ASEPTIC SAMPLING SYSTEM

摘要

An aseptic sampling system comprises sampler and interface assemblies. Each assembly comprises a housing defining separate sterile enclosures. An air lock provides aseptic joining of the enclosures within the sampler and interface assemblies, and a re-sealable liquid connection mechanism operates within the lock. The sampler and interface assemblies, when connected, form an outer protective surface comprising the housings of the sampler and interface assemblies, the protective surface providing a sterile internal enclosure and air lock and an air-tight barrier between outer non-sterile, and inner sterile, atmospheres. The connection mechanism, contained within the sterile enclosure, contains at least one liquid connector from each of the sampler and interface assemblies, configured such that at least one of the connectors moves across the enclosure and lock to connect with the other connector in the connection mechanism, without contacting internal surfaces within the lock, and the connectors can be re-sealed, disconnected and separated.

主权项

1. An aseptic sampling system comprising: a sampler assembly and an interface assembly, each assembly comprising a housing, each housing defining a separate sterile enclosure for each of the assemblies; an air lock arranged to provide, in use, the aseptic joining of the sterile enclosures within the sampler and interface assemblies; and a re-sealable liquid connection mechanism positioned to operate within the air lock, wherein: the sampler assembly and interface assembly are arranged such that, when connected together, they form an outer protective surface comprising the housings of each of the sampler and interface assemblies, the outer protective surface providing a sterile internal enclosure and air lock and an air-tight barrier between the outer non-sterile atmosphere and the inner sterile atmosphere, and wherein the re-sealable liquid connection mechanism is contained within the sterile enclosure and contains at least one liquid connector from each of the sampler and interface assemblies and is configured such that, in use, at least one of the liquid connectors can move across the sterile enclosure and air lock to connect with the other connector in the liquid connection mechanism, without contacting any internal surfaces within the air lock.