Patent · US Expired

Controlled atmosphere incubator

US5792427A · kind A · utility

33Cited by
47References
22Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 9, 1996
Grant dateAug 11, 1998
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 9, 2016

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S435/809
  • WIPO fieldBiotechnology
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A controlled atmosphere incubator having an interior chamber surrounded by a heated water jacket. A glass access door of the chamber is directly heated by a clear, electrically conductive coating. The door is sealed against the perimeter of the opening by a readily replaceable gasket and is field reversible due to unique hinge mounting assemblies. An easily accessed blower assembly is located within the chamber and includes a HEPA filter readily replaceable by the user from within the chamber. A filtered air exchange system is provided for limiting the maximum level of humidity in the chamber. The incubator control maintains constant power output from the blower motor so that the heat output of the motor is also constant. A voltage compensated temperature control is also provided for the heaters associated with the water jacket. Compensation for environmental conditions inside the chamber is also provided by the control for producing more accurate readings of carbon dioxide levels. When an infrared carbon dioxide sensor is used, the control provides a unique calibration method which does not necessitate the use of conventional tanks of calibration gas mixtures.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.