Material Impelled By Means (e.g., Diaphragm, Piston) Moved By Gas Or Vacuum Pressure Patents (Class 604/141)
  • Patent number: 7169755
    Abstract: An improved solution for use in the removal of cataractous lenses via liquefracture is described. The liquefracture solution contains a viscosity-enhancing agent to increase the residence time of the solution in the heating chamber of the liquefracture handpiece, thereby increasing the expulsion force of the solution from the handpiece (i.e., “pulse force”). An agent that releases gas when the liquefracture solution is heated in the handpiece may also be included in the solution, thereby also enhancing the pulse force of the solution upon expulsion from the handpiece. The solution preferably also contains a partially water-soluble agent that forms a temporarily insoluble precipitate when heated in a liquefracture handpiece. The precipitate acts as an abrasive agent when expelled with the liquefracture solution from the handpiece, thereby facilitating the cutting and disintegration of the cataractous lens material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Alcon, Inc.
    Inventors: Mandar V. Shah, Glenn Sussman, Donald M Cohen, Uday Doshi, Kerry L. Markwardt
  • Patent number: 7160268
    Abstract: A container for delivery of a surgical fluid to a surgical handpiece is disclosed. The container includes a volume for receiving the surgical fluid to be delivered to the handpiece and an end for removably engaging a receptacle in a surgical console and for fluidly coupling with a source of pressurized fluid in a surgical console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Alcon, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence W. Darnell, Ramon C. Dimalanta, Sean C. Madden, Glenn R. Sussman
  • Patent number: 7022107
    Abstract: An infusion pump for infusing drugs or other fluids into the body. The pump consists of two chambers. The storage chamber holds a large volume of drug at a variable and elevated pressure, which exceeds the preselected outflow pressure. The outflow chamber holds a smaller volume of drug at a constant outflow pressure. A moveable diaphragm attached to a valve controls the entry of the drug from the storage chamber into the outflow chamber. The pressure of the drug in the outflow chamber is determined by the forces applied to the diaphragm. The drug from the outflow chamber flows through a flow restrictor and catheter into the patient at a constant flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Advanced Infusion, Inc.
    Inventors: James Christensen, John Krug
  • Patent number: 6979316
    Abstract: An auto-injector for rapid delivery of a bolus of injectable medication has a generally flat, sealed housing with small peripheral dimensions, approximating those of a credit card. A syringe, configured to be contained within the flat housing is pre-filled with the medication. The housing contains a mechanism that, when triggered, automatically drives the syringe and needle forwardly to an injection position and then continues to compress the volume of the syringe to effect rapid injection. The forward injection end of the device includes an actuator that also conceals and protects the needle at all times and, prevents post-injection hazards. The flat faces of the device have graphic symbols and other visual indicia relating to the operation and condition of the device. The device enables a simple three-step operation that reduces the risk of improper use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Seedlings Life Science Ventures LLC
    Inventors: Keith H. Rubin, James M. Sellers, Haydn B. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6921385
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivery of a surgical fluid to a surgical handpiece is disclosed. The apparatus generally includes a container and an adapter receiving one end of the container. The container holds the surgical fluid to be delivered to the handpiece. The adapter is for removably engaging a receptacle in a surgical console and for fluidly coupling with a source of pressurized fluid in a surgical console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Alcon, Inc.
    Inventors: Don A. Clements, Lawrence W. Darnell, Ramon C. Dimalanta, Sean C. Madden, Glenn R. Sussman
  • Patent number: 6896666
    Abstract: The delivery of a fluid cutaneously is effected by generating a suction force on a surface of a housing. A surface of a cutaneous layer is received under the suction force about which the proximal end of a needle thereby to pierce the cutaneous surface and to effect an injection of fluid. There is generated a suction force to operate the movement of a needle in the housing. The needle is moved under the suction force from the housing thereby to permit piercing a cutaneous layer. The bladder for containing fluid is emptied under the suction into the distal end of the needle and thereby permit the expulsion of fluid through the proximal end of the needle for injection below the cutaneous layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Kochamba Family Trust
    Inventor: Gary Steven Kochamba
  • Patent number: 6890320
    Abstract: The invention provides a continuous liquid infusion device in which liquid syringe and a negative pressure cylinder are separable to use a liquid infused syringe. This continuous liquid infusion device includes: a negative pressure cylinder having a barrel part including an open/close valve at its tip and leg parts extending from a base end thereof; a piston air-tightly fitted in the barrel part and connected to a base end of an outer case covering an outer surface of the barrel part, through slots between the leg parts; a liquid syringe having a liquid infusion/discharge port at its tip, and a base end screwed with the outer case so that the liquid syringe is positioned back to back with the negative pressure cylinder; and a movable unit liquid-tightly fitted to an inner circumference of the tip of the liquid syringe and abutting against a base end of the leg parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Orchis Company Limited
    Inventor: Susumu Minezaki
  • Patent number: 6843782
    Abstract: A drug delivery device having a base member defining a skin-contacting surface, a syringe serving as a reservoir for the drug, and means for expelling drug from the syringe. The syringe is connected to the base member such that the longitudinal axis of the syringe is substantially parallel to the skin surface. A delivery needle is in communication with the syringe. The needle has an angled bend which directs the tip of the needle substantially perpendicular to the skin-contacting surface. In use, the tip of the needle is adapted to penetrate the skin of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Elan Pharma International Limited
    Inventors: Joseph Gross, Gilad Lavi, Izrail Tsals
  • Patent number: 6835187
    Abstract: The technical field of the invention is that of needleless syringes used for injecting active principles in powder form for therapeutic purposes. The invention concerns a needleless syringe (1) comprising successively a gas generator (2), a gas expanding chamber (3), means for retaining active particles and an ejection tube (4). The invention is characterised in that the particle retaining means consists of an inner seal (14) having at least a cavity (15), the inner seal (14) serves both to contain the active principle and to generate a shock wave when it is ruptured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Crossject
    Inventors: Patrick Alexandre, Georges Baud, Philippe Gautier, Denis Roller
  • Publication number: 20040220525
    Abstract: An injection device includes a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, the housing defining a distal opening, and a first opening in a side of the housing and between the proximal and distal ends; a propellant disposed inside the housing and spaced from the distal end; and a movable member disposed inside the housing and between the distal end and the propellant, wherein the propellant is in fluid communication with the movable member and the first opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: John P. Willis, Thaddeus G. Minior
  • Patent number: 6802823
    Abstract: A portable medication delivery system enables a patient to elect slow continuous auto-administration or rapid bolus self-administration of a fluid medication. The medication delivery system has an infusion pump, which includes a fluid storage chamber and a spring-driven piston positioned in the fluid storage chamber. The fluid storage chamber is initially charged with the medication and the infusion pump automatically delivers a continuous dosage of the medication at a first flow rate over a long time from the fluid storage chamber to a treatment site in the patient. A bolus injector is positioned in series or in parallel with the infusion pump and is charged with a bolus dosage of the treatment fluid from the fluid storage chamber for alternate manual self-injection of the medication into the treatment site at a higher second flow rate for a short time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Breg, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey T. Mason
  • Patent number: 6767337
    Abstract: The invention relates to an infusion apparatus for use in combination with an infusion bag (10) comprising and/or being connectable with a conduit means (12) for transport of infusion liquid to a patient. The infusion apparatus comprises a first space (14) in which the infusion bag (10) is disposed. The infusion apparatus comprises also a second space (16). The volume of this second space (16) can be varied by supplying a pressure generating liquid to the second space (16). This change in volume of the second space (16) exerts a pressure on the infusion bag (10). The infusion apparatus comprises also a closing means (20) which exerts a load on the conduit means (12). If the pressure generating liquid exerts a pressure on the infusion bag (10) the load will decrease. This allows infusion liquid to leave the infusion bag (10) via the conduit means (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Gepro Produktutveckling AB
    Inventor: Göran Ewerlöf
  • Patent number: 6752781
    Abstract: A gas-powered, durable, needle-less hypodermic jet injection device (10, 210) includes a hand-held injector (12, 212) which receives into an injection cylinder a volume of liquid medication to be injected in the form of a high velocity jet capable of penetrating the skin without the use of a hypodermic needle. The injection device provides an injection orifice, and an injection piston. Forceful movement of the injection piston causes a high velocity injection jet of liquid medication to be expelled from the injection cylinder via the injection orifice. The injection device includes features which improve its usability, particularly for users with hands that are possibly weak, feeble, or arthritic, for example; and also includes additional features which improve manufacturability, durability, and cost effectiveness of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventors: Sergio Landau, Daniel Williamson
  • Publication number: 20040092874
    Abstract: A tranquilizer bracelet which can be locked onto A wearer's wrist. The bracelet contains A power source, an electronic control module, and means for injecting A tranquilizing agent into the wearer. Instructions can be sent to the control module remotely, such as by using radio transmissions. The bracelet is provided with A lock to secure it to the wrist. It can only be opened using A mechanical key or electronic code. Thus, once the bracelet is installed, it cannot be removed by the wearer. In the event that tranquilization is necessary, A remote signal is sent to the control module. The signal activates A mechanism within the bracelet which causes the injection of the tranquilizing agent. Anti-tampering mechanisms are also provided, which will produce an alert signal if the bracelet is somehow removed by the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: George Mazidji, Vera M. Mansour
  • Publication number: 20040073169
    Abstract: A constant-pressure apparatus for the administration of fluids intravenously includes a container for a fluid to be administered, and a liquefied-gas source having a constant gas pressure and arranged in association with the container so as to apply the constant pressure of the liquefied-gas cartridge to the fluid therein, thus forcing the fluid to exit through an outlet of the container at a constant rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Shai Amisar, Baruch Segal, Ronen Radomski
  • Patent number: 6716190
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for delivering and injecting an agent into a target site within the body without penetrating the tissue of the target site with anything other than the agent. The system comprises a nozzle assembly and a propulsion mechanism. The nozzle assembly comprises an ampule with a reservoir, having a reservoir orifice, for containing the agent; a dispersion fixture that has a dispersion orifice; and a channel in fluid communication between the reservoir orifice and the dispersion orifice. The propulsion mechanism is operatively coupled to the reservoir for propelling the agent from within the reservoir, through the reservoir orifice and the channel and the dispersion orifice, at a pressure sufficient to cause the agent to penetrate the target site without penetration of the target site with the dispersion fixture. Methods of using and making the system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Glines, Gary B. Weller
  • Patent number: 6682504
    Abstract: A jet injector having cartridge and power pack assemblies is disclosed. In one embodiment, the cartridge assembly includes a tube containing the medicament with a plunger at one end and a stopper at the other end. The plunger is movable within the tube lumen to force the stopper against a needle, thereby creating a fluid pathway through the stopper. In another embodiment, only the plunger is movable within the tube lumen and the stopper, which can be integral to the rest of the cartridge assembly or a separate component, already has a pathway for ejection of the medicament. The present invention also relates to an energy mechanism for the power pack assembly that is a gas spring containing a charging material existing in liquid and gaseous phase equilibrium within the gas spring to maintain a substantially constant pressure prior to activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Antares Pharma, Inc.
    Inventors: Sheldon J. Nelson, Kenneth L. Adam, Claude L. Berman, Peter L. Sadowski, Paul R. Lesch, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6673034
    Abstract: A needle-less injector suitable for injecting fluid through a skin surface of a patient includes a housing, a driver, an intruding gas chamber activating mechanism and a trigger. The housing containing the fluid and a sealed gas storage chamber containing a gas. The driver forces the fluid out of the housing at a sufficient speed to pierce the skin surface of the patient. The intruding gas chamber activating mechanism is mounted in the housing to intrude through the sealed gas chamber to release gas seal into the housing. The trigger is operatively coupled to the intruding gas chamber activating mechanism to release the gas from the gas chamber into the housing to activate the driver to force the fluid out of the housing. The trigger is activated by moving the trigger towards and orifice in the housing and/or upon application of a predetermined amount of pressure to the trigger that is opposed by a predetermined amount of resistance from the skin surface of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Penjet Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas P. Castellano
  • Publication number: 20030236498
    Abstract: A drug delivery device having a housing containing a gas generator controlled by an electronic controller. The gas generator generates gas into a reciprocable chamber, whereby reciprocation of the chamber causes a lever to reciprocate a pawl, and this action causes a ratchet to The device may also be provided with manually control for delivering a bolus dose of drug when necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Joseph Gross, Izrail Tsals, Gilad Lavi, Gil Yigal, Ehoud Carmel
  • Publication number: 20030233070
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pneumatic injector that includes a pressurized gas source, an actuator, a driver, and a dispenser. The dispenser of the injector includes a reservoir for containing a desired amount of a chosen medicament and a needle, such as a hypodermic needle, suitable for subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intra-articular delivery of the chosen medicament. The actuator actuates the transmission of pressurized gas from the pressurized gas source to the driver, and as pressurized gas is delivered to the driver, the driver exerts at least an injection force. The injection force is of sufficient magnitude to expel a chosen medicament through the needle of the dispenser within a desired amount of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Pedro E. De La Serna, Scott J. Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20030229337
    Abstract: An implantable pressure-activated microvalve is disclosed. The valve includes a chamber that can be coupled to an external reservoir. A deflectable diaphragm is fluidically coupled to the chamber and arranged such that pressure of an in vitro fluid will bear against the deflectable diaphragm. When the pressure exceeds a selected threshold, the diaphragm deflects and allows material within the chamber to mix with the in vitro fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventor: David A. Broden
  • Publication number: 20030216695
    Abstract: A needle syringe, which uses an air compressor to generate suction force to withdraw the air in the syringe and form vacuum suction to withdraw drugs or blood into the syringe to attain the objective of withdrawal. Besides, the compressed air by the air compressor can be charged into the syringe to generate push force to inject drugs or blood in the syringe into patient body or a blood storage test tube. Through pressing the blocking section of the needle socket, the elastic fixture in the blocking section is loosen off to allow the needle socket along with the needles retracting into the syringe body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: Chang-Ming Yang
  • Patent number: 6641562
    Abstract: An infusion system packaged in a light weight nylon portable mesh container, which is also the pump of the system, includes a removable therapy bag holding the Rx to be infused into the patient. A bladder within the pump is inflatable to provide pressure onto the therapy bag to aid in the discharge of the Rx. When filling the therapy bag, the pharmacist, using his computer to comply with standards, simultaneously programs an EPROM with data specifying the Rx as well as instructions for dispensing the Rx. In one embodiment of the invention, the EPROM fits into a docking receptacle in the pump, while in a second embodiment the EPROM is integral with the therapy bag. A microcomputer mounted in the pump is programmed to control the flow of the Rx to the patient, reading the data from the EPROM in generating the control signals. The microcomputer cyclically drives a fluid control module which outputs a fixed amount of Rx for each cycle of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: HPS Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean McCormack Peterson
  • Publication number: 20030176839
    Abstract: Disclosed is a portable device for delivering a medicament or the like into the body of a human or animal subject, the device comprising: a medicament compartment containing the medicament or the like to be delivered; delivery means comprising an orifice through which the medicament or the like is expelled from the device; and an internal combustion engine which provides the motive force by which the medicament is expelled from the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventors: States Gwinyai Chiwanga, Terence George Fielder, Andrew Robert Fry
  • Patent number: 6595956
    Abstract: A drug delivery device having a housing containing a gas generator controlled by an electronic controller. The gas generator generates gas into a reciprocate chamber, whereby reciprocation of the chamber causes a lever to reciprocate a pawl, and this action causes a ratchet to The device may also be provided with manually control for delivering a bolus dose of drug when necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventors: Joseph Gross, Izrail Tsals, Gilad Lavi, Gil Yigal, Ehoud Carmel
  • Publication number: 20030135159
    Abstract: A drug delivery device having a housing having an internal reservoir in communication with a drug delivery outlet via a fluid path. An expandable chamber disposed adjacent to the reservoir forces drug from the reservoir to the outlet when supplied with a gas. A flow regulating chamber, in communication with the fluid path, is capable of volumetric changes in response to temperature and/or pressure changes. An increase in the volume of the flow regulating chamber increases flow resistance to the outlet and thereby counteracts the corresponding increase in delivery rate resulting from the expansion of the expandable chamber due to the same volumetric changes in response to temperature and/or pressure. In a preferred embodiment, an electrical circuit has a current stabilizing element in electrical communication with an electrolytic cell which supplies the gas. A throttling device maintains a higher pressure in the device to reduce possible clogging of the fluid path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: Elan Pharma International Limited
    Inventors: David Daily, Oz Cabiri, Mario Rozanowich, Miki Sahar, Jacob Stern, Diana Davidson, Izrail Tsals, Gilad Lavi, Avi Azoulay, Eran Shor, Craig Brodeur
  • Patent number: 6592545
    Abstract: A needleless syringe capable of accelerating particles into a target surface is provided. The syringe comprises a body having a lumen with a diaphragm located adjacent to a terminus thereof. Particles are delivered from an external surface of the diaphragm by means of the motive force provided by the impact of a shockwave imparted to the internal surface of the diaphragm. A method for delivering particles from the needleless syringe is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: PowderJect Research Limited
    Inventors: Brian John Bellhouse, John Bell, Huw Richard Millward, Monisha Jane Phillips, Samih M. Nabulsi
  • Patent number: 6575961
    Abstract: A fluid delivery device comprising a chamber or electrode, wherein the chamber or electrode is capable of containing a chemical and/or electrochemical reagent which expands upon a chemical reaction of the same. The expansion, in turn, displaces a displaceable member which facilitates delivery of fluid from an associated reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Microlin, L.C.
    Inventor: Ashok V. Joshi
  • Patent number: 6575935
    Abstract: A system and method for pressurizing bags of physiological fluids include a control valve for providing deflation of a bladder that compresses the bags. The toggle portion of the control valve is movable between a first and second position respectively for inflation and deflation of the bladder. When the toggle portion is in the first position, the control valve connects a source of pressurized air to the bladder, and when the toggle portion is in the second position, the control valve allows the bladder to exhaust directly to the atmosphere through an outlet port in the valve. The size of the outlet port is so large that it creates only very little resistance to the discharged air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Level 1, Inc.
    Inventors: Dana A. Oliver, Joseph A. Bruno, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030100864
    Abstract: The invention relates to a portable pump device and a cartridge therefore. The cartridge comprises a first reservoir for a flowable drug provided in combination with a second reservoir comprising a pump liquid, a pump chamber being associated with the first reservoir and adapted to receive the pump liquid in order to expel drug from the first reservoir. In a first aspect, the reservoirs of the system may be provided as a disposable cartridge unit to be combined with a further unit to form an delivery device, the delivery device as a whole comprising the pump means for pumping the pump liquid from the second reservoir to the pump chamber, control means for controlling the action of the pump means, and an energy reservoir for energizing the pump means as well as the control means, however, one or more of these components may be incorporated in the disposable cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Henrik Bendsen, Jens Moller-Jensen
  • Publication number: 20030100863
    Abstract: A portable insulin delivery device that supplies insulin in a pre-pressurized chamber, passes the insulin through a pressure-dropping labyrinth to a flow control valve. The valve is activated by a piezoelectric actuator. This allows for precise insulin delivery. An electronic package provides for programming of basal rates and bolus. A pressure sensor relays data concerning normal operation and pressure changes that indicate problems. The processor, keypad, display, power source, fluid pressure sensor and fluid flow control actuator are housed in a base unit. A removable cartridge unit houses the pre-pressurized fluid reservoir, flow path labyrinth, and flow control valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Avraham Shekalim
  • Patent number: 6558346
    Abstract: The automatic control-type, portable intravenous infusion apparatus includes an infusion liquid container to which an infusion liquid tube is connected, pressurize it, the infusion liquid tube being provided with a drip-monitoring tube, a connector and an infusion needle with a pressurizing bag for holding the infusion liquid container. The infusion liquid container includes an inflatable pressurizing bag and a sheet member having side ends each fixed to the side ends of the pressurizing bag. Connected to the pressurizing bag are an air tube provided with a mechanical safety valve, a selector valve and an air pump. By introducing air into the infusion liquid container, the pressurizing bag is inflated to apply substantially a constant pressure to the infusion liquid container, thereby flowing the infusion liquid from the container and keeping the dropping speed there substantially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Medico's Hirata Inc.
    Inventors: Wataru Yoshioka, Ryosuke Homma
  • Publication number: 20030083619
    Abstract: A transdermal transport device includes a reservoir for holding a formulation of an active principle, and a needle with a bore extending along the length of the needle from a first end of the needle to a second end of the needle. The second end is substantially aligned to a plane parallel to a body surface of a biological body when the device is placed on the body surface. The device also includes an actuator which pumps the formulation through the bore of the needle between a target area of the body and the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Aimee B. Angel, Ian W. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20030083618
    Abstract: A transdermal transport device includes a reservoir for holding a formulation of an active principle, a needle with a bore through which the formulation is transported between the reservoir and a target area of a biological body, and an electrolytic actuator which pumps the formulation through the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Aimee B. Angel, Ian W. Hunter, Peter Madden
  • Patent number: 6547770
    Abstract: A manually operated dispensing device for delivering ophthalmic solution to the surface of an eye in a desired spray pattern with an impact pressure on the eye that is comfortably tolerated by an individual. The device comprises a pressure container having a closed bottom and an open top defining a neck, for accommodating a pressurized gas and a pouch; a sealed pouch, for the ophthalmic solution, made of a barrier material and exhibiting a valve which is integrated with a mounting cup adapted to fit the neck of the container; and an actuator adapted to fit the mounting cup of the sealed pouch, comprising a nozzle member including a cylindrical tube member, adapted to interact with the valve, and an actuator button for activating the interaction between the nozzle member and the valve, in order to accomplish said desired spray pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Aiolos Systems Aktiebolag (AB)
    Inventors: Tony Carlsson, Bengt Hedman
  • Publication number: 20030050623
    Abstract: An implantable infusion device includes of a disc-shaped housing that is made from a biocompatible material. The housing contains a reservoir for holding a volume of infusion medium, such as a medication to be administered to the patient. A reservoirs for an implantable infusion devices may be configured to reduce the thickness requirements of the device, without compromising volume capacity of the device. In addition, such a reservoir configuration can allow multiple dispensing and fill or re-fill operations, with reduced risk of damage to the reservoir components. The reservoir defines a chamber that contains at least one flexible diaphragm. Each diaphragm has an outer peripheral edge within the chamber, a convolution adjacent the peripheral edge and a generally smooth central portion that is free to flex within the chamber, wherein the convolution enhances the flexibility of the diaphragm. A ring is provided in alignment with the peripheral edge of each diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Peter C. Lord, William A. Brandt, Scott R. Gibson
  • Patent number: 6530900
    Abstract: A drug delivery device having a housing having an internal reservoir in communication with a drug delivery outlet via a fluid path. An expandable chamber disposed adjacent to the reservoir forces drug from the reservoir to the outlet when supplied with a gas. A flow regulating chamber, in communication with the fluid path, is capable of volumetric changes in response to temperature and/or pressure changes. An increase in the volume of the flow regulating chamber increases flow resistance to the outlet and thereby counteracts the corresponding increase in delivery rate resulting from the expansion of the expandable chamber due to the same volumetric changes in response to temperature and/or pressure. In a preferred embodiment, an electrical circuit has a current stabilizing element in electrical communication with an electrolytic cell which supplies the gas. A throttling device maintains a higher pressure in the device to reduce possible clogging of the fluid path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Elan Pharma International Limited
    Inventors: David Daily, Oz Cabiri, Mario Rozanowich, Miki Sahar, Jacob Stern, Diana Davidson, Izrail Tsals, Gilad Lavi, Avi Azoulay, Eran Shor, Craig Brodeur
  • Publication number: 20030040709
    Abstract: A portable medication delivery system enables a patient to elect slow continuous auto-administration or rapid bolus self-administration of a fluid medication. The medication delivery system has an infusion pump, which includes a fluid storage chamber and a spring-driven piston positioned in the fluid storage chamber. The fluid storage chamber is initially charged with the medication and the infusion pump automatically delivers a continuous dosage of the medication at a first flow rate over a long time from the fluid storage chamber to a treatment site in the patient. A bolus injector is positioned in series or in parallel with the infusion pump and is charged with a bolus dosage of the treatment fluid from the fluid storage chamber for alternate manual self-injection of the medication into the treatment site at a higher second flow rate for a short time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Jeffrey T. Mason
  • Patent number: 6520936
    Abstract: Embodiments of implantable infusion pumps are provided that use a process of converting a first substance to a second gaseous substance (e.g. by electrolysis) to provide a motivating force to expel a desired fluid (e.g. drug or medication) from the pump into the body of a patient. An expandable sack may be provided around a gas producing electrolytic cell, such that as the gas expands it displaces a portion of the volume originally allocated to the desired fluid, and thereby forces the fluid from the pump. Pumps may be provided with a double septum to allow refilling of the desired fluid while simultaneously allowing removal of the generated gas from the system while using a single needle. Recharging of pump batteries may occur by direct electrical conduction through one or more needles and/or by r.f. energy transfer. Programming of the pump may occur by way of conductive paths provided by one or more needles or by means of r.f. transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred E. Mann
  • Patent number: 6458102
    Abstract: An external infusion device system for infusing a fluid into a patient, the system including a reusable infusion device housing, a gas power source and disposable reservoir. The disposable reservoir is insertable into the reusable infusion device housing to infuse the fluid into the patient. The gas power source is for generating a gas to expel the fluid from the fluid reservoir. The disposable reservoir includes a reservoir housing, a fluid reservoir, an outlet, a gas power source, an expansion chamber and a regulating valve assembly. The fluid reservoir is within the reservoir housing for containing the fluid to be infused into the patient. The outlet is in the reservoir housing and provides a path through which the fluid is expelled to be infused into the patient. The expansion chamber is disposed between the gas power source and the fluid reservoir to receive the gas from the gas power source. The expansion member expands into the fluid reservoir to expel the fluid from the fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred E. Mann, H. Lee Renger, Clyde Nason, Hiwa Nezhadian
  • Patent number: 6450991
    Abstract: A device for actively releasing material(s) (e.g. intra ruminally) having a plurality of dispensing reservoirs. Each electrolytic cell is capable upon energization under the control of a microprocessor after initiation of generating a gas which will cause (e.g. through action on a piston) by displacement of the material(s) of its respective reservoir sufficient displacement of or change to closure means of that reservoir thereby to allow release of the material(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Interag
    Inventors: Craig Robert Bunt, Michael John Rathbone, Shane Burggraaf
  • Publication number: 20020072709
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for delivering medicament by jet injection to an injection site in a patient. The method includes inserting a needle into an insertion point, wherein the needle has a length of less than 5mm and is operatively associated with an orifice in a nozzle assembly in fluid communication with an ampule chamber containing the medicament. The needle extends less than about 5 mm from the nozzle assembly orifice when the medicament is expelled. Next, a force generating mechanism is activated, and a pressure wall member that is operatively associated with the force generating member moves in response to the activation of the force generating mechanism at a speed sufficient to jet inject the medicament from the ampule chamber through the orifice and needle under a pressure of less than about 4000 psi to deliver a substantial portion of the medicament through the needle and past the insertion point to the injection site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Applicant: ANTARES PHARMA, INC.
    Inventors: Peter L. Sadowski, David M. DeBoer, Claude L. Berman, Paul R. Lesch
  • Patent number: 6398760
    Abstract: An infusion pump (10) includes a reservoir (18) containing a therapeutic liquid to be infused. The reservoir (18) includes an outlet (36) for the liquid. A volumetric air pump (24) is operatively associated with the reservoir (18) to pressurize the reservoir and thus drive liquid out the outlet (36). A valve (12) is operatively associated with the outlet (36) and prevents the flow of liquid through the outlet until a select threshold pressure is obtained in the outlet. The valve thereafter maintains an opening in the outlet that keeps the pressure in the reservoir (18) at substantially the select threshold pressure, whereby the volumetric flow rate of liquid through the outlet (36) is proportional to the volumetric flow rate of air from the volumetric air pump (24). The valve (12) varies the opening in the outlet to maintain the select pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Baxter International, Inc.
    Inventor: Hal C. Danby
  • Patent number: 6394981
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system wherein a drug or other fluid to be delivered to a specific desired location within the body is stored in a reservoir that is directly displaced by a force to infuse the drug from the device into the patient. Several specific methods are used to displace the reservoir, including, generally, hydraulic displacement, mechanical screw-type displacement, and spring force displacement of the fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth T. Heruth
  • Patent number: 6383165
    Abstract: A system for achieving a controlled low emission rate of small volumes of liquid solutions for pest and insect management and other applications. The system has a sealed liquid solution reservoir having an outlet port, a self-powered fluid delivery micropump, and a collector for receiving a liquid solution from the sealed liquid solution reservoir. The liquid solution reservoir has a small volume capacity in the range of 1-100 mL. The micropump is a fluid transfer device capable of delivering 1-1000 microliters/hour of liquid solution. The collector has a low emission rate in the range of 0.1-2000 mg/day. The micropump and the sealed liquid solution reservoir may be contained in a single assembly. Also the entire structure of the system may be located in a single container that may be attached to a support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventors: Henri J. R. Maget, Robert J. Rosati
  • Publication number: 20020022797
    Abstract: A medical instrument includes a case formed with a receiving space, a motor mounted in the case as a driving source which is driven by a battery, a power transmission element for converting a rotational motion of the motor to a linear motion, a pressure element connected to the power transmission element for inhaling and discharging ambient air so as to generate a suction force or discharging force of a predetermined pressure, a suction/discharge element integrally coupled with the pressure element and having an inlet for allowing an air to be inspired into the pressure element and an outlet for allowing the inspired air to be discharged from the pressure element to the outside, a power switch mounted an external surface of the case for controlling operations of the motor. Moreover, either of device or an injection device is detachably mounted to the main body of the medical instrument in communication with the inlet or the outlet of the suction/discharge element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventor: Jeong-Joo Suh
  • Publication number: 20020004653
    Abstract: A manually operated dispensing device for delivering ophthalmic solution to the surface of an eye in a desired spray pattern with an impact pressure on the eye that is comfortably tolerated by an individual. The device comprises a pressure container having a closed bottom and an open top defining a neck, for accommodating a pressurized gas and a pouch; a sealed pouch, for said ophthalmic solution, made of a barrier material and exhibiting a valve which is integrated with a mounting cup adapted to fit the neck of the container; and an actuator adapted to fit the mounting cup of the sealed pouch, comprising a nozzle member including a cylindrical tube member, adapted to interact with the valve, and an actuator button for activating the interaction between the nozzle member and the valve, in order to accomplish said desired spray pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Applicant: Aiolos Medicinsk Teknik AB
    Inventors: Tony Carlsson, Bengt Hedman
  • Patent number: 6290690
    Abstract: A method of injecting a first viscous fluid into a target tissue simultaneous with aspirating a second viscous fluid from the target tissue is disclosed. A surgical system is provided that is capable of supplying pneumatic pressure and vacuum. A first viscous fluid is injected into the target tissue using pneumatic pressure from the system. A mode of operation of the system is changed to provide vacuum and pneumatic pressure. The second viscous fluid is aspirated from the target tissue using vacuum from the system, and the pneumatic pressure remains substantially constant during aspiration. An improved foot pedal for controlling the simultaneous injection and aspiration of viscous fluids is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Alcon Manufacturing, Ltd.
    Inventors: John C. Huculak, Richard L. Zaleski, II, Russell L. Finlay
  • Patent number: 6283943
    Abstract: A medication infusion pump includes a housing, a medication chamber defined within the housing, means for supplying the medication from the medication chamber to a patient, a reservoir defined within the housing and adapted to apply a predetermined negative pressure to a medication within the medication chamber, and a gas within the reservoir. The gas has a vapor pressure less than ambient atmospheric pressure at normal human physiological temperature, more specifically less than 14.7 psia at 37° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: MiniMed Inc.
    Inventors: Norman Dy, William P. Van Antwerp
  • Patent number: 6280416
    Abstract: A medication infusion pump includes a housing, a medication chamber defined within the housing, a medication delivery device in fluid communication with the medication chamber, a propellant chamber defined within the housing and adapted to apply a predetermined positive pressure to a medication in the medication chamber, and a non-ozone depleting, non-toxic propellant within the propellant chamber. The propellant preferably has a vapor pressure between about 11 psig and about 50 psig at 37° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: MiniMed Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Van Antwerp, Susan M. McConnell, Peter C. Lord