NEW DEVICE DETECTS, IDENTIFIES VIRUSES IN REAL-TIME

A U.S. patent granted Oct. 15 on a device that could detect airborne viruses and bacteria in real-time is raising the possibility of disease-free food and water supplies, prevention of epidemics and a front-line defense against biological weapons. The biometric device is an inexpensive replacement for chemical tests. The "pathogen detector" uses off-the-shelf computer and radio equipment for immediate detection and diagnosis. The software is an adaptation of computerized fingerprint identification systems.

Contact: Tom Ramstack                                    
phone: 301-585-3450
e-mail: tramstack@aol.com

     NEW DEVICE DETECTS, IDENTIFIES VIRUSES IN REAL-TIME

     A U.S. patent granted Oct. 15 on a device that could detect airborne
viruses and bacteria in real-time is raising the possibility of disease-free
food and water supplies, prevention of epidemics and a front-line defense
against biological weapons.
     The biometric device is an inexpensive replacement for chemical tests.
The "pathogen detector" uses off-the-shelf computer and radio equipment for
immediate detection and diagnosis.
     The software is an adaptation of computerized fingerprint identification
systems. The difference is that instead of identifying fingerprints, it
identifies pathogens.
     Other possible uses include preventing the spread of disease within
hospitals, public transportation, schools or other buildings. In addition,
the pathogen detector could eliminate the need for tests on blood or other
bodily fluids to diagnose disease.
     The U.S. Postal Service could use a pathogen detector to detect anthrax
before anyone gets infected, and in a fraction of the time and cost of any
current methods.
     The system works by transmitting a radio wave from a transmitter to
receiver, similar to the method used by local radio stations to reach their
listeners. However, if the radio waves strike virus or bacteria cells in the
air, the cells will vibrate, just like a radio antenna. Software can convert
the vibrations into a digital code that can be compared to codes for similar
viruses and bacteria stored in computer memory.
     When the codes match - a process that takes less than a second to
complete - the pathogen can be both detected and identified.
     The pathogen detector is essentially a digital version of the system
sharks and manta rays have used for millions of years to detect prey in murky
water or under sand. Rather than seeing their prey with their eyes, sharks
and manta rays detect their electromagnetic auras with sensors in their
bodies.
The entire system can be housed in walk-through compartments that look
like airport metal detectors. They also could be made smaller or larger so
meat, produce or other products could be run through them on conveyor belts.
Municipal water utilities could implant them in pipes to detect viruses,
bacteria or fungi in water supplies. They also could be attached around
corridors or doorways of hospitals, schools and other buildings to determine
when a pathogen enters an area.
     The pathogens can be carried on the breath or in perspiration of people
and animals. They also could emanate from food products, water or simply be
spread by normal air currents.
The timeline for introducing the pathogen detector into the marketplace
will depend on how quickly the inventor, Tom Ramstack, can find the corporate
partners - and possibly government grants - needed to build a prototype and
begin manufacturing. The price to consumers could be as low as a few hundred
dollars per unit. The U.S. Patent is No. 6466688.