Patents by Inventor Dean Kamen
Dean Kamen 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).
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Patent number: 10894638Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for regulating fluid flow are disclosed. The apparatus includes a flow rate sensor and a valve. The flow rate sensor uses images to estimate flow through a drip chamber and then controls the valve based on the estimated flow rate. The valve comprises a rigid housing disposed around the tube in which fluid flow is being controlled. Increasing the pressure in the housing controls the size of the lumen within the tube by deforming the tube, therefore controlling flow through the tube.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2016Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Bob D. Peret, Brian H. Yoo, Derek G. Kane, Dean Kamen, Colin H. Murphy, John M. Kerwin
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Publication number: 20210009936Abstract: A fluid pumping and bioreactor system including at least two cassettes, at least one storage reservoir, at least one bioreactor, at least one manifold including valve modules, and tubing to connect the cassettes to the storage reservoir and the bioreactor. The cassettes can include pumps, valves, and fluid conduits and can be communicatively connected to the at least one manifold. The bioreactor can include an adapter and fluid conduits extending through the adapter from the exterior of the bioreactor to the interior of the bioreactor. System and method for generating a tissue for transplant by decellularizing and recellularizing a supplied tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2020Publication date: January 14, 2021Inventors: Dean Kamen, Jason A. Demers, Frederick Morgan, Timothy D. Moreau, Brian D. Tracey, Matthew Ware, Dirk A. van der Merwe, Richard J. Lanigan, Michael A. Baker, David Blumberg, JR.
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Patent number: 10876868Abstract: A method for adjusting a flow rate of a fluid line is disclosed that includes one or more acts of: capturing an image of a drip chamber using an image sensor; identifying a plurality of pixels of interest within the image; determining a subset of pixels within the plurality of pixels of interest, wherein each pixel of the plurality of pixels is determined to be within the subset of pixels when there is a path to a baseline corresponding to the drip chamber; performing a rotation operation on the subset of pixels; estimating a volume of the drop within the drip chamber by counting a number of pixels within the rotated subset of pixels; and/or adjusting a flow rate of fluid flowing through a fluid line.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2018Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Derek G. Kane, Bob D. Peret, Colin H. Murphy, John M. Kerwin, Dean Kamen
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Publication number: 20200400595Abstract: A sensor apparatus and sensor apparatus system for use in conjunction with a cassette, including a disposable or replaceable cassette. In some embodiments, the cassette includes a thermal well for permitting the sensing of various properties of a subject media. The thermal well includes a hollow housing of a thermally conductive material. In other embodiments, the cassette includes sensor leads for sensing of various properties of a subject media. The thermal well has an inner surface shaped so as to form a mating relationship with a sensing probe. The mating thermally couples the inner surface with a sensing probe. In some embodiments, the thermal well is located on a disposable portion and the sensing probe on a reusable portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2020Publication date: December 24, 2020Applicant: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, N. Christopher Perry, Jason A. Demers, Brian D. Tracey, Arun D. Chawan, Kevin L. Grant
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Patent number: 10872685Abstract: An electronic patient monitoring system comprising a monitoring client and a remote communicator are provided. The monitoring client is configured to store patient information. The patient information may be patient-specific information. The monitoring client may receive the information from a database, e.g., through a monitoring server.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2013Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: David Blumberg, Jr., Dean Kamen, Marc J. Gorayeb
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Publication number: 20200386220Abstract: A peristaltic pump includes a plunger-cam follower, a tube receiver, a spring-biased plunger, a spring, a position sensor, and a processor. The plunger-cam follower engages the plunger cam to follow the plunger cam and to disengage from the plunger cam. The spring-biased plunger is coupled to the plunger-cam follower and the spring biases the spring-biased plunger toward the tube receiver. The position sensor determines a position of the spring-biased plunger when the plunger-cam follower is disengaged from the plunger came. The processor estimates fluid flow utilizing at least the position of the spring-biased plunger as indicated by the position sensor when the plunger-cam follower is disengaged from the plunger cam and the spring biases the spring-biased plunger against the tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2020Publication date: December 10, 2020Inventors: Dean Kamen, John M. Kerwin, Colin H. Murphy, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Michael J. Slate, Michael S. Place, Larry B. Gray
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Patent number: 10857293Abstract: A pump for pumping fluid includes a tube platen, a plunger, a bias member, inlet and outlet valves, an actuator mechanism, a position sensor, and a processor. The plunger is configured for actuation toward and away from the infusion-tube when the tube platen is disposed opposite to the plunger. The tube platen can hold an intravenous infusion tube. The bias member is configured to urge the plunger toward the tube platen.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2017Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, John M. Kerwin, Colin H. Murphy, Jonathan Parker, Daniel F. Pawlowski, Dirk A. van der Merwe, Larry B. Gray, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Michael S. Place, Michael J. Slate
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Publication number: 20200376408Abstract: A water vending apparatus is disclosed. The water vending system includes a water vapor distillation apparatus and a dispensing device. The dispensing device is in fluid communication with the fluid vapor distillation apparatus and the product water from the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is dispensed by the dispensing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2020Publication date: December 3, 2020Inventors: Dean Kamen, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Ryan K. LaRocque, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Prashant Bhat, Stanley B. Smith, III, Otis L. Clapp, Jeremy M. Swerdlow
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Patent number: 10850029Abstract: A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2015Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Russell H. Beavis
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Publication number: 20200371497Abstract: A flow meter, and related system and method are provided. The flow meter includes a coupler, a support member, an image sensor, a valve, and one or more processors. The coupler is adapted to couple to a drip chamber. The support member is operatively coupled to the coupler. The image sensor has a field of view and is operatively coupled to the support member. The image sensor is positioned to view the drip chamber within the field of view. The one or more processors are operatively coupled to the image sensor to receive image data therefrom and to the actuator to actuate the valve. The one or more processors are configured to estimate a flow of fluid through the drip chamber and to actuate the valve to control the flow of fluid through the drip chamber to achieve a target flow rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2020Publication date: November 26, 2020Inventors: Bob David Peret, Brian H. Yoo, Derek G. Kane, Dean Kamen, Colin H. Murphy, John M. Kerwin
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Patent number: 10844970Abstract: A system for regulating fluid flow having a processor configured to reduce image noise is provided. The system includes an image sensor to capture an image of the drip chamber and a valve to regulate the fluid flowing from the drip chamber to a patient. The processor captures the image of the drip chamber using the image sensor, performs an edge detection on the image to generate a first processed image, and performs an AND-operation on a pixel on a first side of an axis of the first processed image with a corresponding mirror pixel on a second side of the axis of the first processed image to generate a second processed image.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2019Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Bob D. Peret, Derek G. Kane, Dean Kamen, Colin H. Murphy, John M. Kerwin
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Patent number: 10839953Abstract: A pill dispenser is disclosed that includes a pill-dispensing mechanism, a receptacle, an identifying camera positioned to capture an image of an area adjacent to the pill dispenser, and a processor in operative communication with the pill-dispensing mechanism and the identifying camera.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2019Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, James G. Turner, Erik N. Sabin, Gregg W. Rivinius, David E. Collins, Benjamin Zaslow, Jonathan Zobro, Alexander R. Therrien, Jared N. Farlow
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Patent number: 10835669Abstract: Fill stations and base stations are provided for personal pump systems. The fill stations may be opened and closed to accept a reservoir and to allow fluid to be introduced into the reservoir for use with personal pump systems. The fill stations may hold the reservoir at a tilt relative to an underlying surface and may discourage overfilling of the reservoir. The filling stations may also include viewing windows having fluid lines marked thereon for indicating volume of fluid within the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2018Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIPInventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Russell H. Beavis
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Publication number: 20200338262Abstract: A method of dispensing a therapeutic fluid from a line includes providing an inlet line connectable to an upstream fluid source. The inlet line is in downstream fluid communication with a pumping chamber. The pumping chamber has a pump outlet. The method also includes actuating a force application assembly so as to restrict retrograde flow of fluid through the inlet while pressurizing the pumping chamber to urge flow through the pump outlet. A corresponding system employs the method.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2020Publication date: October 29, 2020Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Eric Yeaton
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Patent number: 10807883Abstract: A fluid vapor distillation system. The system includes a control system for controlling a fluid vapor distillation apparatus including a blow down controller for controlling a blow down valve, a source flow controller for controlling a source flow valve, and a blow down level sensor in communication with a blow down controller and a source flow controller, the blow down level sensor sends signals related to the blow down level to the blow down controller and the source flow controller indicative of the blow down level, wherein the source flow controller actuates the source flow valve based at least on the blow down level sensor signals, and wherein the blow down controller actuates the blow down valve based at least on the blow down level sensor signals, whereby the blow down level and the source flow level are maintained using the blow down level sensor signals as input.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2017Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, Ryan K. LaRocque, Chris C. Langenfeld, Stephen M. Ent, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Prashant Bhat, Stanley B. Smith, Otis L. Clapp
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Patent number: 10808218Abstract: A fluid pumping and bioreactor system including at least two cassettes, at least one storage reservoir, at least one bioreactor, at least one manifold including valve modules, and tubing to connect the cassettes to the storage reservoir and the bioreactor. The cassettes can include pumps, valves, and fluid conduits and can be communicatively connected to the at least one manifold. The bioreactor can include an adapter and fluid conduits extending through the adapter from the exterior of the bioreactor to the interior of the bioreactor. System and method for generating a tissue for transplant by decellularizing and recellularizing a supplied tissue.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2019Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, Jason A. Demers, Frederick Morgan, Timothy D. Moreau, Brian D. Tracey, Matthew Ware, Dirk A. van der Merwe, Richard J. Lanigan, Michael A. Baker, David Blumberg, Jr.
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Patent number: 10802495Abstract: A user control device for a transporter. The user control device can communicate with the transporter via electrical interface(s) that can facilitate communication and data processing among the user interface device and controllers that can control the movement of the transporter. The user control device can perform automated actions based on the environment in which the transporter operates and the user's desired movement of the transporter. External applications can enable monitoring and control of the transporter.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2017Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Bob D. Peret, Stewart M. Coulter, Dean Kamen, Derek G. Kane
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Patent number: 10792419Abstract: A two-stage infusion set inserter system is disclosed. The inserter system includes an inserter assembly including a housing including a rotatable button assembly comprising ramps and and tab indents and a non-rotatable portion of housing, a sliding component comprising sliding component tabs, a needle carrier connected to an introduction needle, the needle carrier slidably movable from a starting position to an injection position and then to a second ending position, a sliding component spring, and a needle spring, wherein the rotatable button assembly rotates from a locked to an unlocked position, wherein when force is applied onto the rotatable button assembly, the sliding component and needle carrier are forced downward by the sliding component spring, and wherein when the needle carrier reaches the injection position, the needle spring forces the needle carrier upward towards the second ending position.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2017Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, Jason A. Demers, Richard J. Lanigan, Timothy D. Moreau, Brian D. Tracey
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Publication number: 20200306446Abstract: A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2020Publication date: October 1, 2020Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Russell H. Beavis
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Patent number: 10786624Abstract: An apparatus for determining the volume of fluid dispensed. The apparatus has an acoustic volume sensor that acoustically excites a reference volume and a measurement chamber with a loudspeaker and measures the acoustic response with microphones acoustically coupled to the reference and the measurement chamber. The loudspeaker and sensing microphones are connected to the measurement chamber by separate ports. A detachable dispensing chamber is coupled to the acoustic volume sensor. The volume of the fluid dispensed is determined by a processor based on the acoustic response of the microphones to acoustic excitement by the loudspeaker.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2019Date of Patent: September 29, 2020Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Russell H. Beavis, John M. Kerwin, Derek G. Kane