Abstract: A septum includes a disc made of an elastomeric material that is capable of being pierced by a needle and resealing itself when the needle is withdrawn. Embedded in the middle of the disc, from top to bottom, is a ring made of a material that is more rigid than the elastomeric material of the disc. The ring has a center circular opening that is filled by the elastomeric material of the disc. The outer circumference of the ring is greater than the circumference of the disc and extends outwardly beyond the circumference of the disc. The outer part of the ring interacts with the inner screw threads of a cap and supports the septum in the cap. A plurality of additional openings equally spaced about the ring adjacent its outer circumference are also filled with the elastic material of the disc to provide additional support for the septum.

Abstract: A septum includes a disc made of an elastomeric material that is capable of being pierced by a needle and resealing itself when the needle is withdrawn. Embedded in the middle of the disc, from top to bottom, is a ring made of a material that is more rigid than the elastomeric material of the disc. The ring has a center circular opening that is filled by the elastomeric material of the disc. The outer circumference of the ring is greater than the circumference of the disc and extends outwardly beyond the circumference of the disc. The outer part of the ring interacts with the inner screw threads of a cap and supports the septum in the cap. A plurality of additional openings equally spaced about the ring adjacent its outer circumference are also filled with the elastic material of the disc to provide additional support for the septum.

Abstract: A glass vial which includes a tubular glass container having a closed bottom end and an open top end is disclosed. The bottom end of the container is painted with a ceramic paint. The vial is then fired so that the paint bonds to the bottom end. A laser beam is then used to etch a data matrix code into the painted bottom end of the container. The bottom end of the container may now be read by a machine in order to perform various tests on the sample contained within the vial.

Abstract: A glass vial which includes a tubular glass container having a closed bottom end and an open top end is disclosed. The bottom end of the container is painted with a ceramic paint. The vial is then fired so that the paint bonds to the bottom end. A laser beam is then used to etch a data matrix code into the painted bottom end of the container. The bottom end of the container may now be read by a machine in order to perform various tests on the sample contained within the vial.