Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm D. Byron Miller
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Patent number: 5399828Abstract: Tablet treating system 10 treats a series of pharmaceutical tablets 50T with pulses of laser energy 24P within at least one predetermined treatment site 50S on each tablet. A tablet conveyer 12 continuously moves individual tablets along a tablet path 10P. A Laser 14 provides the pulses of laser energy along a stationary laser path which crosses the tablet path defining a stationary intersection zone 14Z common to both paths. The tablet path has periodic treatment windows 20W during which the treatment sites 50S on the moving tablets pass through the stationary intersection zone. The operation of the laser has periodic laser ready windows 24W during which the laser may be fired. A controller 16 is responsive to the movement of the tablet conveyer and to the operation of the laser for activating the laser and treating the tablets. The controller activates the laser when a tablet is passing through the intersection zone and the tablet treatment window coincides with the laser ready window.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1993Date of Patent: March 21, 1995Assignee: Alza CorporationInventors: Thomas A. Riddle, Johan H. Geerke, Keith P. Minton
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Patent number: 5387189Abstract: An apparatus for supplying power to deliver a beneficial agent or drug though a body surface of a patient is provided. In a first embodiment, the invention includes a power supply (eg, a battery 118, 119) and optionally other electrical components (126, 128), positioned in a pocket (114) formed in a supporting substrate (112). Electrically conducting traces (113, 116) positioned on the substrate (112, 113) form an electrical power network connecting the battery (118, 119) to the other electrical components (126, 128), for control and delivery of electrical power. The traces may be electrically conducting adhesive strips (206). In a second embodiment, a waterproof enclosure provides moisture isolation of electrical components in an electrical power network. The waterproof enclosure may be selectively formed around one or a group of electrical components (202, 204, 218) by sealing a sealant film (208, 210).Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1993Date of Patent: February 7, 1995Assignee: ALZA CorporationInventors: J. Richard Gory, John R. Peery
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Patent number: 5385543Abstract: A dry-state iontophoretic drug delivery device (10, 20) is provided. The device has drug and electrolyte reservoirs (15, 16) which are initially in a non-hydrated condition. In one embodiment of the invention, a passageway (21, 22) is provided through the backing layer (13) and the electrode layer (11, 12) of both the donor electrode assembly (8) and the counter electrode assembly (9). Water or other liquid can be introduced through these passageways (21, 22) in order to hydrate the drug and electrolyte reservoirs (15, 16) and activate the device (10). In another embodiment of the device (20), the drug and electrolyte reservoirs (15, 16) are initially separated from their respective electrodes (11, 12). After the reservoirs (15, 16) are hydrated, they are placed in electrical contact with their respective electrodes (11, 12). By joining the reservoir (15, 16) to the electrode (11, 12) after hydration occurs, delamination problems are reduced.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1993Date of Patent: January 31, 1995Assignee: Alza CorporationInventors: Ronald P. Haak, J. Richard Gyory, Felix Theeuwes, Robert M. Myers
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Patent number: 5380271Abstract: An electrical circuit (21) for an electrotransport agent delivery device (10), and a method for making same, is provided. The circuit (21) generally includes a plurality of electrically conductive circuit traces (71-77) deposited on a substrate (42). One or more electrical circuit components (61-63), such as batteries, resistors, capacitors and/or transistors, is mounted on the substrate (42) and are electrically connected to the circuit traces (71-77), using an electrically conductive adhesive. The circuit traces (71-77) and the adhesive contain an electrically conductive filler which renders the traces and the adhesive electrically conductive. Preferably, the electrically conductive filler is a material which is relatively non-toxic, such as silver, carbon and/or graphite. The electrical circuit components (61-63) may be connected to the circuit traces (71-77) using automated component attachment procedures.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1992Date of Patent: January 10, 1995Assignee: ALZA CorporationInventor: J. Richard Gyory
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Patent number: 5374242Abstract: An iontophoretic drug-delivery device incorporating a power supply which minimizes the cost of the batteries needed by operating the batteries in a series configuration at the start of delivery, when the patient's skin resistance is high, and by switching the batteries into a parallel configuration when skin resistance drops. An automatic switching circuit for achieving this transition is included.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1993Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: Alza CorporationInventors: Ronald P. Haak, Larry A. Mc Nichols, John D. Badzinski
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Patent number: 5344394Abstract: A two phase adhesive matrix for use in an electrically powered iontophoretic delivery device is provided. The adhesive matrix comprises an adhesive hydrophobic polymer phase and about 15 to 60 wt. % on a dry weight basis of a hydrophilic polymer phase distributed through the hydrophobic polymer phase. The hydrophilic phase forms upon hydration an interconnecting network of aqueous pathways for passage of the agent through the adhesive. The adhesive can be used to adhere an electrode assembly of an iontophoretic delivery device to a body surface such as skin or a mucosal membrane. Alternatively, the adhesive can be used to adhere together two or more elements of an iontophoretic delivery device.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1993Date of Patent: September 6, 1994Assignee: ALZA CorporationInventors: J. Richard Gyory, Ronald P. Haak, Felix Theeuwes, Patrick J. Lew
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Patent number: 5326341Abstract: An iontophoretic agent delivery device having donor and counter electrodes comprised of either metal or a hydrophobic polymer loaded with a conductive filler is provided. The agent reservoir in the donor electrode assembly contains about 10 to 60 wt. % hydrophobic polymer, about 10 to 60 wt. % hydrophilic polymer, and up to 50% agent. Similarly, the electrolyte reservoir contains about 10 to 60 wt. % hydrophobic polymer, about 10 to 60 wt. % hydrophilic polymer, and up to 50% electrolyte. The agent reservoir, the electrolyte reservoir and the electrodes are preferably in the form of films which are laminated to one another. The hydrophobic polymer component in the agent/electrolyte reservoir prevents the reservoir from delaminating from the metal/hydrophobic polymer based electrode, even after hydration of the reservoirs.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1992Date of Patent: July 5, 1994Assignee: Alza CorporationInventors: Patrick J. Lew, J. Richard Gyory
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Patent number: 5322502Abstract: A membrane capable of inhibiting agent release from a delivery system when no electrical current is flowing and yet provide minimal impedance to electrically-assisted agent delivery, useful both for incorporating into electrotransport agent delivery systems and for use in measuring agent release rates in in vitro testing.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1993Date of Patent: June 21, 1994Assignee: Alza CorporationInventors: Felix Theeuwes, J. Richard Gyory, Ronald P. Haak
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Patent number: 5320598Abstract: A dry-state iontophoretic drug delivery device (10, 70, 80) is provided. The device has drug and electrolyte reservoirs (15, 16) which are initially in a non-hydrated condition. A liquid-containing pouch (21, 22) is provided. In certain embodiments the liquid is contained in breakable capsules within the pouch. Water or other liquid can be released from the capsules in the pouch by squeezing or flexing the pouches (21,22). Alternatively, the liquid can be released from the pouches (21,22) using pouch piercing pins (36,37). The liquid released from the pouches (21,22) hydrates the drug and electrolyte reservoirs (15, 16) and activates the device. In another embodiment, the device (20, 20a) has liquid-containing gel layers (31,32) which are initially separated from their respective electrode assemblies (8, 9). Liquid-wicking pathways (27,28) are provided to carry the liquid from the gel layers (31,32) to the drug and electrolyte layers (15, 16).Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1992Date of Patent: June 14, 1994Assignee: ALZA CorporationInventors: Ronald P. Haak, J. Richard Gyory, Felix Theeuwes, Felix A. Landrau, Nathan Roth, Robert M. Myers
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Patent number: 5310404Abstract: A dry-state iontophoretic drug delivery device (10, 30) is provided. The device has drug and electrolyte reservoirs (15, 16) which are initially in a non-hydrated condition. In one embodiment of the invention, a sealed liquid-containing pouch (21, 22) is provided in each electrode assembly (8, 9). Water or other liquid (20) is released from the pouch (21, 22) by pulling a tab (27, 28) attached to a portion (25, 26) of the pouch (21, 22) which is capable of being torn or ripped in order to hydrate the drug and electrolyte reservoirs (15, 16) and activate the device (10, 30). In another embodiment, the device (30) is held in a package (32). The device (30) has pouches (21, 22) which release their liquid contents automatically upon removal of the device (30) from the package (32). In yet another embodiment, the device (40) is held in a package (42) having a compression zone (46). The pouches (21, 22) must be moved through the compression zone (46) when removing the device (40) from the package (42).Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1992Date of Patent: May 10, 1994Assignee: Alza CorporationInventors: J. Richard Gyory, John R. Perry
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Patent number: 5304379Abstract: A method and means for reducing sensitization or irritation caused by transdermally delivered drugs, wherein one or more metabolic modulators is coadministered with a sensitizing or irritating drug.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1992Date of Patent: April 19, 1994Assignee: Alza CorporationInventors: Michel J. N. Cormier, Philip W. Ledger, Alfred Amkraut, Jean P. Marty
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Patent number: 5298017Abstract: An iontophoretic agent delivery device, having a layered structure and peripheral insulation, wherein ion transport occurs through two opposing surfaces of said device. The device is especially suited to agent delivery through body surfaces exposed to body fluids. A method of delivering an agent through a body surface exposed to body fluids is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1992Date of Patent: March 29, 1994Assignee: ALZA CorporationInventors: Felix Theeuwes, J. Richard Gyory, Ronald P. Haak
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Patent number: 5294770Abstract: Tablet treating system 10 treats a series of pharmaceutical tablets 50T with pulses of laser energy 24P within at least one predetermined treatment site 50S on each tablet. A tablet conveyer 12 continuously moves individual tablets along a tablet path 10P. A Laser 14 provides the pulses of laser energy along a stationary laser path which crosses the tablet path defining a stationary intersection zone 14Z common to both paths. The tablet path has periodic treatment windows 20W during which the treatment sites 50S on the moving tablets pass through the stationary intersection zone. The operation of the laser has periodic laser ready windows 24W during which the laser may be fired. A controller 16 is responsive to the movement of the tablet conveyer and to the operation of the laser for activating the laser and treating the tablets. The controller activates the laser when a tablet is passing through the intersection zone and the tablet treatment window coincides with the laser ready window.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1992Date of Patent: March 15, 1994Assignee: Alza CorporationInventors: Thomas A. Riddle, Johan H. Geerke, Keith P. Minton
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Patent number: 5288289Abstract: A dry-state iontophoretic drug delivery device (10, 70, 80) is provided. The device has drug and electrolyte reservoirs (15, 16) which are initially in a non-hydrated condition. A liquid-containing pouch (21, 22) is provided. In certain embodiments the liquid is contained in breakable capsules within the pouch. Water or other liquid can be released from the capsules in the pouch by squeezing or flexing the pouches (21,22). Alternatively, the liquid can be released from the pouches (21,22) using pouch piercing pins (36,37). The liquid released from the pouches (21,22) hydrates the drug and electrolyte reservoirs (15, 16) and activates the device. In another embodiment, the device (20, 20a) has liquid-containing gel layers (31,32) which are initially separated from their respective electrode assemblies (8, 9). Liquid-wicking pathways (27,28) are provided to carry the liquid from the gel layers (31,32) to the drug and electrolyte layers (15, 16).Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1992Date of Patent: February 22, 1994Assignee: ALZA CorporationInventors: Ronald P. Haak, J. Richard Gyory, Felix Theeuwes, Felix A. Landrau, Nathan Roth, Robert M. Myers
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Patent number: 5268209Abstract: The invention herein pertains to methods and materials for producing a nicotine maintenance pouch. Laminates comprising a nicotine barrier layer and a nicotine degradation agent barrier layer are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the nicotine barrier layer comprises a nitrile rubber modified acrylonitrilemethyl acrylate copolymer. An especially preferred nicotine barrier material comprises, by weight percent, 75% acrylonitrile, and 25% methyl acrylate with 10% butadiene (AN-MA/B). The nicotine degradation agent barrier layer is preferably aluminum foil. In an especially preferred embodiment, the laminate comprises a layer of AN-MA/B adhered to a layer of aluminum foil, which in turn is adhered to a layer of paper stock.Pouches comprising a self-sealed nicotine barrier layer and a nicotine degradation agent barrier layer are disclosed. These pouches are preferably formed from the laminates above.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1991Date of Patent: December 7, 1993Assignee: Alza CorporationInventors: James A. Hunt, James L. Osborne, John T. Dunn, Melinda K. Nelson, Nathan Roth
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Patent number: 5250028Abstract: A drug formulation chamber for an intravenous administration set is provided. The intravenous administration set includes a container of an IV fluid, a drip chamber, a drug formulation chamber, and an adapter-needle assembly. The drug formulation chamber has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet for maintaining a flow of IV fluid through the chamber. A portion of the chamber wall is comprised of a material which is permeable to the drug but which prevents convective loss of the IV fluid. A transdermal-type drug delivery device is adhered to the semipermeable/microporous wall portion. Drug is delivered by the delivery device through the wall portion using permeation enhancers and into the flowing IV fluid. The device delivers drug into the IV fluid at a rate that is independent of the flow rate of IV fluid through the formulation chamber. The rate of drug delivery from the device into the IV fluid is controlled by either the wall portion or a membrane layer in the drug delivery device.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1991Date of Patent: October 5, 1993Assignee: ALZA CorporationInventors: Felix Theeuwes, Su I. Yum
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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: 5246417Abstract: Apparatus (11) for delivery of a medicament, drug or other therapeutic agent transdermally to a body by iontophoresis is provided. The apparatus (11) provides a means (13) for measuring and displaying the cumulative amount of the medicament delivered to the body by monitoring the amount of a metal, initially present at the anode (45), that is transferred to the cathode (41) in a subsidiary electrolyte cell (47) through which the drive current for the apparatus (11) passes. Optionally, the apparatus also provides a plurality of light emitting devices (63-1) that display a measure of the cumulative amount of medicament delivered, by use of visually distinguishable light colors or by use of binary encoding in the light display.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1991Date of Patent: September 21, 1993Assignee: ALZA CorporationInventors: Ronald P. Haak, Felix Theeuwes, David K. Roe
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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: D349960Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1992Date of Patent: August 23, 1994Assignee: Alza CorporationInventors: J. Richard Gyory, Jay Wilson