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.

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.

Abstract: A cap (1) for a bottle stopping device, where the device comprises a main body member (9) and the cap (1), where the cap (1) is adapted to be mounted on the main body member (9) and thereby defines a mounted position, the main body member having (9) retaining tabs (21), the cap (1) having a side wall (5) for pressing the tabs (21) against the bottle neck, where the side wall (5) has an upper portion (7) and a lower portion (11), where the side wall (5) is provided at the lower portion (11) with an end portion (15) folded back 180° over itself towards the inside, in such a way as to define an internal shoulder for retaining the tabs (21).

Abstract: A closure insert for a hermetically sealed container including a hollow boss that defines an access port sealed by a pierceable membrane and by a primary seal in the form of an inwardly extending skirt portion that sealingly surrounds a draining spike after piercing the membrane.

Abstract: A transfer set assembly for transferring fluids between a first container, such as a conventional medical vial, having a sealed open end and a second container such as a conventional IV infusion bag. The transfer set includes a collar having a proximate tubular end portion for securement to the container, a needle cannula and holder assembly, which is telescopically received in a distal tubular portion of the collar, and a closure including a tubular body portion having an open proximate end which is telescopically received over the needle cannula and holder assembly and the distal tubular portion of the collar, a closed distal end portion and an inner tubular portion which is integral with the closed distal end. The inner tubular portion includes a free end having spiral camming surfaces which mate with spiral camping surfaces on the inside surface of the tubular distal portion of the needle cannula holder.

Abstract: The present invention is a collection assembly comprising a container, a cap assembly removably and sealably secured to the container whereby access to the interior of the container can be made with a piercing element without removing the cap assembly from the container. The cap assembly includes a cap body and a membrane like septum supported by the cap body. The septum provides for a pierceable element to have access to the interior of the container. The membrane is a thermoplastic elastomer and is self-sealing upon removal of the piercing element.

Abstract: A vial pack cover, a vial pack kit, and a method for forming the vial pack cover is provided. The vial pack cover can simultaneously cover a plurality of containers while preventing the contents of the containers from degrading or permeating through the cover. In addition, the vial pack cover allows a user to access individual containers without having to remove the cover from the un-accessed containers. The vial pack cover generally includes: (1) a plurality of plug portions joined together and formed from a heat curable rubber; and (2) a barrier layer covering each of the plug portions.

Abstract: A closure for a container, e.g., a tube, for a sample, e.g., a biological sample. The closure comprises a seal and an adapter to mount the seal onto the container. In one embodiment, the adapter is a cap that is inserted over the mouth of the container. The adapter is typically cylindrical in shape and is characterized by having a circular top with a cylindrical side wall projecting from the top. The top of the adapter has an opening formed therein. The opening generally surrounds the axis of the cylindrically-shaped adapter. The opening has dimensions sufficient to accommodate a sampling device for obtaining access to the contents of the container. The seal depends from the surface of the top of the cap that faces the interior of the container. The seal has a peripheral portion enclosing an interior portion. The peripheral portion has a side wall and a bottom wall.

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 stopper for use in preventing any volume of gas from escaping from a drug container when used in connection therewith. The stopper has a body having a perimeter for slidable engagement with the interior of a drug receptacle; an outer surface; and an inner surface facing the bottom of the drug receptacle, the inner surface shaped so as to trap any volume of gas located within the drug receptacle when the body is slidably engaged therein. The invention is further directed to a drug container having a hollow body for holding a liquid. The body has an open end and a closed end. The container also has a stopper slidably received in the hollow body, and a feature for entrapping any volume of gas within the container.

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 centre (z) of the plastic lid (2).

Abstract: A microplate assembly comprising a multi-well microplate, a plurality of vent caps and a porous vent film. The microplate includes a frame that houses a plurality of open wells in a rectangular array. Vent caps mount on the microplate to seal and vent the wells. When the vent caps are coupled to the wells, an interior volume is formed in each well. The wells function as a vessel for liquid samples that occupy predetermined spaces within the interior volumes. Each liquid sample remains within its predetermined space for all orientations of the microplate assembly. The vent cap comprises an array of well inserts. Each well insert comprises a sealing plug and a vent tube. A flexible perforated web interconnects the well inserts to each other. The vent tubes are fixed to the sealing plugs and terminate in a vent. A barrier formed from a plurality of nested flaps resiliently mounts on the vent tube to partially cover the vent and help inhibit the evaporation and loss of the liquid samples.

