US3657073A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for detecting viable organisms
Assignee: Boeing Co
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Filing: 1966-05-12
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Granted: 1972-04-18
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Expires: 1986-05-12
Abstract
Abstract A three chamber sterilization efficiency detector having a first chamber containing viable organisms that are subjected to the sterilization process; a second chamber separated from the first by an openable partition containing nutrient media; and a third chamber separated from the second by a semi-permeable partition containing means for detecting the products of the life processes of the organisms. After sterilization, the openable partition is opened to allow the nutrient media to contact the organisms and support the life processes of any surviving organisms and the products of such life processes pass through the semi-permeable partition to be detected in the third chamber.
Inventors
- 👤 George M Burton
- 👤 Gerald M Christensen
- 👤 Arthur J Pilgrim
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 16:19
CPC Classifications
C; C12; C12M; C12M41/00; C12M41/30; C12M41/36
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
39 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said openable partition encloses a movable object and said opening means comprises an electromagnetic means for actuating the movable object to break open the partition separating the first and second chambers.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said three chambers are connectable to and disconnectable from each other by means of self-sealing outlets and prongs.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first chamber is connectable to and disconnectable from said second and third chambers by means of self-sealing outlets and prongs.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the nutrient media contains a radioactive isotope which is carried by the products of the life processes of the organisms and the detection means is a radiation detector.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the products of the life processes of the viable organisms surviving the sterilization process are gaseous, and the detection means is a gas analyzer.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
201 words
An apparatus for determining the efficacy of a sterilization process comprising: a. means defining a plurality of first chambers for containing viable organisms that are subjected to the sterilization process, each of said chambers having self-sealing connector means; b. means defining a second chamber for containing a nutrient media capable of supporting the life processes of the viable organisms; c. means defining a plurality of third chambers for detecting the products of the life processes of the organisms; d. first series of conduit means communicating with said second chamber and connectable to each of the self-sealing connector means for transferring the nutrient media from said second chamber to said plurality of first chambers after completion of the sterilization process; e. second series of conduit means communicating with each of said plurality of third chambers and connectable to each of the self-sealing connector means for transferring the products of the life processes of the viable organisms that survive the sterilization process from each of the first chambers to each of the third chambers respectively; and f. detection means operatively associated with each of said third chambers for detecting the products of the life processes of the viable organisms surviving the sterilization process.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the nutrient media contains a radioactive isotope which is carried by the products of the life processes of the organisms and the detection means is a radiation detector.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the products of the life processes of the viable organisms surviving the sterilization process are gaseous, and the detection means is a gas analyzer.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-04-18 | 1975-10-18 | 1976-04-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-04-18 | 1979-10-18 | 1980-04-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-04-18 | 1983-10-18 | 1984-04-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |