Merck Patent Gmbh

Marisa Hohnadel

Luc Felden

Didier Metz

David Lehmann

Sebastien Jouette

Filtration head () for a filter system, comprising base () including filter support () for removable filter element () and a fluid path from one side of filter element () on filter support (), through filter element (), and to drainage outlet () of base (), and holder device () for removably attaching funnel () to base () to form a sample fluid reservoir on one side of filter element (), wherein holder device () comprises ring-shaped element () configured to extend about bottom peripheral flange () surrounding a lower end of funnel () and to selectively apply a biasing force on a radially outward protruding portion () of bottom peripheral flange () of funnel () to press funnel () against base (). The filtration head allows the use of cardboard funnels without risk of liquid leakage between the funnel and the base.

Filtration head for a filter system and funnel for use in conjunction with a filtration head

An apparatus for performing sonication on liquid samples comprises a rack for holding an array of sample vials, an ultrasonic probe with an arrangement of recesses corresponding to the array of sample vials and adapted to respectively receive and contact an outer surface of a bottom portion of a respective one of the sample vials, and a counter-holder with an arrangement of pushing members corresponding to the array of sample vials and adapted to respectively apply a force to a respective one of the sample vials so as to push the bottom portion of each vial into contact with the associated recess of the probe. The apparatus can be used in a method of preparing a sample for detection of cell components (e.g. cell analyte, proteins, nucleid acids etc.) and applying sonication within certain parameter ranges which can provide a universal lysis method that can be applied to a large variety of cells or organisms like all bacteria, viruses, spores, yeast and mold within the same apparatus and process.

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Schiltigheim, France

Marisa Hohnadel