DE102007006505B3 - Containers and medical swabs for biological materials - Google Patents

Abstract

A container (5) which can be closed by a closure device (16) and is suitable for transporting and storing biological material, wherein at least one pore (7) passes through the wall (6) of the container (5) or the closure device (16). In this case, one or more of the pores (7) can be closed with a semipermeable membrane (10) which is designed such that it allows liquid in the interior of the container (5) to pass outward in vapor or nebulous or gaseous form. A covering device (15) or covering devices (15), which can be positively and / or non-positively connected to the outside of the container (5) and / or the closure device (16), optionally prevent liquids in steam or nebulous or have gaseous form or other undesirable substances from the outside access to the pores (7) and / or the closure device (16). In particular embodiments, the invention relates to a container (5) which is a container (5) for a medical swab (1), suitable for transporting and storing the swab (1), and a closure device for this container (5), which consists of the swab (1) including an integrated cap (4). The swab (1) consists of a handle (2), at the lower end (11) there is a tampon (3) and at its upper end (12) the closure cap (4) is mounted, wherein the closure cap (4) designed so that ...

Description

The Invention relates to containers and medical swabs for biological materials, these containers and swabs in particular in the field of forensics, DNA analysis and medicine can be used.

Out For example, prior art swabs and associated containers are known, which have the following disadvantages. For example in forensics samples that contain biological material and which are generally moist, usually only a longer one Time analyzed after sampling. That is why these become moist Samples, d. H. the swabs with the appropriate biological material on the respective tampon of the swab, as soon as possible after dried, otherwise the moist biological material on a swab, if it is in its container, very light can degrade, for example, by applying mold. This Drying usually happens in that the swabs are taken out of their respective containers and dried free-standing at room temperature or in a drying oven become. But it can happen that the samples by human Misbehavior contaminated, for example, be polluted. Also can the samples or the swabs reversed and therefore not afterwards more correctly identified, because the unique assignment between a swab and its associated, for example, with a Label labeled, container, no longer exists.

Also in other situations and / or fields where you only container - ie without associated Swab - used, into which the corresponding moist biological samples - for example in Shape of a cotton pad containing tampons with biological material, for example, was cut off by a cotton swab ("Q-Tip") or the like - respectively are inserted directly, there is a need, these wet samples to be able to dry without the risk of contamination or contamination consists.

From the publication US Pat. No. 3,760,805 a dispenser is known, which consists of a water-permeable, porous first container, a water-permeable or semi-permeable second container and an impermeable third container in which an active agent - which optionally also biological material - is controlled and by a or several access openings (in the usual sense) of the impermeable third container and at the same time the water-permeable, porous first container out, out of the dispenser, is discharged, to an aqueous environment, this aqueous environment is simultaneously required for the Dispenser can function according to its design, which is based on the fact that the osmotically swelling, water-permeable or semi-permeable second container on the opaque third container exerts a corresponding pressure. In one embodiment of the dispenser, the water-permeable, porous first container is not required.

From the publication DE 1 755 303 U is a device for applying cleaning, care or coloring agents in liquid or semi-liquid form, which are located in a bottle, which device is designed as a bottle closure. This bottle cap includes a porous plug made of sponge, cork, felt, pulp or plastic sponge material over which a loose protective cap can be slipped.

From the publication US 4 220 153 A For example, a dispenser is known which is intended to deliver drugs or other chemical substances to a - necessarily - aqueous environment controlled, the walls of the otherwise closed device - which thus has no access opening in the usual sense - at least partially made of a porous material and the associated pores filled with a hydrogel. The dispenser according to the US 4 220 153 A In particular, it can be designed as a large pill - bolus - to deliver controlled drugs to animals in this way. In this case, the hydrogel serves to allow the water from the surroundings of the device to diffuse out of the device through the pores contained in the hydrogel itself and simultaneously to diffuse a chemical substance out of the device through pores contained in the hydrogel itself.

From the publication AT 500 459 A1 a receptacle is known, which is assembled from a receptacle for body fluids, tissue parts or tissue cultures, and a so-called. Cap a closure device. The so-called cap is part of - if necessary openable - closure device for the receptacle.

From the publication DE 36 25 915 A1 For example, a dispenser is known which is intended to dispense active ingredients, such as nutrients and pharmaceuticals, to a liquid environment, in particular to the liquid environment inside an animal, by itself, this liquid environment necessarily being necessary for the dispenser (drug dispenser) to function. The wall of the dispenser according to the DE 36 25 915 A1 is accordingly - at least partially - designed semipermeable and can also in a part, which is not semipermeable, microporous, this part then acting as the starting agent for dispensing the active ingredient. In general, however, the output means are formed by a normal exit opening. The semipermeable wall can also be completely surrounded by a microporous wall in one example, including the exit opening. The semipermeable wall is designed to be permeable to the passage, from outside to inside, of an external aqueous fluid, such as water and biological fluids, while permitting the passage, from the inside to the outside, of drugs and other matter contained in the dispenser Ingredients is substantially impermeable.

From the publication DE 690 18 967 T2 there is known a swab and a sample container therefor adapted to prevent moisture from evaporating from a sample received in the pad of the swab when the swab is inserted into its associated sample container.

From the publication DE 691 10 253 T2 For example, a dispenser is known that is designed as a disposable liquid dispenser for all types of liquid or liquid-like substances, such as ketchup, mustard, oily liquids, sterile or toxic liquids, or detection chemicals. The liquid dispenser is a closed container filled with the substance to be dispensed. If this substance is to be dispensed from the container, a corresponding opening is created in this via an external force at a predetermined weak point, wherein the container - necessarily - is destroyed. A dispenser according to the DE 691 10 253 T2 is designed as an applicator device consisting of a liquid dispenser of the type described above plus a saturable end piece - a tampon - which is attached to the end of the cylindrical liquid dispenser, which represents the aforementioned vulnerability.

It An object of the present invention is the above disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a swab and container therefor, such that the moist tampon of the swab with the biological Material can dry on it during the swab with the biological material is on it in its associated container, without the biological sample being contaminated or contaminated can be. It is also broadly an object of the present invention a container for biological Provide materials in which a wet biological sample, which has biological material that can be dried without thereby being contaminated or polluted.

These Tasks are solved through a container according to claim 1, a system according to claim 12, a container according to Claim 19, a swab according to claim 31 and a system according to claim 41st

The under claims show advantageous embodiments of the container according to the invention, the swab according to the invention and the systems of the invention.

At It is generally stated that biological material in the sense of the present invention, everything that is contained in the respective one Field in which the present invention can be applied, can be considered as such. In particular, as biological Material according to the present invention, human and animal Secretions, such as saliva, sperm and urine, viewed. Furthermore Blood, feces, gynecological Material, skin abrasions and dander. Furthermore, as biological material in the context of the present invention Substances DNA, RNA, parts of DNA and / or RNA, proteins, peptides, Contain fats or carbohydrates; also solutions, emulsions and suspensions, containing one or more of the substances just mentioned, are understood as biological material within the meaning of the present invention. Any of the aforesaid materials, alone or in any quantitative combination with another or more of the aforementioned materials also as a biological material in the sense of the present invention considered.

In the following the invention with reference to the accompanying schematic 1 to 14 be explained in more detail, without the object of the invention is thereby limited. The embodiments shown in the figures are intended to illustrate the inventive idea underlying the invention only by way of example. In particular, the examples of the invention shown in the figures each have details which, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, may be partially or wholly combined with one another without departing from the spirit of the invention underlying the invention and the scope of the invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will immediately be aware of changes and modifications to the examples and combinations thereof without departing from the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the claims. They show schematically:

1 a swab with associated container of the prior art in a longitudinal section;

2 a container and an associated swab inserted therein according to a first embodiment of the invention in a longitudinal section;

3 the container and the swab inserted therein according to the first embodiment of the invention in cross section in the in 2 with AA marked level;

4 a container and an associated swab inserted therein according to a second embodiment of the invention in a longitudinal section;

5a a container and an associated swab inserted therein according to a third embodiment of the invention in a longitudinal section;

5b a plan view of the top of the closure cap of the swab according to the third embodiment of the invention;

6 a container and an associated swab inserted therein according to a fourth embodiment of the invention in a longitudinal section;

7a a container and an associated swab inserted therein according to a fifth embodiment of the invention in a longitudinal section;

7b a plan view of the top of the cap of the swab according to the fifth embodiment of the invention;

8th a container and an associated swab inserted therein according to a sixth embodiment of the invention in a longitudinal section;

9a the container and the associated swab inserted therein according to the sixth embodiment of the invention in cross section in the in 8th BB marked plane in a state of a capping device (in a position of a cylinder ring) such that the pores in the wall of the container are not covered;

9b the container and the associated swab inserted therein according to the sixth embodiment of the invention in cross section in the in 8th a plane marked BB in a state of the capping device (in a position of the cylinder ring) such that the pores in the wall of the container are covered;

10a a container and an associated swab inserted therein according to a seventh embodiment of the invention in a longitudinal section and in plan view of the top of the cap of the swab, wherein a cover device (slide device) is in a state such that a pore in the cap of Swabs is covered;

10b the container and the associated swab inserted therein according to the seventh embodiment of the invention in a longitudinal section and in a plan view of the top of the cap of the swab, wherein the cover device (slide device) is in a state such that the pore in the cap of Swabs are not covered;

the 10c -G in each case a top view of the top of the closure cap of a swab according to the invention further examples of covering devices (rotating devices) in different states;

11a a container and an associated swab inserted therein according to an eighth embodiment of the invention in a longitudinal section;

11b a container and an associated swab inserted therein according to a ninth embodiment of the invention in a longitudinal section;

the 11c Examples of possible structures of a hollow stem of a swab according to the invention, wherein the stem has a plurality of pores and is shown in the figures each as if the stem had been cut lengthwise and then unrolled in a plane;

12a a container with a removable closure device according to a tenth embodiment of the invention in a longitudinal section;

12b a container with a permanently connected closure device according to an eleventh embodiment of the invention in a longitudinal section;

12c a container with a unscrewable closure device according to a twelfth embodiment of the invention in a longitudinal section;

the 12d and 12e a container with a unscrewable closure device according to a thirteenth embodiment of the invention in a longitudinal section ( 12d ) and in a plan view of the top of the closure device ( 12e );

13a a container with a permanently connected closure device and two removable cover devices (sheath and cap) according to a fourteenth embodiment of the invention in a longitudinal section;

13b a container with a permanently connected closure device and two covering devices - a removable cap and a removable cylinder ring - according to a fifteenth embodiment of the invention in a longitudinal section;

13c a container with a screw-off closure device and two removable cover devices (sheath and cap) according to a sixteenth embodiment of the invention in a longitudinal section;

13d a container with a permanently connected closure device and two cover devices - a removable cap and a removable cylinder ring - according to a seventeenth embodiment of the invention in a longitudinal section;

14a a container in a longitudinal section and the associated closure device in plan view on the underside thereof according to an eighteenth embodiment of the invention; and

14b a container in a longitudinal section and the associated closure device in plan view on the underside thereof according to a nineteenth embodiment of the invention.

In 1 is a swab 1 and an associated, substantially cylindrical, container 5 as commonly used in the art - for example in forensics, DNA analysis or medicine. Such a swab 1 consists of a stalk 2 and a tampon 3 at one end - the so-called lower end 12 - of the stalk 2 is appropriate. The tampon 3 For example, it consists of a cotton ball, but other suitable materials - such as absorbent materials such as paper or nylon flakes - can be used. At the other end - the so-called upper end 13 - of the stalk 2 is a cap 4 attached, which is designed to hold the container 5 tightly closes when the swab designed as described 1 in its associated, appropriately designed container 5 is plugged in. To the swab 1 in the container 5 to be able to plug in the latter has a top opening 14 on, which is designed so that the swab 1 through them into the container 4 can be inserted into it, and the exact fit to the cap 4 is designed such that it comes from the cap 4 of the swab 1 can be tightly closed. Of course, in the meaning of the field in which swabs and containers are used, and in accordance with the requirements of the corresponding use of these two, it is to be understood that they are tightly sealed, and should also be understood as meaning throughout the description for all embodiments according to the invention.

Before now in connection with the following 1 to 11 exemplary container according to the invention 5 and swabs 1 which belong to each other (to each other in the sense, as just in connection with the prior art according to 1 has been described), should be noted in general. The concept of the invention and in particular the inventive features based on these mutually belonging inventive container 5 and swabs 1 Of course you can also go for a more general container 5 with a more general closure device 16 provided that the characteristics do not specifically relate to characteristics associated with the stem 2 a swab 1 related. Embodiments of the invention comprising such a more general container 5 with a more general closure device 16 Therefore, based on a consistent application of the inventive concept and are exemplary in conjunction with the 12 to 14 which are described in connection with the 14 described embodiments to container 5 with a special closure device 16 is. Regardless of that but also in connection with the 14 many embodiments described the container 5 relevant features of the above in connection with the 1 to 13 described embodiments additionally and in principle applicable.

It should also be noted in advance that the pores according to the invention described below are the same 7 passing through a container 5 or a cap 4 or more general closure device 16 go through, in all conceivable embodiments of the invention by means of at least one covering 15 can be covered - for example, for additional protection against contamination or contamination or damage - permanently or only temporarily, all pores 7 or only a part of it, and whether or not the pores 7 additionally with a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 are closed or not.

Finally, it should first be noted at this point that, in contrast to a swab 1 and associated container 5 from the prior art, an inventive swab 1 and associated container 5 both - or just one of the two - additionally pores 7 have functionally sat So through holes, so that after the sampling per se wet and / or still moistened tampon 3 of the swab 1 with its biological material (saliva, blood, sperm, etc.) on it by itself - without additional measures - can dry and / or can be dried with the help of additional measures while the swab 1 in its associated container 5 located. Such a drying of a biological sample on the tampon 3 one in his container 5 inserted swabs 1 can be achieved, for example, that the container 5 velvet inserted swab 1 under ambient conditions / normal conditions for a corresponding time, for example several hours, in a laboratory on a table, or that the container 5 velvet inserted swab 1 is placed in a drying oven for several hours at the appropriate temperature. For example, the inventors in this way for forensics typical samples with systems of the invention at about 56 ° C in a drying oven in a few hours (4 to 6 hours) dried.

Section A: Container 5 , in particular for associated swabs 1

The 2 now shows a container 5 and an associated swab inserted therein 1 according to an exemplary first embodiment of the invention in a longitudinal section, and the 3 shows the container and the swab inserted therein in cross section in the in 2 with AA marked level. In general, the same reference numerals as in 1 also in the 2 to 14 denote the same or corresponding parts. Specifically, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in the wall 6 of the container 5 pore 7 attached, which - in relation to the longitudinal axis of the container - at the same height in a wall 6 circulating circle are arranged. As in 2 and 3 a total of four pores can be seen according to the first embodiment 7 , in pairs diametrically opposite at equal intervals, and above the point at which the tampon 3 of the swab 1 in the container, when the swab is inserted into the container, it will be in the wall 6 of the container 5 arranged. This means "above the tampon" in this description throughout closer to the cap 4 of the swab 1 down and "below the tampon" closer to the ground 8th of the container 5 in each case with respect to the location of the tampon 3 when the swab 1 in the container 5 is plugged in.

For individual identification and assignment of the container 5 (and this applies to all containers 5 according to all conceivable embodiments of the invention) this is generally advantageous - for example, in the region of its bottom 8th - provided with a coding, for example in the form of characters and numbers of an alphabet, in the form of alphanumeric characters or in the form of a bar code or other machine-readable form. If necessary, this coding may also contain information about the biological sample stored in the container, if necessary.

According to the first embodiment, the pores are 7 in the wall 6 of the container 5 each with a semipermeable membrane 10 locked.

The semipermeable membranes used according to the present invention 10 are generally designed so that on and in a wet tampon 3 a swab 1 liquid (water, alcohol, acetone and optionally other organic solvents and the like) when in the course of drying a biological sample on the tampon 3 from this vaporizes during swabbing 1 in its associated container 5 is inserted through the semipermeable membrane 10 every pore 7 in the wall 6 of the container 5 pass through and out (with respect to the container 5 ) can be delivered.

In anticipation of other embodiments of the invention to be described below, it is generally stated at this point that what has just been said also applies to a semipermeable membrane used and obtained according to the present invention 10 which is a pore 7 into a more general container 5 (Examples are in the 12 to 14 to see and will be described), in which there is a moist biological sample to be dried, or a pore 7 passing through a cap 4 a swab 1 goes through (examples are in the 5 . 6 . 7 . 10 and 11 to be seen and will be described later), closes.

When in the description of the invention it is said that a pore 7 from a semipermeable membrane 10 is always meant that the semipermeable membrane used and obtained according to the present invention 10 her pore 7 in the course of the above drying operation in the sense that during the drying process, no liquid, in particular no water, neither in liquid nor in gaseous or nebulous form, from the outside (with respect to the container 5 ) through the membrane 10 - and thus also through the pore 7 - pass through and into the container 5 and of course this also applies to more or less solid or liquid substances such as dirt. Advantageously, a semipermeable membrane 10 according to the present invention also such that also the above generally defined biological materials, including bacteria, viruses, prions and similar belong, not from the outside by one of a semipermeable membrane 10 closed pore 7 through and into a container 5 can reach.

In summary, the semipermeable membranes used and obtained according to the present invention serve 10 Generally, one in a container 5 Protected biological sample to protect against contamination, contamination and the like and at the same time but also the drying of the container 5 to keep the moist biological sample in place during the container 5 otherwise closed in the usual sense.

At this point, it should be explicitly and generally stated that the pores 7 according to the present invention in all possible embodiments according to the invention each with one (or more) semipermeable membranes 10 of the aforementioned type, except in cases where all or part of the pores are closed 7 can remain unlocked, provided that there is no risk of contamination or contamination in the corresponding container 5 is created to be dried wet biological sample during the corresponding drying process. (The possibility of a cover to protect - especially unsealed - pores 7 before and / or after the corresponding drying process by means of one or more covering devices 15 , which in turn causes unwanted contamination or contamination inside a container 5 which can be prevented with 100% certainty, will be described below.) Which pores 7 - in terms of their size, geometric shape, number and spatial arrangement in the container concerned 5 and / or the relevant cap 4 a swab 1 - can remain unlocked in each case, the expert will - without having to be inventive yourself - in each case by simple considerations and - if necessary - some simple experiments can find out for yourself. It is also understood that this depends on the particular handling of the container 5 , in which the biological sample is located, and the external environmental and boundary conditions. It is clear that the advantage in unclosed pores 7 In general, this is the drying of the wet biological sample in its container 5 can be advantageously supported and accelerated.

• a) Polytetrafluorethylen (PTFE)-Folie.
• b) Folie bestehend aus einem Copolymer mit 70% Polyester und 30% Polyether.
• c) Folie bestehend aus HDPE (high density polyethylene)-Fasern.

A semipermeable membrane 10 For the purposes of the present invention, for example, wholly or partly consist of one or more of the following materials:

• a) polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film.
• b) film consisting of a copolymer with 70% polyester and 30% polyether.
• c) film consisting of HDPE (high density polyethylene) fibers.

The specified under a) material is commercially known under the name of Goretex ^®. The specified under b) material is commercially known under the name Sympatex ^®. And the material specified under c) is known in the trade under the name Tyvek ^®. A semipermeable membrane 10 For the purposes of the present invention, for example, may consist of a film which consists of successive layers of materials a, b and / or c - not necessarily in this order. It is understood that other suitable materials are known in the art as semipermeable membranes 10 can be used in the present invention.

In particular, returning to the first embodiment is so in 2 to see that the pores 7 above the tampon 3 in the wall 6 of the container 5 are arranged. This type of arrangement - above the tampon 3 - the pores 7 is generally beneficial, because it reduces the risk that the pores 7 and / or the semipermeable membrane located therein 10 when inserting the swab 1 in its associated container 5 in contact with the tampon 3 and the biological material on it, which in turn reduces the risk that the pores 7 and / or the semipermeable membrane 10 thereby becoming dirty or clogged or damaged. pore 7 in the wall 6 a container 5 above the tampon 3 the associated swab 1 are also present in the exemplary embodiments, each in the 4 . 5 and 8th are shown.

In general, it should be noted that the advantage mentioned in the previous paragraph also applies to pores 7 that applies below the tampon 3 a swab 1 in the wall 6 the associated container 5 are arranged. In fact, in this arrangement, the pores 7 below a tampon 3 a swab 1 not only reduces the above danger but even completely eliminates it. Each corresponding embodiment is therefore even more advantageous in this respect than the first embodiment. Of course, such an embodiment may also be with the arrangement of the pores 7 in the wall 6 of the container 5 according to the first embodiment, thereby obtaining a further embodiment in which the pores 7 both above and below the tampon 3 of the swab 1 in the associated container 5 are arranged. In the 4 Seeing second embodiment is an example of this. Another, third embodiment with pores 7 in the wall 6 their container 5 below (and above) the tampon 3 the associated swab 1 is in example 5 shown.

Also note that an array of pores 7 at the same height as the tampon 3 in the associated container 5 inserted swabs 1 advantageous in this respect is that thereby the drying of the tampon can be done better and faster, since the corresponding pores 7 then spatially closer to the tampon to be dried 3 are located. The in the 11a and 11b shown exemplary eighth or ninth embodiment is of this kind. The possible risk that the tampon 3 and / or the biological material then upon insertion of the swab 1 in the associated container 5 with these pores 7 and / or the semipermeable membranes contained therein 10 comes into contact, but can be avoided - or at least reduced - that one the container 5 in comparison to the swab 1 In horizontal (lateral) direction dimensioned correspondingly large while at the same time swabs 1 and containers 5 in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction) correspondingly small - short - designed.

Thus, according to the present invention, all embodiments are a container 5 advantageous, the corresponding pores 7 in his wall 6 has, so above the tampon 3 and / or below the tampon 3 and / or at the same height with the tampon 3 the associated swab 1 , Each of these seven possibilities is advantageous in one or more respects, as explained above. Possible disadvantages of a specific arrangement of the pores 7 can be taken into account or by appropriate structural design of the container 5 and the swab 1 be avoided or at least reduced.

Also note that the arrangement of the pores 7 in the wall 6 a container 5 Although a geometric or regular pattern can form (based on all pores 7 or only a part thereof) - for example in the form of several, in the direction of the longitudinal axis of a substantially cylindrical container 5 consecutive, each around the wall 6 of the container 5 horizontally circulating circles of individual pores 7 - but that does not necessarily have to be the case. Any regular or irregular arrangement or partial arrangement of the pores 7 in the wall 6 a container 5 which is a drying one in the container 5 moist biological sample according to the present invention is possible, is conceivable and advantageous in the context of the present invention. In this case, for example, regular arrangements are easier to manufacture and thus cheaper to implement, while irregular arrangements rather for the stability of the container 5 are favorable.

It should also be noted that the above drying process naturally goes the better and faster the more pores 7 in the wall 6 a container 5 are present and the larger they are in detail. However, it is also clear that manufacturing reasons and reasons of stability with regard to the container 5 the number of pores 7 can put an upper limit, since the production of a container 5 with too many pores 7 (which, for example, by drilling into a container 5 be introduced later from the prior art) may be too expensive and / or adversely affects the stability of the container.

For the sake of clarity and completeness, it should also be explicitly stated at this point that a wording such as "Pore 7 in a wall 6 a container 5 "also pores 7 are meant to be in the ground 8th of a container, as the ground 8th a container 5 in the sense of the present description always to the wall 6 of the container 5 belongs. It does not matter if the ground 8th a container 5 visually or geometrically clear of the sidewall 9 (in the sense of the present description also always with the wall 6 a container 5 heard) of the container 5 is to be distinguished (as for example in the in the 2 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8th and 10 shown embodiments) or not (as it is for example in the in the 11a and b; 12a , b and d; 13b , c and d shown in the embodiment), for example because of ground 8th and sidewall 9 continuously and smoothly merge. Further embodiments according to the invention are therefore obtained if one or more pores according to the invention are addressed in all of the embodiments mentioned so far - and also in the embodiments mentioned below 7 in the ground 8th of the container 5 brings. These then become the above-described drying of a wet biological sample in the container 5 - For example, the drying of a wet tampon 3 a swab 1 in its associated container 5 - continue to favorably support and accelerate.

At the in 4 shown second embodiment of the invention, for example, the whole floor 8th of the container 5 from a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 educated. At the in 5 again shown third embodiment, the ground 8th of the container 5 a pore 7 on, the most of the soil 8th and also of a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 is closed.

Of course, embodiments are also possible in which one or more pores according to the invention 7 only in the ground 8th a container 5 - and none in the sidewall 9 of the container 5 - at are ordered. A corresponding possible embodiment is obtained, for example, when the container 5 from the state of the art, as in 1 is shown schematically, a pore according to the invention 7 in the ground 8th this container 5 brings. Or take the second or third embodiment of the invention (see 4 respectively. 5 ) and modify it by removing the pores 7 in the sidewall 9 of the container 5 omits.

• 1. Eine durch die Wandung 6 eines Behälters 5 hindurchgehende Pore 7 ist vollständig mit einer semipermeablen Membran 10 ausgefüllt und so im weiter oben definierten Sinn verschlossen.
• 2. Eine durch die Wandung 6 eines Behälters 5 hindurchgehende Pore 7 ist nicht vollständig mit einer semipermeablen Membran 10 ausgefüllt, sondern nur zum Teil, wobei die semipermeable Membran 10 aber die Pore 7 im weiter oben definierten Sinn verschließt, so dass – im Hinblick auf diese Pore 7 – eine im Behälter 5 befindliche biologische Probe vor Kontamination, Verschmutzung und ähnlichem geschützt und gleichzeitig aber auch die Trocknung der im Behälter 5 befindlichen feuchten biologischen Probe ermöglicht ist, wenn der Behälter 5 ansonsten im üblichen Sinn verschlossen ist.
• 3. Eine durch die Wandung 6 eines Behälters 5 hindurchgehende Pore 7 wird auf der Innenseite der Wandung 6 (also im Innern des Behälters 5) von einer semipermeablen Membran 10 – die beispielsweise auf geeignete Weise auf die Innenseite der Wandung 6 aufgeklebt ist – überdeckt und so im weiter oben definierten Sinn verschlossen.
• 4. Eine durch die Wandung 6 des Behälters 5 hindurchgehende Pore 7 wird auf der Außenseite der Wandung 6 (also außen auf dem Behälter 5) von einer semipermeablen Membran 10 – die beispielsweise auf geeignete Weise auf die Außenseite der Wandung 6 aufgeklebt ist – überdeckt und so im weiter oben definierten Sinn verschlossen.
• 5. Die Methoden nach Punkt 3 und 4 werden gleichzeitig angewendet.

According to the present invention, a pore according to the invention 7 in the wall 6 a container 5 in particular in one of the following ways with a semipermeable membrane 10 to be introverted:

• 1. One through the wall 6 a container 5 passing pore 7 is complete with a semipermeable membrane 10 filled in and closed in the sense defined above.
• 2. One through the wall 6 a container 5 passing pore 7 is not complete with a semipermeable membrane 10 filled, but only partially, with the semipermeable membrane 10 but the pore 7 in the sense defined above, so that - with regard to this pore 7 - one in the container 5 Protected biological sample from contamination, contamination and the like protected and at the same time but also the drying of the container 5 located moist biological sample is possible when the container 5 otherwise closed in the usual sense.
• 3. One through the wall 6 a container 5 passing pore 7 is on the inside of the wall 6 (ie inside the container 5 ) of a semipermeable membrane 10 - For example, in a suitable manner to the inside of the wall 6 is glued - covered and closed in the sense defined above.
• 4. One through the wall 6 of the container 5 passing pore 7 is on the outside of the wall 6 (outside on the container 5 ) of a semipermeable membrane 10 - For example, in a suitable manner on the outside of the wall 6 is glued - covered and closed in the sense defined above.
• 5. The methods according to point 3 and 4 are applied simultaneously.

The pore 7 in the ground 8th of the container 5 according to the second embodiment (see 4 ) is after the method 1 with a semipermeable membrane 10 closed, so completely or completely filled. In fact, the ground will 8th the second embodiment completely of this semipermeable membrane 10 educated. And also the pore 7 in the ground 8th of the container 5 according to the third embodiment (see 5 ), which is only part of the soil 8th takes or makes, is by the method 1 with a semipermeable membrane 10 completed.

The pores 7 in the sidewall 9 of the container 5 according to the first embodiment (see 2 and 3 ), the second embodiment (see 4 ), the sixth embodiment (see 8th and 9 ), the eighth embodiment (see 11a ) and the ninth embodiment (see 11b ) are by the method 2 each partially with a semipermeable membrane 10 filled in and so closed. This also applies to the ground 8th of the container 5 according to the third embodiment (see 5 ).

The pores 7 in the sidewall 9 of the container 5 according to the third embodiment (see 5 ) are partly by the method 3 and partly by the method 4 locked.

It is understood that not all pores 7 in the wall 6 a container according to the invention 5 must be closed in the same way.

It should be at this point for the sake of clarity already anticipated that in a container according to the invention 5 with pores 7 as he later associated with the 12 to 14 will be described, the pores 7 can also be closed in one or more of the 5 methods just described.

The method according to the above point 3 For example, can be implemented so that a semi-permeable membrane 10 in the form of a foil on the inside of the wall 6 a container 5 over all in this wall 6 located pores 7 is glued on. Analogously, the method according to the above point 4 For example, be implemented so that a semipermeable membrane 10 in the form of a foil on the outside of the wall 6 a container 5 over all in this wall 6 located pores 7 is glued on. Again, you can do both methods in the way just described. apply at the same time, so in this way the method 5 implement.

Number and size, that is diameter of the pores 7 , is variable in all embodiments of the invention, provided that a drying of a moist biological sample in the (sealed in the usual sense) container 5 is ensured according to the present invention, that is, if a drying of the sample is carried out at a sufficient rate, such that a spoiling of the obtained biological material - the biological sample - does not take place. Thus, the number and size of pores 7 in one embodiment of the invention among others of the desired Drying time and external conditions (environmental conditions, drying cabinet conditions) during drying of the wet biological sample in its container 5 Depending on the individual boundary conditions, which has the user, and can each be easily determined and implemented by the skilled person. For example, drying of a typical forensic sample with a system according to the first embodiment, ie with a system consisting of a swab, takes a while 1 and its associated container 5 with four pores 7 each with a diameter of 5 mm, sealed with a Goretex ^® semipermeable membrane 10 , in a drying oven at about 56 ° C for 4 to 6 hours. Of course, even more advantageous are more pores z. B. 8, 12, 24 or even 100 or even more, the pores - as already mentioned - all or part of the container wall 6 - possibly also over the ground 8th - can be distributed in regular or irregular patterns.

Typical pores 7 According to the present invention have diameters in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, for example, 5 mm, but smaller diameter than 1 mm or larger than 10 mm diameter are possible. Further, depending on the size of the pores, the number of pores should be 4 or more, advantageously 8 or more, advantageously 12 or more, advantageously 24 or more, advantageously 48 or more, advantageously 100 or more. This information is not to be understood as limiting the size (cross section), number, geometric shape and arrangement of the pores 7 - As already mentioned - depends on many parameters and the respective boundary conditions in the use of the corresponding embodiment of the invention. It is also understood that in an embodiment according to the invention not all pores 7 the same size, geometric shape and design must have. For example, in the second embodiment (see 4 ) to see that the pores 7 in the sidewall 9 of the container 5 have different diameters (sizes).

At this point, it should be explicitly noted that the pores 7 not necessarily in all embodiments - and this also applies to the embodiments which will be described below - must have a circular cross-section. The geometric shape of a pore 7 can in principle be chosen arbitrarily, or according to the respective wishes of the user or manufacturer, without thereby causing the described drying of the moist biological sample in its container 5 adversely affected. For example, elliptical cross sections are possible. Also, the cross section of a pore may be, for example, square, rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal or generally polygonal. Also, the cross section may have a combination of straight and curved lines, for example in the form of a semicircle. And generally irregular shaped cross sections are of course also possible.

Further embodiments of the present invention relate to a container 5 , the whole or partially from a so-called "big" pore 7 consists, that is, completely or partially from a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 , which works as described above and is designed so stable that the required stability of the container 5 is guaranteed, even if the "big" pore 7 all or a large part of the container 5 accounts. For example, such a container 5 if it is a swab 1 belonging container 5 acts, which has a substantially cylindrical shape in the region of its wall 6 which is at the same level or at about the same height as the tampon 3 in the container 5 inserted swabs 1 located, all around from a correspondingly stable semipermeable membrane 10 - Which thus has the geometric shape of a ring - consist (each longitudinal section through the rotational axis of symmetry of the container 5 would then - in relation to the container 5 - in principle look like in the 11a or 11b ). Accordingly, in further embodiments of the present invention, a container 5 several non-contiguous areas - "big" pores 7 - on, in which he each completely from a correspondingly stable, semipermeable membrane 10 exists, distributed over the whole wall 6 , including the floor 8th , the container. Similar to the second embodiment (see 4 ) may be a container according to the invention 5 even only in the area of its soil 8th from a semipermeable membrane 10 consist. Note also that the presence of one or more so-called "large" pores 7 in the wall 6 a container 5 does not exclude that even smaller pores, for example, with a diameter of only 5 mm or 1 mm, are present.

In general, in the embodiments according to the invention - and this also applies to the embodiments which will be described below - not all pores need to be used 7 passing through the wall 6 a container 5 (a more general container, such as in the 12 to 14 shown, or one to a swab 1 belonging container, such as in the 2 to 11 shown) and / or - as will be described below - through the cap 4 a swab 1 or by a more general closure device 16 a more general container 5 go through with a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 to be introverted. It is at For example, conceivable that in a system according to the invention that from a swab 1 and the associated container 5 exists, only part of the pores 7 in the wall 6 of the container 5 with a semipermeable membrane 10 is closed, for example, only - if available - the pores 7 , which are at the same - or about the same - height with the tampon 3 of the swab 1 located, and / or - if available - the pores 7 that are above the tampon 3 of the swab 1 in the wall 6 a container 5 are arranged. Even if there are pores 7 that lie below the tampon 3 are unlocked, then depending on the individual use of this system - and if the unclosed pores 7 are properly designed and arranged - still to be sure that one in the container 5 located biological sample can not be contaminated or contaminated.

In embodiments of the invention in which all or part of the pores 7 passing through the wall 6 a container 5 (a more general container, such as in the 12 to 14 shown, or one to a swab 1 belonging container, such as in the 2 to 11 shown) and / or - as will be described below - through the cap 4 a swab 1 or a more general closure device 16 a more general container 5 In addition, generally, there may be undesirable contamination or contamination inside a container 5 Biological sample with 100% certainty - at least before and after the corresponding drying process of the moist biological sample - can be prevented when the pores 7 , especially the pores 7 not using a semipermeable membrane 10 are closed, before and after the corresponding drying process of the biological sample with one or more appropriately designed covering devices 15 (which are at least in part made of a material which is impervious to undesired - depending on the use and the nature and design of the associated device according to the invention - substances, such as impermeable to moisture, dirt, bacteria, viruses, germs or biological material) be covered. In other words, the corresponding pores 7 are not only during the drying process of the biological sample by means of or the correspondingly designed covering devices 15 covered, so that - especially if the drying process takes place in a suitably protected drying oven - the risk of contamination or contamination inside the container 5 located biological sample can be kept vanishingly small. It is understood that such a covering device 15 also generally for the protection of pores 7 containing semipermeable membranes 10 are closed, can be used to these and / or the associated semipermeable membranes 10 from mechanical damage or contamination during transport or storage of the corresponding container 5 and / or swabs 1 protect, so the functionality of the pores 7 and / or the semipermeable membranes 10 can be guaranteed. It is also understood that such a covering device 15 also generally for the protection of pores 7 containing semipermeable membrane 10 are closed, can be used to - depending on the specific nature of the semipermeable membranes of the invention in the individual case 10 - to prevent certain undesirable substances such as bacteria, viruses, prions or other germs for which the semipermeable membranes 10 possibly still (partially) permeable, through these and thus the pores 7 which they are closed from penetrating through and so into the interior of the corresponding container 5 to get.

As an example of a covering device 15 providing an optional and reversible coverage of the corresponding pores 7 allows, be on the in the 8th and 9 referenced sixth embodiment. It shows 8th the container 5 and the associated swab inserted therein 1 according to the sixth embodiment of the invention in a longitudinal section. As in the first embodiment (see 2 and 3 ) has the container 5 according to the sixth embodiment, four pores 7 on top of the tampon 3 at equal azimuthal distances from each other around the sidewall 9 of the container 5 are arranged around and in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container 5 - or to the stem 2 in the container 5 inserted swabs 1 - lie (see the 9a and 9b that the container 5 and the associated swab inserted therein 1 each in cross-section in the in 8th show BB marked level). All four pores 7 are in this example with a semipermeable membrane 10 closed, but could in principle be unlocked (which then gives another possible embodiment). At the same height as the pores 7 points the container 5 According to the sixth embodiment, further a cover device 15 on, which consists essentially of a cylinder ring 30 which is rotatable - axis of rotation is the longitudinal axis of the container 5 or the stem 2 in the container 5 inserted swabs 1 - And locked on and on the outside of the side wall 9 of the container 5 - For example, by means of appropriately designed guides 34 on and on the outside of the side wall 9 of the container 5 and by means of corresponding belonging to each other, so with each other, locking projections and recesses on the guides 34 and / or on the sidewall 9 of the container 5 and / or on cylinder ring 30 - is held. In this case, the cylinder ring 30 completely analogous to the four pores 7 of the container 5 four through holes 32 (short: openings 32 Of course, it is otherwise made of a suitable impermeable material - for example, plastic, plastic, glass, acrylic, metal, metal alloy, etc. - without any other openings so as to be able to fulfill its covering and protecting function) in size, shape and arrangement are designed so that they are with the four pores 7 in the sidewall 9 of the container 5 correspond. In other words, the openings 32 are designed in size, shape and arrangement so that in a first, lockable rotational position of the cylinder ring 30 the four openings 32 of the cylinder ring 30 congruent over the four pores 7 of the container 5 lie (see 9a ), so that in this first rotational position, a moist biological sample in the container 5 during the above drying process as described on the pores 7 can be dried. In a second, lockable rotational position of the cylinder ring 30 on the other hand are the four through holes 32 of the cylinder ring 30 not - in whole or in part - over the four pores 7 of the container 5 (please refer 9b ), so this from the cylinder ring 30 each completely covered, so that in turn the pores 7 and the semipermeable membranes 10 completely protected against contamination or contamination or damage in this second rotational position.

As already mentioned, the cylinder ring 30 of the container 5 According to the sixth embodiment advantageously be reversibly latched in each of its two rotational positions, so you can realize without difficulty each setting - rotational position - of the cylinder ring, for example, by hand but on the other hand, an accidental accidental rotation of the cylinder ring from a rotational position out - in a different rotational position or intermediate position - not possible. The corresponding embodiment of the cylinder ring 30 and its associated guides 34 is oriented to embodiments that are well known in the art, and need not be further described. It is understood that other measures than locking mechanisms are possible as fixing mechanisms to ensure that a cylinder ring 30 as in the sixth embodiment can not be accidentally and unintentionally twisted. It is also clear that with careful handling of the container 5 can be done in the course of its use without such mechanisms, a Verastung or fixation of the cylinder ring 30 So it does not have to be necessary.

It should be noted that the cylinder ring 30 in 8th though by means of lateral guides 34 - At its upper and lower edges - rotatably supported and guided, but it is clear that a suitable guide is also obtained by the fact that the cylinder ring 30 has on its inside a - at least one - wholly or partially around its inner circumference circumferential groove or - at least - a completely or partially encircling its inner circumference web, fitting to or corresponding to one or more webs or grooves on the outside of the side wall 9 of the container 5 in the area of the pores 7 are arranged in a suitable manner. These grooves and lands - and / or additional projections and recesses on the cylinder ring and the side wall 9 of the container 5 - Can advantageously be designed again so that the cylinder ring 30 can be reversibly fixed in certain rotational positions, so that an undesirable random rotation of the same is excluded.

In anticipation of the below in connection with the 12 to 14 described more general container 5 be at this point already on the 13b and 13d in each of which a more generally designed container 5 according to the fifteenth embodiment, which in 13b is shown in a longitudinal section, or according to the seventeenth embodiment, in 13d is shown in a longitudinal section, and - in addition to corresponding covering devices 15 another type - each a covering device 15 with a cylinder ring 30 you can see that, similar to the cover device 15 is designed in the sixth embodiment. The cylinder ring 30 in the 13b and 13d does not have any openings (through holes) 32 in its sidewall and is also not permanent on the wall 6 of the container 5 by means of guides 34 attached, but will if necessary from the bottom of the container 5 deferred to the pores 7 in its wall 6 cover. Incidentally, in the fifteenth embodiment, as in FIG 13b can be seen in longitudinal section, with the corresponding cylinder ring 30 if necessary pores 7 with semipermeable membranes 10 be covered and protected; and in the seventeenth embodiment, as in FIG 13d can be seen in longitudinal section, with the corresponding cylinder ring 30 unclosed pores when needed 7 So without semipermeable membranes 10 to be covered. It is understood that in 8th and 9 shown sixth embodiment can also be modified (which results in a further embodiment of the invention), that it with a slide-on cylinder ring 30 without openings instead of the described cylinder ring 30 with openings 32 is working. Further modifications of one on the sidewall 9 a container 5 slide-on cylinder ring 30 and its associated container 5 will be discussed below in connection with the 12 to 14 to be discribed.

Likewise at this point already anticipated that in connection with the 1 to 11 described or to be described embodiments, in other words, to swabs 1 belonging container 5 , even with other cover devices 15 can be covered, in particular with covers 50 (Made of a material, for example, impermeable to moisture, dirt, bacteria, viruses, germs, biological material - in general: impermeable to any unwanted substances -), which are on the appropriate container 5 positive, at least partially positive fit, and / or frictionally pushed - for example, from below - and again removed from this, for example, deported, can, with appropriate fixation, such as latching, or without, and then in the deferred state the whole or a part of the container 5 cover, but at least the pores 7 - with or without semipermeable membranes 10 - which are to be advantageously covered and / or protected (for the purposes already explained above). Such cases 50 are particularly simple and inexpensive to produce, if they have no openings in their wall. Specific examples of envelopes 50 will be discussed below in connection with the in 13a shown fourteenth and in conjunction with the in 13c Sixteenth embodiment shown, that is, in connection with a more general closure device 16 lockable more general containers 5 ,

An advantageous, easier to produce variation (not shown) of the cover 15 Incidentally, in the sixth embodiment, it is a cylinder ring 30 without through holes 32 to be used in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the container 5 (of the stem 2 in the container 5 inserted swabs 1 ) on the outside of the side wall 9 of the container 5 can be pushed back and forth, so that he can take two positions again, and that a first position in which the pores 7 in the side wall of the container 5 are not covered, and a second position in which they are covered. In this case, the cylinder ring 30 and the side wall 9 the container be designed so that the cylinder ring 30 only between these two positions on the side wall 9 of the container 5 can be moved back and forth (for example by means of corresponding stop webs on the side wall 9 of the container 5 ), if necessary, so that it is locked in any of these two positions or otherwise fixed, and so that it can not be removed from the container (as already the cylinder ring 30 in the sixth embodiment). It should be noted that a cylinder ring 30 - with or without openings 32 - also under the concept of a shell 50 falls when he hits the appropriate container 5 positively and / or non-positively pushed - for example, from below - and again removed from this, for example, deported, can be.

Section B: To a container 5 associated swabs 1

In the embodiments described so far, it has already been mentioned that to a container 5 belonging swabs 1 according to the inventive concept also pores 7 while the container is otherwise in the usual sense of the cap 4 of the swab 1 is sealed - the above-described drying of a moist biological sample in the container 5 to allow or in connection with the pores 7 that the container 5 In addition, it may additionally support. This will now be further explained below.

First of all, it should be expressly stated at this point that the implementation of the idea of the invention in relation to a container 5 belonging swabs 1 completely independent of how the container is 5 is designed - container 5 and swabs 1 just have to match each other, so that the swab 1 in its associated container 5 can be inserted and the cap 4 of the swab 1 the container 5 then over his mouth 14 leak-tight in the sense of the field in which swabs and containers are used and according to the requirements of the corresponding use of these two seals. For the sake of completeness, it should also be explicitly noted that conversely the design of a swab according to the invention 1 of course not the embodiment of an associated container according to the invention 5 influences - again need containers 5 and swabs 1 just from the geometry match each other so that the swab 1 in the container 5 as described can be inserted.

In particular, an inventive swab 1 also in connection with a container 5 from the prior art (see the container 5 in 1 ) are used, provided that both of the pure geometry ago - as just described - match each other. The fourth described below (see 6 ), fifth (see 7 ) and seventh (see 10 ) Embodiment would each be an example of this. It is of course clear that the above drying of the moist biological sample on a tampon 3 a swab 1 in its associated container 5 the better and faster the more pores 7 be available for it, so that the use of a container according to the invention 5 with pores 7 (and optionally covering devices 15 ) in conjunction with an associated swab of the invention as described below 1 even more advantageous in this regard.

Turning the present invention now to a container 5 belonging swabs 1 The measures described in section A above can be used - pores 7 , unlocked or with a semipermeable membrane 10 closed, and covering devices 15 - Immediately from a container according to the invention 5 on his associated swab 1 be transmitted.

There are in principle two possibilities, such as pores according to the invention 7 through the cap 4 a swab 1 can go through.

First, a pore 7 goes directly through the cap 4 therethrough. It is meant by "direct" that this pore 7 no part of the stem, as always 2 of the swab 1 is. Examples of such pores 7 are in the 5 (third embodiment) and 7 (fifth embodiment). How to get in 5a looks, the pores begin 7 passing through the cap 4 go through if the swab 1 in its associated container 5 is plugged in, on a surface of the cap 4 of the swab 1 located in the interior of the container 5 then go through the cap 4 through without an element of the stem 2 to be and then each end at a surface of the cap 4 that are not inside the container 5 located. Six of the seven in the 7a and 7b through the cap 4 of the swab 1 passing pores 7 go right through.

Second, a pore 7 goes indirectly - over the stem 2 - through the cap 4 of the swab 1 therethrough. This must be at least part of the stalk 2 of the swab 1 a component of this pore 7 be. For example, at least part of the stem 2 hollow and at least part of this hollow part of the stem 2 is a part of this pore 7 , If one through a cap 4 indirectly passing pore 7 - By definition, at least in part a part of the stem 2 is - the only part of the stalk 2 of the swab 1 Of course, assuming that it is hollow, it is, in a sense, a matter of opinion, whether one has this pore 7 as a channel formed by a stalk designed as a solid body 2 passes through, grasps, or as one or the part of a stalk 2 , which is hollow and - completely - part of this pore 7 is. Examples of indirect through a cap 4 passing pores 7 are in the 7 (fifth embodiment), 10 (seventh embodiment) and 11a and 11b (eighth and ninth embodiment - the 11c -D explain modifications).

5a shows a container 5 and an associated swab inserted therein 1 according to a third embodiment in a longitudinal section, and 5b is a plan view of the top of the cap 4 this swab 1 , As you can see, the cap shows 4 a total of six directly through them, in this case cylindrical, pores 7 of which two in the 5a can be seen in longitudinal section. The six directly through the cap 4 passing pores 7 form according to the third embodiment, a regular, hexagonal arrangement around the part of the stem 2 of the swab 1 around, located in the cap 4 is located, so the top end 13 of the stem 2 around. This regular, hexagonal arrangement is clearly visible in the plan view 5b to recognize where to find the six circular openings / exits of the cylindrical pores 7 can recognize that on the top of the cap 4 of the swab 1 lead. According to the third embodiment, these pores are 7 with a semipermeable membrane 10 closed, and in a particularly easy to implement - and therefore cost - way, namely by a single semipermeable membrane 10 on top of the cap 4 was applied, for example by gluing. Incidentally, this method also falls under the methods described above under section A as the fourth way to a pore of the invention 7 with a semipermeable membrane 10 to close, only applied here on pores 7 in a cap 4 a swab 1 instead of in a wall 6 a container 5 , The cylindrical pores 7 in the cap 4 can also be produced in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner, for example by a corresponding swab 1 from the prior art (as in the example 1 or 2 can be seen) takes and his cap 4 pierced six times in a corresponding manner. It is of course irrelevant whether the stem 2 of the swab 1 all the way through the cap 4 passes through (as in 5a to see) or only partially (as in the 1 or 2 to see).

In a nearby modification of the swab 1 According to the third embodiment, the pores 7 Of course, also remain unlocked - in this case, then, as already mentioned several times, before and after the corresponding drying of the wet tampon 3 in the associated container 5 a cover device 15 , for example in the form of a cap 60 on the cap 4 of the swab 1 For example, snapped or screwed, advantageously, to unwanted contamination or contamination of the inside of the container 5 on the tampon 3 located biological sample to avoid. Snap-on caps of this type - which must be designed at least partially correspondingly elastic - are also in the 11a . 13a . 13b . 13c and 13d to see.

6 shows a container 5 and an associated swab inserted therein 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention in a longitudinal section, according to only a single pore 7 through the cap 4 of the swab 1 goes through, in an indirect way. And indeed, as in 6 you can see, is the stalk 2 of the swab 1 completely hollow, or more specifically, according to the fourth embodiment is the stem 2 a hollow cylinder. The stem 2 or his entire interior thus provides an inventive, indirectly through the cap 4 passing pore 7 The one end - the open, not with a semipermeable membrane 10 closed, lower end 12 of the stem 2 - is in the tampon 3 and the other end - the top end 13 of the stem 2 as shown with a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 is closed - stuck in the cap 4 and goes through them to the top of the cap 4 through, leaving a moist biological sample on the tampon 3 in the container 5 inserted swabs 1 according to the invention over the pore 7 Can be dried when the moisture from the tampon 3 volatilized by the corresponding drying process, through the hollow stem 2 of the swab 1 through - so through the whole pore 7 through - up to the semipermeable membrane 10 rises and eventually passes through them and is released to the outside world.

The system according to the fourth embodiment is, of course, particularly cost-effective to produce, when it comes to the swab according to the invention 1 belonging container 5 for a suitable container 5 from the prior art. On the other hand, of course, the above drying process can be assisted and accelerated again when, in a modification of the fourth embodiment, the swab according to the invention 1 belonging containers 5 also inventive pores 7 has, for example, as the container 5 according to the first embodiment (see 2 ) or the second embodiment (see 4 ) or the third embodiment (see 5 ) or corresponding variations thereof. And of course you can also have a container 5 with a cover device 15 For example, as in the sixth embodiment (see 8th and 9 ) be used.

And analogously, as already mentioned in the third embodiment, the pore 7 in the stalk 2 of the swab 1 according to the fourth embodiment in a modification of the fourth embodiment also remain unlocked if it allows the use of the system and / or before and after the corresponding drying of the wet tampon 3 in the associated container 5 a cover device 15 on the cap 4 of the swab 1 for covering the upper end / exit / exit opening of the pore 7 applied - for example, snapped or screwed - can be. It should also be explicitly stated at this point that corresponding covering devices 15 also for the protection of pores according to the invention 7 that with a semipermeable membrane 10 are closed, generally useful and useful.

7a shows a container 5 and an associated swab inserted therein 1 according to a fifth embodiment in a longitudinal section, and 7b is a plan view of the top of the cap 4 this swab 1 , The container 5 according to the fifth embodiment is like the container 5 according to the fourth embodiment (see 6 ) designed and produced. And of course, everything that is currently (in the penultimate paragraph) applies to the container 5 according to the fourth embodiment has also been said for the container 5 according to the fifth embodiment.

The swab 1 according to the fifth embodiment is like a swab 1 according to the fourth embodiment (see 6 ), but in addition six more directly through the cap 4 passing cylindrical pores 7 were introduced, in a regular, hexagonal arrangement as in the swab 1 according to the third embodiment (see 5 and compare with 7b ). As the 7a Illustrated are all seven pores 7 , which according to the fifth embodiment by the cap 4 go through, at its upper end with a semipermeable membrane 10 locked. Each with its own semipermeable membrane 10 that are still in the respective pore 7 and this only partially fills, so this closes in the sense of the method, which was referred to above under section A as a second method, only applied here on pores 7 in a cap 4 a swab 1 instead of in a wall 6 a container 5 ,

The seven according to the fifth embodiment by the cap 4 of the swab 1 passing pores 7 Of course, in a modification of the fifth embodiment, as in the third embodiment (see 5 ) in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner by a single, common semipermeable membrane 10 be closed on the top of the cap 4 is applied, for example by gluing.

For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that the seven pores 7 , which according to the fifth embodiment by the Ver closure cap 4 of the swab 1 go through, are of different sizes, ie have different cross sections. Like that 7a and 7b can be seen, has the central, indirectly through the cap 4 passing pore 7 a larger cross-section than the symmetrical and regularly arranged around it, directly through the cap 4 passing six pores 7 ,

With reference to the seventh embodiment of the invention will now be an example of a covering 15 be described, with the help of pores 7 passing through a cap 4 a swab 1 - directly or indirectly - go through, can be covered.

10a shows a container 5 and an associated swab inserted therein 1 according to a seventh embodiment in a longitudinal section and in a plan view of the top of the cap 4 of the swab 1 , wherein a covering device 15 (Slider device 40 ) is in a state such that a pore 7 in the cap 4 of the swab 1 is covered. And 10b shows the container 5 and the associated swab inserted therein 1 according to the seventh embodiment in a longitudinal section and in a plan view of the top of the closure cap 4 of the swab 1 , wherein the covering device 15 (Slider device 40 ) is in a state such that the pore 7 in the cap 4 of the swab 1 is not covered.

As in the 10a and 10b It can be seen in the covering device 15 in this case, therefore, a slider device 40 that a single pore 7 passing through the hollow stalk 2 (Hollow cylinder) of the swab 1 is formed, if necessary, can cover. However, this is not intended to limit the applicability of the slider device according to the invention 40 be, ie it can with her one or more pores 7 passing through a cap 4 a swab 1 - directly or indirectly - go through, be covered, reversible by means of a corresponding slider 42 which can be pushed back and forth between two positions, such that in one position - for example, before and after the corresponding drying of a moist biological sample on the tampon 3 in the associated container 5 inserted swabs 1 - the pores) 7 is covered (are) and in the other position - for example, during the corresponding drying of the wet biological sample - the pore (s) 7 then not covered (are). This is the slider 42 as in the 10 can be seen in appropriate guides on the top of the cap 4 of the swab 1 stored so that it can be pushed back and forth in this and he can take at least the two functional positions just described. Advantageously, the slider device 40 Also configured so that the slider can be reversibly fixed in each case in at least the two functional positions just described, for example by means of locking, so that a random and unintentional displacement of the slider is not possible. How to accomplish this fixation is one of the well-known in the art measures and will not be discussed further here.

According to the seventh embodiment, the slider 42 essentially of a flat, rectangular plate and has no through holes. But here are of course possible modifications, provided the slide 42 only fulfills its function, the pore (s) 7 he is intended to cover in one position (and possibly another in a modification of the seventh embodiment, by a cap) 4 a swab 1 passing pores 7 not), and in the other position no pore (s) 7 and in particular the pore (s) covered in one position 7 release again. The slider 42 It also consists of a suitable, impermeable material, such as plastic, plastic, glass, acrylic, metal, metal alloy, etc., so as to fulfill its covering and / or protective function (for the purposes already explained above) ,

Further, in the 10a -G schematically and only by way of example shown embodiments of the invention will become apparent from a modification of the slider device according to the invention 40 to a rotating device according to the invention 44 on top of the cap 4 a swab according to the invention 1 , wherein the rotating device according to the invention 44 a rotatably mounted rotary body 46 and corresponding guide and storage means therefor, optionally also corresponding fixing means to the rotating body 46 be reversibly fix in different rotational positions, for example, lock, to. The 10c -G thus show in each case a plan view of the top of the cap 4 a swab according to the invention 1 as further examples of covering devices 15 exemplary rotary devices according to the invention 44 , each having a rotatably mounted rotary body 46 have, in each case a certain rotational position of their respective rotary body 46 , wherein the possible direction of rotation of the rotating body 46 in the 10c -G each indicated by a curved arrow. The exemplary rotating devices according to the invention shown 44 will now be described and discussed in more detail.

In accordance with the basic idea of the slider device 40 and the rotatable cylinder ring 30 with passage openings 32 , which in connection with the sixth embodiment (see 8th ), is therefore on top of a cap 4 a swab 1 a correspondingly designed rotary body 46 be rotatably mounted to the - or part of - pores 7 passing through the cap 4 - directly or indirectly - go through, cover if necessary and release again. This rotary body 46 For example, it may essentially be a flat disc, as in FIG 10c or 10d shown, and with all pores 7 in the cap 4 of the swab 1 corresponding passage openings 48 (short: openings 48 ), such that - more generally speaking - in a rotational position, the pores 7 be covered, and in another position the pores 7 that you do not want covered, can not be covered. In the in the 10c and 10d In this case, it is the case that in the rotary position shown there, all pores, respectively, are shown 7 passing through cap 4 of the swab 1 go through, are covered. (Note that in the 10c -G pores 7 that are being covered, almost in a view through the rotating body 46 always shown in dotted lines.) You take the 10c and 10d but also immediately that a second rotational position of the respective rotating body 46 (the disc) exists, in which then all pores 7 are released. So here is the same principle implemented, the cylinder ring 30 with its openings 32 according to the sixth embodiment (see the 8th and 9 ) underlying. Furthermore, the rotary body 46 or the circular disc by means of a central axis, which is in the center of the top of the cap 4 is anchored accordingly rotatable (unless a pore 7 central, for example, in flight with the stem 2 of the swab 1 , through the cap 4 passes, for example, indirectly through the cap 4 passing pore 7 like in the 10a and b), such as in 10c shown. Or the rotary body 46 or the circular disc can at its outer edge by means of a circular guide 49 on the edge area of the top of the cap 4 be rotatably mounted, such as in 10d shown. Or the rotary body 46 or the circular disk may have on its underside a - at least one - circular groove or a - at least one - circular web, matching or corresponding to one or more circular webs or grooves on the top of the cap 4 , not necessarily in the edge area of the top of the cap 4 , And be rotatably mounted in this way.

The rotary body 46 a rotating device according to the invention 44 Of course, in general, it can be an arbitrarily shaped body, provided that it fulfills only its covering function. Thus, in addition to a circular disc and a substantially semicircular disc, by means of a central axis, in the center of the top of the cap 4 is anchored accordingly, is rotatably mounted, possible, such as in 10f shown. The substantially semicircular disc in this case need no through holes 48 exhibit when the pores 7 passing through the cap 4 go through and cover them if necessary, only on one half of the top of the cap 4 through the cap 4 pass. So be at the in 10f shown exemplary embodiment, in the rotational position of the rotary body shown there 46 (half-circle disc), just three pores 7 released and three, point-symmetrically opposite and - almost in a view through the rotating body 46 - dotted lined, pores 7 covered. It can be seen immediately that during a rotation of the rotating body 46 (the semicircular disc) by 180 ° the pores 7 which are being covered (and which, for example, with no inventive semipermeable membrane 10 are closed), while the pores are closed 7 which are currently not covered (and which, for example, with a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 are closed), then covered.

Or the rotary body 46 a rotating device according to the invention 44 has the shape of a circular ring - thus has a central recess (opening) - and is by means of a circular guide 49 at its outer edge on the edge region of the top of the cap 4 rotatably mounted, such as in 10e shown. The circular ring shown points with a part of the pores 7 passing through the cap 4 of the swab 1 go through, corresponding through holes 48 in such a way that - generally speaking - in a rotational position, the pores 7 covered, and in another rotational position, the pores 7 that you do not want covered, can not be covered. At the in 10e In this case, in an exemplary embodiment shown, all the pores are in the rotational position shown there 7 passing through the cap 4 of the swab 1 go through, are covered, except for a single, centrally through the cap 4 passing pore 7 , It can be seen immediately that during a rotation of the rotating body 46 (of the annulus) by 45 ° the four pores 7 that are being covered (and the 10e - almost in a view through the rotary body 46 - dotted are drawn), also released, so that then all five pores 7 , in the 10e through the cap 4 go through, are released. As in 10e So a pore can be shown 7 - For example, indirectly - centrally through the central axis of the cap 4 go through and then remains free due to the central recess of the annulus in all conceivable rotational positions of the annulus, so it is not covered. This - a turning device 44 as in 10e shown - would be advantageous, for example, if a centrally through the center axis of a cap 4 passing pore 7 with a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 is closed, the pores 7 but, those in the edge area of the cap 4 through the cap 4 go through, no inventive semipermeable membrane 10 have, so are unlocked, so that the latter pores 7 - As already described several times - can be advantageously protected before and after the corresponding drying of a biological sample by means of the circular ring just described, and so also the biological sample in the container 5 into which the associated swab 1 is plugged in.

Or the rotary body 46 a rotating device according to the invention 44 consists essentially only of one or more circular sectors and is - for example - by means of a central axis, which is the center of the top of the cap 4 is appropriately anchored, rotatably mounted, as in 10g shown rotating body 46 consisting essentially of two equal, diametrically opposed circular sectors - each with an opening 48 - consists. In the in 10g shown rotational position of this rotary body 46 become two of the four pores 7 through the cap shown 4 go through, covered, which as usual is indicated by the fact that these two pores 7 - almost in a view through the rotary body 46 - dotted are drawn. Will the rotary body 46 in 10g Now rotated by 90 °, so not only these two just covered pores 7 released, but the other two pores 7 that are not covered at the moment, also remain uncovered, since the two through holes 48 in the two circular sectors of the rotary body 46 in 10g in a similar way with these two pores 7 correspond.

It should be mentioned that the in 10f shown rotating body 46 which consists essentially of a semi-circular disc, of course, as a rotary body 46 can be understood, which consists essentially only of a circular sector.

It should be noted that also the exemplary rotary body just described 46 in each case by means of corresponding, corresponding webs and grooves on the top of the cap 4 and can be rotatably mounted on its own bottom. And of course, any rotating device according to the invention 44 advantageously additionally be designed so that the rotary body 46 each reversibly fixed in its essential rotational positions - for example, reversibly latched (for example, by means of mutually belonging, mutually corresponding latching projections and recesses on the top of the cap 4 and the bottom of the rotating body 46 ) - can be, so that accidental and unintentional twisting can be prevented.

Like a cylinder ring 30 , for example, like the cylinder ring 30 according to the sixth embodiment (see the 8th and 9 ), and like a slider 42 according to the seventh embodiment (see the 10a and 10b ), must be the material from which a rotary body 46 exists to be impermeable in the sense that the rotating body 46 its covering and / or protective function (for the purposes that have already been explained above) can meet. Suitable materials are generally plastic, plastic, glass, acrylic, metal and metal alloys.

It goes without saying that one to a swab of the invention 1 with a slider device 40 or a rotary device 44 belonging container 5 again a suitable container 5 from the prior art (as in 10 shown), which may be particularly simple and inexpensive, or one of the container according to the invention described so far 5 , or modifications thereof, with pores 7 to the above-described drying of a wet biological sample on the tampon 3 of the swab 1 advantageously support and accelerate.

• 1. Eine durch die Verschlusskappe 4 eines Tupfers 1 hindurchgehende Pore 7 ist vollständig mit einer semipermeablen Membran 10 ausgefüllt und so im weiter oben definierten Sinn verschlossen.
• 2. Eine durch die Verschlusskappe 4 eines Tupfers 1 hindurchgehende Pore 7 ist nicht vollständig mit einer semipermeablen Membran 10 ausgefüllt, sondern nur zum Teil, wobei die semipermeable Membran 10 aber die Pore 7 im weiter oben definierten Sinn verschließt, so dass – im Hinblick auf diese Pore 7 – eine im Behälter 5 auf dem Tampon 3 des zugehörigen Tupfers 1 befindliche biologische Probe vor Kontamination, Verschmutzung und ähnlichem geschützt und gleichzeitig aber auch die Trocknung der im Behälter 5 befindlichen feuchten biologischen Probe ermöglicht ist, wenn der Tupfer 1 in seinen zugehörigen Behälter 5 eingesteckt ist.
• 3. Eine durch die Verschlusskappe 4 eines Tupfers 1 hindurchgehende Pore 7 wird auf der Innenseite der Verschlusskappe 4 (also im Innern des Behälters 5) von einer semipermeablen Membran 10 – die beispielsweise auf geeignete Weise auf die Innenseite bzw. Unterseite der Verschlusskappe 4 aufgeklebt ist – überdeckt und so im weiter oben definierten Sinn verschlossen.
• 4. Eine durch die Verschlusskappe 4 eines Tupfers 1 hindurchgehende Pore 7 wird auf der Außenseite der Verschlusskappe 4 (also außerhalb des Behälters 5) von einer semipermeablen Membran 10 – die beispielsweise auf geeignete Weise auf die Außenseite bzw. Oberseite der Verschlusskappe 4 aufgeklebt ist – überdeckt und so im weiter oben definierten Sinn verschlossen.
• 5. Die Methoden nach Punkt 3 und 4 werden gleichzeitig angewendet.

As already indicated, the methods described above in Section A are a pore according to the invention 7 with one or more semipermeable membranes 10 to close, even on the pores 7 applicable, which - directly or indirectly - through the cap 4 one to a container 5 belonging swabs 1 pass. For the sake of completeness, it should again be stated at this point that a pore according to the invention 7 passing through a cap 4 a swab according to the invention 1 passes, in particular in one of the following ways with a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 can be closed:

• 1. One through the cap 4 a swab 1 passing pore 7 is complete with a semipermeable membrane 10 filled in and closed in the sense defined above.
• 2. One through the cap 4 a swab 1 passing pore 7 is not complete with a semipermeable membrane 10 filled, but only partially, with the semipermeable membrane 10 but the pore 7 in the sense defined above, so that - im Regard to this pore 7 - one in the container 5 on the tampon 3 the associated swab 1 Protected biological sample from contamination, contamination and the like protected and at the same time but also the drying of the container 5 located moist biological sample is possible when the swab 1 in its associated container 5 is plugged in.
• 3. One through the cap 4 a swab 1 passing pore 7 is on the inside of the cap 4 (ie inside the container 5 ) of a semipermeable membrane 10 - For example, in a suitable manner on the inside or bottom of the cap 4 is glued - covered and closed in the sense defined above.
• 4. One through the cap 4 a swab 1 passing pore 7 is on the outside of the cap 4 (outside the container 5 ) of a semipermeable membrane 10 - For example, in a suitable manner on the outside or top of the cap 4 is glued - covered and closed in the sense defined above.
• 5. The methods according to point 3 and 4 are applied simultaneously.

The pores 7 in the cap 4 of the swab 1 according to the third embodiment (see 5 ) are by the method 4 closed, ie they were all with a single, common semipermeable membrane 10 pasted over. And the pores 7 in the cap 4 of the swab 1 according to the fourth embodiment (see 6 ), the fifth embodiment (see 7 ), the seventh embodiment (see 10a and b) and the ninth embodiment described below (see 11b ) are all according to the method 2 sealed, ie they were all partially covered with a semipermeable membrane 10 filled.

It is understood that not all through the cap 4 a swab according to the invention 1 passing pores 7 must be closed in the same way.

It should also be explicitly stated at this point that the above methods - and obvious variations thereof - also affect the pores when needed 7 can be applied, which is in the wall 11 a hollow stalk 2 a swab according to the invention 1 as it will be described below in connection with the eighth and ninth embodiments and the 11a -F will be described by way of example, to all or only part of these pores 7 with one or more semipermeable membranes according to the invention 10 to close.

As already in connection with the fourth (see the 6 ), fifth (see the 7 ) and seventh embodiment (see the 10a and 10b ), the stem may be 2 a swab according to the invention 1 in general - wholly or partially - be designed hollow and so a pore 7 represent, indirectly - through the cap 4 of the swab 1 passes. In this way is then the hollow interior of the stem 2 connected with the outside world when the swab 1 in its associated container 5 is plugged in. These embodiments, and modifications and variations thereof, may now advantageously also pores 7 show through the wall 11 of the hollow stalk 2 go through and so the inside of the container 5 if the associated swab 1 is plugged into these, even with the inside of the hollow handle 2 connect.

It should be explicitly emphasized that the pores according to the invention described in the following paragraph 7 in the wall 11 a hollow stalk 2 are also advantageous if the hollow stem 2 an open upper end 13 - the one indirectly through the cap 4 passing pore 7 represents - but no open bottom 12 has (if the wet tampon 3 that around this lower end 12 is arranged around, so not directly through this opening moisture in the interior of the hollow stem 2 can deliver), even if the following in connection with the 11a -F described exemplary embodiments, one at each end 12 and 13 open hollow cylinder as a handle 2 exhibit. Conversely, it is also in a swab of the invention 1 with a hollow handle 2 who has an open bottom end 12 but has at its upper end 13 to - not open - and its hollow interior so no through the cap 4 of the swab 1 indirectly passing pore 7 represents, beneficial, when passing through its wall 11 passing pores 7 such that then the part of the wet tampon 3 at the open lower end 12 of the stem 2 arranged around it (with the tampon 3 advantageously there also in addition in the wall 11 of the swab 1 located pores 7 can be arranged), also moisture over the interior of the hollow stem 2 and in the wall 11 above the tampon 3 located pores 7 to the inside of the container 5 when the swab 1 in these is inserted, can give off, whereupon this moisture then - together with the directly from the tampon 3 moisture released into the container - via pores 7 in the wall 6 of the container 5 and / or directly through the cap 4 of the swab 1 passing pores 7 can be delivered to the outside world.

To the above drying process of a wet biological sample on the tampon 3 egg nes Tupfers invention 1 , in its associated - optionally inventive - container 5 is plugged in and one stalk 2 has, which is - completely or partially - designed hollow and a pore 7 represents, indirectly - through the cap 4 of the swab 1 goes through, further support or possibly even to make possible, such a hollow handle 2 now additional pores 7 show through the wall 11 of the stem 2 go through and so the interior of the container 5 directly or indirectly via the tampon 3 - with the interior of the hollow handle 2 connect. In this way, then a liquid transport from the interior of the container 5 if the associated swab 1 is plugged into these, and especially from the wet tampon 3 of the swab 1 over these pores 7 , the hollow interior of the stalk 2 and through the cap 4 out to the outside (with respect to the container 5 ) in the above-described drying of the wet tampon 3 take place and thus additionally support and accelerate this drying or possibly even make it possible. If necessary, these pores can 7 all, or only partially, or not at all, with a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 to be introverted.

In the 11a The eighth embodiment shown in a longitudinal section shows an example of a swab according to the invention 1 with such a hollow stalk 2 that pores all over its surface 7 in his wall 11 is provided; and the in 11b A ninth embodiment shown in a longitudinal section shows an example of a swab according to the invention 1 with such a hollow stalk 2 that pores over the part of its surface 7 in his wall 11 that is not in the tampon 3 or in the cap 4 of the swab 1 plugged. In addition to this (which in the general case is not a necessity, as stated in the penultimate paragraph) is the stem 2 in both embodiments each as one at both ends (at the upper end 13 and at the bottom 12 ) Open hollow cylinder formed itself a pore again 7 represents indirectly through the cap 4 of the swab 1 passes. Quite generally, an inventive swab 1 with such a hollow stalk 2 and through the wall 11 of the stem 2 passing pores 7 this, of course, only in the area of its wall 11 in which the tampon 3 of the swab 1 located (being through the wall 11 passing pores 7 in this area for direct moisture delivery of a tampon 3 into the interior of a hollow stalk 2 obviously particularly advantageous). Or through the wall 11 such a hollow stalk 2 passing pores 7 are only in the area of the stem 2 close to and below the spot where this is in the cap 4 enters (stand container 5 and inserted associated swab 1 with a hollow handle 2 upright in the above drying, are through the wall 11 of the hollow stalk 2 passing pores 7 in this area also very beneficial, because then inside the container 5 rising moisture there directly into the hollow stalk 2 enter and so on indirectly through the cap 4 passing pore 7 The hollow interior of the stalk 2 yes, finally can be delivered to the outside). Or one advantageously combines the two last described embodiments.

Limitations in terms of number, cross section and arrangement of through the wall 11 a hollow stalk 2 a swab according to the invention 1 passing pores 7 arise only in view of the fact that the stem 2 or swab 1 possibly particularly simple and thus inexpensive to produce and that the stem 2 or swab 1 of course also for the appropriate use must be stable enough.

The hollow stalk 2 the in 11a in a longitudinal section shown eighth embodiment, and also the hollow stem 2 the in 11b in a longitudinal section shown ninth embodiment, as well as modifications and variations thereof, can be produced, for example, in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner, by a suitably sized rectangular film, thin plate or an equivalent flat, rectangular structure with the desired through holes - so the subsequent pores 7 - provides, either already in the production of the film, thin plate or the equivalent planar structure or subsequently - and then to a hollow cylinder, so hollow stem 2 , curled up and fixed in this state. Of course, the latter is only necessary if the material making up the rectangular foil, thin plate or the equivalent rectangular structure would otherwise roll up again. A flat rectangular structure in the form of a wire mesh - for example made of stainless or with a suitable inert (with respect to the use of the respective swab according to the invention 1 Relevant biological, chemical and physical aspects) Coated wires consists, as a whole, as well as in rolled up (planar) form schematically in 11e shown in plan view, or only partially, as in rolled-up (planar) shape schematically in 11f shown in plan view, can be easily prepared so that it turns into a hollow stem after being rolled up 2 due to a correspondingly low elasticity does not roll up again. Or you can hook the two longitudinal edges of the wire mesh in accordance rolled up state together, gluing, soldering or welding that the braid can not roll up. Note that the wire mesh in 11e is designed so that the Durchgangsöffnun there have the form of diamonds, in 11f on the other hand, in such a way that the passage openings have the form of rectangles or squares there, when the respective structure has just been rolled up.

Is the flat rectangular structure with its through holes, which one to a hollow cylinder or hollow handle 2 with pores 7 on the other hand, for example, from a suitable elastic and inert (with respect to the use of the respective swab invention 1 relevant biological, chemical and physical aspects) - plastic, so it can be advantageously already produced with a bias or embossed three-dimensional shape, so, it itself to a hollow cylinder, so hollow stem 2 , rolls up and then remains in this form, unless external forces act on it. Instead of a plastic as a material for the planar rectangular structure is also a metal alloy, in particular one with a so-called. Memory effect (memory effect) advantageous - in a first predetermined temperature range, then the rectangular structure in a rolled-up planar state (and so for example, easily be provided with through holes, for example by means of punching or perforating), and in a second predetermined, higher temperature range, the rectangular structure then in a rolled-up state as a hollow stem 2 with pores 7 available.

Of course you can become a hollow stalk 2 coiled flat rectangular structure made of plastic - or of a metal alloy or the like - in the general case also by means of one of the above methods, which have already been mentioned in connection with wire mesh, prevent an undesirable roll, so by gluing, soldering or welding. In the simplest case, however, it will suffice, a flat rectangular structure - no matter what kind - with its through holes to a hollow cylinder, so hollow stem 2 with pores 7 to unroll and then without further action simply into the appropriate through the cap 4 Inserting cylindrical opening, so that then unwanted rolling completely - or at least to a sufficient extent - is impossible.

Level rectangular formations leading to hollow stems 2 can be rolled up, as they are in 11a (eighth embodiment) or in 11b (ninth embodiment) are each shown schematically in a longitudinal section, are in 11c respectively. 11d shown schematically in a plan view. The passage openings or pores 7 These flat rectangular structures have in these two cases each rectangular shape.

Generally speaking, the hollow stem 2 , which one by rolling up the in 11e As a whole, a flat grid structure is obtained as a whole while the hollow stalk shown 2 , which one by rolling up the in 11f shown flat structure receives, only partially has a grid structure. Similarly, the hollow stem 2 , which one by rolling up the in 11c The flat structure shown receives, almost completely, a so-called grid structure, while the hollow stem 2 , which one by rolling up the in 11d again shown only partially has a grid structure. In the case of 11f and 11d could the flat structure shown or the stem 2 Of course, in the area where it does not have a grid structure, also more pores 7 exhibit. And the term grid structure does not depend on the size or the shape (whether circle, rhombus, rectangle, square, etc.) of the cross section of the passage openings or pores 7 the respective grid structure - or whether the hollow stem 2 is rolled up from a foil, thin plate or equivalent planar structure or produced directly as a hollow body - but designates any regular arrangement of pores 7 in the wall of a hollow stalk 2 a swab according to the invention 1 , which can be completely or partially converted into itself by means of a translation, rotation, Achsenspiegelung or point mirroring. So is a (completely or partially) hollow stem 2 a swab according to the invention 1 whose wall 11 wholly or partly should have at least one lattice structure, not on the example in the 11c -F shown grid structures limited, but there are many modifications and variations thereof conceivable.

The according to the eighth embodiment indirectly through the cap 4 of the swab 1 passing pore 7 is not with a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 closed, and not the pores 7 passing through the wall 11 of the hollow stalk 2 go through, so that - as in 11a shown - both the interior of the hollow stalk 2 as well as the interior of the associated container 5 when the swab 1 is inserted in this, and thus the biological sample on the tampon 3 of the stem 2 against contamination, contamination and the like, advantageously by means of a covering device 15 , in this case by means of a on the cap 4 snap-on cap 60 (which can also be screwed on) should be protected if the biological sample is not being dried. Of course, for this purpose, a slider device would be 42 For example, as in the seventh embodiment ( 10a and 10b ), suitable. Instead of a cover device 15 On the other hand, as in the ninth embodiment, FIG 11b to see one indirectly through the cap 4 of the swab 1 passing pore 7 simply with a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 in the area of the hollow stalk 2 passing through the cap 4 passes through - advantageously directly where the pore 7 on the surface or outside of the cap 4 opens - be closed, so that - similar to the eighth embodiment (see 11a ) - the pores 7 passing through the wall 11 of the hollow stalk 2 go through, not in addition with semipermeable membranes 10 must be closed, since they are indeed de facto by the first-mentioned semipermeable membrane 10 are closed.

The according to the ninth embodiment (see 11b ) indirectly through the cap 4 of the swab 1 passing pore 7 can be particularly simple and advantageous also by means of a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 be closed on the top or outside of the cap 4 just over the opening there opening the hollow handle 2 - the pore 7 - Glued, as already in connection with the third embodiment (see 5 ). Of course, according to the ninth embodiment, indirectly through the cap 4 of the swab 1 passing pore 7 also by means of a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 which are deeper inside the hollow stem 2 is arranged, but it should be advantageously above the pores 7 passing through the wall 11 of the hollow stalk 2 go through, be arranged so that these are not additional with semipermeable membranes 10 must be closed.

On the other hand, just this can be simpler and thus less expensive for manufacturing reasons, for example, if you have a hollow handle 2 a swab according to the invention 1 from a flat rectangular structure with corresponding passage openings, so the later pores 7 , as described above, by means of roll up, since then the pores 7 in this flat structure especially easy before curling it - for example by gluing a single, appropriately sized semipermeable membrane 10 on this structure - can close, which in turn a subsequent and possibly more difficult in the finished rolled handle 2 to be attached semipermeable membrane 10 above these pores 7 can make redundant. You would then after rolling up the structure then only the lower end 12 of the ready-rolled stalk 2 So where's the stem? 2 in the tampon 3 will plug, for example, by immersion in a suitable, self-curing adhesive or plastic compound, before then the tampon 3 on a stick 2 attach and the stalk 2 then finally with its upper end 13 which remains unlocked in the corresponding by the associated cap 4 passing through cylindrical opening, whereby a further embodiment of a swab according to the invention 1 finished.

It should be mentioned that it is a hollow handle 2 a swab according to the invention 1 , which indirectly through the cap 4 of the swab 1 passing pore 7 represents and the other also still pores 7 that runs through the wall 11 of the hollow stalk 2 go through, in a sense is a matter of the viewer's point of view, where a pore 7 starts and where it ends, especially if the inside of the hollow stalk 2 now - completely or only partially - its own pore 7 represents or, in whole or in part, as part of the wall 11 of the hollow stalk 2 passing pores 7 is understood. However, this does not represent any ambiguity in the matter but only shows that different perspectives and the associated formulations would be possible.

Finally, it should be mentioned that the hollow stem 2 a swab according to the invention 1 also completely or partially - from one or more semipermeable membranes according to the invention 10 can exist, so from "large" pores 7 as described and described above in Section A, provided each semipermeable membrane 10 and the stalk 2 and the swab 1 are designed only so stable that the required stability of the stem 2 and the swab 1 are guaranteed, even if a "big" pore 7 the whole or a large part of the stem 2 accounts. In the simplest case, there is the hollow stem 2 such a swab according to the invention 1 from a flat, rectangular piece of semipermeable membrane 10 which rolled up into a suitable hollow cylinder and into a corresponding cylindrical opening through the cap 4 of the swab 1 goes through, was plugged. Consists of the hollow stalk 2 a swab according to the invention 1 only partially from "large" pores 7 It is of course not excluded that the stem 2 in the other areas of its wall 11 even more, smaller pores 7 , for example, with a diameter of 1 mm.

Finally, once again stated that the design of the hollow handle 2 a swab according to the invention 1 in principle completely independent of the other embodiment of the cap 4 of the swab 1 is, especially with regard to directly through the cap 4 passing pores 7 and with regard to covering devices 15 for those through the cap 4 passing pores 7 , Various variations and modifications of the previously described swabs according to the invention 1 and combinations of their characteristics So are advantageously possible. And it should also be emphasized once again that a swab according to the invention 1 , the pores 7 in his cap 4 (and possibly also covering devices 15 for it like slider devices 40 , Turning devices 44 or caps 60 ) and / or pores 7 in his stalk 2 and / or its stem 2 completely or partially - from one or more semipermeable membranes 10 exists, not only together with an associated container according to the invention 5 , which also pores 7 (and possibly also covering devices 15 for it like cover devices 15 with or out of cylinder rings 30 or covering devices 15 like sheaths 50 ), but also together with a suitable, ie the swab 1 matching and with this corresponding container 5 according to the prior art.

Section C: Containers 5 , in particular more general containers 5 that is not associated with an associated swab 1 must be used, and more general closure devices 16 for this

The in conjunction with the 1 to 11 shown container 5 and described embodiments are oriented - what the basic geometric shape of the container 5 in terms of forms, as currently known in the art for containers 5 that in conjunction with associated swabs 1 are to be used, are common in general. In other words, this kind of container 5 has a substantially cylindrical, rotationally symmetric shape, for example, with a flat bottom 8th (see the 1 to 10 and 14 ) or with a rounded or hemispherical bottom 8th (see the 11 . 12a . 12b . 12d . 13b and 13d ). But there are of course other obvious and simple embodiments of a floor 8th a rotationally symmetrical container 5 possible, for example conical (see 12c and 13a ), or even the container 5 is not rotationally symmetrical but quadrangular - ie substantially cuboid, such as a cuvette - and thus has fourfold symmetry. The point is, and it should be expressly stated at this point, that the implementation of the inventive concept does not depend on the geometric shape of a container 5 depends, in particular not in relation to pores according to the invention 7 in the wall 6 a container 5 or with respect to covering devices according to the invention 15 for this. Thus, all shown in the figures and addressed in the description container shapes are to be understood only by way of example and can be varied in many ways, without thereby affecting the implementation of the inventive concept.

Equally obvious is that - with a container 5 For use with an accompanying swab 1 is designed - the application of the inventive idea on the cap 4 of the swab 1 not from the geometric shape of the cap 4 depends, in particular not with respect to the cap 4 passing pores according to the invention 7 or with respect to covering devices according to the invention 15 for that, provided that the associated features do not specifically relate to characteristics associated with the stem 2 of the swab 1 related.

In summary, considering the cap 4 a swab according to the invention 1 omitting the stalk 2 of the swab 1 generalized, one obtains a more general closure device 16 for an associated, more general container 5 That's just not for use with an associated swab 1 but in which a biological sample on a suitable carrier (for example on a tampon 3 that from a swab 1 was cut) simply inserted - or otherwise introduced - can be, and can the previously described embodiments and variations thereof analogously to this more general container 5 and an associated more general closure device 16 (unless the relevant characteristics specifically concern characteristics with the stem 2 a swab 1 related).

Before now in conjunction with the 12 to 14 some examples of an inventive with a (more general) closure device 16 lockable (more general) container 5 It should be noted that hereinafter under a (more general) container 5 always the actual container body, in which a biological sample can be introduced and stored, including the associated (more general) closure device 16 to be understood. In this case, the (more general) closure device 16 either permanently connected to the actual container body - as in the 12b . 13a . 13b and 13d each shown in a longitudinal section eleventh or fourteenth or fifteenth or seventeenth embodiment - or only temporarily be connectable to the actual container body, ie the actual container body and the associated (more general) closure device 16 In this case, they can be connected as often and reversibly as possible and separated again (as in the case of 12a . 12c . 12d and 13c each shown in a longitudinal section tenth or twelfth or thirteenth or sixteenth embodiment). Under the latter should also in conjunction with the 14 according to the invention described, with a more general closure device 16 lockable more general container 5 fall, in which the container body by means of a whole or partially from a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 existing more general closure device 16 pointing to the edge of the opening 14 of the container 5 is glued, is closed, these wholly or partly of a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 existing more general closure device 16 either detached several times and glued on again or - if it must be destroyed for the purpose of detachment - only once is usable. A basic feature of a device according to the invention with a (more general) closure device 16 lockable (more general) container 5 However, there is always the fact that at least one pore invention 7 through the wall 6 of the container 5 or the closure device 16 of the container 5 passing through, wherein under the formulation "at least one pore 7 through the closure device 16 goes through "the case is to be understood that the closure device 16 only - ie completely - from a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 consists, or essentially consists of a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 consists.

It should also be noted in advance that, regardless of how an inventive with a (more general) closure device 16 lockable (more general) container 5 is designed according to the concept of the invention, this container 5 and in particular, the actual container body can always additionally be designed so that it has a matching associated swab 1 with cap 4 gives, in other words, that the opening 14 of the container 5 optionally with an associated more general closure device 16 or with an associated swab 1 ie its cap 4 , can be closed. It can the associated, with the (more general) container 5 corresponding swabs 1 either a swab 1 according to the prior art or a swab according to the invention 1 as described above. Such a (more general) container according to the invention 5 then has the advantage that it is more versatile. For example, the (more general) containers 5 according to the tenth to nineteenth embodiments of the invention disclosed in the 10 to 14 are shown, in each case so ausgestaltbar.

It is understood that all methods that have been described so far, a pore invention 7 with one or more semipermeable membranes according to the invention 10 to close, especially one through the cap 4 a swab according to the invention 1 passing pore 7 to close, even on the pores 7 can be applied by a (more general) closure device 16 pass. And, in particular, everyone can walk through the wall 6 a (more general) container according to the invention 5 passing pores according to the invention 7 sealed in the ways previously described to a pore according to the invention 7 in the wall 6 one to a swab 1 belonging container according to the invention 5 to close.

As an example of a device according to the invention with a (more general) closure device 16 lockable (more general) container 5 show the 12a a substantially cylindrical, rotationally symmetrical container 5 with a removable closure device 16 according to a tenth embodiment of the invention in a longitudinal section. Here is the closure device 16 from one into the opening 14 the container or the actual container body insertable, substantially disc-shaped lid 62 , which is a central, along the axis of rotation of the lid 62 passing through this pore according to the invention 7 having, with a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 is closed (and partially, ie in the sense of the second way, for example, further above in Section B in conjunction with particularly advantageous methods, one through the cap 4 a swab according to the invention 1 passing pore 7 with one or more semipermeable membranes 10 to close).

The actual container body has no pore (s) according to the invention in the case of the tenth embodiment of the invention. 7 on, passing through the wall 6 (Side wall 9 and / or soil 8th ) of the container 5 go through, and so in principle may be a container or container body, as is known in the prior art. The lid 62 can of course also a different number and arrangement of pores 7 have, for example, as the lid 62 according to the thirteenth embodiment, which is in 12e in a plan view of the top of this cover 62 is shown and the, as you can see, six pores 7 each having a semipermeable membrane 10 are closed. The lid 62 According to the tenth embodiment, if necessary, can be completely removed from the container body and again on this (in the opening 14 ) are inserted.

One particular advantage of the tenth embodiment is that easy and inexpensive is to produce.

As an example of a device according to the invention with a (more general) closure device 16 lockable (more general) container 5 show the 12b a container 5 with a closure device permanently connected to the actual container body 16 according to an eleventh version tion form of the invention in a longitudinal section, otherwise the same as the container 5 is configured according to the tenth embodiment. In the case of the eleventh embodiment, the shutter device 16 from a lid 62 , with the exception of the semipermeable membrane 10 in the central by this substantially disc-shaped lid 62 passing pore 7 - Is made of a suitable elastic plastic and at one point at its edge a thin, flexible, thread or cylindrical extension has (as in 12b can be seen in the cut), with its end permanently with a spot on the outside of the wall 6 , ie on the outside of the side wall 9 , the actual container body or container 5 near its opening 14 is connected (for example by means of an adhesive, or by welding, if the actual container body is also made of a suitable plastic, or by means of a hot melt adhesive, etc.), such that the lid 62 if necessary in the opening 14 to close the same plugged in and, if necessary, again from the opening 14 for releasing the same can be removed, the lid 62 remains connected through its flexible extension continuously and permanently with the actual container body.

In contrast to the plug-in closure devices 16 ie insertable covers 62 , in the tenth and eleventh embodiments, the (more general) containers 5 according to the twelfth embodiment (which in 12c shown in a longitudinal section) and the thirteenth embodiment (which in 12d in a longitudinal section and in 12e in a plan view of the top of the closure device 16 shown) in each case a screw-on closure device 16 , ie screw-on lid 62 , on. The containers 5 or the actual container body are rotationally symmetrical, in the case of the twelfth embodiment substantially a hollow cylinder whose lower end is closed with a corresponding hollow cone, and in the case of the thirteenth embodiment substantially a hollow cylinder whose lower end is closed with a corresponding hollow hemisphere, and have at the open, other (ie upper) end in an area on the outside of the wall 6 ie the sidewall 9 , one thread each. The associated lids 62 each have substantially the shape of a short hollow cylinder, which is closed at its upper end by means of a disc-shaped structure through which a central pore 7 (in the case of the twelfth embodiment - see 12c ) or six arranged in the shape of an equilateral hexagon pores 7 (in the case of the thirteenth embodiment - see 12d and 12e ), and which is open at its other (ie lower) end, with the lids 62 each at its open end in an area on the inside of its cylindrical side wall having an internal thread that corresponds to the external thread of the associated container body.

The central, symmetrical in the lid 62 according to the twelfth embodiment (see 12c ) arranged pore 7 is with a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 completely filled out, so on the above as a method 1 designated manner closed. The six symmetrical in the lid 62 according to the thirteenth embodiment (see 12d and 12e ) arranged pores 7 on the other hand, are in each case only partially with a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 filled in, so on the above as a method 2 designated manner closed. Of course, the pores could be 7 in the covers 62 according to the tenth to thirteenth embodiments also be closed so that a single, suitably sized semipermeable membrane 10 respectively corresponding to the outside or top of the respective lid 62 over all pores 7 in the lid 62 is glued, what the above as a method 4 designated way, pores 7 to close would correspond.

In general, the tenth to thirteenth embodiments - and this also applies to the fourteenth to seventeenth embodiments described immediately below - can of course be modified so that their covers 62 are not plugged in or screwed on but optionally also snap-on (in this case, the lid would have 62 - At least partially - be designed according to elastic). Also latching mechanisms for lids 62 are general and generally conceivable.

And as already mentioned several times, the tenth to thirteenth embodiments can also be modified to include covering devices 15 for through their closure devices 16 - the lids 62 - passing pores 7 have, for example, covering devices 15 like caps 60 (as already described in connection with the third and seventh embodiments and in connection with the 5 and 11 and in the following also in connection with the fourteenth to nineteenth embodiments and the 13 and 14 to be discribed). Or - and this also applies to the fourteenth to seventeenth embodiments described below in the following - covering devices 15 like slider devices 40 - As already in connection with the seventh embodiment and in conjunction with the 10a -G have been described - or rotating devices 44 (as also already in connection with the seventh embodiment and in connection with the 10a -G).

And of course the containers can 5 according to the tenth to thirteenth embodiments also be modified such that they according to the invention by their wall 6 (Side wall 9 and / or soil 8th ) passing pores 7 and optionally also covering devices 15 have for example, covering devices 15 with or out of cylinder rings 30 - As already in connection with the sixth embodiment and in connection with the 8th and 9 have been described - or covers 50 as already stated (in connection with the sixth embodiment and in conjunction with the embodiments according to FIGS 1 to 11 ) and as described below and in connection with the 13a -D are described.

Further examples of covering devices 15 such as cases 50 and cylinder rings 30 Thus, if not yet described, the following description of the fourteenth to seventeenth embodiments of the invention can be found.

At this point it should be pointed out once again that all covering devices according to the invention 15 , in particular all previously described and all cover devices described below 15 serve to pores of the invention 7 - Especially those not with a semipermeable membranes according to the invention 10 are closed - to cover as needed, so that no unwanted substances through the covered pores 7 (and optionally by their semipermeable membranes 10 ) can get through. A cover device 15 for one or more pores 7 containing semipermeable membranes 10 are closed, not only can be useful if the corresponding semipermeable membrane 10 in a particular case is such that it is still (partially) permeable to certain undesirable substances such as bacteria, viruses, prions or other germs, but is also useful if the pores 7 and / or the associated semipermeable membranes 10 protected against mechanical damage or contamination. A cover device 15 generally consists, at least in part, of a material which is impermeable to undesired substances, for example impermeable to moisture, dirt, bacteria, viruses, germs or biological material, depending on the use and the nature and configuration of the associated device according to the invention. Suitable materials are generally plastic, plastic, glass, acrylic, metal, metal alloy and the like.

As an example of a device according to the invention with a (more general) closure device 16 lockable (more general) container 5 show the 13a a container 5 with a permanently connected closure device 16 - a lid 62 - and two removable cover devices 15 - a shell 50 and a cap 60 - According to a fourteenth embodiment of the invention in a longitudinal section. The container 5 or the actual container body is rotationally symmetrical, more precisely, consists of a hollow cylinder whose lower end is closed with a corresponding hollow cone and the other (ie upper) end is open and, as usual, the opening 14 of the container.

The closure device 16 of the container 5 according to the fourteenth embodiment consists in principle of a closure device 16 as in the eleventh embodiment (see 12b ) - So from a permanently connected to the actual container body, substantially disc-shaped lid 62 with a central passing, with a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 closed pore 7 -, But additionally has on its disc-shaped top nor a ring land on which an associated cover device 15 namely a substantially disc-shaped cap 60 , Which has on its underside a corresponding with the aforementioned ring land annular groove, snapped if necessary and can be removed again if necessary, such that the cap 60 the pore 7 covered in the snapped condition and thus protects against contamination, damage, contaminating substances and the like.

In the wall 6 , ie more accurate sidewall 9 , the container 5 according to the fourteenth embodiment are at two different heights - "height" is with respect to the longitudinal axis of a container 5 to understand - in each one around the side wall 9 encircling circle pores 7 arranged, all with a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 are closed. Around these pores 7 If necessary, the fourteenth embodiment comprises a cover as needed 50 trained covering device 15 , This shell 50 has the shape of a hollow cylinder whose lower end is closed with a corresponding hollow cone and whose other (ie upper) end is open, and corresponds to the lower part of the container 5 , so that they are on the container 5 can be positively pushed from the bottom and again removed from this, ie deported, can, and in such a way that they are the pores 7 in the sidewall 9 covers the container in the deferred state and thus protects against contamination, damage, unwanted substances and the like. Because the case 50 has no openings in its wall, it is particularly simple and inexpensive to manufacture, and also covers, no matter in which rotational position (with respect to the longitudinal axis of the container 5 or her own symmetry axis) on the container 5 is postponed, the pores 7 in the sidewall 9 of the container 5 in the deferred state advantageously always off.

Of course, the fourteenth embodiment can be modified. So can the shell 50 and the container 5 or actual container body are designed so that the shell 50 in the deferred state also non-positively on the wall 6 of the container 5 is seated, optionally with a corresponding fixation, for example by means of a releasable latching via corresponding, mutually corresponding latching projections and locking recesses on the shell and on the container 5 , The case 50 and the container 5 or actual container body can also be designed so that they are still (essentially) rotationally symmetrical but in the direction of their longitudinal or symmetry axis have a downwardly slightly - or more - decreasing cross-section, ie tapered, for example that the narrowing shell 50 when pushed onto its associated, correspondingly also narrowing actual container body in a particularly simple manner when reaching its end position (in this case, ie in the fully pushed state) positively and / or non-positively, for example via a corresponding elastic deformation of container 5 and sheath 50 , is fixed. In a further modification, the shell 50 also have openings that pass through its side wall and those with the pores 7 in the sidewall 9 of the container 5 correspond - quite analogously as in the sixth embodiment (see the 8th to 9 ) the openings 32 in the cylinder ring 30 with the pores 7 in the sidewall 9 the local container 5 correspond - so that in the deferred state at least two different rotational positions (with respect to the longitudinal axis of the container 5 or the shell 50 ), advantageously each reversibly fixable, for example, reversibly latched, are possible, such that the pores 7 in the sidewall 9 of the container 5 be covered in one rotational position and not covered in the other rotational position. Furthermore, the cap 60 and the lid 62 be modified so that the cap 60 otherwise than described on the lid 62 Can be snapped, or that the cap 60 on the lid 62 can be screwed or plugged.

As an example of a device according to the invention with a (more general) closure device 16 lockable (more general) container 5 show the 13b a container 5 with a permanently connected closure device 16 - a lid 62 - and two covering devices 15 - a removable cap 60 and a removable cylinder ring 30 - According to a fifteenth embodiment of the invention in a longitudinal section. The container 5 or the actual container body is rotationally symmetrical, more precisely, consists of a hollow cylinder whose lower end is closed with a corresponding Hohlhalbkugel and the other (ie upper) end is open and as usual the opening 14 of the container. The closure device 16 of the container 5 consists in principle of a closure device 16 as in the eleventh embodiment (see 12b ) - So from a permanently connected to the actual container body, substantially disc-shaped lid 62 with a central passing, with a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 closed pore 7 -, Her disc-shaped top is also still designed so that an associated cover 15 namely a substantially disc-shaped cap 60 , snapped if necessary and can be removed again if necessary, such that the cap 60 the pore 7 covered in the snapped condition and thus protects against contamination, damage, moisture, contaminating substances and the like.

In the sidewall 9 of the container 5 According to the fifteenth embodiment, as in the sixth embodiment (see FIGS 8th and 9 ) - at a certain height ("height" is relative to the longitudinal axis of a container 5 to understand) in one around the sidewall 9 revolving circle four pores 7 arranged at equal azimuthal distances from each other, all with a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 are closed. Around these pores 7 If necessary, the fifteenth embodiment can be covered as a cylinder ring 30 trained covering device 15 , without openings in its side wall, on the container 5 positively pushed from below and can be deported from this again, such that the cylinder ring 30 the pores 7 in the sidewall 9 covers the container in the deferred state and thus protects against contamination, damage and the like. Since the cylinder ring 30 has no openings in its wall, it is particularly simple and inexpensive to manufacture, and also covers, no matter in which rotational position (with respect to the longitudinal axis of the container 5 or its own axis of symmetry) on the container 5 is postponed, the pores 7 in the sidewall 9 of the container 5 in the deferred state advantageously always off.

The modifications described above in the fourteenth embodiment with respect to the lid 62 and the cap 60 of course, are also possible in the fifteenth embodiment. Likewise, the modifications that are earlier in the fourteenth embodiment with respect to the shell 50 and the container 5 or ei were addressed to the natural container body, also on the cylinder ring 30 and the container 5 transferable according to the fifteenth embodiment. In particular so that the cylinder ring 30 and the container 5 or actual container body can be modified so that the cylinder ring 30 in the deferred state also non-positively, for example by means of a releasable latching, on the wall 6 of the container 5 seated. Or that the cylinder ring 30 in the deferred final state by means of an elastic deformation of itself and / or the container 5 or the actual container body is fixed positively and / or non-positively (for example, because the cylinder ring 30 and the container body each have a cross-section that is suitably smaller in the direction of its longitudinal axis or symmetry axis). Or that the cylinder ring 30 through openings through its side wall 32 that has with the pores 7 in the sidewall 9 of the container 5 correspond, so that in the deferred state, at least two different rotational positions, advantageously each reversibly fixable, are possible, such that the pores 7 in the sidewall 9 of the container 5 be covered in one rotational position and not covered in the other rotational position.

It should be noted that a cylinder ring 30 - with or without openings 32 - also under the concept of a shell 50 falls when he hits the appropriate container 5 positively and / or non-positively pushed - for example, from below - and again removed from this, for example, deported, can be.

The fifteenth embodiment may be further modified so that the cylinder ring 30 that has no passage openings 32 has, in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the container 5 on the outside of the side wall 9 of the container 5 can be pushed back and forth, so that he can take two positions, and a first position in which the pores 7 in the side wall of the container 5 are not covered, and a second position in which they are covered. In this case, the cylinder ring 30 and the side wall 9 the container be designed so that the cylinder ring 30 only between these two positions on the side wall 9 of the container 5 can be moved back and forth (for example by means of corresponding stop webs on the side wall 9 of the container 5 ), if necessary, so that it is locked in any of these two positions or otherwise reversibly fixed, and so that it can not be removed from the container.

Of course, the fifteenth embodiment may be modified so that the cylinder ring 30 as in the sixth embodiment (see the 8th and 9 ) with openings 32 is provided with the pores 7 in the sidewall 9 of the container 5 can correspond, and by means of the measures in connection with the sixth embodiment and the 8th and 9 permanently on the side wall of the container 5 be held. In particular, such a cylinder ring 30 with passage openings 32 So by guides 34 as shown, for example, in the sixth embodiment (see FIGS 8th and 9 ) can be used, rotatably supported on its side edges and thereby - advantageously - in each of its functional rotational positions reversibly fixable, for example, reversibly latched, be. Or instead of the side guides 34 has the cylinder ring 30 on its inside a - at least one - wholly or partially around its inner circumference circumferential groove or - at least - a completely or partially around its inner circumference circumferential ridge, to match or corresponding to one or more webs or grooves on the outside of the side wall 9 of the container 5 in the area of the pores 7 are arranged in a suitable manner. These grooves and lands - and / or additional projections and recesses on the cylinder ring and the side wall 9 of the container 5 - Can advantageously be designed again so that the cylinder ring 30 can be reversibly fixed in certain rotational positions, so that an undesirable random rotation of the same is excluded.

As an example of a device according to the invention with a (more general) closure device 16 lockable (more general) container 5 show the 13c a container 5 with a screw-off closure device 16 , a screw-on lid 62 , and with two removable cover devices 15 , a shell 50 and a cap 60 , According to a sixteenth embodiment of the invention in a longitudinal section. The container 5 or the actual container body is rotationally symmetrical, more precisely, consists of a hollow cylinder whose lower end is just closed and a pore 7 having, with a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 is closed, and the other (ie upper) end is open and in an area on the outside of the side wall 9 has a thread. In the sidewall 9 of the container 5 are further as in the fourteenth embodiment (see 13a ) on two around the sidewall 9 encircling circles pores 7 arranged, all with a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 are closed and have a slightly smaller diameter than the pores 7 in the fourteenth embodiment.

The closure device 16 of the container 5 according to the sixteenth embodiment consists of a closure device 16 as in the twelfth embodiment (see 12c ), so from a screw-on lid 62 which in essence Chen has the shape of a short hollow cylinder, which is closed at its upper end by means of a disc-shaped structure through which a centrally disposed pore 7 goes through with a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 is closed, and which is open at its other (ie lower) end, with the lid 62 at its open end in an area on the inside of its cylindrical side wall has an internal thread which is connected to the external thread at the upper end of the container body of the container 5 corresponds. As in 13c Can be seen centrally through the top of the lid 62 passing pore 7 if required with a snap-on cap 60 be covered, which is essentially like the cap 60 according to the fifteenth embodiment (see 13b ) is designed. Or this cap 60 can be modified as it already is with the cap 60 has been described according to the fifteenth embodiment. As a detail and difference to the cap 60 according to the fifteenth embodiment, note that the in 13c shown cap 60 according to the sixteenth embodiment im on the lid 62 snapped open a space between itself and the top of the lid 62 leaves.

The pores 7 in the sidewall 9 and the pore 7 in the ground 8th of the container 5 According to the sixteenth embodiment, if necessary, with a sheath 50 be covered, which in principle like the shell 50 and their modifications are as described in connection with the fourteenth embodiment (see 13a ). The only real difference between the shell 50 according to the sixteenth embodiment as shown in FIG 13c shown, and the shell 50 according to the fourteenth embodiment, as shown in FIG 13a is shown is the geometric shape and design of the shell 50 in the area of their soil. The bottom of the case 50 according to the sixteenth embodiment as shown in FIG 13c Namely, it is configured as a half-spherical segment (and not as a hollow cone as in the fourteenth embodiment), so that even if the sheath 50 completely on its associated container 5 According to the sixteenth embodiment is postponed, always a space between the bottom of the shell 50 and the floor 8th of the container 5 remains. In other words, even in the fully deferred state is the shell 50 only partially positive fit with the outside of the container 5 connected. However, this feature is independent of the other features of the envelope 50 and has no particular effect on the shell 50 according to the sixteenth embodiment as the sheath 50 can be modified according to fourteenth embodiment, as in and in connection with the fourteenth embodiment (see 13a ).

As an example of a device according to the invention with a (more general) closure device 16 lockable (more general) container 5 show the 13d a container 5 with a permanently connected closure device 16 - a lid 62 - and two covering devices 15 - a removable cap 60 and a removable cylinder ring 30 - According to a seventeenth embodiment of the invention in a longitudinal section. The only difference between the seventeenth embodiment and the fifteenth embodiment (see 13b ) is that the pores 7 in the seventeenth embodiment are not closed with a semipermeable membrane. In this case it is particularly advantageous to use the cap 60 and the cylinder ring 30 only from the container 5 According to the seventeenth embodiment, when a wet biological sample therein is to be dried, so as to prevent contamination and contamination of this sample. Otherwise, all that has been said in connection with the fifteenth embodiment and its modifications and variations, also applies to the modifications and variations that are possible in the seventeenth embodiment.

As examples of a class of particularly easy to manufacture, easy to use and versatile, according to the invention with a (more general) closure device 16 lockable (more general) containers 5 show the 14a and 14b one container each 5 - In a longitudinal section - and an associated closure device 16 - in plan view on its underside - in accordance with an eighteenth ( 14a ) or nineteenth ( 14b ) Embodiment of the invention.

The containers 5 According to the eighteenth and nineteenth embodiments are each substantially hollow cylinder, which are closed at one end, its lower end, by means of a flat disc - thus a flat bottom 8th - And the other end, so the upper end is unlocked and as usual the opening 14 of the container 5 includes. At the top, each container has 5 one at the edge of the hollow cylinder around the opening 14 of the container 5 circumferential ridge, which is designed so wide in the radial direction (radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder) that thereon a substantially flat, planar - for example, circular - structure 16 can be glued, such that the opening 14 of the container 5 then it is closed. This essentially flat, stick-on structure 16 In the general case, this consists partly or completely of a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 , which is designed to be stable, for example, as a correspondingly stable, from a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 existing foil. Or - for example wise - the flat, stickable structure 16 consists of a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 into which a suitable, correspondingly stable carrier has been incorporated or connected to a suitable, correspondingly stable carrier.

It should be emphasized at this point that such a flat, stick-on structure 16 especially then as a (more general) closure device 16 through which a pore 7 goes through, should be construed in the context of the present invention, if the whole flat, stick-on structure 16 from a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 exists, or if the whole plane, stickable structure 16 from a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 exists, on its edge region - corresponding to the above around the opening 14 of the container 5 circumferential web - an adhesive layer 20 is applied. Of course, such a flat, stickable structure belongs 16 even to the (more general) closure devices 16 through which a pore 7 passes, in the sense of the present invention, if only part of its surface - for example, in the center of the flat, stick-on structure 16 From a semipermeable membrane 10 is taken, the edge area but not, for example, because it consists of a carrier material. And of course, such a flat, stick-on structure belongs 16 to the (more general) closure devices according to the invention 16 through which several pores 7 go through, in the context of the present invention, if several areas of its surface - for example, in the center of the planar structure 16 - Each of a semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 be taken, the remaining area of the structure but not.

As in 14a is shown schematically, there is the flat, stickable structure 16 according to the eighteenth embodiment completely from a suitable semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 , which is designed as a circular foil whose diameter is the diameter of the opening 14 the associated container 5 including the surrounding surrounding web corresponds. To stick on the around the opening 14 of the container 5 circumferential ridge is an adhesive according to the eighteenth embodiment 20 applied to the top of this bridge. The adhesive 20 On the bridge can be protected in principle with a peelable film, which is only deducted when a biological sample in the container 5 has introduced - or if you have a biological sample in the container 5 wants to bring in, if this protective film until then, the opening 14 of the container 5 closes (and so until then the interior of the container 5 protects against contamination etc.) - and the container 5 with the plane, stickable structure 16 to close according to the eighteenth embodiment. Depending on the type of adhesive 20 - whether this is permanent or removable again sticky - can the flat, stick-on structure 16 according to the eighteenth embodiment after being applied to the around the opening 14 of the container 5 either completely removed by destroying it, or it can be peeled off several times and glued on again.

In the second case, it is particularly advantageous if the plane, circular, completely made of a semipermeable membrane 10 existing foil, which is the flat, stick-on structure 16 according to the eighteenth embodiment, is modified such that, after their application (sticking) on around the opening 14 of the container 5 circumferential web can easily be deducted by hand again from this and removed, for example by means of a on the edge of - otherwise still circular - flat, stick-together structure 16 molded side tab to touch with the fingers of one hand. For this purpose one can use the flat, stickable structure 16 according to the eighteenth embodiment, but of course also modify otherwise, for example, by the diameter of the circular flat, stick-together structure 16 makes larger than the diameter - including the surrounding circumferential ridge - the opening 14 the associated container 5 , so that you can see the edge of this structure 16 then again with the fingers of one hand can easily grab when it is on the around the opening 14 his associated container 5 circumferential web is applied. But even in the first case - or in general in any case - it is advantageous if the flat, stick-on structure 16 acting as a (more general) shutter device 16 according to the present invention, having a shape and / or configuration (s) at its edge, such that it can be grasped with the fingers of one hand - or a suitable tool, or by machine, etc. - and lightly on the one around the opening 14 the associated container 5 applied circumferential web (glued) and then removed again from this (possibly with destruction of the structure 16 ) can be.

Of course, the protective film referred to in the penultimate paragraph may also advantageously have a shape and / or design as just discussed, so that it can easily be grasped with the fingers of one hand - or a suitable tool, or by machine, etc. - and onto both the opening 14 an associated container 5 circumferential web (and the adhesive 20 on it) applied (glued) as well as it can be deducted and removed. Note that if the protective film has a substantially circular shape as the flat, stick-on structure 16 according to the eighteenth embodiment or as one of the just in the preceding paragraph discu Formed forms - the protective film in on the around the opening 14 of the container 5 circumferential web applied state not only the adhesive 20 on the bridge but also - because they then because of their shape and the opening 14 of the container 5 closes - the interior of the container 5 protects against contamination, contamination, moisture, damage and the like. And if the glue 20 In this case, it is additionally releasably adhesive - the protective film is therefore applied several times to the web without damage (by means of the adhesive 20 glued on it and can be pulled off the bridge again -, it is particularly advantageous if the flat, stick-on structure 16 according to the eighteenth embodiment - or according to one of the modifications just discussed in the preceding paragraph thereof - and this protective film are formed as one and the same film, as one and the same structure, this protective film thus simultaneously also a planar, stick-on structure according to the invention 16 - and vice versa - represents. In all appropriately designed embodiments, it is unnecessary to work with two different films / structures, which is already advantageous for reasons of cost and simplicity with respect to the handling of the same. In particular, such a flat, stick-on structure 16 then already from production of the - generally sterile - container 5 on the around the opening 14 of the container 5 be applied or detachable adhered to circumferential web and to protect the interior of the container 5 only then removed (and then reapplied), if you put a biological sample in the container 5 bring in or remove from this.

It should also be noted that the (more general) container 5 according to the eighteenth embodiment (see 14a ) and according to their modifications - and this also applies to the nineteenth embodiment described below (see 14b ) and their modifications - not necessarily one around its opening 14 must have circumferential web so that the flat, stick-on structure 16 acting as a (more general) shutter device 16 according to the present invention can be glued, but it is also possible, the wall 6 of the container 5 sufficiently thick to design - at least in the edge region at the upper end of the container / hollow cylinder, ie where it ends and the opening 14 of the container 5 comprises -, such that the flat, stick-on structure 16 on the edge of the container 5 can be glued, such that the opening 14 of the container 5 then it is closed.

As in 14b is shown schematically, there is the flat, stickable structure 16 according to the nineteenth embodiment of a suitable semipermeable membrane according to the invention 10 , which is designed as a circular foil whose diameter is the diameter of the opening 14 the associated container 5 including the surrounding circumferential ridge, and in an edge region on its underside, ie in an outer annulus, with that around the opening 14 of the container 5 circumferential web corresponds to an adhesive 20 that sticks on itself around the opening 14 of the container 5 should serve circumferential web. Unlike the eighteenth embodiment, the adhesive is 20 so not on the jetty of the container 5 but on the flat, stickable structure 16 that is the (more general) closure device 16 according to the nineteenth embodiment.

Analogous to the eighteenth embodiment, the adhesive layer 20 on the underside of the flat, stickable structure 16 according to the nineteenth embodiment also be protected in principle with a peelable film, which is only deducted when the opening 14 the associated container 5 with the plane, stickable structure 16 to be closed according to the nineteenth embodiment.

All variations and modifications that have been mentioned in connection with the eighteenth embodiment are, in principle, also applicable to the nineteenth embodiment and its possible variations and modifications. In particular, the adhesive can 20 be permanently adhesive or releasably adhesive. And the geometric shape of the circular, essentially of a semipermeable membrane 10 existing, flat, stick-on structures 16 according to the nineteenth embodiment can also be varied - for example, with an integrally formed tab or a diameter which is greater than the diameter of the around the opening 14 the associated container 5 circumferential web -, in such a way that the flat, aufklebbare Gebildes 16 then with the fingers of one hand - or a suitable tool, or by machine, etc. - grasped at its edge and both lightly on the around the opening 14 the associated container 5 applied circumferential web (glued) and then removed again from this (possibly with destruction of the structure 16 ) can be.

Is the glue 20 on the flat, stickable structure 16 according to the nineteenth embodiment - or according to one of its modifications - which is a (more general) closure device 16 represents according to the present invention, again releasably adhesive, so you can the flat, stick-on structure 16 advantageously at the same time as a protective or protective film for the interior of the associated, in particular empty, container 5 from contamination, contamination, moisture, loading damage and the like by using the flat, stick-on structure 16 constantly on the around the opening 14 of the container 5 applied circumferential edge or glued - especially from before the first use of the generally yes sterile container 5 from, so from the same production -, except for the times in which a biological sample in the container 5 bring in or remove from this, what then then each flat, stick-on structure 16 from the bridge of the container 5 deduct and then apply again.

Further modifications and variations of the eighteenth and nineteenth embodiments and their modifications and variations relate to the possibility of the adhesive 20 only shortly before the use of the flat, stick-on structure 16 as a (more general) closure device 16 on the jetty, around the opening 14 of the container 5 revolves, or on the - suitably designed thick - upper edge of the container 5 around his mouth 14 to apply around, for example by hand. This can - even without appropriate protective film - an undesirable premature gluing process can be avoided.

The adhesive 20 can also be construed as a two-component adhesive in the following sense. In these cases, a first layer is a component 20 of the adhesive on the around the opening 14 of the container 5 circumferential web or on the - suitably designed thick - upper edge of the container 5 around his mouth 14 applied around, and a second layer of the other component 20 of the adhesive is on the bottom of the flat, stick-together structure in a manner corresponding to the first layer 16 applied. Both layers are designed so that they do not have an adhesive effect on their own, so that - even without appropriate protective films - an undesirable bonding process can be avoided in each case. At the same time, however, both layers are designed to bond together - either permanently or releasably adhesive - when in contact with each other, thereby enhancing the use / function of the planar, stickable structure 16 as a (more general) closure device 16 is implemented.

It should be noted that it is of course also possible that a fully functional adhesive layer 20 each on both around the opening 14 of the container 5 circumferential web or on the - suitably designed thick - upper edge of the container 5 around his mouth 14 around and at the same time on the underside of the associated flat, stick-together structure 16 is applied.

Further modifications and variations of the eighteenth and nineteenth embodiments and their modifications and variations relate to the possibility of the planar, stick-on structure 16 - So the (more general) closure device 16 - im on the associated container 5 applied (glued) state by means of a covering device according to the invention 15 For example, by means of a on the associated container 5 according to snap-on or screw cap 60 To cover and thus protect against dirt, damage, moisture, etc. All covering devices described so far in this specification 15 for (more general) closure devices 16 are suitable in principle, provided that they with the special design of the flat, stick-on structure 16 (and the associated container 5 ), which will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

And further modifications and variations of the eighteenth and nineteenth embodiments and their modifications and variations finally concern the possibility of the (more general) container 5 in his sidewall 9 and / or in his soil 8th with one or more pores according to the invention 7 to design and - optionally - covering devices according to the invention 15 for these pores 7 provide, for example, covering devices 15 with cylinder rings 30 , Cylinder rings 30 and covers 50 , as described above several times. All covering devices described so far in this specification 15 for (more general) containers 5 are suitable for this in principle.

All previously described embodiments and modifications and variations thereof are exemplary and only by no means restrictive to understand. Further, on a consistent implementation of the basic Invention based modifications, variations and combinations of which are for the responsible It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and are also intended to be aware of the present invention Invention to be included.

1

swab

2

stalk a swab.

3

tampon a swab.

4

Cap, attached to the upper end of the stem of a swab.

5

Container, for example belonging to a swab Container.

6

wall a container.

7

pore (Through hole)

8th

ground a container (the soil is considered part of the wall of a container).

9

Side wall a container (the sidewall is considered part of the wall of a container).

10

semipermeable membrane

11

wall a hollow stalk of a swab.

12

lower End of a stalk of a swab.

13

upper End of a stalk of a swab.

14

Opening one Container.

15

Covering device (covers one or more pores - permanently or reversibly). Examples that fall under it, see the reference numerals 30 . 40 . 44 . 50 and 60 ,

16

Closure device (closes the opening of a container and is a part of the container that is either permanently or only temporarily connected to the actual container body). Examples that fall under it, see the reference numerals 10 and 62 ,

20

adhesive or component of an adhesive; also appropriate layer of it.

30

cylinder ring

32

Opening (passage opening) in a cylinder ring.

34

guide

40

slider device

42

pusher a slider device.

44

rotator

46

rotating body

48

Opening (passage opening) in a rotating body.

49

guide

50

shell

60

cap

62

cover

Claims (48)

With a closure device ( 16 ) lockable container ( 5 ), suitable for the transport and storage of biological material, characterized in that at least one pore ( 7 ) through the wall ( 6 ) of the container ( 5 ) or the closure device ( 16 ) in such a way that a moist biological sample containing biological material can dry or be dried while in the same with its closure device ( 16 ) closed containers ( 5 ) is located. With a closure device ( 16 ) lockable container ( 5 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of pores ( 7 ) passing through the wall ( 6 ) and / or the closure device ( 16 ) are present. With a closure device ( 16 ) lockable container ( 5 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one pore ( 7 ) with a semipermeable membrane ( 10 ), the semipermeable membrane ( 10 ) is designed in such a way that inside the container ( 5 ) can pass through the liquid in vapor or nebulous or gaseous form to the outside. With a closure device ( 16 ) lockable container ( 5 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that all pores ( 7 ) with a semipermeable membrane ( 10 ) are closed. With a closure device ( 16 ) lockable container ( 5 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one pore ( 7 ) has a circular cross-section with a diameter in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, in particular a diameter in the range of 3 mm to 7 mm, in particular a diameter of 5 mm. With a closure device ( 16 ) lockable container ( 5 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of pores ( 7 ) is present, which are different in size. With a closure device ( 16 ) lockable container ( 5 ) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that a portion of the soil ( 8th ) of the container ( 5 ) or that the entire floor ( 8th ) of the container ( 5 ) a pore ( 7 ) with a semipermeable membrane ( 10 ) is closed. With a closure device ( 16 ) lockable container ( 5 ) according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that at least a portion of the closure device ( 16 ) at least one pore ( 7 ) having a semipermeable membrane ( 10 ) is closed. With a closure device ( 16 ) lockable container ( 5 ) according to one of claims 3 to 8, wherein at least one pore ( 7 ) present with a semipermeable membrane ( 10 ), characterized in that all or corresponding subsets of the semipermeable membrane ( 10 ) closed pores ( 7 ) each in one of the following ways with at least one semipermeable membrane ( 10 ) are: a) a semipermeable membrane ( 10 ) fills a pore ( 7 ) completely off. b) a semipermeable membrane ( 10 ) fills a pore ( 7 ) only partially. c) a semipermeable membrane ( 10 ) closes a pore ( 7 ) in that they are formed as a film and on the inside of the wall ( 6 ) of the container ( 5 ) or the closure device ( 16 ) over the pore ( 7 ) is glued. d) a semipermeable membrane ( 10 ) closes a pore ( 7 ) in that they are formed as a film and on the outside of the wall ( 6 ) of the container ( 5 ) or the closure device ( 16 ) over the pore ( 7 ) is glued. e) A pore ( 7 ) is closed by both a film formed as a semi-permeable membrane ( 10 ) on the inside of the wall ( 6 ) of the container ( 5 ) or the closure device ( 16 ) as well as a semipermeable membrane ( 10 ) on the outside of the wall ( 6 ) of the container ( 5 ) or the closure device ( 16 ) over the pore ( 7 ) are glued. With a closure device ( 16 ) lockable container ( 5 ) according to one of claims 3 to 7 or according to claim 9, if the latter is not the closure device ( 16 ) and / or is related to claim 8, characterized in that the entire closure device ( 16 ) from a semipermeable membrane ( 10 ), which is partially covered with a substance ( 20 ), this substance ( 20 ) is an adhesive or a component of a multi-component adhesive. With a closure device ( 16 ) lockable container ( 5 ) according to one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that a semipermable membrane ( 10 ) consists wholly or partly of one or more of the following materials: a) Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film. b) film consisting of a copolymer with 7% polyester and 30% polyether. c) film consisting of HDPE (high density polyethylene) fibers. System consisting of one with a closure device ( 16 ) closable container ( 5 ) according to one of claims 1 to 11 and at least one covering device ( 15 ) in such a way that the covering device ( 15 ) or the covering devices ( 15 ) at least partially positively and / or non-positively with the outside of the container ( 5 ) and / or the closure device ( 16 ) can be temporarily connected or permanently connected, such that pores ( 7 ) in the wall ( 6 ) of the container ( 5 ) and / or in the closure device ( 16 ) or can be covered as required and released again, such that, when covered, no liquids in steam or nebulous or gaseous form or other undesired substances from the outside access to the covered pores ( 7 ) to have. System according to claim 12, characterized in that one of the at least one covering devices ( 15 ) a cylindrical ring ( 30 ) rotatably mounted on the wall ( 6 ) of the container ( 5 ) and openings ( 32 ), such that in a rotational position pores ( 7 ) are not covered, in another rotational position these pores ( 7 ) are covered. System according to claim 12, characterized in that one of the at least one covering devices ( 15 ) a cylindrical ring ( 30 ) placed on the wall ( 6 ) of the container ( 5 ) deferred and can be deported from this again. System according to claim 12, characterized in that one of the at least one covering devices ( 15 ) from a shell ( 50 ), which is on the wall ( 6 ) of the container ( 5 ) can be postponed and also deported from this again, such that in the pushed state at least the areas of the wall ( 6 ) of the container ( 5 ), in which pores ( 7 ) available. System according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that one of the at least one covering devices ( 15 ) is adapted to the closure device ( 16 ) at least substantially cover. System according to claim 16, characterized in that a covering device ( 15 ) the shape of a on the closure device ( 16 ) snap-on or screw-on cap ( 60 ), which is adapted to the closure device ( 16 ) at least substantially cover. System according to claim 16, characterized in that a covering device ( 15 ) the shape of a permanently on the outside, in particular the top, the closure device ( 16 ) mounted slider device ( 40 ) or rotary device ( 44 ), which is designed to remove pores ( 7 ) in the closure device ( 16 ) cover and release as needed. Container ( 5 ) for a medical swab ( 1 ), suitable for transporting and storing the swab ( 1 ), the swab ( 1 ) from a stalk ( 2 ), at one end, the so-called lower end ( 11 ), a tampon ( 3 ) and at the other end, the so-called upper end ( 12 ), a cap ( 4 ), wherein the closure cap ( 4 ) is designed so that it the container ( 5 ) tightly closes when the swab ( 1 ) through a top of the container ( 5 ) opening ( 14 ) of the container ( 5 ) is inserted therein, characterized in that at least one pore ( 7 ) through the wall ( 6 ) of the container ( 5 ) goes through. Container ( 5 ) according to claim 19, characterized in that at least one pore ( 7 ) of a semipermeable membrane ( 10 ), the semipermeable membrane ( 10 ) is designed in such a way that inside the container ( 5 ) can pass through the liquid in vapor or nebulous or gaseous form to the outside. Container ( 5 ) according to claim 20, characterized in that all pores ( 7 ) of a semipermeable membrane ( 10 ) are closed. Container ( 5 ) according to one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that at least one pore ( 7 ) above the point where the tampon ( 3 ) of the swab ( 1 ) in the container when the swab ( 1 ) in the container ( 5 ) is inserted in the wall ( 6 ) of the container ( 5 ) is arranged. Container ( 5 ) according to one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that at least one pore ( 7 ) below the point where the tampon ( 3 ) of the swab ( 1 ) in the container when the swab ( 1 ) in the container ( 5 ) is inserted in the wall ( 6 ) of the container ( 5 ) is arranged. Container ( 5 ) according to one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that at least one pore ( 7 ) at the same height as the tampon ( 3 ) of the swab ( 1 ), when the swab ( 1 ) in the container ( 5 ) is inserted in the wall ( 6 ) of the container ( 5 ) is arranged. Container ( 5 ) according to claim 22 and 23, or according to claim 22 and 24, or according to claim 23 and 24, or according to claim 22, 23 and 24. Container ( 5 ) according to one of claims 19 to 25, characterized in that at least one pore ( 7 ) has a circular cross-section with a diameter in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, in particular a diameter in the range of 3 mm to 7 mm, in particular a diameter of 5 mm. Container ( 5 ) according to one of claims 19 to 25, characterized in that a plurality of pores ( 7 ) is present, which are different in size. Container ( 5 ) according to any one of claims 20 to 27, characterized in that a portion of the soil ( 8th ) of the container ( 5 ) or that the entire floor ( 8th ) of the container ( 5 ) a pore ( 7 ) with a semipermeable membrane ( 10 ) is closed. Container ( 5 ) according to one of claims 20 to 28, wherein at least one pore ( 7 ) present with a semipermeable membrane ( 10 ), characterized in that all or corresponding subsets of the semipermeable membrane ( 10 ) closed pores ( 7 ) each in one of the following ways with at least one semipermeable membrane ( 10 ) are: a) a semipermeable membrane ( 10 ) fills a pore ( 7 ) completely off. b) a semipermeable membrane ( 10 ) fills a pore ( 7 ) only partially. c) a semipermeable membrane ( 10 ) closes a pore ( 7 ) in that they are formed as a film and on the inside of the wall ( 6 ) of the container ( 5 ) over the pore ( 7 ) is glued. d) a semipermeable membrane ( 10 ) closes a pore ( 7 ) in that they are formed as a film and on the outside of the wall ( 6 ) of the container ( 5 ) over the pore ( 7 ) is glued. e) A pore ( 7 ) is closed by both a film formed as a semi-permeable membrane ( 10 ) on the inside of the wall ( 6 ) of the container ( 5 ) as well as a semipermeable membrane ( 10 ) on the outside of the wall ( 6 ) of the container ( 5 ) over the pore ( 7 ) are glued. Container ( 5 ) according to any one of claims 20 to 29, characterized in that a semipermable membrane ( 10 ) consists wholly or partly of one or more of the following materials: a) Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film. b) film consisting of a copolymer with 70% polyester and 30% polyether. c) film consisting of HDPE (high density polyethylene) fibers. Medical swab ( 1 ), suitable in a container ( 5 ) and to be transported, the swab ( 1 ) from a stalk ( 2 ), at one end, the so-called lower end ( 11 ), a tampon ( 3 ) and at the other end, the so-called upper end ( 12 ), a cap ( 4 ), wherein the closure cap ( 4 ) is designed so that it the container ( 5 ) tightly closes when the swab ( 1 ) through a top of the container ( 5 ) opening ( 14 ) of the container ( 5 ) is inserted therein, characterized in that at least one pore ( 7 ), which passes directly through the cap ( 4 ) of the swab ( 1 ) or indirectly through the stem ( 2 ) through the cap ( 4 ) of the swab ( 1 ) goes through. Medical swab ( 1 ) according to claim 31, characterized in that the stem ( 2 ) of the swab ( 1 ) At least partially hollow and with the cap ( 4 ) of the swab ( 1 ), such that the hollow interior of the stem ( 2 ) is connected to the outside world when the swab ( 1 ) in its associated container ( 5 ) is inserted, with the upper end ( 12 ) of the stem ( 2 ) is at least partially hollow and at least partially to a pore ( 7 ), which passes through the cap ( 4 ) of the swab ( 1 ) goes through. Medical swab ( 1 ) according to claim 32, characterized in that the stem ( 2 ) of the swab ( 1 ) at least one pore ( 7 ), which through the wall ( 11 ) of the hollow stem ( 2 ), wherein the at least one pore ( 7 ) in the area of the stem ( 2 ) is arranged, in which also the tampon ( 3 ) of the swab ( 1 ) is arranged. Medical swab ( 1 ) according to claim 32, characterized in that the stem ( 2 ) of the swab ( 1 ) at least one pore ( 7 ), which through the wall ( 11 ) of the hollow stem ( 2 ), wherein the at least one pore ( 7 ) in the area of the stem ( 2 ) is arranged, in which the tampon ( 3 ) of the swab ( 1 ) is not arranged. Medical swab ( 1 ) according to one of claims 32 to 34, characterized in that the stem ( 2 ) of the swab ( 1 ) is configured as open hollow cylinder at both ends and that the entire interior of the hollow cylinder a pore ( 7 ). Medical swab ( 1 ) according to one of claims 32 to 35, characterized in that the wall ( 11 ) of the hollow stem ( 2 ) wholly or partially has a grid structure. Medical swab ( 1 ) according to one of claims 32 to 36, characterized in that a plurality of pores ( 7 ), which are directly through the cap ( 4 ) of the swab ( 1 ) go through. Medical swab ( 1 ) according to one of claims 31 to 37, characterized in that at least one pore ( 7 ) of a semipermeable membrane ( 10 ), the semipermeable membrane ( 10 ) is designed in such a way that inside the container ( 5 ), in vapor or nebulous or gaseous form, when the swab ( 1 ) in the container ( 5 ) is inserted from the inside of the container ( 5 ) to outside the container ( 5 ). Medical swab ( 1 ) according to claim 38, wherein at least one pore ( 7 ) present with a semipermeable membrane ( 10 ), characterized in that all or corresponding subsets of the semipermeable membrane ( 10 ) closed pores ( 7 ) each in one of the following ways with at least one semipermeable membrane ( 10 ) are: a) a semipermeable membrane ( 10 ) fills a pore ( 7 ) completely off. b) a semipermeable membrane ( 10 ) fills a pore ( 7 ) only partially. c) a semipermeable membrane ( 10 ) closes a pore ( 7 ) in that they are formed as a film and over one of the two openings of the pore ( 7 ) is glued. d) Two semipermeable membranes ( 10 ) close a pore ( 7 ) in that they are each formed as a film and a membrane ( 10 ) over the one opening of the pore ( 7 ) and the other membrane ( 10 ) over the other opening of the pore ( 7 ) are glued. Medical swab ( 1 ) according to claim 38 or 39, characterized in that a semipermable membrane ( 10 ) consists wholly or partly of one or more of the following materials: a) Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film. b) film consisting of a copolymer with 70% polyester and 30% polyether. c) film consisting of HDPE (high density polyethylene) fibers. System consisting of a container ( 5 ) according to any one of claims 19 to 30 and an associated medical swab ( 1 ) according to any one of claims 31 to 40, wherein containers ( 5 ) and swabs ( 1 ) are designed so that the cap ( 4 ) of the swab top of the container ( 5 ) opening ( 14 ) of the container ( 5 ) tightly closes when the swab ( 1 ) through this opening ( 14 ) of the container ( 5 ) is inserted through this. System according to claim 41, characterized in that the system further comprises at least one covering device ( 15 ) for the container ( 5 ) and / or for the cap ( 4 ) of the swab ( 1 ), characterized in that the covering device ( 15 ) or the covering devices ( 15 ) at least partially positively and / or non-positively with the outside of the container ( 5 ) and / or the cap ( 4 ) can be temporarily connected or permanently connected, such that pores ( 7 ) in the wall ( 6 ) of the container ( 5 ) and / or in the cap ( 4 ) or can be covered as required and released again, such that, when covered, no liquids in steam or nebulous or gaseous form or other undesired substances from the outside access to the covered pores ( 7 ) to have. System according to claim 42, characterized characterized in that one of the at least one covering devices ( 15 ) a cylindrical ring ( 30 ) rotatably mounted on the wall ( 6 ) of the container ( 5 ) and openings ( 32 ), such that in a rotational position pores ( 7 ) are not covered, in another rotational position these pores ( 7 ) are covered. System according to claim 42, characterized in that one of the at least one covering devices ( 15 ) a cylindrical ring ( 30 ) placed on the wall ( 6 ) of the container ( 5 ) deferred and can be deported from this again. System according to claim 42, characterized in that one of the at least one covering devices ( 15 ) from a shell ( 50 ), which is on the wall ( 6 ) of the container ( 5 ) deferred and also can be deported from this again, such that in the pushed state, at least the areas of the wall ( 6 ) of the container ( 5 ), in which pores ( 7 ) available. System according to one of claims 42 to 45, characterized in that one of the at least one covering devices ( 15 ) is adapted to the closure cap ( 4 ) at least substantially cover. System according to claim 46, characterized in that a covering device ( 15 ) the shape of a on the cap ( 4 ) snap-on or screw-on cap ( 60 ) designed to replace the cap ( 4 ) at least substantially cover. System according to claim 46, characterized in that a covering device ( 15 ) the shape of a permanently on the outside, in particular the top, the cap ( 4 ) mounted slider device ( 40 ) or rotary device ( 44 ), which is designed to remove pores ( 7 ) in the cap ( 4 ) cover and release as needed.