Patents by Inventor Grover David Owens
Grover David Owens has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 7763203Abstract: A method for manufacturing microneedle structures is disclosed using soft lithography and photolithography, in which micromold structures made of a photoresist material or PDMS are created. The micromold manufacturing occurs quite quickly, using inexpensive materials and processes. Once the molds are available, using moldable materials such as polymers, microneedle arrays can be molded or embossed in relatively fast procedures. In some cases a sacrificial layer is provided between the forming micromold and its substrate layer, for ease of separation. The microneedles themselves can be solid projections, hollow “microtubes,” or shallow “microcups.” Electrodes can be formed on the microneedle arrays, including individual electrodes per hollow microtube.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2003Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Corium International, Inc.Inventors: Francisco Arias, Faiz Feisal Sherman, Grover David Owens
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Patent number: 7416541Abstract: Improved microneedle arrays are provided having a sufficiently large separation distance between each of the individual microneedles to ensure penetration of the skin while having a sufficiently small separation distance to provide high transdermal transport rates. A very useful range of separation distances between microneedles is in the range of 100-300 microns, and more preferably in the range of 100-200 microns. The outer diameter and microneedle length is also very important, and in combination with the separation distance will be crucial as to whether or not the microneedles will actually penetrate the stratum corneum of skin. For circular microneedles, a useful outer diameter range is from 20-100 microns, and more preferably in the range of 20-50 microns.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2005Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Corium International, Inc.Inventors: Vadim Vladimirovich Yuzhakov, Faiz Feisal Sherman, Grover David Owens, Vladimir Gartstein
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Patent number: 6931277Abstract: Improved microneedle arrays are provided having a sufficiently large separation distance between each of the individual microneedles to ensure penetration of the skin while having a sufficiently small separation distance to provide high transdermal transport rates. A very useful range of separation distances between microneedles is in the range of 100–300 microns, and more preferably in the range of 100–200 microns. The outer diameter and microneedle length is also very important, and in combination with the separation distance will be crucial as to whether or not the microneedles will actually penetrate the stratum corneum of skin. For circular microneedles, a useful outer diameter range is from 20–100 microns, and more preferably in the range of 20–50 microns.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2000Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Vadim Vladimirovich Yuzhakov, Faiz Feisal Sherman, Grover David Owens, Vladimir Garstein
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Patent number: 6834847Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing scents into the environment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the dispensing device is used in conjunction with an article of manufacture which contains one or more scents or aromatic materials.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2003Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Eric Richard Bartsch, Stephan Gary Bush, Brice Daniel Westring, Grover David Owens, Frank Andrej Kvietok, Michael Sean Farrell, Christophe Laudamiel-Pellet, Pedro Antonio Rodriguez, Toan Trinh, Kevin George Goodall, Carl Eric Kaiser
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Publication number: 20040146611Abstract: A method for manufacturing microneedle structures is disclosed using soft lithography and photolithography, in which micromold structures made of a photoresist material or PDMS are created. The micromold manufacturing occurs quite quickly, using inexpensive materials and processes. Once the molds are available, using moldable materials such as polymers, microneedle arrays can be molded or embossed in relatively fast procedures. In some cases a sacrificial layer is provided between the forming micromold and its substrate layer, for ease of separation. The microneedles themselves can be solid projections, hollow “microtubes,” or shallow “microcups.” Electrodes can be formed on the microneedle arrays, including individual electrodes per hollow microtube.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2003Publication date: July 29, 2004Applicant: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Francisco Arias, Faiz Feisal Sherman, Grover David Owens
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Patent number: 6663820Abstract: A method for manufacturing microneedle structures is disclosed using soft lithography and photolithography, in which micromold structures made of a photoresist material or PDMS are created. The micromold manufacturing occurs quite quickly, using inexpensive materials and processes. Once the molds are available, using moldable materials such as polymers, microneedle arrays can be molded or embossed in relatively fast procedures. In some cases a sacrificial layer is provided between the forming micromold and its substrate layer, for ease of separation. The microneedles themselves can be solid projections, hollow “microtubes,” or shallow “microcups.” Electrodes can be formed on the microneedle arrays, including individual electrodes per hollow microtube.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2001Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Francisco Arias, Faiz Feisal Sherman, Grover David Owens
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Patent number: 6652478Abstract: A hollow microneedle with a substantially sharp edge is provided that includes at least one longitudinal blade at the top surface or tip of the microneedle to aid in penetration of the stratum corneum of skin. In a preferred embodiment, there are two such longitudinal blades that are constructed on opposite surfaces at approximately a 180° angle along the cylindrical side wall of the microneedle. Each edged blade has a cross-section that, when viewed from above the microneedle top, has an isosceles triangle profile. The blade's edge can run the entire length of the microneedle from its very top surface to its bottom surface where it is mounted onto the substrate, or the edge can be discontinued partway down the length of the microneedle. A star-shaped solid microneedle also is provided having at least one blade with a relatively sharp edge to assist in penetrating the stratum corneum of skin.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2000Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Vladimir Gartstein, Dragan Danilo Nebrigic, Grover David Owens, Faiz Feisal Sherman, Vadim Vladimirovich Yuzhakov, Francisco Arias
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Publication number: 20030168751Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing scents into the environment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the dispensing device is used in conjunction with an article of manufacture which contains one or more scents or aromatic materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2003Publication date: September 11, 2003Applicant: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Eric Richard Bartsch, Stephan Gary Bush, Brice Daniel Westring, Grover David Owens, Frank Andrej Kvietok, Michael Sean Farrell, Christophe Laudamiel-Pellet, Pedro Antonio Rodriguez, Toan Trinh, Kevin George Goodall, Carl Eric Kaiser
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Patent number: 6591124Abstract: A strip-like microneedle device is provided that includes an array of hollow microneedles, a diaphragm pump to extract interstitial fluid from skin, and a sensor that detects the concentration of the fluid. The microneedle device can be interfaced to an external sensor to produce a reading, or can be self-contained. One version uses an attachable/detachable microneedle array as a single-use, disposable unit. The device is portable, and is used by placing one finger on the microneedle array, and actuating the diaphragm pump with another finger, thereby obtaining the fluid sample. Solid coated or transparent microneedles could instead be used as an in-situ sensor, with either electrodes or an optical sensor.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Faiz Feisal Sherman, Francisco Arias, Vladimir Gartstein, Grover David Owens, Milan Marcel Jevtitch, Chow Chi Huang
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Patent number: 6581915Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing scents into the environment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the dispensing device is used in conjunction with an article of manufacture which contains one or more scents or aromatic materials. In such an embodiment, the dispensing device can include a housing and a removable, reusable/replayable, closed, multiple scent-containing article of manufacture which is removably inserted into or onto said housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2000Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Eric Richard Bartsch, Stephan Gary Bush, Brice Daniel Westring, Grover David Owens, Frank Andrej Kvietok, Michael Sean Farrell, Christophe Laudemiel-Pellet, Pedro Antonio Rodriguez, Toan Trinh, Kevin George Goodall, Carl-Eric Kaiser
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Patent number: 6565532Abstract: An array of microneedles is provided to apply semi-permanent or permanent markings to skin, or to apply semi-permanent subcutaneous makeup or other cosmetic compounds to skin. The microneedles can apply identifications or other tattoo-like graphics, and will not enter into the dermal layer of the skin so that the application procedure is painless. The microneedle array is also useful for delivering specific compounds or actives into the skin, such as cosmetic compounds or nutrients, or various skin structure modifiers that can be delivered subcutaneously without having to visit a cosmetic surgery clinic.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2000Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Vadim Vladimirovich Yuzhakov, Vladimir Gartstein, Grover David Owens
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Publication number: 20020169411Abstract: A strip-like microneedle device is provided that includes an array of hollow microneedles, a diaphragm pump to extract interstitial fluid from skin, and a sensor that detects the concentration of the fluid. The microneedle device can be interfaced to an external sensor to produce a reading, or can be self-contained. One version uses an attachable/detachable microneedle array as a single-use, disposable unit. The device is portable, and is used by placing one finger on the microneedle array, and actuating the diaphragm pump with another finger, thereby obtaining the fluid sample. Solid coated or transparent microneedles could instead be used as an in-situ sensor, with either electrodes or an optical sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2001Publication date: November 14, 2002Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Co.Inventors: Faiz Feisal Sherman, Francisco Arias, Vladimir Gartstein, Grover David Owens, Milan Marcel Jevtitch, Chow Chi Huang
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Patent number: 6471903Abstract: An array of hollow microneedles is constructed of molded plastic, in which a micro-machining technique is used to fabricate the molds used in a plastic microforming process. The molds are detachable and can be re-used. The preferred process for making the plastic arrays of microneedles is a microinjection technique. In the microinjection method, a molten plastic substance is injected between two micro-machined molds that contain microhole and micropillar arrays. Once the desired shape of the microneedle array has been formed, the mold and the plastic material are cooled down. Next, the molds are separated and the plastic microneedle array is detached from the mold structures.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2001Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Faiz Feisal Sherman, Vadim Vladimirovich Yuzhakov, Vladimir Gartstein, Grover David Owens
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Publication number: 20020133129Abstract: A method for manufacturing microneedle structures is disclosed using soft lithography and photolithography, in which micromold structures made of a photoresist material or PDMS are created. The micromold manufacturing occurs quite quickly, using inexpensive materials and processes. Once the molds are available, using moldable materials such as polymers, microneedle arrays can be molded or embossed in relatively fast procedures. In some cases a sacrificial layer is provided between the forming micromold and its substrate layer, for ease of separation. The microneedles themselves can be solid projections, hollow “microtubes,” or shallow “microcups.” Electrodes can be formed on the microneedle arrays, including individual electrodes per hollow microtube.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2001Publication date: September 19, 2002Inventors: Francisco Arias, Faiz Feisal Sherman, Grover David Owens
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Patent number: 6451240Abstract: A microneedle array is manufactured using a mold preparation procedure that begins by placing an optical mask over a layer of PMMA material, exposing the PMMA material to x-rays, then developing using a photoresist process. The remaining PMMA material is then electroplated with metal. Once the metal has reached an appropriate thickness, it is detached to become a metal mold that is used in a microembossing procedure, in which the metal mold is pressed against a heated layer of plastic material. Once the mold is pressed down to its proper distance, the plastic material is cooled until solidified, and the mold is then detached, thereby leaving behind an array of microneedles.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2000Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Faiz Feisal Sherman, Vadim Vladimirovich Yuzhakov, Vladimir Gartstein, Grover David Owens
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Publication number: 20020088502Abstract: The present invention is directed to a portable, self-contained, device for dosing and/or dispensing at least one product into an appliance for treating laundry or dishes, said device comprising a housing with at least one openable compartment for containing said at least one product, said device comprising at least one means for storing energy and releasing it, such that said product is released at one or more predetermined point(s) in time during the wash cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2001Publication date: July 11, 2002Inventors: Tanya Cecile Corneel Van Rompuy, Chris Van Den Wouwer, Grover David Owens, Pedro Vincent Vandecappelle, Jean-Luc Andre Patrick Varlet
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Publication number: 20020066967Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing scents into the environment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the dispensing device is used in conjunction with an article of manufacture which contains one or more scents or aromatic materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2000Publication date: June 6, 2002Inventors: Eric Richard Bartsch, Stephan Gary Bush, Brice Daniel Westring, Grover David Owens, Frank Andrej Kvietok, Michael Sean Farrell, Christophe Laudemiel, Pedro Antonio Rodriguez, Toan Trinh, Kevin George Goodall, Carl Eric Kaiser
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Publication number: 20020066798Abstract: A multiple scent-containing article of manufacture for dispensing multiple scents into the environment wherein a number of the scents in the article are related to each other is disclosed. In one variation, the scents are selected from a group of different types of scents. In another variation, certain of the scents, or all of the scents, can be related to each other in that they share a common theme.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2000Publication date: June 6, 2002Inventors: Christophe Laudamiel-Pellet, Grover David Owens, Pedro Antonio Rodriguez, Frank Andrej Kvietok, Eric Richard Bartsch, Toan Trinh, Kevin George Goodall
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Publication number: 20020068010Abstract: Articles, systems and methods for dispensing multiple volatile materials into the environment, including but not limited to scents, are disclosed. Methods for providing volatile material-containing articles of manufacture are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2001Publication date: June 6, 2002Applicant: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Christophe Laudamiel-Pellet, Grover David Owens, Pedro Antonio Rodriguez, Frank Andrej Kvietok, Eric Richard Bartsch, Stephan Gary Bush, Brice Daniel Westring, Toan Trinh, Kevin George Goodall, Stephen Joseph Paljieg, Carl Eric Kaiser
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Publication number: 20020068009Abstract: A system and methods for dispensing multiple scents into the environment, and for providing scent-containing articles of manufacture are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2000Publication date: June 6, 2002Inventors: Christophe Laudamiel-Pellet, Grover David Owens, Pedro Antonio Rodriguez, Frank Andrej Kvietok, Eric Richard Bartsch, Toan Trinh, Kevin George Goodall, Stephen Joseph Paljieg