US5296090A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
High resolution track etch autoradiography
Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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Filing: 1991-12-03
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Granted: 1994-03-22
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Expires: 2011-12-03
Abstract
Abstract A detector assembly for use in obtaining alpha-track autoradiographs, the detector assembly including a substantially boron-free substrate; a detector layer deposited on the substantially boron-free substrate, the detector layer being capable of recording alpha particle tracks and exhibiting evidence of the alpha tracks in response to being exposed to an etchant, the detector layer being less than about 2 microns thick; and a protective layer deposited on the detector layer, the protective layer being resistant to the etchant and having a thickness of about 0.5 to 1 microns.
Inventors
- 👤 Guido Solares
- 👤 Robert G. Zamenhof
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 13:29
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01T; G01T5/00; G01T5/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
142 words
A method of etching a detector assembly with an etchant to produce high resolution autoradiographs, said detector assembly including a substrate on which is mounted a tissue sample, a protective layer that is resistant to said etchant and a detector layer for detecting radiation tracks in that order, the method comprising: placing a container for the etchant in a temperature stabilization bath, said container having an opening for adding the etchant; adding etchant to the container so as to cause a meniscus to form at the opening, said meniscus extending above the opening of the container; placing the detector assembly on top of the container so that said detector layer faces down and is in contact with the meniscus of etchant; and leaving the detector layer in contact with the etchant for sufficient time to etch radiation tracks in said detector layer.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
142 words
A method of etching a detector assembly with an etchant to produce high resolution autoradiographs, said detector assembly including a substrate on which is mounted a tissue sample, a protective layer that is resistant to said etchant and a detector layer for detecting radiation tracks in that order, the method comprising: placing a container for the etchant in a temperature stabilization bath, said container having an opening for adding the etchant; adding etchant to the container so as to cause a meniscus to form at the opening, said meniscus extending above the opening of the container; placing the detector assembly on top of the container so that said detector layer faces down and is in contact with the meniscus of etchant; and leaving the detector layer in contact with the etchant for sufficient time to etch radiation tracks in said detector layer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of removing the detector assembly from the top of the container and rinsing the detector assembly with a solution to wash away etchant from the detector layer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said protective layer is made from a vinylidine chloride/vinyl chloride solution,
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said protective layer is made from a polyvinylidine chloride.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said detector layer is made of bisphenol-A polycarbonate.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the etchant comprises KOH.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the etchant comprises a PEW solution.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the temperature stabilization bath is at a temperature that is greater than room temperature.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 8 wherein the temperature stabilization bath is at a temperature that is at least about 55° C.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4725332A
Cited
US4737234A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-03-21 | 1997-09-20 | 1998-03-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-03-21 | 2001-09-20 | 2002-03-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-03-21 | 2005-09-20 | 2006-03-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |