Rapid Micro Biosystems, Inc.

Presspart Gmbh &co. Kg

Douglas J Browne

Robert C Aviles

Xiaowei Chen

Sarkis Karakozian

Devin T Michaud

David J Hibbard

Benjamin Jung

Hans-Peter Schmelzer

Richard Turner

Dana Shears

Karl Edward Robinson

Benjamin Glace

Chad Harold Mace

Don Straus

Joseph St Onge

Victor Torres

Hannah Bond

Dean H Owens

The invention features devices and kits for capturing and culturing microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi, or protists) and methods of using the devices and kits to detect microorganisms in environmental and other samples. The device includes a nutrient media having a flat growth area on which microorganisms can grow. Samples are collected by contacting the device with any environmental sample, e.g., rolling device on a work surface or exposing device to air, or by filtering a sample through a membrane. Microorganisms deposited on the membrane derive nutrients from the underlying media and grow into colonies that can then be detected using methods known in the art. The detected colonies can be imaged digitally or with film.

Cell culturing device

The invention provides a device for growing cells&#x2014;referred to as a cassette. The cell culturing device includes a housing that contains a lid having an optically clear window; a fluid distribution channel; a sample injection port fluidically connected to the fluid distribution channel; a base housing a porous media pad; and a media injection port fluidically connected to the media pad. The lid mates to the base to form a sterile seal; the fluid distribution channel is disposed over the media pad, which is viewable through the optical window; and sample fluid introduced into the fluid distribution channel is distributed evenly to the media pad, e.g., via a plurality of channels. The invention also provides kits that include cassettes of the invention and a tube set.

Cassette for sterility testing

A metered dose inhaler () for dispensing aerosol doses comprises an actuation housing () adapted to receive a canister (). The canister () is configured to move from a rest position to an activation position in which a valve () of the canister (), positioned at a valve end () of the canister (), is depressed against a bottom portion of the actuation housing such that an aerosol dose is released. The inhaler () further comprises a mechanical dose () counter comprising an indicator member which is constructed and arrangement to undergo a predetermined count-indicating motion when an aerosol dose is released. Moreover, the inhaler () comprises a triggering unit () for triggering at least one electrical switch () when the canister () is moved from the rest position to the activation position whereby an electrical signal is generated. Also part of the inhaler () is a processing unit for processing the signal generated by the switch () upon being triggered.

Metered dose inhaler

Inhaler

The invention features devices for capturing and culturing cells (e.g., microorganisms, cells containing microorganisms, or cells from eukaryotic cell cultures) and methods of using these devices. One device is a cassette containing growth media that may be employed in an automated rapid enumeration system. The cassette has, for example, been enhanced with features for controlling surface flatness, optical imaging, controlled dehydration of semi solid nutrient media, controlled air and particle exchange, and automated handling. Another device of the invention is a filtration funnel that may used to concentrate cells in a sample onto a membrane.

Cassette containing growth medium

Growing community of inventors

Groton, MA, United States of America

Douglas J Browne