The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 21, 2002
Filed:
Apr. 02, 2001
Michael G. Williams, Vadnais Heights, MN (US);
Kurt J. Halverson, Lake Elmo, MN (US);
Gary E. Krejcarek, White Bear Lake, MN (US);
Ai-Ping Wei, Woodbury, MN (US);
James G. Berg, Lino Lakes, MN (US);
Peter D. Wickert, St. Paul, MN (US);
Clyde D. Calhoun, Stillwater, MN (US);
Mark K. Debe, Stillwater, MN (US);
Jean Qiu, Andover, MA (US);
3M Innovative Properties Company, St. Paul, MN (US);
Abstract
A method for partitioning an aqueous biological liquid sample into discrete microvolumes for detection and enumeration of microorganisms is described. The method involves distributing microvolumes of a sample to a plurality of hydrophilic liquid-retaining zones of a culture device, where each liquid-retaining zone is surrounded by a portion of a hydrophobic “land” area. Also disclosed are devices for carrying out these methods.