Patents by Inventor Richard A. Cone

Richard A. Cone 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).

  • Publication number: 20120070476
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes compositions and methods of inactivating pathogens of a genital tract of a female. The compositions include L-lactic acid substantially free of D-lactic acid. In particular, an intravaginal ring for sustained release of L-lactic acid out of a reservoir containing multi-gram quantities of L-lactic acid, with minimal osmotically induced swelling or pressurization of the reservoir during prolonged use is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas R. Moench, Deirdre E. O'Hanlon, Richard A. Cone
  • Patent number: 7845355
    Abstract: The present invention provides improved rim designs for diaphragms or any similar intravaginal device and methods for producing same. The rim designs of the present invention improve, among other characteristics of the rim, structural durability, manufacturability, ease of insertion, comfort in use, and ease of removal of intravaginal devices. These designs incorporate one or more recesses in the inner portion of a rim piece that provide an attachment site for a separate dome piece. Attachment within a recess shields the exposed outer edge of the dome material from contact with epithelial surfaces and improves comfort and safety. In certain embodiments of the invention, a thinned inner portion of the rim serves as a handle that can be easily grasped by a finger to remove the device from the vagina. These devices are useful in providing a protective cervical barrier for contraception and disease prevention, to deliver beneficial agents, and as a means to collect and remove substances from the vagina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignees: Reprotect, Inc., The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Thomas R. Moench, Richard A. Cone, Randy Wills
  • Patent number: 7316232
    Abstract: The present invention reveals a device, a kit and a method for simultaneously delivering and distributing at least one beneficial agent to both the cervical and vaginal lumen sides of a vagina. The device is made of a flexible circular rim and a flexible dome. The device can exist in either a relaxed state or in a compressed state. In the compressed state, pouches are formed for carrying and delivering the beneficial agent to both the cervical and vaginal lumen sides of the vagina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: ReProtect, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Moench, Richard A. Cone, Kevin J. Whaley
  • Publication number: 20030005937
    Abstract: The present invention reveals a device, a kit and a method for simultaneously delivering and distributing at least one beneficial agent to both the cervical and vaginal lumen sides of a vagina. The device is made of a flexible circular rim and a flexible dome. The device can exist in either a relaxed state or in a compressed state. In the compressed state, pouches are formed for carrying and delivering the beneficial agent to both the cervical and vaginal lumen sides of the vagina.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas R. Moench, Richard A. Cone, Kevin J. Whaley
  • Patent number: 6474338
    Abstract: The present invention reveals a device, a kit and a method for simultaneously delivering and distributing at least one beneficial agent to both the cervical and vaginal lumen sides of a vagina. The device is made of a flexible circular rim and a flexible dome. The device can exist in either a relaxed state or in a compressed state. In the compressed state, pouches are formed for carrying and delivering the beneficial agent to both the cervical and vaginal lumen sides of the vagina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignees: ReProtect, LLC, The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Thomas R. Moench, Richard A. Cone, Kevin J. Whaley
  • Patent number: 6355235
    Abstract: Certain antibody molecules are so stable and so potent at immobilizing sperm as well as the pathogens for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that they make possible new prophylactic contraceptive methods: (a) for men, a skin lotion containing antibodies against sperm and against STD pathogens to be applied to the penis and external genitals during sexual activity, thereby delivering prophylactically effective doses of antibodies to virtually all areas of skin and epithelia across which most STDs, including AIDS, are usually transmitted, and, during vaginal intercourse, the penis will deliver a contraceptively reliable dose of the antibodies to the cervical region of the vagina; and (b) for women, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and intravaginal devices (IVDS) that release antibodies into the uterus or into the vagina to provide continuous protection against pregnancy and STDs for periods of months to years.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Richard A. Cone, Kevin J. Whaley
  • Publication number: 20010000871
    Abstract: The present invention reveals a device, a kit and a method for simultaneously delivering and distributing at least one beneficial agent to both the cervical and vaginal lumen sides of a vagina. The device is made of a flexible circular rim and a flexible dome. The device can exist in either a relaxed state or in a compressed state. In the compressed state, pouches are formed for carrying and delivering the beneficial agent to both the cervical and vaginal lumen sides of the vagina.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Publication date: May 10, 2001
    Inventors: Thomas R. Moench, Richard A. Cone, Kevin J. Whaley
  • Patent number: 6216697
    Abstract: The present invention reveals a device, a kit and a method for simultaneously delivering and distributing at least one beneficial agent to both the cervical and vaginal lumen sides of a vagina. The device is made of a flexible circular rim and a flexible dome. The device can exist in either a relaxed state or in a compressed state. In the compressed state, pouches are formed for carrying and delivering the beneficial agent to both the cervical and vaginal lumen sides of the vagina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University & ReProtect, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas R. Moench, Richard A. Cone, Kevin J. Whaley
  • Patent number: 6045786
    Abstract: Certain antibody molecules are so stable and so potent at immobilizing sperm as well as the pathogens for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that they make possible new prophylactic contraceptive methods: (a) for men, a skin lotion containing antibodies against sperm and against STD pathogens to be applied to the penis and external genitals during sexual activity, thereby delivering prophylactically effective doses of antibodies to virtually all areas of skin and epithelia across which most STDs, including AIDS, are usually transmitted, and, during vaginal intercourse, the penis will deliver a contraceptively reliable dose of the antibodies to the cervical region of the vagina; and (b) for women, intrauterine devices (IUDs) and intravaginal devices (IVDs) that release antibodies into the uterus or into the vagina to provide continuous protection against pregnancy and STDs for periods of months to years.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Richard A. Cone, Kevin J. Whaley
  • Patent number: 5617877
    Abstract: The present invention is for a device and a gel method for controlling pH by acidic buffering. The device is made of a flexible dome, a flexible circular rim and an absorbent acidic buffer. The flexible dome is attached a its margin to the circular rim and the absorbent acidic buffer is contained within the device. The absorbent acidic buffer can control or maintain pH within physiological ranges. The gel method for controlling pH by acidic buffering is accomplished by applying a gel to an area where the pH is to be controlled. The gel includes an acidic buffering polymer which can control or maintain the pH of the area within the range of about 3 to about 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Inventors: Thomas R. Moench, Richard A. Cone
  • Patent number: 5592949
    Abstract: The present invention is for a device and a gel method for controlling pH by acidic buffering. The device is made of a flexible dome, a flexible circular rim and an absorbent acidic buffer. The flexible dome is attached at its margin to the circular rim and the absorbent acidic buffer is contained within the device. The absorbent acidic buffer can control or maintain pH within physiological ranges. The gel method for controlling pH by acidic buffering is accomplished by applying a gel to an area where the pH is to be controlled. The gel includes an acidic buffering polymer which can control or maintain the pH of the area within the range of about 3 to about 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventors: Thomas R. Moench, Richard A. Cone