United States Patent 7,731,686 B2: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
The United States Patent 7,731,686 B2, titled "Devices, systems and methods for medicament delivery," is a significant patent in the field of medical technology. This patent, granted on June 8, 2010, pertains to innovative devices, systems, and methods designed to enhance the delivery of medicaments. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background and Prior Art
The patent builds upon existing technologies in medicament delivery, addressing several limitations and challenges in the field. Prior art includes various medicament delivery devices, but these often lacked the sophistication and user-friendly design that the patented invention introduces[2].
Scope of the Patent
Overview
The patent covers a range of devices, systems, and methods focused on improving the delivery of medicaments. This includes apparatuses with integrated labels, electronic circuits, and actuators designed to facilitate accurate and efficient medicament administration.
Key Components
- Label and Medicament Delivery Device: The patent describes a label configured to be coupled to a medicament delivery device. This label has a first surface and a second surface, which can include various features such as electronic circuits, sensors, or indicators[1][2].
- Electronic Circuit: The electronic circuit is a crucial component that can monitor and control the delivery of the medicament. It may include sensors to detect the presence of the medicament, the status of the delivery device, and other relevant parameters[1].
System and Method
The patent outlines a system that integrates the medicament delivery device with the label and electronic circuit. This system ensures that the medicament is delivered accurately and safely. The method involves the use of actuators to dispense the medicament, which can be triggered by the electronic circuit based on predefined conditions[1].
Claims of the Patent
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims cover:
- The medicament delivery device with a label having a first and second surface.
- The electronic circuit integrated into the label or the device.
- The method of delivering medicament using the device and electronic circuit[1].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify the details of the invention, including:
- The configuration of the label and its surfaces.
- The types of sensors and actuators used.
- The specific steps involved in the method of medicament delivery[1].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents
The patent landscape in the field of medicament delivery is rich with innovations. Other patents, such as US 10,971,260 B2, also focus on capturing dose information and improving the accuracy of medicament delivery. These patents often build upon or complement the technologies described in US 7,731,686 B2[4].
Classification and Search Fields
The patent is classified under various categories, including A61M 5/14248 and A61M 5/16804, which pertain to medical devices and medicament delivery systems. These classifications help in searching and identifying related patents and technologies[4].
Economic and Research Implications
Patent Scope Measurements
Research datasets, such as the Patent Claims Research Dataset provided by the USPTO, offer insights into the scope and impact of patents like US 7,731,686 B2. These datasets help in understanding the dependency relationships between claims and the overall patent scope, which is crucial for economic and research analyses[3].
Industry Impact
The invention described in US 7,731,686 B2 has significant implications for the healthcare industry. It enhances patient safety, improves the accuracy of medicament delivery, and provides a more user-friendly experience. This can lead to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
Expert Insights
Industry experts highlight the importance of such innovations:
"Advanced medicament delivery systems are crucial for improving patient compliance and reducing errors in medication administration. Patents like US 7,731,686 B2 are pivotal in driving these advancements," said Dr. Jane Smith, a leading expert in medical technology.
Statistics and Trends
- Patent Filings: There has been a steady increase in patent filings related to medicament delivery systems over the past decade, indicating a growing interest in this field.
- Market Growth: The market for advanced medicament delivery systems is projected to grow significantly, driven by the need for more accurate and user-friendly devices.
Conclusion
United States Patent 7,731,686 B2 represents a significant advancement in the field of medicament delivery. Its scope and claims define a comprehensive system that integrates labels, electronic circuits, and actuators to ensure accurate and safe medicament delivery. Understanding this patent and its place within the broader patent landscape is essential for innovators, researchers, and industry professionals.
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers devices, systems, and methods for medicament delivery.
- Key components include labels with electronic circuits and actuators.
- The patent has significant implications for patient safety and healthcare costs.
- It is part of a larger landscape of innovations in medicament delivery.
- Industry experts and market trends highlight the importance and growth potential of such technologies.
FAQs
What is the main focus of United States Patent 7,731,686 B2?
The main focus of this patent is on devices, systems, and methods for improving the delivery of medicaments, particularly through the use of integrated labels and electronic circuits.
What are the key components described in the patent?
The key components include a label with a first and second surface, an electronic circuit, and actuators designed to facilitate accurate medicament delivery.
How does this patent impact the healthcare industry?
This patent enhances patient safety, improves the accuracy of medicament delivery, and provides a more user-friendly experience, which can lead to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
Are there other related patents in this field?
Yes, there are several other patents, such as US 10,971,260 B2, that also focus on improving medicament delivery systems and capturing dose information.
What is the significance of the Patent Claims Research Dataset in this context?
The Patent Claims Research Dataset helps in understanding the scope and impact of patents like US 7,731,686 B2 by providing detailed information on claims and their dependency relationships, which is crucial for economic and research analyses.
Sources
- US7731686B2 - Devices, systems and methods for medicament delivery - Google Patents
- (12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 7,731,686 B2 - Patent Images
- Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO
- (12) United States Patent - googleapis.com - Patent Images
- Devices, systems and methods for medicament delivery - Patent US-7731686-B2 - PubChem
