United States Patent 7,540,282: A Detailed Analysis of Scope and Claims
Introduction
United States Patent 7,540,282, titled "Inhaler," is a significant patent in the field of medical devices, particularly those related to the delivery of powdered medicaments. This patent, issued to address the needs of patients requiring precise and efficient inhalation therapy, is crucial for understanding the advancements and innovations in inhaler technology.
Background and Context
The patent was granted to address the challenges associated with delivering powdered medications through inhalers. Traditional inhalers often faced issues such as inconsistent dosing, difficulty in ensuring the powder was fully dispensed, and the need for complex mechanisms to manage the powder flow.
Summary of the Patent
Inventive Concept
The patent describes an inhaler designed to deliver a powdered medicament efficiently. The key components include:
- Sealed Reservoir: Contains the powdered medicament and has a dispensing port.
- Linear Channel: Communicates with the dispensing port and includes a pressure relief port.
- Conduit: Provides fluid communication between the interior of the sealed reservoir and the pressure relief port of the channel.
- Cup Assembly: Movably received in the channel, it includes a recess to receive medicament from the reservoir when aligned with the dispensing port, and sealing surfaces to manage the flow of medicament and air[1].
Claims and Scope
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the scope of the invention:
- Claim 1: Describes the inhaler comprising a sealed reservoir, a linear channel, a conduit, and a cup assembly with specific functionalities.
- Claim 10: Focuses on the method of using the inhaler, including the steps of aligning the recess with the dispensing port and sealing the pressure relief port[1].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further elaborate on the details of the components and their interactions:
- Claim 2: Specifies the material of the cup assembly and the sealing surfaces.
- Claim 3: Describes the mechanism of the pressure relief port and its role in ensuring consistent dosing[1].
Key Components and Their Functions
Sealed Reservoir
The sealed reservoir is designed to store the powdered medicament. It has a dispensing port that aligns with the linear channel to release the medicament.
Linear Channel
The linear channel connects the dispensing port to the cup assembly and includes a pressure relief port. This port is crucial for managing air pressure and ensuring that the medicament is dispensed consistently.
Conduit
The conduit provides fluid communication between the interior of the reservoir and the pressure relief port. This ensures that air pressure is evenly distributed, facilitating the smooth release of the medicament.
Cup Assembly
The cup assembly is a movable component within the linear channel. It has a recess that aligns with the dispensing port to receive the medicament. The cup assembly also includes sealing surfaces that seal the dispensing port when not aligned and seal/unseal the pressure relief port as needed[1].
Operational Mechanism
The operational mechanism involves several key steps:
- Alignment: The recess of the cup assembly aligns with the dispensing port.
- Sealing: The sealing surfaces ensure that the medicament is contained until it is ready to be dispensed.
- Dispensing: When the cup assembly is in the correct position, the pressure relief port is sealed, and the medicament is released through the linear channel[1].
Advantages and Innovations
This patent introduces several innovations:
- Consistent Dosing: The design ensures that each dose is consistent, which is critical for effective treatment.
- Efficient Mechanism: The use of a cup assembly and pressure relief port simplifies the dispensing process and reduces the complexity of the device.
- Improved Patient Compliance: The ease of use and reliability of the device can improve patient compliance with treatment regimens.
Patent Landscape
Prior Art
The patent references several prior art patents, such as U.S. Patent No. 6,866,039 and U.S. Patent No. 8,056,762, which also deal with powdered product dispensing devices. However, the unique combination of components and the operational mechanism in U.S. Patent 7,540,282 distinguish it from prior art[1].
Competing Patents
Other patents in the field, such as those related to hemostatic powder delivery devices (WO2016209442A1), highlight the ongoing innovation in medical device technology. However, the specific design and functionality of U.S. Patent 7,540,282 remain unique and focused on inhalation therapy[1].
Impact on the Medical Field
This patent has significant implications for the treatment of respiratory conditions such as asthma. The inhaler's design ensures precise and consistent dosing, which is crucial for managing chronic conditions effectively.
Clinical Relevance
Inhalers like the one described in this patent are used in treatments such as those for asthma, as seen in products like AIRDUO RESPICLICK (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol)[2][4].
Future Developments and Challenges
Technological Advancements
Future developments may include further refinements in the design to improve patient usability and the integration of digital technologies to monitor dosing and adherence.
Regulatory Considerations
The patent landscape is influenced by regulatory requirements and the need for clear and narrow claims to avoid litigation and ensure patent validity[3].
Key Takeaways
- Innovative Design: The patent introduces a unique combination of components for efficient and consistent powdered medicament delivery.
- Operational Mechanism: The design ensures precise dosing through the alignment of the cup assembly and the use of a pressure relief port.
- Clinical Impact: The inhaler is crucial for managing respiratory conditions like asthma.
- Patent Landscape: The patent distinguishes itself from prior art and competing patents through its specific design and functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main innovation of U.S. Patent 7,540,282?
The main innovation is the unique combination of a sealed reservoir, linear channel, conduit, and cup assembly that ensures consistent and precise dosing of powdered medicaments.
How does the cup assembly function in the inhaler?
The cup assembly is movable and includes a recess that aligns with the dispensing port to receive the medicament. It also has sealing surfaces that manage the flow of medicament and air.
What are the advantages of this inhaler design?
The design ensures consistent dosing, simplifies the dispensing process, and improves patient compliance.
How does this patent impact the treatment of respiratory conditions?
It provides a reliable and efficient method for delivering powdered medications, which is crucial for managing chronic respiratory conditions like asthma.
What are the potential future developments in this field?
Future developments may include refinements in design, integration of digital technologies, and adherence to evolving regulatory requirements.
