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US4535248A
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US
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Method for detecting aflatoxin in almonds
Assignee: United States Department of Agriculture
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Filing: 1984-08-24
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Granted: 1985-08-13
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Expires: 2004-08-24
Abstract
Abstract Aflatoxin contamination in almonds is detected by exposing almond kernels to long wave ultraviolet light and detecting the presence of aflatoxin as determined by violet-purple fluorescence. The method is particularly adaptable to automation to detect and sort out aflatoxin contaminated almonds.
Inventors
- 👤 John E. Schade
- 👤 A. Douglas King, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 19:58
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/62; G01N21/63; G01N21/64; G01N21/6486; G01N33/00; G01N33/02; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S250/00; Y10S250/91
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
31 words
A method for detecting aflatoxin contamination in almonds, which comprises: (a) exposing almond kernels to long wave ultraviolet light and (b) detecting the presence of aflatoxin as determined by violet-purple fluorescence.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
31 words
A method for detecting aflatoxin contamination in almonds, which comprises: (a) exposing almond kernels to long wave ultraviolet light and (b) detecting the presence of aflatoxin as determined by violet-purple fluorescence.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method as described by claim 1 wherein the almond kernels comprise individual kernels or kernel fragments.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as described by claim 2 wherein the almond kernels comprise blanched almonds.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as described by claim 1 wherein the almond kernels comprise damaged kernels.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as described by claim 4 wherein damaged kernels comprise kernels having insect injury, decay, or mold damage.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method as described by claim 1 wherein the violet-purple fluorescence is a purplish-red to violet fluorescent color defined by the Methuen color code as having a hue of 13-18, a tone of A to C, and an intensity of 4-7.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as described by claim 1 wherein the violet-purple fluorescence is equivalent to that defined by claim 6.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method as described in claim 1 which is automated.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method of reducing aflatoxin content in almonds, which comprises detecting aflatoxin contamination in almonds according to the method of claim 1 and sorting out the aflatoxin contaminated almonds.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method as described in claim 9 which is automated.
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) | 1988-08-12 | 1989-02-11 | 1989-08-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-08-12 | 1993-02-11 | 1993-08-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-08-12 | 1997-02-11 | 1997-08-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |