Stopper apparatus for a test tube or similar article
US5377854A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 16, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jan 3, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 16, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65D51/241
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A stopper assembly for a test tube or similar article comprised of an inner elastomeric stopper and an outer semi-rigid cap member that protects the inner elastomeric stopper and assists in the manual manipulation of the inner elastomeric stopper and provides enhanced visible color coding through the combination of colored stoppers and caps. The elastomeric stopper is dimensioned to fit within the open end of a test tube with an interference fit. The lower end of the elastomeric stopper has grooves disposed across its outer surface. When the lower end of the stopper is inserted into the open end of the test tube, gases are permitted to pass through the grooves, and the test tube is vented to its surrounding environment. The upper end of the elastomeric stopper does not include venting grooves. As such, when the upper end of the stopper is inserted into the open end of the test tube, a gas impervious seal is formed between the stopper and the test tube, thereby isolating the contents of the test tube from the surrounding environment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.