Patents Assigned to MiniMed Inc.
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Patent number: 7514038Abstract: A substrate with hermetically sealed vias extending from one side of the substrate to another and a method for fabricating same. The vias may be filled with a conductive material such as, for example, a fritless ink. The conductive path formed by the conductive material aids in sealing one side of the substrate from another. One side of the substrate may include a sensing element and another side of the substrate may include sensing electronics.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2004Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.Inventors: Shaun Pendo, Rajiv Shah, Edward Chernoff
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Patent number: 7514791Abstract: A multilayer circuit substrate for multi-chip modules or hybrid circuits includes a dielectric base substrate, conductors formed on the base substrate and a vacuum deposited dielectric thin film formed over the conductors and the base substrate. The vacuum deposited dielectric thin film is patterned using sacrificial structures formed by shadow mask techniques. Substrates formed in this manner enable significant increases in interconnect density and significant reduction of over-all substrate thickness.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2005Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.Inventors: Rajiv Shah, Shaun Pendo
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Publication number: 20090088731Abstract: A portable infusion system that is programmable by an individual for delivering fluid from a reservoir into a user includes a drive mechanism, an input device, a processor, and a display. The drive mechanism forces the fluid out of the reservoir, and the input device accepts one or more inputs. The processor uses one or more of the one or more inputs to control the drive mechanism. The display receives information from the processor and visually displays one or more screens containing the information. At least one of the one or more screens includes a menu with at least two menu items, and the input device is used to select one menu item from amongst the at least two menu items.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2008Publication date: April 2, 2009Applicant: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.Inventors: Arthur Campbell, Deborah Ruppert, Mike Charles Vallet Tolle
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Patent number: 7500949Abstract: A multilumen catheter having tubings extending into lumens within the catheter. The lumens may be used for blood, drugs or other medicants. The lumens may also be used for sensors. The junction element, external to the patient, connects the tubings to the lumens. The tubings, also external to the patient, connect to infusion members, to which one or more infusion systems may be connected to deliver blood, drugs and other medicants to the patient. A sensor having a sensing element may extend through the sensor lumen and be positioned internal to the patient for physiological parameter sensing. An external portion of the sensor may be connected to associated electronics to provide automatic monitoring of the physiological parameters and automatic delivery and control of the infusants.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2002Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.Inventors: Rebecca Gottlieb, Rajiv Shah, Mary M. Morris, Victor Giron, Michael E. Miller, Bradley J. Enegren
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Patent number: 7494481Abstract: An infusion set for subcutaneous delivery of an infusant. The infusion set may include a base removably attachable to an infusion site and a connector temporarily lockable to the base. The connector can engage the base in a plurality of orientations. The connector locks into the base after at least partial rotation of the connector about the base. The connector may include flexible arms which unlock the connector from the base. The base includes a cannula for insertion through the infusion site. The connector includes a tubing for passing the infusant. The infusant is subcutaneously passable from the tubing through the cannula when the connector is attached to the base. The infusion set may also include a hub removably attachable to the base that includes a needle that extends through the base and the cannula and a guard removably attachable to the base opposite the hub for surrounding the needle.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2004Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.Inventors: Sheldon B. Moberg, Mark D. Holt, Albert D. Candioty, Milad T. Girgis, Julian D. Kavazov, Philip J. Hudak, Frederick C. Houghton, Sean M. Collins, Lance E. Shelter, Jason Adams, Clint Taylor, Brian Highley, Kraig P. Kooiman, Tommy Cushing
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Publication number: 20090048574Abstract: A modular external infusion device that controls the rate a fluid is infused into an individual's body, which includes a first module and a second module. More particularly, the first module may be a pumping module that delivers a fluid, such as a medication, to a patient while the second module may be a programming module that allows a user to select pump flow commands. The second module is removably attachable to the first module.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2008Publication date: February 19, 2009Applicant: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.Inventors: Emilian Istoc, Himanshu Patel
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Patent number: 7468033Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for detecting an analyte in blood. The apparatus is particularly suited for bringing a sensor into direct contact with blood in vivo. The apparatus comprises a sensor that detects the presence of an analyte and an assembly means. The assembly means has a sensor end, wherein the sensor end of the assembly means is affixed to the sensor, and the assembly means is adapted for coupling with a venous flow device. By coupling with a venous flow device, the assembly means brings the sensor into direct contact with blood flowing through the venous flow device. Examples of venous flow devices that bring the sensor into direct contact with the blood of a subject include, but are not limited to, intravenous catheters and external blood loops, such as are used in extra corporeal membrane oxygenation or hemodialysis.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2004Date of Patent: December 23, 2008Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.Inventors: Nannette M. Van Antwerp, Bradley J. Enegren, John J. Mastrototaro, Rajiv Shah, Udo Hoss, Yanan Zhang, Jenn-Hann Wang, Kent L. Clark
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Patent number: 7460350Abstract: A selectively protected electrical system includes or operates with a power source, a load, a power driver circuit for controllably transferring power from the power source to the load, the power driver circuit being encapsulated in a potting material, and a controller for enabling and disabling the power driver circuit, the controller being un-encapsulated by the potting material. If a contaminant induced electrical fault occurs in the selectively protected electrical system, the electrical fault is more likely to occur in the un-encapsulated controller, such that the selectively protected electrical system is disabled. The contaminant is inhibited from contacting and inducing an electrical fault in the power driver circuit, thus providing for a controlled failure of the selectively protected electrical system.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2007Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.Inventors: Cary D. Talbot, Sheldon B. Moberg, James D. Causey, III, Jay A. Yonemoto
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Patent number: 7455663Abstract: An infusion medium delivery system, device and method for delivering an infusion medium to a patient-user, includes a needle inserter device and method for inserting a needle and/or cannula into a patient-user to convey the infusion medium to the patient-user. The needle inserter device and method operate to insert a needle and cannula into a patient-user's skin and automatically withdraw the needle from the patient-user, leaving the cannula in place and in fluid flow communication with a reservoir. The delivery device may include a base portion and a durable portion connectable to the base portion, and wherein the base portion can be separated from the durable portion and disposed of after one or more specified number of uses. The base portion supports the reservoir and the needle inserter device, while the durable portion supports a drive device for selectively driving the infusion medium out of the reservoir and into the needle and/or cannula.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2006Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.Inventor: Rafael Bikovsky
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Patent number: 7448916Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for electrically connecting a medical glucose monitor to a glucose sensor set, as well as for testing the operation of the glucose monitor, monitor cable and glucose sensor set are provided. In one embodiment, an electric cable comprises a cable member, a first connector and a second connector. The cable member in turn comprises at least one insulated conductor, a conductive shielding layer disposed around the at least one insulated conductor; and an insulating layer disposed around the conductive shielding layer. A glucose monitoring system test plug provides for a releasable electrical connection with the electric cable. In one embodiment, the test plug comprises a housing and a fitting affixed thereto which is adapted to electrically couple the test plug with the electric cable.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2007Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.Inventors: John J. Mastrototaro, Richard E. Purvis, Edgardo C. Halili, Eric Johnson
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Patent number: 7435569Abstract: A method for formulating and immobilizing a protein and a protein matrix formed by the method. The protein matrix preparation method results in a physically and chemically stable protein matrix that has low swelling, non-leaching, high activity, and high mechanical strength properties. The method includes cross-linking and hardening the protein mixture and using a mold to form a protein into a desired shape and size.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2004Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.Inventors: Rajiv Shah, Bahar Reghabi, Rudy Montalvo, Yanan Zhang
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Patent number: 7415811Abstract: A packaging system for hydrating sterile devices without comprising the integrity of the sterilization. The packaging system may include an enclosure for enclosing a device requiring hydration, a container containing a hydrate, a base located within the interior of the enclosure and an activating member located within the interior of the enclosure. The container and the device may be located within a receptacle. The receptacle may rest on the base and the activating member may be affixed on top of the receptacle. A force may be exerted on an exterior portion of the enclosure such that the activating member pushes on the receptacle and crushes or ruptures the container. The hydrate located within the container is then released to the device, thereby hydrating the device without breaking the seal of the enclosure. The sterilized environment is therefore maintained and the device is hydrated.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2005Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.Inventors: Rebecca Gottlieb, Aaron Swanson, Bahar Reghabi, Kevin Branch
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Patent number: 7417191Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for electrically connecting a medical glucose monitor to a glucose sensor set, as well as for testing the operation of the glucose monitor, monitor cable and glucose sensor set are provided. In one embodiment, an electric cable comprises a cable member, a first connector and a second connector. The cable member in turn comprises at least one insulated conductor, a conductive shielding layer disposed around the at least one insulated conductor; and an insulating layer disposed around the conductive shielding layer. A glucose monitoring system test plug provides for a releasable electrical connection with the electric cable. In one embodiment, the test plug comprises a housing and a fitting affixed thereto which is adapted to electrically couple the test plug with the electric cable.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2006Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.Inventors: John J. Mastrototaro, Richard E. Purvis, Edgardo C. Halili, Eric Johnson
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Patent number: 7402153Abstract: A closed loop infusion system controls the rate that fluid is infused into the body of a user. The closed loop infusion system includes a sensor system, a controller, and a delivery system. The sensor system includes a sensor for monitoring a condition of the user. The sensor produces a sensor signal, which is representative of the condition of the user. The sensor signal is used to generate a controller input. The controller uses the controller input to generate commands to operate the delivery system. The delivery system infuses a liquid into the user at a rate dictated by the commands from the controller. Preferably, the sensor system monitors the glucose concentration in the body of the user, and the liquid infused by the delivery system into the body of the user includes insulin.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2004Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.Inventors: Garry M. Steil, Kerstin Rebrin
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Patent number: 7399277Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for medical monitoring physiological characteristic values such as blood glucose levels for the treatment of diabetes, are presented. The apparatuses and methods provide for preventing any negative consequence in the operation of a monitor and/or infusion device as a result of disorientation that may occur from waking from slumber with a low blood glucose level. In addition, a graphical display is disclosed incorporating a variety of enhancements which readily conveys to the user historical as well as real time information regarding the measured characteristic value.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2004Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.Inventors: Frank Saidara, John Joseph Mastrototaro, Charles Vallet Tolle, John C. Mueller, Jr., Jeff B. Sanders, Edward S. Nielsen
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Patent number: 7396353Abstract: A drive mechanism for delivery of infusion medium a coil capable of being electrically activated to provide an electromagnetic field. The coil surrounds a piston channel extending in an axial direction. The piston channel provides a passage for communication of infusion medium to an outlet chamber located at one end of the piston channel. An armature is located adjacent the coil, on one side of the axial channel. The armature is moveable toward a forward position, in response to the electromagnetic field produced by activation of the coil. A piston is located within the piston channel and is moveable axially within the channel to a forward position, in response to movement of the armature to its forward position. The armature and piston are moved toward a retracted position, when the coil is not energized. In the retracted position of the piston, a piston chamber is formed between the piston and a valve member and is filled with infusion medium.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2004Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.Inventors: Eric Lorenzen, John Gray, Robert Bosley
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Patent number: 7390314Abstract: An improved reservoir is provided for use in a medication infusion device for operating the reservoir to administer a fluid to a patient. The reservoir comprises a hollow barrel adapted to receive a supply of fluid for delivery through infusion tubing or the like to the patient, in combination with a reservoir plunger. The reservoir plunger is designed to engage a motor-driven lead screw of the medication infusion device. The reservoir plunger has an integral split nut connector formed on the end of the plunger, which is in co-axial alignment with the lead screw whereby the split nut connector can be engaged directly to the lead screw.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2003Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.Inventors: William H. Stutz, Jr., Herman L. Renger, Cary D. Talbot
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Patent number: 7384397Abstract: A system and method for calibrating a sensor. The method may include, without limitation, compiling an array of data relating to the sensor; adjusting a sensor parameter a first time based on data in the array; adjusting a curve representing the sensor output based on data in the array; and adjusting the sensor parameter a second time based on data in the array. The sensor may be an in vivo glucose sensor and the sensor parameter adjusted may be a current. The array may include historical as well as recent data, such as, for example, blood glucose readings and sensor electrode readings.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2003Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.Inventors: Yanan Zhang, Lu Wang, Rajiv Shah
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Patent number: 7369635Abstract: A system, method and program are disclosed for achieving rapid bit synchronization in low power medical device systems. Messages are transmitted via telemetry between a medical device and a communication device. The synchronization scheme uses a portion of a unique preamble bit pattern to identify the communication device allowing for economical communications with a minimum expenditure of energy. A special set of preamble bit patterns are utilized for their unique synchronization properties making them particularly suited for rapid bit synchronization. These unique preamble bit patterns further provide simplification to the preamble error detection logic.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2004Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.Inventors: Glenn O. Spital, Wayne A. Morgan, Varaz Shahmirian
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Patent number: 7354420Abstract: A closed loop infusion system controls the rate that fluid is infused into the body of a user. The closed loop infusion system includes a sensor system, a controller, and a delivery system. The sensor system includes a sensor for monitoring a condition of the user. The sensor produces a sensor signal, which is representative of the condition of the user. The sensor signal is used to generate a controller input. The controller uses the controller input to generate commands to operate the delivery system. The delivery system infuses a liquid into the user at a rate dictated by the commands from the controller. Preferably, the sensor system monitors the glucose concentration in the body of the user, and the liquid infused by the delivery system into the body of the user includes insulin.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2006Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.Inventors: Garry M. Steil, Kerstin Rebrin