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).

  • Patent number: 11833281
    Abstract: A fluid handling cassette, such as that useable with an automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) cycler device or other infusion apparatus, may include a generally planar body having at least one pump chamber formed as a depression in a first side of the body and a plurality of flowpaths for a fluid that includes a channel. A patient line port may be arranged for connection to a patient line and be in fluid communication with the at least one pump chamber via at least a first one of said flowpaths, and an optional membrane may be attached to the first side of the body over the at least one pump chamber. In one embodiment, the membrane may have a pump chamber portion with an unstressed shape that generally conforms to the depression of the at least one pump chamber in the body and is arranged to be movable for movement of the fluid in a useable space of the at least one pump chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: David W. McGill, James D. Dale, Simon C. Helmore, Richard J. Lanigan, Jason A. Demers, Dean Kamen
  • Publication number: 20230383774
    Abstract: A protective mechanism for use when gripping a medical device to a rack is provided. A related system and method are also provided. The protective mechanism includes a connector, an actuation member configured to have a first end portion and a second end portion. The cover member is configured to interact with the actuation member so as to pivot to uncover the connector when the actuation member pivots in a first direction and to pivot to cover the connector when the actuation member pivots in a second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Stephen L. Fichera, Larry B. Gray, Thomas A. Friedrich, Erik N. Sabin, Richard J. Lanigan
  • Publication number: 20230386628
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Marc J. Gorayeb
  • Publication number: 20230382252
    Abstract: A system for charging a battery within an at least partially electric vehicle. The system includes a charging device wherein the charging device configured to electrically connect to the at least partially electric vehicle and charge at least one battery by a predetermined amount. The system also includes a network configured to determine the location of the charging device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Richard K. Heinzmann, Jason M. Sachs
  • Patent number: 11830617
    Abstract: A hub is disclosed that includes a network, first and second modules, a processor, a failsafe bus, and an alarm wire bus. The network interface component communicates data with a medical device. The first module interfaces with a first communications channel, and the second module interfaces with a second communications channel. The processor packages the data from the medical device into at least one packet. The processor communicates with one of the first and second modules to communicate one or more packets over one of the first and second communications channels. The failsafe bus signals from the hub to the medical device when a fatal-error fault condition of the hub has occurred. The alarm wire bus signals from the hub to the medical device when an alarm condition of the hub has occurred to cause the medical device to execute at least one mitigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partneship
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, John M. Kerwin, Todd A. Ballantyne, Frederick Morgan, Jason A. Demers, John J. Biasi
  • Patent number: 11826681
    Abstract: A fluid vapor distillation apparatus. The apparatus includes a source fluid input, and an evaporator condenser apparatus. The evaporator condenser apparatus includes a substantially cylindrical housing and a plurality of tubes in the housing. The source fluid input is fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser and the evaporator condenser transforms source fluid into steam and transforms compressed steam into product fluid. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a heat exchanger fluidly connected to the source fluid input and a product fluid output. The heat exchanger includes an outer tube and at least one inner tube. Also included in the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is a regenerative blower fluidly connected to the evaporator condenser. The regenerative blower compresses steam, and the compressed steam flows to the evaporative condenser where compressed steam is transformed into product fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partneship
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Prashant Bhat, Ryan K. LaRocque, Otis L. Clapp, Andrew A. Schnellinger, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stanley B. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 11826543
    Abstract: A syringe pump includes a lead screw, a cam, and an assembly having first and second arms each having a first end and a second end. The second ends of the first and second arms are configured to engage with the lead screw. The first ends of the first and second arms are configured to engage with the cam such that actuation of the cam toward the assembly causes the second ends of the first and second arms to pivotally approach each other. The second ends of the first and second arms each includes threads to engage the lead screw when the second ends of the first and second arms approach each other. The plunger head coupled to the assembly and operative to drive a plunger of a syringe into a barrel of the syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partneship
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Jesse T. Bodwell, John M. Kerwin, Michael J. Baier, Dirk A. van der Merwe, Stephen L. Fichera, Jonathan R. Thurber, Martin D. Desch
  • Publication number: 20230372606
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Russell H. Beavis
  • Patent number: 11813427
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry Brian Gray, Eric Yeaton
  • Publication number: 20230360763
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, John M. Kerwin, Colin H. Murphy, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Michael J. Slate, Michael S. Place, Larry B. Gray
  • Patent number: 11810653
    Abstract: A medical error reduction system may include a medical error reduction software for use in creating and revising at least one drug library. The software configured to provide one of a plurality of sets of privileges to each of a plurality of sets of users. Each of the plurality of sets of privileges arranged to allocate a degree of software functionality to one of the plurality of sets of users. The degree of software functionality configured to define the ability of a user to alter the at least one drug library. The medical error reduction system may include at least one server. The medical error reduction system may include at least one editor computer each of the at least one editor computer comprising a processor in communication with a display. The at least one editor computer and at least one server may be configured to communicate via a network in a client-server based model. Each of the at least one drug library may be for use in at least one medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, John J. Biasi, Richard M. Newman, Eric L. Pribyl, John M. Kerwin, Rahul Gupta
  • Publication number: 20230341863
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2023
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Applicant: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Bob Peret, Stewart M. Coulter, Dean Kamen, Derek G. KANE
  • Patent number: 11793928
    Abstract: 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. 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 a Boolean-operation on a pixel on a first side of an axis of the first processed image with a corresponding pixel on a second side of the axis of the first processed image to generate a second processed image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Bob D. Peret, Derek G. Kane, Dean Kamen, Colin H. Murphy, John M. Kerwin
  • Publication number: 20230335250
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Dean KAMEN, James G. TURNER, Erik N. SABIN, Gregg W. RIVINIUS, David E. COLLINS, Benjamin ZASLOW, Jonathan Zobro, Alexander R. Therrien, Jared N. Farlow
  • Patent number: 11786651
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Russell H. Beavis
  • Patent number: 11779703
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20230315102
    Abstract: Utility services related to executing services requiring trips of various lengths, and short-distance assistance to customers. Utility services can be delivered by semi-autonomous and autonomous vehicles on various types of routes, and can be delivered economically. A network of utility vehicles provide the utility services, and can include a commonly-shared dispatch system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Applicant: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dirk A. van der Merwe, Dean Kamen, Derek G. Kane, Gregory J. Buitkus, Emily A. Everig, Raphael I. Zack, Daniel F. Pawlowski, Matthew B. Kinberger, Stewart M. Coulter, Christopher C. Langenfeld
  • Patent number: 11776671
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: David Blumberg, Jr., Dean Kamen, Marc J. Gorayeb
  • Publication number: 20230304631
    Abstract: A clamp apparatus is disclosed that includes a body, first and second actuators, first, second, third and fourth gear sets, first and second movable grippers, and at least one leaf spring. The first gear set is coupled to the first actuator and the second gear set is coupled to the second actuator. The first gear set engages the second gear set. The first and second movable grippers are each operatively coupled to the body. The third gear set is coupled to the first movable gripper and the fourth gear set is coupled to the second movable gripper. The third gear set operatively engages the fourth gear set. The leaf spring engages with the third gear set and the fourth gear set to urge the first movable gripper and the second movable gripper toward a clamped position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Janway, Larry B. Gray, Matthew Richard Gill, Richard J. Lanigan, Thomas A. Friedrich, Stephen L. Fichera, John M. Kerwin, Erik N. Sabin, Dean Kamen
  • Patent number: 11756662
    Abstract: A peristaltic pump having at least first, second, and third stages is provided. The peristaltic pump includes a plunger, inlet and outlet valves, a spring, and an actuator. The plunger actuates toward and away from a tube, the inlet valve is upstream of the plunger, the outlet valve is downstream of the plunger, the spring biases the plunger toward the tube, and the actuator mechanically engages and disengages from the plunger. In the first stage, the inlet valve is opened and the plunger is actuated from the tube, in the second stage, the inlet valve is closed, the plunger is actuated toward the tube, and the actuator is mechanically disengaged from the plunger, and in the third stage, the outlet valve is opened. In the third stage or in a fourth stage, the actuator actuates the plunger toward the tube to discharge fluid downstream past the outlet valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, John M. Kerwin, Colin H. Murphy, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Michael J. Slate, Michael S. Place, Larry B. Gray