Material Impelled By Means (e.g., Diaphragm, Piston) Moved By Gas Or Vacuum Pressure Patents (Class 604/141)
  • Publication number: 20150141918
    Abstract: A syringe propellable by propellant that boils at a predetermined temperature, the syringe including a barrel having an outlet at a front end, and a stopper axially moveable in the barrel. The stopper separates a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber being axially forwards of the stopper and being configured for containing a medicament, and the second chamber being axially rearwards of the stopper and being configured to receive propellant for acting on the stopper to move the stopper axially forwardly in the barrel to expel medicament through the outlet upon actuation of the syringe. The syringe further includes a rupturing portion and a third chamber for containing propellant where the third chamber is rupturable upon actuation of the syringe to fluidly connect the third chamber to the second chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Ian Anderson, Matt Ekman, Rachel Suzanne Koppelman
  • Patent number: 8986244
    Abstract: A method of treating a prostate condition, including the steps of providing a needleless injector that includes a body at a proximal end, an injection shaft extending from the body to a distal end of the injection shaft, an injection orifice at the distal end of the injection shaft and positioned for fluid ejection in a lateral direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the injection shaft, a pressure source in communication with the fluid chamber, and an extendable tissue tensioner located at the distal end of the injection shaft proximal to the injection orifice; inserting the injection shaft into a urethra so the injection orifice is located within the prostatic urethra; actuating the tissue tensioner to contact urethral tissue, and injecting fluid from the injection orifice into the prostate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Vincent G. Copa, Sidney F. Hauschild
  • Patent number: 8986253
    Abstract: Two chamber pumps and related methods provide a platform for measuring flow rate in about real time without contacting the material being pumped. Pressure and optional temperature sensors disposed in a pressurized chamber allow for flow material delivery calculations after being calibrated or by knowing the initial volume of the flow material to be delivered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul M. DiPerna
  • Patent number: 8979791
    Abstract: A medicated module comprising a connecting body configured for attachment to a drug delivery device. A first needle is fixed within the connecting body and an outer body operatively coupled to the connecting body. A needle guard operatively coupled to the outer body and a biasing member positioned between the outer body and needle guard. A second needle fixed within the outer body and a recess within the connecting body defines a reservoir. The reservoir contains at least one dose of a medicament and is configured for fluid communication with the first and second needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: James Alexander Davies, Steven Wimpenny, Daniel Thomas De Sausmarez Lintell, Malcolm Stanley Boyd, Naceur Rekaya, Simon Lewis Bilton, John David Cross
  • Publication number: 20150065997
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for transmucosal drug delivery. The transmucosal drug delivery device may include a housing configured for intralumenal deployment, such as intravaginally, into a human or animal subject; a drug-dispensing portion which contains at least one drug, the drug-dispensing portion being configured to dispense the drug from the housing by positive displacement; and a permeability enhancer-dispensing portion configured to release or generate a permeability enhancing substance to disrupt at least one region of a mucosal barrier adjacent to the housing at a selected time while intralumenally deployed in the human or animal subject. The device may be operable to dispense the drug from the housing to a region of the mucosal barrier disrupted by the permeability enhancing substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Scott Uhland, Eric Peeters, Hussain Fatakdawala
  • Patent number: 8968243
    Abstract: A device for substance delivery to and/or extraction from the tympanic cavity, comprising: a stationary body having a distal surface, a proximal surface; a movable body having a distal surface and a proximal surface, disposed within the stationary body and free to move relative to the stationary body; at least one piercing element having a distal end and a proximal end, disposed in the movable body; and a means for moving the movable body relative to the stationary body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: EntraTympanic, LLC
    Inventors: Lev Rosenblum, Christian Pfeffer, George Kenney
  • Patent number: 8920376
    Abstract: The filling status of a drug reservoir in a drug pump devices may be determined with mechanical and/or magnetic position sensor associated with a reservoir boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: MiniPumps, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Caffey, Po-Ying Li, Yu-Chong Tai, Jeffrey Brennan
  • Patent number: 8920377
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a medicament container, an actuator, and a biasing member. The actuator is configured to move the medicament container within the housing when the actuator is moved from a first configuration to a second configuration. The actuator includes a gas container and a puncturer. When the actuator is in the first configuration, a portion of the puncturer is disposed apart from the gas container. When the actuator is in the second configuration, the portion of the puncturer is disposed within the gas container. The gas container has a longitudinal axis offset from a longitudinal axis of the medicament container. The biasing member is configured to bias the actuator toward the second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: kaleo, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric S. Edwards, Evan T. Edwards
  • Patent number: 8920375
    Abstract: The microneedle devices disclosed herein in some embodiments include a substrate; one or more microneedles; a reservoir for delivery of drugs; a gas source, and, optionally, pump(s), sensor(s), and/or microprocessor(s) to control the interaction of the foregoing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Valeritas, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert R. Gonnelli
  • Patent number: 8915893
    Abstract: An implantable infusion pump system is disclosed. The pump system preferably includes an implantable pump and a programmable module. The module may provide for varying flow rates of fluid being dispensed from the pump or may provide for a constant flow rate of such fluid. In the case of varying flow rate capabilities, the module preferably includes one or more sensors to determine information relating to the flow rate, electronics for analyzing the flow rate information, and a mechanism for physically altering the flow rate. In certain embodiments, the module includes a hermetically sealed housing. Methods of dispensing a medicament to a patient utilizing such a system are also disclosed, as are variations of the pump system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Palyon Medical (BVI) Limited
    Inventor: Bernd Steinbach
  • Patent number: 8905966
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel type of a needle-free drug delivery system in which strong energy such as a laser beam is focused inside liquid contained in a sealed pressure chamber to cause bubble growth and the volume expansion in the sealed pressure chamber due to the bubble growth so as to elongate an elastic membrane, so that an instantaneous pressure is applied to a drug solution contained in a drug microchamber adjacent to the elastic membrane to allow the drug solution to be injected in the form of a liquid microjet, thereby enabling the drug solution to rapidly and accurately penetrate into the bodily tissues of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: SNU R & DB Foundation
    Inventors: Jai-Ick Yoh, Tae-Hee Han
  • Patent number: 8852151
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Some embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. The device comprises a capsule sized to be swallowed and pass through the intestinal tract. The capsule can include at least one guide tube, one or more tissue penetrating members positioned in the guide tube, a delivery member, an actuating mechanism and a release element. The release element degrades upon exposure to various conditions in the intestine so as to release and actuate the actuating mechanism. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for the delivery of drugs which are poorly absorbed, tolerated and/or degraded within the GI tract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Rani Therapeutics, LLC
    Inventor: Mir Imran
  • Patent number: 8834454
    Abstract: The present application provides a drug-delivery device comprising a drug reservoir chamber 16, containing a substance to be delivered, in fluid connection with a drug administration means 18, and an electrically-controlled battery unit 10 comprising at least one displacement-generating battery cell 19 coupled to the drug reservoir chamber 16 by a coupling means 14, the arrangement being such that the displacement derived from the battery unit 10 is conveyed by the coupling means 14 to the drug reservoir chamber 16 such that the substance is expelled from the drug reservoir chamber 16 towards the drug administration means 18.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: SteadyMed Ltd.
    Inventors: Amir Genosar, Doron Aurbach, Elena Markevich, Grigory Salitra, Jonathan Goldstein, Mikhail Levi, Niles Fleischer, Yehuda Bachar, Yossi Aldar
  • Patent number: 8814829
    Abstract: A syringe assembly for connecting to an intravenous (“IV”) line includes: a syringe barrel having an actuation end and a discharge end; a syringe plunger moveable within the syringe barrel, the syringe plunger including a plunger head connected to a plunger arm; a seal between the plunger arm and the syringe barrel, the seal residing on an actuation end side of the syringe plunger; and a tube in fluid communication with the syringe barrel at a location between the seal and the plunger head, the tube having a distal end configured to be connected to the IV line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventor: Birendra K. Lal
  • Patent number: 8808232
    Abstract: A needleless injector including a body including a fluid chamber; an outer shaft extending from an outer shaft proximal end to an outer shaft distal end, wherein the outer shaft includes an outer shaft lumen to accommodate an injection shaft; an injection shaft located within the outer shaft lumen and moveable lengthwise and/or rotationally within the outer shaft lumen, wherein the injection shaft includes an injection shaft proximal end, an injection shaft distal end, an injection shaft terminus, and an injection lumen. The injector further includes an injection orifice at the distal end of the injection shaft and in fluid communication with the fluid chamber through the injection lumen; a pressure source in communication with the fluid chamber; and an optical device that allows viewing a location at a distal end of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Vincent G. Copa, Sidney F. Hauschild
  • Patent number: 8753311
    Abstract: An improved propellant pillow and method for filling a propellant chamber of an implantable pump with propellant through the use of such an improved propellant pillow are disclosed. The propellant pillow includes an improved design that prevents the damage of such during evacuating and filling procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Palyon Medical (BVI) Limited
    Inventors: Bernd Steinbach, Falko Bitz
  • Patent number: 8708958
