GB2511727A

GB2511727A - Apparatus and method for retaining and filling receptacles

Info

Publication number: GB2511727A
Application number: GB1300512.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Abdulaziz Saleh Abualghaith
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-01-11
Filing date: 2013-01-11
Publication date: 2014-09-17
Anticipated expiration: 2033-01-11
Also published as: GB201300512D0; GB2511727B

Abstract

Apparatus 10 for retaining receptacles, comprising: a vertical column 12 having a central axis 14; a first mounting plate 20 configured to locate on the column 12 and to rotate about the central axis 14 of the column 12; and a second mounting plate 30 configured to locate on the column 12 and to rotate about the central axis 14 of the column 12, each of the first mounting plate 20 and the second mounting plate 30 being configured to retain at least one receptacle 40. The mounting plates may be separated by spacers (70) and may include apertures (52) in order that the lower plate may be accessed from above. A dispenser system may be included to fill the receptacles and it may be computer controlled.

Description

TITLE

Apparatus and Methods for Retaining and Filling Receptacles

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatus and methods for retaining and filling receptacles. In particular, they relate to apparatus and methods for retaining and tilling receptacles for biological studies such as culture growth studies.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

For growth of bacteria, fungi, tissue culture of plants and germination of seeds in biological studies, receptacles, such as Petri dishes, are used to retain a growth medium such as a combination of agar and nutrients. The receptacles may be required to be contained in an enclosure, such as a laminar airflow cabinet, to prevent contamination. The receptacles may be filled with the growth medium whilst retained in situ on a working surface within the enclosure. Filling the receptacles with the growth medium is time consuming and requires each of the receptacles to be accessible by arranging them on the working surface of the enclosure.

It would therefore be desirable to provide apparatus and methods for retaining and filling receptacles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided apparatus for retaining receptacles, comprising: a vertical column having a central axis; a first mounting plate configured to locate on the column and to rotate about the central axis of the column; and a second mounting plate configured to locate on the column and to rotate about the central axis of the column, the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate being configured to retain at least one receptacle.

The second mounting plate may be configured to rotate independent of the first mounting plate.

The first mounting plate may comprise a first retaining portion configured to support the base of at least one receptacle to restrict vertical movement of the at least one receptacle.

The first mounting plate may comprise a second retaining portion configured to restrict horizontal movement of the at least one receptacle.

The second retaining portion may be configured such that a retained receptacle has a portion of its base not supported by the first retaining portion.

The second mounting plate may comprise a first retaining portion configured to support the base of at least one receptacle to restrict vertical movement of the at least one receptacle.

The second mounting plate may comprise a second retaining portion configured to restrict horizontal movement of the at least one receptacle.

The second mounting plate may comprise a first aperture.

The first aperture may be located within the perimeter of the second mounting plate.

The first aperture may form a concavity along part of the perimeter of the second mounting plate.

The apparatus may further comprise a first spacer configured to locate on the column and configured to separate the first mounting plate from the second mounting plate.

The first spacer may be configured to retain the second mounting plate with a separation along the central axis from the first mounting plate.

The first spacer may comprise a first section with a first retaining formation and a second section with a second retaining formation.

The apparatus may further comprise a base, the base having a retaining formation of the form of the first retaining formation into which the second retaining formation of the first spacer is located.

The apparatus may further comprise a second spacer configured to locate on the column and configured to be positioned on top of the second mounting plate to restrict vertical movement of the second mounting plate.

The second spacer may comprise a second retaining formation.

The second spacer may comprise a first retaining formation.

The second retaining formation of the second spacer may be configured to locate in the first retaining formation of the first spacer.

The apparatus may further comprise one or more additional mounting plates and one or more additional spacers positioned alternatively on top of each other on the column to form an alternate stack of mounting plates and spacers.

At least one of the additional spacers may comprise a second retaining formation.

At least one of the additional spacers may comprise a first retaining formation.

At least one of the additional mounting plates may have the same configuration as the second mounting plate.

At least one of the additional mounting plates may comprise a mounting aperture configured to receive the column.

The first mounting plate may comprise a mounting aperture configured to receive the column.

The second mounting plate may comprise a mounting aperture configured to receive the column.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a mounting plate for mounting receptacles, configured to locate on a column and to rotate about a central axis of the column.

The mounting plate may comprise a first retaining portion configured to support the base of at least one receptacle to restrict vertical movement of the at least one receptacle.

The mounting plate may comprise a second retaining portion configured to restrict horizontal movement of the at least one receptacle.

The mounting plate may comprise a first aperture configured to provide passage through the mounting plate for access to a surface below the mounting plate.

The first aperture may be located within the perimeter of the mounting plate.

The first aperture may form a concavity along part of the perimeter of the mounting plate.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a system comprising the apparatus described above, and further comprising a liquid dispenser.

The liquid dispenser may comprise a manual or automated pump to dispense a required volume of liquid.

The system may further comprise a telescopic dispensing nozzle for conveying liquid from the liquid dispenser to a receptacle.

The second mounting plate may comprise a first aperture. The dispensing nozzle may be positioned through the first aperture of the second mounting plate.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a method of forming an apparatus for retaining receptacles, comprising: providing a vertical column having a central axis; providing a first mounting plate configured to locate on the column and to rotate about the central axis of the column; and providing a second mounting plate configured to locate on the column and to rotate about the central axis of the column.

The method of forming an apparatus for retaining receptacles may further comprise: providing a first spacer configured to locate on the column and configured to separate the first mounting plate from the second mounting plate.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a method of filling receptacles in an apparatus as claimed above, comprising: providing a volume of dispensed liquid to a first receptacle; rotating the first or second mounting plate, and providing a volume of dispensed liquid to a second receptacle.

The method of filling receptacles in an apparatus may further comprise: positioning the first receptacle on the first mounting plate; and positioning the second receptacle on the second mounting plate.

The method of filling receptacles in an apparatus may further comprise: positioning a liquid dispenser in proximity with the first and second mounting plates, to facilitate dispensing of liquid from the liquid dispenser to the first receptacle and second receptacle.

The method of filling receptacles in an apparatus may further comprise: positioning a dispensing nozzle of the liquid dispenser in proximity with a receptacle on the first or second mounting plate, to facilitate dispensing of liquid from the liquid dispenser, through the dispensing nozzle, to the receptacle.

The dispensing nozzle may be positioned in a first aperture of the second mounting plate, to facilitate dispensing of liquid from the liquid dispenser, through the dispensing nozzle, through the first aperture to a receptacle on the first mounting plate.

The method of filling receptacles in an apparatus may further comprise: adjusting the height of the dispensing nozzle to be in proximity to a receptacle into which liquid is to be dispensed from the liquid dispenser.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform the method of filling receptacles in an apparatus described above.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium encoded with instructions that, when performed by a processor, cause performance of the method of filling receptacles in an apparatus described above.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes performance of the method of filling receptacles in an apparatus described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of various examples of embodiments of the present invention reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example apparatus according to various embodiments of the invention; Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another example apparatus according to various embodiments of the invention; Fig. 3 illustrates a cross sectional side view of apparatus according to various embodiments of the invention; Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a spacer forming part of the apparatus according to various embodiments of the invention; Fig. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of a method of forming an apparatus according to various embodiments of the invention; Fig. 6 illustrates a system incorporating the apparatus according to various embodiments of the invention; Fig. 7 illustrates a flow diagram of a method of use of an apparatus according to various embodiments of the invention; Fig. 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of a system according to various embodiments of the invention; Fig. 9 illustrates a perspective view of another example apparatus according to various embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE

INVENTION

In the following description, the wording connect' and couple' and their derivatives mean operationally connected or coupled. It should be appreciated that any number or combination of intervening components can exist (including no intervening components).

In the following description, the word restrict' and its derivatives mean to limit or to prevent.

The figures illustrate apparatus for retaining receptacles, the apparatus 10 comprising: a vertical column 12 having a central axis 14; a first mounting plate 20 configured to locate on the column 12 and to rotate about the central axis 14 of the column 12; and a second mounting plate 40 configured to locate on the column 12 and to rotate about the central axis 14 of the column 12, each of the first mounting plate 20 and the second mounting plate 40 being configured to retain at least one receptacle 60.

In more detail, Fig. 1 illustrates an apparatus 10 for retaining receptacles 60 according to various embodiments of the invention. The apparatus 10 includes a first mounting plate 20 and a second mounting plate 40 which are located on a column 12.

The apparatus 10 can be used in an enclosure, such as a laminar airflow cabinet, to provide support for receptacles 60, such as Petri dishes in, for example, biological studies requiring cell culture growth in Petri dishes. Petri dishes may be positioned on the mounting plates 20, 40 such that the Petri dishes are accessible to a user.

The mounting plates 20, 40 provide surfaces on which receptacles 60, such as Petri dishes may be placed. The mounting plates 20, 40 may be positioned in a horizontal orientation to provide a suitable surface for positioning the receptacles 60 on. The mounting plates 20, 40 may be made of any suitable material such as metal or plastic or a combination of such materials. It is beneficial for the mounting plates 20, 40 to be manufactured from material which is suitable for sterilisation, for example, in an autoclave.

This allows the apparatus 10 to be used in, for example, cell culture growth in biological studies, where the apparatus 10 may need to be sterilised before experimentation is carried out.

The column 12 may be a tubular structure which is positioned in a vertical or substantially vertical orientation. The column 12 may be a cylindrical tube.

The column 12 may be metal, plastic or other material, or combination of materials suitable for supporting the mounting plates 20, 40. Again, it would be beneficial for the column 12 to be manufactured from material which is suitable for sterilisation, for example, in an autoclave.

Each of the first mounting plate 20 and second mounting plate 40 are able to rotate about a central axis 14 of the column 12 such that the position of a receptacle 60 placed on the first mounting plate 20 and/or a receptacle 60 placed on the second mounting plate 40 can be altered with respect to a user or other fixed spatial position. One or more of the first mounting plate 20 and second mounting plate 40 may rotate about a central axis 14 of the column 12 in a clockwise and/or anticlockwise direction. In this way a receptacle 60 can be moved towards or away from the user or fixed spatial position to facilitate filling of the receptacle 60 with, for example, a fluid such as an agar based growth medium. Each of the first mounting plate 20 and the second mounting plate 40 can retain one or more receptacles 60. Therefore on each of the first mounting plate 20 and the second mounting plate 40, different receptacles 60 can be selectively positioned to be filled by rotating the respective plate 20, 40 to a position where the receptacle 60 is accessible to a user or a device for filling the receptacle 60. A separation between the first mounting plate 20 and the second mounting plate 40 allows for access to the receptacles 60 on the first mounting plate 20.

Each of the first mounting plate 20 and second mounting plate 40 can move independent of each other. In particular the first mounting plate 20 and the second mounting plate 40 may rotate independently of each other about the central axis 14 of the column 12. Therefore, each of the first mounting plate and second mounting plate 40 can rotate relative to a user or fixed spatial location facilitating access to different parts of the first mounting plate 20 and second mounting plate 40.

Advantageously the apparatus 10 allows access to an increased number of receptacles 60 for a given area of working surface whether inside or outside of an enclosure such as a laminar airflow cabinet. Thus, beneficially, a greater number of receptacles 60 can be used during experimentation, reducing the requirement for working surface area inside and/or outside of an enclosure. Additionally the apparatus 10 may advantageously reduce the requirement for multiple enclosures when using high volumes of receptacles 60.

Further, as there is an increase in the capacity of receptacles 60 for a given working surface area, there is less need for filling receptacles 60 in a batch processing method, such batch processing methods requiring the growth medium, injected into the receptacles 60, to solidify between batches.

Therefore the apparatus 10 may advantageously reduce the time taken to fill the required number of receptacles 60.

An example embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Fig. 2. Features of the apparatus that are the same or similar as corresponding features in the apparatus that can be seen in Fig. 1, and described herein, are referenced by the same reference numerals.

In the example embodiment of the invention, illustrated in Fig. 2, an apparatus 510 is suitable for retaining and repositioning receptacles 60 to facilitate the filling of the receptacles 60 with a liquid, for example a growth medium such as a combination of agar and nutrients. The apparatus 510 comprises a first mounting plate 20 and a second mounting plate 40.

