Method and apparatus for detecting microorganisms within a liquid product in a sealed vial
First Claim
1. An apparatus for the noninvasive and non destructive detection of a microorganism with a liquid product contained within a vial, comprising:
- a light source for producing an incident beam;
means for directing said incident beam through said vial and liquid product;
means for reflecting said incident beam through said vial and liquid product;
means for detecting the reflected incident beam and light scattered by any microorganisms present in said liquid product; and
means for analyzing said incident beam and light scattered by any microorganism that is detected.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
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.
89 Citations
19 Claims
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1. An apparatus for the noninvasive and non destructive detection of a microorganism with a liquid product contained within a vial, comprising:
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a light source for producing an incident beam; means for directing said incident beam through said vial and liquid product; means for reflecting said incident beam through said vial and liquid product; means for detecting the reflected incident beam and light scattered by any microorganisms present in said liquid product; and means for analyzing said incident beam and light scattered by any microorganism that is detected. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for the noninvasive and nondestructive detection of a microorganism within a liquid product contained with a vial, comprising the steps of:
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placing the vial adjacent a mirror; directing an incident beam of light into said vial and liquid product; detecting said incident beam of light as well as light scattered by any microorganism present in the liquid product following reflection by said mirror; and analyzing said incident beam and light scattered by any microorganism that is detected. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification