US3844925A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Molecular fractionation
Assignee: Boston Children's Hospital
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Filing: 1973-07-02
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Granted: 1974-10-29
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Expires: 1993-07-02
Abstract
Abstract A fractionation column formed by a series of separable segments, suitable for isoelectric focusing. Supports, in the preferred form of membranes permeable to ampholytes, support individual units of the solid phase enabling them to be removed for additional processing, as in further columns. Liquid interlayer zones are defined between solid phase portions enabling insertion of mixtures, withdrawal of fractions or residues to be saved, and measurement of pH either directly or by sample, all without disturbing the bands of molecules being focused. A vertical fractionation column is shown consisting of a repeated sequence of tubular elements, spacers and membranes with liquid ingress and egress in the membrane regions.
Inventors
- 👤 D Stathakos
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 16:13
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N27/00; G01N27/26; G01N27/416; G01N27/447; G01N27/44756; G01N27/44795
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
117 words
In apparatus for isoelectric fractionation of charged molecules comprising a solid phase container defining a column and means for applying electric potential between the ends of said column effective upon ampholyte molecules in said solid phase to establish a pH gradient along the column, whereby desired molecules can migrate to and accumulate at positions along the length of the column corresponding to their isoelectric points, the improvement wherein said container comprises a series of separable segments, normally three or more, each defining a portion of the length of the solid phase column through which the molecules migrate, the segments including supports for respective portions of said solid phase whereby they may be individually removed from said column.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
117 words
In apparatus for isoelectric fractionation of charged molecules comprising a solid phase container defining a column and means for applying electric potential between the ends of said column effective upon ampholyte molecules in said solid phase to establish a pH gradient along the column, whereby desired molecules can migrate to and accumulate at positions along the length of the column corresponding to their isoelectric points, the improvement wherein said container comprises a series of separable segments, normally three or more, each defining a portion of the length of the solid phase column through which the molecules migrate, the segments including supports for respective portions of said solid phase whereby they may be individually removed from said column.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
80 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said column is comprised of a series of identical modules sealable against one another to form a unitary column and separable from one another whereby a molecule layer fraction in the solid phase of any module can, with its module, be removed from said column and incorporated in a column of identical modules with expanded pH gradient including the isoelectric point of said given molecule thereby to further separate a given molecule from others.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said support comprises a solid member permeable to carrier ampholytes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said solid member is permeable to a macromolecular ampholyte to be fractionated.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each segment includes a membrane extending across its cross-section in a position to support the respective solid phase portion in the respective segment.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
59 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein in the assembled position adjacent segments define liquid interlayer zones between adjacent solid phase positions whereby liquid in said interlayer zones can establish diffusion and electrical continuity between spaced portions of solid phase, enabling ampholyte molecules to pass through one solid phase portion into the next solid phase portion via said liquid interlayer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 6 including liquid inlet and outlet means communicating with said liquid interlayer zones.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 6 including a pH sensing system disposed to sense the pH of liquid in said interlayers.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 6 including spacer means interconnecting adjacent segments and defining said liquid interlayer zones.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said column is cylindrical and said spacer means comprises a ring member, said ring member including fluid passages on opposite sides for introducing and removing fluid relative to said liquid interlayer zones.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said column is vertical and said support of a given segment comprises a member extending across said column forming the upper boundary of said liquid interlayer zone.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said column contains a permeable solid phase and said molecules for establishing said pH gradient along the column comprise a series of carrier ampholytes.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
71 words
A vertical fractionating column comprising in combination a series of rings, a series of tubular members and a series of membranes, each ring adapted to removably rest upon a tubular member, support a membrane across a lower cross-section of said tubular member, and support above said ring a further tubular member, said membrane having strength properties sufficient to support a predetermined solid phaSe confined thereabove by the respective above tubular member.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
71 words
A vertical fractionating column comprising in combination a series of rings, a series of tubular members and a series of membranes, each ring adapted to removably rest upon a tubular member, support a membrane across a lower cross-section of said tubular member, and support above said ring a further tubular member, said membrane having strength properties sufficient to support a predetermined solid phaSe confined thereabove by the respective above tubular member.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
38 words
The fractionating column of claim 13 including spacer means for spacing the respective membranes above the respective ends of the next below tubular members thereby to define liquid interlayer zones between successive solid phase portions of said column.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
The fractionating column of claim 14 including liquid passages communicating on opposite sides with the respective liquid interlayer zones.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
The fractionating column of claim 14 including electrode means disposed in the respective interlayer zones for reading pH levels.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-10-28 | 1978-04-29 | 1978-10-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-10-28 | 1982-04-29 | 1982-10-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-10-28 | 1986-04-29 | 1986-10-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |