US4597266A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Freezing agent and container
Assignee: Artivion Inc
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Filing: 1985-05-28
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Granted: 1986-07-01
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Expires: 2005-05-28
Abstract
Abstract A freezing agent for maintaining supercold temperatures. Solid carbon dioxide is impregnated with liquid nitrogen so that the liquid nitrogen diffuses through the lattice of crystals making up the solid carbon dioxide. The liquid nitrogen maintains the solid carbon dioxide at supercold temperature for a long period of time. The nitrogen-impregnated solid carbon dioxide can be in the form of nuggets for lining or packing a cooling container, and a frozen biological sample can be maintained at supercold temperature within the container for many hours.
Inventors
- 👤 Stephen Entrekin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 12:28
CPC Classifications
F; F25; F25D; F25D3/00; F25D3/12; F25D3/14; F25D2331/00; F25D2331/80; F25D2331/804
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
46 words
A solid freezing agent for maintaining a sample at supercold temperatures comprising solid carbon dioxide impregnated with liquid nitrogen to form a mixture of solid carbon dioxide and liquid nitrogen, wherein the solid mixture sublimes without passing through a liquid phase as the mixture warms up.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
46 words
A solid freezing agent for maintaining a sample at supercold temperatures comprising solid carbon dioxide impregnated with liquid nitrogen to form a mixture of solid carbon dioxide and liquid nitrogen, wherein the solid mixture sublimes without passing through a liquid phase as the mixture warms up.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
63 words
A container for storing and shipping a sample at supercold temperatures comprising: a. a solid freezing agent comprising solid carbon dioxide impregnated with liquid nitrogen; and b. a container constructed of an insulating material and lined on the bottom, sides and top with said solid freezing agent, wherein the solid mixture sublimes without passing through a liquid phase as the mixture warms up.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
63 words
A container for storing and shipping a sample at supercold temperatures comprising: a. a solid freezing agent comprising solid carbon dioxide impregnated with liquid nitrogen; and b. a container constructed of an insulating material and lined on the bottom, sides and top with said solid freezing agent, wherein the solid mixture sublimes without passing through a liquid phase as the mixture warms up.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The container of claim 2 wherein said container is constructed of styrofoam.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
87 words
A method for storing and shipping a sample, comprising the steps of: a. preparing a solid freezing agent by impregnating solid carbon dioxide with liquid nitrogen to form a mixture of solid carbon dioxide and liquid nitrogen; b. lining a container with said solid freezing agent; and c. placing the sample into said container in such a way that the sample is surrounded on all sides by said solid freezing agent, wherein the solid mixture sublimes without passing through a liquid phase as the mixture warms up.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
87 words
A method for storing and shipping a sample, comprising the steps of: a. preparing a solid freezing agent by impregnating solid carbon dioxide with liquid nitrogen to form a mixture of solid carbon dioxide and liquid nitrogen; b. lining a container with said solid freezing agent; and c. placing the sample into said container in such a way that the sample is surrounded on all sides by said solid freezing agent, wherein the solid mixture sublimes without passing through a liquid phase as the mixture warms up.
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) | 1989-06-30 | 1989-12-30 | 1990-07-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-06-30 | 1993-12-30 | 1994-07-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-06-30 | 1997-12-30 | 1998-07-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |