GB2600392A

GB2600392A - Airport, factories, universities and mobile mass public testing for Covid-19

Info

Publication number: GB2600392A
Application number: GB2016632.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Frederick Jauncey Paul
Original assignee: Gobbler Ltd
Current assignee: Gobbler Ltd
Priority date: 2020-10-20
Filing date: 2020-10-20
Publication date: 2022-05-04
Also published as: GB202016632D0

Abstract

A mobile testing unit for diagnostic samples may have a portable conveyor belt within a wheeled trailer. The conveyor belt may travel at a known constant speed so that testing kits can incubate and remain on the conveyor for a predetermined incubation time, e.g. until the tests are ready to read. The conveyor may be curved, e.g., U-shaped, to allow a user to more easily place testing kits on an entry point on the conveyor, and remove incubated tests from an adjacent exit point; with the entry and exit points being at the same end of the trailer. The trailer may act as an incubation chamber, e.g. comprising temperature regulation apparatus to maintain constant temperature. The conveyor may have a reverse turn and an electric motor programmed to run at the required speed. The conveyor may be reversible; and protected from jamming from belt slack by a horseshoe block.

Description

Airport, factories, universities and mobile Mass public testing for Covid-19

BACKGROUND

[0001] Covid-19 is a serious pandemic that initiated in Wuhan, China late 2019. Over 10 months since January 2020, the virus has rapidly spread around the world.

[0002] The disease is such that Government lock-downs throughout the world have attempted to slow the spread of the disease without success. Lock-downs and other restrictions have caused severe disruption to air travel, tourism, manufacturing, sport, the hospitality trade and the demise of economies worldwide.

[0003] The effect is severe disruption of UK and global industrial bases, mass unemployment, cancellation of foreign holidays, destruction of the aircraft and cruise-ship industry. Flights and sailings are severely limited to the point of collapse, Airlines fly with minimum passengers and payloads. Entry is refused into foreign lands to those who arrive un-tested, or isolation periods imposed.

[0004] Under the circumstances, it is urgent to test passengers using a rapid process at airports and cruise terminals prior to departure and on return, test fans at football matches and other events, to determine carriers of the disease, to prevent them flying, travelling or other movement until proven safe.

[0005] Applied individually to one person at a time, rapid tests are slow. In response to the need for mass testing, to date no other viable method has been devised to resolve the problem. This invention addressed the need.

0006] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide rapid flow-through of passengers within an airport complex or other place where mass movement or other movement of people is required, in the fastest and safest possible way.

The invention allows Rapid Anti-body and Anti-gen tests to pass through the system continuously in high volume numbers as a matter of urgency using new design carrier trays and accurate incubation timing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention is set out in the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRITION OF THE DRAWINGS Figures 1, 2, 3 attached [3 pages]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present system and method. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art of the present apparatus, systems and methods may be practiced without specific details. Reference in the specification to "an example" or similar language means that in a particular frame or structure or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least that one example, but not necessarily in other examples.

[0009] Rapid tests are available as different types, thus individual delivery methods, or suitably combined methods, are required to reach a common Covid-19 positive/negative end result, taking advantage of available supplies and types.

[00010] Each rapid test is identified to the passenger/person at the time the sample is taken, using sequential numbered, super-sticky, self-adhesive tags on the Boarding Pass or other identifying document, and similarly attached to each Sample test tube, or Cassette, or both.

[0011] Rapid tests used are Anti-Body to denote the presence of the virus or the bodily reaction to the virus, and Anti-Gen to discover the presence of the virus molecule. Both tests are required for the most accurate result and are administered side by side.

[0012] Rapid test samples when taken are time sensitive and analysis of results must be completed within 15 minutes of sample extraction.

[0013] Accurate timing is paramount, achieved en-masse by deploying timed distance in lieu of a timepiece.

[0014] Maximum passenger throughput is achieved when numbered samples are loaded into carrier trays with combined provision for test tubes and cassettes.

[0015] Test procedure is such that multiple samples of test tubes and cassettes, are loaded into a single tray in a short space of time.

[0016] Reaction fluid is added to each sample at this time.

[0017] Sample incubation begins when the loaded and readied novel tray is placed immediately on the conveyor. Incubation ends and result noted at exit.

[0018] Virus identification is easily observed on the readout, when the carrier tray reaches the end of the conveyor total distance.

[0019] Passenger/people results are identified Positive or Negative by the matching numbers of Anti-Body and Anti-gen Samples to the Boarding Pass or other identifying document, when compared to the initial unique number.

[0020] Passenger results are recorded against boarding pass details on Airline computers, other identification, or similar data recorders.

[0021] Conveyors used are multiple design such as spiral, flat, cranked flat, double back, cross-over, pocketed and any other means of transportation around a complete circuit, or end-to-end loop.

[0022] Drive to the conveyor can be by toothed cam belt, notched belt, chain, gear or similar.

[0023] To eliminate drive chain/belt "double-back" at the drive motor and jamming in reverse, a novel "chain block" is attached at the drive sprocket/toothed belt pulley.

[0024] Entry and exit "end-to-end" points for samples are desirable but full circuit can be used. A timed finishing line can be used in full circuit or open ended conveyors to offset additional conveyor length.

[0025] Entry and exit can be manual or automatic.

[0026] Belt feed is governed electronically or manually.

[0027] Belt widths are calculated according to load and volume.

[0028] Belt types can vary according to material and design curves.

[0029] Samples can exit from any angle in relation to entry position.

[0030] Any voltage can be used AC single or 3 phase, DC low voltage direct or via inverter.

[0031] Tray configuration can vary according to shape. Size and application of tests used. Covers can be used.

[0032] Any conveyor type or design can be attached to any design trailer [0033] Trailer design and load rating is in relation to conveyor weight, load and application.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An incubation chamber for diagnostic samples comprising an enclosure defining an enclosed space, a conveyor belt within the enclosed space, and a drive means for the conveyor belt adapted to move the conveyor belt at a substantially constant speed.
2. An incubation chamber according to claim 1 in which the enclosure comprises temperature regulation apparatus to maintain a substantially constant temperature within the enclosed space.
3. An incubation chamber according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the conveyor belt includes at least one turn within the enclosed space thereby to extend from a start point to an end point that is adjacent to the start point.
4. An incubation chamber according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the enclosure is mounted on a wheeled trailer.
5. An incubation chamber according to claim 4 in which the trailer comprises a tow hitch.
6. A suitable length conveyor belt of suitable width comprising a reverse turn and a motor programmed to run at a required speed, mounted on a frame within a custom trailer for the purpose of rapid mass testing of potentially infected Covid-19 patients.
7. A custom conveyor of a suitable width and length designed to carry dual purpose trays, enabling sample cassettes and test tubes to travel safely and simultaneously around a timed route distance.
8. A conveyor belt that travels at a known speed enabling the contents of the cassettes and test tubes to incubate simultaneously within the required time frame.
9. A conveyor belt designed for forward and reverse travel that is protected from jamming in the event of belt slack, by a horseshoe block when motion is reversed using motor
10.A conveyor belt mounted in a custom covered trailer that can transport multiple custom trays with filled wells and filled test tubes placed in insert holes containing maximum cassette samples and test tubes, simultaneously around a timed distance on a known length belt.
11.A portable trailer unit comprising a conveyor belt to enable mass samples to incubate within custom trays and test tubes, when loaded end to end, within a single controlled known time-frame.