Automatic counting device for thermocycles used in instruments for medical or laboratory applications has an identifying unit with an element made from temperature-sensitive material for altering its properties by relying on temperature

摘要

An identifying unit (IU) (1) links to an instrument/equipment component and has an element (2) made from temperature-sensitive material (16), which alters its properties by relying on temperature. Exceeding a specific temperature threshold causes a change in the condition of the IU from a condition prior to a thermocycle into a condition after a thermocycle based on a change in the material properties of the element. An evaluatory unit (3) records the condition of the IU. A plotting unit (4) increments a total-cycle counter (5) during a post-thermocycle condition. An independent claim is also included for a method for counting thermocycles automatically used in instruments for medical or laboratory applications.