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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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
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Publication number: 20230226274Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2023Publication date: July 20, 2023Inventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Russell H. Beavis, John M. Kerwin, Derek G. Kane
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Patent number: 11703069Abstract: A protective mechanism for use when gripping a medical device to a rack is provided. A related system and method are also provided. The protective mechanism includes a connector, an actuation member configured to have a first end portion and a second end portion. The cover member is configured to interact with the actuation member so as to pivot to uncover the connector when the actuation member pivots in a first direction and to pivot to cover the connector when the actuation member pivots in a second direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2022Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, Stephen L. Fichera, Larry B. Gray, Thomas A. Friedrich, Erik N. Sabin, Richard J. Lanigan
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Patent number: 11701300Abstract: A fill adapter for filling a reservoir and a related method are disclosed herein. The fill adapter includes a button assembly actuator and a pump chamber plunger actuator hingeably attached to the button assembly actuator, wherein the actuation of the button assembly actuator actuates the pump chamber plunger actuator and wherein the pump chamber plunger actuator actuates a pump chamber membrane before the at least one button assembly is actuated.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2021Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Gregory R. Lanier, Jr., Richard J. Lanigan, Stephen L. Fichera, Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray
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Patent number: 11705233Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 24, 2020Date of Patent: July 18, 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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Patent number: 11690954Abstract: An optical sensor for a delivery device having a piston that displaces a substance, such as a fluid, from a reservoir. The optical sensor has a light source and a detector array for imaging encoding features disposed along a plunger rod coupled to the piston. By virtue of the pattern of encoding features, an absolute position of the plunger rod relative to a fiducial position may be determined uniquely. Thus, the volume of fluid remaining in the reservoir, the rate of fluid delivery, and proper loading of the reservoir may be accurately ascertained. Additionally, the encoding may serve to uniquely identify a version of the reservoir which may be supplied in various versions corresponding, for example, to differing concentrations of a therapeutic agent to be dispensed.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2021Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIPInventors: Marc A. Mandro, Larry B. Gray
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Patent number: 11690952Abstract: A method of dispensing a therapeutic fluid from a line includes providing an inlet line connectable to an upstream fluid source. The inlet line is in downstream fluid communication with a pumping chamber. The pumping chamber has a pump outlet. The method also includes actuating a force application assembly so as to restrict retrograde flow of fluid through the inlet while pressurizing the pumping chamber to urge flow through the pump outlet. A corresponding system employs the method.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2020Date of Patent: July 4, 2023Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Eric Yeaton
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Publication number: 20230184273Abstract: A protective mechanism for use when gripping a medical device to a rack is provided. A related system and method are also provided. The protective mechanism includes a guide member, a connector, an actuation member configured to have a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the actuation member is pivotally coupled to the guide member. The cover member is pivotally coupled to the guide member and is configured to interact with the actuation member so as to pivot to uncover the connector when the actuation member pivots in a first direction and to pivot to cover the connector when the actuation member pivots in a second direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2022Publication date: June 15, 2023Inventors: Dean Kamen, Stephen L. Fichera, Larry B. Gray, Thomas A. Friedrich, Erik N. Sabin, Richard J. Lanigan
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Patent number: 11672903Abstract: A peristaltic pump disclosed herein includes a raceway, a plunger, a motor, and a heater. The raceway is configured to retain a tube (e.g., an IV tube). The plunger acts on the tube disposed within the raceway. The motor engages the plunger to actuate the plunger. The heater is disposed in thermal-conductive contact with the tube. That is, the heater, either through direct or indirect application, heats the tube.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2019Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: John J. Biasi, Larry B. Gray, Daniel F. Pawlowski
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Publication number: 20230166031Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2022Publication date: June 1, 2023Inventors: 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: 11664106Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 15, 2019Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Jesse T. Bodwell, John M. Kerwin, Michael J. Baier, Dirk A. van der Merwe
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Patent number: 11649924Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 18, 2020Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: 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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Patent number: 11648344Abstract: A method and device for adjusting the unstored length of tubing directed to improving the use of infusion sets that deliver fluids to a user. The device includes a storage module and other features for adjusting, storing and securing the length of the tubing. The method of adjusting the length of the tubing to a desired length typically comprises removably attaching the tubing to the adjuster, adjusting the tubing by wrapping the tubing around a hub or post of the adjuster, and fixing the length of the unstored tubing by attaching the tubing to a securing device such as a friction structure or fastener.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2020Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIPInventors: Kevin L. Grant, Larry B. Gray, Matthew C. Harris, Jeffrey L. Klein, Craig R. Steinfels, Brian D. Tracey
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Patent number: 11642283Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 8, 2021Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Gregory R. Lanier, Jr., Richard J. Lanigan, Stephen L. Fichera, Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray
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Patent number: 11634311Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 20, 2022Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: 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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Publication number: 20230110597Abstract: A flow control device is disclosed. The flow control device includes a solenoid, the solenoid including an armature. Also, a piston connected to the armature. The piston includes a primary orifice. The piston having an open position and a closed position. A piston spring connected to the piston is also includes and at least one secondary orifice. The movement of the piston to the open position at least partially opens the at least one secondary orifice and the movement of the piston to the closed position at least partially closes the at least one secondary orifice. The movement of the armature actuates the piston movement and controls fluid flow from the primary orifice through the at least one secondary orifice.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2022Publication date: April 13, 2023Inventors: Russell H. Beavis, Benjamin W. Jones, John M. Kerwin, Larry B. Gray, Casey P. Manning, Felix Winkler, Robert A. Charles
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Patent number: 11617826Abstract: 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 21, 2016Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventor: Larry B. Gray
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Patent number: 11612688Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 12, 2021Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Dean Kamen, Larry B. Gray, Russell H. Beavis, John M. Kerwin, Derek G. Kane