Cryogenic Preservation of Perishable Goods and Biological Samples
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept leverages the core technology of cryogenic needle with freeze zone regulation to preserve food freshness, agricultural produce, biological samples, and organs for transplantation, thereby reducing spoilage and maintaining viability.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent focused on cryogenic remodeling of tissues for cosmetic conditions. However, the limitations of this technology in addressing the preservation of perishable goods and biological samples are evident. The new inventive concept addresses this gap by applying the core technology to an entirely different industry, solving the problem of spoilage and loss of viability in these domains.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept comprises a cryogenic needle with a freeze zone regulator, which controls the temperature of the freeze zone to preserve the freshness and texture of food, the nutritional value and freshness of agricultural produce, and the integrity and viability of biological samples and organs for transplantation. The regulator ensures that the cooling zone is maintained within an allowable size tolerance, thereby preventing over-cooling or under-cooling. This is achieved through the precise control of the coolant supply system, which is regulated by a valve. The cryogenic needle can be advanced into the target material, and the freeze zone regulator adjusts the temperature to achieve the desired preservation outcome.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a novel application of the cryogenic needle with freeze zone regulation, shifting the focus from cosmetic tissue remodeling to preservation of perishable goods and biological samples. This inventive step lies in the adaptation of the core technology to address a distinct problem domain, requiring a deep understanding of the underlying physics and material interactions.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include variations in the design of the cryogenic needle, such as using different materials or geometries, or integrating additional sensors to monitor the preservation process. Variations in the regulator's control algorithm or the coolant supply system may also be explored to optimize the preservation outcome. Furthermore, the inventive concept could be applied to other domains, such as pharmaceuticals or biotechnology, to preserve sensitive materials and biological samples.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The potential commercial applications of this inventive concept are vast, with opportunities in the food industry, agricultural sector, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. The target market includes companies involved in food processing, agricultural production, biological sample storage, and organ transplantation. The innovative preservation technology has the potential to reduce food waste, improve agricultural yields, and enhance the availability of viable biological samples and organs for transplantation.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B18/02 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00473 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/00029 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/00041 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/00648 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/00714 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/00738 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/00744 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/00779 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/00791 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/00898 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/00994 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/0262 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/0293 |
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,239 |
|---|---|
| Title | Cryogenic needle with freeze zone regulation |
| Assignee(s) | Pacira CryoTech, Inc. |