Aggregating Sampler for Microbial Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microbial sampling methods for ready-to-eat produce are inefficient, as grab samples are too small and heterogeneous, leading to flawed results that may not accurately represent production lots, and are slow, missing significant contamination and requiring costly and time-consuming enrichment cultures.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an automated and semi-automated microbial sampling system that uses continuous sampling devices and aggregating samplers to collect and concentrate microorganisms, providing a more representative and rapid assessment of microbial contamination, including the use of cloud-based reporting for timely decision-making.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional grab sampling is used for microbial testing, then the sampling process is simple and quick, but the sample size is too small and heterogeneous to represent the production lot accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual samples into a single composite sample that represents the entire production lot. By aggregating samples from different locations and time points, the system achieves both large effective sample size and accurate representativeness, resolving the contradiction between sample quantity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional single-point grab sampling to continuous multi-dimensional sampling across time, space, and production stages. This dimensional expansion allows the system to capture heterogeneous variations while maintaining a manageable sample volume through automated composite sample creation.
2Reliability
If traditional enrichment culture methods are used for pathogen detection, then the detection process is thorough, but the time required is too long to enable rapid decision-making
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary concentration and pre-enrichment of microorganisms before final detection, allowing reduction of subsequent enrichment time. By preparing samples in advance with automated concentration steps, the system maintains detection reliability while significantly reducing the time to actionable results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional lengthy cultural enrichment methods with automated mechanical concentration systems and rapid detection technologies. This substitution maintains detection accuracy through physical concentration methods while eliminating the time-consuming nature of traditional enrichment cultures.
3Productivity
If manual grab sampling is performed, then the equipment complexity is low, but the sampling frequency and productivity are insufficient to meet increasing testing demands
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous automated sampling that operates without interruption throughout production, replacing discrete manual grab samples. This continuous operation dramatically increases sampling throughput and productivity while the automated nature of the system manages complexity through standardized processes and integrated controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated sampling system performs sample collection, composite sample creation, and initial processing without human intervention. This self-service capability increases productivity by eliminating manual labor bottlenecks while the system's modular design keeps complexity manageable through standardized components.
Data Source
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AI summary
Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods and apparatus for microbial sampling of foods. For example, a method may include providing at least one aggregating sampler at one or more sampling locations, and sampling a production lot of produce or other food items such as meat using the at least one aggregating sampler to create one or more samples that makes up a microbial sampling. Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods and apparatus for microbial sampling of foods. For example, an apparatus, such as a microbial aggregating sampler, may include a covering having a microbial sampling material with a pocket formed in the covering to receive an appendage or a tool for handling of the covering.