Patents by Inventor Thomas John Harkins, JR.

Thomas John Harkins, JR. 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: 11957790
    Abstract: Herein described is a syringe assembly configured for the in situ lyophilization of an initial liquid preparation into a lyophilized product as well as the subsequent sealing of the lyophilized product for storage and transport, user reconstitution of the lyophilized product, and dispensing of the lyophilized product in rehydrated form to a patient in a medical setting, all in the same syringe. The combination lyophilization and dispensing syringe assemblies of the present invention greatly enhance the efficiency of the lyophilization process and find particular utility in conjunction with the dedicated lyophilization apparatus and methods described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 11,536,512 and 11,723,870. In particularly preferred embodiments, the present invention provides for shortened lyophilization cycles in a syringe barrel optionally fitted with a sealing Luer lock cap at its distal end and a vented stopper at its proximal end. During lyophilization, gas may flow out of the syringe barrel and through the stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Inventor: Thomas John Harkins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11890379
    Abstract: Herein described are an assembly, apparatus, and method for lyophilization that utilizes a thermal block made from a conductive material, the block having multiple wells designed and dimensioned to receive containers carrying material to be lyophilized in situ. In preferred embodiments, a vented silicone pad covers the wells and secures the containers therein, and a similarly vented rigid plate in turn secures the silicone pad by fastening it to the thermal block. The assembly can be turned up to 90 degrees resulting in the turning of the containers from an upright position to a horizontal position, a position in which the distance through which sublimation must progress is drastically reduced so as to greatly enhance the efficiency of the lyophilization process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Inventor: Thomas John Harkins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11723870
    Abstract: Herein described are an assembly, apparatus and method for lyophilization that utilizes a thermal block made from a conductive material, the block having multiple wells designed and dimensioned to receive containers carrying material to be lyophilized in situ. In preferred embodiments, a vented silicone pad covers the wells and secures the containers therein, and a similarly vented rigid plate in turn secures the silicone pad by fastening it to the thermal block. The assembly can be turned up to 90 degrees resulting in the turning of the containers from an upright position to a horizontal position, a position in which the distance through which sublimation must progress is drastically reduced so as to greatly enhance the efficiency of the lyophilization process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Inventor: Thomas John Harkins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11536512
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for lyophilization, the apparatus includes a block made from a conductive material. The block has multiple wells dimensioned to receive containers wherein the depth of the wells is proportional to the length of the containers. A silicone pad covers the well and can secure the containers in the well. A metal plate can secure the silicone pad by fastening it to the block. The silicone plate and the metal plate can have vents to allow vapors from the containers to escape. The apparatus can be turned up to 90 degrees resulting in the turning of the containers from an upright position to a horizontal position. The container can be a syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Inventor: Thomas John Harkins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9968479
    Abstract: A treatment for male erectile dysfunction comprising separately storing a lyophilized composition of vasoactive agents and a carrier gel, mixing said lyophilized composition of vasoactive agents and said carrier gel creating a homogeneous mixture and applying said homogeneous mixture to the meatus of the glans penis. A system for the treatment of male erectile dysfunction comprising a syringe coupling system for the storage, mixing and application of therapeutic compounds for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, said system further comprising a first syringe and a second syringe. The first and second syringes are filled with a lyophilized composition of vasoactive agents or a carrier gel. The system includes a locking device coupling said syringes to facilitate the transfer of said lyophilized composition of vasoactive agents and carrier gel between the syringes and a penile adapter for applying the therapeutic compounds for the treatment of erectile dysfunction to the meatus of the glans penis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas John Harkins, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150209516
    Abstract: A treatment for male erectile dysfunction comprising separately storing a lyophilized composition of vasoactive agents and a carrier gel, mixing said lyophilized composition of vasoactive agents and said carrier gel creating a homogeneous mixture and applying said homogeneous mixture to the meatus of the glans penis. A system for the treatment of male erectile dysfunction comprising a syringe coupling system for the storage, mixing and application of therapeutic compounds for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, said system further comprising a first syringe and a second syringe. The first and second syringes are filled with a lyophilized composition of vasoactive agents or a carrier gel. The system includes a locking device coupling said syringes to facilitate the transfer of said lyophilized composition of vasoactive agents and carrier gel between the syringes and a penile adapter for applying the therapeutic compounds for the treatment of erectile dysfunction to the meatus of the glans penis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas John Harkins, JR.
  • Patent number: 9005183
    Abstract: A treatment for male erectile dysfunction comprising separately storing a lyophilized composition of vasoactive agents and a carrier gel, mixing said lyophilized composition of vasoactive agents and said carrier gel creating a homogeneous mixture and applying said homogeneous mixture to the meatus of the glans penis. A system for the treatment of male erectile dysfunction comprising a syringe coupling system for the storage, mixing and application of therapeutic compounds for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, said system further comprising a first syringe and a second syringe. The first and second syringes are filled with a lyophilized composition of vasoactive agents or a carrier gel. The system includes a locking device coupling said syringes to facilitate the transfer of said lyophilized composition of vasoactive agents and carrier gel between the syringes and a penile adapter for applying the therapeutic compounds for the treatment of erectile dysfunction to the meatus of the glans penis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Health Knight, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas John Harkins, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080287879
    Abstract: A treatment for male erectile dysfunction comprising separately storing a lyophilized composition of vasoactive agents and a carrier gel, mixing said lyophilized composition of vasoactive agents and said carrier gel creating a homogeneous mixture and applying said homogeneous mixture to the meatus of the glans penis. A system for the treatment of male erectile dysfunction comprising a syringe coupling system for the storage, mixing and application of therapeutic compounds for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, said system further comprising a first syringe and a second syringe. The first and second syringes are filled with a lyophilized composition of vasoactive agents or a carrier gel. The system includes a locking device coupling said syringes to facilitate the transfer of said lyophilized composition of vasoactive agents and carrier gel between the syringes and a penile adapter for applying the therapeutic compounds for the treatment of erectile dysfunction to the meatus of the glans penis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas John Harkins, JR.