Patch applying apparatus
Inventors
Kendall, Mark Anthony Fernance • Ansaldo, Alexander Bernard • Crichton, Michael Lawrence • Falconer, Robert John
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-9943673-B2
Publication Date
2018-04-17
Expiration Date
Abstract
Apparatus for applying a patch to a subject, the patch having a number of projections thereon, the apparatus including opposable jaws movable between open and engaging positions, wherein in the open position the jaws can receive at least part of the subject, and in the engaging position the jaws can engage the at least part of the subject and a patch support for supporting a patch, and wherein the patch support is for urging the patch against the at least part of the subject.
Core Innovation
The invention provides an apparatus for applying a patch to a subject using opposable jaws and a patch support. The jaws comprise a first arm and a second arm moveable between open and engaging positions, where the open position receives at least part of the subject and the engaging position engages the at least part of the subject. One of the first and second arms includes an aperture, and the apparatus uses the aperture as part of the delivery of the patch to the subject.
A first patch having a number of solid projections is supported by a first patch support, with at least one projection being coated. The patch support supports and urges the patch against the subject such that the projections are capable of penetrating the skin of the subject. The patch is attached to the patch support, and a third arm mounted to the first and second arms delivers the patch through the aperture using a second biasing mechanism.
The apparatus includes a first biasing mechanism that urges the jaws into the engaging position to apply a force to a tissue surface of the subject prior to the first patch being applied. The second biasing mechanism urges the third arm to deliver the first patch to the subject through the aperture at predetermined application parameters, with the first patch retained in place for a predetermined application period. Dependent refinements further characterize the patch and projections, including precompress, pre-stretch, pre-stress effects associated with the aperture and projection geometry and density.
Claims Coverage
Independent claim clm-00001 defines the core apparatus for applying a solid-projection patch to a subject with opposable jaws, an aperture, a patch support, a third arm, and biasing mechanisms for pre-tissue force, controlled delivery, and retention for a predetermined application period. The coverage also includes dependent refinements to patch and projection geometry, aperture effects, and additional patch delivery and alignment parameters.
Opposable jaws with aperture for subject engagement and delivery
Opposable jaws comprising a first arm and a second arm moveable between open and engaging positions, wherein the open position receives at least part of the subject and the engaging position engages the at least part of the subject, and wherein one of the first and second arms includes an aperture.
Solid-projection patch with coated projections and attached to patch support
A first patch having a number of solid projections thereon with at least one of the projections being coated, wherein the first patch support supports the first patch and urges the first patch against the at least part of the subject so that the projections are capable of penetrating the skin of the subject, and wherein the patch is attached to the patch support.
Third arm-mounted patch support for delivery through aperture
A third arm mounted to the first and second arms, with the first patch support being provided on the third arm.
First biasing mechanism to pre-apply force to tissue surface
A first biasing mechanism that urges the jaws into the engaging position thereby applying a force to a tissue surface of the subject prior to the first patch being applied.
Second biasing mechanism for predetermined-parameter delivery and retention
A second biasing mechanism that urges the third arm to deliver the first patch to the subject through the aperture at predetermined application parameters and such that the first patch is retained in place for a predetermined application period.
The claims coverage centers on an apparatus that engages the subject with opposable jaws including an aperture, urges a solid-projection patch toward the tissue via a patch support attached to a patch, delivers the patch through the aperture using a third arm and a second biasing mechanism, applies a prior tissue-surface force via a first biasing mechanism, and retains the patch in place for a predetermined application period.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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