초록 ▼

Rapid and accurate identifying and enumerating of microorganisms is carried out with an apparatus having an electrical cell, an optical sensing assembly, an automated microbial sample delivery means and an electrical signal processing means. The electrical cell contains a chamber having an inlet and

Rapid and accurate identifying and enumerating of microorganisms is carried out with an apparatus having an electrical cell, an optical sensing assembly, an automated microbial sample delivery means and an electrical signal processing means. The electrical cell contains a chamber having an inlet and outlet and paired electrodes located adjacent walls of the chamber. The optical sensing assembly has a laser light source to pass a beam of laser light through the electrical cell and between the electrodes, and a laser light detector in alignment with the light source to receive laser light emerging from the electrical cell. The electrical signal processing means translates variations in birefringence caused by a microbial sample into quantitative data. In operation of the apparatus, a polarized beam of laser light passes through a microbial sample containing an inhibiting reagent while the sample is in an electrical field between the electrodes, and the extend of birefringence is measured.

대표청구항 ▼

An apparatus for identifying and enumerating microbial cells comprising: A. an electrical cell comprising, i. a chamber having an inlet and an outlet, ii. at least two walls disposed in parallel, spaced apart relation to each other, and iii. paired electrodes located adjacent each of said walls and

An apparatus for identifying and enumerating microbial cells comprising: A. an electrical cell comprising, i. a chamber having an inlet and an outlet, ii. at least two walls disposed in parallel, spaced apart relation to each other, and iii. paired electrodes located adjacent each of said walls and spaced apart from each other, said electrodes adapted to receive electrical current and to establish an induced electrical field across at least a portion of said chamber, and to promote the electrical alignment of microbial cells placed therein; B. an optical sensing assembly comprising, i. a laser light source positioned to pass a beam of laser light through said electrical cell and between said electrodes, and ii. a laser light detector positioned in alignment with said light source to receive the laser light emerging from said electrical cell; C. automated microbial sample delivery means in fluid registry with said electrical cell, to sequentially convey said microbial samples to said inlet; and D. electrical signal processing means connected with said laser light detector, to translate the variations in birefringence caused by each microbial sample, into an electrical signal of quantitative data, for analysis and comparison with the results of previously performed control testing.