United States Patent 4,364,921: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 4,364,921, titled "Nonionic X-Ray Contrast Agents, Compositions and Methods," is a significant patent in the field of medical imaging. This patent, assigned to Mallinckrodt, Inc., was granted on December 24, 1982, and it plays a crucial role in the development of nonionic X-ray contrast agents. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background
The patent focuses on the preparation and use of nonionic X-ray contrast agents, which are essential in medical imaging for their ability to enhance the visibility of internal structures without causing significant adverse reactions. The inventors, including Mills T. Kneller, Youlin Lin, and James R. Wheatley, developed novel methods and compositions that improved upon existing ionic contrast agents.
Scope of the Patent
Invention Overview
The patent describes the synthesis and application of nonionic X-ray contrast agents derived from ionic contrast media. Specifically, it outlines the preparation of polyhydroxyhalohydrocarbons, which are used as the active ingredients in these contrast agents[4].
Key Components
- Synthesis Methods: The patent details various chemical reactions, such as amidation and alkylation, and purification techniques like crystallization and preparative HPLC, to produce the desired compounds.
- Composition: The nonionic contrast agents are composed of specific polyhydroxyhalohydrocarbons, which are designed to be more biocompatible and less toxic compared to their ionic counterparts.
- Applications: These contrast agents are intended for use in X-ray imaging procedures to enhance the visibility of internal body structures.
Claims of the Patent
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the scope of the invention:
- Claim 1: This claim describes the nonionic X-ray contrast agents themselves, specifying their chemical structure and composition.
- Claim 2: This claim outlines the method of preparing these contrast agents, including the specific chemical reactions and purification steps involved.
- Claim 3: This claim covers the compositions containing these nonionic contrast agents, including their formulation and use in medical imaging[4].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify and narrow down the scope of the independent claims. For example:
- Claim 4: This claim details specific examples of polyhydroxyhalohydrocarbons and their preparation methods.
- Claim 5: This claim describes the preferred conditions for the chemical reactions, such as temperature and pressure[4].
Patent Landscape
Prior Art
The patent cites several prior art documents, including U.S. patents and foreign patent documents, which highlight the existing state of the art in X-ray contrast agents at the time of the invention. For instance, U.S. Patent 4,001,323 and European Patent 0049745 are referenced as prior art[4].
Related Patents
Other patents in the same field include:
- U.S. Patent 4,352,788: This patent also deals with X-ray contrast agents but focuses on different chemical structures and synthesis methods.
- U.S. Patent 5,075,502: This patent, granted later, builds upon the work of U.S. Patent 4,364,921 and introduces further improvements in nonionic X-ray contrast agents[4].
International Patent Offices
The invention is also relevant in the context of international patent offices. For example, the European Patent Office (EPO) and the Japan Patent Office (JPO) have similar patents and applications related to X-ray contrast agents, indicating a global interest in this technology[1].
Search and Analysis Tools
To conduct a thorough analysis of this patent and its landscape, several tools and resources are available:
- Patent Public Search: This tool provided by the USPTO allows for comprehensive searches of prior art and related patents.
- Global Dossier: This service provides access to file histories of related applications from participating IP offices, which can be useful in understanding the global patent family and citation data[1].
- Patent Claims Research Dataset: This dataset from the USPTO contains detailed information on claims from U.S. patents, which can help in analyzing the scope and claims of U.S. Patent 4,364,921[3].
Impact and Significance
The invention described in U.S. Patent 4,364,921 has had a significant impact on the field of medical imaging. Nonionic X-ray contrast agents have become a standard in clinical practice due to their improved safety profile and effectiveness.
Clinical Use
These agents are widely used in various medical imaging procedures, including CT scans and angiography, to enhance the visibility of internal structures without the adverse reactions associated with ionic contrast agents.
Economic Impact
The development and commercialization of these nonionic contrast agents have contributed significantly to the medical imaging industry. Companies like Mallinckrodt, Inc. have benefited from the patent protection, allowing them to recoup their investment in research and development.
Key Takeaways
- Invention Scope: U.S. Patent 4,364,921 covers the synthesis, composition, and application of nonionic X-ray contrast agents.
- Claims Analysis: The patent includes independent and dependent claims that define the specific chemical structures, synthesis methods, and compositions.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a broader landscape that includes prior art, related patents, and international patent offices.
- Impact: The invention has significantly improved medical imaging practices and contributed to the economic growth of the medical imaging industry.
FAQs
Q: What is the main focus of U.S. Patent 4,364,921?
A: The main focus is on the preparation and use of nonionic X-ray contrast agents derived from ionic contrast media.
Q: Who are the inventors of U.S. Patent 4,364,921?
A: The inventors are Mills T. Kneller, Youlin Lin, and James R. Wheatley.
Q: What are the key components of the nonionic X-ray contrast agents described in the patent?
A: The key components include specific polyhydroxyhalohydrocarbons, and the patent details their synthesis and purification methods.
Q: How does this patent impact medical imaging practices?
A: The invention has led to the widespread use of nonionic X-ray contrast agents, which are safer and more effective than their ionic counterparts.
Q: What tools can be used to analyze the scope and claims of this patent?
A: Tools such as the Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and the Patent Claims Research Dataset can be used for a thorough analysis.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Patent US-5035877-A: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/patent/US-5035877-A
- Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- United States Patent (19) - googleapis.com: https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/cd/d5/3f/d73fcdc63d458e/US5075502.pdf
- KR100976097B1 - Method for selective ... - Google Patents: https://patents.google.com/patent/KR100976097B1/en
