Abstract: A device and a process to count a number of colonies present in a set of samples. The colony counting device has a storage device with plural storage locations. A handling system is operative to convey samples to analyze from storage locations to an analysis area and from the analysis area to storage locations. An imaging device is operative to acquire a plurality of images of a sample to analyze, the plurality of images including all or a part of the analysis area. A processing unit is operative to implement, for each sample to analyze, a detection step to detect the presence of colonies by analyzing an image of the plurality of images of the sample and a determination step to determine the number of colonies present in the sample by counting the colonies whose presence have been detected during the detection step.

Abstract: A filter bag comprising with a wall structure defining an inner volume with an opening. The wall structure extends from a bottom to the opening. A filter extends from the bottom toward the opening to separate the inner volume into a sample receiving compartment and a filtrate collection compartment. An orifice in the wall structure is in communication with the filtrate collection compartment, and a closure system has a closed state wherein access through the orifice is prevented and an open state wherein access through the orifice is permitted. The closure system can have a moveable part operative to selectively seal the orifice and a stationary part fixed to the wall structure with a separative limit therebetween. A fastening system can selectively retain a foldable portion of the wall structure against the wall structure to adjust the opening from an open state to a closed state.

Abstract: A device and a process to count a number of colonies present in a set of samples. The colony counting device has a storage device with plural storage locations. A handling system is operative to convey samples to analyze from storage locations to an analysis area and from the analysis area to storage locations. An imaging device is operative to acquire a plurality of images of a sample to analyze, the plurality of images including all or a part of the analysis area. A processing unit is operative to implement, for each sample to analyze, a detection step to detect the presence of colonies by analyzing an image of the plurality of images of the sample and a determination step to determine the number of colonies present in the sample by counting the colonies whose presence have been detected during the detection step.

Abstract: A gripping device with linear actuation for a robotic arm for seizing and gripping Petri dishes and other light items. The gripping device has a support and first and second gripping arms slidably retained relative to the support by guide rods. A motorized drive mechanism actuates the gripping arms through an operating member that acts only on the first gripping arm. Through an interconnection mechanism, movement of the first gripping arm actuates a simultaneous and dependent opposite movement of the second gripping arm so that the gripping arms are movable between a slack position and a clamping position. The operating member acts on the first gripping arm through a resiliently compressible member, the distortion of which is measured to provide a clamping limitation mechanism.

Abstract: An analysis bag for receiving a biological sample for microbial culture with a culture broth powder disposed within an inner volume of the container and retained by a porous wall. The culture broth powder can be disposed in at least one pouch comprising an envelope of porous material with an open inner volume. The container can have two compartments sharing a common porous wall with one compartment adapted to receive the culture broth powder and the other compartment adapted to receive the biological sample. The pouch can be manufactured with a panel of porous material folded over and sealed with the culture broth powder retained therein. A microbial culture process can be implemented with such analysis bags retaining at least one pouch or having compartments separated by a common porous wall.

Abstract: A laboratory mixer for mixing a sample and a diluent in a bag. An enclosure defines a mixing chamber, and at least one movable mixing element is retained for mixing the sample and the diluent within the bag. At least one liquid detector is retained relative to the enclosure for detecting liquid leaked from the bag. The sensor can be a capacitive, inductive, or optical sensor. The sensor can be a conductivity sensor with two electrodes shaped like combs and a gap less than or equal to a diameter of a drip of diluent solution. A ledge with a low point can be retained by an access door. The sensor or sensors can be disposed adjacent to the access door, on a mixing element, in direct contact with the bag, or on a tank. An alarm and cessation of operation can be triggered upon a detection of leaked liquid.

Abstract: A gravimetric dispensing system for dispensing a predetermined quantity of liquid into a container. The system has a base structure with a weighing apparatus and a support stand for retaining a container disposed to receive a quantity of liquid. The weighing apparatus supports the support stand to provide a determination of a weight of the support stand, the container, and any liquid deposited into the container, and a receptacle collects any leaked liquid, including liquid from the container or where the container is missing. The receptacle can be removable and can include at least one tank. The receptacle can have a bottom, an opening in the bottom to permit spacing from the weighing apparatus, and ledges surrounding the bottom and the opening. The receptacle can be fixed or removable, such as upon removal of the support stand. A locating formation can engage a corresponding formation on the base structure.

Abstract: A device, system and method integrating forward and panoramic fields is disclosed, comprising: a primary reflector, comprising a convex surface in relation to the forward field, reflective on at least part of the convex surface; a secondary reflector, forward of the primary reflector relative to the forward field, reflective on at least part a surface thereof facing rearward toward the primary reflector; a primary reflector hole in the primary reflector, substantially centered about an optical axis of the apparatus; and a secondary reflector hole in the secondary reflector, substantially centered about the optical axis.