Incubation station for test sample cards

US6156565A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• BIOMERIEUX, INC. · FR

Inventors

• Gregory R. Maes · Fenton, US
• Dennis Connor · Holden, US
• Brent D. Freiner · Holden, US
• Clifford W. Karl · Holden, US
• Ron Robinson · Bridgeton, US
• Raymond Shelton · Holden, US
• Garry R. Tegeler · Hazelwood, US
• Michael James Justin · Chesterfield, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 4, 1997
• Grant date: Dec 5, 2000
• Expiry date: Aug 4, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T436/115831
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An incubation station has a carousel for receiving a plurality of test sample cards. An even temperature and air flow distribution inside the carousel and incubation of the cards over time at the proper temperature was found to be critically dependent upon air flow characteristics within the incubation station. To optimize air flow, the carousel was given an open rear side that is exposed to an air distribution table having a cover plate placed adjacent to the rear surface of the carousel. The cover plate has a plurality of elongate slots positioned in a symmetrical ring-shaped pattern in registry with the carousel. The elongate slots are positioned at an angle relative to the slots in the carousel such that each carousel slot receives air from more than one slot. An extra fan was also added to the system to increase the flow of air into the air table. Scallop features on the carousel walls also promote even distribution of air flow over the cards. The carousel may be divided into a plurality of carousel segments to increase ease of removal and insertion of the carousel into the incubation station and manufacturability of the carousel.