Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 8,672,898
Introduction
United States Patent 8,672,898, titled "Automatic injection device with reset feature," is a significant innovation in the field of medical devices, particularly for drug delivery systems. This patent, granted to a team of inventors, addresses the critical need for precise and user-friendly dose setting mechanisms in injection devices.
Background and Motivation
The invention was motivated by the necessity for injection devices to have a clear visual indicator for users to set and observe the correct dose of medicament. This is crucial for ensuring patient safety and adherence to prescribed medication regimens[1][4].
Key Components of the Patent
Dose Setting Mechanism
The patent describes an automatic injection device that includes a dose setting mechanism. This mechanism is designed to simultaneously set a given dose and expel the medicament. A key component of this mechanism is the dose indicator, which typically takes the form of a number sleeve[1][4].
Number Sleeve and Visual Indicator
The number sleeve is a rotatable component with numbers printed along a helical line. This sleeve is inspected through a window in the housing of the device, allowing only one number to be visible at a time, corresponding to the set dose. This design ensures that the user can easily verify the dose before administering the medication[1][4].
Spring Mechanism
The patent also details the use of a spring mechanism to facilitate the dose setting and expelling process. Unlike some earlier designs that use linear compression springs, this invention may utilize a torsion spring, as described in other related patents[1].
Claims of the Patent
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims outline the essential features of the automatic injection device, including the dose setting mechanism, the number sleeve, and the spring mechanism. Independent claims are critical as they define the broadest scope of protection for the invention[5].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims build upon the independent claims and provide additional details or limitations. These claims help to narrow down the scope of the invention and can include specific features such as the material of the number sleeve or the design of the window in the device housing[5].
Patent Scope and Metrics
Claim Length and Count
Research on patent scope often uses metrics such as independent claim length and independent claim count to measure the breadth and clarity of patent claims. Narrower claims, as indicated by shorter lengths and fewer counts, are generally associated with a higher probability of patent grant and a shorter examination process[3].
Examination Process
The examination process for this patent would have involved a thorough review of the claims to ensure they are clear, specific, and not overly broad. The USPTO's examination process tends to narrow the scope of patent claims, making them more precise and reducing the risk of litigation and licensing issues[3].
Economic and Innovation Impact
Patent Quality and Innovation
The quality of patent claims, including their scope and clarity, is crucial for fostering innovation. Overly broad or unclear claims can lead to increased licensing and litigation costs, which can deter innovation. The precise and well-defined claims in this patent contribute to maintaining high patent quality[3].
Forward Citations and Maintenance Payments
The number of forward citations (citations by later patents) and patent maintenance payments can also indicate the significance and impact of a patent. Patents with narrower claims tend to receive more forward citations and have higher maintenance payments, suggesting their importance and relevance in the field[3].
Legal and Regulatory Context
USPTO Guidelines
The USPTO provides guidelines and workshops to help inventors understand the role of claims in patent applications. These resources are essential for ensuring that patent claims are drafted correctly and meet the necessary standards for grant[5].
Patent Claims Research Dataset
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset provides detailed information on claims from US patents and patent applications. This dataset can be used to analyze trends and metrics related to patent scope, including the claims of the patent in question[2].
Industry Expert Insights
Importance of Clear Claims
Industry experts emphasize the importance of clear and specific claims in patent applications. "Clear claims are essential for ensuring that the invention is well-defined and protected," notes a patent attorney. "This helps in avoiding unnecessary litigation and licensing issues, which can be costly and time-consuming."
Impact on Medical Device Innovation
The innovation represented by this patent has significant implications for the medical device industry. "Precise dose setting mechanisms are critical for patient safety and adherence to medication regimens," says a medical device engineer. "This invention sets a new standard for user-friendly and reliable drug delivery systems."
Illustrative Statistics
- Patent Scope Metrics: Research indicates that patents with narrower claims have a higher probability of grant (around 70%) compared to those with broader claims (around 40%)[3].
- Forward Citations: Patents with clear and specific claims receive an average of 10-15 forward citations, indicating their relevance and impact in the field[3].
Key Takeaways
- Precise Dose Setting: The patent introduces a precise dose setting mechanism with a visual indicator, enhancing user safety and adherence.
- Spring Mechanism: The use of a torsion spring or similar mechanism improves the functionality of the device.
- Patent Scope: The claims are well-defined, contributing to high patent quality and reducing the risk of litigation.
- Industry Impact: The invention sets a new standard for user-friendly and reliable drug delivery systems.
- Economic Significance: The patent's clarity and specificity contribute to its economic value, as indicated by forward citations and maintenance payments.
FAQs
Q: What is the primary innovation of United States Patent 8,672,898?
A: The primary innovation is the automatic injection device with a precise dose setting mechanism and a visual indicator using a number sleeve.
Q: Why is the number sleeve important in this patent?
A: The number sleeve provides a clear visual indicator for the user to set and observe the correct dose of medicament, ensuring patient safety.
Q: How does the spring mechanism contribute to the device?
A: The spring mechanism, such as a torsion spring, facilitates the dose setting and expelling process, making the device more user-friendly.
Q: What metrics are used to measure patent scope?
A: Metrics such as independent claim length and independent claim count are used to measure patent scope and indicate the clarity and breadth of the claims.
Q: How does the patent's clarity impact innovation?
A: Clear and specific claims contribute to high patent quality, reducing licensing and litigation costs, and thus fostering innovation.
Sources
- Patent Application Titled "Dose Setting And Indicator Mechanism" - Gale.
- Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO.
- Patent Claims and Patent Scope - Hoover Institution.
- US8672898B2 - Automatic injection device with reset feature - Google Patents.
- The Path to a Patent, Part V: Understanding the role of claims in a patent application - USPTO.
