Patents Assigned to MiniMed Inc.
  • Intelligent therapy recommendation algorithm and method of using the same
    Patent number: 9056165
    Abstract: An algorithm and method of making intelligent therapy recommendations for insulin pump parameters is described. The pump parameters include basal rates, carbohydrate-to-insulin ratios (CIR), and insulin sensitivity factors (ISF). A determination of whether a therapy recommendation should be made is based on comparing an updated recommended change with a threshold. The updated recommended change to the pump parameter is made based on a previous recommended change to the pump parameter and the difference between a current blood glucose value and a targeted blood glucose level. The algorithm and method confirms the therapy recommendation is within safety parameters before displaying the therapy recommendation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Garry M. Steil, Antonios Panteleon
  • Occlusion detection for a fluid infusion device
    Patent number: 9050406
    Abstract: A device for delivering fluid to a user includes a housing, a drive motor assembly in the housing, a force sensor, and an electronics module. The drive motor assembly regulates delivery of fluid by actuating a piston of a fluid reservoir, and the force sensor generates output levels in response to force imparted thereto during, for example, fluid delivery operations. The electronics module processes the output levels of the force sensor to assess the operating health of the force sensor, to check for occlusions in the fluid delivery path, and to monitor the seating status of the fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Hsiao-Yu S. Kow, Afshin Bazargan, Ian B. Hanson, Pablo Vazquez, Juan M. Alderete, Jr., Salman Monirabbasi
  • Fluid delivery devices, systems and methods
    Patent number: 9039660
    Abstract: Fluid delivery devices, systems and methods. The fluid delivery devices may be used to delivery fluid (e.g., insulin) to a user. The devices may have one or more inlets, and may be configured for use with an injection device, such as a syringe, and/or with a pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Turner, John Burns, Dan Benzon, Adam Burnight, Brian Highley, Jason Adams, Kraig Kooiman, Clint Taylor
  • Occlusion detection for a fluid infusion device
    Patent number: 9033951
    Abstract: A device for delivering fluid to a user includes a housing, a drive motor assembly in the housing, a force sensor, and an electronics module. The drive motor assembly regulates delivery of fluid by actuating a piston of a fluid reservoir, and the force sensor generates output levels in response to force imparted thereto during, for example, fluid delivery operations. The electronics module processes the output levels of the force sensor to assess the operating health of the force sensor, to check for occlusions in the fluid delivery path, and to monitor the seating status of the fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Hsiao-Yu S. Kow, Afshin Bazargan, Ian B. Hanson, Pablo Vazquez, Juan M. Alderete, Jr., Salman Monirabbasi
  • Systems for fluid reservoir retention
    Patent number: 9033924
    Abstract: A fluid reservoir for use with a fluid infusion device is provided. The fluid reservoir can include a first portion having a first end and a second end. The first end can include an alignment feature and a delivery port. The fluid reservoir can include a second portion coupled to the second end of the first portion, with a portion of the second portion movable within the first portion to advance a fluid out of the delivery port. The fluid reservoir can also include a reservoir defined between the first portion and the second portion that receives the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew William Yavorsky
  • Glucose sensor signal reliability analysis
    Patent number: 9033878
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods, apparatuses, etc. for glucose sensor signal reliability analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Liang, Kenneth W. Cooper, Raghavendhar Gautham, Rajiv Shah
  • ICE Message System and Method
    Publication number: 20150123800
    Abstract: An ICE message system and method having a medical system for use with a patient, the medical system including a personal medical device attached to the patient and a display operably connected to the personal medical device. The personal medical device includes a monitor operable to detect an emergency condition at the personal medical device, and a processor operably connected to the monitor and operable to select an ICE message in response to the emergency condition. The display is operable to display the ICE message, which includes emergency contact information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventor: George J. Montague
  • Sensor assembly and medical device incorporating same
    Patent number: 9016144
    Abstract: Apparatus are provided for sensor assemblies and related medical devices. An embodiment of a sensor assembly includes a beam and a sensing element disposed on the beam. The sensor assembly also includes a structure to prevent deflection of the beam when a force applied to the sensor assembly is greater than a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. Bente, IV, Pablo Vazquez, Ian B. Hanson, Afshin Bazargan
  • Power control techniques for an electronic device
    Patent number: 9018893
    Abstract: A portable electronic device, such as a fluid infusion device, obtains its operating power from a primary battery and a secondary battery. The primary battery may be a replaceable battery, and the secondary battery may be a rechargeable battery that can be charged with the primary battery under certain conditions. The device utilizes a power management scheme that transitions between the primary battery and/or the secondary battery to prolong the useful life of the primary battery. The device may also generate an intelligent battery life indicator that displays an accurate representation of the remaining life of the primary battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Trock, Jon Spurlin, Michael Ortega, Seth Kazarians
  • Occlusion detection for a fluid infusion device
    Patent number: 9017307
    Abstract: A device for delivering fluid to a user includes a housing, a drive motor assembly in the housing, a force sensor, and an electronics module. The drive motor assembly regulates delivery of fluid by actuating a piston of a fluid reservoir, and the force sensor generates output levels in response to force imparted thereto during, for example, fluid delivery operations. The electronics module processes the output levels of the force sensor to assess the operating health of the force sensor, to check for occlusions in the fluid delivery path, and to monitor the seating status of the fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Hsiao-Yu S. Kow, Afshin Bazargan, Ian B. Hanson, Pablo Vazquez, Juan M. Alderete, Jr., Salman Monirabbasi
  • Method and apparatus for detecting occlusions in an ambulatory infusion pump
    Patent number: 9011371
    Abstract: An improved pump, reservoir and reservoir piston are provided for controlled delivery of fluids. A motor is operably coupled to a drive member, such as a drive screw, which is adapted to advance a plunger slide in response to operation of the motor. The plunger slide is removably coupled to the piston. A method, system, and an article of manufacture for automatically detecting an occlusion in a medication infusion pump is provided. The electrical current to an infusion pump is measured. Based on a series of measurements of one or more variables, the infusion pump detects whether there is an occlusion in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Sheldon B. Moberg, Ian B. Hanson, Cary D. Talbot
  • Method and apparatus for continuous analyte monitoring
    Patent number: 9008744
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide analyte sensors and sensor systems such as amperometric glucose sensors used in the management of diabetes as well as optimized methods for monitoring analytes using such sensors and sensor systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Jefferson Rose, Ashwin K. Rao, Ning Yang, Chia-Hung Chiu, Ying Luo, Rebecca K. Gottlieb
  • Alignment and connection systems and methods
    Patent number: 8998858
    Abstract: A connecting structure for connecting a first member in fluid flow connection with a second member may include a receptacle structure provided on the first member and having an interior chamber and an opening into the interior chamber in which a needle and a pierceable member surrounding a piercing end of the needle may be supported. The second member may include a connection portion that has a septum supported in an interior chamber having a size and shape suitable to be received at least partially into the opening of the receptacle structure upon moving the first member and the second member together to push the pierceable member toward the piercing end of the needle to cause the piercing end of the needle to pierce the pierceable member and the septum to come into fluid flow communication with the interior chamber of the connection portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin A. Chong, Rafael Bikovsky, Neil Andre Quitoviera, Arsen Ibranyan, Matthew William Yavorsky, Mona-Lisa Alexander
  • Connection and alignment systems and methods
    Patent number: 8998840
    Abstract: A delivery system for delivering fluidic media to a user having a second housing portion configured to be selectively operatively engaged with and disengaged from a first housing portion, the first housing portion and the second housing portion configured to be slidable relative to each other to operatively engage each other; and a fluid connector supported by one the housing portions in a position to engage a reservoir supported by an other of the housing portions in a case where the first housing portion and the second housing portion are slid relative to each other to operatively engage each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian B. Hanson, Paul F. Bente, IV
  • Aqueous radiation protecting formulations and methods for making and using them
    Patent number: 8999720
    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: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesper Svenning Kristensen, Soren Aasmul
  • External infusion device with remote programming, bolus estimator and/or vibration alarm capabilities
    Patent number: 8992475
    Abstract: An infusion system for infusing a liquid into a body includes an external infusion device and a remote commander. The external infusion device includes a housing, a receiver, a processor and an indication device. The receiver is coupled to the housing and for receiving remotely generated commands. The processor is coupled to the housing and the receiver to receive remotely generated commands and to control the external infusion device in accordance with the commands. The indication device indicates when a command has been received and indicates when the command is being utilized to control the external infusion device so that the external infusion device is capable of being concealed from view when being remotely commanded. The remote commander includes a commander housing, a keypad for transmitting commands, and a transmitter for transmitting commands to the receiver of the external infusion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred E. Mann, James D. Causey, III, Alan Haubach, Luis J. Malave, John Livingston, Cliff Hague, Chad Srisathapat, Jay Yonemoto, Deborah Ruppert, Dennis P. Bishop, Adrian Gut, Bob Murtfeldt
  • Needle insertion systems and methods
    Patent number: 8992474
    Abstract: A housing may have a needle, plunger, and bias mechanism supported within the housing by a tab configured to retain the plunger in position and to allow the plunger to move under bias force imparted by the bias mechanism to move the needle to an insert position when the tab is removed. A base and a structure may be configured for relative movement there between and may be adapted to be secured to a user with a cannula extending through a body of the structure into the user during use of a medical device. A housing may be adapted to be secured to a user to support a medical device operable with an insertion needle, the housing having a magnifying material for increasing visibility of an injection site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian B. Hanson, Julian D. Kavazov
  • EQUILIBRIUM NON-CONSUMING FLUORESCENCE SENSOR FOR REAL TIME INTRAVASCULAR GLUCOSE MEASUREMENT
    Publication number: 20150080685
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relates to analyte sensors. In particular, the preferred embodiments of the present invention relate to non-consuming intravascular glucose sensors based on fluorescence chemistry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Markle, William Markle
  • Optical determination of pH and glucose
    Patent number: 8983565
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an optical sensor capable of measuring two analytes simultaneously with a single indicator system. In preferred embodiments, the sensor comprises a fluorescent dye having acid and base forms that facilitate ratiometric pH sensing, wherein the dye is further associated with a glucose binding moiety and configured to generate a signal that varies in intensity with the concentration of glucose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Markle, Jeff T. Suri, Ritchie A. Wessling, Matthew A. Romey
  • Use of an equilibrium sensor to monitor glucose concentration
    Patent number: 8979790
    Abstract: A method for monitoring blood glucose concentration in a patient in need thereof is disclosed. The method comprises deploying an equilibrium glucose sensor within interstitial fluid in the patient in need and coupling the equilibrium glucose sensor to a monitor configured to detect a signal and configured to display the blood glucose concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Markle, David R. Markle