A transfer mechanism for transferring an object through a transfer port.

Abstract

The present application relates to a transfer mechanism / device (40) for transferring one or more objects (O) through a transfer port (R), comprising a support base (41), a shuttle (42) having a mount (43) for a holding means (47) for one or more objects (O) or a holding means for one or more objects, and a container (44) that houses the support base (41) and the shuttle (42) and is configured to house one or more objects (O), the container (44) having at least one opening (45) at an end in an axial direction (X) of the container (44). The shuttle (42) is mounted on the support base (41) for translational movement in the axial direction (X) and is configured to thereby move the holding means (47) carrying one or more objects (O), and the container (44) is coupled to the transfer port (R) and is configured to allow the translational movement of the shuttle (42) in the axial direction (X) to bring the one or more objects (O) into or remove them from the interior of the container (44) through at least one opening (45).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application relates to a transfer device for transferring one or more objects through a transfer port to or from a clean processing area. This application relates, inter alia, to the field of inspection in pharmaceutical and food processing, and more particularly to the field of environmental monitoring of clean or ultra-clean processing areas. It is also applicable to other processing situations where the cleanliness or environment of a processing area is to be determined and monitored, such as in the fields of semiconductor, electronic device, or aircraft manufacturing. [Background technology]

[0002] To monitor environmental conditions in enclosed processing areas of the type described above, passive air sampling has typically involved placing one or more media plates in the active zone of a clean production area or isolation device (both terms will be used interchangeably in this specification) and exposing them to the surrounding air in order to capture the maximum amount of particles in the ambient air. Larger particles tend to settle more quickly on the media plate due to gravity. Smaller particles take some time to settle, depending on factors such as air currents. Media plates work best in static areas. Microorganisms settle onto the media plate from the air, either singly or in colonies.

[0003] Active monitoring of the air in a manufacturing area involves the use of a microbial air sampler that forces air into or over a collection medium for a specified period of time. The collection medium can be a conventional petri dish, such as a nutrient agar-based test medium, or other suitable test medium as required.

[0004] Collection media, such as media plates, Petri dishes, or settlement plates (these terms are used interchangeably herein), are repeatedly transferred into and removed from the manufacturing area for further handling and evaluation. This is typically done manually, with one or more plates or Petri dishes being manually transported into or out of the manufacturing area through a sterile transfer port. However, this manual handling of Petri dishes involves a high risk of contamination, as lids may be inadvertently opened, displaced, or removed from the media plate during handling, including loading, placement, and removal, thereby compromising detection results, especially when multiple media plates are handled in sets, stacks, or groups.

[0005] Aseptic transfer ports for selective access to clean processing areas through valves without compromising sterility are known. Such systems are also known as "RTP" or "rapid transfer ports," and the present invention is directed to a transfer device useful in conjunction with such transfer ports, i.e., a transfer device configured to fit each of the transfer port valve designs, but generally also existing designs.

[0006] For example, GB2237816 A1 discloses a double-door transfer port that allows sealed transfer between a container and an isolation device, i.e., a clean processing area. The container is docked through the closed port of the container, and then the port door is opened from the inside of the isolation device. Docking of the container to the isolation device's transfer port may be achieved through a bayonet system, where the container is twisted about its axis to dock in place at the port. Because the container must be physically rotated, the contents of the container are also subject to rotation, which may cause liquid leakage or damage delicate equipment. In this prior art, the container's lid and entire bayonet-type closure mechanism are housed in a short box or collar-like extension of the container, which is attached to the container itself via an airtight slip-ring joint. In this configuration, the extension is rotated to dock the container in place at the port, but thanks to the slip-ring joint, the container does not need to rotate. Because this device only provides an open container that is accessible from the inside of the isolation device, handling of the object becomes difficult for the reasons mentioned above, especially when the object to be transported is a media plate, Petri dish or fixation plate. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present application contemplates application of the concept of docking a container holding multiple objects to be transferred to a high-speed transfer port of an isolation device, opening the port and transferring the objects from the container into the isolation device and vice versa. The present application aims to provide a transfer mechanism or device for transferring one or more objects, particularly Petri dishes as the objects to be transferred, through a transfer port in an active process without compromising sterility.

