System for providing access to sealed containers

A method of sampling through a closure of a closed container, said method utilizing container transfer means for holding the container and moving the container to a first location, penetrating means disposed at the first location for penetrating the closure of the container and temporarily opening the closure, driving means for providing relative displacement between the container and the penetrating means and for providing the force for moving the penetrating means into the container, probe means separate from the penetrating means for removing sample from the container, placing sample into the container, or sensing the properties of sample in the container, said probe means being movable between the first location and a second location disposed laterally outwardly of the container a predetermined distance from the first location, said probe means also being movable inwardly and outwardly of the opening at the first location to extend in and out of the container through the opening, and stripping means separate from the penetrating means and the probe means for disengaging the penetrating means from the container, said method comprising:

• forming an opening in the closure of the container with the penetrating means;
• inserting the probe means through the opening into the container;
• moving the probe means out of the container and to the second location;
• and disengaging the penetrating means from the container to allow the opening in the closure to close.