US4708765A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Regulation of the exposure of active surfaces
Assignee: Johns Hopkins University
•
Filing: 1986-10-06
•
Granted: 1987-11-24
•
Expires: 2006-10-06
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to an apparatus and method for regulating the exposure of active surfaces by covering the surface with an erodible protection coating. The rate of erosion is controlled by chemical and/or physical means so that the surface is progressively and gradually exposed.
Inventors
- 👤 Arnold L. Newman
- 👤 William D. Stanbro
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 18:04
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N33/00; G01N33/48; G01N33/50; G01N33/53; G01N33/543; G01N33/54393; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S436/00; Y10S436/807; Y10S436/81
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 69
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
A method of regulating the exposure of active surface comprising: a. providing an active surface; b. covering the active surface with an erodible protective coating; c. exposing the coated, active surface to the action of an environment comprising a medium able to erode the protective coating; and, wherein the nature of the coating varies so that first portions of the coating are eroded to expose the active surface portions thereunder before other portions are eroded, in such a way that portions of the active surface are progressively and gradually exposed as their respective coating portions are eroded.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
97 words
A method of regulating the exposure of active surface comprising: a. providing an active surface; b. covering the active surface with an erodible protective coating; c. exposing the coated, active surface to the action of an environment comprising a medium able to erode the protective coating; and, wherein the nature of the coating varies so that first portions of the coating are eroded to expose the active surface portions thereunder before other portions are eroded, in such a way that portions of the active surface are progressively and gradually exposed as their respective coating portions are eroded.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the active surface is one of a surface concentrating agent and a surface reacting agent.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the active surface is one of an antigen, an antibody, a receptor, a lectin, an enzyme and a living cell.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the active surface is one of a macroreticular resin, a zeolite, a catalyst and an ion exchange resin.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
53 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the protective coating is selected from the group consisting of dextran, polyacrylamide, polyacrylic acid and its salts, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, clarified guar gum, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, algin, carrageenan, xanthan gum, starch, sorbitol, potassium sodium tartrate, mannose and sucrose.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the protective coating is a copolymer of maleic anhydride with a vinyl monomer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the environment also comprises a substance able to react with the active surface.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
97 words
An apparatus for regulating the exposure of active surfaces comprising: a. the active surface; b. an erodible protective non-uniform coating covering the active surface; c. means exposing the coated, active surface to the action of an environment comprising a medium able to erode the protective coating; and, wherein the nature of the coating varies so that first portions of the coating are eroded to expose the active surface portions thereunder before other portions are eroded in such a way that portions of the active surface are progressively and gradually exposed as their respective coating portions are eroded.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
97 words
An apparatus for regulating the exposure of active surfaces comprising: a. the active surface; b. an erodible protective non-uniform coating covering the active surface; c. means exposing the coated, active surface to the action of an environment comprising a medium able to erode the protective coating; and, wherein the nature of the coating varies so that first portions of the coating are eroded to expose the active surface portions thereunder before other portions are eroded in such a way that portions of the active surface are progressively and gradually exposed as their respective coating portions are eroded.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the active surface is one of a surface concentrating agent and a surface reacting agent.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the active surface is one of an antigen, an antibody, a receptor, a lectin, an enzyme and a living cell.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the active surface is one of a macroreticular resin, a zeolite, a catalyst and an ion exchange resin.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
52 words
An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the protective coating is selected from the group consisting of dextran, polyacrylamide, polyacrylic acid and its salts, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, clarified guar gum, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, algin, carrageenan, xanthan gum, starch, sorbitol, potassium sodium tartrate, mannose and sucrose.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the protective coating is a copolymer of maleic anhydride with a vinyl monomer.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the environment also comprises a substance able to react with the active surface.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
97 words
A method of regulating the exposure of active surfaces comprising: a. providing an active surface; b. covering the active surface with an erodible protective coating; c. exposing the coated, active surface to the action of an environment comprising a medium able to erode the protective coating; and, wherein the thickness of the coating varies so that thinner portions of the coating are eroded to expose the active surface portions thereunder before thicker portions are eroded, in such a way that portions of the active surface are progressively and gradually exposed as their respective coating portions are eroded.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
97 words
A method of regulating the exposure of active surfaces comprising: a. providing an active surface; b. covering the active surface with an erodible protective coating; c. exposing the coated, active surface to the action of an environment comprising a medium able to erode the protective coating; and, wherein the thickness of the coating varies so that thinner portions of the coating are eroded to expose the active surface portions thereunder before thicker portions are eroded, in such a way that portions of the active surface are progressively and gradually exposed as their respective coating portions are eroded.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
46 words
A method according to claim 15, wherein the surface is planar, the coating increases in thickness linearly from one end to the other end, and further wherein the reactive surface is first exposed at said one end and is progressively exposed moving towards said other end.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method according to claim 15, wherein the surface is particulate, the thickness of the coating varies in thickness from particle to particle and further wherein the reactive surface is first exposed by eroding the thinner coatings and is progressively exposed as the thicker coatings are eroded.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method according to claim 17, wherein the coated particulate surfaces are packed in a tube and the environment acts on the active surface by flowing from one end of the tube to the other.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
43 words
A method according to claim 15, wherein the surface has a tube form, the surface and the coating are on the inside of the tube and the environment acts on the surface by flowing from one end of the tube to the other.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 15, wherein the environment also comprises a substance able to react with the active surface.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
97 words
An apparatus for regulating the exposure of active surfaces comprising: a. an active surface; b. an erodible protective non-uniform coating covering the active surface; c. means exposing the coated, active surface to the action of an environment comprising a medium able to erode the protective coating; and, wherein the thickness of the coating varies so that thinner portions of the coating are eroded to expose the active surface portions thereunder before thicker portions are eroded, in such a way that portions of the active surface are progressively and gradually exposed as their respective coating portions are eroded.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
97 words
An apparatus for regulating the exposure of active surfaces comprising: a. an active surface; b. an erodible protective non-uniform coating covering the active surface; c. means exposing the coated, active surface to the action of an environment comprising a medium able to erode the protective coating; and, wherein the thickness of the coating varies so that thinner portions of the coating are eroded to expose the active surface portions thereunder before thicker portions are eroded, in such a way that portions of the active surface are progressively and gradually exposed as their respective coating portions are eroded.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
46 words
An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the surface is planar, the coating increases in thickness linearly from one end to the other end, and further wherein the reactive surface is first exposed at said one end and is progressively exposed moving towards said other end.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
47 words
An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the surface is particulate, the thickness of the coating varies in thickness from particle to particle and further wherein the reactive surface is first exposed by eroding the thinner coatings and is progressively exposed as the thicker portions are eroded.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the coated particulate surfaces are packed in a tube and the environment acts on the active surface by flowing from one end of the tube to the other.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the surface has a tube form and the coating is on the inside of the tube.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the environment also comprises a substance able to react with the active surface.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
98 words
A method of regulating the exposure of active surfaces comprising: a providing an active surface; b. covering the active surface within an erodible protective coating; c. exposing the coated, active surface to the action of a environment comprising a medium able to erode the protective coating; and, wherein the chemical composition of the coating varies so that first portions of the coating are eroded to expose the active surface portions thereunder before other portions are eroded, in such a way that portions of the active surface are progressively and gradually exposed as their respective coating portions are eroded.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
98 words
A method of regulating the exposure of active surfaces comprising: a providing an active surface; b. covering the active surface within an erodible protective coating; c. exposing the coated, active surface to the action of a environment comprising a medium able to erode the protective coating; and, wherein the chemical composition of the coating varies so that first portions of the coating are eroded to expose the active surface portions thereunder before other portions are eroded, in such a way that portions of the active surface are progressively and gradually exposed as their respective coating portions are eroded.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 27, wherein the progressive and gradual exposure is controlled by gradually increasing the concentration of an erodible substance in the protective coating.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method according to claim 27, wherein the protective coating comprises a polymer and further wherein the progressive and gradual exposure is controlled by gradually increasing the level of polymerization of the polymer in the protective coating.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 27, wherein the environment also comprises a substance able to react with the active surface.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
98 words
An apparatus for regulating the exposure of active of surfaces comprising: a. the active surface; b. an erodible protective non-uniform coating covering the active surface; c. means exposing the coated, active surface to the action of an environment comprising a medium able to erode the protective coating; and, wherein the chemical composition of the coating varies so that first portions of the coating are eroded to expose active surface portions thereunder before other portions are eroded, in such a way that portions of the active surface are progressively and gradually exposed as their respective coating portions are eroded.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
98 words
An apparatus for regulating the exposure of active of surfaces comprising: a. the active surface; b. an erodible protective non-uniform coating covering the active surface; c. means exposing the coated, active surface to the action of an environment comprising a medium able to erode the protective coating; and, wherein the chemical composition of the coating varies so that first portions of the coating are eroded to expose active surface portions thereunder before other portions are eroded, in such a way that portions of the active surface are progressively and gradually exposed as their respective coating portions are eroded.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the concentration of an erodible substance in the protective coating increases gradually.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the erodible protective coating is a polymer and the level of polymerization increases gradually.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the environment also comprises a substance able to react with the active surface.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method according to claim 15, wherein the active surface is an elongated pH sensitive strip, the protective coating is sucrose and the medium is water and further wherein the pH sensitive strip changes color when acid is present in the medium.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
42 words
An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the active surface is an elongated pH sensitive strip, the protective coating is sucrose and the medium is water and further wherein the pH sensitive strip changes color when acid is present in the medium.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
43 words
A method according to claim 18, wherein the particulate surface is a zeolite, the protective coating is gelatin and the medium is water containing Ca ++ ions and further wherein the Ca ++ ions are exchanged for Na + ions in the zeolite.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
43 words
An apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the particulate surface is a zeolite, the protective coating is gelatin and the medium is water containing Ca ++ ions and further wherein the Ca ++ ions are exchanged for Na + ions in the zeolite.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method according to claim 15, wherein the active surface is an immobilized antibody able to react with an antigen to be detected in the environment.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the active surface is an immobilized antibody able to react with an antigen to be detected in the environment.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
103 words
An apparatus providing a continuously available active surface, comprising: a. an active surface; b. an erodible protective non-uniform coating covering the active surface; c. means exposing the coated, active surface to the action of an environment comprising a medium able to erode the protective coating; and, wherein the nature of the coating varies so that first portions of the coating are eroded to expose the active surface portions thereunder before other portions are eroded in such a way that portions of the active surface are progressively and gradually exposed as their respective coating portions are eroded thus providing a continuously available active surface.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
103 words
An apparatus providing a continuously available active surface, comprising: a. an active surface; b. an erodible protective non-uniform coating covering the active surface; c. means exposing the coated, active surface to the action of an environment comprising a medium able to erode the protective coating; and, wherein the nature of the coating varies so that first portions of the coating are eroded to expose the active surface portions thereunder before other portions are eroded in such a way that portions of the active surface are progressively and gradually exposed as their respective coating portions are eroded thus providing a continuously available active surface.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus according to claim 41, wherein the active surface is one of a surface concentrating agent and a surface reacting agent.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus according to claim 41, wherein the active surface is one of an antigen, an antibody, a receptor, a lectin, an enzyme and a living cell.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus according to claim 41, wherein the active surface is one of a macroreticular resin, a zeolite, a catalyst and an ion exchange resin.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
52 words
An apparatus according to claim 41, wherein the protective coating is selected from the group consisting of dextran, polyacrylamide, polyacrylic acid and its salts, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, clarified guar gum, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, algin, carrageenan, xanthan gum, starch, sorbitol, potassium sodium tartrate, mannose and sucrose.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus according to claim 41, wherein the protective coating is a copolymer of maleic anhydride with a vinyl monomer.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus according to claim 41, wherein the environment also comprises a substance able to react with the active surface.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
103 words
An apparatus providing a continuously available active surface comprising: a. an active surface; b. an erodible protective non-uniform coating covering the active surface; c. means exposing the coated, active surface to the action of an environment comprising a medium able to erode the protective coating; and, wherein the thickness of the coating varies so that thinner portions of the coating are eroded to expose the active surface portions thereunder before thicker portions are eroded, in such a way that portions of the active surface are progressively and gradually exposed as their respective coating portions are eroded thus providing a continuously available active surface.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
103 words
An apparatus providing a continuously available active surface comprising: a. an active surface; b. an erodible protective non-uniform coating covering the active surface; c. means exposing the coated, active surface to the action of an environment comprising a medium able to erode the protective coating; and, wherein the thickness of the coating varies so that thinner portions of the coating are eroded to expose the active surface portions thereunder before thicker portions are eroded, in such a way that portions of the active surface are progressively and gradually exposed as their respective coating portions are eroded thus providing a continuously available active surface.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
46 words
An apparatus according to claim 48, wherein the surface is planar, the coating increases in thickness linearly from one end to the other end, and further wherein the reactive surface is first exposed at said one end and is progressively exposed moving towards said other end.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
47 words
An apparatus according to claim 48, wherein the surface is particulate, the thickness of the coating varies in thickness from particle to particle and further wherein the reactive surface is first exposed by eroding the thinner coatings and is progressively exposed as the thicker portions are eroded.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus according to claim 48, wherein the coated particulate surfaces are packed in a tube and the environment acts on the active surface by flowing from one end of the tube to the other.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus according to claim 48, wherein the surface has a tube form and the coating is on the inside of the tube.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus according to claim 48, wherein the environment also comprises a substance able to react with the active surface.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
42 words
An apparatus according to claim 48, wherein the active surface is an elongated pH sensitive strip, the protective coating is sucrose and the medium is water and further wherein the pH sensitive strip changes color when acid is present in the medium.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus according to claim 48, wherein the active surface is an immobilized antibody able to react with an antigen to be detected in the environment.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
43 words
An apparatus according to claim 51, wherein the particulate surface is a zeolite, the protective coating is gelatin and the medium is water containing Ca ++ ions and further wherein the Ca ++ ions are exchanged for Na + ions in the zeolite.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
103 words
An apparatus for providing a continuously active surface comprising: a. an active surface; b. an erodible protective non-uniform coating covering the active surface; c. means exposing the coated, active surface to the action of an environment comprising a medium able to erode the protective coating; and, wherein the chemical composition of the coating varies so that first portions of the coating are eroded to expose active surface portions thereunder before other portions are eroded, in such a way that portions of the active surface are progressively and gradually exposed as their respective coating portions are eroded thus providing a continuously available active surface.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
103 words
An apparatus for providing a continuously active surface comprising: a. an active surface; b. an erodible protective non-uniform coating covering the active surface; c. means exposing the coated, active surface to the action of an environment comprising a medium able to erode the protective coating; and, wherein the chemical composition of the coating varies so that first portions of the coating are eroded to expose active surface portions thereunder before other portions are eroded, in such a way that portions of the active surface are progressively and gradually exposed as their respective coating portions are eroded thus providing a continuously available active surface.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus according to claim 57, wherein the concentration of an erodible substance in the protective coating increases gradually.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
21 words
An apparatus according to claim 57, wherein the erodible protective coating is a polymer and the level of polymerization increases gradually.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus according to claim 57, wherein the environment also comprises a substance able to react with the active surface.
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) | 1990-11-23 | 1991-05-25 | 1991-11-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-11-23 | 1995-05-25 | 1995-11-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-11-23 | 1999-05-25 | 1999-11-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |