Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 50
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
A multilaminate dry state electrode assembly for an electrically powered iontophoretic agent delivery device including a source of electrical power which is electrically connected to the electrode assembly, the electrode assembly including: a) a reservoir layer including a substantially non-hydrated hydratable matrix containing an agent to be delivered through a body surface; b) an electrode layer in electrical contact with both the reservoir layer and the power source; c) means for hydrating the substantially non-hydrated agent containing matrix, said means including a preformed sealable passageway through the electrode layer, the passageway when unsealed establishing fluid communication between the exterior of the device and the matrix, said means enabling a liquid from an external source to be introduced through the passageway and into the reservoir matrix in order to hydrate the matrix and activate the electrode assembly; and d) means for sealing the passageway after introducing the liquid therein.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
148 words
A multilaminate dry state electrode assembly for an electrically powered iontophoretic agent delivery device including a source of electrical power which is electrically connected to the electrode assembly, the electrode assembly including: a) a reservoir layer including a substantially non-hydrated hydratable matrix containing an agent to be delivered through a body surface; b) an electrode layer in electrical contact with both the reservoir layer and the power source; c) means for hydrating the substantially non-hydrated agent containing matrix, said means including a preformed sealable passageway through the electrode layer, the passageway when unsealed establishing fluid communication between the exterior of the device and the matrix, said means enabling a liquid from an external source to be introduced through the passageway and into the reservoir matrix in order to hydrate the matrix and activate the electrode assembly; and d) means for sealing the passageway after introducing the liquid therein.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
133 words
A multilaminate dry state electrode assembly for an electrically powered iontophoretic agent delivery device, the electrode assembly having a reservoir layer containing an agent to be delivered through a body surface and an electrode layer adapted to be place in electrical contact with both the reservoir layer and a power source, the reservoir layer comprising a substantially non-hydrated, hydratable matrix which is initially isolated from the power source, the reservoir layer having an exposable surface for introducing a liquid thereto to hydrate the reservoir layer, the reservoir layer being adapted to be placed in electrical contact with the power source after hydration of the reservoir layer, wherein both the power source and the reservoir layer are positioned on a sheet in spaced apart relation, the reservoir layer being releasably attached to the sheet.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
133 words
A multilaminate dry state electrode assembly for an electrically powered iontophoretic agent delivery device, the electrode assembly having a reservoir layer containing an agent to be delivered through a body surface and an electrode layer adapted to be place in electrical contact with both the reservoir layer and a power source, the reservoir layer comprising a substantially non-hydrated, hydratable matrix which is initially isolated from the power source, the reservoir layer having an exposable surface for introducing a liquid thereto to hydrate the reservoir layer, the reservoir layer being adapted to be placed in electrical contact with the power source after hydration of the reservoir layer, wherein both the power source and the reservoir layer are positioned on a sheet in spaced apart relation, the reservoir layer being releasably attached to the sheet.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The electrode assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the agent is unstable or becomes degraded in the presence the liquid.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The electrode assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrode assembly is a donor electrode assembly and the agent is a drug.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
11 words
The electrode assembly of claim 4, wherein the liquid comprises water.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrode assembly is a counter electrode assembly and the agent is an electrolyte.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 6, wherein the electrolyte is a water soluble electrolyte salt.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
10 words
The device of claim 7, wherein the liquid comprises water.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 7, wherein the liquid comprises an aqueous solution or an aqueous suspension of the electrolyte.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the multilaminate electrode assembly includes an ion-conducting adhesive layer adapted to secure the electrode assembly to the body surface.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the multilaminate electrode assembly includes a semipermeable membrane layer positioned between the reservoir layer and the body surface.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the reservoir layer is comprised of a hydrophilic polymer.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the matrix comprises a mixture of a hydrophilic polymer and a hydrophobic polymer.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the power source comprises a battery.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the body surface is intact skin or a mucosal membrane.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device of claim 1, including a sealing cover layer formed on the outside of the electrode assembly, the passageway extending through both the electrode layer and the sealing cover layer.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the preformed passageway contains a liquid wicking material.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
37 words
The device of claim 1, including a layer of a liquid wicking material positioned adjacent the reservoir layer, the passageway extending from the exterior of the device, through the electrode layer to the liquid wicking material layer.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the reservoir layer has a plurality of grooves in fluid communication with the passageway, said grooves being adapted to convey the liquid introduced through the passageway across the reservoir layer.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
17 words
The electrode assembly of claim 1, wherein the means for sealing the passageway forms a water-tight seal.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
16 words
The electrode assembly of claim 20, wherein the means for sealing the passageway comprises a plug.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 2, wherein the reservoir layer is comprised of a liquid-swellable material.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 2, wherein the sheet is adapted to be severed intermediate the power source and the reservoir layer.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 2, wherein the reservoir layer is intermediate the sheet and a release liner.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 2, wherein the sheet comprises a water impermeable backing material.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 2, wherein the sheet has a weakened score line between the agent reservoir layer and the electrode layer.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
167 words
An electrically powered iontophoretic agent delivery device comprising: a) a source of electrical power; b) a multilaminate dry state donor electrode assembly having a reservoir containing a drug to be delivered through a body surface and a donor electrode in electrical contact with both the drug reservoir and the power source; c) a multilaminate dry state counter electrode assembly having a reservoir containing an electrolyte and an electrode in electrical contact with the electrolyte reservoir and the power source; wherein each of the drug reservoir and the electrolyte reservoir comprises a substantially non-hydrated, hydratable matrix which is positioned on a sheet in spaced apart relation to the power source, each of the drug reservoir and electrolyte reservoir having an exposable surface for introducing a hydrating liquid water thereto to hydrate same, the drug reservoir being adapted to be placed in electrical contact with the donor electrode and the electrolyte reservoir being adapted to be placed in electrical contact with the counter electrode after hydration of said reservoirs.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
167 words
An electrically powered iontophoretic agent delivery device comprising: a) a source of electrical power; b) a multilaminate dry state donor electrode assembly having a reservoir containing a drug to be delivered through a body surface and a donor electrode in electrical contact with both the drug reservoir and the power source; c) a multilaminate dry state counter electrode assembly having a reservoir containing an electrolyte and an electrode in electrical contact with the electrolyte reservoir and the power source; wherein each of the drug reservoir and the electrolyte reservoir comprises a substantially non-hydrated, hydratable matrix which is positioned on a sheet in spaced apart relation to the power source, each of the drug reservoir and electrolyte reservoir having an exposable surface for introducing a hydrating liquid water thereto to hydrate same, the drug reservoir being adapted to be placed in electrical contact with the donor electrode and the electrolyte reservoir being adapted to be placed in electrical contact with the counter electrode after hydration of said reservoirs.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 20, further comprising an ion-impermeable separator positioned between the electrode assemblies, wherein the separator is comprised of hydrophobic polymer.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
95 words
A method of hydrating a dry state multilaminate electrode assembly in an electrically powered iontophoretic agent delivery device, the electrode assembly including a substantially non-hydrated hydratable reservoir layer containing an agent to be delivered and an electrode layer in electrical contact with both a power source and the reservoir layer, the method comprising: introducing a liquid from an external source through a preformed sealable passageway, the passageway when unsealed extending from the exterior of the device through the electrode layer and into the hydratable reservoir layer; and sealing the passageway after introducing the liquid therein.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
95 words
A method of hydrating a dry state multilaminate electrode assembly in an electrically powered iontophoretic agent delivery device, the electrode assembly including a substantially non-hydrated hydratable reservoir layer containing an agent to be delivered and an electrode layer in electrical contact with both a power source and the reservoir layer, the method comprising: introducing a liquid from an external source through a preformed sealable passageway, the passageway when unsealed extending from the exterior of the device through the electrode layer and into the hydratable reservoir layer; and sealing the passageway after introducing the liquid therein.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
130 words
A method of hydrating a dry state multilaminate electrode assembly in an electrically powered iontophoretic agent delivery device, the electrode assembly including a non-hydrated hydratable reservoir layer containing an agent to be delivered and an electrode layer adapted to be placed in electrical contact with both the reservoir layer and an electrical power source, the method comprising: a) positioning the agent containing reservoir layer and the power source on a sheet in spaced apart relation while the agent containing reservoir layer is in a substantially non-hydrated condition, the reservoir layer being releasably attached to the sheet; b) introducing a hydrating liquid into the reservoir layer in an amount sufficient to permit ion transport through the reservoir layer; and thereafter c) electrically connecting the hydrated reservoir layer to the power source.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
130 words
A method of hydrating a dry state multilaminate electrode assembly in an electrically powered iontophoretic agent delivery device, the electrode assembly including a non-hydrated hydratable reservoir layer containing an agent to be delivered and an electrode layer adapted to be placed in electrical contact with both the reservoir layer and an electrical power source, the method comprising: a) positioning the agent containing reservoir layer and the power source on a sheet in spaced apart relation while the agent containing reservoir layer is in a substantially non-hydrated condition, the reservoir layer being releasably attached to the sheet; b) introducing a hydrating liquid into the reservoir layer in an amount sufficient to permit ion transport through the reservoir layer; and thereafter c) electrically connecting the hydrated reservoir layer to the power source.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 29 or 30, wherein the agent is unstable or becomes degraded in the presence of the liquid.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 29 or 30, wherein the electrode assembly is a donor electrode assembly and the agent is a drug.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 29 or 30, wherein the liquid comprises water.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 29 or 30, wherein the electrode assembly is a counter electrode assembly and the agent is an electrolyte.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 34, wherein the electrolyte comprises a water soluble electrolyte salt.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 29 or 30, wherein the liquid comprises water.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 29 or 30, wherein the liquid is an aqueous solution or an aqueous suspension of an electrolyte.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 29 or 30, wherein the reservoir layer is comprised of a non-hydrated hydrogel.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 29 or 30, wherein the body surface is intact skin or a mucosal membrane.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 29, including positioning a wicking layer in fluid communication with both the preformed passageway and the agent reservoir, the wicking layer being effective to distribute the liquid introduced through the passageway across a surface of the reservoir layer.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 29, including providing a plurality of grooves in a surface of the reservoir layer, the grooves being in fluid communication with the preformed passageway, the grooves being effective to distribute the liquid introduced through the passageway across the reservoir layer.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 29, wherein the sealing forms a water-tight seal.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 29, including placing a plug in the passageway.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 30, including positioning a wicking layer in fluid communication with the agent reservoir layer
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 30, including providing grooves in an accessible surface of the reservoir layer.