Details for Patent: 6,251,091

Summary for Patent: 6,251,091

Title:	Needleless injector drug capsule and filling method
Abstract:	A needleless injector capsule for a liquid medicament has a filling adaptor removably, and preferably frangibly, attached thereto. The capsule has a chamber for receiving injectate, the chamber being provided with an injection orifice, and having a piston located for movement therein. The adaptor has a bore which communicates with the capsule chamber via the injection orifice. The capsule is filled by introducing injectate into the capsule chamber through the injection orifice and excess injectate into bore of the adaptor, and closing the bore of the adaptor to the exterior by a sealing means, leaving the bore partly filled with excess injectate.
Inventor(s):	Weston; Terence Edward (Eye, GB)
Assignee:	Weston Medical Limited (Eye, GB)
Application Number:	09/091,320
Patent Claim Types: see list of patent claims	Dosage form; Use;

Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 6,251,091

Introduction

United States Patent 6,251,091, titled "Method and System for Providing a Graphical User Interface," was issued on June 26, 2001. This patent describes a method and system for enhancing the display of search results in a graphical user interface (GUI) to streamline user input and improve the overall search experience. The patent's scope and claims are crucial for understanding its impact on the field of computer science and user interface design.

Background

The patent's background explains the need for improving search result displays. Traditional search interfaces often presented users with overwhelming amounts of information, making it difficult to find relevant results quickly. The invention aims to address this issue by providing a more intuitive and user-friendly interface.

Claims

The patent contains several claims that outline the specific features of the invention. Here are some key claims:

• Claim 1: This claim describes the method of enhancing search result displays by providing three visual workspaces for user input. The workspaces are designed to streamline the process of entering search information, making it easier for users to find relevant results[2].

• Claim 2: This claim specifies that the method includes receiving a set of search results and a vector of data associated with the user. The system then processes this data to display the results in an organized manner, enhancing user experience[5].

• Claim 3: This claim details the steps involved in improving search results, including receiving a set of results, receiving a vector of data associated with the user, and processing this data to display the results in an organized manner[5].

Scope of Patent 6,251,091

The scope of this patent is broad but focused on enhancing user interfaces for search results. Here are some key aspects:

• Graphical User Interface (GUI): The patent focuses on improving GUIs by providing more intuitive and organized ways to display search results. This includes visual workspaces that streamline user input[2].

• Search Result Display: The invention aims to enhance how search results are displayed to users. It does this by organizing the results in a way that makes them easier to understand and navigate[5].

• User Experience: The primary goal is to improve the user experience by making it easier for users to find relevant information quickly. This is achieved through the use of visual workspaces and organized data processing[2].

Patent Eligibility

Patent eligibility under 35 U.S.C. § 101 is crucial for understanding whether a patent claim is eligible for protection. Here’s how the claims of Patent 6,251,091 fare:

• Abstract Ideas vs. Practical Applications: The court has often distinguished between abstract ideas and practical applications. In this case, Claim 1 involves abstract ideas related to data processing but integrates these into practical applications through the use of visual workspaces. This integration transforms the abstract idea into a patent-eligible invention[1].

• Judicial Exceptions: The patent claims involve judicial exceptions such as data analysis and mathematical calculations. However, these steps are not merely abstract ideas but are integrated into practical applications that provide tangible benefits to users[1].

Impact on the Patent Landscape

Patent 6,251,091 has had an impact on the patent landscape in several ways:

• Influence on User Interface Design: The patent's focus on improving GUIs has influenced subsequent designs in the field of computer science. Many modern search engines and applications have adopted similar principles to enhance user experience[2].

• Legal Precedents: The patent's eligibility under § 101 has set legal precedents for evaluating similar inventions involving abstract ideas and practical applications. It has helped practitioners understand how to craft claims that meet the criteria for patent eligibility[1].

Conclusion

In conclusion, United States Patent 6,251,091 has significantly contributed to the development of user-friendly search interfaces. Its claims and scope have influenced both practical applications and legal precedents in the field of computer science. Understanding these aspects is crucial for innovators and practitioners seeking to navigate the complex landscape of patent eligibility.

Key Takeaways

1. Enhanced User Experience: The patent focuses on improving user experience by providing more intuitive and organized ways to display search results.
2. Visual Workspaces: The use of visual workspaces is a key feature that streamlines user input and enhances search result displays.
3. Practical Applications: The integration of abstract ideas into practical applications transforms the invention into patent-eligible subject matter.
4. Judicial Exceptions: The patent claims involve judicial exceptions but integrate these into practical applications that provide tangible benefits.
5. Impact on Patent Landscape: The patent has influenced subsequent designs in user interface design and set legal precedents for evaluating similar inventions.

FAQs

1. What is the main focus of Patent 6,251,091?

   • The main focus is on enhancing the display of search results in a graphical user interface to streamline user input and improve the overall search experience.

2. How does the patent address abstract ideas?

   • The patent addresses abstract ideas by integrating them into practical applications through the use of visual workspaces, thereby transforming the abstract idea into a patent-eligible invention.

3. What are some key claims of the patent?

   • Key claims include receiving a set of search results and a vector of data associated with the user, processing this data to display the results in an organized manner, and enhancing user experience through visual workspaces.

4. How has the patent influenced subsequent designs?

   • The patent has influenced subsequent designs in the field of computer science by providing more intuitive and organized ways to display search results, which has become a standard feature in many modern search engines and applications.

5. What legal precedents has the patent set?

   • The patent has set legal precedents for evaluating similar inventions involving abstract ideas and practical applications, helping practitioners understand how to craft claims that meet the criteria for patent eligibility.

Sources

1. [Understanding the 2024 USPTO Guidance Update on AI Patent][1]
2. [Reading and Understanding Patent Claims][2]
3. [Patent Claims and Patent Scope - Search eLibrary :: SSRN][3]
4. [IBM v. ZILLOW GROUP, INC. - Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit][5]

Drugs Protected by US Patent 6,251,091

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Patented / Exclusive Use	Submissiondate

Foreign Priority and PCT Information for Patent: 6,251,091

Foriegn Application Priority Data
Foreign Country	Foreign Patent Number	Foreign Patent Date
United Kingdom	9525757	Dec 16, 1995

PCT Information
PCT Filed	December 09, 1996	PCT Application Number:	PCT/GB96/03017
PCT Publication Date:	June 26, 1997	PCT Publication Number:	WO97/22375

International Family Members for US Patent 6,251,091

Country	Patent Number	Estimated Expiration	Supplementary Protection Certificate	SPC Country	SPC Expiration
Austria	204772
Australia	1102397
Australia	4935800