Details for Patent: 4,652,411

Summary for Patent: 4,652,411

Title:	Method of preparing thin porous sheets of ceramic material
Abstract:	A method of forming thin porous sheets of ceramic material for use as electrodes or other components in a molten carbonate fuel cell is disclosed. The method involves spray drying a slurry of fine ceramic particles in liquid carrier to produce generally spherical agglomerates of high porosity and a rough surface texture. The ceramic particles may include the electrode catalyst and the agglomerates can be calcined to improve mechanical strength. After slurrying with suitable volatile material and binder tape casting is used to form sheets that are sufficiently strong for further processing and handling in the assembly of a high temperature fuel cell.
Inventor(s):	Swarr; Thomas E. (South Windsor, CT), Nickols; Richard C. (East Hartford, CT), Krasij; Myron (Avon, CT)
Assignee:	The United States of America as represented by the United States (Washington, DC)
Application Number:	06/612,952
Patent Claim Types: see list of patent claims	Use; Composition;

Analyzing the Scope and Claims of a Patent: A Detailed Guide Using US Patent 4,652,411 as an Example

Introduction

When analyzing a patent, understanding its scope and claims is crucial for determining its validity, enforceability, and potential impact on your business or innovation. Here, we will use US Patent 4,652,411 as an example to illustrate how to conduct a thorough analysis of a patent's scope and claims.

Understanding the Patent System

Before diving into the specifics of a patent, it's essential to understand the broader patent system. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is responsible for granting U.S. patents and registering trademarks. The USPTO provides various tools and resources for searching and analyzing patents, including the Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, and Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs)[1][2][4].

Locating the Patent

To analyze US Patent 4,652,411, you first need to locate the patent document. You can use the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool or other international patent databases such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), or the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)[1].

Reading the Patent Document

The patent document includes several key sections:

• Abstract: A brief summary of the invention.
• Background of the Invention: Context and prior art related to the invention.
• Summary of the Invention: A concise description of the invention.
• Detailed Description of the Invention: A detailed explanation of the invention, including drawings and examples.
• Claims: The legal definition of the invention, which defines the scope of protection.

Analyzing the Claims

The claims section is the most critical part of the patent document. Claims define what is protected by the patent and are typically divided into independent and dependent claims.

Independent Claims

Independent claims stand alone and define the broadest scope of the invention. For example, in US Patent 4,652,411, an independent claim might describe the overall structure or function of the invention without referencing other claims.

Dependent Claims

Dependent claims refer back to an independent claim and further limit the scope of the invention. These claims often add specific details or features to the broader independent claim.

Scope Concepts and Claim Coverage

To understand the full scope of a patent, it is helpful to categorize claims by scope concepts. This involves grouping claims based on the overarching ideas or technologies they protect. This method, often used in patent analytics, helps in identifying gaps or opportunities in the patent coverage[3].

Claim Charts and Coverage Analysis

Using tools like ClaimScape® software, you can generate interactive claim charts that help in reviewing patent coverage. These charts can be used by technical experts to determine whether a particular scope concept is applicable to a target product or method. This analysis can highlight areas where there are gaps in the current coverage and indicate future design opportunities[3].

International and Global Considerations

Patents are often part of a larger global patent family. Tools like the Global Dossier and Common Citation Document (CCD) can help in understanding the international landscape of a patent. The Global Dossier provides access to the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, while the CCD consolidates prior art cited by all participating offices for the family members of a patent application[1].

Public Search Facilities and Resources

For additional assistance, you can visit the USPTO Public Search Facility or contact your local Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC). These resources provide trained staff and access to various formats of patent and trademark information, including online, microfilm, and print[1].

Example Analysis of US Patent 4,652,411

While the specific details of US Patent 4,652,411 are not provided here, the general steps for analysis would involve:

• Identifying the Independent Claims: Determine the broadest claims that define the invention.
• Analyzing Dependent Claims: Understand how the dependent claims further limit the scope of the independent claims.
• Scope Concepts: Group claims by overarching ideas or technologies to identify coverage gaps or opportunities.
• Claim Charts: Use interactive charts to review and analyze the claim coverage with technical experts.
• Global Considerations: Use tools like the Global Dossier and CCD to understand the international patent landscape.

Key Takeaways

• Claims Define Scope: The claims section of a patent is crucial for understanding what is protected.
• Scope Concepts: Categorizing claims by scope concepts helps in identifying gaps and opportunities.
• Global Analysis: Tools like Global Dossier and CCD are essential for understanding the international patent landscape.
• Public Resources: Utilize USPTO Public Search Facility and PTRCs for additional assistance.
• Claim Charts: Interactive claim charts are valuable for reviewing and analyzing patent coverage.

FAQs

Q: How do I locate a specific US patent? A: You can use the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool or other international patent databases to locate a specific US patent.

Q: What is the difference between independent and dependent claims? A: Independent claims stand alone and define the broadest scope of the invention, while dependent claims refer back to an independent claim and further limit the scope.

Q: How can I analyze the scope of a patent? A: Use scope concepts to group claims, generate interactive claim charts, and analyze the claims in the context of the detailed description and drawings.

Q: What resources are available for public patent searches? A: The USPTO Public Search Facility, Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs), and online tools like Global Dossier and CCD are available for public patent searches.

Q: Why is it important to consider the global patent landscape? A: Understanding the global patent landscape helps in identifying related applications and prior art cited by other IP Offices, which is crucial for determining the validity and enforceability of a patent.

Sources

1. USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
2. USA.gov - U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: https://www.usa.gov/agencies/u-s-patent-and-trademark-office
3. SLWIP - Patent Analytics: https://www.slwip.com/services/patent-analytics/
4. Commerce.gov - U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: https://www.commerce.gov/bureaus-and-offices/uspto
5. ACUS - U.S. Patent Small Claims Court: https://www.acus.gov/research-projects/us-patent-small-claims-court

Drugs Protected by US Patent 4,652,411

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Patented / Exclusive Use	Submissiondate
No data available in table