Patents by Inventor Richard A. Couch

Richard A. Couch 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: 6913768
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprises a once-a-day sustained release formulation of at least one amphetamine salt which provides mean plasma concentration profile aspects in human ADHD patients which are substantially the same as that provided by ADDERALL XR® type pulsatile formulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Shire Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Couch, Beth A. Burnside, Rong-Kun Chang
  • Publication number: 20050067387
    Abstract: A plasma arc torch that includes a torch body having a nozzle mounted relative to a composite electrode in the body to define a plasma chamber. The torch body includes a plasma flow path for directing a plasma gas to the plasma chamber in which a plasma arc is formed. The nozzle includes a hollow, body portion and a substantially solid, head portion defining an exit orifice. The composite electrode can be made of a metallic material (e.g., silver) with high thermal conductivity in the forward portion electrode body adjacent the emitting surface, and the aft portion of the electrode body is made of a second low cost, metallic material with good thermal and electrical conductivity. This composite electrode configuration produces an electrode with reduced electrode wear or pitting comparable to a silver electrode, for a price comparable to that of a copper electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Publication date: March 31, 2005
    Applicant: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: David Cook, Kirk Ferland, Charles Hackett, Yong Yang, Richard Couch, Zhipeng Lu
  • Publication number: 20040228802
    Abstract: Drug formulations having reduced abuse potential which contain one or more of (1) a bittering agent, (2) a bright deterrent/indicator dye and (3) fine insoluble particulate matter. The bittering agent and dye are in a form which does not affect proper administration of the drug, but the bittering agent creates a bitter side effect when the dosage form is crushed or chemically extracted and nasally, orally, buccally or sublingually administered and the dye produces a bright color when crushed and contacted. The fine insoluble particulate matter hinders extraction of the drug from the dosage form and, when crushed, can deter intravenous injection because of the presence of the insoluble particles or hinder injection by blocking an intravenous needle. The bright color of the dye, when extracted, also has a psychologically deterrent effect on intravenous abusers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Rong-Kun Chang, Richard A. Couch, Beth A. Burnside
  • Patent number: 6814979
    Abstract: Disclosed is an osmotic pharmaceutical delivery system comprising (a) a semi-permeable wall that maintains its integrity during pharmaceutical delivery and which has at least one passage therethrough; (b) a single, homogeneous composition within said wall, which composition consists essentially of (i) a pharmaceutically active agent, (ii) at least one non-swelling solubilizing agent which enhances the solubility of the pharmaceutically active agent; (iii) at least one non-swelling osmotic agent and (iv) a non-swelling wicking agent dispersed throughout the composition which enhances the surface area contact of the pharmaceutical agent with the incoming aqueous fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Shire Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward M. Rudnic, Beth A. Burnside, Henry H. Flanner, Sandra E. Wassink, Richard A. Couch, Jill E. Pinkett
  • Publication number: 20040220277
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical combination includes an effective amount for a day of amphetamine in base and/or salt form where the molar ratio of l-amphetamine to d-amphetamine released therefrom in a time period later in the day is higher than said ratio released therefrom in a time period earlier in the day.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Richard A. Couch, Alex Michaels, Paul Hodgkins
  • Publication number: 20040219213
    Abstract: A multiple pulsed dose drug delivery system for pharmaceutically active amphetamine salts, comprising an immediate-release component and an enteric delayed-release component wherein (1) the enteric release coating has a defined minimum thickness and/or (2) there is a protective layer between the pharmaceutically active amphetamine salt and the enteric release coating and/or (3) there is a protective layer over the enteric release coating. The product can be composed of either one or a number of beads in a dosage form, including either capsule, tablet, or sachet method for administering the beads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Beth A. Burnside, Xiaodi Guo, Kimberly Fiske, Richard A. Couch, Donald J. Treacy, Rong-Kun Chang, Charlotte M. McGuinness, Edward M. Rudnic
  • Publication number: 20040167203
    Abstract: Disclosed are new compounds that increase the absorption of pharmaceutical agents across mucous membranes. These absorption enhancers allow higher bioavailability of administered drugs. The enhancers advantageously have low or no cytotoxicity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Rong-Kun Chang, Benjamin Kibalo, Richard A. Couch, Mark J. Ginski, Ali Keshavarz-Shokri, Caren C. Bancroft
  • Publication number: 20040059002
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprises a once-a-day sustained release formulation of at least one amphetamine salt which provides mean plasma concentration profile aspects in human ADHD patients which are substantially the same as that provided by ADDERALL XR® type pulsatile formulations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: SHIRE LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventors: Richard A. Couch, Beth Burnside, Rong-Kun Chang
  • Patent number: 6692767
    Abstract: Disclosed is a beadlet comprising (i) a hydrophobic long chain fatty acid or ester material; (ii) a surfactant; and (iii) a therapeutic agent which in admixture form a solid solution at room temperature. The hydrophobic material preferably has a melting point of about 40 to about 100° C., and is most preferably glyceryl behenate. The surfactant is preferably a polyglycolyzed glyceride, polyoxyethylene sorbate, ethylene or propylene block copolymer or combinations thereof, and is most preferably polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monolaurate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Shire Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Beth A. Burnside, Charlotte M. McGuinness, Edward M. Rudnic, Richard A. Couch, Xiaodi Guo, Alexander K. Tustian
  • Patent number: 6605300
    Abstract: A multiple pulsed dose drug delivery system for pharmaceutically active amphetamine salts, comprising an immediate-release component and an enteric delayed-release component wherein (1) the enteric release coating has a defined minimum thickness and/or (2) there is a protective layer between the pharmaceutically active amphetamine salt and the enteric release coating and/or (3) there is a protective layer over the enteric release coating. The product can be composed of either one or a number of beads in a dosage form, including either capsule, tablet, or sachet method for administering the beads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Shire Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Beth A. Burnside, Xiaodi Guo, Kimberly Fiske, Richard A. Couch, Donald J. Treacy, Rong-Kun Chang, Charlotte M. McGuinness, Edward M. Rudnic
  • Publication number: 20030143273
    Abstract: Disclosed is an osmotic pharmaceutical delivery system comprising (a) a semi-permeable wall that maintains its integrity during pharmaceutical delivery and which has at least one passage therethrough; (b) a single, homogeneous composition within said wall, which composition consists essentially of (i) a pharmaceutically active agent, (ii) at least one non-swelling solubilizing agent which enhances the solubility of the pharmaceutically active agent; (iii) at least one non-swelling osmotic agent and (iv) a non-swelling wicking agent dispersed throughout the composition which enhances the surface area contact of the pharmaceutical agent with the incoming aqueous fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Edward M. Rudnic, Beth A. Burnside, Henry H. Flanner, Sandra E. Wassink, Richard A. Couch, Jill E. Pinkett
  • Publication number: 20030124188
    Abstract: A multiple pulsed dose drug delivery system for pharmaceutically active amphetamine salts, comprising an immediate-release component and an enteric delayed-release component wherein (1) the enteric release coating has a defined minimum thickness and/or (2) there is a protective layer between the pharmaceutically active amphetamine salt and the enteric release coating and/or (3) there is a protective layer over the enteric release coating. The product can be composed of either one or a number of beads in a dosage form, including either capsule, tablet, or sachet method for administering the beads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Beth A. Burnside, Xiaodi Guo, Kimberly Fiske, Richard A. Couch, Donald J. Treacy, Rong-Kun Chang, Charlotte M. McGuinness, Edward M. Rudnic
  • Patent number: 6514532
    Abstract: Disclosed is an osmotic pharmaceutical delivery system comprising (a) a semi-permeable wall that maintains its integrity during pharmaceutical delivery and which has at least one passage therethrough; b) a single, homogeneous composition within said wall, which composition consists essentially of (i) a pharmaceutically active agent, (ii) at least one non-swelling solubilizing agent which enhances the solubility of the pharmaceutically active agent; (iii) at least one non-swelling osmotic agent and (iv) a non-swelling wicking agent dispersed throughout the composition which enhances the surface area contact of the pharmaceutical agent with the incoming aqueous fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Shire Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward M. Rudnic, Beth A. Burnside, Henry H. Flanner, Sandra E. Wassink, Richard A. Couch, Jill E. Pinkett
  • Publication number: 20020102306
    Abstract: Disclosed is an osmotic pharmaceutical delivery system comprising (a) a semi-permeable wall that maintains its integrity during pharmaceutical delivery and which has at least one passage therethrough; b) a single, homogeneous composition within said wall, which composition consists essentially of (i) a pharmaceutically active agent, (ii) at least one non-swelling solubilizing agent which enhances the solubility of the pharmaceutically active agent; (iii) at least one non-swelling osmotic agent and (iv) a non-swelling wicking agent dispersed throughout the composition which enhances the surface area contact of the pharmaceutical agent with the incoming aqueous fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Applicant: Shire Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward M. Rudnic, Beth A. Burnside, Henry H. Flanner, Sandra E. Wassink, Richard A. Couch
  • Patent number: 6361796
    Abstract: Disclosed is an osmotic pharmaceutical delivery system comprising (a) a semi-permeable wall that maintains its integrity during pharmaceutical delivery and which has at least one passage therethrough; (b) a single, homogeneous composition within said wall, which composition consists essentially of (i) a pharmaceutically active agent, (ii) at least one non-swelling solubilizing agent which enhances the solubility of the pharmaceutically active agent; (iii) at least one non-swelling osmotic agent and (iv) a non-swelling wicking agent dispersed throughout the composition which enhances the surface area contact of the pharmaceutical agent with the incoming aqueous fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Shire Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward M. Rudnic, Beth A. Burnside, Henry H. Flanner, Sandra E. Wassink, Richard A. Couch, Jill E. Pinkett
  • Publication number: 20010055613
    Abstract: A multiple pulsed dose drug delivery system for pharmaceutically active amphetamine salts, comprising an immediate-release component and an enteric delayed-release component wherein (1) the enteric release coating has a defined minimum thickness and/or (2) there is a protective layer between the pharmaceutically active amphetamine salt and the enteric release coating and/or (3) there is a protective layer over the enteric release coating. The product can be composed of either one or a number of beads in a dosage form, including either capsule, tablet, or sachet method for administering the beads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventors: BETH A. BURNSIDE, XIAODI GUO, KIMBERLY FISKE, RICHARD A. COUCH, RONG-KUN CHANG, DONALD J. TREACY, CHARLOTTE M. MCGUINNESS, EDWARD M. RUDNIC
  • Patent number: 6322819
    Abstract: A multiple pulsed dose drug delivery system for pharmaceutically active amphetamine salts, comprising an immediate-release component and an enteric delayed-release component wherein (1) the enteric release coating has a defined minimum thickness and/or (2) there is a protective layer between the pharmaceutically active amphetamine salt and the enteric release coating and/or (3) there is a protective layer over the enteric release coating. The product can be composed of either one or a number of beads in a dosage form, including either capsule, tablet, or sachet method for administering the beads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Shire Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Beth A. Burnside, Xiaodi Guo, Kimberly Fiske, Richard A. Couch, Donald J. Treacy, Rong-Kun Chang, Charlotte McGuinness, Edward M. Rudnic
  • Patent number: 6284276
    Abstract: Disclosed is an osmotic pharmaceutical delivery system comprising (a) a semipermeable wall that maintains its integrity during pharmaceutical delivery and which has at least one passage therethrough; (b) a single, homogeneous composition within said wall, which composition consists essentially of (i) a pharmaceutically active agent, (ii) at least one non-swelling solubilizing agent which enhances the solubility of the pharmaceutically active agent; (iii) at least one non-swelling osmotic agent and (iv) a non-swelling wicking agent dispersed throughout the composition which enhances the surface area contact of the pharmaceutical agent with the incoming aqueous fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Shire Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward M. Rudnic, Beth A. Burnside, Henry H. Flanner, Sandra E. Wassink, Richard A. Couch, Jill E. Pinkett
  • Publication number: 20010006650
    Abstract: Disclosed is a beadlet comprising (i) a hydrophobic long chain fatty acid or ester material; (ii) a surfactant; and (iii) of a therapeutic agent which in admixture form a solid solution at room temperature. The hydrophobic material preferably has a melting point of about 40 to about 100° C., and is most preferably glyceryl behenate. The surfactant is preferably a polyglycolyzed glyceride, polyoxyethylene sorbate, ethylene or propylene block copolymer or combinations thereof, and is most preferably polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monolaurate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Publication date: July 5, 2001
    Inventors: BETH A. BURNSIDE, CHARLOTTE M. MCGUINNESS, EDWARD M. RUDNIC, RICHARD A. COUCH, XIAODI GUO, ALEXANDER K. TUSTIAN
  • Patent number: 6110498
    Abstract: An osmotic drug delivery system, preferably in tablet form, which dispenses a therapeutic agent having limited water solubility in solubilized form. The delivery system comprises a core that is free of swellable polymers and comprises nonswelling solubilizing agents and wicking agents. The solubilized therapeutic agent is delivered through a passageway in the semipermeable coating of the tablet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Shire Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward M. Rudnic, Beth A. Burnside, Henry H. Flanner, Sandra E. Wassink, Richard A. Couch, Jill E. Pinkett