Conveying mechanism for conveying objects through a conveying port

Abstract

The present application relates to a transport mechanism / device (40) for transporting one or more objects (O) through a transport port (R), comprising a support base (41), a mounting (43) with holding means (47) for one or more objects (O) or a shuttle (42) with holding means (47) for one or more objects (O), and a container (44) housing the support base (41) and the shuttle (42) and configured to house one or more objects (O) and having at least one opening (45) at an end along an axial direction (X) of the container (44). The shuttle (42) is arranged at the support base (41) so as to enable a translational movement along the axial direction (X) and is configured to thereby move the holding means (47) with one or more objects (O), and because the shuttle (42) is translated along the axial direction, the container (44) is configured to couple with the transport port (R) to allow one or more objects (O) to be moved into or out of the container (44) through the at least one opening (45).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a transmission mechanism or apparatus for transmitting one or more objects through a transmission port into or out of a clean processing area. Specifically, this application relates to the field of testing in pharmaceutical and food processing, and more specifically to environmental monitoring of clean or ultra-clean processing areas. It is also applicable to other processing situations where the cleanliness of a processing area or environment is determined and monitored, for example, in the fields of semiconductor, electronics, or aircraft manufacturing. Background Technology

[0002] To monitor environmental conditions in enclosed processing areas of the aforementioned types, in passive air sampling, the common practice is to place one or more culture plates in the active area of ​​the clean production area or isolator (these two terms will be used interchangeably in this specification) and expose them to the surrounding air, enabling them to capture the largest amount of particles in the surrounding air. Larger particles tend to settle on the plate more quickly due to gravity. Smaller particles require some time to settle due to factors such as airflow. Culture plates work best in stagnant areas. Airborne microorganisms can settle on the culture plate individually or as colonies.

[0003] When actively monitoring air in production areas, microbial air samplers are used to force air into or onto a collection medium for a specific time period. The collection medium can be a standard petri dish, for example, including nutrient agar-based test media or other suitable test media depending on the requirements.

[0004] Culture media, such as in the form of culture plates, petri dishes, or sedimentation plates (these terms will be used interchangeably in this specification), must be repeatedly transferred to and removed from the production area for further processing and evaluation. This is typically done manually, where one or more plates or petri dishes are manually transferred into and out of the production area via aseptic transfer ports. However, manual handling of petri dishes involves a high risk of contamination when handling culture plates, i.e., during processes involving introduction, installation, and removal, the cap may be unintentionally opened, displaced, or removed from its culture plate, thus affecting test results, especially when multiple culture plates are processed in a set, a stack, or in batches.

[0005] Aseptic transfer ports for selectively accessing clean processing areas via valves without compromising sterility are known. Such systems are also referred to as “RTP” or “rapid transfer port,” and the present invention relates to a transfer mechanism or device having a design for use with such a transfer port, i.e., configured to be compatible with the corresponding valve design of the transfer port, but applicable to existing designs.

[0006] For example, GB2237816A1 discloses a dual-door transfer port that allows contained transfer between a container and an isolator (i.e., a cleaning processing area). The container docks with its closed port, and then the port door is opened from within the isolator. The docking of the container to the transfer port of the isolator can be accomplished using a bayonet system, where the container is aligned at the port by twisting it about its axis. Because the container must be physically rotated, its contents are affected by the rotation, which could cause spillage or damage to delicate equipment. In this prior art, the entire lid and bayonet closure mechanism of the container are housed in a short cubic or ring-shaped extension of the container mounted on the container itself via an airtight slip ring joint. In this arrangement, the extension is rotated to align the container at the port, but the container does not need to be rotated due to the slip ring joint. This arrangement only presents an open container accessible from the inside of the isolator, thus making the handling of objects difficult, especially for the reasons mentioned above, when the object to be transferred is a culture plate, petri dish, or sedimentation plate.

[0007] This application considers the application of a transport principle that connects a container holding one or more objects to a fast transport port to an isolator, opens the port, and transports the objects from the container to the isolator and vice versa.

[0008] The purpose of this application is to provide a transfer mechanism or device for transferring one or more objects, particularly a petri dish as the object to be transferred, through a transfer port during an activity without compromising sterility. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To address this problem, this application provides a transmission mechanism or apparatus for transmitting one or more objects, particularly petri dishes, through a transmission port, having the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0010] This application specifically provides a transmission mechanism / apparatus for transmitting one or more objects through a transmission port. It includes a support base, a mounting member having a retaining device for attaching to one or more objects, or a shuttle having a retaining device for one or more objects, and a container housing the support base and the shuttle and configured to accommodate one or more objects, having at least one opening at one end along the axial direction of the container. The shuttle is arranged on the support base for axial translational movement and is configured to thereby move the retaining device along with one or more objects. Because of the axial translation of the shuttle, the container is configured to engage with the transmission port to allow one or more objects to be moved into or out of the container through the at least one opening.

[0011] Preferably, the mounting includes a connector for releasably connecting / attaching a retaining device for one or more objects to the mounting.

[0012] Preferably, the shuttle is guided at and along the support base and / or container for translational movement by complementary guide devices on the shuttle and the support base and / or container.

[0013] Preferably, the mounting or retaining device is hinged to the shuttle to allow the mounting or retaining device to pivot relative to the shuttle about at least one axis of rotation.

[0014] Preferably, the mounting or retaining device is hinged to the shuttle to allow the mounting or retaining device to pivot about at least one axis of rotation at a defined axial position of translational movement.

[0015] Preferably, the pivoting range of the mounting or retaining device is configured to allow the orientation of the object to change by about 90°, preferably from a substantially horizontal orientation to a substantially vertical orientation, or vice versa.

[0016] Preferably, at least one axis of rotation is arranged such that the pivoting motion of the mounting / holding device is aided by gravity at a defined axial position of the translational motion.

[0017] Preferably, the transfer mechanism further includes a transfer actuator that is accessible from the outside of the container and configured to achieve translational movement of the shuttle in the axial direction.

[0018] Preferably, the transmission actuator includes a first rod connected to the shuttle to achieve translational motion.

[0019] Preferably, the transmission actuator includes a second rod hinged to the mounting / holding device to achieve pivoting motion relative to the shuttle.

[0020] Preferably, the transmission mechanism further includes a first stop that defines the end position of the pivoting motion and / or a second stop that defines the end position of the translational motion.

[0021] Preferably, the end position of the translational movement coincides with a defined axial position, where pivoting of the mounting or retaining device relative to the shuttle about at least one axis of rotation is possible.

[0022] Preferably, the shuttle is configured to be pulled / pushed from one side of the opening to achieve translational and / or pivotal movements (if provided).

[0023] Preferably, the holding device is a device configured to hold multiple culture dishes along an aligned parallel orientation.

[0024] Preferably, the transmission mechanism further includes a door configured to selectively close at least one opening of the container, wherein the door is preferably configured to connect to a transmission port, preferably a transmission port in the "alpha partial door design".

[0025] This application also provides a process for transferring one or more objects to a sterile or at least clean processing area or isolator via a transmission port, the process comprising the following steps:

[0026] (a) Provide a transfer mechanism / device as defined in this application, and the one or more objects are preferably one or more petri dishes held in a holding device;

[0027] (b) Attach the transmission mechanism / device to the transmission port;

[0028] (c) Open the transfer port, thereby exposing the interior of the container of the transfer mechanism / device to a sterile or at least clean processing area or the interior of an isolator;

[0029] (d) Moving the shuttle along its latitudinal direction by translational motion into a sterile or at least clean processing area or isolator; and

[0030] (e) Remove one or more objects from the holding device.

[0031] Preferably, step (d) of the process includes the following steps:

[0032] (d') The shuttle is moved along its latitudinal direction by translational motion into a sterile or at least clean processing area or isolator, reaching the defined axial position of the translational motion; and

[0033] (d) Pivot the mounting or retaining device about at least one rotation axis at a defined axial position of the translational movement, optionally while continuing to move the shuttle to the end position of the translational movement along its latitudinal direction.

[0034] Preferably, in step (d), the mounting or retaining device is pivoted substantially 90°, thereby preferably causing one or more objects (O) to change from a substantially vertical orientation to a substantially horizontal orientation, or vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0035] In the following description, various embodiments will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying exemplary schematic diagrams, in which:

[0036] Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional perspective side view of a transmission mechanism / device in one embodiment before the mechanism is docked to the transmission port.

[0037] Figure 2This embodiment describes the connection between the transmission mechanism and the transmission port, and its operation after activation, similar to... Figure 1 A partial sectional view.

[0038] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the transmission mechanism, wherein the holding device is arranged in the final position of pivoting outside the container.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the transmission mechanism of this embodiment, wherein the device is kept empty during the transmission from the container.

[0040] Figure 5 It is similar to Figure 3 A perspective view of the transmission mechanism of an embodiment of the invention, schematically showing the gripping part of the automated processing device engaging with one of the petri dishes.

[0041] Figure 6 It is similar to Figure 5 A partial perspective view of a petri dish in which the petri dish is removed by means of the gripper of an automated processing device.

[0042] Figure 7 It is similar to Figure 5 A perspective view of the transmission mechanism, wherein the holding device is in the form of a frame from which it is removed.

[0043] Figure 8 It is similar to the modified embodiment. Figure 2 A partial sectional view of the transmission mechanism.

[0044] Figure 9 yes Figure 2 The modified embodiments are similar to Figure 4 A partial sectional view of the translated position.

[0045] Figure 10 The modified embodiment is similar to Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional view of the transmission location.

[0046] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the transmission process used to remove an object from the isolator using this transmission mechanism.

[0047] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of removing an object from the isolator using this transmission mechanism.

[0048] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of using this transmission mechanism to transfer an object into an isolator.

[0049] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of removing an object from the isolator using this transmission mechanism.

[0050] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of using this transmission mechanism to transfer an object into and out of the isolator.

[0051] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of removing an object from the isolator using this transmission mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0052] For the purposes of this application, terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “perpendicular,” and similar terms—unless otherwise explicitly stated—are considered to be “substantially horizontal,” “substantially vertical,” and “substantially perpendicular,” provided that this does not negatively affect functionality. Preferably, the term “substantially” means a deviation from horizontal, vertical, and perpendicular at a maximum of 10°, more preferably at a maximum of 5°, even more preferably at a maximum of 4° or 3°, and even more preferably at a maximum of 2° or 1°, respectively.

[0053] The present invention therefore provides a solution for the aseptic transfer of one or more objects, preferably petri dishes, via a rapid transfer port in a controlled, standardized process, which is compatible with environmental monitoring in a fully automated process in a sterile environment.

[0054] This transfer mechanism is compatible with existing standard fast transfer ports for isolators and petri dishes or settling plates, and is capable of presenting the petri dish in a generally horizontal orientation, preferably with it covered, in a convenient and repeatable manner for manual or automatic gripping, for example, by means of a robotic gripper. Thus, transfer into and out of the isolator can be performed in a simple, controlled, and reliable manner.

[0055] Furthermore, during transport to or from the isolator, there is no risk of accidentally opening or removing the cap of the culture dish due to the limited translational movement performed by holding the spindle of the culture dish.

[0056] The design with a shuttle provides a compact structure and a low footprint inside the isolator needed for further processing of the object (i.e., the petri dish).

[0057] In addition, the petri dish is presented in a defined position to facilitate cooperation with the gripping part of the automated processing device (i.e., the robot), while still allowing manual handling or processing if necessary.

[0058] The following describes various embodiments of the process of using the transmission mechanism of this application to transmit one or more objects into or out of an isolator or clean production area.

[0059] An embodiment of a transfer mechanism / device 40 for transferring one or more objects O (preferably petri dishes) to a transfer port R includes a support base 41 and a shuttle or slider 42 as its basic components, arranged at the support base 41 for translational movement in the longitudinal direction X. The shuttle 42 is provided with a mounting member 43 or a nest, which is configured to releasably hold a holding device 47 for one or more objects O, or the shuttle 42 is already provided with a holding device 47 for one or more objects O to be transferred.

[0060] The transfer mechanism 40 also includes a container 44 that houses the support base 41 and the shuttle 42, and is configured to accommodate one or more objects O on the holding device 47. The container 44 has at least one opening 45 at its end in the axial direction of the container, wherein the axial direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction X of the translational movement.

