Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 8,347,879
Introduction
United States Patent 8,347,879, titled "Fluid dispensing device," is a patent that describes a specific invention related to the dispensing of fluids, particularly into body cavities. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Publication Details
The patent, numbered US8347879B2, was published on January 25, 2013, and is assigned to the applicant who filed under the application number US10/513,201. The patent is currently active and is set to expire on July 15, 2028[2][4][5].
Scope of the Invention
General Description
The patent describes a fluid dispensing device designed for spraying a fluid into a body cavity. The device includes a housing, a nozzle, and a mechanism for dispensing the fluid. The invention focuses on improving the efficiency and precision of fluid dispensing, particularly in medical or surgical contexts[4][5].
Key Components
- Housing: The main body of the device that contains the fluid and the dispensing mechanism.
- Nozzle: The part of the device through which the fluid is dispensed.
- Dispensing Mechanism: This includes levers, containers, and compression systems that facilitate the controlled release of the fluid[4][5].
Claims of the Patent
Independent and Dependent Claims
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims can be categorized into independent and dependent claims.
- Independent Claims: These claims stand alone and define the invention in its broadest terms. For example, Claim 1 describes the fluid dispensing device as a whole, including its housing, nozzle, and dispensing mechanism[4][5].
- Dependent Claims: These claims build upon the independent claims and provide additional details or specific embodiments of the invention. For instance, dependent claims might describe specific materials used for the housing or the design of the nozzle[4][5].
Claim Examples
- Claim 1: A fluid dispensing device for spraying a fluid into a body cavity, comprising a housing, a nozzle, and a dispensing mechanism.
- Claim 2: The device of Claim 1, wherein the housing is made of a plastic material.
- Claim 3: The device of Claim 1, wherein the nozzle is adjustable to control the flow rate of the fluid[4][5].
Prior Art and Citation Analysis
Prior Art Keywords
The patent lists several prior art keywords that indicate the technological background and related inventions. These include terms like "fluid," "container," "lever," "dispensing device," and "housing." These keywords help in understanding the context and the advancements made by the current invention[4][5].
Common Citation Document (CCD)
The Common Citation Document (CCD) application, which consolidates prior art citations from participating IP offices, can be used to see how this patent is related to other global patent applications. This tool helps in identifying any overlapping or similar inventions that have been cited by multiple patent offices[1].
Patent Landscape
Global Patent Family
To understand the broader patent landscape, it is essential to look at the global patent family for this invention. The Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO allows users to see related applications filed at participating IP offices, including the IP5 Offices (USPTO, EPO, JPO, KIPO, and CNIPA). This helps in identifying similar patents or applications in other jurisdictions[1].
International Search Resources
Searching international patent databases such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) can reveal whether similar inventions have been patented or applied for in other countries. Tools like PATENTSCOPE and esp@cenet facilitate this search[1].
Economic and Statistical Analysis
Patent Claims Research Dataset
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset can provide insights into the trends and scope of patent claims over time. This dataset includes detailed information on claims from US patents granted between 1976 and 2014 and published patent applications between 2001 and 2014. It can help in understanding how the scope of this patent fits into broader trends in patenting[3].
Legal Status and Expiration
Patent Expiration Date
The patent is set to expire on July 15, 2028. This date is crucial for understanding the timeline during which the patent holder has exclusive rights to the invention and when the technology will enter the public domain[2][4][5].
Practical Applications and Industry Impact
Medical and Surgical Uses
The fluid dispensing device described in this patent has significant practical applications in medical and surgical procedures. It can be used for delivering drugs, anesthetics, or other fluids with precision, which can improve patient outcomes and reduce complications.
Competitive Landscape
Understanding the competitive landscape involves identifying other similar patents and products in the market. This can be done by searching patent databases and industry reports to see how this invention compares to existing solutions and whether it offers any unique advantages.
Key Takeaways
- Invention Scope: The patent describes a fluid dispensing device for spraying fluids into body cavities, with key components including a housing, nozzle, and dispensing mechanism.
- Claims: The patent includes independent and dependent claims that define the invention and its specific embodiments.
- Prior Art: The invention builds upon prior art related to fluid dispensing devices and includes specific improvements.
- Global Patent Family: The Global Dossier service can help identify related applications in other jurisdictions.
- Legal Status: The patent is active and set to expire on July 15, 2028.
- Practical Applications: The device has significant applications in medical and surgical procedures.
FAQs
What is the main purpose of the fluid dispensing device described in US Patent 8,347,879?
The main purpose of the fluid dispensing device is to spray fluids into body cavities, particularly in medical or surgical contexts.
When does the patent expire?
The patent is set to expire on July 15, 2028.
How can I find similar patents globally?
You can use the Global Dossier service and search international patent databases such as those provided by the EPO, JPO, and WIPO.
What are the key components of the fluid dispensing device?
The key components include a housing, a nozzle, and a dispensing mechanism.
Where can I find detailed information on the claims of this patent?
Detailed information on the claims can be found on patent search platforms like Google Patents or the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool.
How does this patent fit into broader trends in patenting?
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset can provide insights into how this patent fits into broader trends in patent claims over time.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents. Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Pharmacompass - US Patent 8347879. Retrieved from https://www.pharmacompass.com/us-patent-8347879
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset. Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Google Patents - US8347879B2. Retrieved from https://patents.google.com/patent/US8347879B2/en
- Google Patents - US8347879B2 (Detailed). Retrieved from https://patents.google.com/patent/US8347879B2/de
