Method and device for dividing embryos
US5154188A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 9, 1991 |
| Grant date | Oct 13, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 9, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B90/00
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for dividing embryos that are maintained in a flushing or saline solution is provided for removable insertion within a test tube-like container having an open container end and a sealed rounded end. The apparatus assembles within or without the container and includes a generally cylindrical partition cup having a rounded end that conforms to the rounded sealed end of the container and an elongated cylindrical central barrel having an elongated chamber, the central barrel having a portion thereof which is placed contiguous to the partition cup. The apparatus also includes an elongated, generally cylindrical embryo guide funnel having a funnel-shaped end further defined by an elongated member. The elongated member further defines a tubular passageway that allows the embryo to pass therethrough for division or bisection by a cutting edge attached to the partition cup and positioned adjacent the passageway. The apparatus can be used with a centrifugal method or a negative pressure method to force or propel the embryo through the passageway and against the cutting edge in order to divide the embryo in half. A pair of embryo holding chambers formed within the partition cup a…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.