar to the CPC3 arrangement, except that the location where the shipping cap threads in the retainer is different, allowing more area for keycodes and for sealing of the connector.

[00191] The CPC4 arrangement is shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the drum assembly, and FIG. 14 is a corresponding cross-sectional elevation view. As illustrated, the drum assembly includes drum A whose top circular wall has a central port opening 70 circumscribed by collar 72. The collar extends upwardly from the main surface of the drum top wall. A fitment C is disposed in the opening 70, and as illustrated in FIG. 14, a dip tube D depends downwardly from the fitment. A retaining ring B overlies the fitment and is threadably engaged with the collar of the dispense bung. The collar is threadably engaged on its interior surface, for matable engagement with the retaining ring, and the retaining ring is complementarily threaded on its exterior surface for such engagement.

[00192] The dispense bung is centrally positioned on the top wall of the drum A, with the fill bung 76 being positioned radially outwardly from the dispense bung, intermediate the central port opening 70 and the edge of the circular top wall member.

[00193] As illustrated in the exploded assembly drawing of FIG. 13, the retaining ring B threads into the drum A to provide a face seal therewith. The retaining ring B has fingers that clamp to the fitment C, and a keycode is machined into the retaining ring. The fitment is fabricated with upper and lower features that serve to locate the fitment vertically on the retaining ring. The retaining ring is formed with a series of slots that permit venting of the space between the drum and the liner in the interior volume of the drum, as well as accommodating introduction of pressurized gas into the interior volume of the drum for pressure-dispensing of material from the liner therein.

[00194] In the CPC4 arrangement, two ports are located on the fitment, including a series of slots defining a first port passage, on the bottom face of the fitment, serving to vent the liner and to provide a path for fluid recirculation, and a central opening defining a second port, for insertion of a dip tube to supply chemical. The CPC4 arrangement is usefully employed with a quick connect probe assembly adapted for direct connection of the probe to the fitment. The dip tube in one embodiment has a feature adapted to open the dispense check valve in the probe. In the embodiment of FIGS. 13-14, a shipping cap (not shown) threads inside of the retaining ring, thereby sealing against the retaining ring and also sealing with a radial seal inside the fitment. Such cap can be removed using a standard bung wrench. In this arrangement, the threaded portions of the cap and retaining ring that engage one other have a left-hand threading.

[00195] The advantages of the FIGS. 13-14 arrangement include a single connection coupling with the probe, the lack of any requirement for an orientation feature between the retaining ring and the fitment, the ease of providing a keycode, e.g., by machining same into the molded retaining ring, and the fact that the fitment is not intended to be removed from the retaining ring, but is intended to be discarded with the liner, thereby reducing the opportunity for human error, and preventing retaining rings from being stored and exchanged with a retaining ring having a wrong keycode. The retaining ring can however be removed with a custom tool. Additionally, the bung assembly in this arrangement has a small size, e.g., a height not exceeding 1 inch, and reduces the possibility that chemical will leak between the liner and the drum. [00196] In the deployment of the drum assembly shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the liner is inserted into the drum, and a rod, if required, is employed to grab the plug on the fill bung. A locking ring is threaded on the fill bung, utilizing a spanner or bung wrench to tighten the locking ring. The fitment then is inserted into the retaining ring, and a retaining ring is threaded into the drum, with a spanner or bung wrench being used to tighten same. [00197] FIGS. 15 and 16 show another concentric port arrangement, referred to hereinafter as the CPC5 arrangement, in which the dispense bung has three concentric ports. Two of these ports are located in/on the fitment, and the third port is a center port 89 located on the retaining ring for insertion of the dip tube into the interior volume of the container. [00198] The drum A has a central port opening 80 circumscribed by a collar 82 on the circular top wall member. The circular top wall member is joined at its periphery to a side wall 83, and the side wall in turn is joined at its lower edge portion to a circular bottom wall member (not shown in FIGS. 15 and 16). The central port opening 80 is disposed in radially spaced- apart relationship to the fill bung 84 in this embodiment.

[00199] The dispense bung in the CPC5 arrangement has three concentric ports, including an array of circumferentially spaced-apart slots 88 for pressure assist and venting, and an array of slots is provided on fitment C for venting the liner and for recirculation. Slots 86 are provided on the retaining ring B to accommodate a spanner wrench. The retaining ring threads into the drum, and a snap ring D is employed to connect the fitment to the retaining ring. A keycode is located on the retaining ring. The fitment C and dip tube E complete the dispense bung assembly.

[00200] As shown in FIG. 16, the retaining ring B extends upwardly from the collar of the dispense bung, exposing threading on its exterior surface for engagement with a shipping cap (not shown in FIGS. 15 and 16). The shipping cap threads onto the retaining ring to provide a seal between the pressure / venting ports and the outside of the drum. A second seal is supplied on the inside of the fitment.

[00201] The CPC5 arrangement is advantageous, having only a few component parts. The concentric ports allow for a very compact connector design, and single keying for the connector. Two tools are required for the CPC5 arrangement, one for installing the snap ring and the second for "threading-in" the retaining ring.

[00202] In the CPC5 arrangement, the retaining ring B threads into the drum and provides a face seal therewith. The snap ring D is used to secure the fitment C, and a keycode is machined into the retaining ring B. The retaining ring is provided with a series of slots to vent the space between the drum and the liner, and to supply pressure for dispensing. On the fitment, two ports are provided, including a series of slots on the bottom face of the fitment for venting the liner and for recirculation. The central opening accommodates the insertion of the dip tube to supply chemical. [00203] In the use of the CPC5 arrangement, the probe is readily connected to the fitment. The dip tube has a feature to open the dispense check valve in the probe upon coupling of the probe to the dip tube. The shipping cap threads to the outside of the dispense bung, with a radial seal created on the inside of the fitment and on the retaining ring. A standard bung wrench can be used to remove the shipping cap. The fill bung is constructed analogously to the fill bung in the previously described concentric port arrangements. A single connection is provided for the probe, and no orientation feature is required between the retaining ring B and the fitment C. The keycode is readily machined into the molded retaining ring, and the overall height of the shipping cap is small, allowing for minimization of volume in shipment of the drum assembly. Finally, this configuration entails a low probability of leakage of chemical between the liner and the drum.

[00204] In the use of the CPC5 drum assembly, a liner article is inserted into the drum, and a rod is employed to grab the plug on the fill bung. The locking ring is threaded on the fill bung, using a spanner or bung wrench to tighten. The fitment is inserted into the retaining ring and the fitment is secured with the snap ring. Finally, the retaining ring is threaded into the drum, using a spanner or bung wrench to tighten the retaining ring.

[00205] It therefore it is apparent that the various concentric port arrangements of the invention provide multifunctional port assemblies that accommodate (i) dispensing of material from the container, (ii) recirculation and venting of the interior volume of the container, and (iii) in application to liner-based systems, venting of the volume between the liner and the container, as well as introduction of pressurizing gas for pressure-assisted dispensing operation involving progressive compaction of the liner.

[00206] The present invention in another aspect also contemplates a variety of non- concentric port conformations (hereafter NCPC) arrangements.

[00207] One such NCPC arrangement, denoted hereafter as the NCPCl arrangement, is shown in FIGS. 17-20, in which the dispense bung has three non-concentric ports. The two larger ports (visible in the fitting as depicted in FIG. 17) are employed for dispensing and for recirculating chemical, while the third port is employed to vent the space between the liner and the drum in the interior volume of the drum, as well as to introduce pressurized gas to effect pressure-dispensing of chemical.

[00208] The retaining ring in such NCPCl arrangement is advantageously constructed with an elastomer overmold allowing the fitment to snap into position, in engagement with the retaining ring, and allowing the retaining ring to snap into position on the drum. The elastomer also provides a seal between the engaged dispense bung surfaces, to stop chemical from leaking into or out of the region between the drum and the liner. The elastomer additionally seals the drum so that a pressure can be supplied to assist with dispensing of the chemical. The keycode is conveniently located on the retaining ring in this arrangement. [00209] The shipping cap in the NCPCl arrangement threads onto the drum bung, and has a floating center to allow a face seal between all of the ports in the fitment. [00210] As illustrated in FIGS. 17-20, the top circular wall member of the drum has a central port opening 92 therein, circumscribed by the upwardly extending collar 94. The fitment C is positionable in the port opening, and has a further opening therein to accommodate insertion of the dip tube D into the interior volume of the drum, for contact with the material to be dispensed from the liner in the dispensing operation of the drum assembly. [00211] The fitment C in turn is engageable with the retaining ring B. [00212] The dispense bung is centrally located in the NCPCl arrangement, being in radially spaced relationship in respect of the fill bung 96. The shipping cap E, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, engages the retaining ring in a low-profile closure conformation. [00213] Thus, in the NCPCl arrangement, the retaining ring B has an elastomer mold on the outside and inside surfaces thereof, facilitating snap-fitting of the fitment C to the ring B and the ring B to the drum A. The fitment has upper and lower structural features to locate the fitment C vertically on the retaining ring B, and three ports are located on the fitment, one for supplying chemical, one for venting the liner and for recirculation, and one for venting between the liner and the drum A and supplying pressure for pressure-dispensing of chemical. Either or both of the supply and recirculation ports can accept a dip tube D. The shipping cap E threads into the dispense bung, providing seals around the supply and recirculation ports, with a floating center portion. The dip tube D is fabricated with a feature to open the dispense check valve in the probe when coupled with the drum. The fill bung is constructed in the same manner as the fill bung in the previously described CPC arrangements.

[00214] In the use of the NCPCl embodiment described above, a liner is inserted into the drum, and a rod or other suitable tool is employed to grab the plug on the fill bung. The locking ring is threaded on the fill bung, using a spanner or bung wrench to tighten the locking ring. The fitment then is snap-fitted into the retaining ring, and the retaining ring is pressed into position in the drum.

[00215] The advantages of the non-concentric port arrangements in relation to concentric port designs include a simpler connector design, since in a concentric ports design, the connector requires two concentric fluid paths, each with a check valve.

[00216] A second non-concentric ports design contemplated by the invention, denoted NCPC2, is similar to the NCPCl arrangement described hereinabove, but the port for venting between the liner and the drum is on the retaining ring. This configuration reduces the chance of chemical being spilled and flowing between the liner and the drum, and it also allows for a larger port for the pressure port. The shipping cap threads into the drum, providing a radial seal in the fitment, which eliminates the floating center on the shipping cap. [00217] The NCPC2 arrangement is shown in one embodiment thereof in FIGS. 21-24. In this embodiment, the top wall member of drum A has a central port opening 100, circumscribed by collar 102 extending upwardly from the main top surface of such top wall member. Disposed in the top wall member, in radially spaced-apart relationship to the center port opening, is a fill bung 104.

[00218] The retaining ring B in this NCPC2 arrangement has an elastomer overmold on the outside and inside diameters of the ring body, enabling the fitment C to be snap-fitted to the retaining ring B, and the retaining ring B to be snap-fitted to the drum A. A keycode preferably is provided on the retaining ring B, and may be integrally formed thereon, or may be constituted by an accessory device or element that is secured on the retaining ring. [00219] The fitment in this embodiment has upper and lower features to vertically locate the fitment on the retaining ring. Two ports are located on the fitment, one for supplying chemical and the other for venting the liner and for recirculation. Either or both of these ports can accept a dip tube D, and in one embodiment, two dip tubes are provided, one for dispensing and the other for recirculation. The retaining ring has a series of slots that allow for venting between the liner and the drum and/or to supply pressure for pressure-dispensing of chemical from the liner in the drum.

[00220] The shipping cap E (see FIGS. 23 and 24) threads onto the dispense bung, with a single radial seal being provided in the fitment. The elastomer overmold provides a seal between the shipping cap and the drum. There is no requirement in this arrangement for left- handed threads. The dip tube D is formed with a feature to open the dispense check valve in the probe, when a probe is coupled with the container.

[00221] The probe utilized with the container in the NCPC2 arrangement has three separate non-concentric paths for fluids.

[00222] In the use of a container embodying the NCPC2 arrangement, a liner is inserted into the drum, and a rod or other tool is employed to grab the plug on the fill bung. The locking ring is threaded on for the fill bung, using a spanner or bung wrench to tighten the locking ring. The fitment is snap-fitted into the retaining ring and the ring is pressed into the drum. [00223] In another embodiment, denoted hereinafter as the NCPC3 arrangement, the fitment has two ports and incorporates a structural feature for keying a connector when coupled with the container. The two ports can each accept a dip tube. One port has a dip tube inserted for dispensing. The second port can have an insert that is similar to a dip tube in that it will open a check valve, and it may also have a short tube therein, depending on the specific requirements of the end use application of the container. The fitment in this embodiment threads into a retainer, and the retainer has a third port for supplying pressure to the liner and for venting. The retainer is inserted into the drum up to a hardstop (limit) element, and supplies a radial seal with the drum. A keycode can be located on the retaining ring, and the retainer is held in place by a locking ring.

[00224] The NCPC3 configuration is more specifically illustrated in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 25 and 26. FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a drum A including a top wall member having a central port opening 108 circumscribed by an upwardly extending collar 110. The components of the dispense bung include fitment B, retaining ring C, locking ring D and dip tube E, arranged as shown. The drum assembly of FIGS. 25 and 26 also includes a fill bung 106, constructed as previously described in connection with other embodiments of the invention.

[00225] In the NCPC3 assembly, the retaining ring C is threaded onto fitment B. The retaining ring C is inserted into drum A, supplying a seal against the drum. The locking ring D secures the retaining ring C against a hardstop element in the drum, and the retaining ring C incorporates a keycode thereon. Two ports are located on the fitment, one for supplying chemical and the other for venting the liner and for recirculation. Either or both supply and recirculation ports accept a dip tube, and the third port constitutes a locating feature for the dispense probe to be coupled with the fitment in the dispensing operation of the container. [00226] The retaining ring has a series of slots therein allowing venting between the drum and the liner. These slots can also be used to supply pressure to assist in dispensing chemical, when a probe is coupled with the container. The probe connects to the locking ring with a quick connect coupler or a ¹A turn connection similar to a Luer lock structure. The dip tube E has a feature to open a dispense check valve in the probe. The shipping cap in this embodiment threads onto the outside of the dispense bung, and provides a radial seal on the inside of the fitment and on the inside of the retaining ring. A standard bung wrench can be used. [00227] The NCPC3 arrangement provides a single connection for the probe, and a keycode can be provided on the retaining ring. The probe has three separate non-concentric paths for fluids. In this embodiment, the locking ring can be reused, with attendant cost savings. Further, this embodiment incorporates threading on the outside of the bung and does not require left-hand threading for the shipping cap. An advantage of this NCPC3 configuration is that the probe connector is keyed to the fitment.

[00228] In the use of the NCPC3 embodiment shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, a liner is inserted into the drum. A rod or other tool is employed to grab a plug on the fill bung, and the locking ring is threaded on the fill bung, using a spanner or bung wrench for tightening. The retaining ring is threaded onto the fitment, and the retaining ring and the fitment are inserted into the bung. Finally, the locking ring D is inserted, and secured using a spanner or a bung wrench. Care is to be taken in the installation of the liner, since twisting could otherwise occur when threading the locking ring onto the retaining ring. [00229] In a further embodiment featuring non-concentric ports, denoted hereinafter as the NCPC4 arrangement, the fitment has two ports, each with a different diameter for keying the connector. The two ports can each accept a dip tube, with the larger port having a dip tube inserted for dispensing, and the smaller port accommodating an insert that is similar to a dip tube, arranged to open a check valve. The smaller port can alternatively have a short tube disposed therein, depending on the use requirements of the package in a specific application. [00230] The fitment in this embodiment slides into a retainer and is held in place by a snap ring. The retainer has a third port that is used for supplying pressure to the liner and for venting. The retainer is threaded into the drum up to a hardstop element, which supplies a radial seal with the drum. A keycode can be located on the retaining ring in this embodiment. [00231] The NCPC4 arrangement is more fully illustrated in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 27. As illustrated, the dispense bung includes a central port opening 112 in the top wall member of the drum A. This top wall opening is surrounded by a collar 114 and the retaining ring C is threaded into the drum A to supply a radial seal. The retaining ring also has slots therein allowing venting between the liner and the drum. These slots can also be used for supplying pressurized gas for pressure-dispensing of chemical from the liner in the drum. [00232] The fitment B shown in FIG. 27 has two ports of different diameters to key the fitment and the probe coupled thereto for dispensing operation. The larger port has a dip tube disposed therein, and the second port, of smaller diameter, can also accept a similar type dip tube. The dip tube E has a feature to open a check valve in the probe when a probe is connected to the container. The fitment in this embodiment is held in place by a snap ring D. The shipping cap (not shown in FIG. 27) threads onto the dispense bung, creating a radial seal on the retaining ring and on the fitment. A standard bung wrench can be used to remove/secure the cap.