In Fig. 2, the first mounting plate 20 comprises a first retaining portion 22 configured to support the base 62 of at least one receptacle 60 to restrict vertical movement of the at least one receptacle 60. The first retaining portion 22 may be formed of metal, plastic or other suitable material which provides a support for the receptacle 60. The first retaining portion 22, when located on the column 12 provides a support surface 24 which is oriented horizontally or substantially horizontally in order to retain the receptacles 60 and prevent them from falling off the first retaining portion 22 and further to maintain the receptacles 60 in a horizontal or substantially horizontal orientation such that they may be filled with liquid, without the liquid spilling from the receptacles 60.

The first mounting plate 20 comprises a second retaining portion 26 configured to restrict horizontal movement of the at least one receptacle 60.

The second retaining portion 26 may be formed of metal, plastic or other suitable material which provides a support for the receptacle 60. The second retaining portion 26 is formed to provide support for the receptacles 60 to restrict horizontal movement, that is, movement along the plane of the support surface 24.

The second retaining portion 26 comprises a section overlapping or overlaying the support surface 24 providing a recess 28 with a portion raised from the support surface 24, such as a lip 30. In use, the lip 30 engages with the sidewall 64 of the receptacle 60 to restrict movement of the receptacle 60 in the direction of the lip 30. The receptacle 60 is free to move in at least one direction which is not bounded by a lip 30. The recess may have a circular inner section corresponding to the arc of the sidewall 64 of the receptacle 60 in contact with the lip 30.

The second retaining portion 26 is configured such that a retained receptacle has a portion of its base 62 not supported by the first retaining portion 22.

In particular the second retaining portion 26 is configured such that the retained receptacle 60 has a portion of its base 62 not supported by the support surface 24 of the first retaining portion 22.

The surface area of the base 62 of the receptacle 60 is greater than the surface area of the support surface 24 of the first retaining portion 22 provided to retain the receptacle 60. For example the second retaining portion 26 is positioned on the support surface 24 to provide a recess 28 with a surface area smaller than the surface area of the base 62 of the receptacle 60.

Since the surface area of the base 62 of the receptacle 60 is greater than the surface area of the recess 28 in the support surface 24, a portion of the receptacle 60, and in particular a portion of the base 62 of the receptacle 60, overhangs the support surface 24. In this way the receptacle 60 overhangs the edge of the mounting plate 20.

Therefore, when the sidewall 64 of the receptacle 60 is engaged with the lip provided by the recess 28, at least a portion of the base 62 of the receptacle 60 is not supported by the support surface 24. This advantageously facilitates the insertion and removal of the receptacle 60 into and out from the recess 28.

In other examples the recess 28 could be large enough to house the entire receptacle 60, such that all of the base 62 of the receptacle 60 is supported by the support surface 24. The insertion and removal of the receptacle 60 may be facilitated by other means not requiring a portion of the receptacle 60 to overlap the edge of the support surface 24 such that a portion of the base 62 of the receptacle 60 does not need to project beyond the support surface 24 of the first retaining portion 22.

For example, when no overlapping portion or section of the base 62 of the receptacle 60 is accessible to the user or a device for inserting or removing a receptacle 60, the receptacle 60 can be inserted and removed from the recess 28 by the user, or the device, gripping a portion of accessible sidewall 64 of the receptacle 60. In other examples, the receptacles 60 may have a handle portion to facilitate insertion and removal of the receptacle 60 into and out from the recess 28.

The first retaining portion 22 and second retaining portion 26 may be formed of separate sections, for example two sheets of similar or different materials, which are bonded together by welding, gluing or another method of adhering two sections together. Alternatively the first retaining portion 22 and second retaining portion 26 may be formed out of a single section of material, the mounting plate arrangement being formed by stamping, routing, moulding or another method of forming a defined form from a single section of material. In a further alternative there may be multiple second retaining portions 26, each second retaining portion 26 being configured to receive and retain one or more receptacles 60.

The first mounting plate 20 further comprises a mounting aperture 32 configured to receive the column 12. The mounting aperture 32 may be circular to receive a cylindrical column to allow rotation of the first mounting plate 20 about the central axis 14 of the column 12.

In Fig. 2, the second mounting plate 40 comprises a first retaining portion 42 configured to support the base 62 of at least one receptacle 60 to restrict vertical movement of the at least one receptacle 60. The first retaining portion 42 may be formed of metal, plastic or other suitable material which provides a support for the receptacle 60. The first retaining portion 42, when located on the column 12 provides a support surface 44 which is oriented horizontally or substantially horizontally in order to retain the receptacles 60 and prevent them from falling off the first retaining portion 42 and further to maintain the receptacles 60 in a horizontal or substantially horizontal orientation such that they may be filled with liquid, without the liquid spilling from the receptacles 60.

The second mounting plate 40 comprises a second retaining portion 46 configured to restrict horizontal movement of the at least one receptacle 60.

The second retaining portion 46 may be formed of metal, plastic or other suitable material which provides a support for the receptacle 60. The second retaining portion 46 is formed to provide support for the receptacles 60 to restrict horizontal movement, that is, movement along the plane of the support surface 44.

The second retaining portion 46 comprises a section overlapping or overlaying the support surface 44 providing a recess 48 with a portion raised from the support surface 44, such as a lip 50. In use, the lip 50 engages with the sidewall 64 of the receptacle 60 to restrict movement of the receptacle 60 in the direction of the lip 50. The receptacle 60 is free to move in at least one direction which is not bounded by a lip 50. The recess may have a circular inner section corresponding to the arc of the sidewall 64 of the receptacle 60 in contact with the lip 50.

The second retaining portion 46 is configured such that a retained receptacle 60 has a portion of its base 62 not supported by the first retaining portion 42.

In particular the second retaining portion 46 is configured such that the retained receptacle 60 has a portion of its base 62 not supported by the support surface 44 of the first retaining portion 42.

The surface area of the base 62 of the receptacle 60 is greater than the surface area of the support surface 44 of the first retaining portion 42 provided to retain the receptacle 60. For example the second retaining portion 46 is positioned on the support surface 44 to provide a recess 48 with a surface area smaller than the surface area of the base 62 of the receptacle 60.

Since the surface area of the base 62 of the receptacle 60 is greater than the surface area of the recess 48 in the support surface 44, a portion of the receptacle 60, and in particular a portion of the base 62 of the receptacle 60, overhangs the support surface 44. In this way the receptacle 60 overhangs the edge of the mounting plate 40.

Therefore, when the sidewall 64 of the receptacle 60 is engaged with the lip provided by the recess 48, at least a portion of the base 62 of the receptacle 60 is not supported by the support surface 44. This advantageously facilitates the insertion and removal of the receptacle 60 into and out from the recess 48.

In other examples the recess 48 could be large enough to house the entire receptacle 60, such that all of the base 62 of the receptacle 60 is supported by the support surface 44. The insertion and removal of the receptacle 60 may be facilitated by other means not requiring a portion of the receptacle 60 to overlap the edge of the support surface 44 such that a portion of the base 62 of the receptacle 60 does not need to project beyond the support surface 44 of the first retaining portion 42.

For example, when no overlapping portion or section of the base 62 of the receptacle 60 is accessible to the user or a device for inserting or removing a receptacle 60, the receptacle 60 can be inserted and removed from the recess 48 by the user, or the device, gripping a portion of accessible sidewall 64 of the receptacle 60. In other examples, the receptacles 60 may have a handle portion to facilitate insertion and removal of the receptacle 60 into and out from the recess 48.

The first retaining portion 42 and second retaining portion 46 may be formed of separate sections, for example two sheets of similar or different materials, which are bonded together by welding, gluing or another method of adhering two sections together. Alternatively the first retaining portion 42 and second retaining portion 46 may be formed out of a single section of material, the mounting plate arrangement being formed by stamping, routing, moulding or another method of forming a defined form from a single section of material. In a further alternative there may be multiple second retaining portions 46, each second retaining portion 46 being configured to receive and retain one or more receptacles 60.

The second mounting plate 40 comprises a first aperture 52. The first aperture 52, as shown in Fig. 2, is located along part of the perimeter 54 of the second mounting plate 40 to form a concavity along part of the perimeter 54 of the second mounting plate 40. The first aperture 52 is a cut-out section which is located within a recess 48, but is smaller than the recess 48.

The first aperture 52 is configured to provide passage through the second mounting plate 40 for access to a surface, and in particular a receptacle 60, below the second mounting plate 40. The aperture 52 in the second mounting plate 40 provides access to dispense liquid into retained receptacles 60 located in the recesses 28 on the first mounting plate 20.

Because the first aperture 52 is located within the recess 48, but is smaller than the recess 48, a receptacle 60 may still be located within the recess 48 and have a portion of its base 62 supported by the support surface 44.

The second mounting plate 40 further comprises a mounting aperture 56 configured to receive the column 12. The mounting aperture 56 may be circular to receive a cylindrical column to allow rotation of the second mounting plate 40 about the central axis 14 of the column 12.

In order to provide access to receptacles 60 located on the first mounting plate 20, there is a separation between the first mounting plate 20 and the second mounting plate 40. Figs. 2, 3 and 4 illustrate a first spacer 70 configured to locate on the column 12 and configured to separate the first mounting plate 20 from the second mounting plate 40.

Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus 510 according to various embodiments of the invention, incorporating a first spacer 70 between the first mounting plate 20 and the second mounting plate 40. As will be described below in relation to Fig. 3, a second spacer 71 may be positioned on top of the second mounting plate 40. The second spacer 71 is omitted from Fig. 2 for clarity.

Fig. 3 provides a cross sectional view of the apparatus 510, incorporating a first spacer 70 and a second spacer 71. Fig. 3 illustrates the location of the first spacer 70 and second spacer 71 relative to the first mounting plate 20 and second mounting plate 40.

As can be seen from Fig. 3 the first spacer 70 is configured to retain the second mounting plate 40 with a separation X from the first mounting plate 20 when measured parallel to the central axis 14.

The first spacer 70 comprises a first section 72 with a first retaining formation 74 and a second section 82 with a second retaining formation 84.

Fig. 4 illustrates in more detail the first spacer 70 in perspective, with internal formations shown in dashed line.

The first retaining formation 74 comprises a slot 76 opening into a cavity 78.

The cavity 78 extends into the first section 72 and has a portion extending under the upper surface 80 of the first section 72.

The second retaining formation 84 at the second section 82 is in the form of a leg comprising a vertical section 86 and a horizontal section 88.

The second section 82 further comprises a ring 90 with a lower surface 92.

The function of the lower surface 92 is to provide a mechanism for limiting movement of the mounting plates 20, 40 when the apparatus 510 is arranged as described below and shown in Figs. 2 and 3.

In particular the lower surface 92 of the ring 90 is positioned, in use, above the upper surface of the first mounting plate 20. The lower surface 92 is separated from the upper surface of the first mounting plate 20 by a small distance, or could be in contact or abutment with the upper surface of the first mounting plate 20 such that vertical movement of the first mounting plate 20 is restricted. If in contact with the first mounting plate 20, the lower surface 92 of the ring 90 may be formed of a material providing low friction to allow the first mounting plate 20 to rotate relative to the ring 90, for example the lower surface 92 of the ring 90 could be formed from PTFE, or may have a bearing ring.

Fig. 3 further illustrates a base 100 for the apparatus 510. The base 100 has a body 102 with a retaining formation 104 of the form of the first retaining formation 74 of the first spacer 70 into which the second retaining formation 84 of the first spacer 70 may be inserted to be located.

The retaining formation 104 of the base 100 comprises a slot 106 opening into a cavity 108. The cavity 108 extends into the body 102 and has a portion extending underthe uppersurface hOof the body 102. The second retaining formation 84 of the first spacer 70, comprising the vertical leg 86 and the horizontal leg 88, is configured to be inserted into the slot 106 of the retaining formation 104 on the base 100. The slot 106 is large enough to receive the horizontal leg 88. By inserting the second retaining formation 84 of the first spacer 70 into the slot 106 of the retaining formation 104 on the base 100 the base 100 and first spacer 70 can be connected to restrict vertical movement of the first spacer 70.

Retaining formation 74 of the first spacer 70 is configured to receive the second retaining formation 84 of the second spacer 71, the second spacer being of the same or similar construction to the first spacer 70.

Fig. 4 illustrates two first retaining formations 74 on the first section 72 of the first spacer 70 and two second retaining formations 84 on the second section 82 of the first spacer 70. The same or a similar formation can be arranged on the second spacer 71. The purpose of the spacers 70, 71 is to provide separation of the mounting plates 20, 40 and restriction of the movement of the mounting plates 20, 40 in a vertical direction. In particular the aim of the spacers 70, 71 is to restrict any tilting movement of the mounting plates 20, 40 to prevent receptacles 60 from falling from the mounting plates 20, 40 and to prevent spillage of any liquid dispensed into the receptacles 60, particularly as liquid is dispensed into a receptacle 60, which causes an imbalance of forces on the mounting plate 20, 40.

A method of forming an apparatus 510 will now be described with reference to Fig. 5. In the method of forming an apparatus 510 for retaining receptacles 60, at block 150 a vertical column 12 having a central axis 14 is provided. At block 152 the method includes providing a first mounting plate 20 configured to locate on the column 12 and to rotate about the central axis 14 of the column 12. At block 154 the method includes providing a second mounting plate 40 configured to locate on the column 12 and to rotate about the central axis 14 of the column 12. At block 156 the method includes providing a first spacer 70 configured to locate on the column 12 and configured to separate the first mounting plate 20 from the second mounting plate 40.

The first mounting plate 20 is mounted on the column 12 through the mounting aperture 32 such that it is positioned on the upper surface 110 of the base 100. An intervening member may be positioned between the upper surface 110 of the base 100 and the first mounting plate 20, such as a washer, bearing ring, or other spacing element that facilitates ease of rotation of the first mounting plate 20 with respect to the base 100. Further, the mounting aperture 32 is large enough to receive at least part of the second section 82 of the first spacer 70.

A first spacer 70 is located on the base 100, the column 12 extending through a central passage 94 of the first spacer 70. The second retaining formation 84, comprising the vertical leg 86 and the horizontal leg 88, is inserted into the slot 106 of the retaining formation 104 on the base 100. The slot 106 is large enough to receive the horizontal leg 88. Once the horizontal leg 88 has been inserted into the cavity 108, through the slot 106, the first spacer 70, or the base 100, may be rotated in a first sense such that the horizontal leg 88 moves within the cavity 108 to be located in the portion extending under the upper surface 110 of the body 102. This then prevents the first spacer 70 from being lifted vertically from the base 100 until the first spacer 70, or the base 100, is rotated in an opposite sense such that the horizontal leg 88 is located directly underneath the slot 106.

The second mounting plate 40 is mounted on the column 12 through the mounting aperture 56 such that it is positioned on the upper surface 80 of the first spacer 70. An intervening member may be positioned between the upper surface 80 of the first spacer 70 and the second mounting plate 40, such as a washer, bearing ring, or other spacing element that facilitates ease of rotation of the second mounting plate 40 with respect to the first spacer 70. Further, the mounting aperture 56 is large enough to receive at least part of the second section 82 of a second spacer 71.

As shown in Fig. 3, the apparatus 510 further comprises a second spacer 71 configured to locate on the column 12 and configured to be positioned on top of the second mounting plate 40 to restrict vertical movement of the second mounting plate 40, as described in relation to the first spacer 70. The second spacer 71 comprises a first retaining formation 74 and a second retaining formation 84 as described above in relation to the first spacer 70.

The second retaining formation 84 of the second spacer 71 is configured to locate in the first retaining formation 74 of the first spacer 70. The second retaining formation 84 of the second spacer 71, comprising the vertical leg 86 and the horizontal leg 88, is inserted into the slot 76 of the retaining formation 74 on first spacer 70. The slot 76 is large enough to receive the horizontal leg 88. Once the horizontal leg 88 has been inserted into the cavity 78, through the slot 76, the second spacer 71, or the first spacer 70, may be rotated in a first sense such that the horizontal leg 88 moves within the cavity 78 to be located in the portion extending under the upper surface 80 of the body 72.

This then prevents the second spacer 71 from being lifted vertically from the first spacer 70 until the second spacer 71 is rotated in an opposite sense such that the horizontal leg 88 is located directly underneath the slot 76.

As shown in Fig. 6, the apparatus may form part of a system for filling receptacles 60. The system may further comprise a liquid dispenser 120.

The liquid dispenser 120 comprises a manual or automated pump 122 to dispense a required or desired volume of liquid 124. In order to facilitate filling of receptacles 60 on different mounting plates 20, 40 of the apparatus 510, the pump 122 comprises a nozzle 126 extending from the pump 122 and further comprising a telescopic dispensing nozzle 128 for conveying liquid 124 from the liquid dispenser 120 to a receptacle 60.

The telescopic dispensing nozzle 128 comprises a number of sections 130, 132, 134 which can be extended or contracted depending on the height of the receptacle 60 being filled. In the example embodiment shown in Fig 6, three sections 130, 132, 134 of the telescopic dispensing nozzle 128 are shown, however in other examples two or more sections may be used to form a telescopic dispensing nozzle 128. One or more of the higher sections of the telescopic dispensing nozzle 128 is locatable within one or more lower sections of the telescopic dispensing nozzle 128. Alternatively, one or more of the lower sections of the telescopic dispensing nozzle 128 may be locatable within one or more higher sections of the telescopic dispensing nozzle 128.

For example, in Fig. 6, the lower section 134 may be retracted over the middle section 132 and the middle section 134 and lower section 134 may be retracted over the upper section 130. The telescopic dispensing nozzle 128 may then be extended or retracted without contamination of the outer surface of the sections that may be inserted into other sections. Sections may be independently movable relative to all other sections, or sections may be movable only when a lower section has been retracted or a higher section extended. The telescopic dispensing nozzle 128 is positioned through the first aperture 52 of the second mounting plate 40.

One method of filling receptacles 60 in an apparatus as described above, is shown in the flow diagram of Fig. 7. As an example, at block 200 the method includes positioning a first receptacle 60 on the first mounting plate 20 and at block 202 the method includes positioning a second receptacle 60 on the second mounting plate 40.

At block 204, the method includes positioning the liquid dispenser 120 in proximity with the first mounting plate 20 and second mounting plate 40, to facilitate dispensing of liquid 124 from the liquid dispenser 120 to the first receptacle 60 and second receptacle 60.

At block 206, the method includes positioning the dispensing nozzle 128 in proximity with the first mounting plate 20 and second mounting plate 40, to facilitate dispensing of liquid 124 from the liquid dispenser 120 to the first receptacle 60 and second receptacle 60.

At block 208, the method includes positioning the dispensing nozzle in or through a first aperture 52 of the second mounting plate 40, to facilitate dispensing of liquid 124 from the liquid dispenser 120, through the dispensing nozzle 128, through the first aperture 52 to a receptacle 60 on the first mounting plate 20.

At block 210 the method includes providing a volume of dispensed liquid 124 to the first receptacle 60. In some embodiments, the receptacles 60 may comprise multiple compartments, one or more of which may be filled with liquid 124. The liquid 124 to be dispensed may be any dispensable liquid including liquid form of agar which has been heated to be fluidic or is fluidic until chemical reaction causes solidified gel to form. Other liquids other than agar based growth mediums may be dispensed. Gels and other non-solid mediums may be dispensed.

At block 212, the method includes rotating the first mounting plate 20 or second mounting plate 40. Thus, in this example embodiment, the second mounting plate 40 may be rotated such that the second receptacle 60 can be brought into position below the dispensing nozzle 128. The dispensing nozzle 128 can be adjusted in height to be in proximity to the receptacle 60 into which liquid 124 is to be dispensed from the liquid dispenser 120. In this example the dispensing nozzle 128 is adjusted to be suitable for dispensing liquid to the second receptacle 60. If two or more receptacles 60 were positioned on the first mounting plate 20, then the first mounting plate 20 could be rotated so that another receptacle 60 can be brought into position below the dispensing nozzle 128 at the same height.

At block 214, the method includes providing a volume of dispensed liquid 124 to the second receptacle 60.

One or more of the recesses 28 on the first mounting plate 20 may contain a receptacle 60. One or more of the recesses 48 on the second mounting plate may contain a receptacle 60.

Various blocks 200 to 214, shown in Fig. 7, can be omitted from the method.

For example blocks 210, 212 and 214 can be carried out in isolation by the apparatus 510 following positioning of the receptacles 60 by a user, which may be provided during construction or formation of the apparatus 510.

The process shown in Fig. 7 and/or as described above may be carried out repeatedly until all of the receptacles 60 have been filled.

Further, blocks 206, 208, 210, 212 and 214 can be selectively carried out to fill a number of receptacles 60 on the first mounting plate 20 and/or second mounting plate 40.

As a first example, if the first mounting plate 20 contains six receptacles 60, then blocks 212 and 214 may be carried out six times, each rotation of the first mounting plate 20, in block 212, bringing a different receptacle 60 into position under the telescopic dispensing nozzle 128.

As a second example, if the first mounting plate 20 contains three receptacles and the second mounting plate 40 contains three receptacles 60 then blocks 206 and 208 may be carried out to position the telescopic dispensing nozzle 128 in proximity with a first receptacle 60 on the first mounting plate 20 followed by execution of blocks 210, 212 and 214 as described above to fill the three receptacles 60 on the first mounting plate 20. Then the telescopic dispensing nozzle 128 is adjusted in block 206 followed by execution of blocks 210, 212 and 214 as described above to fill the three receptacles 60 on the second mounting plate 40.

In various examples, the telescopic dispensing nozzle 128 may be adjusted to be above the first aperture 52 of the second mounting plate 40 to facilitate the filling of receptacles 60 supported on the support surface 44 of the second mounting plate 40. A receptacle 60 may then be located within the recess 48, above the first aperture 52 of the second mounting plate 40, to be supported on the support surface 44 of the second mounting plate 40. By positioning a receptacle 60 in the recess 48 comprising the first aperture 52, the use of the support surface 44 for retaining receptacles 60 may be maximized.

In an alternative embodiment, shown in Fig. 8, the process described above may be carried out by a controller 300, where any of the blocks of the method of filling receptacles 60 described above can be carried out by a controller 300. For example the controller 300 can be connected to robotised or mechanised apparatus 510 to automatically perform the blocks of the method of filling receptacles 60.

In such an alternative the apparatus 510 is connected to a controller 300. The implementation of the controller 300 can be in hardware alone (for example, a circuit, a processor and so on), have certain aspects in software including firmware alone or can be a combination of hardware and software (including firmware).

The controller 300 may be implemented using instructions that enable hardware functionality, for example, by using executable computer program instructions in a general-purpose or special-purpose processor 302 that may be stored on a computer readable storage medium 304 (disk, memory etc.) to be executed by such a processor 302.

The controller 300 is configured to read from and write to the memory 304.

The controller 300 may also comprise an output interface via which data and/or commands are output by the controller 300 and an input interface via which data and/or commands are input to the controller 300.

The memory 304 stores a computer program 306 comprising computer program instructions that control the operation of the apparatus 510 when loaded into the controller 300. The computer program instructions 306 provide the logic and routines that enables the apparatus 510 to perform the method illustrated in Fig. 7, and described in the preceding paragraphs. The controller 300, by reading the memory 304 is able to load and execute the computer program 306.

The computer program 306 may arrive at the controller 300 via any suitable delivery mechanism 308. The delivery mechanism 308 may be, for example, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a memory device, a record medium such as a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or digital versatile disc (DVD), an article of manufacture that tangibly embodies the computer program 306. The delivery mechanism 308 may be a signal configured to reliably transfer the computer program 306. The controller 300 may propagate or transmit the computer program 306 as a computer data signal.

Although the memory 304 is illustrated as a single component it may be implemented as one or more separate components some or all of which may be integrated/removable and/or may provide permanent/sem i-permanent/ dynamic/cached storage.

References to computer-readable storage medium', computer program product', tangibly embodied computer program' etc. or a controller', computer', processor' etc. should be understood to encompass not only computers having different architectures such as single / multi-processor architectures and sequential (Von Neumann) I parallel architectures but also specialized circuits such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), application specific circuits (ASIC), signal processing devices and other processing circuitry. References to computer program, instructions, code etc. should be understood to encompass software for a programmable processor or firmware such as, for example, the programmable content of a hardware device whether instructions for a processor, or configuration settings for a fixed-function device, gate array or programmable logic device etc. As used in this application, the term circuitry' refers to all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry) and (b) to combinations of circuits and software (and/or firmware), such as (as applicable): (i) to a combination of processor(s) or (ii) to portions of processor(s)/software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memoryes) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and (C) to circuits, such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present.

This definition of circuitry' applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term "circuitry" would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware.

The blocks illustrated in Fig. 5 may represent steps in a method. The illustration of a particular order to the blocks does not necessarily imply that there is a required or preferred order for the blocks and the order and arrangement of the block may be varied. Furthermore, it may be possible for some steps to be omitted.

The blocks illustrated in Fig. 7 may represent steps in a method and/or sections of code in the computer program. The illustration of a particular order to the blocks does not necessarily imply that there is a required or preferred order for the blocks and the order and arrangement of the block may be varied. Furthermore, it may be possible for some steps to be omitted.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.

For example, although the first aperture 52 is illustrated in Fig. 2 at the perimeter 54 of the second mounting plate 40 and within the recess 48, in the light of the description of the function of the first aperture 52 described above, the size and location of the first aperture 52 may be varied. In particular in an alternative arrangement the first aperture 52 may be located within the perimeter 54 of the second mounting plate 40, that is, not forming part of the perimeter 54 of the second mounting plate 40, but being encapsulated within the perimeter 54, such that the aperture or cut-out formed provides a through hole through the second mounting plate 40. Further, the first aperture 52 may be located between adjacent recesses 48. Additionally, multiple apertures 52 can be formed within each recess 48 or between each recess 48.

In other examples, although the recesses 28, 48 have been described such that they allow horizontal movement of a retained receptacle 60 in at least one direction, it is also possible to provide a recess 28, 48 that restricts horizontal movement in all directions, for example by providing a lip 30, 50 surrounding the receptacle 60. In such a configuration, the insertion of a receptacle 60 into a recess 28, 48 requires a horizontal movement of the receptacle 60 to place it above the recess 28, 48 followed by a vertical movement of the receptacle 60 to position the receptacle 60 within the recess 28, 48. Further, the removal of a receptacle 60 from a recess 28, 48 requires a vertical movement of the receptacle 60 to position the receptacle 60 above the recess 28, 48 followed by a horizontal movement of the receptacle 60 to remove receptacle 60 from the apparatus 510.

Further, modifications to the spacers 70, 71 can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, although the second section 82 of the first spacer 70 is noted in the embodiment described to comprise a ring 90 with a lower surface 92, alternative arrangements can be envisaged. For example, the first section 72 of the first spacer 70 may extend further towards the second section 82 to provide the lower surface 92 as part of the first section 72. The function of the lower surface 92 of the spacers 70, 71 is to provide a mechanism for limiting movement of the mounting plates 20, 40 when the apparatus 510 is arranged as described above and shown in Figs. 2 and 3. In other examples other forms of surface 92 may be provided to perform this function, for example one or more projections from the first section 72 may provide one or more surfaces 92 to limit the movement of the mounting plates 20, 40 when the apparatus 510 is arranged as described above.

Further, in other examples one or more pairs of retaining formations 74, 84 may be used to retain one spacer 70 in relative vertical position to another spacer 71. For example the spacers 70, 71 may have two, three or four first retaining formations 74 and a corresponding two, three or four second retaining formations 84. In other examples any number of retaining formations may be used.

In other examples, spacers 70, 71 with alternative retaining formations 74, 84 may be used, where the alternative retaining formations 74, 84 restrict separation of the spacers 70, 71. Such alternative retaining formations 74, 84 may also restrict separation of the first spacer 70 from the base 100. In a further alternative, spacers 70, 71 without retaining formations may be used, for example weighted spacers 70, 71 may be used, which provide a force against separation of the spacers 70, 71 andlor base 100 along the direction of the axis 14 of the column 12. In all of these examples the purpose of the spacers 70, 71 is to provide separation of the mounting plates 20, 40 and restriction of the movement of the mounting plates 20, 40 in a vertical direction. In particular the aim of the spacers 70, 71 is to restrict any tilting movement of the mounting plates 20, 40 to prevent receptacles 60 from falling from the mounting plates 20, 40 and to prevent spillage of any liquid 124 dispensed into the receptacles 60.

Although the apparatus 10, 510, described above, and shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 comprise two mounting plates 20, 40 and two spacers 70, 71, the apparatus 10, 510 may further comprise one or more additional mounting plates 66 and one or more additional spacers 68 positioned alternatively on top of each other on the column 12 to form an alternate stack of mounting plates and spacers. The stack may include the first mounting plate 20 and second mounting plate 40.

An example embodiment with more than two mounting plates 20, 40, is shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a cross sectional side view of an apparatus 610 showing a stack of mounting plates and spacers. In Fig. 9 the apparatus 610 comprises a first mounting plate 20, a second mounting plate 40 and an additional mounting plate 66. The apparatus 610 further comprises a first spacer 70, a second spacer 71 and an additional spacer 68.

In some examples some of the additional spacers 68 may have the same form as the first spacer 70 and/or the second spacer 71. If the second spacer 71 is to be the uppermost spacer in the structure, as shown in Fig. 3, then the first retaining formation 74 may be omitted from the second spacer 71, as no additional spacers 68 need to affix to the second spacer 71. In such circumstances the second spacer 71 comprises a second retaining formation 84 only.

If further spacers 68 are to be affixed to the second spacer 71, such as shown in Fig. 9, then the second spacer 71 also comprises a first retaining formation 74 to facilitate connection to a further spacer 68. If further spacers 68 are used, then the spacer 68 which is the uppermost spacer 68 may comprise a second retaining formation 84 only.

Some or all of the spacers 70, 71, 68 in the plurality of spacers 70, 71, 68 could be the same as the first spacer 70 and/or second spacer 71 for ease of manufacturing.

At least one of the additional mounting plates 66 may have the same configuration as the second mounting plate 40. Additional mounting plates 66 comprise mounting apertures 58 to mount the mounting plates 66 on the column 12. In other examples additional mounting plates 66 may have a different form, for example they may contain a different number of apertures 52 or recesses 48, and may be able to retain different numbers and/or sizes of receptacle 60, compared to the second mounting plate 40. The second mounting plate 40 and any additional mounting plates 66 comprise at least a first aperture 52 configured to provide passage through the mounting plates 40, 66 for access to a surface, and in particular a receptacle 60, below the mounting plates 40, 66. The aperture 52 in the or each mounting plate 40, 66 provides access to dispense liquid 124 into retained receptacles 60 located in the recesses 28, 48 on the mounting plates 20, 40, 66.

In other examples, where there are more mounting plates 66, then the telescopic dispensing nozzle 128 may be positioned through the first apertures 52 of one or more of the mounting plates 40, 66.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

I/we claim:

Claims

CLAIMS1. Apparatus for retaining receptacles, comprising: a vertical column having a central axis; a first mounting plate configured to locate on the column and to rotate about the central axis of the column; and a second mounting plate configured to locate on the column and to rotate about the central axis of the column, the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate being configured to retain at least one receptacle.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second mounting plate is configured to rotate independent of the first mounting plate.
3. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the first mounting plate comprises a first retaining portion configured to support the base of at least one receptacle to restrict vertical movement of the at least one receptacle.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first mounting plate comprises a second retaining portion configured to restrict horizontal movement of the at least one receptacle.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second retaining portion is configured such that a retained receptacle has a portion of its base not supported by the first retaining portion.
6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the second mounting plate comprises a first retaining portion configured to support the base of at least one receptacle to restrict vertical movement of the at least one receptacle.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second mounting plate comprises a second retaining portion configured to restrict horizontal movement of the at least one receptacle.
8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second retaining portion is configured such that a retained receptacle has a portion of its base not supported by the first retaining portion.
9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the second mounting plate comprises a first aperture.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first aperture is located within the perimeter of the second mounting plate.
11. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first aperture forms a concavity along part of the perimeter of the second mounting plate.
12. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a first spacer configured to locate on the column and configured to separate the first mounting plate from the second mounting plate.
13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the first spacer is configured to retain the second mounting plate with a separation along the central axis from the first mounting plate.
14. Apparatus according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the first spacer comprises a first section with a first retaining formation and a second section with a second retaining formation.
15. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the apparatus further comprises a base, the base having a retaining formation of the form of the first retaining formation into which the second retaining formation of the first spacer is located.
16. Apparatus according to any of claims 12 to 15, further comprising a second spacer configured to locate on the column and configured to be positioned on top of the second mounting plate to restrict vertical movement of the second mounting plate.
17. Apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the second spacer comprises a second retaining formation.
18. Apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the second spacer comprises a first retaining formation.
19. Apparatus according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the second retaining formation of the second spacer is configured to locate in the first retaining formation of the first spacer.
20. Apparatus according to any of claims 12 to 19, further comprising one or more additional mounting plates and one or more additional spacers positioned alternatively on top of each other on the column to form an alternate stack of mounting plates and spacers.
21. Apparatus according to claim 20, wherein at least one of the additional spacers comprises a second retaining formation.
22. Apparatus according to claim 20 or claim 21, wherein at least one of the additional spacers comprises a first retaining formation.
23. Apparatus according to any of claims 20 to 22, wherein at least one of the additional mounting plates has the same configuration as the second mounting plate.
24. Apparatus according to any of claims 20 to 23, wherein at least one of the additional mounting plates comprises a mounting aperture configured to receive the column.
25, Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the first mounting plate comprises a mounting aperture configured to receive the column.
26. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the second mounting plate comprises a mounting aperture configured to receive the column.
27. A mounting plate for mounting receptacles, configured to locate on a column and to rotate about a central axis of the column.
28. A mounting plate according to claim 27, wherein the mounting plate comprises a first retaining portion configured to support the base of at least one receptacle to restrict vertical movement of the at least one receptacle.
29. A mounting plate according to claim 28, wherein the mounting plate comprises a second retaining portion configured to restrict horizontal movement of the at least one receptacle.
30. A mounting plate according to claim 29, wherein the second retaining portion is configured such that a retained receptacle has a portion of its base not supported by the first retaining portion.
31. A mounting plate according to any of claims 27 to 30, comprising a first aperture configured to provide passage through the mounting plate for access to a surface below the mounting plate.
32. A mounting plate according to claim 31, wherein the first aperture is located within the perimeter of the mounting plate.
33. A mounting plate according to claim 31, wherein the first aperture forms a concavity along part of the perimeter of the mounting plate.
34. A system comprising the apparatus of any of claims 1 to 26, and further comprising a liquid dispenser.
35. A system according to claim 34, wherein the liquid dispenser comprises a manual or automated pump to dispense a required volume of liquid.
36. A system according to claim 34 or claim 35, further comprising a telescopic dispensing nozzle for conveying liquid from the liquid dispenser to a receptacle.
37. A system according to any of claims 34 to 36 wherein the second mounting plate comprises a first aperture and wherein the dispensing nozzle is positioned through the first aperture of the second mounting plate.
38. A method of forming an apparatus for retaining receptacles, comprising: providing a vertical column having a central axis; providing a first mounting plate configured to locate on the column and to rotate about the central axis of the column; and providing a second mounting plate configured to locate on the column and to rotate about the central axis of the column.
39. A method according to claim 38, further comprising: providing a first spacer configured to locate on the column and configured to separate the first mounting plate from the second mounting plate.
40. A method of filling receptacles in an apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 26, comprising: providing a volume of dispensed liquid to a first receptacle; rotating the first or second mounting plate, and providing a volume of dispensed liquid to a second receptacle.
41. A method of filling receptacles in an apparatus as claimed in claim 40, further comprising: positioning the first receptacle on the first mounting plate; and positioning the second receptacle on the second mounting plate.
42. A method of filling receptacles in an apparatus as claimed in claim 40 or claim 41, further comprising: positioning a liquid dispenser in proximity with the first and second mounting plates, to facilitate dispensing of liquid from the liquid dispenser to the first receptacle and second receptacle.
43. A method according to claim 42, further comprising: positioning a dispensing nozzle of the liquid dispenser in proximity with a receptacle on the first or second mounting plate, to facilitate dispensing of liquid from the liquid dispenser, through the dispensing nozzle, to the receptacle.
44. A method according to claim 43, wherein the dispensing nozzle is positioned in a first aperture of the second mounting plate, to facilitate dispensing of liquid from the liquid dispenser, through the dispensing nozzle, through the first aperture to a receptacle on the first mounting plate.
45. A method according to claim 43 or claim 44, further comprising: adjusting the height of the dispensing nozzle to be in proximity to a receptacle into which liquid is to be dispensed from the liquid dispenser.
46. Apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform the method of any of claims 40 to 45.
47. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium encoded with instructions that, when performed by a processor, cause performance of the method of any of claims 40 to 45.
48. A computer program that, when run on a computer, causes performance of the method of any of claims 40 to 45.
49. Apparatus for retaining receptacles substantially as described above, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
50. A mounting plate for mounting receptacles substantially as described above, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
51. A system substantially as described above, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
52. A method of forming an apparatus for retaining receptacles substantially as described above, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
53. A method of filling receptacles substantially as described above, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
54. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.