Strip Tester

The client had developed a production method for encapsulating chemical detection strips into a belt housing hundreds of individual test strips. The client wanted a proof of concept to demonstrate to investors how this new belt set-up could be utilized for testing liquid samples drawn from a delivery pipe. These pipes are commonly found in processing lines for food where strict quality controls have to be adhered to and where sampling and testing can be hugely disruptive.

Hillside understood straight away that the key to this approach would be activating the test strip and then indexing the next strip into place. By adding sprocket holes to the strip and designing an automatic piercing, dosing and purging probe to a custom feed mechanism these problems were solved. The belt was further improved by housing it in a cartridge and the waste belt was captured in a sealed cartridge for secure disposal. While Hillside developed the mechanical design the client worked on the optical system used to read the test strip. Both developments coincided at the crucial time and the client was able to demonstrate a fully working proof of principle to investors. 

The involvement by Hillside and the delivery of a proof of concept triggered the investment the client required to move forward.