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).

  • User Control Device for a Transporter
    Publication number: 20170300058
    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: April 13, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Bob D. Peret, Stewart M. Coulter, Dean Kamen, Derek G. Kane
  • Flow metering using a difference image for liquid parameter estimation
    Patent number: 9772044
    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: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Bob D. Peret, Derek G. Kane, Dean Kamen, Colin H. Murphy, John M. Kerwin
  • Mobility Device
    Publication number: 20170259811
    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: May 20, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    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
  • Flow meter using a dynamic background image
    Patent number: 9759343
    Abstract: A flow meter includes a coupler, a support member, an image sensor, and one or more processors. The coupler is adapted to couple to a drip chamber. The support member is 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 is operatively coupled to the image sensor to receive image data from the image sensor and is configured to: capture an image of a drip chamber using an image sensor; compare the image of a drip chamber with a dynamic background image; and adjust a flow rate of fluid flowing through the fluid line in accordance with the comparison between the image of the drip chamber and the dynamic background image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Bob D. Peret, Derek G. Kane, Dean Kamen, Colin H. Murphy, John M. Kerwin
  • Flow meter and related system and apparatus
    Patent number: 9746093
    Abstract: A flow meter includes an image sensor and a processor. The image sensor is configured to capture an image of a drip chamber. The processor is configured to determine whether the captured image of the drip chamber contains a match to a template, and to apply a blurring function to the image captured by the image sensor of the drip chamber such that the processor can determine if the captured image contains a match to the template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Bob D. Peret, Derek G. Kane, Dean Kamen, Colin H. Murphy, John M. Kerwin
  • Flow meter having a background pattern with first and second portions
    Patent number: 9746094
    Abstract: A flow meter includes a first image sensor, a background pattern, and at least one processor. The first image sensor has a first field of view and is positioned to view a drip chamber within the first field of view. The background pattern is positioned within the field of view of the first image sensor, and the background pattern includes first and second portions. The processor is operatively coupled to the first image sensor and configured to: receive a first image from the first image sensor, and estimate at least one parameter of liquid within the drip chamber in accordance with a distortion of the background pattern caused by the liquid as indicated by the first image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Bob D. Peret, Brian H. Yoo, Derek G. Kane, Dean Kamen, Colin H. Murphy, John M. Kerwin
  • Flow meter
    Patent number: 9724466
    Abstract: An flow meter includes a coupler, a support member, an image sensor, 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 its field of view. The one or more processors are operatively coupled to the image sensor to receive data thereform. The one or more processors (1) receive image data from the image sensor, and (2) determine an existence of a free flow condition by identifying an optical distortion of an area behind the free flow condition within the drip chamber using the received image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Bob D. Peret, Derek G. Kane, Dean Kamen, Colin H. Murphy, John M. Kerwin
  • Flow meter
    Patent number: 9724465
    Abstract: An flow meter includes a coupler, a support member, an image sensor, 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 its field of view. The one or more processors are operatively coupled to the image sensor to receive data therefrom. The one or more processors (1) receive image data from the image sensor, and (2) determine an existence of a free flow condition by identifying an optical distortion of an area behind the free flow condition within the drip chamber using the received image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Bob D. Peret, Derek G. Kane, Dean Kamen, Colin H. Murphy, John M. Kerwin
  • Flow meter
    Patent number: 9724467
    Abstract: An flow meter includes a coupler, a support member, an image sensor, 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 its field of view. The one or more processors are operatively coupled to the image sensor to receive data thereform. The one or more processors (1) receive image data from the image sensor, and (2) determine an existence of a free flow condition by identifying an optical distortion of an area behind the free flow condition within the drip chamber using the received image data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Bob D. Peret, Derek G. Kane, Dean Kamen, Colin H. Murphy, John M. Kerwin
  • Device to Meter Fluid
    Publication number: 20170203059
    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: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventors: Russell H. Beavis, Larry B. Gray, Derek G. Kane
  • Detection System and Method for Aerosol Delivery
    Publication number: 20170199067
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a detector, a pressure sensor and a processor. The detector is operable to detect light that is scattered by an aerosol that is associated with a pressure. The pressure sensor is operable to measure the pressure. The processor is coupled to the detector and to the pressure sensor, and is configured to receive at least a signal from the detector and the pressure sensor. The processor is further configured to use the received signals to calculate a volume of the first aerosol, and to output an output signal associated with the calculated volume. The various measurements can be repeated and compared, and the output signal can be a feedback signal for metering subsequent amounts of the aerosol, based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: David E. Altobelli, Larry B. Gray, Derek G. Kane
  • Device to meter fluid
    Patent number: 9610414
    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: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Russell H. Beavis, Larry B. Gray, Derek G. Kane
  • Detection system and method for aerosol delivery
    Patent number: 9604019
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a detector, a pressure sensor and a processor. The detector is operable to detect light that is scattered by an aerosol that is associated with a pressure. The pressure sensor is operable to measure the pressure. The processor is coupled to the detector and to the pressure sensor, and is configured to receive at least a signal from the detector and the pressure sensor. The processor is further configured to use the received signals to calculate a volume of the first aerosol, and to output an output signal associated with the calculated volume. The various measurements can be repeated and compared, and the output signal can be a feedback signal for metering subsequent amounts of the aerosol, based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: David E. Altobelli, Larry B. Gray, Derek G. Kane
  • Method to deliver medication
    Patent number: 9550035
    Abstract: A method to deliver medication. The apparatus has an acoustic volume sensor that acoustically excites a reference volume and variable-volume chamber with an acoustic source and measures the acoustic response with microphones acoustically coupled to the reference and the variable-volume chamber. A disposable drug cassette is coupled to the acoustic volume sensor and includes a drug reservoir and valve. The method includes receiving a volume signal and inputs from a user input or a second sensor and controlling the valve based on these inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Russell H. Beavis, Larry B. Gray, Derek G. Kane
  • Metering system and method for fluid delivery
    Patent number: 9550033
    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: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Russell H. Beavis, Larry B. Gray, Derek G. Kane
  • Metering system and method for aerosol delivery
    Patent number: 9550034
    Abstract: A method 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: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Russell H. Beavis, Larry B. Gray, Derek G. Kane
  • 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 monitoring, regulating, or controlling fluid flow
    Patent number: 9435455
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Bob D. Peret, Brian H. Yoo, Derek G. Kane, Dean Kamen, Colin H. Murphy, John M. Kerwin
  • SYSTEM, METHOD, AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING, REGULATING, OR CONTROLLING FLUID FLOW
    Publication number: 20160179086
    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: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Bob David Peret, Brian H. Yoo, Derek G. Kane, Dean Kamen, Colin H. Murphy, John M. Kerwin
  • System, method, and apparatus for monitoring, regulating, or controlling fluid flow
    Patent number: 9372486
    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: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Bob David Peret, Brian H. Yoo, Derek G. Kane, Dean Kamen, Colin H. Murphy, John M. Kerwin