Patent ID: 7427501

Claim:
A system for detecting the growth of microorganisms in a sample in a container, comprising: an apparatus comprising: a module comprising a plurality of openings configured for receiving sample containers; a detector unit comprising a plurality of lasers each of which emit radiation at a substantially single wavelength, that wavelength being one at which a gas selected from the group consisting of O 2 , CO 2 , NH 3 , H 2 S and CH 4 absorbs radiation, said substantially single wavelength at which CO 2 absorbs radiation being approximately 2.004 micrometers, and wherein at least a first laser emits radiation at a wavelength that is different from at least one other laser and a plurality of detectors, each of which is associated with a laser wherein each detector detects at least a portion of said radiation emitted from its associated laser, and wherein the detectors are positioned relative to the lasers such that a gas-containing portion of the sample containers can pass between said laser and said detector; a signal analyzer that analyzes said detected radiation from said plurality of lasers to determine a parameter from a plurality of said gases, said parameter selected from the group consisting of the pressure of the gas in the container, the concentration of the gas in the container and the presence of the gas in the container; and sample containers that are substantially optically transparent at said emission wavelength of said plurality of lasers and wherein said detector unit further comprises a housing, said plurality of lasers and said plurality of detectors being movably disposed within said housing, said housing being movable such that said lasers and said detectors are capable of being located proximate to each of said containers.