Abstract: A method and apparatus for sampling microorganisms from the air is disclosed. The speed at which the sample is placed on to a growth medium is controlled, such as by controlling the speed of the turbine of the device, so as to compensate for any drying of the medium that may have occurred by the amount of air hitting the surface over time. This enhances the ability of the medium to retain microorganisms present in the air even as the medium dries from the flow of air over its surface.

Abstract: This apparatus has a sieve (4) with a wall (22) perforated with a multitude of holes, means (4, 5) for holding a removable receptacle (20) containing a layer of growth media (21) and means (7, 8) for sucking in air at the periphery of the receptacle (20) in order to cause to enter the apparatus (1), through holes in the wall (22), air which strikes the layer of growth media (21), the latter and the wall (22) being shaped so that their separation increases from their periphery towards their center.

Abstract: The method uses a culture receptacle including a layer of growth medium (3), a first end surface of which gives onto a first chamber (27) and the second end surface of which gives onto a second chamber (28), and includes a step of causing a higher pressure in the first chamber (27) than in the second chamber (28), with a view to allowing the diffusion, in the layer of growth medium (3), of the water which the latter contains and optionally of a rehydrating solution (29) deposited on the first end surface of the layer of growth medium.The cartridge has a body (2) with, between a grid (7) which the layer of growth medium (3) coats and an annular wall (8), a solid annulus (9) having towards the inside an extra thickness part forming a ridge (10).

Abstract: A filtration unit containing a filtering membrane, a cover upstream of the membrane, and a base downstream of the membrane, and joined together, characterized in that the filtering membrane has an elliptical shape. This elliptical shape facilitates the use for filtration and allows the unit to be reused without the formation of an air lock when the filtering membrane is partially hydrophobic.

Abstract: A process for potting hollow fibers within a body is disclosed wherein a bundle of hollow fibers is formed within a hollowed portion of the body such that the fibers are substantially aligned and uniformly spaced. A molten thermoplastic composition is dispensed into the body at a contact temperature below the melting point of the hollow fibers. The bundle and the body are both at a temperature which is sufficiently low enough to cause solidification of the molten composition substantially upon contact with the bundle. A pressure differential is applied to the body to assist the flow of the thermoplastic composition around each of the hollow fiber elements such that the bundle and the interior of the hollowed portion of the body are encapsulated by the thermoplastic composition thereby assuring reliable sealing between the hollow fiber elements and the interior of the hollowed portion of the body.

Abstract: The packaging is in the form of a tape comprising first and second films (4,6) between which are sandwiched objects (7) each placed in an envelope formed by a seal (8) between the films. The first method and the device (20) enable the envelopes to be opened and the objects (27) to be taken therefrom easily. The microbiological analysis method uses a tape with alternating filter membranes for the liquid to be analyzed and absorbent pads for a nutrient medium.

Abstract: The present invention describes a cartridge of hollow fibers intended principally for the refermentation in the bottle of sugar-containing wine according to the traditional so-called "champagne" method. The cartridge has a perforated tubular body in which are arranged microporous hollow fibers preferably hydrophilic and a few hydrophobic and which are folded in a U shape and which are filled with yeasts. The cartridge is of a size to be inserted in the neck of a bottle and allows refermentation to occur by ensuring the maintenance of an optimum exchange surface between the wine and the yeasts.

Abstract: A device for the production of ultrapure water comprising tubes containing water treatment elements joined by two end plates. Grids are disposed between the tubes and the end plates to retain resin or carbon particles. Connector terminations provide a hydraulic connection between a control unit and the tubes. The filter is mounted in the tubes by means of an adapter which also provides a seal between inlet and outlet sides of the filter. Holes are provided in the connector terminations and the end plates to enable selection of the path of fluid in the water treatment elements.

Abstract: A container for one or more micro-organism culture mediums has a substantially cylindrical or frustoconical casing open at both ends. A transverse perforated support grid is joined to an inside wall of the casing at its circular edge. A base is fitted to a lower end of the casing and a lid is fitted in a liquid-tight manner onto the upper end of the casing. A culture medium at a raised temperature can thus be poured into the container while it is resting upside down on its lid with the base removed.

Abstract: According to the method of aseptic and antiparticulate opening of a sealed glass ampul, one end of the ampul is submitted to a powerful thermal flux produced by flame tongue generating sources on a very localized zone for a time period sufficient to obtain melting of the glass while maintaining the adjacent portion thereof at lower temperature for preserving its rigidity, such time period being the shorter the smaller that volume of gas contained in the ampul which is quickly brought to an increased temperature and pressure to cause the ampul to be opened up in the considered molten zone.