Method for detecting and collecting infectious airborne microorganisms for rapid identification
US5766958A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 12, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jun 16, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 12, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/25375
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and device for detecting airborne, infectious microorganisms in indoor air and collecting them for rapid identification. Diseased air is drawn into an enclosed chamber where it is percolated through a liquid such that many of the microorganisms become encapsulated in the liquid. The liquid is then atomized to ensure encapsulation of microorganisms which may have escaped encapsulation in the percolation step, and then separated from the air. The relatively slow drawing rate and delicate percolation through the liquid preserves the integrity of the microorganisms. The air is released into the room, while the microorganism-containing liquid is directed to a reservoir from which samples may be extracted for analysis. The liquid is recycled.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.