Abstract: The present invention provides a cell treatment apparatus that can improve the operating rates of an observation unit and a laser irradiation unit in the case of treating a plurality of cell culture vessels.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air-conditioning space (10) for storing samples in a time-controlled manner, comprising a device (22) for automatically feeding sample containers (18) into a climatically sealed space (12) having at least one wall (43), into which a sample container (18) can be inserted into the climatically sealed space (12) through an opening (40, 42), wherein the feed device (22) has at least one drive and control unit, and an incubator receptacle (30) for receiving the samples (18) is provided inside the climatically sealed space (12). The invention is distinguished by the fact that the feed device has an automatic feed arm (22, 24) which grips a sample container (18) from a receiving position outside the climatically sealed space (12) and deposits the sample container (18) there in a clear deposit position in an incubator receptacle (30).

Abstract: A random access, high-throughput system and method for preparing a biological sample for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing are disclosed. The system includes a nucleic acid isolation/purification apparatus and a PCR apparatus. The nucleic acid isolation/purification apparatus magnetically captures nucleic acid (NA) solids from the biological sample and then suspends the NA in elution buffer solution. The PCR testing apparatus provides multiple cycles of the denaturing, annealing, and elongating thermal cycles. More particularly, the PCR testing apparatus includes a multi-vessel thermal cycler array that has a plurality of single-vessel thermal cyclers that is each individually-thermally-controllable so that adjacent single-vessel thermal cyclers can be heated or cooled to different temperatures corresponding to the different thermal cycles of the respective PCR testing process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and automated unloading means for unloading a container from an apparatus. The apparatus of the present invention may include a means for automated loading, a means for automated transfer and/or a means for automated unloading of a container (e.g., a specimen container). In one embodiment, the apparatus can be an automated detection apparatus for rapid non-invasive detection of a microbial agent in a test sample. The detection system also including a heated enclosure, a holding means or rack, and/or a detection unit for monitoring and/or interrogating the specimen container to detect whether the container is positive for the presence of a microbial agent. In other embodiment, the automated instrument may include one or more, bar code readers, scanners, cameras, and/or weighing stations to aid in scanning, reading, imaging and weighing of specimen containers within the system.

Abstract: An integrated cell culture system may include one or more cell culture vessels, manipulation apparatus, pumping apparatus, cell release apparatus, monitoring apparatus, and a control apparatus. The control apparatus may be used to monitor and control the system to facilitate effective cell culturing. The cell release apparatus may be used to release a plurality of cells adhered to the cell culture surfaces of the cell culture vessels.

Abstract: There are provided a radiofrequency device for increasing amount of a bioactive substance in a plant cell and a plant cell culture method for increasing amount of useful intracellular secondary metabolites by using the radiofrequency device. The cell culture method of the present invention makes it possible to increase specific secondary metabolites such as daidzein, equol, and the like in a cell and thus can be used for development into various medicines, agricultural pesticides, spices, pigments, food additives, and cosmetics containing bioactive substances. Further, the cell culture method of the present invention improves conventional cell culture methods limitedly used for specific cells or specific metabolites for increasing amount of intracellular bioactive substances and thus can be widely applied to production of cells and secondary metabolites.

Abstract: A nucleic acid amplification reaction device includes a rotary body having a mounting portion on which a cartridge, which includes a tube that has a plug containing an eluate in which a nucleic acid having bound to nucleic acid-binding solid-phase carriers is eluted from the carriers and a nucleic acid amplification reaction container that is in communication with the tube and contains oil undergoing phase separation from the eluate, is mounted; and a heater forming a temperature gradient inside the nucleic acid amplification reaction container, in which when the posture of the cartridge is changed due to the rotation of the rotary body, a droplet of the eluate introduced from the tube moves inside the nucleic acid amplification reaction container.

Abstract: An incubator (1) has an incubation chamber (2) and a shaking device (4) to shake receptacles (5) placed in the incubation chamber (2). A device chamber (3) adjoins the incubation chamber (2) and accommodates at least parts of the shaking device (4). The shaking device (4) has a base plate (8) that seals off the incubation chamber (2) from the device chamber 3. A shaking table (11) is on the inner face (9) of the base plate (8) and can be moved in a horizontal plane by a drive arm (10). A motor (34) is arranged on the outer face (37) of the base plate (8). The motor (34) drives a drive shaft (14) that is rotatably mounted in the base plate (8) and that is operatively connected to the drive arm (10).

Abstract: A heat exchanger system includes a heat exchanger having a body plate with a first side face and an opposing second side face, the body plate bounding a fluid channel disposed between the opposing side faces and extending between an inlet port and an outlet port, and a first side plate having an inside face. A flexible first bag includes of one or more sheets of polymeric material, the first bag bounding a fluid pathway that extends between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the first bag being removably retained between the body plate and the first side plate so that at least a portion of the first bag rests against the first side face of the body plate when the fluid pathway of the first bag is filled with a fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat retaining device for solving problematic adhesion of a container to the heat retaining device. The heat retaining device includes a supporting rod, a top plate, a bottom plate, a heat retaining body, and a supporting spring. A pressing force applied to the container contained in the hole of the heat retaining body compresses the supporting spring to move the heat retaining body downward along the supporting rod. Release of the pressing force moves the heat retaining body upward by an elastic force of the supporting spring until the heat retaining body comes into contact with the top plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for stimulating cell includes a cell culture chamber, a control device, and first and second exciters. The cell culture chamber includes cell and culture medium. The control device receives first and second exciting signals, and controls magnitudes and phases of the received first and second exciting signals so that a sound pressure level in a focused zone is higher than a sound pressure level in a zone other than the focused zone, and outputs first and second controlled exciting signals. The first and second exciters receive the first and second controlled exciting signals and excite the cell culture chamber.

Abstract: A flexible disposable bioreactor having three, stagger-baffled compartments wherein the middle compartment houses a sparging rod is described to provide the highest degree of sparging and mixing to produce biological products.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods for automated culture of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) such as human ESCs. In some aspects, methods of the invention employ optimized culture media and limited proteolytic treatment of cells to separate cell clusters for expansion. Automated systems for passage and expansion of ESCs are also provided.

Abstract: A bioreactor processing unit (10) includes at least one cell culture module (200) comprising: a base (202) including a receiving station (204) for removably receiving a plurality of bioreactor vessels (400) at respective locations (206); and a clamp plate (240). The clamp plate (240) is removably connectable to the base (202). The system further includes a drive mechanism (226) and multiple fluid conduits. When the system is to be used for an experiment run, vessels (400) are loaded into the receiving station (204) and the clamp plate (240) is connected to the base (202), forming a connection between the drive mechanism and the vessels, for transmitting input motion from the drive mechanism (226) into multiple rotary motion outputs for turning a stirrer (416) in each vessel (400).

Abstract: The invention provides an automated apparatus of cell culture having tanks of culture medium, of growth factors and of cells to be cultured, an incubator having a thermostated enclosure which houses a cell culture vessel, and control computer system. A supporting and agitation device of the culture vessel is provided in the enclosure, and the culture vessel is formed by a bag having at least one inlet port connected to the tanks and one outlet port connected devices for harvesting and storage of the cells after culture, these harvesting and storage devices and tanks being located outside the enclosure and being connected to the cell expansion bag ports by conduits which together with the cell expansion bag form a preassembled module passing through a wall of the enclosure.

Abstract: A temperature regulating member for avoiding a deterioration in heat radiating output efficiency and deterioration in buffering occurring due to a non-uniform heat distribution within the heat storage material. Heat non-uniformities within the heat storage material are eliminated by inserting one or multiple agitating tools inside the heat storage material by generating an agitating current occurring due to use of agitator tools whose relative positions change within the heat storage material during shipping.

Abstract: The bioreactor is for use in performing biological and/or biochemical reactions and includes a vessel, an agitator, a reaction assembly, and a harvesting outlet. The vessel of the bioreactor includes several ports including a mixing port, a reaction port, and a harvesting port. The agitator extends through the mixing port into the vessel while the harvesting outlet extends through the harvesting port and permits the withdrawal of reaction medium to another vessel. The reaction assembly extends through the reaction port into the vessel and has multiple components including a gas conduit adapted to introduce gas into a reaction medium in the vessel, a sampling device adapted to remove a portion of the reaction medium from the vessel without contamination of the remaining reaction medium, and an introduction conduit permitting the introduction of at least the reaction medium into the vessel.

Abstract: A process for affecting reductive conversion reactions in a reactor using the palladized bacterial cellulose immobilized on a support for reductive conversion reactions in a reactor.

Abstract: A heat exchange module for use in a chemical, pharmaceutical or biological reactor system can include a body configured to be disposed in the reactor system having an inner replaceable reactant container is disclosed. The body can further include at least one thermally conductive surface adapted to contact the inner replaceable reactant container to facilitate heat transfer. Furthermore, the heat exchange module can include a heat exchanger disposed within the module body and can include a fluid circulation path through which a heat exchange fluid can be circulated.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the producing feeds/fertilizers containing died and fermented animal and plant residues. The apparatus includes a fermentation tank, an unobstructed circulation duct connected to the fermentation tank and a blower directly connected to the circulation duct wherein blower supplies air for advancing the residues up the circulation duct.

Abstract: In organic waste treatment, initial investment and running costs are suppressed, and inexpensive and good-quality dried and fermented feeds and fertilizers are manufactured from animal and plant residues. The animal and plant residues having been reserved/accumulated in a fermentation tank and generated fermentation heat is emitted/sprayed with air into a space in the fermentation tank and repeatedly circulated within the apparatus so that an evapotranspiration action is efficiently performed, oxygen required for fermentation is uniformly supplied so as to keep a favorable fermentation environment, and an apparatus for producing good-quality dried and fermented feeds and fertilizers is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes, inter alia, for the treatment of a starch-based feedstock. The processes include mixing together a starch-based feedstock and a working fluid to form a slurry, hydrating the starch-based feedstock with the working fluid, adding an enzyme to the slurry, pumping the slurry into a substantially constant diameter passage of a fluid mover, and injecting a high velocity transport fluid into the slurry through one or more nozzles communicating with the passage, thereby further hydrating and heating the starch-based feedstock and dispersing the starch content of the slurry. Apparatuses for carrying out such processes are also provided. Processes for converting starch in feedstocks into oligosaccharides and systems for producing sugars and ethanol using the processes and apparatuses of the invention are also provided. Processes for calculating ethanol yield using the apparatuses are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device intended for the culture of cells or micro-organisms, characterised by the fact that it comprises a chamber (100) composed of a tank (110) and a lid (150), adapted so that when in the closed state, it defines a sealed volume under a controlled pressure, and an assembly (200) designed to be placed inside the chamber (100), while being removable from it when the lid (150) is opened, said assembly comprising (200) a support frame (210) and a plurality of plates (250) carried by the support frame (210), the chamber (100) also comprising means designed to successively sterilise its content, for seeding a culture medium placed in the trays (250) and a means for controlling the atmosphere in the chamber (100), to enable the culture of cells or micro-organisms.

Abstract: A tissue culture microscope apparatus includes a culture unit that includes a chamber in which a specimen is put, and maintains the chamber at a predetermined temperature to culture the specimen; an observation unit that forms an observation image of the specimen put in the chamber; and a liquid supply unit that stores a liquid in a protrusion portion penetrating into a wall of the chamber and protruding to an inside of the chamber, matches a temperature of the liquid with the temperature of the chamber, and injects the liquid from the protrusion portion to the specimen.

Abstract: The invention relates to an impeller for growing adherent mammalian cells on microcarrier beads. In other aspects, the invention relates to methods of using the impeller and to bioreactors or cell separators comprising the impeller.

Abstract: A system for mixing a bioprocessing fluid includes a container receiving the bioprocessing fluid and a support member supporting the container in an interior of a housing. A first channel is bounded by a first stationary arm and a second stationary arm with the first channel receiving the container. A first mixing arm and a second mixing arm are located in the interior. The first mixing arm is connected to the second mixing arm by a connecting member. The first mixing arm is located in the first channel and the second mixing arm is located in a second channel. The connecting member is movable to cause the first mixing arm to contact a first outer surface of the container to cause mixing of the bioprocessing fluid.

Abstract: This invention describes a method for cultivating micro-organisms on solid growth medium in a solid state fermenting reactor by utilising external vibration for transportation and even inoculation of the solid growth medium. The reactor to be used is realized by attaching an external vibrator and at least one inoculation feed inlet to its outer wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a fermentation product from lignocellulosic biomass, to a reactor to carry out the method and to use of the reactor to produce a fermentation product.

Abstract: A container (1) for the fermentative production of biogas from organic substrates, which container comprises an axial stirrer (9), one or several inlet devices (2) for filling the container (1), one or several outlet devices (3, 4) for emptying the container (1) and withdrawing a fermentation residue, an external conduit (5) for supplying a fermentation mixture into a closed circular pipeline (7) with several outlets (8) for spraying on the surface (14) of the fermentation mixture, with the sprayed fermentation mixture optionally coming from the lower half of the container (1), a device (11) for withdrawing the biogas produced and an apparatus (10) for controlling the temperature of the fermentation mixture; a process for the fermentative production of biogas from an organic substrate, a process for suppressing foam formation during the fermentative production of biogas, and a process for the improved conversion of oils and fats in organic substrates during the fermentative production of biogas, which can be

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inoculating a biological substrate with cells include provision for rotating a container in which the substrate and a cell suspension are received about first and second axes of rotation. The apparatus comprises said container, first drive means for rotatably supporting the container about the first axis, and second drive means for rotatably supporting the first drive means about the second axis. The first and second axes of rotation do not lie in the same plane and extend in different directions so that the container revolves around the second axis while the container is rotating about the first axis. The inoculation method utilizes this apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing biogas, wherein biomass (B) is filled into a biogas reactor (R), and a plurality of mixing bodies (1) is disposed on the biomass (B). The mixing bodies (1) float on the surface (O) of the biomass (B) and thereby dip partially into the biomass (B). The surface of the biomass is thus mixed, leading to an increase in the efficiency of gas yield.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cell culture vessel which is simple in structure and easy to handle, and is capable of preventing damage to the cells when separated, promoting transport of nutrients and excretion of effete matter, and elevating the culturing efficiency improving effect by the structural features. In order to attain the above object, there is provided a cell culture vessel including a culture section provided with a plurality of projections having an equivalent diameter smaller than the cells to be cultured and the culture section side walls enclosing the culture section, wherein the distance between an arbitrary position on the culture section/side wall boundary line and the nearest projection is smaller than the diameter of the cells to be cultured. The effect of the projections in the vessel given to the cultured cells is enhanced.

Abstract: A reaction system and a reactor which comprises of two or more reaction cells wherein said cells are separated by inter cell conduits and having a means of causing agitation within the cells which does not require a mechanical connection of the agitating mechanism within the cell to a drive mechanism which is outside the cell.

Abstract: An incubator (1) with an incubation chamber (2), a shaking device (4) which can be driven by a drive unit and which is used to shake receptacles (5) that can be placed in the incubation chamber (2) and that contain cell cultures, and a device chamber (3) which adjoins the incubation chamber (2) and which accommodates at least parts of the shaking device (4) protruding into the incubation chamber (2), wherein the shaking device (4) has a base plate (8) which seals off the incubation chamber (2) relative to the device chamber (4) and which, on its inner face (9) directed toward the incubation chamber (2), has a shaking table (11) that can be moved in a horizontal plane by a drive arm (10), wherein a motor (34) is arranged on the outer face (37) of the base plate (8) directed away from the inner face (9), which motor (34) drives a drive shaft (14) that is rotatably mounted in the base plate (8) and that is operatively connected to the drive arm (10).

Abstract: A method and related apparatus for the removal of excess water from sludge, the method comprising the steps of: (1) fermenting the sludge at a temperature in the mesophilic temperature range, (2) maintaining the fermenting sludge for a predetermined period under a hydraulically quiescent condition to achieve phase separation, (3) separately removing the solid phase and liquid phase and (4) feeding the solid phase to the digester for conversion to biogas.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for agitating multiple specimen containers each containing a sample and a growth medium. The system includes a plurality of racks. The racks have a plurality of receptacles, each of which is adapted for holding a specimen container. The racks include a first rack oriented in a first direction and a second rack oriented in a second direction different from the first direction. The system also includes a rotating turret having a frame holding the racks. The frame is rotatable about an axis, wherein the rotating turret operates to rotate the racks about the axis to an access position, e.g., where a user may access the specimen containers. The system also includes an agitation assembly coupled to the racks. The agitation assembly rocks the racks back and forth thereby agitating specimen containers held by the racks. In one configuration, the system is incorporated into an automated instrument detecting whether a microbiological agent is present in the specimen container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing ethanol by carrying out the following steps: performing enzymatic saccharification of pre-treated lignocellulosic biomass in a reaction system; performing ethanol fermentation of fermentable sugars obtained from the saccharified pre-treated lignocellulosic biomass in the same reaction zone as the enzymatic saccharification; distilling ethanol directly off from a reaction treatment liquid in the reaction zone, so as to recover the ethanol.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid sequence amplification method and apparatuses thereof that are simple in the design and easy to miniaturize and integrate into complex apparatuses, with capability of using DNA polymerases that are not thermostable. In the present invention, a plurality of heat sources are combined to supply or remove heat from specific regions of the sample such that a specific spatial temperature distribution is maintained inside the sample by locating a relatively high temperature region lower in height than a relatively low temperature region.

Abstract: A modular algae culturing system and method are described. The system utilizes modular, vertically-oriented growth units that can be connected together in series or parallel (or any combination thereof). Each unit comprises: a back plate opposite a front plate, an input side wall opposite an output side wall, and a bottom plate opposite a top plate. The front plate is removable for cleaning, maintenance, etc. Furthermore, individual units are modular so they can be easily removed, repaired, replaced, etc. as needed. The unit is designed to hold a fluid mixture which generally comprises water, nutrients, and algae. Inside each unit is a plurality of generally horizontal mixing members which facilitate mixing of the mixture as it flows through the unit. The mixture flows from one or more processing stations through one or units. When mature, the algae can be harvested.

Abstract: A system for the production of methane and other useful products and method of use for generating green natural gas as a fuel or component for use in the manufacturing of specialty chemicals. The system for the production of methane and other useful products and method of use includes a culture of methanogenic archea for converting an input material into an output material, a reactor vessel for housing at least a portion of the culture of methanogenic archea, an input material stream directed into the reactor vessel to facilitate contact between the input material stream and the methanogenic archea, and an output material stream created at least in part by the culture of methanogenic archea.

Abstract: A standalone bench top laboratory instrument designed to disrupt, or lyse, cells, spores and tissue samples using ultrasonic energy. The lysing device is programmable, allowing the user control over the sample volume, sonication power level, and lysing duration in order to optimize lysing protocols for specific targets. Once a lysing protocol is entered, the device automatically lyses the sample according to the entered lysing protocol. The lysing device also provides a cooling feature, enabled by a heat exchanging sub-assembly, to prevent the sample from exceeding a maximum set temperature.

Abstract: Basing on study of a previous discovered effective bioreactor system, a method to increase culture medium dissolved oxygen is disclosed. This method together with addition of an optimal mixing forms a theoretical foundation for effective bioreactor design and prototype construction.

Abstract: A device for cell culture capable of automatically performing operations for cell culture over several days to several months while minimizing the risk of contamination. A new medicine can be supplied to an incubator means by using a medicine supply means or unnecessary wastewater can be discharged from the incubator means by using a wastewater discharge means without taking out the incubator means disposed in heat insulation box means from a heat insulation box, and the state of the cell culture can be observed with the incubator means formed in the heat insulation box means. Accordingly, the outside air does not enter directly into the incubator means during culturing, and the risk of contamination is completely eliminated. As a result, the culturing operations can be automatically performed over a long period.

