Microcontroller based orbital motion shaker

A novel procedure of controlling various environmental conditions, shaking speed and duration for shaking of liquid/ semi solid required for microbiology/ chemical research laboratories with the use microcontroller is presented in this paper. The Microcontroller monitors and controls the environmental conditions i.e. humidity, temperature and also provides selectable speed, duration of orbital motion shaker. The system consists of orbital motion producing mechanism, the enclosure for controlled conditions, instruments to control environmental conditions, feedback instruments in order to establish control and microcontroller system which provides programming, interlock and protection for conditions required. This advance microprocessor control ensures reproducible results and operator convenience. System interlocks are also provided in order as a safety measures towards samples examined or cultured by not allowing deviation from the programmed conditions. Microcontroller also ensures self correction in incubation, refrigeration or humidity controls by taking continuous feedback from field instruments. The control system becomes significant as it provides reproducibility in enzyme reactions like aeration in liquid or faster cell growth rate.