Abstract: An exemplary temperature control system for animal confinement buildings includes an agricultural heater and a ventilation system. The agricultural heater is modified to be a variable rate heater using SmartBox technology or by applying appropriate control logic and outputs to a conventional room controller. A heat on/off relay of the room controller can serve as an enable signal connected to the SmartBox. Heating is controlled using a proportional-plus-integral algorithm for error correction. Error correction may be ceased when temperatures fall within a dead band. Heat is turned on when the temperature drops to an on temperature equal to a set point minus 0.5F. Heat can be turned off when the heater has been at a minimum output level for a minimum output period (such as 90 seconds) and the temperature has not dropped below the on temperature during the minimum output period. An auto-variable radiant brooder may be incorporated.

Abstract: An infant care system and apparatus includes a horizontal surface to support an infant. A microenvironment region is defined around the horizontal surface by at least one wall. A graphical display is disposed within the microenvironment region. A diagnostic imaging device is at least partially disposed within the microenvironment region to obtain diagnostic images of an infant disposed within the microenvironment region.

Abstract: An infant warmer includes an infant enclosure defining an infant compartment, and a heating system pneumatically coupled with the infant compartment. The heating system includes a heater configured to selectively transfer heat to the infant compartment, and a thermal storage device configured to store heat from the heater and to selectively transfer said stored heat to the infant compartment. The infant warmer also includes a controller operatively connected to the heating system. The controller is configured to regulate the transfer of heat from the thermal storage device such that a target temperature is maintained within the infant compartment.

Abstract: In an infant care apparatus according to this invention, heat rays are radiated from a heat radiation opening of a heater to a bed. The direction of the heat radiation opening can be changed from the first state in which the heat radiation opening substantially faces the bed to the second state in which the heat radiation opening does not substantially face the bed. According to the infant care apparatus of this invention, when the heater is not used, there is no possibility that the remaining heat of the heater is transferred to the infant laying on the bed. There is therefore no possibility that the infant will be unnecessarily overheated. There is no need to operate the heater and the like of the infant care apparatus in such a manner that the infant lying on the bed and surrounding people have feelings that rough operation is performed. This will keep the infant and the surrounding people free from adverse effects in terms of mental health.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of processing analyte using a portable incubator apparatus. The incubator apparatus 10 has a plurality of cavities 20 each configured to receive analyte to be incubated. The method comprises: receiving analyte in each of the plurality of cavities; incubating the analyte in the plurality of cavities, the incubator apparatus being operable to control temperatures of analyte contained in the plurality of cavities independently of each other; and moving the incubator apparatus from a first location to a second location while the analyte is being incubated, the incubator apparatus being configured to maintain desired incubation conditions independently of a supply of electrical power and apparatus external to the incubator apparatus as the incubator apparatus is being moved.

Abstract: A process is provided for operating a thermotherapy device with a bed surface (10) and with discharge channels for conditioned air in the longitudinal direction of the bed surface (10) and on the foot side (3) thereof as well as with an exhaust unit (11) above the bed surface (10). The air being discharged from the discharge channels is directed towards the exhaust unit (11) such that the discharge angle ? changes continuously as a function of the distance between the exhaust unit (11) and the site of the discharge flow from the discharge channels, the elevation angle ? changes continuously as a function of the distance between the exhaust unit (11) and the site of the discharge flow from the discharge channels, and the value of the velocity of the discharge flow changes continuously as a function of the site of the discharge flow from the discharge channels.

Abstract: New bed or a new cradle model to be used specifically in hospitals, clinics and similar facilities for babies, which presents a specific laminar air flow system, with controlled temperature and moisture, for the patient desired levels, which provides reduction of the contamination on the micro environment where it is placed, allowing its use by patients under critical and delicate condition, with easy access to the patients.

Abstract: A power control system for automatically and proportionately metering power to a heating device used to create a warm microenvironment conducive to the health and growth of an animal during a predetermined incubation period is herein disclosed. The power control system transmits proportionally more power to a heating device where an ambient room temperature measured outside of the microenvironment is nearer a predetermined lower limit, and proportionately less power when the ambient room temperature measured outside of the microenvironment is nearer a predetermined upper limit. A method of providing a heated microenvironment within a larger environment also is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a human cell/tissue culturing system including a plurality of incubators, each incubator capable of aseptically storing/culturing cell(s) or tissue(s) derived from a (human) individual and identifying the cell(s) or the tissue(s) during incubation, wherein each incubator comprises a detector corresponding to an individual key, the response of the detector permitting opening/closing of a door of each incubator, the response of the detector of one incubator triggering the interception of the function of the detector(s) of other incubator(s) to consequently inhibit opening/closing of the door(s) of the other incubator(s).

Abstract: For humidifying a work space in a gas-fed incubator, water in a heatable pan in the floor area of an inner container surrounding the work space is evaporated with temperature-controlled heating of the interior until a predetermined temperature is reached, whereby a dynamic equilibrium state between condensation and evaporation in the inner container is achieved as long as there are no disturbances. If a door for access to the inner container is opened, the open time until it is closed is detected and a period, during which the pan containing water is heated, is determined depending on the open time of the inner container. Here, the period features only a heating phase with a running time if the open time is within a predetermined time interval. The period further includes a secondary heating phase with a second running time if the open time exceeds the time interval.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the temperature in a controlled-climate chamber, wherein: an organism, such as a plant or an animal, is placed in the controlled-climate chamber; the temperature in the controlled-climate chamber is kept essentially constant at a specific value (T1); at least one growth characteristic (G) of the organism, such as, for example, the CO2 production, is measured; the temperature in the controlled-climate chamber is raised or lowered by a specific value (?T); the magnitude of the growth characteristic is measured again; the variation in the measured value of the growth characteristic is determined (?G); and the temperature in the controlled-climate chamber is adjusted, depending on the variation in the measured value of the growth characteristic (?G) that has been determined.

Abstract: A power control device for automatically and proportionately metering power to a heating device used to create a warm microenvironment conducive to the health and growth of an animal during a predetermined incubation period is herein disclosed. The power control device transmits proportionally more power to a heating device where an ambient temperature measured outside of the microenvironment is nearer a predetermined lower limit, and proportionately less power when the ambient room temperature measured outside of the microenvironment is nearer a predetermined upper limit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an incubator which can release pressure applied to a vessel side by upper heating means, and can simplify an opening/closing structure of a reaction chamber. The gist of the present invention resides in an incubator comprising a reaction chamber disposed in an incubator body; a heat conductive reaction block disposed in the reaction chamber to hold one or plural vessels containing reaction samples; a cover for covering an upper part of the reaction chamber in an openable manner; upper heating means positioned on a lower surface of the cover to heat an upper part of the vessel held by the reaction block; and pressure means for pressing the upper heating means to the vessel side; the reaction block being heated/cooled while the upper part of the vessel is heated by the upper heating means, to incubate the reaction sample; wherein the cover is disposed rotatably and movably in a horizontal direction with respect to the incubator body.

Abstract: Infrared microthermography for human embryos and hatchlings. Body temperature is monitored using an infrared camera attached to a microscope. Body temperature is maintained by passing body temperature data through a feedback loop that serves to control body temperature. Keeping the baby's fluid incubation medium lower than an optimum body temperature ensures that cooling can occur if the body becomes overheated. An added source of heat is provided by one or more infrared light emitting diodes focused on the body as tiny heat lamps. The heat lamps are cycled on and off or varied in intensity in accordance with indications (data) from body temperature measurements.

Abstract: In a convective treatment system a wind-actuated instrument mounted near an end of an air hose provides, generates, issues, or sounds an audible alarm when the end becomes disconnected from a convective device and pressurized air continues to flow through the end. The instrument may be mounted on an interface device receivable on the end. The interface device may include means for reducing or stopping the flow of air through the end in response to the disconnection.

Abstract: Agricultural forced air heaters marketed for use in farm buildings which house poultry, swine, and livestock are quite susceptible to the accumulation of dust and other particles. These heaters are gas fired units having combustion, air mixing, blower and blower motor components assembled in a parallelepiped housing. To admit incoming air for their blowers and burners the heaters have multiple openings in the form of grid-like air intake ports on various heater sides. In the environments in which they are used the extensive use of air intake holes is a disadvantage. In the heater herein panels form four distinct chambers, a blower chamber, an air mixing chamber, a motor chamber, and a combustion chamber. Air inlets open into the motor chamber as the only air inlets in the heater housing. These air inlets provide all of the air for the heater.

Abstract: A cultivating apparatus designed so that cultivating containers for cultivating cultures can be mounted therein and the inside of the apparatus is hermetically sealed by closing a door of said apparatus to cultivate the cultures, is provided with a sterilizing lamp for emitting light for sterilizing germs such as bacteria, etc. contained in the gas in the apparatus. The sterilizing lamp comprises an ultraviolet lamp for emitting ultraviolet rays in which light of 200 nm or less in wavelength is cut off.

