Patents by Inventor Derek G. Kane

Derek G. Kane 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).

  • System and method for characterizing bioreactor fluids
    Patent number: 10663417
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance device for monitoring growth of tissue in one or more bioreactors. The device can include a first magnet and a second magnet that can form a uniform magnetic field of desired strength around at least one sample of effluent from at least one bioreactor. At the command of a controller, an RF signal can illuminate the at least one magnetized sample, and sensors can detect at least one echo signal from the at least one magnetized sample. The controller can characterize the at least one sample based on the at least one echo signal. A resonator can shape the at least one echo signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: David Blumberg, Jr., Michael C. Tilley, Derek G. Kane, David C. Nivens
  • Metering system for medication delivery
    Patent number: 10632269
    Abstract: An apparatus for metering the delivery of an aerosol. The apparatus has a variable acoustic source and a microphone, both acoustically coupled to a volume having a fluid region and an air region. The apparatus may also include a processor to determine a volume of the air region based on signals received from the microphone and the variable acoustic source. A fluid valve is coupled to the processor, and is configured to allow an amount of fluid to exit the fluid region associated with the volume of the air region. An atomizer, coupled to the fluid region, is configured to aerosolize at least a portion of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: David E. Altobelli, Russell H. Beavis, Larry B. Gray, Derek G. Kane
  • System and method for identifying and processing audio signals
    Patent number: 10566002
    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: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Derek G. Kane
  • System, Method and Device for Aiding in the Diagnosis of Respiratory Dysfunction
    Publication number: 20200046256
    Abstract: A system and method for aiding in the diagnosis of a respiratory dysfunction is described. More particularly, a system and method for aiding in the diagnosis of one or more pulmonary embolisms is described. The system and method described herein include a plurality of sensors, a thermal control system, and a controller coupled to the plurality of sensors and the thermal control system for aiding in the diagnosis of a respiratory dysfunction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Inventors: David E. Altobelli, Benjamin W. Jones, Derek G. Kane, Gregory R. Lanier, Paul R. Marquis, Eric M. Soederberg
  • Flow Meter
    Publication number: 20200025305
    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 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: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Inventors: Bob D. PERET, Derek G. KANE, Dean KAMEN, Colin H. MURPHY, John M. KERWIN
  • System and Method for Distributed Utility Service Execution
    Publication number: 20190377349
    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 7, 2019
    Publication date: December 12, 2019
    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
  • FLUID DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20190365992
    Abstract: A method of dispensing fluid includes three processes. A first one of these processes includes pumping fluid into a resilient variable-volume dispensing chamber. The dispensing chamber is in series with a normally present finite fluid impedance and an output. The impedance is sufficient so as to cause expansion of the dispensing chamber as it receives pumped fluid even while some fluid flows through the output. Another one of these processes includes repeatedly measuring a parameter related to volume of the dispensing chamber over time. A third one of these processes includes controlling the pumping of fluid based on repeated measurements of the parameter to produce a desired fluid flow through the output. A corresponding system for dispensing fluid implements these processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Russell H. Beavis, Derek G. Kane, John M. Kerwin, Larry B. Gray
  • System, method, and apparatus for monitoring, regulating, or controlling fluid flow
    Patent number: 10488848
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Bob David Peret, Farrukh Usman, Derek G. Kane, Dean Kamen, Colin H. Murphy, John M. Kerwin
  • System, method and device for aiding in the diagnosis of respiratory dysfunction
    Patent number: 10441195
    Abstract: A system and method for aiding in the diagnosis of a respiratory dysfunction is described. More particularly, a system and method for aiding in the diagnosis of one or more pulmonary embolisms is described. The system and method described herein include a plurality of sensors, a thermal control system, and a controller coupled to the plurality of sensors and the thermal control system for aiding in the diagnosis of a respiratory dysfunction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: David E. Altobelli, Benjamin W. Jones, Derek G. Kane, Gregory R. Lanier, Jr., Paul R. Marquis, Eric M. Soederberg
  • Flow meter and related method
    Patent number: 10436342
    Abstract: A flow meter, and related method, include a coupler adapted to couple to a drip chamber, a support member operatively coupled to the coupler, an image sensor and a backlight. The image sensor has a field of view and is operatively coupled to the support member. The backlight is adapted to illuminate the image sensor to expose the image sensor such that the field of view of the image sensor at least partially images at least a portion of the drip chamber. A processor receives image data from the image sensor to select a region of interest of the image sensor, determine whether a pixel of the image sensor is within the region of interest, activate the at least one light of the backlight when the pixel of the image sensor is within the region of interest, and expose the pixel of the image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Bob D. Peret, Derek G. Kane, Dean Kamen, Colin H. Murphy, John M. Kerwin
  • Device to Determine Volume of Fluid Dispensed
    Publication number: 20190262552
    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: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Russell H. Beavis, John M. Kerwin, Derek G. Kane
  • Device to Determine Volume of Fluid Dispensed
    Publication number: 20190262554
    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: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Russell H. Beavis, John M. Kerwin, Derek G. Kane
  • Device to Determine Volume of Fluid Dispensed
    Publication number: 20190262555
    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: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Russell H. Beavis, John M. Kerwin, Derek G. Kane
  • Device to Determine Volume of Fluid Dispensed
    Publication number: 20190262553
    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: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Russell H. Beavis, John M. Kerwin, Derek G. Kane
  • Fluid delivery systems and methods
    Patent number: 10383999
    Abstract: A method of dispensing fluid includes three processes. A first one of these processes includes pumping fluid into a resilient variable-volume dispensing chamber. The dispensing chamber is in series with a normally present finite fluid impedance and an output. The impedance is sufficient so as to cause expansion of the dispensing chamber as it receives pumped fluid even while some fluid flows through the output. Another one of these processes includes repeatedly measuring a parameter related to volume of the dispensing chamber over time. A third one of these processes includes controlling the pumping of fluid based on repeated measurements of the parameter to produce a desired fluid flow through the output. A corresponding system for dispensing fluid implements these processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Russell H. Beavis, Derek G. Kane, John M. Kerwin, Larry B. Gray
  • Device to meter fluid
    Patent number: 10369306
    Abstract: An apparatus for metering the delivery of a fluid. The apparatus has a variable acoustic source and a microphone, both acoustically coupled to a volume having a fluid region and an air region. The apparatus may also include a processor to determine a volume of the air region based on signals received from the microphone and the variable acoustic source. A fluid valve is coupled to the processor, and is configured to allow an amount of fluid to exit the fluid region associated with the volume of the air region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Russell H. Beavis, Larry B. Gray, Derek G. Kane
  • Device to determine volume of fluid dispensed
    Patent number: 10369299
    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: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: New Power Concepts LLC
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Russell H. Beavis, John M. Kerwin, Derek G. Kane
  • Metering System and Method for Aerosol Delivery
    Publication number: 20190224425
    Abstract: An apparatus for metering the delivery of an aerosol. The apparatus has a variable acoustic source and a microphone, both acoustically coupled to a volume having a fluid region and an air region. The apparatus may also include a processor to determine a volume of the air region based on signals received from the microphone and the variable acoustic source. A fluid valve is coupled to the processor, and is configured to allow an amount of fluid to exit the fluid region associated with the volume of the air region. An atomizer, coupled to the fluid region, is configured to aerosolize at least a portion of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Inventors: David E. Altobelli, Russell H. Beavis, Larry B. Gray, Derek G. Kane
  • System, Method, and Apparatus for Monitoring, Regulating, or Controlling Fluid Flow
    Publication number: 20190179289
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Inventors: Bob D. Peret, Brian H. Yoo, Derek G, Kane, Dean Kamen, Colin H. Murphy, John M. Kerwin
  • System and Method for Characterizing Bioreactor Fluids
    Publication number: 20190170672
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance device for monitoring growth of tissue in one or more bioreactors. The device can include a first magnet and a second magnet that can form a uniform magnetic field of desired strength around at least one sample of effluent from at least one bioreactor. At the command of a controller, an RF signal can illuminate the at least one magnetized sample, and sensors can detect at least one echo signal from the at least one magnetized sample. The controller can characterize the at least one sample based on the at least one echo signal. A resonator can shape the at least one echo signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Inventors: David Blumberg, JR., Michael C. Tilley, Derek G. Kane, David C. Nivens