Integrated filtration and detection device
AssigneeBiomerieux
InventorsJames L. DiGuiseppi, Diederik Engbersen, Scott R. Jeffrey, John Walsh
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An integrated filtration and detection device for collecting and detecting the growth of microorganisms in a specimen includes a container defining a chamber therein. The container has an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber. A filter is mounted in the chamber between the inlet and the outlet. A sensor is mounted in the chamber. The sensor is operative to exhibit a change in a measurable property thereof upon exposure to changes in the chamber due to microbial growth.
Claims27
An integrated filtration and detection device for collecting and detecting the growth of microorganisms in a specimen, said device comprising:
- a) a container including a side wall and a fixed end wall defining a chamber therein and having an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with said chamber, wherein said end wall defines a continuous closed surface that is continuous with said side wall and free of openings;
- b) a filter for filtering fluids, said filter mounted in said chamber between said inlet and said outlet;
- and
- c) a sensor mounted in said chamber parallel to and against said end wall of said chamber, said sensor operative to exhibit a change in a measurable property thereof upon exposure to changes in said chamber due to microbial growth;
- wherein said container has a transparent section and changes in said measurable property of said sensor are detectable through said transparent section;
- and said sensor and said filter are disposed at opposed ends of said chamber.
An integrated filtration and detection product for collecting and detecting the growth of microorganisms in a specimen, said product comprising:
- a container defining a chamber therein and having an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with said chamber;
- a liquid culturing medium disposed in said chamber;
- a filter for filtering fluids, said filter mounted in said chamber between said inlet and said outlet;
- and
- a sensor mounted in said chamber parallel to and against an end wall of said chamber, said sensor operative to exhibit a change in a measurable property thereof upon exposure to changes in said chamber due to microbial growth;
- wherein said container has a transparent section and changes in said measurable property of said sensor are detectable through said transparent section;
- and said sensor and said filter are disposed at opposed ends of said chamber;
- wherein said sensor resides at a lower end of said chamber and below said filter;
- and
- wherein said liquid culturing medium is disposed in said lower end of said chamber and contacts said sensor in said lower end of said chamber.
A system for detecting the growth of specimen in a specimen, said system comprising:
- a) an integrated filtration and detection device comprising:
- a container including a side wall and a fixed end wall defining a chamber therein and having an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with said chamber, wherein said end wall defines a continuous closed surface that is continuous with said side wall and free of openings;
- a filter for filtering fluids, said filter mounted in said chamber between said inlet and said outlet;
- and
- a sensor mounted in said chamber parallel to and against said end wall of said chamber, said sensor operative to exhibit a change in a measurable property thereof upon exposure to changes in said chamber due to microbial growth;
- wherein said container has a transparent section and changes in said measurable property of said sensor are detectable through said transparent section;
- and said sensor and said filter are disposed at opposed ends of said chamber;
- and
- b) a measuring apparatus operable to detect the measurable property of said sensor through said transparent section.
A system for detecting the growth of microorganisms in a specimen, said system comprising:
- a) an integrated filtration and detection product comprising:
- a container defining a chamber therein and having an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with said chamber;
- a liquid culturing medium disposed in said chamber;
- a filter for filtering fluids, said filter mounted in said chamber between said inlet and said outlet;
- and
- a sensor mounted in said chamber parallel to and against an end wall of said chamber, said sensor operative to exhibit a change in a measurable property thereof upon exposure to changes in said chamber due to microbial growth;
- wherein said container has a transparent section and changes in said measurable property of said sensor are detectable through said transparent section;
- and said sensor and said filter are disposed at opposed ends of said chamber;
- wherein said sensor resides at a lower end of said chamber and below said filter;
- and
- wherein said liquid culturing medium is disposed in said lower end of said chamber and contacts said sensor in said lower end of said chamber;
- and
- b) a measuring apparatus operable to detect the measurable property of said sensor through said transparent section.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.