Abstract: A process and system is provided for regulating the air temperature in an incubator (3), which accommodates a patient, especially a premature or newborn infant, and which is part of a so-called hybrid device. When the function of the hybrid device is changed over between the two device types of “closed incubator” and “open care unit,” the problem arises that the air temperature set point cannot be maintained and the patient cools down as a consequence. The process uses a heat radiation source (1), which is located outside the incubator (3), which can be closed with a hood (2) that is transparent to the radiated heat. The corresponding value measured by an air temperature sensor (5), which is used as an actual air temperature value, is evaluated by an evaluating and control unit (4) along with a value measured by a body temperature sensor (7).

Abstract: Disclosed is a phototherapy device for treating icterus in new-born patients, comprising a light box with at least one light source arranged in the box for illuminating the patient and a support for the patient to be placed upon which is at least partially transparent or tinted as to allow the light from the light box to expose the patient from below with respect to its direction of gravity, making it possible to expose areas having a high bilirubin concentration which tend to follow the direction of gravity.

Abstract: A cultivating apparatus designed so that cultivating containers for cultivating cultures can be mounted therein and the inside of the apparatus is hermetically sealed by closing a door of said apparatus to cultivate the cultures, is provided with a sterilizing lamp for emitting light for sterilizing germs such as bacteria, etc. contained in the gas in the apparatus. The sterilizing lamp comprises an ultraviolet lamp for emitting ultraviolet rays in which light of 200 nm or less in wavelength is cut off.

Abstract: A laboratory incubator (10) having an improved temperature control assembly (14) that more effectively maintains the temperature within the incubator in a desired range and more accurately controls the rate of heat loss from the laboratory incubators as ambient temperatures rise. The incubator includes a housing (12) having an enclosed incubation chamber (18) therein; a heater (22) positioned within the housing for heating the chamber; a cooling device (24) positioned within the housing for cooling the walls of the housing; and a controller (26) for controlling the operation of the heater and the cooling device to maintain a temperature in the chamber within a set temperature range. The cooling device includes an electrically operated peltier device operable to both cool the chamber and to assist the heater in heating the chamber.

Abstract: In accordance with the apparatus of the invention, a preferably vertically upstanding housing is provided, internally thereof, with a rack structure having an upstanding series of shelves, or other microscope-slide-supporting members, spaced one above another providing multiple, substantially horizontal slots arranged alternatively with the shelves and leading into corresponding compartments between the shelves for receiving microscope slides to be heated, which preferably lie flatwise on and against the shelves so as to be heated by conduction from the shelves.The method of the invention constitutes the placing of the slides in the heating compartments, preferably with corresponding ends projecting therefrom so as to remain relatively cool for grasping during removal, and turning on the heat.

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.

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.

Abstract: An infant incubator in which the heater for heating the air circulated through the incubator and the speed of the fan which forces air across the heater to circulate through the incubator are controlled to increase the temperature of the heated air and delivery of the heated air to the space in which an infant has been placed for treatment when an access door of the incubator has been opened. The increase in temperature and delivery of the heated air is caused by a sensor which senses when the access door is opened.

Abstract: An infant incubator heater assembly having a heat radiator which is removably mounted, so that it can be removed for cleaning and maintenance. The heat radiator has a plurality of radially extending fins. In the removal and installation of the heat radiator, it slides along a cartridge heater with which the heat radiator is closely fitted for heat transfer. Preferably, the cartridge heater is mounted for self-alignment to accommodate the close fit between the heat radiator and the cartridge heater and prevent binding as the heat radiator is removed or installed.

Abstract: An incubator is provided wherein the individual wells of a Micro Titer Plate are heated by means of a continuous temperature regulated flow of warm air (typically 37.degree. C.) blowing through a series of holes from a plate underneath onto the bottom of the wells. A typical Micro Titer Plate can have 96 wells and is used, for example, in medical laboratories. The volume of a well is typically 0.35 milliliter. Both the end temperature and the way the end temperature is reached is the same for all individual wells and is not dependent on either the location of the well on the Micro Titer Plate or its surrounding by other wells.

Abstract: A thermal chamber, e.g. for culturing bacteria, has between a pair of sidewalls, a plurality of replaceable bridge members or plates which can be formed with undulating broad surfaces or grooves to accommodate flasks so that gaps between the plates receive measuring devices for turbidity or the like. The plates are thermally conductive and abut the walls which can be provided with heating or cooling units.

Abstract: In a gas heater, a ceramic heater is used to ignite gas supplied to a gas burner. The ceramic heater is disposed in flame while the gas is burnt such that a change in the resistance value of the ceramic heater is sensed by a resistance value sensor to detect a flame extinction. Since the resistance value is varied between ceramic heaters, the deviation of the resistance value is compensated for depending on a reference value at a reference temperature of the ceramic heater so as to detect the flame extinction.

Abstract: An infant warmer is provided with a heating element for directing radiant heat onto an infant support surface and a temperature sensing probe attachable to the skin of an infant. A heater control which, in an automatic mode, supplies a control signal to a heater power control which includes a component responsive to the difference between the actual temperature and a set temperature and a component which is added or subtracted in incremental amounts depending on whether the actual temperature is above or below the set point. The control also operates to reduce the power to the heater when the total energy supplied to the heater exceeds a maximum amount over a predetermined time interval. In manual mode, the power level is reduced when a preset temperature is reached or if the temperature is not reached after a predetermined time has elapsed. In addition, the heater power is interrupted whenever the control signal or the current to the heater exist independent of the other.

Abstract: An incubation apparatus for microtiter plates includes an heating chamber and a incubation chamber. The heating chamber has a controllable hot air generator over which are arranged air guide devices for equalizing and distributing a stream of hot air to the microtiter plates. Air return devices are provided for collecting and returning hot air to the hot air generator. The heating chamber can be closed by a gate, and incubation chamber is divided by shelves into a plurality of compartments for receiving the microtiter plates. It is possible to close each compartment with a gate, and the side walls of the compartments are provided with heating devices. Furthermore, the incubation apparatus is provided with a gripping and transporting device having a working platform that is vertically displaceable and having a horizontally displaceable gripping arm.

Abstract: An automatic incubator comprises a chamber surrounded by a water jacket and insulation and provided with temperature and gas level sensors, a gas injection solenoid valve and separate water jacket and air heaters together with microprocessor proportional-integral-derivative control for regulating temperature and gas concentration within the chamber. A fan is provided to circulate gas within the chamber and distribute heat. Manual set controls for selecting desired temperature and gas levels are provided as well as temperature and gas level displays, high and low temperature and gas indicators, and a low water jacket level indicator.

Abstract: This invention discloses a heating and cooling system for buildings, such as poultry buildings, that provides clean, filtered gas fuel, efficiently burns gas fuel by providing adjustable airflow profile plates that blocks cold air from reaching the inside of the building and creates an air mixture control for the burning flame on the burner, that provides rain gutter means that prevent rain moisture from being drawn into the air stream of the unit and that has an actuating means coupled to the pilot light that assure safe operation by shutting off the gas fuel valves in the event of loss of flame in the pilot.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling environmental conditions in an animal house, and particularly in a poultry house, for producing maximum economic return. The static parameters of the house are determined, and thereafter continuous measurements are made of current inside and outside temperatures. The operator makes periodic assessments of litter condition in the house, and adjusts the target 24-hour average relative humidity to produce the desired litter condition. The system controls the heating and ventilation system to obtain the desired 24-hour average relative humidity while maintaining the optimum temperature conditions in the house for maximum economic return.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are described for heating and/or cooling a plurality of objects simultaneously at different preselected temperatures, wherein a predetermined temperature difference is established between two spaced points on a heat-conductive member to produce a constant temperature gradient between the points; and then a plurality of objects are supported in heat exchange relationship with respect to predetermined locations of the temperature gradient according to the preselected temperatures to which the respective objects are to be heated or cooled. The apparatus further includes temperature control means for maintaining the two spaced points of the heat conductive member at the predetermined temperature difference during the heating or cooling of the objects.

Abstract: A dual probe interactive, control system for accurately controlling the temperature within a specified area has a controlling temperature probe located for fast response times and used in association with a controllable setpoint for modulating a heating/cooling source. An indicating/reference temperature probe is also placed in the same enclosure at an optimum location for indicating actual temperature. The actual temperature is compared to the desired temperature to detect any droop or offset and the controllable setpoint is then adjusted accordingly.

Abstract: An incubating device particularly adapted for aligning an array of microscope slides bearing a tissue section, sample or specimen, and incubating the same with a series of test or reagent solutions at a higher-than-ambient temperature, is disclosed. The incubating device has a main body including a recess which substantially forms a tray in the main body. A plurality of substantially regularly spaced metal blocks are disposed in the recess, and a substantially flat upper surface of each metal block is adapted to receive and be in contact with a respective microscope slide.A heater is mounted underneath the main body to heat the main body, and to affect by direct conductance of heat, the heating of the metal blocks. A thermostat is mounted to the main body to monitor the temperature of the main body and to regulate the output of the heater in response thereto whereby the temperature of the metal blocks is maintained in a desired predetermined range.

Abstract: A poultry raising system includes a house having one or more enclosed sections with at least one section provided with a plurality of hovers and all of the sections having peripheral heat assemblies. All hovers and heat assemblies are equipped with sealed heat radiating conduits supplied with a fluid heat transfer medium from a common heating apparatus. A supply and return line serving each section from the heating apparatus includes a thermostatically-controlled valve admitting the heat transfer medium to all of a section's hovers as well as other thermostatically controlled valves regulating the flow of heat transfer medium to each of a section's peripheral heat assemblies. Dampers in roof-top vents are automatically opened and closed in response to signals from a gas sensor in each section to evacuate obnoxious gasses from each section enclosure and the evacuated gas is replaced by fresh outside air admitted through automatic dampers adjacent the house side walls.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a turntable carrying, in a circular array centered on a central rotational axis of the turntable, a plurality of vials extending below the underside of the turntable. A stepper motor imparts stepwise rotational motion to the turntable so that during dwell periods of the turntable, specimens in the vials can be investigated optically.Air in a space below the turntable and bounded laterally and at the bottom by an enclosure is circulated by a rotating vane, and a thermistor, responsive to the temperature in the region of the vials, controls a heater in the space below the turntable so as to maintain the temperature of the vials substantially at a predetermined value.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a turntable carrying, in a circular array centered on a central rotational axis of the turntable, a plurality of vials extending below the underside of the turntable. A stepper motor imparts stepwise rotational motion to the turntable so that during dwell periods of the turntable, specimens in the vials can be investigated optically.Air in a space below the turntable and bounded laterally and at the bottom by an enclosure is circulated by a rotating vane, and a thermistor, responsive to the temperature in the region of the vials, controls a heater in the space below the turntable so as to maintain the temperature of the vials at a predetermined value.

Abstract: A gas fuel supply control system for a plurality of poultry brooders arranged in a series and each having a gas fired main burner. The control system includes an electrically activated main gas regulating valve device electrically controlled by electrical signals from a thermostatic switch to open and close it at predetermined temperature levels, and regulate the gas fuel supply through a main burner manifold to all of the brooder main burners. A non-electrical self-operating hydraulic snap valve device having a temperature sensing fluid which directly effects valve opening and closing forms a bypass around the electrically activated regulating valve device and is set to operate at a slightly lower temperature to take over automatic control of the gas supply to the manifold during electrical power failure disabling the electrically activated valve.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a turntable carrying, in a circular array centered n a central rotational axis of the turntable, a plurality of vials extending below the underside of the turntable. A stepper motor imparts stepwise rotational motion to the turntable so that during dwell periods of the turntable, specimens in the vials can be investigated optically.Air in a space below the turntable and bounded laterally and at the bottom by an enclosure is circulated by a rotating vane, and a thermistor, responsive to the temperature in the region of the vials, controls a heater in the space below the turntable so as to maintain the temperature of the vials substantially at a predetermined value.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a turntable carrying, in a circular array centered on a central rotational axis of the turntable, a plurality of vials extending below the underside of the turntable. A stepper motor imparts stepwise rotational motion to the turntable so that during dwell periods of the turntable, specimens in the vials can be investigated optically.Air in a space below the turntable and bounded laterally and at the bottom by an enclosure is circulated by a rotating vane, and a thermistor, responsive to the temperature in the region of the vials, controls a heater in the space below the turntable so as to maintain the temperature of the vials substantially at a predetermined value.

Abstract: An infant incubator in which the heater for heating the air circulated through the incubator and the speed of the fan which forces air across the heater to circulate through the incubator are controlled to increase the temperature of the heated air and delivery of the heated air to the space in which an infant has been placed for treatment when an access door of the incubator has been opened. The increase in temperature and delivery of the heated air is caused by a sensor which senses when the access door is opened.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling environmental conditions in an animal house, and particularly in a poultry house, for producing maximum economic return. The static parameters of the house are determined, and thereafter continuous measurements are made of current inside and outside temperatures. The operator makes periodic assessments of litter condition in the house, and adjusts the target 24-hour average relative humidity to produce the desired litter condition. The system controls the heating and ventilation system to obtain the desired 24-hour average relative humidity while maintaining the optimum temperature conditions in the house for maximum economic return.