Patents by Inventor Paul F. Bente, IV

Paul F. Bente, IV 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).

  • Publication number: 20150335816
    Abstract: A delivery system for delivering fluidic media to a user having a second housing portion configured to be selectively operatively engaged with and disengaged from a first housing portion, the first housing portion and the second housing portion configured to be slidable relative to each other to operatively engage each other; and a fluid connector supported by one the housing portions in a position to engage a reservoir supported by an other of the housing portions in a case where the first housing portion and the second housing portion are slid relative to each other to operatively engage each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: Ian B. Hanson, Paul F. Bente, IV
  • Publication number: 20150297827
    Abstract: A controlled delivery drive mechanism includes a drug container having a barrel and a plunger seal; a drive housing within which at least initially partially resides a piston having an interface surface and a drive rack; and a power spring. The piston is configured to contact and axially translate the plunger seal within barrel. The mechanism may be configured to convert rotational movement of a drive pinion to axial translation of the drive rack, or to convert axial force of a linear power spring into torsional motion of a drive pinion. A regulating mechanism meters the drive pinion such that the piston is axially translated at a controlled rate. The drug container may contain a drug fluid within a drug chamber for drug delivery at a controlled rate. The regulating mechanism may be an escapement regulating mechanism. A drug delivery pump includes such controlled delivery drive mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Inventors: Ian B. HANSON, Scott BEAVER, Paul F. BENTE, IV, Kevin BOKELMAN, Mark MAJETTE
  • Publication number: 20150217045
    Abstract: A variable rate controlled delivery drive mechanism includes a drive mechanism housing, at least partially within which initially resides a biasing member positioned in an initially energized state within an inner cavity of a piston. The drive mechanism may include a gear drive having one or more screws and one or more corresponding nuts. The piston contacts a plunger seal and is configured to axially translate the plunger seal, by force asserted upon it from the biasing member, from a first position to a second position within a drug container for drug delivery. The biasing member is metered from free expansion from its energized state by the gear drive and a gear assembly mechanism having a motor. A drug delivery pump utilizes such variable rate controlled delivery mechanisms. A status reader configured to recognize one or more corresponding status triggers is utilized to provide feedback to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Inventors: Paul F. Bente, IV, Ian B. Hanson, Vincent E. Mandes, Sean M. O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20150190588
    Abstract: An insertion mechanism having a vented fluid pathway includes an insertion biasing member 210, a hub 212, a needle 214, a retraction biasing member 216, and a manifold 240 having a septum 230 and a cannula 234, wherein the annular space between the septum 230 and the cannula 234 defines a manifold header 242. The manifold and fluid conduit are ventable through the membrane prior to or just after needle 214 and cannula 234 are inserted into the user. Such insertion is caused by the insertion biasing member(s) 210, after which only the needle 214 or another occlusion element is retracted. Such retraction may open a fluid pathway from the manifold header 242 to the body through the cannula 234 and/or needle 214. A drug delivery pump 10 includes such an insertion mechanism 200 having a vented fluid pathway. The drug delivery pump 10 may contain the insertion mechanism 200 having a vented fluid pathway in either an internally i or an externally tethered configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 9, 2015
    Inventors: Ian B. Hanson, Paul F. Bente, IV, Sean M. O'Connor, Jaimin B. Shah
  • Patent number: 9039659
    Abstract: A delivery system for delivering fluidic media to a user having a second housing portion configured to be selectively operatively engaged with and disengaged from a first housing portion, the first housing portion and the second housing portion configured to be slidable relative to each other to operatively engage each other; and a fluid connector supported by one the housing portions in a position to engage a reservoir supported by an other of the housing portions in a case where the first housing portion and the second housing portion are slid relative to each other to operatively engage each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Ian B. Hanson, Paul F. Bente, IV
  • Patent number: 9039653
    Abstract: A system for retaining a fluid delivery device, the fluid delivery device may include a reservoir and a plunger arm operatively connected to a plunger head arranged for movement within the reservoir, the plunger arm having an arm portion operatively engageable with a drive member configured to move the plunger arm and the plunger head when the plunger arm and the plunger head are connected to the drive member. The system may include a rigid member arranged for movement and a bias member configured to urge the rigid member toward the plunger arm to force the plunger arm against the drive member to operatively engage the plunger arm to the drive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Colin A. Chong, Eric M. Lorenzen, Rafael Bikovsky, Arsen Ibranyan, Matthew William Yavorsky, Mona-Lisa Alexander, R. Paul Mounce, Paul F. Bente, IV
  • Publication number: 20150141920
    Abstract: A drive mechanism having integrated status indication includes a drive housing, a status switch interconnect, a drive biasing member, a piston, and a drug container having a cap, a pierceable seal, a barrel, and a plunger seal, wherein the drive biasing member is configured to bear upon an interface surface of the piston. Drive mechanism may include an incremental status stem having a stem interconnect, wherein the stem resides within the drive housing and the piston, and wherein the stem has an interconnect which engages one or more contacts on the piston to provide incremental feedback. A drug delivery pump with integrated status indication includes a housing and an assembly platform, upon which an activation mechanism, an insertion mechanism, a fluid pathway connection, a power and control system, and the drive mechanism having a drug container may be mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Sean M. O'Connor, Kevin Bokelman, Ian B. Hanson, Paul F. Bente, IV
  • Patent number: 9016144
    Abstract: Apparatus are provided for sensor assemblies and related medical devices. An embodiment of a sensor assembly includes a beam and a sensing element disposed on the beam. The sensor assembly also includes a structure to prevent deflection of the beam when a force applied to the sensor assembly is greater than a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. Bente, IV, Pablo Vazquez, Ian B. Hanson, Afshin Bazargan
  • Patent number: 8998840
    Abstract: A delivery system for delivering fluidic media to a user having a second housing portion configured to be selectively operatively engaged with and disengaged from a first housing portion, the first housing portion and the second housing portion configured to be slidable relative to each other to operatively engage each other; and a fluid connector supported by one the housing portions in a position to engage a reservoir supported by an other of the housing portions in a case where the first housing portion and the second housing portion are slid relative to each other to operatively engage each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian B. Hanson, Paul F. Bente, IV
  • Publication number: 20150057613
    Abstract: A sterile fluid pathway connector includes a piercing member, a connector hub, and a pierceable seal; wherein at least a portion of the pierceable seal is configured to move from a first position in which the piercing member is retained within a sterile cavity between the pierceable seal and the connector hub, to a second position in which the pierceable seal has been penetrated by the piercing member. A filter may be utilized to enclose the sterile cavity from the outside environment. Such fluid pathway connections may be integrated into a fluid container having a barrel and a plunger seal. The components of the fluid pathway connector may further be capable of transmitting a signal to the user upon completion of fluid delivery, for example, upon contact between the plunger seal and the pierceable seal. A fluid delivery pump includes such integrated fluid pathway connectors and fluid containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Matthew J. Clemente, Ian B. Hanson, Paul F. Bente, IV
  • Patent number: 8939935
    Abstract: A drive mechanism having integrated status indication includes a drive housing, a status switch interconnect, a drive biasing member, a piston, and a drug container having a cap, a pierceable seal, a barrel, and a plunger seal, wherein the drive biasing member is configured to bear upon an interface surface of the piston. Drive mechanism may include an incremental status stem having a stem interconnect, wherein the stem resides within the drive housing and the piston, and wherein the stem has an interconnect which engages one or more contacts on the piston to provide incremental feedback. A drug delivery pump with integrated status indication includes a housing and an assembly platform, upon which an activation mechanism, an insertion mechanism, a fluid pathway connection, a power and control system, and the drive mechanism having a drug container may be mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Unitract Syringe Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Sean M. O'Connor, Kevin Bokelman, Ian B. Hanson, Paul F. Bente, IV
  • Patent number: 8858500
    Abstract: A delivery device for delivering fluidic media may include a second housing portion configured to be selectively engaged with and disengaged from a first housing portion adapted to be carried by a user, a drive device configured to be operatively engageable with a plunger arm connected to a plunger head arranged for movement in an axial direction of a reservoir supported by one of the first and second housing portion to drive fluidic media from the reservoir, a drive linkage for operatively engaging the drive device with the plunger arm for allowing the drive device to move the plunger arm, the drive device including a first gear engageable with the plunger arm and a second gear configured for lateral movement to allow the second gear to engage the plunger arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian B. Hanson, Paul F. Bente, IV
  • Publication number: 20140296787
    Abstract: A drive mechanism includes a housing, a piston adapted to impart movement to a plunger seal within a drug container, a plurality of biasing members disposed in parallel, and a retainer. The biasing members are disposed to release energy to cause movement of the piston from a retracted first position to the extended second position, the piston bearing against the plunger seal to dispense medicine. The retainer is disposed to maintain the biasing members in the energized position and to release the biasing members to permit the piston to dispense the medicine. The drive mechanism may also include an end-of-dose indicator to identify at least one of when the sleeve assembly is disposed subjacent a window in the housing, the relative motion of the sleeve assembly with reference to the window or another reference component, the stoppage of such motion, and the rated or change of rate of motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Ryan M. Agard, Ian B. Hanson, Nicholas J. Ciccarelli, Sean M. O'Connor, Kevin Bokelman, Paul F. Bente, IV, John C. Love, Christopher Edward Hatch
  • Patent number: 8840587
    Abstract: A system includes a durable portion with a durable housing and a separable disposable portion with a disposable housing that selectively engage with and disengage from each other. The disposable housing secures to a patient and may be disposed of after it has been in use for a prescribed period. Components that normally come into contact with a patient or with an infusion medium may be part of the disposable portion to allow for disposal after a prescribed use. A reservoir for holding the infusion medium may be part of the disposable portion, and may be supported by the disposable housing. The durable portion may include other components such as electronics for controlling delivery of the infusion medium from the reservoir, and a drive device including a motor and drive linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. Bente, IV, Ian B. Hanson, Sheldon B. Moberg, R. Paul Mounce, Paul H. Kovelman, Julian D. Kavazov, Truong Gia Luan
  • Patent number: 8840586
    Abstract: A system includes a durable portion with a durable housing and a separable disposable portion with a disposable housing that selectively engage with and disengage from each other. The disposable housing secures to a patient and may be disposed of after it has been in use for a prescribed period. Components that normally come into contact with a patient or with an infusion medium may be part of the disposable portion to allow for disposal after a prescribed use. A reservoir for holding the infusion medium may be part of the disposable portion, and may be supported by the disposable housing. The durable portion may include other components such as electronics for controlling delivery of the infusion medium from the reservoir, and a drive device including a motor and drive linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. Bente, IV, Ian B. Hanson, Sheldon B. Moberg, R. Paul Mounce, Paul H. Kovelman, Julian D. Kavazov, Truong Gia Luan
  • Publication number: 20140213975
    Abstract: A fluid pathway connection includes a piercing member, a connection hub, and a sliding pierceable seal, wherein the sliding pierceable seal is configured to move from a first position, where the piercing member is initially retained within a sterile cavity between the connection hub and the sliding pierceable seal, to a second position, where the pierceable seal has been penetrated by the piercing member. A filter may be utilized to enclose the sterile cavity from the outside environment. The fluid pathway connection may further be configured to move to a third position where one or more interconnects and/or one or more corresponding contacts are permitted to transmit a signal to the user. Such fluid pathway connections may be integrated into a drug container having a barrel and a plunger seal. A drug delivery pump includes such integrated fluid pathway connections and drug containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Matthew J. Clemente, Ian B. Hanson, Paul F. Bente, IV, Ryan M. Agard, Nicholas J. Ciccarelli
  • Publication number: 20140200510
    Abstract: A drive mechanism includes a housing, a piston adapted to impart movement to a plunger seal within a drug container, a plurality of biasing members disposed in parallel, and a retainer. The biasing members are disposed to release energy to cause movement of the piston from a retracted first position to the extended second position, the piston bearing against the plunger seal to dispense medicine. The retainer is disposed to maintain the biasing members in the energized position and to release the biasing members to permit the piston to dispense the medicine. The drive mechanism may also include an end-of-dose indicator to identify at least one of when the sleeve assembly is disposed subjacent a window in the housing, the relative motion of the sleeve assembly with reference to the window or another reference component, the stoppage of such motion, and the rated or change of rate of motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventors: Ryan M. Agard, Ian B. Hanson, Nicholas J. Ciccarelli, Sean M. O'Connor, Kevin Bokelman, Paul F. Bente, IV
  • Publication number: 20140158873
    Abstract: A motor may be configured to drive a drive shaft and an engagement member supported on the drive shaft. A detectable feature comprising a rotary member may be supported on the drive shaft such that movement of the drive shaft by the motor changes a state of the detectable feature. At least one sensor may be arranged to detect the state of the detectable feature. Circuitry may be configured to provide a signal in response to a change in the state of the detectable feature detected by the at least one sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Ian B. HANSON, Paul F. BENTE,, IV, Jacques L. Favreau, Lothar Westerweck
  • Patent number: 8674288
    Abstract: A motor may be configured to drive a drive shaft and an engagement member supported on the drive shaft. A detectable feature comprising a rotary member may be supported on the drive shaft such that movement of the drive shaft by the motor changes a state of the detectable feature. At least one sensor may be arranged to detect the state of the detectable feature. Circuitry may be configured to provide a signal in response to a change in the state of the detectable feature detected by the at least one sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian B. Hanson, Paul F. Bente, IV, Jacques L. Favreau, Lothar Westerweck
  • Patent number: D723157
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Unitract Syringe Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Matthew J. Clemente, Ian B. Hanson, Paul F. Bente, IV, Ryan M. Agard, Nicholas J. Ciccarelli, Kun-Chi Wu