AIRCRAFT GALLEY INSERT WITH PATHOGENS DIAGNOSTIC TEST CAPABILITIES

Abstract

A modular aircraft galley insert for performing thermal cycling for PCR testing includes a housing having a sample module for receiving a sample to be tested, a thermal module thermally connected to the sample module for cycling temperatures of the sample to be tested, a power module for providing power to the thermal module, a detector module configured to analyze the sample and connected to receive power from the power module, and a connectivity module for communicating results of a test from the detector module to a remote location with respect to the housing.

Claims

1. A modular aircraft galley insert for performing thermal cycling for PCR testing comprising: a housing having: a sample module for receiving a sample to be tested; a thermal module thermally connected to the sample module for cycling temperatures of the sample to be tested; a power module for providing power to the thermal module; a detector module configured to analyze the sample and connected to receive power from the power module; and a connectivity module for communicating results of a test from the detector module to a remote location with respect to the housing.

2. The insert of claim 1, further comprising a first storage space storing for consumables and process waste materials within the housing.

3. The inset of claim 1, further comprising a second storage space for storing the tested sample.

4. The insert of claim 1, further comprising a loading module for sample automatic loading and configured to transfer a portion of a test sample through a pipette tip for testing purposes.

5. The insert of claim 4, wherein the loading module further comprises a pump.

6. The insert of claim 4, wherein the loading module further comprises a pipette.

7. The inset of claim 1, wherein the power rating of the insert is approximately 1000 W.

8. The insert of claim 1, wherein further comprising a plurality of testing vessels configured to receive an individual sample within the housing.

9. The insert of claim 1, wherein the insert is configured to operate independently of the cabin pressure ranges or other environmental conditions in the aircraft.

10. The insert of claim 1, wherein the insert is inserted within a galley monument for a cabin area of an aircraft, where the monument includes: a first monument stack; a second monument stack adjacent to the first monument stack; and a tray within the second monument stack to secure the insert.

11. The insert of claim 1, wherein the connectivity module is connected to a cockpit of an aircraft.

12. The insert of claim 1, wherein the connectivity module is connected to an on on-ground-receiver.

13. The inset of claim 1, wherein the power module is connected to an aircraft power source.

14. The insert of claim 1, wherein the insert is integrated within a monument stack.

15. The insert of claim 1, wherein the insert is removably attached to a monument stack.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] So that those skilled in the art to which the subject disclosure appertains will readily understand how to make and use the devices and methods of the subject disclosure without undue experimentation, embodiments thereof will be described in detail herein below with reference to certain figures, wherein:

[0012] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an insert for PCR testing according to the disclosure; and

[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the modules of the insert.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural features or aspects of the subject disclosure. For purposes of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, a partial view of an exemplary embodiment of a system in accordance with the disclosure is shown in FIG. 1 and is designated generally by reference character 100. The system described below is used to test a bulk sample, representative of all passengers on the aircraft and to test it to provide a bulk screening of the aircraft prior to arrival of the aircraft at a destination.

[0015] FIG. 1 shows a modular aircraft galley insert 100 for performing thermal cycling for PCR testing. A storage space 114 is located within the housing 104 for storing for consumables and waste. The waste generated is not medical waste. The consumables are inert, water based, and safe for the environmental. A second storage space 116 can be present for storing the tested sample after a test is complete. The insert 102 is inserted within a galley monument 118. The monument 118 includes a first monument stack 120, a second monument 122 stack adjacent to the first monument stack 120, and a tray 126 within the second monument stack 124 to secure the insert 102.

[0016] The power rating of the insert 100 is about 1000 W. A volume of the insert is sized to fit within a galley ARINC size between 4 and 6. The insert can operate independently of the cabin pressure ranges or other environmental conditions in the aircraft.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 2, the insert 100 includes a housing 102 that includes a sample module 104 for receiving a sample to be tested, a thermal module 106 thermally connected to the sample module 104 for cycling temperatures of the sample to be tested, a power module 108 for providing power to the thermal module, a detector module 110 configured to analyze the sample and connected to receive power from the power module 108, and a connectivity module 112 for communicating results of a test from the detector module 110 to a remote location with respect to the housing 102.The connectivity module 112 is be connected to a cockpit of an aircraft in order to relay the results of the test to the crew and pilots. It is also considered that the connectivity module is connected to communicate to a destination or origin airport to relay the results of the test. The power module 108 can be connected to an aircraft power source.

[0018] The reagents that are present within the insert 102, being ready to use, are mixed, and stable at room temperatures. Reagents will be pathogen-specific, that is, a determined set of reagents for each specific pathogen to be detected. Protocols for running programs are programed in the unit for PCR cycling: a few examples are the setup Temperatures of the specific thermal cycle, timing or number of cycles; in the case of the thermal module.

[0019] The methods and systems of the present disclosure, as described above and shown in the drawings, provide for an improved bulk data and analysis of passenger pathogens on an aircraft. The system provides a more efficient primary health controls at airports, helps identify at early stages emerging pathogens and origin of outbreaks, and empower their scientific research (either academic and/or commercial / institutional).While the apparatus and methods of the subject disclosure have been shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that changes and/or modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure.