Apparatus for liquid disposal and distribution in automatic culture

Abstract

An apparatus for liquid disposal and distribution in automatic culture system comprises a first turntable carrying a plurality of culture vessels disposed in an array on a common circle thereon, and a second turntable carrying a plurality of centrifuge tubes disposed in an array on a common circle thereof. The apparatus comprises a pipette holding arm which is disposed so that its free end is angularly movable between one of the culture vessels and one of the centrifuge tubes. The free end of the arm has attached thereto a tapered cylinder which detachably receives a pipette. A fixed displacement pump is connected with the cylinder, which is movable along the path of rotation, along which are disposed a pipette holder, a pipette remover and a liquid disposal pot. The apparatus also comprises a rotary and elevating mechanism associated with the arm. In this manner, the apparatus is capable of transferring a specimen being cultured from a culture vessel to a centrifuge tube, distributing grown cells from the tube into culture vessels and disposing unnecessary liquid. In addition, the apparatus is capable of agitating a culturing solution within the culture vessel to render the cells into suspension.