Abstract: The invention relates to a closure device for a vacuum sample collector, comprising an external cap (2), in a hard material, preferably a hard plastic component, with a top face (4) and a side skirt (5) surrounding the above, which may be connected to a sleeve-like opening section of the vacuum sample collector, and a sealing element (3) arranged on the container side of the external cap (2) made from an elastic material, preferably a soft synthetic component. The external cap (2) is turned inwards on its top face (4), and the section of the cap turned inwards forms a depression, the floor of which (10) has a turned-up section which faces outwards and which forms an essentially cylindrical projection (11), with a flat opening (12) and which, within the depression, terminates in an opening (13), arranged in a recessed manner with relation to the front face of the external cap (2), such that said opening is outside the contact area of a finger.

Abstract: A vial having a V-shaped bottom to minimize the amount of medical fluid left in the vial at the end of the fluid withdrawal process. The vial is equipped with a vial access adapter having a fluid withdrawal spike which extends into the V-shaped bottom. The vial access adapter may be vented or non-vented. When the medical fluid is a nuclear drug, the vial and vial access adapter is enshrouded in a protective container containing lead to provide a safety to medical personnel from irradiation.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for pressurizing pipe includes a resilient and compressible plug insertable into the opposed ends of the pipe for sealing the pipe. The plug includes a plug body having a larger outside diameter than the inside diameter of the pipe, a flange that limits insertion of the plug into the pipe, and a blind hole coaxial with the plug for receiving the rod of a pushing member used to force and push the plug into the pipe. The rod has a smaller diameter than the hole for allowing the plug to compress during insertion for fitting into the pipe. After insertion of the plugs pipe pressurization occurs by securement of the needle end of an air pressure gun to a cylindrical needle shield that is circumjacently placed on the pipe for needle end alignment whereupon the needle end perforates the plug for pipe pressurization, and as the needle end is withdrawn the plug body compresses and closes the temporary needle slot thereby sealing the pipe.

Abstract: A transfer set for transferring fluids from a first container, such as a conventional vial, to a second container, such as a conventional syringe. The transfer set includes an integral tubular housing having a tubular collar surrounding the rim of the vial, a radial portion sealingly engaging the stopper in the vial, an integral tubular transfer member and an outer tubular portion surrounding at least the distal portion of the tubular transfer member, a piercing member within the tubular transfer member and a closure releasably retaining the distal end of the piercing member.

Abstract: A transfer set for transferring fluid, including drugs, vaccines, medicaments, solutions and the like, between a first container, such as a conventional vial, and a second container, such as a conventional syringe having a unique multipurpose resealable member. The transfer set assembly includes an elastomeric tubular fluid transfer and resealable valve member preferably including an open end mounted on the pierceable closure or stopper of a vial and a generally closed distal end having a longitudinal slit and a piercing member is telescopically received within the fluid transfer valve member having a piercing end opposite the pierceable closure. The fluid transfer valve member is preferably formed of silicone and is surrounded by a generally tubular luer connector member having an open end mounted on the pierceable closure and a distal end having male luer threads.

Abstract: A flexible elastomer closure plug mat presents a plurality of protruding hollow septa closure plugs depending from the mat's lower face. The mat and protruding closure plugs are preferably formed of silicone rubber, with a thick layer of polytetrafluoroethylene or TEFLON® durably bonded to the lower face of the mat and to the outer faces of all of the arrayed plurality of closure plugs. The arrayed plurality of closure plugs are dimensioned for telescoping insertion into the open tops of a corresponding plurality of sample vials held in a well plate, and for frictional engagement therein.

Abstract: A plug body for chemical container capable of preventing the contact thereof with chemical and preventing ruptured film from falling into the chemical, comprising a valve (1) having an insert hole (3) formed at the center thereof, a cover (2) for holding the valve (1) by covering at least the upper peripheral edge of the valve (1), and a locking means for locking an insert body to the cover (2) by using the edge part of the cover (2) having a fitting hole formed therein when the insert body is inserted into the insert hole (3), wherein the rear surface peripheral part of the valve (1) is held by a pedestal part (5), and a film (4) covering the rear surface of the valve is disposed on the upper surface of the pedestal part (5).

Abstract: A container for retaining a liquid sample to be tested is closed by a removable closure cap having a slot therein to receive a flat rectangular panel test card member inserted through the slot into the container. A flexible resilient member is mounted adjoining to the closure cap slot and has a slit therein with abutting edges through which the test card is passed. After the test card has been withdrawn, the abutting edges contract to their normally closed position to prevent the leakage of any liquid through the slot when the container is being handled. During withdrawal of the test card through the slot the abutting edges wipe excess liquid sample from the test card.

Abstract: The present invention is a container assembly that includes an inner tube formed from a plastic that is substantially inert to bodily fluids and an outer tube that is formed from a different plastic. Collectively, the container assembly is useful for providing an effective barrier against gas and water permeability in the assembly and for extending the shelf-life of the container assembly, especially when used for blood collection. The inner container is spaced from the outer container at most locations. However, the inner container includes an enlarged top configured to engage the outer container. The enlarged top has a roughened outer surface to permit an escape of air from the space between the containers.

Abstract: A method of sealing a cartridge having a barrel with a polymeric closure, wherein the polymeric closure includes a tubular collar portion and an integral radial portion, The method includes disposing the tubular collar portion over the radial rim portion of the barrel to surround the reduced diameter neck portion and incrementally rolling and radially deforming the tubular collar portion adjacent its free end into the reduced diameter neck portion with a crimping tool, wherein the polymeric closure is sufficiently malleable to permit radial deformation, yet sufficiently rigid and resistant to creep to retain its shape following deformation The crimping tool or tools include an inclined surface having a gradually decreasing angles of inclination which are driven against the tubular collar portion adjacent the free end and the cartridge assembly and crimping tool are relatively rotated.

Abstract: A cap which can form an essentially leak-proof seal with an open-ended vessel capable of receiving and holding fluid specimens or other materials for analysis. To minimize potentially contaminating contact between a fluid sample present in the vessel and humans or the environment, the cap has a frangible seal which is penetrable by a plastic pipette tip or other fluid transfer device. The cap further includes a filter for limiting dissemination of an aerosol or bubbles once the frangible seal has been pierced. The filter is positioned between the frangible seal and a retainer. The retainer is positioned on the cap above the filter and may be used to contain the filter within the cap. The material of the retainer may be penetrable by a fluid transfer device.

Abstract: A heat pipe includes a hollow body having a receiving space and an open end, a cover member covering the open end, and having a filling hole in fluid communication with the receiving space and extending through an outer side of the cover member, an elastic sealing member fitted within the filling hole, and a heat transfer fluid disposed in the receiving space. The elastic sealing member is pierceable to provide a passage for injection of the heat transfer fluid through the elastic sealing member, and is contractible to seal the passage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closing cap for infusion and transfusion bottles. The inventive cap is provided with a flanged cap which encompasses a flanged neck of the bottle, secures a closing plug in the bottle and is provided with a middle recess that is closed by the middle region of a plastic lid in such a way that a ring zone (21) of the plastic lid (2) supports the edge of the middle recess from behind. At least one radially extending desired folding line (I) of the plastic lid (2) is embodied. Said line is formed by thinning the material. The aim of the invention is to indicate when said cap has been used. In an advantageous embodiment, the desired folding line (I) opens into a circumferential weakened area (S) that extends at a radial distance (y) from the center (z) of the plastic lid (2).

Abstract: A closure element for sterile closure of connections, in particular connections of filter modules for dialysis, hemofiltration or ultrafiltration is described. A closure element with a simple design that provides a reliable seal is formed by having the closure element include a wall with an automatically closing slit-shaped indentation which when closed creates a germ-proof seal. The sealing element is used for sterile closure of connections of medical items, as well as for the medical items themselves.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container with a closing device. Said container comprises a base, a lid (C) and a vertical partition joining the base and the lid, a tongue element comprising a grip end (4) and an opposite bearing end (8), said tongue element (4,8) comprising a lug (3), being integral with the lid (C) by means of a plug (2) fixed to the lid (c). The tongue can be rotationally displaced around the longitudinal axis XX of the plug (2) and can be inclined at a certain angle &agr; in relation to the plane of the lid, an opening zone (1) being defined by a precut (10) in said lid (C) and being able to be opened using the tongue, whereby the bearing end thereof (8) exerts a force from the outside to the inside of the container on said area (1) defined by the precut (10).

Abstract: A heat pipe includes a hollow body having a receiving space and an open end, a cover member covering the open end, and having a filling hole in fluid communication with the receiving space and extending through an outer side of the cover member, an elastic sealing member fitted within the filling hole, and a heat transfer fluid disposed in the receiving space. The elastic sealing member is pierceable to provide a passage for injection of the heat transfer fluid through the elastic sealing member, and is contractible to seal the passage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cap (10) for a closure device (3) designed to receive a sealing device (11), with at least two coupling parts (18, 19) joined thereto so as to be displaceable, which are spaced apart from one another in the direction of a longitudinal axis (6) and project out from an internal face (17) of a cap casing (16) in a radial direction towards the longitudinal axis (6) forming a locating region (20) between them. An internal clearance dimension (32), in particular an internal diameter (33) of the first coupling part (18) co-operating with the sealing surface (14) is between 5% and 25% smaller than an external dimension, in particular an external diameter of the sealing device (11) to be located in the region of its sealing surface (14) in the non-deformed or unclamped state. The invention further relates to a sealing device (11), a closure device (3) comprising the latter and the cap (10) as well as a container system (1).

Abstract: A sample container for minimizing evaporation of a contained volume of sample includes a container housing, a repuncturable self-sealing membrane, and a collapsible sample bag. The container housing includes an open end and a hollow interior region. The repuncturable self-sealing membrane configured to self-seal after repeated punctures is engaged in the open end of the container housing and includes an exterior surface exposed to the external environment and an interior surface oriented toward the hollow interior region of the container housing. The collapsible sample bag includes a proximate end that is permanently attached to the interior surface of the repuncturable self-sealing membrane.

Abstract: A sealing element is suggested, in particular one for closing primary packaging for medications, that has at least two parts, which touch each other at least in some areas.

Abstract: A closure assembly is provided for a specimen collection container. The closure assembly includes a bottom ring and top ring assembly. The bottom ring is removably attachable to the open end of the container. The top ring assembly, which is removably attached to the bottom ring, includes a mounting ring and a pierceable, resealable septum that closes the bottom ring and permits pierceable instrument access therethrough. The container interior can also be accessed by the removal of the bottom ring from the open end of the container or by the removal of the top assembly from the bottom ring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closure device for a vacuum sample collector, comprising an external cap (2), in a hard material, preferably a hard plastic component, with a top face (4) and a side skirt (5) surrounding the above, which may be connected to a sleeve-like opening section of the vacuum sample collector, and a sealing element (3) arranged on the container side of the external cap (2) made from an elastic material, preferably a soft synthetic component. The external cap (2) is turned inwards on its top face (4), and the section of the cap turned inwards forms a depression, the floor of which (10) has a turned-up section which faces outwards and which forms an essentially cylindrical projection (11), with a flat opening (12) and which, within the depression, terminates in an opening (13), arranged in a recessed manner with relation to the front face of the external cap (2), such that said opening is outside the contact area of a finger.

Abstract: A closure for containers has a septum of elastomeric material which is self-resealing when punctured by a blunt ended tubular implement to access to the contents of the container. In one application the elastomeric closure is incorporated in a cap for a bottle or vial and is self-resealing after being punctured by a laboratory pipette.

Abstract: A closure (1) for a medicament bottle has a cap portion (2), which can be joined to the bottle and which has at least one opening (3) closed by an elastic, puncturable sealing layer (4). The opening (3) is covered on the exterior of the cap portion by a cover element (5) which, with its edge area (6) that encircles the opening (3), is joined with positive, interlocking fit, but without material bonding with the rim (8) of the opening (3). The sealing layer touches the rear side of the covering element facing the opening in a manner that is flush, sterile and without material bonding. The closure is made by a process in which the cap portion and cover element(s) are first produced and joined together, and then the sealing layer is injected into the cap portion.

Abstract: The present invention is a container assembly that includes an inner tube formed from a plastic that is substantially inert to bodily fluids and an outer tube that is formed from a different plastic. Collectively, the container assembly is useful for providing an effective barrier against gas and water permeability in the assembly and for extending the shelf-life of the container assembly, especially when used for blood collection. The outer surface of the inner tube and/or the inner surface of the outer tube are provided with a matte finish that forms an array of peaks and valleys. The valleys form circuitous paths that accommodate a flow of air to facilitate insertion of the inner tube into the outer tube. The circuitous paths also allow air to vent during processing to low pressure.

Abstract: A vial closure device, a sample vial incorporating such a vial closure device, and certain methods of using such a vial and closure device. The vial and closure device are intended to contain a gaseous sample or a headspace gas present above a liquid or solid material, so that the gaseous sample or headspace gas can be conveniently analysed, typically by means of an autosampler connected to an analytical instrument such as a mass spectrometer. Mass spectrometric methods of determining the isotopic concentration of hydrogen and oxygen comprised in aqueous samples contained in vials fitted with such closure devices are disclosed. The vial closure device comprises a hollow body member locatable in the mouth of a vial, and a first seal for making a substantially gas-tight seal between the exterior of said hollow body member and said vial.

Abstract: A container for retaining a liquid sample to be tested is closed by a removable closure cap having a slot therein to receive a flat rectangular panel test card member inserted through the slot into the container. A flexible resilient member is mounted adjoining to the closure cap slot and has a slit therein with abutting edges through which the test card is passed. After the test card has been withdrawn, the abutting edges contract to their normally closed position to prevent the leakage of any liquid through the slot when the container is being handled. During withdrawal of the test card through the slot the abutting edges wipe excess liquid sample from the test card.

Abstract: An intravenous drug access system. In one embodiment of the invention, the drug access system includes an IV bag having an inlet port and an outlet port, whereby the inlet port is a female luer integral therewith. The integral female luer fitting may be fitted with a sealed end cap including a male luer insert with a closed end. An alternative embodiment of the present invention comprises a discrete pre-molded connector made with a spike at one end and a female luer fitting at the opposing end. The spike is used to penetrate a standard IV bag through a conventional inlet port.

Abstract: The invention relates to pharmaceutical closures for containers made of flexible polyolefinic materials which are suitable to be filled with parentally administrable fluids prior to their sealing and sterilization. The polyolefinic closures have an excellent resealing capacity after being penetrated by a piercing device for establishing fluid communication with the container, even after multiple entries into the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closure for a reagent container (7) with a screw-cap or lid (6), comprising a conical insert (4), reaching in the direction of the contents. The conical insert (4) is cut at least once, such that said insert may be bent apart in the lower region thereof and further comprises, for example, an annular step (3) in the middle region thereof. In the rest state the cone completely seals the reagent container. For the removal of liquid, a pipette with a release sleeve (2), in other words, a broadening (2) at a particular separation from the needle end (1), is introduced. The release sleeve contacts the step of the conical insert (3) and produces a separation of the divided walls of the cone. The pipette needle enters the container without making contact with the cone, in other words with the closure. As the pipette needle, complete with release sleeve (2), is withdrawn, the walls of the cone close back together, as the release sleeve (2) is no longer pressing on the step (57).

Abstract: A vial closure device, a sample vial incorporating such a vial closure device, and certain methods of using such a vial and closure device. The vial and closure device are intended to contain a gaseous sample or a headspace gas present above a liquid or solid material, so that the gaseous sample or headspace gas can be conveniently analysed, typically by means of an autosampler connected to an analytical instrument such as a mass spectrometer. Mass spectrometric methods of determining the isotopic composition of hydrogen and oxygen comprised in aqueous samples contained in vials fitted with such closure devices are disclosed. The vial closure device comprises a hollow body member locatable in the mouth of a vial, and a first seal for making a substantially gas-tight seal between the exterior of said hollow body member and said vial.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cap which can form an essentially leak-proof seal with a vessel capable of receiving fluid specimens for clinical analysis and diagnosis. To minimize potentially contaminating contact between the fluid specimen and humans or the environment, the present invention features a cap which is penetrable by a plastic pipette tip or other fluid transfer device, and may include a plurality of striations which were discovered to further improve penetrability of the cap. In this way, substances can be dispensed into or withdrawn from the vessel without having to physically separate the cap from the vessel. Also featured are fluid transfer devices and caps having surface ribs and/or grooves which aid in creating passageways for venting displaced air from a penetrated collection device.

Abstract: A pierceable stopper enhanced in elasticity so that the liquid in a container will not leak even after a hollow needle inserted into the container through the pierceable stopper has been removed therefrom and a method of producing the pierceable stopper are provided. A pierceable part (11) through which a hollow needle is inserted into a container (2) is molded from a thermoplastic synthetic resin elastic material. The pierceable part is heat-treated with heated air at a temperature of from 80 to 120° C. to remove the internal stress. The heat-treated pierceable part (11) is inserted into an injection mold (20, 21). A molten thermoplastic synthetic resin is injected into a cavity (26) corresponding to a stopper body (10), which is defined by the injection mold (20, 21) and the pierceable part (11), to form a pierceable stopper (5).

Abstract: A plug body for chemical container capable of preventing the contact thereof with chemical and preventing ruptured film from falling into the chemical, comprising a valve (1) having an insert hole (3) formed at the center thereof, a cover (2) for holding the valve (1) by covering at least the upper peripheral edge of the valve (1), and a locking means for locking an insert body to the cover (2) by using the edge part of the cover (2) having a fitting hole formed therein when the insert body is inserted into the insert hole (3), wherein the rear surface peripheral part of the valve (1) is held by a pedestal part (5), and a film (4) covering the rear surface of the valve is disposed on the upper surface of the pedestal part (5).

Abstract: A closure means adapted to fit into the neck or mouth of a container, said closure means comprising a plug of resilient material said plug incorporating a slit which extends through the body of the plug characterised that, in a resting configuration and prior to insertion of the closure means into a container, the breadth of the slit is non-uniform along the length of the slit.

Abstract: A transfer set for transferring fluid, including drugs, vaccines, medicaments, solutions and the like, between a first container, such as a conventional vial, and a second container, such as a conventional syringe having a unique multipurpose resealable member. The transfer set assembly includes an elastomeric tubular fluid transfer and resealable valve member preferably including an open end mounted on the pierceable closure or stopper of a vial and a generally closed distal end having a longitudinal slit and a piercing member is telescopically received within the fluid transfer valve member having a piercing end opposite the pierceable closure. The fluid transfer valve member is preferably formed of silicone and is surrounded by a generally tubular luer connector member having an open end mounted on the pierceable closure and a distal end having male luer threads.

Abstract: A resealable barrier closure for a container with an open top and an annular snap ring below the open top. The closure includes a shell having an outer skirt dimensioned to telescope over the open top of the container. The outer skirt has a snap ring for engaging the snap ring on the container. The shell further includes an inner skirt to telescope into the open top of the container. An elastomeric diaphragm is sealingly engaged in the inner skirt. A barrier cup extends across the bottom face of the diaphragm and telescopes upwardly over the inner skin. The barrier cup initially is sealed hermetically to the container and to the plastic shell. The container may be opened by urging the plastic shell upwardly with sufficient force to break the seal between the barrier cup and the container. The container then may be resealed by merely urging the closure back over the open top of the container.

Abstract: An adapter for mounting on drug vial of various sizes to provide needleless access to the interior of each vial regardless of its size. The adapter includes sharpened cannula surrounded by peripheral sidewall. The peripheral sidewall includes an upper portion and a lower skirt flaring outward from the upper portion and terminates in a peripheral free edge extending beyond the sharpened end of the cannula to protect users from an accidental needle-stick. The sidewall includes plural equidistantly spaced projections extending radially inward to form a ledge also has slits extending upward from the peripheral edge of the skirt to enable portions of the sidewall including the projections to flex outward. By so doing the cap of the vial is enabled to pass between the projections and then return to a position wherein the ledge has inside diameter just slightly less than the outside diameter of the rim of the cap to releasably secure the adapter to the vial with the cannula piercing through the septum of the cap.

Abstract: An ampoule for containing an injectable substance including an ampoule body and a component of a means for injecting, the component carried by the ampoule body, wherein other components of the means for injecting are associated with an administering device to which the ampoule can be coupled and are operably coupleable to the component carried by the ampoule body. A method of administering an injectable substance using the ampoule is encompassed.

Abstract: The present invention is a container assembly that includes an inner tube formed from a plastic that is substantially inert to bodily fluids and an outer tube that is formed from a different plastic. Collectively, the container assembly is useful for providing an effective barrier against gas and water permeability in the assembly and for extending the shelf-life of the container assembly, especially when used for blood collection. The inner container is spaced from the outer container at most locations. However, the inner container includes an enlarged top configured to engage the outer container. The enlarged top has a roughened outer surface to permit an escape of air from the space between the containers.

Abstract: A septum used for sealing an opening formed in a neck of a container, the septum includes a top septum member that fits over the outside of the opening in the container and a bottom radial septum member structurally connected below the top septum to seal inside the neck of the container.

Abstract: In each of radial grooves 52 which are formed on a sealing disc portion 34 of a packing 10, low strength portions 64 are formed within a predetermined range from the center of the sealing disc portion 34 by decreasing the thickness of each of thin portions 62 by deeply cutting each of the radial grooves 52. When the center of the sealing disc portion 34 is pressed by the pressing means, splits are formed at the low strength portions 64, and extend to curved grooves 54 and circumferential grooves 56. As a result, it is possible to obtain a plugging member in which a draining port can be opened wide with a small amount of pressing force.

Abstract: A cap assembly for a container has a hollow housing with an upper end that receives a fluid transfer device and a lower end that engages a stopper on the container. The housing has an internal cavity open at the upper and lower ends and a radially outwardly extending portion at the lower end. A penetrator is received in the internal cavity. The penetrator has a pointed distal end opposite the stopper and an upper end constructed to be engaged by a fluid transfer device. A cap is constructed the hollow housing. The cap has a closed upper end, an open lower end, a radially outwardly extending portion at the open end, and a circumferential line of weakness connecting the upper and lower ends. A ferrule is over the radially outwardly extending portion of the hollow housing and the radially outwardly extending portion of the cap.

Abstract: A penetrator for penetrating a stopper sealing an opening in a container. The penetrator includes a stamped piece of sheet material formed to define a shank having a length. A groove extends along the length of the shank. The shank has a pointed distal. The stamped piece of sheet material further includes a bearing plate extending from the shank at a proximal end opposite the distal end of the shank.

