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).

  • Patent number: 6932789
    Abstract: Needle-less injectors for liquids are known in many different forms which are adapted to different conditions of use. The needle-less injector according to the invention is in the form of a hand-held unit. It includes a locking stressing mechanism, an energy-storing spring (36), a hollow plunger (37) displaceable in a cylinder (38) and a nozzle (39). At its one end, the hollow plunger is provided with a valve body (42). The supply container (44) for the liquid is arranged within the housing. When the locking stressing mechanism is stressed by rotation of the two housing portions (31, 32) relative to each other the hollow plunger (37) is drawn out of the cylinder (38); at the same time the amount of liquid required for an injection is conveyed out of the supply container (44) through the plunger into the pump chamber (43). After the locking stressing mechanism is triggered the amount of liquid is expelled from the pump chamber through the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Zierenberg, Ralph Christian Reimholz, Knut Elbers, Stefan Henke, Joachim Eicher, Johannes Geser
  • Patent number: 6918547
    Abstract: A miniaturized device for producing high pressure in a fluid imposes stringent requirements on the manufacturing process. The device according to the invention consists of a hollow piston displaceably mounted in a cylinder and a valve member which is guided by the hollow piston and mounted so as to be axially movable relative to the hollow piston. The valve member is arranged at one end of the hollow piston inside or immediately in front of the end of the hollow piston. The device is used in a mechanically operated high pressure atomizer. This consists of a two part housing which comprises a pump housing with nozzle, a blocking mechanism, a spring housing with spring, a non-pressurized storage container for the fluid and a medical counter integrated in the spring housing. The valve operates without any auxiliary force, closes very rapidly and is sealed tight against high pressure. The atomizer is safe and simple to operate and environmentally friendly. The fluid is metered extremely accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Inventors: Joachim Jaeger, Pasquale Cirillo, Joachim Eicher, Johannes Geser, Bernhard Freund, Bernd Zierenberg
  • Publication number: 20050001076
    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: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Publication date: January 6, 2005
    Applicant: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Eicher, Johannes Geser, Matthias Hausmann, Holger Reinecke
  • Publication number: 20040182867
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Hochrainer, Bernd Zierenberg, Heinrich Kladders, Martin Essing, Gilbert Wuttke, Matthias Hausmann, Joachim Eicher
  • Publication number: 20040178227
    Abstract: A miniaturised device for producing high pressure in a fluid imposes stringent requirements on the manufacturing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: Boehringer International GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Jaeger, Pasquale Cirillo, Joachim Eicher, Johannes Geser, Bernhard Freund, Bernd Zierenberg
  • Publication number: 20040143235
    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: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Applicant: Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Freund, Dieter Hochrainer, Heinrich Kladders, Bernd Zierenberg, Joachim Eicher, Johannes Geser, Martin Essing, Holger Reinecke
  • Patent number: 6726124
    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: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Boehringer International GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Jaeger, Pasquale Cirillo, Joachim Eicher, Johannes Geser, Bernhard Freund, Bernd Zierenberg
  • Patent number: 6689092
    Abstract: Needle-less injectors for liquids are known in many different forms which are adapted to different conditions of use. The needle-less injector according to the invention is in the form of a hand-held unit. It includes a locking stressing mechanism, an energy-storing spring (36), a hollow plunger (37) displaceable in a cylinder (38) and a nozzle (39). At its one end, the hollow plunger is provided with a valve body (42). The supply container (44) for the liquid is arranged within the housing. When the locking stressing mechanism is stressed by rotation of the two housing portions (31, 32) relative to each other the hollow plunger (37) is drawn out of the cylinder (38); at the same time the amount of liquid required for an injection is conveyed out of the supply container (44) through the plunger into the pump chamber (43). After the locking stressing mechanism is triggered the amount of liquid is expelled from the pump chamber through the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Boehringer International GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Zierenberg, Ralph Christian Reimholz, Knut Elbers, Stefan Henke, Joachim Eicher, Johannes Geser
  • Patent number: 6685691
    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: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Freund, Dieter Hochrainer, Heinrich Kladders, Bernd Zierenberg, Joachim Eicher, Johannes Geser, Martin Essing, Holger Reinecke
  • Publication number: 20040015126
    Abstract: Needle-less injectors for liquids are known in many different forms which are adapted to different conditions of use. The needle-less injector according to the invention is in the form of a hand-held unit. It includes a locking stressing mechanism, an energy-storing spring (36), a hollow plunger (37) displaceable in a cylinder (38) and a nozzle (39). At its one end, the hollow plunger is provided with a valve body (42). The supply container (44) for the liquid is arranged within the housing. When the locking stressing mechanism is stressed by rotation of the two housing portions (31, 32) relative to each other the hollow plunger (37) is drawn out of the cylinder (38); at the same time the amount of liquid required for an injection is conveyed out of the supply container (44) through the plunger into the pump chamber (43). After the locking stressing mechanism is triggered the amount of liquid is expelled from the pump chamber through the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Bernd Zierenberg, Ralph Christian Reimholz, Knut Elbers, Stefan Henke, Joachim Eicher, Johannes Geser
  • Patent number: 6660151
    Abstract: A microstructured mold is produced from a solid body (metal, ceramic, glass, stone or monocrystalline material) by precision mechanical machining, additive or subtractive structuring. The mold insert is filled and covered by a flowable material and the solidified material is separated from the mold insert giving a microstructure element. The microstructure elements produced by the process have good material properties and can be prepared in a broad range of shapes and structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: STEAG MicroParts GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Lessmöllmann, Joachim Eicher, Holger Reinecke
  • Publication number: 20030209238
    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: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: STEAG microParts GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf-Peter Peters, Joachim Eicher, Holger Hollmann, Holger Reinecke, Stephen Terence Dunne
  • Publication number: 20030080210
    Abstract: A miniaturised device for producing high pressure in a fluid imposes stringent requirements on the manufacturing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Joachim Jaeger, Pasquale Cirillo, Joachim Eicher, Johannes Geser, Bernhard Freund, Bernd Zierenberg
  • Publication number: 20030075623
    Abstract: The present invention provides a simple form of nozzle assembly for use in generating sprays from a fluid, which comprises a first member having one or more nozzle outlets, one or more fluid inlets and one or more channels connecting them formed by electrical or chemical etching or other processes which selectively remove material from one face of the said member; and a second member co-operating with the said first member to provide a wall of said outlets, inlets or channels to form the fluid flow paths for the nozzle assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Frank Bartels, Wulf Bachtler, Stephen Terence Dunne, Joachim Eicher, Bernhard Freund, William Barrie Hart, Christoph Lessmoellmann
  • Publication number: 20030042336
    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: September 3, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Gilbert Wuttke, Michael Schyra, Andreas Fiol, Joachim Eicher
  • Patent number: 6503362
    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: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Bartels, Wulf Bachtler, Stephen Terence Dunne, Joachim Eicher, Bernhard Freund, William Barrie Hart, Christoph Lessmoellmann
  • Patent number: 6497373
    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: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Boehringer International GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Jaeger, Pasquale Cirillo, Joachim Eicher, Johannes Geser, Bernhard Freund, Bernd Zierenberg
  • Patent number: 6453795
    Abstract: A spring-actuated output drive device is used for example in medical aerosol therapy for a miniaturised high-pressure producing device for atomising a small dose of a liquid medicament. A locking-stressing-mechanism for such an output d rive device is to be stressed with the application of a relatively small amount of force and is to be released with one hand and is to operate reliably over a prolonged period of time. The locking-stressing-mechanism comprises a force step-up transmission, for example a screw thrust transmission for stressing the spring, an annularly arranged locking member with engaging locking surfaces, two abutments for limiting the travel of the spring and a release button. It is compact, economical to produce, easy to assemble and comprises components with a low rate of wear. It can be reliably and easily handled by unskilled persons, even when high spring forces are involved. A medicament to be atomised can thus be metered with a very high degree of accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Eicher, Michael Schyra, Richard Forster
  • Publication number: 20020130195
    Abstract: A miniaturised device for producing high pressure in a fluid imposes stringent requirements on the manufacturing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Joachim Jaeger, Pasquale Cirillo, Joachim Eicher, Johannes Geser, Bernhard Freund, Bernd Zierenberg
  • Patent number: 6402055
    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: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Jaeger, Pasquale Cirillo, Joachim Eicher, Johannes Geser, Bernhard Freund, Bernd Zierenberg