[00233] The fill bung 116 in the FIG. 27 embodiment is fabricated analogously to the fill bung structures in previously described embodiments of the invention.

[00234] In the FIG. 27 embodiment, the fitment B can rotate in the retaining ring C. The keycode can be machined or otherwise provided on the retaining ring. Removal of the shipping cap does not "back out" any parts, and therefore no left hand threads are required. [00235] In use, a liner is inserted into the drum, and a rod or other tool is used to grab the plug on the fill bung. The locking ring is threaded on for the fill bung, using a spanner or bung wrench to tighten. The fitment B is inserted into retaining ring C, and the fitment B is secured with snap ring D. Finally, the retaining ring C is threaded into drum A and tightened with a spanner or bung wrench. The advantages of the NCPC4 arrangement include reduced space required for connecting the fitment to the retainer. [00236] Another non-concentric port arrangement contemplated by the invention, termed the NCPC5 arrangement, is similar to the NCPC4 arrangement, except that the fitment snaps into a retainer ring and is held in place by finger elements instead of a retaining ring.

[00237] The NCPC5 arrangement is shown in FIG. 28, as including drum A on whose top wall member a central opening 120 is bounded by the upstanding collar 122, the opening 120 being in spaced-apart relationship to the fill bung 124.

[00238] The dispense bung components in this embodiment include retaining ring B, fitment C and dip tube D, arranged as illustrated. The retaining ring B threads into the drum A and provides a face seal therewith, and its fingers clamp onto fitment C. A keycode can be machined or otherwise provided on the retaining ring B. The fitment advantageously has upper and lower structural features that positionally locate the fitment vertically on the retaining ring.

[00239] The retaining ring in this embodiment has a series of slots arranged to vent the space in the interior volume of the package between the liner and the drum, and for the purpose of supplying pressurized gas for pressure-assisted dispensing of material from the liner in the drum. Two differently sized ports are located on the fitment C to key the probe to the fitment, with the larger port being used to supply chemical and the smaller port being used to vent or recirculate.

[00240] In this embodiment, the probe quick-connects directly to the fitment C, and the dip tube D incorporates a structural feature that functions to open the dispense check valve in the probe. A similar tube can be used for recirculation. The shipping cap (not shown in FIG. 28) threads into the dispense bung, to create a radial seal on the retaining ring and on the fitment, and can be secured/removed using a standard bung wrench.

[00241] The fill bung 124 in the FIG. 28 embodiment is fabricated analogously to the fill bung structures in previously described embodiments.

[00242] The NCPC5 arrangement illustrated in FIG. 28 has various advantages, including adaptability of the retaining ring to incorporate a keycode, and the non-removability of the fitment from the retaining ring, so that it must be discarded with the liner, which reduces the opportunity for human error since the retaining rings cannot be stored and exchanged for one with an incorrect keycode. The overall height of the shipping cap on the dispense bung is small, providing a compact arrangement for storage and shipping. Further, the provision of separate fluid paths in the probe simplifies probe construction and operation, and since there are two different port sizes, the probe cannot be inserted incorrectly.

[00243] The liner installation procedure for the NCPC5 arrangement is the same as that described in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 27.

[00244] A further non-concentric port arrangement, termed the NCPC6 arrangement, is shown in FIGS. 29 and 30. [00245] The drum A in this embodiment has a central opening 126 in the top wall member of the drum, encircled by a collar 128, and in spaced relationship to the fill bung 130. The dispense bung components include fitment B, retaining ring C, locking ring D, dip tube E and snap ring F.

[00246] The NCPC6 arrangement is similar to the NCPC4 arrangement, except that the fitment in the NCPC6 arrangement is keyed to the retaining ring. This simplifies the keycoding on the connector. Instead of threading the retaining ring into the drum, a locking ring is employed to hold the retainer in place, since if the retaining ring were threaded into the drum with the fitment keyed, the liner would twist.

[00247] In the NCPC6 arrangement shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, retaining ring C is inserted into drum A against a hardstop element, to supply a radial seal. The locking ring D secures retaining ring C to drum A. The retaining ring C has slots to allow venting between the liner and the drum, and if desired, to supply pressure for pressure-dispensing of material from the liner in the drum.

[00248] The fitment in the NCPC6 embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, has two ports of different diameter to key the fitment B. The larger port has dip tube E inserted. The smaller diameter port can accept a similar dip tube. Fitment B has two locating features to set orientation relative to the retaining ring, and dip tube E has a feature to open a check valve in the dispense probe when coupled with the drum to dispense material therefrom. The fitment B is held in position by the snap ring F.

[00249] In the provision of a shipping cap for the NCPC6 arrangement, there are two options. The first involves provision of a shipping cap that threads on the outside of the dispense bung, requiring two seals. The first seal is on the inside of the retaining ring and the second is on the inside surface of the fitment. The second option extends the height of the bung slightly, employing a shipping cap that is threaded into the dispense bung. Again, two seals are required, one sealing the inside surface of the fitment, and the second sealing the retaining ring.

For either option, a standard bung wrench is used to remove/secure the cap.

[00250] The fill bung 130 in the NCPC6 arrangement is constructed as in previously described embodiments.

[00251] The advantages of the NCPC6 arrangement include the fact that the orientation of the fitment B is set in relation to the keycode on the retaining ring C. This simplifies connecting the probe. In addition, the locking ring in this embodiment is reusable, thereby reducing cost, and no left-hand threads are required for the shipping cap.

[00252] The installation of the liner in the drum having an NCPC6 arrangement is carried out as follows. The liner is inserted into the drum, and a rod or other tool is used to grab the plug on the fill bung. The locking ring is threaded on for the fill bung, using a spanner or bung wrench to tighten same. The fitment B is inserted into the retaining ring C, and the fitment B is secured with a snap ring F. The retaining ring C is inserted into the drum A, and the locking ring D is threaded in, using a spanner or bung wrench to tighten same.

[00253] As compared with the NCPC4 arrangement, the NCPC6 arrangement simplifies the connector coupling. With the fitment keyed to the retaining ring, the user only needs to align the connector to the keycode.

[00254] A still further non-concentric port arrangement, hereinafter referred to as the

NCPC7 arrangement, is illustrated in FIGS. 31 and 32. The NCPC7 arrangement is similar to that of NCPC5, however, in the NCPC7 arrangement, the fitment is keyed to the retainer. A locking ring is used to hold the retainer in place instead of threading the retaining ring into the drum, since if the retaining ring were threaded into the drum with the fitment keyed, the liner would twist.

[00255] The NCPC7 embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 31 and 32 includes a drum assembly with a drum head having central opening 132 therein circumscribed by a collar 134, and in spaced radial relationship to the fill bung 136. The fill bung can be fabricated as previously described.

[00256] The dispense bung components in the NCPC7 arrangement include fitment B, retaining ring C, locking ring D and dip tube E, assembled as reflected by the exploded perspective view of FIG. 31 and the sectional elevation view of FIG. 32.

[00257] As shown in these drawings, the retaining ring C is inserted into the drum A against a hardstop and supplies a radial seal. The retaining ring C has slots to allow venting between the liner and the drum, and can be used to supply pressure for assisting the dispense operation. The fitment has two ports of different diameter, to key the fitment. The larger port has a dip tube E inserted, and the smaller port can accept a similar dip tube. The fitment B incorporates two locating features to set the orientation relative to retaining ring C with the keycode. The dip tube E has a feature that functions to open a check valve in the probe. The fitment B is held in place by finger elements that clamp around the fitment, and the fitment has upper and lower features to locate the fitment vertically on the retaining ring C.

[00258] Concerning the provision of a shipping cap for the NCPC7 arrangement, there are two options of the same type as described hereinabove in connection with the NCPC6 arrangement.

[00259] The fill bung 136 in the NCPC7 arrangement is constructed as in previously described embodiments.

[00260] The advantages of the NCPC7 arrangement include the same advantages characteristic of the NCPC6 arrangement, and the fact that the fitment B is not intended to be removed from the retaining ring C and is correspondingly discarded with the liner. This characteristic reduces the opportunity for human error, since retaining rings cannot be stored and exchanged for one with an incorrect keycode. The retaining ring is however removable by a custom tool.

[00261] The installation of the liner in the drum having an NCPC7 arrangement is carried out by inserting the liner into the drum, with a rod or other tool being used to grab the plug on the fill bung. The locking ring is threaded on for the fill bung, using a spanner or bung wrench to tighten same. The fitment B is inserted into the retaining ring C, and snapped into place. The retaining ring C is inserted into drum A, and locking ring D is threaded in, using a spanner or bung wrench to tighten same.

[00262] As compared with NCPC5, the NCPC7 arrangement simplifies the connector coupling. With the fitment keyed to the retaining ring, the user only needs to align the connector to the keycode.

[00263] Another non-concentric port arrangement, termed hereinafter the NCPC8 arrangement, is illustrated in FIGS. 33 and 34. FIG. 33 shows a perspective view, and FIG. 34 a sectional elevation view, of a drum assembly including a central opening 138 bound by the collar 140, and a peripherally located fill bung 142. The dispense bung components include retaining ring B, fitment C and dip tube D.

[00264] The NCPC8 arrangement includes a fitment having two ports of differing diameter for keying the connector. The larger port has a dip tube inserted therein for dispensing of chemical. The smaller port has an insert, or molded feature that is similar to a dip tube in that it will open a check valve. The fitment snaps into the retainer and is held in position by fingers. The retaining ring has a third port that is used for supplying pressure to the liner and for venting. The retainer is inserted into the drum up to a hardstop, with a ¹A turn connection similar in character to a Luer lock, for securing the retaining ring in the drum. The retaining ring thereby provides a radial seal with the drum. The keycode is located on the retaining ring. [00265] Thus, in this arrangement, the retaining ring B is inserted into drum A against a hardstop to supply a radial seal, and has slots to allow venting between the liner and the drum, and supplying pressure for pressure-assisted dispensing. The fitment C has two ports of differing diameters to key the fitment C, with the larger port containing a dip tube D, and the smaller diameter port containing an insert that is effective to actuate a check valve in the probe. [00266] The fitment therefore has two locating features to set the orientation in relation to the retaining ring B with the keycode, unless the keycode is placed on the fitment. If the keycode is placed on the fitment, the keycode can for example be a snap-in piece that can also have a color keycode. A mating keycode element can snap into, or otherwise be affixed to, the probe. The dip tube has a feature to open the check valve in the probe, with the fitment being held in place by fingers that clamp around the fitment, and including upper and lower features to vertically locate the fitment on the retaining ring. [00267] The fill bung may be fabricated in the previously described manner. Advantages of the NCPC8 arrangement include those of the previously described NCPC7 arrangement. The liner installation procedure is the same as that described for the NCPC7 arrangement except that instead of a thread-in locking ring, the retaining ring is secured by a quarter turn connection to the drum, thereby rendering the connection tool-less and much quicker than a threading connection.

[00268] The fill bung in the various drum assemblies of the invention can be fabricated as hereinafter more fully described, or alternatively in any other suitable manner providing a port structure appropriate to filling of the container with material for subsequent dispensing. [00269] The fill port in various embodiments of the invention may be fabricated with any of the structural arrangements hereinafter more fully described.

[00270] A first illustrative fill port arrangement, hereinafter referred to as Fill Port Conformation 1 (FPCl), is shown in FIGS. 35 (sectional elevation view) and 36 (exploded sectional elevation view). In this arrangement, the liner is supplied with a second fitment having a threaded plug therein. The plug can for example comprise a standard thread, such as a buttress or Mauser thread. The liner is inserted into the drum, as described hereinabove, through the larger (dispense) bung. The fill fitment is inserted into the smaller bung (from inside the drum) and held in place by a retaining ring. The retaining ring threads onto the fitment, thereby keeping the fitment from falling back into the drum. The retaining ring is tightened with a spanner wrench to complete the assembly.

[00271] As shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, the fitment A and the shipping plug B, supplied with the liner article, are installed by securing the fitment A against the drum D with the retaining ring C, utilizing complementary threading of the fitment and the retaining ring. The fitment is kept from pulling through the drum by the smaller size of the filling bung in relation to the fitment welding flange. The shipping plug B may be removed from the drum by a hooked tool or other suitable extractor device.

[00272] The retaining ring in this embodiment is reusable, and the fill bung structure is compact in vertical (height) dimension. The aforementioned buttress or Mauser plugs permit various dip tubes to be used, in consequence of the standard character of such plugs. Further, various adapters are commercially available to change the 2-inch buttress or Mauser plug to an NPT fitting.

[00273] A second fill port conformation, termed the FPC2 arrangement, is shown in FIGS. 37 (sectional elevation view) and 38 (exploded sectional elevation view). This conformation is similar to the FPCl arrangement, except that the retaining ring is specifically adapted to prevent chemical from spilling into the threads and causing the threads to lock. [00274] In the FPC2 arrangement, the fitment A and shipping plug B are supplied in the first instance with a liner. The fitment is secured against the drum D by retaining ring C. The fitment is maintained against pulling through the drum, by appropriate sizing of the opening for the filling bung so that it is smaller in diameter than the fitment welding flange. Again, the shipping plug B may be removed from the drum by a hooked tool or other suitable extractor device.

[00275] The FPC2 conformation has the same advantages as the FPCl conformation, as well as the further advantage that the areas otherwise susceptible to chemical leak are shrouded by the retaining ring. A single part can be used to secure the fitment in this conformation. [00276] Another fill bung arrangement, hereinafter denoted as an FPC3 arrangement, is shown in FIGS. 39 (sectional elevation view) and 40 (exploded sectional elevation view). This embodiment is similar to FPC2, except that saw-like teeth are added to the fitment and the drum. The provision of the saw-like teeth keeps the fitment and the liner from turning while the retaining ring is tightened to the drum, thereby minimizing the likelihood of liner twisting. [00277] The structure and relationship of component parts of the FPC3 arrangement are otherwise similar to those of FPC2 described hereinabove.

[00278] Another aspect of the invention relates to check valves for connectors used to dispense materials from the liners of liner-based material containers. Connectors for BID containers of the type described hereinabove have two fluid paths, a recirculation path and a dispense path. Each requires a check valve that is compact in design. The connector may in some applications require fluid paths that are concentric in relation to one another. It is generally desirable to avoid the presence of spring elements in any fluid path, in the provision of the check valves.

[00279] One check valve conformation (CVC) in accordance with the invention, termed CVCl hereinafter, is applicable to the recirculation port of concentric port connectors. Other check valve conformations described hereinafter, denoted CVC2-CVC5, are applicable to supply and/or recirculation ports for concentric as well as non-concentric connector assemblies. [00280] In the CVCl arrangement, shown in FIGS. 41-43, the check valve is actuated by the fitment. When the poppet is in position, the poppet is forced upward, aligning the slots in the body of the connector to the slots in the poppet, allowing fluid to flow. [00281] The embodiment of FIGS. 41-43 includes a poppet A, which is used to seal the fluid from the recirculation line, and also seals the connector to the fitment. The connector body B is designed with three concentric ports, the center two ports being for fluids, each requiring a check valve. Cap C provides sealing between the center port and the outer port. The fitment D is designed to actuate the poppet.

