Modular incubators for configurable workstations
Inventors
DaSilva, Rodrigo • Chen, Shuo Robert • Morales, Adam H • Thalliens Angulo, Wilfrido Enrique • Stanhope, Timothy
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12692469-B2
Publication Date
2026-07-28
Expiration Date
Abstract
A modular incubator includes a housing including one or more fastening mechanisms for attachment to a workstation frame, a platform located at the housing and defining a sample placement area, and a chamber wall structure coupled to the platform. The chamber wall structure is pivotable between a closed position against the platform to form a sample chamber and an open position in which a front end of the chamber wall structure is spaced apart from the platform to allow access to the sample placement area. The modular incubator further includes a lid coupled to and openable from the chamber wall structure to expose at least a portion of the chamber wall structure for viewing.
Core Innovation
The workstation is a Class II biosafety cabinet comprising a flat work surface area and an adjacent, flush flat incubation surface area. The incubation surface defines a sample placement area allowing sample containers to slide from the work surface without lifting. A chamber wall structure pivots between a closed position forming a sample chamber and an open position allowing access, while an independently openable lid exposes the wall structure for viewing.
Modular incubators are configured for attachment to a workstation frame via fastening mechanisms on a housing. Each modular incubator includes a platform defining positional regions for multiple sample containers, covered by a pivotable chamber wall structure. Specific configurations incorporate a central gas distributor for balanced delivery or integrated RFID sensors associated with the positional regions for sample tracking.
The modular construction supports on-site configuration and operational upgrades across the workstation frame. Furthermore, an associated local device network supports independent operation while separating device communications from external networks. The patent text does not explicitly describe the specific technical problem addressed in the background section, noting only the structural arrangement of the adjacent incubation area and sample chamber.
Claims Coverage
The claims identify three independent claims covering a Class II biosafety cabinet workstation and modular incubator configurations, comprising three inventive features.
Class II biosafety cabinet with flush incubation surface
A workstation frame supporting a flat work surface area and an adjacent, flush flat incubation surface area that forms the lower wall of a sample chamber, enabling sample containers to slide onto the sample placement area without lifting, alongside a pivotable chamber wall structure providing access.
Modular incubator with central gas distributor
A housing attachable to a workstation frame via fastening mechanisms, comprising a platform with positional regions for multiple sample containers, a centrally located gas distributor, and a pivotable chamber wall structure with an openable viewing lid.
Modular incubator with positional RFID sensors
A housing configured to attach to a workstation frame, comprising a platform defining positional regions for multiple sample containers, RFID sensors respectively associated with the positional regions, and a pivotable chamber wall structure with an openable viewing lid.
The independent claims cover a Class II biosafety cabinet workstation integrating a flush sample placement area with a pivotable chamber, and modular incubators attachable to a workstation frame providing either a central gas distributor or positional RFID sensors.
Stated Advantages
Sample containers can slide from the flat work surface area directly onto the flush sample placement area without lifting.
The open position of the chamber wall structure provides access to the sample placement area, while the openable lid exposes the chamber wall structure for viewing.
The central gas distributor provides balanced gas delivery and faster recovery of incubation conditions.
The modular design supports on-site configuration and upgrades across the workstation frame.
The local device network supports independent operation and separates internal device communications from external networks.
Documented Applications
Execution of scientific protocols, including assisted reproductive technology (ART) protocols such as in vitro fertilization (IVF/ART), carried out within the workstation.
Modular incubation of multiple sample containers using modular incubators attached to a workstation frame.
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