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: A capper/de-capper system 1 has a rack support 10 for supporting a rack 11 containing a plurality of capped tubes 31 in a given position. A head unit 12 supports a two-dimensional array of capping/de-capping spindles 13, each of which includes a clutch 133 and a capping/de-capping spigot 131 or socket, the spindles being aligned with the tube positions defined in the rack. A drive mechanism 108 moves the tubes and the head unit relatively towards and away from one another in use, when a rack containing capped tubes is disposed in the rack support, causing engagement and disengagement of the capping/de-capping spigots or sockets with and from the tube caps 32. A spindle drive system 15-22 provides simultaneous rotation of the capping/de-capping spigots or sockets together after engagement with the caps, either to detach caps from the tubes or attach caps to the tubes.

Abstract: A tube comprising a container having a closed bottom end, an open top end, and a part that is adapted for flexible cooperation with a compartment of a rack for accommodation of the tube in such a way that unintentional removal of the tube from the respective compartment is substantially prevented, a cap for sealing a tube, and a rack for accommodating a plurality of tubes. The tube, cap, and rack facilitate automatic handling of samples.

Abstract: A tube for storing micro-liter volumes is provided. The tube is open at one end and comprises a body portion of substantially square cross section; a shoulder portion at one end of the body portion and providing the open end of the tube, the cross section of the shoulder portion being greater than that of the body portion; and a formation providing a snap fit connector portion at the other end.

Abstract: A system 10 for storing and processing a plurality of biological or chemical samples at ultra-low temperatures is provided. The system 10 comprises a plurality of ultra-low temperature storage locations 30; an enclosed pathway 35 adjacent the storage locations 30; and a manipulator module 60 disposed within the pathway 35 for conveying vessels 33 along the pathway 35 between the storage locations 30 in the system 10. Each of the storage locations being accessed through an insulated access panel 36 on the side of the storage location 30, the panel 36 being configured to close the storage location 30 from the pathway 35.

Abstract: An apparatus for shaking a plurality of vessels, for example in an incubator, has at least one rotatable support 10 (101,102) defining a plurality of support locations for vessels 50 at predefined positions 12 around an upright axis and the support or supports 10 are rotatable around the upright axis to move the vessels between a number of positions about the axis for insertion and removal of the vessels onto and from the support(s) respectively. A drive transmission system 38,381 (39,391) connects the support to a drive motor 382 (392), whereby the support can be rotated to a desired position for loading or unloading of a vessel to or from a respective support location 12. A drive mechanism 33, 36 (37). 35 is operable to move each support location eccentrically about an axis independently of the rotation of the support about the upright axis, so that vessels disposed on the support can be shaken.

Abstract: A culture flask 10 comprises two or more internal chambers 18-21 defining a plurality of parallel surfaces of different sizes and means for fluid communication 24 between the chambers 18-20.

Abstract: A method of filling a flask, the flask having a plurality of individual liquid flaskettes, the flaskettes each being provided with at least one opening into an inlet chamber, the chamber being defined by one end of each of the individual flaskettes and an inlet boundary wall, the inlet boundary wall having at least one inlet through which, in use, a liquid media can be introduced into the flask, the flask also having a longitudinal axis parallel to the planes of the individual flaskettes, the method comprising the step of presenting the flask to a liquid media supply nozzle at a predetermined orientation such that liquid flows from the nozzle along the inlet boundary wall until it can pass directly into one or more of the individual flaskettes.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring a vial of fluid material to or from a storage plate containing a number of vials is provided. The apparatus comprises a first plunger disposed on one side of a defined storage plate support position and movable axially into engagement with a vial held in use in a storage plate at the support position to move the vial out of the storage plate in the direction away from the support position on the other side of the support position; and a closed path conveyor having one or more slots to receive a vial, selectively alignable with the axis of the first plunger.

Abstract: A scraper for scraping live cells from a substrate. The scraper comprises a magnetic core and an elastomeric housing surrounding at least a portion of the magnetic core and defining at least one scraping blade. A method of scraping and a system for scraping are also provided.

Abstract: An infra-red analysis system is provided for analysing samples disposed in transparent or translucent containers. The system comprises: an infra-red light source; a container locating device for locating a container in a known position relative to the infra-red light source, a spectrometer disposed to receive infra-red light from the containers, means for reading the identity of a container, means for transmitting spectra recorded by the spectrometer to a database, means for recording the spectra and the identity of the container in the database in a record; and means for comparing spectra recorded by the spectrometer with a previously recorded spectrum for the same container.

Abstract: A nesting assembly for encouraging domestic fowl egg production is described. The assembly includes a fowl contact plate mounted to a support member and supported over a trough. The plate comprises a plate upper surface with a depression thereon forming a nesting basin. The nesting basin includes a basin lower surface sloping rearwardly to an aperture in a basin rear wall. The aperture accepts eggs laid by a nesting hen. The nesting assembly further comprises an indicator. The indicator indicates presence and duration of the fowl on the nesting assembly.

Abstract: A system 10 for storing and processing a plurality of biological or chemical samples at ultra-low temperatures is provided. The system 10 comprises a plurality of ultra-low temperature storage locations 30; an enclosed pathway 35 adjacent the storage locations 30; and a manipulator module 60 disposed within the pathway 35 for conveying vessels 33 along the pathway 35 between the storage locations 30 in the system 10. Each of the storage locations being accessed through an insulated access panel 36 on the side of the storage location 30, the panel 36 being configured to close the storage location 30 from the pathway 35.