Semen capsule for use with an artificial insemination applicator

Claim 1

A capsule for the cold storage of semen at freezing temperatures and for subsequent use in an artificial insemination applicator apparatus of the type embodying an elongated tubular body portion, and an elongated plunger reciprocable through said body portion in co-axial relation thereto, and comprising a. an elongated tubular member adapted to be inserted longitudinally into said body portion and to receive an end of said plunger for movement longitudinally therethrough, b. a one-piece plug normally mounted in one end portion of said tubular member in position to close the latter and to be engaged by said end of said plunger and be moved thereby through said tubular member upon such movement of said plunger therethrough, and c. another one-piece plug mounted in the other end portion of said tubular member in position to close the latter; d. semen disposed in said tubular member between said plugs, e. each of said plugs including 1. a substantially cylindrical-shaped central body portion disposed in the respective end portion of said tubular member, 2. an end portion a. projecting from one end of said last mentioned central body portion in substantially co-axial relation thereto toward the other of said plugs, and b. sloping inwardly toward its axis in a direction away from its last mentioned central body portion, and 3. two outwardly projecting annular lands a. extending around the respective central body portion transversely to the length thereof, b. disposed in spaced, substantially parallel relation to each other, and c. engaging said tubular member with a force fit.