Patents Assigned to Pacesetter Infusion, Ltd.
  • Patent number: 4878896
    Abstract: A cassette identification system for use with a medication infusion system having disposable cassettes which are mounted onto a main pump unit is disclosed which uses an optical sensor module to read the identifying bits from the cassette. The identification indicia contained on the cassette each either pass light through a portion of the cassette, or diffuse the light to prevent it from passing through the cassette. The optical module is mounted on the main pump unit, and includes light sources and sensors for each of the identification indicia on the cassette; the system may use either redundant or non-redundant coding for identifying the cassettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Assignee: Pacesetter Infusion, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michi E. Garrison, John P. Pelmulder
  • Patent number: 4872813
    Abstract: A disposable cassette containing a fluid pump for use with a main unit including apparatus for driving the pump is disclosed which cassette utilized a piston-type pump in conjunction with active valves to pump fluid. The inlet and outlet channels in the cassette are formed by a diaphragm covering open channels in the cassette body, and the same diaphragm is used to form the active valves, which are actuated by valve actuators in the main pump unit. Additional features of the cassette include an air trap upstream from the pump, and an integral clamp which allows priming of the cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: Pacesetter Infusion, Ltd.
    Inventors: Lanny A. Gorton, John P. Pelmulder
  • Patent number: 4863425
    Abstract: A system for detecting an occlusion in a fluid line is disclosed which can detect occlusions in the downstream or patient side of a disposable cassette containing a fluid pump thereon. The cassette includes a pressure diaphragm and is for installation onto and use with a main pump unit including a pressure transducer therein for monitoring fluid pressure downstream of the pump. The system utilizes control circuitry to provide an alarm in the event of a patient-side occlusion, and the occlusion detection system works when the system is configured as any of a number of difference device types, including both a flow controller emulation and several different infusion pump configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Pacesetter Infusion, Ltd.
    Inventors: John B. Slate, James L. Henke
  • Patent number: 4850972
    Abstract: A multiple channel medication infusion system is disclosed which has a plurality of disposable pump cassettes mounted on a single main pump unit, thereby making the system compact and resulting in an economic system. The system has a printer which may be connected to the main pump unit to provide a printed record of system operation. Several modes are accessible to set up and program the system, to monitor actual system performance, and to test the system or display warnings indicating system malfunctions or that new cassettes should be installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: Pacesetter Infusion, Ltd.
    Inventors: Joseph H. Schulman, Lanny A. Gorton
  • Patent number: 4850817
    Abstract: A mechanical drive system for use in driving a disposable cassette containing a reciprocating fluid pump and active valves from a main pump unit is disclosed which utilizes a single power module cam to drive both the reciprocating pump and the valves. By using a unitary power module cam, the system completely eliminates the possibility of a timing error between the operation of the reciprocating pump and the valves. A one-way clutch is used to prevent the system from slipping into a reverse operation, and the operation of the valve actuators prevents the possibility of free flow through a cassette installed onto the main pump unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: Pacesetter Infusion, Ltd.
    Inventors: Clyde K. Nason, John P. Pelmulder
  • Patent number: 4832299
    Abstract: An improved clamp fixture is provided for supporting a medical instrument or the like in a selected orientation relative to a variety of different support structures, such as an upright pole, a tabletop edge, a bed rail, etc. The clamp fixture comprises an open-sided base bracket for receiving the selected support structure to extend through the base bracket along a first axis. A clamp screw is carried by the base bracket and is adjustable to securely retain the support structure against an inner support surface of the base bracket. A frame member is mounted on the base bracket for rotation generally about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, with a spring-loaded lock pin releasably securing the frame member in one of several preset rotational positions. At least one frame arm extends outwardly from the frame member for connection to the medical instrument or the like in a manner permitting rotation of the medical instrument about a third axis perpendicular to the first and second axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: Pacesetter Infusion, Ltd.
    Inventors: Lanny A. Gorton, Gerald W. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 4826480
    Abstract: An implantable catheter for use in delivering insulin or other therapeutic fluids is disclosed which uses a novel terminator design to prevent the growth of fibrotic tissue from obstruction the catheter. The catheter takes advantage of fibrotic encapsulation by utilizing a depression in the surface of the terminator which will effectively keep fibrotic tissue spaced sufficiently away therefrom to allow fluid to be infused. In addition to being capable of long term implant, the catheter is implantable in the omentum, enabling the body's natural absorption of insulin to be successfully mimicked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Pacesetter Infusion, Ltd.
    Inventors: Raul Diaz, Mark W. Davis
  • Patent number: 4818190
    Abstract: A medication infusion system having a disposable cassette including a piston pump and active valves for installation on a main pump unit including a mechanical drive system for operating the cassette is disclosed which has a unique system for loading the cassette onto the main pump unit and latching the cassette in place on the main pump unit. The cassette includes a slide latch which closes the fluid path when the cassette is to be installed, the slide latch only being opened when the cassette is properly installed on the main pump unit with the valve actuators of the main pump unit preventing fluid freeflow. Latching the cassette in place causes a latch head on the main pump unit to grasp the piston on the cassette in a driving relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Pacesetter Infusion, Ltd.
    Inventors: John P. Pelmulder, Lanny A. Gorton
  • Patent number: 4814685
    Abstract: A power converter for use in converting a variable DC input voltage into a variable DC output voltage is disclosed which uses control circuitry on both the input and the output to optimize converter performance. By charging the inductor up nearly to the saturation point, but completely avoiding saturation of the inductor, power capability at the input end is maximized. By discharging the inductor completely without either losing power capability by continuing to attempt to discharge the inductor after the charge is depleted or by failing to nearly discharge the inductor thereby presenting the possibility of saturation to the boosting of current through the inductor during the next charge cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Pacesetter Infusion, Ltd.
    Inventor: Herman L. Renger
  • Patent number: 4808167
    Abstract: A disposable cassette for use with a main infusion pump unit is disclosed which contains both a disposable pump and a battery, thereby requiring the simultaneous replacement of both the pump and the battery. The controller contained in the main pump unit includes a timer which prevents the cassette from being used for longer than a predetermined time, which is substantially less than the life of the battery. An interlock prevents a cassette from being reinstalled following a single use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: Pacesetter Infusion, Ltd.
    Inventors: Alfred E. Mann, Joseph H. Schulman
  • Patent number: 4793486
    Abstract: An enclosure for use to safely secure a water-sensitive medical or electronic device such as a medication infusion pump in a water-resistant manner is disclosed which utilizes a pouch made of a sheet of thin plastic material to store the apparatus, the pouch being adhesively sealable to secure the device. The enclosure also includes a perforated area which may be opened to form a strap to carry or hang the device, and is constructed inexpensively to be of a disposable nature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: Pacesetter Infusion, Ltd.
    Inventors: April A. Konopka, John H. Livingston
  • Patent number: 4791931
    Abstract: A device for use in conjunction with a pulse generator is disclosed which provides a variable pulsing rate in response to short term variations in arterial blood pressure, like the baroreceptor system of the healthy body's cardiovascular system. The system utilizes a pressure transducer implanted together with the pacemaker, the transducer is preferably located on the proximal axillary artery. The system features quick response based on physiological need, and also includes a reset feature which maintains a normal resting heart rate despite long term changes in blood pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Assignee: Pacesetter Infusion, Ltd.
    Inventor: John B. Slate
  • Patent number: 4755173
    Abstract: An injection set for delivering a fluid to a subcutaneous injection location in a patient is disclosed which has a soft cannula projecting from a bottom surface of a holding pad. An insertion needle is initially inserted through a septum located between a catheter hub and a retaining cap mounted on the holding pad. The insertion needle extends through a fluid chamber defined by the septum and the catheter hub and then through a lumen of the soft cannula, with the sharpened tip of the insertion needle extending beyond the end of the soft cannula when the insertion needle is fully inserted. The insertion needle, which allows priming of the injection set, may be removed following installation of the injection set without kinking of the soft catheter, and fluid may be supplied to the injection set for delivery to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Assignee: Pacesetter Infusion, Ltd.
    Inventors: April A. Konopka, Peter C. Lord
  • Patent number: 4723947
    Abstract: An injection set for use with an external infusion source of fluid such as insulin is disclosed which injection set is constructed using multiwall tubing. The interior of the multiwall tubing is made of a material which is completely insulin compatible, while the exterior of the multiwall tubing is made of a material which may be solvent bonded. The multiwall tubing facilitates solvent bonding installation of an insert molded needle assembly and a connector to the ends of the tubing without necessitating the use of and incurring the disadvantages of epoxy bonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Assignee: Pacesetter Infusion, Ltd.
    Inventor: April A. Konopka
  • Patent number: 4712583
    Abstract: A valve for use in medical applications is disclosed which is a highly precise, passive, one-way valve which makes an excellent inlet valve or outlet valve in a drug infusion pump. The valve operates with a very small forward pressure, requires only a small amount of fluid in the valve chamber, and operates in a positive and predictable fashion, even after an extended shelf life. The valve, may be inexpensively molded in one piece, thereby facilitating construction of a disposable pump, and may be installed with the portion of the pump housing contacting the top surface of the valve being flat, thereby further reducing manufacturing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Assignee: Pacesetter Infusion, Ltd.
    Inventors: John P. Pelmulder, Lanny A. Gorton, Armen J. Guleserian, John H. Livingston
  • Patent number: 4685903
    Abstract: A programmable infusion pump apparatus having a power supply (4, 11), a first circuit (6) responsive to the and assisting the power supply (4), power generating circuit (8) for generating sufficient power to drive a pump drive mechanism (12), a power storage circuit (10) for storing the power generated by the power generating circuit (8), a sensing system (16) for sensing stored power levels and the condition of the power supply (11), a microprocessor (18); a plurality of actuators (24, 26, 28, 30) for display and changing parameter values stored in RAM of the microprocessor (18), a memory (34) operably connected to microprocessor (18); display screen (40) for displaying parameter values and other information concerning the apparatus and a tone transducer (22) for providing an audio output from the apparatus to indicate certain conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: Pacesetter Infusion, Ltd.
    Inventors: Vaughn P. Cable, Clyde K. Nason, Gordon W. Culp
  • Patent number: 4678408
    Abstract: A solenoid drive apparatus for driving a lead screw of an External Infusion Pump (1) having a housing (302), solenoid winding (356) within the housing (302), a solenoid armature (358) which is driven by the field of the solenoid winding (356), push rod (362) which is driven by the armature (358), pawn (314) which is driven by push rod (362), a first pawl (320) which is driven by pawn (314) and a second pawl (326) which is an antibacklash device, a ratchet wheel (318) having teeth (319) around its periphery and engaged by the first pawl (320) and the second pawl (326) and the drive shaft (316) which is drawn by the ratchet of the ratchet wheel (318).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Assignee: Pacesetter Infusion, Ltd.
    Inventors: Clyde K. Nason, Gordon W. Culp
  • Patent number: 4646781
    Abstract: A valve, suitable for use in small medical devices and which can readily be made of medical grade materials, comprises an elastic diaphragm stretched over a protruding surface, preferably of spherical or convex shape. The diaphragm has a ring of holes concentrically around a hole in the protruding surface. A mating recess, connected to a conduit, fits over the protruding surface. The elastic material is held in place at or near the opening of the recess. The holding structure may also serve to seal the valve. A dual arrangement provides an input and an output valve in combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Assignee: Pacesetter Infusion, Ltd.
    Inventors: John McIntyre, Lanny A. Gorton
  • Patent number: D303013
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: Pacesetter Infusion, Ltd.
    Inventor: April A. Konopka