Patents by Inventor Thomas Rufer

Thomas Rufer 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: 11779704
    Abstract: Electronic modules for attachment to a drug delivery device include delivery status sensing means (21, 22) for monitoring a delivery status of the device, a status indicator (25) with an indicator element controllable to indicate a delivery or module status, and a status indicator controller (23), which generates an indicator control signal on behalf of the status indicator element, which in turn produces a status signal. The indicator control signal has an amplitude varying monotonically in time between a minimum value and a maximum value in a first interval of a base cycle, and between the maximum value and the minimum value in a second interval of the base cycle. In at least one of the first and the second interval, the mean value of the indicator control signal is below the average of the maximum and the minimum values of the indicator control signal to realize increased energy savings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Ypsomed AG
    Inventors: Michael Gentz, Thomas Rufer
  • Publication number: 20210023299
    Abstract: Electronic modules for attachment to a drug delivery device include delivery status sensing means (21, 22) for monitoring a delivery status of the device, a status indicator (25) with an indicator element controllable to indicate a delivery or module status, and a status indicator controller (23), which generates an indicator control signal on behalf of the status indicator element, which in turn produces a status signal. The indicator control signal has an amplitude varying monotonically in time between a minimum value and a maximum value in a first interval of a base cycle, and between the maximum value and the minimum value in a second interval of the base cycle. In at least one of the first and the second interval, the mean value of the indicator control signal is below the average of the maximum and the minimum values of the indicator control signal to realize increased energy savings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Inventors: Michael Gentz, Thomas Rufer
  • Patent number: 10267865
    Abstract: A medical infusion pump and a method for logging a power source voltage of a medical infusion pump are disclosed. The medical pump may include a power source, a processor, and a voltage supervisor which responds if a voltage (VDD) drops to a response voltage level which is above a reset voltage level of the processor. When the voltage supervisor responds, the processor start logging the voltage (Vbat) of the power source in a memory, thus generating a voltage log. The memory maintains the logged data when the power supply by the power source is interrupted, thus enabling retrospective analysis of the voltage log.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Reto Aeschlimann, Thomas Rufer
  • Publication number: 20160199570
    Abstract: A medical infusion pump and a method for logging a power source voltage of a medical infusion pump are disclosed. The medical pump may include a power source, a processor, and a voltage supervisor which responds if a voltage (VDD) drops to a response voltage level which is above a reset voltage level of the processor. When the voltage supervisor responds, the processor start logging the voltage (Vbat) of the power source in a memory, thus generating a voltage log. The memory maintains the logged data when the power supply by the power source is interrupted, thus enabling retrospective analysis of the voltage log.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Inventors: Reto Aeschlimann, Thomas Rufer
  • Patent number: 9316700
    Abstract: A medical infusion pump and a method for logging a power source voltage of a medical infusion pump are disclosed. The medical pump may include a power source, a processor, and a voltage supervisor which responds if a voltage (VDD) drops to a response voltage level which is above a reset voltage level of the processor. When the voltage supervisor responds, the processor start logging the voltage (Vbat) of the power source in a memory, thus generating a voltage log. The memory maintains the logged data when the power supply by the power source is interrupted, thus enabling retrospective analysis of the voltage log.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Reto Aeschlimann, Thomas Rufer
  • Patent number: 9108004
    Abstract: Ampoule unit for an administering device, comprising an ampoule having a distal end with an opening for dispensing a product and a proximal end with an opening for accommodating a displacement body unit, and the proximal end of the ampoule has a thread which can be placed in a thread engagement with a complementary thread which is part of the displacement unit or a displacement body unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics International AG
    Inventors: Thomas Rufer, Hanspeter Stoller, Rolf Burkhalter, Hanspeter Heiniger
  • Patent number: 9050409
    Abstract: A patient device includes a case and a user interface for interaction between a patient and the patient device. The case may include a projection unit which projects information onto a surface separate from the case. The user interface may include a display unit for displaying information relating to the patient device integrated into the case and an additional display unit for displaying information relating to the patient device, which is external to the case. The externally provided display unit may be coupled to the case such that it can be at least one of folded, tilted, pulled out or unrolled relative to the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics International AG
    Inventors: Ulrich Haueter, Maurice Ducret, David Bosshard, Thomas Rufer, Ivan Heutschi, Hans-Peter Stoller, Joël Jeckelmann, Martin Brügger, Heiner Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 8970170
    Abstract: Included are embodiments of an ambulatory infusion device. Some embodiments include an energy storage for storing electrical energy utilized for powering the ambulatory infusion device. The energy storage may serve as a primary power source of the ambulatory infusion device. Also included is a dosing unit with an electrically powered actuator and an electronic controller, where the electronic controller controls operation of the electrically powered actuator. Some embodiments also include a testing unit for testing the energy storage. The testing unit may be configured to repeatedly carry out a test during operation of the ambulatory infusion device. Additionally, the test may include determining a control variable, the control variable being indicative of a capability of the energy storage for further powering the ambulatory infusion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics International AG
    Inventors: Thomas Rufer, Reto Aeschlimann
  • Patent number: 8936572
    Abstract: Included are embodiments of an ambulatory infusion device. Some embodiments include a battery receiving portion that receives a user-replaceable battery of variable individual characteristics. The user-replaceable battery may serve as a primary power source of the ambulatory infusion device and being successively depleted during application. Similarly, some embodiments include a dosing unit with an electrically powered actuator and an electronic controller that controls operation of the ambulatory infusion device. Still some embodiments include a testing unit that is operatively coupled to the electronic controller, the testing unit being designed to carry out a battery test, the battery test including determining an off-circuit voltage and an internal resistance of the user-replaceable battery. Still some embodiments include an alerting unit that is operatively coupled to the testing unit and/or the electronic controller to provide an alert to a device user in dependence of a battery test result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics International AG
    Inventors: Thomas Rufer, Reto Aeschlimann, Axel Remde
  • Publication number: 20140194848
    Abstract: A medical infusion pump and a method for logging a power source voltage of a medical infusion pump are disclosed. The medical pump may include a power source, a processor, and a voltage supervisor which responds if a voltage (VDD) drops to a response voltage level which is above a reset voltage level of the processor. When the voltage supervisor responds, the processor start logging the voltage (Vbat) of the power source in a memory, thus generating a voltage log. The memory maintains the logged data when the power supply by the power source is interrupted, thus enabling retrospective analysis of the voltage log.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Roche Diagnostics International AG
    Inventors: Reto Aeschlimann, Thomas Rufer
  • Patent number: 8717141
    Abstract: A medical device, with an operating element for triggering the medical device, includes a safety system for preventing an erroneous triggering of the device. The present invention encompasses a method for controlling the medical device including determining if an operating command is given by a person prior to the device's carrying out the command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics International AG
    Inventors: Andreas Eberhart, Hanspeter Heiniger, Erich Imhof, Thomas Rufer
  • Patent number: 8690014
    Abstract: An insulin pump and an infusion set adapter having a membrane which can be acted upon by a liquid flow path associated with the pump, wherein the pump comprises a sensor by which a change in shape or location of at least a portion of the membrane caused by a change in the liquid pressure in the flow path can be detected in a contact-free manner to identify an occlusion in the flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics International AG
    Inventors: Ulrich Haueter, David Bosshard, Ivan Heutschi, Thomas Rufer, Hanspeter Stoller
  • Patent number: 8670836
    Abstract: A medical infusion pump and a method for logging a power source voltage of a medical infusion pump are disclosed. The medical pump may include a power source, a processor, and a voltage supervisor which responds if a voltage (VDD) drops to a response voltage level which is above a reset voltage level of the processor. When the voltage supervisor responds, the processor start logging the voltage (Vbat) of the power source in a memory, thus generating a voltage log. The memory maintains the logged data when the power supply by the power source is interrupted, thus enabling retrospective analysis of the voltage log.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics International AG
    Inventors: Reto Aeschlimann, Thomas Rufer
  • Patent number: 8585647
