Blending device for blending a sample in a sealable bag

A blending device for blending a sample held in a sealable open mouthed sample bag, the device comprising;

• a bag receiving portion for receiving a sample bag carrying the sample,
• a kneading arrangement for acting on a wall of the sample bag disposed in the bag receiving portion so as to blend a carried sample, and
• a bag manipulation arrangement including a holding arrangement for holding the sample bag in an open position whilst in the bag receiving portion,
• wherein the holding arrangement comprises a first abutment member and a second abutment member for abutting against the wall of the sample bag in use so as to hold the sample bag, the first abutment member and the second abutment member being arranged to be movable relative to one another, wherein the holding arrangement comprises a driving arrangement for driving the first and second abutment members relative to one another so as to decrease a distance between the first and second abutment members,
• and wherein the first and second abutment members are arranged such that when the distance between the first and second abutment members decreases, a first wall of the sample bag that is abutted by the first and second abutment members will tend to bend or distort away from a second wall of the sample bag into a ripple or wave shape, whilst the second wall of the sample bag remains flat, such that the top portions of the walls of the bag become spaced from each other, thereby opening the sample bag so that the sample bag accepts additional material.