Many researchers have highly specialized needs beyond temperature control. For many applications, optimal cell culture conditions also require precisely controlled cell aeration and agitation conditions. Success, in terms of more rapid cell growth, better yields and other application benefits, is highly dependent on the quality and reliability of the Shaking Incubator employed.

George Sheldon, founder of Sheldon Manufacturing Inc., recognized these special needs forty years ago when he introduced the SHEL LAB line of Shaking Incubators. It began with the SI4, and SI6, followed by the SI9 Large Capacity Incubator Shaker, and. most recently, the SI2 Mini Shaker. All of these SHEL LAB Orbital-Shaking Incubators represent dedication to meeting the needs of those who will employ them and maximize application efficacy, efficiency and convenience and validate Sheldon Manufacturing’s motto of “Constant Thinking”; the constant effort to provide a better solution for cell culturing, cell aeration, and solubility needs with creative improvements and innovative production enhancements.

Here is a list of common shaking incubator applications, and feel free to comment and ask specific questions here or in our customer support forums.

* Cell Cultures
* Cell Aeration
* Microbiology
* Increasing Solubility Rates
* Metabolism Studies
* Bacterial Cultures
* Bacteriology

Browse our SHEL LAB Shaking Incubator Family online to see unit specifications for each Shaking Incubator. We currently offer the following models, including our latest SI2 Mini Shaker:

• SI2 Mini Shaker
• SI4 Bench Top Shaking Incubator
• SI6 Floor Model Shaking Incubator
• SI6R Floor Model Shaking Incubator with Refrigeration
• SI9 Large Capacity Shaking Incubator
• SI9R Large Capacity Incubator Shaker with Refrigeration

Cornelius, OR, June 29th, 2010 – Sheldon Manufacturing, Inc. announces the release of their latest offering to the Life Sciences, University, and Clinical research labs with the BacBASIC Environmental Work Station and Incubator for anaerobic conditions in microbiology & cell biology applications.

Anaerobic Glove Boxes have made a name for themselves over the last fifteen years. As more researchers and clinicians realize the cost savings involved with moving from anaerobic jars or bags to anaerobic workstations, they also note the significant improvement in efficacy and efficiency in successful culture, isolation and identification processes. Such precision control of environment is essential when clinically diagnosing serious infections for rapid and accurate results.

The New SHEL LAB BacBASIC

The new SHEL LAB BacBASIC Anaerobic Chamber is designed with the clinical/research laboratory technician in mind by providing bare-handed access for delicate procedures, from unpacking material to inoculation, incubation, inspection and recovery, without compromising the required desired hypoxic atmosphere. While the glove-free process isn’t a brand new concept for the experienced manufacturers at Sheldon, the new ergonomic design provides the greatest reach and comfort available. This combined with the savvy and user-friendly LCD control panel, space-saving exterior and numerous other features, offers one of the most ergonomic, user-friendly anaerobic work stations now available.

SHEL LAB BacBASIC Features:
Excellent Lighting and Visibility
Quick-Entry Glove-less Sleeve System
Rapid Auto Purge Pass Box For Introduction of Petri Plates, Specimens, and Supplies
Incubated Storage Capacity for up to 150 Petri Plates
Easy-to-change Anatox and Catalyst Packs with 6 Month Usability
Incubation Temperature Range From Ambient Temperature to 42° C
Removable Front For Placement of Large Instruments Inside Chamber
Durable Stainless Steel Construction

The BacBASIC, designed to optimize limited laboratory work spaces, has a minimal exterior footprint and can be relocated with relative ease. It can serve as an ideal auxiliary chamber option for over-flow work, extra plate storage and emergency back-up to your primary chamber. This addition to the 20 year legacy of Bactron Anaerobic chambers represents the perfect entry level chamber.

About Sheldon Manufacturing, Inc.
Over the past 40 years Sheldon has worked with industry leaders to design solutions for production and research needs across the entire constant temperature/environment spectrum. Over that time our reputation has grown as an innovator of dependable and reliable equipment, designed for demanding environments. Sheldon Manufacturing, Inc. was founded in 1970 with the goal of being a worldwide leading manufacturer of constant temperature equipment and has been designing and manufacturing equipment for the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, research and production markets ever since.

When it comes to constant temperature equipment, Sheldon Manufacturing, Inc. has the years of experience and variety of quality equipment to suit all of your lab needs.  CO2 incubators are among the most prevalent types of laboratory equipment due to their ability to execute precise control of essential variables.   The incubators provide explicit control of CO2 level, temperature and relative humidity, in order to closely replicate the mammalian environment and allow for an ambient environment in which cells can thrive.

Sheldon Manufacturing, Inc.’s complete understanding of  the laboratory research process and what it demands has inspired the manufacturing of numerous Carbon Dioxide Incubators in order to cover multiple application requirements. Such applications covered by SHEL LAB CO2 Incubators include:

• Cell and Tissue Culture
• Immunology
• Genetic Engineering
• Protein Synthesis
• Virology
• Neurology
• Pharmacology
• In vitro Fertilization
• Human Vaccines
• Veterinary Vaccines
• Carcinogenicity Testing
• Monoclonal Antibodies

Outstanding SHEL LAB CO2 Incubator Features:

SHEL LAB Water Jacketed  CO2 Incubators provide superior temperature stability while eliminating contamination and cold spots.   Surrounded by insulation, water jacketed incubators provide precise incubation conditions.

SHEL LAB Air Jacketed CO2 Incubators use fiberglass insulation and sophisticated microprocessor controls to provide uniform conditions while eliminating condensation.

Contamination Control A HEPA filtration system, the use of copper for key components, and effective cleaning of the inner chamber have proven to be the most effective tool in the challenge to eliminate contamination. Only the SHEL LAB Select Series and Personal Series of CO2 Incubators feature a patented Copper Coated HEPA Filtration System.

Infrared CO2 Control The IR sensor is the most sophisticated technology for CO2 detection and control. Since the IR sensor is unaffected by changes in temperature and humidity it is especially ideal for applications in which the incubator door is opened frequently. The Thermal Conductivity (TC) Sensor is a more indirect method of CO2 detection and control since it measures the level of CO2 by sensing temperature difference as CO2 is introduced into the chamber. TC Sensors have been used in CO2 detection for many years. Read Sheldon Manufacturing’s whitepaper comparison of TC vs IR CO2 Sensors.

Offering multiple sizes and styles in 6 different categories, the SHEL LAB Store is serious about being the one-stop-shop for incubation requirements. Purchase your new equipment through the easy online process provided.  Shellab.com also offers complete support for all of their equipment, including manuals, brochures, tech support, and support forums.

Our available SHEL LAB CO2 Incubator Categories:

3500 Series CO2 Incubators

3552 High Heat Decontamination CO2 Incubators

Select Series CO2 Incubators

Standard Series of CO2 Incubators

Personal Series CO2 Incubator (50L–1.8 cu. ft.)

Large Capacity CO2 Incubators

The newest member in Sheldon Manufacturing, Inc.’s Shaking Incubator family is the most compact and affordable incubator in its class. With a remarkably small footprint, the SI2 Mini Shaking Incubator offers a large 11.5 x 9.5 in. work space. This work space accepts several platforms for use with a variety of flasks including 250ML and 500ML, tubes, and other common vessels.

SI2 Mini Shaking Incubator

With an introductory price of $2365.00, the SHEL LAB Mini Shaking Incubator is an affordable option. The mini incubator has the same quality features as the other members of the SHEL LAB Shaking Incubator family, including a non-slip, rubber coated surface that is ideal for tissue culture flasks, petri dishes, and staining trays. The convenient universal magnetic platform is also available for use with Erlenmyer flasks and test tube racks. The unique, magnetic attachment method is the easiest way to instantly change between flash clamps of different sizes.

The Mini Shaking Incubator is simple to use. The large LED display screen shows temperature, shaking speed, and run time for easy readability. The integral microprocessor includes a constant monitoring system that verifies and maintains accuracy through the duration of the program. Sophisticated over-temperature and over-speed controls ensure long life, safety and sample integrity.

Applications for the SHEL LAB Mini Shaking Incubator include:

• Bacterial suspensions
• Tissue/Cell Culture
• Solubility Studies
• Diagnostics
• Staining/De-staining
• Gel Washing
• General Mixing
• General Incubation

For more information or to purchase a Mini Shaking Incubator, visit the SHEL LAB SI2 Mini Shaking Incubator in the store.

