Patents by Inventor Thomas P. Miller

Thomas P. Miller 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: 20240017022
    Abstract: A device for delivering fluid to a user includes a fluid reservoir for holding the fluid, the fluid reservoir defining an internal volume and a stopper positioned in the internal volume of the fluid reservoir, wherein the stopper is formed with a cavity. The device further includes a piston having a distal end received within the cavity of the stopper and an actuator coupled to the piston for driving the piston into the internal volume of the fluid reservoir. Also, the device includes a coupling device for engaging the piston in the cavity of the stopper at a desired position and a sensor for determining whether the piston is engaged in the cavity of the stopper at the desired position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2023
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Inventors: Amith Wijesuriya, Ryan A. Peck, Thomas P. Miller, Burke K. Chan, Victor A. Sanchez
  • Patent number: 11724045
    Abstract: A device for delivering fluid to a user includes a fluid reservoir for holding the fluid, the fluid reservoir defining an internal volume and a stopper positioned in the internal volume of the fluid reservoir, wherein the stopper is formed with a cavity. The device further includes a piston having a distal end received within the cavity of the stopper and an actuator coupled to the piston for driving the piston into the internal volume of the fluid reservoir. Also, the device includes a coupling device for engaging the piston in the cavity of the stopper at a desired position and a sensor for determining whether the piston is engaged in the cavity of the stopper at the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Amith Wijesuriya, Ryan A. Peck, Thomas P. Miller, Burke K. Chan, Victor A. Sanchez
  • Publication number: 20230056878
    Abstract: This disclosure includes an apparatus for detecting mating of a cap with a fluid delivery device having a housing, a receptacle, and a sensor. The housing is configured to carry an insulin delivery device having a reservoir of the fluid. The receptacle is provided by the housing having a coupling with a locking recess configured to receive a cap with a sprung locking arm. The pressure sensor is carried by the receptacle proximate the coupling and configured to detect engagement force of the sprung locking arm with the receptacle when mated with the housing. A method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Applicant: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Amith Wijesuriya, Thomas P. Miller
  • Publication number: 20220401644
    Abstract: A cannula includes a tubular body having an axial dimension through which a flow channel extends. The tubular body has a first end for insertion into a subject, and a second end configured to be held within a base of a medical device. The tubular body has a first length portion extending along the axial dimension from the first end toward the second end. A second length portion extends along the axial dimension from the first length portion toward the second end, and has an outer dimension that flares outward to be larger than the outer dimension of the first length portion. The second length portion also has a tubing wall thickness that is greater than the tubing wall thickness of the first length portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2021
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Inventors: Davy Tong, Kiem H. Dang, Hsi C. Fusselman, Sarnath Chattaraj, Thomas P. Miller
  • Patent number: 11511099
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for detecting mating of a cap with a fluid delivery device having a housing, a receptacle, and a sensor. The housing is configured to carry an insulin delivery device having a reservoir of the fluid. The receptacle is provided by the housing having a coupling with a locking recess configured to receive a cap with a sprung locking arm. The pressure sensor is carried by the receptacle proximate the coupling and configured to detect engagement force of the sprung locking arm with the receptacle when mated with the housing. A method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Amith Wijesuriya, Thomas P. Miller
  • Publication number: 20210100996
    Abstract: This disclosure includes an apparatus for detecting mating of a cap with a fluid delivery device having a housing, a receptacle, and a sensor. The housing is configured to carry an insulin delivery device having a reservoir of the fluid. The receptacle is provided by the housing having a coupling with a locking recess configured to receive a cap with a sprung locking arm. The pressure sensor is carried by the receptacle proximate the coupling and configured to detect engagement force of the sprung locking arm with the receptacle when mated with the housing. A method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Applicant: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Amith Wijesuriya, Thomas P. Miller
  • Publication number: 20210052828
    Abstract: A device for delivering fluid to a user includes a fluid reservoir for holding the fluid, the fluid reservoir defining an internal volume and a stopper positioned in the internal volume of the fluid reservoir, wherein the stopper is formed with a cavity. The device further includes a piston having a distal end received within the cavity of the stopper and an actuator coupled to the piston for driving the piston into the internal volume of the fluid reservoir. Also, the device includes a coupling device for engaging the piston in the cavity of the stopper at a desired position and a sensor for determining whether the piston is engaged in the cavity of the stopper at the desired position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventors: Amith Wijesuriya, Ryan A. Peck, Thomas P. Miller, Burke K. Chan, Victor A. Sanchez
  • Publication number: 20200093399
    Abstract: A breath analyzer device includes a tube for communicating a breath sample from a user of the breath analyzer device, the tube having a first opening where the breath sample enters and a second opening where the breath sample exits. The tube is adapted to provide minimal restrictions on the flow of the breath sample. The device also includes an oxygen sensor and carbon dioxide sensor disposed partially within the tube and adapted to detecting an amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide present in the breath sample respectively. The device also includes a controller adapted to receive data from the oxygen sensor and the carbon dioxide sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Inventor: Thomas P. Miller
  • Patent number: 9937292
    Abstract: A transfer device for filing a fluid reservoir of a fluid infusion device with a fluid is provided. The transfer device comprises a first end to couple to a source of the fluid, and a second end to couple to a pressurizing device. The transfer device also comprises a body interconnecting the first end and the second end, and having an end to couple to the fluid reservoir. The body defining at least one fluid flow path between the source of the fluid, the pressurizing device and the fluid reservoir to enable the filling of the fluid reservoir with the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Sherif M. Ali, Thomas P. Miller, Vaughn S. Sakae, Edgardo C. Halili
  • Publication number: 20160158104
    Abstract: A transfer device for filing a fluid reservoir of a fluid infusion device with a fluid is provided. The transfer device comprises a first end to couple to a source of the fluid, and a second end to couple to a pressurizing device. The transfer device also comprises a body interconnecting the first end and the second end, and having an end to couple to the fluid reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventors: Sherif M. Ali, Thomas P. Miller, Vaughn S. Sakae, Edgardo C. Halili
  • Patent number: 8613725
    Abstract: A reservoir includes a reservoir body portion and a collecting portion. The reservoir body portion having a wall defining an interior volume for containing fluidic media, the reservoir having a first port in the reservoir body portion to be in fluid flow communication with the interior volume, the first port for expelling fluidic media from the interior volume as a plunger is moved within the reservoir. The collecting portion having a wall defining a volume in fluid flow communication with the interior volume, the volume of the collecting portion for collecting gas bubbles in the fluidic media as the fluidic media is expelled through the first port from the interior volume of the reservoir body portion, the reservoir having a second port in the collecting portion to be in fluid flow communication with the volume of the collecting portion, the second port for receiving fluidic media into the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Julian D. Kavazov, Ian B. Hanson, Colin A. Chong, Eric M. Lorenzen, Rafael Bikovsky, Truong Gia Luan, Mike Teang Lee, Thomas P. Miller
  • Publication number: 20110190700
    Abstract: A reservoir includes a reservoir body portion and a collecting portion. The reservoir body portion having a wall defining an interior volume for containing fluidic media, the reservoir having a first port in the reservoir body portion to be in fluid flow communication with the interior volume, the first port for expelling fluidic media from the interior volume as a plunger is moved within the reservoir. The collecting portion having a wall defining a volume in fluid flow communication with the interior volume, the volume of the collecting portion for collecting gas bubbles in the fluidic media as the fluidic media is expelled through the first port from the interior volume of the reservoir body portion, the reservoir having a second port in the collecting portion to be in fluid flow communication with the volume of the collecting portion, the second port for receiving fluidic media into the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Julian D. KAVAZOV, Ian B. Hanson, Colin A. Chong, Eric M. Lorenzen, Rafael Bikovsky, Truong Gia Luan, Mike Teang Lee, Thomas P. Miller
  • Patent number: 7282032
    Abstract: A portable, handheld device for measuring lung- and airway-specific respiratory parameters. The device defines a chamber in fluid communication with a mouthpiece. A sensor and/or a flow sensor monitor pressure and/or airflow within the device. A respiratory gas source, e.g., an internal pump, or an external compressor, is also in fluid communication with the chamber and a mouthpiece. The device operates in an active phase and a passive phase. In the active phase, a subject forcibly exhales into the device and the sensors collect spirometric data. In the passive phase, the pump is activated to pump air from the device and inflate the subject's lungs to a specific capacity. The sensors monitor pressure and/or flow as the air is introduced into the subject's respiratory system. The data collected by the sensor is used to determine lung and airway specific parameters, including but not limited to, airway conductance, airway resistance, airway compliance and total lung capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas P. Miller
  • Patent number: 6858108
    Abstract: A process of making multiple layer labels includes securing an upper label web to a base label web by means of hold-down openings in the upper label web and an adhesive overlaminate laid thereon and extending through to the base web. Die cutting and matrix removal steps, all carried out in-line in a single pass, produce a multiple layer label. Varied processes and label supply and label structures are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Ampersand Label
    Inventors: Lowell F. Matthews, Thomas P. Miller, Kyle J. Putzier
  • Publication number: 20040249300
    Abstract: A portable, handheld device for measuring lung- and airway-specific respiratory parameters. The device defines a chamber in fluid communication with a mouthpiece. A sensor and/or a flow sensor monitor pressure and/or airflow within the device. A respiratory gas source, e.g., an internal pump, or an external compressor, is also in fluid communication with the chamber and a mouthpiece. The device operates in an active phase and a passive phase. In the active phase, a subject forcibly exhales into the device and the sensors collect spirometric data. In the passive phase, the pump is activated to pump air from the device and inflate the subject's lungs to a specific capacity. The sensors monitor pressure and/or flow as the air is introduced into the subject's respiratory system. The data collected by the sensor is used to determine lung and airway specific parameters, including but not limited to, airway conductance, airway resistance, airway compliance and total lung capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas P. Miller
  • Patent number: 6749916
    Abstract: A multiple layer label has a pre-curved upper label on a base label. When applied to a curved or non-planar surface, a gap between portion of the labels accommodates the wrapping of the label structure around the surface and avoids tearing, splitting, bunching and wrinkling in the respective upper and base labels. The label structure is formed by bending the labels around a forming surface, releasing one end of the upper label and repositioning it on the base label so that when removed from the bending operation and straightened out, the upper label is arched away from the base label. Apparatus and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Ampersand Label
    Inventors: Lowell F. Matthews, Thomas P. Miller, Kyle J. Putzier
  • Publication number: 20020084026
    Abstract: A process of making multiple layer labels includes securing an upper label web to a base label web by means of hold-down openings in the upper label web and an adhesive overlaminate laid thereon and extending through to the base web. Die cutting and matrix removal steps, all carried out in-line in a single pass, produce a multiple layer label. Varied processes and label supply and label structures are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Applicant: Ampersand Label, Incorporated
    Inventors: Lowell F. Matthews, Thomas P. Miller, Kyle J. Putzier
  • Patent number: 6413604
    Abstract: A process of making multiple layer labels includes securing an upper label web to a base label web by means of hold-down openings in the upper label web and an adhesive overlaminate laid thereon and extending through to the base web. Die cutting and matrix removal steps, all carried out in-line in a single pass, produce a multiple layer label. Varied processes and label supply and label structures are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Ampersand Label, Inc.
    Inventors: Lowell F. Matthews, Thomas P. Miller, Kyle J. Putzier
  • Patent number: 4903872
    Abstract: A food receptacle attaches to either a left or right-hand door of an automobile and provides the occupants with convenient storage for food and change. A reversible drawer slides between two rails suspended below the body of the receptacle with the front of the drawer facing in either direction. To prevent the drawer from being pulled out of the rails, a projection is positioned to one side of the drawer and contacts one of two diametrically opposed protuberances on the receptacle body. When the drawer is reversed, the drawer projection contacts the other protuberance. A coin holder is attached to the front of the drawer and includes an aperture to receive coins. Any coins placed in the holder are trapped therein when the holder is positioned under the receptacle body. These coins will strike a projection on the body to prevent the drawer from being pushed out of the rails. Snap-off tabs are attached to the bottom of the receptacle and rest against the automobile door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Douglas Alan Henricksen
    Inventors: Douglas A. Henricksen, Joseph R. Clemente, Thomas P. Miller
  • Patent number: D384225
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: Thomas P. Miller