Method and apparatus for detecting microorganisms within a liquid product in a sealed vial
US5164597A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 6, 1991 |
| Grant date | Nov 17, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 6, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2201/065
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method are provided for the noninvasive and nondestructive detection of microorganisms within a liquid product contained within a sealed vial. The apparatus includes a near-IR light source that produces both incident and reference beams having a wavelength between 800 and 2500 nm and, more preferably, 1100 and 1360 nm. The apparatus also includes an integrating sphere having incident and reference beam ports and a sample window opposite the incident beam port. A detector is mounted in the integrating sphere substantially adjacent the sample window. A substantially U-shaped mirror is provided to hold the vial. The U-shaped mirror is of a size substantially corresponding to the diameter of the vial. In operation, the incident beam is directed through a sample window so as to enter the vial adjacent a sidewall of the mirror. In this way the U-shaped mirror reflects the incident beam so that it passes through the vial three times before returning to the detector. A computer analyzes the resulting signals from the detector.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.