    Abstract: Included are embodiments of an ambulatory infusion device. Some embodiments include a battery receiving portion that receives a user-replaceable battery of variable individual characteristics. The user-replaceable battery may serve as a primary power source of the ambulatory infusion device and being successively depleted during application. Similarly, some embodiments include a dosing unit with an electrically powered actuator and an electronic controller that controls operation of the ambulatory infusion device. Still some embodiments include a testing unit that is operatively coupled to the electronic controller, the testing unit being designed to carry out a battery test, the battery test including determining an off-circuit voltage and an internal resistance of the user-replaceable battery. Still some embodiments include an alerting unit that is operatively coupled to the testing unit and/or the electronic controller to provide an alert to a device user in dependence of a battery test result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics International AG
    Inventors: Thomas Rufer, Reto Aeschlimann, Axel Remde
  • Publication number: 20130274664
    Abstract: Included are embodiments of an ambulatory infusion device. Some embodiments include an energy storage for storing electrical energy utilized for powering the ambulatory infusion device. The energy storage may serve as a primary power source of the ambulatory infusion device. Also included is a dosing unit with an electrically powered actuator and an electronic controller, where the electronic controller controls operation of the electrically powered actuator. Some embodiments also include a testing unit for testing the energy storage. The testing unit may be configured to repeatedly carry out a test during operation of the ambulatory infusion device. Additionally, the test may include determining a control variable, the control variable being indicative of a capability of the energy storage for further powering the ambulatory infusion device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas Rufer, Reto Aeschlimann
  • Patent number: 8476868
    Abstract: Included are embodiments of an ambulatory infusion device. Some embodiments include an energy storage for storing electrical energy utilized for powering the ambulatory infusion device. The energy storage may serve as a primary power source of the ambulatory infusion device. Also included is a dosing unit with an electrically powered actuator and an electronic controller, where the electronic controller controls operation of the electrically powered actuator. Some embodiments also include a testing unit for testing the energy storage. The testing unit may be configured to repeatedly carry out a test during operation of the ambulatory infusion device. Additionally, the test may include determining a control variable, the control variable being indicative of a capability of the energy storage for further powering the ambulatory infusion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics International AG
    Inventors: Thomas Rufer, Reto Aeschlimann
  • Publication number: 20120302988
    Abstract: A medical infusion pump and a method for logging a power source voltage of a medical infusion pump are disclosed. The medical pump may include a power source, a processor, and a voltage supervisor which responds if a voltage (VDD) drops to a response voltage level which is above a reset voltage level of the processor. When the voltage supervisor responds, the processor start logging the voltage (Vbat) of the power source in a memory, thus generating a voltage log. The memory maintains the logged data when the power supply by the power source is interrupted, thus enabling retrospective analysis of the voltage log.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Reto Aeschlimann, Thomas Rufer
  • Patent number: 8262617
    Abstract: A medical infusion pump and a method for logging a power source voltage of a medical infusion pump are disclosed. The medical pump may include a power source, a processor, and a voltage supervisor which responds if a voltage (VDD) drops to a response voltage level which is above a reset voltage level of the processor. When the voltage supervisor responds, the processor start logging the voltage (Vbat) of the power source in a memory, thus generating a voltage log. The memory maintains the logged data when the power supply by the power source is interrupted, thus enabling retrospective analysis of the voltage log.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics International AG
    Inventors: Reto Aeschlimann, Thomas Rufer
  • Publication number: 20120065596
    Abstract: An insulin pump and an infusion set adapter having a membrane which can be acted upon by a liquid flow path associated with the pump, wherein the pump comprises a sensor by which a change in shape or location of at least a portion of the membrane caused by a change in the liquid pressure in the flow path can be detected in a contact-free manner to identify an occlusion in the flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS INTERNATIONAL AG
    Inventors: Ueli Haueter, David Bosshard, Ivan Heutschi, Thomas Rufer, Hanspeter Stoller
  • Patent number: 8081069
    Abstract: An insulin pump and an infusion set adapter having a membrane which can be acted upon by a liquid flow path associated with the pump, wherein the pump comprises a sensor by which a change in shape or location of at least a portion of the membrane caused by a change in the liquid pressure in the flow path can be detected in a contact-free manner to identify an occlusion in the flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics International AG
    Inventors: Ueli Haueter, David Bosshard, Ivan Heutschi, Thomas Rufer, Hanspeter Stoller