METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR CLOSING THE END OF A SAMPLE TUBE

摘要

This invention relates to closing an open end of a pailette containing a biological element. The invention includes heating a dose of thermo-plastic material to a flowable condition and injecting the dose into the cold open end of the paillettes so that the material adheres to the inner wall of the paillette and solidifies to form a stable plug closing the end. The thermo-plastic material is preferably in the form of solid sticks. A valve in closing apparatus opens and closes communication with a reservoir containing the thermo-plastic material under pressure and defines a pre-determined volume for the dose. The invention is especially applicable to the production of paillettes for use in artificial insemination.