초록 ▼

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 incubat

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.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] An incubation station for a plurality of test sample cards, comprising:a circular carousel having a plurality of slots for receiving said plurality of test sample cards therein, said carousel having a front side portion and an opposite rear side portion;an enclosure for said carous

[ We claim:] [1.] An incubation station for a plurality of test sample cards, comprising:a circular carousel having a plurality of slots for receiving said plurality of test sample cards therein, said carousel having a front side portion and an opposite rear side portion;an enclosure for said carousel and having an opening therein for admitting warm air into said enclosure;an air distribution plate adjacent to said rear side portion of said carousel and in communication with said opening, for directing said warm air over said plurality of slots in said carousel;wherein said rear side portion of said carousel adjacent to said air distribution plate is substantially open and free of obstructions or physical structures so as to permit uninterrupted air flow from said air distribution plate over said test sample cards sufficient to maintain a substantially evenly distributed and substantially constant temperature in said carousel.