JP7519059B2 - Automatic culture medium sampling device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an automatic culture fluid sampling device for use in culture devices used in the production of food, medicines, etc., and in culture experiments and research using microorganisms and animal/plant cells.

Traditionally, the main purpose of culturing experiments has been to investigate the state of growth of the cultured bacteria and the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the products of the bacteria. In such cases, information that cannot be obtained using various sensors is obtained by sampling the culture fluid at regular intervals from the start of culturing, and the necessary analysis is carried out immediately after sampling or after refrigerated storage. Frequent sampling is required to investigate changes in bacterial growth over time and production trends of products in detail, but currently the start time of culturing is adjusted to avoid working at night or on holidays, and even so, it is often necessary to give up sampling at night or on holidays.

In addition, the traditional manual process of collecting culture fluid requires the mastery of collection techniques, as procedures must be followed to prevent contamination of the culture device itself and to obtain accurate results.

However, the manual collection of culture fluid as described above requires skill, and there are inconvenient problems such as a lack of accuracy in the amount and timing of collection, as well as the risk of accidentally contaminating the culture fluid in the culture tank and forcing the end of the experiment.

In addition, to avoid working at night or on holidays, it was necessary to adjust the start time of the culture, which meant that it was necessary to give up on collecting culture fluid at the required time, resulting in problems such as inability to obtain accurate culture data.

It is hoped that an automatic culture medium sampling device can be developed that can quantitatively collect culture medium samples using a dedicated measuring device regardless of differences in the properties of the culture medium or changes over time, and that can transfer the culture medium sample to a sample container with a lid and store it in a refrigerator without discarding samples or contaminating the culture tank.

The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems of the conventional technology by automating the collection of culture fluid using electrical circuits such as timers and sequence circuits, and aims to provide an automatic culture fluid collection device that reduces the labor of the operator, prevents careless collection failures, and prevents contamination of the culture tank.

As a result of extensive research into solving the above problems, the inventors discovered that the objective could be achieved by using an automatic culture medium collection device that they had newly manufactured to automate the cumbersome manual work of collecting culture medium, and thus completed the present invention.

That is, the automatic culture medium collection device of the present invention is

An automatic culture medium sampling device for automatically sampling a culture medium in a culture tank, the device comprising a measuring device, an air pump, and a sample injection reservoir;
The measuring device is provided with a sample introduction section, an air intake and exhaust section, and a sample transfer section,
A sample introduction tube is formed in the sample introduction section,

A level pipe having a level sensor is formed in the air intake and exhaust section,
The sample transfer section is provided with a sample transfer tube,

The air pump is connected to the meter by an air tube,
A culture solution sample is introduced from the culture tank into the measuring device by sucking air with the air pump;
Discharge the culture solution sample from the meter by exhausting air with the air pump, and transfer a certain amount of the culture solution sample remaining at the bottom of the metering tube to the sample injection reservoir according to the mounting position of the sample introduction tube in the meter;
The sample injection reservoir is connected to the measuring device through the sample transfer tube, and an automatic culture fluid sampling device is provided for injecting and storing a measured culture fluid sample in the sample container.

The present invention provides an automatic culture medium sampling device as described in claim 1, characterized in that the sample introduction tube is formed at an angle to the sample introduction portion.

The present invention also provides an automatic culture fluid sampling device as described in claim 1, characterized in that the sample introduction tube is formed so as to be movable up and down in the sample introduction section.

The present invention provides an automatic culture medium collection device according to any one of (1), (2) or (3), characterized in that the sample injection reservoir comprises a sample container, a sample injection nozzle, a nozzle lifting device and a lid opening and closing means, the sample injection nozzle is attached to an arm of the nozzle lifting device, and the lid opening and closing means is attached to the same arm as the arm.

By using the automatic culture medium collection device of the present invention,

This solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, automates the process of collecting culture fluid, making it possible to carry out collection work at night or on holidays, and eliminating the need to adjust the start time of culture.

It has also become possible to provide an automatic culture fluid collection device that reduces the workload of those learning collection techniques and prevents careless collection failures and damage.

In addition, even those who are not trained in collection techniques can prevent bacterial contamination and obtain accurate results regarding the amount and timing of collection.

It also reduces the workload of the operator, prevents careless collection errors, and prevents contamination of the culture tank.

In addition, the required amount can be collected quantitatively using a dedicated measuring device regardless of differences in the properties of the culture medium or changes over time, and the sample can be transferred to a sample container with a lid and stored in a refrigerator without waste samples or contamination of the culture tank.

In particular, the culture medium can be quantitatively collected using a dedicated measuring device regardless of differences in the properties of the culture medium or changes over time, and can be transferred to a container with a lid and stored in a refrigerator without discarding samples or contaminating the inside of the culture tank.In addition, the amount and timing of collection can be accurately determined without the need for an experienced operator, and inconveniences such as accidental contamination of the culture tank can be solved.

In addition, because a lid opening and closing rod is used as the lid opening and closing means, the opening and closing of the lid and the insertion and removal of the nozzle into the container are performed by the raising and lowering of the arm, i.e., a mechanism that synchronizes the operation with a time lag using a single power source, making it possible to simplify and lighten the device.

In particular, the magnet is shaped like a wheel and the fingers on one of the lids are curved, allowing for smooth opening and closing of the lid.

1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an automatic culture medium sampling device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an automatic culture medium collecting device according to another embodiment of the present invention. 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating the structure and operation of a weighing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating the structure and operation of a weighing device according to another embodiment of the present invention. 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating the operation of a sample introduction tube of a measuring device according to another embodiment of the present invention. 1A-1C are diagrams illustrating the structure and operation of a sample injection reservoir according to one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a reference diagram of the entirety and each part of an automatic culture medium collecting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a reference diagram of the entirety and each part of an automatic culture medium collecting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a method of operating the automatic culture medium sampling device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a method of operating the automatic culture medium sampling device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a method of operating the automatic culture medium sampling device according to one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a reference diagram for explaining the mounting angle and operation of an inlet pipe of a measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a reference diagram for explaining the operation of a measuring device and a culture solution according to one embodiment of the present invention.

First, the overall configuration of an automatic culture medium collection device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

(Culture solution 220)

In FIG. 1, culture medium 220 is contained in culture tank 200. The automatic culture medium collection device of the present invention can handle culture medium 220 with various properties, such as high or low viscosity culture medium 220 and muddy (sludge) culture medium 220.

(Measuring device 300)
Next, the measuring device 300 has a tubular shape made of glass or heat-resistant transparent resin, and the upper part is sealed airtight with a heat-resistant rubber cap 302.
The bottom portion is shaped like a funnel, and a sample transfer portion 330 is formed therein.

(Weighing scale - sample introduction)

The measuring device 300 and the culture tank 200 are connected by a connection tube 360, and the culture fluid 220 is introduced through the connection tube 360 to the sample introduction tube 350. The sample introduction section 310 of the measuring device is formed with the sample introduction tube 350. That is, the sample introduction tube 350 is connected to the culture tank 200 by the connection tube 360, and the culture fluid sample 230 of the culture tank 200 is introduced into the measuring device 300.

The sample introduction section 310 of the measuring device 300 is formed in the body or bottom of the measuring device 300 , and a sample introduction tube 350 is formed in the sample introduction section 310 .
As will be explained in FIG. 4 below, a certain amount of culture fluid sample 230 remains at the bottom of the measuring device 300 depending on the attachment position of the sample introduction tube 350 to the measuring device 300, thereby allowing a certain amount of culture fluid sample 320 to be measured and transferred to the sample container 500.

(Measuring instrument - air intake and exhaust)

A level pipe 340 is attached to the air intake/exhaust section 320 of the measuring device 300, and an air tube 322 is connected to the level pipe 340. The level pipe 340 in the present invention is a hollow tube equipped with a liquid 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 a tubing pump 324 .
In another embodiment described later, the other end of this air tube 322 is not connected to the air intake/exhaust section 320 of the culture tank 200 , but is open to the atmosphere via an air filter 326 .