[0061] The translational movement of the shuttle 42 along the longitudinal / axial direction X allows the reciprocating movement of the retaining device 47 toward or away from the opening 45 of the container 44.

[0062] Container 44 is configured to be releasably coupled or docked to the fast transfer port R by means of a suitable engagement feature designed according to the corresponding connection concept of the transfer port. After docking, the lid of the transfer port and the container (described later) is opened to expose the interior of the container to the interior of the isolator, and to allow one or more objects to move into or out of container 44 through at least one opening 45, due to the axial translation of shuttle 42.

[0063] based on Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The sequence explains the various operational stages of the transmission mechanism, or more precisely, the docking of the container to the transmission port, the translation of the shuttle along with the object out of the opening 45, and the presentation of the object inside the isolator.

[0064] The shuttle 43 is slidably guided at and along the support base 41 and / or container 44 (e.g., its inner wall) by complementary guide devices 48 on the shuttle 42 and the support base 41 and / or container 44 to achieve translational movement. The guide device 48 can be in the form of a track or groove that mates with complementary engaging elements.

[0065] The transmission mechanism includes a first stop 53, which defines a termination position of the translational movement toward the opening 45 at its end along the axial direction of the container (see [link]). Figures 2 to 4 The transmission mechanism may also include stops at opposite ends along the axial direction that define the end position of the translational movement into the container.

[0066] The support base 41 can be formed as a separate element from the container and disposed within it, or it can be an integral part of the container. The mounting member 43 or the retaining device 47 (in cases where the retaining device is connected to the slider of the transport mechanism and cannot be removed from it, but directly holds one or more objects) for removable connection to the retaining device 47 for objects is preferably hinged to the shuttle 42 to allow the mounting member 43 (together with the retaining device) or the retaining device 47 to pivot relative to the shuttle 42 about at least one axis of rotation Y, which is preferably substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X. For example, as... Figure 4 As shown, the rotation axis Y, which takes the form of a hinge or joint, is located on the front end of the shuttle 42.

[0067] Preferably, the mounting member 43 (or retaining device 47) is hinged to the shuttle 42 to allow the mounting member / retaining device to pivot about at least one rotation axis Y at a defined axial position during translational movement, preferably in the form of... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The end position is at the end of the opening 45 of the container 44 shown. Depending on the form and size of the mounting 43 / retaining device 47, the pivoting movement can begin some distance before reaching the end position, but is stopped before reaching a certain point during the translational movement.

[0068] The pivoting range of the mounting element 43 / retaining device 47 is configured to allow the orientation of the object to change by approximately 90 degrees, preferably from a substantially vertical orientation to a substantially horizontal orientation (e.g., Figures 1 to 3 (as shown), or vice versa. Depending on the circumstances, smaller or larger pivot ranges are possible.

[0069] At least one axis of rotation Y is arranged such that the pivoting movement of the mounting element 43 / retaining device 47 is aided by gravity at least at the defined axial position of the translational movement. Preferably, the pivoting movement is initiated and fully executed by gravity at a point, so that no additional external force is required. Due to the interaction between the mounting element / retaining device and the portion of the container, moving the shuttle back into the container may force the mounting element / retaining device to pivot about the axis of rotation Y back to a substantially horizontal state so that further unimpeded translational movement into the container is possible.

[0070] Mounting member 43 preferably includes a connector 55 for releasably connecting object holding device 47 to mounting member 43 (see [link]). Figure 5In this case, the holding device 47 can be in the form of a rack with multiple receiving sections to securely hold objects (preferably petri dishes) apart along an aligned orientation. As mentioned above, the holding device can be integrated into the transport mechanism, allowing objects to be directly loaded into the transport mechanism. However, the releasable connection via the connector 55 offers the advantage that objects can be prepared in the holding device and quickly loaded into the transport mechanism.

[0071] When the petri dish is completely transferred from the inside of the container into the isolator through the container opening (after the door of the transfer port along with the container lid is opened), each object (petri dish) is easily accessible inside the isolator and can be accessed by hand or with the aid of the robot's lateral gripper G (see...). Figure 5 and 6 The device is grasped and removed from the retaining device. Depending on the size of the retaining device, the rotation axis Y is positioned at approximately one-third of the total length to minimize the displacement necessary to remove the retaining device from the opening and to minimize intrusion into the isolator's interior. Other positions are possible depending on the size. Furthermore, depending on the position of the rotation or pivot axis, pivoting of the retaining device can be prevented until it is fully transferred into the isolator's interior.

[0072] The end position of the translational movement preferably coincides with the defined axial position, where pivoting of the mounting member 43 / holding device 47 relative to the shuttle 42 about at least one rotation axis Y is possible.

[0073] If configured, the shuttle 42 is pulled / pushed from one side of the opening 45 to achieve translational and / or pivotal movements. The pulling / pushing force can be provided by an automatic handling device, for example, via a gripper. In some cases, translation and rotation may not be possible to actuate the traveling mechanism from within the isolator.

[0074] according to Figures 8 to 10A modification of the preferred embodiment shown may include a transfer actuator 49 in the transfer mechanism, accessible from the outside of the container 44, and configured to achieve translational movement of the shuttle 42 in the axial direction X. The modified embodiment's transfer actuator 49 may include a first rod 51 connected to the shuttle 42 to achieve translational movement. Furthermore, the transfer actuator 49 may include a second rod 52 hinged to the mounting member 43 / retaining device 47 to initiate and achieve pivoting movement relative to the shuttle 42 about the rotation axis Y. The kinematics of the transfer actuator 49 may be operated manually or by a mechanical actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder, servo motor, or linear drive. The rod extending from the container is sealed relative to the interior of the container to maintain the sterility of the container's interior during operation. The rod may also be integrated into a portion of the base 41 to achieve a seal relative to the interior of the container housing one or more objects to be transferred. If the actuator is integrated into the container, the seal is simplified, as only the power connector needs to be led to the outside.

[0075] The transfer mechanism used to move the shuttle for translational and pivotal movements is reversible, allowing objects to be reloaded from the inside of the isolator into the inside of the container.

[0076] The transfer mechanism, more specifically the container, may include a lid or door 56 configured to selectively close at least one opening 45 of the container 44, and the door 56 is preferably configured to be connected to a corresponding transfer port according to a valve concept, preferably a fast transfer port in an alpha partial door design.

[0077] This application also relates to a process for transferring one or more objects O through a transfer port R to a sterile or at least clean processing area or isolator, comprising the following steps in sequence (1) to (5), wherein (1) a transfer mechanism / device 40 as defined herein and comprising one or more objects O, preferably one or more petri dishes P, is held in a holding device 47; (2) the transfer mechanism / device 40 is attached to the transfer port R; (3) the transfer port R is opened, thereby exposing the interior of the container 44 of the transfer mechanism / device 40 to the interior of the sterile or at least clean processing area or isolator; (4) a shuttle 42 is moved into the sterile or at least clean processing area or isolator by a translational movement along its latitudinal direction (X); and (5) one or more objects O are removed from the holding device 47 and can be used as intended within the sterile or at least clean processing area or isolator, for example, for monitoring environmental conditions, such as for air sampling.

[0078] Preferably, the shuttle 42 is moved into a sterile or at least clean processing area or isolator by translational movement along its longitudinal direction X, reaching a defined axial position of the translational movement (expressed in different ways, until the defined position along the longitudinal direction X is reached); and then, at the defined axial position of the translational movement, the mounting member 43 or retaining device 47 is pivoted about at least one rotation axis Y, possibly / optionally continuing to move the shuttle 42 along its latitudinal direction X by translational movement to the end position of the translational movement.

[0079] The translational movement of the shuttle 42 can be completed directly to the end position, followed by the pivoting movement of the mounting member 43 or the retaining device 47. Alternatively, the defined axial position of the translational movement of the shuttle 42 can be located before reaching the end position of the translational movement, i.e., before the shuttle 42 reaches the final unloading position. In this case, the translational movement can continue to the end position while simultaneously pivoting the mounting member 43 or the retaining device 47.

[0080] Preferably, in step (d), the mounting element (43) or retaining device (47) is pivoted substantially 90°, thereby preferably causing one or more objects (O) to change from a substantially vertical orientation to a substantially horizontal orientation, or vice versa.

[0081] The transfer mechanism / device 40 defined herein is preferably used in processes performed in a completely sterile environment to transfer a batch or group of petri dishes to and from various isolators for testing the air within one of the isolators representing a clean production environment. (The following is in conjunction with...) Figures 11 to 16 Examples that describe a summary of such a process that can be largely automated.

[0082] The components of the process include a separate transfer isolator U for preparing the petri dishes for use in the process, a production isolator V representing a clean production environment to be tested or monitored, the transfer mechanism 40 of this application, a batch or group of petri dishes aseptically placed in a transport package such as a blister pack or bag 100, and an empty transport package or bag 13.

[0083] like Figure 11 and 12 As shown, several batches or sets of sterile culture dishes A, B, and C can be supplied to the transfer isolator U in the form of sealed blister packs or bags 100 to maintain their sterility. The culture dishes are preferably arranged in a holding device 47 (e.g., a rack) in the corresponding transport package to facilitate the handling of the entire batch and to keep the batch together during the process.

[0084] An empty transmission mechanism 40 for multiple purposes, as defined herein, is attached to the door of the transmission port R of the transmission isolator U, and the container door is then opened by opening the transmission port.

[0085] Then, if necessary, the entire environment is sterilized, including the interior of the transfer isolator and the interior of the container of the transfer mechanism.

[0086] Open one of the shipping packages and remove the batch A culture dishes from their holding device from the blister pack or bag, and arrange them either manually or by means of an automated handling device inside the container of the transport mechanism.

[0087] Then, the door of the transmission mechanism is closed by sealing the transmission port, and the transmission mechanism containing the culture dish in the device is separated from the isolator.

[0088] Next, as Figure 13 and 14 As shown, the transfer mechanism / device 40 is docked to the transfer port of the production isolator V, and the door is opened. By moving the shuttle along the translational direction (axial direction X), the device, along with batch A of culture dishes, is transferred into the interior of the production isolator V and positioned so that it is individually grasped by the gripping part G of the automated processing device, as shown. Figure 13 As shown. The petri dishes are disposed of (e.g., by active or passive air monitoring as described in the Background section) and returned to the holding device. Once all batches have been disposed of, the holding device retracts into the container via the shuttle of the transfer mechanism / device 40, the container door is closed by the transfer port R, and the transfer mechanism / device 40 is disengaged from or disconnected from the production isolator (see...). Figure 14 ).

[0089] exist Figure 15 and 16 In another process shown, the transfer mechanism / device 40, along with the used batch A of culture dishes, is docked again to the transfer isolator U, and the used culture dishes on its holding device are removed from the container and placed back into blister packs or other transport packaging. A new batch of culture dishes on the holding device is transferred back to the transfer mechanism / device 40, and then the transfer mechanism / device 40 proceeds as follows: Figure 12 Such closed and disconnected docking (see) Figure 15 ).

[0090] Once all batches of culture dishes have been used, the user can open the transfer isolator U and remove the used dishes for further analysis / culturing. If desired, analysis can be initiated without waiting for all batches to be processed. To remove used culture dishes from the transfer isolator U for further processing, the transfer mechanism / device 40 of this application or a simple quick transfer port bag 13 can be used and connected to the transfer port R of the transfer isolator U, as shown below. Figure 16 As shown.

Claims

1. A transmission mechanism (40) for transmitting one or more objects (O) through a transmission port (R), comprising: Supporting substrate (41); A shuttle (42) having a mounting member (43) for attaching a retaining device (47) for the one or more objects (O); and A container (44) that houses the support base (41) and the shuttle (42) and is configured to house one or more objects (O) and has at least one opening (45) at an end in the axial direction (X) of the container (44). The shuttle (42) is arranged on the support base (41) to enable translational movement along the axial direction (X), and is configured to allow the retaining device (47) to move together with the one or more objects (O). Wherein, because the shuttle (42) translates along the axial direction (X), the container (44) is configured to connect with the transmission port (R) to allow one or more objects (O) to move into or out of the container (44) through the at least one opening (45). The mounting component (43) includes a connector (55), and the retaining device (47) is in the form of a frame with multiple receiving portions to securely hold the objects (O) apart from each other along an aligned orientation. The connector (55) is used to releasably connect the retaining device (47) for one or more objects (O) to the mounting component (43). The mounting member (43) is hinged to the shuttle (42) to allow the mounting member (43) to pivot about at least one axis of rotation (Y) relative to the shuttle (42).

2. The transmission mechanism (40) according to claim 1, wherein, The shuttle (42) is guided at and along the support base (41) and / or the container (44) by complementary guide devices (48) on the shuttle (42) and the support base (41) and / or the container (44) to achieve translational movement.

3. The transmission mechanism (40) according to claim 1, wherein, The mounting member (43) is hinged to the shuttle (42) to allow the mounting member (43) to pivot about the at least one rotation axis (Y) at a defined axial position of the translational movement.

4. The transmission mechanism (40) according to claim 3, wherein, The at least one axis of rotation (Y) is arranged such that at the defined axial position of the translational motion, the pivoting motion of the mounting (43) is aided by gravity.

5. The transmission mechanism (40) according to claim 3, wherein, The pivoting range of the mounting component (43) is configured to allow the orientation of the object (O) to change by 90°.

6. The transmission mechanism (40) according to claim 5, wherein, The pivoting range of the mounting component (43) is configured to allow the orientation of the object (O) to change from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation, or vice versa.

7. The transmission mechanism (40) according to any one of claims 3 to 6 further includes a first stop (54) defining the end position of the pivoting movement and / or a second stop (53) defining the end position of the translational movement.

8. The transmission mechanism (40) according to claim 7, wherein, The end position of the translational movement coincides with the defined axial position, where the mounting member (43) can pivot relative to the shuttle (42) about the at least one rotation axis (Y).

9. The transmission mechanism (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 further includes a transmission actuator (49) accessible from the outside of the container (44) and configured to realize translational movement of the shuttle (42) in the axial direction (X).

10. The transmission mechanism (40) according to claim 9, wherein, The transmission actuator (49) includes a first rod (51) connected to the shuttle (42) to achieve the translational motion.

11. The transmission mechanism (40) according to claim 9, wherein, The transmission actuator (49) includes a second rod (52) hinged to the mounting (43) to achieve pivoting motion relative to the shuttle (42).

12. The transmission mechanism (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, If configured, the shuttle (42) is pulled / pushed from one side of the opening (45) to achieve the translational movement and / or the pivoting movement.

13. The transmission mechanism (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a retaining device (47) attached to the mounting member, wherein, The holding device (47) is a holding device configured to hold multiple culture dishes (P) along an aligned parallel orientation.

14. The transmission mechanism (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 further includes a door (56) configured to selectively close at least one opening (45) of the container (44).

15. A process for transferring one or more objects (O) through a transfer port (R) to a sterile or at least clean processing area or isolator, the process comprising the following steps (a) A transmission mechanism (40) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14 is provided, the transmission mechanism (40) comprising a retaining device (47) attached to a mounting and comprising one or more objects (O) held in the retaining device (47); (b) Attach the transmission mechanism (40) to the transmission port (R); (c) Open the transmission port (R) to expose the interior of the container (44) of the transmission mechanism (40) to a sterile or at least clean processing area or isolator. (d) The shuttle (42) is moved into a sterile or at least clean processing area or isolator by translational movement along its latitudinal direction (X); and (e) Remove one or more objects (O) from the holding device (47).

16. The process according to claim 15, wherein, The mounting member (43) is hinged to the shuttle (42) to allow the mounting member (43) to pivot about at least one rotation axis (Y) at a defined axial position of the translational movement, and step (d) includes the following steps. (d') The shuttle (42) is moved into the sterile or at least clean processing area or isolator by translational movement along its latitudinal direction (X), reaching the defined axial position of the translational movement; and (d) The mounting member (43) is pivoted about the at least one rotation axis (Y) at the defined axial position of the translational movement, and optionally the shuttle (42) is moved to the end position of the translational movement by translational movement along its latitudinal direction (X).

17. The process according to claim 16, wherein, In step (d"), the mounting component (43) is pivoted 90°.

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