Inlet And Discharge Distributors At Opposite Ends Of Tubular Flexible Wall Pumping Chamber Patents (Class 417/478)
  • Patent number: 11823790
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes accessing, by a processor configured within a device, a central system that provides trained data and crowd-sourced data to be used to schedule a plurality of medical services and treatment options. A module is configured to receive the trained data and crowd-sourced data from the central system, and pass the trained data and crowd-sourced data to an application, and provide predictive capabilities to the application based on the trained data and the crowd-sourced data. The processor uses the application to provide scheduling intervals for a series of medical services and treatments at one or more medical stations in real-time. Another device is connected to the first device, wherein the other device is configured to access the application and identify the scheduling intervals, and request updates and changes to the scheduling intervals in real-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Inventors: Oluwajoba Adegboye, Ikechukwu Okafo, Cletus Ajibade
  • Patent number: 11796371
    Abstract: An acoustic volume sensing device is disclosed. The device includes a housing comprising a reference volume chamber and a variable volume chamber, the reference volume chamber and the variable volume chamber connected by a resonant port, a first MEMS microphone located in acoustic relation to the variable volume chamber, a second MEMS microphone located in acoustic relation to the reference volume chamber, a MEMS speaker located in acoustic relation to the reference volume chamber, and a circuit board in electric connection with the first and second MEMS microphones and the MEMS speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Gregory R. Lanier, Jr., John M. Kerwin, Colin H. Murphy, Larry B. Gray
  • Patent number: 11786651
    Abstract: A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Russell H. Beavis
  • Patent number: 11752255
    Abstract: Pump systems are described. An example pump system may include a processing unit and a recess configured to receive a pump cartridge. The recess can include a plurality of cartridge engagement slots. The cartridge engagement slots can be configured for removably coupling the pump cartridge. The recess can also include a cartridge-facing surface with a positioning feature slot extending orthogonal to a general plane of the cartridge-facing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Toro, Corey Michael Magers, Santiago Dodge, Robert Vasko
  • Patent number: 11745458
    Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible tubular device including a tubular wall that delimits a sealed chamber intended to be filled with a fluid. The tubular wall includes an elastomer matrix into which at least one reinforcement ply delimited by two longitudinal portions is incorporated. The at least one reinforcement ply has the general shape of a sleeve that extends inside the tubular wall to surround the sealed chamber; and the two longitudinal portions of the at least one reinforcement ply are juxtaposed relative to each other. Also disclosed is a rearing enclosure including such a device, and also a method for manufacturing the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: BIORET AGRI-LOGETTE CONFORT
    Inventor: Jean-Vincent Bioret
  • Patent number: 11712523
    Abstract: A method and device for delivering medications that includes a syringe body, a cartridge nest with an application tip, a plunger actuator, and an electronic lock subassembly adapted for preventing administration of the medication until specific conditions are met. The medicine cartridge may comprise a form of a digital security key to prevent the device from administering medication unless specific configurations and conditions are met. The device may further be adapted with pre-programmed information and may be used with a smartphone, tablet, or computer application. The electronic lock subassembly will only permit the administration of medicine when the patient and/or administrator is verified via facial and voice recognition, biometric identifier, or other unique information. Upon proper permission, the device may be used to administer medicine, including injecting medicine into the nasal cavity of a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: ACHILLEUS LLC
    Inventor: Brian Sexton
  • Patent number: 11705382
    Abstract: A cooling system and method for using the cooling system are described. The cooling system includes a plurality of individual piezoelectric cooling elements spatially arranged in an array extending in at least two dimensions, a communications interface and driving circuitry. The communications interface is associated with the individual piezoelectric cooling elements such that selected individual piezoelectric cooling elements within the array can be activated based at least in part on heat energy generated in the vicinity of the selected individual piezoelectric cooling elements. The driving circuitry is associated with the individual piezoelectric cooling elements and is configured to drive the selected individual piezoelectric cooling elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Frore Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Suryaprakash Ganti, Seshagiri Rao Madhavapeddy
  • Patent number: 11602593
    Abstract: An elastomeric pump having at least one sensor for sensing changes in elongation of a bladder of the pump is provided. Also provided is an infusion assembly including an elastomeric pump having a bladder, at least one sensor for sensing changes in elongation of the bladder, and an indicator for providing one or more outputs of the sensor. The sensor may be a flexible sensor positioned in contact with the bladder of the pump, or a dielectric material may be incorporated into the material the bladder is made from such that the dielectric elastomer material of the bladder forms the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Avent, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Hsu, Steve S. Khalaj, Paul D. Jun, John A. Rotella, James Lee Shippy, III
  • Patent number: 11560267
    Abstract: A cap assembly including a self-sealing membrane that overlaps an opening to an interior of a container. The cap assembly further includes a cap having a cover portion that includes an annular wall that defines a central opening, and at least one evacuating opening located radially outward of the central opening. The cover portion defines a gap above the self-sealing membrane. The gap is configured to allow the self-sealing membrane to be at least partially displaced from the opening to allow fluid communication between the interior of the container and an outside atmosphere when a suction is applied to the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: CSCM MANAGEMENT COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Michael G. Marantis, Joshua W. Hubbard, Jonathan P. Richards, Richard A. Ponton
  • Patent number: 11484637
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a novel therapeutic apheresis system and, more specifically, methods and an apparatus for performing therapeutic apheresis. The present disclosure provides highly efficient methods for therapeutic apheresis that modulate the immune system, thereby resulting in treatment of one or more underlying immunological disease processes. In some embodiments, the disclosed methods return at least a portion of blood from an extracorporeal circuit to a patient in pulsatile flow, where the portion of blood that is returned is augmented. In other embodiments, the disclosed methods and apparatus use the central arterial system to exchange volumes of plasma to immunomodulate disease processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: AMINA Sciences LLC
    Inventor: Nashwa A. Khalil
  • Patent number: 11391272
    Abstract: Mechanical tubular diaphragm pump features are presented herein. Such a tubular pump can include a resilient tube having a lumen and a pair of upstream and downstream check valves located along the same fluid pathway as the lumen. The tubular pump further includes a motorized reciprocating unit and a depressor configured to be moved by the motorized reciprocating unit to cyclically depress and release the resilient tube. The resilient tube forces fluid within the lumen downstream past the downstream check valve as the resilient tube is depressed by the depressor, and further pulls upstream fluid past the upstream check valve and into the lumen as the resilient tube returns upon release by the depressor. Multiple resilient tubes may be used in the same pump. The tube(s), depressor, and valves may be attached to a housing that is modularly removable from the motorized reciprocating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley H. Hines, Mark S. Emery, Adam K. Collins
  • Patent number: 11293425
    Abstract: A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry Brian Gray, Russell H. Beavis
  • Patent number: 11285259
    Abstract: A wearable infusion pump assembly includes a reusable housing assembly, and a disposable housing assembly including a reservoir for receiving an infusible fluid. A releasable engagement assembly is configured to allow the reusable housing assembly to releasably engage the disposable housing assembly. A detachable external infusion set is configured to deliver the infusible fluid to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Richard J. Lanigan, John Matthew Kerwin, Stephen Lewis Fichera
  • Patent number: 11125597
    Abstract: An acoustic volume sensing device is disclosed. The device includes a housing comprising a reference volume chamber and a variable volume chamber, the reference volume chamber and the variable volume chamber connected by a resonant port, a first MEMS microphone located in acoustic relation to the variable volume chamber, a second MEMS microphone located in acoustic relation to the reference volume chamber, a MEMS speaker located in acoustic relation to the reference volume chamber, and a circuit board in electric connection with the first and second MEMS microphones and the MEMS speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Gregory R. Lanier, Jr., John M. Kerwin, Colin H. Murphy, Larry B. Gray
  • Patent number: 11077248
    Abstract: An infusion pump having one or more magnetic pressure sensors for detecting tubing occlusions is provided with at least one corresponding secondary Hall effect sensor arranged to detect an ambient magnetic field influencing pressure measurements so that corrective action may be taken to mitigate the effects of the ambient magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Zevex, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery T. Juretich, Michael K. Elwood, Daniel Szczotka
  • Patent number: 10994066
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an addition line for adding an infusion solution to a fluid, which flows in an extracorporeal blood circuit, wherein the addition line comprises a pressure release valve or a check valve. It further relates to an extracorporeal blood circuit, a blood treatment apparatus and a method using the addition line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Dirk Etzdorf
  • Patent number: 10850029
    Abstract: A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Russell H. Beavis
  • Patent number: 10851769
    Abstract: A pumping cassette including a housing having at least two inlet fluid lines and at least two outlet fluid lines. At least one balancing pod within the housing and in fluid connection with the fluid paths. The balancing pod balances the flow of a first fluid and the flow of a second fluid such that the volume of the first fluid equals the volume of the second fluid. The balancing pod also includes a membrane that forms two balancing chambers. Also included in the cassette is at least two reciprocating pressure displacement membrane pumps. The pumps are within the housing and they pump the fluid from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet line and pump the second fluid from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Jason A. Demers, Michael J. Wilt, Kevin L. Grant, James D. Dale, Brian D. Tracey
  • Patent number: 10760565
    Abstract: An airflow generator (10) having a first plate (12), a second plate (14) where the second plate (14) is spaced from the first plate (12) to define a cavity (28) there between, a joint (30) operably coupled to the first plate (12) and the second plate (14) and joining them together, piezoelectrics (34) located on each of the first plate (12) and the second plate (14) wherein actuation of the piezoelectrics (34) results in movement of the first plate (12) and the second plate (14) to increase the volume of the cavity (28) to draw air in (200) and then decrease the volume of the cavity (28) to push out the drawn in air (202).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems LLC
    Inventors: Michel Engelhardt, Shushanna Rebecca Cherian-Brutus
  • Patent number: 10563647
    Abstract: A pumping segment having a low shut-off force is disclosed. The pumping segment includes a tube having an interior surface with at least two notches on opposite sides of the interior surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa Davis, Robert Dwaine Butterfield
  • Patent number: 10328215
    Abstract: A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry Brian Gray, Russell H Beavis
  • Patent number: 10188784
    Abstract: One embodiment relates to a pressure sensor apparatus, including a housing with a flexible member and an aperture configured to receive a fluid. The pressure sensor apparatus further includes a first member disposed on the flexible member, a second member removably coupled to the first member configured to move in response to a pressure of the fluid and a sensor configured to detect the movement of the second member. The pressure sensor apparatus generates a pressure signal for the fluid based on the displacement of the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: FENWAL, INC.
    Inventors: Steven R. Katz, Salvatore Manzella, Terry Chung, Greg Pieper, Natalie Osterweil
  • Patent number: 10156231
    Abstract: A combination of a chamber wall and the flexible membrane defines a pump chamber in a diaphragm pump. The pump chamber includes one or more internal surfaces that are modified to include a pattern of a pattern of channel surface regions. The channel surface regions provide unobstructed pathways to a respective opening disposed on an internal surface of the chamber wall. For example, as discussed herein, presence of the channel surface regions ensures that the facing of the flexible membrane does not needlessly stick (as a result of residual suction) to an inside surface of the chamber wall during a portion of the pump stroke in which negative pressure is applied to a backing of the flexible membrane. In other words, the channel surface regions distribute relief pressure along the inside surface of the pump chamber wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Ivenix, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse E. Ambrosina, Benjamin G. Powers, Alexander J. Segit, David I. Nazzaro
  • Patent number: 10126157
    Abstract: An acoustic volume sensing device is disclosed. The device includes a housing comprising a reference volume chamber and a variable volume chamber, the reference volume chamber and the variable volume chamber connected by a resonant port, a first MEMS microphone located in acoustic relation to the variable volume chamber, a second MEMS microphone located in acoustic relation to the reference volume chamber, a MEMS speaker located in acoustic relation to the reference volume chamber, and a circuit board in electric connection with the first and second MEMS microphones and the MEMS speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Gregory R. Lanier, Jr., John M. Kerwin, Colin H. Murphy, Larry B. Gray
  • Patent number: 10077766
    Abstract: A pumping cassette including a housing having at least two inlet fluid lines and at least two outlet fluid lines. At least one balancing pod within the housing and in fluid connection with the fluid paths. The balancing pod balances the flow of a first fluid and the flow of a second fluid such that the volume of the first fluid equals the volume of the second fluid. The balancing pod also includes a membrane that forms two balancing chambers. Also included in the cassette is at least two reciprocating pressure displacement membrane pumps. The pumps are within the housing and they pump the fluid from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet line and pump the second fluid from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Jason A. Demers, Michael J. Wilt, Kevin L. Grant, James D. Dale, Brian D. Tracey
  • Patent number: 10024313
    Abstract: A combination of a chamber wall and the flexible membrane defines a pump chamber in a diaphragm pump. The pump chamber includes one or more internal surfaces that are modified to include a pattern of a pattern of channel surface regions. The channel surface regions provide unobstructed pathways to a respective opening disposed on an internal surface of the chamber wall. For example, as discussed herein, presence of the channel surface regions ensures that the facing of the flexible membrane does not needlessly stick (as a result of residual suction) to an inside surface of the chamber wall during a portion of the pump stroke in which negative pressure is applied to a backing of the flexible membrane. In other words, the channel surface regions distribute relief pressure along the inside surface of the pump chamber wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Ivenix, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse E. Ambrosina, Benajamin G. Powers, Alexander J. Segit, David I. Nazzaro
  • Patent number: 9889254
    Abstract: An injection device for injecting automatically a medicament comprises an occlusion detection system with a force measurement unit and two separate occlusion detectors. The occlusion detectors take force measurements at different respective measurement rates and generate occlusion indicating signals based on a set of force measurements taken at the respective measurement rates. The injection device further comprises an alarm generator for generating an occlusion alarm signal in cases where either or both of the occlusion detectors generate an occlusion indicating signal. The two occlusion detectors operating at different measurement rates make it possible to detect occlusions more reliably over a broader range of delivery rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Haenggi
  • Patent number: 9795729
    Abstract: A dialysis machine includes: a hardware unit including at least one pump actuator, at least one valve actuator and a cassette interface, the cassette interface including: (i) a plate that abuts the cassette; (ii) at least one pump aperture defined by the plate; (iii) at least one pump head moveable out of and retractable into the at least one pump aperture to operate a pumping portion of the cassette; (iv) at least one valve aperture defined by the plate; (v) at least one valve apparatus moveable out of and retractable into the at least one valve aperture to operate a valve portion of the cassette; (vi) at least one sensor aperture defined by the plate; and (vii) at least one sensor located in the least one sensor aperture, the at least one sensor operable with a sensor portion of the cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare SA
    Inventors: Robert W. Childers, Brian Lauman
  • Patent number: 9744298
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling fluid delivery via a manually administrable medication container to a patient through a fluid delivery pathway are provided. The systems and methods described herein incorporate rules-based clinical decision support logic to drive a flow control valve within a flow pathway based on a determination of whether or not an IV fluid connected to an input port on the pathway is appropriate for patient administration by considering such factors as patient-specific clinical circumstances, current medical orders, and accepted delivery protocols. Related apparatus, systems, methods and articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: CRISI Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Michael Prince, Walter John Bochenko, Winthrop De Childers
  • Patent number: 9700660
    Abstract: A pumping cassette including a housing having at least two inlet fluid lines and at least two outlet fluid lines. At least one balancing pod within the housing and in fluid connection with the fluid paths. The balancing pod balances the flow of a first fluid and the flow of a second fluid such that the volume of the first fluid equals the volume of the second fluid. The balancing pod also includes a membrane that forms two balancing chambers. Also included in the cassette is at least two reciprocating pressure displacement membrane pumps. The pumps are within the housing and they pump the fluid from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet line and pump the second fluid from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Jason A. Demers, Michael J. Wilt, Kevin L. Grant, James D. Dale, Brian D. Tracey
  • Patent number: 9677554
    Abstract: A cassette integrated system. The cassette integrated system includes a mixing cassette, a balancing cassette, a middle cassette fluidly connected to the mixing cassette and the balancing cassette and at least one pod. The mixing cassette is fluidly connected to the middle cassette by at least one fluid line and the middle cassette is fluidly connected to the balancing cassette by at least one fluid line. The at least one pod is connected to at least two of the cassettes wherein the pod is located in an area between the cassettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Michael J. Wilt, Kevin L. Grant, James D. Dale, Jason A. Demers, Brian D. Tracey
  • Patent number: 9234514
    Abstract: A fluid pump for medical applications. The pump includes a flexible cassette containing two pump chambers of differing volume, each chamber having a dedicated piston. The first piston pushes fluid from the first chamber to the second, and the second piston pushes fluid from the second chamber and out of the pump. Three valves are coordinated with the action of the pistons to control fluid flow into and out of the pump chambers by applying and releasing pressure to and from specific points of the flexible cassette. A control system controls the operation of the pistons and valves and directs the pistons to be advanced according to a time-varying velocity profile. The first pump chamber passively fills and then rapidly expels the collected fluid into the second chamber at low pressure. The second chamber, once filled, expels the fluid downstream at high pressure, producing a pulsatile pressure profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: QUEST MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Jones
  • Patent number: 9078964
    Abstract: A pump device, tube device and method for the aspiration, peristaltic movement and collection of fluid. A rigid tube for drawing fluid connected to a primary flexible tube. The primary flexible tube inserted through a peristaltic pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: SUR-Real Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter J. Schuman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9017047
    Abstract: Primer apparatus and methods are described herein. An example primer apparatus includes a flexible body defining an internal chamber to be fluidly coupled to a fuel system. The body includes a first layer material having a low permeation characteristic to substantially prevent diurnal emissions from escaping the fuel system, a second layer material adjacent the first layer material having a relatively high resiliency compared to the first layer material to enable the body to return to an uncompressed shape when the body is deflected and released by a user, and a third layer material adjacent to the first layer material such that the first layer material is disposed between the second layer material and the third layer material and having a relatively high resiliency compared to the first layer material to enable the body to return to the uncompressed shape when the body is deflected and released by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Justin McCord Wireman
  • Patent number: 8974416
    Abstract: A disposable cassette intended for a metering pump for infusion consisting of just two components, namely, a hollow first component (1) forming a pump body, and a second component (5) collaborating with the hollow first component (1) to form a pumping zone (6) and comprising a flexible part (10) characterized in that the second component (5) further comprises a rigid part (9) secured to the flexible part (10) and able to be assembled with the hollow first component (1). The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a disposable cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventor: Jean-Denis Rochat
  • Patent number: 8961156
    Abstract: A fluid conveying device includes: a tube; a cam having protrusions; fingers arranged along the tube between the tube and the cam; a driving rotor which rotates the cam to sequentially push the fingers by the protrusions in a flowing direction of a fluid, repeatedly pressuring and opening of the tube, driving the cam; a detection unit which detects a rotating position of the cam; a control unit which calculates a cam rotation angle along a cumulative ejection volume, using a first approximation formula for an ejection area H where the cumulative ejection volume increases substantially in proportion to the rotation angle of the cam and a second approximation formula for a constant area J where the cumulative ejection volume little increases or decreases even if the cam rotates, driving the driving rotor until a rotating position of the cam corresponding to a designated cumulative ejection volume is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Katase
  • Publication number: 20150017038
    Abstract: First and second structures are connected by helical fibers. The orientation between the first and second structures are changed, and by doing so, the positions of the helical fibers are correspondingly changed. The position of change of the helical fibers can be used for a pumping effect, or to change some other fluidic characteristics. One other fluidic characteristic, for example, may use the movement of the helical fibers as a valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Arash Kheradvar, Morteza Gharib, Anna Hickerson
  • Patent number: 8919117
    Abstract: An energy cell generates pressurized fluid for use as an energy source when a phase change material (PCM) changes from solid to liquid phase. The energy cell includes housing means holding the PCM, insulating means between the housing means and the PCM, heat exchanging means encompassed by the PCM, multiple pipe means, and multiple disc means, each provided with multiple aperture means and each encompassing a part of the pipe, and a centrally located bladder means with open end parts fixed to the energy cell, and which is flexible between the end parts. Each pipe means includes a heat transfer media. The PCM encompasses the pipe means and the disc means and is able to pass through the aperture means. The bladder means includes a hydraulic fluid flowing in and out through the open end parts of the bladder means and is affected by the PCM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Exencotech AB
    Inventor: HÃ¥kan Ingvast
  • Patent number: 8807962
    Abstract: The pump is provided with a plurality of pumping chambers and electrically activatable valves. An elastic membrane is arranged in each pumping chamber and divides the same into a first and a second chamber section. Each valve is connected to the second chamber section of a pumping chamber. When a pressure drop is applied over the valve and the valve is activated (i.e. opened), the pressure in the second chamber section changes, which causes the membrane to move, which in turn leads to a change of the volumes of both chamber sections. This e.g. allows to pump well-defined amounts of fluid from the chamber sections to a drug dispensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Sensirion AG
    Inventor: Felix Mayer
  • Patent number: 8794937
    Abstract: First and second structures are connected by helical fibers. The orientation between the first and second structures are changed, and by doing so, the positions of the helical fibers are correspondingly changed. The position of change of the helical fibers can be used for a pumping effect, or to change some other fluidic characteristics. One other fluidic characteristics, for example, may use the movement of the helical fibers as a valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Arash Kheradvar, Morteza Gharib, Anna Hickerson
  • Patent number: 8771228
    Abstract: A system and method of accurately pumping a fluid using tubing of variable inner diameter and material is disclosed. The disclosed pump comprises a pumping mechanism configured to compress and release a portion of a flexible tube to cause fluid to flow along the flexible tube, a gauging apparatus, and a vacuum apparatus. The gauging apparatus is configured to determine the inner diameter of the flexible tube, which value is used in calibrating the pumping rate of the pump. The vacuum apparatus is configured to reduce the ambient pressure in a volume surrounding the portion of the flexible tube, thereby causing the flexible tube to fully expand to its original outside diameter when the flexible tube is released by the pumping mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Butterfield
  • Publication number: 20140140815
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a hub, a rotating member, an impeller, and an impeller enclosure. The hub has a proximal portion and a distal portion and defines a lumen therebetween. The distal portion of the hub includes a sleeve portion configured to rotatably support the rotating member. The rotating member extends through the hub and has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the rotating member is configured to couple to an external driving mechanism. The impeller is coupled to the distal end of the rotating member and is configured to accelerate fluid flowing into or out of the lumen. The impeller enclosure is coupled to the distal portion of the hub and defines an impeller volume around the impeller. One or more openings are defined around the sleeve portion of the hub such that the lumen is in fluid communication with the impeller volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.
    Inventors: Cemal Shener-Irmakoglu, Brian J. Loreth, Rafal Z. Jezierski, Paul Robert Duhamel
  • Patent number: 8701910
    Abstract: An improved wine bottle closure and vacuum pump apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus provides an improved bulb structure to be used for pumping and storage purposes, the bulb remaining with a closure plug even after pumping is completed and the wine is to be stored for later consumption. The bulb structure can be collapsed in two different positions including a first position that maintains overall height of the bulb structure and a second position that enables the bulb structure to be shortened in height as an optional feature. The bulb structure provides an enlarged central section that is much larger in diameter than the lower end portion. The lower end portion provides a closure plug for fitting the opening of a wine bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: James Michalopoulos
  • Publication number: 20130334258
    Abstract: A pneumatically powered pump for liquid color adapted to fit partially within a liquid color container having a body portion of the pump within the liquid color container adapted to be mounted on the underside of the container lid and being a single piece of molded plastic overlying an aperture in the container lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Stephen B. MAGUIRE
  • Publication number: 20130195683
    Abstract: A reciprocating pump with chamber-charging mechanism is provided. In an example diaphragm pump, a discharge valve can be opened by the pressure of fluid leaving the pump and can also be opened by an intermittent mechanical linkage actuated by the reciprocating member powering the pump. The discharge valve is mechanically opened to allow pressure backflow into the pumping chamber, thereby charging compressible fluid mixtures and gases with an increase in pressure. The increased pressure enables the compressible fluids to open the discharge valve on the next compression stroke and exit the pump. In an implementation, the discharge valve is pushed open by the reciprocating power source in a configuration that seals the valve mechanism from well fluid. In another implementation, the discharge valve is pulled open to pre-charge the pumping chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130165847
    Abstract: A medical treatment system, such as peritoneal dialysis system, may include control and other features to enhance patient comfort and ease of use. For example, a peritoneal dialysis system may include a control system that can adjust the volume of fluid infused into the peritoneal cavity to prevent the intraperitoneal fluid volume from exceeding a pre-determined amount. The control system can adjust by adding one or more therapy cycles, allowing for fill volumes during each cycle to be reduced. The control system may continue to allow the fluid to drain from the peritoneal cavity as completely as possible before starting the next therapy cycle. The control system may also adjust the dwell time of fluid within the peritoneal cavity during therapy cycles in order to complete a therapy within a scheduled time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventor: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
  • Publication number: 20130108477
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tube pump comprising a tube and a pump element inserted in the tube, where the pump element comprises a rod element and a first and a second non-return valve member positioned a distance apart on the rod element. The valve members are oriented in the same direction relative to the rod element so as to allow for a fluid flow in the tube through the first valve member, along the rod element, and through the second valve member. The tube comprises an at least partly flexible tube portion between the valve members such that a repeated deformation of the flexible tube portion acts to alternately close and open the valve members thereby generating a fluid flow through the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: VEINUX APS
    Inventors: Jan Erik Vest Hansen, Ole Molby, Jens Brusgaard Vestergaard
  • Patent number: 8403654
    Abstract: A fuel primer is disclosed. The primer includes a rigid valve body having first and second ends with first and second check valves therein. The pump also includes an elastic and substantially fuel impermeable bulb substantially encasing the rigid valve body and sealing to the valve body proximate the first and second check valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: RL Hudson & Company
    Inventors: James Ray Podesta, Robert Denton, Benny R. Foreman
  • Patent number: 8262424
    Abstract: A system and related methods for manned and/or unmanned marine transportation involving equipping a vessel capable with a linear pump for propelling the vessel through or substantially over a body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventors: Anthony C. Ross, Russel Ross
  • Patent number: 8197234
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator for a microfluidic pump of the type that causes periodic pinching and releasing against the walls of a fluidic channel, e.g., a tube. At least one permanent magnet is placed against the walls of the fluidic channel, and located in an area with magnetic fields, produced by coils that are radially symmetric to the channel. The permanent magnet is cause to press and release against the wall of the fluid channel to cause a fluid flow through the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Morteza Gharib, Derek Rinderknecht, Mladen Barbic