Apparatus and method for performing microbiological sampling operations

Abstract

An apparatus and a method are described for performing microbiological sampling operations on a culture medium (T) for biological particles arranged in a shallow container (100a, 100b). The apparatus comprises at least one moving member (15) configured to contactless move by means of electromagnetic interaction on a driving surface (12) and equipped with a respective support member (23a, 23b) to support the shallow container (100a, 100b), and also comprises a controller (50) configured to command the displacement of said at least one moving member (15) on the driving surface (12) between a first operating zone (Zl), in which the shallow container (100a, 100b) is received on the respective support member (23a, 23b), and a second operating zone (Z2), in which the moving member (15) has been kept in a position of use (PU) by the controller (50) allowing the shallow container (100a, 100b) to be fluidically connected to a suction unit (19) via a suction port (20) provided in the second operating zone (Z2).

Description

[0001] “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING MICROBIOLOGICAL SAMPLING OPERATIONS”

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention concerns an apparatus and method for performing microbiological sampling operations by using a cell culture medium which, by way of example, can be used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, healthcare, chemical and / or food sectors.

[0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Microbiological sampling, or monitoring, is usually performed to evaluate the microbial concentration present on certain surfaces, or in the air, of operating environments that require particular sanitation, cleanliness and, in some cases, sterility conditions.

[0004] There are known apparatuses and methods for microbiological sampling that use a cell culture medium, for example agar, which is arranged in a shallow container, for example a Petri dish.

[0005] In order to improve the conditions of proliferation and the deposition of the microorganisms on the culture medium, it is known to place the Petri dish in a containing member which, known by the term “impactor”, can be of the standard type, in stainless steel, or of the disposable plastic type.

[0006] In general, the impactor, whether in steel or disposable, can essentially comprise a lower containing part in which the Petri dish can be positioned, or is present, an upper part, associable with the lower part, and a coupling element usually in fluidic communication with the lower part and connectable to suction means. The function of the suction means is to generate an air flow inside the impactor, which impinges in a controlled manner on the culture medium of the shallow container present therein.

[0007] An example of this type of impactor is described in document US 2022 / 0236146 AL In particular, the impactors known in the art can be made of steel or be of a disposable type, and can comprise means for distributing the suction air flow to prevent it from impacting on the culture medium too violently, damaging or killing the microorganisms transported therein, thus falsifying the detection. In the case of a steel impactor, the upper part comprises the air flow distribution means, therefore it has the function of an air flow diffuser.

[0008] For example, in the case of a disposable impactor, there is an upper part that has the function of lid, and the air flow distribution mean is already integrated into the lower containing part.

[0009] Known apparatuses usually comprise a controlled atmosphere chamber in which various operations are performed on the shallow container and / or on the impactors.

[0010] This chamber can comprise a preparation and use zone, in which each shallow container is prepared with the culture medium inside it, possibly loaded into the corresponding impactor, and in which the impactor is connected to the suction means.

[0011] Upon removal of the lid from the shallow container to leave the culture medium exposed, an air flow is generated by means of the suction means, favoring the capture of microorganisms on the medium and the subsequent microbial proliferation. It should be noted that in the case of a steel impactor, before activating the suction means, the upper part is removed, the closed Petri dish is positioned in the lower part, the dish is subsequently opened and then the upper part is repositioned in place.

[0012] In the preparation and use zone, at pre-established time intervals, based on the volume suctioned, each shallow container is closed and subsequently extracted from the controlled atmosphere chamber in a suitable manner, for any subsequent operations. In addition, each shallow container can be arranged in an incubation apparatus for a certain period of time, at the end of which the colony forming units, also known by the acronym “CFU”, are counted and evaluated. In general, these zones can provide two or more manipulation gloves that can be used by an operator to perform some of the aforementioned operations manually, and / or one or more anthropomorphic robotic arms with two or more axes of movement and / or rotation to perform some of the aforementioned operations in an automated manner. For example, the anthropomorphic robots can also allow to transport the impactors and the shallow containers from the preparation and use zone.

[0013] The solution described in US 2022 / 0236146 Al provides an anthropomorphic robot for manipulating the impactors in which an articulated arm equipped with a gripping member at the free end is arranged on tracked members that allow to move the robot within the controlled atmosphere chamber.

[0014] A disadvantage of known apparatuses is that in order to perform the aforementioned operations manually using the aforementioned manipulation gloves, the operator has to be highly qualified and skilled, otherwise there is a risk of damaging the shallow containers, or of compromising the outcome of the microbiological sampling. In general, human intervention, including through the aforementioned gloves, can still lead to the generation of contamination.

[0015] With regard to anthropomorphic robots, while on the one hand they allow to avoid performing some of the operations manually, on the other they have the disadvantage of not being very agile and also having considerable overall sizes, compared to the size of the chamber, so it is not always possible to perform two or more operations simultaneously or, alternatively, it is necessary to set up larger and more cumbersome controlled atmosphere chambers. In addition, the joints between the different articulated arms, as well as the tracked members if present, could release particulate matter or dust into the chamber, which is of course undesirable by virtue of the stringent hygiene and cleanliness conditions that have to be maintained in such chambers. Moreover, the robots, with their movements, could disturb the unidirectional flow generated in the aforementioned chamber and suitable for protect the contents of the Petri dishes.

[0016] There is therefore the need to perfect an apparatus for performing microbiological sampling operations that can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

[0017] To do this, it is necessary to solve the technical problem of providing an apparatus and perfecting a method that limit the execution of manual operations and avoids using complex and cumbersome anthropomorphic robots.

[0018] In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and perfect a method for performing microbiological sampling operations that are reliable, efficient and allow to reduce operating times. Another purpose of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for microbiological sampling operations that guarantees high standards of hygiene and cleanliness that make it suitable for use in the chemical, cosmetic and / or pharmaceutical sectors. The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

[0019] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0020] In accordance with the above purposes and to resolve the technical problem described above in a new and original way, also achieving considerable advantages compared to the state of the prior art, an apparatus according to the present invention for performing microbiological sampling operations on a culture medium for biological particles arranged in a shallow container comprises at least one moving member configured to contactless move by means of electromagnetic interaction on a driving surface, the at least one moving member comprising a respective support member configured to support the shallow container.

[0021] The apparatus comprises a controller configured to command the displacement of the at least one moving member on the driving surface between a first operating zone, in which the shallow container is received on the respective support member, and a second operating zone, in which the moving member has been kept in a position of use by the controller allowing the shallow container to be fluidically connected to a suction unit via a suction port provided in the second operating zone.

[0022] Doing so achieves at least the advantage of not using bulky robotic members to move the shallow container from one zone of the apparatus to another. The function of the suction unit is to generate a suction air flow that is suitable for impinge on the culture medium of the shallow container in a controlled manner.

[0023] For this purpose, a distribution plate is provided positioned above the shallow container and having distribution means, for example configured as suitably sized and oriented openings, to divert and uniformly distribute the suction air flow, avoiding an excessively violent impact of the air flow on the culture medium.

[0024] The present invention also concerns a method for performing microbiological sampling operations in a controlled atmosphere chamber.

[0025] In particular, the method comprises the following steps: - providing a shallow container containing a culture medium for biological particles covered with a lid within the chamber;

[0026] - providing at least one moving member configured to contactless move by means of electromagnetic interaction on a driving surface enclosed within the chamber, the at least one moving member comprising a respective support member;

[0027] - placing the shallow container on the support member of the moving member in a first operating zone;

[0028] - bringing the moving member supporting the shallow container to a second operating zone, the second operating zone being provided with a suction port communicating with the suction unit;

[0029] - fluidically connecting the shallow container with the suction unit via the suction port by keeping the moving member in a position of use;

[0030] - removing the lid from the shallow container;

[0031] - generating a suction air flow suitable for impinging on the culture medium, while the moving member has been kept in the position of use.

[0032] Thanks to the apparatus and the method according to the present invention, it is possible to manipulate the shallow containers in a completely automatic manner inside a controlled atmosphere chamber in order to perform biological sampling operations. In fact, all the operations on such containers can be performed automatically, including the removal of a cap that closes an element for coupling with the suction unit, the connection of such element therewith and the subsequent capping of the coupling element with the cap, as well as the removal of a lid that closes the containers.

[0033] Advantageously, the shallow containers are moved by a moving member which contactless moves inside the chamber on a driving surface by means of electromagnetic interaction, so as not to generate or move dust or particulate matter during the movement of the shallow containers.

[0034] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restr ictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

[0036] - fig. 1 is a schematic top view of an apparatus according to the present invention for performing a microbiological sampling of biological particles; - fig. 2 is a schematic, partly sectioned lateral view of a moving member of the apparatus of fig. 1 , with which there is associated a containing member of a first type, in a condition of movement;

[0037] - figs, from 3 A to 3 C are partial, schematic, enlarged section views of an operating sequence of the apparatus of fig. 1, illustrating some steps of a method according to the present invention for removing a lid that closes the containing member of the first type of fig. 2, and for impinging on a culture medium comprised in said containing member with a suction air flow;

[0038] - figs, from 4A to 4F are schematic views of an operating sequence showing the interaction between a coupling element comprised in the containing member of fig. 2, closed by a cap, and a cap removing unit configured first to remove the cap from the coupling element and subsequently to re-apply the previously removed cap on the coupling element;

[0039] - fig. 5 is a schematic, partly sectioned lateral view of a moving member of the apparatus of fig. 1 according to another embodiment, with which there is associated a containing member of a second type, in a condition of movement;

[0040] - fig. 6 is a schematic, partly sectioned lateral view of the moving member of fig.

[0041] 5, with the containing member in a condition of use.

[0042] We must clarify that the phraseology and terminology used in the present description, as well as the figures in the attached drawings also in relation as to how described, have the sole function of better illustrating and explaining the present invention, their purpose being to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

[0043] To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.

[0044] DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION With reference to fig. 1, an apparatus 10 according to the present invention is suitable for performing microbiological sampling operations on a culture medium

[0045] T for biological particles arranged in a shallow container 100a. Note that in the embodiments of figs. 5 and 6, the shallow container is indicated with reference 100b. For example, the culture medium T can be agar and the container 100a, 100b can be a Petri dish, known to the people of skill in the art.

[0046] In order to optimize these microbiological sampling operations, according to a first solution, the shallow container 100a can be arranged in a containing member 200a of a first type (fig. 2). For example, the containing member 200a is made of plastic and has the function of an impactor of the disposable type, known to the people of skill in the art.

[0047] According to another solution, the shallow container 100b is integrated inside a containing member 200b of a second type (figs. 5 and 6). For example, the containing member 200b is made of stainless steel and has the function of a standard type impactor, known to the people of skill in the art.

[0048] Before describing the apparatus 10 in detail, in order to better understand the present invention, the first and second solutions of the shallow container 100a, 100b and of the corresponding containing members 200a, 200b are now described. According to the first solution (fig. 2), the containing member 200a comprises an internally hollow, circular main body 210, inside which a shallow container 100a provided with a base 101 for containing the culture medium T is centrally attached. For example, the base 101 can be attached on support dowels 211 of the main body 210. It should be noted that, in the first solution, the shallow container 100a, since it is integrated with the containing member 200a, is without its own lid protecting the culture medium T.

[0049] The main body 210 comprises an open and circular- shaped upper mouth 212, and a coupling element 203 which, in the case shown here by way of example, protrudes laterally from the main body 210 and is suitable for putting the inside thereof in fluidic communication with the outside. We must clarify that by the expression “protrudes laterally” we mean that the coupling element 203 protrudes with respect to the lateral surface of the main body 210.

[0050] Other conformations of the coupling element 203, such as L-shaped or recessed, can be provided to form a cavity. Furthermore, the coupling element 203 can also protrude below the main body 210. The coupling element 203 can be provided, at a free end 204, with a closing cap 206.

[0051] The containing member 200a further comprises a lid 205 that can be coupled with the upper mouth 202 in order to close the main body 210 and, consequently, also the shallow container 100a, thereby protecting the culture medium T present therein. It should be noted that the lid 205 is in fact configured as the container’s lid, even if not in direct contact therewith.

[0052] Furthermore, the containing member 200a comprises a distribution plate 207 which is arranged between the shallow container 100a and the upper mouth 202, and which is provided with a plurality of slits, or openings, 208 preferably radial, oblong, converging and inclined toward the center.

[0053] According to the second solution (figs. 5 and 6), the shallow container 100b comprises a circular containing base 111 open at the top, which is suitable for containing the culture medium T, and a respective lid 112, suitable for being rested on the base 111 to close it and keep the culture medium T protected.

[0054] The containing member 200b can comprise a lower support part 221 and an upper covering part 222, which can be coupled with each other so as to internally define a space that allows the arrangement of the shallow container 100b.

[0055] The lower part 221 comprises at least one coupling element 223 which is in fluidic communication with a central cavity 224 and which, in the case shown by way of example, protrudes at the lower part from the lower part 221. We must clarify that by the expression “protrudes at the lower part” we mean that the coupling element 223 protrudes with respect to the bottom surface of the lower part 221.

[0056] In other solutions, the coupling element 223 could protrude laterally, or even not protrude at all, with respect to the volume of the containing member 200b. Furthermore, according to other embodiments, the coupling element 223 could be recessed with respect to the lower part 221, being configured as a cavity.

[0057] The function of the coupling element 223, which can be suitably flanged, is to put the central cavity 224 in fluidic communication with the outside.

[0058] The lower part 221 is further provided with two or more radial support elements 225 defining, above the central cavity 224, a housing seat for the shallow container 100b.

[0059] The upper part 222 comprises a central distribution plate 227 provided, in the specific case shown here, with distribution means, defined hereafter by a plurality of slits, or openings, 228 preferably radial, oblong, converging and inclined toward the center.

[0060] According to possible embodiments, the upper part 222 can be provided with a further lid 220, schematized with a dashed line in fig. 6, to cover the distribution plate 227. Embodiments in which the distribution plate 227 comprises openings, holes, channels, or any other type of element capable of distributing and directing the air flow toward the culture medium T in the desired manner also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0061] The lower part 221 and the upper part 222 are able to be coupled with each other by means of respective attachment means 230, which can be of any known type for creating a removable type connection. For example, the attachment means 230 can be of the interlocking type or of the threaded type.

[0062] The apparatus 10 (fig. 1) comprises an electromagnetic base plane 11 having a driving surface 12 below which there are associated generating means 13 configured to generate one or more magnetic fields.

[0063] The generating means 13 can be distributed, even locally, along a movement path of the shallow containers 100a, 100b.

[0064] According to some embodiments, the generating means 13 can be defined by electric energizing means comprising a plurality of electric coils or windings which, during use, are connected to an electric power supply network with suitable electric voltage and current values.

[0065] According to other embodiments, the generating means 13 can be defined by mechanical members movable underneath the driving surface 12 and provided with one or more permanent magnets. The apparatus 10 comprises a plurality of moving members 15 (fig. 1) for moving the shallow containers 100a, 100b and / or the containing members 200a, 200b between a first operating zone Z1 and a second operating zone Z2.

[0066] We must clarify that each moving member 15 can move one or more shallow containers 100a, 100b and / or one or more corresponding containing members 200a, 200b.

[0067] The moving members 15 (figs. 2, 5 and 6) are operatively associated with the driving surface 12 and capable of moving with respect thereto by interacting with the magnetic fields generated by the generating means 13. In fact, each moving member 15 comprises one or more magnetic means 16, such as permanent magnets for example, configured to generate a respective magnetic field, preferably static, to interact with the electromagnetic base plane 11 and cause the respective and selective displacement thereon. In this way, each moving member 15 is capable of moving independently with respect to the base plane 11 , remaining distanced therefrom by a certain distance, that is, without contacting it, advantageously with several degrees of freedom.

[0068] In fact, the moving members 15 can be capable of also moving in height, moving away from or approaching the base plane 11 according to the specific operational needs.

[0069] According to preferred embodiments, the moving members 15 are made as movable parts of magnetically driven “planar motors”, per se known in the state of the art.

[0070] The apparatus 10 also comprises one or more controlled atmosphere chambers 17 (fig. 1), associated at the upper part with the base plane 11 and in which the moving members 15 are movable and operative. By way of a non-limiting example, hereafter in the text and in the attached drawings reference is made to only one chamber 17, it being understood that what described and represented can also be valid in the event that there are several chambers 17. Inside the apparatus 10, that is, in the chamber 17, there is a first operating zone Z1 for preparing the shallow containers 100a, 100b and / or the containing members 200a, 200b, or a part thereof, on the corresponding moving members 15, and a second operating zone Z2 for using the containing members 200a, 200b.

[0071] To insert the shallow containers 100a, 100b and / or the containing members 200a, 200b in the first operating zone Zl, there can be two or more openings 18

[0072] (fig. 1), respectively, present in the chamber 17 which manipulation gloves can be associated with to perform certain manual operations. Alternatively, these openings define so-called “RTPs” (Rapid Transfer Ports) through which the sterilized or otherwise decontaminated objects can be introduced into the chamber 17, according to methods well known in the art.

[0073] Advantageously, according to preferred embodiments, it is not necessary to arrange handling gloves or RTPs in the second operating zone Z2, since the operations performed therein can be fully automated and no manual intervention of the operators is required.

[0074] Specifically, at the second operating zone Z2 there is at least one suction unit 19 having a suction port 20 suitable for coupling, or connecting, with the coupling elements 203, 223 of the containing members 200a, 200b, when the latter are in a position of use.

[0075] The function of the suction unit 19 is to generate a suction air flow F (figs. 3C and 6) within the containing member 200a, 200b connected thereto, which impinges, in a controlled manner, on the culture medium T of the shallow container 100a, 100b present therein. In particular, by means of the respective slits 208, 228, the distribution plate 207, 227 present in the containing member 200a, 200b is configured to divert and evenly distribute the suction air flow F, so as to prevent it from impacting on the culture medium T with too much violence, risking deterioration, until the microorganisms carried therein are deteriorated and / or killed, thus distorting the outcome of the detection.

[0076] In this way, the suction air flow F optimizes and increases the possibility of one or more organisms being deposited on the culture medium T. The suction port 20 can be associated with one or more sealing elements, of a known type and not shown, suitable for guaranteeing a sealed connection with the corresponding coupling element 203 , 223.

[0077] Each moving member 15 comprises a base plate 21 with a flattened shape and support means 22 (figs, from 2 to 5) configured to support and / or block in a stable position at least one shallow container 100a, 100b and / or at least one corresponding containing member 200a, 200b. When the containing member 200a, 200b is associated with the support means 22, the coupling element 203, 223 is exposed to view with respect thereto.

[0078] According to possible embodiments, in accordance with the first solution, the support means 22 comprise a support member 23a (fig. 2) having a rest arm 25 provided with blocking elements 27 to block the containing member 200a, in particular to keep it in a stable position during coupling with the suction unit 19.

[0079] The support member 23a, with the respective rest arm 25, is conformed in such a way as to leave at least the free end 204 of the coupling element 203 exposed, so that the latter can be coupled, or connected, with the corresponding suction port 20 of the suction unit 19.

[0080] According to other possible embodiments, in accordance with the second solution, the support means 22 comprise a support member 23b (figs. 5 and 6) having a blocking arm 29 configured to support and / or block the containing member 200b by cooperating with the coupling element 223, in particular to keep it in a stable position during coupling with the suction unit 19.

[0081] The support member 23b, with the respective blocking arm 29, is conformed in such a way as to leave the coupling element 223 at least partly exposed, so that the latter can be coupled, or connected, with the corresponding suction port 20 of the suction unit 19. We must clarify that, here and hereafter in the text, the term “exposed” can also be understood only as “exposed to view”, therefore not covered by other parts, elements or means.

[0082] According to further embodiments, the moving members 15, in addition to moving a corresponding containing member 200a, 200b having the shallow container 100a, 100b inside it from the first operating zone Z1 to the second operating zone Z2, are configured to determine the displacements of the containing member 200a, 200b within each of the two operating zones Zl, Z2.

[0083] According to possible preferred embodiments, the apparatus 10 comprises, at the position of use PU of the second operating zone Z2, a manipulator 30 having a manipulation head 31 configured to perform one or more operations on the containing members 200a, 200b and / or on the shallow containers 100a, 100b, in order to remove the lid covering the culture medium T and allow the correct generation of the suction air flow F by means of the suction unit 19.

[0084] For example, the manipulation head 31 can be provided with holding means of any known type whatsoever. In a preferred embodiment, the holding means comprise one or more suction elements 32 (figs. 3A and 3B) connected to a vacuum source allowing them to perform a suction holding action.

[0085] According to preferred embodiments, the manipulator 30 has a single axis of movement Y (fig. 1), preferably vertical. According to possible embodiments, the manipulator 30 is suitable for sliding vertically along the axis of movement Y.

[0086] According to possible embodiments, the manipulator 30 is suitable for rotating around the axis of movement Y. According to other possible embodiments, the manipulator 30 is suitable both for sliding vertically and also for rotating around the axis of movement Y.

[0087] According to possible preferred embodiments, the apparatus 10 comprises, at the second operating zone Z2, a cap removing unit 35, the function of which will be better described below with particular reference to the operating sequence shown in figs. 4A-4F. The cap removing unit 35 is set up for automatically managing the removal of the cap 206 from the coupling element 203, and the subsequent capping thereof by means of the same cap 206 previously removed.

[0088] According to possible preferred embodiments, the apparatus 10 comprises, in the second operating zone Z2, a blocking member 40 (figs. 2, 3A and 3B) configured to block the shallow containers 100a, 100b supported by the respective moving member 15, in particular during the removal of their lid.

[0089] The apparatus comprises a controller 50, schematized in figs. 1, 2 and 5, for example configured as a programmable type electronic control unit, which commands its operation. In particular, the controller 50 commands the displacement of the moving members 15 and the movements of the manipulator 30. To this end, the controller 50 is operatively connected with the magnetic field generating means 13 so as to determine the desired and specific interaction with the magnetic means 16 that causes the displacement of the moving members 15.

[0090] The operation of the apparatus 10 is described below, with particular reference to the case in which the containing member is of the first type, shown in fig. 2 and indicated with reference number 200a.

[0091] In an initial preparation step, the culture medium T is arranged in a corresponding shallow container 100a. This operation can also be carried out outside the chamber 17.

[0092] Subsequently, in the first operating zone Zl, the shallow container 100a is arranged inside the containing member 200a.

[0093] Subsequently, in a preparation step, at the first operating zone Zl , the containing member 200a, or at least a part thereof, is arranged on, and stably blocked by, the support means 22 of the respective moving member 15, leaving the coupling element 203 exposed, or protruding.

[0094] Then, in a movement step, the moving member 15, by interacting with the generating means 13 of the base plane 11, moves on the latter, supporting and moving the shallow container 100a and the containing member 200a, from the first operating zone Z1 to the second operating zone Z2.

[0095] The containing member 200a is brought into the various operating positions described below by the moving member 15, which is also configured to correctly orient the coupling element 203 of the containing member 200a.

[0096] Initially, the containing member 200a is brought to interact with the cap removing unit 35, which is fixed in position in the second operating zone Z2. The moving member 15 moves on the driving surface 12 to horizontally near the coupling element 203 to the cap removing unit 35 (fig. 3A).

[0097] In particular, the cap removing unit 35 comprises an inlet / outlet hole 36 and at least one engagement hole 37.

[0098] In the embodiment shown in the sequence of figs. 4A-4F, the cap removing unit 35 comprises two engagement holes 37 to be able to manage two caps 206 simultaneously. In the example shown, the inlet / outlet hole 36 is arranged centrally and the two engagement holes 37 are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the inlet / outlet hole 36, one to the right and one to the left thereof. It is evident that in other embodiments, not shown, only one engagement hole 37, or three or more engagement holes, can be provided.

[0099] The inlet / outlet hole 36 and the engagement holes 37 are communicating reciprocally.

[0100] The diameter of the inlet / outlet hole 36 is larger than the diameter of the head of the cap 206 to allow the latter to enter and exit from the inlet / outlet hole 36 without any interference.

[0101] The diameter of the engagement holes 37 is instead smaller than the diameter of the head of the cap 206, to allow the cap to enter and exit from a respective engagement hole 37 with a slight clearance, simultaneously guaranteeing that the engagement hole 37 can hold the cap 206 inside it with interference.

[0102] In a preferred embodiment, the cap removing unit 35 further comprises a striker plate 38, configured to receive the head of the cap 206 in abutment, when the cap 206 is inserted in the inlet / outlet hole 36 and in the engagement holes 37. The striker plate 38 extends parallel to the cap removing unit 35, on the opposite side with respect to the side from which the coupling element 203 of the containing member 200a approaches, and moves away from, the cap removing unit 35. The cap 206 is inserted in the inlet / outlet hole 36 until it abuts against the striker plate 38, then the moving member 15 moves, as for example indicated by the arrow to the right of fig. 4B, in order to transfer the cap 206 from the inlet / outlet hole 36 to the engagement hole 37. At this point, the moving member 15 and the containing member 200a supported thereby, moves away from the cap removing unit 35. By doing so, the coupling element 203 retracts from the cap removing unit 35, as indicated by the arrow in fig. 4C, while the cap 206 remains held by the engagement hole 37 thanks to the relative proportions between the diameters of the head of the cap 206 and of the engagement hole 37, such that the head remains in abutment against the cap removing unit 35 during the away movement of the containing member 200a.

[0103] The moving member 15 then brings the containing member 200a at the position of use PU to couple with the suction unit 19 so as to put the latter in fluidic communication with the inside of the main body 210 via the coupling element 203. This coupling is achieved by means of a reciprocal approaching movement, for example in a horizontal direction, between the containing member 200a and the suction unit 19.

[0104] Subsequently, the manipulator 30 lowers the manipulation head 31 until the suction elements 32 are brought in contact with the lid 205 (fig. 3A) in order to lift the latter (fig. 3B) so as to decouple it from the upper mouth 212.

