Resealable hermetically sealed ampules and closure thereof

Abstract

Abstract A resealable hermetically sealed ampule construction, and a closure adapted for use therewith, are provided. The ampule is a hollow cylindrical glass body having hermetically sealed ends, and provided with scoring to facilitate opening of the ampule by breaking at the score line. The ampule is fitted with a first friction fitted cylindrical sleeve of a semirigid plastic material, such as nylon, polyethylene, or the like, provided with an annular, inwardly projecting shoulder adapted to engage with the scoring on the ampule. There is also provided a second sleeve, slidably engaged and friction fitted to the said first sleeve which serves, when slightly deformed by the user, to transmit force through the shoulder of the first sleeve to the scoring of the ampule. Such force serves to break open the ampule at the score without shattering the structure and endangering the user. The second sleeve is provided with the means to engage the upper portion of the ampule above the score line so that the second sleeve and the ampule cap can be withdrawn by slidably removing the second sleeve from engagement with the first. Once opened the ampule can be resealed by replacing the second sleeve in engagement with the first sleeve. An optional additional feature of the ampule is the provision in the upper part of the second sleeve, above the ampule cap, of at least one additional breakable ampule. In such a fashion, analytical testing procedures and the like are greatly facilitated by the employment of hermetically sealed, precisely measured quantities of reagents, which can be employed in sequential fashion in a single, resealable ampule construction.

Inventors

• 👤 W Greenfield
• 👤 R Berg

Bibliographic Details