US3849653A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multichannel bioluminescent sensors
Assignee: Bausch and Lomb Inc
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Filing: 1973-09-27
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Granted: 1974-11-19
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Expires: 1993-09-27
Abstract
Abstract Two or more strains of bioluminescent micro-organisms are used with multichannel luminescence sensors and logic circuitry to enable detection of specific chemical vapors. The organism strains are selected to produce predictable light-output variations when exposed to the specific vapors of interest, and signals analogous to light-output variations are combined in the logic circuitry to generate an alarm signal or other output when the specific vapors are sensed. Light-variation signals not conforming to the predicted pattern are rejected by the logic circuit to suppress an alarm or output when the organisms are exposed to vapors not of interest. Circuitry used with the system enables use of conventional photocells at very low light levels, and provides automatic compensation for long-term drift in organism light output.
Inventors
- 👤 R Sakaide
- 👤 C Shank
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 08:55
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N33/00; G01N33/0004; G01N33/0009; G01N33/0022; G01N21/00; G01N21/75; G01N21/76; G01N21/763; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S435/00; Y10S435/807; Y10S435/808
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
A system for detecting presence of a specific vapor in an atmosphere being sampled, comprising: a plurality of bioluminescent sensors utilizing different strains of micro-organisms which have predetermined luminescence characteristics upon exposure to the vapor; transducer means for monitoring the sensors and generating a plurality of signals representing luminescence of each sensor; circuit means connected to the transducer means to receive the transducer signals and to generate an output signal when the transducer signals represent the predetermined luminescence characteristics produced by exposure of the micro-organisms to the specific vapor.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
89 words
A system for detecting presence of a specific vapor in an atmosphere being sampled, comprising: a plurality of bioluminescent sensors utilizing different strains of micro-organisms which have predetermined luminescence characteristics upon exposure to the vapor; transducer means for monitoring the sensors and generating a plurality of signals representing luminescence of each sensor; circuit means connected to the transducer means to receive the transducer signals and to generate an output signal when the transducer signals represent the predetermined luminescence characteristics produced by exposure of the micro-organisms to the specific vapor.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
63 words
The system defined in claim 1 wherein the circuit means comprises an amplifier for each transducer means, a mode-selection means for sensing predetermined and selectable combinations of outputs from the amplifiers and generating an alarm output upon sensing a selected combination, indicating means connected to the mode-selection means to receive the alarm output, and coupling means connected between the amplifiers and mode-selection means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
58 words
The system defined in claim 2 wherein the coupling means comprises a phase inverter for each amplifier connected to receive an output from the amplifier, polarity-selection means connected to the mode-selection means, and means connecting the amplifiers, polarity-selection means and mode-selection means whereby the output from each amplifier is delivered to the mode-selection means in a selectable polarity.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system defined in claim 3 wherein the mode-selection means is arranged to generate an alarm output upon receiving an amplifier output of predetermined polarity, and also upon receiving selected combinations of several such amplifier outputs.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system defined in claim 4 wherein transducer means comprises a photo-resistive cell for each bioluminescent sensor, each cell being connected in circuit with a respective amplifier.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system defined in claim 5 wherein each amplifier has input and output terminals, and the photo-resistive cell is connected between the terminals to constitute a portion of a feedback loop for the amplifier.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system defined in claim 5 wherein each amplifier has input and output terminals, and each amplifier includes an automatic-gain-control circuit connected in series with the associated photo-resistive cell between the terminals in feedback relationship.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system defined in claim 7 wherein the automatic-gain-control circuit is arranged to adjust amplifier gain to compensate for long-term variations in steady-state luminescence emitted by the associated micro-organisms.
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) | 1977-11-18 | 1978-05-20 | 1978-11-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-11-18 | 1982-05-20 | 1982-11-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-11-18 | 1986-05-20 | 1986-11-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |