United States Patent 8,327,844: A Comprehensive Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 8,327,844, titled "Nasal delivery method," is a significant invention in the field of medical devices, particularly those designed for delivering substances to the nasal airway. This patent, assigned to OptiNose AS, is part of a series of innovations aimed at improving nasal drug delivery. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background and Invention Overview
The patent 8,327,844 is a continuation of several earlier applications, dating back to 2000, and is part of a family of patents related to nasal delivery devices[2][4].
Purpose and Functionality
The invention provides a method and device for delivering a substance to the nasal airway of a subject. This device includes a closure unit, a flow path, and a mechanism to ensure efficient delivery of the substance, often a medication or therapeutic agent. The device is designed to optimize the flow of the substance through the nasal passages, enhancing the efficacy of the treatment.
Scope of the Invention
Claims
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention. Here are some key claims:
- Claim 1: A delivery device for delivering a substance to the nasal airway, comprising a closure unit, a flow path, and a mechanism to control the flow of the substance.
- Claim 2: The device of claim 1, where the closure unit includes a valve that opens to allow the substance to flow through the flow path.
- Claim 3: The device of claim 1, where the mechanism includes a gas flow generator to enhance the delivery of the substance[4].
Detailed Description
The detailed description of the patent outlines the components and operation of the nasal delivery device. It includes descriptions of the closure unit, the flow path, and the gas flow generator. The device is designed to ensure that the substance is delivered efficiently and effectively to the nasal airway, taking into account factors such as gas flow and pressure[4].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Applications
The patent 8,327,844 is part of a larger family of patents related to nasal delivery devices. Other patents in this family include US 8,555,878 B2 and several earlier applications filed by the same inventor, Per Gisle Djupesland[2][4].
Prior Art and Cited References
The patent cites numerous prior art references, including U.S. patents and international patent applications. These references highlight the evolution of nasal delivery devices and the innovations introduced by the current patent. For example, the patent cites earlier work on nasal delivery methods and devices that involved different mechanisms for controlling gas flow and substance delivery[2].
Classification and Categories
The patent is classified under several categories, including A61M (Devices for introducing media into, or onto, the body) and A61M2202 (Special media to be introduced, removed or treated). These classifications indicate the patent's relevance to medical devices and therapeutic delivery systems[4].
Economic and Research Implications
Patent Claims Research Dataset
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset provides insights into the scope and claims of patents, including those related to medical devices. This dataset can be used to analyze trends in patent claims and the scope of inventions in the medical field. For instance, the dataset can help in understanding how patent claims have evolved over time and how they impact the development of new medical devices[3].
Market Impact
The invention described in patent 8,327,844 has significant market implications. It addresses the need for more efficient and effective nasal drug delivery systems, which can improve patient outcomes and compliance. The patent's focus on optimizing gas flow and substance delivery makes it a valuable asset in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.
Global Patent System Integration
Global Dossier
The Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO allows users to access the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices. This service is crucial for understanding the global patent landscape surrounding inventions like the nasal delivery method. It enables users to see the patent family for a specific application, including all related applications filed at participating IP Offices, along with dossier, classification, and citation data[1].
Public Access and Search Facilities
Public Search Facility and PTRCs
The USPTO Public Search Facility and Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) provide public access to patent and trademark information. These resources are essential for researchers and inventors looking to understand the existing patent landscape and ensure that their inventions are novel and non-obvious[1].
Key Takeaways
- Invention Scope: The patent 8,327,844 covers a method and device for delivering substances to the nasal airway, with a focus on optimizing gas flow and substance delivery.
- Claims: The patent includes several claims defining the components and operation of the nasal delivery device.
- Related Patents: The patent is part of a family of patents related to nasal delivery devices.
- Market Impact: The invention has significant implications for the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.
- Global Integration: The Global Dossier service and public search facilities are crucial for understanding the global patent landscape.
FAQs
What is the main purpose of the invention described in US Patent 8,327,844?
The main purpose is to provide a method and device for delivering substances to the nasal airway efficiently and effectively.
How does the device optimize substance delivery?
The device uses a closure unit, a flow path, and a gas flow generator to optimize the delivery of the substance.
What are the key claims of the patent?
The key claims include the description of the delivery device, the closure unit, the flow path, and the mechanism to control the flow of the substance.
Is the patent part of a larger family of patents?
Yes, it is part of a family of patents related to nasal delivery devices filed by the same inventor.
How can one access more information about this patent and related patents?
One can use the USPTO Public Search Facility, PTRCs, and the Global Dossier service to access more information.
What is the significance of the Global Dossier service in this context?
The Global Dossier service allows users to access the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, providing a comprehensive view of the global patent landscape.
Sources
- USPTO: Search for patents - USPTO.
- Google Patents: US8555878B2 - Nasal delivery device.
- USPTO: Patent Claims Research Dataset.
- Google Patents: US8327844B2 - Nasal delivery method.
