Patents Examined by Sharon Rose
  • Patent number: 5104378
    Abstract: A cost effective, disposable, safety syringe having a conventional single ended hypodermic needle cannula retained in an axially extended position at the distall end of a cylinder by an epoxy bond formed with the central core of a needle carrying hub. A locking and retracting probe extends proximally into the syringe cylinder from the central core of the needle hub. A piston assembly, having an offset locking bore formed therein, is advanced distally through the cylinder to expulse fluid therefrom via the cannula and to receive the locking and retracting probe within the locking bore. A continued distal advancement of the piston assembly through the cylinder causes the central core and the cannula supported thereby to be broken away from the needle hub. Therefore, when the piston assembly is withdrawn proximally through the cylinder, the cannula is correspondingly retracted within and shielded by the cylinder to avoid an accidental needle stick and the spread of disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Habley Medical Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Terry M. Haber, William H. Smedley, Clark B. Foster
  • Patent number: 5100401
    Abstract: A flexible plastic container made from a flexible, autoclavable, non-PVC polymer composition capable of suppressing the hemolysis of red blood cells. The polymer contains a material selected from the group consisting of either triethylhexyltrimellitate (TEHTM) and citrate ester. In the preferred embodiment, the non-PVC plastic is comprised of a polyolefin copolymer containing a central block of ethylene and butylene units with terminal blocks of polystyrene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventor: Indrajit Patel
  • Patent number: 5088978
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for iontophoretic transdermal delivery of exercise simulating agents includes an electrode having disposed therein a drug reservoir comprising a viscosity-control agent comprising an aqueous sol with an antioxidant, a preservative, a chelator and a buffer. A silver/silver chloride conducive element is preferably situated in the electrode adjacent the drug reservoir to conduct an electric charge across the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Gensia Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Hillman, John M. Pawelchak
  • Patent number: 5071415
    Abstract: Novel adhesive system for releasably fastening or securing superposed portions of a disposable diaper or other articles, comprising a sheet material carrying different adhesive layers on its respective surfaces, the adhesive layer on one side being characterized as having a high peel strength adapted for permanently securing the sheet material to a first portion of the diaper or other article of apparel, the adhesive layer on the other side comprising a pressure-sensitive adhesive having appreciably less peel strength and being adapted for releasably engaging an opposed portion of said article in order to secure the article on the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Assignee: Kendall Company
    Inventor: Shiro G. Takemoto
  • Patent number: 5050609
    Abstract: A nuclear magnetic resonance method is provided for monitoring and imaging the exchange of magnetization between protons in free water and protons in a relatively immobilized pool of protons in a sample. The method provides a new form of contrast for nuclear magnetic resonance imaging of samples such as biological tissues, polymers, and geological samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Robert S. Balaban, Steven D. Wolff
  • Patent number: 5041078
    Abstract: The present invention demonstrates a method of photodynamic inactivation of viruses having a membranous envelope, such as Herpes simplex type 1 and Human immunodeficiency type 1 viruses. The method uses substituted sapphyrin compounds to effect viral deactivation during radiation with light at or near the absorption wavelength of the sapphyrin compound. A highly reactive species selectively toxic to infectious agents is produced.One particular sapphyrin compound useful for the practice of the invention is 8,17-bis(carboxymethyl)-3,12,13,22-tetraethyl-2,7,18,23-tetramethylsapphyr in (Sapphyrin 2). The most preferred sapphyrin sapphyrin compound for the practice of the invention is 3,8,12,13,17,22-hexaethyl-2,7,18,23-tetramethylsapphyrin (Sapphyrin 1).The method is particularly suitable for inactivation of viruses in blood and blood products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignees: Baylor Research Foundation, a nonprofit corporation of the State of Texas, Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: J. Lester Matthews, Millard M. Judy, Joseph T. Newman, Frank Sogandares-Bernal, Jonathan L. Sessler, Anthony Harriman, Bhaskar G. Maiya
  • Patent number: 5037400
    Abstract: An apparatus for resheathing hypodermic needles having a hollow cylindrical sheathguard to encompass a needle sheath inserted therein; a means of retaining the needle sheath within the sheathguard; a horizontal protective barrier below the aperture of the sheathguard and parallel thereto; a means for supporting the barrel of a hypodermic syringe engaged in the device; a means of guiding the syringe with hypodermic needle during resheathing; and a vertical protective barrier adjacent to the aperture of said sheathguard and perpendicular thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: Oakleaf Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Curry
  • Patent number: 5037402
    Abstract: A hypodermic syringe incorporating a post-injection safety sheath for enclosing the sharpened needle tip. The hypodermic syringe incorporates parallel main and sheath chambers, the main chamber being to store fluid being injected or withdrawn, the parallel sheath chamber positioning the protective sheath. An axially aligned slot is disposed in the wall of the protective needle sheath and is aligned in communication with the ingress of the arcuate needle. A helical compression spring is coaxially aligned within the sheath chamber against the needle sheath biasing the sheath to enclosure the needle tip. When compressed, the needle sheath is withdrawn from the needle tip held in place through a detachable tab extending through the chamber wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Inventor: Thomas F. Bartman
  • Patent number: 5037430
    Abstract: A clamping device for positioning and holding gynecological instruments, such as uterine instruments, or the like. The device is illustrated in the form of a forceps having handles located at one end, and clamps located at the opposite end for selectively clamping onto at least a portion of the cervix. A second clamp is located intermediate the ends of the forceps for releasably clamping onto the gynecological instrument to hold the instrument in proper position relative to the uterus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Inventor: Harrith M. Hasson
  • Patent number: 5034008
    Abstract: An elasticized absorbent article, illustrated as an elastic waistband disposable diaper, includes an absorbent panel, a backsheet underlying the absorbent panel, and a liquid-permeable topsheet which overlies the absorbent panel. Each of the backsheet and topsheet includes at least one longitudinal end marginal portion which extends beyond an end edge of the absorbent panel. A waist elastic element is provided which is positioned between the end marginal portions of the topsheet and backsheet for forming an elastic waistband region. Notably, the elastic waistband element is provided with a substantially overall adhesive coating, preferably in either slot-coated or spray-coated filament form, for securement to the associated topsheet. The topsheet is thereby elastically gathered to provide a textured and cushioned surface at the inside region of the waistband for enhanced comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Chicopee
    Inventor: Stephen Breitkopf
  • Patent number: 5030216
    Abstract: An implantable osmotically driven syringe is disclosed which can be used to deliver a beneficial agent, such as a drug, at a predetermined rate over an extended period of time. A movable piston divides the syringe into a beneficial agent-containing compartment and a driving compartment. The piston is movable into a position wherein the driving compartment has a volume of essentially zero. The syringe is driven by an osmotic engine which has a shaped wall surrounding, and in contact with, an osmotic solute. The wall is comprised of a semipermeable and/or microporous material which is permeable to the external fluid (e.g., water) but is impermeable to the solute. The engine also has a passageway forming a fluid flow path between the osmotic solute and the driving compartment. A portion of the wall is exposed to a fluid-containing external environment. At least about 30% of the wall which contacts the solute also is exposed to the fluid in the external environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: ALZA Corporation
    Inventors: Felix Theeuwes, Patrick S. L. Wong
  • Patent number: 5026365
    Abstract: A unique method and apparatus for therapeutically treating immunological disorders and disease states which are characterized by the present of immunologically abnormal leukocytes in the body of the afflicted subject is provided. The apparatus and methodology utilized a sealed diffusion chamber which may be surgically implanted in-vivo or may be extracorporeally joined to the circulatory system of the afflicted subject. In either mode of use, the diffusion chamber utilizes immunologically normal leukocytes of various types and concentration which are able to provide cell functions and cellular secretory products which therapeutically counterbalance the effects of the immunological abnormality within the afflicted subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignee: The University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Aldo A. Rossini, John P. Mordes, Eugene S. Handler
  • Patent number: 5026347
    Abstract: A plastic composition is disclosed which has particular application in the manufacture of blood bags and other medical products. The composition has anti-hemolytic effects when used in the storage of red blood cells. In connection with one aspect of the present invention, the plastic composition comprises the combination of a non-PVC plastic and a selected quantity citrate ester sufficient to suppress hemolysis of red blood cells. The non-PVC material is preferably a polyolefin copolymer. Materials other than citrate ester may also be used with polyolefin as a hemolysis suppressant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventor: Indrajit Patel
  • Patent number: 5025800
    Abstract: This invention relates to contraceptive devices. More particularly, this invention relates to novel contraceptive devices for males and females which provide immunological barriers to the spread of sexually transmitted diseases along with related methods to prevent the spread of these diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Inventor: Steve T. Zelson
  • Patent number: 5024672
    Abstract: A disposable diaper put on by means of pressure-adhesive tape, has a liquid-permeable inner layer closest to the user during use of the diaper, a liquid-tight outer layer, and an absorbent layer disposed between the inner and outer layers. Tape tabs at one end of the diaper close to the corners of the diaper have a portion permanently joined to the liquid-tight outer layer at that diaper end. A plastic strip for fastening the tape tabs when putting the diaper on the user is disposed on the opposite end of the diaper and consists of a material which is inelastic and has suitable properties for fastening the tape tabs as well as removing and refastening the tape tabs. The plastic strip is elongated transversely of the diaper to permit adjustment of the tension of the diaper around the user by loosening and refastening the tape tabs. The strip extends across the width of the diaper on the outside of the liquid-tight outer layer. The tabs are also fastened to the same side of the liquidtight outer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Inventor: Leif U. R. Widlund
  • Patent number: 5022413
    Abstract: Cataracts are treated for removal by introducing a lenticular tissue dispersing agent into the opacified lens through a small opening in the lens capsule so that the capsule remains substantially intact. The tissue dispersing agent is contained in the lens by a gel-forming substance which functions to block the opening in the lens capsule, preventing its escape. This treatment is preferably carried out in conjunction with laser induced phacofracture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Inventors: Joseph Spina, Jr., Michael K. Weibel
  • Patent number: 5021053
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Brian L. Barclay, Jerry D. Childers, Jeri Wright, Virgil A. Place, Patrick S. L. Wong
  • Patent number: 5019070
    Abstract: A disposable and anatomically reversible undergarment shield for removable attachment to the inside of underpants. The undergarment shield is shaped like an hourglass and has a thick portion which is reversible between a front side and a rear side, depending upon whether the wearer is a girl or a body. Words, colors, or other appropriate symbols are placed upon the end borders of the shield to indicate which side forms the front for a girl and likewise for a body. For more rapid and effective absorption, a generally Y-shaped trough is formed in the thick side of the shield. Gathers at the periphery of the crotch region ensure a close fit, thereby preventing leaks. Adhesive strips are used to attach the shield to the undergarment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Inventor: Margaret Ruben
  • Patent number: 5019723
    Abstract: A self-regulated system and method for controllably administering a therapeutic agent to a patient is disclosed. A therapeutic agent is driven by unidirectional electrostatic diffusion across a rate-controlling electret membrane. The diffused therapeutic agent is then delivered to a patient. The preparation of the electret membrane and therapeutic agent delivery apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: Controlled Release Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Loi H. Tran
  • Patent number: 5017191
    Abstract: An injector pre-filled with a radiopharmaceutical liquid, which comprises (1) a syringe containing a radiopharmaceutical liquid with a stopper made of an elastic material fitted at the top opening, (2) a holder having a hole at thee central part fitted on the stopper to keep it firmly at such position, (3) an adaptor having a body portion of which the lower part forms a cap portion, a passage for the radiopharmaceutical liquid penetrating the body portion and a hollow needle portion continuously extending from the passage to the lower direction, detachably fitted on the syringe, and (4) a disposable needle head comprising a needle having a passage for the radiopharmaceutical liquid therein and a cap portion, detachably fitted on the body portion of said adaptor to make a gap at the top part of the cap portion of the needle head, the cap portion of the needle head being at least partly made of an inside observable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Nihon Medi-Physics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Yamada, Shozo Nakayama, Mitsuhisa Iinuma, Hisao Tobiki