US4441972A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for electrofusion of biological particles
Assignee: DEP SYSTEMS Inc
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Filing: 1983-04-08
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Granted: 1984-04-10
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Expires: 2003-04-08
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus and methods of use thereof are provided for fusing neutral polarizable biological bodies and sorting neutral polarizable biological bodies by imposing them to a non-uniform electric field. The dielectrophoretic effect of the non-uniform electric field will either impose variable displacements of the types of cells to facilitate sorting, or will align cells contiguously between a pair of electrodes in preparation for fusion. To fuse the cells the aligned cells are exposed to a direct current impulse.
Inventors
- 👤 Herbert A. Pohl
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 14:45
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N33/00; G01N33/48; B; B01; B01D; B01D57/00; B01D57/02; B03; B03C; B03C5/00; B03C5/02; B03C5/022; B03C5/026; C; C12; C12M; C12M35/00; C12M35/02; C12M47/00; C12M47/04; G01N27/00; G01N27/26; G01N27/416; G01N27/447; G01N27/44756; G01N27/44773
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
107 words
A method for fusing neutral polarizable bodies comprising the steps of generating a non-uniform electric field in a chamber defined by at least two parallel and cofacially disposed electrodes, at least one of said electrodes having a surface comprising a plurality of substantially concentric grooves, and said chamber provided with inlet means being centrally disposed to said grooves; introducing said bodies into said chamber through said inlet means; exposing said bodies in said chamber to said field to align said particles contiguously between said electrodes; imposing a direct current impulse to said electrodes, thereby fusing said contiguously aligned said bodies; withdrawing the fused bodies from said chamber.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
107 words
A method for fusing neutral polarizable bodies comprising the steps of generating a non-uniform electric field in a chamber defined by at least two parallel and cofacially disposed electrodes, at least one of said electrodes having a surface comprising a plurality of substantially concentric grooves, and said chamber provided with inlet means being centrally disposed to said grooves; introducing said bodies into said chamber through said inlet means; exposing said bodies in said chamber to said field to align said particles contiguously between said electrodes; imposing a direct current impulse to said electrodes, thereby fusing said contiguously aligned said bodies; withdrawing the fused bodies from said chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said neutral polarizable bodies comprise biological particles.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
106 words
A device for subjecting neutral polarizable bodies to a non-uniform electric field for fusing or sorting of said bodies, comprising: a chamber defined by at least two parallel and cofacially disposed electrodes, at least one of said electrodes having a surface comprising a plurality of substantially concentric grooves; said chamber provided with an inlet means for introducing said bodies into said chamber, said inlet means disposed centrally to said grooves; whereby said bodies being introduced through said inlet means and radially and outwardly traversing said chamber, are exposed to a non-uniform electric field induced by said grooves by an externally applied electric potential between said electrodes.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
106 words
A device for subjecting neutral polarizable bodies to a non-uniform electric field for fusing or sorting of said bodies, comprising: a chamber defined by at least two parallel and cofacially disposed electrodes, at least one of said electrodes having a surface comprising a plurality of substantially concentric grooves; said chamber provided with an inlet means for introducing said bodies into said chamber, said inlet means disposed centrally to said grooves; whereby said bodies being introduced through said inlet means and radially and outwardly traversing said chamber, are exposed to a non-uniform electric field induced by said grooves by an externally applied electric potential between said electrodes.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
A device according to claim 3 further comprising outlet means for withdrawing said bodies arriving at a predetermined radial distance from said centrally disposed inlet means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device according to claim 3 wherein one of said electrodes comprises an optically transparent conductive material.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
107 words
A method for sorting neutral polarizable bodies comprising the steps of generating a non-uniform electric field in a chamber defined by at least two parallel and cofacially disposed electrodes, at least one of said electrodes having a surface comprising a plurality of concentric grooves, and said chamber provided with inlet means being centrally disposed to said grooves; introducing said bodies into said chamber through said inlet means; outwardly and radially passing said bodies within said chamber thereby exposing said bodies to said field; and collecting at least a portion of said bodies in a plurality said grooves at predetermined radial distances from said centrally disposed inlet means.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
107 words
A method for sorting neutral polarizable bodies comprising the steps of generating a non-uniform electric field in a chamber defined by at least two parallel and cofacially disposed electrodes, at least one of said electrodes having a surface comprising a plurality of concentric grooves, and said chamber provided with inlet means being centrally disposed to said grooves; introducing said bodies into said chamber through said inlet means; outwardly and radially passing said bodies within said chamber thereby exposing said bodies to said field; and collecting at least a portion of said bodies in a plurality said grooves at predetermined radial distances from said centrally disposed inlet means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 6 wherein said neutral polarizable bodies comprise biological particles.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3162592A
Cited
US4326934A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-04-10 | 1987-10-10 | 1988-04-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-04-10 | 1991-10-10 | 1992-04-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-04-10 | 1995-10-10 | 1996-04-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |