JP2021153432A - Automatic collection apparatus of culture solution - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an apparatus that automatically executes: quantitative collecting of a culture solution sample by a dedicated metering device regardless of differences in characteristics of the culture solution or a change with a lapse of time; transporting of the culture solution sample to a sample container with a lid without a discarded sample and contamination in a culture tank; and preserving of the sample in a refrigerated state.SOLUTION: An automatic collection apparatus of culture solution which introduces a culture solution sample into a metering device by suction of air, discharges a portion other than the culture solution sample, which is residual in a bottom part of a measuring tube regulated by an insertion length of an introduction tube, by exhaustion of air, and transports the residual culture solution sample to a sample injection storage connected to the metering device by a sample transport tube. In the sample injection storage, measured culture solution sample is injected and stored into a sample container.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an automatic collection device for a culture solution used in a culture device used for manufacturing, culture experiments and research of foods, pharmaceuticals and the like using microorganisms and animal / plant cells.

Conventionally, the main purpose of conducting a culture experiment is to investigate and study the growth condition of the cells to be cultured and the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the products of the cells. In that case, for information that cannot be obtained by various sensors, the culture solution is collected every time after the start of culture, and necessary analysis is performed immediately after or after refrigerated storage. Frequent collection is required to investigate the time course of bacterial growth and product production trends in detail, but at present, the culture start time is adjusted to avoid work at night and on holidays, and still at night. In many cases, we had to give up collecting on holidays.

Further, in the conventional manual collection of the culture solution, it is necessary to acquire the collection technique because it is required to comply with the procedure in order to prevent contamination of the culture apparatus main body with germs and to obtain accurate results.

However, the manual work of manually collecting the culture solution as described above requires a technique, and the amount of collection and the timing of collection are not accurate, or the culture solution in the culture tank is mistakenly contaminated for experiments. There was an inconvenient problem such as having to finish.

In addition, in order to avoid work at night and on holidays, it is necessary to adjust the culture start time, which forces the collection of the culture solution for the required time to be abandoned, and as a result, accurate culture data cannot be obtained. There was a problem such as.

Then, the culture solution sample can be quantitatively collected with a dedicated measuring instrument regardless of the difference in the properties of the culture solution and the change over time, and the culture solution sample is covered with no discarded sample and no contamination in the culture tank. It is expected to develop an automatic culture solution sampling device that can be transferred to a sample container with a cover and stored in a refrigerator.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems and automatically collects the culture solution by using an electric circuit such as a timer or a sequence circuit, which reduces the labor of the operator and causes inadvertent collection failure. An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic collection device for a culture solution that prevents contamination in the culture tank.

As a result of diligent studies to solve the above problems, the present inventor uses an automatic collection device for the culture solution newly manufactured by the present inventor as a device for automating the complicated manual collection work of the culture solution. It was found that the object could be achieved by this, and the present invention was completed.

That is, the automatic collection device for the culture solution of the present invention

It is an automatic culture solution collection device that automatically collects the culture solution in the culture tank, and is equipped with a measuring instrument, an air pump, and a sample injection storage device.
The measuring instrument is provided with a sample introduction section, an air intake / exhaust section, and a sample transfer section.
A sample introduction tube is formed in the sample introduction section, and a sample introduction tube is formed.

A level pipe having a level sensor is formed in the air intake / exhaust portion.
A sample transfer tube is formed in the sample transfer section, and a sample transfer tube is formed.

The air pump is connected to the measuring instrument by an air tube.
By sucking air from the air pump, a culture solution sample is introduced from the culture tank into the measuring instrument, and the culture solution sample is introduced.
The culture solution sample of the measuring instrument is discharged by the exhaust of air by the air pump, and a certain amount of the culture solution sample remaining at the bottom of the measuring tube is injected according to the mounting position of the sample introduction tube in the measuring instrument. Transfer to the storage
The sample injection storage device provides an automatic culture solution sampling device that is connected to the measuring instrument by the sample transfer tube and injects and stores the weighed culture solution sample in the sample container.

The present invention provides the culture solution automatic sampling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sample introduction tube is formed at an angle to the sample introduction portion.

The present invention also provides the culture solution automatic sampling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sample introduction tube is formed so as to be movable up and down at the sample introduction portion.

In the present invention, the sample injection reservoir is provided with a sample container, a sample injection nozzle, a nozzle elevating tool and a lid opening / closing means, and the sample injection nozzle is attached to an arm of the nozzle elevating tool to open / close the lid. Provides the culture solution automatic collection device according to any one of (1), (2) or (3), which is attached to the same arm as the arm.

If the culture medium automatic collection device of the present invention is used,

By solving the above-mentioned conventional problems and automatically collecting the culture solution, it is possible to collect the culture solution at night or on holidays, and it is not necessary to adjust the culture start time.

In addition, it has become possible to provide an automatic collection device for a culture solution that reduces the labor of the person who has acquired the collection technique and prevents inadvertent collection failure and damage.

In addition, even if you are not an expert in collection technology, you can prevent contamination by germs, and you can obtain accurate results regarding the amount of collection and the timing of collection.

In addition, it is possible to reduce the labor of the operator, prevent inadvertent collection failure, and prevent contamination in the culture tank.

In addition, the required amount can be quantitatively collected with a dedicated measuring instrument regardless of the difference in the properties of the culture solution and changes over time, and it is transferred to a sample container with a lid without discarding samples and without contamination in the culture tank. Can be stored refrigerated.

In particular, it can be quantitatively collected with a dedicated measuring instrument regardless of the difference in the properties of the culture solution and changes over time, and it can be transferred to a container with a lid and stored in a refrigerator without discarding samples and without contamination in the culture tank. It is possible to accurately set the amount of collection and the timing of collection without relying on a skilled worker, and it is possible to solve inconvenient problems such as accidentally contaminating the inside of the culture tank.

In addition, since a lid opening / closing rod is used as the lid opening / closing means, the mechanism is such that the opening / closing of the lid and the insertion / removal of the nozzle into / from the container are synchronized by the raising and lowering operations of the arm, that is, a single power source with a time lag. Achieved simplicity and weight reduction.

In particular, since the magnet is shaped like a wheel and the finger of one lid is curved, a smooth lid opening / closing operation can be obtained.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the culture solution automatic collection apparatus which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the culture solution automatic collection apparatus which is another embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the structure and operation of the measuring instrument which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the structure and operation of the measuring instrument which is another embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the operation of the sample introduction tube of the measuring instrument which is another embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the structure and operation of the sample injection reservoir which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a reference figure of the whole and each part of the culture solution automatic collection apparatus which is one Example of this invention. It is a reference figure of the whole and each part of the culture solution automatic collection apparatus which is one Example of this invention. It is a figure explaining the operation method of the culture solution automatic collection apparatus which is one Example of this invention. It is a figure explaining the operation method of the culture solution automatic collection apparatus which is one Example of this invention. It is a figure explaining the operation method of the culture solution automatic collection apparatus which is one Example of this invention. It is a reference figure explaining the attachment angle and operation of the introduction tube of the measuring instrument which is one Example of this invention. It is a reference figure explaining the operation of the measuring instrument and the culture solution which are one Embodiment of this invention.

First, the overall configuration of the culture solution automatic sampling apparatus of the present invention, which is an embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIG.

(Culture 220)

In FIG. 1, the culture solution 220 is housed in the culture tank 200. In the culture solution automatic collection device of the present invention, a culture solution 220 having various properties such as a culture solution 220 having a high viscosity or a high viscosity and a culture solution 220 having a muddy state (sludge) can be targeted.

(Measuring instrument 300)
Next, the measuring instrument 300 has a tubular shape made of glass or heat-resistant transparent resin, and the upper portion is sealed by a cap 302 made of heat-resistant rubber to make it airtight.
Further, the bottom portion has a funnel shape, and a sample transfer portion 330 is formed.

(Measuring instrument-sample introduction)

The measuring instrument 300 and the culture tank 200 are connected by a connecting tube 360, and the culture solution 220 is guided to the sample introduction tube 350 through the connecting tube 360. A sample introduction tube 350 is formed in the sample introduction portion 310 of the measuring instrument. That is, the sample introduction tube 350 is connected to the culture tank 200 by the connection tube 360, and the culture solution sample 230 of the culture tank 200 is introduced into the measuring instrument 300.

The sample introduction section 310 of the measuring instrument 300 is formed on the body or bottom of the measuring instrument 300, and the sample introduction tube 350 is formed on the sample introduction section 310.
As will be described later in FIG. 4, a certain amount of the culture solution sample 230 remains at the bottom of the measuring instrument 300 according to the mounting position of the sample introduction tube 350 to the measuring instrument 300, whereby a certain amount of the culture solution sample 230 remains. The 320 can be weighed and transferred to the sample container 500.

(Measuring instrument-air intake / exhaust)

A level pipe 340 is attached to the air intake / exhaust portion 320 of the measuring instrument 300, and an air tube 322 is connected to the level pipe 340. The level pipe 340 in the present invention is a hollow pipe provided with a liquid level level sensor.
In one aspect of this embodiment, the other end of the air tube 322 is connected to the culture tank air intake / exhaust section 240 of the culture tank 200 via the tubing pump 324.
In another embodiment described later, the other end of the air tube 322 is opened to the atmosphere through an air filter 326 without being connected to the air intake / exhaust portion 320 of the culture tank 200.

The other end of the air tube 322 connected to the air intake / exhaust portion 320 of the measuring instrument 300 is connected to the tubing pump 324. As the air pump used in the present invention, the tubing pump 324 is used in the embodiment, but another air pump can be appropriately used as long as the air can be sucked and discharged from the measuring instrument 300.

(Measuring instrument-sample transfer)

A transfer tube 334 for transferring the culture solution sample 230 measured by the measuring instrument 300 to the sample injection storage device 400 is connected to the sample transfer unit 330 of the measuring instrument 300.

(Measuring instrument-operation of culture medium sample)

Hereinafter, a mechanism for automatically collecting a quantitative culture solution sample using a measuring instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the culture solution in the sampling pipe of the culture tank is blown back into the culture tank by the air of the pump. (Fig. 13 (A))

Next, the sample liquid is sucked into the measuring instrument by a pump, introduced, and sucked up until the level sensor explains. (Fig. 13 (B))

Next, the excess sample liquid in the measuring instrument is blown back into the culture tank by the air of the pump. (Fig. 13 (C))

Then, the sample liquid remaining in the measuring instrument is pushed out to the sample container by the air of the pump by opening the pinch valve. (FIG. 13 (D)) As a result, a weighed fixed amount of culture solution sample can be collected.

(Sample injection reservoir 400)

The weighed culture broth sample is transferred to the sample infusion reservoir 400 by transfer tube 334 and is preferably refrigerated. Details of the sample injection reservoir 400 will be described later.

(Another Embodiment of the Culture Solution Automatic Collection Device)

FIG. 2 is another embodiment of the culture solution automatic collection device of the present invention.
In this embodiment, one end of the air tube 322 is opened to the atmosphere through the air filter 326 without being connected to the air intake / exhaust portion 320 of the culture tank 200.

(Weighing operation of measuring instrument)

Next, the structure and operation of the measuring instrument 300 of the automatic culture solution sampling device of the present invention will be further described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 3A, the measuring instrument 300 is made of a cylindrical tube made of glass or a heat-resistant transparent resin. The upper side of the measuring instrument 300 is sealed with a heat-resistant rubber cap 302.

In FIG. 3C, a sample introduction tube 350 is provided at an angle downward in the sample introduction section 310 of the measuring instrument 300. Therefore, it is possible to collect a highly viscous or highly viscous culture solution 220 or a muddy (sludge) culture solution 220.

That is, in FIG. 3C, the high-viscosity or high-viscosity or muddy (sludge) sample surplus liquid in the measuring instrument 300 is backflowed through the sample introduction tube 350 in order to return it to the culture tank, but the sample introduction tube 350 faces downward. The present inventor has experimentally found that when the sample introduction tube 350 is horizontal, solid matter is deposited and blocked at the root portion of the sample introduction tube 350.

It is considered that this is because in the case of a horizontal introduction pipe, it is returned only by the pressure of the air sent from the pump, whereas in the case of a diagonally downward introduction pipe, gravity acts in addition to the air pressure (Fig.). See the upper right of 12).

Further, it is considered that the fact that the cross-sectional area of the base of the introduction pipe is larger in the introduction pipe facing diagonally downward is also due to the ease of flow (see the lower right of FIG. 12).

