U.S. patent application number 12/480127 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-11 for portable detection apparatus for beverage ingredients.
Invention is credited to Maryse Thomas.
Application Number | 20100035332 12/480127 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41653298 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100035332 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thomas; Maryse |
February 11, 2010 |
PORTABLE DETECTION APPARATUS FOR BEVERAGE INGREDIENTS
Abstract
Embodiments of the invention relate to portable detection
apparatus, comprising one or more detector regions adapted to
visually indicate the presence or amount of an analyte in a
beverage. The detection apparatus is shaped substantially the same
as a consumer product.
Inventors: |
Thomas; Maryse; (Victoria,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCHWEGMAN, LUNDBERG & WOESSNER, P.A.
P.O. BOX 2938
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
41653298 |
Appl. No.: |
12/480127 |
Filed: |
June 8, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61059565 |
Jun 6, 2008 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
435/287.1 ;
422/400 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 31/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
435/287.1 ;
422/58 |
International
Class: |
C12M 1/00 20060101
C12M001/00; G01N 31/22 20060101 G01N031/22 |
Claims
1. A portable detection apparatus, comprising: one or more detector
regions, adapted to visually indicate the presence or amount of an
analyte in a beverage; wherein the detection apparatus is shaped
substantially the same as a consumer product.
2. The portable detection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
consumer product comprises a match book, makeup compact, straw or
stirrer.
3. The portable detection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the analyte
comprises one or more of caffeine, sugar or illicit drugs.
4. The portable detection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the analyte
comprises one or more of GHB (gamma hydroxybutryate), ketamine,
Rohypnol.RTM. (flunitrazepam), methadone, opiates, marijuana,
amphetamines, cocaine, benzodiazepines and their metabolites and
ecstasy (MDMA).
5. The portable detection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the analyte
comprises bacteria.
6. The portable detection apparatus of claim 2, wherein the one or
more detector regions are integrated into a probe that
substantially resembles a match within a match book shaped
apparatus.
7. The portable detection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or
more detector regions are removable.
8. The portable detection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or
more detector regions are disposable.
9. The portable detection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or
more detector regions form a replaceable cartridge.
10. A portable detection apparatus, comprising: a replaceable
cartridge; one or more detector regions, adapted to visually
indicate the presence or amount of an analyte in a beverage and
positioned within the cartridge; wherein the detection apparatus is
shaped substantially the same as a consumer product.
11. The portable detection apparatus of claim 10, wherein the one
or more detector regions are reusable.
12. The portable detection apparatus of claim 10, wherein the one
or more detector regions are disposable.
13. The portable detection apparatus of claim 10, further
comprising a colored indicator strip, adapted for comparison to the
one or more detector regions after contacting a beverage.
14. The portable detection apparatus of claim 10, wherein the
consumer product comprises a match book, makeup compact, straw or
stirrer.
15. The portable detection apparatus of claim 10, wherein the
analyte comprises one or more of caffeine, sugar or illicit
drugs.
16. The portable detection apparatus of claim 10, wherein the
analyte comprises one or more of GHB (gamma hydroxybutryate),
ketamine, Rohypnol.RTM. (flunitrazepam), methadone, opiates,
marijuana, amphetamines, cocaine, benzodiazepines and their
metabolites and ecstasy (MDMA).
17. The portable detection apparatus of claim 10, wherein the
analyte comprises bacteria.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This present application claims the benefit under 35. U.S.C.
119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/059,565
filed Jun. 6, 2008, the contents of which are hereby incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The detection of various ingredients in beverages is
desirable for a number of reasons, but most importantly for health
and safety. Some beverages advertised as non-caffeinated or
sugar-free may actually contain those substances. In addition, the
placement of illicit drugs in beverages is on the rise.
[0003] Most detection methods of such substances are
straightforward in a laboratory setting. But the detection methods
have not been successfully carried over to portable devices for use
in a social setting. For those devices or apparatus that do exist,
they are often bulky and easily identifiable. This leads to a
reluctance of the user to utilize the apparatus in public.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale,
like numerals describe substantially similar components throughout
the several views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes
represent different instances of substantially similar components.
The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by
way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present
document.
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a portable
detection apparatus with detection strips, according to some
embodiments.
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a portable
detection apparatus with match-shaped detection probes, according
to some embodiments.
[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a portable
detection apparatus shaped as a consumer's makeup compact,
according to some embodiments.
[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a portable
detection apparatus utilizing removable detection units, according
to some embodiments.
[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a portable
detection apparatus utilizing a removable detection cartridge,
according to some embodiments.
[0010] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a portable
detection apparatus utilizing a stirrer or straw-shape, according
to some embodiments.
SUMMARY
[0011] Embodiments of the invention relate to portable detection
apparatus, comprising one or more detector regions adapted to
visually indicate the presence or amount of an analyte in a
beverage. The detection apparatus is shaped substantially the same
as a consumer product.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] The following detailed description includes references to
the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed
description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific
embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These
embodiments, which are also referred to herein as "examples," are
described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to
practice the invention. The embodiments may be combined, other
embodiments may be utilized, or structural, and logical changes may
be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken
in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is
defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0013] In this document, the terms "a" or "an" are used to include
one or more than one and the term "or" is used to refer to a
nonexclusive "or" unless otherwise indicated. In addition, it is to
be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein,
and not otherwise defined, is for the purpose of description only
and not of limitation. Furthermore, all publications, patents, and
patent documents referred to in this document are incorporated by
reference herein in their entirety, as though individually
incorporated by reference. In the event of inconsistent usages
between this document and those documents so incorporated by
reference, the usage in the incorporated reference should be
considered supplementary to that of this document; for
irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document
controls.
[0014] Embodiments of the invention relate to a portable detection
apparatus for use with beverages. The apparatus may be shaped as to
be easily portable and also inconspicuous in a social setting. The
apparatus may be shaped as various small, consumer items, such as
match books, makeup compacts, straws, stirrers, etc. The apparatus
may be able to detect one or more ingredients in a beverage. The
apparatus may detect whether a drink contains caffeine and may be
able to identify how much caffeine is present. The apparatus may
detect the presence and amount of sugar, which may be very valuable
to diabetics. For public safety reasons, it may be desirable to
test for the presence of illicit drugs. Examples of illicit drugs
that may be detectable include GHB (gamma hydroxybutryate),
ketamine, Rohypnol.RTM. (flunitrazepam), methadone, opiates,
marijuana, amphetamines, cocaine, benzodiazepines and their
metabolites and ecstasy (MDMA). The apparatus may also be utilized
to detect bacteria and other beverage contaminants.
[0015] Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view 100 of a portable
detection apparatus with detection strips is shown, according to
some embodiments. A match book shaped apparatus 102 may include one
or more analyte detection strips 104 or regions on a strip. Each
strip may detect one or more analytes when contacted with a
beverage sample. For example, the strip 104 may detect caffeine,
another strip 106 may detect sugar content and a third strip 108
may detect three types of illicit drugs.
[0016] Caffeine may be one substance detected. The detector region
or strips 104 may be impregnated with a reagent that changes color
when reacted with caffeine. The degree of color change may then be
proportional to the concentration of caffeine in the beverage. The
apparatus may be provided with a graded color chart which can be
compared to the color of the strip 104 so as to ascertain the
concentration of caffeine in the beverage. The strip or detector
region may include a beverage dipping section; an adjacent
temperature moderation section; and an adjacent reagent-impregnated
section. The beverage may be wicked from its container to the
reagent-impregnated section of the strip. In this manner, the
reagent may never directly admix with the beverage in the
container.
[0017] Caffeine may be detected by utilizing a xanthine oxidase
enzyme reaction to produce a chromogenic change on the detector
region. The reagent section of the region may contain xanthine
oxidase enzyme coupled with a horseradish peroxidase enzyme; a
buffer (pH 7.5 phosphate buffer); and a chromogen which produces a
color change on the detector region when a coupled enzymatic
reaction takes place. The xanthine oxidase may be immobilized by
cross linking with a reagent such as glutaraldehyde on a surface
which may be coated with a material such as gelatin,
polyacrylamide, alginates, or the like. The reaction of O.sub.2 and
caffeine in the presence of the xanthine oxidase enzyme produces
hydrogen peroxide (H.sub.2O.sub.2) and oxidized caffeine. The
H.sub.2O.sub.2 formed reacts with the chromogen in the presence of
the peroxidase enzyme to produce an oxidized form of the chromogen
whose hue varies with the concentration of hydrogen peroxide, and
thus caffeine. The calibration strip, or a separate calibration
chart, with fixed colors for different concentration ranges may be
compared with the color produced by the beverage of unknown
caffeine content in order to complete the analysis.
[0018] Another example may utilize an apoenzyme reactivation
reaction to produce a chromogenic change in the region area. The
reagent section of the strip or region may contain monoclonal
antibodies reactive against caffeine; a caffeine conjugate labeled
with flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD); apoglucose oxidase which
reacts with unbound caffeine conjugate; a chromogen buffer; and
peroxidase. Competitive binding between caffeine and caffeine
conjugate on the antibody releases more conjugate for reaction with
the apoglucose enzyme thereby increasing the amount of hydrogen
peroxide produced by the glucose oxidase reaction. The chromogen
color will vary in hue depending on the concentration of hydrogen
peroxide, and thus on caffeine concentration. Again, a calibration
chart with fixed colors may be used to complete the quantitative
assay. In both methods described above, chromogens which could be
used include potassium iodide (KI) chromogen, tetramethylbenzidine,
and homovanillic acid.
[0019] Another method of detection may include a first region
including phosphodiesterase enzyme, a second region including
cyclic AMP, and a means for indicating inhibition of degradation of
the cyclic AMP by the phosphodiesterase due to the presence of
caffeine or the like. The method includes contacting a portion of
the beverage with a phosphodiesterase enzyme and cyclic AMP, and
further contacting the portion with the means for indicating the
inhibition, typically a pH indicator paper.
[0020] The caffeine may also be detected by using a molecular
imprint polymer (MIP) as a chromatographic medium. A "molecular
imprint polymer" is a polymer which is prepared by polymerizing
monomers around a template or "print" molecule, which is then
removed from the polymer by extraction or other means so that the
polymer will selectively absorb the template or print molecule upon
re-exposure to the print molecule. U.S. Pat. No. 5,821,311, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,872,198, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,959,050, issued Oct. 13,
1998, Feb. 16, 1999, and Sep. 28, 1999, respectively, to Mosbach,
et al. describe certain MIP polymers, a polymerization process, and
symmetrical beads produced by suspension polymerization from
functional monomers for use as chromatographic media. U.S. Pat. No.
5,814,223 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,916,445, issued Sep. 29, 1998 and
Jun. 29, 1999, respectively, to Hjerten, et al., disclose a gel
type chromatographic media and method for preparing the media, the
media being formed by a molecular imprint polymer prepared from a
nonionizable polymerizable substance which is nonreactive to the
imprinted molecule.
[0021] Further examples of caffeine detection are shown in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,610,072; U.S. Pat. No. 5,817,454; U.S. Pat. No.
5,824,554; U.S. Pat. No. 6,461,873; U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,665; U.S.
Pat. App. No. 2008/0095912; U.S. Pat. No. App. No. 2002/0132358;
and U.S. Pat. App. No. 2001/0009758, the disclosures of which are
herein incorporated by reference.
[0022] To detect sugars, a detection region may be impregnated with
the enzymes glucose oxidase (Aspergillus Niger) and peroxidase
(horseradish), and a color indicator. When a sugary beverage
reaches the indicator section, the glucose may be oxidized to
gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide, with glucose oxidase acting as
a catalyst. The hydrogen perxide oxidizes an oxygen acceptor to
provide visible color change. Alternatively, the detector region
may be impregnated with glucose oxidase, peroxidase, o-Tolidine,
3-Amino-9 (y-aminopropyle)-carbazole-dihydrochloride, buffer, and
non-reactive ingredients. When a sugary beverage reaches the
indicator section, the reaction previously described takes place.
Examples of sugar detection may be found in U.S. Pat. App.
2003/0111003.
[0023] Illicit drugs may be detected in a number of ways. A
beverage sample suspected of containing GHB may be contacted with a
first oxidoreductase selective for GHB and an oxidized cofactor. In
the presence of GHB in the sample, the first oxidoreductase
oxidizes GHB to succinic semialdehyde and reduces the cofactor. The
reduced cofactor thus produced can be detected directly, or a
hydride abstractor can be used that abstracts a hydride from the
reduced cofactor and produces a detectable change. The hydride
abstractor can be a second oxidoreductase that oxidizes the reduced
cofactor and produces a detectable change in a chromogen or dye. A
visual change may then be produced, allowing performance of the
assay outside of a laboratory setting. Examples of detection of GHB
and other illicit drugs are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,703,216;
7,238,533, U.S. Pat. App. No. 2008/0102483; U.S. Pat. App. No.
2003/0044989; U.S. Pat. App. No. 2001/0046710, the disclosures of
which are herein incorporated by reference.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 2, a perspective view 200 of a portable
detection apparatus with match-shaped detection probes is shown,
according to some embodiments. A match book shaped apparatus 102
may include one or more analyte detection probes 204 shaped or
disguised as matches. The detection chemicals may be positioned in
the head 202 of the match, in the body of the match or in both, for
example.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 3, a perspective view 300 of a portable
detection apparatus shaped as a consumer's makeup compact is shown,
according to some embodiments. A detection apparatus may be shaped
to various configurations that are easy to carry and are
inconspicuous. The apparatus may be a compact shaped apparatus 302.
The compact detector 302 may include one or more detection regions
304, 306 and an applicator 308. The optional applicator 308 may be
used to apply a sample of a beverage to the detection regions. The
detector regions may be individual detection units 402 (see view
400 in FIG. 4) that are removable or replaceable. The units 402 may
be disposable or cleaned and re-used depending on the type of
detection performed. The detector units or regions may make up a
detector cartridge 502 (see view 500 in FIG. 5). The cartridge 502
may be removable or replaceable, for example.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 6, a perspective view 600 of a portable
detection apparatus utilizing a stirrer or straw-shape is shown,
according to some embodiments. The apparatus may be shaped as a
straw 602 or swizzle stick (stirrer) 606. One or more detector
regions 604 may be positioned so as to easily contact a
beverage.
* * * * *