US5209831A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Bufferless electrophoresis system and method
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1991-06-14
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Granted: 1993-05-11
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Expires: 2011-06-14
Abstract
Abstract A bufferless electrophoresis system for separation of DNA or the like includes a disposable cassette comprising a housing having open ends, a three dimensional gel body in the housing for defining a path, a sample well in a top surface of the gel for introducing a sample into the path at one end thereof, an electrically conductive film closing the ends of the housing and contacting the ends of the gel, and an electrical circuit for selectively applying an electrical potential via the electrically conductive film to the ends of the gel. A holder having spaced apart opposed terminals may be used to hold the cassette and apply the electrical circuit to the cassette.
Inventors
- 👤 William P. MacConnell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 11:41
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N27/00; G01N27/26; G01N27/416; G01N27/447; G01N27/44756; B; B01; B01D; B01D57/00; B01D57/02; G01N27/44704
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 23
Claim 1
Independent Claim
82 words
A disposable electrophoresis apparatus comprising: a housing having opposed top, bottom and side walls defining a three dimensional chamber having opposed open ends; a three dimensional body of gel disposed in said chamber and exposed at said open ends; means in said top wall for introducing a sample into said body of gel; an electrically conductive thin film disposed in conductive contact with each end of said body of gel and sealingly covering said open ends; and vent means at said ends.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
82 words
A disposable electrophoresis apparatus comprising: a housing having opposed top, bottom and side walls defining a three dimensional chamber having opposed open ends; a three dimensional body of gel disposed in said chamber and exposed at said open ends; means in said top wall for introducing a sample into said body of gel; an electrically conductive thin film disposed in conductive contact with each end of said body of gel and sealingly covering said open ends; and vent means at said ends.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
A electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said gel is at least 0.05 inches in thickness.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
A electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for introducing a sample comprises a opening through said top wall and a cavity formed in said gel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
A electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said vent means comprises a plurality of holes in said top wall at the ends thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said vent holes are covered until said unit is ready for use.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
A electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said housing has a plurality of partition walls defining a plurality of parallel three dimensional chambers having opposed open ends.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
A electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said housing is at least three inches in length.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
A electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 7 wherein at least said top wall is transparent.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
35 words
A electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a holder having opposed spaced apart terminals for conductively engaging said electrically conductive thin film for applying an electrical voltage across the length of said gel.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
A electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said electrically conductive thin film extends over and is secured to a portion of said top and bottom walls along the end thereof.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
A electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said electrically conductive thin film is secured to said top and bottom walls by means of double stick tape and sealingly covers said vent means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
121 words
A portable apparatus for the electrophoresis separation of DNA and the like, said apparatus comprising: a housing having opposed top, bottom and side walls, and a plurality of partition walls defining a plurality of elongated parallel three dimensional chambers having opposed open ends; a three dimensional body of gel disposed in each of said chambers and exposed at said open ends; means including an opening through said top wall and a cavity formed in each of said body of gel for introducing a sample therein; an electrically conductive thin film disposed in conductive contact with each end of said body of gel and sealingly covering said open ends; and a plurality of vent holes in said top wall at said ends.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
121 words
A portable apparatus for the electrophoresis separation of DNA and the like, said apparatus comprising: a housing having opposed top, bottom and side walls, and a plurality of partition walls defining a plurality of elongated parallel three dimensional chambers having opposed open ends; a three dimensional body of gel disposed in each of said chambers and exposed at said open ends; means including an opening through said top wall and a cavity formed in each of said body of gel for introducing a sample therein; an electrically conductive thin film disposed in conductive contact with each end of said body of gel and sealingly covering said open ends; and a plurality of vent holes in said top wall at said ends.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
17 words
A electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said gel is at least 0.05 inches in thickness.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
31 words
A electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said electrically conductive thin film extends over and is secured to a portion of said top and bottom walls along the end thereof.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
33 words
A electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said electrically conductive thin film is secured to said top and bottom walls by means of double stick tape and sealingly covers said vent means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
35 words
A electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 12 further comprising a holder having opposed spaced apart terminals for conductively engaging said electrically conductive thin film for applying an electrical voltage across the length of said gel.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
130 words
A portable apparatus for the electrophoresis separation of DNA and the like, said apparatus comprising: a generally rectangular box-like housing having opposed top, bottom and side walls, and a plurality of partition walls defining a plurality of elongated parallel three dimensional chambers having opposed open ends; a three dimensional body of gel at least 0.05 inches in thickness disposed in each of said chambers and exposed at said open ends; means including an opening through said top wall and a cavity formed in each of said bodies of gel for introducing a sample therein; an electrically conductive thin film disposed in conductive contact with each end of said body of gel and sealingly covering said open ends; and a plurality of vent holes in said top wall at said ends.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
130 words
A portable apparatus for the electrophoresis separation of DNA and the like, said apparatus comprising: a generally rectangular box-like housing having opposed top, bottom and side walls, and a plurality of partition walls defining a plurality of elongated parallel three dimensional chambers having opposed open ends; a three dimensional body of gel at least 0.05 inches in thickness disposed in each of said chambers and exposed at said open ends; means including an opening through said top wall and a cavity formed in each of said bodies of gel for introducing a sample therein; an electrically conductive thin film disposed in conductive contact with each end of said body of gel and sealingly covering said open ends; and a plurality of vent holes in said top wall at said ends.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
36 words
A electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 17 wherein said electrically conductive thin film overlaps and is secured to a portion of said top and bottom walls along the end thereof and sealingly covers said vent holes.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
28 words
A electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 17 wherein said said electrically conductive thin film is secured to said top and bottom walls by means of double stick tape.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
49 words
A electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 19 further comprising a generally rectangular open top holder having opposed spaced apart elongated bar terminals for engaging across the ends of said housing and conductively engaging said electrically conductive thin film for applying an electrical voltage across the length of said gel.
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) | 1996-05-10 | 1996-11-09 | 1997-05-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-05-10 | 2000-11-09 | 2001-05-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-05-10 | 2004-11-09 | 2005-05-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |