US4467206A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for the irradiation of fluids
Assignee: Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc
•
Filing: 1981-12-14
•
Granted: 1984-08-21
•
Expires: 2001-12-14
Abstract
Abstract Device, apparatus, and method for the irradiation of fluids, especially physiological fluids such as blood. The device comprises a hollow casing having two end walls, at least one element adapted to transmit radiant energy disposed within said casing with an end thereof being secured in one of the end walls, and an inlet and an outlet in said casing between the end walls. The outer peripheral surface of the end portion of the element secured in the end wall is contacted by a material whose refractive index is equal to or less than the refractive index of the element. Preferably, the device employs a plurality of radiant energy transmitting elements in the form of fibers. Apparatus includes the aforementioned device and means for directing radiant energy onto the element(s) for transmitting radiant energy. Method for irradiating a fluid comprises providing the aforementioned device, directing radiant energy onto the radiant energy transmitting element(s) of said device, introducing fluid to be irradiated into the interior of the casing, and withdrawing said fluid from said casing.
Inventors
- 👤 John A. Taylor
- 👤 Richard F. Conyne
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 02:03
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01J; B01J19/00; B01J19/08; B01J19/12; B01J19/122; B01J19/123; A; A61; A61M; A61M1/00; A61M1/36; A61M1/3681; A61M2205/00; A61M2205/05; A61M2205/051; A61M2205/053; A61M2206/00; A61M2206/10; A61M2206/14
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 62
Claim 1
Independent Claim
194 words
A device for irradiating a fluid contained therein or flowing therethrough, said device comprising: a hollow casing having a first end wall and a second end wall, an inlet in said casing between said first end wall and said second end wall for introducing said fluid into the interior of said casing, an outlet in said casing between said first end wall and said second end wall for withdrawing said fluid from the interior of said casing, at least one radiant energy transmitting element having a first end portion and a second end portion being disposed within said casing, said radiant energy transmitting element being adapted to transmit radiant energy to the interior of said casing from a radiant energy source located externally of said device and to emit radiant energy in the interior of said casing when contacted by said fluid, the first end portion of said element being secured in said first end wall, the outer peripheral surface of said end portion of said element which is secured in said end wall being contacted by a material whose refractive index is equal to or less than the refractive index of said element.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
194 words
A device for irradiating a fluid contained therein or flowing therethrough, said device comprising: a hollow casing having a first end wall and a second end wall, an inlet in said casing between said first end wall and said second end wall for introducing said fluid into the interior of said casing, an outlet in said casing between said first end wall and said second end wall for withdrawing said fluid from the interior of said casing, at least one radiant energy transmitting element having a first end portion and a second end portion being disposed within said casing, said radiant energy transmitting element being adapted to transmit radiant energy to the interior of said casing from a radiant energy source located externally of said device and to emit radiant energy in the interior of said casing when contacted by said fluid, the first end portion of said element being secured in said first end wall, the outer peripheral surface of said end portion of said element which is secured in said end wall being contacted by a material whose refractive index is equal to or less than the refractive index of said element.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device according to claim 1 including a plurality of said radiant energy transmitting elements.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said radiant energy transmitting elements are in the form of fibers.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said radiant energy transmitting elements are in the form of solid fibers.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
210 words
A device for irradiating a fluid contained therein or flowing therethrough, said device comprising: a hollow casing having a first end wall and a second end wall, an inlet in said casing between said first end wall and said second end wall for introducing said fluids into the interior of said casing, an outlet in said casing between said first end wall and said second end wall for withdrawing said fluid from the interior of said casing, at least one radiant energy transmitting element having a first end portion and a second end portion being disposed within said casing, said radiant energy transmitting element being adapted to transmit radiant energy to the interior of said casing from a radiant energy source located externally of said device and to emit radiant energy in the interior of said casing when contacted by said fluid, the first end portion of said element being secured in said first end wall, the outer peripheral surface of said first end portion of said element which is secured in said first end wall being contacted by a material whose refractive index is equal to or less than the refractive index of said element, the second end portion of said element being secured in said second end wall.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
210 words
A device for irradiating a fluid contained therein or flowing therethrough, said device comprising: a hollow casing having a first end wall and a second end wall, an inlet in said casing between said first end wall and said second end wall for introducing said fluids into the interior of said casing, an outlet in said casing between said first end wall and said second end wall for withdrawing said fluid from the interior of said casing, at least one radiant energy transmitting element having a first end portion and a second end portion being disposed within said casing, said radiant energy transmitting element being adapted to transmit radiant energy to the interior of said casing from a radiant energy source located externally of said device and to emit radiant energy in the interior of said casing when contacted by said fluid, the first end portion of said element being secured in said first end wall, the outer peripheral surface of said first end portion of said element which is secured in said first end wall being contacted by a material whose refractive index is equal to or less than the refractive index of said element, the second end portion of said element being secured in said second end wall.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device according to claim 5 including a plurality of said radiant energy transmitting elements.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
47 words
A device according to claim 5 wherein the outer peripheral surface of said second end portion of said element which is secured in said second end wall is contacted by a material whose refractive index is equal to or less than the refractive index of said element.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device according to claim 7 including a plurality of said radiant energy transmitting elements.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
24 words
A device according to any one of claims 5 through 8 in which said radiant energy transmitting elements are in the form of fibers.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
237 words
An apparatus for irradiating a fluid comprising (a) a device including: a hollow casing having a first end wall and a second end wall, an inlet in said casing between said first end wall and said second end wall for introducing said fluid into said casing, an outlet in said casing between said first end wall and said second end wall for withdrawing said fluid from said casing, at least one radiant energy transmitting element being disposed within said casing, said radiant energy transmitting element being adapted to transmit radiant energy to the interior of said casing from a radiant energy source located externally of said device and to emit radiant energyin the interior of said casing when contacted by said fluid said element having a first end, a first end portion adjacent said first end, a second end, and a second end portion adjacent said second end, the first end portion of said element being secured in said first end wall, the outer peripheral surface of said end portion of said element which is secured in said first end wall being contacted by a material whose refractive index is equal to or less than the refractive index of said element; and (b) means cooperatively associated with said device for directing radiant energy onto said first end of said element so that said radiant energy is transmitted axially of said element into the interior of said casing.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
237 words
An apparatus for irradiating a fluid comprising (a) a device including: a hollow casing having a first end wall and a second end wall, an inlet in said casing between said first end wall and said second end wall for introducing said fluid into said casing, an outlet in said casing between said first end wall and said second end wall for withdrawing said fluid from said casing, at least one radiant energy transmitting element being disposed within said casing, said radiant energy transmitting element being adapted to transmit radiant energy to the interior of said casing from a radiant energy source located externally of said device and to emit radiant energyin the interior of said casing when contacted by said fluid said element having a first end, a first end portion adjacent said first end, a second end, and a second end portion adjacent said second end, the first end portion of said element being secured in said first end wall, the outer peripheral surface of said end portion of said element which is secured in said first end wall being contacted by a material whose refractive index is equal to or less than the refractive index of said element; and (b) means cooperatively associated with said device for directing radiant energy onto said first end of said element so that said radiant energy is transmitted axially of said element into the interior of said casing.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus according to claim 10 in which there are a plurality of said radiant energy transmitting elements within said casing.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus according to claim 10 or 11 wherein said radiant energy transmitting elements are selected from the group consisting of fibers, rods, and rectangular plates.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus according to claim 10 or 11 wherein said radiant energy transmitting elements are in the form of fibers.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus according to claim 10 or 11 wherein said radiant energy transmitting elements are in the form of solid fibers.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
237 words
A method for irradiating a fluid comprising the steps of (a) providing a device comprising a hollow casing having a first end wall, a second end wall, an inlet for introducing said fluid into the interior of said casing, an outlet for withdrawing said fluid from the interior of said casing, and at least one radiant energy transmitting element disposed within said casing, said radiant energy transmitting element being adapted to transmit radiant energy to the interior of said casing from a radiant energy source located externally of said device and to emit radiant energy in the interior of said casing when contacted by said fluid, said element having a first end, a first end portion adjacent said first end, a second end, and a second end portion adjacent said second end, the first end portion of said element being secured in said first end wall, the outer peripheral surface of said end portion of said element which is secured in said first end wall being contacted by a material whose refractive index is equal to or less than the refractive index of said element, (b) directing radiant energy onto said first end of said element so that said radiant energy is transmitted axially of said radiant energy transmitting element into the interior of said casing, (c) introducing said fluid into the interior of said casing, and (d) withdrawing said fluid from the interior of said casing.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
237 words
A method for irradiating a fluid comprising the steps of (a) providing a device comprising a hollow casing having a first end wall, a second end wall, an inlet for introducing said fluid into the interior of said casing, an outlet for withdrawing said fluid from the interior of said casing, and at least one radiant energy transmitting element disposed within said casing, said radiant energy transmitting element being adapted to transmit radiant energy to the interior of said casing from a radiant energy source located externally of said device and to emit radiant energy in the interior of said casing when contacted by said fluid, said element having a first end, a first end portion adjacent said first end, a second end, and a second end portion adjacent said second end, the first end portion of said element being secured in said first end wall, the outer peripheral surface of said end portion of said element which is secured in said first end wall being contacted by a material whose refractive index is equal to or less than the refractive index of said element, (b) directing radiant energy onto said first end of said element so that said radiant energy is transmitted axially of said radiant energy transmitting element into the interior of said casing, (c) introducing said fluid into the interior of said casing, and (d) withdrawing said fluid from the interior of said casing.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 15 wherein said fluid to be irradiated is circulated through said device.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 15 wherein said device includes a plurality of elements adapted to transmit radiant energy.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 15 wherein said radiant energy is ultraviolet radiant energy.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method according to claim 15 wherein said fluid to be irradiated is circulated through said device and said device includes a plurality of elements adapted to transmit radiant energy.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 15 wherein said fluid to be irradiated is circulated through said device and said radiant energy is ultraviolet radiant energy.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 15 wherein said device includes a pluraltiy of elements adapted to transmit radiant energy and said radiant energy is ultraviolet radiant energy.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method according to claim 15 wherein said fluid to be irradiated is circulated through said device, said device includes a plurality of elements adapted to transmit radiant energy, and said radiant energy is ultraviolet radiant energy.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
25 words
A method according to any one of claims 15 through 22 wherein said elements adapted to transmit radiant energy are in the form of fibers.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
255 words
A method for irradiating a fluid comprising the steps of: (a) providing a device comprising a hollow casing having a first end wall, a second end wall, an inlet for introducing said fluid into the interior of said casing, an outlet for withdrawing said fluid from the interior of said casing, and a plurality of fibers adapted to transmit radiant energy to the interior of said casing from a radiant energy source located externally of said device and to emit radiant energy in the interior of said casing when contacted by said fluid, each of said fibers haivng a first end, a first end portion adjacent said first end, a second end, a second end portion adjacent said second end, and an intermediate portion between said first end portion and said second end portion, the intermediate portions of said fibers being disposed within said casing, the respective first end portions of said plurality of fibers being secured in said first end wall, the outer peripheral surfaces of said first end portions of said fibers which are secured in said first end wall being contacted by a material whose refractive index is equal to or less than the refractive index of said plurality of fibers, (b) directing radiant energy onto at least the respective first ends of said fibers, so that radiant energy is transmitted axially of said fibers into the interior of said casing, (c) introducing said fluid into the interior of said casing, and (d) withdrawing said fluid from the interior of said casing.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
255 words
A method for irradiating a fluid comprising the steps of: (a) providing a device comprising a hollow casing having a first end wall, a second end wall, an inlet for introducing said fluid into the interior of said casing, an outlet for withdrawing said fluid from the interior of said casing, and a plurality of fibers adapted to transmit radiant energy to the interior of said casing from a radiant energy source located externally of said device and to emit radiant energy in the interior of said casing when contacted by said fluid, each of said fibers haivng a first end, a first end portion adjacent said first end, a second end, a second end portion adjacent said second end, and an intermediate portion between said first end portion and said second end portion, the intermediate portions of said fibers being disposed within said casing, the respective first end portions of said plurality of fibers being secured in said first end wall, the outer peripheral surfaces of said first end portions of said fibers which are secured in said first end wall being contacted by a material whose refractive index is equal to or less than the refractive index of said plurality of fibers, (b) directing radiant energy onto at least the respective first ends of said fibers, so that radiant energy is transmitted axially of said fibers into the interior of said casing, (c) introducing said fluid into the interior of said casing, and (d) withdrawing said fluid from the interior of said casing.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 24 wherein the fluid to be irradiated is circulated through said device.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 24 wherein said radiant energy is ultraviolet radiant energy.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 24 wherein the fluid to be irradiated is circulated through said device and said radiant energy is ultraviolet radiant energy.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
24 words
A method according to any of claims 24 through 27 in which radiant energy is directed onto the respective second ends of the fibers.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
270 words
A method for irradiating a fluid comprising the steps of: (a) providing a device comprising a hollow casing having a first end wall, a second end wall, an inlet for introducing said fluid into the interior of said casing, an outlet for withdrawing said fluid from the interior of said casing, and a plurality of fibers adapted to transmit radiant energy to the interior of said casing from a radiant energy source located externally of said device and to emit radiant energy in the interior of said casing when contacted by said fluid, each of said fibers having a first end, a first end portion adjacent said first end, a second end, a second end portion adjacent said second end, and an intermediate portion between said first end portion and said second end portion, the intermediate portions of said fibers being disposed within said casing, the respective first end portions of said plurality of fibers being secured in said first end wall, the outer peripheral surfaces of said first end portions of said fibers which are secured in said first end wall being contacted by a material whose refractive index is equal to or less than the refractive index of said plurality of fibers, the respective second end portions of said fibers being secured in said second end wall, (b) directing radiant energy onto at least the respective first ends of said fibers, so that radiant energy is transmitted axially of said fibers into the interior of said casing, (c) introducing said fluid into the interior of said casing, and (d) withdrawing said fluid from the interior of said casing.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
270 words
A method for irradiating a fluid comprising the steps of: (a) providing a device comprising a hollow casing having a first end wall, a second end wall, an inlet for introducing said fluid into the interior of said casing, an outlet for withdrawing said fluid from the interior of said casing, and a plurality of fibers adapted to transmit radiant energy to the interior of said casing from a radiant energy source located externally of said device and to emit radiant energy in the interior of said casing when contacted by said fluid, each of said fibers having a first end, a first end portion adjacent said first end, a second end, a second end portion adjacent said second end, and an intermediate portion between said first end portion and said second end portion, the intermediate portions of said fibers being disposed within said casing, the respective first end portions of said plurality of fibers being secured in said first end wall, the outer peripheral surfaces of said first end portions of said fibers which are secured in said first end wall being contacted by a material whose refractive index is equal to or less than the refractive index of said plurality of fibers, the respective second end portions of said fibers being secured in said second end wall, (b) directing radiant energy onto at least the respective first ends of said fibers, so that radiant energy is transmitted axially of said fibers into the interior of said casing, (c) introducing said fluid into the interior of said casing, and (d) withdrawing said fluid from the interior of said casing.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 29 wherein the fluid to be irradiated is circulated through said device.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 29 wherein said radiant energy is ultraviolet radiant energy.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 29 wherein the fluid to be irradiated is circulated through said device and said radiant energy is ultraviolet radiant energy.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
23 words
A method according to any of claims 29 through 32 wherein radiant energy is directed onto the respective second ends of said fibers.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said radiant energy transmitting elements are in the form of hollow fibers.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
19 words
A device according to claim 8 wherein said radiant energy transmitting elements are in the form of solid fibers.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
19 words
A device according to claim 8 wherein said radiant energy transmitting elements are in the form of hollow fibers.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
20 words
A device according to claim 1 or 5 wherein said radiant energy transmitting elements comprise at least several hundred fibers.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device according to claim 1 or 5 wherein said radiant energy transmitting elements comprise at least about five thousand fibers.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device according to claim 37 or 38 wherein said fibers are solid fibers.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus according to claim 10 or 11 wherein said radiant energy transmitting elements are in the form of hollow fibers.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said radiant energy transmitting elements are in the form of fibers and there are at least several hundred such fibers.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said radiant energy transmitting elements are in the form of fibers and there are at least about five thousand such fibers.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus according to claim 41 or 42 wherein said fibers are solid fibers.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method according to claim 15 wherein the radiant energy transmitting elements which comprise said device are in the form of fibers and there are at least several hundred such fibers.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method according to claim 15 wherein the radiant energy transmitting elements which comprise said device are in the form of fibers are there are at least five thousand such fibers.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 44 or 45 wherein said fibers are solid fibers.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
11 words
A method according to claim 22 wherein said fibers are solid.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
11 words
A method according to claim 22 wherein said fibers are hollow.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 24 in which said device includes at least several hundred of said fibers.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 24 in which said device includes at least about five thousand said fibers.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 50 or 51 in which said fibers are solid fibers.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
68 words
A method according to any one of claims 29 through 32 wherein the outer peripheral surfaces of said second end portions of said fibers which are secured in said second end wall are contacted by a material whose refractive index is equal to or less than the refractive index of said plurality of fibers and said radiant energy is directed onto the respective second ends of said fibers.
Claim 59
Independent Claim
23 words
A method according to any one of claims 29 through 32 in which said device includes at least several hundred of said fibers.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method according to claim 53 wherein said fibers are solid fibers.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
24 words
A method according to any one of claims 29 through 32 in which said device includes at least about five thousand of said fibers.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method according to claim 55 wherein said fibers are solid fibers.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3998591A
Cited
US4321057A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-08-21 | 1988-02-20 | 1988-08-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-08-21 | 1992-02-20 | 1992-08-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-08-21 | 1996-02-20 | 1996-08-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |