Functional models, containing all the principal product qualities, are used for technical data testing and for testing the future users’ reactions to the new product.

The photograph shows a functional model and the finished product ADDmatic.

While testing functional models it became obvious that it was necessary to increase the clearance height for placing the Petri dish. The need for a greater clearance height made the final product significantly larger.

IPU has developed and designed an automatic Disc Dispenser for Herlev County Hospital. A device used for dispensing antibiotics discs into a Petri dish. Previously, dispensing was done manually by pressing the handle.

The bioanalysts repeat this manual operation many times over the course of a day. The automatic Disc Dispenser takes over the manual operations and the bioanalysts are relieved of uniform and straining movements.

From a technical point of view, IPU’s job has been to design a device, which moves the manual dispensing device in a linear up/down motion. The motion is performed using a simple crank movement and linear motion rolling guide based on sintered bronze sockets. A speed control unit facilitates fail-safe speed regulation using a parallel axle.

The device is powered by a standard engine with a worm reduction gear. It is controlled via a foot-operated switch as well as via internal switches that are activated by a cam disk.