On February 25th, Sheldon Manufacturing held a Bactron Training Seminar for USA customers who purchased a SHEL LAB Bactron Chamber. The training’s purpose was to help users operate the Bactron Systems and to offer proper anaerobic techniques for daily procedures in the Lab.

The 2 day event included 3 hours of  discussion and a presentation regarding theoretical aspects of obligate anaerobiosis – types of infections involving anaerobic bacteria and the anaerobic organisms most frequently involved in infections – including techniques covering specimen collection, primary isolation, identification, and susceptibility testing.

The Workshop also included an in depth laboratory session presenting unknown organisms for identification using rapid, inexpensive and reliable procedures.

The head instructor for the event was Dr. William Uicker, and the Bactron users at the seminar ranged from Clinical Microbiologists and Bio-Fuels researchers to Educators and Research Biologists.  While the amount of participants was minimal for the first seminar, attendee numbers will only increase as the overall feedback was overwhelmingly positive.  One research biologist was highly impressed with the educational value of the the session:

“My main goal was to learn how to use and maintain the Bactron IV. The didactic training, however, was a very nice touch.”

Hotel accommodations and meals were provided by Sheldon Manufacturing, adding to the overall value for the attendees. “Overall, everything was great. Both the food and the hotel were awesome.  The seminar classroom was nice and worked great during my visit,” added Mauricio.

With the excellent response and clear benefit for everyone involved, the Bactron Training will be a reoccurring event, 2 to 3 times a year. Check back for future dates and email sales@shellab. with any questions.

Unfortunately for Dan Sheldon, our owner, we have kept quite a few pictures proving how long we’ve been in the Life Sciences industry and lab equipment business. We couldn’t help but share some of these images from what seems like decades ago. That might be because it was.

Dan Sheldon - Sheldon Manufacturing, 1988

After forty years of manufacturing constant temperature equipment, we have grown quite a bit. Founded in 1970, Sheldon Inc. started out with just a few different types of incubators. Those incubators have had the luxury of 4 decades of advancements in engineering, design, and productivity with the Shellab quality remaining constant. Check out the difference below.

Sheldon Manufacturing Incubator from the 70's

Shellab Incubator -Today

Our line of equipment has expanded exponentially over the years as well.  We now manufacture hundreds different types of units ranging from water baths, to vacuum ovens, lab ovens, and every type of incubator on the market.  Such progress as a company is largely due to enhancing our manufacturing processes to stay both relevant and efficient with current components and technology.  Below is part of our powder-coat painting process for our incubators from way back when.  Not too far off from some modern abstract art installations.

We like to think of ourselves as wise when it comes to Laboratory equipment.  We enjoy our work daily and hope that it shows in our products as much as our experience and industry wisdom. We hope you liked these vintage photos we stumbled upon.

One of our first logos …

An early Shellab Brochure

Early Shellab Logo

Cornelius, OR, January 27th, 2010 – Dan Sheldon, president of Sheldon Manufacturing, Inc., is establishing a cooperative of Laboratory Product Manufacturers to donate vital lab equipment, such as freezers and incubators, to re-establish labs in Haiti in the aftermath.

As the emergency recovery period continues in Haiti following the recent earthquake disaster,  looming large in its wake is the Long-term reconstruction and rebuilding of an entire country.  According to Mark L. Schneider, former Peace Corps director in the Clinton administration, “Long-term reconstruction will last more than a decade and involve billions of dollars in aid.” In the front and center of the reconstruction period is the glaringly obvious need to build essential structures like schools, government buildings, and hospitals. But with a disaster of this magnitude – the worse national disaster in the history of the Western Hemisphere – it’s hard to imagine every aspect of what will be needed to get a third world country like Haiti at least back to where it was as a nation.

One necessity is in the Clinical Laboratory arena.  Laboratory equipment is essential for blood banking, vaccine storage, infectious disease control, waste water treatment and testing, diagnostics and treatment. All things that are extremely sensitive, both socially and relative to time, when most of the population is living close to each other in tents with little or no sanitation.  Dan Sheldon and his Laboratory Manufacturing company, Sheldon Manufacturing, are leveraging  industry contacts to collect donations of capital equipment, lab consumables and technical expertise for the Haiti relief efforts.

“We are working with teams on the ground to identify the state of the current infrastructure and supply any immediate need for equipment and supplies. As the recovery efforts move to rebuilding projects, we hope to work hand-in-hand with government and the private sector to supply state of the art equipment and supplies to the people of Haiti. Initial response from my industry contacts has been very receptive and I am optimistic that we can fully outfit a number of labs over the next 12-18 months.”

It is estimated that outfitting a laboratory with supplies and equipment can cost anywhere from $100,000 to $150,000.  Knowing that there is pledged support for new labs during this chaotic time that will directly result in treatment and prevention of infectious disease is just one small step of many that will be required to help rebuild Haiti.

CEM Corporation is also supporting Haiti Relief efforts with their Hats for Haiti fundraiser.  The Company will be offering its trademark Crazy Dave Beanies, which have become a tradition at the exhibition, for a 1 dollar contribution. All proceeds from the beanies will benefit the American Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund and CEM will match every dollar contributed to Hats for Haiti. Learn more about Hats for Haiti

Please stop by the CEM booth #2669 and get your Crazy Dave Beanie for a minimum $1 donation to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund.

MSNBC.com recently posted an informative anaerobic microbiology article regarding a study done at Case Western University that linked gum disease to an infants death.

Expectant mothers have long been warned that gum disease can cause a baby to be born prematurely or too small. But for the first time scientists have linked bacteria from a mother’s gums to an infection in a baby that was full-term but stillborn, according to the study which was published Thursday in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Scientists from Case Western University made the discovery after a 35-year-old California woman contacted them to help investigate the death of her baby. Earlier studies by the same researchers showed that an oral bacteria called Fusobacterium nucleatum could spread from the bloodstream to the placenta in mice. The woman wanted to know if it was possible in humans.

Women have been warned that gum disease could lead to a baby being born prematurely, or too small, but up until this point, Doctors had yet to definitively link gum disease to a single case of infant death.

Bacteria from the mouth can easily get into the bloodstream once a woman’s gums are bleeding, explains the study’s lead author Yiping Han, an associate professor of periodontics and pathology at Case Western University. Generally, this type of bacteria can be easily combated by the immune system of the mom-to-be, whether mouse or human. But because of special conditions that exist in the womb, the fetus can be more susceptible, Han suspects.

While this strengthens the argument that women who are pregnant and are experiencing gum-related problems should immediately get themselves checked out by a dentist, Dr. Richard H. Beigi states that women shouldn’t be overly alarmed by this single case.

“This is just one case,” he explained. “Most pregnant women have bleeding gums and most don’t have dead babies. This can happen, but it’s rare. And this finding doesn’t mean that it’s increasing.”

Source: MSNBC.com

Press Release:

Sheldon Manufacturing, Inc., a leading laboratory equipment manufacturer in Cornelius, Oregon, Invests in two new Trumpf Press Brakes, continuing their growth as  a premier international OEM manufacturer.

With centralized programming of CAD Software, the Trubend 3120 press brake from Trumpf allows for automated fabrication of raw metal into component parts by providing exacting tolerances and a comprehensive database of shortening values, depth values, and bending programs. Such characteristics promote consistent, top of the line, machine-quality manufacturing, ultimately improving run time, flexibility and output.  In addition to automating most of the set up process,  the press brakes offer state of the art safety features that are extremely important with such powerful machinery.

By investing in the press brakes and large scale automation, Sheldon shows its dedication towards being a world-class original equipment manufacturer and partner. Having in-house equipment of this quality means there is no outsourcing of key manufacturing steps.  Everything is handled at Sheldon in the US. “Our ability to automate so much of our metal production is key to staying competitive with the global marketplace,” according to Dan Sheldon, President of Sheldon Manufacturing, Inc..

With 40 years in the business of manufacturing top of the line equipment, low volume high mix production is a big key for Sheldon’s future success as a world class OEM.

The New Trumpf Press Brake

We are excited for the upcoming trade show season.  Please visit us if you are attending any of these conferences.

Orlando, FL, Pittcon: February 28- March 5th : Booth #1856  www.pittcon.org

San Juan , Puerto Rico, Interphex: March 2nd- March 5th: booth #501  www.interphexpuertorico.com

Munich, Germany, Analytica: March 22nd -March 26th Stand # B2-128 http://www.analytica.de/en/Home

San Diego, CA, ASM: May 24th  – May 26th booth #600 http://gm.asm.org/