Abstract: A resealable cap for a medicament vial has a base portion formed of vulcanized rubber or like material known for providing a stable environment for the medicament contained within the vial, and a resealable portion overlying the base portion. The resealable portion is made of low-density polyethylene or like material, and can be punctured by a needle or like injection member for dispensing medicament into the vial. Prior to filling, the cap is assembled to the vial and the cap/vial assembly is sterilized. Then, a needle is inserted through the cap and medicament is introduced through the needle and into the vial. Upon withdrawal of the needle, the penetrated region of the cap is fused by laser or direct heat sealing to hermetically seal the needle hole in the cap.

Abstract: An improved transferset assembly for transferring fluids between a first container, such as a medicament vial and a second container, such as a syringe, which includes an integral polymeric transfer assembly having a tubular collar portion, a radial portion overlying the rim of the first container, an outer tubular portion and an inner tubular portion which is integrally joined to the outer tubular portion by a radial intermediate web portion, a piercing member telescopically received in the inner tubular portion having a piercing end to pierce the closure sealing the open end of the first container and a removable closure which seals the open ends of the outer and inner tubular portions of the transfer assembly.

Abstract: There is provided a cap liner including a fluid impermeable layer for venting gas to and from the container and an adhering device for adhering the impermeable layer to a rim of a container and a channel extending therethrough for venting gas therethrough. Also provided by the present invention is a method of sealing an opening of a container by affixing a meltable layer of a sealing member to a container rim and venting the container through a vent patch, meltable layer, a foil layer, and a fluid impermeable layer having pathways thereon.

Abstract: A cartridge for holding a liquid and for use in a medical delivery device has an elongate barrel provided with a central axis and having a first opening at a first end thereof and a second opening at a second end thereof. The first opening is sealed off by a first sealing means provided with a puncturing area to be punctured by a conduit, such as a hollow needle, and the second opening is sealed off by a stopper that is in intimate contact with a general inner surface of the barrel and is movable within the barrel towards the first sealing means. The puncturing area of the first sealing means is located radially outside the general inner surface of the barrel.

Abstract: A cap used for refilling ink cartridge for printer includes a body which is forcibly inserted into an ink supply hole of the printer. A cylindrical ink receiving space is depressed into the body. A thin-film part, through which a nozzle of the printer pierces, is defined by the bottom surface of the ink receiving space. The diameter of the thin-film part is substantially the same as that of the nozzle of the printer. A plurality of leakage-preventing protrusions are integrally formed around the outer periphery of the body. Each protrusion includes an outward-slanted portion which is formed downward from the outer periphery of the body while being slanted outward, and a horizontal portion which is extended horizontally to the outer periphery of the body from the lower end of the outward-slanted portion.

Abstract: A versatile vial and plug combination forming a securely sealed closure of the vial. The combination includes a vial with (a) a head with an inner diameter (ID) and an outer diameter (OD); (b) a body with an ID and an OD substantially equal to those of the head; and (c) a neck having an ID less than the ID, and an OD less than the OD, of the head and body, providing a recessed robotic arm pick up area adapted for engagement by automatic equipment. The combination also includes a resilient plug with (a) an inwardly tapered base, (b) a top flange, and (c) a body having an OD that corresponds to or is only slightly greater than the ID of the vial, assuring an interference fit between the plug and the vial, thereby sealing the plug inside the vial upon insertion of the plug in the vial.

Abstract: The invention comprises a vial closure device, a sample vial incorporating such a vial closure device, and certain methods of using such a vial and closure device. The vial and closure device are intended to contain a gaseous sample or a headspace gas present above a liquid or solid material, so that the gaseous sample or headspace gas can be conveniently analysed, typically by means of an autosampler connected to an analytical instrument such as a mass spectrometer. Mass spectrometric methods of determining the isotopic composition of hydrogen and oxygen comprised in aqueous samples contained in vials fitted with such closure devices are disclosed. The vial closure device comprises a hollow body member locatable in the mouth of a vial, and a first seal for making a substantially gas-tight seal between the exterior of said hollow body member and said vial.