Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 6,746,429
Introduction
United States Patent 6,746,429, titled "Needle Assisted Jet Injector," is a significant invention in the field of medical devices, particularly for the administration of medicaments. This patent, assigned to Antares Pharma, Inc., was granted on June 8, 2004. Here, we will delve into the details of the patent's scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape it operates within.
Background of the Invention
The invention described in US Patent 6,746,429 pertains to a needle assisted jet injector, a device designed to deliver medicaments through the skin using a high-pressure jet of fluid, assisted by a retractable needle. This technology is crucial for improving the efficiency and safety of drug delivery, especially for vaccines and other injectable medications[2][5].
Scope of the Patent
The scope of the patent defines the boundaries of what is protected under the intellectual property rights granted by the USPTO. Here are the key aspects:
Technical Description
The patent describes a jet injector that uses a retractable needle to create a small puncture in the skin, through which a high-pressure jet of medicament is injected. This design aims to minimize pain and reduce the risk of needlestick injuries. The device includes components such as a housing, a piston, a nozzle, and a retractable needle mechanism[2][5].
Claims
The patent includes multiple claims that define the specific features and functionalities of the invention. These claims are categorized into independent and dependent claims:
- Independent Claims: These define the core aspects of the invention, such as the overall structure and function of the needle assisted jet injector.
- Dependent Claims: These build upon the independent claims, specifying additional features or modifications that are part of the invention[2].
Detailed Analysis of Claims
To understand the patent's scope, it is essential to analyze the claims in detail:
Independent Claim 1
This claim typically outlines the broadest definition of the invention, including the essential components and their interactions. For example, it might describe the jet injector as comprising a housing, a piston, a nozzle, and a retractable needle mechanism[2].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify the invention by adding additional features or limitations. For instance, a dependent claim might describe the material of the housing, the mechanism for retracting the needle, or the pressure system used to generate the jet of medicament[2].
Patent Landscape
The patent landscape surrounding US 6,746,429 involves several key aspects:
Prior Art
The patent cites several prior art references, including earlier patents related to jet injectors and needle-assisted devices. These references indicate the state of the art at the time of the invention and help in understanding how the current invention improves upon existing technologies[2].
Related Patents
The patent is part of a family of related patents, including divisional and continuation applications. For example, it is a continuation of application No. PCT/US99/17946, filed on August 10, 1999, and related to other U.S. applications such as Ser. No. 09/779,603[2].
Global Dossier
Using the Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO, one can access the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices. This service helps in understanding the global patent family and the status of related applications across different jurisdictions[1].
Economic and Technological Trends
The patent fits into broader economic and technological trends in the field of medical devices and pharmaceutical delivery:
Patenting Trends
According to the USPTO and NSF reports, there has been a significant increase in patenting activity in the fields of medical devices and biotechnology. The number of electrical engineering patents, which include medical devices, has more than doubled between 2000 and 2018, reflecting the growing importance of technological innovations in healthcare[4].
Technological Areas
The patent is classified under specific technological areas, such as mechanical engineering and medical devices, which are part of the broader categories defined by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This classification helps in analyzing trends in patenting focus over time[4].
Practical Applications and Impact
The needle assisted jet injector has several practical applications:
Improved Safety
The retractable needle mechanism reduces the risk of needlestick injuries, making the device safer for both patients and healthcare professionals.
Enhanced Efficiency
The high-pressure jet delivery system can improve the efficacy of drug delivery by ensuring that the medicament is administered at the correct depth and with the appropriate pressure.
Patient Comfort
The minimally invasive nature of the device can reduce pain and discomfort associated with traditional needle injections.
Conclusion
United States Patent 6,746,429 represents a significant advancement in the field of medical device technology, particularly for drug delivery systems. The detailed analysis of its scope and claims provides insight into the protected features of the invention and its place within the broader patent landscape. Understanding these aspects is crucial for inventors, researchers, and industry professionals looking to innovate and protect their intellectual property.
Key Takeaways
- Retractable Needle Mechanism: The patent's core innovation is the retractable needle that minimizes the risk of needlestick injuries.
- High-Pressure Jet Delivery: The device uses a high-pressure jet to deliver medicaments, enhancing efficiency and patient comfort.
- Broader Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a family of related applications and fits into trends in medical device and biotechnology patenting.
- Economic and Technological Trends: The patent reflects the growing importance of technological innovations in healthcare, particularly in electrical and mechanical engineering.
FAQs
Q1: What is the primary innovation of US Patent 6,746,429?
The primary innovation is the retractable needle mechanism that assists in delivering medicaments through a high-pressure jet.
Q2: How does the patent improve upon existing jet injectors?
It improves safety by reducing the risk of needlestick injuries and enhances efficiency by ensuring precise delivery of medicaments.
Q3: What are the practical applications of this invention?
The invention has applications in improving safety, efficiency, and patient comfort in drug delivery, particularly for vaccines and other injectable medications.
Q4: How can one access related patent applications using the Global Dossier service?
Using the Global Dossier service, users can access the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, including the patent family and dossier, classification, and citation data.
Q5: What are the broader technological trends that this patent fits into?
The patent fits into trends in medical device and biotechnology patenting, with a significant increase in electrical and mechanical engineering patents reflecting the growing importance of technological innovations in healthcare.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for Patents: "How to Conduct a Preliminary U.S. Patent Search: A Step by Step Strategy" - USPTO.
- US Patent 7,744,582 B2: "NEEDLE ASSISTED JET INJECTOR" - USPTO.
- Patent Claims Research Dataset: "Patent Claims Research Dataset" - USPTO.
- Invention: U.S. and Comparative Global Trends: "Invention: U.S. and Comparative Global Trends" - NSF.
- Unified Patents - US-6746429-B2: "Needle Assisted Jet Injector" - Unified Patents.
