Patents by Inventor Larry B. Gray
Larry B. Gray 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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Publication number: 20230355951Abstract: A pump for treating a patient is disclosed that includes a spring-biased plunger biased toward actuation against a tube; a cam shaft configured to actuate the spring-based plunger; a lever actuatable between a closed position and an open position; a shaft coupled to the lever, the shaft having a central axis centrally along the length of the shaft, the shaft coupled to the lever to rotate around the central axis in accordance with actuation of the lever; and a lift cam pivotally coupled to the shaft, wherein the lift cam pivots around a lift cam axis, the lift cam axis of the lift cam is parallel to the central axis of the shaft, and the lift cam engages with the spring-based plunger to lift the spring-biased plunger off of the cam shaft as the shaft rotates in accordance with actuating the lever to the open position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2023Publication date: November 9, 2023Inventors: Michael J. Baier, David Blumberg, JR., Hugh J. Boddington, Thomas A. Friedrich, Paul G. Girouard, Larry B. Gray, David C. Nivens
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Publication number: 20230360763Abstract: A peristaltic pump includes a plunger-cam follower, a tube receiver, a spring-biased plunger, a spring, a position sensor, and a processor. The plunger-cam follower engages the plunger cam to follow the plunger cam and to disengage from the plunger cam. The spring-biased plunger is coupled to the plunger-cam follower and the spring biases the spring-biased plunger toward the tube receiver. The position sensor determines a position of the spring-biased plunger when the plunger-cam follower is disengaged from the plunger came. The processor estimates fluid flow utilizing at least the position of the spring-biased plunger as indicated by the position sensor when the plunger-cam follower is disengaged from the plunger cam and the spring biases the spring-biased plunger against the tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2023Publication date: November 9, 2023Inventors: Dean Kamen, John M. Kerwin, Colin H. Murphy, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Michael J. Slate, Michael S. Place, Larry B. Gray
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Patent number: 11796371Abstract: An acoustic volume sensing device is disclosed. The device includes a housing comprising a reference volume chamber and a variable volume chamber, the reference volume chamber and the variable volume chamber connected by a resonant port, a first MEMS microphone located in acoustic relation to the variable volume chamber, a second MEMS microphone located in acoustic relation to the reference volume chamber, a MEMS speaker located in acoustic relation to the reference volume chamber, and a circuit board in electric connection with the first and second MEMS microphones and the MEMS speaker.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2021Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Gregory R. Lanier, Jr., John M. Kerwin, Colin H. Murphy, Larry B. Gray
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Patent number: 11786651Abstract: A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2020Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Russell H. Beavis
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Patent number: 11779703Abstract: 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: June 15, 2021Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: 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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Publication number: 20230304631Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2023Publication date: September 28, 2023Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20230285662Abstract: A pump for treating a patient is disclosed that includes a plunger transitionable between a first position and a second position, wherein when a tube is loaded within the pump, the plunger applying a force against the tube when in the second position; a cam shaft configured to actuate the plunger to transition the plunger from the first position to the second position; a motor coupled to the cam shaft; a heatsink to dissipate heat from the motor, the heatsink including a first part and a second part; and a housing containing at least a portion of the plunger, the cam shaft, the motor and the heatsink, the first part of the heatsink extending through a surface of the housing, the second part is thermally in contact with the motor, and the first and second parts of the heatsink are movable relative to one another to define an adjustable length.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2023Publication date: September 14, 2023Inventors: Michael J. Baier, David Blumberg, JR., Hugh J. Boddington, Thomas A. Friedrich, Paul G. Girouard, Larry B. Gray, David C. Nivens
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Patent number: 11754064Abstract: Described are fluid pumping and fluid handling systems, which may be suitable for use in medical devices, such as artificial or extracorporeal blood pumping systems. The systems can include a dual housing configuration for pneumatic actuation comprising a main housing containing a pump cassette comprising a pneumatically actuated pump and pneumatically actuated valves. The pump can include a pump actuation chamber and pump pneumatic port, and the valves can each include a valve actuation chamber and valve pneumatic port. Connecting tubes can be used to fluidly connect the pump actuation ports and valve actuation ports to a tube-support housing having a first side receiving one end of each connecting tube and a second side providing a pneumatic interface arranged to connect to an array of pneumatic receptacles on a base unit of the system to facilitate easy, compact and accurate pneumatic interconnection between the pump cassette and the base unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2020Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Brian D. Tracey, Larry B. Gray, Jason A. Demers, James D. Dale, N. Christopher Perry, Michael J. Wilt, Scott A. Leonard
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Patent number: 11756662Abstract: A peristaltic pump having at least first, second, and third stages is provided. The peristaltic pump includes a plunger, inlet and outlet valves, a spring, and an actuator. The plunger actuates toward and away from a tube, the inlet valve is upstream of the plunger, the outlet valve is downstream of the plunger, the spring biases the plunger toward the tube, and the actuator mechanically engages and disengages from the plunger. In the first stage, the inlet valve is opened and the plunger is actuated from the tube, in the second stage, the inlet valve is closed, the plunger is actuated toward the tube, and the actuator is mechanically disengaged from the plunger, and in the third stage, the outlet valve is opened. In the third stage or in a fourth stage, the actuator actuates the plunger toward the tube to discharge fluid downstream past the outlet valve.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2021Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, John M. Kerwin, Colin H. Murphy, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Michael J. Slate, Michael S. Place, Larry B. Gray
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Publication number: 20230277416Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2023Publication date: September 7, 2023Inventors: Gregory R. Lanier, JR., Richard J. Lanigan, Stephen L. Fichera, Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray
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Patent number: 11744935Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for regulating fluid flow are disclosed. An apparatus for infusing fluid into a patient includes a housing, a tube-contact member, a rotating arm, and a tube-retention cover. The housing has an opening on a front side of the housing. The opening is sized to receive a drip chamber having an inlet tube and an outlet tube. The tube-contact member contacts one of the inlet tube and the output tube of the drip chamber when inserted into the opening. The rotating arm is coupled to the tube-contact member and is configured to rotate along an axis. The tube-retention cover is configured to close when the drip chamber is initially loaded into the opening.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2017Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: James D. Dale, Stephen L. Fichera, Larry B. Gray, Dean Kamen, Matthew J. Lanigan, Frederick Morgan, Dirk A. van der Merwe, Brian H. Yoo
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Patent number: 11738139Abstract: A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2020Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventor: Larry B. Gray
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Publication number: 20230257247Abstract: A flow sensor includes a fluid chamber configured to receive a fluid. A diaphragm assembly is configured to be displaced whenever the fluid within the fluid chamber is displaced. A transducer assembly is configured to monitor the displacement of the diaphragm assembly and generate a signal based, at least in part, upon the quantity of fluid displaced within the fluid chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2023Publication date: August 17, 2023Inventors: Russell H. Beavis, Benjamin W. Jones, JR., John M. Kerwin, Larry B. Gray, Casey P. Manning, Felix Winkler, Robert A. Charles
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Patent number: 11717609Abstract: Fill stations and base stations are provided for personal pump systems. The fill stations may be opened and closed to accept a reservoir and to allow fluid to be introduced into the reservoir for use with personal pump systems. The fill stations may hold the reservoir at a tilt relative to an underlying surface and may discourage overfilling of the reservoir. The filling stations may also include viewing windows having fluid lines marked thereon for indicating volume of fluid within the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2022Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIPInventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Russell H. Beavis
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Patent number: 11712513Abstract: A repeater system may control a pump by using a repeater and a user interface. An adhesive patch system may be used for affixing a pump or other object to a human body. Such an adhesive patch system may include two sets of adhesive members, each member including an adhesive material on at least one side so as to attach to the body. The members of the first set are spaced to allow the members of the second set to attach to the body in spaces provided between the members of the first set, and the members of the second set are spaced to allow members of the first set to detach from the body without detaching the members of the second set. Also, fill stations and base stations are provided for personal pump systems.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2020Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Larry B. Gray, Eric Yeaton
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Publication number: 20230233756Abstract: A wearable infusion pump assembly. The wearable infusion pump assembly includes a reservoir for receiving an infusible fluid and a fluid delivery system configured to deliver the infusible fluid from the reservoir to an external infusion set. The fluid delivery system includes a controller, a pump assembly for extracting a quantity of infusible fluid from the reservoir and providing the quantity of infusible fluid to the external infusion set, the pump assembly comprising a pump plunger, the pump plunger having distance of travel, the distance of travel having a starting position and an ending position, at least one optical sensor assembly for sensing the starting position and ending position of the pump plunger distance of travel and sending sensor output to the controller, and a first valve assembly configured to selectively isolate the pump assembly from the reservoir, wherein the controller receives the sensor output and determines the total displacement of the pump plunger.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2023Publication date: July 27, 2023Inventors: Gregory R. Lanier, Larry B. Gray, Richard J. Lanigan, Dean Kamen, Stephen L. Fichera, John M. Kerwin
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Patent number: 11707567Abstract: A system for at least partial closed-loop control of a medical condition is disclosed. The system includes at least one medical fluid pump. The medical fluid pump including a sensor for determining the volume of fluid pumped by the pump. Also, at least one continuous analyte monitor, and a controller. The controller is in communication with the medical fluid pump and the at least one continuous analyte monitor. The controller includes a processor. The processor includes instructions for delivery of medical fluid based at least on data received from the at least one continuous analyte monitor.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2020Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, John M. Kerwin, Larry B. Gray, Marc A. Mandro, David Blumberg, Jr.
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Patent number: 11707615Abstract: A pump for treating a patient is disclosed that includes a spring-biased plunger biased toward actuation against a tube; a cam shaft configured to actuate the spring-based plunger; a lever actuatable between a closed position and an open position; a shaft coupled to the lever, the shaft having a central axis centrally along the length of the shaft, the shaft coupled to the lever to rotate around the central axis in accordance with actuation of the lever; and a lift cam pivotally coupled to the shaft, wherein the lift cam pivots around a lift cam axis, the lift cam axis of the lift cam is parallel to the central axis of the shaft, and the lift cam engages with the spring-based plunger to lift the spring-biased plunger off of the cam shaft as the shaft rotates in accordance with actuating the lever to the open position.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2019Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Michael J. Baier, David Blumberg, Jr., Hugh J. Boddington, Thomas A. Friedrich, Paul G. Girouard, Larry B. Gray, David C. Nivens
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Publication number: 20230226273Abstract: A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2023Publication date: July 20, 2023Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Russell H. Beavis
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Publication number: 20230230694Abstract: 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: March 27, 2023Publication date: July 20, 2023Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Jesse T. Bodwell, John M. Kerwin, Dirk van der Merwe, Stephen L. Fichera, Jonathan R. Thurber, Martin D. Desch