Method for detecting the presence of killing and collecting infectious airborne microorganisms
US6054324A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 15, 1998 |
| Grant date | Apr 25, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 15, 2018 |
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. A magnetic substance is added to the reservoir. The microorganism-containing liquid is passed through an electromagnetic field whereupon the microorganisms are attracted to the magnetic surface. These microorganisms are thereafter removed for analysis. The remaining liquid is recycled.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.