Abstract: An automated sensor calibration system and method provide for calibrating a gas sensor in-situ in a controlled atmosphere workstation. The system comprises a controller for automatically controlling the calibration system; an enclosure member movable between a first position and a second position; and a drive mechanism, operable by the controller, for moving the enclosure member between the first position and the second position. In the first position, the enclosure member is arranged in a spaced relationship from the sensor such that a sensing head of the sensor is exposed to the controlled atmosphere of the workstation. In the second position, the enclosure member is arranged in engagement with at least one surface so as to define a calibration chamber and enclose the sensing head in the calibration chamber.

Abstract: A cleaning system for cleaning a stylus of an inoculation apparatus comprises a bath with a first washing trough to hold a first washing fluid and a first weir defining a first washing fluid level, a second washing trough to hold a second washing fluid and a second weir defining a second washing fluid level higher than the first washing fluid level so the stylus is immersible to a greater depth in the second washing fluid than in the first washing fluid. A third washing trough may hold a third washing fluid with a third weir defining a third washing fluid level higher than the first washing fluid level so the stylus is immersible to a greater depth in the third washing fluid than in the first washing fluid. An inoculation system may comprise the cleaning system and may employ an automated method of cleaning the stylus.

Abstract: There is provided a method for initiating a sleeve evacuation process in a controlled atmosphere workstation that comprises a chamber, at least one porthole that may be opened for enabling a user to access the chamber, and a sleeve secured to the least one porthole. The method involves placing the hand of a user within the sleeve with the sleeve engaging the forearm of the user, and initiating the sleeve evacuation process in response to the hand and forearm within the sleeve. In an embodiment of the invention the user forms a fist and moves the fist towards the porthole. This creates a pressure increase that can be detected to initiate the evacuation process. Alternatively the user may wear on his or her hand or forearm an element such as a magnetic element or an RFID chip that can be detected at the porthole to begin the evacuation process.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relates to a system and method for determining the efficacy of the catalyst comprising means to detect any temperature change in the catalyst when oxygen is present in the anaerobic workstation and determine the efficacy of the catalyst in accordance with the temperature change. A detectable rise in the temperature of the catalyst is indicative of a catalytic reaction to remove oxygen from the anaerobic work station. Thus, the system determines the catalyst is an active catalyst if the temperature of the catalyst rises when oxygen is present in the anaerobic workstation. The system determines the catalyst is an inactive catalyst if the temperature of the catalyst does not rise when oxygen is present in the anaerobic workstation. Further aspect of the invention relate to a system and method for determining the atmosphere of an anaerobic workstation in accordance with the efficacy of the catalyst of the anaerobic workstation.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relates to a system and method for determining the efficacy of the catalyst comprising means to detect any temperature change in the catalyst when oxygen is present in the anaerobic workstation and determine the efficacy of the catalyst in accordance with the temperature change. A detectable rise in the temperature of the catalyst is indicative of a catalytic reaction to remove oxygen from the anaerobic work station. Thus, the system determines the catalyst is an active catalyst if the temperature of the catalyst rises when oxygen is present in the anaerobic workstation. The system determines the catalyst is an inactive catalyst if the temperature of the catalyst does not rise when oxygen is present in the anaerobic workstation. Further aspect of the invention relate to a system and method for determining the atmosphere of an anaerobic workstation in accordance with the efficacy of the catalyst of the anaerobic workstation.

Abstract: Controlled atmosphere entry/exit lock unit (10) for association with a controlled atmosphere cabinet (80), the lock unit (10) having two controlled access means (13; 30) both usually operable alternatively for sealing and communicating, one (30) relative to said cabinet (80) and the other (13) relative to outside, the lock unit further having atmosphere control means (70-78) operable for achieving internal atmosphere conditions compatible with what may be prescribed for said cabinet (80), the one access means having movable door means (30) and related powered actuation means (50; 30A, B) including for sealing relative to access with said cabinet (80).

Abstract: Controlled atmosphere cabinet has enclosure (110;210) with means providing visibility (110F; 210F) of its interior from outside, gas supply (113-116, 212-216) for desired or target composition of internal atmosphere, controlled lock-type access (112) for manual introduction and removal of items, and hand/arm access port provision (111A, B; 211A, B) for manipulation of said samples in the cabinet. Gas supply associated control means (230-240) serves during use of the cabinet (other than normal atmosphere augmenting in use of the lock-type access) for additional gas supply further to correct or compensate for effects actually or potentially adverse to maintaining the desired or target internal atmosphere composition, via operator-actuated input means (121t, 123; 222) and/or means (122, 124, 139; 225) for sensing prescribed conditions to which the control means is responsive for said additional gas supply.

Abstract: The invention provides an exemplary anaerobic cabinet system which comprises as least one anaerobic cabinet which defines an enclosure interior of which is visible from outside of the cabinet. The cabinet includes a mechanism for inducing and maintaining a prescribe low oxygen internal atmosphere within the enclosure. The cabinet further includes at least one hand/arm access port, a controlled lock-type access mechanism for manually introducing and removing items through the port, and a hand/arm access port provision which is operably coupled to the lock-type access mechanism for manipulating items within the cabinet. The lock-type access mechanism comprises a door provision which in combination with the port provision define an import chamber for loading and/or unloading items to and from the enclosure through the port.

Abstract: Anaerobic conditions are produced in a main chamber having selective communication with a lock chamber from separate supplies of anaerobe nurture gas, inert gas and oxygen-consuming gas. Flushing is from the lock chamber and oxygen-consuming gas is supplied only after flushing and first, if not only, to the lock chamber.