Abstract: A device for connecting between a recipient and a container, including a base, mounted on the recipient and a bush forming an inner bore, and a plunger adapted to slide in this bore, between a first position disengaged with respect to the stopper of the recipient and a second, so-called transfer position, in which a hollow needle borne by the plunger traverses the stopper. The base is provided with at least one elastic catch for retaining the plunger in the transfer position, this catch projecting, from the bush, towards the interior of the bore and being adapted to cooperate with an outer radial tab of the plunger.

Abstract: The invention comprises a wide range of pierceable and memory-recloseable septa cover for multi-well plates for PCR or other small sample well processes, where such seals are joined into an easily applied or removed sheet or otherwise joined means. A reaction chamber well comprises a liquid level portion at the bottom that contains the various levels of reaction liquid, a super-liquid portion comprising the gas volumes above the reaction liquid. In one form of the invention embodiments, the cover comprises a gas tight seal between the cover and the side of the well substantially above the liquid level, thereby forming the super-liquid space. The disturbance, pressure change and/or gas exchange in this small gas space results in a rather dramatic potential change in reaction or mixing results. The invention cover reduces each of these to a minimum not attainable in the prior art.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pinch valve for allowing access to a sterile reaction vessel using a cannula. The valve remains closed until a cannula is inserted. Upon removal of the cannula, the valve automatically closes maintaining the sterile or otherwise controlled conditions of the reaction vessel.

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 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: An injection molded assembly forming a sealing device for a threaded or non-threaded container using a double cap concept with pressure responsive convex sealing; also disclosed is a wiping mechanism, a one piece construction, a tamper resistant construction, a limited air exchange construction while allowing easy access to fluid contents, a sterile air venting and filter construction, a one piece tamper evident closure with a tethered container, and a frangible tether means molded with the formation of the sealing device.

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 present invention is a collection assembly comprising a container, a cap assembly removably and sealably secured to the container, whereby access to the interior of the container can be made with a piercing element without removing the cap assembly from the container. The cap assembly includes a cap body and a membrane like septum supported by the cap body. The septum provides for a pierceable element to have access to the interior of the container. The membrane is a thermoplastic elastomer and is self-sealing upon removal of the piercing element.

Abstract: A cap (1) for a chemical storage or reaction vessel comprising a seat for attachment, in use, to an opening of the vessel. A membrane (6) formed from a resilient material and having a slit (11) formed therein allows a substance sampling or delivery apparatus to pass therethrough in use, the membrane being positioned to slide within the seat substantially in the direction of passage of the sampling or delivery apparatus.

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: A closure assembly is provided that includes an outer cap with a skirt dimensioned to telescope over the open top end of the tube. An annular shoulder extends inwardly from the top end of the skirt and includes an aperture through which a needle may be directed. A laminated seal is bonded to the bottom surface of the annular shoulder of the outer cap and extends continuously across the aperture in the annular shoulder. A stopper is secured on the bottom surface of the annular seal and is dimensioned for sealing engagement in the open top of the tube. Outer circumferential portions of the bottom surface of the laminated seal between the skirt and the stopper are bonded to the open top end of the tube. The bond between the closure and the laminated seal is stronger than the bond between the tube and the laminated seal. Thus, the closure assembly retains its structural integrity after opening of the tube and can be used to reseal the tube.

Abstract: A resealable barrier closure is provided 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 skirt. 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: 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.

Abstract: A closure assembly is provided that includes an outer cap with a skirt dimensioned to telescope over the open top end of the tube. An annular shoulder extends inwardly from the top end of the skirt and includes an aperture through which a needle may be directed. A laminated seal is bonded to the bottom surface of the annular shoulder of the outer cap and extends continuously across the aperture in the annular shoulder. A stopper is secured on the bottom surface of the annular seal and is dimensioned for sealing engagement in the open top of the tube. Outer circumferential portions of the bottom surface of the laminated seal between the skirt and the stopper are bonded to the open top end of the tube. The bond between the closure and the laminated seal is stronger than the bond between the tube and the laminated seal. Thus, the closure assembly retains its structural integrity after opening of the tube and can be used to reseal the tube.

Abstract: The plastic closure of this invention is particularly, but not exclusively adapted for sealing medicament vials and other medical containers or as a collar for retaining a fluid transferset on a medical container. The plastic closure of this invention includes a generally tubular portion which surrounds the rim of the container and a free end portion which is permanently radially deformed or crimped into the neck of the container. The plastic closure of this invention is formed of a polymer, preferably a polymeric alloy or melt blend, which is sufficiently malleable to permit radial deformation, yet sufficiently rigid to retain its shape following deformation and sufficiently resistant to creep to maintain the seal between the plastic closure and the container following deformation. A preferred polymer for the plastic closure of this invention is an alloy or melt blend comprising a relatively rigid polymer such as polycarbonate and a soft malleable co-polymer such as a polyester.

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: A resealable barrier closure is provided 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 skirt. 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: A sterile connector for containers holding medicinal liquids comprising a base body with a lower part that can be inserted into the container wall and which can be sealed with respect to the container wall and an upper part equipped with a passage for the liquid. At the lower side and/or the upper side of the base body a barrier module is provided that is an injection molded part with a core made of a material that is essentially impermeable to certain gases and an envelope made of a material of which the base body is made.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for isolating cell material from a tissue system and/or a liquid includes (1) a vessel open at the top, into which the cell material to be isolated can be introduced in the tissue system and/or the liquid; and (2) a separating device having a stamp-shaped configuration and including a flat separating disk having a peripheral edge fitting with the inner walls of the vessel in a fluid-tight manner and presenting at least one passage opening which is covered by a filter membrane, and which device can be inserted from the top into the vessel. The isolating disk pressurises the cell material inclusive of the tissue system and/or the liquid and acts thereupon with shearing forces by rotation. The cells and/or cell systems pass through the pores of the filter membrane whereas the residual tissue material is retained.

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.

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 cylindrical vial having a bottom, for a medicine, in which an open end of the cylindrical vial is sealed by a needle-penetrable rubber closure through which a needle can be penetrated, the cylindrical vial including a conical bottom end provided opposite to the open end, wherein the apex of the conical bottom end is located on a central axis of the cylindrical vial at the bottommost point inside the cylindrical vial.

Abstract: An improved specimen container comprising a receptacle, a lid having a top surface and a bottom surface and a bore therethrough, and a resealable membrane plug which has an upper and lower annular shoulder, at least one of which shoulders is deformable, and which is inserted through and seated in the bore of the lid so that said upper annular shoulder is seated on the top surface of the lid and the lower annular shoulder is seated on the bottom surface of the lid, and a plug cover which can be raised and lowered by the user with one hand leaving the user's other hand free to insert a specimen into, or withdraw a specimen from, the specimen container.

Abstract: A sealed container opening, intended for fluid communication with a container for storing medical fluids, comprising a tubular sleeve-formed part (22, 22A) having a resilient pierceable stopper (24, 24A) inserted in its mouth (21, 21A) and a covering sealing device (10, 10A). The sealed container opening contains the same autoclavable polyolefinic material as the container. All parts of said container opening, exposed to the fluid or fluid handling devices are sterilized in a single process by means of steam transferred to these parts during its autoclavation. Saddle formed port systems attachable to a flexible containers are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) in the form of a container (2) having a container interior (9) partially delimited by a container body (8) comprising a container shell (3) having an external and an internal shell surface (10, 12) and a container base (7) arranged at one of two end faces (5, 6) of the container shell (3) disposed at oppositely lying ends in the direction of a container central axis (4). The second end face (5) of the container shell (3) surrounds a container opening (14). At least one data medium (16) for recording and reproducing and/or processing data is arranged on the container body (8) by means of an appliance (17) provided with an adhesive and/or in the container body (8), in particular being joined thereto and/or arranged in the container interior (9) and/or joined thereto.

Abstract: An assembly of a protected stopper with a test tube consists of a protected stopper for blood sample collecting or biological liquids handling test tubes which contains a substantially cylindrical inner body made of an elastomer, the body including a lower portion for insertion in a test tube, an upper abutment flange, and an abutment step formed between the inner body lower portion and the upper flange. The stopper also includes a substantially cylindrical cover made of a plastic for enclosing an upper part of the test tube and the inner body, the cylindrical cover including a free upper region for insertion of a sampling needle in the stopper and arc-like openings provided in the upper part.

Abstract: Multiple use universal connector designed for use in various containers having a fluid port for accessing to the content of the container or for transferring fluid into the container. The multiple use universal connector incorporates a diaphragm capable of being penetrated repeatedly by an access means such as a luer connector or a syringe having a sharp or blunt cannula for fluid communication between the content of the container and the access means. The multiple use universal connector re-seals itself after being penetrated and the access means removed therefrom.

Abstract: A laminated rubber stopper having a new structure, capable of being produced in a simple process with a reduced production cost and being excellent in tightness, sealing property and sanitary property, is provided, comprising a top part having a flange part and a leg part provided under the top part of the rubber stopper and to be inserted into the mouth part of a vial, at least a surface thereof to be contacted with a contents in the vial being laminated with a fluoro resin film, in which the lower surface of the flange part has an annular concavity with a cross section of a circular arc from the periphery of the flange to the neck part.

