Title of Invention

IMPROVED DETECTION DEVICE

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Invention provides for an optical device for the visual detection of colloidal entities in stationary fluid samples comprising a housing; means for placing a substantially transparent receptacle containing the fluid sample; a light emitting source sufficient to generate a beam of light of desired intensity; means for directing a beam of light from the light emitting source through the fluid sample in the receptacle; wherein the intensity of the light beam is such that the intensity difference between the point of detection and the surrounding is at least 5,000 LUX. The invention is useful for visual detection of colloidal entities including microorganisms greater than 0.2 micron in water samples obtained from various sources.

Full Text

COMPLETE AFTER PROVISION 15 MARCH 2005 C2120 FORM - 2 THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 of 1970) & The Patents Rules, 2003 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (See Section 10 and Rule 13) IMPROVED DETECTION DEVICE HINDUSTAN LEVER LIMITED, a company incorporated under the Indian Companies Act, 1913 and having its registered office at Hindustan Lever House, 165/166, Backbay Reclamation, Mumbai -400 020, Maharashtra, India The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed. 15 MAR 2005 Field of invention: The present Invention relates to an optical device for the visual detection of colloidal entitles in fluid samples not otherwise detectable by the eye. The present invention particularly relates to an optical device for the visual detection of colloidal entities including microorganisms greater than 0.2 micron in water samples obtained from various sources. The present invention more particularly relates to an optical device for generating light intensity difference of at least 5000 LUX for detection of colloidal entities including microorganisms greater than 0.2 micron with unaided eye in water/ fluids. Background of the invention: It is common knowledge that most fluid samples especially water samples although seemingly pure to the unaided eye are usually contaminated heavily with colloidal matter. Colloidal matter herein refers to any organic or inorganic extraneous matter present in the liquid medium of particle size of 0.2 micron or more, whose size and density difference with the surrounding medium, which is typically water, is such that these entities do not settle under gravity, even when left undisturbed for an extended period of time. These matter are not a constituent of the medium but is a resultant of an invariable contamination of the medium. This includes but is not limited to matter such as dust, pathogenic and non pathogenic bacteria, cysts, fibrous material, microorganisms, dead ceils, pollen and the like. Instruments capable of detecting and monitoring these particulate matter utilize chemical, microbiological and spectroscopic methods of analysis and have found applications in various industries like medical, pharmaceutical, biotechnological and food industries. These methods generally Involve use of staining the particles with dyes and further carrying out spectroscopic analysis of these samples to determine the purity. Microbial methods generally make use of membrane filtration techniques wherein the particles are collected on membrane filter, which can be cultured and measured or alternatively counted by microscopic observation. 2 However both these methods require specialized skills and suitable facility requirements and in combination with the time consumed in sampling and analyzing the samples, they are found to be unfeasible especially in water filtration applications where results indicating online water purity are desirable. Optical methods are found attractive for this end use and several attempts have been made in this direction to arrive at a device that satisfies the need of a simpler and economic method of detecting the colloidal matter in the fluid samples. US 2004/0009473 A1 teaches a kit and process for detection of microbes in a liquid sample. The kit has a filtration device and the microbes are arrested on the filter when fluid containing the same is passed through the filter. The filter is coated with chemicals that lyse the microbial cells. Another coating is provided which provide for detecting such microbes by emission of signal in the form of radiant energy such as luminescent light. The apparatus is then placed in a radiant energy measuring apparatus to measure the radiant energy from the lysed cells. This is then compared with a standard that provides a measure of radiant energy as a function of concentration of microbes to determine microbe concentration in a liquid. The application thus refers to a filtration device equipped with a filter coated with chemical to lyse microbes and another coat to emit signal from lysed microbes and does not address the presence or detection of non-microbial particulate matter present in the fluid sample which is also a major source of contamination of such fluid samples. US 6,522,405 B2 teaches method and apparatus for detection of sub-micron particles in flowing stream of fluids. The apparatus comprises a coherent light source, light from which is converged by lens or otherwise on a cell with stream of fluid containing particles. The convergent light falling on the moving particles is diffracted on a photo detector placed on an optical axis of the light beam on opposite side of the light source. The photo detector produces electrical signals, which are treated by electrical circuits for counting the number of particles in the 3 stream. The cell through which the stream of fluid is flown is located near the focus of the convergent beam. Length of passage for particles near focus is less than those further away though the particles move by equal velocity. Thus the photo detector emits short signal corresponding to particles passing near focal point and long signal for particles farther from focus. Signal frequency corresponds to distance between passage of particles and focus as well as size of particles. The apparatus is such that suitable electrical signal representing characteristics of particles are produced when any change in intensity caused by diffraction image of a converged light appears in the photo detector. This system however requires extreme sophistication and expertise in handling focuses on detecting and counting the number of particles in flowing fluid using photo detectors and electric circuits and does not give any indication of visual detection of the particulate matter. US 2002/0139865 A1 teaches an odor reducing water display system comprising a reservoir, pump, and conduit in fluid communication with pump for returning water to reservoir and a germicidal light source at defined position. The light source projects UV light for eliminating microbes and mal odor. This application thus discloses a microbiocidal system utilizing UV light for this purpose and does not deal with the visual detection of the organic or inorganic particulate matter present in fluid samples. EP 098095 A2 teaches a process and apparatus for characterization or identification of microparticle physical parameters such as size, mean refractive index and shape when a beam of polarized light passing through spherical array of detectors is intercepted by stream of particles at the center of spherical array and selected observables are used for mapping the particle parameters. This system Is complex and cost-Intensive and involves complicated computerizing systems for mapping and identifying the particles. It however does not teach visual detection of the organic and inorganic articulate matter present in the fluid sample. None of the prior art discussed above teach a device for visual detection of colloidal matter especially of particles of size as less as 1 micron and specifically a device by which a column of light is passed through a stationary fluid sample in a container for detection of particles of above defined size by unaided eye. The prior art does not address devices capable of rapid visual detection of particulate matter normally undetected by the eye, inspite of the need existing for the same. The present inventors have thus sought to address this existing need by providing a simple to use and economical device not requiring special skills or facility requirements which aids in the visual detection of colloidal entities in the fluid samples not detectable by naked eye. Objects of the invention: Thus an object of the present invention is to provide an optical device for visual detection of colloidal matter normally undetected by eye. A further object of the present invention is to provide an optical device for visual detection of colloidal matter, which produces a light intensity difference for detection of particles of above 0.2 micron size by unaided eye in a stationary fluid sample in a container. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an optical device for visual detection of particulate matter, which has a simple construction and is easy to handle. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an optical device for visual detection of particulate matter that is economical and does not utilize complicated methods of analysis and has no requirement of specialized skills or facility. 5 A further object of the present invention is to provide an optical device for visual detection of particulate matter that readily indicates the presence of colloidal matter having size of from 0.2 micron. A further object of the present invention is to provide an optical device for visual detection of colloidal matter that may be used to gauge the efficiency of water purification systems where the quality of raw feed and the finished output may be assessed. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an optical device for visual detection of colloidal matter that may be used to provide a speedy quality control check on continuous samples of water purified in water purification systems. Summary of the invention: Thus according to an aspect of the present invention there is provided an optical device for the visual detection of colloidal entities in fluid samples comprising - A housing. - a light emitting source sufficient to generate light of such intensity that the intensity difference between the point of detection and the background is at least 5,000 LUX. - means for placing a substantially transparent receptacle containing the fluid sample and passing a beam of light from the light emitting source through the fluid sample. According to a preferred aspect of the present invention there is provided an optical device for the visual detection of colloidal entities in fluid samples comprising - an opaque non-reflecting housing. - a light emitting source sufficient to generate light of such intensity that the intensity difference between the point of detection and the background is at least 5,000 LUX. 6 - a platform disposed within the housing for positioning a substantially transparent receptacle containing the fluid sample. - a means disposed for directing a shaft of light from the light emitting source through the fluid sample in the receptacle. In a further preferred aspect of the present invention the device is provided with a camera, preferably with a magnifying lens, adapted to be connected to a graphic display device such as television or computer to enable viewing the particles on the monitor. The details of the invention, its objects and advantages will now be explained hereunder in greater detail. Detailed description The present invention provides an optical device for the visual detection of colloidal entities in fluid samples comprising - a housing. - a light emitting source sufficient to generate light of such intensity that the intensity difference between the point of detection and the background is at least 5,000 LUX. - means for placing a substantially transparent receptacle containing the fluid sample and passing a beam of light from the light emitting source through the fluid sample. The fluid samples may be any sample for which the purity needs to be ascertained in terms of colloidal matter present in the same. The fluid samples are preferably water samples from various sources. Colloidal matter herein refers to any organic or inorganic extraneous matter present in the liquid medium of particle size of 0.2 micron or more, which is not a constituent of the medium but is a resultant of an invariable contamination of the medium. This Includes but is not limited to matter such as dust, pathogenic and non bacteria, fibrous material, microorganisms, dead cells, pollen and the like. 7 The present invention more preferably detects microspheres that simulate bacteria. The microspheres may preferably be dyed for better visual detection. The housing may be a chamber, which eliminates the entry of ambient light into the chamber and may optionally be in the form of a cabinet or a cover, which aids in the elimination of ambient light. The light source may be any suitable light source sufficient to generate light of such intensity that the intensity difference between the point of detection and the background is at least 5,000 LUX, preferably at least 15,000 LUX, more preferably at least 25,000 LUX and most preferably at least 50, 000 LUX. The preferred light source may be Halogen photo optic lamp . A suitable lamp is one commercially available from Osram, Model G5.3, operating at 12V and 100 W. The light source is optionally provided with a reflector dome for creating a convergent shaft of light produced from the light source and passing the shaft through the means for placing substantially transparent receptacle containing the fluid sample. The optical device preferably has a heat sink or filter in the vicinity of the light source to absorb some of the heat generated. Additionally a cooling means such as a fan may also be provided in the vicinity of the light source to transfer heat out of the device. The means for directing the shaft of light through the fluid sample in the receptacle is built-in through an opaque platform and is preferably in the form of a slit or an aperture. The said means is optionally provided with a lens to align the light beam into a parallel beam to get maximum contrast. When the means is designed to give a conical effect to the traversing beam of light or to obtain a Tyndall Cone, the platform is designated as Cone Controller as the dimension of the means built-in through the cone controller will define the nature of the cone formed. The receptacle can be any suitable container that is substantially transparent to the light beams. It is suitably shaped to be placed onto the platform and preferably a glass or a plastic bottle. 8 According to a typical embodiment, a photo-imaging device such as a camera preferably a CCD camera, optionally with a magnifying means, is positioned in the same horizontal plane of the water container such that the camera will take Images of the water sample when the light column passes therethrough. Such contraption may further be connected to a graphic display device such as television or computer to enable viewing of the particles on the monitor. The optical device of the invention may optionally comprise means to actuate the light emitting source when the substantially transparent receptacle containing the fluid sample is placed in the optical device. Further optional features include means power the light emitting source with the help of a rechargeable battery. Detailed description of drawings: The present invention will be described further in reference to non-limiting embodiments of the invention by way of accompanying figures wherein FIG. 1 is a cross sectional schematic view of an optical device of the invention for visual detection of colloidal matter. FIG. 2 is a cross sectional schematic view of an optical device for visual detection of colloidal matter in accordance to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Reference is invited to FIG.1 and FIG. 2 wherein an optical device 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The said optical device 1 comprises a light-emitting source 2 positioned at the base 4 of the housing 3. The base portion also has a heat sink or filter 5 and a cooling fan 6. The light-emitting source 2 has a reflector dome 7. The convergent shaft of light 8 generated from the light-emitting source 2 is directed to a slit 9 for directing the said shaft of light 8 from the said light-emitting source 2 through the fluid sample in the receptacle 10. A Tyndall Cone 11. is defined in the fluid body in the receptacle 10. The slit 9 is provided in an opaque platform, which is a cone controller 12. In FIG 2, the housing 3 is provided with a photo-imaging device preferably a a CCD camera 13. The camera has a magnifying means 14; such camera 13 can be connected to a graphic display device 15 such as television or computer to enable viewing the particles on the monitor. The figures are merely illustrative of the invention and it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments. Several modifications or changes in the construction of the device are possible without departing from the scope of the invention and shall be consequently encompassed within the ambit and spirit of this approach and scope thereof. 10 We Claim 1. An optical device for the visual detection of colloidal entities in stationary fluid samples comprising a housing; means for placing a substantially transparent receptacle containing the fluid sample; a light emitting source sufficient to generate a beam of light of desired intensity; means for directing a beam of light from the light emitting source through the fluid sample in the receptacle; wherein the intensity of the light beam is such that the intensity difference between the point of detection and the surrounding is at least 5,000 LUX. 2. An optical device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the intensity difference between the point of detection and the surrounding is at least 15,000 LUX. 3. An optical device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the said device enables visual detection of colloidal entities from 0.2 microns and above. 4. An optical device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the means for placing a substantially transparent receptacle containing the fluid sample comprises - a platform disposed within the housing for positioning a substantially transparent receptacle containing the fluid sample. 5. An optical device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the light source is preferably positioned in an enclosure provided at the base of the housing. 6. An optical device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the light source is a halogen photo optic lamp fitted with a reflector dome. 11 7. An optical device as claimed any one of the preceding claims wherein the means for directing a beam of light from the light-emitting source through the fluid sample In the receptacle comprises a guiding means being an aperture or slit. 8. An optical device as claimed in claim 7 wherein the guiding means for directing a beam of light from the light-emitting source is disposed below the platform on which the receptacle is to be positioned. 9. An optical device as claimed in claims 7 or 8 wherein the guiding means is adapted to define a colloidal or Tyndall effect of the traversing shaft of light. 10. An optical device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the fluid sample is a water sample. 11. An optical device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the housing is an opaque non-reflecting chamber for eliminating the access of ambient light into the chamber. 12. An optical device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said device is provided with a heat sink or filter or a cooling device or combinations thereof, to counter the heat generated by the light source. 13. An optical device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said device is provided with a magnifying means preferably a magnifying lens to amplify the image of the detected particles. 14. An optical device as claimed in claim 13 wherein the magnifying means is further secured to a photo-imaging device selected from a camera and a CCD camera. 12 15. An optical device as claimed in claim 14 wherein the magnifying means secured to the photo-imaging device is further connected to a graphic display device such as television or computer to enable viewing the particles on the monitor. 16. An optical device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the light emitting source is actuated when the substantially transparent receptacle containing the fluid sample is placed in the optical device. 17. An optical device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the light emitting source is powered by a rechargeable battery. Dated this 15th day of March 2005 HINDUSTAN LEVER LIMITED 13 ABSTRACT The Invention provides for an optical device for the visual detection of colloidal entities in stationary fluid samples comprising a housing; means for placing a substantially transparent receptacle containing the fluid sample; a light emitting source sufficient to generate a beam of light of desired intensity; means for directing a beam of light from the light emitting source through the fluid sample in the receptacle; wherein the intensity of the light beam is such that the intensity difference between the point of detection and the surrounding is at least 5,000 LUX. The invention is useful for visual detection of colloidal entities including microorganisms greater than 0.2 micron in water samples obtained from various sources 15 MAR 2005 16

Documents:

321-mum-2004-abstract(20-09-2007).doc

321-mum-2004-abstract(20-09-2007).pdf

321-mum-2004-abstract.doc

321-mum-2004-abstract.pdf

321-mum-2004-cancelled pages(20-09-2007).pdf

321-mum-2004-claims(granted)-(15-03-2005).doc

321-mum-2004-claims(granted)-(15-03-2005).pdf

321-mum-2004-claims.doc

321-mum-2004-claims.pdf

321-mum-2004-correspondence others.pdf

321-mum-2004-correspondence received ver-08-09-2005.pdf

321-mum-2004-correspondence received ver-15-03-2005.pdf

321-mum-2004-correspondence received ver-24-03-2006.pdf

321-mum-2004-correspondence(ipo)-(09-03-2007).pdf

321-mum-2004-correspondence-1-(26-12-2007).pdf

321-mum-2004-correspondence-2-(24-03-2006).pdf

321-mum-2004-description (complete).pdf

321-mum-2004-drawing(20-09-2007).pdf

321-mum-2004-drawings.pdf

321-mum-2004-form 1(16-03-2004).pdf

321-mum-2004-form 18(24-03-2006).pdf

321-mum-2004-form 2(granted)-(15-03-2005).doc

321-mum-2004-form 2(granted)-(15-03-2005).pdf

321-mum-2004-form 3(15-03-2005).pdf

321-mum-2004-form 3(16-03-2004).pdf

321-mum-2004-form 5(15-03-2005).pdf

321-mum-2004-form pct-isa-210(16-03-2004).pdf

321-mum-2004-form-2.doc

321-mum-2004-form-2.pdf

321-mum-2004-form-3.pdf

321-mum-2004-form-5.pdf

321-mum-2004-genral power of attorney(11-11-2005).pdf

321-mum-2004-granted.pdf

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