Methodology and apparatus for the detection of biological substances
First Claim
1. A system for determining the existence of toxic biological substances, comprising:
- a. a plurality of sensor units, each sensor unit further comprising;
i. a first ligand, oriented to provide optimal sensing capability;
ii. a first electrostatic pulse signature signal being generated by an interaction occurring when the first ligand binds to at least one first toxic biological target;
iii. an electrostatic sensing surface, positioned in proximity to the first ligand for detecting the first electrostatic pulse signature signal being generated;
iv. a measurement means for measuring the detected first electrostatic pulse signature signal provided in proximity with the sensing surface;
v. a processor provided with a memory having a plurality of stored electrostatic pulse signature signals controlling the operation of each of the sensor units;
vi. a comparison device connected between the measurement means and the processor for comparing the electrostatic pulse signature signal measured by the measurement means with the stored electrostatic pulse signature signals and generating comparison information;
vii. an antenna for transmitting and receiving the comparison information; and
b. a centralized station for controlling the operation of the plurality of sensor units, the centralized station including a central processor, a central memory and an antenna for transmitting and receiving comparison information from the plurality of sensor units, the central station generating an alert based upon the comparison information received from said plurality of sensor units.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A methodology and an apparatus for the detection of biological substances employing the integration of multiple functions and units designed into and implemented in the form of an individual silicon chip, described as a sensor unit. The deployment of a set of sensor units as a group results in a distributed detecting, discriminating, and alerting network. Distribution of the sensor units facilitates the on-the-spot detection of different biological substances such as viruses, bacteria, spores, allergens, and other toxins that can be suspended in multiple media (air, liquid, blood, etc.). Besides detection/sensing, the individual sensor units perform: data acquisition, data development, data storage, statistical analysis, and data transmission. A set of sensor units deployed in proximity to each other can be designated as a group and act as a distributed sensing network with consistent and reliable data flow to a router and further to a central computer for extended data synthesis, analysis, and decision support. The group deployment facilitates achieving enhanced security and wider sensing capability.
94 Citations
35 Claims
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1. A system for determining the existence of toxic biological substances, comprising:
a. a plurality of sensor units, each sensor unit further comprising; i. a first ligand, oriented to provide optimal sensing capability; ii. a first electrostatic pulse signature signal being generated by an interaction occurring when the first ligand binds to at least one first toxic biological target; iii. an electrostatic sensing surface, positioned in proximity to the first ligand for detecting the first electrostatic pulse signature signal being generated; iv. a measurement means for measuring the detected first electrostatic pulse signature signal provided in proximity with the sensing surface; v. a processor provided with a memory having a plurality of stored electrostatic pulse signature signals controlling the operation of each of the sensor units; vi. a comparison device connected between the measurement means and the processor for comparing the electrostatic pulse signature signal measured by the measurement means with the stored electrostatic pulse signature signals and generating comparison information; vii. an antenna for transmitting and receiving the comparison information; and b. a centralized station for controlling the operation of the plurality of sensor units, the centralized station including a central processor, a central memory and an antenna for transmitting and receiving comparison information from the plurality of sensor units, the central station generating an alert based upon the comparison information received from said plurality of sensor units. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
Specification