Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 5,292,515
Introduction
United States Patent 5,292,515, titled "Manufacture of water-swellable hydrophilic articles," is an invention related to the production of hydrophilic articles, particularly those used in medical and other applications. This article will delve into the scope, claims, and patent landscape surrounding this patent.
Patent Overview
The patent, granted on March 8, 1994, describes a method for centrifugally casting water-swellable hydrophilic articles. These articles are often used in medical devices, such as wound dressings, surgical implants, and drug delivery systems[2].
Scope of the Patent
The scope of the patent is defined by its claims, which outline the specific aspects of the invention that are protected. Here are the key components:
Claims
The patent includes multiple claims that detail the method and apparatus for manufacturing these hydrophilic articles. The claims cover:
- Method of Manufacture: The process of centrifugally casting a hydrophilic composition to form the desired article.
- Apparatus: The specific equipment and setup used for the centrifugal casting process.
- Composition: The hydrophilic material used in the manufacture of the articles[2].
Claim Analysis
Each claim is carefully crafted to define the boundaries of the invention. For example:
- Claim 1 describes the method of centrifugally casting a hydrophilic composition.
- Claim 2 specifies the apparatus used for this process, including the centrifuge and the mold.
- Subsequent claims provide further details on the composition and properties of the hydrophilic articles[2].
Patent Claims Research Dataset
To understand the broader context of patent claims, the USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset can be useful. This dataset provides detailed information on claims from US patents granted between 1976 and 2014 and US patent applications published between 2001 and 2014. While it does not specifically include data on Patent 5,292,515, it offers insights into claim-level statistics and document-level statistics, which can help in analyzing the scope and complexity of patent claims in general[3].
Patent Landscape
The patent landscape for hydrophilic articles and their manufacture involves several key areas:
Competing Patents
Other patents in the field of hydrophilic articles and their manufacture can provide insight into the competitive landscape. For instance, patents related to sustained release of active agents, such as US Patent 6,361,797 B1, show the ongoing innovation in this area[5].
International Patents
To fully understand the global patent landscape, it is essential to search international patent databases. Resources like the European Patent Office's esp@cenet, the Japan Patent Office, and the World Intellectual Property Organization's PATENTSCOPE can reveal similar or related inventions filed in other countries[1].
Patent Classification
Patent classification systems, such as those used by the USPTO and international offices, help organize patents into specific technology groupings. This can aid in identifying related patents and understanding the broader technological context[4].
Common Citation Document (CCD)
The Common Citation Document (CCD) application consolidates prior art cited by multiple patent offices for the same invention. This tool can help identify if the invention described in Patent 5,292,515 has been cited in other patent applications or grants, providing a more comprehensive view of its impact and relevance[1].
Public Search and Resource Centers
Utilizing resources like the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, the Global Dossier, and local Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) can facilitate a thorough search of prior art and related patents. These resources are crucial for conducting a preliminary patent search and understanding the patent landscape[1].
Economic and Technical Impact
The economic and technical impact of Patent 5,292,515 can be assessed by looking at its citations, the number of times it has been referenced in other patents, and its influence on subsequent innovations in the field. The USPTO's economic research datasets can provide insights into the broader economic implications of such patents[3].
Conclusion
United States Patent 5,292,515 is a significant invention in the field of hydrophilic articles, with a well-defined scope and set of claims that protect the method and apparatus for its manufacture. Understanding the patent landscape, including competing patents, international filings, and the use of classification systems and citation documents, is essential for any business or researcher looking to innovate in this area.
Key Takeaways
- Scope and Claims: The patent protects a specific method and apparatus for centrifugally casting hydrophilic articles.
- Patent Landscape: The landscape includes competing patents, international filings, and classification systems.
- Resources: Utilize USPTO tools, international databases, and local resource centers for comprehensive searches.
- Economic Impact: Assess the patent's influence through citations and economic research datasets.
FAQs
Q: What is the main invention described in US Patent 5,292,515?
A: The main invention is a method for centrifugally casting water-swellable hydrophilic articles.
Q: How can I search for related patents internationally?
A: Use databases like the European Patent Office's esp@cenet, the Japan Patent Office, and the World Intellectual Property Organization's PATENTSCOPE.
Q: What is the Common Citation Document (CCD) and how is it useful?
A: The CCD consolidates prior art cited by multiple patent offices for the same invention, providing a comprehensive view of its impact and relevance.
Q: Where can I find resources to help with patent searching?
A: Utilize the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, the Global Dossier, and local Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs).
Q: How can I analyze the economic impact of a patent?
A: Use the USPTO's economic research datasets and look at the number of times the patent has been cited in other patents.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Justia - US Patent for Manufacture of water-swellable hydrophilic articles: https://patents.justia.com/patent/5292515
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Brown University Library Guides - Patents: https://libguides.brown.edu/patent
- US Patent 6,361,797 B1: https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/a1/9b/e2/cb15b41f8e6f82/US6361797.pdf