Further, in FIG. 3B, a level pipe 340 is provided in the air intake / exhaust portion 320 of the measuring instrument 300. The level pipe 340 also serves as a level sensor, and can detect the excess culture solution sample 230 and control the timing of returning to the culture tank 200.

(Quantitative weighing method)

The method of measuring a certain amount of the culture solution sample 230 by the measuring instrument 300 in this embodiment is as follows.

That is, in FIG. 3A, the culture solution 220 is sucked from the culture tank 200 into the measuring instrument 300 by turning on the suction of the tubing pump 324 by an electronic control circuit (not shown).

Then, in FIG. 3B, when the liquid level of the culture solution sample 230 reaches the level pipe 340, the level sensor detects it, sends a detection signal to the electronic control circuit, and stops the suction of the tubing pump 324. ..

Then, in FIG. 3C, air is sent to the measuring instrument 300 by the tubing pump 324, the liquid level of the culture solution sample 230 is lowered, and the surplus culture solution sample 230 is returned to the culture tank 200.

Then, in FIG. 3D, a certain amount of the culture solution sample 230 remains at the bottom of the measuring instrument 300. This constant amount of culture solution sample 230 is transferred to the sample injection reservoir 400 by opening the pinch valve 332. The pinch valve 332 is automatically opened and closed in a timely manner by a command signal from an electronic control circuit (not shown).

(Another embodiment of the measuring instrument)

Next, an embodiment of the measuring instrument 300 of another aspect of the culture solution automatic sampling apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

In this embodiment, the upper and lower parts of the measuring instrument 300 are sealed with heat-resistant rubber caps 302. The sample introduction tube 350 is attached to the lower cap 303. The sample introduction pipe 350 is installed so as to be able to move up and down.

In FIG. 4A, the culture solution sample 230 from the culture tank 200 is sucked into the measuring instrument 300 by turning on the suction of the tubing pump 324.

Then, in FIG. 4B, when the liquid level of the culture solution sample 230 reaches the level pipe 340, the level sensor detects it and stops the suction of the tubing pump 324.

Then, in FIG. 4C, air from the tubing pump 324 is sent to the measuring instrument 300, the liquid level of the culture solution sample 230 is lowered, and the surplus culture solution sample 230 is returned to the culture tank 200.

Then, in FIG. 4D, a certain amount of the culture solution sample 230 remains at the bottom of the measuring instrument 300. The pinch valve 332 is opened and the constant amount of the culture solution sample 230 is transferred to the sample injection storage device 400.

Next, it will be described that the collection amount of the culture solution sample 230 can be adjusted by the insertion length of the sample introduction tube 350 into the measuring instrument 300 with reference to FIG.
That is, as shown in FIG. 5 (A), if the sample introduction tube 350 is pulled downward with respect to the measuring instrument 300, the sample amount becomes small, and as shown in FIG. 5 (B), the sample introducing tube 350 is attached to the measuring instrument 300. On the other hand, if you push it upward, the sample amount will increase. In this way, the mounting position of the sample introduction tube 350 to the measuring instrument 300 can be adjusted, for example, the insertion length can be adjusted to increase or decrease the sample amount.

That is, the amount of the culture solution sample 320 remaining on the bottom of the measuring instrument 300 is defined as a constant amount depending on the mounting position of the sample introducing tube 350 in the measuring instrument 300. Then, the culture solution sample 320 remaining in the measuring instrument 300 is transferred to the sample injection storage device 400 as a quantified culture solution sample 320.

(Sample injection reservoir 400)

Next, the sample injection reservoir 400 will be described with reference to FIG.
After weighing with the measuring instrument 300, the culture solution is poured into the sample container 500 preset on the table 430 via the transfer tube 334.
The sample injection storage 400 includes a nozzle lifting tool 410 including a sample container 500, a table 430 on which the sample container 500 is placed, a cooling block 420, and an arm 411 driven by a motor 412a to raise and lower the sample injection nozzle 434 in the vertical direction. A lid opening / closing rod 470 for opening / closing the lid 510 of the sample container 500 is provided.

The lid opening / closing rod 470 is provided with a fall-prevention collar 414 at the upper end, and a magnet wheel 415 is suspended at the lower end.

On the other hand, a through hole is formed in the arm 411, and the lid opening / closing rod 470 is slidably attached to the arm 411 through the through hole.

The lid opening / closing rod 470 is attached with the finger 520 so that the lid 510 of the sample container 500 opens when the finger 520 is pushed down with the hinge pin 512 as a fulcrum (FIGS. 6B and 6C). ).

That is, the mechanism is such that the magnet wheel 415 descends and magnetically adheres to the finger 520 while pushing down the finger 520 and pushing up the lid.
The magnet wheel 415 is a rotating wheel-shaped magnet. Further, the finger 520 of the lid 510 is made of iron and has a curved shape. As a result, a smooth lid opening / closing operation was obtained.

In FIG. 6A, the sample container 500 is inserted and supported in a hole arranged along the circumference formed in the table 430. The number of sample containers 500 can be increased or decreased as appropriate.
The sample container 500 is provided with an iron lid 510 for preventing evaporation of the culture solution sample 230, and is supported in the cooling block 420 with the lid 510 closed.

In FIG. 6B, the sample injection nozzle 434 descends together with the arm 411, and at the same time, the magnet wheel 415 suspended from the arm 411 also descends. Contact the finger 520 of the lid 510.

In FIG. 6C, the shape of the finger 520 of the lid 510 is a curved shape. The magnet wheel 415 pushes down the finger 520 while attracting it by magnetic force to open the lid. The magnet wheel 415 pushes down the finger 520 and the sample injection nozzle 434 is inserted into the sample container 500 after the lid is opened.

Since both the sample injection nozzle 434 and the lid opening / closing rod 470 are attached to the arm 411, the operation of opening the lid while the magnet wheel 415 is lowered and the sample injection nozzle 434 are lowered together with the arm 411 and inserted into the sample container 500. The operations are synchronized so that the lid 510 does not interfere with the sample injection nozzle 434.

In FIG. 6D, after injecting the culture solution sample, the arm 411 rises, and in this case, the sample injection nozzle 434 starts to rise first. Next, when the arm 411 comes into contact with the collar 414 at the upper end of the lid opening / closing rod 4 70, the magnet wheel 415 starts to rise, the finger 520 is magnetized, and the lid is closed with the hinge pin 512 as a fulcrum. Therefore, the sample injection nozzle 434 does not interfere with the lid.

That is, since the ascending of the magnet wheel 415 is started after the arm 411 comes into contact with the collar 414, the ascending starts later than the ascending of the sample injection nozzle 434. Then, as the magnet wheel 415 rises, the finger 520 attracted by the magnetic force is lifted and the lid 510 closes. Since the lid 510 is closed after the sample injection nozzle 434 is raised, the sample injection nozzle 434 does not interfere with the lid 510. Even after the lid 510 is completely closed, the arm 411 continues to rise, but the magnetic force is lost to the weight of the sample container 500 including the lid opening / closing mechanism, and the magnet wheel 415 comes off the finger 520 and stops at a fixed position.

The opening and closing of the lid 510 by the magnet wheel 415 and the insertion and removal of the sample injection nozzle 434 into and out of the container can be achieved by the ascending and descending operations of the arm 411, that is, by synchronizing them with a single power source with a time lag.

Further, in the lid opening / closing rod 470 of the present embodiment, a magnet wheel 415 having a wheel-shaped magnet is adopted, and the finger 520 of the lid 510 is formed into a curved shape, so that a smooth lid opening / closing operation can be achieved.

Further, although only one sample container 500 is shown in this embodiment, naturally, the required number of samplings can be added to the table 430 in advance or as needed for the sample container 500.

Further, there is no particular limitation on the mounting form of the sample container 500 on the table 430.

The culture solution sample 230 can be sequentially filled in the sample container by rotating the assembly 416 equipped with the nozzle elevating tool 410 with the motor 412b.

On the contrary, the table 430 can be used as a rotary table, and the culture solution sample 230 can be sequentially injected into the sample container 500. ..

(Automatic collection)

In this embodiment, air intake / exhaust by the tubing pump 324, on / off of the liquid level detection signal by the level sensor, opening / closing of the pinch valve 332, on / off of the motors 412a and 412b, rotation timing of the arm base 416, etc. The operation and timing can be automatically performed by using an electric circuit (not shown) and by controlling a timer and a computer at a predetermined time without human intervention.

That is, when the switch of the program timer is turned on, a sampling signal is emitted from the timer at a fixed time. The sequence circuit operates according to the signal, and when the tubing pump 324 first sends air into the measuring instrument 300, the culture solution remaining in the sample tube and the connecting tube 360 in the culture tank is pushed back into the tank by the air. Is done.

Next, the tuning pump 3 2 4 works to suck the air in the measuring instrument 300. Then, the culture solution sample 320 flows into the measuring instrument 300 through the connecting tube 360.

Next, when the culture solution sample 230 is filled in the measuring instrument 300 and the liquid level comes into contact with the level sensor 342 of the level pipe 340, a detection signal is sent to the circuit, and the suction of the tubing pump 324 is stopped.

Then, after a lapse of a predetermined time, the tubing pump 324 is operated to introduce air into the measuring instrument 300, and the surplus culture solution sample 230 in the measuring instrument 300 is returned from the measuring instrument 300 to the culture tank 200 via the sample introduction tube 350. ..

After that, a start signal is sent to the motor 412a of the sample injection storage device, the tubing pump 324 is operated at the timing when the sample injection nozzle 434 enters the sample container 500, air is introduced into the measuring instrument 300, and electricity is supplied to the pinch valve 332. A signal is sent, the pinch valve 332 is opened, and the culture solution sample 320 remaining at the bottom of the measuring instrument 300 is transferred to the sample injection reservoir via the sample transfer tube.

(Example of prototype)

Hereinafter, since the culture solution automatic sampling apparatus of the present invention has been manufactured, the details of the manufacturing apparatus will be specifically described below with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11. In the following description, the reference numerals of the drawings of the above-described embodiment are not used, and the terms used in the manufacture and sale of the actual apparatus are used, but the description does not interfere with the understanding of the present invention.

The component configuration and functions of this device are as follows. In the description of the present specification, the circled numbers indicating the parts in the photograph of FIG. 7 will be described below in correspondence with the circled numbers in parentheses ().

(1) Sample measuring instrument: Measures the amount of sample taken.
(2) Tubing pump: Suctions and discharges sample liquid.
(3) Pinch valve
(4) Sample nozzle: Insert the sample into the sample storage container and send the sample liquid to the sample storage container while preventing it from scattering to the surroundings.
(5) Sample storage container: In this example, a maximum of 8 samples can be collected.
(6) TFT3.8 in-touch screen: Set the number of samples and the time.
(7) Electronic refrigerator: Periche method 120W
(8) Refrigerating temperature indicator: Sets and displays the refrigerating temperature of the sample liquid.

(Sample weighing unit)

In FIG. 8, the sample measuring unit is composed of a heat-resistant reinforced glass measuring instrument, a sample liquid detector tube, an air filter, a sample nozzle, and a silicon tube connecting them.

The sample measuring instrument is provided with a stainless steel L-shaped sample liquid guide tube that is inserted diagonally downward or at the bottom ((1) in the figure, a stainless steel sample liquid discharge that is attached to the bottom or is inserted in the center of the lower part. There are three branch pipes ((2) in the figure and the upper stainless steel pressurizing / depressurizing pipe ((3) in the figure).

The sample solution is introduced from the sample guide tube connected to the sampling pipe of the incubator until it comes into contact with the pressurizing / depressurizing tube or the liquid detection tube attached to the pressurizing / depressurizing tube by the tubing pump connected to the pressurizing / depressurizing tube. The pressurizing / depressurizing tube or the liquid detector tube attached to the pressurizing / depressurizing tube has the function of a liquid detection sensor, and the pump stops when the sample liquid touches it. Return the sample solution (surplus solution) to the culture tank. After the return of the excess liquid is completed, the pinch valve opens and a certain amount of the sample liquid collected from the sample discharge pipe to the tip or base of the sample guide pipe is sent to the sample storage container.

(Sample storage container)
This device can store up to 8 samples. In addition, it can be sterilized by an autoclave, and the lid on the top of the container prevents evaporation of sample liquid and invasion of falling bacteria.

The lid is automatically opened and closed before and after feeding the sample liquid to the container. Keep the lid closed at first, then set the container in the correct position so that the alignment pin under the hinge ring fits into the hole in the cooling block (the lid opens and closes normally if the pin does not fit into the hole). Not done). The method of setting the sample container will be described later.

(Preparation for automatic sampling)

(A) Connect the sampling pipe of the incubator and the sample guide tube of the measuring instrument with a silicon tube.

(I) Use a pinch cock to stop the silicon tube in (A) near the sampling pipe of the incubator.

(C) Connect the air filter to the silicon tube at the tip of the liquid detector tube or the pressurization / depressurization tube, or connect it directly to the top lid of the culture tank.

(E) Cover the tip of the sample discharge pipe with aluminum foil.

(O) Autoclave sterilize the sampling unit together with the culture tank.

(Or) After sterilization, attach the sample measuring tube to the measuring instrument holder.

(G) When using a liquid detector tube, set it in the liquid detector tube holder.

(H) Set the silicon tube connected to the liquid detector tube or the pressurizing / depressurizing tube to the tubing pump.

(K) Set the silicon tube connected to the sample liquid discharge tube of the measuring tube to the pinch valve and close it.

(This) Attach the sample nozzle with the aluminum foil removed to the arm.

(Sa) Open the pinch cock of (i) above.

() Set the sterilized sample storage container in the correct position on the cooling block.

(S) Turn on the power on the back of the console.

(Se) Start cooling. It takes 2 to 3 hours (depending on the room temperature) to reach the specified cooling temperature (5 ° C) :, so turn on the power in advance.

(Start of automatic sampling)

Set the number of samples, sample time, and engineering parameters in advance according to the sampling operation table on the next page, and press the start switch. See FIGS. 9-11.

(Clean up)

After sampling is complete, manually open the pinch valve, remove the silicone tube, and remove the sampling unit from the console box. If necessary, autoclave sterilize with a culture tank, then wash, dry and store.

200 Culture tank 220 Culture solution 230 Culture solution sample 300 Measuring instrument 302 Cap 303 Lower cap 310 Sample introduction part 320 Air intake / exhaust part 322 Air tube 324 Tubing pump 326 Air filter 330 Sample transfer part 332 Pinch valve 334 Transfer tube 340 Level pipe 350 Sample introduction tube 360 Connection tube 400 Sample injection storage 410 Nozzle lift 411 Arm 412a, 412b Motor 414 Magnet wheel 416 Arm base 420 Cooling block 430 Table 434 Sample injection nozzle 470 Lid opening / closing rod 500 Sample container 510 Lid 512 fulcrum 520 Finger

Claims (4)

It is an automatic culture solution collection device that automatically collects the culture solution in the culture tank, and is equipped with a measuring instrument, an air pump, and a sample injection storage device.
The measuring instrument is provided with a sample introduction section, an air intake / exhaust section, and a sample transfer section.
A sample introduction tube is formed in the sample introduction section, and a sample introduction tube is formed.
A level pipe having a level sensor is formed in the air intake / exhaust portion.
A sample transfer tube is formed in the sample transfer section, and a sample transfer tube is formed.
The air pump is connected to the measuring instrument by an air tube.
By sucking air from the air pump, a culture solution sample is introduced from the culture tank into the measuring instrument, and the culture solution sample is introduced.
The culture solution sample of the measuring instrument is discharged by the exhaust of air by the air pump, and a certain amount of the culture solution sample remaining at the bottom of the measuring tube is injected according to the mounting position of the sample introduction tube in the measuring instrument. Transfer to the storage
In the sample injection / storage device, an automatic culture solution sampling device that is connected to the measuring instrument by the sample transfer tube and injects and stores the measured culture solution sample into a sample container. The automatic culture solution sampling device according to claim 1, wherein the sample introduction tube is formed at an angle to the sample introduction portion. The automatic culture solution sampling device according to claim 1, wherein the sample introduction tube is formed so as to be movable up and down at the sample introduction portion. The sample injection storage device is provided with a sample container, a sample injection nozzle, a nozzle elevating device, and a lid opening / closing means.
The sample injection nozzle is attached to the arm of the nozzle elevating tool.
The automatic culture solution collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lid opening / closing means is attached to the arm.

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