Patents Assigned to MiniMed
  • Patent number: 9989490
    Abstract: A diagnostic Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) procedure is applied to measure values of impedance-related parameters for one or more sensing electrodes. The parameters may include real impedance, imaginary impedance, impedance magnitude, and/or phase angle. The measured values of the impedance-related parameters are then used in performing sensor diagnostics, calculating a highly-reliable fused sensor glucose value based on signals from a plurality of redundant sensing electrodes, calibrating sensors, detecting interferents within close proximity of one or more sensing electrodes, and testing surface area characteristics of electroplated electrodes. Advantageously, impedance-related parameters can be defined that are substantially glucose-independent over specific ranges of frequencies. An Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) enables implementation of the EIS-based diagnostics, fusion algorithms, and other processes based on measurement of EIS-based parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Ning Yang, Raghavendhar Gautham, Bradley C. Liang, Rajiv Shah
  • Patent number: 9987422
    Abstract: A fluid infusion device and related operating methods are disclosed. The fluid infusion device has a housing, a fluid pump mechanism, a transcutaneous conduit assembly having a fluid conduit coupled to the pump mechanism, and an insertion mechanism for inserting the conduit into the body. An exemplary method begins by detecting a first installation of a fluid cartridge module in the housing, wherein the detecting occurs after the housing has been affixed to the body. In response to the detecting, the operating method automatically activates the insertion mechanism to insert the fluid conduit into the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Pablo Vazquez, Afshin Bazargan, Hubert K. Yeung, Anthony C. Ng
  • Patent number: 9989522
    Abstract: The invention relates to sensors configured to include compositions disposed in specific regions of the sensor in order to provide the sensors with enhanced functional properties, for example faster start-up times. These compositions include, for example, hygroscopic compositions, gas generating compositions and gas solvating compositions. While typical embodiments of the invention pertain to glucose sensors, the systems, methods and materials disclosed herein can be adapted for use with a wide variety of sensors known in the art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesper Svenning Kristensen, Tri T. Dang, Katharine Knarreborg, Anubhuti Bansal
  • Patent number: 9987425
    Abstract: A fluid infusion device includes a pump mechanism having a rotor and a stator. The rotor includes a reference surface and a cam element rising from the reference surface. The stator includes a cam element with a stator cam surface. The cam elements cooperate to axially displace the rotor as it rotates. A drive motor is coupled to actuate the rotor to pump medication fluid from a fluid cartridge module to a body, via a subcutaneous conduit. A sensor contact element resides on the reference surface in an area unoccupied by the rotor cam element. A sensing element terminates at the stator cam surface, and cooperates with a detection circuit to detect when the stator cam surface contacts the sensor contact element. The circuit monitors a detection signal obtained from the sensing element to determine an operating condition of the pump mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Juan M. Alderete, Matthew William Yavorsky, Jacob E. Pananen
  • Patent number: 9992818
    Abstract: A protocol translation device for use with a first apparatus having a battery compartment and communicating over a first wireless protocol, and for use with a second apparatus communicating over a second wireless protocol. The protocol translation device can include a battery casing sized to fit within the battery compartment, the battery casing defining an interior volume; a translator having a first antenna operable to communicate with the first apparatus, a second antenna operable to communicate with the second apparatus, and a translator circuit operably connected between the first antenna and the second antenna; and a battery operably connected to power the translator. The translator circuit is operable to translate between the first wireless protocol and the second wireless protocol. The translator and the battery are disposed within the interior volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Alexander E. Holmes, Darren Y. K. Yap
  • Patent number: 9987476
    Abstract: A therapeutic agent injection device including an injection device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient having a body, the body having a patient face and a port face opposite the patient face, the port face having an introducer port including an introducer channel and an injection port including an injection channel, the introducer channel being in fluid communication with the injection channel through a cross channel, the injection channel defining an injection axis; a delivery tube for subcutaneous delivery of the therapeutic agent to the patient, the delivery tube projecting from and being generally perpendicular to the patient face, the delivery tube defining an introducer axis and being in fluid communication with the injection port; and a patch, the patch being attached to the patient face and being operable to adhesively attach to the patient; wherein the injection axis is parallel to the introducer axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Susan McConnell Montalvo, Colin A. Chong, Hans Lickliter, Rafael Bikovsky
  • Patent number: 9987420
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a fluid reservoir for use with a fluid infusion device which is automatically filled are provided. A set connector for use with a fluid reservoir of a fluid infusion device includes a body for defining a fluid flow path out of the fluid reservoir. The body includes at least one locking tab that cooperates with a portion of the fluid infusion device to removably couple the body to a proximal end of the fluid reservoir. The body is movable between a first position, in which the fluid flow path is obstructed, and a second position, in which the fluid flow path is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventor: Jacob E. Pananen
  • Patent number: 9989491
    Abstract: A diagnostic Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) procedure is applied to measure values of impedance-related parameters for one or more sensing electrodes. The parameters may include real impedance, imaginary impedance, impedance magnitude, and/or phase angle. The measured values of the impedance-related parameters are then used in performing sensor diagnostics, calculating a highly-reliable fused sensor glucose value based on signals from a plurality of redundant sensing electrodes, calibrating sensors, detecting interferents within close proximity of one or more sensing electrodes, and testing surface area characteristics of electroplated electrodes. Advantageously, impedance-related parameters can be defined that are substantially glucose-independent over specific ranges of frequencies. An Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) enables implementation of the EIS-based diagnostics, fusion algorithms, and other processes based on measurement of EIS-based parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Catherine M. Szyman, Michael E. Miller, Rajiv Shah
  • Patent number: 9987426
    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: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Sheldon B. Moberg, Ian B. Hanson
  • Patent number: 9980879
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to transferring fluidic media from a vial to a reservoir. In various embodiments, fluidic media may be transferred from the vial to the reservoir by moving a housing portion to move a plunger head located in the reservoir to draw fluidic media from the vial to the reservoir. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be transferred from the vial to the reservoir while the reservoir is held by a holding unit and vibrated by a vibrator to remove air from the fluidic media. In some embodiments, fluidic media may be transferred from the vial to the reservoir by moving a handle operatively connected to a bias member for assisting with the transfer of fluidic media. In other embodiments, the transfer of fluidic media may be assisted by a bias member and a needle connecting atmosphere and the vial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventor: Julian D. Kavazov
  • Patent number: 9976978
    Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes a connection detection device, a power source, and a delay circuit. The connection detection device determines if the sensor electronics device is connected to the sensor and transmits a connection signal. The delay circuit receives the connection signal, waits a preset hydration time, and couples the regulated voltage from the power source to an electrode in the sensor after the preset hydration time has elapsed. Alternatively, the sensor electronics device may include an electrical detection circuit and a microcontroller. The electrical detection circuit determines if the plurality of electrodes are hydrated and generates an interrupt if the electrodes are hydrated. A microcontroller receives the interrupt and transmits a signal representative of a voltage to an electrode of the plurality of electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Rajiv Shah, Wayne A. Morgan, David Y. Choy, James L. Henke, Bahar Reghabi, Gopikrishnan Soundararajan, Peter Schultz, Udo Hoss
  • Patent number: 9968737
    Abstract: A set connector assembly for a fluid infusion device is provided. The set connector assembly includes a connector having a body. The body defines a graspable portion and a coupling portion, and the coupling portion is to be received within a portion of the fluid infusion device. The graspable portion has at least one wing that defines at least one locking tab for locking the connector to the fluid infusion device. The graspable portion is movable relative to the body to move the connector between a first, locked position and a second, unlocked position relative to the fluid infusion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob E Pananen, Mitchell T. Johnson, Ella Isabella F. Ella
  • Patent number: 9970893
    Abstract: The double layer capacitance of a working electrode of a sensor may be measured with minimal disruption to the sensor equilibrium by open circuiting the working electrode and measuring the voltage drift on a periodic, or as-needed, basis. The values of the double layer capacitance may be monitored over time to determine, e.g., sensor age and condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventor: Wayne A. Morgan
  • Patent number: 9968742
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a dual insertion set for supplying a fluid to a body of a patient and for monitoring a body characteristic of the patient. Typical embodiments of the invention include a base, an infusion portion coupled to a first piercing member and a sensor portion coupled to a second piercing member. The infusion portion includes a cannula coupled to the first piercing member for supplying the fluid to a placement site. The sensor portion includes a sensor coupled to and extending from the base having at least one sensor electrode formed on a substrate and is coupled to the second piercing member in a manner that allows the sensor to be inserted at the placement site. The base is arranged to secure the dual insertion set to skin of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Nannette M. Van Antwerp, Rajiv Shah, Bradley J. Enegren, Richard Lemos, Jr., Ly Phou, Garry M. Steil, Gayane R. Voskanyan
  • Patent number: 9943332
    Abstract: An insertion device may include a device housing configured to be operatively engaged with and disengaged from a base, and engageable with an actuation device, the device housing having a carrier body supporting a piercing member. The carrier body moveable by a carrier body of the actuation device at least between a retracted position and an advanced position. The device housing having a section for supporting a portion of the carrier body of the device housing, the section moveable relative to the carrier body of the device housing to provide sufficient clearance to allow the carrier body of the device housing to be moved by the carrier body of the actuation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin A. Chong, Eric M. Lorenzen, Rafael Bikovsky, Arsen Ibranyan
  • Patent number: 9943645
    Abstract: Infusion systems, infusion devices, and related operating methods are provided. An exemplary method involves operating an infusion device to deliver fluid to a user in accordance with a first operating mode of a plurality of operating modes, obtaining operational information pertaining to the first operating mode, and obtaining clinical information pertaining to the user. A destination operating mode of the plurality of operating modes is determined based at least in part on the operational information and the clinical information, and the infusion device is operated to deliver the fluid in accordance with the destination operating mode in a manner that is influenced by at least a portion of the operational information pertaining to the first operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Salman Monirabbasi, Louis J. Lintereur, Jin Yan, Linda I. Torres
  • Patent number: 9943256
    Abstract: Methods and systems for sensor calibration and sensor glucose (SG) fusion are used advantageously to improve the accuracy and reliability of orthogonally redundant glucose sensor devices, which may include optical and electrochemical glucose sensors. Calibration for both sensors may be achieved via fixed-offset and/or dynamic regression methodologies, depending, e.g., on sensor stability and Isig-Ratio pair correlation. For SG fusion, respective integrity checks may be performed for SG values from the optical and electrochemical sensors, and the SG values calibrated if the integrity checks are passed. Integrity checks may include checking for sensitivity loss, noise, and drift. If the integrity checks are failed, in-line sensor mapping between the electrochemical and optical sensors may be performed prior to calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Andrea Varsavsky, Xiaolong Li, Mike C. Liu, Yuxiang Zhong, Ning Yang
  • Patent number: 9937292
    Abstract: A transfer device for filing a fluid reservoir of a fluid infusion device with a fluid is provided. The transfer device comprises a first end to couple to a source of the fluid, and a second end to couple to a pressurizing device. The transfer device also comprises a body interconnecting the first end and the second end, and having an end to couple to the fluid reservoir. The body defining at least one fluid flow path between the source of the fluid, the pressurizing device and the fluid reservoir to enable the filling of the fluid reservoir with the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Sherif M. Ali, Thomas P. Miller, Vaughn S. Sakae, Edgardo C. Halili
  • Patent number: 9936905
    Abstract: A device for detection or measurement of a carbohydrate analyte in fluid comprises: an optical sensor comprising components of an assay for carbohydrate analyte, the readout of which is a detectable or measurable optical signal, and a light guide having a distal portion optically coupled to the assay components and a proximal portion; and a reader for interrogating the optical sensor, the reader comprising an assay interrogating system including a lens; and an interface portion forming part of at least one of the optical sensor and the reader, the interface portion being capable of removably constraining the proximal portion of the light guide and the lens of the assay interrogating system in an optically coupled arrangement. The device may be combined with an insulin-infusion system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Allan Larson, Voltaire Isaac Lebron, Kevin Holz, Jasson Rodriguez, Ameya Kantak, Soren Aasmul
  • Patent number: 9931460
    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, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Marie Tieck, Jacob E. Pananen, Afshin Bazargan, Juan M. Alderete, Jr.