[0008] To achieve this goal, the present application provides a transfer mechanism or device for transferring one or more objects, in particular Petri dishes, through a transfer port, comprising the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present application relates to a transfer mechanism / device for transferring one or more objects through a transfer port, comprising: In particular, the present invention provides a transfer mechanism / device comprising a support base, a shuttle having a mount for attaching a holding means for the one or more objects or a holding means for the one or more objects, and a container configured to accommodate the support base and the shuttle and to accommodate the one or more objects, the container having at least one opening at an axial end of the container. The shuttle is mounted on the support base for axial translational movement and is configured to move the holding means with one or more objects thereon, and the container is coupled to the transfer port and configured to allow the one or more objects to be brought into or removed from the interior of the container by axial translation of the shuttle through at least one opening.

[0010] Preferably, the mount includes a connector for removably connecting / attaching holding means for one or more objects to the mount. Preferably, the shuttle is guided for translational movement to the support base and / or along the container by corresponding complementary guide means on the support base and / or on the container. Preferably, the mount or retaining means is articulated to the shuttle to allow pivotal movement of the mount or retaining means relative to the shuttle about at least one axis of rotation.

[0011] Preferably, the mount or retaining means is articulated to the shuttle to allow pivoting of the mount or retaining means relative to the shuttle about at least one axis of rotation at a particular axial position in translation. Preferably, the pivot range of the mount or holding means is configured to allow for about a 90 degree change in orientation of the object, preferably from an essentially horizontal position to an essentially vertical position, or vice versa.

[0012] Preferably, at least one axis of rotation is arranged so that pivoting of the mount / retaining means is gravity assisted at a particular axial position of translation. Preferably, the transfer mechanism further comprises a transfer actuator accessible from outside the container and configured to affect axial translational movement of the shuttle. Preferably, the transfer actuator includes a first rod connected to the shuttle for affecting translational movement.

[0013] Preferably, the transfer actuator includes a second rod articulated to the mount / retention means for affecting pivotal movement relative to the shuttle. Preferably, the transport mechanism further includes a first stopper defining an end position of the pivoting movement and / or a second stopper defining an end position of the translational movement. Preferably, the end positions of the translational movement coincide with particular axial positions at which the mount or holding means is capable of pivoting relative to the shuttle about at least one axis of rotation.

[0014] Preferably, the shuttle is configured to be pulled / pushed from the side of the opening to affect translational and / or pivotal movement, if any. Preferably, the holding means is configured to hold a plurality of Petri dishes in a parallel, side-by-side position. Preferably, the transfer mechanism is configured to couple to a door configured to selectively close at least one opening of the container, wherein the door is preferably configured to couple to a transfer port, preferably a transfer port that is an "alpha part door design."

[0015] The present application also provides a method of transferring one or more objects through a transfer port into a sterile or at least clean processing area or isolation device, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a transfer mechanism / device as defined in the present application, comprising one or more objects, said one or more objects preferably being one or more Petri dishes held in a holding means; (b) attaching a transfer mechanism / device to said transfer port; (c) opening the transfer port, thereby exposing the interior of the container of the transfer mechanism / device to the sterile or at least clean processing area or the interior of the isolation device; (d) moving the shuttle in a translational motion along a latitudinal direction (X) into a sterile or at least clean processing area or cut-off device; (e) removing one or more objects from the holding means;

[0016] Preferably, step (d) of the method comprises the following steps: (d') moving the shuttle in a translational motion along the latitudinal direction to a specific position in the axial direction of the translational motion into a sterile or at least clean processing area or isolation device; (d") pivoting the holding means about at least one axis of rotation at a specific axial position of translational motion, and optionally simultaneously continuing to move the shuttle in translational motion along its latitudinal direction to an end position of the translational motion. Preferably, in step (d"), the mount or holding means is pivoted essentially 90 degrees, thereby bringing one or more objects (O) from an essentially vertical orientation to an essentially horizontal orientation, or vice versa.

[0017] Various embodiments will now be described by reference to the accompanying exemplary drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a partial cutaway perspective view of one embodiment of a transfer mechanism / device prior to docking of the mechanism to a transfer port. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partial cutaway view similar to FIG. 1 of one embodiment of the transfer mechanism after docking with the transfer port and opening. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a partial cutaway view of the transfer mechanism of FIGS. 1 and 2 with the holding means disposed in a rotated end position outside the container. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partial cutaway view of an embodiment of the transfer mechanism with the holding means empty during the transfer and removal process from the container. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present transfer mechanism similar to that shown in FIG. 3, showing a schematic of the gripper of the automated handling device engaged with one of the Petri dishes. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view similar to that of FIG. 5 of an embodiment showing a Petri dish being removed by a gripper of an automated handling device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the transfer mechanism similar to FIG. 5, with the holding means in the form of a rack with the holding means removed from the holding means.

[0019] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a partial cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of the present transfer mechanism similar to that of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a partial cutaway view of the modified embodiment of FIG. 2 in a transfer position similar to that of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partial cutaway view of the alternative embodiment in a transfer position similar to that of FIG. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a transfer process for removing an object from a blocking device using the transfer mechanism. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the process of removing an object from a cutoff device using the transfer mechanism. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the process of transferring an object into the blocking device using this transfer mechanism. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the process of removing an object from a cutoff device using the transfer mechanism. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of the process of transferring objects into and out of the isolator using the transfer mechanism. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the process of removing an object from a blocking device using the transfer mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] For purposes of use in this application, the terms "horizontal," "vertical," "perpendicular," and similar terms—except as expressly stated already—are understood to mean "essentially horizontal," "essentially vertical," "essentially perpendicular," unless this negatively impacts functionality. Preferably, the term "essentially" is intended to describe a deviation of up to 10 degrees from being horizontal, vertical, or perpendicular, respectively, more preferably a deviation of up to 5 degrees, even more preferably a deviation of up to 4 degrees or 3 degrees, and even more preferably a deviation of up to 2 degrees or 1 degree.

[0021] The present invention therefore provides a solution to the sterile transfer of one or more objects, preferably Petri dishes, through a high speed transfer port in a controlled and standardized manner compatible with fully automated environmental monitoring in a sterile environment.

[0022] The transfer mechanism is compatible with existing standard high-speed transfer ports of the isolator and Petri dishes or settler plates, and can present the Petri dishes, preferably with their lids on top, in a convenient and repeatable, essentially horizontal position for manual or automated gripping, e.g., robotic gripping, thereby allowing transfer into and out of the isolator in an easy, controlled, and reliable manner.

[0023] Furthermore, thanks to the defined translational movement by the shuttle holding the Petri dish, there is no risk of the lid of the Petri dish being unintentionally released or falling off during transport into or out of the isolator device. The shuttle design provides a compact construction and a small footprint required to present an object (eg, a Petri dish) for further handling within the isolator.

[0024] Furthermore, the Petri dishes are provided in defined positions, which are conducive to cooperation with the grippers of an automated handling device (e.g. a robot), while still allowing manual handling or handling if necessary. Below are described various embodiments of a process for transferring one or more objects into or out of a shutoff device or clean manufacturing area using the transfer mechanism of the present application.

[0025] An embodiment of a transfer mechanism / device 40 for transferring one or more objects O, preferably Petri dishes, to a transfer port R comprises as its basic components a support base 41 and a shuttle or slide 42 mounted on the support base for translational movement along a longitudinal direction X. The shuttle 42 is provided with a mount 43 or nest configured to removably hold, or already holding, a holding means 47 for one or more objects O to be transferred.

