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).

  • Pill Dispenser
    Publication number: 20170011202
    Abstract: A pill dispenser is disclosed that includes a housing defining an opening, a pill-dispensing mechanism disposed within the housing and operatively coupled to the opening, a receptacle operatively coupled to the housing, an identifying camera positioned to capture an image of an area adjacent to the housing, and a processor in operative communication with the pill-dispensing mechanism and the identifying camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    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
  • CONTROL OF A PERSONAL TRANSPORTER BASED ON USER POSITION
    Publication number: 20170001676
    Abstract: An apparatus controller for prompting a rider to be positioned on a vehicle in such a manner as to reduce lateral instability due to lateral acceleration of the vehicle. The apparatus has an input for receiving specification from the rider of a desired direction of travel, and indicating means for reflecting to the rider a propitious instantaneous body orientation to enhance stability in the face of lateral acceleration. The indicating may include a handlebar that is pivotable with respect to the vehicle and that is driven in response to vehicle turning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Robert R. Ambrogi, James J. Dattolo, Robert J. Duggan, J. Douglas Field, Richard Kurt Heinzmann, Matthew M. McCambridge, John B. Morrell, Michael D. Piedmonte, Richard J. Rosasco
  • Sensor apparatus systems, devices and methods
    Patent number: 9535021
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, N. Christopher Perry, Jason A. Demers, Brian D. Tracey, Arun D. Chawan, Kevin L. Grant
  • Stirling cycle machine with airlock pressure regulator and burner controls
    Patent number: 9534561
    Abstract: An external combustion engine is disclosed. The external combustion engine includes a working fluid and a burner element, at least one heater head defining a working space, at least one piston cylinder containing a piston, a cooler, a crankcase including a crankshaft for producing an engine output, a rocking beam, a piston rod connected to the piston, a rocking beam driven by the piston rod, and a connecting rod connected at a first end to the rocking beam and at a second end to a crankshaft to convert rotary motion of the rocking beam to rotary motion of the crankshaft. The external combustion engine also includes an airlock space separating the crankcase and the working space for maintaining a pressure differential between the crankcase housing and the working space housing and an airlock pressure regulator connected between the crankcase and one of the airlock space and working space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: New Power Concepts LLC
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Prashant Bhat, Michael G. Norris
  • Thermal Energy Recovery System
    Publication number: 20160377025
    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: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Christopher C. Langenfeld
  • Wearable pump assembly
    Patent number: 9526830
    Abstract: A wearable infusion pump assembly includes a reusable housing assembly, and a disposable housing assembly including a reservoir for receiving an infusible fluid. A releasable engagement assembly is configured to allow the reusable housing assembly to releasably engage the disposable housing assembly. A detachable external infusion set is configured to deliver the infusible fluid to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry Brian Gray, Richard J. Lanigan, John Matthew Kerwin, Stephen Lewis Fichera
  • Control of a personal transporter based on user position
    Patent number: 9529365
    Abstract: An apparatus controller for prompting a rider to be positioned on a vehicle in such a manner as to reduce lateral instability due to lateral acceleration of the vehicle. The apparatus has an input for receiving specification from the rider of a desired direction of travel, and indicating means for reflecting to the rider a propitious instantaneous body orientation to enhance stability in the face of lateral acceleration. The indicating may include a handlebar that is pivotable with respect to the vehicle and that is driven in response to vehicle turning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Robert R. Ambrogi, James J. Dattolo, Robert J. Duggan, J. Douglas Field, Richard Kurt Heinzmann, Matthew M. McCambridge, John B. Morrell, Michael D. Piedmonte, Richard J. Rosasco
  • Infusion Device System and Apparatus
    Publication number: 20160367753
    Abstract: An infusion device. The infusion device includes a top portion comprising an introduction needle, and a bottom portion comprising a cannula, the top portion removably attached to the bottom portion, wherein the introduction needle is used to insert the cannula, and wherein after insertion, the top portion is removed from the bottom portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Kevin L. Grant
  • System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow
    Publication number: 20160362234
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Bob D. Peret, Brian H. Yoo, Derek G. Kane, Dean Kamen, Colin H. Murphy, John M. Kerwin
  • SYSTEM, METHOD, AND APPARATUS FOR REMOTE PATIENT CARE
    Publication number: 20160346056
    Abstract: A portable patient-care kit is disclosed. The kit includes two-housing portions, a plurality of compartments, a touch-screen user interface device, and a light bar. The two-housing portions pivotally coupled together to form a container space. The plurality of compartments is disposed within at least one of the housing portions such that each compartment is configured to retain at least one medical apparatus. The touch-screen user interface device has a transceiver that can communicate via a mobile data network. The light bar is disposed along an exterior of one of the two-housing portions configured provide light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Jason A. Demers, Frederick Morgan, George W. Marchant, JR., David E. Collins, Katie A. DeLaurentis, Dean Kamen
  • Adhesive and peripheral systems and methods for medical devices
    Patent number: 9492613
    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: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Russell H. Beavis
  • Infusion pump apparatus, method and system
    Patent number: 9492607
    Abstract: A system is disclosed. The system includes a fill adapter device including a heat exchanger which includes a heating element and a fluid pathway, the fluid pathway fluidly connected to a filling needle input, whereby fluid enters the heat exchanger through the filling needle input and flows through the fluid pathway and whereby the fluid is heated by the heating element. The system also includes a reservoir including a plunger and a plunger rod and a filling needle configured to be removably attached to the reservoir, wherein the fill adapter is configured to be attached to a vial of fluid and wherein fluid from the vial flows through the fluid pathway and is heated and loaded into the reservoir through the filling needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, John M. Kerwin, Marc A. Mandro, Kevin A. Durand, Larry B. Gray, Gregory R. Lanier, Jr., Colin H. Murphy
  • Adhesive and peripheral systems and methods for medical devices
    Patent number: 9492614
    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: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Russell H. Beavis
  • Apparatus, system and methods for an infusion pump assembly
    Patent number: 9492606
    Abstract: A system for delivery of a volume of infusible fluid. The system includes a controller configured to calculate a trajectory for delivering infusible fluid, the trajectory comprising at least one volume of fluid, and determine a schedule for delivering the at least one volume of fluid according to the trajectory, wherein the schedule comprising an interval and a volume of infusible fluid for delivery. The system also includes a volume sensor assembly for determining the at least one volume of fluid delivered, wherein the controller recalculates the trajectory based on the volume of fluid delivered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, John M. Kerwin, Gerald M. Guay, Larry B. Gray, Richard J. Lanigan, Stephen L. Fichera, Colin H. Murphy, Thomas F. Soldau, David Blumberg
  • System, method, and apparatus for clamping
    Patent number: 9488200
    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 guide member, a connector, an actuation member configured to have a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the actuation member is pivotally coupled to the guide member. The cover member is pivotally coupled to the guide member and 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: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Stephen L. Fichera, Larry B. Gray, Thomas A. Friedrich, Erik N. Sabin, Richard J. Lanigan
  • Method for controlling a wind turbine
    Patent number: 9488158
    Abstract: A wind turbine is disclosed. The wind turbine includes comprising an inflatable portion comprising one or more blades and a device for rotatably driving the inflatable portion at a predetermined rate for a predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stanley B. Smith, III, Andrew A. Schnellinger, George B. Lanigan
  • System, Method, and Apparatus for Clamping
    Publication number: 20160319850
    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 guide member, a connector, an actuation member configured to have a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the actuation member is pivotally coupled to the guide member. The cover member is pivotally coupled to the guide member and 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 8, 2016
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Stephen L. Fichera, Larry B. Gray, Thomas A. Friedrich, Erik N. Sabin, Richard J. Lanigan
  • Centrifugally driven aerodynamic rotor blade brake assembly
    Patent number: 9470209
    Abstract: An aerodynamic brake assembly for use with an airfoil such as the blade of a wind turbine rotor comprises deployable upper and/or lower spoiler plates incorporated in or attached to the airfoil. The spoiler plates can deploy under the influence of centrifugal forces when the rotating airfoil or rotor blade reaches a pre-determined rotational speed. The aerodynamic brake assembly may be integrated within the airfoil or attached to the tip of the airfoil such that, when not deployed, the upper and lower spoiler plates have a profile that approximately conforms to the profile of the part of the airfoil to which it the brake assembly is attached. Failsafe deployment of the spoiler plates can occur either upon loss of power to the mechanism, or when the centrifugal force associated with an overspeed condition of the rotor overcomes the holding force of an electromagnet or solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stanley B. Smith, Christopher M. Werner
  • Pill dispenser
    Patent number: 9465919
    Abstract: A pill dispenser is disclosed that includes a housing defining an opening, a pill-dispensing mechanism disposed within the housing and operatively coupled to the opening, a receptacle operatively coupled to the housing, a first pill-viewing camera positioned to capture an image of the receptacle, an identifying camera positioned to capture an image of an area adjacent to the housing, at least one processor in operative communication with the pill-dispensing mechanism, the first pill-viewing camera, and the identifying camera, and a storage medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    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
  • Apparatus, system and method for fluid delivery
    Patent number: 9456955
    Abstract: A filling aid. The filling aid includes a needle housing portion including at least one tab having a starting position and a filling position, and a filling needle cradle including a filling needle, the filling needle cradle slidable connected to the needle housing portion and having a starting position and a filling position, wherein when the at least one tab on the needle housing moves from a starting position to a filling position, the filling needle cradle slides from a starting position to a filling position, and wherein when the at least one tab on the needle housing moves from a filling position to a starting position, the filling needle cradle slides from a filling position to a starting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Richard J. Lanigan, Gregory R. Lanier, Jr., Dean Kamen, Bright C. K. Foo, Kevin L. Grant, Lisa A. Panneton