Filter snapper

1. A method for separating first and second members of a funnel joined to each other by a frangible connection using a device for applying an axial compressive force to a fluid contamination detection system comprising a funnel having first and second members joined to each other by a frangible connection comprising:

placing said funnel on a platform while said platform is in a first position; activating an actuating mechanism, thereby causing said platform to move until a portion of said funnel engages a stop element;

applying an axial compressive force to said funnel sufficient to break said frangible connection without damaging said funnel; and

separating said first and second members of said funnel from each other.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said second member of said funnel is joined to a growth medium plate prior to said placing step.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said actuating mechanism of said activating step comprises a valve and a pneumatic cylinder.

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein said valve is manually operated.

5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

(A) prior to the placing step:

(1) providing a predetermined amount of a fluid to said first member of said funnel, said first member defining a fluid reservoir for receiving the fluid, wherein said fluid contamination detection system further comprises a filter disposed on said second member of said funnel, said filter being adapted to trap biological contaminants present in the fluid;

(2) passing the fluid from said first member of said funnel through said filter disposed on said second member of said funnel, thereby trapping biological contaminants present in the fluid on said filter; and

(3) joining a growth medium plate and said second member of said funnel to each other in such a manner that said filter is in contact with a growth medium contained within said growth medium plate;

(B) after the separating step:

(1) sealing said growth medium plate by placing a cover plate on an open end of said second member of said funnel;

(2) incubating said growth medium plate for a period of time and under conditions sufficient for biological contaminants trapped on said filter to grow; and

(3) examining said filter after said incubating step to determine the presence or amount of biological contaminants on said filter.

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein said passing step is performed with a suctioning device.

7. The method of claim 5 , wherein the fluid is water.

8. The method of claim 5 , wherein said growth medium is an agar.

9. The method of claim 5 , wherein said actuating mechanism of said activating step comprises a valve and a pneumatic cylinder.

10. The method of claim 9 , wherein said valve is manually operated.

11. The method of claim 5 , wherein said biological contaminants are at least one of bacteria and fungi.

12. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

(A) prior to the placing step:

(1) providing a predetermined amount of a fluid to said first member defining a fluid reservoir for receiving the fluid, wherein said fluid contamination detection system further comprises a filter disposed on said second member of said funnel, said filter being adapted to trap biological contaminants present in the fluid; and

(2) passing the fluid from said first member of said funnel through said filter disposed on said second member of said funnel, thereby trapping biological contaminants present in the fluid on said filter; and

(B) after the separating step:

(1) joining a growth medium plate and said second member of said funnel to each other in such a manner that said filter is in contact with a growth medium contained within said growth medium plate, wherein said joining step is performed either before said positioning step or after said separating step;

(2) incubating said second member with said growth medium plate joined thereto for a period of time and under conditions sufficient for biological contaminants trapped on said filter to grow; and

(3) examining said filter after said incubating step to determine the presence or amount of biological contaminants on said filter.

13. The method of claim 12 , wherein said device comprises:

a stop element;

a platform mounted on a base and disposed in an opposed, spaced-apart relationship relative to said stop element, wherein said platform is movable relative to said stop element between (i) a first position in which the distance between said platform and said stop element is greater than the axial length of a fluid contamination detection system, comprising the funnel and a growth medium plate connected thereto, when the first and second members of the funnel are connected to each other, and (ii) a second position in which the distance between said platform and said stop element is less than the axial length of the detection system when the first and second members of the funnel are connected to each other; and an actuating mechanism for causing movement of said platform between said first and second positions, wherein said platform is movable from said first position to said second position during which movement a portion of the detection system contacts said stop element, resulting in an axial compressive force sufficient to break the frangible connection joining said first and second members of the funnel without damaging the second member and the growth medium plate.