[0105] Before the manipulator 30 engages the lid 205, it is provided that the blocking member 40, configured for example as one or more movable rods or bars, automatically driven in motion by a respective actuator, is arranged in contact with the main body 210, at the upper part thereof, in order to prevent the body from following the lifting of the lid 205, when the latter is lifted by the manipulator 30.

[0106] At this point, the suction unit 19 is driven in order to generate the suction air flow F, which is evenly distributed thanks to the presence of the distribution plate 207 equipped with the openings 208 through which the suction air flow F passes.

[0107] Then, in a suction step (fig. 3C), the suction unit 19 is driven to generate the suction air flow F inside the containing member 200a, thereby optimizing and increasing the possibility that one or more microorganisms will be deposited on the culture medium T.

[0108] Once the suction step, which can last a few hours, has been completed the containing member 200a is closed again by means of the corresponding lid 205 using the manipulator 30.

[0109] Subsequently, the moving member 15 moves the containing member 200a, to once again near it to the cap removing unit 35 in order to perform a reverse operating sequence to that previously described with reference to figs. 4A-4C. In particular, the nearing is such as to insert the coupling element 203 in the engagement hole 37 which holds the previously removed cap 206, until the latter is inserted in the coupling element 203 (fig. 4D). Note that the coupling is facilitated by the presence of the striker plate 38, which keeps the cap 206 in position while the coupling element 203 is introduced into the engagement hole 37.

[0110] At this point, the moving member 15 first displaces the containing member 200a so that the coupling element 203, with the cap 206 inserted therein, moves from the engagement hole 37 to the inlet / outlet hole 36 (fig. 4E) and then causes the containing member 200a to move away from the cap removing unit 35, and therefore also the exit of the coupling element 203, capped with the respective cap 206, from the inlet / outlet hole 36 (fig. 4E).

[0111] The operation of apparatus 10, in the event that the containing member 200b is of the second type shown in figs. 5 and 6, is described below, with reference to the parts that are distinguished from the method described above with reference to the containing member 200a of the first type.

[0112] Any characteristic common to both solutions will not be described again.

[0113] During the preparation step, the lower part 221 of the containing member 200b is supported and / or blocked in a stable position by the blocking arm 29, which cooperates with the coupling element 223.

[0114] During the positioning and coupling step, the moving member 15, with the lower part 221, aligns itself with the suction port 20 and by means of a vertical lowering it couples and puts in fluidic communication the coupling element 223 with the latter.

[0115] It should be noted that the vertical lowering of the moving member 15 can be achieved by exploiting its functionality and / or its degrees of movement.

[0116] The manipulator 30 then removes the lid 112 of the shallow container 100b, uncovering the culture medium T. The manipulator 30 can also be configured to remove the additional lid 220, if present.

[0117] Subsequently, the manipulator 30 allows to couple the upper part 222 with the lower part 221; this is done either by means of a vertical translational movement, if the attachment means 230 are, for example, of the interlocking type, or alternatively by means of a rotary movement, if the attachment means 230 are of the threaded type.

[0118] The manipulator 30 is also configured to temporarily hold the upper part 222 after having decoupled it from the lower part 221.

[0119] Once the lower and upper parts 221, 222 have been coupled, it is possible to drive the suction unit 19.

[0120] It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts may be made to the apparatus 10 and to the method as described heretofore, without thereby departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims.

[0121] For example, the operating sequence of the operations is described in a specific order; however, depending on the possible embodiments and / or variants, as well as the operational circumstances, the order could change, without prejudice to the fact that this order is not intended as a limitation, and that all the other moving members 15 are then cyclically subjected to the same operations.

[0122] According to embodiments not shown, the apparatus 10 can comprise two or more positions of use PU. Therefore, the manipulator 30 can comprise two or more manipulation heads 31 so as to be able to simultaneously manage the manipulation of the lids of a number of containing members 200a, 200b equal to the manipulation heads. In this case, two or more suction ports 20 of the suction unit 19 are also provided to connect with as many containing members 200a, 200b simultaneously. To this end, fig. 1 outlines a second position of use PU, in which a respective containing member can connect to the suction unit 19 via a corresponding coupling mean 20.

