Patents Represented by Attorney Jill Denesvich
  • Patent number: 8307693
    Abstract: An injector system for use in injecting a fluid into a patient includes a communication system adapted to receive data from at least a first sensor that measures a value first variable. The communication system is also adapted to receive data from a calibrated sensor that measures a value the first variable. The injector system further includes a calibration system adapted to calibrate output from the first sensor in response to output from the calibrated sensor. An injector for use in injecting a fluid into a patient, includes a first sensor that measures a value first variable, a communication port adapted to receive data from a calibrated sensor that measures the value the first variable, and a controller adapted to compare data from the calibrated sensor with data from the first sensor and to calibrate output from the first sensor. The devices, systems and methods of the present invention are applicable to systems other than injection systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin J. Uram, Michael G. Frazier, Kenton E. Adams
  • Patent number: 8235949
    Abstract: An application or an attachment device for attaching a medical device includes a base layer and an adhesive layer on a rearward side of the base layer. The adhesive layer is adapted to removably attach the base layer. The adhesive layer can be adapted to removably attach the base layer to a patient (either a human patient or a lower animal patient). The device also includes a medical device attachment mechanism on a forward side of the base layer, The attachment mechanism is adapted to attach the medical device to the base layer. The medical device can, for example, be a sensor. The medical device attachment mechanism can, for example, include a mechanical attachment mechanism. The medical device attachment mechanism can additionally or alternatively include at least one adhesive layer on the base layer. The adhesive layer can, for example, be positioned on the base layer so that it does not extend beyond a footprint of the medical device when the medical device is attached to the base layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis P. Hack, Francis J. Sciulli, Jr., Charles J. Mutschler, R. Reade Harpham, Daniel A. Kramer, Felicia R. Ruggeri, Jan B. Yates, William G. Atterbury, Joseph A. Juratovac, Jeffery R. Held, Chad E. Bouton, James B. Gleeson
  • Patent number: 8198599
    Abstract: A detector system measures radioactive material. A fluid path receives at least one aliquot of radiopharmaceutical. The fluid path locates the aliquot within a positioner formed with a concave configuration. A detector is located at an axial distance from the concave surface and determines the level of radioactivity of the aliquot. Alternatively, the fluid path may be less concave and a variable attenuator may be placed between the fluid path and detector. The variable attenuator may have a concavity that is based on the concavity of the fluid path so that the detector's ability to read the radioactivity is optimized. A method for forming an aliquot of radiopharmaceutical in a concave fluid passage. Positioning a detector located a distance from the concave surface to optimize reading spectral energy of the aliquot and activity is determining activity regardless of the position of the aliquot in the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad E. Bouton, Arthur E. Uber, III
  • Patent number: 8162903
    Abstract: A system and method for mixing and delivering fluids such as contrast media and saline is disclosed including at least two fluid sources, a pump, a joining fluid path connecting the at least two fluid sources to an inlet to the pump, and a valve device in the fluid path upstream of the pump. The valve device includes an actuator adapted to restrict flow in at least one of respective fluid lines connecting the at least two fluid sources to the pump inlet. A patient interface device may be associated with an outlet of the pump. The valve device actuator is generally adapted to restrict the flow in at least one of the respective fluid lines such that a positional change in valve device actuator position provides a change in fluid mixture ratio of the fluids from the at least two fluid sources to the pump inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Reilly, John F. Kalafut, Ralph H. Schriver
  • Patent number: 8133203
    Abstract: Embodiments of an injector, syringe, syringe interface, syringe adapter, and piston/plunger assembly for an injector (of contrast medium, for example) are described. Preferably, the syringe is adapted to engage a syringe interface mechanism such that the syringe may be connected to an injector without regard to any particular orientation of the syringe to the injector or to the piston/plunger assembly. The injector piston or drive member includes a sensing pin positioned at a forward end thereof to sense contact with the syringe plunger during advancement of the piston or drive member to contact the plunger. The piston can be advanced automatically upon connection of, for example, the syringe to the injector, or piston advance can be automated to occur after operator initiation. The injector may include or be adapted to accommodate two syringes, which for example provide for simultaneous injection of fluid into separate injection sites on a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis P. Hack
  • Patent number: 8133205
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system includes a fluid container, two or more pressurizing chambers in fluid connection with the fluid container, a drive mechanism in operative connection with the two or more pressurizing chambers to pump fluid from the fluid container and an outlet in fluid connection with the two or more pressurizing chambers. Each of the two or more pressurizing chambers is formed from a flexible, resilient material that is adapted to be compressed to pressurize fluid therewithin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Rhinehart, Dennis P. Hack, David M. Reilly, John F. Kalafut
  • Patent number: 8096316
    Abstract: A valve system for use in a system including a first source of a first pressurized fluid and a second source of a second pressurized fluid includes a valve housing including a first inlet port adapted to be placed in fluid connection with the first source, a second inlet port adapted to be placed in fluid connection with the second source and an outlet port. The valve system further includes a backflow prevention system to prevent flow of the first pressurized fluid through the second inlet and to prevent flow of the second pressurized fluid through the first inlet port. The valve system is adapted to provide a fluid path between at least the first inlet port and the outlet port to enable fluid to be drawn from the outlet port to the first inlet port. Several of the valve systems of the present invention provide for flow from the first inlet port to the outlet port and concurrent flow from the second inlet port to the outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Trocki, David M. Reilly, James R. Neill, Christopher D. Capone
  • Patent number: 7905861
    Abstract: An injection system includes a fluid delivery system, a drive mechanism, a controller and a tubing set. The fluid delivery system includes a fluid container and a pumping mechanism having an inlet in fluid connection with the fluid container and an outlet. The tubing set is adapted to be placed in removable fluid connection with the outlet of the pumping mechanism and a patient. The drive mechanism is in operative connection with the pumping mechanism to pump fluid from the fluid container. First and second information stores, such as bar codes or RFID tags, are associated with the pumping mechanism and the tubing set, respectively. The controller is in operative connection with the drive mechanism and adapted to read the first information store and the second information store to at least partly control the operation of the drive mechanism based thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: MEDRAD, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Rhinehart, Dennis P. Hack, David M. Reilly, John F. Kalafut
  • Patent number: 7691085
    Abstract: A syringe interface includes a top opening into which a syringe can be loaded, a first retaining member positioned on one side of the opening and a second retaining member positioned on a second side of the opening. The first retaining member and the second retaining member abut a forward facing abutment surface of a syringe flange on the syringe generally symmetrically. The syringe interface further includes a cradle, at least one engagement member to abut a forward facing abutment surface of a syringe flange, and a carriage slidably disposed within the cradle. The carriage includes a connector to form a releasable connection with a plunger or plunger extension of the syringe and a drive member of the injector. The connector includes a plurality of flexing capture members that flex radially outward to connect to a flange on the rear of the plunger or plunger extension of the syringe when the carriage is moved forward within the syringe interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: James Albert Dedig, Frank A. Lazzaro, Kevin P. Cowan, Mark W. Hitchins, Charles J. Mutschler, James R. Neill
  • Patent number: 7682345
    Abstract: A medical injector system for injecting fluid from a syringe (300) into a patient, the syringe (300) having a barrel (300) and a plunger (310), the plunger (310) comprising an inner surface having an engaging portion (311) adapted to be releasably engaged by a plunger handle (130) which has a retention member (142) adapted to releasably engage the engaging portion (311) of the plunger (310); and a syringe holder comprising a cradle member (200) adapted to receive a barrel (300) of the syringe (300) and a pivotable catch (500) to releasably lock the syringe (300) in the cradle member (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: MEDRAD, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodney Brian Savage
  • Patent number: 7674244
    Abstract: A system for injection of a fluid into a body includes: a source of a first fluid, a source of a second fluid; the first fluid being less toxic than the second fluid; at least one pressurizing system in operative connection with the source of the first fluid and with the source of the second fluid; at least one controller in operative connection with the pressurizing system; and at least a first sensor in communicative connection with the controller. The first sensor is adapted to transmit a signal of a detected change in fluid level in tissue indicative of extravasation to the controller. The controller is adapted to cause injection of the first fluid into the body to determine if extravasation of the first fluid occurs using the sensor in an administration phase before injection of the second fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: MEDRAD, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kalafut, Guy Ezekiel
  • Patent number: 7666169
    Abstract: A syringe plunger includes a wall having an inner surface and one or more inwardly projecting flanges disposed on the inner surface of the wall. Preferably, the inner surface of the wall defines a retaining shoulder formed along an axial plane thereof. An injector drive member preferably includes at least one retaining member adapted to engage the retaining shoulder of the syringe plunger to allow the drive member to retract the plunger with the body of the syringe. Further, the drive member preferably includes one or more outwardly extending flange members adapted to be engaged by the inwardly projecting flanges of the syringe plunger. When the syringe body is rotated, the at least one retaining member on the drive member is retracted and disengaged from the retaining shoulder of the syringe plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin P. Cowan, John A. Haury, Jared E. Neff
  • Patent number: 7618397
    Abstract: The fluid delivery system includes a control console adapted to control delivery of fluid to a patient and a pump cassette disposed in a pump cassette socket in the control console and operatively controlled by the control console. The pump cassette includes a pump housing formed by opposing housing members that cooperatively define a pump chamber. A pair of meshed gears is disposed in the pump chamber and separate the pump chamber into a fluid inlet area and a fluid outlet area accessible through respective inlet and outlet ports in the pump housing. The gears are adapted to pressurize fluid for delivery to the patient. Other features of the system include a fluid heater upstream of the pump cassette, air detectors associated with the inlet and outlet ports of the pump cassette, and a sensor to read an encoding device associated with the pump cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Hicks
