United States Patent 9,757,552: A Detailed Analysis of Scope and Claims
Overview of the Patent
United States Patent 9,757,552, titled "Applicator for inserting an implant," is a significant innovation in the field of medical devices. This patent, granted on September 12, 2017, pertains to an applicator designed for the insertion of implants, particularly those containing active substances, under the skin of humans or animals.
Inventor and Assignee
The patent was invented by Hendricus Johannes Vertegaal, and the assignee is not explicitly mentioned in the available sources, but it is likely assigned to a medical device company or a research institution[2].
Key Components of the Applicator
The applicator described in this patent includes several critical components:
- Housing: The main body of the applicator.
- Cannula: A hollow needle used for inserting the implant.
- Cannula Holder: A mechanism to hold the cannula in place.
- Implant: Specifically, a rod-like implant containing an active substance.
- Protective Cover: A cover to protect the cannula.
- Securing Mechanism: A mechanism to secure the implant inside the cannula and/or the cannula holder[1].
Functionality
The applicator is designed to facilitate the precise and safe insertion of implants. Here’s how it works:
- The implant is accommodated inside the cannula or the cannula holder.
- The protective cover ensures the cannula remains safe and sterile until use.
- The securing mechanism prevents the implant from moving out of place during the insertion process.
- Once the applicator is positioned correctly, the implant is released under the skin through the cannula[1].
Prior Art and Comparisons
This patent builds upon and differs from several prior art devices:
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,906,599: This patent describes a device for delivering biological agents with a cannula and a displacement member. Unlike this, the current patent focuses on a rod-like implant and a more comprehensive securing mechanism[1].
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,554: This patent involves a device for implanting objects like hormone pellets or electronic transponders with a hollow needle and an actuating rod. The current patent is more specialized for rod-like implants containing active substances[1].
Patent Claims
The patent claims are crucial in defining the scope of the invention. Here are some key aspects:
- Independent Claims: These claims define the core elements of the applicator, including the housing, cannula, cannula holder, implant, protective cover, and securing mechanism.
- Dependent Claims: These claims elaborate on the specific features and functionalities of the independent claims, such as the design of the cannula holder and the mechanism for securing the implant[1].
Patent Scope
The scope of the patent is determined by the breadth and clarity of its claims. Research suggests that narrower claims at publication are associated with a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process[3].
- Claim Length and Count: The patent scope can be measured by the length and count of independent claims. In this case, the claims are detailed enough to ensure clarity but not so broad as to encompass unrelated inventions[3].
Patent Landscape
The patent landscape for medical implant applicators is competitive and evolving:
- Competing Patents: Other patents, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,906,599 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,554, offer different solutions for implant insertion, but they do not cover the specific design and functionality of the current patent[1].
- Litigation and Licensing: The patent's validity and scope could be subject to inter partes review or other legal challenges. For instance, the case IPR2018-00402 involves a different patent but highlights the potential for legal scrutiny in this field[5].
Applications and Impact
The applicator described in this patent has significant applications:
- Contraceptive Implants: For example, etonogestrel, a long-acting synthetic progestin contraceptive, can be delivered via intradermal implants. This applicator could be used for such implants, ensuring precise and safe insertion[4].
- Therapeutic Implants: The applicator can also be used for other therapeutic implants containing active substances, enhancing the delivery of various treatments.
Regulatory and Legal Considerations
The patent's legal status is active, with an estimated expiration date of July 28, 2030. This means that any use or manufacture of the applicator without permission from the patent holder could result in legal action[4].
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers a specialized applicator for inserting rod-like implants containing active substances.
- The design includes a housing, cannula, cannula holder, implant, protective cover, and securing mechanism.
- The patent builds upon prior art but offers a unique solution for precise and safe implant insertion.
- The scope of the patent is defined by its claims, which are narrow enough to ensure clarity and validity.
- The applicator has significant applications in the field of contraceptive and therapeutic implants.
FAQs
What is the primary purpose of the applicator described in US Patent 9,757,552?
The primary purpose is to insert rod-like implants containing active substances under the skin of humans or animals in a precise and safe manner.
What are the key components of the applicator?
The key components include a housing, cannula, cannula holder, implant, protective cover, and a securing mechanism.
How does the applicator differ from prior art devices?
It differs by its specialized design for rod-like implants and the comprehensive securing mechanism to ensure the implant remains in place during insertion.
What is the estimated expiration date of the patent?
The estimated expiration date of the patent is July 28, 2030.
What are some potential applications of the applicator?
The applicator can be used for contraceptive implants like those containing etonogestrel and for other therapeutic implants containing active substances.
Sources
- US9757552B2 - Applicator for inserting an implant - Google Patents
- Hendricus Johannes Vertegaal Inventions, Patents and Patent ... - Justia
- Patent Claims and Patent Scope - SSRN
- Etonogestrel: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action - DrugBank
- IPR2018-00402 - Unified Patents Portal