The air tube 322 connected to the air intake and exhaust section 320 of the measuring device 300 has the other end connected to a tubing pump 324. In the embodiment, the air pump used in the present invention is a tubing pump 324, but other air pumps can be used as appropriate as long as they are capable of intake and exhaust of air from the measuring device 300.

(Measuring instrument - sample transfer)

A transfer tube 334 is connected to the sample transfer section 330 of the measuring device 300, which transfers the culture medium sample 230 measured by the measuring device 300 to the sample injection reservoir 400.

(Measuring device - culture fluid sample operation)

Below, with reference to Figure 13, we will explain the mechanism for automatically collecting a fixed amount of culture medium sample using a measuring device that is an embodiment of the present invention.

First, the culture liquid in the sampling pipe of the culture tank is blown back into the culture tank using air from the pump. (Figure 13 (A))

Next, the pump draws the sample liquid into the measuring device and draws it up until it reaches the level sensor. (Figure 13 (B))

Next, the excess sample liquid in the measuring vessel is blown back into the culture tank using air from the pump. (Figure 13(C))

Then, the pinch valve is opened and the sample liquid remaining in the measuring vessel is pushed into the sample container by the air from the pump. (Figure 13(D)) This allows a measured, fixed amount of culture liquid sample to be collected.

(Sample injection reservoir 400)

The measured culture medium sample is transferred to the sample injection reservoir 400 by transfer tube 334 and preferably refrigerated. Details of the sample injection reservoir 400 are described below.

(Another embodiment of the automatic culture medium collection device)

FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the automatic culture medium collecting device of the present invention.
In this embodiment, one end of the air tube 322 is not connected to the air intake/exhaust section 320 of the culture tank 200 , but is open to the atmosphere via an air filter 326 .

(Weight measurement operation)

Next, the measuring structure and operation of the measuring device 300 of the automatic culture medium collection device of the present invention will be further explained with reference to FIG.

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

In FIG. 3(C), the sample introduction tube 350 is angled downward in the sample introduction section 310 of the measuring device 300. This makes it possible to collect high-viscosity or highly viscous culture fluid 220 or sludge-like culture fluid 220.

In other words, in FIG. 3(C), the highly viscous or highly viscous sample surplus liquid in the measuring device 300 is made to flow back through the sample introduction tube 350 to return it to the culture tank, but the inventors have found through experiments that it is easier for the sample introduction tube 350 to flow (return) if the sample introduction tube 350 is angled downward, and that if the sample introduction tube 350 is horizontal, solid matter accumulates at the base of the sample introduction tube 350, causing it to become clogged.

This is thought to be because, in the case of a horizontal inlet pipe, the air is returned only by the pressure of the air sent from the pump, whereas, in the case of an inlet pipe pointing diagonally downward, gravity acts in addition to the air pressure (see the top right of Figure 12).

Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of the base of the inlet pipe facing diagonally downward is larger, which is also thought to be a factor in the ease of flow (see the bottom right of Figure 12).

In addition, in FIG. 3(B), a level pipe 340 is provided in the air intake and exhaust section 320 of the measuring device 300. This level pipe 340 also serves as a level sensor, and can detect excess culture solution sample 230 and control the timing of returning it to the culture tank 200.

(Quantitative measurement method)

The method for measuring a fixed amount of culture medium sample 230 using measuring device 300 in this embodiment is as follows.

In other words, in FIG. 3(A), the suction of the tubing pump 324 is turned on by an electronic control circuit (not shown), so that the culture medium 220 is sucked from the culture tank 200 into the meter 300.

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

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

In FIG. 3D, a certain amount of culture medium sample 230 remains at the bottom of the measuring device 300. This certain amount of culture medium 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 at the appropriate timing by a command signal from an electronic control circuit (not shown).

(Another embodiment of a measuring device)

Next, an embodiment of a measuring device 300 of another aspect of the automatic culture medium collection device of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5.

In this embodiment, the top and bottom of the measuring device 300 are sealed with heat-resistant rubber caps 302. The sample introduction tube 350 is attached to the lower cap 303. The sample introduction tube 350 is installed so that it can move up and down.

In FIG. 4A, a culture medium sample 230 from the culture tank 200 is aspirated into the measuring device 300 by turning on the suction of the tubing pump 324.

In FIG. 4B, when the liquid level of the culture medium sample 230 reaches the level pipe 340, the level sensor detects this and stops suction by the tubing pump 324.

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

In FIG. 4D, a certain amount of culture medium sample 230 remains at the bottom of the measuring device 300. This certain amount of culture medium sample 230 is transferred to the sample injection reservoir 400 by opening the pinch valve 332.

Next, with reference to FIG. 5, it will be described how the amount of culture medium sample 230 collected can be adjusted by changing the insertion length of sample introduction tube 350 into measuring device 300.
That is, as shown in Fig. 5(A), if sample introduction tube 350 is pulled downward relative to measuring device 300, the sample amount becomes small, and as shown in Fig. 5(B), if sample introduction tube 350 is pushed upward relative to measuring device 300, the sample amount increases. In this way, the attachment position of sample introduction tube 350 to measuring device 300 can be adjusted, for example by adjusting the insertion length, to increase or decrease the sample amount.

That is, the amount of culture fluid sample 320 remaining at the bottom of the measuring device 300 is determined to be a fixed amount depending on the mounting position of the sample introduction tube 350 within the measuring device 300. The culture fluid sample 320 remaining in the measuring device 300 is then transferred to the sample injection reservoir 400 as a quantified amount of culture fluid sample 320.

(Sample injection reservoir 400)

Referring now to FIG. 6, the sample injection reservoir 400 will be described.
The culture fluid is measured by a measuring device 300 and then injected through a transfer tube 334 into a sample container 500 that has been set in advance on a table 430 .
The sample injection reservoir 400 is equipped with a sample container 500, a table 430 on which it is placed, a cooling block 420, a nozzle lifting device 410 consisting of an arm 411 driven by a motor 412a to raise and lower the sample injection nozzle 434 in the vertical direction, and a lid opening/closing rod 470 for opening and closing the lid 510 of the sample container 500.

The lid opening/closing rod 470 has a flange 414 at the upper end to prevent it from falling off, and a magnet wheel 415 is suspended from the lower part.

On the other hand, a through hole is formed in the arm 411, and the lid opening/closing rod 470 is attached to the through hole of the arm 411 so that it can slide up and down.

The lid opening/closing rod 470 has fingers 520 attached so that the lid 510 of the sample container 500 opens when the fingers 520 are pushed down on the hinge pin 512 (Figures 6(B) and 6(C)).

That is, the magnet wheel 415 descends and magnetically attaches to the finger 520, thereby pushing down the finger 520 and lifting the lid.
The magnet wheel 415 is a rotating wheel-shaped magnet. The fingers 520 of the lid 510 are made of iron and have a curved shape. This allows for smooth opening and closing of the lid.

6A, the sample containers 500 are inserted into and supported by holes arranged along the circumference of the table 430. The number of sample containers 500 can be increased or decreased as appropriate.
The sample container 500 is fitted with an iron lid 510 for preventing evaporation of the culture fluid sample 230, and is supported within 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, and the magnet wheel 415 contacts the finger 520 of the lid 510 of the sample container 500 before the sample injection nozzle 434 contacts the lid 510.

In FIG. 6(C), the finger 520 of the lid 510 is curved. The magnet wheel 415 magnetically attracts the finger 520 and pushes it down to open the lid. After the magnet wheel 415 pushes the finger 520 down and the lid opens, the sample injection nozzle 434 is inserted into the sample container 500.

Because both the sample injection nozzle 434 and the lid opening/closing rod 470 are attached to the arm 411, the action of the magnet wheel 415 descending to open the lid and the action of the sample injection nozzle 434 descending together with the arm 411 and being inserted into the sample container 500 are synchronized, so that the lid 510 does not interfere with the sample injection nozzle 434.

In FIG. 6(D), after the culture medium sample is injected, 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 flange 414 at the top end of the lid opening/closing rod 470, the magnet wheel 415 starts to rise, magnetizing the finger 520 and closing the lid with the hinge pin 512 as the fulcrum. This means that the sample injection nozzle 434 does not interfere with the lid.

In other words, the magnet wheel 415 begins to rise after the arm 411 comes into contact with the flange 414, and therefore begins to rise later than the sample injection nozzle 434. As the magnet wheel 415 rises, the magnetically attracted finger 520 is lifted and the lid 510 closes. The lid 510 closes after the sample injection nozzle 434 rises, so 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 defeated by the weight of the sample container 500 including the lid opening and closing mechanism, and the magnet wheel 415 leaves the finger 520 and stops in a fixed position.

The opening and closing of the lid 510 using the magnet wheel 415 and the insertion and removal of the sample injection nozzle 434 into the container can be achieved by synchronizing the raising and lowering movements of the arm 411, i.e., by a time lag using a single power source.

In addition, the lid opening/closing rod 470 of this embodiment uses a magnet wheel 415 made of a wheel-shaped magnet, and the fingers 520 of the lid 510 are curved in shape, which allows for smooth lid opening and closing operations.

In addition, although only one sample container 500 is shown in this embodiment, the required number of sample containers 500 can of course be added and placed on the table 430 in advance or as needed.

In addition, there are no particular restrictions on how the sample container 500 is placed on the table 430,

The culture fluid sample 230 can also be filled into the sample containers sequentially by rotating the arm base 416 equipped with the nozzle lifting device 410 using the motor 412b.

Conversely, the table 430 can be a rotating table, and the culture medium samples 230 can be sequentially injected into the sample containers 500.

(Automatic collection)

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

In other words, when the program timer is switched on, a sampling signal is generated from the timer at a set time. This signal activates the sequence circuit, and first the tubing pump 324 pumps air into the meter 300, and the culture fluid remaining in the sample tube and connecting tube 360 in the culture tank is pushed back into the tank by the air.

Next, the tubing pump 324 operates to suck the air out of the measuring device 300. Then, the culture solution sample 320 flows into the measuring device 300 through the connecting tube 360.

Next, when the culture medium sample 230 is filled into the measuring device 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 predetermined time has elapsed, the tubing pump 324 is operated to introduce air into the measuring device 300, and the excess culture solution sample 230 in the measuring device 300 is returned from the measuring device 300 to the culture tank 200 via the sample introduction tube 350.

Then, a start signal is sent to the motor 412a of the sample injection reservoir, and 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 device 300, and an electrical signal is sent to the pinch valve 332, which opens the pinch valve 332 and transfers the culture medium sample 320 remaining at the bottom of the measuring device 300 to the sample injection reservoir via the sample transfer tube.

(Example of prototype)

The automatic culture medium collection device of the present invention has been manufactured, and the details of the manufacturing device will be described below with reference to Figures 7 to 11. Note that the following description does not use the reference numerals in the drawings of the above embodiment, but uses the terms used in the manufacture and sale of the actual device, but does not impede understanding of the present invention.

The components and functions of this device are as follows. Note that the circled numbers indicating the components in the photograph in Figure 7 correspond to the numbers in parentheses () in the following explanation of this specification.

(1) Sample weighing device: Measures the amount of sample taken.
(2) Tubing pump: Suction and discharge of sample liquid.
(3) Pinch valve
(4) Sample nozzle: Inserted into the sample storage container and sends the sample liquid into the container while preventing it from splashing into the surrounding area.
(5) Sample storage container: In this embodiment, up to eight samples can be collected.
(6) TFT3.8 in-touch screen: Set the number of samples and time to be taken.
(7) Electric refrigerator: Peltier type 120W
(8) Refrigeration temperature indicator: Sets and displays the refrigeration temperature of the sample liquid.

(Sample weighing unit)

In Figure 8, the sample measurement unit is composed of a heat-resistant tempered glass measuring device, a sample liquid detector tube, an air filter, a sample nozzle, and a silicone tube connecting them.

The sample measuring device has three branch pipes: a stainless steel L-shaped sample liquid guide tube ((1) in the figure) that is inserted diagonally downward or into the bottom, a stainless steel sample liquid discharge tube ((2) in the figure) that is attached to the bottom or inserted into the center of the bottom, and a stainless steel pressure/pressurization tube ((3) in the figure) at the top.

The sample liquid is introduced from the sample guide tube connected to the sampling pipe of the culture device by a tubing pump connected to the pressure increase/decrease tube of the measuring device until it comes into contact with the pressure increase/decrease tube or the liquid detector tube attached to the pressure increase/decrease tube. The pressure increase/decrease tube or the liquid detector tube attached to the pressure increase/decrease tube functions as a liquid detection sensor, and when the sample liquid comes into contact with it, the pump stops and then begins to reverse, returning the sample liquid (excess liquid) above the tip or base of the measuring device's sample guide tube into the culture tank. After the return of the excess liquid is complete, the pinch valve opens and a certain amount of sample liquid that has accumulated below the tip or base of the sample guide tube is sent from the sample discharge tube to the sample storage container.

(Sample storage container)
This device can store up to eight samples. It can also be sterilized by autoclaving, and the lid on the top of the container prevents the sample liquid from evaporating and the intrusion of bacteria.

The lid opens and closes automatically before and after the sample liquid is transferred to the container. Initially, the lid is left closed and the container is set in the correct position so that the alignment pin under the hinge ring matches the hole in the cooling block (if the pin does not match the hole, the lid will not open and close correctly). The method for setting the sample container is described later.

(Preparing for automatic sampling)

(a) Connect the culture device sampling pipe and the measuring device's sample guide tube with a silicone tube.

(b) Use a pinch cock to close the silicone tube (a) near the sampling pipe of the culture device.

(c) Connect an air filter to the silicone tube at the end of the liquid detector tube or pressure/pressure tube, or connect directly to the filter on the top lid of the culture tank.

(e) Cover the tip of the sample discharge tube with aluminum foil.

(o) Sterilize the sampling unit together with the culture tank in an autoclave.

(k) After sterilization is complete, attach the sample measuring tube to the measuring device holder.

(k) If using a liquid detector tube, set it in the liquid detector tube holder.

(k) Set the silicone tube connected to the liquid detector tube or pressure/pressure tube into the tubing pump.

(k) Set the silicone tube connecting the measuring tube to the sample liquid discharge pipe into the pinch valve and then close it.

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

(sa) Open the pinch cock mentioned above (i).

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

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

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

(Start 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 then press the start switch. See Figures 9 to 11.

(Cleaning 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, sterilize the unit together with the culture tank in an autoclave, then wash, dry, and store.

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

Claims (2)

An automatic culture medium sampling device for automatically sampling a culture medium in a culture tank, the device comprising a measuring device, an air pump, and a sample injection reservoir;
The measuring device is provided with a sample introduction section, an air intake and exhaust section, and a sample transfer section,
A sample introduction tube is formed in the sample introduction section,
A level pipe having a level sensor is formed in the air intake and exhaust section,
The sample transfer section is provided with a sample transfer tube,
The air pump is connected to the meter by an air tube,
A culture solution sample is introduced from the culture tank into the measuring device by sucking air with the air pump;
Discharge the culture solution sample from the meter by exhausting air with the air pump, and transfer a certain amount of the culture solution sample remaining at the bottom of the metering tube to the sample injection reservoir according to the mounting position of the sample introduction tube in the metering device;
The sample injection reservoir is connected to the measuring device by the sample transfer tube, and the measured culture solution sample is injected and stored in a sample container.
The automatic culture medium sampling device, wherein the sample introduction tube is formed at a downward angle to the sample introduction portion. The sample injection reservoir is provided with a sample container, a sample injection nozzle, a nozzle lifting device, and a cover opening/closing means;
The sample injection nozzle is attached to the arm of the nozzle elevator,
2. The automatic culture medium collecting device according to claim 1, wherein said cover opening and closing means is attached to said arm.