Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Andrea G. Reister
-
Patent number: 6540393Abstract: Apparatus and method for preparing microparticles using in-line solvent extraction. An emulsion is formed by combining two phases in a static mixer. The emulsion is combined with an extraction liquid in a blending static mixer. The outflow of the blending static mixer is combined with additional extraction liquid. The additional extraction liquid and the outflow of the blending static mixer can be combined in a vessel, or through the use of a static mixer manifold that includes a plurality of static mixers.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics Inc. IIInventors: Shawn L. Lyons, Steven G. Wright
-
Patent number: 6537586Abstract: Apparatus and method for preparing microparticles. An emulsion is formed by combining two phases in a static mixing assembly. The static mixing assembly preferably includes a preblending static mixer and a manifold. The emulsion flows out of the static mixing assembly into a quench liquid whereby droplets of the emulsion form microparticles. The residence time of the emulsion in the static mixing assembly is controlled to obtain a predetermined particle size distribution of the resulting microparticles.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2002Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics Inc. IIInventors: Shawn L. Lyons, Steven G. Wright
-
Patent number: 6534092Abstract: A method for preparing microparticles having a selected polymer molecular weight. The hold time and temperature of a solution containing a nucleophilic compound and a polymer having a starting molecular weight are controlled in order to control the molecular weight of the polymer in the finished microparticle product. In this manner a selected polymer molecular weight in the finished microparticle product can be achieved from a variety of starting material molecular weights.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2002Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc. IIInventors: Steven G. Wright, Michael E. Rickey, J. Michael Ramstack, Shawn L. Lyons, Joyce M. Hotz
-
Patent number: 6495166Abstract: Apparatus and method for preparing microparticles using in-line solvent extraction. An emulsion is formed by combining two phases in a static mixer. The emulsion is combined with an extraction liquid in a blending static mixer. The outflow of the blending static mixer is combined with additional extraction liquid. The additional extraction liquid and the outflow of the blending static mixer can be combined in a vessel, or through the use of a static mixer manifold that includes a plurality of static mixers.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1999Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics Inc.Inventors: Shawn L. Lyons, Steven G. Wright
-
Patent number: 6495164Abstract: Injectable compositions having improved injectability. The injectable compositions include microparticles suspended in an aqueous injection vehicle having a viscosity of at least 20 cp at 20° C. The increased viscosity of the injection vehicle that constitutes the fluid phase of the suspension significantly reduces in vivo injectability failures. The injectable compositions can be made by mixing dry microparticles with an aqueous injection vehicle to form a suspension, and then mixing the suspension with a viscosity enhancing agent to increase the viscosity of the fluid phase of the suspension to the desired level for improved injectability.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2000Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc. IInventors: J. Michael Ramstack, M. Gary I. Riley, Stephen E. Zale, Joyce M. Hotz, Olufunmi L. Johnson
-
Patent number: 6488205Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a system and method for extracting and processing data contained on an information card, particularly a healthcare plan identification card. The data preferably includes both textual data and graphical data, but can contain either type of data singularly. The system preferably associates the textual and graphical data or a portion thereof with a healthcare plan sponsor. In addition, the system analyzes the data to determine a healthcare plan product identifier. Based upon the healthcare plan product identifier, the system provides information about the healthcare plan product so that decisions can be made about an individual associated with the healthcare plan product.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1999Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Inventor: Howard John Jacobson
-
Patent number: 6471995Abstract: Method and apparatus for preparing microparticles using liquid-liquid extraction. A first phase and a second phase are combined to form an emulsion. A portion of the second phase is separated from the emulsion (solvent rich), and the solvent is extracted from the separated second phase, which is then returned (solvent poor) to the emulsion. This process of separation of a solvent rich phase, extraction of solvent, and return of a solvent poor phase, is carried out until a selected level of solvent in the emulsion is achieved. Alternatively, the separated solvent rich phase is not returned to the emulsion, but replaced with another solution, such as an aqueous solution, that is free from solvent. The solvent is preferably extracted into an extraction liquid that functions as a “solvent sink” for the solvent.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2000Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc. IIInventor: J. Michael Ramstack
-
Patent number: 6403114Abstract: A method for preparing biodegradable, biocompatible microparticles. A first phase is prepared that includes a biodegradable, biocompatible polymer, an active agent, and a solvent. A second phase is prepared. The first and second phases are combined to form an emulsion in which the first phase is discontinuous and the second phase is continuous. The discontinuous first phase is separated from the continuous second phase. The residual level of solvent in the discontinuous first phase is reduced to less than about 2% by weight.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics Inc. IIInventors: Michael E. Rickey, J. Michael Ramstack, Danny H. Lewis
-
Patent number: 6402435Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for constructing a pre-stressed modular construction for supporting or retaining an applied load. In particular, the present invention relates to a system and method for pre-stressed modular retaining walls. The system comprises a plurality of header stacks constructed from a variety of header units. The header stacks are coupled by structural members. Active reinforcement elements are used to induce a pre-stressing force into the header stacks to support or retain the applied load. A method for constructing the modular construction is provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1999Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventor: Cyrrus Gregory Lewis
-
Patent number: 6395304Abstract: Apparatus and method for preparing microparticles. An emulsion is formed by combining two phases in a static mixing assembly. The static mixing assembly preferably includes a preblending static mixer and a manifold. The emulsion flows out of the static mixing assembly into a quench liquid whereby droplets of the emulsion form microparticles. The residence time of the emulsion in the static mixing assembly is controlled to obtain a predetermined particle size distribution of the resulting microparticles.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2001Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics Inc. IIInventors: Shawn L. Lyons, Steven G. Wright
-
Patent number: 6379704Abstract: A method for preparing microparticles having a selected polymer molecular weight. The hold time and temperature of a solution containing a nucleophilic compound and a polymer having a starting molecular weight are controlled in order to control the molecular weight of the polymer in the finished microparticle product. In this manner, a selected polymer molecular weight in the finished microparticle product can be achieved from a variety of starting material molecular weights.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2001Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics Inc. IIInventors: Steven G. Wright, Michael E. Rickey, J. Michael Ramstack, Shawn L. Lyons, Joyce M. Hotz
-
Patent number: 6379703Abstract: An improved method for preparing microparticles that exhibit controlled release of an effective amount of an active agent over an extended period of time. More particularly, a method is provided for preparing microparticles having a selected release profile for release of active agent contained in the microparticles. By adjusting the degree of drying that is performed during the preparation of the microparticles, the release profile can be controlled. By performing no intermediate drying, an initial burst and a substantially linear release profile is achieved. By performing substantially complete intermediate drying, an initial lag phase and a substantially sigmoidal release profile is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics Inc., IIInventors: Shawn L. Lyons, J. Michael Ramstack, Steven G. Wright
-
Patent number: 6368632Abstract: Method of treating warm blooded animals suffering from psychotic disorders. The method includes administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of sustained-release microparticles that include risperidone, or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, and a biodegradable and biocompatible polymeric matrix.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2000Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignees: Janssen Pharmaceutica, Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics Inc. IIInventors: Jean Mesens, Michael E. Rickey, Thomas J. Atkins
-
Patent number: 6365183Abstract: The present invention is directed to an active agent dosage form and methods of its fabrication which is useful for the prolonged delivery of an active agent formulation to a fluid environment of use. The active agent dosage form is a matrix that has on its surface one or more insoluble bands located in complementary grooves. The invention is also directed to articles of manufacture, methods and systems for fabricating the active agent dosage form.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1999Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: ALZA CorporationInventors: David E. Edgren, Patrick S.-L. Wong, Francisco Jao, Yolanda M. Puga
-
Patent number: 6362308Abstract: Copolymers of lactide and glycolide with high glycolide content. The average glycolate block length is less then about 3, which allows the copolymer to be soluble in slightly polar solvents such as methylene chloride.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2000Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics Inc. IIInventor: Chiem V. Pham
-
Patent number: 6357490Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a precisely controlled amount of dry material to a container. A powder slug is formed, preferably under vacuum, in a dosing hole formed in a dosing plate. The powder slug represents a precisely metered amount of material to be deposited into the container. The dosing plate is translated to a position such that the powder slug is above, and may be expelled into, a container located in a dosing wheel that has been moved into proper position for container filling to occur. In another embodiment, a system is provided for automated container filling.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Advanced Inhalation Research, Inc.Inventors: Lloyd P. Johnston, Kevin Stapleton, Ernest Penachio
-
Patent number: 6333050Abstract: The present invention is directed to an oral active agent delivery system and method for delivering discrete units of an active agent formulation to a patient. An active agent formulation chamber containing the active agent formulation and having a fluid passing active agent formulation retainer is placed at a first end into a fluid and at a second end into a patient's mouth. The active agent is delivered when the patient sips on the second end of the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2001Date of Patent: December 25, 2001Assignee: Alza CorporationInventors: Patrick S.-L. Wong, Howard B. Rosen, Nathan Roth, Phyllis I. Gardner
-
Patent number: 6331317Abstract: Apparatus and method for preparing microparticles. An emulsion is formed by combining two phases in a static mixing assembly. The static mixing assembly preferably includes a preblending static mixer and a manifold. The emulsion flows out of the static mixing assembly into a quench liquid whereby droplets of the emulsion form microparticles. The residence time of the emulsion in the static mixing assembly is controlled to obtain a predetermined particle size distribution of the resulting microparticles.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics II Inc.Inventors: Shawn L. Lyons, Steven G. Wright
-
Patent number: 6292253Abstract: An in-line index printing system includes a sensor that determines the average density value of a photographic frame, a programmable light source and a video camera. The average density value calculated by the sensor is used to set the current levels supplied to a set of red, green, and blue LEDs to produce light that compensates for the exposure and color characteristics of the photographic frame. The film is illuminated by the light produced by the programmable light source and the video camera captures an image of a frame on the film. The image is digitized, and stored in a memory of a computer where it can be manipulated, if desired to enhance the color. The images from the frames can be printed on a color laser printer, a CRT printer, or transmitted over a computer network, such as the Internet.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Digital Now, Inc.Inventors: William George Reed, Virginia Lee Aldrich, John Oliver Renn
-
Patent number: 6290983Abstract: A method for preparing biodegradable, biocompatible microparticles. A first phase is prepared that includes a biodegradable, biocompatible polymer, an active agent, and a solvent. A second phase is prepared. The first and second phases are combined to form an emulsion in which the first phase is discontinuous and the second phase is continuous. The discontinuous first phase is separated from the continuous second phase. The residual level of solvent in the discontinuous first phase is reduced to less than about 2% by weight.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics Inc. II.Inventors: Michael E. Rickey, J. Michael Ramstack, Danny H. Lewis