Near real-time, hands-off detection of airborne particulate contaminants and bioburden

US12332151B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Ernst-Ulrich Berndt · Berlin, DE
• Lea Ann Ellermeier · Dallas, US
• Ruedger Rubbert · Berlin, DE
• Justin Bernstein · Dallas, US
• Jonathan Berndt · Berlin, DE
• Richard William Nesbit · Los Angeles, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 30, 2021
• Grant date: Jun 17, 2025
• Expiry date: Aug 30, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2021/8585
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Various implementations, systems and methods are disclosed for continuous, near real-time, hands-off sampling of airborne particulate matter, and qualification and/or quantification of biomolecules in the sample representative for biologic or microbial contamination. The systems and methods may utilize an electrostatic precipitator for sampling the matter; and a measurement assembly configured to illuminate, excite, or breakdown the sampled matter by electromagnetic radiation, and to detect a spectrum, or one or more wavelength bands of the scatter emitted by the sample. In an exemplary implementation, a sputter deposition process is employed to configure the sample for an enhanced plasmon resonance. The measurement data may be transferred via wireless communication means for cloud storage and signal processing.