US 12,410,459 B2
Biological indicator reader systems for determining efficacy of sterilization
Adrian Ponce, Los Angeles, CA (US); Kok-Hwee Ng, Irvine, CA (US); Darshan Yeliyur Siddegowda, Mission Viejo, CA (US); Jenna Zimmerman, Newport Beach, CA (US); Dat Nguyen, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA (US); Mitchell London, Mission Viejo, CA (US); Jake Douglas Knickerbocker, Westminster, CA (US); Edward MacLeod Perkins, Studio City, CA (US); and Robert G. Waarts, Los Altos, CA (US)
Assigned to STERITEC PRODUCTS MFG. CO., INC., Englewood, CO (US)
Filed by STERITEC PRODUCTS MFG. CO., INC., Englewood, CO (US)
Filed on May 16, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/745,658.
Application 17/745,658 is a continuation of application No. 17/110,229, filed on Dec. 2, 2020, granted, now 11,603,551.
Prior Publication US 2022/0275423 A1, Sep. 1, 2022
Int. Cl. G01N 21/64 (2006.01); C12M 1/12 (2006.01); C12Q 1/22 (2006.01); G01N 21/94 (2006.01)
CPC C12Q 1/22 (2013.01) [C12M 37/06 (2013.01); G01N 21/64 (2013.01); G01N 21/94 (2013.01)] 27 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A biological indicator (BI) reader configured to determine the presence of viable spores in at least one biological indicator, the biological indicator reader comprising:
a reader housing comprising a panel assembly comprising at least one BI opening, the BI opening being configured to receive the biological indicator therethrough;
at least one BI bay configured to receive the biological indicator, and the at least one BI bay comprising a BI bay window;
a heater, the heater being configured to heat the at least one BI bay;
a germinant activator;
an optical assembly comprising:
an excitation source configured to emit light through the BI bay window of the BI bay; and
a camera assembly comprising a camera configured to capture images passing through the BI bay window; and
a controller configured to control the optical assembly and to collect information relating to the images collected by the camera.