US5024830A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for cryopreparing biological tissue for ultrastructural analysis
Assignee: The University of Texas System
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Filing: 1988-08-09
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Granted: 1991-06-18
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Expires: 2008-08-09
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to apparatus for the cryopreparation of biological tissue samples for ultrastructural analysis. The use of the apparatus comprises vitrifying a biological tissue sample under cryogenic temperature conditions and ultra low vacuum conditions. The depressurized, vitrified tissue sample is brought to equilibrium in a sample holder at a temperature of less than -140° C. The tissue sample is then dehydrated while maintained in a state of thermal equilibrium. After reaching equilibrium the tissue sample is optionally infiltrated with a degassed resin followed by a polymerization of the resin to form an embedded tissue sample.
Inventors
- 👤 John G. Linner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 18:38
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01N; A01N1/00; A01N1/10; A01N1/16; A01N1/162; F; F26; F26B; F26B5/00; F26B5/04; F26B5/06; G; G01; G01N; G01N1/00; G01N1/28; G01N1/42
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
43 words
A method of cryopreparing biological tissue which comprises: (a) rapidly cooling said tissue at a rate and to a temperature sufficient to vitrify the water in said tissue; and (b) removing said water from said tissue by vaporization directly from its vitrified state.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
43 words
A method of cryopreparing biological tissue which comprises: (a) rapidly cooling said tissue at a rate and to a temperature sufficient to vitrify the water in said tissue; and (b) removing said water from said tissue by vaporization directly from its vitrified state.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
82 words
A method of cryopreparing biological tissue which comprises: (a) rapidly cooling said tissue at a rate and to a temperature sufficient to vitrify the water in said tissue; (b) subjecting said tissue containing said vitrified water to a combination of vacuum and temperature conditions at which said water is capable of vaporizing directly from its vitrified state; and (c) slowly adding energy to and in a quantity sufficient to dehydrate said tissue by vaporizing said vitrified water directly from said vitrified state.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
82 words
A method of cryopreparing biological tissue which comprises: (a) rapidly cooling said tissue at a rate and to a temperature sufficient to vitrify the water in said tissue; (b) subjecting said tissue containing said vitrified water to a combination of vacuum and temperature conditions at which said water is capable of vaporizing directly from its vitrified state; and (c) slowly adding energy to and in a quantity sufficient to dehydrate said tissue by vaporizing said vitrified water directly from said vitrified state.
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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) | 1994-06-17 | 1994-12-17 | 1995-06-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-06-17 | 1998-12-17 | 1999-06-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-06-17 | 2002-12-17 | 2003-06-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |