Scientific Industries Incubator-Genie Orbital Shaker with Integrated Incubation Chamber
| Brand | Scientific Industries |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | Incubator-Genie |
| Instrument Type | Air-Jacketed Temperature-Controlled Orbital Shaker |
| Programmable Timer Range | Up to 99 hr |
| Oscillation Speed | 3–35 rpm |
| Temperature Range | 28–75 °C |
| Platform Quantity | 1 |
| Temperature Uniformity | ±0.5 °C |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±0.2 °C |
| Chamber Volume | 24 L |
| Platform Load Capacity | 4.5 kg |
| Net Weight | 19.5 kg |
| Interface | RS232 |
| Optional Accessory | 3D Orbit Module |
Overview
The Scientific Industries Incubator-Genie is a compact, air-jacketed orbital shaker engineered for precise temperature-controlled sample agitation in microbiological culture, enzyme kinetics, cell suspension maintenance, and biochemical assay development. Unlike conventional benchtop shakers or standalone incubators, the Incubator-Genie integrates semiconductor-based thermoregulation with low-inertia orbital motion within a sealed, recirculating chamber—enabling simultaneous control of thermal environment (28–75 °C) and mechanical mixing (3–35 rpm). Its design follows fundamental principles of convective heat transfer and laminar orbital dynamics, ensuring minimal thermal gradients (<±0.5 °C) and high reproducibility across repeated experiments. The unit operates without compressors or refrigerants, eliminating vibration coupling from cooling systems and supporting sensitive applications such as mammalian cell expansion or low-shear microbial growth where mechanical perturbation must remain strictly defined.
Key Features
- Single-platform orbital shaker with integrated semiconductor heating and forced-air circulation for uniform thermal distribution
- Magnetic platform system accommodating standard flasks, tubes, microplates, and custom vessels at variable tilt angles—no mechanical clamps required
- Front-mounted transparent viewing window enabling real-time visual monitoring without chamber opening or thermal interruption
- Programmable dual-parameter controller: independent scheduling of temperature setpoint and oscillation duration up to 99 hours
- RS232 serial interface for remote operation, parameter logging, and integration into laboratory automation workflows (e.g., via LabVIEW or custom Python scripts)
- Acoustically optimized architecture: <45 dB(A) operational noise level due to brushless DC motor and passive thermal management
- Optional 3D Orbit Module converts standard 2D orbital motion into three-dimensional elliptical trajectories—enhancing oxygen transfer efficiency in viscous or high-density cultures
- Integrated audible/visual alarm system for temperature deviation (>±1.0 °C) and timer completion
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Incubator-Genie supports a broad range of biological sample formats—including Erlenmeyer flasks (50–1000 mL), test tubes (13–25 mm OD), deep-well microplates (96- and 384-well), and custom bioreactor vessels—via its universal magnetic retention system. All internal surfaces are constructed from electropolished stainless steel (AISI 304) and comply with ISO 13485 cleanability requirements for Class II medical device manufacturing environments. While not certified for GMP production, the instrument meets essential design criteria referenced in USP , ISO 20933 (biological safety cabinets), and ASTM E1936 (performance testing of environmental chambers). Its programmable timer and event-triggered alarms support GLP-compliant documentation when paired with validated external data acquisition software.
Software & Data Management
The Incubator-Genie does not include embedded firmware-based data storage; instead, it delivers real-time analog and digital status signals (temperature, RPM, elapsed time) via RS232 using ASCII protocol. Users may log parameters using third-party SCADA platforms or open-source tools such as PySerial or MATLAB’s Instrument Control Toolbox. For audit-trail compliance under FDA 21 CFR Part 11, integration with validated LIMS or ELN systems (e.g., LabWare, Benchling) is recommended—requiring configuration of electronic signatures, user access tiers, and immutable timestamping on exported CSV or XML datasets. Firmware updates (if released) are distributed exclusively through Scientific Industries’ authorized service channels and require physical USB-to-RS232 adapter verification.
Applications
- Maintenance of aerobic bacterial and yeast cultures under controlled O2 transfer conditions
- Pre-incubation of enzymatic reaction mixtures prior to spectrophotometric or HPLC analysis
- Suspension culture of insect or mammalian cells requiring gentle, continuous agitation
- Accelerated stability studies per ICH Q1A(R3) guidelines, using fixed-temperature/time profiles
- Standardization of sample homogenization prior to nucleic acid extraction or protein precipitation
- Environmental simulation for soil microbiome enrichment under elevated temperature regimes
FAQ
Is the Incubator-Genie suitable for CO2-controlled cell culture?
No. It lacks gas regulation hardware and is designed exclusively for ambient-air incubation. For CO2-dependent applications, a dedicated CO2 incubator with shaking capability is required.
Can multiple Incubator-Genie units be synchronized via RS232?
Yes—using master-slave UART addressing or external multiplexer hardware—but each unit requires individual address configuration via DIP switches (documented in Section 4.2 of the Operator Manual Rev. B).
What is the maximum flask size supported on the magnetic platform?
A single 1000 mL Erlenmeyer flask (with standard 45° neck angle) can be accommodated, provided total load remains ≤4.5 kg and center-of-mass stays within the 180 mm platform diameter.
Does the unit meet UL or CE safety standards?
Yes. It carries UL 61010-1 and EN 61010-1 certification for electrical safety and is marked with the CE conformity symbol for laboratory equipment within the European Economic Area.
