Apparatus for rupturing a sealed, frangible container

Apparatus for use in a biological indicator comprising:

• a substantially rigid, transparent, closable, tubular member having a zone of reduced interior cross section along its longitudinal axis;
• a sealed, frangible container disposed within said tubular member, and being positionable therein to permit a portion of said container to extend into said zone of reduced cross section to define an annular space;
• and
• flexible means insertable into said annular space for wedgedly engaging a portion of said frangible container with sufficient force to rupture it.

Apparatus for use in a biological testing system comprising:

• a substantially rigid, transparent, tubular member adapted for closure at both ends and having a zone of tapered interior cross section along its longitudinal axis;
• a cap adapted to engage the end of said tubular member opposite the direction of said taper and being moveable on said end between a first position, wherein the interior of said tubular member is in communication with the outside atmosphere, and a second position, wherein said cap sealingly engages said end;
• a frangible, sealed container co-axially disposed within said tubular member;
• and
• a plurality of flexible projections depending from said cap and constructed to wedge between said container and said tubular member in said zone of taper, and thereby fracture said container as said cap is moved from its said first position to its said second position.

Apparatus for use in a liquid applicator comprising:

• a substantially rigid tubular member having a zone of reduced interior cross section along its longitudinal axis and adapted to receive therein a sealed, frangible container carrying liquid to be applied by said applicator;
• container support means transversely disposed within said tubular member and constructed to permit the flow of liquid therethrough;
• applicator means disposed at the end of said tubular member opposite the end into which said container is introduced;
• and
• flexible means insertable into said tubular member for wedgedly engaging said frangible container adjacent said zone of reduced cross section of said tubular member with sufficient force to rupture said container.

Apparatus for use in a liquid discharging apparatus comprising:

• a substantially rigid tubular member having a zone of reduced interior cross section along its longitudinal axis and adapted to receive therein a sealed, frangible container carrying liquid to be discharged;
• container support means transversely disposed within said tubular member and constructed to permit the flow of liquid therethrough;
• discharge means disposed at the end of said tubular member opposite the end into which said container is introduced;
• and
• flexible means insertable into said tubular member for wedgedly engaging said frangible container adjacent said zone of reduced cross section of said tubular member with sufficient force to rupture said container.