Streaking Applicator Cartridge and a System for Connecting Same to a Streaking Apparatus

A loaded cartridge for holding and dispensing streaking applicators for an automated streaking apparatus having a cartridge holder, the loaded cartridge including:

• a case with a dispensing end, a longitudinal axis and an elongate slot, the dispensing end including an applicator dispensing position where one applicator is at least partially accessible from outside the case;
• and
• an applicator support member carrying a stack of applicators and being constrained within the case for longitudinal movement therein;
• the elongate slot being capable of operatively receiving a biasing member when the loaded cartridge is in the cartridge holder to urge the support member towards the dispensing end and an applicator into the dispensing position.

A system for the connection of a loaded cartridge to a cartridge holder of an automated streaking apparatus, the loaded cartridge being for the holding and dispensing of streaking applicators, the system including:

• a cartridge holder having a biasing member;
• and
• a loaded cartridge having a case with a dispensing end, a longitudinal axis and an elongate slot, the dispensing end including an applicator dispensing position where one applicator can be at least partially accessible from outside the case, the cartridge also including an applicator support member carrying a stack of applicators, the support member being constrained within the case for longitudinal movement therein;
• the elongate slot being capable of operatively receiving the biasing member when the cartridge is in the cartridge holder to urge the support member towards the dispensing end and an applicator into the dispensing position.