Thermal bath systems and thermally-conductive particulate thermal bath media and methods

Abstract

Thermally-conductive laboratory bath media can be used to replace conventional wet media or dry solid blocks in existing thermal baths for heating or cooling samples with advantageous maintenance and microbial control benefits. The media is typically in the form of metallic or metallic-coated pellets that have rounded edges, hardened surface, a smooth polished finish, and are sized small for efficient thermal communication between pellets and samples. Laboratory bath improvements are disclosed with various advanced controls and adaptations for thermal control as well as infection control.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The present application claims the benefit of prior filed U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 068,505, filed Mar. 7, 2008. By this reference, the full disclosure, including the claims and drawings, of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61 / 068,505 is incorporated herein as though now set forth in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to thermal instrument baths. More particularly, it especially relates to laboratory thermal baths and media for use therein to provide instrument maintenance and microbial contamination control benefits.[0004]2. Related Art[0005]Laboratory thermal baths such as water baths and dry blocks are well-established laboratory instruments for heating or cooling objects, vessels, or samples contained therein. Laboratory thermal baths comprise a thermal source, a temperature control unit, power source, insulation, and a tub to contain wet or dr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a thermal bath media that can maintain a constant temperature, have optimal shape and size, and control contamination. The media is made up of smooth, non-granular, and non-jagged thermally-conductive particulate media that can be used in standard laboratory thermal baths. The media is made of materials like metal or plastic, which are resistant to microbial growth and can be easily inserted into various vessels for efficient thermal transfer. The media can also conform to different sizes and shapes of vessels. The invention also includes a thermal control system and a method for inserting sample vessels into the media in thermal communication with the bath."

Problems solved by technology

One drawback to the present thermal bath media is that laboratory thermal baths are generally set at temperatures ideal for biological activity, and therefore can promote the growth of invading microorganisms on or within the media, including bacteria, yeast, fungi, and virus.

This can place laboratory personnel at risk, compromise laboratory supplies and equipment, jeopardize sterile operations, and require substantial routine instrument cleaning and maintenance.

However, these agents are impermanent, and without rigorous maintenance and regular renewal, they become less effective.

Such biofilms comprised of Escherichia coli, staphylococcus, or other microorganisms responsible for difficult-to-treat infections in humans, pose a significant risk to personnel and patients in laboratories and healthcare facilities.

Furthermore, objects or capped or uncapped vessels containing samples that are placed into the water of the laboratory thermal bath are prone to tipping over and floating.

Such events can lead to the contamination or destruction of costly samples or sample contamination of the thermal bath and the laboratory.

Moreover, thermal baths require frequent water replenishment and routine cleaning and maintenance, which can be time-consuming and costly.

In particular, solid aluminum block systems limit the vessels that can be used to the size and shape of the drilled-out receptacles in their bodies.

Laboratory vessels due to their unique size or shape usually necessitate the purchase of numerous aluminum blocks or the costly production of custom aluminum block systems.

The characteristics of particulate matter impact the raw material cost as well as the cost and ease of using, handling, and processing the particulate matter for any particular application.

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