Merck Patent Gmbh

Mathieu Arrault

Philippe Rivat

Gerard Muller

Vincent Schaal

Jean-Jacques Richert

Julien Boeuf

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

Filtration assembly and method for microbiological testing

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

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

Frame for holding filtration assemblies and testing unit for microbiological testing

A sample preparation container, preferably for use in sterility testing, comprising a housing () having a housing wall () defining an inside space (), 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 (), and at least one inlet opening () to the inside space () and at least one outlet opening from the inside space (). A sampling port () is provided for allowing access from the outside to the inside space (), wherein said sampling port () is closed by a septum () and the septum () is separated from the inside space () by a barrier wall () which is preferably piercable or breakable on application of an external force, preferably applied through a sampling instrument like a needle ().

Sample preparation container

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.

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Dabo, France

Mathieu Arrault