Abstract: A system and method to manage information relating to patients in a hospital environment. The system includes a plurality of information processing systems for processing information relating to a patient in the hospital, with each of the information processing systems being associated with a discrete hospital function. One or more portable data terminals for receipt and transmission of information relating to the patient are further provided. A control server is provided to communicate with each of the information processing systems and the portable data terminals, for transfer of information relating to the patient between the information processing systems and the portable data terminal.

Abstract: A closure for sealing the open end of a specimen collection container from the environment is provided. The closure includes a socket mountable on the open end of the collection container for enclosing an interior region of the collection container. The socket includes a ball receiving internal surface having a protrusion thereon. The closure further includes a generally spherical-shaped ball mounted within the socket and at least partially enclosed by the socket. The ball is capable of rotative movement within the socket between an open position and a closed position. The ball includes an external surface capable of interference engagement with the protrusion of the socket upon rotative movement of the ball between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: A closure for sealing the open end of a specimen collection container from the environment is provided. The closure includes a generally spherical-shaped ball having a passageway extending therethrough, with the ball including an axle permitting rotative movement of the ball thereabout between an open position and a closed position. The closure further includes a socket mounted on the open end of the collection container, with the socket including a ball receiving internal surface having an axle-support for receiving the axle of the ball for accommodating rotative movement of the ball therein. The passageway of the ball is aligned with the open end of said collection tube when the ball is in an open position and is out of alignment with the open end of the collection container when the ball is in a closed position.

Abstract: A closure for sealing the open end of a specimen collection container from the environment is provided. The closure includes a generally spherical-shaped ball having a passageway extending therethrough, with the ball including an axle permitting rotative movement of the ball thereabout between an open position and a closed position. The closure further includes a socket mounted on the open end of the collection container, with the socket including a ball receiving internal surface having an axle-support for receiving the axle of the ball for accommodating rotative movement of the ball therein. The passageway of the ball is aligned with the open end of said collection container when the ball is in an open position and is out of alignment with the open end of the collection container when the ball is in a closed position. The axle-support of the socket and the axle of the ball are parallel and eccentric with respect to each other.

Abstract: A closure for sealing the open end of a specimen collection container from the environment is provided. The closure includes a generally spherical-shaped ball having a passageway extending therethrough. The ball is capable of rotative movement between an open position and a closed position, with the passageway being aligned with the open end of the collection container when the ball is in an open position and being out of alignment with the open end of the collection container when the ball is in a closed position. The closure further includes a socket mountable on the open end of the collection container for accommodating rotative movement of the ball between an open position and a closed position. The socket includes an integral flexible seal which provides a perimetrical seat for the ball.

Abstract: A closure for sealing an open end of a specimen collection container from the environment is provided. The closure includes a socket mountable on an open end of the collection container for enclosing an interior region of the collection container. The closure further includes a generally spherical-shaped ball mounted within the socket which includes an environment-contacting surface, an opposed specimen-contacting surface and a passageway extending therethrough. The passageway is aligned with the open end of the collection container when the ball is in an open position. The environment-contacting surface is exposed to the external environment and the specimen-contacting surface is exposed to the interior region of the collection container when the ball is in a closed position. The ball further includes a piercable septum. The closure is capable of maintaining negative air pressure within collection container, with the piercable septum capable of being repeatedly pierced.

Abstract: A closure for sealing the open end of a specimen collection container from the environment is provided. The closure includes a socket mountable on the open end of the collection container for enclosing an interior region of the collection container. The socket includes a ball receiving internal surface having a protrusion thereon. The closure further includes a generally spherical-shaped ball mounted within the socket and at least partially enclosed by the socket. The ball is capable of rotative movement within the socket between an open position and a closed position. The ball includes an external surface capable of interference engagement with the protrusion of the socket upon rotative movement of the ball between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: A closure for sealing the open end of a specimen collection container from the environment is provided. The closure includes a generally spherical-shaped ball having a passageway extending therethrough, with the ball including an axle permitting rotative movement of the ball thereabout between an open position and a closed position. The closure further includes a socket mounted on the open end of the collection container, with the socket including a ball receiving internal surface having an axle-support for receiving the axle of the ball for accommodating rotative movement of the ball therein. The passageway of the ball is aligned with the open end of said collection container when the ball is in an open position and is out of alignment with the open end of the collection container when the ball is in a closed position. The axle-support of the socket and the axle of the ball are parallel and eccentric with respect to each other.

Abstract: A closure for sealing the open end of a specimen collection container from the environment is provided. The closure includes a generally spherical-shaped ball having a passageway extending therethrough, with the ball including an axle permitting rotative movement of the ball thereabout between an open position and a closed position. The closure further includes a socket mounted on the open end of the collection container, with the socket including a ball receiving internal surface having an axle-support for receiving the axle of the ball for accommodating rotative movement of the ball therein. The passageway of the ball is aligned with the open end of said collection tube when the ball is in an open position and is out of alignment with the open end of the collection container when the ball is in a closed position.