Patent ID: 7022518

Claim:
A co-culture apparatus comprising in combination: an exterior receptacle, said exterior receptacle having first and second opposite ends, a first sidewall, said first sidewall having a general cylindrical appearance, said opposite ends and said first sidewall define an internal first chamber, said first sidewall having an internal surface, said second end includes a cartridge-mounting member that faces upward into said first chamber, said first end having an aperture therein, said aperture having an aperture diameter; a cartridge which fits into said first chamber, said cartridge having first and second opposite ends and a second sidewall between said opposite ends of said cartridge, said cartridge defining a second internal chamber, said second sidewall having an internal surface, wherein said second end of said cartridge mates with said cartridge mounting member, said cartridge having an overall diameter that is less than said aperture diameter, said second sidewall having at least a portion formed from a microporous material; a sleeve, wherein said sleeve fits inside said first chamber and surrounds said cartridge, wherein said sleeve is attached to said second end of said exterior receptacle; and a closure member that fits over said aperture of said exterior receptacle.