Abstract: A syringe pump 1 comprises a barrel 4 and a movable plunger 12, a valve 15 provided at one end of the barrel, a first port 33 between the valve and the barrel, a second port 34 between the valve and the barrel, and a valve member 20. The valve has a first inlet/outlet 17, a second inlet/outlet 18. The valve member 20 includes at least one valve passage 16 configured to connect the first and second ports selectively to the first and second inlet/outlets depending on the position of the valve member.

Abstract: A dispensing array is disclosed which comprises a number of dispensers (10). Each of the dispensers consists of a syringe (11) and two two-port rotary valves (15, 16). The inlet two-port rotary valve (15) allows fluid to be drawn into the syringe from a reservoir and the outlet two-port rotary valve (16) allows fluid to be dispensed from a dispensing tip.

Abstract: A pipetting device has top and bottom supports, the first support supporting a pipetting head and the second support defining a location for one or more vessels or substrates to or from which fluid is to be pipetted in use. The pipetting head has a two-dimensional array of pipetting cylinders having pistons for controlling the aspirating or dispensing of liquid, each pipetting cylinder piston being connected to a platen for simultaneous movement of the pistons within the cylinders. The pipetting head and the second support are relatively movable to one another between an operating and a retracted relationship. A detachable pipetting tip holder has a two-dimensional array of pipetting tips which are connectable to the pipetting cylinders for aspirating liquid from or dispensing liquid into or onto a corresponding vessel.

Abstract: A stirring system (1) is disclosed for use in a cell culture system which handles a large number of cell culture vessel assemblies (2). Each cell culture vessel assembly includes a platen (23) on which are disposed a plurality of stirring rods (25), and which is transversely movable across the top of the respective culture vessel to provide for stirring of one or more samples within the culture vessel. The stirring system includes a support (10) configured to receive plural cell culture vessel assemblies at predefined positions around an axis (z) and has a drive rotor (14) disposed adjacent the support, the drive rotor being mounted for eccentric movement about the axis (z) of the support (10) with respect to the support.

Abstract: Two interconnected systems for retaining and filtering a fluid are provided. The systems may be used individually or together. The first system comprises a vessel having a lower section with an opening in its underside; filtration means provided in the lower section of the vessel; and means for providing a positive pressure through the underside of the vessel to the filtration means, whereby the fluid can be retained in the vessel above the filter. The second system comprises a vessel having a lower section with an opening in its underside; filtration means provided in the lower section in the base of the vessel; a pipette head provided with at least one plunger to force fluid through the filtration means.

Abstract: The invention also relates to a cell culture vessel and in particular to a cell culture vessel assembly which aids aeration and allows for reading of the optical density of the culture without removing the culture from the vessel. The cell culture vessel assembly is suitable for use in the production and purification of cell culture products and in particular to the automated production and purification of protein.