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).

  • Publication number: 20230196866
    Abstract: A system for controlling the features of a device, and in particular, controlling the features based on a variety of triggers, both internal and external, such as, for example, but not limited to, safety, user actions, and economics. With respect to internal triggers, the system can enable the device to shut down its features when certain types of behaviors or environmental parameters are detected. With respect to external triggers, the system can enable the device features to be controlled externally based on pre-established or dynamically-determined parameters. With respect to safety triggers, the system can determine if a device is currently in a specific state, and if so, determine what controls are appropriate in the specific state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2022
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Dean KAMEN, Thomas A. DOYON, Karla BEAGLE, Jay C. BURKHOLDER
  • Patent number: 11679044
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Stewart M. Coulter, Brian G. Gray, Dirk A. van der Merwe, Susan D. Dastous, Daniel F. Pawlowski, Dean Kamen, David B. Doherty, Matthew A. Norris, Alexander D. Streeter, David J. Couture, Matthew B. Kinberger, Catharine N. Flynn, Elizabeth Rousseau, Thomas A. Doyon, Ryan Adams, Prashant Bhat, Bob Peret
  • Patent number: 11681293
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dirk A. van der Merwe, Dean Kamen, Derek G. Kane, Gregory J. Buitkus, Emily A. Carrigg, Raphael I. Zack, Daniel F. Pawlowski, Matthew B. Kinberger, Stewart M. Coulter, Christopher C. Langenfeld
  • Publication number: 20230184273
    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: December 13, 2022
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Stephen L. Fichera, Larry B. Gray, Thomas A. Friedrich, Erik N. Sabin, Richard J. Lanigan
  • Publication number: 20230181818
    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: February 6, 2023
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Bob D. Peret, Brian H. Yoo, Derek G. Kane, Dean Kamen, Colin H. Murphy, John M. Kerwin
  • Publication number: 20230181890
    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: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2022
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Richard J. Lanigan, Gregory R. Lanier, JR., Dean Kamen, Bright C.K. Foo, Kevin L. Grant, Lisa A. GUSTIN
  • Publication number: 20230186369
    Abstract: System and method for enabling a shopper to choose products from a myriad of partners who provide special information to help the user choose the right product based on availability, price, and delivery options. The system and method include configuring a partner database, enabling continuous updating of the partner database, and enabling a shopper to choose from a variety of options, and ultimately purchase the product/service through conventional means at the partner's access point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2022
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Karla BEAGLE, Emily J. MATRUMALO, Dean KAMEN
  • Publication number: 20230166031
    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: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2022
    Publication date: June 1, 2023
    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
  • Patent number: 11664106
    Abstract: A pump for administering an agent to a patient includes a housing, a motor, a gearbox, a sensor, and a controller. The motor may be coupled to housing. The gearbox is operatively connected to the motor. The sensor senses a rotation of the motor. The controller acts to control operation of the motor and monitor the quantity of the agent delivered to the patient. The pump also includes a pump assembly such that the pump is configured such that the pump assembly may be interchangeable from a syringe pump assembly and a peristaltic pump assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Jesse T. Bodwell, John M. Kerwin, Michael J. Baier, Dirk A. van der Merwe
  • Patent number: 11660972
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Richard K. Heinzmann, Jason M. Sachs
  • Patent number: 11660392
    Abstract: A medical device system. The system includes a first medical device, a first remote interface, and a second remote interface in communication with the first remote interface and the first medical device, wherein the first medical device sends a command to the first medical device through the second remote interface, and wherein when the second remote interface receives the command, the command must be confirmed by the second remote interface before the command is send by the second remote interface to the first medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Gregory R. Lanier, Jr., Gregg W. Rivinius
  • Patent number: 11648995
    Abstract: A transporter for transporting a load over a surface. The transporter includes a support platform for supporting the load. The support platform is characterized by a fore-aft axis, a lateral axis, and an orientation with respect to the surface, the orientation referred to as an attitude. At least one ground-contacting element is flexibly coupled to the support platform in such a manner that the attitude of the support platform is capable of variation. One or more ground-contacting elements are driven by a motorized drive arrangement. A sensor module generates a signal characterizing the attitude of the support platform. Based on the attitude, a controller commands the motorized drive arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Deka Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Richard Kurt Heinzmann, Robert R. Ambrogi
  • Patent number: 11649924
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    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: 20230147049
    Abstract: A fluid connector assembly. The fluid connector assembly includes a tab portion including a slot; a plug portion slidably connected to the tab portion the plug portion comprising a fluid path and a disc, the disc configured to seat within the slot; a catch feature located on a first end of the tab portion and configured to interact with a reservoir; and a latching feature located on a second end of the tab portion, the latching feature configured to interact and lock onto the reservoir, 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 tab portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2022
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    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
  • Patent number: 11642283
    Abstract: A method for filling a reservoir a filling assembly having a needle, and a fluid. The reservoir is in a disposable housing assembly with a septum fluidly connected to the reservoir, a septum access assembly having a first position covering the septum and a second position providing access to the septum, and a bias mechanism for biasing the septum access assembly to the first position. The method includes piercing the septum with the needle, inserting fluid to the reservoir through the needle, contacting the filling assembly to the septum access assembly, and removing the needle from the septum. Removing the needle from the septum allows the bias mechanism to move the septum access assembly from the second position to the first position. The disposable housing assembly is attached to a reusable housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Gregory R. Lanier, Jr., Richard J. Lanigan, Stephen L. Fichera, Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray
  • Publication number: 20230119157
    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: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Applicant: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: David W. McGill, James D. Dale, Simon C. Helmore, Richard J. Lanigan, Jason A. Demers, Dean Kamen
  • Publication number: 20230102396
    Abstract: A system for electronic patient care includes a hub. The hub is configured to monitor a patient-care device. The sandbox may be configured to control access to at least one of a hardware resource and a software resource. The hub is further configured to identify the patient-care device and execute an application to monitor the patient-care device. The hub executes the application within the sandbox component such that the application accesses the at least one of the hardware resource and the software resource through the sandbox component. The hub may be further configured to control the patient-care device. The hub may be further configured to receive an identification from the patient-care device and download the application from a server associated with the identification. The hub may be further configured to receive an identification from the patient-care device and update the application from a server associated with the identification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2022
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, John J. Biasi, Jacob W. Scarpaci, John M. Kerwin, James G. Turner, Todd A. Ballantyne
  • Patent number: 11612721
    Abstract: An insertion device is disclosed. The insertion device includes a base portion, a top portion slidably connected to the base portion, an introduction needle, a catheter in slidable relation to the introduction needle, and a substantially cylindrical flash chamber, the flash chamber having an inlet in fluid communication with the introduction needle. The flash chamber is connected to the base portion, the top portion slidably engages with the flash chamber, and the catheter and the top portion slidably advance with respect to the introduction needle and the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Brian H. Yoo, Brain D. Tracey, David Blumberg, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11612688
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Russell H. Beavis, John M. Kerwin, Derek G. Kane
  • Patent number: 11615886
    Abstract: A syringe pump includes a lead screw, a motor, and a sliding block assembly. The lead screw has threads and the motor is coupled to the lead screw to rotate it. The half-nut housing has a half nut and a barrel cam. The half nut is disposed within the half-nut housing. The half nut has half-nut threads at an end adjacent to the lead screw void. The half nut engages or disengages with the threads of the lead screw. The half nut includes a half-nut cam-follower surface and a half nut slot. The barrel cam is disposed within the half-nut housing and engages with the half-nut cam-follower surface. The barrel cam includes a pin to fit within the half nut slot such that the barrel cam rotates between a first position and a second position to actuate the half nut between the engagement position and the disengagement position, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Jesse T. Bodwell, John M. Kerwin, Dirk A. van der Merwe, Stephen L. Fichera, Jonathan R. Thurber, Martin D. Desch