3m Innovative Properties Company

Kevin R Green

Albert Vent

Doyle T Potter

Andrew D Dubner

Josef A Graessle

David James Yarusso

Jean Qiu

Joan M Noyola

Methods are provided to process a biological growth plate using a biological growth plate scanner. The scanner includes an imaging device, a processor, and an image processing profile memory. The scanner scans a plate type indicator associated with the biological growth plate. In some embodiments, the processor uses the plate type indicator to verify the suitability of the biological growth plate for use in the scanner. In some embodiments, the processor uses the plate type indicator to unlock the scanner for operation.

Methods of processing a biological growth plate in a biological growth plate scanner

The invention is directed to a biological scanner for scanning biological growth plates. The biological growth plate is loaded into the biological scanner via motorized rollers, and an actuator presses the growth plate against a platen once the growth plate is drawn to a scanning position within the scanner. The biological scanner then generates one or more images of the growth plate. Moreover, sensors can be arranged to facilitate sensing and positioning of the growth plate in a plurality of locations for imaging different parts of the plate. Additional embodiments are directed to features such as a hinged door that facilitates access to the scanner, and footings disposed on various sides of the scanner to facilitate flip-over of the scanner for simplified use by right-handed or left-handed users.

Biological growth plate scanner with automated intake

A biological scanner provides automated selection of image processing profiles to scan different types of biological growth plates. The scanner automatically identifies the type of plate to be scanned by the scanner, and then selects one of the image processing profiles appropriate for the identified plate type. For example, the image processing profiles may apply different color, shape, size and proximity criteria in counting different types of bacterial colonies. The scanner may identify the plate type by reference to a variety of machine-readable indicators, such as optically or magnetically readable marks, carried on the plate. Accordingly, biological growth plates carrying particular indicators that permit plate type identification are also contemplated. The plates may be scanned in order to read or count different types of bacterial colonies, or the amount of a particular biological agent on the biological growth plate.

Biological growth plate scanner with automated image processing profile selection

A time-temperature indicator device provides a visually observable indication of the cumulative thermal exposure of an object. The device includes a substrate having a diffusely light-reflective porous matrix and a backing. The backing includes on its surface a viscoelastic indicator material for contacting the substrate and a barrier material for substantially inhibiting the lateral and longitudinal flow of viscoelastic indicator material between the substrate and the backing.

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Maplewood, MN, United States of America

Kevin R Green