Patent ID: 6673595
Filing Date: 2004-01-06
Classification: C12M

Abstract:
An apparatus comprising an automated system for management of cell cultures, the apparatus comprising:a housing having a biochamber for providing controlled environmental conditions in which cells may be cultured and manipulated; a storage array for accommodating a plurality of cell culture devices, wherein a cell culture device comprises a housing to which is secured at least one gas permeable, liquid impermeable membrane, and wherein a cell culture device further comprises one or more chambers for culturing cells; a loading station for introducing cell culture devices into the biochamber; a handling device for handling and moving one or more cell culture devices within the biochamber; a means for harvesting a cell culture component from a cell culture device, wherein the cell culture component is selected from the group consisting of cultured cells, cell culture medium, and a combination thereof; and one or more processing stations for performing a process selected from the group consisting of aspirating a substance from a cell culture device, introducing a substance into the cell culture device, and a combination thereof.