Abstract: In the image capturing apparatus which images a micro plate 10 in which a liquid sample is contained as a screening object, an imaging unit 3 having a first optical axis A1 and an illumination unit 4 having a second optical axis A2 are housed in a positional relation therebetween to be vertically overlapped with each other, the micro plate 10 is held in a horizontal attitude at a selected observation position of any one of the first observation position [P1] and the second observation position [P2] which are set at the positions higher or lower than the first optical axis A1, respectively, and an optical path of light irradiated along the first optical axis A1 is bent to any one of an optical path 1 at an upper side or an optical path 2 at a lower side by using an optical path switching unit 7 which is disposed at a middle position [PM]. Therefore, it is possible to image the micro plate 10 from any one of the upper side and the lower side thereof.

Abstract: A contact detecting device includes a flexible piezoelectric sensor of a cable shape, a resilient member including a hollow portion having a free end to allow the hollow portion to be opened, a sensor holding portion for holding therein the piezoelectric sensor. The hollow portion is provided with a support for maintaining a hollow state thereof.

Abstract: A contact detecting device includes a flexible piezoelectric sensor of a cable shape, a resilient member including a hollow portion having a free end to allow the hollow portion to be opened, a sensor holding portion for holding therein the piezoelectric sensor. The hollow portion is provided with a support for maintaining a hollow state thereof.