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: 9931461
    Abstract: A wearable infusion pump assembly includes a reusable housing assembly, and a disposable housing assembly including a reservoir for receiving an infusible fluid. The wearable infusion pump assembly also includes a releasable engagement assembly configured to allow the reusable housing assembly to releasably engage the disposable housing assembly. A switch assembly of the wearable infusion pump assembly is configured to effectuate a functionality of the infusion pump assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry Brian Gray, Gerald Michael Guay
  • Publication number: 20180080605
    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: October 12, 2017
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    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
  • Publication number: 20180066648
    Abstract: A peristaltic pump includes a cam shaft, first and second pinch-valve cams, first and second pinch-valve cam followers, a plunger cam, a plunger-cam follower, a tube receiver, a spring-cam plunger, a position sensor, and a processor. The plunger cam is coupled to the cam shaft. The plunger-cam follower is configured to engage the plunger cam. The spring-biased plunger is coupled to the plunger-cam follower where expansion of the plunger cam along a radial angle intersecting the plunger-cam follower as the cam shaft rotates pushes the plunger cam to disengage the spring-biased plunger from the tube and a spring coupled to the spring-biased plunger biases the spring-biased plunger to apply the crushing force to the tube. The position sensor is operatively coupled to the spring-biased plunger and is configured to determine a position of the spring-biased plunger. The processor estimates fluid flow using the position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, John M. Kerwin, Colin H. Murphy, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Michael J. Slate, Michael S. Place, Larry B. Gray
  • Patent number: 9907943
    Abstract: An infusion pump system. The system includes a reusable housing assembly, a disposable housing assembly, a tab portion comprising a female latching feature, and an exit, the exit connected to a reservoir; and a fluid connector including a body portion including a slot, a plug portion slidably connected to the body portion, the plug portion including a fluid path and a disc, the disc configured to seat within the slot, a catch feature located on a first end of the body portion and configured to interact with the disposable housing assembly, a male latching feature located on a second end of the body portion, the male latching feature configured to interact and lock onto the female latching feature, wherein force applied to the plug portion may overcome a threshold force and unseat the disc from the slot wherein the plug portion moves with respect to the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Kevin L. Grant, Jason A. Demers, Brian D. Tracey, Dean Kamen, Richard J. Lanigan, Gregory R. Lanier, Jr., Bright C. K. Foo, Lisa A. Panneton, Thomas F. Soldau, Stephen L. Fichera, David D. B. Cannan
  • Publication number: 20180056985
    Abstract: A powered balancing mobility device that can provide the user the ability to safely navigate expected environments of daily living including the ability to maneuver in confined spaces and to climb curbs, stairs, and other obstacles, and to travel safely and comfortably in vehicles. The mobility device can provide elevated, balanced travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Stewart M. Coulter, Brian G. Gray, Dirk A. van der Merwe, Susan D. Dastous, Daniel F. Pawlowski, Bob D. Peret, Dean Kamen, Derek G. Kane, David B. Doherty, Matthew A. Norris, Alexander D. Streeter, David J. Couture, Matthew J. Myers, Matthew B. Kinberger, Constance D. Pitenis, Allison E. Lepine, David E. Collins, Erik N. Sabin, Katie A. DeLaurentis, Catharine N. Flynn, Elizabeth Rousseau, Thomas A. Doyon, Dale B. McGrath, Ryan J. Adams, Prashant Bhat, Trevor A. Conway, David J. Meehan, Tania M. F. Zirn
  • Patent number: 9901689
    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 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Russell H. Beavis
  • Publication number: 20180038501
    Abstract: A flow meter includes a background pattern disposed behind a drip chamber, an image sensor, and a processor. The image sensor has a field of view and is configured to view the drip chamber within the field of view. The processor is coupled to the image sensor to receive image data therefrom and captures, using the image sensor, an image of the drip chamber and at least a portion of the background pattern, examines the image, and adjusts a flow rate of fluid flowing through a fluid line in accordance with the examination of the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Bob D. Peret, Derek G. Kane, Dean Kamen, Colin H. Murphy, John M. Kerwin
  • Patent number: 9867930
    Abstract: A system for at least partial closed-loop control of a medical condition is disclosed. The system includes at least one medical fluid pump. The medical fluid pump including a sensor for determining the volume of fluid pumped by the pump. Also, at least one continuous analyte monitor, and a controller. The controller is in communication with the medical fluid pump and the at least one continuous analyte monitor. The controller includes a processor. The processor includes instructions for delivery of medical fluid based at least on data received from the at least one continuous analyte monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, John M. Kerwin, Larry B. Gray, Marc A. Mandro, David Blumberg, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20180008788
    Abstract: An infusion pump system is disclosed. The infusion pump system includes an infusion pump and a controller device in wireless communication with the infusion pump, wherein the controller including instructions for controlling the infusion pump, wherein the instructions may be synchronized with a secure web portal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, John M. Kerwin, David Blumberg, JR., Kevin A. Durand, Gregory R. Lanier, JR., Gerald M. Guay, Colin H. Murphy
  • Patent number: 9861769
    Abstract: A repeater system may control a pump by using a repeater and a user interface. An adhesive patch system may be used for affixing a pump or other object to a human body. Such an adhesive patch system may include two sets of adhesive members, each member including an adhesive material on at least one side so as to attach to the body. The members of the first set are spaced to allow the members of the second set to attach to the body in spaces provided between the members of the first set, and the members of the second set are spaced to allow members of the first set to detach from the body without detaching the members of the second set. Also, fill stations and base stations are provided for personal pump systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Russell H. Beavis, Richard J. Lanigan, Brian D. Tracey
  • Patent number: 9856990
    Abstract: A flow meter includes an image sensor, a coupler, a support member 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 processor receives data from the image sensor and is configured to: receive a first image from the image sensor, compare the first image to a second image, and generate a difference image based upon the comparison between the first and second images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Bob D. Peret, Derek G. Kane, Dean Kamen, Colin H. Murphy, John M. Kerwin
  • Patent number: 9841022
    Abstract: A fluid pumping device is disclosed. The fluid pumping device includes a housing having a front end and a rear end, a fluid discharge opening in the front end of the housing, a pump assembly, a crank assembly rotatably connected to the pump assembly wherein the crank assembly operates the pump assembly, and a fluid storage reservoir connected to the gear housing from which fluid is drawn into the gear housing to be pumped through the fluid discharge opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: James L. Jackson, Dean Kamen
  • Patent number: 9839743
    Abstract: A fill adapter system for an infusion pump assembly. The system includes a reusable fill adapter base, the base including a volume control mechanism to adjust an available fill volume of a reservoir of the infusion pump assembly and a pump mechanism configured to pump air into a fluid vial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Richard J. Lanigan, Bright Chong Khuang Foo, Dean Kamen
  • Patent number: 9828942
    Abstract: A thermal energy recovery system. The system includes a Stirling engine having a burner thermal energy output. Also, a superheater mechanism for heating the thermal energy output and an expansion engine coupled to a generator. The expansion engine converts the thermal energy output from the burner to mechanical energy output. The generator converts mechanical energy output from the expansion engine to electrical energy output. The expansion engine may also includes vapor output. Some embodiments of the system further include a condenser for condensing the vapor output, a pump for pumping the vapor output and a boiler in fluid communication with the pump. The pump pumps the vapor output to the boiler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: New Power Concepts LLC
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Christopher C. Langenfeld
  • Publication number: 20170335988
    Abstract: A flow meter includes an image sensor, a coupler, a support member 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 processor receives data from the image sensor and is configured to: receive a first image from the image sensor, compare the first image to a second image, and generate a difference image based upon the comparison between the first and second images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Bob D. Peret, Derek G. Kane, Dean Kamen, Colin H. Murphy, John M. Kerwin
  • Publication number: 20170333623
    Abstract: A method for discharging fluid from a syringe and for mitigating occlusion conditions includes actuating the plunger of a syringe into a barrel. The method monitors fluid pressure within the barrel of the syringe and determines that an occlusion exists when the fluid pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold. The method actuates the plunger out of the barrel by a predetermined amount in response to the detected occlusion and actuates the plunger of the syringe into the barrel until a measured fluid pressure within the barrel of the syringe exceeds another predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    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
  • Patent number: 9822730
    Abstract: A piston rod seal unit. The piston rod seal unit includes a housing, a cylinder gland, and at least one floating rod seal assembly mounted in the cylinder gland, the floating rod seal assembly comprising at least one rod seal mounted onto the floating rod seal assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: New Power Concepts, LLC
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Prashant Bhat, Michael G. Norris
  • Patent number: 9823024
    Abstract: A Stirling cycle machine. The machine includes at least one rocking drive mechanism including a rocking beam having a rocker pivot, at least one cylinder and at least one piston. The piston is housed within a respective cylinder and is capable of substantially linearly reciprocating within the respective cylinder. The drive mechanism includes at least one coupling assembly. Also, a crankcase housing the rocking beam and housing a first portion of the coupling assembly is included. The machine also includes a working space housing the at least one cylinder, the at least one piston and a second portion of the coupling assembly. An airlock is included between the workspace and the crankcase and a seal is included for sealing the workspace from the airlock and crankcase. A burner and burner control system is also included for heating the machine and controlling ignition and combustion in the burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: New Power Concepts LLC
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Prashant Bhat, Michael G. Norris, Stanley B. Smith, III, Christopher M. Werner, David J. Peretz, Brian H. Yoo, Felix Winkler
  • Patent number: 9818416
    Abstract: A method for phoneme identification. The method includes receiving an audio signal from a speaker, performing initial processing comprising filtering the audio signal to remove audio features, the initial processing resulting in a modified audio signal, transmitting the modified audio signal to a phoneme identification method and a phoneme replacement method to further process the modified audio signal, and transmitting the modified audio signal to a speaker. Also, a system for identifying and processing audio signals. The system includes at least one speaker, at least one microphone, and at least one processor, wherein the processor processes audio signals received using a method for phoneme replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Derek G. Kane
  • Patent number: 9808572
    Abstract: A number of racks which are configured to allow a number of devices to couple thereto are provided. In some embodiments, the racks are for use with a number of medical devices. Devices may be coupled to a rack by clamps. The racks may include a number of connectors which provide power and/or a network connection to devices coupled thereto. The racks may include a clamp which allows the racks to couple to a supporting structure such as a pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Stephen L. Fichera, Larry B. Gray, Thomas A. Friedrich, Erik N. Sabin, John M. Kerwin, Richard J. Lanigan, Jeffrey M. Janway, Matthew R. Gill