Patents by Inventor Steven R. Christenson

Steven R. Christenson 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).

  • Patent number: 9737660
    Abstract: A therapeutic fluid delivery device that includes at least one controllable valve is generally described. In one example, an implantable therapeutic fluid delivery system includes a first fluid pathway configured to convey a first therapeutic fluid and a second fluid pathway configured to convey a second therapeutic fluid, the second fluid pathway being separate from the first fluid pathway. The therapeutic fluid delivery system includes a valve connected to the first fluid pathway and the second fluid pathway, and a processor configured to control actuation of the valve to open and close the first fluid pathway and to open and close the second fluid pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Reginald D. Robinson, Mary E. Robischon, Bernard Q. Li, Irfan Z. Ali, Steven R. Christenson, Keith A. Miesel
  • Patent number: 9259530
    Abstract: An implantable infusion device includes a positive pressure reservoir, a pump, a flow restrictor, and an outlet. The device includes a first fluid flow path from the reservoir to the outlet, where the pump is downstream of the reservoir, and the outlet is downstream of the pump. The device further includes a second fluid flow path from the reservoir to the outlet, where the flow restrictor is downstream of the reservoir, and the outlet is downstream of the restrictor. The device may also include one or more controllable, MRI-safe valves to select whether fluid is delivered via the first or second flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven R. Christenson
  • Publication number: 20140371544
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and techniques for analyzing video information to objectively identify patient behavior are disclosed. A system may analyze obtained video information of patient motion during a period of time to track one or more anatomical regions through a plurality of frames of the video information and calculate one or more movement parameters of the one or more anatomical regions. The system may also compare the one or more movement parameters to respective criteria for each of a plurality of predetermined patient behaviors and identify the patient behaviors that occurred during the period of time. In some examples, a device may control therapy delivery according to the identified patient behaviors and/or sensed parameters previously calibrated based on the identified patient behaviors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jianping Wu, Dwight E. Nelson, Chih Lai, Xuan Wei, Steven R. Christenson
  • Patent number: 8608729
    Abstract: An implantable infusion device for delivering a fluid medication to a patient. The infusion device has an internal bacterial filter positioned between the reservoir and the pump, configured to provide a pathway for fluid to be pulled from the reservoir to the pump, regardless of the orientation of the infusion device. The configuration of the filter provides a fluid pathway from the reservoir to the pump, even in the presence of a gas bubble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven R. Christenson
  • Patent number: 8444609
    Abstract: A system including an implantable delivery device having a housing, a reservoir, fill and catheter access ports, and a denial device. The housing maintains the fill port in fluid communication with the reservoir. The catheter access port includes a septum between an inlet and a well. The denial device includes a pin, a biasing element, and a solenoid. The pin is arranged to be movable between a first position in which the pin blocks passage of a needle into the well and a second position, with the biasing element biasing the pin to the first position. The solenoid is operatively coupled to the pin and provides an energized and de-energized states; in the energized state, the solenoid moves the pin from the first position to the second position to permit access to the well. An external controller effectuating clinician control over operation of the denial device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Christenson, Irfan Z. Ali
  • Publication number: 20120053514
    Abstract: A therapeutic fluid delivery device that includes at least one controllable valve is generally described. In one example, an implantable therapeutic fluid delivery system includes a first fluid pathway configured to convey a first therapeutic fluid and a second fluid pathway configured to convey a second therapeutic fluid, the second fluid pathway being separate from the first fluid pathway. The therapeutic fluid delivery system includes a valve connected to the first fluid pathway and the second fluid pathway, and a processor configured to control actuation of the value to open and close the first fluid pathway and to open and close the second fluid pathway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Reginald D. Robinson, Mary E. Robischon, Bernard Q. Li, Irfan Z. Ali, Steven R. Christenson, Keith A. Miesel
  • Publication number: 20110125137
    Abstract: An implantable infusion device includes a positive pressure reservoir, a pump, a flow restrictor, and an outlet. The device includes a first fluid flow path from the reservoir to the outlet, where the pump is downstream of the reservoir, and the outlet is downstream of the pump. The device further includes a second fluid flow path from the reservoir to the outlet, where the flow restrictor is downstream of the reservoir, and the outlet is downstream of the restrictor. The device may also include one or more controllable, MRI-safe valves to select whether fluid is delivered via the first or second flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventor: Steven R. Christenson
  • Publication number: 20090264870
    Abstract: An implantable infusion device for delivering a fluid medication to a patient. The infusion device has an internal bacterial filter positioned between the reservoir and the pump, configured to provide a pathway for fluid to be pulled from the reservoir to the pump, regardless of the orientation of the infusion device. The configuration of the filter provides a fluid pathway from the reservoir to the pump, even in the presence of a gas bubble.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventor: Steven R. Christenson
  • Patent number: 7434312
    Abstract: An implantable drug infusion device includes a pump tube for holding a liquid to be pumped. A race is configured to support the pump tube. A roller assembly is configured to compress the tube against the race at one or more points along the path, and the roller assembly includes at least one roller and a hub. A drive assembly drives the roller assembly relative to the tube along the path so as to move the liquid through the tube. A retracting roller is operably connected to the hub and/or one or more adjacent rollers to permit retraction of the roller during installation of the pump tube between the roller and the race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Christenson, Reginald D. Robinson, Kenneth T. Heruth, James M. Haase, Mandred K. Luedi
  • Patent number: 7264611