[0026] The transfer mechanism 40 further includes a container 44 that houses the support base 41 and the shuttle 42, the shuttle 42 being configured to house one or more objects O supported on a support means 47. The container 44 has at least one opening 45 at an axial end of the container that coincides with the longitudinal direction X of the translational movement.

[0027] Translational movement of the shuttle 42 along the longitudinal / axial direction X allows the carrying means 47 of the objects to be moved forward and backward towards and away from the opening 45 of the container 44 .

[0028] The container 44 is configured to be removably coupled or docked to the rapid transfer port R by an engagement arrangement designed according to the respective coupling concept of the transfer port. After the transfer port is docked to the container lid discussed below, the transfer port is opened, thereby exposing the interior of the container to the interior of the isolation device and thereby allowing axial translation of the shuttle 42 to move one or more objects into or out of the container 44 through at least one opening 45.

[0029] Several stages of operation of the transfer mechanism, or more precisely the docking of the container to the transfer port, the transfer of the shuttle carrying the object through the opening 45 and the provision of the object inside the object blocking device, will be explained based on the sequence of Figures 1 to 3, 5 and 6.

[0030] The shuttle 43 is slidably guided for translational movement along the support base 41 and / or container 44, e.g., the inner walls thereof, by complementary guide means 48 on the shuttle 42 and the support base 41 and / or container 44. The guide means 48 may be in the form of rails or grooves cooperating with complementary engaging elements.

[0031] The transfer mechanism includes a first stop 53 that defines an end position for translational movement towards the opening 45 at an axial end of the container (see Figures 2 to 4). The transfer mechanism may further include a stop at an opposite axial end that defines an end position for translational movement into the container.

[0032] The support base 41 may be formed as an element separate from the container, to be placed inside the container, or as an integral part of the container. The mount 43 for detachable connection to holding means 47 for the objects, or the holding means 47 (if the holding means is connected to a slide of the transport mechanism and is not detachable but directly holds one or more objects), is preferably articulated to the shuttle 42 to allow pivoting of the mount 43 or holding means 47 (together with the holding means) relative to the shuttle 42 about at least one axis of rotation, preferably axis of rotation Y, which is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X. The axis of rotation Y, provided in the form of a hinge or joint, is provided at the front end of the shuttle 42, as shown in FIG. 4, for example.

[0033] Preferably, the mount 43 (or holding means 47) is articulated to the shuttle 42 to allow the mount / holding means to pivot about at least one axis of rotation Y at a defined axial position midway through its translational movement, preferably at an end position at the end of the opening 45 of the container 44, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. Depending on the shape and dimensions of the mount 43 / holding means 47, pivoting can begin a distance before reaching the end position, but is inhibited before reaching a point in the translational movement.

[0034] The pivot range of the mount 43 / holding means 47 is configured to allow the object's orientation to change by approximately 90 degrees, preferably from an essentially vertical to an essentially horizontal orientation (as shown in Figures 1 to 3), or vice versa, although smaller or larger pivot ranges are possible depending on the circumstances.

[0035] At least one axis of rotation Y is positioned such that at a defined axis of translation, pivoting of the mount 43 / retaining means 47 is at least gravity-assisted. Preferably, pivoting is initiated at a point and carried out completely by gravity, so that no further external input of force is required. Movement of the shuttle back into the container forces the mount / retaining means to rotate back about axis of rotation Y to an essentially horizontal position due to interaction of the mount / retaining means with parts of the container for further unimpeded translation.

[0036] The mount 43 preferably includes a connector 55 for removably connecting a holding means 47 for the objects to the mount 43 (see FIG. 5). In this case, the holding means 47 may be in the form of a plurality of receptacles for securely holding spaced apart objects (preferably Petri dishes) in an aligned orientation. As noted above, the holding means may be integral with the transport mechanism so that the objects can be loaded directly into the transport mechanism. However, a removably connection via the connector 55 offers the advantage that the objects can be readily stored in the holding means and then quickly loaded into the transport mechanism.

[0037] When the object (Petri dish) has been completely transferred from the interior of the container through the container opening into the isolator (after the transfer port door and the container lid have been opened), it is easily accessible from the interior of the isolator and can be easily grasped and removed from the holding means by hand or by using a horizontal gripper G of a robot (see Figures 5 and 6). Depending on the dimensions of the holding means, the rotation axis Y is located at approximately one-third of the total length to minimize the amount of movement required to bring the holding means out of the opening and to minimize penetration into the interior of the isolator. Other positions are also possible depending on the dimensions. Furthermore, depending on the position of the rotation or pivot axis, pivoting of the holding means may be prevented until the object is completely transferred inside the isolator.

[0038] The end positions of the translational movement preferably correspond to defined axial positions of the mount 43 / holding means 47 relative to the shuttle 42, about which it is possible to pivot about at least one axis of rotation Y.

[0039] The shuttle 42 is configured to be pulled / pushed from the side of the opening 45 so as to translate and / or pivot, if so desired. The pulling / pushing force may be provided by an automated handling device, for example via a gripper. In some cases, it may not be possible to drive the transfer mechanism for translation and rotation from inside the cut-off device.

[0040] According to a variant of the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 8-10, the transfer mechanism may be provided with a transfer actuator 49 accessible from the exterior of the container 44 and adapted to cause translational movement of the shuttle 42 along the axial direction X. The transfer actuator 49 of the variant embodiment may include a first rod 51 coupled to the shuttle 42 to cause the translational movement. Furthermore, the transfer actuator 49 may include a second rod 52 connected to the mount 43 / holding means 47 to initiate and cause pivotal movement of the shuttle 42 about the relative rotational axis Y. The movement of the transfer actuator 49 may be operated manually or by a mechanical actuator, such as a fluid cylinder, servo motor, or linear drive. These rods, which extend from the container, are shielded from the interior of the container to maintain sterility during operation. The rods may be integrated into the base 41 to shield the interior of the container containing one or more objects to be transferred from the interior of the container.

[0041] The transfer mechanism that moves the shuttle for translational and pivotal movement is reversible to allow for reloading of objects from the interior of the isolator into the interior of the container.

[0042] The transfer mechanism, more particularly the container, may include a lid or door 56 that selectively blocks at least one opening 45 of the container 44, the door 56 being configured to be connectable to a separate transfer port, preferably according to a valve concept, preferably a high speed transfer port with an alpha part door design.

[0043] The present application also relates to a method for transferring one or more objects O through a transfer port R to a sterile or at least clean processing area or isolation device, comprising the following steps (1) to (5) in sequence, (1) providing a transfer mechanism / device 40 as defined herein, including one or more objects O, the one or more objects O being preferably one or more Petri dishes P and held in a holding means 47; (2) attaching the transfer mechanism / device 40 to the transfer port R; (3) opening the transfer port R, thereby exposing the interior of the container 44 of the transfer mechanism / device 40 to the interior of a sterile or at least clean processing space or isolation device; (4) moving the shuttle 42 in a translational motion along the latitudinal direction (X) into the sterile or at least clean processing area or isolation device; and (5) removing the one or more objects O from the holding means 47 and using them in the sterile or at least clean processing area or isolation device, for example, as intended for monitoring environmental conditions, e.g., for air sampling.

[0044] Preferably, the shuttle 42 is moved translationally along the longitudinal direction X into a sterile or at least clean processing area or isolation device to a defined axial position of the translational movement (in other words, until a defined position along the longitudinal direction X is reached); and then the mount 43 or holding means 47 is pivoted about at least one axis of rotation Y at the defined axial position of the translational movement, possibly / optionally simultaneously continuing to move the shuttle 42 translationally along its latitudinal direction X to an end position of the translational movement.

[0045] The translational movement of the shuttle 42 may be carried out directly to the end position, followed by pivoting of the mount 43 or the holding means 47. Alternatively, the defined axial position of the translational movement of the shuttle 42 may be located before the end position of the translational movement, i.e. before the shuttle 42 has reached its final position for unloading, in which case the translational movement is continued with simultaneous pivoting of the mount 43 or the holding means 47.

[0046] Preferably, in step (d"), the mount (43) or holding means (47) is pivoted essentially 90 degrees, thereby preferably bringing one or more objects (O) from an essentially vertical orientation to an essentially horizontal orientation, or vice versa.

[0047] The transfer mechanism / device 40 defined herein can be preferably used in a process carried out in a totally sterile environment to transfer a group or set of Petri dishes into and out of various isolation devices for testing the atmosphere inside one isolation device representative of a clean manufacturing environment. An example of such a process outline, which can be largely automated, is described below in connection with Figures 11 through 16.

[0048] The elements of this process include a stand-alone transfer shut-off device U for preparing Petri dishes for use in the process, a production shut-off device V representing the normal production environment to be tested or monitored, the transfer mechanism 40 of the present application, a group or set of Petri dishes provided in a sterile manner in a transfer pack such as a blister or bag 100, and an empty transfer pack or bag 13.

[0049] 11 and 12, several groups or sets A, B, C of sterile Petri dishes may be supplied into the transport shut-off device U in the form of sealed blisters or bags 100 to maintain sterility. The Petri dishes are preferably arranged in holding means 47 (such as a rack) within each transport package for convenient handling of the entire group and to keep the group together during transport.

[0050] An empty transfer mechanism 40, as defined herein for multiple use, is connected to the door of the transfer port R of the transfer shutoff device U, and the container door is opened by opening the transfer port.

[0051] and, if necessary, the entire environment is sterilized, including the interior of the transfer shutoff device and the interior of the transfer mechanism container.

[0052] One of the shipping packages is opened and the Petri dishes of batch A on the holding means are removed from the blisters or pouches and placed inside the container of the transfer mechanism either manually or by an automated handling device.

[0053] Then, the door of the transfer mechanism is closed by closing the transfer port, and the transfer mechanism containing the Petri dish in the holding means is separated from the isolating device.

[0054] Next, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the transfer mechanism / device 40 is docked to the transfer port of the production shutoff device V and the door is opened. By moving the shuttle in the translational direction (axial direction X), the holding means with the Petri dishes of batch A is transferred into the interior of the production shutoff device V and presented for independent grasping by the gripper G of the automated handling device, as shown in Figure 13. The Petri dishes are processed (e.g., by active or passive air monitoring, as described in the introduction) and placed back into the holding means. Once the entire batch has been processed, the holding means is pulled back into the container via the shuttle of the transfer mechanism / device, the container door is closed by the transfer port R, and the transfer mechanism / device 40 is removed or undocked from the production shutoff device (see Figure 15).

[0055] 15 and 16, the transfer mechanism / device 40 with the used Petri dishes of batch A is again docked with the transfer shutoff device U, and the used Petri dishes on their holding means are removed from the container and placed again in the blister or other transport package. The Petri dishes of a fresh batch on their holding means are transferred into the transfer mechanism / device 40, and the transfer mechanism / device is then closed and undocked as in FIG. 12 (see FIG. 15).

[0056] When all the Petri dishes in a batch have been used, the user can open the transfer shutoff device U and remove the used Petri dishes for further analysis / incubation. If desired, analysis can begin without waiting for the entire batch to be processed. To remove the used Petri dishes from the transfer shutoff device U for further processing, the transfer mechanism / device 40 of the present application or a simple high-speed transfer port bag 13 can be used to dock with the transfer port R of the transfer shutoff device U, as shown in FIG. 16.

