Patents by Inventor Eric M. Lorenzen

Eric M. Lorenzen 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).

  • Patent number: 8870829
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fluid infusion device of the type that delivers medication fluid to the body of a patient. The device includes or cooperates with a fluid reservoir, and the device has a sealing assembly to receive and form a fluid seal with the fluid reservoir. A retractable sealing element surrounding a hollow fluid delivery needle may be used to seal a port of the fluid reservoir. The port may include a pressure vent that is sealed by the retractable sealing element. In one variation, the reservoir includes a moving valve sleeve that holds a septum. The septum moves to allow the reservoir to vent, and to form a seal with the port when the needle pierces the septum. In another variation, the device includes a needleless sealing assembly. In yet other variations, the device uses a needled fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Edgardo C. Halili, Eric M. Lorenzen, Matthew William Yavorsky
  • Patent number: 8864726
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fluid infusion device of the type that delivers medication fluid to the body of a patient. The device includes or cooperates with a fluid reservoir, and the device has a sealing assembly to receive and form a fluid seal with the fluid reservoir. A retractable sealing element surrounding a hollow fluid delivery needle may be used to seal a port of the fluid reservoir. The port may include a pressure vent that is sealed by the retractable sealing element. In one variation, the reservoir includes a moving valve sleeve that holds a septum. The septum moves to allow the reservoir to vent, and to form a seal with the port when the needle pierces the septum. In another variation, the device includes a needleless sealing assembly. In yet other variations, the device uses a needled fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Edgardo C. Halili, Eric M. Lorenzen, Matthew William Yavorsky
  • Publication number: 20140305544
    Abstract: An automated reservoir filling system for a portable medical device is disclosed. The system includes a vial sealed by a septum partially filled with a liquid and a gas occupying a headspace. The system further includes a reservoir with a volume defined between a reservoir septum and a plunger head. The plunger head is coupled to a plunger arm which is further coupled to a drive system. Further included is a transfer system with a vial end that pierces the vial septum and remains in contact with the liquid, and a reservoir end that pierces the reservoir septum and remains in the reservoir volume. A controller coupled to the drive system to actuates the drive system automatically drawing fluid from the vial to the reservoir through the degas system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Colin A. Chong, Arsen Ibranyan, Eric M. Lorenzen, Edgardo C. Halili
  • Patent number: 8858501
    Abstract: A reservoir and a plunger head contained within may be configured to move relative to each other in response to at least one of the reservoir being detached from a base, the base and/or the reservoir being removed from a packaging, and the base and/or the reservoir being moved relative to each other. A first layer may be configured to define a reservoir, the first layer, which may be made of a material compatible with fluidic media in the reservoir, may be adjacent a second layer for inhibiting a diffusion through the second layer. A first layer that may be less than 0.3 mm and made of a cyclic olefin copolymer may be configured to define a reservoir. A reservoir may be defined by a wall made of a cyclic olefin copolymer and the wall may be for substantially preventing light from passing through the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin A. Chong, Eric M. Lorenzen, Rafael Bikovsky, Truong Gia Luan, Arsen Ibranyan
  • Patent number: 8795231
    Abstract: An automated reservoir filling system for a portable medical device is disclosed. The system includes a vial sealed by a septum partially filled with a liquid and a gas occupying a headspace. The system further includes a reservoir with a volume defined between a reservoir septum and a plunger head. The plunger head is coupled to a plunger arm which is further coupled to a drive system. Further included is a transfer system with a vial end that pierces the vial septum and remains in contact with the liquid, and a reservoir end that pierces the reservoir septum and remains in the reservoir volume. A controller coupled to the drive system to actuates the drive system automatically drawing fluid from the vial to the reservoir through the degas system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin A. Chong, Arsen Ibranyan, Eric M. Lorenzen, Edgardo C. Halili
  • Patent number: 8764723
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to equalizing pressure in a reservoir containing fluidic media, possibly due to imperfect installation of the reservoir or an external influence such as an altitude or a temperature change. In various embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled from the reservoir through a needle and contained in an interior volume of a pierceable member before the needle pierces the pierceable member to establish a flow path to a user. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a port of the reservoir into a chamber. In further embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a channel in a plunger head and out a passage in the reservoir when the channel and passage are aligned. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a valve, and the valve may be pierceable by a needle to establish a flow path to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin A. Chong, Julian D. Kavazov, Eric M. Lorenzen
  • Patent number: 8753326
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to equalizing pressure in a reservoir containing fluidic media, possibly due to imperfect installation of the reservoir or an external influence such as an altitude or a temperature change. In various embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled from the reservoir through a needle and contained in an interior volume of a pierceable member before the needle pierces the pierceable member to establish a flow path to a user. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a port of the reservoir into a chamber. In further embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a channel in a plunger head and out a passage in the reservoir when the channel and passage are aligned. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a valve, and the valve may be pierceable by a needle to establish a flow path to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin A. Chong, Julian D. Kavazov, Eric M. Lorenzen
  • Patent number: 8702655
    Abstract: A reservoir and a plunger head contained within may be configured to move relative to each other in response to at least one of the reservoir being detached from a base, the base and/or the reservoir being removed from a packaging, and the base and/or the reservoir being moved relative to each other. A first layer may be configured to define a reservoir, the first layer, which may be made of a material compatible with fluidic media in the reservoir, may be adjacent a second layer for inhibiting a diffusion through the second layer. A first layer that may be less than 0.3 mm and made of a cyclic olefin copolymer may be configured to define a reservoir. A reservoir may be defined by a wall made of a cyclic olefin copolymer and the wall may be for substantially preventing light from passing through the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin A. Chong, Eric M. Lorenzen, Rafael Bikovsky, Truong Gia Luan, Arsen Ibranyan
  • Patent number: 8613725
    Abstract: A reservoir includes a reservoir body portion and a collecting portion. The reservoir body portion having a wall defining an interior volume for containing fluidic media, the reservoir having a first port in the reservoir body portion to be in fluid flow communication with the interior volume, the first port for expelling fluidic media from the interior volume as a plunger is moved within the reservoir. The collecting portion having a wall defining a volume in fluid flow communication with the interior volume, the volume of the collecting portion for collecting gas bubbles in the fluidic media as the fluidic media is expelled through the first port from the interior volume of the reservoir body portion, the reservoir having a second port in the collecting portion to be in fluid flow communication with the volume of the collecting portion, the second port for receiving fluidic media into the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Julian D. Kavazov, Ian B. Hanson, Colin A. Chong, Eric M. Lorenzen, Rafael Bikovsky, Truong Gia Luan, Mike Teang Lee, Thomas P. Miller
  • Patent number: 8597269
    Abstract: At least one tab may extend through at least one opening in a retaining member configured to cover at least a portion of a head of a reservoir body and a portion of a septum supported by the head of the reservoir body. A retaining member may be configured to cover at least a portion of a first head of a reservoir body and a portion of a septum supported by the first head of the reservoir body, and the reservoir body may have a second head having at least one tab. A retaining member located in a head of a reservoir body may be for retaining a septum on the head of the reservoir body, and the head of the reservoir body may have at least one tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin A. Chong, Eric M. Lorenzen, Rafael Bikovsky, Truong Gia Luan, Arsen Ibranyan, Christopher G. Griffin, Philip J. Hudak
  • Patent number: 8597243
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to limiting a presence of air bubbles in a fluidic medium expelled from a reservoir. In various embodiments, a reservoir is shaped so as to limit a presence of air bubbles in a fluidic medium expelled from the reservoir. Also, in various embodiments, a plunger head within a reservoir is shaped so as to limit a presence of air bubbles in a fluidic medium expelled from the reservoir. In some embodiments, both a reservoir and a plunger head within the reservoir are shaped so as to limit a presence of air bubbles in a fluidic medium expelled from the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Julian D. Kavazov, Sheldon B. Moberg, Ian B. Hanson, Colin A. Chong, Eric M. Lorenzen, Rafael Bikovsky, Truong Gia Luan
  • Patent number: 8366666
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to equalizing pressure in a reservoir containing fluidic media, possibly due to imperfect installation of the reservoir or an external influence such as an altitude or a temperature change. In various embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled from the reservoir through a needle and contained in an interior volume of a pierceable member before the needle pierces the pierceable member to establish a flow path to a user. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a port of the reservoir into a chamber. In further embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a channel in a plunger head and out a passage in the reservoir when the channel and passage are aligned. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a valve, and the valve may be pierceable by a needle to establish a flow path to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin A. Chong, Julian D. Kavazov, Eric M. Lorenzen
  • Patent number: 8356645
    Abstract: A transfer guard may provide a fluid path from a vial to a reservoir containing a plunger head connected to a plunger arm operatively engagable with a handle that at least partially covers a casing configured to allow the handle to operatively engage the plunger arm to move the plunger head to transfer fluidic media from the vial to the reservoir. A support structure may have a chamber, a first adapter for mating with a vial containing fluidic media, and a second adapter for mating with a reservoir containing a plunger head moveable within the reservoir. A first needle may provide a fluid path from the vial to the reservoir and a second needle may connect the vial and the chamber containing an air flow control mechanism for allowing air to flow in one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin A. Chong, Julian D. Kavazov, Rafael Bikovsky, Arsen Ibranyan, Eric M. Lorenzen, Chad Srisathapat
  • Patent number: 8356644
    Abstract: A transfer guard may provide a fluid path from a vial to a reservoir containing a plunger head connected to a plunger arm operatively engagable with a handle that at least partially covers a casing configured to allow the handle to operatively engage the plunger arm to move the plunger head to transfer fluidic media from the vial to the reservoir. A support structure may have a chamber, a first adapter for mating with a vial containing fluidic media, and a second adapter for mating with a reservoir containing a plunger head moveable within the reservoir. A first needle may provide a fluid path from the vial to the reservoir and a second needle may connect the vial and the chamber containing an air flow control mechanism for allowing air to flow in one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin A. Chong, Julian D. Kavazov, Rafael Bikovsky, Arsen Ibranyan, Eric M. Lorenzen, Chad Srisathapat
  • Publication number: 20120323188
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fluid infusion device of the type that delivers medication fluid to the body of a patient. The device includes or cooperates with a fluid reservoir, and the device has a sealing assembly to receive and form a fluid seal with the fluid reservoir. A retractable sealing element surrounding a hollow fluid delivery needle may be used to seal a port of the fluid reservoir. The port may include a pressure vent that is sealed by the retractable sealing element. In one variation, the reservoir includes a moving valve sleeve that holds a septum. The septum moves to allow the reservoir to vent, and to form a seal with the port when the needle pierces the septum. In another variation, the device includes a needleless sealing assembly. In yet other variations, the device uses a needled fluid reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew William Yavorsky, Edgardo C. Halili, Eric M. Lorenzen
  • Patent number: 8313467
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to equalizing pressure in a reservoir containing fluidic media, possibly due to imperfect installation of the reservoir or an external influence such as an altitude or a temperature change. In various embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled from the reservoir through a needle and contained in an interior volume of a pierceable member before the needle pierces the pierceable member to establish a flow path to a user. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a port of the reservoir into a chamber. In further embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a channel in a plunger head and out a passage in the reservoir when the channel and passage are aligned. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a valve, and the valve may be pierceable by a needle to establish a flow path to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin A. Chong, Rafael Bikovsky, Julian D. Kavazov, Eric M. Lorenzen, Bradley J. Sargent, Andrew J. Scherer, Rex O. Bare
  • Publication number: 20120289925
    Abstract: A transfer guard may provide a fluid path from a vial to a reservoir containing a plunger head connected to a plunger arm operatively engagable with a handle that at least partially covers a casing configured to allow the handle to operatively engage the plunger arm to move the plunger head to transfer fluidic media from the vial to the reservoir. A support structure may have a chamber, a first adapter for mating with a vial containing fluidic media, and a second adapter for mating with a reservoir containing a plunger head moveable within the reservoir. A first needle may provide a fluid path from the vial to the reservoir and a second needle may connect the vial and the chamber containing an air flow control mechanism for allowing air to flow in one direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Colin A. Chong, Julian D. Kavazov, Rafael Bikovsky, Arsen Ibranyan, Eric M. Lorenzen, Chad Srisathapat
  • Publication number: 20120289900
    Abstract: An automated reservoir filling system for a portable medical device is disclosed. The system includes a vial sealed by a septum partially filled with a liquid and a gas occupying a headspace. The system further includes a reservoir with a volume defined between a reservoir septum and a plunger head. The plunger head is coupled to a plunger arm which is further coupled to a drive system. Further included is a transfer system with a vial end that pierces the vial septum and remains in contact with the liquid, and a reservoir end that pierces the reservoir septum and remains in the reservoir volume. A controller coupled to the drive system to actuates the drive system automatically drawing fluid from the vial to the reservoir through the degas system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Colin A. Chong, Arsen Ibranyan, Eric M. Lorenzen, Edgardo C. Halili
  • Publication number: 20120215177
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fluid infusion device of the type that delivers medication fluid to the body of a patient. The device includes or cooperates with a fluid reservoir, and the device has a sealing assembly to receive and form a fluid seal with the fluid reservoir. A retractable sealing element surrounding a hollow fluid delivery needle may be used to seal a port of the fluid reservoir. The port may include a pressure vent that is sealed by the retractable sealing element. In one variation, the reservoir includes a moving valve sleeve that holds a septum. The septum moves to allow the reservoir to vent, and to form a seal with the port when the needle pierces the septum. In another variation, the device includes a needleless sealing assembly. In yet other variations, the device uses a needled fluid reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Edgardo C. Halili, Eric M. Lorenzen, Matthew William Yavorsky
  • Publication number: 20120211947
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fluid infusion device of the type that delivers medication fluid to the body of a patient. The device includes or cooperates with a fluid reservoir, and the device has a sealing assembly to receive and form a fluid seal with the fluid reservoir. A retractable sealing element surrounding a hollow fluid delivery needle may be used to seal a port of the fluid reservoir. The port may include a pressure vent that is sealed by the retractable sealing element. In one variation, the reservoir includes a moving valve sleeve that holds a septum. The septum moves to allow the reservoir to vent, and to form a seal with the port when the needle pierces the septum. In another variation, the device includes a needleless sealing assembly. In yet other variations, the device uses a needled fluid reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Edgardo C. Halili, Eric M. Lorenzen, Matthew William Yavorsky