United States Patent 4,627,432: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 4,627,432, titled "Inhalation Device," was granted on December 9, 1986, to inventors Newell et al. This patent is significant in the field of medical devices, particularly for the delivery of drugs via inhalation. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background of the Invention
The patent describes an inhalation device, specifically a dry powder inhaler, designed to deliver drugs in a solid, finely divided form directly into the patient's lungs. This device is part of a broader category of inhalers used for treating various respiratory conditions, such as bronchial asthma, rhinitis, and chronic bronchitis[2][4].
Scope of the Invention
The scope of the patent encompasses an inhaler device that uses individual drug doses sealed within blisters on a blister disk. The device includes a mechanism to advance the disk and open the blisters to release the drug contents. This design aims to provide a reliable and efficient method for delivering precise doses of medication.
Key Components
- Blister Disk: The device uses a disk with multiple blisters, each containing a single dose of the drug.
- Advancement Mechanism: A knob or lever is used to advance the disk to the next blister for each successive dose.
- Blisters: The blisters are designed to be opened by a piercing mechanism, releasing the drug for inhalation[2][4].
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention:
Independent Claims
- The device comprises a housing containing a blister disk with multiple blisters, each sealed with a drug dose.
- A mechanism for advancing the blister disk to align the next blister with a mouthpiece.
- A piercing mechanism to open the blister and release the drug dose for inhalation[2][4].
Dependent Claims
- Specific details about the construction of the blister disk, the advancement mechanism, and the piercing mechanism.
- The method of using the device, including the steps of advancing the disk, opening the blister, and inhaling the drug dose[2][4].
Patent Landscape
Prior Art
The patent references several prior art documents, including U.S. Patent Nos. 4,143,658, 4,524,769, and 4,534,345, which describe earlier inhaler devices. These prior art documents highlight the evolution of inhaler technology and the specific innovations introduced by the 4,627,432 patent[4].
Related Patents
Other patents, such as U.S. Patent Nos. 4,667,668 and 4,907,583, also relate to inhaler devices and share similarities with the 4,627,432 patent. These patents often build upon or improve aspects of the original design, contributing to the broader landscape of inhaler technology[4].
International Context
The concept of dry powder inhalers is not limited to the U.S. patent system. Similar devices are described in international patents, such as those from the European Patent Office (EPO) and the Japan Patent Office (JPO). For example, the EPO's esp@cenet database provides access to European patents that may relate to or build upon the technology described in U.S. Patent 4,627,432[1].
Impact and Legacy
The 4,627,432 patent has had a significant impact on the development of inhaler technology. It introduced a reliable method for delivering dry powder drugs, which has been refined and improved upon in subsequent patents.
Citations and Forward Citations
The patent has been cited in numerous subsequent patents, indicating its influence on the field. For instance, U.S. Patent No. 6,250,300, which describes a dry powder inhaler system, cites the 4,627,432 patent as prior art[4].
Industry Impact
The invention has contributed to the treatment of respiratory diseases by providing a more efficient and reliable method of drug delivery. This has led to improved patient outcomes and has influenced the development of newer inhaler devices.
Challenges and Limitations
While the 4,627,432 patent introduced significant improvements, it also faced challenges and limitations. For example, the device required precise indexing and advancing of the blister disk, and there were issues with reliably providing intended dosages and opening the blisters to access the drug contents[2].
Conclusion on Patent Scope and Claims
The scope of U.S. Patent 4,627,432 is defined by its claims, which outline a specific method and device for delivering dry powder drugs. The patent's impact is evident in its citations and the subsequent innovations it has inspired. Understanding the scope and claims of this patent provides valuable insights into the evolution of inhaler technology and its ongoing influence in the medical device industry.
Key Takeaways
- Invention Overview: The patent describes a dry powder inhaler using a blister disk and an advancement mechanism.
- Scope and Claims: The patent includes claims for the device's components and method of use.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a broader landscape of inhaler technology, influencing and being influenced by other patents.
- Impact: The patent has significantly contributed to the treatment of respiratory diseases and has been cited in numerous subsequent patents.
- Challenges: The device faced challenges related to indexing, dosing, and blister opening.
FAQs
What is the main innovation of U.S. Patent 4,627,432?
The main innovation is the use of a blister disk with individual drug doses sealed within blisters, which are opened by a piercing mechanism to release the drug for inhalation.
How does the device advance the blister disk?
The device uses a knob or lever to advance the blister disk to the next blister for each successive dose.
What are some of the challenges faced by this device?
The device faced challenges related to indexing and advancing the blister disk, reliably providing intended dosages, and opening the blisters to access the drug contents.
How has this patent influenced subsequent inventions?
The patent has been cited in numerous subsequent patents and has influenced the development of newer inhaler devices, contributing to improved methods of drug delivery.
Are there international equivalents of this patent?
Yes, similar devices are described in international patents, such as those from the European Patent Office (EPO) and the Japan Patent Office (JPO).
Sources
- USPTO: Search for patents - USPTO
- Google Patents: AU740035B2 - Dry powder inhaler
- SSRN: Patent Claims and Patent Scope
- Google Patents: US6250300 - Dry powder inhaler system
- Google Patents: EP0957959A2 - Aerosol sowie verfahren und ...
