Automated sample extractor or feeder/inoculator for bioreactors and similar equipment

A valve comprising:

• a drain passage;
• a collection chamber, the drain passage being operatively connected to the collection chamber;
• an orifice at a front of the collection chamber;
• a bottom of the collection chamber forming a path which extends from the orifice to the drain passage, the path continuously declining from the front of the collection chamber to the drain passage and is free from undraining recesses such that flow through the collection chamber is unobstructed;
• and
• a device for detachably mounting the valve to a vessel or conduit,
• wherein no pooling of material occurs in the bottom of the collection chamber.

A valve for use with a vessel or conduit, the valve comprising:

• a sample cavity;
• means for at least partially inserting the valve into the vessel or conduit when the valve is mounted on the vessel or conduit to thereby penetrate media held in the vessel or conduit;
• and
• means for insulating an interior of the valve from the ambient environment within the vessel or conduit when the valve is mounted on the vessel or conduit.