Abstract: The present application relates to a transport packaging (20) for a plurality of petri-dishes (P), comprising a shell-like main body (21) with a compartment (22) for holding the plurality of petri-dishes (P) in a parallel orientation, the compartment (22) being accessible from an opening (23) at one side of the main body (21), and a rack-like structure (24) formed in the compartment (22) for supporting the petri-dishes (P) in a fixed position during handling and configured to allow insertion/extraction of the petri-dishes (P) into/from the rack-like structure (24) in a direction.

Abstract: The invention concerns a filtration assembly for microbiological testing and a method of using the filtration assembly for that purpose. The filtration assembly (1) comprises a ring-like membrane support (10) holding a filtration membrane (11), a cylindrical reservoir (20) of which opposite axial ends have openings and one axial opening is removably and fluid-tightly attachable to the membrane support (10) to define a sample volume adjacent to the filtration membrane (11) on one axial side of the membrane support (10); and a lid device (40) removably and fluid tightly attachable to the other axial opening of the reservoir (20) to close the opening. Further, the lid device (40) is removably and fluid tightly attachable to the membrane support (10) so as to seal the one axial side of the membrane support (10) from the environment.

Abstract: The invention concerns a filtration assembly (1) for microbiological testing and a method of using the filtration assembly for that purpose. The filtration assembly (1) comprises a ring-like membrane support (10) holding a filtration membrane (11), a cylindrical reservoir (20) of which opposite axial ends have openings and one axial opening is removably and fluid-tightly attachable to the membrane support (10) to define a sample volume adjacent to the filtration membrane (11) on one axial side of the membrane support (10); and a drain member (30) removably and fluid tightly attachable to the membrane support (10) to define a drain channel space adjacent to the filtration membrane (11) on an opposite axial side of the membrane support (10).

Abstract: The invention concerns a frame (1) for holding a plurality of filtration assemblies (100) and a testing unit (10) for microbiological testing. The frame (1) for holding the plurality of filtration assemblies (100) comprises an array of supports (5) each configured to receive and support one of the filtration assemblies (100) on a common support plane (2), and connection means (6) provided on the periphery (7) of the frame (1) and configured to releasably connect, by a form-locking engagement, a further frame (1) such that the common support planes (2) of the connected frames (1) are contiguous. Further, the testing unit (10) comprises at least one frame (1) packed in a bag (20) in pre-sterilized condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cutting tubing, comprising a frame having an entry window and an exit window for defining a pathway of the longitudinal axis of the tube through the device, a cutting element arranged on the frame, wherein the cutting element is arranged lateral and opposite to the pathway of the tubing and wherein at least the portion of the frame is formed mobile and the cutting element is arranged on or opposite to the mobile portion to enable the cutting element to be pressed into the pathway of the longitudinal axis of the tubing.

Abstract: The invention concerns a filtration assembly for microbiological testing and a method of using the filtration assembly for that purpose. The filtration assembly (1) comprises a ring-like membrane support (10) holding a filtration membrane (11), a cylindrical reservoir (20) of which opposite axial ends have openings and one axial opening is removably and fluid-tightly attachable to the membrane support (10) to define a sample volume adjacent to the filtration membrane (11) on one axial side of the membrane support (10); and a lid device (40) removably and fluid tightly attachable to the other axial opening of the reservoir (20) to close the opening. Further, the lid device (40) is removably and fluid tightly attachable to the membrane support (10) so as to seal the one axial side of the membrane support (10) from the environment.

Abstract: The invention concerns a filtration assembly (1) for microbiological testing and a method of using the filtration assembly for that purpose. The filtration assembly (1) comprises a ring-like membrane support (10) holding a filtration membrane (11), a cylindrical reservoir (20) of which opposite axial ends have openings and one axial opening is removably and fluid-tightly attachable to the membrane support (10) to define a sample volume adjacent to the filtration membrane (11) on one axial side of the membrane support (10); and a drain member (30) removably and fluid tightly attachable to the membrane support (10) to define a drain channel space adjacent to the filtration membrane (11) on an opposite axial side of the membrane support (10).

Abstract: The invention concerns a frame (1) for holding a plurality of filtration assemblies (100) and a testing unit (10) for microbiological testing. The frame (1) for holding the plurality of filtration assemblies (100) comprises an array of supports (5) each configured to receive and support one of the filtration assemblies (100) on a common support plane (2), and connection means (6) provided on the periphery (7) of the frame (1) and configured to releasably connect, by a form-locking engagement, a further frame (1) such that the common support planes (2) of the connected frames (1) are contiguous. Further, the testing unit (10) comprises at least one frame (1) packed in a bag (20) in pre-sterilized condition.

Abstract: A sample preparation container, preferably for use in sterility testing, comprising a housing (1) having a housing wall (2) defining an inside space (3), a support on which a membrane filter is placed or is to be placed so as to get in contact with a sampling fluid to be introduced into the inside space (3), and at least one inlet opening (4) to the inside space (3) and at least one outlet opening from the inside space (3). A sampling port (5) is provided for allowing access from the outside to the inside space (3), wherein said sampling port (5) is closed by a septum (6) and the septum (6) is separated from the inside space (3) by a barrier wall (7) which is preferably piercable or breakable on application of an external force, preferably applied through a sampling instrument like a needle (8).

Abstract: A dispenser for opening a tape like packaging comprising first and second films releasably connected to each other, forming envelopes sealed around an object, and disposed sequentially with a predetermined pitch. The dispenser comprises a space for holding a container of the packaging, a separator through which the packaging can be passed, for spreading apart and separating the films at an outlet thereof when a pulling force is acting on said first and second films, thereby opening envelopes and releasing the objects contained therein, and means for winding up separated first and second films of the tape like packaging. The separator further comprises a cover member that is articulated to the dispenser to be movable between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: A sample preparation container, preferably for use in sterility testing, comprising a housing (1) having a housing wall (2) defining an inside space (3), a support on which a membrane filter is placed or is to be placed so as to get in contact with a sampling fluid to be introduced into the inside space (3), and at least one inlet opening (4) to the inside space (3) and at least one outlet opening from the inside space (3). A sampling port (5) is provided for allowing access from the outside to the inside space (3), wherein said sampling port (5) is closed by a septum (6) and the septum (6) is separated from the inside space (3) by a barrier wall (7) which is preferably piercable or breakable on application of an external force, preferably applied through a sampling instrument like a needle (8).

Abstract: A dispenser for opening a tape like packaging comprising first and second films releasably connected to each other, forming envelopes sealed around an object, and disposed sequentially with a predetermined pitch. The dispenser comprises a space for holding a container of the packaging, a separator through which the packaging can be passed, for spreading apart and separating the films at an outlet thereof when a pulling force is acting on said first and second films, thereby opening envelopes and releasing the objects contained therein, and means for winding up separated first and second films of the tape like packaging. The separator further comprises a cover member that is articulated to the dispenser to be movable between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: The assembly comprises a filtration unit and a gel growth medium cassette, the unit and the cassette being adapted to cooperate in order to occupy a nested position in which a membrane covers the gel growth medium, the unit and the cassette each being equipped with an intermediate stop, it being possible for at least one of the two stops to move clear so as to allow the unit to move from an intermediate position, in which the membrane is spaced away from the said gel growth medium, into the nested position. The method comprises selecting such an assembly, of engaging the unit on the cassette until the intermediate stop of the unit comes into contact with the intermediate stop of the cassette, and the step of moving clear the stop able to move clear so as to allow the unit to move from the intermediate position into the nested position.

Abstract: The assembly comprises a filtration unit and a gel growth medium cassette, the unit and the cassette being adapted to cooperate in order to occupy a nested position in which a membrane covers the gel growth medium, the unit and the cassette each being equipped with an intermediate stop, it being possible for at least one of the two stops to move clear so as to allow the unit to move from an intermediate position, in which the membrane is spaced away from the gel growth medium, into the nested position. The method comprises selecting such an assembly, of engaging the unit on the cassette until the intermediate stop of the unit comes into contact with the intermediate stop of the cassette, and the step of moving clear the stop able to move clear so as to allow the unit to move from the intermediate position into the nested position.

Abstract: The assembly comprises a filtration unit (1) and a gel growth medium cassette (80), the unit (1) and the cassette (80) being adapted to cooperate in order to occupy a nested position in which a membrane (3) covers the said gel growth medium (88), the said unit (1) and the said cassette (80) each being equipped with an intermediate stop (26, 100), it being possible for at least one of the two stops (100) to move clear so as to allow the said unit (1) to move from an intermediate position, in which the said membrane is spaced away from the said gel growth medium, into the said nested position.

Abstract: The take-off needle comprises a main hollow lance having a distal end adapted to perform a pricking operation, said hollow lance being connected to two pipes each provided with a spigot for it to be connected to a tube, said needle further comprising a body for holding the main hollow lance, said holding body defining two internal cylindrical surfaces forming said pipes, the main hollow lance comprising, at its proximal end, a sleeve having an internal channel of which the distal end is connected to the proximal end of the main hollow lance, and of which the proximal end opens into the holding body, said sleeve comprising at its proximal end two crescent-shaped surfaces inclined towards the interior of the internal channel and towards the distal end of the sleeve, each of said crescent-shaped surfaces being disposed so as to extend in line with one of the internal cylindrical surfaces of the holding body.

Abstract: The assembly comprises a filtration unit (1) and a gel growth medium cassette (80), the unit (1) and the cassette (80) being adapted to cooperate in order to occupy a nested position in which a membrane (3) covers the said gel growth medium (88), the said unit (1) and the said cassette (80) each being equipped with an intermediate stop (26, 100), it being possible for at least one of the two stops (100) to move clear so as to allow the said unit (1) to move from an intermediate position, in which the said membrane is spaced away from the said gel growth medium, into the said nested position.

Abstract: The take-off needle comprises a main hollow lance having a distal end adapted to perform a pricking operation, said hollow lance being connected to two pipes each provided with a spigot for it to be connected to a tube, said needle further comprising a body for holding the main hollow lance, said holding body defining two internal cylindrical surfaces forming said pipes, the main hollow lance comprising, at its proximal end, a sleeve having an internal channel of which the distal end is connected to the proximal end of the main hollow lance, and of which the proximal end opens into the holding body, said sleeve comprising at its proximal end two crescent-shaped surfaces inclined towards the interior of the internal channel and towards the distal end of the sleeve, each of said crescent-shaped surfaces being disposed so as to extend in line with one of the internal cylindrical surfaces of the holding body.