1 – Introduction
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1.3.3 Incubation Subsystem
The incubation subsystem is designed to maintain the temperature of the contents of any culture vial in
any station at 35.0 ± 1.5 °C. The temperature is achieved by forced air convection over the media vials.
Each drawer is a separately controlled incubation zone. Each zone contains blowers, heaters and
temperature sensors. The incubation system brings in a percentage of external make up air, monitors
the temperature of that air, and mixes it with a certain percentage of recirculating air. It then heats that
air according to the zone’s temperature setpoint and actual temperature measurements.
1.3.4 Vial Agitation
Vial stations are agitated so that their fluid contents achieve a homogeneous distribution of nutrients
and microbial by-products. Vials are arranged in separate row modules that are coupled by a gang
linkage to a motor. The motor causes each row module to agitate over a range of 0° to 20° relative to
horizontal.
1.3.5 Measurement Subsystem
The measurement subsystem activates the sensor in the bottom of a media vial optically. The
measurement consists of illuminating the sensor with an LED and collecting fluorescent light back from
the sensor with a photo detector. The collected data is processed, normalized and compensated for
thermal variation. Measurement is performed and processed by the Row Board.
1.3.6 Vial Presence Sensing
Each station has a vial presence sensor that immediately detects the insertion or removal of vials. This
allows users to place vials in any location, or to assign stations through Vial Entry. Station indicators
immediately reflect the changed status. Vial presence sensing is performed by the Row Board.
1.3.7 Station Indicators
LED indicators (shaped like crescents) located above vial stations indicate vial status and are
illuminated when a drawer is opened. Station indicators are controlled by the Row Board.
1.3.8 LCD and Touchscreen
The display is a 6.4" diagonal color Liquid Crystal Display. It is covered by a touchscreen that enables
you to perform actions and operations simply by touching buttons and fields shown on the screen.
1.3.9 USB Port/Flash Drive
Two standard USB ports are located behind the front bezel of the top (or Single) instrument. The front
ports are used primarily to save files to, and update system software from flash media.
1.3.10 Audible Alarm
An audible alarm provides notification of system alerts and positive vials. The default setting for the
audible alarm is 60 dB(A). The maximum setting is 85 dB(A). Loudness settings for positive vials are
set in the Configuration display and are indicated by numbers from 1 (softest) to 10 (loudest). A jack on
the rear of the instrument enables connection of an optional remote alarm unit.
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