Patents by Inventor Joachim Eicher

Joachim Eicher 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).

  • Publication number: 20150320948
    Abstract: A container, a nebulizer and a use of an indicator device are described, where the container comprises an indicator device fixedly mounted on the bottom of the container, the container is arranged within the nebulizer and the container can be detached by grabbing the indicator device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventors: Joachim EICHER, Herbert GRAESSL, Mike JANETZKO, Andree JUNG, Martin MEISENHEIMER, Herbert WACHTEL, Robert Gerhard WINKLER, Gilbert WUTTKE, Ying YU
  • Publication number: 20130199521
    Abstract: The invention relates to a medical hand-held device, in particular an atomizer (1), for dispensing a liquid pharmaceutical preparation from a container. The pharmaceutical preparation can be based, for example, on an alcoholic solvent. The proposed atomizer has a discharge nozzle for the pharmaceutical preparation. Located upstream from the discharge nozzle (12d, 12e) there is a multiple-stage filter system, which is composed of at least three filtering components (27, 28, 12f). The filters differ from one another in terms of their filter threshold and their filter materials and/or filter effect. In particular, the use of a filter made of sintered metal is proposed in order to avoid penetration of particles into a microstructured component (12), which can also contain a very fine filter in front of the nozzle. Alternatively or in addition, it is also proposed to use an adsorption filter in the flow path between a coarse filter and the microstructured component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM INTERNATIONAL GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Hausmann, Steffen Schuy, Joachim Eicher, Johannes Geser, Martin Meisenheimer, Florian Witte
  • Patent number: 8061350
    Abstract: A process and a device for dosing a pharmaceutical agent, preferably a liquid, are proposed. To achieve an enhanced dosing accuracy, a first component that is produced in batches, such as a shaped seal, is combined with a second component, such as a guide pipe selected from a suitable group guide pipes, wherein the suitable group of second components is selected based on at least one decisively significant value of the respective batch first components and is distinguished by an essential value of the second component which will optimize the sealing between the first and second components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Georg Boeck, Johannes Geser, Matthias Hausmann, Hans-Juergen Koelbel, Joachim Eicher, Christian Feiertag
  • Patent number: 7963955
    Abstract: Foil bags are used as a primary packaging for liquids, the bags permitting the liquid to be taken therefrom without the application of a considerable amount of force. A container is provided for a medicinal liquid, the container being gas-tight and liquid-tight so that it is storable over many months. The container includes a collapsible foil bag on which a flange, which is stable in respect of shape, is disposed. The flange is designed for fitting onto a discharge connection member. The container can be disposed in a casing which is stable in respect of shape. The medicinal liquid does not come into contact with air and is protected from the effect of light. The medicinal liquid may be dispensed from the foil bag in many partial quantities over a prolonged period of time, with a respective partial amount thereof being converted into an aerosol by means of an atomizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Freund, Dieter Hochrainer, Heinrich Kladders, Bernd Zierenberg, Joachim Eicher, Johannes Geser, Martin Essing, Holger Reinecke
  • Patent number: 7896264
    Abstract: A microstructured nozzle consists of a number of channels produced by microstructuring a plate-shaped member. In the nozzle the channels are located between projections which are arranged side by side in rows and project from a base plate. This microstructured base plate is covered with a cover plate. The channels are narrowly defined in terms of shape, cross sectional area and length. The nozzle contains a filter as the primary structure and a secondary structure downstream of the filter. The nozzle is used, for example, with an atomiser which produces an aerosol from a fluid containing a medicament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Eicher, Johannes Geser, Matthias Hausmann, Holger Reinecke
  • Patent number: 7802568
    Abstract: For meteredly dispensing a liquid over a period of several months from a container which can be stored over a long period of time, the need is for a container which is practically diffusion-tight and in which the liquid does not come into contact with the ambient atmosphere. The cartridge according to the invention is a three-shell container comprising a collapsible bag which contains the liquid, a container which is stable in respect of shape and a stiff metal casing. The cartridge can be releasably connected to a dispensing device. The cartridge can be provided with a micro-opening with which the time for pressure equalisation between the cartridge and the ambient atmosphere can be adjusted. The cartridge is suitable for aqueous and for alcoholic liquids which contain a pharmaceutically active substance. The liquid in the cartridge is protected from external influences. The cartridge can be used in an atomiser for producing an inhalable aerosol for the treatment of illnesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Eicher, Johannes Geser, Matthias Hausmann, Michael Schyra, Gilbert Wuttke, Andreas Fiol, Heinrich Kladders, Dieter Hochrainer, Bernd Zierenberg
  • Patent number: 7726588
    Abstract: A locking tensioning mechanism for a miniaturised high pressure generator is disclosed, which mechanism will allow delivery of a set volume of a liquid, and the volume to be delivered by a high pressure generator can be altered subsequently by adjusting one of the stops of the spring component, which locking tensioning mechanism may be used in a high pressure generator for producing an inhalable aerosol or in a needleless injector for injecting a volume of a liquid into animal or plant tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Gilbert Wuttke, Michael Schyra, Andreas Fiol, Joachim Eicher
  • Patent number: 7645383
    Abstract: A microstructured filter is presented having an inlet for unfiltered fluid; an outlet for filtered fluid; a plurality of projections, which form at least one row in a mutually juxtaposed relationship across the filter, that project out of a base plate and are an integral component of the base plate; a plurality of passages between the projections; and a cover plate which is securable to the base plate to cover the projections and the passages. The passages form a plurality of through paths from the inlet to the outlet. The inlet includes an elongate inlet slot for the unfiltered fluid that extends over approximately the entire filter width and is approximately as high as the projection on the outlet side of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Kadel, Johannes Geser, Joachim Eicher, Bernhard Freund, Stephen Terence Dunne, Wulf Bachtler
  • Patent number: 7341208
    Abstract: A fluid can be discontinuously atomized with an atomizer of the present invention. The atomizer can include a helical spring, disk spring or gas spring, acting as a pressure spring, as an energy storage device, a cylinder, piston, two ducts and two valves. Atomization can be initiated manually by triggering a locking mechanism. The energy storage device can be disposed outside a storage container for the fluid. The energy storage device can be provided mechanical energy manually. Via the piston, the stored energy can exert pressure onto the fluid in the cylinder, which ranges from 1 MPa to 5 MPa (10 bar to 50 bar). Distribution of the droplet size in the atomized jet can be independent from the level of experience and behavior of the person actuating the atomizer, and can be adjusted in a reproducible manner. The mean droplet diameter can be smaller than about 50 micrometers. The mass flow of the fluid through the nozzle can be less than about 0.4 g/s.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Microparts GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf-Peter Peters, Joachim Eicher, Holger Hollmann, Holger Reinecke, Stephen Terence Dunne
  • Publication number: 20070282276
    Abstract: A process and a device for dosing a pharmaceutical agent, preferably a liquid, are proposed. To achieve an enhanced dosing accuracy, a first component that is produced in batches, such as a shaped seal, is combined with a second component, such as a guide pipe selected from a suitable group guide pipes, wherein the suitable group of second components is selected based on at least one decisively significant value of the respective batch first components and is distinguished by an essential value of the second component which will optimize the sealing between the first and second components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Applicant: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Georg BOECK, Johannes GESER, Matthias HAUSMANN, Hans-Juergen KOELBEL, Joachim EICHER, Christian FEIERTAG
  • Patent number: 7246615
    Abstract: A nozzle assembly for use in atomizing and generating sprays from a fluid. The nozzle assembly includes two members, each with generally planar surfaces, that are joined together. A first set of channels is formed in the generally planar surface of a first one of the members to form, in cooperation with the generally planar surface of the second of the members, a plurality of filter passageways. A plenum chamber is formed in the first member. The plenum chamber is in fluid communication with and downstream of the plurality of filter passageways. A second set of channels is formed in the generally planar surface of the first member to form, in cooperation with the generally planar surface of the second member, a plurality of nozzle outlet passageways. These nozzle outlet passageways are in fluid communication with the plenum chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Boehringer International GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Bartels, Wulf Bachtler, Stephen T Dunne, Joachim Eicher, Bernhard Freund, William B Hart, Christoph Lessmoellmann
  • Publication number: 20060285987
    Abstract: A miniaturized device for pressurizing fluid. The device includes a hollow piston that provides a fluid path and a valve member. The valve member is configured for axial movement so that the valve axis remains parallel to the piston axis. The valve member is arranged at one end of the hollow piston. The valve member may be partially or completely disposed within the hollow piston. The device is particularly adapted for use in a mechanically operated atomizer to produce an inhalable aerosol of a liquid medicament without the use of propellant gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 21, 2006
    Inventors: Joachim Jaeger, Pasquale Cirillo, Joachim Eicher, Johannes Geser, Bernhard Freund, Bernd Zierenberg
  • Patent number: 7104470
    Abstract: A miniaturized device for pressurizing fluid. The device includes a hollow piston that provides a fluid path and a valve member. The valve member is configured for axial movement so that the valve axis remains parallel to the piston axis. The valve member is arranged at one end of the hollow piston. The valve member may be partially or completely disposed within the hollow piston. The device is particularly adapted for use in a mechanically operated atomizer to produce an inhalable aerosol of a liquid medicament without the use of propellant gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Jaeger, Pasquale Cirillo, Joachim Eicher, Johannes Geser, Bernhard Freund, Bernd Zierenberg
  • Patent number: 7090093
    Abstract: For medical fluids, two-part containers are used which consist of an inner container and an outer container which is impenetrable to diffusion. The inner container collapses when the fluid is removed. For the purposes of pressure compensation between the gaseous space, disposed between the inner- and outer containers, and the surroundings of the two-part container, a pressure compensation device is required by means of which at the same time the loss of fluid through diffusion from the collapsible inner container is kept as little as possible. To that end, at least one channel is used which communicates the gas-filled intermediate space with the surroundings of the two-part container. The time constant for compensation of a pressure differential of a few millibars is within the region of quite a few hours. It is obtained by selecting the length of the channel and channel cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Hochrainer, Bernd Zierenberg, Heinrich Kladders, Martin Essing, Gilbert Wuttke, Matthias Hausmann, Joachim Eicher
  • Publication number: 20060016449
    Abstract: For meteredly dispensing a liquid over a period of several months from a container which can be stored over a long period of time, the need is for a container which is practically diffusion-tight and in which the liquid does not come into contact with the ambient atmosphere. The cartridge according to the invention is a three-shell container comprising a collapsible bag which contains the liquid, a container which is stable in respect of shape and a stiff metal casing. The cartridge can be releasably connected to a dispensing device. The cartridge can be provided with a micro-opening with which the time for pressure equalisation between the cartridge and the ambient atmosphere can be adjusted. The cartridge is suitable for aqueous and for alcoholic liquids which contain a pharmaceutically active substance. The liquid in the cartridge is protected from external influences. The cartridge can be used in an atomiser for producing an inhalable aerosol for the treatment of illnesses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Publication date: January 26, 2006
    Applicant: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Eicher, Johannes Geser, Matthias Hausmann, Michael Schyra, Gilbert Wuttke, Andreas Fiol, Heinrich Kladders, Dieter Hochrainer, Bernd Zierenberg
  • Patent number: 6988496
    Abstract: For meteredly dispensing a liquid over a period of several months from a container which can be stored over a long period of time, the need is for a container which is practically diffusion-tight and in which the liquid does not come into contact with the ambient atmosphere. The cartridge according to the invention is a three-shell container comprising a collapsible bag which contains the liquid, a container which is stable in respect of shape and a stiff metal casing. The cartridge can be releasably connected to a dispensing device. The cartridge can be provided with a micro-opening with which the time for pressure equalisation between the cartridge and the ambient atmosphere can be adjusted. The cartridge is suitable for aqueous and for alcoholic liquids which contain a pharmacologically active substance. The liquid in the cartridge is protected from external influences. The cartridge can be used in an atomiser for producing an inhalable aerosol for the treatment of illnesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Eicher, Johannes Geser, Matthias Hausmann, Michael Schyra, Gilbert Wuttke, Andreas Fiol, Heinrich Kladders, Dieter Hochrainer, Bernd Zierenberg
  • Patent number: 6977042
    Abstract: A microstructured filter having an inlet for unfiltered fluid; an outlet for filtered fluid; a plurality of projections which are arranged in at least two rows in mutually juxtaposed relationship, project out of a base plate and are an integral component of the base plate; a plurality of passages between the projections and a cover plate which is securable to the base plate to cover the projections and the passages. The passages form a plurality of through paths from the inlet to the outlet. The inlet includes an elongate inlet slot for the unfiltered fluid that extends over approximately the entire filter width and is approximately as high as the projection on the outlet side of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventors: Klaus Kadel, Johannes Geser, Joachim Eicher, Bernhard Freund, Stephen Terence Dunne, Wulf Bachtler
  • Publication number: 20050269424
    Abstract: A locking tensioning mechanism for a miniaturised high pressure generator is disclosed, which mechanism will allow delivery of a set volume of a liquid, and the volume to be delivered by a high pressure generator can be altered subsequently by adjusting one of the stops of the spring component, which locking tensioning mechanism may be used in a high pressure generator for producing an inhalable aerosol or in a needleless injector for injecting a volume of a liquid into animal or plant tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Publication date: December 8, 2005
    Applicant: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Gilbert Wuttke, Michael Schyra, Andreas Fiol, Joachim Eicher
  • Publication number: 20050252990
    Abstract: A miniaturized device for pressurizing fluid. The device includes a hollow piston that provides a fluid path and a valve member. The valve member is configured for axial movement so that the valve axis remains parallel to the piston axis. The valve member is arranged at one end of the hollow piston. The valve member may be partially or completely disposed within the hollow piston. The device is particularly adapted for use in a mechanically operated atomizer to produce an inhalable aerosol of a liquid medicament without the use of propellant gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Publication date: November 17, 2005
    Inventors: Joachim Jaeger, Pasquale Cirillo, Joachim Eicher, Johannes Geser, Bernhard Freund, Bernd Zierenberg
  • Patent number: 6945472
    Abstract: A locking tensioning mechanism for a miniaturised high pressure generator is disclosed, which mechanism will allow delivery of a set volume of a liquid, and the volume to be delivered by a high pressure generator can be altered subsequently by adjusting one of the stops of the spring component, which locking tensioning mechanism may be used in a high pressure generator for producing an inhalable aerosol or in a needleless injector for injecting a volume of a liquid into animal or plant tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Gilbert Wuttke, Michael Schyra, Andreas Fiol, Joachim Eicher