Patents by Inventor April Marano

April Marano has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5954766
    Abstract: A device to provide body fluid flow control in the form of a valve to be located within a duct or passageway. The device is controlled through pressure above a preselected threshold. Bulk resilience about a passageway in a valve body provides the mechanism for controlled flow. One-way valve operation may be provided through a flap or through a pressure differential on the valve body depending upon the direction of flow. A frame structure positioned within a resilient seal includes longitudinally elongate elements which may be of spring material, malleable material or heat recoverable material so as to accomplish an initial insertion state and an expanded anchoring state. A valve support transitions between the resilient seal portion and the valve body to insure that the states do not change the threshold opening pressure. Insertion devices may be employed to position and actuate a change of state of the frame in the body duct or passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventors: Gholam-Reza Zadno-Azizi, John S. Ford, April Marano-Ford
  • Patent number: 5851197
    Abstract: An injector is provided for automatic placement of a subcutaneous infusion set or the like used for delivering a selected medication to a patient. The injector comprises a spring-loaded plunger having a head for receiving and supporting an infusion set in a position for placement of an insertion needle and related cannula through the skin of a patient at a selected insertion site. The plunger head includes a safety lock mechanism for engaging and retaining the infusion set during spring-loaded advancement with a controlled force and speed toward the patient's skin to transcutaneously place the insertion needle and cannula. When the plunger head reaches a fully advanced position, with the infusion set placed on the patient, the infusion set is releasible from the safety lock mechanism with minimal force to permit quick and easy separation of the injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Minimed Inc.
    Inventors: April A. Marano, Jeffrey F. Field, Jeffery V. Funderburk