  • Patent number: 7591792
    Abstract: Tissue sensors house one or more sensor elements. Each element has a housing mounted substrate and a superstrate with a planar antenna between. A transitional periphery (TP) of a superstrate outer surface interconnects a base to a plateau. At least some of the TP has a generally smooth transition. Plural elements are spaced by the housing. Alternately, the superstrate TP is flat, the housing extends to the outer superstrate surface and a shield surrounds the element. The housing is flush with or recessed below the superstrate and defines a TP between the housing and superstrate. A method converts a reference signal to complex form; plots it in a complex plane as a reference point (RP); converts a measurement signal to complex form; plots it in the complex plane as a measurement point (MP); determine a complex distance between the MP and the RP; and compares complex distance to a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad Edward Bouton
  • Patent number: 7553294
    Abstract: Embodiments of an injector, syringe, syringe interface, syringe adapter, and piston/plunger assembly for an injector (of contrast medium, for example) are described. Preferably, the syringe is adapted to engage a syringe interface mechanism such that the syringe may be connected to an injector without regard to any particular orientation of the syringe to the injector or to the piston/plunger assembly. The injector piston or drive member includes a sensing pin positioned at a forward end thereof to sense contact with the syringe plunger during advancement of the piston or drive member to contact the plunger. The piston can be advanced automatically upon connection of, for example, the syringe to the injector, or piston advance can be automated to occur after operator initiation. The injector may include or be adapted to accommodate two syringes, which for example provide for simultaneous injection of fluid into separate injection sites on a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: MEDRAD, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank A. Lazzaro, Dennis P. Hack
  • Patent number: 7540856
    Abstract: An injector for injecting fluid from a syringe mounted thereon includes a housing, a drive member at least partially disposed within the housing and operable to engage a plunger of the syringe, and a syringe retaining mechanism associated with the housing. The syringe retaining mechanism is adapted to releasably engage the syringe regardless of the orientation of the syringe with respect to the injector. Further, the retaining mechanism is preferably movable upon rotation of the syringe between a relaxed state, where the syringe is engaged by the retaining mechanism, and a tensioned state, where the syringe is released from the retaining mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Hitchins, Kevin P. Cowan, Francis J. Sciulli, Robert D. Parks
  • Patent number: 7497843
    Abstract: A syringe interface is provided for attaching a syringe to an injector. The syringe includes, a first and second set of generally opposing, radially outward projecting mounting flanges, and a second set of flanges offset from the first set of mounting flanges. The syringe interface includes a first set of generally opposed slots adapted to receive therethrough the first set and second set, respectively, of mounting flanges, and a first and second set of generally opposed retaining flanges adapted to releasably engage the first and second set respectively, a set of mounting flanges, when the syringe is rotated within the syringe interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Luis Castillo, James R. Neill, Kevin P. Cowan
  • Patent number: 7465290
    Abstract: An injector system includes, in combination, an injector and a syringe for injecting fluid into a patient. The syringe includes a body, a plunger movably disposed within the body, and an encoding device providing syringe information. The injector includes a motor, a controller operably associated with the motor, a sensor operably associated with the controller and operable to read the encoded syringe information provided by the encoding device, a drive member powered by the motor and operable to automatically advance and engage the plunger when the syringe is mounted on the injector, and a plunger engagement detection device operable to indicate when the drive member of the injector has engaged the plunger of the syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Reilly
  • Patent number: 7462166
    Abstract: A syringe for use with a powered injector to inject a fluid into a patient inclides an encoder. The encoder includes at least a first indicator positioned on the encoder. The first indicator is adapted to interact with at least a portion of energy being propagated through or adjacent the encoder in a manner that is detectable. The presence (or absence) of the first indicator provides or corresponds to information about the syringe configuration. The indicator(s) of the present invention can, for example, provide information about syringe configuration by the number and/or position thereof. A plurality or set of such syringes can be provided, with the configuration of each such syringe being represented by the presence or absence of indicator(s) of that syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin P. Cowan, Barry Iddon, Michael J. Yanniello, John A. Brosovich, Alan D. Hirschman
  • Patent number: 7419478
    Abstract: Embodiments of an injector, injector system, syringe, syringe interface, syringe adapter, and piston/plunger assembly for an injector (of contrast medium, for example) are described. Preferably, the syringe is adapted to engage a syringe interface mechanism such that the syringe may be seated within an injector without regard to any particular orientation of the syringe about its axis with respect to the injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Reilly, Mark Trocki