METHOD FOR SEALING AMPOULES

摘要

An improvement in the method of sealing glass ampoules by melting the neck of the ampoule in the presence of an open flame to create a closure. The improvement involves supporting an elongated purge cone upon the neck of the ampoule so that the tapered end of the cone extends into the neck of the ampoule. A conduit is introduced through the purge cone to extend downwardly into the neck of the ampoule. The bottom of the conduit is located below the bottom of the purge cone but above the point in the ampoule neck at which the closure is to be made. Gas is circulated through the conduit and exhausted upwardly through the purge cone and through any gaps between the tapered portion of the purge cone and the neck of the ampoule to prevent inflow of contaminants from the flame used to seal the ampoule.