Patents by Inventor Daniel H. Villegas

Daniel H. Villegas 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: 9761128
    Abstract: Remote controls including a first button, a second button, transmission means, associated with the housing, for transmitting a signal to the ambulatory infusion device, and a controller associated with the housing and adapted to prevent signal transmission by the transmission means unless the second button has been actuated, to allow signal transmission by the transmission means in response to actuation of the second button, and to control the transmission means to transmit a signal in response to the first button being pressed concurrently with actuation of the second button or during a predetermined period after actuation of the second button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Medallion Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen D. Das, Jose P. Bernardo, Daniel H. Villegas, Scott R. Gibson, Timothy John Payne, Scott LaVoy Conway, Joseph Wayne Vandegriff
  • Patent number: 8721605
    Abstract: Implantable infusion devices configured to improve fill and evacuation procedures. Such implantable infusion devices may, for example, include palpable landmarks that allow the clinician to locate a fill port through tactile examination. Needle detection methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: The Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research
    Inventors: William A. Brandt, Daniel H. Villegas
  • Publication number: 20130249729
    Abstract: Remote controls that are configured to prevent inadvertent signal transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: The Alfred E. Mann Foundation For Scientific Research
    Inventors: Stephen D. Das, Jose P. Bernardo, Daniel H. Villegas, Scott R. Gibson, Timothy John Payne, Scott LaVoy Conway, Joseph Wayne Vandegriff
  • Patent number: 8352042
    Abstract: A method of preventing inadvertent signal transmission sent from a remote control for controlling the operation of an implantable infusion device. The method includes maintaining the remote control in a locked state prior to a user intentionally unlocking the remote control in order to generate transmission of a signal from the remote control to the implantable infusion device. The unlocking of the remote control can include moving a button control element, unlocking a button lock, pressing a button other than the signal generation button, pressing the signal generation button in a specific sequence or shaking the remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventors: Stephen D. Das, Jose P. Bernardo, Daniel H. Villegas, Scott R. Gibson, Timothy John Payne, Scott LaVoy Conway, Joseph Wayne Vandegriff
  • Patent number: 8352041
    Abstract: Remote controls, including a communication device, a button or other communication device actuator and a movable structure that allows actuation of the actuator in one position and prevents actuation of the actuator in another position to prevent inadvertent signal transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: The Alfred E. Mann Foundation For Scientific Research
    Inventors: Stephen D. Das, Jose P. Bernardo, Daniel H. Villegas, Scott R. Gibson, Timothy John Payne, Scott LaVoy Conway, Joseph Wayne Vandegriff
  • Publication number: 20110275904
    Abstract: A communication device (CD) exchanges messages with an implantable infusion pump via telemetry such that commands are supplied thereto and operational information is obtained therefrom. The CD is controlled, at least in part, by a processor IC according to a software program operating therein and provides feedback to a user via a visual display, an audio alarm, and a vibrational alarm, and allows input from the user via a touch sensitive keypad. Certain input functions are restricted by password. The visual display includes an icon and fixed element display region and a bitmap display region. The fixed element display region includes time and date displays, battery and drug level displays that decrement, and a moving delivery state display. Various screens allow operational or log information to be displayed and/or user entry of commands. Program features when disabled are removed from a series of screen options that can be scrolled through.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Ronald J. Lebel, Varaz Shahmirian, Daniel H. Villegas, David Y. Choy, Philip T. Weiss, Paul M. Meadows
  • Publication number: 20100274196
    Abstract: Implantable infusion devices configured to improve fill and evacuation procedures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: William A. Brandt, Daniel H. Villegas
  • Publication number: 20080177254
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable drug delivery device which includes a fluid drug reservoir, a catheter, a controllable fluid transfer device, e.g., a pump or valve, and a drug delivery control means. The control means in accordance with the invention is configured to initially clear a first, or old, drug from the device based on the content of the Current Profile data containing a first, or old, delivery profile. After the old drug is cleared, then the control means automatically modifies the Current Profile data to match a second, or new, delivery profile for controlling delivery of a second, or new, drug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Brian M. Shelton, Ronald J. Lebel, Daniel H. Villegas
  • Publication number: 20080125064
    Abstract: Remote controls that are configured to prevent inadvertent signal transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Stephen D. Das, Jose P. Bernardo, Daniel H. Villegas, Scott R. Gibson, Timothy John Payne, Scott LaVoy Conway, Joseph Wayne Vandegriff
  • Publication number: 20080125065
    Abstract: Remote controls that are configured to prevent inadvertent signal transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Stephen D. Das, Jose P. Bernardo, Daniel H. Villegas, Scott R. Gibson, Timothy John Payne, Scott LaVoy Conway, Joseph Wayne Vandegriff
  • Patent number: 7171274
    Abstract: An implanted medical device (e.g. infusion pump) and handheld communication device communicate with one another via telemetry wherein transmitted messages have enhanced numbers of and/or regularity of bit transitions to minimize the risk of synchronization loss between transmitted bits of data and received bits of data. Bit transitions for portions of messages may be enhanced by applying a pseudo-randomization scheme to those portions of messages that are transmitted in a way that allows the receiver to extract the original data from the received randomized data. Preferred randomization techniques modify (i.e. randomize) the data using a CRC value that is being accumulated while simultaneously causing the modified data to modify subsequent accumulation of the CRC itself. Upon reception, the reversal of data randomization occurs so that the intended message is appropriately received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Starkweather, Ronald J. Lebel, Daniel H. Villegas, Philip T. Weiss, John T. Armstrong, John D. Richert
  • Patent number: 6950708
    Abstract: An implanted medical device (e.g. infusion pump) and an external device communicate with one another via telemetry messages that are receivable only during windows or listening periods. Each listening period is open for a prescribed period of time and is spaced from successive listening periods by an interval. The prescribed period of time is typically kept small to minimize power consumption. To increase likelihood of successful communication, the window may be forced to an open state, by use of an attention signal, in anticipation of an incoming message. To further minimize power consumption, it is desirable to minimize use of extended attention signals, which is accomplished by the transmitter maintaining an estimate of listening period start times and attempting to send messages only during listening periods. In the communication device, the estimate is updated as a result of information obtained with the reception of each message from the medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Sam W. Bowman IV, Ronald J. Lebel, Daniel H. Villegas, John C. Gord
  • Patent number: 6811534
    Abstract: An implanted medical device (e.g. infusion pump) and an external device communicate with one another via telemetry messages that are receivable only during windows or listening periods. Each listening period is open for a prescribed period of time and is spaced from successive listening periods by an interval. The prescribed period of time is typically kept small to minimize power consumption. To increase likelihood of successful communication, the window may be forced to an open state, by use of an attention signal, in anticipation of an incoming message. To further minimize power consumption, it is desirable to minimize use of extended attention signals, which is accomplished by the transmitter maintaining an estimate of listening period start times and attempting to send messages only during listening periods. In the communication device, the estimate is updated as a result of information obtained with the reception of each message from the medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Sam W. Bowman, IV, Ronald J. Lebel, Varaz Shahmirian, Timothy J. Starkweather, Philip T. Weiss, Daniel H. Villegas, Robert C. Dennard, John T. Armstrong, John D. Richert
  • Patent number: 6810290
    Abstract: A communication device (CD) exchanges messages with an implantable infusion pump via telemetry such that commands are supplied thereto and operational information is obtained therefrom. The CD is controlled, at least in part, by a processor IC according to a software program operating therein and provides feedback to a user via a visual display, an audio alarm, and a vibrational alarm, and allows input from the user via a touch sensitive keypad. Certain input functions are restricted by password. The visual display includes an icon and fixed element display region and a bitmap display region. The fixed element display region includes time and date displays, battery and drug level displays that decrement, and a moving delivery state display. Various screens allow operational or log information to be displayed and/or user entry of commands. Program features when disabled are removed from a series of screen options that can be scrolled through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Lebel, Varaz Shahmirian, Daniel H. Villegas, David Y. Choy, Philip T. Weiss, Paul M. Meadows
  • Publication number: 20040193090
    Abstract: A communication device (CD) exchanges messages with an implantable infusion pump via telemetry such that commands are supplied thereto and operational information is obtained therefrom. The CD is controlled, at least in part, by a processor IC according to a software program operating therein and provides feedback to a user via a visual display, an audio alarm, and a vibrational alarm, and allows input from the user via a touch sensitive keypad. Certain input functions are restricted by password. The visual display includes an icon and fixed element display region and a bitmap display region. The fixed element display region includes time and date displays, battery and drug level displays that decrement, and a moving delivery state display. Various screens allow operational or log information to be displayed and/or user entry of commands. Program features when disabled are removed from a series of screen options that can be scrolled through.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicants: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc., Medical Research Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Lebel, Varaz Shahmirian, Timothy J. Starkweather, Daniel H. Villegas, David Y. Choy, Philip T. Weiss, Colin A. Chong, Peter C. Lord, Wayne A. Morgan, Paul M. Meadows
  • Patent number: 6740075
    Abstract: A communication device (CD) exchanges messages with an implantable infusion pump via telemetry such that commands are supplied thereto and operational information is obtained therefrom. The CD is controlled, at least in part, by a processor IC according to a software program operating therein and provides feedback to a user via a visual display, an audio alarm, and a vibrational alarm, and allows input from the user via a touch sensitive keypad. Certain input functions are restricted by password. The visual display includes an icon and fixed element display region and a bitmap display region. The fixed element display region includes time and date displays, battery and drug level displays that decrement, and a moving delivery state display. Various screens allow operational or log information to be displayed and/or user entry of commands. Program features when disabled are removed from a series of screen options that can be scrolled through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Lebel, Varaz Shahmirian, Timothy J. Starkweather, Daniel H. Villegas, David Y. Choy, Philip T. Weiss, Colin A. Chong, Peter C. Lord, Wayne A. Morgan, Paul M. Meadows
  • Patent number: 6668196
    Abstract: A communication device (CD) exchanges messages with an implantable infusion pump via telemetry such that commands are supplied thereto and operational information is obtained therefrom. The CD is controlled, at least in part, by a processor IC according to a software program operating therein and provides feedback to a user via a visual display, an audio alarm, and a vibrational alarm, and allows input from the user via a touch sensitive keypad. Certain input functions are restricted by password. The visual display includes an icon and fixed element display region and a bitmap display region. The fixed element display region includes time and date displays, battery and drug level displays that decrement, and a moving delivery state display. Various screens allow operational or log information to be displayed and/or user entry of commands. Program features when disabled are removed from a series of screen options that can be scrolled through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Medical Research Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel H. Villegas, David Y. Choy, Philip T. Weiss, Paul M. Meadows
  • Patent number: 6659948
    Abstract: An implanted medical device (e.g. infusion pump) and an external device communicate with one another via telemetry messages that are receivable only during windows or listening periods. Each listening period is open for a prescribed period of time and is spaced from successive listening periods by an interval. The prescribed period of time is typically kept small to minimize power consumption. To increase likelihood of successful communication, the window may be forced to an open state, by use of an attention signal, in anticipation of an incoming message. To further minimize power consumption, it is desirable to minimize use of extended attention signals, which is accomplished by the transmitter maintaining an estimate of listening period start times and attempting to send messages only during listening periods. In the communication device, the estimate is updated as a result of information obtained with the reception of each message from the medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Lebel, Varaz Shahmirian, Timothy J. Starkweather, Philip T. Weiss, Daniel H. Villegas, Robert C. Dennard, John T. Armstrong, John D. Richert
  • Publication number: 20030212441
    Abstract: An implanted medical device (e.g. infusion pump) and handheld communication device communicate with one another via telemetry wherein transmitted messages have enhanced numbers of and/or regularity of bit transitions to minimize the risk of synchronization loss between transmitted bits of data and received bits of data. Bit transitions for portions of messages may be enhanced by applying a pseudo-randomization scheme to those portions of messages that are transmitted in a way that allows the receiver to extract the original data from the received randomized data. Preferred randomization techniques modify (i.e. randomize) the data using a CRC value that is being accumulated while simultaneously causing the modified data to modify subsequent accumulation of the CRC itself. Upon reception, the reversal of data randomization occurs so that the intended message is appropriately received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Starkweather, Ronald J. Lebel, Daniel H. Villegas, Philip T. Weiss, John T. Armstrong, John D. Richert
  • Patent number: 6585644
    Abstract: An implanted medical device (e.g. infusion pump) and an external device communicate with one another via telemetry messages that are receivable only during windows or listening periods. Each listening period is open for a prescribed period of time and is spaced from successive listening periods by an interval. The prescribed period of time is typically kept small to minimize power consumption. To increase likelihood of successful communication, the window may be forced to an open state, by use of an attention signal, in anticipation of an incoming message. To further minimize power consumption, it is desirable to minimize use of extended attention signals, which is accomplished by the transmitter maintaining an estimate of listening period start times and attempting to send messages only during listening periods. In the communication device, the estimate is updated as a result of information obtained with the reception of each message from the medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Lebel, Varaz Shahmirian, Timothy J. Starkweather, Philip T. Weiss, Daniel H. Villegas, Robert C. Dennard, John T. Armstrong, John D. Richert