Abstract: A holding device for body fluid, tissue parts and tissue culture media includes a cylindrical holding container having a container wall with an inner surface defining an inner space, a first open end face having a diameter which is at least equal to the diameter of the inner space, and a second open end face having a conical sealing surface tapering inwardly in the direction of the inner space. A first closure device closes the first open end face and a second closure device closes the second end face. The second closure device includes a solid conical seal body 44 having a sealing surface conforming to the conical sealing surface of the second open end face and an outer end face of a larger diameter than that of an inner end face that faces the inner space. A retaining member 45 abuts the outer end face and is coupled to the outer container wall surface for holding the seal body in a sealing position in the second open end face.

Abstract: A luer connector which facilitates connection of a hypodermic syringe to the vial, comprising a luer connectable to a syringe and which extends to a sharpened end capable of being driven through a puncturable vial closure to thereby puncture the closure; a luer support, mountable on a vial, and which initially supports the luer in a first position in which the sharpened end of the conduit is pointed toward the closure; a luer driver such that movement of the driver relative to the support causes the luer to be driven so that the sharpened end punctures the closure and enters the vial.

Abstract: The invention concerns a seal for closing the neck of a flask. The seal comprises a stopper with a central coaxial channel for passage of an injection and/or sampling needle, this channel being sealed by at least one ball with a diameter slightly greater than that of the channel. This seal is suitable for a reagent flask used by a blood analyzer.

Abstract: A container having a closure comprising a closure wall having a puncturable region in communication with the interior of the vessel, and having on an inwardly facing region of the closure wall a desiccant material separated from the interior of the vessel by a semi-permeable membrane which permits transmission of water vapor therethrough but is substantially impermeable to liquid water.

Abstract: Universal connector designed for use in various containers having a fluid port for access to the content of the container or for transferring fluid into the container. The universal connector incorporates an elastomeric membrane capable of being ruptured by an access means such as a luer connector or a syringe having a sharp or blunt cannula for fluid communication between the content of the container and the access means.

Abstract: A stopper for sealing containers for pharmaceutical liquids, especially infusion bottles, which stopper has a collar, which projects into the neck of the container; an edge, which rests on the neck of the container; and a puncture area, enclosed by the edge and the collar, the stopper being held on the neck of the container by a protective cap of metal or plastic, characterized in that the puncture area (3) is designed to have such elasticity and flexibility with respect to the edge (9) and the collar (6) that, after the stopper has been inserted into the neck (4) of the container, the puncture area bulges slightly outward; and in that, after the puncture needle (15) of an infusion kit (16) has been inserted into the stopper, the puncture area bulges down into the neck (4) of the container.

Abstract: A sealing element for sealing a container includes a cap having a top with an opening therein in combination with a septum. The septum includes an elastomer in direct physical contact with an interior surface of the cap. The septum occludes the opening in the top. There is no layer of adhesive or plastic material between the elastomer and the interior surface of the cap. The cap may be made of plastic or metal. Also provided is a method of directly bonding an elastomer, such as silicone rubber, to a plastic or metal.

Abstract: A transfer set assembly for transferring fluids between a first container, such as a conventional medical vial, having a sealed open end and a second container such as a conventional IV infusion bag. The transfer set includes a collar having a proximate tubular end portion for securement to the container, a needle cannula and holder assembly, which is telescopically received in a distal tubular portion of the collar, and a closure including a tubular body portion having an open proximate end which is telescopically received over the needle cannula and holder assembly and the distal tubular portion of the collar, a closed distal end portion and an inner tubular portion which is integral with the closed distal end. The inner tubular portion includes a free end having spiral camming surfaces which mate with spiral camping surfaces on the inside surface of the tubular distal portion of the needle cannula holder.

Abstract: A closure apparatus is provided that includes a plurality of plug closures interconnected by straps. Each plug includes a blind bore therein into which a sampling needle may be inserted for penetration of the plug in order to extract a sample from the container to which the plug is attached. The plugs are arranged within an array that may correspond to an array of containers set within wells located in a block array. A membrane is also provided that interconnects the straps and the plugs. The plugs are fashioned from an elastomer such as a silicone elastomer. A layer of PTFE is provided on the bottom outer surface of the plugs and may also be included on the underside of the interconnecting straps and membrane, so as to provide an inert barrier in contact with the contents of the containers.