[00282] The operation of the CVCl arrangement is similar to a spool valve. When the connector is in position on the drum and the keycode and seals have been made, the poppet A is forced upwardly by the fitment D, compressing an associated spring. The slots in the poppet are in line with the fluid flow path, allowing the fluid to flow through the connector. When the connector is removed, the spring forces the poppet into a closed position, sealing the fluid path.

[00283] The advantage of this arrangement includes the option of concentric fluid paths with a check valve for each path, with a correspondingly more compact design in relation to non-concentric arrangements.

[00284] Another check valve arrangement in accordance with the invention, denoted

CVC2, is shown in FIGS. 44 and 45. The CVC2 arrangement includes a spring in a sealed tube formed by the poppet and the guide, which serves to protect the spring from chemical exposure.

The CVCl arrangement may implement the CVC2 arrangement as the center poppet.

[00285] FIGS. 44 and 45 show the valve as including a valve body with a central valve passage, in which the poppet A and the bushing C cooperatively form a tubular interior passage containing the spring B.

[00286] The poppet A in this arrangement is used to seal the fluid from the drum and provides a portion of the housing for the spring as well as an O-ring seal with the connector.

The spring B can be a coated, encapsulated or a non-metal spring, and forces the poppet into a sealing position when the connector is removed from the drum.

[00287] The bushing C in this arrangement provides the upper side of the spring housing and constrains the spring. Fluid is allowed to flow through the bushing when the check valve is actuated.

[00288] When the connector is connected to the drum, a feature on the dip tube will force the poppet A open and compress the spring B. Fluid then will flow through the connector. The arrangement includes a first seal around the poppet A and a second seal between the inside diameter of the poppet A and the smaller outside diameter on the bushing C. As the connector is removed from the drum the spring B will force the poppet A into place, sealing the connector.

[00289] A further check valve arrangement in accordance with the invention, denoted hereinafter as the CVC3 arrangement, is shown in FIGS. 46 and 47. In the CVC3 arrangement, the poppet A is actuated by a feature on the dip tube, causing the poppet to rise and expose slots in an upper portion of the poppet, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the check valve. The valve body contains a central valve passage, and the check valve assembly includes a spring B that is secured between retainer D and bushing C.

[00290] The poppet A is used to seal the connector and to protect the spring from chemical exposure. The poppet has a series of slots to allow fluid to flow through it. The spring B can be a coated, encapsulated or a non-metal spring, and is isolated from the chemical by the poppet.

The bushing C guides and provides a seal for the poppet. Fluid does not flow through the bushing. The retainer D is secured to the poppet, and when assembled, the retainer D provides the surface on which the spring acts to force the poppet closed. [00291] The CVC3 arrangement operates in a simple manner. As the connector is connected to the drum, and after keycodes and seals have been made, the dip tube forces the poppet A open, translating it so the slots are disengaged from the sealed bushing C. Fluid then flows through the poppet A. As the connector is removed, the spring B forces the poppet A to close, sealing against the bushing C.

[00292] The CVC3 arrangement permits the spring to be removed from the fluid flow, with minimal fluid losses.

[00293] A check valve arrangement in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, denoted hereinafter as the CVC4 arrangement, is shown in FIGS. 48 and 49. In this arrangement, the poppet D is actuated by a dip tube, being raised so that the largest opening on the poppet is at the same height as the smallest diameter on the shaft. There are no bellows to contain the fluid and a radial seal is provided, rather than a face seal with the dip tube. [00294] The CVC4 arrangement thus embodies a highly compact arrangement, in which the poppet A seals the fluid port(s) in the connector. The spring B can be coated, encapsulated or non-metal, and in this arrangement is in the fluid path. The bushing C provides a surface to which the shaft is secured, and a surface against which the spring can act. Fluid flows through the bushing when the check valve is actuated. The shaft D provides a seal with the poppet and sets the end of travel for the poppet.

[00295] In operation, as the connector is connected to the drum and after keycodes and seals have been made, the dip tube forces the poppet A open. The poppet moves so that the smallest inner diameter of the poppet is in line with the smallest outer diameter of the shaft. This configuration provides a maximum fluid flow. The spring is compressed and fluid will flow through the connector. As the connector is removed the spring forces the poppet to a closed position.

[00296] A check valve arrangement according to a further embodiment of the invention, denoted hereinafter as the CVC5 arrangement, is shown in FIGS. 50 and 51, in which the poppet A is actuated by a feature on the dip tube, rising into the connector body to allow fluid to flow. When the connector is disconnected a spring forces the poppet downwardly and creates a seal. This arrangement maintains the spring out of the fluid path, with minimal reduction in fluid flow.

[00297] More specifically, in the CVC5 arrangement, the poppet A seals the fluid port(s) on the connector. The spring is not in the fluid path. The poppet A has three seals, the first sealing the fluid path and the second and third seals isolating the spring from the fluid path. The spring B can be coated, encapsulated or non-metal, and functions to force the poppet to seal when the connector is not connected. The bushing C guides the poppet, protects the spring and provides a fluid path. [00298] In operation of the CVC5 check valve arrangement, as the connector is connected to the drum, and after keycodes and seals have been made, the dip tube forces the poppet A open, compressing the spring B. Fluid then flows, through the poppet A. As the connector is removed the spring B forces the poppet A to close, sealing against the connector housing. [00299] FIGS. 52 and 53 show the above-described CVCl check valve assembly in further detail, with FIG. 52 being a perspective view of the check valve, showing the O-ring and spring elements thereof, and FIG. 53 being an exploded view of the check valve assembly shown in FIG. 52. The poppet A seals the fluid from the recirculation line, and also seals the connector to the fitment D. The connector body B has three concentric ports, as previously described in connection with FIGS. 41-43, and the cap C provides sealing between the center port and the outer port, with the fitment D functioning to actuate the poppet.

[00300] When the connector is in position on the drum and the keycode and seals have been made, the poppet A is forced upwardly by the fitment D, compressing the associated spring S. The slots in the poppet are in line with the fluid flow path, allowing the fluid to flow through the connector. When the connector is removed, the spring forces the poppet into a closed position, sealing the fluid path.

[00301] Another aspect of the invention relates to a probe for use with a single connection BID container, in which a single connection is used to dispense, recirculate and pressure assist the dispensing operation. One issue with spring elements in connectors is that springs relax over time, causing chemical to leak when the dispenser is removed from the drum, and necessitating discarding of the dispenser assembly. Such issue is overcome by the concentric ports probe described hereinafter.

[00302] The concentric ports probe, hereinafter noted as the CPP assembly, has concentric dispense, recirculation and vent/pressure assist ports. The dispense and recirculation ports each have a check valve associated therewith. The flow in the dispense line and the recirculation line are approximately equal to one another.

[00303] The CPP assembly is shown in perspective view in FIG. 54, and in exploded view in FIG. 55. FIG. 56 is a sectional perspective view of the CPP assembly, showing the constituent components thereof, and FIG. 57 is a sectional elevation view of the assembly. [00304] FIG. 54 shows the CPP assembly, with the dispense port A snap-fitted into the probe main body portion including probe body E, locking sleeve G and probe cap H. FIG. 55 shows an exploded view of the assembly, including components A-H.

[00305] As indicated, the dispense port A snap-fits into the probe body E. The spool sleeve B slides up and down on the probe body E, as a vertically reciprocatable member. When the spool sleeve is in an up position, the recirculation path is open and chemical is allowed to flow. When the spool sleeve is in the down position, it creates a face seal with the dispense port A, closing the chemical path. The spring C forces the spool sleeve B to the down position, sealing the chemical path. The spring C can be of any suitable type, e.g., an encapsulated metal spring or a plastic spring.

[00306] The poppet D seals the dispense port A, and includes a spring that is machined or molded onto the poppet. The probe body E provides a recirculation path and a path for pressure to assist with dispensing. In one preferred embodiment, the probe body E has keying feature(s) specific to a particular chemical and/or supplier. The snap ring F is adapted to hold the poppet D in position. The snap ring F in one preferred embodiment is formed of a plastic material that is inert to the chemical retained in, and to be dispensed from, the BID container, thereby allowing the snap ring to be positioned in the chemical flow path, and facilitating replacement of the poppet when necessary.

[00307] The locking sleeve G connects the probe assembly to the drum M as shown in FIG. 57, with the connection therebetween including a quarter turn coupling structure. The probe cap H provides the ports for the probe. There are two flare fittings to interface with the tool to which the BID container is to be connected in dispensing operation thereof. One connection fitting is for dispensing chemical and the second is for recirculation or venting of the liner. A third port is used to supply pressure for assisting in the dispensing of the chemical, or it may be used for venting between the liner and the drum.

[00308] As illustrated in the FIG. 57 sectional elevation view of the assembly, the locking sleeve G secures the probe assembly to the retaining ring J. The dip tube K has a feature that compresses the spring on the poppet D, thereby opening the chemical path for dispensing. The fitment N functions to compress the spring C, thereby allowing the spool sleeve B to move to the open position for the recirculation path.

[00309] The CPP assembly illustratively shown in FIGS. 54-57 has the following advantages. First, the concentric ports arrangement allows for the probe to be relatively small in diameter. Second, a check valve in the recirculation path does not allow chemical to leak from the lines when the probe is removed from the drum. Third, the snap ring retaining the poppet allows the probe to be serviced in an easy and convenient manner. If the poppet spring relaxes over time, or the sealing surface of the poppet is marred, or the probe needs to be cleaned, the snap ring can be removed and the poppet can be replaced. Fourth, the poppet design incorporates the spring, poppet and bushing in an arrangement allowing for a more repeatable spring force that will not vary between individual probes. The same poppet is used for the dispense and recirculation paths. Fifth, the fastening to the drum with a quarter turn connection provides a quick and easy coupling operation to be employed, which increases the efficiency of the material supply operation involving the BID container. [00310] In another aspect, the invention relates to a check valve assembly as shown in FIGS. 58-60. FIG. 58 is an exploded perspective view of the check valve assembly, FIG. 59 is a sectional elevation view of the check valve in the normal state, and FIG. 60 is a sectional elevation view of the check valve in the actuated state.

[00311] The check valve assembly utilizes a poppet that is activated by a feature on the dip tube, or on a fitment if the associated port provides a recirculation path. When actuated, the poppet is raised into the connector body, compressing the spring associated with the poppet, and allowing fluid to flow. When the probe is disconnected from the drum, the spring will force the poppet down, creating a seal. The poppet may be fabricated with an O-ring to create the seal.

[00312] This check valve assembly has only two parts, is easily removed from the probe for service, and exhibits repeatable spring force because of the machined or molded spring associated with the poppet.

[00313] Referring now specifically to FIGS. 58-60, the check valve assembly includes a poppet A that is used to seal the fluid from the drum, and has a spring machined or molded onto the poppet. The spring forces the poppet to seal the port when the probe is not connected to the drum. The retaining ring B is employed to hold the poppet in position. The retaining ring may be formed of any suitable material construction, but preferably is of a non-metal material construction, allowing it to be placed in the fluid path.

[00314] The check valve assembly may be modified by addition of a shaft to guide the poppet. In such modification, the shaft would press into the poppet and the bushing area would provide a guide.

[00315] In a further aspect, the invention relates to non-concentric ports probe assemblies, as shown in one embodiment in FIGS. 61-63.

[00316] The probe has non-concentric dispenser and recirculation ports, with a third port that can be used to supply pressure for assisting in dispense, or for venting between the drum and the liner. In such probe, the dispense and recirculation ports each have a check valve in the probe. The flow path through the probe is approximately equal for the two ports.

[00317] The non-concentric ports probe includes a probe cap that provides an interface between the tool (receiving dispensed material from the BID container) and the probe body C.

The probe cap A has two flared fittings, one for dispensing chemical and the other for recirculation or venting of the liner. A third port is employed for supplying pressure to assist in the dispensing of the chemical, or it may be used to vent the interior volume region between the liner and the drum. A locking sleeve B connects the probe to the retaining ring H on the drum J

(see FIG. 63). A quarter turn is required to secure the probe in position, facilitating the coupling and dispensing operation.

[00318] The probe body C provides the housing for the respective dispense, recirculation and pressure/ vent ports. The probe body seals in the fitment G and in the retaining ring H, and in a preferred embodiment has keying feature(s) that are chemical- and/or supplier-specific. The probe body may also be equipped with an RFID device or other communication accessory, for use in an integrated signal processing network adapted for monitoring and control of the dispensing operation.

[00319] The poppet D seals the dispense and recirculation port, being designed with a spring that is machined or molded onto the poppet. The poppet in such manner creates a seal with the probe body C, and an O-ring may additionally be employed, to assist with the sealing. [00320] The poppet D is actuated by the dip tube F, and a locating feature is present on the poppet that interfaces with a protrusion on the dip tube F. Such locating feature allows the poppet D to move in a controlled motion. It may be desirable in some applications to include a shaft in the poppet assembly, to guide the motion of the poppet to ensure its proper seating. [00321] The probe further includes a snap ring E that is adapted to hold the poppet D in place. While the snap ring may be formed of any suitable material of construction, it preferably is made of plastic, allowing it to be positioned in the chemical flow path. The snap ring allows for easy replacement or service of the poppet.

[00322] The dip tube F in this embodiment has a machined or molded connector with a protrusion that interfaces with the poppet D, forcing the poppet into a compressed, or opened, position. The dip tube F is secured to the fitment G with a quarter turn coupling. The fitment G is welded to the liner in the drum J, and is keyed to the drum for orientation and to prevent twisting of the liner during securement to the drum. The fitment G has two differently sized ports, the larger port accepting a dip tube F for dispensing, and the second port optionally having a feature machined or molded therein for actuating the check valve. Alternatively, a similar dip tube may be inserted into the second port.

[00323] The probe assembly, as shown in FIG. 63, is mounted on the drum J with the retaining ring H having slots that function to provide a path for venting the space between the drum and the liner, and to provide pressurized fluid to assist in dispensing. The retaining ring H provides a connection for the probe, and keycode features can be located on the retaining ring.

[00324] The non-concentric ports probe illustratively shown in FIGS. 61-63 provides dispense and recirculation ports, each of which has a check valve in the probe. The flow path through the probe is roughly equal for the respective ports. The provision of a check valve in the recirculation path prevents chemical from leaking from the lines when the probe is removed from the drum. The snap ring retaining the poppet allows the probe to be readily serviced. If the poppet spring relaxes over time, or if the sealing surface of the poppet is marred, or if the probe otherwise needs to be cleaned, the snap ring can be removed and the poppet can be replaced. The snap ring also allows O-rings used on the poppet for sealing to be readily replaced. [00325] The poppet design of this embodiment, incorporating a spring, poppet and bushing, allows for a more repeatable spring force to be reliably achieved. The same poppet is used for the dispense and the recirculation ports. An O-ring can be added to the poppet if the face seal does not provide an adequate seal. A quarter turn of the sleeve serves to connect the probe to the drum, providing a quick connection. As mentioned, the probe can incorporate an RFID tag or other communication/verification element to detect any mis-connection of the probe and container.

[00326] Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 64, which is a perspective exploded view of a dip tube connector including a dip tube coupler and a fitment cooperative therewith. The coupler is fabricated for quarter turn connection to the fitment, providing an assembly that is readily installed and removed. When the probe is connected to the drum, the dispense port is sealed in the fitment, with a locking mechanism retaining the position of the coupler by not allowing the dip tube assembly to float.

[00327] The dip tube coupler A is a machined or molded part that is welded or flared onto the dip tube. The coupler has a protrusion to open the dispense valve on the probe, and an O- ring is utilized to seal between the coupler and the fitment B. The coupler is provided with grooves for locking into the fitment B. The coupler face may have a taper down towards the center, to funnel any spilled chemical into the drum.

[00328] In this construction, the fitment B is welded onto the drum liner, and has tabs in the dispense port for locking engagement with the dip tube coupler A. An approximately quarter turn is required to secure the coupler in the fitment. This quarter turn design does not require a sealing surface for the poppet assembly. It also eliminates the potential of the poppet assembly to unintentionally remove the dip tube assembly from the drum during the disconnect operation, and renders the insertion and removal process interference-free in character. [00329] It therefore will be appreciated that the various aspects and features described hereinabove in relation to material storage and dispensing containers can be utilized to achieve significantly improved materials handling in applications such as semiconductor manufacturing (e.g., with semiconductor manufacturing process tools) requiring ultrapure materials for production of microelectronic devices, and in other industrial processes and operations involving specialty chemical reagents. The features, aspects, components and sub-assemblies described herein may be employed, singly, or in combinations, and materials containers in accordance with the invention may variously utilize structure or methodology comprising, consisting or consisting essentially of such features, aspects, components and sub-assemblies, in specific formulations and specifications of the invention.

[00330] FIG. 65 is a graph of vibration level as a function of frequency for a truck employed to transport liner-based packages, such as bag-in-drum (BID) packages and bag-in- can (BIC) packages, showing the power distribution function of the truck during transport. Also noted in the graph are the resonant frequencies for a 200 liter BIC container (50 Hertz) and for a 200 liter BID container (12-15 Hertz). The conditions involving resonant frequency of the BID container result in excessive vibration of the BID container contents, causing the liner in the BID container to translate and flex during transport. These movements in turn result in particle shedding from the liner and pin-holing of the liner. The stiffer BIC container has a higher resonant frequency and thus entails less pin-holing issues. 200 liter polyethylene drums also share the same resonant frequency as the BID containers. Even though pin-holing is not important in respect of the polyethylene drums (since no liner is present), the mixing attendant to vibration caused by resonant frequency effects is extremely deleterious to the stability of materials such as chemical mechanical planarization slurries.

[00331] The vibrational effects attendant transport of BID containers is ameliorated by the drum construction shown in FIG. 66.

[00332] As illustrated in FIG. 66, the BID container 170 includes a drum 172 including a cylindrical sidewall 174 that is leak-tightly joined at its upper end portion to a top wall member 176, and is leak-tightly joined at its lower end portion to a bottom wall member 178. The respective side and top and bottom walls define an enclosed interior volume 179. The interior volume 179 contains the liner 180 therein, with the liner being joined at a neck portion thereof to a fitment 183. The fitment may be suspended or secured in the interior volume 179 in any suitable manner, so as to positionally stablilize the liner against undue movement. Preferably, the liner has a zero or near-zero headspace conformation, to minimize the occurrence of particle shedding and microbubble formation.

[00333] The interior volume 179 includes a space 182 between the liner 180 and the walls of the drum 172, into which pressurized gas may be introduced during the dispensing operation, to effect pressure-dispensing of material from the liner, through the fitment 183 and associated dispensing circuitry and connectors (not shown in FIG. 66) coupled to the fitment. [00334] The drum in this embodiment of the invention is fabricated with a vibrational damping section 190 including a series of accordion folds, pleats or similar structure of the sidewall permitting the vibration exerted on the BID container during transport, storage or use conditions to be damped by such flexural sidewall structure.

[00335] Although the flexural sidewall structure is shown illustratively in the FIG. 66 embodiment as being located at the lower portion of the sidewall, it will be appreciated that the use of damping structure in accordance with the invention is not thus limited, but rather that any damping structure or augmentation of the BID container may be employed within the broad practice of the invention, which serves to moderate the adverse effects of vibration on such containers.

[00336] The damper section utilized in BID containers in accordance with the invention moves the resonant frequency of the BID container to lower values of the maximum found during truck transportation. It also serves to lower the magnitudes of shocks that are transmitted into the BID during such transportation.

[00337] In one embodiment, the damper section is fabricated as a chime with corrugated walls forming the basis of a spring, so that if there are inelastic losses in the spring, damping will occur. If the chime is constructed as an air chamber, an orifice that bleeds in and out will serve to provide damping. A chime that has a bottom plate that sits on a supporting structure and a top plate that is attached to the main container can be employed. Couplers with elastomeric inserts can provide damping.

[00338] A significant advantage of the chime approach is that it is transparent to a user of the BID container. The damper structure remains associated with the drum, as a permanent fixture of the container, obviating issues such as logistical issues, parts ordering, control over shippers, etc.

[00339] As a further aspect of BID containers having damping structure as shown in FIG. 66, the top section of a drum having a bottom section damping structure could be stiffened to move resonant frequency up and away from the maximum power frequency associated with the vehicle on which the BID container is transported. For example, such stiffening could be achieved by changing the material in the drum and/or adding stiffening members to the drum. [00340] FIG. 67 is a schematic representation of a material container according to another embodiment of the invention, showing a spring-damper isolation assembly associated with a chime portion of a vessel.

[00341] The material containment package 200 includes a material storage and dispensing vessel 202, according to one embodiment of the invention, as coupled with a connector 204 including dispensing conduit 206 and pressurized gas feed line 208. The dispensing conduit 206 is coupled with a dip tube (not shown in FIG. 67) extending downwardly into liner 224 containing a semiconductor manufacturing reagent. Pressurizing gas is introduced through gas feed line 208 to progressively compact liner 224 to assist dispensing of liquid through the dispensing conduit 206.

[00342] In this arrangement, the connector 204 matably engages a fitting associated with the vessel 202 in the neck opening, to accommodate the dispensing operation. It will be appreciated that in some instances, a gas feed line 208 will not be necessary, and that suction can be applied via the dispensing conduit 206, to extract reagent from the liner in the vessel. [00343] The dispensed reagent from dispensing conduit 206 is passed to pump 210, which discharges the reagent into inlet line 212 of the semiconductor manufacturing facility 214 for use of the dispensed material therein, e.g., in a semiconductor manufacturing tool. [00344] As shown in FIG. 67, the material storage and dispensing vessel 202 is formed with a lower chime portion 222, extending below the floor 220 of the vessel. An array of cantilever springs 228 interconnects the floor 220 of the vessel and a base support member 226. By this spring-damper isolation arrangement, the cantilever springs absorb shock and impact forces, torsional stresses, vibration, etc.

[00345] The foregoing enhancements for damping containers, while illustratively disclosed in application to liner-based material storage and dispensing containers, are not limited to liner- based packaging, but are more generally applicable in material container applications to liner- based as well as liner-less packages, in which the damping structure ameliorates adverse effect on contained material incident to vibrational and resonant frequency effects. [00346] In bag-in-drum (BID) and bag-in-can (BIC) products, in which a probe is coupled with the drum or container for dispensing, probe connections between the container and fluid controls need to the restricted to prevent contamination. For such purpose, key codes are commonly employed, that enable only mating parts of assemblies to connect. In many probe configurations, rotation of key codes during engagement of the probe with the container makes the alignment of key code elements difficult for the user, so that it is difficult to ascertain whether the user can proceed with locking of the probe to the container for subsequent dispensing.

[00347] To resolve this issue, the invention in one embodiment contemplates the use of non-concentric, dual ports of differing configurations, so that the user can only assemble the connecting probe in one orientation. Such structure, in combination with the provision of key codes, serves to eliminate user connection errors. This arrangement also simplifies user attachment procedures since the key features are stationery and do not rotate around the probe connector assembly as in other designs. The corresponding key codes are easy to manufacture and the key configuration can be readily changed in a simple and quick manner. Orientation of key features can also altered in a family of key code configurations, to enable a far greater number of codes to be provided than is possible with standard stationary configurations. [00348] The invention in another aspect contemplates a bag-in-drum (BID) package, in which a coupler and tubing are assembled to create a diptube assembly that is coupleable with the container, for use in transferring material into and from the container. [00349] More specifically, the invention one aspect relates to a snap-together diptube assembly, which is readily fabricated by snap-assembly, thereby replacing fabrication processes in which the tubing is flared and then pressed onto the coupler. Such flaring and pressing procedure is laborious, time-consuming, requires significant work space and is physically stressful for the assembler. Further, the flaring and pressing procedure does not always secure the tubing to the coupler and the tube therefore is susceptible to this engaging during shipping or other transport of the container in which the flared/press-fit diptube assembly is installed. A primary disadvantage of the flaring and press-fit process currently used to create sealed surfaces and connections in diptube assemblies is that it is difficult to control, and the flaring (heating) process is imprecise and often causes the diptube material to experience stress, resulting in deleterious crystalline structuring. Such material degradation can cause the tubing to split at the flare. Additionally, the tubing assembly requires sufficient strength to fit the tubing over the coupler.

[00350] In contrast, the snap-fit diptube assembly of the invention makes the diptube assembly fabrication process more efficient by requiring less time, space, and amount of physical strength required to be exerted by the assembler. The snap features flex the tubing outwardly, allowing the tubing to return to its normal conformation once the tube is secured in the snap-fitted position. The force needed to complete the snap-fit diptube assembly is significantly reduced due to a reduced extent of material deformation and a reduced area of deformation in relation to the flaring and press-fit procedure.

[00351] In the snap-fit diptube assembly, the snap features function to retain the tubing in position, even during transportation and consequent vibration, impact and other forces being exerted on the container. This advantage is attributable to the one-way character of the snap feature. Further, since no flaring is involved, there is no corresponding need for long oven heating of the tubing and no large space requirements are required for pressing on a mandrel, as in the flaring and press-fit procedure. Accordingly, the snap-fit diptube assembly of the invention achieves a significant reduction in time, simplifies the assembly process, eliminates energy required in the flaring and press-fit procedure for oven heating of the tubing, eliminates the need for manuals and other components required in the flaring in press-fit procedure, and effects a locked connection of the component parts in the diptube assembly. [00352] The snap-fit diptube assemblies of the invention can be used in a wide variety of bag-in-drum (BID), bag-in-bottle (BIB) and bag-in-can (BIC) packages, in which the diptube assembly includes a coupler and a tube, and is used to transport fluid into and out of a container in which the diptube assembly is installed.

[00353] In one embodiment, the snap-fit diptube assembly includes a coupler having radial bands that allow the tubing to slide over and back down the surfaces of the coupler. Cold-form compression, between the coupler outer diameter surface and tubing inner diameter surface, creates a sealing surface and produces an effective connection between the coupler and the tubing.

[00354] This in turn eliminates the need to flare the tubing, and thereby reduces ergonomic fabrication issues, and eliminates the need for flaring equipment and large-areas for ovens, tools, and thermal control systems. Additionally, the snap-together diptube assembly requires no secondary operation after assembly. Since no secondary operation is involved, there is correspondingly no need to clean the assembly after its fabrication. Instead, pre-cleaned coupler and tubing parts can be assembled and immediately bagged for shipping. Additionally, there is no need for use of any lubricants in the assembly process. Contrariwise, a simple tool, similar to an arbor press, can be used to snap-fit the respective diptube assembly component parts together without the substantial effort required in flaring and press-fit procedures. [00355] The invention in another aspect provides a compresssion-fit assembly in which the tubing is mated with a container port, spigot or other fitted body connector and a nut is tightened over the tubing and fitted body connector to secure a seal, in which the fabrication has no cycle time and is not labor-intensive in character. The tubing in such procedure is cold- pressed onto the fitted body connector, making the deformation consistent and equal about the axis of the fitted body connector. This process eliminates the need for flaring tools, as well as the delays involved in heating of tools and the tubing and as a result achieves significant improvements in productivity in the assembly process.

[00356] The invention in another aspect relates to nestable drums as container conformations that enable efficient use of transport space and improved handleability of the container components. When drums are being shipped in an empty state, the cost associated with space requirements for transport are significant, and the percent weight capacity of the transport vehicle utilized for carrying the empty drums is low. In addition, regulatory requirements for shipping of drums must be satisfied.

[00357] The present invention addresses these issues by the provision of a nestable drum configuration in which the drums are separable into upper and lower sections that are matable with one another when the top section is inverted and reposed in the lower section of the drum in a nested fashion. Alternatively, the respective upper and lower sections can be nested with like sections of other drums of the same construction, so that respective upper sections of containers are nestable with one another, and lower sections of drums are nestable with one another.

[00358] By such separable character, the nestable drum enables the following advantages to be achieved: (1) the nesting space required is substantially less than the space required for conventional "bucket"-type drums, (2) the two sections of the nestable drums can be nested in a very compact configuration, making the organization and matching of two sections easier to achieve, whereas a lid and bucket container would have to be separated into two areas for shipping, making the organization and assembly process more difficult, (3) design of the separable drum, e.g., in a half-drum configuration, enables different manufacturing processes to be employed that permit significant gains in cost-effectiveness of the manufacturing process, from the perspective of production as well as cost of tooling, e.g., manufacturing processes such as thermoforming and drape molding can be employed to leave a smooth internal surface and significantly reduce the risks of severe pinholing, (4) easy access to the interior volume of the container is available to the end user for cleaning and drying of the drum, (5) dimensional tolerances are more easily met with the smaller-volume sections of the drum being separately manufactured, as opposed to blow molding or otherwise forming the entire shell of the drum in the forming operation, and (6) storage space needed for drums at fill stations, in transport vehicles, on loading docks, etc. is substantially reduced, in relation to empty drums of a unitary construction.

[00359] The nestable drum, when constructed of polymeric material, is able to be manufactured by a variety of processes of plastic forming processes, such as thermoforming, blow molding, compression molding, rotomolding, injection molding, reaction injection molding, etc.

[00360] FIG. 68 is a perspective view of a probe and container assembly, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The probe and container assembly 250 includes a probe

252 having a threaded lower portion 253 that is threadably engagable with threading on the interior surface of the collar 254 on container 255. The collar 254 circumscribes a fitment ring

256 that includes exterior surface with keying elements. The fitment ring 256 circumscribes the fitment 262. The fitment 262 has cylindrical deformations therein for accommodating an extraction and removal tool with which the fitment and associated diptube can be withdrawn when the container 255 is disassembled for cleaning, reuse, etc.

[00361] The probe includes fluid flow conduits 270 and 272 that communicate with the port openings 258 and 260 respectively when probe 252 is matably engaged with the container 255.

[00362] FIG. 69 is a perspective schematic view of a probe and container assembly of a type similar to that shown in FIG. 68, illustrating the details of a probe collar key ring 280 associated with the probe 252. In FIG. 69, corresponding parts and components are numbered correspondingly with respect to the parts and components shown in FIG. 68. As illustrated, the probe collar key ring 280 features downwardly depending projection elements 282 that mate with corresponding cavities 284 in the fitment collar key ring 262.

[00363] In this embodiment the keying structures are stationary and non-rotatable in character.

[00364] FIG. 70 is a schematic perspective view of a probe and container assembly according to another embodiment, wherein all parts and elements are correspondingly numbered with respect to same elements shown in prior FIGS. 68 and 69.

[00365] In this embodiment of FIG. 70, the probe 252 includes a sleeve collar locking ring

280 having downwardly depending lock mating protrusions 282 thereon which matingly engage recesses 263 in the fitment retainer ring 256, so that the probe and container 255 are matably engagable in a proper orientation.

[00366] FIG. 71 is a perspective schematic view of another probe container assembly, wherein corresponding parts and components to those shown in FIGS. 68-70 are correspondingly numbered, in which the probe 252 includes a probe plate 290 having downwardly depending therefrom a series of boss and recess elements 292 that are cooperatively engagable with protrusions 296 on a protrusion plate 294 that resides inside the fitment 262, with each of the respective plates having cut-outs to accommodate the ports 258 and 260, as illustrated. By this arrangement, the probe is oriented and keyed for proper orientation and engagement with the container 255.

[00367] FIG. 72 is perspective view of a coupler 300 constituting part of a snap-fit diptube assembly according to one embodiment of the invention. The coupler 300 comprises a generally cylindrical main portion 302 at its proximal end. The main portion 302 is joined at its distal end to a frustoconical transition portion 312, which is joined in turn to a cylindrical distal portion 304 having an open distal end 306 communicating with a central passage in the coupler. [00368] On its exterior cylindrical surface, the distal portion 304 has snap-in-place protrusion elements 308, that may be generally wedge-shaped with a thin distal end portion and a thick proximal end portion, for matable engagement with tubing as hereinafter more fully described.

[00369] The distal portion 304 at its distal extremity has a sealing feature in the form of a circumscribing ring protrusion or ridge 310. The generally cylindrical main portion 302 of the coupler 300 may as illustrated be formed with conformational features to enable ready gripping of the coupler by an assembler.

[00370] FIG. 73 is a perspective view of tubing 320 having holes 322 therein for snap- engagement with the snap-in-place protrusions 308 of the coupler. The tubing 320 may as shown be formed with two holes 322 for enagaging a corresponding number of snap-in-place protrusions 308 of the coupler, however one or more than two such holes and a corresponding number of protrusions on the coupler can be utilized in specific embodiments. [00371] The tubing in this embodiment also is formed with a circumferential groove therein (not shown in FIG. 73) so that the sealing feature 310 on the cylindrical distal portion 304 matably engages such groove when the distal portion 310 is inserted into the tubing 320 to a predetermined extent.

[00372] FIG. 74 is an elevational, cross-sectional view of the coupler and tubing of FIGS. 72 and 73 as engaged with one another, with the protrusions 308 disposed in the holes 322 and with the sealing feature 310 reposed in the interior groove of the tubing 320. The resulting snap-together diptube assembly is readily assembled without flaring, swaging, or other labor- intensive and time-consuming operations.

[00373] FIG. 75 is a perspective view of a coupler 350 according to another embodiment of the invention. The coupler 350 has a proximal, generally cyclindrical portion 352 of relatively larger average diameter in relation to a generally frustoconical transition portion 354 of intermediate average diameter in relation to a distal tubular portion 356 having a bore 358 therethrough of smallest diameter in relation to the other two portions of the coupler. [00374] The distal tubular portion 356 has an undulant wall circumscribing the bore 358, and characterized by a series of ridges 360 alternating with a series of respective depressions 362. The undulant surface profile of the distal portion of the coupler enables the coupler to be mated in secure fashion with a corresponding section of tubing, as shown in FIG. 76.

[00375] Referring now to FIG. 76, there is shown a coupler 350, all parts and elements being correspondingly numbered in respect to the reference numbers set out in FIG. 75. The coupler 350 is mated with the tubing 366 so as to provide a unitary diptube assembly. In this assembly, the ridges or "bumps" on the distal tubular portion 356 of the coupler serve to deform the tubing 366. This arrangement thus provides a gripping force exerted by the tubing on the exterior surface of the distal portion of the coupler, as well as eliminating air pockets and potential chemical traps that may impair the function of the diptube if the tubing were not in close contact with the exterior surface of the coupler.

[00376] FIG. 77 is a side elevation view, in cross-section, of the diptube assembly 350, showing the profile of the tubing 366 on the exterior surface of the distal portion of the coupler.

All parts and elements in FIG. 77 are numbered correspondingly to the elements shown in FIG

76.

[00377] FIG. 78 is a side elevation view, in cross-section, of a compression fitting structure that may be employed to form a diptube assembly, or other connection, such as an assembly including tubing and a valve port.

[00378] Coupling assembly 380 shown in FIG. 78 includes a fitted body 390 and a tube

382. The tube has a main smaller diameter portion 382 joined to a frustoconical transition section 386 joined in turn to an end portion 388 of larger diameter than the main smaller diameter portion 382. The tubing contains a bore 384 that communicates with the bore of the fitted body 390.

[00379] The fitted body 390 has a main body portion joined to a threaded extension portion

392 having threading 394 on its exterior surface, and a distal portion 395 which terminates in a convergent end portion 386 that sealingly mates with the inner surface of the transitional portion 386 of the tubing. In such engaged relationship, the distal portion 395 of the fitted body

390 engages and seals with the inner surface of the larger diameter end portion 388 of the tubing.

[00380] Concurrently, the fitted body and associated tubing are overfitted with the locking nut 397 which has a central bore therein accommodating the tubing, whose end portion 388 is reposed in cavity 398 of the locking nut, with the locking nut having threading 393 that is complementary to the threading 394 on the fitted body 390. By such structure, the locking nut may be matably engaged with the fitted body 390 to provide a leak-tight seal between the fitted body and the tubing.

[00381] The invention in another embodiment relates to a pivoting collar device for extraction of a diptube assembly from a container in which the diptube assembly is mounted. The diptube includes a coupler and tubing, and may for example be of a type as shown and described in connection with FIGS. 72-77 hereof.

[00382] The extraction of the diptube assembly is difficult since the removal tool must be specifically positioned and requires significant effort for the extraction, with potential for - scratching of the surfaces of the assembly parts. Additionally, tool access to the diptube assembly is difficult insofar as positioning the extraction tool is concerned, since the tool must be twisted into an opening to obtain purchase on the fitment and to engage the coupler portion of the diptube assembly.

[00383] The pivoting collar device of the invention includes fingers to grip the coupler in the diptube assembly. The pivoting collar device has tracks therein that define the movement of the fingers and thereby define a position of the fingers relative to the central axis of the collar. When this extraction device is engaged with the diptube assembly, by screwing down the device onto the ring assembly of the container, the fingers are positioned to protrude into the port openings of the container. After the tool has been screwed down and fully engaged with the drum ring assembly of the container, the user can begin to unscrew the tool and disengage the diptube assembly. By changing the direction from clockwise to counterclockwise, or vice versa, the tracks in the pivoting collar function to force the fingers inwardly toward the central axis, thereby gripping the coupler portion of the diptube assembly. The mechanical movement of the threads lifts the coupler out of the fitment for disengagement from the container. [00384] This arrangement provides a mechanical advantage to the user in removing the diptube assembly from the container.

[00385] FIG. 79 is perspective view of a pivoting collar device 400 according to one embodiment of the invention. The pivoting collar device 400 includes a main body portion that is of generally cylindrical block form, and is provided with tracks 402 and 404 in which the upper pucks 406 and 408 of the finger assemblies are reposed for movement. The finger assembly includes a central shaft 410 having the upper puck 406 joined thereto at its upper extremity as more fully shown in FIG. 80. The finger assembly at an intermediate portion thereof features a lower puck 418 and at its lower end the shaft 410 is joined to finger 414. [00386] Referring again to FIG. 79, the finger assembly shown in FIG. 80 is positioned in the left-hand portion of the pivoting collar device in the view shown in FIG. 79 and a corresponding finger assembly including shaft 412 and finger 416 and upper puck 408 are similarly constructed.

[00387] FIG. 81 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of the pivoting collar device of FIGS. 79 and 80, showing the details of the finger assembly as reposed in corresponding openings in the main body of the collar device 400. [00388] As illustrated, the finger assembly upper puck 406 reposes in a cavity in the upper face of the main body portion and the lower puck 418 is reposed in a corresponding opening in the lower face of the main body portion of the collar device 400.

[00389] Finger 414 is mounted at the lower end of the shaft 410, and is movable by manual movement, rotationally, of the main body portion of the pivoting collar device. [00390] Such translational movement of the finger assemblies is shown in the top plan views of FIGS. 82 and 83, wherein FIG. 82 shows rotation being indicated by directional arrow A and FIG. 83 shows rotation in the direction indicated by directional arrow B. [00391] FIG. 82 shows the upper puck 406 of the finger assembly as being reposed in track 402 having an interior channel 420 therein to accommodate movement of the shaft of the finger assembly. In like manner, the upper puck 408 of the other finger assembly is reposed in track 404 which communicates with interior channel 422 to permit movement of the finger assembly along the track during rotational movement of the pivoting collar device main body portion. [00392] For engagement of the pivoting collar device with the collar of the vessel in the material storage and dispensing package, the main body portion of the pivoting collar device and collar in one embodiment are appropriately threaded complementarily with one another so that they can be threadably engaged with one another.

[00393] By the clockwise rotation of the main body portion of the pivoting collar device in the embodiment shown in FIG. 82, the fingers of the finger assembly are forced outwardly into non-gripping orientation. Thus, with the main body portion of the pivoting collar device being screwed onto a collar of a container, the clockwise movement of the main body portion will cause the fingers to retract. Subsequent counter-clockwise movement of the main body portion of the pivoting collar device during disengagement from the container will cause the fingers to move radially inwardly, to engage the coupler of the diptube assembly so that the diptube assembly is concurrently extracted from the port of the container in which it is reposed. [00394] As shown in FIG. 83, which is correspondingly numbered as to component parts and elements, the counter-clockwise rotation forces the fingers of the finger assemblies inwardly. FIGS. 84 and 85 are cross-sectional elevation views of the coupler and pivoting collar device for extracting the diptube assembly from the container. FIG. 84 shows the pivoting collar device 400 and fingers 414 and 416 on the respective shafts 410 and 412 associated with the pivoting collar and in a non-engaged position, extending through openings 430 and 432 respectively within the collar 440, so that the fingers 414 and 416 are reposed in the open volume 436 as illustrated.

[00395] Subsequently, rotation of the pivoting collar in a counterclockwise position as shown in FIG. 83, forces the fingers 414 and 416 on shafts 410 and 412 into a position gripping the coupler of the diptube assembly, within the collar 440, so that the manual extraction of the pivoting collar 400 will effect withdrawal of the diptube assembly in a simple and efficient manner.

[00396] FIG. 86 is a perspective exploded view of a drum 450 featuring a drum ring 452 mounted thereon. The drum ring circumscribes a diptube assembly (not shown in FIG. 86). The assembly shown in FIG. 86 includes a shipping cap 454 integrated with a pivoting collar device 456, of a type as illustratively shown and described with reference to FIGS. 79-85 hereof. The shipping cap and pivoting collar device form a unitary structure, permitting the pivoting collar device to be retained in position with the shipping cap, with the fingers in the outward non-engaged position. The shipping cap and drum ring are matably engaged, to secure the contents in a sealed state during transportation and non-dispensing use of the drum. [00397] FIG. 87 is perspective view of the shipping cap 454 reposed on the drum ring 452, with the cap being rotated in a clockwise direction indicated by directional arrow R, to force the fingers outwardly while the cap is being threadably engaged with the drum ring. [00398] FIG. 88 shows a corresponding perspective view of the shipping cap and drum ring assembly, in which the shipping cap 454 on the drum ring 452 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction indicated by direction arrow S, forcing the fingers inwardly to grip the diptube assembly, so that the diptube assembly can be removed from the drum, e.g., for replacement or disposal of the diptube assembly.

[00399] The invention in another aspect relates to a shipping cap with an O-ring seal, affording enhanced liquid seal integrity. Such shipping cap overcomes the deficiencies of loss of sealing experienced in use of other caps that rely on a wedge fit between a tapered nose piece or plug and a tapered fitment (neck) of the drum to effect a seal. The quality of the seal between such tapered nosepiece or plug and tapered fitment of the drum depends on the amount of downward pressure pressing on the cap. This sealing force is reduced over time due to creep in the drum components, which are typically of polymeric construction. As a consequence, the quality of the primary seal degrades with time.

[00400] The present invention contemplates a shipping cap overcoming such deficiency, which achieves a liquid seal by utilizing an elastomeric O-ring on the shipping cap that mates with the fitment of the drum. The O-ring of the cap is compressed when it makes contact with the uppermost vertical bore fitment of the drum. Such compression of the O-ring provides the pressure creating the seal.

[00401] In a preferred aspect, the O-ring is mounted on a separate piece, constructed of high density polyethylene or other suitable material which is attached to the cap in such a way as to restrain it vertically and horizontally, but concurrently allowing it to rotate independently from the cap.

[00402] Since the liquid seal in such an arrangement is generated by pressure of the O-ring against the inner diameter of the fitment, reduction of the vertical force holding the cap to the drum will have no effect on the liquid seal, which will remain effective. Additionally, since the seal is against a vertical wall rather than an inclined wall or surface, vertical (up and down) movement of the O-ring will not effect seal performance. Thus, performance of the seal will not be affected by creep of plastic components and will remain constant over time.

[00403] The cap is installed by threading it onto the drum. Rotation of the O-ring in the fitment during such threading could conceivable cause the O-ring to slip out of its groove or become distorted. Both conditions would create susceptibility to a leak in the seal structure.

This susceptibility is removed, as a result of the ability of the O-ring holder to rotate independently from the cap, so that when the O-ring of the cap make contact with the fitment, it stops rotating with respect to the fitment. The O-ring then is pushed down by the action of screwing on the cap producing a reliable and reproducible seal.

[00404] Sealing efficacy of such arrangement has been determined to be many times better than seals previously achievable with plug type seals.

[00405] FIGS. 89-91 show various views of the O-ring seal shipping cap of the invention according to one embodiment thereof.

[00406] As illustrated in FIG. 89, the shipping cap/drum closure assembly 500 includes the shipping cap 502 overlying the cap ring 503 producing a secondary seal 504. An O-ring 506 is reposed on an outer O-ring holder 508 that is secured to the central axle portion of the shipping cap, being snap-fitted thereover as more fully shown in FIG. 91.

[00407] The cap ring produces a secondary seal 507 against the top of the drum 514, by an

O-ring therebetween, and a retainer 510 is disposed between the cap ring 503 and the fitment

510. By such arrangement, including the O-ring 506 on the O-ring holder 508, a superior seal

509 is achieved against the vertical wall of the fitment 512.

[00408] FIG. 90 is a perspective view of the O-ring seal shipping cap, having a shipping cap main body 502 with a secondary seal surface 504 for engagement with the cap ring, and an

O-ring seal 506 on the O-ring holder 508. The O-ring holder is free to rotate against the cap, so that the O-ring 506 is not distorted or displaced during the assembly of the cap with the drum.

[00409] FIG. 91 shows a cross-section of the O-ring shipping cap 502, showing the O-ring holder 508 as having an inwardly extending ridge that is snap-fitted into a recess located in the main body of the cap 502. The cap 502 therefore includes an outer cylindrical wall that depends downwardly to a lower edge and is threaded on an interior surface thereof. The wall at such lower edge includes a sealing surface and the sealing surface may include a ring mounted thereon as shown FIG. 91.

[00410] The cap also includes a top annular portion joined to the outer cylindrical wall at an upper end of such outer cylindrical wall, and a central portion including a downwardly convergent frustoconical wall joined at a lower extremity thereof to a central cylindrical wall.

The central cylindrical wall can have a flat disk-like or annular face plate joined to its lower end. In the embodiment shown, the face plate is annular in form, and circumscribes an upwardly extending cylindrical protrusion. The central cylindrical wall has a circumferential groove therein into which a circumferential flange of the O-ring holder is snap-fitted.

[00411] The O-ring holder has a cylindrical side wall joined at its lower end to a plate member that bears against the face plate of the central cylindrical wall. By this arrangement, the

O-ring holder is rotatably mounted on the central cylindrical wall of face plate. The plate member extends radially outwardly beyond the cylindrical side wall of the O-ring holder. In like manner, the circumferential flange of the O-ring holder extends radially outwardly beyond the cylindrical side wall of the O-ring holder. The cylindrical side wall of the O-ring holder has a circumferential groove in an outer surface thereof in which the O-ring 506 is mounted for engagement with an interior surface of a fitment in the container capped by such shipping cap.

[00412] The features and advantages of such shipping cap are more fully shown by the following non-limiting example.

[00413] EXAMPLE

[00414] Comparative testing of O-ring seal shipping cap vs. standard plug cap

[00415] Three different types of shipping caps were tested for primary seal integrity. Each cap was attached to a test fixture which isolated and measured the performance of the seal. Gas

(air) was used as the measuring medium.

[00416] The caps tested included a first cap (Cap 1) that was of a type as shown in FIGS.

89-91 in which the O-ring holder, termed a "nosepiece," was formed of polyethylene. A second cap (Cap 2) was the same as cap 1 except that it had a polytetrafluoroethlyene nosepiece. The third cap (Cap 3) was of a standard plug form including a cylindrical central plug member, whose seal depends on the maintenance of vertical pressure on the cap.

[00417] Cap 1 performed the best in the test, producing a seal that was better, by a factor of five times, than the seal achieved by the standard plug-type Cap 3. The performance of Cap 1 was also better than the performance of Cap 2 having a polytetrafluoroethlyene nosepiece, by almost the same level of improvement as Cap 1 vs. Cap 3. Results of the test are shown in

Table 1 below.

[00418] The test procedure for the leak testing and seal integrity was as follows. All tests were run at standard atmospheric pressure and room temperature. A pressure/vacuum computer interface test fixture was assembled and the cap was attached to the neck test fixture with brass tubing and swage lock fittings. The test assembly including the cap then was attached to a source of clean dry air and vacuum, and the clean dry air pressure was set to 70 psi for the main clean dry air source. The clean dry air pressure to the neck test fixture was set at 15 psi , and the fixture was attached to a laboratory computer for data logging.

[00419] The neck test fixture was threadably engaged by the cap ring and tightened to 45 foot-pounds of torque. [00420] The laboratory computer was run through a pressure test program, setting both vacuum and pressure time for one hour. The cap to be tested was threaded onto the cap ring located on the test neck fixture and tightened to 30 foot-pounds of torque, following which the pressurization and vacuum sequence was initiated. The test was run for two hours. Leak rates were determined in standard cubic centimeters of gas per hour, and standard deviation (Std De v) values were determined, as shown in the table below. [00421] Table 1. Cap to Fitment Leak Results

[00422] The invention in one aspect contemplates a container that is formed of separable parts that are nestable in character. Various embodiments of such containers are shown in FIGS. 92-96.

[00423] FIG. 92 is a perspective view of a material storage and dispensing package 610 including a container 612 that is formed in separable portions, including a base portion 614 to the upper end of which is secured a connector band 616. The connector band 616 couples the base portion 614 with the top portion 618 of the container.

[00424] The top portion 618 is detachable from the connector band 616, by suitable construction of the band, which may have a track or flange interfitting with the lower edge of the top portion 618, or otherwise be arranged for interconnecting the top portion 618 with the base portion 614. The top portion 618 has a lid 619 that in specific embodiments can be integral with or detachable from the side wall of the top portion of the container, as desired. [00425] Positioned on the lid 619 is a probe connector assembly 620 including a pressure- dispensing gas feed line/vent line 622 and a material dispense line 624. After dispensing of the material in the container, from a liner therein containing the stored material, the probe connector assembly 620 is detached from the lid 619, and the top portion 618 of the container can then be detached from the connector band 616.

[00426] Thereafter, with the respective top portion and base portion of the container separated (with the connector band 619 being either retained in position on the base portion of the container, or removed therefrom), the top portion of the container is able to be inverted and nested in the base portion of the container. The liner is of course removed from the interior volume of the container during the disassembly, in a normal manner, e.g., using a tool to extract the empty liner through a port to which the probe connector assembly is coupled during active dispensing operation of the material package.

[00427] The nested top and base portions of the container thereby are placed in a compact configuration suitable for minimizing the volume required for subsequent shipping and storage of the container, relative to a container that is not separable in such manner.

[00428] FIG. 93 is a perspective view of a separable bag-in-barrel package 650 that includes a container comprising two sections, an upper section 654 and a lower section 656 mated together along a serpentine seam 665 with the portions of the respective upper and lower sections being secured in position by buttons 666 coupling the respective sections to an internal circumferential bracing band (not shown in FIG. 93). Alternatively, only one set of connector buttons 666 on one side of the seam 665 may be employed, if the container section on the other side of the seam has a flange or extension member to which the other container section can be joined by buttons or other mechanical fastener, locking connector, or the like.

[00429] The upper section 654 of the container has a top lid 658 on which is reposed a probe connector assembly 660 including a pressure-dispensing feed line/vent line 664 and a dispensing line 663. The container is of a bag-in-barrel type, and the dispensing line 663 may be joined in material flow communication with the probe connector assembly 660, with the pressure-dispensing feed line/vent line 664 being fed with a pressurizing gas to compact the liner to effect pressure-dispensing of the liner contents.

[00430] When the respective upper and lower sections of the container are unbuttoned from one another, the upper section can be inverted and positioned in the lower section in a nested fashion.

[00431] FIG. 94 is a perspective view of a material package 680 including a container having an upper section 682 and a lower section 686 joined together along seam 684 which is of a "puzzle" configuration, having elongate lobed projections that interdigitate with one another, to lockingly engage the two sections to one another.

[00432] The upper section 682 includes a lid 690 on which is mounted the probe connector assembly 692 including pressure dispense feed line/vent line 698 and discharge line 697. [00433] When the container has been emptied of the liner contents, the upper and lower sections can be disengaged from one another, and the upper section can be inverted and reposed in the lower section, to provide a nested configuration of compact form. [00434] It will be appreciated that the containers shown in FIGS. 92-94 include nestable top and bottom sections, but it will also be appreciated that the respective top and bottom sections can alternatively be nested with other sections of like character, i.e., a series of package containers of the type shown can be disassembled after use, and the respective top sections can be stacked in a nested configuration with one another, and the respective bottom sections can be stacked in a nested configuration with one another.

[00435] FIGS. 95 and 96 are perspective views of material packages of a differing type, wherein the container itself is formed as a unitary article, which is stackable with other containers of like character, but the container is separable from other components of the package in a way that permits the other components to likewise be stacked. [00436] FIG. 95 is a perspective view of a material package 700 according to one embodiment of the invention, wherein the container 702 is of unitary form, having a downwardly convergent shape enclosing an interior volume 706, with an upper cylindrical portion 704. The upper cylindrical portion is overlaid by a cover 710 including a main flat circular member 708 having a central port opening 712 therein, and with a downwardly depending flange 710 joined to the periphery of the main flat circular member 708. A retainer plate 714 is reposed on the top surface of the main flat circular member 708, and may be secured on the cover in any suitable manner, e.g., involving mechanical coupling elements, snap fasteners, etc.

[00437] The flange 710 of the cover may be outwardly flared to permit a series of covers to be stacked, and the retainer plates, being planar in character, are readily stacked in a vertical array. The construction shown in FIG. 95 is therefore susceptible of being compactly provided, in an inventory of parts for fabrication, or for post-use disassembly and packaging of the used components, for recycling, cleaning, or other disposition.

[00438] FIG. 96 is a perspective view of a material package 720 according to another embodiment of the invention. The package includes a container 722 enclosing an interior volume 726 and having an upper cylindrical member 724 joined to the frustoconical shaped main part of the container.

[00439] Overlying the container 722 is a cover 728 of generally flat circular form, including a series of peripheral tabs 730 that are able to be folded downwardly over the cylindrical member 724 of the container, to enclose the interior volume 726. For such purpose, the tabs may be formed of a flexible material that once bent downwardly retains its shape to provide an effective seal on the container 722. [00440] Overlying the cover is a retainer plate 732, which provides another barrier layer over the container, to ensure that the contents of the container are maintained free of ambient contamination. The retainer plate is secured to the cover in any suitable manner, as previously described in connection with the retainer plate in the embodiment of FIG. 95. [00441] The embodiment of FIG. 96 is formed of stackable components, including the container 722, the cover 728 and the retainer plate 732, to form vertically stacked arrays of each for inventory, or transport or storage.

[00442] It will be recognized that the stackable component containers of the invention can be fabricated in any of a variety of ways, to provide specific geometric and structural forms amenable to such stacking.

[00443] While the invention has been has been described herein in reference to specific aspects, features and illustrative embodiments of the invention, it will be appreciated that the utility of the invention is not thus limited, but rather extends to and encompasses numerous other variations, modifications and alternative embodiments, as will suggest themselves to those of ordinary skill in the field of the present invention, based on the disclosure herein. Correspondingly, the invention as hereinafter claimed is intended to be broadly construed and interpreted, as including all such variations, modifications and alternative embodiments, within its spirit and scope.

Claims

THE CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A material supply system including a container defining an interior volume for holding the material, said container including a dispense opening therein, a dip tube for dispensing the material from the container, and a fitment mounted in said opening of the container, said fitment comprising at least two port openings therein, through one of which the dip tube extends into the interior volume of the container, and with another of the at least two port openings being adapted for one or more of (i) venting the container, (ii) recirculation of material during dispensing and (iii) flow of a pressurized medium into the interior volume to assist the dispensing.

2. The material supply system of claim 1, further comprising a liner in the interior volume of the container for holding said material.

3. The material supply system of claim 2, further comprising a high purity semiconductor manufacturing material in the liner.

4. The material supply system of claim 2, wherein the fitment is coupled to the liner.

5. The material supply system of claim 1, wherein said at least two port openings in the fitment comprise concentric openings.

6. The material supply system of claim 5, wherein said concentric openings include a central opening through which the dip tube extends into the container.

7. The material supply system of claim 6, wherein said another of the at least two port openings includes an array of circumferentially spaced-apart slots in the fitment wherein the slots are in radially spaced relationship to the central opening.

8. The material supply system of claim 1, wherein said at least two port openings in the fitment comprise non-concentric openings.

9. The material supply system of claim 8, wherein said non-concentric openings comprise openings circumferentially spaced apart from one another in said fitment.

10. The material supply system of claim 9, wherein said fitment comprises three non-concentric openings as said at least two port openings.

11. The material supply system of claim 10, wherein a second of said three non-concentric openings is adapted for flow of a pressurized medium into said container to assist the dispensing.

12. The material supply system of claim 11, wherein a third of said three non-concentric openings is adapted for at least one of recirculation of material during dispensing, and venting the container.

13. The material supply system of claim 10, wherein a second of said three non-concentric openings is adapted to vent the container, and for flow of a pressurized medium into said container to assist the dispensing.

14. The material supply system of claim 13, wherein a third of said three non-concentric openings is adapted for at least one of recirculation of material during dispensing, and venting the container.

15. The material supply system of claim 1, further comprising a connector coupled with the container.

16. The material supply system of claim 15, wherein the connector is coupled to a flow circuitry for dispensing material from the container.

17. The material supply system of claim 16, wherein the flow circuitry is coupled to a material- utilizing apparatus.

18. The material supply system of claim 17, wherein the material-utilizing apparatus comprises a semiconductor manufacturing tool.

19. The material supply system of claim 18, wherein the material comprises a semiconductor manufacturing material selected from the group consisting of photoresists, etchants, chemical vapor deposition reagents, solvents, cleaning formulations, and chemical mechanical polishing compositions.

20. The material supply system of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a bag-in-drum container.

21. The material supply system of claim 1, further comprising a retainer adapted to positionally secure the fitment in said opening of the container.

22. The material supply system of claim 21, wherein the retainer cooperatively mates with the fitment.

23. The material supply system of claim 22, wherein the retainer and fitment include complementary engagement structure.

24. The material supply system of claim 23, wherein said complementary engagement structure includes snap-fit engagement structure.

25. The material supply system of claim 23, wherein said complementary engagement structure includes structure preventing rotational movement of the retainer and fitment in relation to one another.

26. The material supply system of claim 21, wherein said opening of the container is circumscribed by a collar and the retainer is adapted to engage said collar.

27. The material supply system of claim 26, wherein the collar and the retainer are complementarily threaded for engagement with one another.

28. The material supply system of claim 1, wherein the container further comprises a fill bung assembly in spaced relation to said opening of the container.

29. The material supply system of claim 15, wherein the connector includes a dispensing port and a venting port.

30. The material supply system of claim 29, further comprising a spring-biased poppet in each of said dispensing port and venting port.

31. The material supply system of claim 1, wherein the container holds a material.

32. The material supply system of claim 31, wherein said material comprises a semiconductor manufacturing material selected from the group consisting of photoresists, etchants, chemical vapor deposition reagents, solvents, cleaning formulations, and chemical mechanical polishing compositions.

33. The material supply system of claim 1, as coupled in material-supply relationship to a material-using apparatus.

34. The material supply system of claim 33, wherein said material-using apparatus comprises a semiconductor manufacturing tool.

35. A method of containment of a material for storage and/or transport thereof, said method comprising use of a material supply system according to any of claims 1-34.

36. A method of packaging a material, comprising introducing said material into a container of a material supply system according to any of claims 1-34.

37. A method of making a semiconductor, comprising use of the material dispensed from a material supply system according to any of claims 1-34.

38. A method of supplying material, comprising dispensing said material from a material supply system according to any of claims 1-34.

39. A method of conducting a material-utilizing process, comprising use of a material supply system according to any of claims 1-34.

40. A method of transporting a material, comprising use of a material supply system according to any of claims 1-34.

41. A material supply system including a container defining an interior volume for holding the material, and a dip tube for dispensing the material from the container and adapted to be coupled with a connector providing a flow path for dispensed material and including a check valve biased to a normally closed position preventing flow through the connector flow path, wherein the dip tube when coupled with the connector is adapted to actuate the check valve to an open position and when decoupled from the connector is adapted to deactuate the check valve so that the check valve returns to its normally closed position.

42. The material supply system of claim 41, further comprising a liner in the interior volume of the container for holding said material.

43. The material supply system of claim 42, further comprising a high purity semiconductor manufacturing material in the liner.

44. The material supply system of claim 42, further comprising a fitment to which the dip tube and the liner are coupled, and which is adapted to matably engage with the connector.

45. The material supply system of claim 44, in which the fitment is mounted in an opening of the container, and comprises at least two port openings therein, through one of which the dip tube extends into the liner in the interior volume of the container, and with another of the at least two port openings being adapted for one or more of (i) venting a region of the interior volume between the liner and the container, (ii) venting the liner, (iii) recirculation of material during dispensing and (iii) flow of a pressurized medium into said region of the interior volume between the liner and the container to assist the dispensing.

46. The material supply system of claim 45, wherein said at least two port openings in the fitment comprise concentric openings.

47. The material supply system of claim 46, wherein said concentric openings include a central opening through which the dip tube extends into the liner.

48. The material supply system of claim 47, wherein said another of the at least two port openings includes an array of circumferentially spaced-apart slots in the fitment wherein the slots are in radially spaced relationship to the central opening.

49. The material supply system of claim 45, wherein said at least two port openings in the fitment comprise non-concentric openings.

50. The material supply system of claim 49, wherein said non-concentric openings comprise openings circumferentially spaced apart from one another in said fitment.

51. The material supply system of claim 50, wherein said fitment comprises three non- concentric openings as said at least two port openings.

52. The material supply system of claim 51, wherein a second of said three non-concentric openings is adapted for flow of pressurizing fluid into said region of the interior volume between the liner and the container to assist the dispensing.

53. The material supply system of claim 52, wherein a third of said three non-concentric openings is adapted for at least one of recirculation of fluid during dispensing, and venting the liner.

54. The material supply system of claim 51, wherein a second of said three non-concentric openings is adapted to vent the region of the interior volume between the liner and the container, and for flow of pressurizing fluid into said region of the interior volume between the liner and the container to assist the dispensing.

55. The material supply system of claim 54, wherein a third of said three non-concentric openings is adapted for at least one of recirculation of fluid during dispensing, and venting the liner.

56. The material supply system of claim 41, further comprising a connector coupled with the container.

57. The material supply system of claim 56, wherein the connector is coupled to a flow circuitry for dispensing material from the container.

58. The material supply system of claim 57, wherein the flow circuitry is coupled to a material- utilizing apparatus.

59. The material supply system of claim 58, wherein the material-utilizing apparatus comprises a semiconductor manufacturing tool.

60. The material supply system of claim 59, wherein the material comprises a semiconductor manufacturing material selected from the group consisting of photoresists, etchants, chemical vapor deposition reagents, solvents, cleaning formulations, and chemical mechanical polishing compositions.

61. The material supply system of claim 41, wherein the container comprises a bag-in-drum container.

62. The material supply system of claim 45, further comprising a retainer adapted to positionally secure the fitment in said opening of the container.

63. The material supply system of claim 62, wherein the retainer cooperatively mates with the fitment.

64. The material supply system of claim 63, wherein the retainer and fitment include complementary engagement structure.

65. The material supply system of claim 64, wherein said complementary engagement structure includes snap-fit engagement structure.

66. The material supply system of claim 64, wherein said complementary engagement structure includes structure preventing rotational movement of the retainer and fitment in relation to one another.

67. The material supply system of claim 62, wherein said opening of the container is circumscribed by a collar and the retainer is adapted to engage said collar.

68. The material supply system of claim 67, wherein the collar and the retainer are complementarily threaded for engagement with one another.

69. The material supply system of claim 45, wherein the container further comprises a fill bung assembly in spaced relation to said opening of the container.

70. The material supply system of claim 56, wherein the connector includes a dispensing port and a venting port.

71. The material supply system of claim 70, further comprising a spring-biased poppet in each of said dispensing port and venting port.

72. The material supply system of claim 41, wherein the container holds a material.

73. The material supply system of claim 72, wherein said material comprises a semiconductor manufacturing material selected from the group consisting of photoresists, etchants, chemical vapor deposition reagents, solvents, cleaning formulations, and chemical mechanical polishing compositions.

74. The material supply system of claim 41, as coupled in material-supply relationship to a material-using apparatus.

75. The material supply system of claim 74, wherein said material-using apparatus comprises a semiconductor manufacturing tool.

76. A method of containment of a material for storage and/or transport thereof, said method comprising use of a material supply system according to any of claims 41-73.

77. A method of packaging a material, comprising introducing said material into a container of a material supply system according to any of claims 41-73.

78. A method of making a semiconductor, comprising use of the material dispensed from a material supply system according to any of claims 41-73.

79. A method of supplying material, comprising dispensing said material from a material supply system according to any of claims 41-73.

80. A method of conducting a material-utilizing process, comprising use of a material supply system according to any of claims 41-73.

81. The material supply system of claim 1, wherein said fitment comprises said at least two port openings in a concentric port configuration selected from the group consisting of CPCl, CPC2, CPC3, CPC4, CPC5 and CPC6 configurations.

82. The material supply system of claim 1, wherein said fitment comprises said at least two port openings in a non-concentric port configuration selected from the group consisting of NCPCl, NCPC2, NCPC3, NCPC4, NCPC5, NCPC6, NCPC7 and NCPC8 configurations.

83. The material supply system of claim 28, wherein the fill bung assembly comprises a fill port in a fill port configuration selected from the group consisting of FPCl, FPC2 and FPC3 configurations.

84. The material supply system of claim 28, wherein the fill bung assembly includes a fill opening in the container, a fill port fitment disposed in said fill opening, a plug engaged with said fitment, and a retainer engaged with said fitment to maintain the fitment in position in said fill bung assembly,

85. The material supply system of claim 84, wherein the plug comprises a buttress or Mauser threading.

86. The material supply system of claim 84, wherein the plug threadably engages the fill port fitment.

87. The material supply system of claim 84, wherein the retainer threadably engages the fill port fitment.

88. The material supply system of claim 84, wherein the fill port fitment comprises structure engageable with the container adapted to maintain the fill port fitment stationary during engaging of the retainer with the fill port fitment.

89. The material supply system of claim 88, wherein the fill port fitment structure comprises teeth engageable with the container.

90. The material supply system of claim 56, wherein the connector comprises a check valve configuration selected from the group consisting of CVCl, CVC2, CVC3, CVC4 and CVC5 configurations.

91. The material supply system of claim 1, further comprising a probe engageable with the container and adapted for dispensing of material therefrom.

92. The material supply system of claim 91, wherein said probe comprises probe ports adapted to be coupled in material flow relationship with ports of said fitment.

93. The material supply system of claim 92, wherein said probe comprises said probe ports in a concentric port arrangement.

94. The material supply system of claim 93, wherein said probe ports comprise dispense and recirculation ports.

95. The material supply system of claim 94, wherein said probe ports further comprise a vent/pressure assist port.

96. The material supply system of claim 91, wherein each of said probe ports has a check valve associated therewith, wherein the check valve is biased to a normally closed position during non-dispensing operation of the material supplies system.

97. The material supply system of claim 96, wherein the check valve includes a poppet that is translatable between said normally closed position preventing flow therethrough, and an open position, accommodating flow therethrough.

98. The material supply system of claim 97, wherein the check valve further comprises a spring coupled with the poppet and adapted to responsively translate the poppet between said normally closed position and said open position.

99. The material supply system of claim 98, wherein said poppet is activatable by a feature on said dip tube or said fitment to responsively translate the poppet between said normally closed position and said open position.

100. The material supply system of claim 99, wherein said spring is machined or molded onto the poppet.

101. The material supply system of claim 91, wherein the probe comprises a quarter turn coupling structure adapted for engagement with the container.

102. A material supply system including a container defining an interior volume for holding the material, such container including a dispense opening therein, a dip tube for dispensing the material from the container, and a fitment mounted in the opening of the container, the fitment comprising at least one port opening therein, through one of which the dip tube extends into the interior volume of the container, and with such one or another of the at least one port opening being adapted for one or more of the purposes of (i) filling the container, (ii) venting the container, (iii) recirculation of material during dispensing and (iv) flow of a pressurized medium into the interior volume to assist the dispensing, wherein when (iii) or (iv) is present, a second port opening is provided, and wherein when (iii) and (iv) are present, a second port opening and a third port opening are provided.

103. A dispense bung assembly, comprising a dip tube, a fitment adapted to cooperatively engage said dip tube, and a retaining ring cooperatively engageable with the fitment for securing same in a dispensing opening of a container, wherein the fitment comprises at least two port openings therein, one of which is engageable with the dip tube, and another of which is adapted for one or more of (i) venting the container, (ii) recirculation of material during dispensing and (iii) flow of a pressurized medium into the container to assist the dispensing.

104. The dispense bung assembly of claim 103, wherein the fitment includes a structural element that locates the fitment vertically in relation to the retaining ring.

105. The dispense bung assembly of claim 104, wherein said structural element comprises a rib on said fitment.

106. The dispense bung assembly of claim 103, wherein the dip tube comprises two ports engageable in material flow relationship to port openings of said fitment, said two ports comprising a center opening for material dispensing, and an array of slot openings for recirculation of material and venting of the container.

107. The dispense bung assembly of claim 103, wherein the retaining ring and fitment are threadably engageable with one another.

108. The dispense bung assembly of claim 103, wherein the retaining ring and fitment are snap-fittably engageable with one another.

109. The dispense bung assembly of claim 103, further comprising a shipping cap adapted to overlie the retaining ring.

110. The dispense bung assembly of claim 103, wherein the retaining ring has an elastomer overmold thereon.

111. The dispense bung assembly of claim 103, wherein the retaining ring comprises a keycode structure.

112. The dispense bung assembly of claim 103, wherein the dip tube comprises a structural feature adapted to open a dispense check valve in a dispense probe coupled with the dip tube for dispensing material from the container.

113. The dispense bung assembly of claim 103, wherein the fitment comprises fingers adapted for snap-fit engagement with the retaining ring.

114. The dispense bung assembly of claim 103, wherein the fitment and retaining ring upon engagement with one another are subsequently non-separable.

115. The dispense bung assembly of claim 103, wherein the fitment and retaining ring are engaged with one another by a snap ring.

116. The dispense bung assembly of claim 103, wherein said at least two port openings are differently sized to key the fitment and a probe engageable with the fitment.

117. The dispense bung assembly of claim 103, wherein the fitment when engaged with the retaining ring, is rotatable thereagainst.

118. The dispense bung assembly of claim 103, wherein the fitment is keyed to the retaining ring.

119. The dispense bung assembly of claim 103, further comprising a locking ring adapted to secure the retaining ring to the container.

120. The dispense bung assembly of claim 103, wherein the fitment comprises a keycode structure.

121. The dispense bung assembly of claim 103, wherein the keycode structure comprises a snap-in piece.

122. The dispense bung assembly of claim 121, wherein the snap-in piece comprises a color keycode.

123. The dispense bung assembly of claim 103, wherein the retaining ring comprises a quarter- turn connection structure adapted for engagement with the container.

124. The dispense bung assembly of claim 103, wherein said at least two port openings in the fitment comprise concentric openings.

125. The dispense bung assembly of claim 124, wherein said concentric openings include a central opening through which the dip tube extends into the container.

126. The dispense bung assembly of claim 125, wherein said another of the at least two port openings includes an array of circumferentially spaced-apart slots in the fitment wherein the slots are in radially spaced relationship to the central opening.

127. The dispense bung assembly of claim 103, wherein said at least two port openings in the fitment comprise non-concentric openings.

128. The dispense bung assembly of claim 127, wherein said non-concentric openings comprise openings circumferentially spaced apart from one another in said fitment.

129. The dispense bung assembly of claim 128, wherein said fitment comprises three non- concentric openings as said at least two port openings.

130. The dispense bung assembly of claim 129, wherein a second of said three non-concentric openings is adapted for flow of a pressurized medium into said container to assist the dispensing.

131. The dispense bung assembly of claim 130, wherein a third of said three non-concentric openings is adapted for at least one of recirculation of material during dispensing, and venting the container.

132. The dispense bung assembly of claim 129, wherein a second of said three non-concentric openings is adapted to vent the container, and for flow of a pressurized medium into said container to assist the dispensing.

133. The dispense bung assembly of claim 132, wherein a third of said three non-concentric openings is adapted for at least one of recirculation of material during dispensing, and venting the container.

134. A material container susceptible in transport thereof to exposure to vibration, said container comprising a vibrational damping structure adapted to modulate vibrational and resonant frequency effects incident to said exposure, in relation to a corresponding container lacking such vibrational damping structure.

135. The material container of claim 134, wherein said vibrational damping structure comprises a portion of a wall of said container including accordion folds.

136. The material container of claim 134, wherein said vibrational damping structure comprises a portion of the wall of said container having a pleated confirmation.

137. The material container of claim 134, wherein said vibrational damping structure comprises a wall of said container having a flexural character in response to said vibration exposure.

138. The material container of claim 134, wherein said vibrational damping structure comprises a corrugated wall at least partially forming said material container.

139. The material container of claim 134, wherein said vibrational damping structure comprises a chime-forming section of said container.

140. The material container of claim 139, wherein said chime-forming section of said container comprises a corrugated container wall.

141. The material container of claim 139, wherein said chime-forming section of said container comprises an air chamber and an orifice communicating with said air chamber and with an exterior environment of the container, whereby air flux through said orifice provides a damping action in response to said vibration exposure.

142. The material container of claim 134, comprising a BID container.

143. The material container of claim 134, comprising a BIC container.

144. The material container of claim 134, comprising a liner adapted to hold the material.

145. A material container comprising a spring-damping structure.

146. The material container of claim 145, wherein the container includes a chime portion circumscribing an array of cantilever springs interconnecting a support member and a portion of the container.

147. A method of reducing susceptibility of a material container to pinholing, particle shedding and/or microbubble formation, comprising providing said material container with a damping structure.

148. The method of claim 147, wherein said damping structure comprises a portion of a wall of said container including accordion folds.

149. The method of claim 147, wherein said damping structure comprises a portion of the wall of said container having a pleated confirmation.

150. The method of claim 147, wherein said damping structure comprises a wall of said container having a flexural character in response to vibration exposure.

151. The method of claim 147, wherein said damping structure comprises a corrugated wall at least partially forming said material container.

152. The method of claim 147, wherein said damping structure comprises a chime-forming section of said container.

153. The method of claim 152, wherein said chime-forming section of said container comprises a corrugated container wall.

154. The method of claim 152, wherein said chime-forming section of said container comprises an air chamber and an orifice communicating with said air chamber and with an exterior environment of the container, whereby air flux through said orifice provides a damping action in response to vibration exposure.

155. The method of claim 147, wherein the container comprises a BID container.

156. The method of claim 147, wherein the container comprises a BIC container.

157. The method of claim 147, wherein the container comprises a liner adapted to hold the material.

158. The method of claim 147, wherein the damping structure comprises a cantilever spring.

159. A material supply package including a container for holding material, a fitment secured to the container, a diptube cooperating with the fitment for dispensing material from the container, a probe assembly adapted to mate with the container and engage coupling structure thereon, said fitment comprising a first keyring including a first key structure, and said probe assembly including a second keyring, wherein the second keyring includes second key structure that is complementary to said first key structure, and wherein the respective keyrings are engageable with one another so that the probe assembly has a predetermined orientation with respect to said container when coupled therewith.

160. The material supply package of claim 159, wherein one of the first and second key structures includes protrusion elements and the other of the first and second key structures includes recess elements that are matably engagable with the protrusion elements.

161. A material supply package comprising a container including a port, a container collar circumscribing the port, a diptube and fitment cooperatively engaging the port, a probe assembly matably engagable with the container collar for dispensing material from the container through said diptube, with said container collar circumscribing said fitment and having first keying structure thereon, said probe assembly including a probe assembly collar having second keying structure thereon, wherein the probe assembly second keying structure and the container collar first keying structure are matably enagable with one another in coupling of the probe assembly with the container.

162. The material supply package according to claim 161, wherein one of the first and second keying structures comprises protrusion elements and the other of the first and second keying structures comprises recess elements matably engageable with the protrusion elements.

163. A material supply package including a container adapted to hold material, a fitment and diptube assembly secured to the container, a first plate member positioned on said fitment, a probe coupleable with the container in engagement with the fitment and diptube assembly, the probe including a second plate member, wherein the first and second plate members have matably engagable keying elements that in engagement with one another place the probe in a predetermined orientation when the probe is coupled with the container for dispensing.

164. The material supply package of claim 163, wherein the matably engageable keying elements on one of the first and second plate members includes protrusion elements and the matably engageable keying elements on the other of the first and second plate members includes boss and recess elements.

165. A snap-fit coupler and tubing diptube assembly, said coupler including a main body portion, and a tubular distal portion including snap-fit protrusion elements, and said tubing having openings therein that are enagable with the protrusion elements of the coupler, whereby the distal portion of the coupler is insertable into the distal portion of the tubing so that the snap-fit protrusion elements snap-fittingly engage the openings in the tubing.

166. The snap-fit diptube assembly of claim 165, wherein the coupler further comprises a proximal generally cylindrical portion and intermediate transitional portion having a frustoconical shape.

167. The diptube assembly of claim 165, wherein the cylindrical tubular distal portion comprises a circumscribing ridge element, and said tubing has an interior circumscribing groove with which the ridge element is engagable when the coupler and tubing are snap-fitted together.

168. A coupler for forming a diptube assembly in engagement with tubing, said coupler comprising a main body portion and a tubular distal portion with an undulant exterior surface, whereby in engagement with tubing the undulant exterior surface effects deformation of said tubing to form a press fit compression bond between the coupler and the tubing.

169. The coupler of claim 168, wherein the main body portion of the coupler comprises a generally cylindrical proximal portion, and a frustoconical transition section between said generally cylindrical proximal section and said tubular distal portion.

170. A coupling structure, comprising a fitted body including a generally tubular portion having a proximal threaded exterior surface, and an unthreaded distal surface, a tubing including a main cylindrical tubing portion of smaller diameter, and an end portion of larger diameter, with a frustoconical shape intermediate portion therebetween, and a locking nut including a distal portion threaded on an interior surface thereof, said locking nut overf itting the fitted member and the tubing when the fitted member and tubing are coupled with one another, and with said interior surface threading of the locking nut threadably engaging the proximal threaded exterior surface of the fitted body, and with the locking nut bearing compressively on the tubing end and intermediate portions and on the unthreaded distal surface of the fitted body.

171. A coupling according to claim 170 wherein the distal extremity of said fitted member comprises a convergent extremity that mates in surface contact with the frustoconical transition portion of the tubing.

172. A pivoting collar device for extraction of a diptube assembly from a container form which the diptube assembly is secured, said pivoting collar device comprising a main body portion having curvate tracks therein in each of which is disposed a finger assembly, said tracks being of elongated curvate form at top and bottom main faces of the main body portion of the pivoting collar of the assembly, the finger assemblies each having upper and lower pucks mounted on a shaft, with the upper puck of each finger assembly reposed in a curvate track at an upper face of the main body portion and the lower puck of each finger assembly reposed in a track at the lower main face of the main body portion, and the finger assemblies having at a lower extremity thereof finger elements adapted for gripping of the diptube assembly, with the tracks directing radial translational movement of the finger assemblies when the pivoting collar device is rotated, between a first position in which the finger assemblies are in a radially outermost position in which the finger elements are in a non-engaged state, and a second radially innermost position in which the finger elements are in an engaged gripping state, for gripping and extraction of the diptube assembly from a container to which the diptube assembly is secured.

173. The pivoting collar device of claim 172, wherein the main body portion is of generally cylindrical block form.

174. The pivoting collar device of claim 172, wherein the pucks are each reposed in tracks at the respective faces of the main body portion that are of larger size than portions of said tracks in the interior volume of the main body portion in which shaft elements of the finger assemblies are movable.

175. A shipping cap assembly for a container, comprising a pivoting collar device as claimed in claim 172, and a cap joined thereto, whereby the shipping cap assembly includes a diptube extraction tool adapted for extraction of a diptube assembly from a container to which the cap is securable.

176. An O-ring seal shipping cap, comprising a main body portion threaded on an interior surface thereof for matable engagement with a coupling structure of a material container, a downwardly extending extension, an O-ring holder snap-fittingly engagable to the extension and rotatable thereagainst, and an O-ring seal element on an exterior surface of the O-ring holder.

177. The O-ring seal shipping cap of claim 176, wherein said cap at its outer periphery has a secondary seal surface.

178. The O-ring seal shipping cap of claim 176, wherein the extension is formed of polyethylene.

179. An O-ring shipping cap and drum closure assembly comprising an O-ring seal shipping cap as claimed in claim 176, a material container having a port opening, a fitment disposed in said port opening and including a retainer element securing said fitment in said port opening of the container, a cap ring enagable with the port opening and the retainer, said cap ring having matable engagement structure at an upper exterior surface thereof to which said O-ring seal shipping cap is engagable, with the O-ring holder presenting an O-ring sealing surface to the fitment and with said cap ring being secured to said container.

180. The assembly of claim 179, wherein the fitment has an upper inlet which the O-ring sealing surface presented by the O-ring holder engages.

181. The assembly of claim 179 wherein the O-ring seal shipping cap is formed of polyethylene.

182. A material containment package including a container with which a probe is coupleable for dispensing of material from the container, wherein the container includes a first keying structure and the probe includes a second keying structure engagable with the first keying structure, and wherein said first and second keying structures include keyrings that are non- rotatable and whose engagement defines a predetermined orientation of the probe to the container.

183. The package of claim 182, wherein the container is a bag-in-drum container.

184. The package of claim 182, wherein the container includes non-concentric, dual ports of differing configuration, so that the probe is coupleable with the container in only a single predetermined orientation.

185. A material storage and dispensing package, including a container and a diptube assembly including a diptube arranged for dispensing of material from the container, said diptube assembly including coupler and tubing sections that are snap-fitted together.

186. The package of claim 185, selected from the group consisting of bag-in-drum (BID), bag- in-bottle (BIB) and bag-in-can (BIC) packages.

187. A nestable drum assembly comprising a drum separable into upper and lower sections that are matable with one another when the upper section is inverted and reposed in the lower section.

188. The nestable drum assembly of claim 187, wherein the drum is formed of a polymeric material.

189. A diptube assembly including a coupler having a distal tubular portion including a ridged exterior surface, and tubing joined to said distal tubular portion and deformably engaged with the ridged exterior surface.

190. A coupling assembly including a fitted body having a main body portion including a bore therein and a threaded extension portion joined thereto, said threaded extension portion having threading on an exterior surface thereof, and a distal segment terminating in an open-ended convergent end portion, and a tube having a main smaller diameter portion joined to a frustoconical transition section joined to an end portion of larger diameter than the main smaller diameter portion, said tube having a bore that communicates with the bore of the fitted body, and with the frustoconical transition section sealingly engaging the convergent end portion of the tube, a locking nut overfitting the fitted body and the frustoconical transition section and the end portion, the locking nut having interior threading engaging the threading on the exterior surface of the threaded extension portion.

191. A method of disengaging a diptube assembly from a container on which the diptube assembly is mounted in a port, said method comprising:

providing a pivoting collar device engageable with the port, having gripping members that are urged to a first outer position during engagement, and are urged to a second inner position during disengagement of the device; engaging the pivoting collar device with the port; and thereafter disengaging the pivoting collar device from the port wherein the gripping members are engaged with the diptube assembly in the second position, and effect disengagement of the diptube assembly from the container when the pivoting collar device is fully disengaged from the container.

192. The method of claim 191, wherein the pivoting collar device is secured to a cap to form a cap assembly, and the cap assembly is coupled with the container, optionally with the pivoting collar device being threadably engageable with and threadably disengageable from the port.

193. An O-ring sealing cap for a container, wherein the cap includes a main cap body, and an O-ring mounting member mounted on the main cap body for rotation independent of the main cap body, with an O-ring mounted on the O-ring mounting member to present an O-ring sealing surface to the container when the cap is coupled with the container.

194. The cap of claim 193, wherein the O-ring mounting member is snap-fitted to the main cap body.

195. A sealed material package, including a container including a port capped with an O-ring sealing cap according to claim 194.

196. The sealed material package of claim 195, wherein the container includes a diptube assembly in the port, and the O-ring sealing surface contacts the diptube assembly for sealing of the container.

197. The sealed material package of claim 195, wherein the container is selected from the group consisting of bag-in-drum (BID) and bag-in-bottle (BIB) containers.

198. A cap comprising an outer cylindrical wall that depends downwardly to a lower edge and is threaded on an interior surface thereof, the wall at such lower edge including a sealing surface, a top annular portion joined to the outer cylindrical wall at an upper end of the outer cylindrical wall, and a central portion including a downwardly convergent frustoconical wall joined at a lower extremity thereof to a central cylindrical wall, an O-ring holder snap-fittably engaged with the central cylindrical wall for rotation of the O-ring holder independent of the central cylindrical wall, and an O-ring mounted on the O-ring holder.

199. The cap of claim 198, wherein the central cylindrical wall has a circumferential groove therein, and the O-ring holder includes an engagement structure that is snap-fittingly engaged with the circumferential groove.

200. The cap of claim 198, wherein the O-ring holder includes a cylindrical side wall joined at a lower end to a plate member.

201. The cap of claim 200, wherein the plate member extends radially outwardly beyond the cylindrical side wall of the O-ring holder.

202. The cap of claim 200, wherein the cylindrical side wall of the O-ring holder has a circumferential groove in an outer surface thereof in which the O-ring is mounted.

203. The cap of claim 198, wherein the sealing surface includes a ring mounted thereon.

204. The cap of claim 198, with a plate joined to a lower end of the central cylindrical wall.

205. The cap of claim 204, wherein the plate is of disk form.

206. The cap of claim 204, wherein the plate is of annular form.

207. The cap of claim 206, wherein the plate circumscribes an upwardly extending cylindrical protrusion.

208. A material package including a container wherein the container comprises separable portions and each of the portions when separated is stackable.

209. The material package of claim 208, wherein the portions comprise container portions that when separated include an upper portion that is invertable and reposable in an inverted position in a lower portion of the container.

210. The material package of claim 208, wherein the portions when separated include upper and lower portions each of which is stackable with other portions of like character.

211. The material package of claim 208, wherein the separable portions are joined to one another by mechanical fasteners.

212. The material package of claim 208, wherein the separable portions are joined to one another by interdigitating segments of the respective portions that are matably engageable with one another.

213. The material package of claim 208, including a container having a downwardly convergent frustoconical shape.

214. The material package of claim 208, comprising a bag-in-drum container.

215. The material package of claim 208, comprising a bag-in-drum container.

216. A material supply system comprising: a substantially rigid overpack container defining a first opening and a second opening; a collapsible liner adapted for insertion into the overpack container to bound in part an interstitial space between the liner and the overpack, the liner defining an interior volume adapted to retain said material, having a first fitment adapted to register with the first opening, and having a second fitment adapted to register with the second opening; a first retaining element adapted to secure the first fitment to the overpack while the first fitment is registered to the first opening; and a second retaining element adapted to secure the second fitment to the overpack while the second fitment is registered to the second opening; wherein the first fitment is adapted to permit filling of the interior volume with the material; and wherein any of the second fitment and the second retaining element is adapted to permit any of the functions of (1) dispensing of the material; (2) recirculation of the material during dispensing; (3) pressurization of the interstitial space; and (4) venting of the interstitial space.

217. The material supply system of claim 216, wherein the first fitment is disposed in spaced relation apart from the second fitment.

218. The material supply system of claim 216, wherein: the second fitment has an associated dip tube protruding into the interior volume; and any of the second fitment, the second retaining element, and the dip tube defines at least one port.

219. The material supply system of claim 216, wherein: any of the first fitment and the first retaining element defines a fill opening; any of the second fitment and the second retaining element defines at least one port; and the fill opening is substantially larger than the at least one port.

220. The material supply system of claim 216, wherein the second fitment comprises a dip tube adapted to protrude into the interior volume.

221. The material supply system of claim 216, wherein the second fitment comprises a plurality of ports.

222. The material supply system of claim A6, wherein the plurality of ports comprises at least two concentric ports.

223. The material supply system of claim 216, further comprising a connector coupled with the second fitment.

224. The material supply system of claim 216, wherein: the first fitment and the first retaining element include structure preventing rotational movement of the first fitment and the first retaining element in relation to one another; and the second fitment and the second retaining element include structure preventing rotational movement of the second fitment and the second retaining element in relation to one another

225. The material supply system of claim 216, wherein: the first retaining element is adapted to prevent both ingress and egress of the first fitment relative to the first opening; and the second retaining element is adapted to prevent both ingress and egress of the second fitment relative to the second opening.

226. The material supply system of claim 216, further comprising any of (1) a first check valve in fluid communication with the first fitment; and (2) a second check valve in fluid communication with the second fitment.

227. The material supply system of claim 216, wherein any of the second fitment and the second retaining element defines a plurality of ports adapted to permit at least two functions of (1) dispensing of the material; (2) recirculation of the material during dispensing; (3) pressurization of the interstitial space; and (4) venting of the interstitial space.

228. The material supply system of claim 216, wherein any of the second fitment and the second retaining element defines a plurality of ports adapted to permit at least three functions of (1) dispensing of the material; (2) recirculation of the material during dispensing; (3) pressurization of the interstitial space; and (4) venting of the interstitial space.

229. The material supply system of claim 216, wherein any of the second fitment and the second retaining element defines a plurality of ports adapted to permit all of the functions of (1) dispensing of the material; (2) recirculation of the material during dispensing; (3) pressurization of the interstitial space; and (4) venting of the interstitial space.

230. The material supply system of claim 216, wherein the second fitment defines a plurality of ports adapted to permit any of the functions of (1) dispensing of the material; (2) recirculation of the material during dispensing; (3) pressurization of the interstitial space; and (4) venting of the interstitial space.

231. The material supply system of claim 216, further comprising a material disposed within the interior volume.

232. A manufacturing apparatus comprising a manufacturing process tool coupled to the material supply system of claim 216.

233. The manufacturing apparatus of claim 232, wherein the manufacturing process tool comprises a semiconductor manufacturing process tool.

234. A material supply system comprising: a substantially rigid overpack container defining a first opening; a collapsible liner adapted for insertion into the overpack container to bound in part an interstitial space between the liner and the overpack, the liner defining an interior volume adapted to retain said material, and having a first fitment adapted to register with the first opening; and a first retaining element adapted to retain the first fitment registered to the first opening and prevent both ingress and egress of the fitment relative to the first opening; wherein any of the fitment and the retaining element defines a plurality of ports, and the plurality of ports are adapted to permit any of the functions of (1) filling of the interior volume with the material; (2) dispensing of the material; (3) recirculation of the material during dispensing; (4) pressurization of the interstitial space; and (5) venting of the interstitial space.

235. The material supply system of claim 234, wherein the fitment defines at least one port of the plurality of ports.

236. The material supply system of claim 234, wherein the retaining element defines at least one port of the plurality of ports.

237. The material supply system of claim 234, wherein the overpack container has a second opening, collapsible liner has a second fitment, and the system further comprises a second retaining element adapted to retain the second fitment registered to the second opening and prevent both ingress and egress of the second fitment relating to the second opening, the second fitment defining at least one second fitment port adapted to permit any of the functions of (1) filling of the interior volume with the material; (2) dispensing of the material; (3) recirculation of the material during dispensing; (4) pressurization of the interstitial space; and (5) venting of the interstitial space.

238. The material supply system of claim 234, wherein the plurality of ports is adapted to permit at least two of the functions of (1) filling of the interior volume with the material; (2) dispensing of the material; (3) recirculation of the material during dispensing; (4) pressurization of the interstitial space; and (5) venting of the interstitial space.

239. The material supply system of claim 234, wherein the plurality of ports is adapted to permit at least three of the functions of (1) filling of the interior volume with the material; (2) dispensing of the material; (3) recirculation of the material during dispensing; (4) pressurization of the interstitial space; and (5) venting of the interstitial space.

240. The material supply system of claim 234, wherein the plurality of ports is adapted to permit all of the functions of (1) filling of the interior volume with the material; (2) dispensing of the material; (3) recirculation of the material during dispensing; (4) pressurization of the interstitial space; and (5) venting of the interstitial space.

241. The material supply system of claim 234, further comprising a check valve in fluid communication a port of the plurality of ports.

242. The material supply system of claim 234, further comprising a material disposed within the interior volume.

243. A manufacturing apparatus comprising a manufacturing process tool coupled to the material supply system of claim 234.

244. The manufacturing apparatus of claim 243, wherein the manufacturing process tool comprises a semiconductor manufacturing process tool.

245. A material supply system comprising: a substantially rigid overpack container defining a first opening; a collapsible liner adapted for insertion into the overpack container to bound in part an interstitial space between the liner and the overpack, the liner defining an interior volume adapted to retain said material, and having a first fitment adapted to register with the first opening; a first retaining element adapted to retain the first fitment registered to the first opening and prevent both ingress and egress of the first fitment relative to the first opening; and a dip tube extending from or through the fitment into the interior volume; wherein any of the first fitment, the retaining element, and the dip tube defines a plurality of ports, and the plurality of ports are adapted to permit any of the functions of (1) filling of the interior volume with the material; (2) dispensing of the material; (3) recirculation of the material during dispensing; (4) pressurization of the interstitial space; and (5) venting of the interstitial space.

246. The material supply system of claim 245, wherein the first fitment defines at least one port of the plurality of ports.

247. The material supply system of claim 245, wherein the first retaining element defines at least one port of the plurality of ports.

248. The material supply system of claim 245, wherein the dip tube defines at least one port of the plurality of ports.

249. The material supply system of claim 245, wherein the overpack container has a second opening, collapsible liner has a second fitment, and the system further comprises a second retaining element adapted to retain the second fitment registered to the second opening and prevent both ingress and egress of the second fitment relating to the second opening, the second fitment defining at least one second fitment port adapted to permit any of the functions of (1) filling of the interior volume with the material; (2) dispensing of the material; (3) recirculation of the material during dispensing; (4) pressurization of the interstitial space; and (5) venting of the interstitial space.

250. The material supply system of claim 245, wherein the plurality of ports is adapted to permit at least two of the functions of (1) filling of the interior volume with the material; (2) dispensing of the material; (3) recirculation of the material during dispensing; (4) pressurization of the interstitial space; and (5) venting of the interstitial space.

251. The material supply system of claim 245, wherein the plurality of ports is adapted to permit at least three of the functions of (1) filling of the interior volume with the material; (2) dispensing of the material; (3) recirculation of the material during dispensing; (4) pressurization of the interstitial space; and (5) venting of the interstitial space.

252. The material supply system of claim 245, wherein the plurality of ports is adapted to permit all of the functions of (1) filling of the interior volume with the material; (2) dispensing of the material; (3) recirculation of the material during dispensing; (4) pressurization of the interstitial space; and (5) venting of the interstitial space.

253. The material supply system of claim 245, further comprising a material disposed within the interior volume.

254. A manufacturing apparatus comprising a manufacturing process tool coupled to the material supply system of claim 245.

255. The manufacturing apparatus of claim 254, wherein the manufacturing process tool comprises a semiconductor manufacturing process tool.