Abstract: An incubator is fitted with an enclosure which surrounds the incubator. A cold air generation system supplies relatively cold air to a space formed between enclosure and the incubator. The system supplying the cold air can be embodied in a cart or base upon which the incubator sits. The enclosure is also placed on the base in a manner such that it substantially envelops the incubator. The top of the cart has openings for egress of cold air and return of air so that air may circulate in a closed loop. The incubator, cold air supply system and enclosure present a solution for incubating samples in a nominal 20-25° C. temperature environment. The enclosure, which is preferably insulated, may include a void or opening which exposes doors or other access device of the incubator, allowing direct access to the samples in the incubator while the rest of the incubator is enveloped by the enclosure.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for agitating multiple specimen containers each containing a sample and a growth medium. The system includes a plurality of racks. The racks have a plurality of receptacles, each of which is adapted for holding a specimen container. The racks include a first rack oriented in a first direction and a second rack oriented in a second direction different from the first direction. The system also includes a rotating turret having a frame holding the racks. The frame is rotatable about an axis, wherein the rotating turret operates to rotate the racks about the axis to an access position, e.g., where a user may access the specimen containers. The system also includes an agitation assembly coupled to the racks. The agitation assembly rocks the racks back and forth thereby agitating specimen containers held by the racks. In one configuration, the system is incorporated into an automated instrument detecting whether a microbiological agent is present in the specimen container.

Abstract: An incubator is fitted with an enclosure which surrounds the incubator. A cold air generation system supplies relatively cold air to a space formed between enclosure and the incubator. The system supplying the cold air can be embodied in a cart or base upon which the incubator sits. The enclosure is also placed on the base in a manner such that it substantially envelops the incubator. The top of the cart has openings for egress of cold air and return of air so that air may circulate in a closed loop. The incubator, cold air supply system and enclosure present a solution for incubating samples in a nominal 20-25° C. temperature environment. The enclosure, which is preferably insulated, may include a void or opening which exposes doors or other access device of the incubator, allowing direct access to the samples in the incubator while the rest of the incubator is enveloped by the enclosure.

Abstract: A specimen culture container agitation assembly includes an endless belt having a multitude of container-receiving clips attached thereto, each of which is adapted for retaining a specimen culture container to the belt. The belt is oriented vertically. The assembly further includes upper and lower pulleys over which the belt is driven. A drive motor drives the belt around the pulleys. Agitation of the specimen culture container is achieved by rotation of the belt over the pulleys and the retaining of the specimen culture container by the clip.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for agitating multiple specimen containers each containing a sample and a growth medium. The system includes a plurality of racks. The racks have a plurality of receptacles, each of which is adapted for holding a specimen container. The racks include a first rack oriented in a first direction and a second rack oriented in a second direction different from the first direction. The system also includes a rotating turret having a frame holding the racks. The frame is rotatable about an axis, wherein the rotating turret operates to rotate the racks about the axis to an access position, e.g., where a user may access the specimen containers. The system also includes an agitation assembly coupled to the racks. The agitation assembly rocks the racks back and forth thereby agitating specimen containers held by the racks. In one configuration, the system is incorporated into an automated instrument detecting whether a microbiological agent is present in the specimen container.

Abstract: An incubator is fitted with an enclosure which surrounds the incubator. A cold air generation system supplies relatively cold air to a space formed between enclosure and the incubator. The system supplying the cold air can be embodied in a cart or base upon which the incubator sits. The enclosure is also placed on the base in a manner such that it substantially envelops the incubator. The top of the cart has openings for egress of cold air and return of air so that air may circulate in a closed loop. The incubator, cold air supply system and enclosure present a solution for incubating samples in a nominal 20-25° C. temperature environment. The enclosure, which is preferably insulated, may include a void or opening which exposes doors or other access device of the incubator, allowing direct access to the samples in the incubator while the rest of the incubator is enveloped by the enclosure.

Abstract: A pipette includes a tubular body having an internal passage, a first end and a second end. The tubular body is deformed inward to create a narrow constriction or slit within the internal passage of the pipette. When vacuum is applied to the pipette and a solution is drawn into the pipette, the slit increases the velocity of the solution while gently deforming and separating clumps of matter (e.g., colonies of bacteria) contained in the solution. As the deformed bacterial colony passes through the slit, the bacteria solution is mixed due to turbulent flow within the pipette created by the increase in velocity. Bacteria colony size is further reduced by alternating the pipette flow direction to cycle the bacteria through the slit two or more times. A sloped entrance to the slit also prevents the oily bacteria from clogging the slit during cycle reversals.

Abstract: A compact roller system including a housing for a plurality of disks, each independently supported within a support member having sides which partially envelop the external peripheries of the disk. The disks do not separate or dislodge from their corresponding support members, yet the disks are capable of rotating within their corresponding support members. Each disk/support member shifts radially within the housing to accommodate the varying contours of a workpiece surface. The disks, in combination with their corresponding support members, apply an adjustable, evenly distributed compaction force to the workpiece surface through internal pressurization of the housing with a compressed gas.

Abstract: This invention has the provision of a plurality of cam driven follower assemblies carried by the rotor, one for each gun bolt, for pushing a round from the feed sprocket to the gun bolt, and from the gun bolt to the exit sprocket.