Biomerieux Vitek, Inc.

Other

Biomerieux, Inc.

Mcdonnell Douglas Corporation

John L Staples

Raymond E O'Bear

Bruno Colin

Garry R Tegeler

G R Tegeler

Grant E Bohm

Steve Dushane

Terry Zimmerman

Paul W Jones

Ronald A Charles

Joseph R Wiegner

Steven D Dushane

William L DiMieri

Grant Bohm

A test sample card is produced from a mold machined in accordance with an electronic discharge machining (EDM) process, with a resulting finely textured surface of the mold left intact. The mold produces a test sample card that has an even finely textured surface which improves the adhesion of a membrane to the card surface. The card is better able to withstand prolonged incubation periods without separation of the adhesive membrane from the card surface, as compared to prior art cards.

Textured surface for test sample cards

The present invention is a system of wireless, battery operated temperature sensing devices which transmit ambient or other sensed temperature information to a programmable thermostat. The compact construction and multi-level programming of the temperature sensing devices for only periodic transmission of temperature information to the programmable thermostat permits years of operation with power supplied by small, inexpensive batteries. The temperature sensing devices are therefore easily installed at any location within about 100-200 feet from the programmable thermostat. The present invention also comprises a method of retrofit for the programmable thermostat of U.S. Pat. No. 5,449,319, whereby a compact receiver device is connected to available connections for input of remotely transmitted information and the programming of the programmable thermostat is adapted to receive, store, display and control environmental control devices according to the input temperatures received from the temperature sensing devices.

Remote temperature sensing transmitting and programmable thermostat system

The present invention allows the user to quickly and repeatedly program one receiver controller device at least controlling one or more heating or cooling devices for one desirably separate zone of occupation to another such receiver controller device set at least controlling another separate set of heating or cooling devices for another desirably separate zone of occupation. The realities of present day industrial and commercial buildings is that they comprise many such separate zones of occupation with separate heating or cooling devices controlled with separate controllers due to the diverse nature of the desired temperatures, dead bands for controlling such temperatures, temperature and device operation ramping, times of occupation, economization measures imposed for each zone, and the many similar aspects of thermostatic control described herein and in the prior art.

Wireless programming or programmable thermostat mobile unit for multiple separate controller or programmable fixed units and programming transmission method

A wireless programmable digital thermostat system includes multiple transmitter units and at least one receiver/controller unit. Each of the transmitter units is adapted to received programming inputs from users and to generate and transmit input signals over a wireless medium. The receiver unit is adapted to receive the input signals and to generate control signals in response to the input signals from only one of the transmitter units at a time. The receiver/controller unit receives and processes the input signals and is adapted to be programmable in response to the input signals according to a basic programming mode, and economy programming mode and an advanced programming mode.

Wireless programmable digital thermostat system

A test sample card has a fluid passage network provided on both sides of the card to provide for maximum separation distance between adjacent growth wells. The card also has cored sections along its periphery adjacent the wells, which improve the flow of plastic during the molding of the cards. The cored sections control the formation of knit lines in the surface of the card and eliminate knit lines from forming that could potentially bridge adjacent wells. These features, singly and together, combine to produce a card that is essentially immune to cross-talk between adjacent wells, yet permit a greater number of wells in a card of given dimensions. Improved bubble trap features are also provided for the card, including a bubble trap passage having a restriction formed therein. The restriction prevents air bubbles in the bubble trap from migrating back to the growth wells.

Test sample card with cored features

The present invention provides preferably one or optionally two printed circuit boards that project from supports on a single cover plate into the wall opening formed preferably for a standard 3.5 inch by 2 1/16 inch junction or outlet box. Screw holes are provided in the cover plate to match the standard screw holes in the single junction box and a high degree of functionality is provided in the programmable thermostat via the components on the printed circuit board such that the printed circuit boards are about only as long as the distance between those screw holes and still fit within the width of the single junction box.

Flat plate thermostat and wall mounting method

Low profile thermostat cover plate

Biochemical card for use in automated microbial machines

An improved sample card is provided. The improved card, typically used in biochemical analysis, achieves high sample well capacity and improved fluid flow, including by means of a plurality of through-channels which route the fluid flow of samples along both the front and back surfaces of the card. Elevated bubble traps are provided, as are integral interrupt slots for sensing card position and alignment. A bezeled leading edge facilitates insertion.

Test sample card

Test sample card with raised rails

Test sample card with improved air bubble evacuation

Biochemical test card

Growing community of inventors

Florissant, MO, United States of America

John L Staples