[0123] It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art will be able to achieve other equivalent forms of an apparatus for a microbiological sampling, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

[0124] In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate their reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Apparatus (10) for performing microbiological sampling operations on a culture medium (T) for biological particles arranged in a shallow container (100a, 100b), characterized by comprising at least one moving member (15) configured to contactless move by means of electromagnetic interaction on a driving surface (12), said at least one moving member (15) comprising a respective support member (23 a, 23 b) configured to support said shallow container (100a, 100b), a controller (50) configured to command the displacement of said at least one moving member (15) on the driving surface (12) between a first operating zone (Zl), in which the shallow container (100a, 100b) is received on the respective support member (23a, 23b), and a second operating zone (Z2), in which the moving member (15) has been kept in a position of use (PU) by the controller (50) allowing the shallow container (100a, 100b) to be fluidically connected to a suction unit (19) via a suction port (20) provided in the second operating zone (Z2).

2. Apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterized by further comprising, in the second operating zone (Z2), a cap removing unit (35), wherein said controller (50) is further configured to command a controlled movement of the at least one moving member (15) in order to bring a cap (206) closing a coupling element (203) of the shallow container (100a) in contact with the cap removing unit (35) to allow the removal of the cap (206) from the coupling element (203).

3. Apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by further comprising, in the second operating zone (Z2), a manipulator (30) provided with suction elements (32) configured to remove with vacuum a lid (205, 112) from the shallow container (100a, 100b) supported by the respective moving member (15).

4. Apparatus (10) according to claim 3, characterized by further comprising, in the second operating zone (Z2), a blocking member (40) configured to block the shallow container (100a, 100b) supported by the respective moving member (15), when the lid (205, 112) has been removed from the shallow container (100a, 100b).

5. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one moving member (15) comprises a base plate (21) provided with magnetic means (16) interacting with one or more magnetic fields generated by generating means (13) associated with the driving surface (12).

6. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized byfurther comprising a controlled atmosphere chamber (17) enclosing said driving surface (12), said first (Zl) and second (Z2) operating zones.

7. Method for performing microbiological sampling operations in a controlled atmosphere chamber (17), said method being characterized by comprising the following steps:- providing a shallow container (100a, 100b) containing a culture medium (T) for biological particles covered with a lid (205, 112) within the chamber (17);- providing at least one moving member (15) configured to contactless move by means of electromagnetic interaction on a driving surface (12) enclosed within said chamber (17), said at least one moving member (15) comprising a respective support member (23a, 23b);- placing the shallow container (100a, 100b) on the support member (23a, 23b) of the moving member (15) in a first operating zone (Zl);- bringing the moving member (15) supporting the shallow container (100a, 100b) to a second operating zone (Z2), said second operating zone (Z2) being provided with a suction port (20) communicating with a suction unit (19);- fluidically connecting the shallow container (100a, 100b) with the suction unit (19) via the suction port (20) by keeping the moving member (15) in a position of use (PU); - removing the lid (205, 112) from the shallow container (100a, 100b);- generating a suction air flow (F) suitable for impinging on the culture medium (T), while the moving member (15) has been kept in said position of use (PU).

8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that either said shallow container (100a) or said support member (23b) is provided with a coupling element (203, 223) which is configured to be connected to the suction port (20).

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that when said shallow container (100a) is provided with the coupling element (203), said shallow container (100a) comprises a respective dispensing surface (207) positioned above the culture medium (T) and having respective openings (208) configured to distribute said suction air flow (F) within the shallow container (100a).

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized by further comprising a step of removing a cap (206) from the coupling element (203) by bringing the cap (206) in contact with a cap removing unit (35) with a controlled movement of therespective moving member (15).

11. Method according to claim 8, characterized by comprising a containing member (200b) provided with a lower part (221) configured to receive the shallow container (100a) lacking a coupling element, when the support member (23b) is provided with the coupling element (223).

12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that said containing member (200b) comprises an upper portion (222) provided with a dispensing surface (227) positioned above the culture medium (T) and having respective openings (228) configured to distribute said suction air flow (F) within the shallow container (100b).

13. Method according to any one of the preceding claims 7-12, characterized by further comprising a step of removing the lid (205, 112) from said shallow container (100a, 100b) by means of vacuum with a manipulator (30).

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized by further comprising a step of blocking the shallow container (100a, 100b) by means of a blocking member(40) while removing the lid (205, 112).

15. Method according to any one of the preceding claims 7-14, characterized in that said at least one moving member (15) comprises a base plate (21) provided with magnetic means (16) interacting with one or more magnetic fields generated by generating means (13) associated with the driving surface (12).

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