US5073482A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Elastic barrier permeability testing device and method of use
Assignee: Epitope Diagnostics Inc
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Filing: 1988-06-21
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Granted: 1991-12-17
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Expires: 2008-06-21
Abstract
Abstract A device for testing an elastic membrane for permeability ot submicroscopic particles. The device has a first chamber to contain the particles in a fluid medium; a second chamber to contain a reagent for detecting the presence of any of the particles; suitable structure for mounting the membrane between the chambers in a fluid-tight manner so that the membrane separates the chambers; and a mechanism for applying stress to the membrane.
Inventors
- 👤 Andrew S. Goldstein
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 03:43
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N15/00; G01N15/08; C; C12; C12Q; C12Q1/00; C12Q1/68; C12Q1/6876; C12Q1/6888; C12Q1/70
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 34
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
A device for testing an elastic membrane for permeability to particles comprising: (a) means defining a first chamber to contain the particles in a fluid medium; (b) means defining a second chamber to contain a reagent for detecting the presence of any of the particles; (c) means for mounting the membrane between said chambers in a fluid-tight manner whereby the membrane separates said chambers; and (d) means for repeatedly applying mechanical stress to the membrane as mounted, such that the membrane is alternately stretched and released to the original position.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
90 words
A device for testing an elastic membrane for permeability to particles comprising: (a) means defining a first chamber to contain the particles in a fluid medium; (b) means defining a second chamber to contain a reagent for detecting the presence of any of the particles; (c) means for mounting the membrane between said chambers in a fluid-tight manner whereby the membrane separates said chambers; and (d) means for repeatedly applying mechanical stress to the membrane as mounted, such that the membrane is alternately stretched and released to the original position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 1, wherein said means defining a first chamber has a closable opening for receiving the particles in a fluid medium.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device according to claim 2, wherein said means defining a second chamber has another opening positioned and arranged so as to be movably engaged by said means for applying stress.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 2, wherein said means defining a first chamber comprises heat-tempered glass.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 1, wherein said means defining a second chamber has a closable opening for receiving said reagent.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device according to claim 5, wherein said means defining a second chamber has another opening positioned and arranged so as to be movably engaged by said means for applying stress.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 5, wherein said means defining a second chamber comprises heat-tempered glass.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
66 words
The device of claim 1, wherein said means for mounting comprises a ball-and-socket joint having a window therethrough, the ball of which extends from one of said means defining a first chamber and a second chamber and the socket of which extends from the other, held together by a clamping means, such that the membrane will be fixed between the ball and socket closing the window.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 1, further comprising an elastic membrane to be tested, mounted in said mounting means, wherein the membrane is a latex material.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 1, further comprising an elastic membrane to be tested, mounted in said mounting means, wherein the membrane is a silicone material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 1, further comprising an elastic membrane to be tested, mounted in said mounting means, wherein the membrane is a vinyl material.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 1, further comprising an elastic membrane to be tested, mounted in said mounting means, wherein the membrane is a polyurethane material.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
33 words
The device of claim 1, wherein said means for applying stress comprises a piston movably disposed along an axis, such that a rounded end of said piston can engage and stretch the membrane.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 13, wherein said piston is a pneumatically driven smooth, stainless steel rod.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 1, further comprising an elastic membrane to be tested, mounted in said mounting means, wherein said membrane comprises a condom.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 1, further comprising an elastic membrane to be tested, mounted in said mounting means, wherein said membrane comprises a surgical glove.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
73 words
A method for testing an elastic membrane for permeability to particles comprising the steps of: (a) interposing the membrane between (i) said particles in a fluid medium and (ii) a reagent for detecting the presence of said particles; (b) repeatedly applying mechanical stress to the membrane as interposed, such that the membrane is alternately stretched and released to its original position; and (c) determining whether any of said particles passed through the membrane.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
73 words
A method for testing an elastic membrane for permeability to particles comprising the steps of: (a) interposing the membrane between (i) said particles in a fluid medium and (ii) a reagent for detecting the presence of said particles; (b) repeatedly applying mechanical stress to the membrane as interposed, such that the membrane is alternately stretched and released to its original position; and (c) determining whether any of said particles passed through the membrane.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 17, wherein said membrane is fixed in a fluid-tight manner between (i) means defining a first chamber containing said particles in said fluid medium and (ii) means defining a second chamber containing said reagent, whereby said membrane separates said chambers.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
81 words
The method of claim 18, wherein the membrane is fixed in a fluid-tight manner by a ball-and-socket joint held together by a clamping means and having a window therethrough, the ball of which extends from one of said means defining a first chamber and a second chamber, and the socket of which extends from the other of said means defining a first chamber and a second chamber, such that the membrane is fixed between the ball and socket closing the window.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 17, wherein the membrane is a latex material.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 17, wherein the membrane is a silicone material.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 17, wherein the membrane is a vinyl material.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 17, wherein the membrane is a polyurethane material.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 18, wherein said stress is applied to said membrane by means of a piston moving along a longitudinal axis substantially normal to said membrane through said means defining a second chamber, such that a rounded end of said piston engages said membrane applying pressure thereto.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 17, wherein said particles comprise living microorganisms.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 25, wherein said reagent comprises liquid tissue culture medium.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 25, wherein said particles are viruses, bacteria, fungi, or protozoa.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 27, wherein said particles are HIV viruses.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 17, wherein said stress is applied by a piston moving along a longitudinal axis substantially normal to said membrane, such that a rounded end of said piston engages and stretches said membrane.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 29, wherein said piston is a pneumatically driven steel rod.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 17, wherein said membrane is a condom.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 17, wherein said membrane is a surgical glove.
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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) | 1994-12-16 | 1995-06-17 | 1995-12-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-12-16 | 1999-06-17 | 1999-12-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-12-16 | 2003-06-17 | 2003-12-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |