Methods and apparatus for monitoring the growth of microorganisms in liquid culture
US5863752A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 2, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jan 26, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 2, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC12Q1/02
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method of monitoring the growth of microorganisms in liquid culture involving the detection of pressure change in a gas-tight container such as a blood culture bottle incorporating a flexible diaphragm (septum) by detecting displacement of the septum, is characterised by the position or conformation of the diaphragm being repeatedly sensed using a distance-measuring means, such as a laser, preferably capable of detecting a variation in the position or conformation of the diaphragm to an accuracy of 200.mu. or better, with a portion of the container adjacent the diaphragm conveniently being used as a reference to detect any relative positional or conformational change of the diaphragm. Preferably the laser repeatedly scans a plurality of containers mounted in a holder such as a flat bed or a carousel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.