United States Patent 5,964,416: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 5,964,416, titled "DEVICE FOR PRODUCING HIGH PRESSURE IN A FLUID IN MINIATURE," was granted on October 12, 1999, to inventors Joachim Jaeger, Pasquale Cirillo, Joachim Eicher, and Johannes Geser, and assigned to Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH. This patent is a significant contribution to the field of fluid dynamics and miniature high-pressure devices.
Inventors and Assignees
The patent was invented by a team of researchers from Germany: Joachim Jaeger, Pasquale Cirillo, Joachim Eicher, and Johannes Geser. The assignee, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, is a well-known pharmaceutical company, indicating the potential application of this device in medical or pharmaceutical contexts[2].
Background of the Invention
The invention addresses the need for a device capable of producing high pressure in a fluid within a miniature setup. This is crucial in various applications, including medical devices, aerosol sprays, and other precision engineering fields. The background section of the patent highlights previous attempts and limitations in achieving high-pressure fluid dynamics in compact devices[2].
Summary of the Invention
The patented device is designed to atomize a fluid, such as a hair spray, by generating high pressure within a miniature housing. The device includes an upper housing part and a lower housing part, with a piston and cylinder arrangement that enables the production of high pressure. This setup allows for efficient atomization of the fluid, which is essential for applications requiring fine droplets[2].
Claims
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention:
- Claim 1: Describes the overall device for atomizing fluid, including the housing, piston, and cylinder.
- Subsequent Claims: Detail specific components and their interactions, such as the piston's movement and the high-pressure generation mechanism[2].
Scope of the Invention
The scope of the invention is broad, covering various aspects of the device:
- Mechanical Components: The patent details the mechanical components, including the housing, piston, and cylinder, and how they interact to produce high pressure.
- Fluid Dynamics: It addresses the fluid dynamics involved in atomizing the fluid, ensuring efficient and fine droplet formation.
- Miniaturization: The invention is specifically designed for miniature applications, making it suitable for use in compact devices[2].
Prior Art and Related Patents
The patent references several prior art patents and publications, indicating the evolution of the technology:
- German Patents: References include German patents from the 1970s and 1980s related to high-pressure fluid devices.
- UK Patents: Several UK patents from the 1960s and 1970s are also cited, showing the international scope of prior art[2].
Patent Landscape
Technology Area
The patent falls under the mechanical engineering and fluid dynamics categories. According to the USPTO's classification, such patents are part of the broader technology areas of mechanical and electrical engineering, which accounted for about 60% of USPTO patents in 2018[4].
Global Trends
The invention is part of a global trend in patenting, particularly in the fields of mechanical and electrical engineering. The USPTO data shows a significant increase in patents related to these fields, driven by advancements in technology and the need for innovative solutions[4].
Competitive Analysis
To understand the competitive landscape, one would need to conduct a thorough patent search using tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search or the Global Dossier. This would help identify similar patents, potential competitors, and gaps in the market[1].
Patent Analytics and Claim Coverage
For companies like Boehringer Ingelheim, patent analytics can be crucial in understanding the coverage and value of their patents. Tools like ClaimScape® can help categorize patents by claims and scope concepts, making it easier to determine the applicability of the patent to specific products or methods. This analysis can highlight areas where the company has strong claim coverage and where there may be gaps or opportunities for future development[3].
Future Implications and Design Opportunities
The interactive claim charts generated by patent analytics tools can help engineers, scientists, and management identify new design options and future directions. For example, if the scope concepts of the claims are high-value to the company, it may indicate a strong market position. Medium-value claims could suggest potential future directions, while low-value claims might be candidates for maintenance or abandonment[3].
International Patent Protection
Given the global nature of innovation, it is essential to consider international patent protection. The Global Dossier and other international patent databases can provide insights into related applications filed at participating IP Offices, ensuring comprehensive protection of the invention worldwide[1].
Conclusion
United States Patent 5,964,416 represents a significant innovation in the field of high-pressure fluid dynamics within miniature devices. Understanding the scope, claims, and patent landscape is crucial for companies to leverage this technology effectively. By using advanced patent analytics tools and staying informed about global trends and competitive landscapes, companies can maximize the value of their intellectual property.
Key Takeaways
- The patent describes a device for producing high pressure in a fluid within a miniature setup.
- It includes detailed mechanical components and fluid dynamics.
- The invention is part of a broader trend in mechanical and electrical engineering patents.
- Patent analytics tools can help in understanding claim coverage and identifying future design opportunities.
- International patent protection is essential for comprehensive coverage.
FAQs
What is the main purpose of United States Patent 5,964,416?
The main purpose of this patent is to describe a device that can produce high pressure in a fluid within a miniature setup, particularly for applications like atomizing hair spray.
Who are the inventors of this patent?
The inventors are Joachim Jaeger, Pasquale Cirillo, Joachim Eicher, and Johannes Geser.
What company is assigned this patent?
The patent is assigned to Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH.
How does the device work?
The device works by using a piston and cylinder arrangement within a housing to generate high pressure, which then atomizes the fluid.
What tools can be used to analyze the patent landscape for this invention?
Tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and patent analytics software such as ClaimScape® can be used to analyze the patent landscape.
Cited Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents.
- United States Patent - googleapis.com.
- Patent Analytics | Intellectual Property Law.
- Invention: U.S. and Comparative Global Trends.
