Patents by Inventor George S. Axford

George S. Axford 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: 10245394
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for the pulmonary delivery of a composition, such as methods and apparatuses for dispersing dry powder medicaments for inhalation by a patient. Elements or aspects of the apparatuses, including receptacle puncturing, mechanisms, deoccluding devices, receptacle impacting devices, and receptacle lock devices or systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Inventors: Mark Glusker, George S Axford, William W Alston, John Palmer-Felgate, Jonathan Wilkins, Willard R Foss, Nagaraja Rao, Mark Postich, Neeraj Pakala, David S Maltz, Keith Ung
  • Publication number: 20140034052
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for the pulmonary delivery of a composition, such as methods and apparatuses for dispersing dry powder medicaments for inhalation by a patient. Elements or aspects of the apparatuses, including receptacle puncturing, mechanisms, deoccluding devices, receptacle impacting devices, and receptacle lock devices or systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: NOVARTIS AG
    Inventors: Mark GLUSKER, George S AXFORD, William W Alston, John PALMER-FELGATE, Jonathan WILKINS, Willard R FOSS, Nagaraja Rao, Mark POSTICH, Nagaraja RAO, Neeraj PAKALA, David S MALTZ, Keith UNG
  • Patent number: 8573197
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for the pulmonary delivery of a composition, such as methods and apparatuses for dispersing dry powder medicaments for inhalation by a patient. Elements or aspects of the apparatuses, including receptacle puncturing mechanisms, deoccluding devices, receptacle impacting devices, and receptacle lock devices or systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: George S Axford, Mark Glusker, William W Alston, John Palmer-Felgate, Jonathan Wilkins, Willard R Foss, Nagaraja Rao, Mark Postich, Neeraj R Pakala, David S Maltz, Keith Ung
  • Patent number: 8161969
    Abstract: The invention provides various apparatus and methods for aerosolizing a powdered medicament. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a pressurization cylinder, and a piston which is slidable within the cylinder to pressurize a gas. A handle is coupled to the piston and is movable between an extended position and a home position to pressurize the gas. An aerosolizing mechanism is included and is configured to aerosolize a powdered medicament that is held within a receptacle with pressurized gas from the cylinder. A carriage assembly is included to receive the receptacle and to couple the receptacle to the aerosolizing mechanism. A first and a second interlock are operably engageable with the carriage assembly to prevent coupling of the receptacle with the aerosolization mechanism. The first interlock is released to allow movement of the carriage upon movement of the handle to the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: John D. Burr, Adrian E. Smith, Randy K. Hall, Herm Snyder, Carlos A. Schuler, George S. Axford, Charles Ray
  • Publication number: 20100108058
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for the pulmonary delivery of a composition, such as methods and apparatuses for dispersing dry powder medicaments for inhalation by a patient. Elements or aspects of the apparatuses, including receptacle puncturing mechanisms, deoccluding devices, receptacle impacting devices, and receptacle lock devices or systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Mark Glusker, William W. Alston, George S. Axford, John Palmer-Felgate, Jonathan Wilkins, Willard R. Foss, Nagaraja Rao, Mark Postich, Neeraf R. Pakala, David S. Maltz, Keith Ung
  • Publication number: 20080230058
    Abstract: The invention provides various apparatus and methods for aerosolizing a powdered medicament. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a pressurization cylinder, and a piston which is slidable within the cylinder to pressurize a gas. A handle is coupled to the piston and is movable between an extended position and a home position to pressurize the gas. An aerosolizing mechanism is included and is configured to aerosolize a powdered medicament that is held within a receptacle with pressurized gas from the cylinder. A carriage assembly is included to receive the receptacle and to couple the receptacle to the aerosolizing mechanism. A first and a second interlock are operably engageable with the carriage assembly to prevent coupling of the receptacle with the aerosolization mechanism. The first interlock is released to allow movement of the carriage upon movement of the handle to the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: Nektar Therapeutics
    Inventors: John D. Burr, Adrian E. Smith, Randy K. Hall, Herm Snyder, Carlos A. Schuler, George S. Axford, Charles Ray
  • Patent number: 7422013
    Abstract: The invention provides various apparatus and methods for aerosolizing a powdered medicament. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a pressurization cylinder, and a piston which is slidable within the cylinder to pressurize a gas. A handle is coupled to the piston and is movable between an extended position and a home position to pressurize the gas. An aerosolizing mechanism is included and is configured to aerosolize a powdered medicament that is held within a receptacle with pressurized gas from the cylinder. A carriage assembly is included to receive the receptacle and to couple the receptacle to the aerosolizing mechanism. A first and a second interlock are operably engageable with the carriage assembly to prevent coupling of the receptacle with the aerosolization mechanism. The first interlock is released to allow movement of the carriage upon movement of the handle to the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Nektar Therapeutics
    Inventors: John D. Burr, Adrian E. Smith, George S. Axford
  • Patent number: 6901929
    Abstract: The invention provides various apparatus and methods for aerosolizing a powdered medicament. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a pressurization cylinder, and a piston which is slidable within the cylinder to pressurize a gas. A handle is coupled to the piston and is movable between an extended position and a home position to pressurize the gas. An aerosolizing mechanism is included and is configured to aerosolize a powdered medicament that is held within a receptacle with pressurized gas from the cylinder. A carriage assembly is included to receive the receptacle and to couple the receptacle to the aerosolizing mechanism. A first and a second interlock are operably engageable with the carriage assembly to prevent coupling of the receptacle with the aerosolization mechanism. The first interlock is released to allow movement of the carriage upon movement of the handle to the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Nektar Therapeutics
    Inventors: John D. Burr, Adrian E. Smith, Randy K. Hall, Herman Snyder, Carlos Schuler, George S. Axford, Charles Ray
  • Publication number: 20030209243
    Abstract: The invention provides various apparatus and methods for aerosolizing a powdered medicament. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a pressurization cylinder, and a piston which is slidable within the cylinder to pressurize a gas. A handle is coupled to the piston and is movable between an extended position and a home position to pressurize the gas. An aerosolizing mechanism is included and is configured to aerosolize a powdered medicament that is held within a receptacle with pressurized gas from the cylinder. A carriage assembly is included to receive the receptacle and to couple the receptacle to the aerosolizing mechanism. A first and a second interlock are operably engageable with the carriage assembly to prevent coupling of the receptacle with the aerosolization mechanism. The first interlock is released to allow movement of the carriage upon movement of the handle to the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Inhale Therapeutic Systems
    Inventors: John D. Burr, Adrian E. Smith, Randy K. Hall, Herman Snyder, Carlos Schuler, George S. Axford, Charles Ray
  • Publication number: 20030183229
    Abstract: A method for aerosolizing a powdered medicament comprises coupling a powder inlet end of a feed tube with a penetration in a receptacle containing the powder. Powder is drawn upward through the tube and dispersed in a high pressure gas stream flowing past a portion of the feed tube. Apparatus comprise the feed tube mounted within a base enclosure proximate a holder for one or more receptacles, which may be in the form of a cartridge containing a plurality of receptacles formed in a continuous web. The cartridge may be reciprocated relative to the feed tube and a separate piercing mechanism in order to sequentially piercing the receptacle and thereafter couple the feed tube through the resulting penetration for extracting the powder. Alternatively, penetration(s) through the receptacle may be formed as the feed tube is coupled, or some penetrations formed prior to coupling with other penetrations formed at the time of coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: INHALE THERAPEUTIC SYSTEMS, a corporation of the State of California
    Inventors: Adrian E. Smith, John D. Burr, Jeffrey W. Etter, George S. Axford, Jack M. Anthony
  • Patent number: 6546929
    Abstract: The invention provides various apparatus and methods for aerosolizing a powdered medicament. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a pressurization cylinder, and a piston which is slidable within the cylinder to pressurize a gas. A handle is coupled to the piston and is movable between an extended position and a home position to pressurize the gas. An aerosolizing mechanism is included and is configured to aerosolize a powdered medicament that is held within a receptacle with pressurized gas from the cylinder. A carriage assembly is included to receive the receptacle and to couple the receptacle to the aerosolizing mechanism. A first and a second interlock are operably engageable with the carriage assembly to prevent coupling of the receptacle with the aerosolization mechanism. The first interlock is released to allow movement of the carriage upon movement of the handle to the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Burr, Adrian E. Smith, Randy K. Hall, Herman Snyder, Carlos Schuler, George S. Axford, Charles Ray
  • Patent number: 6543448
    Abstract: A method for aerosolizing a powdered medicament comprises coupling a powder inlet end of a feed tube with a penetration in a receptacle containing the powder. Powder is drawn upward through the tube and dispersed in a high pressure gas stream flowing past a portion of the feed tube. Apparatus comprise the feed tube mounted within a base enclosure proximate a holder for one or more receptacles, which may be in the form of a cartridge containing a plurality of receptacles formed in a continuous web. The cartridge may be reciprocated relative to the feed tube and a separate piercing mechanism in order to sequentially piercing the receptacle and thereafter couple the feed tube through the resulting penetration for extracting the powder. Alternatively, penetration(s) through the receptacle may be formed as the feed tube is coupled, or some penetrations formed prior to coupling with other penetrations formed at the time of coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian E. Smith, John D. Burr, Jeffrey W. Etter, George S. Axford, Jack M. Anthony
  • Publication number: 20020017297
    Abstract: The invention provides various apparatus and methods for aerosolizing a powdered medicament. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a pressurization cylinder, and a piston which is slidable within the cylinder to pressurize a gas. A handle is coupled to the piston and is movable between an extended position and a home position to pressurize the gas. An aerosolizing mechanism is included and is configured to aerosolize a powdered medicament that is held within a receptacle with pressurized gas from the cylinder. A carriage assembly is included to receive the receptacle and to couple the receptacle to the aerosolizing mechanism. A first and a second interlock are operably engageable with the carriage assembly to prevent coupling of the receptacle with the aerosolization mechanism. The first interlock is released to allow movement of the carriage upon movement of the handle to the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventors: John D. Burr, Adrian E. Smith, Randy K. Hall, Herman Snyder, Carlos Schuler, George S. Axford, Charles Ray
  • Patent number: 6257233
    Abstract: The invention provides various apparatus and methods for aerosolizing a powdered medicament. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a pressurization cylinder, and a piston which is slidable within the cylinder to pressurize a gas. A handle is coupled to the piston and is movable between an extended position and a home position to pressurize the gas. An aerosolizing mechanism is included and is configured to aerosolize a powdered medicament that is held within a receptacle with pressurized gas from the cylinder. A carriage assembly is included to receive the receptacle and to couple the receptacle to the aerosolizing mechanism. A first and a second interlock are operably engageable with the carriage assembly to prevent coupling of the receptacle with the aerosolization mechanism. The first interlock is released to allow movement of the carriage upon movement of the handle to the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Inhale Therapeutic Systems
    Inventors: John D. Burr, Adrian E. Smith, Randy K. Hall, Herman Snyder, Carlos Schuler, George S. Axford, Charles Ray
  • Patent number: 6089228
    Abstract: A method for aerosolizing a powdered medicament comprises coupling a powder inlet end of a feed tube with a penetration in a receptacle containing the powder. Powder is drawn upward through the tube and dispersed in a high pressure gas stream flowing past a portion of the feed tube. Apparatus comprise the feed tube mounted within a base enclosure proximate a holder for one or more receptacles, which may be in the form of a cartridge containing a plurality of receptacles formed in a continuous web. The cartridge may be reciprocated relative to the feed tube and a separate piercing mechanism in order to sequentially piercing the receptacle and thereafter couple the feed tube through the resulting penetration for extracting the powder. Alternatively, penetration(s) through the receptacle may be formed as the feed tube is coupled, or some penetrations formed prior to coupling with other penetrations formed at the time of coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Inhale Therapeutic Systems
    Inventors: Adrian E. Smith, John D. Burr, Jeffrey W. Etter, George S. Axford, Jack M. Anthony
  • Patent number: 5785049
    Abstract: A method for aerosolizing a powdered medicament comprises coupling a powder inlet end of a feed tube with a penetration in a receptacle containing the powder. Powder is drawn upward through the tube and dispersed in a high pressure gas stream flowing past a portion of the feed tube. Apparatus comprise the feed tube mounted within a base enclosure proximate a holder for one or more receptacles, which may be in the form of a cartridge containing a plurality of receptacles formed in a continuous web. The cartridge may be reciprocated relative to the feed tube and a separate piercing mechanism in order to sequentially piercing the receptacle and thereafter couple the feed tube through the resulting penetration for extracting the powder. Alternatively, penetration(s) through the receptacle may be formed as the feed tube is coupled, or some penetrations formed prior to coupling with other penetrations formed at the time of coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Inhale Therapeutic Systems
    Inventors: Adrian E. Smith, John D. Burr, Jeffery W. Etter, George S. Axford, Shirley W. Lyons, Robert M. Platz
  • Patent number: 5740794
    Abstract: A method for aerosolizing a powdered medicament comprises coupling a powder inlet end of a feed tube with a penetration in a receptacle containing the powder. Powder is drawn upward through the tube and dispersed in a high pressure gas stream flowing past a portion of the feed tube. Apparatus comprise the feed tube mounted within a base enclosure proximate a holder for one or more receptacles, which may be in the form of a cartridge containing a plurality of receptacles formed in a continuous web. The cartridge may be reciprocated relative to the feed tube and a separate piercing mechanism in order to sequentially piercing the receptacle and thereafter couple the feed tube through the resulting penetration for extracting the powder. Alternatively, penetration(s) through the receptacle may be formed as the feed tube is coupled, or some penetrations formed prior to coupling with other penetrations formed at the time of coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Inhale Therapeutic Systems
    Inventors: Adrian E. Smith, John D. Burr, Jeffrey W. Etter, George S. Axford, Jack M. Anthony
  • Patent number: D390651
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Inhale Therapeutics Systems
    Inventors: Adrian E. Smith, John D. Burr, Jeffrey W. Etter, George S. Axford