    Abstract: A medical device known as an implantable infusion device is configured for implanting in humans to deliver a therapeutic substance such as pharmaceutical compositions, genetic materials, and biologics to treat a variety of medical conditions such as pain, spasticity, cancer, and many other conditions. The infusion device incorporates a motor coil connector and mechanical sealing system between the clean motor compartment and the potentially corrosive pump compartment that provides a reliable electrical connection between the motor coil and the motor drive electronics. The motor coil connector provides for bonding of a very small diameter coil wire to one end of the connector and a highly corrosion resistant connection at the other end of the connector. Additionally, the motor coil connector and mechanical sealing system provides a seal against harmful corrosion materials that could emanate from the pump compartment and reach the motor compartment and cause malfunction of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Christenson, Mark S. Lent, Christian Peclat
  • Publication number: 20040199118
    Abstract: An implantable drug infusion device includes a pump tube for holding a liquid to be pumped. A race is configured to support the pump tube. A roller assembly is configured to compress the tube against the race at one or more points along the path, and the roller assembly includes at least one roller and a hub. A drive assembly drives the roller assembly relative to the tube along the path so as to move the liquid through the tube. A retracting roller is operably connected to the hub and/or one or more adjacent rollers to permit retraction of the roller during installation of the pump tube between the roller and the race.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Christenson, Reginald D. Robinson, Kenneth T. Heruth, James M. Haase, Manfred K. Luedi
  • Patent number: 6743204
    Abstract: An implantable drug infusion device includes a pump tube for holding a liquid to be pumped. A race is configured to support the pump tube. A roller assembly is configured to compress the tube against the race at one or more points along the path, and the roller assembly includes at least one roller and a hub. A drive assembly drives the roller assembly relative to the tube along the path so as to move the liquid through the tube. A retracting roller is operably connected to the hub and/or one or more adjacent rollers to permit retraction of the roller during installation of the pump tube between the roller and the race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Christenson, Reginald D. Robinson, Kenneth T. Heruth, James M. Haase, Manfred Luedi
  • Patent number: 6733476
    Abstract: An implantable drug infusion device includes a pump tube for holding a liquid to be pumped. A race is configured to support the pump tube. A roller assembly is configured to compress the tube against the race at one or more points along the path, and the roller assembly includes at least one roller. A drive assembly drives the roller assembly relative to the tube along the path so as to move the liquid through the tube. At least two biasing members are operably connected to the roller to bias the roller against the tube, the two biasing members forming an angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Christenson, James Randall, Micheal Thomas Hegland, James M. Haase, Mark S. Lent, William H. Monsen
  • Publication number: 20030225372
    Abstract: A medical device known as an implantable infusion device is configured for implanting in humans to deliver a therapeutic substance such as pharmaceutical compositions, genetic materials, and biologics to treat a variety of medical conditions such as pain, spasticity, cancer, and many other conditions. The infusion device incorporates a motor coil connector and mechanical sealing system between the clean motor compartment and the potentially corrosive pump compartment that provides a reliable electrical connection between the motor coil and the motor drive electronics. The motor coil connector provides for bonding of a very small diameter coil wire to one end of the connector and a highly corrosion resistant connection at the other end of the connector. Additionally, the motor coil connector and mechanical sealing system provides a seal against harmful corrosion materials that could emanate from the pump compartment and reach the motor compartment and cause malfunction of the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Steven R. Christenson, Mark S. Lent, Christian Peclat
  • Patent number: 6645176
    Abstract: An implantable drug infusion device includes a pump tube for holding a liquid to be pumped. A race is configured to support the tube. A roller assembly is configured to compress the tube against the race at one or more points along the path, and the roller assembly includes at least one roller. A drive assembly drives the roller assembly relative to the tube along the path so as to move the liquid through the tube. A biasing member is operably connected to the at least one roller to bias the at least one roller against the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Christenson, Reginald D. Robinson, Kenneth T. Heruth, James M. Haase, James Randall, Christian Pèclat, Manfred K. Lüedi
  • Patent number: 6626867
    Abstract: An implantable drug infusion device includes a pump tube for holding a liquid to be pumped. A race is configured to support the tube. A roller assembly is configured to compress the tube against the race at one or more points along the path, and the roller assembly includes at least one roller. A tube guide is operably connected to the roller assembly to align the pump tube with respect to a corresponding roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Christenson, Reginald D. Robinson, James M. Haase, Manfred K. Lüedi
  • Patent number: 6485464
    Abstract: An implantable drug infusion device includes a pumphead assembly and a motor assembly operably connected to the pumphead assembly. The motor assembly is adjacent to and laterally offset from the pumphead assembly, advantageously reducing the overall height of the implantable drug infusion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Christenson, Reginald D. Robinson, Kenneth T. Heruth, James Randall, Manfred K. L{overscore (u)}edi, Christian Pèclat
  • Publication number: 20020173755
    Abstract: An implantable drug infusion device includes a pump tube for holding a liquid to be pumped. A race is configured to support the pump tube. A roller assembly is configured to compress the tube against the race at one or more points along the path, and the roller assembly includes at least one roller. A drive assembly drives the roller assembly relative to the tube along the path so as to move the liquid through the tube. At least two biasing members are operably connected to the roller to bias the roller against the tube, the two biasing members forming an angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Steven R. Christenson, James Randall, Michael Thomas Hegland, James M. Haase, Mark S. Lent, William H. Monsen
  • Publication number: 20020151846
    Abstract: An implantable drug infusion device includes a pump tube for holding a liquid to be pumped. A race is configured to support the pump tube. A roller assembly is configured to compress the tube against the race at one or more points along the path, and the roller assembly includes at least one roller and a hub. A drive assembly drives the roller assembly relative to the tube along the path so as to move the liquid through the tube. A retracting roller is operably connected to the hub and/or one or more adjacent rollers to permit retraction of the roller during installation of the pump tube between the roller and the race.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: Steven R. Christenson, Reginald D. Robinson, Kenneth T. Heruth, James M. Haase, Manfred K. Luedi