Material Impelled Into Body By Contraction Of Expanded Elastic Material Reservoir Patents (Class 604/132)
  • Patent number: 7828770
    Abstract: A compact fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing fluid medicaments, such as antibiotics, blood clotting agents, analgesics, and like medicinal agents from collapsible containers at a uniform rate. The dispenser includes a novel stored energy source that is provided in the form of a compressible-expandable member that functions to continuously and uniformly expel fluid from the apparatus reservoir. The apparatus further includes a novel fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solutions from the apparatus reservoir to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: BioQuiddity, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald B. Bivin, Marshall S. Kriesel, Joshua W. Kriesel, Alan D. Langerud
  • Patent number: 7828771
    Abstract: A patch pump device generally includes at least one fluid source, a fluid communicator, and an electrochemical actuator. The fluid communicator is in fluid communication with the fluid source. The electrochemical actuator is operative to cause fluid to be delivered from the fluid source into the fluid communicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Entra Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Yet-Ming Chiang, Michael J. Cima, J. Richard Gyory, Glenn R. Booma
  • Patent number: 7815604
    Abstract: A device and method for the infusion of medicinal fluid at a controlled flow rate to a wound site or the blood stream of a patient is disclosed. A pump delivers fluid under pressure from a fluid source through a continuous and substantially constant flow path and through a supplemental bolus dose flow path. A large volume bolus dose reservoir accumulates a large quantity of fluid from the bolus dose flow path and holds the fluid under pressure. A flow regulator controls the fill rate of the large volume bolus reservoir. The large volume supplemental bolus dose is released from the bolus reservoir upon patient activation of a valve. The release rate of the bolus dose is controlled by the decompression of an elastomeric sphere or spring chamber, by the pressure gradient at the valve and/or by optional flow control tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: I-Flow Corporation
    Inventors: Roger Dillard Massengale, Kenneth W. Rake, Eric Mabry
  • Publication number: 20100262077
    Abstract: A microfluidic device is provided for delivering a drug to an individual. The microfluidic device includes a body that defines a reservoir for receiving the drug therein. A valve interconnects the reservoir to an output needle that is insertable into the skin of an individual. A pressure source urges the drug from the reservoir toward the needle. The valve is movable between a closed position preventing the flow of the drug from the reservoir to the output needle and an open position allowing for the flow of the drug from the reservoir to the output needle in response to a predetermined condition in the physiological fluids of the individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: David J. Beebe, Michael J. MacDonald, David T. Eddington, Glennys A. Mensing
  • Patent number: 7806865
    Abstract: A pressurized infusion device has a flexible band with first and second ends, a curved base, and a bag containing fluid. The bag is located between the flexible band and the curved base. The second end of the flexible band is coupled to a shaft. A motor is also coupled to the shaft. The motor is actuated to turn the shaft and produce tension in the band thereby changing the fluid pressure in the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20100241074
    Abstract: A compact fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing fluid medicaments, such as antibiotics, blood clotting agents, analgesics, and like medicinal agents from collapsible containers at a uniform rate. The dispenser includes a novel stored energy source that is provided in the form of a compressible-expandable member that functions to continuously and uniformly expel fluid from the apparatus reservoir. The apparatus further includes a novel fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solutions from the apparatus reservoir to the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Donald B. Bivin, Marshall S. Kriesel, Joshua W. Kriesel, Alan D. Langerud
  • Publication number: 20100241060
    Abstract: Surgical devices and methods are described. The devices are for implanting fluidic material in a patient's eye and comprise a nozzle and a housing having a slide and a bellows. The bellows is adapted to undergo compression or decompression. The surgical procedures make use of the surgical devices and include a tissue translocation surgical procedure, a retinal implantation surgical procedure, and a corneal transplantation surgical procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Keith ROIZMAN, H. Michael Lambert, Patrick Michael Elliott
  • Publication number: 20100222741
    Abstract: A compact fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing fluid medicaments such as antibiotics, blood clotting agents, analgesics, and like medicinal agents from collapsible containers at a uniform rate. The dispenser includes a novel stored energy source that is provided in the form of a compressible-expandable member that functions to continuously and uniformly expel fluid from the apparatus reservoir. The apparatus further includes a novel fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solutions from the apparatus reservoir to the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Donald B. Bivin, Marshall S. Kriesel, Joshua W. Kriesel, Alan D. Langerud
  • Patent number: 7753884
    Abstract: An apparatus is proposed for the dosed dispensing of a fluid, especially an infusion fluid, comprising a housing (1) with a fluid chamber and a pressure medium chamber (3) by which a flexible wall (4) of the fluid chamber can be pressurized from the outside with a pressure medium. In order to provide a re-useable infusion pump with especially simple means it is proposed that the housing (1) consists of two mutually detachably joined housing parts (6, 7), of which the one comprises the pressure medium chamber (3) and the other receives in an exchangeable manner the fluid chamber configured as a leak-proof infusion bag (2), and that the housing part (6) with the pressure medium chamber (3) is sealed by a membrane (5) against the housing part (7) receiving the infusion bag (2) and is connected to a gas pressure source (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: PRO-MED Medizinische Produktions- und Handels-AG
    Inventor: Bernhard Gallnböck
  • Publication number: 20100145274
    Abstract: Rendering conspicuous liquid medicaments which are conventionally supplied as colorless liquids. A coloring agent may be added to the conventionally colorless liquid. Where different liquid medicaments are supplied, coloring agents of different hues may be added to the respective different liquid medicaments. A syringe for dispensing liquids may be provided with a temperature responsive device which changes in appearance so as to indicate level of liquid medicament loaded thereinto, responsively to temperature of the liquid medicament.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Jan Royce
  • Publication number: 20100137808
    Abstract: A cartridge assembly apparatus for an auto-injector includes a flexible container containing a liquid medicant. A needle hub is connected to the flexible container. A needle is attached to the needle hub and extends proximally from the needle hub. A frame is connected to the needle hub and includes a frame proximal end extending proximally beyond a proximal end of the needle. The needle hub and the needle are displaceable relative to the frame in a proximal direction to insert the needle into a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: MERIDIAN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: John G. Wilmot, Clarence M. Mesa, Robert L. Hill, James R. Stewart, JR., Colin J. Mathews, Chris J. Hurlstone, Ben G. Turner, Christian Dunning
  • Patent number: 7725272
    Abstract: Methods and devices are described for monitoring reservoir fluid in an implantable infusion pump. Such methods and devices can be used when the infusion pump has a temperature-dependent component. For example, a method of monitoring reservoir fluid can include obtaining measurements from the reservoir that include corresponding data related to the amount of fluid and temperature in the reservoir. A pair of measurements can be used to monitor the fluid level, or flow rate out of, the reservoir when the corresponding temperatures of the measurements are within a temperature tolerance value. In such an instance, a measured amount difference can be calculated based on the fluid amounts corresponding to the pair of measurements. Other variations of fluid monitoring methods, and implantable infusion pump systems that can perform fluid monitoring, are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Codman Neuro Sciences, SARL
    Inventors: Alec Ginggen, Rocco Crivelli
  • Patent number: 7704230
    Abstract: A fluid reservoir for a medical infusion system includes an expandable elastomeric bladder defining a chamber for receiving and containing a volume of therapeutic substance and exerting pressure thereon to dispense the therapeutic substance from the bladder. The bladder has preferably a single port formed through the thickness thereof. A bi-directional valve is in fluid communication with the chamber of the elastomeric bladder and is used for filling the bladder chamber with the therapeutic substance and for connecting to a catheter assembly for dispensing the therapeutic substance to a patient undergoing treatment. The single port of the elastomeric bladder is connected to a medical grade flexible tubing, which is also connected to the bi-directional valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Etan Chatlynne, Steven Nguyen, Frank Cichocki, David Lindh
  • Publication number: 20100094218
    Abstract: A compact, nonelectric fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing beneficial agents such as propofol and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride to patients. The dispenser includes a fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solution to the patient and embodies a collapsible, pre-filled drug container that contains the beneficial agents to be delivered to the patient. The unit-dose fluid dispenser of the invention is presented in a sterile and aseptic manner, where the drug has been pre-filled in the system, so that the practitioner cannot mistakenly give the wrong drug to the patient. The dispenser uniquely provides a more efficient medicament delivery system for procedure rooms, such as the endoscopy center, so that a greater number of patients can be treated per day at a higher standard of care with increased profits for the healthcare provider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Marshall S. Kriesel, Joshua W. Kriesel, Thomas N. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7686788
    Abstract: A catheter having a drug delivery unit at the distal end thereof. The drug delivery unit includes an actuator capable of assuming an activated and an inactivated configuration. The drug delivery unit also includes a receptacle capable of accepting a therapeutic agent. The actuator and receptacle are in communication with each other such that the actuator transmits force to the receptacle and the receptacle accepts force from the actuator in an activated configuration of the actuator. Also provided is a method of delivering a therapeutic agent to a target site using the catheter of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Toby Freyman, Maria Palasis, Wendy Naimark, Timothy J. Mickley
  • Publication number: 20100069830
    Abstract: Methods and compact automatic devices are provided for delivery of micro doses of liquid drugs to a patient. Devices have a fluid supply reservoir comprising an expandable indicator supplied with a sensor, a mechanism forcing the fluid to squeeze predetermined dose out, and a processor treating sensor's signals accordingly to preprogrammed algorithm. The method comprises steps: (a) initiating the delivery cycle, (b) acquiring sensor's signals, (c) treating signals in order to integrate an intensity of output flow and to determine when the squeezing-out force must be terminated, (d) terminating the cycle accordingly to processor's command. Self-testing of devices occurs while each fluid delivery cycle. Their high dosing precision exceeds that of known analogs about two orders of magnitude. A possibility to use low cost disposable exit port assembly and/or easy replaceable factory pre-filled cartridges is an additional advantage eliminating risks of overdosing, air bubbles, and/or compromised sterility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Leonid Grigorov
  • Patent number: 7678079
    Abstract: A system and method for a patch-like, self-contained substance infusion device which provides one or more substantially hidden patient needles which can be placed in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir subassembly that includes a rigid bladder portion used in conjunction with a non-distensible bladder film, such as a metallized film. Simple removal of an interlock allows a disk, or Belleville spring assembly to apply an essentially even and constant pressure to the contents of the fluid reservoir assembly, and allows the device to then be attached to a skin surface via an adhesive contact surface. A push button activation assembly is provided which can then be used to release and seat one or more spring-loaded patient needles into the skin surface, and establish a fluid communication path between the patient needles and the pressurized fluid reservoir contents thereby delivering an infusion into the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Charles D. Shermer, Kenneth G. Powell, Alexander G. Lastovich, P. Spencer Kinsey, Chad C. Smutney, John M. Polidoro, Ed Browka, Carl R. Sahi, James K. Fentress, David S. Chapin, Daniel Stipe, Jeff M. Moss, Melody Kuroda
  • Patent number: 7654982
    Abstract: An infusion pump and method are provided which control flow rates with variable fluid pressure and variable series flow resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Fluidnet Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Carlisle, Lawrence M. Kuba, John M. Kirkman, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090312742
    Abstract: Embodiments of an implantable electrolytic pump include a first expandable diaphragm and a second flexible diaphragm, and first and second chambers each for containing a fluid, wherein the first expandable diaphragm separates the first and second chambers and provides a fluid barrier therebetween, and the second chamber is formed between the first expandable diaphragm and the second flexible diaphragms. The pump may further include electrolysis electrodes within the first chamber for causing generation of a gas therein and to thereby expand the expandable diaphragm so that fluid is forced from the second chamber into a cannula.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Changlin Pang, Fukang Jiang, Jason Shih, Sean Caffey, Mark Humayun, Yu-Chong Tai
  • Publication number: 20090306593
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanically operated liquid pump (1), particularly for medical or nutrition-physiological liquids, with a housing (2) and with an expandable clastic element (16), which is held therein and which serves to store and deliver the liquid, and with a closeable access (21) and exit (50) for the liquid from the elastic element as well as with a device for largely constantly maintaining or limiting the liquid volume flow discharged by the elastic element. According to the invention, the following features are provided: the elastic element is provided in the form of a balloon (16) that has an opening (17a); a core (11) is housed inside the housing and is inserted into the balloon via the opening; means (20) for fastening and sealing the balloon in the area of its end having the opening are provided on the core or on the housing, and; when relatively unstressed, the balloon rests against the core at a distance from its fastening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Roland Wex, Harald Hansmann, Christian Kenzler
  • Publication number: 20090281494
    Abstract: Ambulatory infusion devices with components that may be heat sterilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Stephen D. Das
  • Publication number: 20090247950
    Abstract: A continuous drug solution infusion device is provided that is capable of administering a drug solution into a patient's body for a predetermined period of time substantially at a predetermined flow rate from the beginning to end of the drug solution infusion by suppressing the change in pressure from the beginning to end of the infusion. The continuous drug solution infusion device has at least two tubular members disposed in series along an infusion path for a drug solution and at least one expandable/contractible tubular member disposed between the tubular members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Osamu Tsukada, Yasuhiko Nakajima
  • Patent number: 7563255
    Abstract: The invention provides a miniaturized, implantable drug delivery device and a method of delivering over a prolonged period of time one or more drugs using such a device. The drug delivery device can be adapted for attachment to the outer surface of an eye. Once attached to the outer surface of an eye, the device can deliver one or more drugs directly into the eye for preventing or ameliorating the symptoms of a particular ocular disorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignees: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony P. Adamis, Joan W. Miller, Evangelos S. Gragoudas, Mark J. Mescher, Christopher E. Dubé, Jeffrey T. Borenstein, Marcie G. Weinstein, Raanan A. Miller, Mitchell L. Hansberry
  • Patent number: 7530968
    Abstract: Presently disclosed is a hydraulic pump device and use thereof, especially in a fluid delivery system. In one embodiment, the fluid delivery system is an inexpensive, single-use device for slow dosing medicament applications. The fluid delivery system may employ a spring-compressed bellows crank or other combination of simple mechanisms operating according to the well-known peristaltic principle to force a volume of ultrapure bio-inert hydraulic fluid through an aperture, thereby expanding one chamber of a two chamber hydraulic cylinder. The second, fluid storage chamber, containing the medicament, is emptied through a conventional orifice in response to the expansion of the pump chamber. The medicament may thence flow through any suitable infusion set into a patient removeably attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Valeritas, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert R. Gonnelli
  • Publication number: 20090112163
    Abstract: A compact fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing fluid medicaments, such as antibiotics, blood clotting agents, analgesics, and like medicinal agents from collapsible containers at a uniform rate. The dispenser includes a novel stored energy source that is provided in the form of a compressible-expandable member that functions to continuously and uniformly expel fluid from the apparatus reservoir. The apparatus further includes a novel fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solutions from the apparatus reservoir to the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Donald B. Bivin, Marshall S. Kriesel, Joshua W. Kriesel, Alan D. Langerud
  • Patent number: 7520868
    Abstract: A medical fluid delivery apparatus for the discharge of a specific and constant volume of medical fluids includes a two-layered tubular body that is wound on a projecting holder, which reduces the change in expansion pressure. Having the tubular body wound up enables a variety in design. The utilization of an intermediate ring enables a variety of products just by exchanging the intermediate ring to provide different capacity volumes of the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Acemedical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 7517335
    Abstract: An infusion device for continuous infusion of medication is disclosed, in which infusion is controlled over two separate fluid communications. The infusion is in each fluid communication controlled by restricting means and valve means, and one of the fluid communications farther contains a holding device for bolus rate of infusion for a short period. The device comprises a flow regulating device comprising a passage defined by at least a first element and a second element, wherein at least one of the first and second element is a primary deformable element adapted to be elastically deformed so as to change the cross sectional area of the passage. Furthermore the device comprises a container for storage and supply of a medication in fluid form, said container comprising a first and a second chamber being arranged relatively to each other so that when volume of the first chamber Increases the volume of the second chamber decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: CeQur ApS
    Inventors: Peter Gravesen, Per Brandt Rasmussen, Holger Dirac
  • Publication number: 20090082727
    Abstract: A mechanical operated injection device which has the size of a credit card. The very compact size is obtained by using a flexible reservoir (90) containing the drug to be delivered and a suction pump (60, 70, 80) for pumping the liquid drug from the flexible reservoir to the body of the user. The pump is driven in cycles by a spring assembly which is energized by the user when setting the dose to be injected. The injection device is further connected to a needle assembly by a snap mechanism only requiring a 90 degree rotation of the injection needle assembly in order to release the injection needle assembly from the injection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: Novo Nordisk A/S
    Inventors: Claus Schmidt Moeller, Thomas Dedenroth Miller
  • Patent number: 7410476
    Abstract: A device for delivering a substance into the skin of a patient includes a body and a skin penetrating device having at least one skin penetrating member, such as a microneedle. The body includes an internal cavity and a device for indicating the delivery of a sufficient amount of the substance to the patient and for producing a dispensing pressure to dispense and deliver the substance from the cavity. The indicating device is visible from the exterior of the delivery device. In some embodiments, the indicating device is an elastic expandable diaphragm which, when the cavity is filled with a substance, creates the dispensing pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Bradley M. Wilkinson, Mark Newby
  • Publication number: 20080183135
    Abstract: An infusion apparatus including a support member and an elastic sleeve surrounding the support member to define a fluid reservoir therebetween. The sleeve is expandable in a radial direction when the infusion apparatus is loaded with a fluid, such as a pain medication, and exerts a pressure on the fluid so that it may be delivered to a desired site, such as a surgical region of a patient. The elastic sleeve is sealed to the support member at spaced-apart locations by first and second sealing arrangements. Each sealing arrangement preferably includes a sealing member having a first end, a second end, and a body portion extending between the first and second ends. Desirably, the body portion is substantially annular in shape and is deflectable between a first inner diameter and a second inner diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: I-FLOW Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin M. Forrest
  • Patent number: 7374556
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing system provides a non-contact method of monitoring the change in the fluid volume over time. This approach avoids the use of probes or sensors that come into direct contact with the fluid to be dispensed. The system comprises an apparatus comprising three chambers. The first chamber has a fixed volume and contains a pressurized gas. A solenoid valve is used to control the flow of gas from the first chamber into the second. The second chamber is sealed so that the combined mass of air in the first and second chambers remains fixed. The third chamber is adjacent to the second and contains medication in the form of incompressible fluid that is to be administered to a human or animal subject via a suitable delivery port. A piston is disposed between the second and third chambers and is movable responsive to the flow of gas into the second chamber to dispense fluid from the third chamber as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Tandem Diabetes Care
    Inventor: Scott Mallett
  • Publication number: 20080097321
    Abstract: A system includes a durable portion with a durable housing and a separable disposable portion with a disposable housing that selectively engage with and disengage from each other. The disposable housing secures to a patient and may be disposed of after it has been in use for a prescribed period. Components that normally come into contact with a patient or with an infusion medium may be part of the disposable portion to allow for disposal after a prescribed use. A reservoir for holding the infusion medium may be part of the disposable portion, and may be supported by the disposable housing. The durable portion may include other components such as electronics for controlling delivery of the infusion medium from the reservoir, and a drive device including a motor and drive linkage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: R. Paul Mounce, Julian D. Kavazov
  • Publication number: 20080058718
    Abstract: A wearable infusion device delivers a liquid medicant to a patient. The infusion device comprises a base that contacts a patient's skin and a reservoir arranged to be filled with a liquid medicant to be delivered beneath a patient's skin. The reservoir has an outlet through which the medicant flows. The infusion device further comprises a flexible conduit communicating with the outlet of the reservoir, a pump that causes the medicant to flow down the conduit, an actuator that performs a function related to the operation of the device, and an enable mechanism that enables the actuator in response to the filling of the reservoir with the liquid medicant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: John M. Adams, Clifton A. Alferness, Daniel Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20080027376
    Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing medicaments to a patient which includes a supporting structure; a carriage assembly interconnected with the supporting structure for movement between a first position and a second position and a semi-rigid, collapsible reservoir carried by the carriage assembly. A stored energy source is operably associated with the carriage assembly for moving the carriage assembly between the first and second positions. The device also includes novel structure, including fill-vials, for adding medicaments to the fluid within the fluid reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Marshall S. Kriesel, Joshua W. Kriesel
  • Publication number: 20080027386
    Abstract: A compact fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing fluid medicaments, such as analgesics and like medicinal agents from the device reservoir which is provided in the form of a novel bellows-type assembly. The fluid dispenser includes a unique stored energy mechanism that provides the force necessary to continuously and substantially uniformly expel fluid from the device reservoir. The device also includes a novel adjustable flow rate control assembly that is disposed intermediate the fluid reservoir outlet and the outlet port of the device for precisely controlling the rate of fluid flow from the outlet port toward the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Joshua W. Kriesel, Marshall S. Kriesel, Thomas N. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7322961
    Abstract: An infusion apparatus including a support member and an elastic sleeve surrounding the support member to define a fluid reservoir therebetween. The sleeve is expandable in a radial direction when the infusion apparatus is loaded with a fluid, such as a pain medication, and exerts a pressure on the fluid so that it may be delivered to a desired site, such as a surgical region of a patient. The elastic sleeve is sealed to the support member at spaced-apart locations by first and second sealing arrangements. Each sealing arrangement preferably includes a sealing member having a first end, a second end, and a body portion extending between the first and second ends. Desirably, the body portion is substantially annular in shape and is deflectable between a first inner diameter and a second inner diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: I-Flow Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin M. Forrest
  • Publication number: 20080004570
    Abstract: A collagen delivery device is disclosed and can include a barrel having a syringe chamber. Further, a syringe can be disposed within the syringe chamber. The syringe can include a collagen material therein. Additionally, the collagen delivery device can include a plunger within the barrel. The plunger can be moved to expel the collagen material from the syringe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Simonton, Jeffrey M. Gross, Sean M. Haddock, Hai H. Trieu
  • Publication number: 20070270749
    Abstract: A by-pass control system for a meat injection system has a variable speed pump that transports fluid to a meat injection machine. Excess fluid is transported to a by-pass control valve. The valve has a moveable piston disposed therein that separates the valve into a fluid chamber and an air chamber. The piston moves back and forth based on the relationship between fluid pressure and air pressure. Sensors are disposed within or through the lid or the valve to sense the position of the piston. A controller is connected to the sensors and the variable speed pump and adjusts the speed of the pump based on the position of the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Applicant: STORK TOWNSEND INC.
    Inventors: Daniel W. PFEFFER, Michael S. SIMPSON, Craig A. SMIENS
  • Patent number: 7270647
    Abstract: A system and method to administer a liquid agent into a body cavity of a patient is provided. One exemplary system comprises a lumen disposed into an airway of the patient and a valve assembly coupled to the lumen. The valve assembly comprises a body portion, a first port and a second port. A pump assembly for receiving the liquid agent is coupled to the valve assembly in a fluid tight relationship. The pump assembly provides the liquid to the lumen through the first port of the valve assembly. The liquid along with a portion of secretions generated by the patient are extracted through the lumen and flow out of said valve assembly through the second port for disposal responsive to a natural body function and/or a vacuum from a vacuum source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Boehringer Technologies, L.P.
    Inventors: John Karpowicz, Kevin P Klocek
  • Patent number: 7144385
    Abstract: For safely inserting a catheter into a chest cavity of a child or corpulent patient to be retained therein and for preventing atmospheric air from proceeding into the chest cavity during a removal of a penetrating needle, discharge equipment for medical procedures is provided which equipment includes a connector cap and a storage bottle detachably connectable to each other, a connector to be connected to the catheter retained in the patient, a check valve including an outer periphery covered by a protective cover and being openable only toward a storage bottle side, and a coupling device to the storage bottle mounted on the connector cap. The storage bottle is a hollow container including an inlet port and a discharge port, a detachably connecting device for the connector cap mounted on the inlet port, and a check valve openable only toward an exterior of the storage bottle is mounted on the discharge port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Sumitomo Bakelite Company Limited
    Inventors: Yoshifumi Matsuura, Tomohiro Isono, Yukihiko Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 7087035
    Abstract: A device and method for enhancing skin piercing by microprotrusions involves pre-stretching the skin to enhance pathway formation when the microprotrusions are pressed into the skin. An expandable device includes skin engaging opposite ends that contact the skin surface so that when the device is expanded the skin is stretched. The skin is placed under a tension of about 0.01 to about 10 megapascals, preferably about 0.05 to 2 megapascals. The device has a plurality of microprotrusions which penetrate the skin while the skin is being stretched by the expanded device. Another stretching device employs suction for skin stretching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Alza Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph C. Trautman, Michel J. N. Cormier, Kellee Eng, Wei-Qi Lin, Hyunok L. Kim, Sara L. Sendelbeck, Armand P. Neukermans, Bruce P. Edwards, Wai-Loong Lim, Andrew I. Poutiatine, J. Richard Gyory
  • Patent number: 7008403
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing system provides a non-contact method of monitoring the change in the fluid volume over time. This approach avoids the use of probes or sensors that come into direct contact with the fluid to be dispensed. The system comprises an apparatus comprising three chambers. The first chamber has a fixed volume and contains a pressurized gas. A solenoid valve is used to control the flow of gas from the first chamber into the second. The second chamber is sealed so that the combined mass of air in the first and second chambers remains fixed. The third chamber is adjacent to the second and contains medication in the form of incompressible fluid that is to be administered to a human or animal subject via a suitable delivery port. A piston is disposed between the second and third chambers and is movable responsive to the flow of gas into the second chamber to dispense fluid from the third chamber as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Cognitive Ventures Corporation
    Inventor: Scott Mallett
  • Patent number: 6979316
    Abstract: An auto-injector for rapid delivery of a bolus of injectable medication has a generally flat, sealed housing with small peripheral dimensions, approximating those of a credit card. A syringe, configured to be contained within the flat housing is pre-filled with the medication. The housing contains a mechanism that, when triggered, automatically drives the syringe and needle forwardly to an injection position and then continues to compress the volume of the syringe to effect rapid injection. The forward injection end of the device includes an actuator that also conceals and protects the needle at all times and, prevents post-injection hazards. The flat faces of the device have graphic symbols and other visual indicia relating to the operation and condition of the device. The device enables a simple three-step operation that reduces the risk of improper use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Seedlings Life Science Ventures LLC
    Inventors: Keith H. Rubin, James M. Sellers, Haydn B. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6905479
    Abstract: The present invention involves, in some embodiments, reusable pump drive systems, which are coupled to removable, and preferably disposable, pumping cartridges. The invention provides, in some embodiments, novel pumping cartridges for use in pumping systems. One such cartridge includes an integrated filter element therein for filtering fluids, for example fluids pumped to the body of a patient in a medical procedure. In some embodiments, the integrated filter is utilized as a blood clot removal filter and in other embodiments is used to remove particulates liquids infused to a patient. The filter element includes a filter with pores therein that are preferably sized to permit essentially unrestricted flow of individual human blood cells therethrough and to block or collect blood clots, cell clumps, particulates etc. with sizes substantially larger than the average size of a human blood cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Deka Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Clement D. Bouchard, Lawrence B. Gray
  • Patent number: 6892755
    Abstract: An improved ambulatory infusion device for dispensing a fluid into a patient includes a flexible bladder enclosure having a first open end a closed second end. The closed second end of the sheath is free to conform to the body of the patient so that the device is comfortable when worn. In other aspects, a pressure regulator of the device is adapted to maintain the outlet pressure within a predetermined range of pressures so that the fluid flow rate is substantially constant during fluid flow. A flow restrictor of the device is formed of flexible tubing. An ambulatory infusion device for dispensing a fluid at a predetermined fluid flow rate includes an elastic bladder having an interior volume for storing the fluid under pressure and an opening for dispensing the fluid. A pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the opening of the bladder and includes an inlet for receiving fluid from the bladder at an inlet pressure and an outlet for discharging the fluid at a predetermined outlet pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventor: Larry Black
  • Patent number: 6878133
    Abstract: A delivery apparatus for pressurized medical liquids has a primary reservoir and a primary pressurizing arrangement configured for removably pressurizing medical liquid in the primary reservoir to a delivery pressure. A secondary reservoir has an inlet connected via a valve to receive pressurized liquid from the primary reservoir. As secondary pressurizing arrangement is arranged for supplying a compensating pressure to the received pressurized liquid to maintain it at substantially the delivery pressure as pressure is reduced in the primary reservoir, particularly during refilling with medical liquid from an unpressurized source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Maquet Critical Care AB
    Inventors: Christer Ahlmen, Petter Videbrink
  • Patent number: 6835194
    Abstract: The invention features devices and methods for treatment of pain. The drug delivery device is a drug delivery system adapted for whole implantation in a subject and to provide pain relief by delivery of fentanyl or a fentanyl congener (e.g., sufentanil) over a protracted period of time (e.g., at least 3 days or more than 3 days). The device comprises a housing defining a reservoir that contains a drug formulation, a pump operatively connected to the housing so as to facilitate movement of drug out of the reservoir and out of the device, and a thermal expansion element which defines a flow pathway comprising a thermal expansion channel to accommodate thermal expansion of formulation in the reservoir. The device can further comprise a valve positioned within the flow pathway so as to prevent movement of drug out of the reservoir prior to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Durect Corporation
    Inventors: Randolph Mellus Johnson, Felix Theeuwes, Edward M. Gillis, Dana Litmanovitz, Barbara Laidlaw, James Brown, John Culwell, James A. Filice, Peter Wickman, Su-Il Yum, Andrew Poutiatine, John Dinka
  • Publication number: 20040171987
    Abstract: An improved ambulatory infusion device for dispensing a fluid into a patient includes a flexible bladder enclosure including a sheath of flexible material having a first open end a closed second end. The first open end of the sheath is affixed to a rigid closure, and a bladder support is secured in fixed position relative to the closure. An elastic bladder is mounted on the bladder support and positioned inside the sheath for holding fluid to be dispensed. The closed second end of the sheath is free to conform to the body of the patient so that the device is comfortable when worn. In other aspects, a flow restrictor and a pressure regulator are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Applicant: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Bridle, Larry Black
  • Patent number: 6768425
    Abstract: A system for providing medical treatment to a patient, including a medical treatment apparatus and a remote control device. The medical treatment apparatus has a local processor, and a local communication element connected to the local processor, while the remote control device includes a remote processor, user interface components connected to the remote processor, and a remote communication element connected to the remote processor and adapted to communicate with the local communication element of the medical treatment apparatus in a wireless manner such that information can be transferred between the local processor and the remote processor. The remote control device also includes at least two separate power supplies connected to the remote processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Insulet Corporation
    Inventors: J. Christopher Flaherty, John T. Garibotto
  • Patent number: 6767337
    Abstract: The invention relates to an infusion apparatus for use in combination with an infusion bag (10) comprising and/or being connectable with a conduit means (12) for transport of infusion liquid to a patient. The infusion apparatus comprises a first space (14) in which the infusion bag (10) is disposed. The infusion apparatus comprises also a second space (16). The volume of this second space (16) can be varied by supplying a pressure generating liquid to the second space (16). This change in volume of the second space (16) exerts a pressure on the infusion bag (10). The infusion apparatus comprises also a closing means (20) which exerts a load on the conduit means (12). If the pressure generating liquid exerts a pressure on the infusion bag (10) the load will decrease. This allows infusion liquid to leave the infusion bag (10) via the conduit means (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Gepro Produktutveckling AB
    Inventor: Göran Ewerlöf