Patents by Inventor Steve Chow

Steve Chow 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: 20200197600
    Abstract: Infusion systems, infusion devices, and related operating methods are provided. An exemplary infusion device includes a motor operable to deliver fluid to a body of a user, a first control module to enable input power for the motor and provide a dosage command for operating the motor, and a second control module coupled to the first control module to receive the dosage command and operate the motor using at least a portion of the input power based at least in part on the dosage command. One of the first control module and the second control module detects an anomalous condition, and in response, disables the input power to the motor, stores diagnostic information for the anomalous condition in its internal memory, and automatically resets thereafter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Inventors: Steve Chow, Alexander S. Campbell, Yongbo Wang, Thomas W. Collins, Linda I. Torres
  • Patent number: 10617816
    Abstract: Infusion systems, infusion devices, and related operating methods are provided. An exemplary infusion device includes a motor operable to deliver fluid to a body of a user, a first control module to enable input power for the motor and provide a dosage command for operating the motor, and a second control module coupled to the first control module to receive the dosage command and operate the motor using at least a portion of the input power based at least in part on the dosage command. One of the first control module and the second control module detects an anomalous condition, and in response, disables the input power to the motor, stores diagnostic information for the anomalous condition in its internal memory, and automatically resets thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Chow, Alexander S. Campbell, Yongbo Wang, Thomas W. Collins, Linda I. Torres
  • Patent number: 10275572
    Abstract: A fluid infusion device and related operating methods are presented here. An exemplary embodiment of the device includes a drive motor assembly, a force sensor associated with the drive motor assembly, and a reservoir cavity that accommodates fluid reservoirs. An exemplary operating method for the device obtains force measurements for a reservoir seating action of the drive motor assembly, where the force measurements indicate measures of force imparted to the force sensor during the reservoir seating action. The method continues by determining that a vent in the reservoir cavity is blocked, based on an analysis of the force measurements, and by initiating corrective action for the fluid infusion device in response to determining that the vent in the reservoir cavity is blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Juan M. Alderete, Jr., Alexander S. Campbell, Steve Chow, Hsiao-Yu S. Kow, Salman Monirabbasi, Dmytro Y. Sokolovskyy, Andrew E. Weaver
  • Patent number: 10137243
    Abstract: Infusion systems, infusion devices, and related operating methods are provided. An exemplary infusion device includes a motor operable to deliver fluid to a body of a user, a first control module, and a second control module. The first control module and the second control module are coupled to one another. The first control module enables input power for the motor in accordance with a handshaking sequence of communications between the first control module and the second control module and provides a dosage command to the second control module, with the second control module operating the motor using the input power based on the dosage command in accordance with the handshaking sequence of communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Yongbo Wang, Steve Chow, David P. Lewinski, Linda I. Torres, Alexander S. Campbell
  • Patent number: 10130757
    Abstract: A medical therapy system including liquid detection is disclosed. A medical therapy includes a case with an interior and an exterior. Within the interior of the case is the liquid detection system that includes a first electrode set with a first positive electrode and a first negative electrode. The liquid detection system further includes an impedance measurement circuit coupled to the first electrode set to determine impedance values between the first positive electrode and the first negative electrode. A threshold detector compares impedance values between the first electrode set to a first threshold impedance. A microprocessor is programmed to initiate an alarm when measured impedance from the first electrode set is below the first threshold impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Yongbo Wang, Steve Chow
  • Publication number: 20180256813
    Abstract: Infusion systems, infusion devices, and related operating methods are provided. An exemplary infusion device includes a motor operable to deliver fluid to a body of a user, a first control module to enable input power for the motor and provide a dosage command for operating the motor, and a second control module coupled to the first control module to receive the dosage command and operate the motor using at least a portion of the input power based at least in part on the dosage command. One of the first control module and the second control module detects an anomalous condition, and in response, disables the input power to the motor, stores diagnostic information for the anomalous condition in its internal memory, and automatically resets thereafter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: Steve Chow, Alexander S. Campbell, Yongbo Wang, Thomas W. Collins, Linda I. Torres
  • Patent number: 9999721
    Abstract: Infusion systems, infusion devices, and related operating methods are provided. An exemplary infusion device includes a motor operable to deliver fluid to a body of a user, a first control module to enable input power for the motor and provide a dosage command for operating the motor, and a second control module coupled to the first control module to receive the dosage command and operate the motor using at least a portion of the input power based at least in part on the dosage command. One of the first control module and the second control module detects an anomalous condition, and in response, disables the input power to the motor, stores diagnostic information for the anomalous condition in its internal memory, and automatically resets thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Chow, Alexander S. Campbell, Yongbo Wang, Thomas W. Collins, Linda I. Torres
  • Patent number: 9795732
    Abstract: Apparatus are provided for infusion devices and related systems and operating methods. An exemplary system includes a motor, a sensing arrangement coupled to the motor to provide output indicative of a detected characteristic of the motor when the sensing arrangement is enabled, and a module coupled to the sensing arrangement to periodically enable the sensing arrangement while the motor is idle and detect potential unintended motion of the motor based on the output from the sensing arrangement while periodically enabling the sensing arrangement. In some embodiments, the motor includes a rotor configured such that its rotation provides translational displacement of a plunger in a fluid reservoir, and the sensing arrangement includes one or more sensors configured to provide output indicative of a detected magnetic field of the rotor magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam S. Trock, Hsiao-Yu S. Kow, Nichole R. Mattson, Steve Chow, Alexander S. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20160346458
    Abstract: Infusion systems, infusion devices, and related operating methods are provided. An exemplary infusion device includes a motor operable to deliver fluid to a body of a user, a first control module, and a second control module. The first control module and the second control module are coupled to one another. The first control module enables input power for the motor in accordance with a handshaking sequence of communications between the first control module and the second control module and provides a dosage command to the second control module, with the second control module operating the motor using the input power based on the dosage command in accordance with the handshaking sequence of communications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Yongbo Wang, Steve Chow, David P. Lewinski, Linda I. Torres, Alexander S. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20160346459
    Abstract: Infusion systems, infusion devices, and related operating methods are provided. An exemplary infusion device includes a motor operable to deliver fluid to a body of a user, a first control module to enable input power for the motor and provide a dosage command for operating the motor, and a second control module coupled to the first control module to receive the dosage command and operate the motor using at least a portion of the input power based at least in part on the dosage command. One of the first control module and the second control module detects an anomalous condition, and in response, disables the input power to the motor, stores diagnostic information for the anomalous condition in its internal memory, and automatically resets thereafter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Steve Chow, Alexander S. Campbell, Yongbo Wang, Thomas W. Collins, Linda I. Torres
  • Publication number: 20160339171
    Abstract: Apparatus are provided for infusion devices and related systems and operating methods. An exemplary system includes a motor, a sensing arrangement coupled to the motor to provide output indicative of a detected characteristic of the motor when the sensing arrangement is enabled, and a module coupled to the sensing arrangement to periodically enable the sensing arrangement while the motor is idle and detect potential unintended motion of the motor based on the output from the sensing arrangement while periodically enabling the sensing arrangement. In some embodiments, the motor includes a rotor configured such that its rotation provides translational displacement of a plunger in a fluid reservoir, and the sensing arrangement includes one or more sensors configured to provide output indicative of a detected magnetic field of the rotor magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Adam S. Trock, Hsiao-Yu S. Kow, Nichole R. Mattson, Steve Chow, Alexander S. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20160317739
    Abstract: A medical therapy system including liquid detection is disclosed. A medical therapy includes a case with an interior and an exterior. Within the interior of the case is the liquid detection system that includes a first electrode set with a first positive electrode and a first negative electrode. The liquid detection system further includes an impedance measurement circuit coupled to the first electrode set to determine impedance values between the first positive electrode and the first negative electrode. A threshold detector compares impedance values between the first electrode set to a first threshold impedance. A microprocessor is programmed to initiate an alarm when measured impedance from the first electrode set is below the first threshold impedance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventors: Yongbo Wang, Steve Chow
  • Patent number: 9433731
    Abstract: Apparatus are provided for infusion devices and related systems and operating methods. An exemplary system includes a motor, a sensing arrangement coupled to the motor to provide output indicative of a detected characteristic of the motor when the sensing arrangement is enabled, and a module coupled to the sensing arrangement to periodically enable the sensing arrangement while the motor is idle and detect potential unintended motion of the motor based on the output from the sensing arrangement while periodically enabling the sensing arrangement. In some embodiments, the motor includes a rotor configured such that its rotation provides translational displacement of a plunger in a fluid reservoir, and the sensing arrangement includes one or more sensors configured to provide output indicative of a detected magnetic field of the rotor magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam S. Trock, Hsiao-Yu S. Kow, Nichole R. Mattson, Steve Chow, Alexander S. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20150314068
    Abstract: A fluid infusion device and related operating methods are presented here. An exemplary embodiment of the device includes a drive motor assembly, a force sensor associated with the drive motor assembly, and a reservoir cavity that accommodates fluid reservoirs. An exemplary operating method for the device obtains force measurements for a reservoir seating action of the drive motor assembly, where the force measurements indicate measures of force imparted to the force sensor during the reservoir seating action. The method continues by determining that a vent in the reservoir cavity is blocked, based on an analysis of the force measurements, and by initiating corrective action for the fluid infusion device in response to determining that the vent in the reservoir cavity is blocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Juan M. Alderete, Jr., Alexander S. Campbell, Steve Chow, Hsiao-Yu S. Kow, Salman Monirabbasi, Dmytro Y. Sokolovskyy, Andrew E. Weaver
  • Patent number: 8970388
    Abstract: A portable electronic device, such as a fluid infusion device, obtains its operating power from a primary battery and a secondary battery. The primary battery may be a replaceable battery, and the secondary battery may be a rechargeable battery that can be charged with the primary battery under certain conditions. The device utilizes a power management scheme that transitions between the primary battery and/or the secondary battery to prolong the useful life of the primary battery. The device may also generate an intelligent battery life indicator that displays an accurate representation of the remaining life of the primary battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Trock, Jon Spurlin, Michael Ortega, Seth Kazarians, Steve Chow, Steven Vargas, Belinda Lee, David Lewinski, Gabor Oroszlan
  • Publication number: 20150025499
    Abstract: Apparatus are provided for infusion devices and related systems and operating methods. An exemplary system includes a motor, a sensing arrangement coupled to the motor to provide output indicative of a detected characteristic of the motor when the sensing arrangement is enabled, and a module coupled to the sensing arrangement to periodically enable the sensing arrangement while the motor is idle and detect potential unintended motion of the motor based on the output from the sensing arrangement while periodically enabling the sensing arrangement. In some embodiments, the motor includes a rotor configured such that its rotation provides translational displacement of a plunger in a fluid reservoir, and the sensing arrangement includes one or more sensors configured to provide output indicative of a detected magnetic field of the rotor magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Adam S. Trock, Hsiao-Yu S. Kow, Nichole R. Mattson, Steve Chow, Alexander S. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20140049397
    Abstract: A portable electronic device, such as a fluid infusion device, obtains its operating power from a primary battery and a secondary battery. The primary battery may be a replaceable battery, and the secondary battery may be a rechargeable battery that can be charged with the primary battery under certain conditions. The device utilizes a power management scheme that transitions between the primary battery and/or the secondary battery to prolong the useful life of the primary battery. The device may also generate an intelligent battery life indicator that displays an accurate representation of the remaining life of the primary battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Adam TROCK, Jon SPURLIN, Michael ORTEGA, Seth KAZARIANS, Steve CHOW, Steven VARGAS, Belinda LEE, David LEWINSKI, Gabor OROSZLAN
  • Patent number: 8564447
    Abstract: A portable electronic device, such as a fluid infusion device, obtains its operating power from a primary battery and a secondary battery. The primary battery may be a replaceable battery, and the secondary battery may be a rechargeable battery that can be charged with the primary battery under certain conditions. The device utilizes a power management scheme that transitions between the primary battery and/or the secondary battery to prolong the useful life of the primary battery. The device may also generate an intelligent battery life indicator that displays an accurate representation of the remaining life of the primary battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Trock, Jon Spurlin, Michael Ortega, Seth Kazarians, Steve Chow, Steven Vargas, Belinda Lee, David Lewinski, Gabor Oroszlan
  • Publication number: 20120235823
    Abstract: A portable electronic device, such as a fluid infusion device, obtains its operating power from a primary battery and a secondary battery. The primary battery may be a replaceable battery, and the secondary battery may be a rechargeable battery that can be charged with the primary battery under certain conditions. The device utilizes a power management scheme that transitions between the primary battery and/or the secondary battery to prolong the useful life of the primary battery. The device may also generate an intelligent battery life indicator that displays an accurate representation of the remaining life of the primary battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Adam TROCK, Jon SPURLIN, Michael ORTEGA, Seth KAZARIANS, Steve CHOW, Steven VARGAS, Belinda LEE, David LEWINSKI, Gabor OROSZLAN
  • Patent number: 5594788
    Abstract: An improved telephone interface device communicatively couples a local telephone set to an inside telephone wire which, in turn, is communicatively coupled to an outside telephone line from a central office of a telephone service provider. The interface device includes an on-hold switch, a ring detector, a tone decoder, and a coupling switch, all of which are coupled to the bridge via an internal signal line and a control computer. The touch tone decoder receives input tone sequences from the bridge, decodes the tone sequence, and outputs a bit signal to the control computer. The on-hold switch is responsive to a command from the control computer, and is operative to maintain the signal line at a first predetermined voltage. The coupling switch communicatively couples the signal line to a node line. When the node line is coupled to the signal line, a user at the local telephone set may communicate with another user in the home, or with an outside user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventors: Stephen T. Lin, Bing-Heng Huang, Steve Chow