United States Patent 6,758,214: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
The United States Patent 6,758,214, titled "Simple nitric oxide generator for ambulatory and/or bedside inhaled NO treatment," is a significant innovation in the field of medical devices, particularly for the delivery of nitric oxide (NO) to patients. This patent, granted to address specific medical needs, involves a detailed system for generating and delivering nitric oxide.
Background
Nitric oxide is a crucial gas with various therapeutic applications, including the treatment of respiratory conditions such as pulmonary hypertension and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The need for a reliable, portable, and efficient nitric oxide delivery system has driven the development of such technologies.
Patent Overview
Publication Details
- Publication Number: US6758214B2
- Prior Art Date: The patent was filed on October 26, 2000, and granted on June 29, 2004[1].
Inventors and Assignees
The patent was invented by a team of researchers, but specific details about the inventors and assignees are not provided in the available sources.
Scope of the Patent
General Description
The patent describes a nitric oxide delivery system designed for ambulatory and/or bedside use. This system includes a container, a nitric oxide generation chamber, and various components to ensure safe and controlled delivery of nitric oxide to patients.
Key Components
- Nitric Oxide Generation Chamber: This is the core component where nitric oxide is produced. The chamber typically involves a chemical reaction or other mechanisms to generate NO from nitrogen or other precursors[1].
- Container: This houses the nitric oxide generation chamber and other necessary components, ensuring the system is portable and user-friendly.
- Delivery Mechanism: The system includes a delivery mechanism to transfer the generated nitric oxide to the patient, often through a mask or ventilator.
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention:
Independent Claims
- Claim 1 describes the overall system, including the container, nitric oxide generation chamber, and delivery mechanism.
- Claim 2 specifies the method of generating nitric oxide using a chemical reaction within the generation chamber[1].
Dependent Claims
- These claims further detail specific aspects of the system, such as the materials used, the cooling methods to prevent overheating, and the mechanisms to control the therapeutic dose of nitric oxide delivered to the patient[1].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents
The patent landscape for nitric oxide delivery systems is complex, with several related patents and ongoing research in this area. For instance, other patents like US-9278111-B2 also describe methods and apparatus for generating and delivering nitric oxide, highlighting the continuous innovation in this field[5].
Expiration and Legal Status
The patent US6758214B2 has expired, as indicated by its legal status. This expiration means that the technology described in the patent is now in the public domain and can be freely used and improved upon by others.
Impact on Medical Practice
The invention described in this patent has significantly impacted medical practice by providing a portable and efficient means of delivering nitric oxide. This has improved patient care, especially in ambulatory settings and bedside treatments, where continuous monitoring and treatment are crucial.
Technical Details and Mechanisms
Chemical Reaction
The nitric oxide generation chamber often involves a chemical reaction, such as the decomposition of nitrogen-containing compounds or the reaction of ammonia with oxygen, to produce nitric oxide[1].
Cooling and Control Mechanisms
To ensure safe operation, the system includes cooling mechanisms to prevent overheating and control mechanisms to regulate the therapeutic dose of nitric oxide. These mechanisms are critical for maintaining the efficacy and safety of the treatment[1].
Impurities and Purification
The patent also addresses the issue of impurities, such as nitrogen dioxide and other gases, which can be harmful. The system includes methods for purifying the generated nitric oxide to ensure it meets therapeutic standards[1].
Economic and Market Impact
Market Demand
The demand for portable and efficient nitric oxide delivery systems is high, driven by the need for effective treatments in various medical settings. This demand has spurred further innovation and investment in this area.
Competition and Innovation
The expiration of the patent has opened up opportunities for other companies and researchers to develop and improve upon the existing technology. This competition has driven down costs and improved the quality of nitric oxide delivery systems available in the market.
Regulatory and Legal Considerations
Patent Term and Extensions
The patent term for US6758214B2 has expired, but the discussion around patent term adjustments and extensions, as seen in cases like In re Cellect, LLC, highlights the complexities and legal considerations surrounding patent lifetimes[2].
International Patent Landscape
The global patent landscape for nitric oxide delivery systems involves various international intellectual property offices and databases, such as the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)[4].
Key Takeaways
- Portable and Efficient: The patent describes a portable and efficient nitric oxide delivery system suitable for ambulatory and bedside use.
- Chemical Reaction: The system generates nitric oxide through a chemical reaction within the generation chamber.
- Safety Mechanisms: The patent includes cooling and control mechanisms to ensure safe and therapeutic doses of nitric oxide.
- Expired Patent: The patent has expired, making the technology publicly available.
- Market Impact: The invention has significantly impacted medical practice and market demand for nitric oxide delivery systems.
FAQs
What is the primary purpose of the United States Patent 6,758,214?
The primary purpose of this patent is to describe a simple nitric oxide generator for ambulatory and/or bedside inhaled NO treatment.
How does the nitric oxide generation chamber work?
The nitric oxide generation chamber works through a chemical reaction, typically involving the decomposition of nitrogen-containing compounds or the reaction of ammonia with oxygen to produce nitric oxide.
What are the key components of the nitric oxide delivery system?
The key components include a container, a nitric oxide generation chamber, and a delivery mechanism to transfer the generated nitric oxide to the patient.
Why is cooling important in the nitric oxide generation system?
Cooling is important to prevent overheating during the chemical reaction, ensuring the system operates safely and efficiently.
What is the current legal status of the patent?
The patent has expired, making the described technology publicly available for use and improvement.
Sources
- US6758214B2 - Simple nitric oxide generator for ambulatory and/or bedside inhaled no treatment - Google Patents
- In re Cellect, LLC - United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
- Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO
- Search for patents - USPTO
- US-9278111-B2 - Method and apparatus for generating nitric oxide for medical use - PubChem
