Patents Assigned to MiniMed Inc.
  • Medication reservoir
    Patent number: 9579452
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a connection interface between a reservoir or syringe, infusion set tubing, and an infusion pump is provided. A base is provided which is adapted to receive a reservoir. The base has a base engagement member, such as a detent, projecting therefrom. A cap is provided which is adapted to receive the base. The cap includes a first cap engagement member, such as a detent opening, which is adapted to removably engage the base detent. The cap further includes a second cap detent opening which is adapted to removably engage the base detent. A piercing member, such as a needle, is disposed in the interior of the cap in such a manner that the needle is separated from the reservoir septum when the base detent is in the first cap detent opening, and the needle pierces the reservoir septum when the base detent is in the second cap detent opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy W. Adair, Sheldon B. Moberg, Chalirmkiert Srisathapat
  • Determination and application of glucose sensor reliability indicator and/or metric
    Patent number: 9579066
    Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method for determining a metric and/or indicator of a reliability of a blood glucose sensor in providing glucose measurements. In one aspect, the metric and/or indicator may be computed based, at least in part, on an observed trend associated with signals generated by the blood glucose sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Rebecca K. Gottlieb, Ying Luo, Raghavendhar Gautham, Bradley Liang, Anirban Roy, Kenneth W. Cooper, Rajiv Shah, Barry Keenan
  • Fluid reservoir seating procedure for a fluid infusion device
    Patent number: 9555190
    Abstract: A method of seating a fluid reservoir in a housing of a fluid infusion device is presented here. The method is performed prior to establishing an outgoing fluid flow path from the fluid reservoir. The method begins by detecting insertion of the fluid reservoir into the housing of the fluid infusion device. In response to detecting the insertion, the method determines whether the fluid reservoir is in need of depressurization. When the fluid reservoir is in need of depressurization, the drive motor assembly of the fluid infusion device is rewound to depressurize the fluid reservoir. After depressurizing the fluid reservoir, an equalization state for the fluid reservoir is achieved. After achieving the equilibrium state, the drive motor assembly is advanced to obtain an initial seated state for the fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Juan M. Alderete, Jr., Salman Monirabbasi
  • Amperometric sensor electrodes
    Patent number: 9541519
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide electrochemical analyte sensors having elements designed to modulate their electrochemical reactions as well as methods for making and using such sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajiv Shah, Rebecca K. Gottlieb, Gopikrishnan Soundararajan, James D. Holker
  • Pressure vented fluid reservoir for a fluid infusion device
    Patent number: 9533132
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fluid infusion device of the type that delivers medication fluid to the body of a patient. The device includes or cooperates with a fluid reservoir, and the device has a sealing assembly to receive and form a fluid seal with the fluid reservoir. A retractable sealing element surrounding a hollow fluid delivery needle may be used to seal a port of the fluid reservoir. The port may include a pressure vent that is sealed by the retractable sealing element. In one variation, the reservoir includes a moving valve sleeve that holds a septum. The septum moves to allow the reservoir to vent, and to form a seal with the port when the needle pierces the septum. In another variation, the device includes a needleless sealing assembly. In yet other variations, the device uses a needled fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Edgardo C. Halili, Eric M. Lorenzen, Matthew William Yavorsky
  • Safeguarding measures for a closed-loop insulin infusion system
    Patent number: 9526834
    Abstract: Processor-implemented methods of controlling an insulin infusion device for a user are provided here. A first method obtains a current insulin on board (IOB) value that estimates active insulin in the user, and compensates a calculated insulin infusion rate in response to the obtained IOB value. A second method supervises the operation of a glucose sensor by obtaining and processing insulin-delivered data and glucose sensor data for the user. An alert is generated if the second method determines that a current glucose sensor value has deviated from a predicted sensor glucose value by at least a threshold amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Desmond Barry Keenan, John J. Mastrototaro, Benyamin Grosman, Neha J. Parikh, Anirban Roy
  • Systems for fluid reservoir retention
    Patent number: 9522223
    Abstract: A housing for a fluid infusion device is provided. The housing can include a first housing component including a first engagement system. The first housing component can define a first compartment and a second compartment. The first engagement system can be coupled to the second compartment and movable relative to the second compartment. The housing can also include a second housing component coupled to the first compartment of the first housing component. The second housing component can include a second engagement system. The second engagement system can be movable relative to the second housing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew William Yavorsky
  • Reservoir plunger position monitoring and medical device incorporating same
    Patent number: 9517303
    Abstract: Apparatus are provided for infusion devices and related control systems and methods. In one embodiment, an infusion device includes a voided portion adapted to receive a shaft portion that includes a shaft coupled to a plunger of a reservoir. The shaft portion includes a detectable feature, and the infusion device includes a sensing arrangement proximate the voided portion to sense the detectable feature. In some embodiments, a control module is coupled to the sensing arrangement to determine a remaining amount of fluid in the reservoir based at least in part on the sensed position of the detectable feature. In other embodiments, the control module identifies an anomalous condition based at least in part on the sensed position of the detectable feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Afshin Bazargan, Pablo Vazquez, EJMar Fonacier, Andrew E. Weaver
  • Coordination of control commands and controller disable messages in a medical device system
    Patent number: 9517304
    Abstract: A medical device system includes at least one controllable patient-worn or patient-carried medical device, and a plurality of controller devices that are capable of independently controlling features or functions of the patient medical device. Control commands and other data is wirelessly communicated among the patient medical device and the multiple controller devices. A number of techniques, protocols, and other measures are provided to coordinate wireless communication between the various devices in a medical device system. These control command coordination processes address situations where conflicting, redundant, or concurrent control commands might be independently issued by the multiple controller devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Sheldon B. Moberg, Ian B. Hanson
  • PROTECTIVE AGENTS AGAINST E-BEAM IRRADIATION FOR PROTEINS IN OPTICAL SENSING CHEMISTRY
    Publication number: 20160354500
    Abstract: Medical devices are typically sterilized in processes used to manufacture such products and their sterilization by exposure to radiation is a common practice. Radiation has a number of advantages over other sterilization processes including a high penetrating ability, relatively low chemical reactivity, and instantaneous effects without the need to control temperature, pressure, vacuum, or humidity. Unfortunately, radiation sterilization can compromise the function of certain components of medical devices. For example, radiation sterilization can lead to loss of protein activity and/or lead to bleaching of various dye compounds. Embodiments of the invention provide methods and materials that can be used to protect medical devices from unwanted effects of radiation sterilization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Applicant: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Tri T. Dang, Sarkis Aroyan, Jesper Svenning Kristensen
  • Systems and methods for alignment and detection of a consumable component
    Patent number: 9513104
    Abstract: Systems and methods for alignment and detection of a consumable component are disclosed herein. For example, a method for determining if a consumable component is coupled to a durable component to enable dispersion of a medicine is provided. The method includes determining if a signal from an electrical contact coupled to a durable component has changed an electrical state, and comparing the signal to a reference signal from a second electrical component coupled to the durable component. The method includes sampling a sensor coupled to the durable component to acquire sensor data indicative of a magnetic field observed by the sensor, and outputting data that a consumable component is coupled to the durable component if the signal is different than the reference signal, and the sensor data is within an acceptable range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Juan M. Alderete, Jr., R. Marie Tieck
  • Foldover sensors and methods for making and using them
    Patent number: 9493807
    Abstract: The invention disclosed herein includes sensors having three dimensional configurations that allow expansive “360°” sensing (i.e. sensing analyte from multiple directions) in the environments in which such sensors are disposed. Embodiments of the invention provide analyte sensors having foldable substrates adapted to produce optimized configurations of electrode elements as well as methods for making and using such sensors. Typical embodiments of the invention include glucose sensors used in the management of diabetes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Megan E. Little, Katherine T. Wolfe, Raghavendhar Gautham, Bradley Chi Liang, Rajiv Shah
  • Methods and materials for stabilizing analyte sensors
    Patent number: 9492111
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a sensor including a sensor having an external surface and a cannula. The cannula comprises a substantially cylindrical wall encircling a lumen, at least one aperture and a distal end. The sensor is positioned within the lumen and the distal end of the cannula extends beyond the sensor. This configuration functions for example to stabilize chemical reactions associated with the sensor by creating a buffer zone between the sensor and the surrounding tissues at the site of implantation. In certain embodiments, the sensor can further comprise an accessory material in proximity to the external surface, wherein the accessory material modifies the biological response of a tissue that is in contact with the sensor. The sensor can also comprise anchors that keeps the sensor in contact with subcutaneous tissue of a subject upon insertion of the sensor into the body of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajiv Shah, Gopikrishnan Soundararajan, Nannette M. Van Antwerp, Barry Pham
  • Sealing assembly and structure for a fluid infusion device having a needled fluid reservoir
    Patent number: 9463309
    Abstract: A sealing assembly is utilized for a fluid infusion device that cooperates with a fluid reservoir having a reservoir port and a hollow fluid reservoir needle at least partially located within the reservoir port. The sealing assembly has a reservoir port receptacle with a proximal end, a distal end extending from the proximal end, and a needle opening formed in the distal end to receive the hollow fluid reservoir needle. The sealing assembly also has a fluid chamber located at least partially in the reservoir port receptacle, and a needle sealing element having a self-sealing needle opening formed therein. The needle sealing element is located within the reservoir port receptacle between the distal end and the fluid chamber. The self-sealing needle opening accommodates the hollow fluid reservoir needle when the reservoir port engages the reservoir port receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew William Yavorsky, Edgardo C. Halili, Eric M. Lorenzen
  • Smart connection interface
    Patent number: 9452255
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a connection interface between a reservoir or syringe, infusion set tubing, and an infusion pump is provided. The reservoir, a base and a cap are connected to form an integrated unit that is capable of being inserted and secured in an infusion pump housing. The cap and the infusion pump are each provided with at least one sensor or at least one detectable feature, arranged to interact with at least one corresponding detectable feature or sensor on the other of the cap and infusion pump device, to detect one or more of the presence, position or other characteristic of the cap when the cap is aligned or coupled with the infusion pump housing. The detectable feature and sensor may be magnetic, RF, mechanical, optical or any combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Marie Tieck, Jacob E. Pananen, Afshin Bazargan, Juan M. Alderete, Jr.
  • Smart connection interface
    Patent number: 9452256
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a connection interface between a reservoir or syringe, infusion set tubing, and an infusion pump is provided. The reservoir, a base and a cap are connected to form an integrated unit that is capable of being inserted and secured in an infusion pump housing. The cap and the infusion pump are each provided with at least one sensor or at least one detectable feature, arranged to interact with at least one corresponding detectable feature or sensor on the other of the cap and infusion pump device, to detect one or more of the presence, position or other characteristic of the cap when the cap is aligned or coupled with the infusion pump housing. The detectable feature and sensor may be magnetic, RF, mechanical, optical or any combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Marie Tieck, Jacob E. Pananen, Afshin Bazargan, Juan M. Alderete, Jr.
  • Glycemic health metric determination and application
    Patent number: 9445757
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods, apparatuses, etc. for determination and application of a unidimensional metric for assessing a patient's glycemic health. In one particular implementation, a computed metric may be used to balance short-term and long-term risks associated with a particular therapy. In another implementation, a computed unidimensional metric may be used to balance risks of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Lane Desborough, Cesar C. Palerm
  • Detecting unintentional motor motion and infusion device incorporating same
    Patent number: 9433731
    Abstract: Apparatus are provided for infusion devices and related systems and operating methods. An exemplary system includes a motor, a sensing arrangement coupled to the motor to provide output indicative of a detected characteristic of the motor when the sensing arrangement is enabled, and a module coupled to the sensing arrangement to periodically enable the sensing arrangement while the motor is idle and detect potential unintended motion of the motor based on the output from the sensing arrangement while periodically enabling the sensing arrangement. In some embodiments, the motor includes a rotor configured such that its rotation provides translational displacement of a plunger in a fluid reservoir, and the sensing arrangement includes one or more sensors configured to provide output indicative of a detected magnetic field of the rotor magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam S. Trock, Hsiao-Yu S. Kow, Nichole R. Mattson, Steve Chow, Alexander S. Campbell
  • Methods for making an aqueous radiation protecting formulation
    Patent number: 9421287
    Abstract: Medical devices are typically sterilized in processes used to manufacture such products and their sterilization by exposure to radiation is a common practice. Radiation has a number of advantages over other sterilization processes including a high penetrating ability, relatively low chemical reactivity, and instantaneous effects without the need to control temperature, pressure, vacuum, or humidity. Unfortunately, radiation sterilization can compromise the function of certain components of medical devices. For example, radiation sterilization can lead to loss of protein activity and/or lead to bleaching of various dye compounds. Embodiments of the invention provide methods and materials that can be used to protect medical devices from unwanted effects of radiation sterilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesper Svenning Kristensen, Soren Aasmul
  • System and/or method for glucose sensor calibration
    Patent number: 9402569
    Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems, methods and/or devices for calibrating sensor data to be used in estimating a blood glucose concentration. A relationship between sensor signal values and reference readings may be used to estimate a relationship between sensor signal values and measurements of blood glucose concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Liang, Kenneth W. Cooper, Raghavendhar Gautham, Rajiv Shah, Keith Nogueira