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).

  • Patent number: 8323266
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Massengale, Kevin M. Forrest, Bill Porter, Donald M. Earhart, Alan Dine
  • Patent number: 8241269
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Massengale, Kevin M. Forrest, Bill Porter, Donald M. Earhart, Alan Dine
  • Patent number: 7854732
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: I-Flow Corporation
    Inventors: Roger Massengale, Alan Dine, Kevin M. Forrest, Bill Porter, Donald M. Earhart
  • Publication number: 20100305522
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: I-FLOW CORPORATION
    Inventors: ROGER MASSENGALE, KEVIN M. FORREST, BILL PORTER, DONALD M. EARHART, ALAN DINE
  • Publication number: 20100305521
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: I-FLOW CORPORATION
    Inventors: Roger MASSENGALE, Kevin M. FORREST, Bill PORTER, Donald M. EARHART, Alan DINE
  • Patent number: 7771413
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: I-Flow Corporation
    Inventors: Roger Massengale, Kevin M. Forrest, Bill Porter, Donald M. Earhart, Alan Dine
  • Publication number: 20090105667
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: I-FLOW CORPORATION
    Inventors: Roger Massengale, Kevin M. Forrest, Bill Porter, Donald M. Earhart, Alan Dine
  • Patent number: 7470266
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: I-Flow Corporation
    Inventors: Roger Massengale, Kevin M. Forrest, Bill Porter, Donald M. Earhart, Alan Dine
  • Publication number: 20080215029
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: I-FLOW Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Rake, Orvil L. Judge, Donald M. Earhart, Charles J. McPhee
  • Patent number: 7337922
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: I-Flow Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Rake, Orvil L. Judge, Donald M. Earhart, Charles J. McPhee
  • Patent number: 7083068
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: I-Flow Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Rake, Orvile L. Judge, Donald M. Earhart, Charles J. McPhee
  • Patent number: 6871759
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: I-Flow Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Rake, Orvile L. Judge, Donald M. Earhart, Charles J. McPhee
  • Publication number: 20040108333
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Rake, Orvile L. Judge, Donald M. Earhart, Charles J. McPhee
  • Patent number: 6626329
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: I-Flow Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Rake, Orvile L. Judge, Donald M. Earhart, Charles J. McPhee
  • Publication number: 20020123735
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Rake, Orvil L. Judge, Donald M. Earhart, Charles J. McPhee
  • Publication number: 20020123741
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2002
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Rake, Orvile L. Judge, Donald M. Earhart, Charles J. McPhee
  • Patent number: 6358239
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: I-Flow Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Rake, Orvile L. Judge, Donald M. Earhart, Charles J. McPhee
  • Patent number: 6251098
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: I-Flow, Corp.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Rake, Orvil L. Judge, Donald M. Earhart, Charles J. McPhee
  • Patent number: 5911716
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: I-Flow Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Rake, Orvil L. Judge, Donald M. Earhart