An automated recording incubator for tube culture of microorganisms

Studies on the development of an automated incubator which can perform the operations commonly required for microbiological experiments are described. This apparatus is able to handle a large number of samples and has the unique shaking mechanism which is to strike the lower part of the test tubes with reciprocally moving bars. Besides fundamental operations, such as injection of samples and medium, inoculation and repeated measurements of bacterial growth, the apparatus allows the addition of samples and removal of culture broth at the desired time during the incubation period without the researcher's attendance. These functions are combined to make the apparatus very versatile for microbiological experiments, saving on night-time and holiday working and increasing efficiency in experiments. Some practical applications of this apparatus for microbioassay and fermentation experiments are described. The automated method is shown to be advantageous in assay precision and in obtaining detailed information.