Patents by Inventor Dirk A. Van der Merwe
Dirk A. Van der Merwe 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).
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Patent number: 12286966Abstract: A valved manifold module is disclosed, constructed and arranged to be readily connected in a chain with similar modules to form a manifold assembly. The modular manifolds allows for expansion or modification of the manifold assembly to control a group of pneumatically or hydraulically driven pumps, valves or combinations thereof in a liquid flow control apparatus. The valved manifold module can be configured to accept a group of four substantially identical valve assemblies, and can be controlled by a local controller mounted to the manifold module, thus forming an independently programmable valved manifold module. The resulting modular system is expandable to allow for coordinated operations of a liquid flow control system, using substantially independent controller functions originating at the manifold assembly level.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2023Date of Patent: April 29, 2025Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dirk A. van der Merwe, Timothy D. Moreau, Richard J. Lanigan, Michael A. Baker, David Blumberg, Jr.
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Patent number: 12220507Abstract: Dialysis systems are disclosed comprising new fluid flow circuits. Systems may include blood and dialysate flow paths, where the dialysate flow path includes balancing, mixing, and/or directing circuits. Dialysate preparation may be decoupled from patient dialysis. Circuits may be defined within one or more cassettes. The fluid circuit fluid flow paths may be isolated from electrical components. A gas supply in fluid communication with the dialysate flow path and/or the dialyzer able to urge dialysate through the dialyzer and urge blood back to the patient may be included for certain emergency situations. Fluid handling devices, such as pumps, valves, and mixers that can be actuated using a control fluid may be included. Control fluid may be delivered by an external pump or other device, which may be detachable and/or generally rigid, optionally with a diaphragm dividing the device into first and second compartments.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2024Date of Patent: February 11, 2025Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dirk A. van der Merwe, Kevin L. Grant, Michael J. Wilt, Todd A. Ballantyne, Jonathan P. Rosse, Catharine N. Flynn, Brian K. Yee
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Patent number: 12220328Abstract: A robotic assembly control system is disclosed. The robotic assembly control system includes an exoskeleton apparatus adapted to be worn by a user, at least one robotic assembly, the at least one robotic assembly controlled by the user by way of the exoskeleton, and at least one mobile platform, the at least one mobile platform controlled by the user and wherein the at least one robotic assembly is attached to the at least one mobile platform.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2023Date of Patent: February 11, 2025Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dirk A. van der Merwe, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Stewart M. Coulter, Christopher M. Werner, Michael J. Slate, Ethan D. Stern
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Publication number: 20250046445Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2024Publication date: February 6, 2025Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Jesse T. Bodwell, John M. Kerwin, Dirk van der Merwe, Stephen L. Fichera, Jonathan R. Thurber, Martin D. Desch
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Publication number: 20250037832Abstract: A syringe pump is disclosed that includes a pressure sensor assembly, a plunger, first and second pressure sensors, and a processor. The pressure sensor assembly senses a force and includes the plunger having a sensing surface configured to receive the force, the first pressure sensor operatively coupled to the plunger and configured to estimate the force applied to the sensing surface, and the second pressure sensor operatively coupled to the plunger and configured to estimate the force applied to the sensing surface. The processor is coupled to the first and second pressure sensors to estimate a magnitude of the force.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2024Publication date: January 30, 2025Inventors: Martin D. DESCH, Larry B. GRAY, Jesse T. BODWELL, Dirk A. VAN DER MERWE
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Publication number: 20240398637Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2024Publication date: December 5, 2024Inventors: Dirk A. van der Merwe, Susan D. Dastous, Daniel F. Pawlowski, David Doherty, Matthew A. Norris, Alexander D. Streeter, Constance D. Pitenis, David E. Collins, Erik N. Sabin, David J. Meehan, Tania M. F. Zirn
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Patent number: 12131826Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 27, 2023Date of Patent: October 29, 2024Assignee: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIPInventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Jesse T. Bodwell, John M. Kerwin, Dirk van der Merwe, Stephen L. Fichera, Jonathan R. Thurber, Martin D. Desch
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Publication number: 20240344016Abstract: A system and method for growing and maintaining biological material including producing a protein associated with the tissue, selecting cells associated with the tissue, expanding the cells, creating at least one tissue bio-ink including the expanded cells, printing the at least one tissue bio-ink in at least one tissue growth medium mixture, growing the tissue from the printed at least one tissue bio-ink, and maintaining viability of the tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2024Publication date: October 17, 2024Inventors: Christopher C. Langenfeld, David D. B. Cannan, Dirk A. Van Der Merwe, Dean Kamen, Jason A. Demers, Frederick Morgan, Timothy D. Moreau, Brian D. Tracey, Matthew Ware, Richard J. Lanigan, Michael A. Baker, David Blumberg, JR., Richard E. Andrews, Derek G. Kane, Dane C. Fawkes, Thomas J. Bollenbach, Michael C. Tilley, Stuart A. Jacobson, John F. Mannisto
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Publication number: 20240299195Abstract: A system for powering a prosthetic arm is disclosed. The system includes at least one internal battery located in the prosthetic arm, at least one external battery connected to the prosthetic arm, and a master controller configured to connect either the at least one internal battery or the at least one external battery to a power bus to power the prosthetic arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2024Publication date: September 12, 2024Inventors: N. Christopher Perry, Christopher O. Evans, Dirk A. van der Merwe, Stewart M. Coulter, Keith D. Violette, Thomas A. Doyon
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Patent number: 12080400Abstract: A syringe pump is disclosed that includes a pressure sensor assembly, a plunger, first and second pressure sensors, and a processor. The pressure sensor assembly senses a force and includes the plunger having a sensing surface configured to receive the force, the first pressure sensor operatively coupled to the plunger and configured to estimate the force applied to the sensing surface, and the second pressure sensor operatively coupled to the plunger and configured to estimate the force applied to the sensing surface. The processor is coupled to the first and second pressure sensors to estimate a magnitude of the force.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2022Date of Patent: September 3, 2024Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Martin D. Desch, Larry B. Gray, Jesse T. Bodwell, Dirk A. van der Merwe
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Publication number: 20240269358Abstract: Dialysis systems are disclosed comprising new fluid flow circuits. Systems may include blood and dialysate flow paths, where the dialysate flow path includes balancing, mixing, and/or directing circuits. Dialysate preparation may be decoupled from patient dialysis. Circuits may be defined within one or more cassettes. The fluid circuit fluid flow paths may be isolated from electrical components. A gas supply in fluid communication with the dialysate flow path and/or the dialyzer able to urge dialysate through the dialyzer and urge blood back to the patient may be included for certain emergency situations. Fluid handling devices, such as pumps, valves, and mixers that can be actuated using a control fluid may be included. Control fluid may be delivered by an external pump or other device, which may be detachable and/or generally rigid, optionally with a diaphragm dividing the device into first and second compartments.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2024Publication date: August 15, 2024Applicant: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dirk A. van der Merwe, Kevin L. Grant, Michael J. Wilt, Todd A. Ballantyne, Jonathan P. Rosse, Catharine N. Flynn, Brian K. Yee
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Publication number: 20240261963Abstract: A force transmission system as part of a surgical system which may be configured to be a minimally invasive and/or computer assisted surgical system. Operation of the system may be controlled by transmission of a force from a first section to a second section of the system. The first section and the second section may be separated by a partition or a barrier. The first section may be a non-sterile section and the second section may be a sterile section of the surgical system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2024Publication date: August 8, 2024Inventors: Christopher C. Langenfeld, Michael J. Slate, Prashant Bhat, Dirk A. Van Der Merwe, David D.B. Cannan, Keith D. Violette
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Publication number: 20240254427Abstract: A system and method for growing and maintaining biological material including producing a protein associated with the tissue, selecting cells associated with the tissue, expanding the cells, creating at least one tissue bio-ink including the expanded cells, printing the at least one tissue bio-ink in at least one tissue growth medium mixture, growing the tissue from the printed at least one tissue bio-ink, and maintaining viability of the tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2024Publication date: August 1, 2024Inventors: Christopher C. Langenfeld, David D.B Cannan, Dirk A. Van Der Merwe, Dean Kamen, Jason A. Demers, Frederick Morgan, Timothy D. Moreau, Brian D. Tracey, Matthew Ware, Richard J. Lanigan, Michael A. Baker, David Blumberg, JR., Richard E. Andrews, Derek G. Kane, Dane C. Fawkes, Thomas J. Bollenbach, Michael C. Tilley, Stuart A. Jacobson, John F. Mannisto
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Publication number: 20240247945Abstract: An autonomous vehicle having sensors advantageously varied in capabilities, advantageously positioned, and advantageously impervious to environmental conditions. A system executing on the autonomous vehicle that can receive a map including, for example, substantially discontinuous surface features along with data from the sensors, create an occupancy grid based upon the map and the data, and change the configuration of the autonomous vehicle based upon the type of surface on which the autonomous vehicle navigates. The device can safely navigate surfaces and surface features, including traversing discontinuous surfaces and other obstacles.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2024Publication date: July 25, 2024Inventors: Dirk A. VAN DER MERWE, Arunabh MISHRA, Christopher C. LANGENFELD, Michael J. SLATE, Christopher J. PRINCIPE, Gregory J. BUITKUS, Justin M. WHITNEY, Raajitha GUMMADI, Derek G. KANE, Emily A. CARRIGG, Patrick STEELE, Benjamin V. HERSH, FNU G. Siva PERUMAL, David CARRIGG, Daniel F. PAWLOWSKI, Yashovardhan CHATURVEDI, Kartik KHANNA
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Patent number: 12029881Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 22, 2022Date of Patent: July 9, 2024Assignee: Deka Products Limited PartnershipInventors: 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
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Patent number: 12023285Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 1, 2022Date of Patent: July 2, 2024Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dirk A. van der Merwe, Susan D. Dastous, Daniel F. Pawlowski, David Doherty, Matthew A. Norris, Alexander D. Streeter, Constance D. Pitenis, David E. Collins, Erik N. Sabin, David J. Meehan, Tania M. F. Zirn
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Patent number: 12024701Abstract: A system and method for growing and maintaining biological material including producing a protein associated with the tissue, selecting cells associated with the tissue, expanding the cells, creating at least one tissue bio-ink including the expanded cells, printing the at least one tissue bio-ink in at least one tissue growth medium mixture, growing the tissue from the printed at least one tissue bio-ink, and maintaining viability of the tissue.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2021Date of Patent: July 2, 2024Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Christopher C. Langenfeld, David D. B. Cannan, Dirk A. van der Merwe, Dean Kamen, Jason A. Demers, Frederick Morgan, Timothy D. Moreau, Brian D. Tracey, Matthew Ware, Richard J. Lanigan, Michael A. Baker, David Blumberg, Jr., Richard E. Gautney, Derek G. Kane, Dane Fawkes, Thomas J. Bollenbach, Michael C. Tilley, Stuart A. Jacobson, John F. Mannisto
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Patent number: 12011375Abstract: A system for powering a prosthetic arm is disclosed. The system includes at least one internal battery located in the prosthetic arm, at least one external battery connected to the prosthetic arm, and a master controller configured to connect either the at least one internal battery or the at least one external battery to a power bus to power the prosthetic arm.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2016Date of Patent: June 18, 2024Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: N. Christopher Perry, Christopher O. Evans, Dirk A. van der Merwe, Stewart M. Coulter, Keith D. Violette, Thomas A. Doyon
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Publication number: 20240173148Abstract: A prosthetic arm apparatus including a plurality of segments that provide a user of the prosthetic arm apparatus with substantially the same movement capability and function as a human arm. The segments are connectable to one another and connectable to a prosthetic support apparatus that may be adorned by the user. Some segments may provide movement about more than one axis using a single actuator. The prosthetic arm apparatus may include a user interface incorporated therein and may include one or more communication systems for communicating with external devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2024Publication date: May 30, 2024Inventors: Christopher O. Evans, N. Christopher Perry, Dirk A. van der Merwe, Keith D. Violette, Stewart M. Coulter, Thomas A. Doyon, David Blumberg, JR.
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Publication number: 20240161899Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2023Publication date: May 16, 2024Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Jesse T. Bodwell, John M. Kerwin, Michael J. Baier, Dirk A. van der Merwe