US4421849A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for biological screening
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1982-06-04
•
Granted: 1983-12-20
•
Expires: 2002-06-04
Abstract
Abstract Disclosed is a method of screening or identifying a microorganism by providing two microorganism nutrient medium layers in communication with and separated by a sterilizable membrane filter, implanting at least one of the layers with a microorganism, and allowing an effective substance to permeate through the filter to enable microorganism identification.
Inventors
- 👤 Eberhard Breuker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 11:23
CPC Classifications
C; C12; C12M; C12M23/00; C12M23/48; C12M25/00; C12M25/06; C12M29/00; C12M29/04; C12M41/00; C12M41/46; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S435/00; Y10S435/803
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
145 words
A method for screening or identifying a microorganism comprising providing two microorganism nutrient medium layers in communication with and separated by a sterilizable membrane filter; implanting in one of said layers: (a) a first unknown microorganism suspected of producing a substance effective by its reaction with a second known microorganism or enzyme detecting agent to identify said first microorganism, or (b) a first known microorganism which produces a substance effective by its reaction with a second unknown microorganism to identify said second unknown microorganism; implanting in the other layer said second microorganism or enzyme detecting agent, said membrane filter being impermeable to each of said microorganisms and enzyme detecting agent but permeable to said effective substance; causing said effective substance to be produced and diffused through said membrane filter, and observing the effect of said effective substance on said second microorganism or enzyme detecting agent.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
145 words
A method for screening or identifying a microorganism comprising providing two microorganism nutrient medium layers in communication with and separated by a sterilizable membrane filter; implanting in one of said layers: (a) a first unknown microorganism suspected of producing a substance effective by its reaction with a second known microorganism or enzyme detecting agent to identify said first microorganism, or (b) a first known microorganism which produces a substance effective by its reaction with a second unknown microorganism to identify said second unknown microorganism; implanting in the other layer said second microorganism or enzyme detecting agent, said membrane filter being impermeable to each of said microorganisms and enzyme detecting agent but permeable to said effective substance; causing said effective substance to be produced and diffused through said membrane filter, and observing the effect of said effective substance on said second microorganism or enzyme detecting agent.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 wherein (b) is a known microorganism.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1 wherein (b) is an enzyme detecting agent.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said effective substance is or is suspected of being an antibiotic.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said effective substance is or is suspected of being an amino acid.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said effective substance is or is suspected of being a vitamin.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said effective substance is or is suspected of being a toxin.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said effective substance is or is suspected of being an enzyme.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-12-19 | 1987-06-20 | 1987-12-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-12-19 | 1991-06-20 | 1991-12-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-12-19 | 1995-06-20 | 1995-12-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |