Patents by Inventor Virgil A. Place
Virgil A. Place 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: 5869096Abstract: An osmotic device (10) for delivering a beneficial drug, such as an anti-fungal, into the mouth of a human patient is disclosed. The device (10) has a size and shape adapting it to be comfortably retained in the mouth for extended periods of time. The device (10) comprises a wall (12) surrounding a compartment (13) housing a layer of an agent (14) that is insoluble to very soluble in aqueous biological fluids, e.g., saliva, and a layer (16) of a fluid swellable, hydrophilic polymer. A passageway (17) in the wall (12) connects the agent (14) with the exterior of the device (10). The wall (12) is permeable to the passage of aqueous biological fluid but substantially impermeable to the passage of the hydrophilic polymer (16). In one embodiment the beneficial agent (14) has a different color than the hydrophilic polymer (16). The wall (12) is sufficiently translucent to permit the patient to see the amount of drug/beneficial agent (14) remaining to be delivered.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1994Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Assignee: Alza CorporationInventors: Brian L. Barclay, Jerry D. Childers, Jeri Wright, Virgil A. Place, Patrick S. L. Wong
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Patent number: 5855548Abstract: A venous flow control device is provided for assisting in the maintenance of a penile erection or in preventing urinary incontinence. The device is a tubular structure adapted to be secured in a loop configuration about the penis to provide an adjustable radial constrictive force about the base of the penis. Methods for using the device are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 1997Date of Patent: January 5, 1999Assignee: Vivus, IncorporatedInventor: Virgil A. Place
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Patent number: 5820587Abstract: A method is provided for preventing erectile dysfunction, particularly vasculogenic impotence, in a male individual. The method involves periodic administration of a vasoactive agent throughout a 24-hour period. The agent and dosage regimen are selected such that regularly increased blood flow to the penis is achieved, in turn preventing arterial occlusion and vascular deterioration of the muscular fibers of the vessels and collagen fibers of the cavernosal tissue.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1997Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignee: Vivus IncorporatedInventor: Virgil A. Place
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Patent number: 5776493Abstract: An osmotic device (10) for delivering a beneficial drug, such as an anti-fungal, into the mouth of a human patient is disclosed. The device (10) has a size and shape adapting it to be comfortably retained in the mouth for extended periods of time. The device (10) comprises a wall (12) surrounding a compartment (13) housing a layer of an agent (14) that is insoluble to very soluble in aqueous biological fluids, e.g., saliva, and a layer (16) of a fluid swellable, hydrophilic polymer. A passageway (17) in the wall (12) connects the agent (14) with the exterior of the device (10). The wall (12) is permeable to the passage of aqueous biological fluid but substantially impermeable to the passage of the hydrophilic polymer (16). In one embodiment the beneficial agent (14) has a different color than the hydrophilic polymer (16). The wall (12) is sufficiently translucent to permit the patient to see the amount of drug/beneficial agent (14) remaining to be delivered.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1993Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Assignee: ALZA CorporationInventors: Brian L. Barclay, Jerry D. Childers, Jeri Wright, Virgil A. Place, Patrick S.-L. Wong
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Patent number: 5773020Abstract: Erectile dysfunction, particularly impotence, priapism and Peyronie's disease is treated by the transurethral administration of a therapeutically effective agent. The agents are administered to the urethra by means of a penile insert (1) having a rapidly releasing coating (4) containing the agent on its exterior surface or by means of an inserter (27) carrying an agent containing dose of agent (31) which can be displaced into the urethra.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1997Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Assignee: Vivus, Inc.Inventors: Virgil A. Place, Robert M. Gale, Randall G. Berggren
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Patent number: 5769088Abstract: A method for diagnosing vasculogenic erectile dysfunction, including vasculogenic impotence and Peyronie's syndrome, is provided. The method involves transurethral administration of a vasodilating agent to induce an erection, followed by hemodynamic evaluation using duplex ultrasonography, NMR, angiography, or the like. Kits for conducting the diagnostic method are provided as well, as are methods of treatment based on the diagnostic conclusion.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1995Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Assignee: Vivus, Inc.Inventor: Virgil A. Place
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Patent number: 5573776Abstract: An osmotic device (10) for delivering an ergot alkaloid into the mouth of a human patient is disclosed. The device (10) has a size and shape adapting it to be comfortably retained in the mouth for extended periods of time. The device (10) comprises a wall (12) surrounding a compartment (13) housing a layer of an ergot alkaloid (14) and a layer (16) of a fluid swellable, hydrophilic polymer. A passageway (17) in the wall (12) connects the ergot alkaloid (14) with the exterior of the device (10). The wall (12) is permeable to the passage of aqueous biological fluid but substantially impermeable to the passage of the hydrophilic polymer (16). In one embodiment the ergot alkaloid (14) has a different color than the hydrophilic polymer (16). The wall (12) is sufficiently translucent to permit the patient to see the amount of ergot alkaloid (14) remaining to be delivered.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1994Date of Patent: November 12, 1996Assignee: ALZA CorporationInventors: Juan M. E. Harrison, Brian L. Barclay, Jerry D. Childers, Jeri D. Wright, Virgil A. Place, Patrick S. Wong
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Patent number: 5512299Abstract: A method of treating inflammatory disease of the mouth by locally delivering beclomethasone dipropionate and related compounds to the oral cavity of a patient over an extended period of time is disclosed. In one embodiment, beclomethasone dipropionate is delivered by an osmotic device (10), in another embodiment, it is delivered by an erosion controlled device (110) and in yet another embodiment, it is delivered by a diffusion controlled device (310).Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1993Date of Patent: April 30, 1996Assignee: Alza CorporationInventors: Virgil A. Place, Myriam T. Encarnacion, Patrick S. L. Wong, Juan M. E. Harrison
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Patent number: 5482039Abstract: A method for diagnosing vasculogenic erectile dysfunction, including vasculogenic impotence and Peyronie's syndrome, is provided. The method involves transurethral administration of a vasodilating agent to induce an erection, followed by hemodynamic evaluation using duplex ultrasonography, NMR, angiography, or the like. Kits for conducting the diagnostic method are provided as well, as are methods of treatment based on the diagnostic conclusion.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1994Date of Patent: January 9, 1996Assignee: Vivus, Inc.Inventor: Virgil A. Place
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Patent number: 5474535Abstract: Erectile dysfunction, particularly impotence, priapism and Peyronie's disease is treated by the transurethral administration of a therapeutically effective agent. The agents are administered to the urethra by means of a penile insert (40) having a shaft with a deformable distal end which forms a dose receiving cavity when an internal piston is retracted relative to the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1993Date of Patent: December 12, 1995Assignee: Vivus, Inc.Inventors: Virgil A. Place, Robert M. Gale, Randall G. Berggren
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Patent number: 5248310Abstract: An osmotic device (10) for delivering a beneficial drug, such as an anti-fungal, into the mouth of a human patient is disclosed. The device (10) has a size and shape adapting it to be comfortably retained in the mouth for extended periods of time. The device (10) comprises a wall (12) surrounding a compartment (13) housing a layer of an agent (14) that is insoluble to very soluble in aqueous biological fluids, e.g., saliva, and a layer (16) of a fluid swellable, hydrophilic polymer. A passageway (17) in the wall (12) connects the agent (14) with the exterior of the device (10). The wall (12) is permeable to the passage of aqueous biological fluid but substantially impermeable to the passage of the hydrophilic polymer (16). In one embodiment the beneficial agent (14) has a different color than the hydrophilic polymer (16). The wall (12) is sufficiently translucent to permit the patient to see the amount of drug/beneficial agent (14) remaining to be delivered.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1992Date of Patent: September 28, 1993Assignee: Alza CorporationInventors: Brian L. Barclay, Jerry D. Childers, Jeri D. Wright, Virgil A. Place, Patrick S.-L. Wong
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Patent number: 5242391Abstract: Erectile dysfunction, particularly impotence, priapism and Peyronie's disease is treated by the transurethral administration of a therapeutically effective agent. The agents are administered to the urethra by means of a penile insert (1) having a rapidly releasing coating (4) containing the agent on its exterior surface or by means of an inserter (27) carrying an agent containing dose of agent (31) which can be displaced into the urethra.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1991Date of Patent: September 7, 1993Assignee: ALZA CorporationInventors: Virgil A. Place, Robert M. Gale, Randall G. Berggren
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Patent number: 5147654Abstract: An osmotic device (10) for the controlled systemic delivery of nicotine through an oral mucosal membrane of a human patient is disclosed. The device (10) has a size and shape adapting it to be comfortably retained in the mouth for extended periods of time. The device (10) comprises a semipermeable wall (12) surrounding a compartment (13) containing a nicotine salt (14) and optionally an alkaline salt which is capable of reacting with the nicotine salt in the presence of water to form nicotine base. The conversion of nicotine salt to nicotine base may take place within the device (10) and/or outside the device and in the patient's mouth. Nicotine base and/or salt is delivered from the compartment (13) through a passageway (17) in the wall (12). The nicotine salt exhibits good stability and shelf life while the nicotine base exhibits excellent absorption through oral mucosal membranes.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1991Date of Patent: September 15, 1992Assignee: Alza CorporationInventors: Virgil A. Place, Patrick S. L. Wong, Brian L. Barclay, Jerry D. Childers
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Patent number: 5053032Abstract: An osmotic device for delivering a beneficial drug, such as an anti-fungal, into the mouth of a human patient is disclosed. The device has a size and shape adapting it to be comfortably retained in the mouth for extended periods of time. The device comprises a wall surrounding a compartment housing a layer of an agent that is insoluble to very soluble in aqueous biological fluids, e.g., saliva, and a layer of a fluid swellable, hydrophilic polymer. A passageway in the wall connects the agent with the exterior of the device. The wall is permeable to the passage of aqueous biological fluid but substantially impermeable to the passage of the hydrophilic polymer. In one embodiment the beneficial agent has a different color than the hydrophilic polymer. The wall is sufficiently translucent to permit the patient to see the amount of drug/beneficial agent remaining to be delivered.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1990Date of Patent: October 1, 1991Inventors: Brian L. Barclay, Jerry D. Childers, Jeri Wright, Virgil A. Place, Patrick S. L. Wong
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Patent number: 5021053Abstract: An osmotic device for delivering a beneficial drug, such as an anti-fungal, into the mouth of a human patient is disclosed. The device has a size and shape adapting it to be comfortably retained in the mouth for extended periods of time. The device comprises a wall surrounding a compartment housing a layer of an agent that is insoluble to very soluble in aqueous biological fluid, e.g., saliva, and a layer of a fluid swellable, hydrophilic polymer. A passageway in the wall connects the agent with the exterior of the device. The wall is permeable to the passage of aqueous biological fluid but substantially impermeable to the passage of the hydrophilic polymer. In one embodiment the beneficial agent has a different color than the hydrophilic polymer. The wall is sufficiently translucent to permit the patient to see the amount of drug/beneficial agent remaining to be delivered.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1989Date of Patent: June 4, 1991Assignee: Alza CorporationInventors: Brian L. Barclay, Jerry D. Childers, Jeri Wright, Virgil A. Place, Patrick S. L. Wong
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Patent number: 4867982Abstract: A medical device for the transdermal delivery of an active agent through sensitive intact skin is provided. The device comprises a matrix containing the drug having reinforcing means, preferably in the form of a fabric, embedded in the upper surface of the matrix. The matrix is formed of an agent permeable material which is tacky but does not adhesively bond to the skin. The device is sufficiently flexible and deformable that the combination of tackiness, flexibility, and deformation permits the device to be maintained in agent transmitting relationship upon skin at such sensitive areas as the scrotum, labia, breast, or penis, for example. In certain embodiments, the skin distal surface is provided with a layer of an agent impermeable material to reduce transfer of the agent from the patient to others.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1988Date of Patent: September 19, 1989Assignee: ALZA CorporationInventors: Patricia S. Campbell, James B. Eckenhoff, Virgil A. Place
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Patent number: 4725439Abstract: A medical device for the transdermal delivery of an active agent through sensitive intact skin is provided. The device comprises a matrix containing the drug having reinforcing means, preferably in the form of a fabric, embedded in the upper surface of the matrix. The matrix is formed of an agent permeable material which is tacky but does not adhesively bond to the skin. The device is sufficiently flexible and deformable that the combination of tackiness, flexibility, and deformation permits the device to be maintained in agent transmitting relationship upon skin at such sensitive areas as the scrotum, labia, breast, or penis, for example. In certain embodiments, the skin distal surface is provided with a layer of an agent impermeable material to reduce transfer of the agent from the patient to others.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1986Date of Patent: February 16, 1988Assignee: ALZA CorporationInventors: Patricia S. Campbell, James B. Eckenhoff, Virgil A. Place
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Patent number: 4631060Abstract: A vaginal spermicide distributing membrane comprises a relatively thin flexible membrane having a plurality of integral rings of thicker dimension on one or both sides thereof. Each ring can have a depression along its surface that functions as a receptacle for spermicide. The rings provide sufficient resistance to deformation so that when the membrane is flexed for insertion in the vagina, it will tend to assume a planar shape and be held in contact with the vaginal mucosa. The rings keep the device properly positioned and function as successive barriers to sperm migration. Loops provided along the periphery of the membrane assist in its insertion and removal.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 1986Date of Patent: December 23, 1986Assignee: Pavex, Inc.Inventor: Virgil A. Place
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Patent number: 4539004Abstract: A pump assembly particularly useful as an infusor for parenteral administration of a small amount of a therapeutically active substance for a prolonged period of time at a substantially constant rate comprising a fluid imbibing pump mounted within a receptacle into which actuating fluid may be charged. The active agent is dispensed from the pump after the pump is exposed to the fluid. Means to vary or stop the pump by obdurating all or a portion of the exterior surface of the pump can also be provided. Variation in flow rates can also be obtained by changing the composition of the actuating fluid.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1984Date of Patent: September 3, 1985Assignee: ALZA CorporationInventors: James B. Eckenhoff, Virgil A. Place, John R. Peery
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Patent number: 4474575Abstract: A pump assembly particularly useful as an infusor for parenteral administration of a small amount of a therapeutically active substance for a prolonged period of time at a substantially constant rate comprising a fluid imbibing pump mounted within a receptacle into which actuating fluid may be charged. The active agent is dispensed from the pump after the pump is exposed to the fluid. Means to vary or stop the pump by obdurating all or a portion of the exterior surface of the pump can also be provided. Variation in flow rates can also be obtained by changing the composition of the actuating fluid.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1982Date of Patent: October 2, 1984Assignee: Alza CorporationInventors: James B. Eckenhoff, Virgil A. Place, John R. Peery