Abstract: A placement component rapidly moves individual bag blanks from a pack or magazine to a conveyor system in uniformly spaced relationship. Each bag blank has opposite surfaces. While the conveyor system continues to move the bags, opening tabs are automatically applied to opposite surfaces of each bag, followed by high speed application and cutting of sideways extending flexible closure strips. The bag blanks are moved continuously from the placement component to the high speed cutting section, as compared to incremental movement, for high speed manufacturing of specialized bags.

Abstract: A sampling device (10) is provided having an elongate handle (12) with a distal paddle head (14). An absorbent material (20) is placed about the paddle head, and a score line (18) is located along the handle at a location adjacent the padded head. A method of use is provided in which the paddle head (14) and absorbent material (20) are inserted into a flexible wall sample bag. The head is then grasped from the exterior of the sample bag so as to avoid direct contact with the absorbent material. The handle is then broken away from the head at the handle score line. The absorbent material (20) is preferably sized to encompass the exposed score line after the paddle head (14) is snapped from the handle (12).

Abstract: The invention is a prefilled culture medium bag with a gusseted base that is capable of standing in an upright position. The prefilled culture medium bag can be sterilized by irradiation. Or alternatively, the culture medium can be sterilized apart from the bag and subsequently placed inside the bag after the bag has been sterilized. In either case, the end product is a pre-sterilized and prefilled culture medium bag delivered to a laboratory for use. The culture medium bag is self-supporting and takes on the characteristics of a rigid container when filled. The culture medium bag is easy to open and reseal for introduction of a culture sample at the laboratory. After introduction, a sample can be incubated within the culture medium bag.

Abstract: The invention is a method for using flexible packaging in connection with incubating a sample in a liquid culture medium. A flexible, gusseted bag is first presterilized by irradiation. Then, the bag is prefilled with a presterilized liquid culture medium. The bag is self-supporting and takes on the characteristics of a rigid container when filled. Prefilling and sterilizing it enables it to be shipped to a laboratory. The bag is easy to open and reseal for introduction of a culture sample at the laboratory. After introduction, the sample is incubated in the bag.