Patents by Inventor Kenneth A. Cox

Kenneth A. Cox 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: 7400940
    Abstract: A programmable aerosol generator forms a volatilized liquid by supplying a material in liquid form to a flow passage and heating the flow passage, such that the material volatilizes and expands out of an outlet of the channel. The volatilized material, if desired, mixes with ambient air such that volatilized material condenses to form the aerosol. An apparatus and method for generating such a volatilized liquid, as well as the control and methods of heating, are disclosed as an analytical tool useful for experimental use, a tool useful for production of commercial products or an inhaler device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas D. McRae, John L. Felter, Clinton E. Blake, Mark T. Capps, Kenneth A. Cox, David H. Keeler, Rajiv Gupta
  • Publication number: 20070106708
    Abstract: Described are methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products for managing a hierarchy of modules. A user can select a first hierarchy or a second hierarchy, where the first hierarchy includes a module and a first sub-module. The module is associated with a component and the first sub-module is associated with a first sub-component of the component. The module is associated with the first sub-module using a first hierarchical reference of a first type. The second hierarchy includes the module and a second sub-module, where the second sub-module is associated with the first sub-component. The module is associated with the second sub-module using a second hierarchical reference of a second type that is different from the first type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Publication date: May 10, 2007
    Inventors: Dana Rigg, Semyon Reyfman, Mahesh Raghavan, Kenneth Cox, Mitch Mastellone
  • Patent number: 7173222
    Abstract: A temperature and flow rate controlled capillary aerosol generator includes two heating zones optionally separated by a region in which a pressure drop is induced. Power is metered or applied to the downstream, second zone to achieve a target resistance, and therefore a target temperature, while power is metered or applied to the upstream, first zone to achieve a target mass flow rate exiting the second zone. A target temperature is achieved in the second zone to generate an aerosol from the liquid flowing through the generator at the desired mass flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Cox, Walter A. Nichols, F. Murphy Sprinkel, Jr., Douglas D. McRae, William R. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 7159507
    Abstract: A piston pump delivers precise and repeatable volumes of a fluid from a reservoir to a downstream component, and includes a piston that is rotatably and reciprocally mounted within a cylinder. The outer periphery of the piston forms an interference fit with the inner periphery of the cylinder. At least one groove is formed in the outer periphery of the piston, with the groove defining a precise volume between the piston and the cylinder, and extending in an axial direction of the piston. The cylinder includes an inlet port for providing fluid communication between a reservoir and the at least one groove when the piston is in a first position, and an exit port circumferentially spaced from the inlet port for providing fluid communication between the at least one groove and a downstream component when the first piston is rotated to a second position where the at least one groove is aligned with the exit port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Everett Grollimund, Donald Lee Brookman, Kenneth A. Cox, Walter Allen Nichols, Edwin Waldbusser
  • Patent number: 7147170
    Abstract: An aerosol generating device generates an aerosol having a desired particle size by passing a liquid through a flow passage heated to convert the liquid into a vapor. The flow passage includes an outlet section that controls the exit velocity of the vapor and produces an aerosol with a desired particle size. The aerosol generator can be incorporated in a hand held inhaler, and the liquid can include a medicament, which is delivered to a targeted portion of the lung using the inhaler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Tung T. Nguyen, Douglas D. McRae, Kenneth A. Cox, Walter A. Nichols, Ulysses Smith, Gary E. Grollimund, Donald L. Brookman
  • Patent number: 7117867
    Abstract: An aerosol generator includes a flow passage having an inlet and an outlet, a heater arranged relative to the flow passage for heating the flow passage, a source of material to be volatilized in communication with the inlet of the flow passage, a valve to open and close communication between the source of material and the inlet of the flow passage, and a pressurization arrangement for causing material in the source of material to be introduced into the flow passage when the valve is in an open position. The aerosol generator further includes a source of power for operating the heater and the valve, and a control device for controlling supply of power from the source of power to the heater and the valve. A metering device in an inhaler includes a pressurized source of medicated fluid and a metering chamber configured to deliver a predetermined volume of fluid to a heated flow passage in the inhaler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Cox, Timothy Paul Beane, William R. Sweeney, Walter A. Nichols, F. Murphy Sprinkel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7040314
    Abstract: Liquid aerosol formulations for generating aerosols include at least one high volatility carrier and a second component. In some embodiments, the liquid aerosol formulation is propellant free. An aerosol generating device generates an aerosol by passing liquid aerosol formulation through a flow passage heated to convert the liquid into a vapor, which is mixed with air to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, particles of the aerosol consist essentially of the second component. The aerosol generator can be incorporated in a hand held inhaler. The aerosol can be delivered to a targeted portion of the lung using the inhaler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Tung T. Nguyen, Christopher L. Irving, Kenneth A. Cox, Douglas D. McRae, Walter A. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20050235991
    Abstract: An aerosol generator includes a flow passage having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a constriction in the flow passage at the outlet end. A heater is operable to heat liquid in the flow passage to produce a vapor, which is expelled from the outlet end of the flow passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Publication date: October 27, 2005
    Inventors: Walter Nichols, Rajiv Gupta, Gene Faison, Kenneth Cox
  • Publication number: 20050205084
    Abstract: An aerosol generating device includes a housing, a heater and an optional mouthpiece. The heater volatilizes liquid within a flow passage and forms an aerosol in the mouthpiece. An aerosol confinement sleeve is disposed to control the size distribution of the aerosol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Publication date: September 22, 2005
    Inventors: Rajiv Gupta, Douglas McRae, Kenneth Cox, Walter Nichols
  • Patent number: 6923179
    Abstract: An aerosol generating device includes a housing, a heater and an optional mouthpiece. The heater volatilizes liquid within a flow passage and forms an aerosol in the mouthpiece. An aerosol confinement sleeve is disposed to control the size distribution of the aerosol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Rajiv Gupta, Douglas D. McRae, Kenneth A. Cox, Walter A. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20050143866
    Abstract: A programmable aerosol generator forms a volatilized liquid by supplying a material in liquid form to a flow passage and heating the flow passage, such that the material volatilizes and expands out of an outlet of the channel. The volatilized material, if desired, mixes with ambient air such that volatilized material condenses to form the aerosol. An apparatus and method for generating such a volatilized liquid, as well as the control and methods of heating, are disclosed as an analytical tool useful for experimental use, a tool useful for production of commercial products or an inhaler device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Publication date: June 30, 2005
    Inventors: Douglas McRae, John Felter, Clinton Blake, Mark Capps, Kenneth Cox, David Keeler, Rajiv Gupta
  • Publication number: 20050132879
    Abstract: A piston pump delivers precise and repeatable volumes of a fluid from a reservoir to a downstream component, and includes a piston that is rotatably and reciprocally mounted within a cylinder. The outer periphery of the piston forms an interference fit with the inner periphery of the cylinder. At least one groove is formed in the outer periphery of the piston, with the groove defining a precise volume between the piston and the cylinder, and extending in an axial direction of the piston. The cylinder includes an inlet port for providing fluid communication between a reservoir and the at least one groove when the piston is in a first position, and an exit port circumferentially spaced from the inlet port for providing fluid communication between the at least one groove and a downstream component when the first piston is rotated to a second position where the at least one groove is aligned with the exit port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Publication date: June 23, 2005
    Inventors: Gary Grollimund, Donald Brookman, Kenneth Cox, Walter Nichols, Edwin Waldbusser
  • Publication number: 20040223917
    Abstract: Liquid aerosol formulations for generating aerosolized insulin include insulin and at least one high volatility carrier which protects the insulin from thermal degradation during vaporization of the carrier. The carrier can be a mixture of ethanol and water and the liquid aerosol formulation can be propellant free. An aerosol generating device generates the aerosolized insulin by passing the liquid aerosol formulation through a flow passage heated to convert the liquid into a vapor which entrains insulin particles which mix with air to form an aerosol. The insulin particles can be dry insulin particles produced by a hand held inhaler. By controlling the concentration of the insulin in the formulation, the size of the flow passage and/or the amount of heat which heats the flow passage, the aerosol can be provided with a selected mass median aerodynamic diameter of 1 to 3 &mgr;m or less than 1 &mgr;m so as to be delivered to a targeted portion of the lung using the inhaler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Applicant: Chrysalis Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael Hindle, Kenneth A. Cox
  • Patent number: 6804458
    Abstract: An aerosol generator includes a fluid supply which supplies fluid to a fluid passage and a heater which heats the fluid into a gaseous state, the fluid passage being located between opposed layers of a laminate. The fluid passage can be a capillary sized passage formed by locating a mandrel between opposed layers of the laminate, bonding the layers together and removing the mandrel such that the space previously occupied by the mandrel forms the fluid passage. The opposed layers of the laminate can be copper sheets and ceramic layers can be provided on the outside of the copper layers. The aerosol generator can be used to generate aerosols containing medicated materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Chrysalis Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Timothy S. Sherwood, Scott A. Sowers, Sirisha P. Reddy, F. Murphy Sprinkel, Jr., Kenneth A. Cox, Walter A. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20040182389
    Abstract: An aerosol generator includes a fluid passage arranged between a first and a second layer wherein the first and second layers at least partially define the fluid passage. A liquid supply is arranged to provide a fluid in liquid phase to the fluid passage. The aerosol generator also includes a heater arranged to volatilize the fluid in the fluid passage. An outlet of the aerosol generator is arranged to receive the volatilized fluid and direct the volatilized fluid out of the fluid passage. The aerosol generator can be used to generate aerosols containing medicated materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: F. Murphy Sprinkel, Walter A. Nichols, Kenneth A. Cox, Timothy S. Sherwood, Scott A. Sowers, Zelita R. Washington, Sirisha Reddy
  • Publication number: 20040170405
    Abstract: An aerosol generator includes a fluid supply which supplies fluid to a fluid passage and a heater, which heats the fluid into a gaseous state, the fluid passage being located between opposed layers of a laminate. The fluid passage can be a capillary sized passage formed by locating a mandrel between opposed layers of the laminate, bonding the layers together, and removing the mandrel such that the space previously occupied by the mandrel forms the fluid passage. The opposed layers of the laminate can be copper sheets, and ceramic layers can be provided on the outside of the copper layers. The aerosol generator can be used to generate aerosols containing medicated materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Applicant: Chrysalis Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Timothy S. Sherwood, Scott A. Sowers, Sirisha P. Reddy, F. Murphy Sprinkel, Kenneth A. Cox, Walter A. Nichols
  • Patent number: 6766220
    Abstract: A programmable aerosol generator forms a volatilized liquid by supplying a material in liquid form to a flow passage and heating the flow passage, such that the material volatilizes and expands out of an outlet of the channel. The volatilized material, if desired, mixes with ambient air such that volatilized material condenses to form the aerosol. An apparatus and method for generating such a volatilized liquid, as well as the control and methods of heating, are disclosed as an analytical tool useful for experimental use, a tool useful for production of commercial products or an inhaler device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Chrysalis Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Douglas D. McRae, John L. Felter, Clinton E. Blake, Mark T. Capps, Kenneth A. Cox, David H. Keeler, Rajiv Gupta
  • Publication number: 20040129793
    Abstract: An aerosol generating device generates an aerosol having a desired particle size by passing a liquid through a flow passage heated to convert the liquid into a vapor. The flow passage includes an outlet section that controls the exit velocity of the vapor and produces an aerosol with a desired particle size. The aerosol generator can be incorporated in a hand held inhaler, and the liquid can include a medicament, which is delivered to a targeted portion of the lung using the inhaler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: Chrysalis Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Tung T. Nguyen, Douglas D. McRae, Kenneth A. Cox, Walter A. Nichols, Ulysses Smith, Gary E. Grollimund, Donald L. Brookman
  • Publication number: 20040079368
    Abstract: An aerosol generating device includes a housing, a heater and an optional mouthpiece. The heater volatilizes liquid within a flow passage and forms an aerosol in the mouthpiece. An aerosol confinement sleeve is disposed to control the size distribution of the aerosol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Chrysalis Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Rajiv Gupta, Douglas D. McRae, Kenneth A. Cox, Walter A. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20040081624
    Abstract: Liquid aerosol formulations for generating aerosols include at least one high volatility carrier and a second component. In some embodiments, the liquid aerosol formulation is propellant free. An aerosol generating device generates an aerosol by passing liquid aerosol formulation through a flow passage heated to convert the liquid into a vapor, which is mixed with air to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, particles of the aerosol consist essentially of the second component. The aerosol generator can be incorporated in a hand held inhaler. The aerosol can be delivered to a targeted portion of the lung using the inhaler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Chrysalis Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Tung T. Nguyen, Christopher L. Irving, Kenneth A. Cox, Douglas D. McRae, Walter A. Nichols