Claims

1. A transfer mechanism / device (40) for transferring one or more objects (O) through a transfer port (R), comprising: Support base (41); a shuttle (42) having a mount (43) for attaching a holding means (47) for said one or more objects (O); and a container (44) configured to accommodate the support base (41) and the shuttle (42) and to accommodate the one or more objects (O), the container (44) having at least one opening (45) at an end in an axial direction (X) of the container (44); Here, a shuttle (42) mounted on the support base (41) for translational movement along an axial direction (X) and configured to move a holding means (47) with one or more objects (O) therewith; and wherein the container (44) is coupled to a transfer port (R) and configured to allow the one or more objects (O) to be introduced into or removed from the interior of the container (44) by translation of the shuttle (42) in an axial direction (X) through at least one opening (45); the mount (43) includes a connector (55) for removably connecting a holding means (47) for one or more objects (O) to the mount (43); The transfer mechanism / device (40).

2. 2. A transfer mechanism (40) according to claim 1, wherein the shuttle (42) is guided for translational movement on the support base (41) and / or along the container (44) by corresponding complementary guide means (48) on the shuttle (42) and on the support base (41) and / or container (44).

3. 3. A transfer mechanism (40) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the mount (43) is articulated to the shuttle (42) to allow pivoting of the mount (43) relative to the shuttle (42) about at least one axis of rotation (Y).

4. 4. The transfer mechanism (40) of claim 3, wherein the mount (43) is articulated to the shuttle (42) to allow pivoting of the mount (43) about at least one axis of rotation (Y) at a specific axial position in translational motion.

5. 5. A transfer mechanism (40) according to claim 4, wherein at least one axis of rotation (Y) is arranged such that pivoting of the mount (43) is gravity assisted at a particular axial position of translation.

6. The transfer mechanism (40) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the pivot range of the mount (43) is configured to allow a 90 degree change in orientation of the object (O).

7. The transport mechanism (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a first stop (54) defining an end position of the pivoting movement and / or a second stop (53) defining an end position of the translational movement.

8. 8. The transfer mechanism (40) of claim 7, wherein the end positions of the translational movement correspond to specific axial positions at which the mount (43) is capable of pivoting about at least one rotation axis (Y) relative to the shuttle (42).

9. 9. The transfer mechanism (40) of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a transfer actuator (49) accessible from outside the container (44) and configured to affect translational movement of the shuttle (42) along the axial direction (X).

10. 10. The transfer mechanism (40) of claim 9, wherein the transfer actuator (49) comprises a first rod (51) connected to the shuttle (42) for affecting translational movement.

11. A transfer mechanism (40) according to claim 9 or 10 in combination with any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the transfer actuator (49) comprises a second rod (52) articulated to the mount (43) for affecting pivotal movement relative to the shuttle (42).

12. A transfer mechanism (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the shuttle (42) is configured to be pulled / pushed from the side of the opening (45) to affect translational and / or pivotal movement, if any.

13. A transfer mechanism (40) as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising a holding means (47) attached to a mount, the holding means (47) being configured to hold a plurality of Petri dishes (P) in a parallel aligned position.

14. The transfer mechanism (40) of any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a door (56) configured to selectively close at least one opening (45) of the container (44).

15. 1. A method for transferring one or more objects (O) through a transfer port (R) into a sterile or at least clean processing area or isolation device, the method comprising: (a) providing a transfer mechanism / device (40) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising a holding means (47) attached to a mount and including one or more objects (O) held within the holding means (47); (b) attaching said transfer mechanism / device (40) to said transfer port (R); (c) opening the transfer port (R) thereby opening the interior of the transfer mechanism / device container (44) to the interior of a sterile or at least clean processing area or isolation device; (d) moving the shuttle (42) in a translational motion along a latitudinal direction (X) into a sterile or at least clean processing area or cut-off device; and (e) removing one or more objects (O) from the holding means (47); The method comprising:

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein step (d) comprises the steps of: (d') moving the shuttle (42) in a translational motion along the latitudinal direction (X) to a specific position in the axial direction of the translational motion into a sterile or at least clean processing area or isolation device; (d") pivoting the mount (43) about at least one axis of rotation (Y) at a specific axial position of translation, and optionally simultaneously continuing to move the shuttle (42) in translation along its latitudinal direction (X) to an end position of the translation.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, In step (d"), the mount (43) is pivoted essentially 90 degrees.

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