Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
80 words
A method for preparing a controlled release composition containing an impregnant in a microporous carrier which is initially fluid-filled, comprising the steps of: (a) immersing the microporous, fluid-filled carrier in a first solution containing the impregnant and a solvent to form a mixture; (b) distilling the fluid in the carrier's pores from the mixture to exchange the fluid in the pores of the carrier with the solution; and (c) drying the carrier to entrap the impregnant within the carrier structure.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
80 words
A method for preparing a controlled release composition containing an impregnant in a microporous carrier which is initially fluid-filled, comprising the steps of: (a) immersing the microporous, fluid-filled carrier in a first solution containing the impregnant and a solvent to form a mixture; (b) distilling the fluid in the carrier's pores from the mixture to exchange the fluid in the pores of the carrier with the solution; and (c) drying the carrier to entrap the impregnant within the carrier structure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the carrier is cellulose pulp.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of washing the pulp with a second solution to precipitate the impregnant, after distilling but before drying.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the first solution of impregnant contains a surfactant which is soluble in both the solution and the fluid in the carrier.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 4 wherein the surfactant is a polyoxyethylene lauryl ether.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
75 words
A method for preparing a controlled release composition containing an impregnant in a cellulose pulp initially containing water, comprising the steps of: (a) immersing never-dried pulp in a first solution containing the impregnant and a solvent to form a mixture of the pulp and the solution; (b) distilling the water from the mixture to exchange water in the pulp with the solution; and (c) drying the pulp to entrap the impregnant within the pulp structure.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
75 words
A method for preparing a controlled release composition containing an impregnant in a cellulose pulp initially containing water, comprising the steps of: (a) immersing never-dried pulp in a first solution containing the impregnant and a solvent to form a mixture of the pulp and the solution; (b) distilling the water from the mixture to exchange water in the pulp with the solution; and (c) drying the pulp to entrap the impregnant within the pulp structure.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the solvent of the solution is immiscible with water.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the solvent is toluene.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the solvent is n-hexane.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of recycling solvent during the distilling step.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 6 or 10, further comprising the step of washing the pulp with a second solution to precipitate the impregnant, after distilling but before drying.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of applying a polymer coating to the pulp after drying.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
97 words
A method for preparing a controlled-release composition containing an impregnant in a microporous carrier which was initially fluid-filled, comprising the steps of: (a) contacting never-dried pulp with a solution containing the impregnant and a solvent to form a mixture of the pulp and solution; (b) distilling the mixture to evaporate the water within the never-dried pulp and to exchange the solution with the water; and (c) removing the solvent from the pulp to trap the impregnant within the pulp structure; wherein the impregnant is substantially insoluble in water and wherein the solvent is substantially immiscible with water.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
97 words
A method for preparing a controlled-release composition containing an impregnant in a microporous carrier which was initially fluid-filled, comprising the steps of: (a) contacting never-dried pulp with a solution containing the impregnant and a solvent to form a mixture of the pulp and solution; (b) distilling the mixture to evaporate the water within the never-dried pulp and to exchange the solution with the water; and (c) removing the solvent from the pulp to trap the impregnant within the pulp structure; wherein the impregnant is substantially insoluble in water and wherein the solvent is substantially immiscible with water.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
83 words
A method for preparing a controlled-release composition containing an impregnant in a microporous carrier which was initially fluid-filled, comprising the steps of: (a) contacting the microporous, fluid-filled carrier with a solution containing the impregnant and a solvent to form a mixture of the carrier and solution; (b) distilling the fluid in the carrier's pores from the mixture to exchange the fluid in the pores of the carrier with the solution; and (c) entrapping the impregnant within the pores to form a controlled-release composition.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
83 words
A method for preparing a controlled-release composition containing an impregnant in a microporous carrier which was initially fluid-filled, comprising the steps of: (a) contacting the microporous, fluid-filled carrier with a solution containing the impregnant and a solvent to form a mixture of the carrier and solution; (b) distilling the fluid in the carrier's pores from the mixture to exchange the fluid in the pores of the carrier with the solution; and (c) entrapping the impregnant within the pores to form a controlled-release composition.