Abstract: A glass container for biological materials is provided which can be hermetically sealed. The open end of the container is formed of an infrared-absorbing glass which can be heat-sealed with an infrared lamp.

Abstract: A heat-sealable glass container is heat-sealed by an apparatus which heats the container with an infrared lamp while rotating the container and elongating the heat-softened top portion. The elongation of the softened glass pulls the glass to a point and results in an airtight seal.

Abstract: A glass vessel, in particular an ampoule, having a prestress produced at a predetermined spot of the vessel which permits an automatic opening of the vessel at the predetermined spot following scratching by means of a suitable tool. The prestress, which is produced exclusively by means of an earlier thermal treatment without the application of a tool exhibits a stress profile in which an initially produced annular tensile stress ring, is overlapped at a predetermined spot by a point-shaped compressive stress zone that is produced subsequently.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new method of making tubular vials and ampules from glass tubing. The method according to this invention is essentially characterized in that the glass tubing used is closed at both ends and has a dot-shaped opening close to one of the sealed ends. The opening can be sealed by a film to prevent impurities from entering the glass tubing. Throughout the operational process in the production of vials and ampules, a slight excess pressure exists in the glass tubing by applying heat, which further prevents impurities from entering the glass tubing.

Abstract: Packaging of tubes or rods is disclosed. The tubes or rods consist of a brittle material such as glass or ceramics. In a method for packaging, the tubes or rods are arranged in one package in the tightest possible packaging form. This package is encased by a hood preferably consisting of a film of synthetic material which is fitted over the package under stress and which thereby locks the tubes or rods in position. A plurality of such packages can be stacked on a conventional pallet and can be encased by an additional hood locking this stack in position.