Patents by Inventor Donald M. Earhart
Donald M. Earhart 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: 8323266Abstract: A fluid delivery device for transdermal delivery of a fluid to a patient. The device comprises an envelope that may be applied to a patient's skin. The envelope comprises at least one diffusion layer coupled to at least one impermeable layer such that at least a chamber is defined therebetween. Other embodiments include internal diffusion layers, and thus possess additional chambers, as well. In one arrangement, an adhesive boundary layer permits the device to be removably secured to a patient and inhibits radial migration of fluid beyond the periphery of the device. In another arrangement, preferably, an anti-microbial layer is provided to inhibit the growth of microorganisms.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2010Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Roger Massengale, Kevin M. Forrest, Bill Porter, Donald M. Earhart, Alan Dine
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Patent number: 8241269Abstract: A fluid delivery device for transdermal delivery of a fluid to a patient. The device comprises an envelope that may be applied to a patient's skin. The envelope comprises at least one diffusion layer coupled to at least one impermeable layer such that at least a chamber is defined therebetween. Other embodiments include internal diffusion layers, and thus possess additional chambers, as well. In one arrangement, an adhesive boundary layer permits the device to be removably secured to a patient and inhibits radial migration of fluid beyond the periphery of the device. In another arrangement, preferably, an anti-microbial layer is provided to inhibit the growth of microorganisms.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2010Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Roger Massengale, Kevin M. Forrest, Bill Porter, Donald M. Earhart, Alan Dine
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Patent number: 7854732Abstract: A fluid delivery device is provided for transdermal delivery of fluid medications to patients. The device can comprise a thin envelope which is applied to a patient's skin. The envelope can comprise at least one diffusion layer coupled to at least one impermeable layer such that at least one chamber can exist therebetween. Other embodiments can include internal diffusion layers, and thus can possess additional chambers, as well. The impermeable layer can comprise a top surface of the device. A valve positioned in the impermeable layer can facilitate filling the device with fluid, as well as connection of the device to external fluid sources such as an intravenous bag, pump, or other external fluid delivery system. The diffusion layer can comprise a coiled wire member to control the rate of fluid flow from the device to the patient's skin.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2008Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: I-Flow CorporationInventors: Roger Massengale, Alan Dine, Kevin M. Forrest, Bill Porter, Donald M. Earhart
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Publication number: 20100305522Abstract: A fluid delivery device for transdermal delivery of a fluid to a patient. The device comprises an envelope that may be applied to a patient's skin. The envelope comprises at least one diffusion layer coupled to at least one impermeable layer such that at least a chamber is defined therebetween. Other embodiments include internal diffusion layers, and thus possess additional chambers, as well. In one arrangement, an adhesive boundary layer permits the device to be removably secured to a patient and inhibits radial migration of fluid beyond the periphery of the device. In another arrangement, preferably, an anti-microbial layer is provided to inhibit the growth of microorganisms.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: I-FLOW CORPORATIONInventors: ROGER MASSENGALE, KEVIN M. FORREST, BILL PORTER, DONALD M. EARHART, ALAN DINE
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Publication number: 20100305521Abstract: A fluid delivery device for transdermal delivery of a fluid to a patient. The device comprises an envelope that may be applied to a patient's skin. The envelope comprises at least one diffusion layer coupled to at least one impermeable layer such that at least a chamber is defined therebetween. Other embodiments include internal diffusion layers, and thus possess additional chambers, as well. In one arrangement, an adhesive boundary layer permits the device to be removably secured to a patient and inhibits radial migration of fluid beyond the periphery of the device. In another arrangement, preferably, an anti-microbial layer is provided to inhibit the growth of microorganisms.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: I-FLOW CORPORATIONInventors: Roger MASSENGALE, Kevin M. FORREST, Bill PORTER, Donald M. EARHART, Alan DINE
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Patent number: 7771413Abstract: A fluid delivery device for transdermal delivery of a fluid to a patient. The device comprises an envelope that may be applied to a patient's skin. The envelope comprises at least one diffusion layer coupled to at least one impermeable layer such that at least a chamber is defined therebetween. Other embodiments include internal diffusion layers, and thus possess additional chambers, as well. In one arrangement, an adhesive boundary layer permits the device to be removably secured to a patient and inhibits radial migration of fluid beyond the periphery of the device. In another arrangement, preferably, an anti-microbial layer is provided to inhibit the growth of microorganisms.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2004Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: I-Flow CorporationInventors: Roger Massengale, Kevin M. Forrest, Bill Porter, Donald M. Earhart, Alan Dine
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Publication number: 20090105667Abstract: A fluid delivery device is provided for transdermal delivery of fluid medications to patients. The device can comprise a thin envelope which is applied to a patient's skin. The envelope can comprise at least one diffusion layer coupled to at least one impermeable layer such that at least one chamber can exist therebetween. Other embodiments can include internal diffusion layers, and thus can possess additional chambers, as well. The impermeable layer can comprise a top surface of the device. A valve positioned in the impermeable layer can facilitate filling the device with fluid, as well as connection of the device to external fluid sources such as an intravenous bag, pump, or other external fluid delivery system. The diffusion layer can comprise a coiled wire member to control the rate of fluid flow from the device to the patient's skin.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2008Publication date: April 23, 2009Applicant: I-FLOW CORPORATIONInventors: Roger Massengale, Kevin M. Forrest, Bill Porter, Donald M. Earhart, Alan Dine
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Patent number: 7470266Abstract: A fluid delivery device is provided for transdermal delivery of fluid medications to patients. The device comprises a thin envelope which is applied to a patient's skin. The envelope comprises at least one diffusion layer coupled to at least one impermeable layer such that at least one chamber exists therebetween. Other embodiments include internal diffusion layers, and thus possess additional chambers, as well. The impermeable layer comprises a top surface of the device. A valve positioned in the impermeable layer facilitates filling the device with fluid, as well as connection of the device to external fluid sources such as an intravenous bag, pump, or other external fluid delivery system. The diffusion layer may comprise a semi-permeable membrane which controls the rate of fluid flow from the device to the patient's skin.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2003Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: I-Flow CorporationInventors: Roger Massengale, Kevin M. Forrest, Bill Porter, Donald M. Earhart, Alan Dine
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Publication number: 20080215029Abstract: Disclosed is an infusion pump and a fluid container for expelling a fluid from the fluid container to a patient. The pump comprises a housing having a chamber therein for receiving the fluid reservoir. A first wall is provided on the housing for contacting the fluid reservoir, and a second wall is movable from a first position distanced from the first wall to form the chamber therebetween, and a second position relatively closer to the first wall. Advancing the movable wall from the first position to the second position expels fluid from the collapsible reservoir. Preferably, the first and second walls are provided with non-planar complementary surface configurations for contacting the collapsible reservoir. Retraction mechanisms for retracting the movable wall from the second position to the first position, and user readable indicium of the status of the dispensation cycle are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2008Publication date: September 4, 2008Applicant: I-FLOW CorporationInventors: Kenneth W. Rake, Orvil L. Judge, Donald M. Earhart, Charles J. McPhee
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Patent number: 7337922Abstract: An infusion pump for expelling a fluid from a collapsible fluid reservoir to a patient. The pump includes a housing having a chamber therein for receiving the fluid reservoir. A first wall is provided on the housing for contacting the fluid reservoir, and a second wall is movable from a first position distanced from the first wall to form the chamber therebetween, and a second position relatively closer to the first wall. Advancing the movable wall from the first position to the second position expels fluid from the collapsible reservoir at a substantially constant rate by applying increasing force on the fluid reservoir through the dispensation cycle. Preferably, the first and second walls are provided with non-planar complementary surface configurations for contacting the collapsible reservoir. Retraction mechanisms for retracting the movable wall from the second position to the first position, and user readable indicium of the status of the dispensation cycle are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2001Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: I-Flow CorporationInventors: Kenneth W. Rake, Orvil L. Judge, Donald M. Earhart, Charles J. McPhee
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Patent number: 7083068Abstract: Disclosed is an infusion pump for expelling a fluid from a collapsible fluid reservoir to a patient. The pump includes a housing having a chamber therein for receiving the fluid reservoir. A first wall is provided on the housing for contacting the fluid reservoir, and a second wall is movable from a first position distanced from the first wall to form the chamber therebetween, and a second position relatively closer to the first wall. Advancing the movable wall from the first position to the second position expels fluid from the collapsible reservoir at a substantially constant rate by applying increasing force on the fluid reservoir through the dispensation cycle. Preferably, the first and second walls are provided with non-planar complementary surface configurations for contacting the collapsible reservoir. Retraction mechanisms for retracting the movable wall from the second position to the first position, and user readable indicium of the status of the dispensation cycle are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2005Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: I-Flow CorporationInventors: Kenneth W. Rake, Orvile L. Judge, Donald M. Earhart, Charles J. McPhee
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Patent number: 6871759Abstract: Disclosed is an infusion pump for expelling a fluid from a collapsible fluid reservoir to a patient. The pump includes a housing having a chamber therein for receiving the fluid reservoir. A first wall is provided on the housing for contacting the fluid reservoir, and a second wall is movable from a first position distanced from the first wall to form the chamber therebetween, and a second position relatively closer to the first wall. Advancing the movable wall from the first position to the second position expels fluid from the collapsible reservoir at a substantially constant rate by applying increasing force on the fluid reservoir through the dispensation cycle. Preferably, the first and second walls are provided with non-planar complementary surface configurations for contacting the collapsible reservoir. Retraction mechanisms for retracting the movable wall from the second position to the first position, and user readable indicium of the status of the dispensation cycle are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: I-Flow CorporationInventors: Kenneth W. Rake, Orvile L. Judge, Donald M. Earhart, Charles J. McPhee
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Publication number: 20040108333Abstract: Disclosed is an infusion pump for expelling a fluid from a collapsible fluid reservoir to a patient. The pump includes a housing having a chamber therein for receiving the fluid reservoir. A first wall is provided on the housing for contacting the fluid reservoir, and a second wall is movable from a first position distanced from the first wall to form the chamber therebetween, and a second position relatively closer to the first wall. Advancing the movable wall from the first position to the second position expels fluid from the collapsible reservoir at a substantially constant rate by applying increasing force on the fluid reservoir through the dispensation cycle. Preferably, the first and second walls are provided with non-planar complementary surface configurations for contacting the collapsible reservoir. Retraction mechanisms for retracting the movable wall from the second position to the first position, and user readable indicium of the status of the dispensation cycle are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2003Publication date: June 10, 2004Inventors: Kenneth W. Rake, Orvile L. Judge, Donald M. Earhart, Charles J. McPhee
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Patent number: 6626329Abstract: Disclosed is an infusion pump for expelling a fluid from a collapsible fluid reservoir to a patient. The pump includes a housing having a chamber therein for receiving the fluid reservoir. A first wall is provided on the housing for contacting the fluid reservoir, and a second wall is movable from a first position distanced from the first wall to form the chamber therebetween, and a second position relatively closer to the first wall. Advancing the movable wall from the first position to the second position expels fluid from the collapsible reservoir at a substantially constant rate by applying increasing force on the fluid reservoir through the dispensation cycle. Preferably, the first and second walls are provided with non-planar complementary surface configurations for contacting the collapsible reservoir. Retraction mechanisms for retracting the movable wall from the second position to the first position, and user readable indicium of the status of the dispensation cycle are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2002Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: I-Flow CorporationInventors: Kenneth W. Rake, Orvile L. Judge, Donald M. Earhart, Charles J. McPhee
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Publication number: 20020123741Abstract: Disclosed is an infusion pump for expelling a fluid from a collapsible fluid reservoir to a patient. The pump includes a housing having a chamber therein for receiving the fluid reservoir. A first wall is provided on the housing for contacting the fluid reservoir, and a second wall is movable from a first position distanced from the first wall to form the chamber therebetween, and a second position relatively closer to the first wall. Advancing the movable wall from the first position to the second position expels fluid from the collapsible reservoir at a substantially constant rate by applying increasing force on the fluid reservoir through the dispensation cycle. Preferably, the first and second walls are provided with non-planar complementary surface configurations for contacting the collapsible reservoir. Retraction mechanisms for retracting the movable wall from the second position to the first position, and user readable indicium of the status of the dispensation cycle are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2002Publication date: September 5, 2002Inventors: Kenneth W. Rake, Orvile L. Judge, Donald M. Earhart, Charles J. McPhee
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Publication number: 20020123735Abstract: Disclosed is an infusion pump and a fluid container for expelling a fluid from the fluid container to a patient. The pump comprises a housing having a chamber therein for receiving the fluid reservoir. A first wall is provided on the housing for contacting the fluid reservoir, and a second wall is movable from a first position distanced from the first wall to form the chamber therebetween, and a second position relatively closer to the first wall. Advancing the movable wall from the first position to the second position expels fluid from the collapsible reservoir. Preferably, the first and second walls are provided with non-planar complementary surface configurations for contacting the collapsible reservoir. Retraction mechanisms for retracting the movable wall from the second position to the first position, and user readable indicium of the status of the dispensation cycle are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2001Publication date: September 5, 2002Inventors: Kenneth W. Rake, Orvil L. Judge, Donald M. Earhart, Charles J. McPhee
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Patent number: 6358239Abstract: Disclosed is an infusion pump for expelling a fluid from a collapsible fluid reservoir to a patient. The pump includes a housing having a chamber therein for receiving the fluid reservoir. A first wall is provided on the housing for contacting the fluid reservoir, and a second wall is movable from a first position distanced from the first wall to form the chamber therebetween, and a second position relatively closer to the first wall. Advancing the movable wall from the first position to the second position expels fluid from the collapsible reservoir at a substantially constant rate by applying increasing force on the fluid reservoir through the dispensation cycle. Preferably, the first and second walls are provided with non-planar complementary surface configurations for contacting the collapsible reservoir. Retraction mechanisms for retracting the movable wall from the second position to the first position, and user readable indicium of the status of the dispensation cycle are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1997Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: I-Flow CorporationInventors: Kenneth W. Rake, Orvile L. Judge, Donald M. Earhart, Charles J. McPhee
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Patent number: 6251098Abstract: Disclosed is an infusion pump and a fluid container for expelling a fluid from the fluid container to a patient. The pump comprises a housing having a chamber therein for receiving the fluid reservoir. A first wall is provided on the housing for contacting the fluid reservoir, and a second wall is movable from a first position distanced from the first wall to form the chamber therebetween, and a second position relatively closer to the first wall. Advancing the movable wall from the first position to the second position expels fluid from the collapsible reservoir. Preferably, the first and second walls are provided with non-planar complementary surface configurations for contacting the collapsible reservoir. Retraction mechanisms for retracting the movable wall from the second position to the first position, and user readable indicium of the status of the dispensation cycle are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1997Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: I-Flow, Corp.Inventors: Kenneth W. Rake, Orvil L. Judge, Donald M. Earhart, Charles J. McPhee
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Patent number: 5911716Abstract: An infusion pump formed by a fluid containing shell and a pressurizing shell. A conical helical spring is attached within the pressurizing shell. A circular fluid bag with an outlet tube is placed within the fluid containing shell. The bottom of the fluid containing shell is contoured to match the contour of the fluid bag. The fluid containing shell and the pressurizing shell are threadably received within one another so that by screwing the shells together the spring is compressed to pressurize the fluid bag. A platen distributes the force of the spring over a substantially flat area of the bag.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1992Date of Patent: June 15, 1999Assignee: I-Flow CorporationInventors: Kenneth W. Rake, Orvil L. Judge, Donald M. Earhart