Tube stack with dual-pressure regulating valve

Abstract

A microbe counting kit or system is provided that includes a plurality of cartridges having an upper chamber and a lower chamber separated by a membrane. The kit also includes a media reservoir fluidly coupled to the cartridge through the tube stack, and a dual pressure valve mechanically coupled to the tube stack and arranged to vary the pressure in the cartridge to cause fluid from the fluid reservoir to pass through or interact with the membrane.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 387,172, filed on December 13, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] Many industries require determining the quantity or presence of microorganisms in a sample, which is commonly referred to as microbial enumeration or detection. One method of determining the quantity of microorganisms in a sample (or detecting the presence of microorganisms) involves: exposing a filter membrane to the sample to capture the microorganisms in the sample on the membrane, culturing the microorganisms captured on the membrane, and optionally counting the number of colonies that grow during the culturing.

[0004] Thus, membrane filtration is a commonly used method for concentrating and enumerating the microbial bodies present in a liquid sample. It allows for the filtration of a known volume of sample through a membrane filter with a defined pore size, retaining the microbial bodies on the filter surface.

[0005] First, the liquid sample to be analyzed is typically diluted to reduce the microbial content and ensure the presence of single, isolated colonies on the filter. Based on the expected size of the microbial bodies being enumerated, a membrane filter with an appropriate pore size is selected. Commonly used pore sizes are 0.45 μm or 0.2 μm.

[0006] The membrane filter is placed on a filter holder or manifold designed for microbial analysis. The filter holder is connected to a vacuum source, creating a pressure differential across the membrane. A known volume of the diluted sample is aseptically poured or pipetted onto the membrane filter, which is then placed on the filter holder. Vacuum is applied, and the liquid portion of the sample is suctioned through the filter, leaving the microbial bodies on the filter surface.

[0007] To ensure efficient recovery of the microbial bodies, the filter is rinsed or washed with an appropriate solution (such as sterile buffered saline) to remove any residual sample residues or contaminants.

[0008] After filtration, the membrane filter containing the retained microbial bodies is aseptically transferred to a suitable culture medium, such as an agar plate or broth. The choice of medium depends on the specific requirements of the microbial bodies being enumerated. The culture medium containing the membrane filter is incubated under suitable conditions (temperature, time, and atmospheric conditions) to promote the growth of the live microbial bodies. The incubation period is determined based on the expected growth characteristics of the target microbial bodies.

[0009] After the incubation period, the membrane filter is examined and the visible microbial colonies growing on the filter surface are counted. The colonies are differentiated based on their characteristics such as size, shape, color, and morphology. Taking into account the dilution factor and the volume of the filtered sample, the colony count obtained from the membrane filter is used to calculate the number of viable microorganisms in the original sample.

[0010] Membrane filtration is particularly useful when the sample volume is large and the microbial content is low. It allows the concentration of microorganisms on the filter, making it easier to detect and count colonies compared to direct inoculation methods. This method is widely used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, water quality testing, and environmental monitoring.

[0011] An example of an automated processing system for microbial counting and / or detection is the GROWTH DIRECT TM provided by RAPID MICROBIO SYSTEMS of Lowell, Massachusetts TM system.

[0012] When the membrane is exposed to the sample and microorganisms are cultured on the membrane, it is necessary to control the physical properties of the membrane to ensure consistent microbial counting. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] During microbial counting, a membrane (e.g., in a cassette, etc.) is exposed to the sample such that any microorganisms in the sample are captured on the membrane. Generally, the present disclosure provides improvements to systems or kits for capturing microorganisms on a membrane for microbial counting purposes. One challenge in microbial counting is controlling the distribution of the sample across the membrane. Some conventional systems use a vacuum to "suck" the sample into a chamber and across the membrane. One such vacuum system uses an open funnel containing the sample, which can introduce non-sample contaminants, rendering the counting process ineffective. Further, such systems require the membrane to be kept in a taut state and also require providing space for the membrane to expand.

