United States Patent 6,004,297: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
The United States Patent 6,004,297, titled "Injection Syringe," is a significant invention in the field of medical devices, particularly for the administration of medicinal products. This patent, granted on December 21, 1999, to Steenfeldt-Jensen et al., is crucial for understanding the advancements and protections in injection syringe technology.
Inventors and Assignees
The patent was invented by Steenfeldt-Jensen et al. and assigned to Novo Nordisk A/S, a leading company in the healthcare sector, particularly known for its innovations in diabetes care and other medical treatments[2].
Scope of the Invention
Housing and Components
The invention pertains to an injection syringe that includes a housing, a piston rod with a non-circular cross-section, and an outer thread. The piston rod drive is a key component, facilitating the precise administration of doses from a cartridge contained within the housing[4].
Mechanical Design
The syringe features a unique mechanical design where the piston rod is driven by a mechanism that ensures accurate and consistent dosing. This design includes a button or actuator that the user presses to deliver the dose, making the syringe user-friendly and efficient[4].
Dose Administration
A critical aspect of this invention is the ability to administer precise doses. The syringe is designed to ensure that each dose is accurately measured and delivered, which is vital for the effective treatment of various medical conditions[4].
Claims of the Patent
Primary Claims
The patent includes several claims that protect the core aspects of the invention:
- Claim 1: The injection syringe comprising a housing, a piston rod with a non-circular cross-section, and an outer thread.
- Claim 2: The syringe including a piston rod drive and a button for actuating the dose delivery.
- Claim 3: The specific design of the housing to contain a cartridge and facilitate easy use[4].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further detail the specific features and functionalities of the syringe, such as the material of the piston rod, the mechanism of the piston rod drive, and the ergonomic design of the housing and button[4].
Patent Landscape
Prior Art and Related Patents
The patent landscape for injection syringes is extensive, with numerous prior art references cited in the patent. These include earlier patents by Sabloewski et al., Turner et al., and Updike et al., which contributed to the evolution of syringe technology[2].
Competing Patents
Other patents in the same field, such as those by Novo Nordisk A/S and Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, also play a significant role in the patent landscape. These patents often overlap in their claims and scope, highlighting the competitive nature of medical device innovation[1][5].
Foreign Patent Documents
The patent also references foreign patent documents, such as those from the European Patent Office (EPO) and German patents, indicating a global scope of innovation and protection in this field[2].
Impact on the Medical Device Industry
Innovation and Advancements
This patent has contributed significantly to the advancement of injection syringe technology, particularly in terms of precision, ease of use, and patient safety. The design improvements have set a standard for future innovations in this field.
Market Dominance
Novo Nordisk A/S, as the assignee, has leveraged this patent to maintain a strong market position in the diabetes care and medical device sectors. The patent's claims and scope have helped the company protect its intellectual property and continue to innovate within the protected areas.
Patent Analytics and Claim Coverage
Claim Coverage Matrix
To fully understand the protection and gaps in their intellectual property, companies like Novo Nordisk A/S can use patent analytics tools. These tools, such as Claim Coverage Matrix and Claim Charts, help in categorizing patents by claims and scope concepts, enabling a comprehensive analysis of the patent landscape[3].
Future Design Opportunities
The use of patent analytics can also highlight future design opportunities and areas where claim coverage is lacking. This proactive approach ensures that the company remains ahead in innovation and protection of its intellectual property.
Expiry and Legal Status
The patent has expired, as indicated by its legal status. However, the innovations and designs protected by this patent continue to influence current and future medical device technologies.
Conclusion
United States Patent 6,004,297 is a pivotal invention in the field of injection syringes, offering significant improvements in design, functionality, and user experience. The detailed analysis of its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape underscores its importance in the medical device industry.
Key Takeaways
- The patent protects a unique injection syringe design with a non-circular piston rod and outer thread.
- It includes claims that cover the housing, piston rod drive, and dose administration mechanism.
- The patent is part of a larger patent landscape that includes numerous prior art and competing patents.
- Patent analytics tools are crucial for managing and leveraging the claims and scope of such patents.
- The invention has had a lasting impact on the medical device industry, particularly in diabetes care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main innovation of United States Patent 6,004,297?
The main innovation is the design of an injection syringe with a piston rod having a non-circular cross-section and an outer thread, ensuring precise and consistent dose administration.
Who are the inventors and assignees of this patent?
The inventors are Steenfeldt-Jensen et al., and the assignee is Novo Nordisk A/S.
What is the significance of the piston rod design in this patent?
The piston rod design with a non-circular cross-section and outer thread ensures accurate and consistent dosing, making the syringe more reliable and user-friendly.
How does this patent fit into the broader patent landscape?
This patent is part of a extensive landscape of injection syringe patents, referencing numerous prior art and competing patents, and is protected globally through various foreign patent documents.
What is the current legal status of this patent?
The patent has expired, but its innovations continue to influence current medical device technologies.
