Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 5,752,504
Introduction
United States Patent 5,752,504, titled "System for monitoring therapy during calibration," is a significant patent in the field of medical technology, particularly in the administration and monitoring of nitric oxide therapy. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Title and Abstract
The patent, issued on May 19, 1998, describes a system designed to monitor therapy during the calibration of gas delivery systems, specifically those used in the administration of nitric oxide to patients. The system ensures continuous monitoring of the gases delivered, enhancing patient safety and the efficacy of the therapy[5].
Scope of the Patent
Technical Field
The patent falls within the technical field of medical devices, specifically those related to respiratory therapy and gas delivery systems. It addresses the need for accurate and continuous monitoring of gas concentrations during medical treatments.
Background of the Invention
The background section of the patent highlights the importance of precise gas delivery in medical treatments, particularly for nitric oxide therapy, which is used to treat conditions such as hypoxic respiratory failure. The existing systems at the time had limitations in terms of continuous monitoring and calibration, which this invention aimed to address[5].
Claims of the Patent
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims typically describe the system's components and their functions:
- Claim 1: Describes the overall system for monitoring therapy during calibration, including a gas delivery system, a calibration device, and a monitoring device.
- Claim 2: Details the calibration device and its role in adjusting the gas concentration.
- Claim 3: Outlines the monitoring device and its function in continuously measuring the gas concentration.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify the details of the system, such as the types of sensors used, the data processing algorithms, and the user interface for displaying the monitored data.
Patent Landscape
Prior Art and References
The patent cites several prior art documents, including U.S. patents and other international patents related to gas delivery and monitoring systems. These references indicate the state of the art at the time of the invention and help to distinguish the novel aspects of the patented system[5].
Competing Patents
Other patents in the same field, such as U.S. Patent 5,573,733 and U.S. Patent 5,674,381, also deal with gas delivery and monitoring systems. These patents highlight the competitive landscape and the ongoing innovations in this area.
Global Patent Family
To understand the global reach of this invention, it is essential to look at the patent family, which includes related applications filed in other countries. Tools like the Global Dossier provided by the USPTO can help in identifying the patent family and understanding the international protection of this invention[1].
Claim Coverage and Scope Concepts
Claim Coverage Matrix
A Claim Coverage Matrix, as described in patent analytics, can help in understanding which patents and claims are actively protecting the intellectual property related to this invention. This matrix categorizes patents by claims and scope concepts, providing a clear picture of the coverage and any gaps or opportunities[3].
Scope Concepts
The scope concepts related to this patent would include high-value claims that are crucial for the current technology, medium-value claims indicating potential future directions, and low-value claims that may not be worth maintaining. This categorization helps in strategic decision-making regarding patent maintenance and future development[3].
Practical Applications and Impact
Clinical Use
The system described in the patent has significant clinical applications, particularly in intensive care units where nitric oxide therapy is commonly used. The continuous monitoring and calibration ensure that patients receive the correct dosage of nitric oxide, improving treatment outcomes and patient safety.
Industry Impact
This patent has contributed to the advancement of medical technology in gas delivery systems. It has set a standard for continuous monitoring and calibration, influencing subsequent innovations in this field.
Key Takeaways
- Continuous Monitoring: The patent emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring of gas concentrations during medical treatments.
- Calibration: The system's calibration device ensures accurate gas delivery, which is critical for effective therapy.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a broader landscape of innovations in gas delivery and monitoring systems.
- Global Protection: Understanding the global patent family is crucial for assessing the international protection of this invention.
- Claim Coverage: Analyzing the claim coverage matrix helps in identifying gaps and opportunities in intellectual property protection.
FAQs
Q: What is the primary purpose of United States Patent 5,752,504?
A: The primary purpose is to describe a system for monitoring therapy during the calibration of gas delivery systems, specifically for nitric oxide therapy.
Q: How does the patent improve existing gas delivery systems?
A: The patent improves existing systems by providing continuous monitoring and calibration, ensuring accurate and safe gas delivery.
Q: What are the key components of the system described in the patent?
A: The key components include a gas delivery system, a calibration device, and a monitoring device.
Q: How does the patent fit into the broader patent landscape?
A: The patent is part of a competitive landscape of innovations in gas delivery and monitoring systems, with several prior art references and related patents.
Q: What tools can be used to analyze the claim coverage of this patent?
A: Tools such as the Claim Coverage Matrix and scope concepts analysis can be used to understand the claim coverage and identify gaps or opportunities.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Canadian Patents Database - Patent 2671029 Summary: https://brevets-patents.ic.gc.ca/opic-cipo/cpd/eng/patent/2671029/summary.html?wbdisable=true
- Patent Analytics | Intellectual Property Law: https://www.slwip.com/services/patent-analytics/
- United States Patent - googleapis.com: https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/ec/bc/7d/f78a723967e65a/US10695523.pdf
- System for monitoring therapy during calibration - Patent US ...: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/patent/US5752504
