Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
59 words
A method for transferring a bovine embryo comprising: providing a bovine embryo in a physiologically buffered solution, said solution containing a cryoprotective amount of dimethyl sulfoxide, and moving said solution containing the embryo and substantially all of said dimethyl sulfoxide without additional dilution into the uterus of a recipient bovine animal when the animal is apparently receptive to pregnancy.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
59 words
A method for transferring a bovine embryo comprising: providing a bovine embryo in a physiologically buffered solution, said solution containing a cryoprotective amount of dimethyl sulfoxide, and moving said solution containing the embryo and substantially all of said dimethyl sulfoxide without additional dilution into the uterus of a recipient bovine animal when the animal is apparently receptive to pregnancy.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein the dimethyl sulfoxide is present in a concentration of about 1.5M in said buffered solution.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method in accordance with claim 2 wherein said solution containing the embryo is first frozen and thereafter thawed before being moved into the uterus of said recipient animal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
69 words
The method in accordance with claim 3 wherein said embryo is frozen by lowering the temperature of the buffered solution containing the embryo at a rate of about 1° C. per minute until the solution temperature is about -7° C., then seeding the solution, thereafter lowering the solution temperature about 1° C. per minute until its temperature is about -30° C., and then plunging the solution into liquid nitrogen.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
66 words
A method for freezing a bovine embryo comprising: providing a bovine embryo in an initial buffered solution, adding dimethyl sulfoxide at a preselected single concentration within the range of 1-2M", slowly and substantially continuously at a constant rate per minute to said solution until a cryoprotective amount is present therein, and lowering the temperature of said solution sufficiently to preserve the embryo in a viable condition.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
66 words
A method for freezing a bovine embryo comprising: providing a bovine embryo in an initial buffered solution, adding dimethyl sulfoxide at a preselected single concentration within the range of 1-2M", slowly and substantially continuously at a constant rate per minute to said solution until a cryoprotective amount is present therein, and lowering the temperature of said solution sufficiently to preserve the embryo in a viable condition.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method in accordance with claim 5 wherein the dimethyl sulfoxide is added to said initial solution to provide a final concentration of about 1.5M.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method in accordance with claim 6 wherein said dimethyl sulfoxide is added at a rate to provide about a 0.06-0.07M change per minute.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method in accordance with claim 5 wherein said temperature is lowered by placing the buffered solution containing the embryo and dimethyl sulfoxide in an external alcohol bath and lowering the temperature of the alcohol bath.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method in accordance with claim 8 wherein the temperature of the alcohol bath is lowered by adding liquid nitrogen thereto.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
67 words
A method in accordance with claims 5 or 8 wherein the alcohol bath is lowered about 1° C. per minute to a temperature of about -7° C., the buffered solution is then seeded, then the alcohol bath is lowered in temperature about 1° C. per minute until reaching about -30° C., and then the buffered solution containing the embryo and dimethyl sulfoxide is plunged into liquid nitrogen.