초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for capturing a sample of flowable material from a closed system inside a receptacle without exposing the sample to the ambient environment. The apparatus includes a housing having an opening at one end for receiving a receptacle and stopper. An end cap is removably mounted to

A method and apparatus for capturing a sample of flowable material from a closed system inside a receptacle without exposing the sample to the ambient environment. The apparatus includes a housing having an opening at one end for receiving a receptacle and stopper. An end cap is removably mounted to the housing for opening and closing the opening. An inlet is provided in the housing for feeding a cleaning or sterilizing agent or the flowable material to be sampled into an interior of the housing. A clasp is provided to manipulate the receptacle to separate the receptacle and the stopper while the stopper and receptacle are inside of the housing. Once the receptacle and the stopper are separated, the flowable material is fed into the receptacle through the inlet. The clasp is then manipulated to reattach the receptacle and the stopper in order to capture the flowable material. The apparatus is particularly useful in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries as well as the fine chemical, food and beverage industries where accurate, uncontaminated samples of materials from a closed system are desired without contaminating the sample of material or the closed system.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A device for sampling a flowable material, said device comprising:a housing for receiving a receptacle therein, said housing sealing the receptacle from the ambient environment outside the housing; an end cap removably mounted to one end of the housing, the receptacle being insertable into the ho

1. A device for sampling a flowable material, said device comprising:a housing for receiving a receptacle therein, said housing sealing the receptacle from the ambient environment outside the housing; an end cap removably mounted to one end of the housing, the receptacle being insertable into the housing when the end cap is removed from the housing; an inlet formed in the housing for receiving the flowable material therethrough; means for supplying a cleaning or sterilizing agent for cleaning or sterilizing at least a portion of the housing proximate to the receptacle, said means for supplying being operable when the end cap is mounted on the housing; a clasp mounted within the housing for engaging the receptacle; and a mechanism mounted within the housing for engaging a stopper of the receptacle, said mechanism cooperating with said clasp to remove, attach or remove and attach the stopper of the receptacle when the end cap is mounted to the housing.