[0014] The present disclosure provides a closed microbial counting kit (or system) that addresses the above problems to provide a more consistent microbial counting process. Specifically, the present disclosure provides a system including a plurality of cassettes, where each cassette includes a membrane. The cassettes are fluidly coupled to a closed reservoir via a tube set. The tube set includes a bistable pressure valve that is arranged to keep the membrane in a relatively "flat" state during exposure to the sample. Keeping the membrane in a relatively flat state ensures that the entire membrane is exposed to the sample (or wetted by the sample). In addition, the bistable pressure valve is arranged to ensure that the rinse fluid passes correctly through the membrane filter and that the sample remains in a predetermined chamber of the cassette during exposure of the membrane to the sample. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] To facilitate the identification of the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in the reference numerals refer to the figure number in which the element was first introduced.

[0016] Figure 1A An embodiment of a subject matter in accordance with one embodiment is shown.

[0017] Figure 1B An embodiment of a subject matter in accordance with one embodiment is shown.

[0018] Figure 1C An embodiment of a subject matter in accordance with one embodiment is shown.

[0019] Figure 2 An embodiment of a subject matter in accordance with one embodiment is shown.

[0020] Figure 3 An embodiment of a subject matter in accordance with one embodiment is shown.

[0021] Figure 4 An embodiment of a subject matter in accordance with one embodiment is shown.

[0022] Figure 5 An embodiment of a subject matter in accordance with one embodiment is shown.

[0023] Figure 6 An embodiment of a subject matter in accordance with one embodiment is shown.

[0024] Figure 7 An embodiment of a subject matter in accordance with one embodiment is shown. Detailed Description

[0025] Figure 1A A microbial counting system 100 that may be provided in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The microbial counting system 100 includes a cartridge 102, a dual-pressure valve 104, and a reservoir 106 that are fluidly coupled via a tube set 108. Generally, the cartridge 102 may be any of a variety of containers or devices arranged to provide for the growth of microorganisms, while the reservoir 106 is a fluid container arranged to receive a flushing fluid, a sample containing microorganisms, etc. During use, fluid (not shown) from the reservoir 106 flows via the tube set 108 into the cartridge 102, while the dual-pressure valve 104 maintains the pressure in the cartridge 102 under one of two pressure states to ensure that the cartridge 102 is filled with fluid from the reservoir 106 in a predetermined manner. This is explained in more detail below.

[0026] Figure 1BBox 102 is shown in more detail. As depicted in this figure, box 102 includes an upper chamber 110 and a lower chamber 112, with a membrane 114 disposed between the two chambers. One of the upper chamber 110 or the lower chamber 112 can be filled with a microbial growth medium (e.g., nutrient broth, lysogeny broth medium, etc.). Further, box 102 includes at least one port 116 to which a tube set 108 can be coupled to allow fluid from reservoir 106 to flow into box 102.

[0027] In some embodiments, membrane 114 can be a filter that is arranged to capture microorganisms from a fluid sample in reservoir 106. The operation of membrane 114 may require a certain pressure to ensure that the membrane remains tight (e.g., does not vibrate or tear) and is also sufficiently covered by the fluid. An example process for capturing microorganisms on membrane 114 is described below.

[0028] Figure 1C Double pressure valve 104 is shown in more detail. As depicted in this figure, double pressure valve 104 includes a manually operated clamp that, when engaged in one state, compresses tube set 108 to make the pressure on one side of tube set 108 higher; and when engaged in another state, allows tube set 108 to expand and reduces the pressure in one side of tube set 108. In some embodiments, tube set 108 can include a vent 118 on one side of double pressure valve 104 that is arranged to stabilize the pressure in tube set 108 on one side of double pressure valve 104 to atmospheric pressure while the pressure in tube set 108 on the other side of double pressure valve 104 remains at a higher pressure. Additionally, tube set 108 can include a flow restrictor 120 arranged to limit the fluid flow to below a specific pressure and a connector 122 arranged to be coupled to port 116. In some embodiments, connector 122 can be a low-pressure check valve; in other embodiments, it can be open to the atmosphere.

[0029] Figure 2A method 200 for processing a sample for microbial counting purposes is shown. The method 200 can be used with a microbial counting system 100 or another system like the microbial counting system 100. Generally, the method 200 can be implemented to ensure that a membrane or filter (e.g., the membrane 114 of the microbial counting system 100) is sufficiently covered by the sample to capture microorganisms from the sample for microbial growth and counting purposes. The method 200 can start at block 200. At block 202, "fill an upper chamber of a multi-chamber cartridge with a sample, where the multi-chamber cartridge includes a membrane between the upper chamber and the lower chamber", the upper chamber 110 is filled with fluid from the reservoir 106. For example, the reservoir 106 can be moved so that gravity causes the fluid to flow from the reservoir 106 through the tubing set 108 to the upper chamber 110. For some examples, the reservoir 106 can include a one-way valve to allow air to enter the reservoir 106 so that the fluid can flow out. For a specific example, the reservoir 106 can include a filter and / or valve to prevent the fluid in the reservoir 106 from being contaminated with microorganisms from the air.

[0030] Continuing to block 204, "increase the pressure in the upper chamber relative to the lower chamber", the pressure in the upper chamber 110 can be increased relative to the lower chamber 112 to cause the fluid to sufficiently cover the membrane 114 and also flow through the membrane 114 so that microorganisms in the fluid are captured by the membrane 114.

[0031] Figure 3 A microbial counting system 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The microbial counting system 300 includes a cartridge 302, dual-pressure valves 304a, 304b, and 304c, and reservoirs 306a, 306b, 306c, and 306d fluidly coupled by a tubing set 308. A plurality of different reservoirs are provided, such as a pre-rinse reservoir 306a, a sample reservoir 306b, a post-rinse reservoir 306c, and a media reservoir 306d. The sample reservoir 306b can hold a "sample" liquid, solid, gel, or aerosol medium, or in other words, a liquid medium to be analyzed using microbial counting as contemplated herein. The media reservoir 306d can include a liquid microbial growth medium. The microbial counting system 300 also includes an atmospheric vent 316 coupled to the upper chamber 310 (but in some embodiments, the atmospheric vent 316 can be omitted to allow for pressurized sample preparation). For some embodiments, the microbial counting system 300 can include a fluid pump arranged to pump fluid into the tubing set 308. However, for clarity, the fluid pump is not depicted in this figure.

[0032] During operation, fluid from reservoirs 306a, 306b, 306c, and 306d can flow (e.g., via pumping action, via gravity, etc.) from the reservoirs into cartridge 302. Additionally, dual pressure valves 304a, 304b, and 304c can be actuated to vary the pressure in upper chamber 310 relative to the pressure in lower chamber 312, or vice versa.

[0033] In another embodiment, media from media reservoir 306d can be run through dual pressure valve 304a. In these embodiments, lower chamber 312 can be used as a vent-through.

[0034] Figure 4 Method 400 is shown, which can be implemented to capture microorganisms from a sample for the purpose of microorganism enumeration. Method 400 can be used with microorganism enumeration system 300 or another system like microorganism enumeration system 300. Generally, method 400 can be implemented to ensure that a membrane or filter (e.g., membrane 314 of cartridge 302) is sufficiently covered with a sample (e.g., fluid from sample reservoir 306b) to capture microorganisms from the sample for the purpose of microorganism growth and enumeration.

[0035] Method 400 can be executed by a controller that has a memory storing logic for performing the method, and a processor configured to execute the logic. The controller can be incorporated into microorganism enumeration system 300, or can be a separate device. Although Figure 4 a particular sequence of specific steps is depicted, those skilled in the art will understand that more steps can be executed, some steps can be omitted, and / or the steps can be executed in a different order in an exemplary method.

[0036] Method 400 can begin at block 402. At block 402, “Fill cartridge with pre-rinse fluid,” cartridge 302 can be filled with pre-rinse fluid from pre-rinse reservoir 306a. Specifically, during a period when the pressure in upper chamber 310 is in a low state (e.g., less than or equal to 1.5 pounds per square inch (PSI) above atmospheric pressure, between 0.5 and 1.5 PSI above atmospheric pressure, etc.), upper chamber 310 of cartridge 302 can be filled with fluid from pre-rinse reservoir 306a.

[0037] Proceed to block 404 "Temporarily increase the pressure in the upper chamber to force liquid through the membrane". The pressure in the upper chamber 310 can be temporarily increased to force the fluid in the cartridge 302 (e.g., the fluid added at block 402) through the membrane 314 and into the lower chamber 312. For example, the dual pressure valve 304b can be closed to clamp (or restrict) the tube set 308 between the upper chamber 310 and the atmosphere vent 316 to increase the pressure in the upper chamber 310. For some examples, closing the dual pressure valve 304b will increase the pressure between 0.5 and 4 PSI. For some embodiments, the pressure in the upper chamber can be increased for a set period of time (e.g., 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, etc.), while in other examples, the pressure in the upper chamber can be increased until a condition is met (e.g., liquid flows through the membrane 314 into the lower chamber 312, etc.).

[0038] Proceed to block 406 "Return the cartridge to the low pressure state". The upper chamber 310 of the cartridge 302 can be returned to the low pressure state (e.g., less than or equal to atmospheric pressure plus 1.5 PSI, etc.). Proceed to block 408 "Fill the cartridge with sample fluid". The cartridge 302 can be filled with sample fluid from the sample reservoir 306b. Specifically, during a period when the pressure in the upper chamber 310 is in the low pressure state, the upper chamber 310 of the cartridge 302 can be filled with fluid from the sample reservoir 306b.

[0039] Proceed to block 410 "Temporarily increase the pressure in the upper chamber to force liquid through the membrane". The pressure in the upper chamber 310 can be temporarily increased to force the fluid in the cartridge 302 (e.g., the fluid added at block 408) through the membrane 314 and into the lower chamber 312. For example, the dual pressure valve 304b can be closed to clamp (or restrict) the tube set 308 between the upper chamber 310 and the atmosphere vent 316 to increase the pressure in the upper chamber 310. For some examples, closing the dual pressure valve 304b will increase the pressure between 0.5 and 4 PSI. For some embodiments, the pressure in the upper chamber can be increased for a set period of time (e.g., 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, etc.), while in other examples, the pressure in the upper chamber can be increased until a condition is met (e.g., liquid flows through the membrane 314 into the lower chamber 312, etc.).

[0040] Proceed to block 412 "Return the cartridge to the low pressure state". The upper chamber 310 of the cartridge 302 can be returned to the low pressure state (e.g., less than or equal to atmospheric pressure plus 1.5 PSI, etc.). Proceed to block 414 "Fill the cartridge with post - rinse fluid". The cartridge 302 can be filled with post - rinse fluid from the post - rinse reservoir 306c. Specifically, during a period when the pressure in the upper chamber 310 is in the low pressure state, the upper chamber 310 of the cartridge 302 can be filled with fluid from the post - rinse reservoir 306c.

[0041] Proceed to block 416 "Increase the pressure in the upper chamber to force the liquid through the membrane". The pressure in the upper chamber 310 can be increased to force the fluid in the cartridge 302 (e.g., the fluid added at block 414) through the membrane 314 and into the lower chamber 312. For example, the dual pressure valve 304b can be closed to clamp (or restrict) the tubing set 308 between the upper chamber 310 and the atmosphere vent 316 to increase the pressure in the upper chamber 310. For some examples, closing the dual pressure valve 304b will increase the pressure between 0.5 and 4 PSI. For some embodiments, the pressure in the upper chamber can be increased for a set period of time (e.g., 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, etc.), while in other examples, the pressure in the upper chamber can be increased until a condition is met (e.g., liquid flows through the membrane 314 into the lower chamber 312, etc.).

[0042] Proceed to block 418 "Fill the cartridge with media fluid". The cartridge 302 can be filled with media fluid from the media reservoir 306d. Specifically, during a period when the pressure in the upper chamber 310 is in a high pressure state, the lower chamber 312 of the cartridge 302 can be filled with fluid from the media reservoir 306d.

[0043] Proceed to block 420 "Increase the pressure in the lower chamber to force the media fluid to interact with the membrane". The pressure in the lower chamber 312 can be increased to force the media fluid in the cartridge 302 (e.g., the media fluid added at block 418) to interact with the membrane 314. For example, the dual pressure valve 304c can be closed to clamp (or restrict) the tubing set 308 between the lower chamber 312 and the media reservoir 306d to increase the pressure in the lower chamber 312. Also, the dual pressure valve 304a can be closed to clamp (or restrict) the tubing set 308 between the other reservoir and the upper chamber 310 to increase the pressure in the lower chamber 312. For some examples, the pressure in the lower chamber 312 can be increased between 0.5 and 4 PSI. For some embodiments, the pressure in the upper chamber can be increased for a set period of time (e.g., 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, etc.), while in other examples, the pressure in the lower chamber can be increased until a condition is met (e.g., liquid stops moving through the tubing set 308, etc.).

[0044] In some embodiments, the method 400 can further include the steps of disconnecting the cartridge 302 from the tubing set 308 and processing the cartridge (e.g., exposing to light, darkness, heat, moisture, etc.) during a microbial culturing process.

[0045] Figure 5 Illustrate a microbial counting system 500 including multiple cartridges. Specifically, the microbial counting system 500 includes cartridges 502a, 5,02b, and 502c, where each cartridge is coupled to a reservoir 506 via a tubing set 508. A similar process as provided elsewhere herein can be used (e.g., regarding Figure 2 、Figure 4 (e.g., mechanically, etc.) the cartridges 502a, 502b, and 502c are filled with fluid from the reservoir 506. The tube set 508 is coupled (e.g., mechanically, etc.) to a single dual-pressure valve 504, which can be used to effect a change in pressure in the cartridges 502a, 502b, and 502c, as described elsewhere herein. Additionally, the microbial counting system 500 can include multiple reservoirs 506 (e.g., like in Figure 3 the microbial counting system 300, etc.).

[0046] In other examples, multiple dual-pressure valves 504 can be provided. For example, Figure 6 FIG. shows a microbial counting system 600, which includes cartridges 602a, 602b, and 602c, each of which is coupled to a reservoir 606 via a tube set 608. A similar process as provided elsewhere herein (e.g., with respect to Figure 2 , Figure 4 etc.) can be used to fill the cartridges 602a, 602b, and 602c with fluid from the reservoir 606. The tube set 608 is coupled (e.g., mechanically, etc.) to multiple dual-pressure valves. Specifically, the tube set 608 is coupled to dual-pressure valves 604a, 604b, and 604c. In this way, the pressure in the cartridges 602a, 602b, and 602c can be controlled separately.

[0047] As indicated above, in some embodiments, an exemplary microbial counting system (e.g., microbial counting system 100, microbial counting system 300, microbial counting system 500, microbial counting system 600, etc.) can include a pump. Figure 7 FIG. shows a microbial counting system 700 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The microbial counting system 700 includes a cartridge 702, a dual-pressure valve 704, and a reservoir 706 fluidly coupled via a tube set 708. Moreover, a pump 710 is provided to assist in moving fluid from the reservoir 706 to the cartridge 702 via the tube set 708 (e.g., via capillary action, etc.). Additionally, an atmospheric vent 712 is provided. During operation, fluid can flow from the reservoir 706 into the cartridge 702. Moreover, the dual-pressure valve 704 can be actuated to increase or decrease the pressure in the upper chamber and / or lower chamber of the cartridge 702 as described herein to assist in wetting the membrane in the cartridge 702 with fluid from the reservoir 706.

[0048] It will be appreciated that the exemplary devices shown in the block diagrams described above can represent one functional descriptive example among many potential embodiments. Thus, the partitioning, omission, or inclusion of the functions depicted in the blocks in the drawings does not necessarily mean that the hardware components, circuits, software, and / or elements for implementing these functions will be partitioned, omitted, or included in the embodiments.

[0049] Some embodiments may be described using the recitations "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" and derivatives thereof. These terms mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The phrase "in one embodiment" as used throughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Additionally, unless otherwise stated, the features described above are considered to be used in any combination with each other. Thus, any of the features discussed individually may be employed in combination with each other, unless it is mentioned that these features are incompatible with each other.

[0050] Some embodiments may be described using the recitations "coupled" and "connected" and derivatives thereof. These terms are not necessarily synonyms for each other. For example, some embodiments may use the terms "connected" and / or "coupled" to describe, to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. However, the term "coupled" may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but still cooperate or interact with each other.

[0051] It is emphasized that the abstract of the present disclosure is provided to enable the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. The submission of the abstract is based on the understanding that the abstract will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Additionally, in the foregoing detailed description, it can be seen that for the purpose of simplifying the present disclosure, various features are combined in a single embodiment. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. On the contrary, as the appended claims reflect, the inventive subject matter lies in less than all of the features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the appended claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, where each claim stands on its own as a separate embodiment. In the appended claims, the terms "comprising" and "wherein" are each used as the plain-language equivalents of the respective terms "including" and "in which". Additionally, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0052] The foregoing includes examples of the disclosed architecture. Of course, it is not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components and / or methods, but one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many additional combinations and permutations are possible. Accordingly, this novel architecture is intended to cover all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method, comprising: Filling at least one cartridge with a sample fluid; Increasing the pressure in the at least one cartridge; Decreasing the pressure in the at least one cartridge; Filling the cartridge with a medium fluid; And Increasing the pressure in the at least one cartridge.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The cartridge includes an upper chamber, a lower chamber, and a membrane disposed between the upper chamber and the lower chamber, and the method includes: Filling the upper chamber of the at least one cartridge with the sample fluid; and Increasing the pressure in the upper chamber of the at least one cartridge to force the sample fluid through the membrane into the lower chamber.

3. The method according to claim 2, comprising: Filling the upper chamber of the at least one cartridge with a pre-rinse fluid; And Increasing the pressure in the upper chamber of the at least one cartridge.

4. The method according to claim 2, comprising Filling the upper chamber of the at least one cartridge with a post-rinse fluid; and Increasing the pressure in the upper chamber of the at least one cartridge.

5. The method according to claim 2, comprising: Filling the lower chamber of the at least one cartridge with the medium fluid, the medium fluid being a solid, liquid, gel, gas, or aerosol; And Increasing the pressure in the lower chamber of the at least one cartridge to force the medium fluid to interact with the membrane.

6. The method according to claim 2, wherein The pressure in the upper chamber is increased by greater than or equal to 1 pound per square inch (PSI) or increased by greater than or equal to 4 PSI.

7. A system, comprising: At least one cartridge; A fluid reservoir; A tube set that fluidly couples the fluid reservoir to the at least one cartridge; And A dual-pressure valve that is mechanically coupled to the tube set and arranged to change the pressure in the at least one cartridge.

8. The system according to claim 7, further comprising a controller configured to: Cause the at least one cartridge to be filled with the sample fluid; Increase the pressure in the at least one cartridge; Decrease the pressure in the at least one cartridge; Cause the at least one cartridge to be filled with the medium fluid; And Increase the pressure in the at least one cartridge.

9. The system according to claim 7, wherein The cartridge includes an upper chamber, a lower chamber, and a membrane disposed between the upper chamber and the lower chamber.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein, The controller is further configured to: Cause the upper chamber of the at least one cartridge to be filled with the sample fluid; and Increase the pressure in the upper chamber of the at least one cartridge to force the sample fluid through the membrane into the lower chamber.

11. The system according to claim 7, wherein, The controller is further configured to: Cause the upper chamber of the at least one cartridge to be filled with the pre-rinse fluid; and Increase the pressure in the upper chamber of the at least one cartridge.

12. The system according to claim 7, wherein The controller is further configured to: Cause the upper chamber of the at least one cartridge to be filled with the post-rinse fluid; and Increase the pressure in the upper chamber of the at least one cartridge.

13. The system according to claim 7, wherein, The controller is further configured to: Cause the lower chamber of the at least one cartridge to be filled with the medium fluid, the medium fluid being a solid, liquid, gel, gas, or aerosol; And Increase the pressure in the lower chamber of the at least one cartridge to force the medium fluid to interact with the membrane.

14. The system according to claim 7, wherein, The pressure in the upper chamber is increased by greater than or equal to 1 pound per square inch (PSI) or increased by greater than or equal to 4 PSI.

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