US3677024A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Preservation and storage of biologic materials
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-01-20
•
Granted: 1972-07-18
•
Expires: 1990-01-20
Abstract
Abstract Method for preserving and storing biologic material including viable beings, living tissue and organs, foodstuffs and the like. The biologic material is subjected to ultrahyperbaric pressure of about 2.0 X 103 atmospheres in the presence of inert gas. The temperature is reduced to about -20* C., whereupon the material is subjected to a further pressure increase to below about 3.4 X 103 atmospheres to effect a phase change of water from the liquid phase to the solid phase. The temperature and pressure of the material is then reduced to about atmospheric pressure at the temperature necessary to maintain the formed solid phase of water. Under such conditions the materials may be stored for extended periods of time without significant deterioration. The process of preservation is reversed to restore the material to ambient conditions.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul E Segall
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 14:46
CPC Classifications
A; A23; A23B; A23B2/00; A23B2/80; A61; A61L; A61L2/00; A61L2/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
29 words
The method defined in claim 1 wherein the temperature reduction of step (c) is to a temperature of -20* C. and thereafter maintained constant as the pressure is increased.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method defined in claim 2 wherein the pressure is increased to a pressure below about 3.4 X 103 atmospheres.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method defined in claim 1 wherein the chamber is purged with an inert gas prior to pressurizing said chamber with said inert gas.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method as defined in claim 1 wherein the temperature of the biologic material to be treated is reduced to a temperature of minimal activity, about 4* C., at atmospheric pressure prior to introduction into said chamber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method as defined in claim 1 wherein helium is the inert fluid.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
121 words
A method for preserving and storing biologic material having aqueous systems which comprises: a. placing said biologic material into a hyperbaric chamber; b. introducing an inert fluid into said chamber in direct contact with said biologic material and pressurizing said chamber to a pressure of about 2.0 X 103 atmospheres; c. reducing the temperatures in said chamber; d. increasing the pressure in said chamber to change the fluid phase of said aqueous systems to a solid phase; e. further reducing the temperature and pressure in said chamber while maintaining the solid phase of said aqueous systems, said pressure being reduced to about atmospheric; and f. storing said material at about atmospheric pressure at the temperature necessary to maintain said solid phase.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method defined in claim 7 wherein the temperature of the biologic material is reduced to a temperature of minimal activity, about 4* C., prior to introduction into said chamber.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method as defined in claim 7 wherein the temperature reduction of step (c) is to a temperature of -20* C. and maintained constant prior to said pressure increase.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method as defined in claim 9 wherein the pressure is increased to a pressure less than about 3.4 X 103 atmospheres.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method as defined in claim 7 wherein helium is the inert fluid.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as defined in claim 7 wherein the temperature reduction of step (e) is to a temperature of -196* C.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method defined in claim 11 wherein the temperature reduction of step (e) is effected prior to pressure reduction.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as defined in claim 7 wherein the material is stored at a temperature at which nitrogen is a liquid.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
92 words
A method for restoring the viability of a biologic material stored in accordance with claim 7 which comprises a. subjecting said material to a pressure of between about 2.2 to 3.4 X 103 atmospheres; b. thereupon raising the temperature of said material to a temperature of at least about -20* C.; c. reducing the pressure on said material to about 2.0 X 103 atmospheres whereupon the solid phase changes to a liquid phase; and d. returning the material to ambient conditions while avoiding formation of another solid phase of said aqueous systems.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-07-18 | 1976-01-17 | 1976-07-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-07-18 | 1980-01-17 | 1980-07-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-07-18 | 1984-01-17 | 1984-07-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |