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: Specimen containers incorporating a sensor are provided with features for decreasing the volume of polymer matrix material required for the sensor. Such volume-reducing features can take the form of scallop-like indentations projecting inwards towards the interior of the container formed in the transition between the side wall of the container and the base of the container. Alternatively, the base of the container includes a raised rim extending upwards into the interior of the body inward of and spaced from the side wall. The rim defines a chamber for the sensor. Methods of manufacturing specimen containers with cured liquid phase sensor matrix materials are also disclosed.

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.