Patent US5976827A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5976827A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Sensor device for detecting microorganisms and method therefor
Assignee: Akzo Nobel NV
•
Filing: 1997-12-12
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Granted: 1999-11-02
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Expires: 2017-12-12
Abstract
Abstract A device and method allow for detecting the presence of microorganisms in clinical and non-clinical specimens. The device, a sensor, provides an environment to culture microbial organism colonies from a fluid sample, and a means to facilitate microbial detection and quantification, either manually or with an instrument. The sensor has a microorganism immobilization matrix layer and a sensor layer. Detected microbial colonies are immediately available for further testing. The sensor provides an area for accepting a fluid sample, a mechanism to immobilize the fluid sample on an interior surface of the plate, nutrients to facilitate growth of microorganisms in the sample, and a sensor for allowing the detection and/or enumeration of microorganism colonies within the sample.
Inventors
- 👤 Scott R. Jeffrey
- 👤 Paul M. Matsumura
- 👤 Martin J. Maresch
- 👤 Jones M. Hyman
- 👤 Thurman C. Thorpe
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 16:52
CPC Classifications
C; C12; C12M; C12M3/00; C12Q; C12Q1/00; C12Q1/02; C12Q1/04; C12M23/00; C12M23/02; C12M23/04; C12M23/22; C12M23/24; C12M25/00; C12M25/06; C12M25/14; C12Q1/045; C12Q1/24
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 99
Claim 1
Independent Claim
71 words
A sensor device comprising: a container; an immobilization layer, for immobilizing a sample to be tested for the presence or enumeration of microorganisms; a sensor layer disposed between the immobilization layer and a wall of the container, at least a portion of the sensor layer capable of undergoing a detectable change due to the presence of microorganisms immobilized on and/or in the immobilization layer; and wherein the sensor layer is opaque.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
71 words
A sensor device comprising: a container; an immobilization layer, for immobilizing a sample to be tested for the presence or enumeration of microorganisms; a sensor layer disposed between the immobilization layer and a wall of the container, at least a portion of the sensor layer capable of undergoing a detectable change due to the presence of microorganisms immobilized on and/or in the immobilization layer; and wherein the sensor layer is opaque.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The sensor device of claim 1, further comprising an adhesive layer between at least one of a) the immobilization layer and the sensor layer, and b) the sensor layer and the container wall.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The sensor device of claim 1, wherein said immobilization layer comprises a gelling agent.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The sensor device of claim 3, wherein said gelling agent is at least one of a solid gel, a semi-solid gel, or a powdered gel.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The sensor device of claim 1, wherein said immobilization layer further comprises growth components for facilitating growth of microorganisms.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The sensor device of claim 1, wherein said container is a sealed container having a headspace above the immobilization layer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The sensor device of claim 6, further comprising a gas permeable membrane in a wall of said container.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The sensor device of claim 7, further comprising a removable gas impermeable seal positioned adjacent said gas permeable membrane.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The sensor device of claim 1, wherein said wall of said container is transparent or translucent.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The sensor device of claim 1, wherein said sensor layer is capable of undergoing a localized change in the ultraviolet, visible, and/or infrared spectrum.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The sensor device of claim 10, wherein said localized change is detectable through said wall of said container.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
36 words
The sensor device of claim 1, wherein the sensor layer undergoes a detectable change in response to changes in one or more of oxygen, hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, ammonia, organic acid, nitrogen dioxide and pH.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The sensor device of claim 12, wherein said detectable change is detectable in the infrared, ultraviolet or visible spectrums.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
The sensor device of claim 12, wherein said sensor layer comprises an indicator having a change detectable by imaging, fluorescence or reflectance technology.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
28 words
The sensor device of claim 14, wherein the sensor layer exhibits a change in fluorescence intensity or visible color over a pH range of about 5.0 to 11.0.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
The sensor device of claim 1, wherein said immobilization layer comprises an immobilized sample with microorganisms therein.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
The sensor device of claim 1, wherein said immobilization layer comprises a single gelling agent or a plurality of gelling agents.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
44 words
The sensor device of claim 17, wherein said gelling agents comprises one or more agents selected from gums, agars, agaroses, carageenans, bentonite, alginates, collagens, gelatins, fused silicates, water soluble starches, polyacrylates, celluloses, cellulose derivatives, polyethylene glycols, polyethylene oxides, polyvinyl alcohols, dextrans, polyacrylamides and polysaccharides.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
38 words
The sensor device of claim 1, wherein said immobilization layer comprises an upper layer for trapping microorganisms on a surface thereof, and a lower layer provided as a wicking agent to draw liquid sample through the upper layer.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
36 words
The sensor device of claim 17, wherein a first gelling agent is provided in an upper layer of the immobilization layer, and a second gelling agent is provided in a lower layer of said immobilization layer.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
23 words
The sensor device of claim 1, further comprising a conditioning components proximate to or within said immobilization layer for improving microorganism detection capabilities.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
26 words
The sensor device of claim 21, wherein said conditioning components comprise at least one of lytic agents, lytic enzymes, surfactants and components to neutralize growth inhibitors.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
12 words
The sensor device of claim 1, wherein said sensor layer comprises silicone.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
31 words
The sensor device of claim 1, wherein the sensor layer is constructed so as to undergo detectable localized changes which correspond to the presence of microorganism colonies in the immobilization layer.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
31 words
The sensor device of claim 24, wherein the sensor layer is an opaque layer which changes from one color to a second color while remaining opaque in the presence of microorganisms.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
20 words
The sensor device of claim 24, wherein at least one of the immobilization layer and the sensor layer are opaque.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
23 words
The sensor device of claim 24, wherein at least one layer in the device has matrixes that adversely affect visualization of microorganism colonies.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
16 words
The sensor device of claim 27, wherein said at least one layer includes said sensor layer.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
30 words
The sensor device of claim 24, wherein the sensor layer sufficiently blocks the viewing of the test sample from the side of the sensor layer opposite from the immobilization layer.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
36 words
The sensor device of claim 24, wherein the sensor layer blocks the viewing with the eye or detecting with a detector, the test sample from the side of the sensor layer opposite from the immobilization layer.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
71 words
A sensor device comprising: a container; an immobilization layer, for immobilizing a sample to be tested for the presence or enumeration of microorganisms; a sensor layer disposed in the proximity of the immobilization layer such that at least a portion of the sensor layer is capable of undergoing a detectable change due to the presence of microorganisms immobilized and/or in the immobilization layer; wherein the sensor layer is an opaque layer.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
71 words
A sensor device comprising: a container; an immobilization layer, for immobilizing a sample to be tested for the presence or enumeration of microorganisms; a sensor layer disposed in the proximity of the immobilization layer such that at least a portion of the sensor layer is capable of undergoing a detectable change due to the presence of microorganisms immobilized and/or in the immobilization layer; wherein the sensor layer is an opaque layer.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
31 words
The sensor device of claim 31, wherein the sensor layer is constructed so as to undergo detectable localized changes which correspond to the presence of microorganism colonies in the immobilization layer.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
20 words
The sensor device of claim 31, wherein at least one of the immobilization layer and the sensor layer are opaque.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
23 words
The sensor device of claim 31, wherein at least one layer in the device has matrixes that adversely affect visualization of microorganism colonies.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
16 words
The sensor device of claim 34, wherein said at least one layer includes said sensor layer.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
30 words
The sensor device of claim 31, wherein the sensor layer sufficiently blocks the viewing of the test sample from the side of the sensor layer opposite from the immobilization layer.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
36 words
The sensor device of claim 31, wherein the sensor layer blocks the viewing with the eye or detecting with a detector, the test sample from the side of the sensor layer opposite from the immobilization layer.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
33 words
The sensor device of claim 31, further comprising an adhesive layer between at least one of a) the immobilization layer and the sensor layer, and b) the sensor layer and the container wall.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
25 words
The sensor device of claim 31, wherein the sensor layer is an opaque layer which changes in intensity of color in the presence of microorganisms.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
14 words
The sensor device of claim 31, wherein said immobilization layer comprises a gelling agent.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
24 words
The sensor-device of claim 40, wherein said gelling agent is at least one of a solid gel, a semi-solid gel, or a powdered gel.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
19 words
The sensor device of claim 41, wherein said immobilization layer further comprises growth components for facilitating growth of microorganisms.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
24 words
The sensor device of claim 31, wherein said sensor layer is capable of undergoing a localized change in the ultraviolet, visible, and/or infrared spectrum.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
18 words
The sensor device of claim 43, wherein said localized change is detectable through said wall of said container.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
36 words
The sensor device of claim 31, wherein the sensor layer undergoes a detectable change in response to changes in one or more of oxygen, hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, organic acid, nitrogen dioxide, ammonia and pH.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
19 words
The sensor device of claim 45, wherein said detectable change is detectable in the infrared, ultraviolet or visible spectrums.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
23 words
The sensor device of claim 45, wherein said sensor layer comprises an indicator having a change detectable by imaging, fluorescence or reflectance technology.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
28 words
The sensor device of claim 47, wherein the sensor layer exhibits a change in fluorescence intensity or visible color over a pH range of about 5.0 to 11.0.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
23 words
The sensor device of claim 39, further comprising a conditioning layer proximate to or within said immobilization layer for improving microorganism detection capabilities.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
26 words
The sensor device of claim 49, wherein said conditioning layer comprises at least one of lytic agents, lytic enzymes, surfactants and components to neutralize growth inhibitors.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
26 words
The sensor device of claim 39, wherein said immobilization layer comprises at least one of lytic agents, lytic enzymes, surfactants and components to neutralize growth inhibitors.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
32 words
The sensor device of claim 31, wherein said sensor layer comprises at least one indicator selected from fluorescein, coumarin, phenolphthalein, thymolphthalein, bromothymol blue, thymol blue, xylenol blue, ortho cresolphthalein and alpha-naphthol benzein.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
28 words
The sensor device of claim 31, wherein said sensor layer undergoes a change in response to an increase or decrease in a gas component due to microorganism metabolism.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
20 words
The sensor device of claim 31, wherein said sensor layer comprises at least one pigment for coloring the sensor layer.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
13 words
The sensor device of claim 54, wherein said pigment is a metal oxide.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
18 words
The sensor device of claim 55, wherein said pigment is an oxide of titanium, zinc, magnesium or iron.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
14 words
The sensor device of claim 47, wherein said sensor layer comprises a polymeric material.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
31 words
The sensor device of claim 31, wherein said container is a substantially flat substrate, a holding device open at one end, a closed box of rectangular cross section, or a bottle.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
21 words
The sensor device of claim 31, wherein said immobilization layer comprises an absorbent material for absorbing and immobilizing a test sample.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
20 words
The sensor device of claim 59, wherein said absorbent material is selected from filter paper, sponges, glass fibers, and celluloses.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
28 words
The sensor device of claim 59, further comprising a lytic agent on or in said immobilization layer, said lytic agent selected from saponin, digitonin, tween and polysorbitan monolaurate.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
21 words
The sensor device of claim 41, wherein said gelling agent is a solid gel, said solid gel comprising a dehydrated gel.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
23 words
The sensor device of claim 41, wherein said gelling agent is a semi-solid gel, said semi-solid gel comprising a partially dehydrated semi-solid gel.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
13 words
The sensor device of claim 41, wherein said gelling agent is a powder.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
15 words
The sensor device of claim 31, further comprising components for neutralizing inhibitors of microorganisms growth.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
21 words
The sensor device of claim 65, wherein said neutralizing components include at least one of a resin, ecosorb, and activated charcoal.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
164 words
A method for detecting microorganisms comprising: adding a sample to be tested to a sensor device which comprises a container having therein an immobilization layer, for immobilizing a sample to be tested for the presence or enumeration of microorganism, and a sensor layer disposed between the immobilization layer and a wall of the container, at least a portion of the sensor layer capable of undergoing a detectable change due to the presence of microorganisms immobilized on and/or in the immobilization layer the sample being added so that the sample becomes immobilized on and/or in the immobilization layer of the sensor device; incubating the sensor device for a period of time so as to allow for growth of microorganism colonies; determining any localized changes in the sensor layer of the sensor device that correlate to the presence of microorganism colonies on and/or in the immobilization layer; wherein the sample is sufficiently opaque so as to interfere with visualization of microorganism colonies with the naked eye.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
164 words
A method for detecting microorganisms comprising: adding a sample to be tested to a sensor device which comprises a container having therein an immobilization layer, for immobilizing a sample to be tested for the presence or enumeration of microorganism, and a sensor layer disposed between the immobilization layer and a wall of the container, at least a portion of the sensor layer capable of undergoing a detectable change due to the presence of microorganisms immobilized on and/or in the immobilization layer the sample being added so that the sample becomes immobilized on and/or in the immobilization layer of the sensor device; incubating the sensor device for a period of time so as to allow for growth of microorganism colonies; determining any localized changes in the sensor layer of the sensor device that correlate to the presence of microorganism colonies on and/or in the immobilization layer; wherein the sample is sufficiently opaque so as to interfere with visualization of microorganism colonies with the naked eye.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 67, wherein the sample is fluorescent.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 67, wherein the sample has a property in an electromagnetic region, and wherein said localized changes are determined with a detector which detects changes in said sensor layer in the same electromagnetic region.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 69, wherein the sample is fluorescent and the sensor layer undergoes a detectable change in response to changes in a gas component due to the presence or growth of microorganisms in said immobilization layer.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 67, wherein the sample is colored and/or fluorescent and the sensor layer comprises a fluorescent or visible pH indicator.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 71, wherein the sample is a blood sample.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 67, wherein the immobilization layer is a powdered gel layer and the sample is a liquid sample which mixes with the powdered gel and gels so as to become immobilized and adhere to the sensor layer.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 67, wherein said sample is a food sample.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 67, wherein said sample is a sterile body fluid sample.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
90 words
A sensor device comprising: a container; an immobilization layer, for immobilizing a sample to be tested for the presence or enumeration of microorganisms; a sensor layer disposed between the immobilization layer and a wall of the container, at least a portion of the sensor layer capable of undergoing a detectable change due to the presence of microorganisms immobilized on and/or in the immobilization layer; and an adhesive layer between at least one of a) the immobilization layer and the sensor layer, and b) the sensor layer and the container wall.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
90 words
A sensor device comprising: a container; an immobilization layer, for immobilizing a sample to be tested for the presence or enumeration of microorganisms; a sensor layer disposed between the immobilization layer and a wall of the container, at least a portion of the sensor layer capable of undergoing a detectable change due to the presence of microorganisms immobilized on and/or in the immobilization layer; and an adhesive layer between at least one of a) the immobilization layer and the sensor layer, and b) the sensor layer and the container wall.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
78 words
A sensor device comprising: a container; an immobilization layer, for immobilizing a sample to be tested for the presence or enumeration of microorganisms; a sensor layer disposed between the immobilization layer and a wall of the container, at least a portion of the sensor layer capable of undergoing a detectable change due to the presence of microorganisms immobilized on and/or in the immobilization layer; wherein said container is a sealed container having a headspace above the immobilization layer.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
78 words
A sensor device comprising: a container; an immobilization layer, for immobilizing a sample to be tested for the presence or enumeration of microorganisms; a sensor layer disposed between the immobilization layer and a wall of the container, at least a portion of the sensor layer capable of undergoing a detectable change due to the presence of microorganisms immobilized on and/or in the immobilization layer; wherein said container is a sealed container having a headspace above the immobilization layer.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
18 words
The sensor device of claim 77, further comprising a gas permeable membrane in a wall of said container.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
19 words
The sensor device of claim 78, further comprising a removable gas impermeable seal positioned adjacent said gas permeable membrane.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
16 words
The sensor device of claim 77, wherein said wall of said container is transparent or translucent.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
24 words
The sensor device of claim 77, wherein said sensor layer is capable of undergoing a localized change in the ultraviolet, visible, and/or infrared spectrum.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
36 words
The sensor device of claim 77, wherein the sensor layer undergoes a detectable change in response to changes in one or more or oxygen, hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, ammonia, organic acid, nitrogen dioxide and pH.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
70 words
A sensor device comprising: a container; an immobilizatien layer, for immobilizing a sample to be tested for the presence or enumeration of microorganisms; a sensor layer disposed between the immobilization layer and a wall of the container, at least a portion of the sensor layer capable of undergoing a detectable change due to the presence of microorganisms immobilized on and/or in the immobilization layer; wherein said sensor layer comprises silicone.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
70 words
A sensor device comprising: a container; an immobilizatien layer, for immobilizing a sample to be tested for the presence or enumeration of microorganisms; a sensor layer disposed between the immobilization layer and a wall of the container, at least a portion of the sensor layer capable of undergoing a detectable change due to the presence of microorganisms immobilized on and/or in the immobilization layer; wherein said sensor layer comprises silicone.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
116 words
A sensor device comprising: a container; an immobilization layer, for immobilizing a sample to be tested for the presence or enumeration of microorganisms; a sensor layer disposed between the immobilization layer and a wall of the container, at least a portion of the sensor layer capable of undergoing a detectable change due to the presence of microorganisms immobilized on and/or in the immobilization layer; and wherein the sensor layer is constructed so as to undergo detectable localized changes which correspond to the presence of microorganism colonies in the immobilization layer; wherein at least one layer in the device has matrixes that adversely affect visualization of microorganism colonies, said at least one layer including said sensor layer.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
116 words
A sensor device comprising: a container; an immobilization layer, for immobilizing a sample to be tested for the presence or enumeration of microorganisms; a sensor layer disposed between the immobilization layer and a wall of the container, at least a portion of the sensor layer capable of undergoing a detectable change due to the presence of microorganisms immobilized on and/or in the immobilization layer; and wherein the sensor layer is constructed so as to undergo detectable localized changes which correspond to the presence of microorganism colonies in the immobilization layer; wherein at least one layer in the device has matrixes that adversely affect visualization of microorganism colonies, said at least one layer including said sensor layer.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
90 words
A sensor device comprising: a container; an immobilizatiorn layer, for immobilizing a sample to be tested for the presence or enumeration of microorganisms; a sensor layer disposed in the proximity of the immobilization layer such that at least a portion of the sensor layer is capable of undergoing a detectable change due to the presence of microorganisms immobilized on and/or in the immobilization layer; wherein at least one layer in the device has matrixes that adversely affect visualization of microorganism colonies, said at least one layer including said sensor layer.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
90 words
A sensor device comprising: a container; an immobilizatiorn layer, for immobilizing a sample to be tested for the presence or enumeration of microorganisms; a sensor layer disposed in the proximity of the immobilization layer such that at least a portion of the sensor layer is capable of undergoing a detectable change due to the presence of microorganisms immobilized on and/or in the immobilization layer; wherein at least one layer in the device has matrixes that adversely affect visualization of microorganism colonies, said at least one layer including said sensor layer.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
88 words
A sensor device comprising: a container; an immobilization layer, for immobilizing a sample to be tested for the presence or enumeration of microorganisms; a sensor layer disposed in the proximity of the immobilization layer such that at least a portion of the sensor layer is capable of undergoing a detectable change due to the presence of microorganisms immobilized on and/or in the immobilization layer; wherein the sensor layer sufficiently blocks the viewing of the test sample from the side of the sensor layer opposite from the immobilization layer.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
88 words
A sensor device comprising: a container; an immobilization layer, for immobilizing a sample to be tested for the presence or enumeration of microorganisms; a sensor layer disposed in the proximity of the immobilization layer such that at least a portion of the sensor layer is capable of undergoing a detectable change due to the presence of microorganisms immobilized on and/or in the immobilization layer; wherein the sensor layer sufficiently blocks the viewing of the test sample from the side of the sensor layer opposite from the immobilization layer.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
94 words
A sensor device comprising: a container; an immobilization layer, for immobilizing a sample to be tested for the presence or enumeration of microorganisms; a sensor layer disposed in the proximity of the immobilization layer such that at least a portion of the sensor layer is capable of undergoing a detectable change due to the presence of microorganisms immobilized on and/or in the immobilization layer; wherein the sensor layer blocks the viewing with the eye or detecting with a detector, the test sample from the side of the sensor layer opposite from the immobilization layer.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
94 words
A sensor device comprising: a container; an immobilization layer, for immobilizing a sample to be tested for the presence or enumeration of microorganisms; a sensor layer disposed in the proximity of the immobilization layer such that at least a portion of the sensor layer is capable of undergoing a detectable change due to the presence of microorganisms immobilized on and/or in the immobilization layer; wherein the sensor layer blocks the viewing with the eye or detecting with a detector, the test sample from the side of the sensor layer opposite from the immobilization layer.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
78 words
A sensor device comprising: a container; an immobilization layer, for immobilizing a sample to be tested for the presence or enumeration of microorganisms; a sensor layer disposed in the proximity of the immobilization layer such that at least a portion of the sensor layer is capable of undergoing a detectable change due to the presence of microorganisms immobilized on and/or in the immobilization layer; wherein said sensor layer comprises at least one pigment for coloring the sensor layer.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
78 words
A sensor device comprising: a container; an immobilization layer, for immobilizing a sample to be tested for the presence or enumeration of microorganisms; a sensor layer disposed in the proximity of the immobilization layer such that at least a portion of the sensor layer is capable of undergoing a detectable change due to the presence of microorganisms immobilized on and/or in the immobilization layer; wherein said sensor layer comprises at least one pigment for coloring the sensor layer.
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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) | 2002-11-01 | 2003-05-03 | 2003-11-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-11-01 | 2007-05-03 | 2007-11-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-11-01 | 2011-05-03 | 2011-11-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |