Patents by Inventor Simon C. Helmore
Simon C. Helmore 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: 20190060629Abstract: Improvements in fluid volume measurement systems are disclosed for a pneumatically actuated diaphragm pump in general, and a peritoneal dialysis cycler using a pump cassette in particular. Pump fluid volume measurements are based on pressure measurements in a pump control chamber and a reference chamber in a two-chamber model, with different sections of the apparatus being modeled using a combination of adiabatic, isothermal and polytropic processes. Real time or instantaneous fluid flow measurements in a pump chamber of a diaphragm pump are also disclosed, in this case using a one-chamber ideal gas model and using a high speed processor to obtain and process pump control chamber pressures during fluid flow into or out of the pump chamber. Improved heater control circuitry is also disclosed, to provide added or redundant safety measures, or to reduce current leakage from a heater element during pulse width modulation control of the heater.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2018Publication date: February 28, 2019Applicant: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Michael G. Norris, Jacob W. Scarpaci, Robert J. Bryant, JR., Geoffrey P. Spencer, David J. Hibbard, James D. Dale, John M. Kerwin, Andrew S. Coll, David A. Beavers, David W. McGill, Simon C. Helmore, David B. Doherty, Edgar J. Bolton, Jinsun Yoo, Paul G. Girouard, Daniel S. Karol, Daniel B. Singer, Joseph P. Rushlow
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Publication number: 20190046714Abstract: A medical treatment system, such as peritoneal dialysis system, may include control and other features to enhance patient comfort and ease of use. For example, a peritoneal dialysis system may include patient line state detector for detecting whether a patient line is primed before it is to be connected to the patient. The patient line state detector can also the ability to detect whether a patient line has been properly mounted for priming. Both patient line presence/absence and fill state can be determined using an optical system, e.g., one that employs a single optical sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2018Publication date: February 14, 2019Applicant: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Jacob W. Scarpaci, Simon C. Helmore, Eric J. VanWyk, Matthew J. Finch
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Patent number: 10201647Abstract: Improvements in fluid volume measurement systems are disclosed for a pneumatically actuated diaphragm pump in general, and a peritoneal dialysis cycler using a pump cassette in particular. Pump fluid volume measurements are based on pressure measurements in a pump control chamber and a reference chamber in a two-chamber model, with different sections of the apparatus being modeled using a combination of adiabatic, isothermal and polytropic processes. Real time or instantaneous fluid flow measurements in a pump chamber of a diaphragm pump are also disclosed, in this case using a one-chamber ideal gas model and using a high speed processor to obtain and process pump control chamber pressures during fluid flow into or out of the pump chamber. Improved heater control circuitry is also disclosed, to provide added or redundant safety measures, or to reduce current leakage from a heater element during pulse width modulation control of the heater.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2015Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Michael G. Norris, Jacob W. Scarpaci, Robert J. Bryant, Jr., Geoffrey P. Spencer, David J. Hibbard, James D. Dale, John M. Kerwin, Andrew S. Coll, David A. Beavers, David W. McGill, Simon C. Helmore, David B. Doherty, Edgar J. Bolton, Jinsun Yoo, Paul G. Girouard, Daniel S. Karol, Daniel B. Singer, Joseph P. Rushlow
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Patent number: 10172988Abstract: Components for a medical infusion fluid handling system, such as an APD system, in which one or more lines (such as solution lines), spikes or other connection ports may be automatically capped and/or de-capped. This feature may provide advantages, such as a reduced likelihood of contamination since no human interaction is required to de-cap and connect the one or more lines, the spikes or the other connection ports. For example, a fluid handling cassette may include one or more caps that cover a corresponding spike and include a raised and/or recessed feature to assist in removal of the one or more caps from the cassette. A solution line cap may include a hole and a recess, a groove or other feature to engage with a spike cap and enable removal of the spike cap.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2017Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: David W. McGill, Jacob W. Scarpaci, James D. Dale, Simon C. Helmore, Jason A. Demers
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Publication number: 20180361048Abstract: A medical treatment system, such as peritoneal dialysis system, may include control and other features to enhance patient comfort and ease of use. For example, a peritoneal dialysis system may include a control system that can adjust the volume of fluid infused into the peritoneal cavity to prevent the intraperitoneal fluid volume from exceeding a pre-determined amount. The control system can adjust by adding one or more therapy cycles, allowing for fill volumes during each cycle to be reduced. The control system may continue to allow the fluid to drain from the peritoneal cavity as completely as possible before starting the next therapy cycle. The control system may also adjust the dwell time of fluid within the peritoneal cavity during therapy cycles in order to complete a therapy within a scheduled time period.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2018Publication date: December 20, 2018Applicant: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Jacob W. Scarpaci, Robert J. Bryant, JR., Geoffrey P. Spencer, David J. Hibbard, James D. Dale, John M. Kerwin, Andrew S. Coll, David A. Beavers, David W. McGill, Simon C. Helmore
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Patent number: 10098996Abstract: A medical treatment system, such as peritoneal dialysis system, may include control and other features to enhance patient comfort and ease of use. For example, a peritoneal dialysis system may include patient line state detector for detecting whether a patient line is primed before it is to be connected to the patient. The patient line state detector can also the ability to detect whether a patient line has been properly mounted for priming. Both patient line presence/absence and fill state can be determined using an optical system, e.g., one that employs a single optical sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2016Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Jacob W. Scarpaci, Simon C. Helmore, David W. McGill
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Publication number: 20180256803Abstract: A medical infusion fluid handling system, such as an automated peritoneal dialysis system, may be arranged to de-cap and connect one or more lines (such as solution lines) with one or more spikes or other connection ports on a fluid handling cassette. This feature may reduce a likelihood of contamination since no human interaction is required to de-cap and connect the one or more lines and the one or more spikes. For example, the automated peritoneal dialysis system may include a carriage arranged to receive the one or more lines each having a connector end and a cap. The carriage may move along a first direction so as to move the connector ends of the one or more lines along the first direction, and a cap stripper may be arranged to engage with the caps on the the one or more lines on the carriage. The cap stripper may move in a second direction transverse to the first direction, as well as to move with the carriage along the first direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2018Publication date: September 13, 2018Applicant: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Simon C. Helmore, David W. McGill, David J. Hibbard, James D. Dale, Matthew J. Finch, Jesse T. Bodwell, Jason A. Demers
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Patent number: 10058694Abstract: Improvements in fluid volume measurement systems are disclosed for a pneumatically actuated diaphragm pump in general, and a peritoneal dialysis cycler using a pump cassette in particular. Pump fluid volume measurements are based on pressure measurements in a pump control chamber and a reference chamber in a two-chamber model, with different sections of the apparatus being modeled using a combination of adiabatic, isothermal and polytropic processes. Real time or instantaneous fluid flow measurements in a pump chamber of a diaphragm pump are also disclosed, in this case using a one-chamber ideal gas model and using a high speed processor to obtain and process pump control chamber pressures during fluid flow into or out of the pump chamber. Improved heater control circuitry is also disclosed, to provide added or redundant safety measures, or to reduce current leakage from a heater element during pulse width modulation control of the heater.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2015Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Michael G. Norris, Jacob W. Scarpaci, Robert J. Bryant, Jr., Geoffrey P. Spencer, David J. Hibbard, James D. Dale, John M. Kerwin, Andrew S. Coll, David A. Beavers, David W. McGill, Simon C. Helmore, David B. Doherty, Edgar J. Bolton, Jinsun Yoo, Paul G. Girouard, Daniel S. Karol, Daniel B. Singer, Joseph P. Rushlow
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Patent number: 10031069Abstract: Methods and apparatus for concentration determination using polarized light. The apparatus includes a first polarized light source having a first light source polarization axis and a second polarized light source having a second light source polarization axis generally perpendicular to the first light source polarization axis. Also, a first polarized light receiver having a first polarized light receiver polarization axis and configured to measure an intensity of light transmitted from the first light receiver polarizer and a second polarized light receiver having a second polarized light receiver polarization axis substantially perpendicular to the first light receiver polarization axis and configured to measure an intensity of light transmitted from the second light receiver polarizer, wherein the first and second light receiver polarization axes are generally +/?45 degrees relative to the first and second light source polarization axes.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2017Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Jacob W. Scarpaci, Jason M. Sachs, Simon C. Helmore
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Patent number: 9987410Abstract: A medical infusion fluid handling system, such as an automated peritoneal dialysis system, may be arranged to de-cap and connect one or more lines (such as solution lines) with one or more spikes or other connection ports on a fluid handling cassette. This feature may reduce a likelihood of contamination since no human interaction is required to de-cap and connect the one or more lines and the one or more spikes. For example, the automated peritoneal dialysis system may include a carriage arranged to receive the one or more lines each having a connector end and a cap. The carriage may move along a first direction so as to move the connector ends of the one or more lines along the first direction, and a cap stripper may be arranged to engage with the caps on the one or more lines on the carriage. The cap stripper may move in a second direction transverse to the first direction, as well as to move with the carriage along the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2015Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Simon C. Helmore, David W. McGill, David J. Hibbard, James D. Dale, Matthew J. Finch, Jesse T. Bodwell, Jason A. Demers
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Patent number: 9981079Abstract: A medical treatment system, such as peritoneal dialysis system, may include control and other features to enhance patient comfort and ease of use. For example, a peritoneal dialysis system may include a control system that can adjust the volume of fluid infused into the peritoneal cavity to prevent the intraperitoneal fluid volume from exceeding a pre-determined amount. The control system can adjust by adding one or more therapy cycles, allowing for fill volumes during each cycle to be reduced. The control system may continue to allow the fluid to drain from the peritoneal cavity as completely as possible before starting the next therapy cycle. The control system may also adjust the dwell time of fluid within the peritoneal cavity during therapy cycles in order to complete a therapy within a scheduled time period.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2017Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Jacob W. Scarpaci, Robert J. Bryant, Jr., Geoffrey P. Spencer, David J. Hibbard, James D. Dale, John M. Kerwin, Andrew S. Coll, David A. Beavers, David W. McGill, Simon C. Helmore
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Publication number: 20180104466Abstract: Components for a medical infusion fluid handling system, such as an APD system, in which one or more lines (such as solution lines), spikes or other connection ports may be automatically capped and/or de-capped. This feature may provide advantages, such as a reduced likelihood of contamination since no human interaction is required to de-cap and connect the lines, spikes or other connections. For example, a fluid handling cassette may include one or more caps that cover a corresponding spike and include a raised and/or recessed feature to assist in removal of the cap from the cassette. A solution line cap may include a hole and recess, groove or other feature to engage with a spike cap and enable removal of the cap.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2017Publication date: April 19, 2018Applicant: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: David W. McGill, Jacob W. Scarpaci, James D. Dale, Simon C. Helmore, Jason A. Demers
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Patent number: 9861732Abstract: A medical treatment system, such as peritoneal dialysis system, may include control and other features to enhance patient comfort and ease of use. A fluid trap of a peritoneal dialysis cycler may have a valved connection to a vacuum source or a positive pressure source. The fluid trap can be connected to the vacuum source in order to sealingly engage a flexible membrane of a pumping cassette to a control surface of the cycler during a therapy. Any fluid entering a space between the membrane and control surface can be drawn away and collected in the fluid trap. The fluid trap alternatively can be connected to a positive pressure source in order to aid in separating the membrane from the control surface to facilitate removal of the pumping cassette from the cycler. The fluid trap may include a liquid detection sensor.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2012Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Jacob W. Scarpaci, Robert J. Bryant, Jr., Geoffrey P. Spencer, David J. Hibbard, James D. Dale, John M. Kerwin, Andrew S. Coll, David A. Beavers, David W. McGill, Simon C. Helmore
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Patent number: 9839776Abstract: An occluder, and methods for occlusion, that employs first and second opposed occluding members associated with each other, a tube contacting member connected to, or comprising at least a portion of, at least one of the first and second occluding members, and a force actuator constructed and positioned to apply a force to at least one of the first and second occluding members. The application of the force by the force actuator may cause the tube contacting member to move between a tube occluding position and an open position. A release member may be configured and positioned to enable an operator to manually move the tube contacting member from the tube occluding position to the open position even with no force applied to the at least one of the first and second occluding members by the force actuator.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2014Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Simon C. Helmore, James D. Dale, Jesse T. Bodwell, Jason M. Overson
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Patent number: 9839775Abstract: Components for a medical infusion fluid handling system, such as an APD system, in which one or more lines (such as solution lines), spikes or other connection ports may be automatically capped and/or de-capped. This feature may provide advantages, such as a reduced likelihood of contamination since no human interaction is required to de-cap and connect the one or more lines, the spikes or the other connection ports. For example, a fluid handling cassette may include one or more caps that cover a corresponding spike and include a raised and/or recessed feature to assist in removal of the one or more caps from the cassette. A solution line cap may include a hole and a recess, a groove or other feature to engage with a spike cap and enable removal of the spike cap.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2014Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: David W. McGill, Jacob W. Scarpaci, James D Dale, Simon C. Helmore, Jason A. Demers
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Publication number: 20170276596Abstract: Methods and apparatus for concentration determination using polarized light. The apparatus includes a first polarized light source having a first light source polarization axis and a second polarized light source having a second light source polarization axis generally perpendicular to the first light source polarization axis. Also, a first polarized light receiver having a first polarized light receiver polarization axis and configured to measure an intensity of light transmitted from the first light receiver polarizer and a second polarized light receiver having a second polarized light receiver polarization axis substantially perpendicular to the first light receiver polarization axis and configured to measure an intensity of light transmitted from the second light receiver polarizer, wherein the first and second light receiver polarization axes are generally +/?45 degrees relative to the first and second light source polarization axes.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2017Publication date: September 28, 2017Inventors: Jacob W. Scarpaci, Jason M. Sachs, Simon C. Helmore
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Patent number: 9677997Abstract: Methods and apparatus for concentration determination using polarized light. The apparatus includes a first polarized light source having a first light source polarization axis and a second polarized light source having a second light source polarization axis generally perpendicular to the first light source polarization axis. Also, a first polarized light receiver having a first polarized light receiver polarization axis and configured to measure an intensity of light transmitted from the first light receiver polarizer and a second polarized light receiver having a second polarized light receiver polarization axis substantially perpendicular to the first light receiver polarization axis and configured to measure an intensity of light transmitted from the second light receiver polarizer, wherein the first and second light receiver polarization axes are generally +/?45 degrees relative to the first and second light source polarization axes.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2016Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Jacob W. Scarpaci, Jason M. Sachs, Simon C. Helmore
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Publication number: 20170157310Abstract: A medical treatment system, such as peritoneal dialysis system, may include control and other features to enhance patient comfort and ease of use. For example, a peritoneal dialysis system may include a control system that can adjust the volume of fluid infused into the peritoneal cavity to prevent the intraperitoneal fluid volume from exceeding a pre-determined amount. The control system can adjust by adding one or more therapy cycles, allowing for fill volumes during each cycle to be reduced. The control system may continue to allow the fluid to drain from the peritoneal cavity as completely as possible before starting the next therapy cycle. The control system may also adjust the dwell time of fluid within the peritoneal cavity during therapy cycles in order to complete a therapy within a scheduled time period.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2017Publication date: June 8, 2017Applicant: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: Jacob W. Scarpaci, Robert J. Bryant, JR., Geoffrey P. Spencer, David J. Hibbard, James D. Dale, John M. Kerwin, Andrew S. Coll, David A. Beavers, David W. McGill, Simon C. Helmore
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Publication number: 20170128652Abstract: A fluid handling cassette, such as that useable with an automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) cycler device or other infusion apparatus, may include a generally planar body having at least one pump chamber formed as a depression in a first side of the body and a plurality of flowpaths for a fluid that includes a channel. A patient line port may be arranged for connection to a patient line and be in fluid communication with the at least one pump chamber via at least a first one of said flowpaths, and an optional membrane may be attached to the first side of the body over the at least one pump chamber. In one embodiment, the membrane may have a pump chamber portion with an unstressed shape that generally conforms to the depression of the at least one pump chamber in the body and is arranged to be movable for movement of the fluid in a useable space of the at least one pump chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2016Publication date: May 11, 2017Applicant: DEKA Products Limited PartnershipInventors: David W. McGill, James D. Dale, Simon C. Helmore, Richard J. Lanigan, Jason A. Demers, Dean Kamen
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Publication number: 20160296687Abstract: A medical treatment system, such as peritoneal dialysis system, may include control and other features to enhance patient comfort and ease of use. For example, a peritoneal dialysis system may include patient line state detector for detecting whether a patient line is primed before it is to be connected to the patient. The patient line state detector can also the ability to detect whether a patient line has been properly mounted for priming. Both patient line presence/absence and fill state can be determined using an optical system, e.g., one that employs a single optical sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2016Publication date: October 13, 2016Inventors: Jacob W. Scarpaci, Simon C. Helmore, Eric J. VanWyk, Matthew J. Finch