Abstract: A thermal cycling method and device is disclosed. The device comprises a sample chamber whose temperature can be rapidly and accurately modulated over a range of temperatures needed to carry out a number of biological procedures, such as the DNA polymerase chain reaction. Biological samples are placed in containers each comprising a reservoir and a reaction portion, wherein the reaction portion has a small volume. The small volume reaction portion permits the rapid and accurate temperature modulation. With an optically transmissible reaction portion, DNA amplification may be monitored by fluorescence during PCR.

Abstract: In organic waste treatment, initial investment and running costs are suppressed, and inexpensive and good-quality dried and fermented feeds and fertilizers are manufactured from animal and plant residues. The animal and plant residues having been reserved/accumulated in a fermentation tank and generated fermentation heat is emitted/sprayed with air into a space in the fermentation tank and repeatedly circulated within the apparatus so that an evapotranspiration action is efficiently performed, oxygen required for fermentation is uniformly supplied so as to keep a favorable fermentation environment, and an apparatus for producing good-quality dried and fermented feeds and fertilizers is provided.

Abstract: A biogas generator employs an anaerobic digestion process to convert organic waste material within a sealed reservoir to a biogas. A solar thermal panel connected to the reservoir heats a fluid traveling through a conduit, which is connected to a heat exchanger within the reservoir. The heated fluid travels through the heat exchanger and heats the waste material to facilitate the anaerobic digestion process. Solar cells produce electricity to operate one or more pumps that pump the heated fluid through the conduit, and pump the waste material and the generated biogas, into and out of the reservoir. A rotating lid structure has elongated agitators which extend into the reservoir.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cell culture vessel which is simple in structure and easy to handle, and is capable of preventing damage to the cells when separated, promoting transport of nutrients and excretion of effete matter, and elevating the culturing efficiency improving effect by the structural features. In order to attain the above object, there is provided a cell culture vessel including a culture section provided with a plurality of projections having an equivalent diameter smaller than the cells to be cultured and the culture section side walls enclosing the culture section, wherein the distance between an arbitrary position on the culture section/side wall boundary line and the nearest projection is smaller than the diameter of the cells to be cultured. The effect of the projections in the vessel given to the cultured cells is enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for fermentation of algae or algaefaction method. The method includes feeding a hydrocarbon composition into a gasifier and pre-heating a biomass stream from a fermentation reactor. The biomass stream includes a liquid portion, a catalyst, and a biomass solids portion ranging between 15-92% by weight ofthe biomass stream. The biomass solids portion is algae or algal solids. The biomass stream is pre-heated to a temperature range between 200° F. and 500° F. Both the syngas and the pre-heated biomass stream are injected as a mixture into a reactor, where the mixture is separated into a gas component, liquid component, and solids component. The solids component is algal crude, which can be collected for processing as transportation fuels. The gas component is a lower temperature syngas, which can also be collected for processing as electricity or transportation fuels.

Abstract: A disposable material processing apparatus, useable as a bioreactor or fermenter, includes a hollow tank (101) and a mixing paddle (110) disposed within the interior of the tank and adapted to mix contents therein. The paddle may be isolated within a flexible sleeve (140). Various functional elements, such as a sparger, sensor, material extraction conduit, material addition conduit, and/or heat exchange element may be provided, and optionally arranged to travel with the paddle within the tank interior. Baffles may protrude into a mixing tank to enhance mixing. A tank and/or sleeve may comprise polymeric film materials.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for manipulating chambers and other substrates for chemical, biological, or biochemical samples, such as cell culture and other chambers, within units such as incubators. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a technique for maintaining a plurality of substrates or chambers in a housing within which a predetermined environment is maintained, and moving substrates or chambers in and out of the housing, in some cases without creating a large opening in the housing (e.g., by opening a door significantly larger than the substrates). A technique is provided, in certain embodiments, in which a plurality of substrates are mounted in fixed, secured relation to each other within a housing providing a predetermined, controlled environment, and are moved within the housing so that they can be evenly exposed to any differences in environment within the housing.