    Abstract: A self-contained and hand-held power-assisted syringe is provided which is suitable for the controlled injection of fluid material during medical procedures such as coronary angiography procedures which utilize small-bore and small sized guide catheter systems. The present invention provides a greater degree of injection power on-demand than was previously possible in a portable and hand-held syringe; and it can deliver larger volumes of radiopaque contrast medium at greater pressures than was previously possible using a conventional manual syringe. The power assisted syringe, along with all components necessary for its effective use and operation, may be pre-packaged and steriled within a single container and then disposed of after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventors: Ducksoo Kim, Joseph L. Smith, Jr., James A. Crunkleton
  • Publication number: 20140114250
    Abstract: An autoinjector includes a main body having a container, the container having a drug therein, a hollow needle coupled to the container through which the drug can be delivered. The autoinjector also has a power source having a liquefied gas therein as a driver, a flow regulator, and at least one outlet through which some of the driver can exit the power pack in a gaseous state. The power source and container are coupled together for operation such that, when an injection is initiated, the flow regulator will control an exit rate of the driver such that the liquefied gas in the power source is maintained at substantially its vapor pressure and the power source will adjustably apply a force to deliver the drug via the hollow needle at a delivery rate that is a constant delivery rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Nuance Designs, LLC
    Inventors: David DeSalvo, Carlos Guillermo
  • Publication number: 20140114249
    Abstract: A container has a first compartment, a sleeve configured to receive at least one container for holding fluid, and a second compartment coupled to the first compartment, outside of the first compartment. Disposed inside of the second compartment in a substantially sealed manner is at least one inflator configured to pump a fluid into the first compartment wherein the at least one inflator. There can be at least one fluid channel coupled to the first compartment and to the at least one inflator for allowing fluid to flow from the at least one inflator to the first compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: MEYERS & GERARD MEDICAL LLC
    Inventors: Michael B. MEYERS, Mark P. GERARD
  • Patent number: 8684971
    Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system is provided that includes a hardware unit, a disposable unit received by the hardware unit, and a controller. The hardware unit includes a recessed area, a piston having a contact surface, a pneumatic source for supplying a negative pressure, and an actuator configured to move the contact surface of the piston into and out of at least a portion of the recessed area. The disposable unit includes an outer member fitted at least partially within the recessed area of the hardware unit and a moveable membrane positioned between the contact surface of the piston and the outer member when the disposable unit is received by the hardware unit. The controller is configured to cause the pneumatic source to apply the negative pressure to the moveable membrane so as to conform the moveable membrane to a shape of the contact surface of the piston and follow the contact surface when the piston is moved towards and away from the outer member fitted at least partially within the recessed area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Donald D. Busby, Peter A. Hopping, Robert W. Childers, Rick E. Kienman, Ian Richardson
  • Patent number: 8663158
    Abstract: A method for tilling needleless injector capsules with liquid drug, whereby dissolved gas within the drug is replaced by a less soluble gas in order to reduce the inclusion of gas bubbles, or to prevent the growth of bubbles during storage and thereby prevent breakage of the capsules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Zogenix, Inc.
    Inventors: William Henry, Andrew Lewis
  • Publication number: 20130338591
    Abstract: Infusion pumps that do not require electricity for operation are disclosed for various applications, including but not limited to pharmaceutical delivery of medications. A substance, which can be liquid, is stored in a reservoir and driven pneumatically by pressure generated by thermal transpiration, which requires a temperature difference existing between two ends of a narrow channel. In the case of pharmaceutical delivery, the medication is delivered to the treatment site via an applicator. Power sources other than electricity include, but are not limited to, the temperature of a person's body heat exceeding the ambient temperature of surrounding air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: University of Louisville Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Shamus McNamara, William D. Ehringer, Stephanie Miles, Alex Bell, Kunal Pharas
  • Patent number: 8608642
    Abstract: An environmentally sensitive hydrogel material swells or collapses in response to a parameter such as pH level associated with consumption of food by a patient. This swelling or collapsing is harnessed to treat morbid obesity or some other condition of the patient. The swelling or collapsing of the hydrogel may be used to tighten a gastric band or gastric valve when the patient starts eating; then loosen the band or valve when the patient is between meals. The swelling or collapsing of the hydrogel may also be used to increase the size of a space occupying device in the patient's stomach when the patient starts eating; then decrease the size of the space occupying device when the patient is between meals. The swelling or collapsing of the hydrogel may also be used to selectively restrict the absorption of nutrients within a patient's gastrointestinal tract, such as in the duodenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Janna M. Burrell, Randal T. Byrum, Robert Louis Koch, Jr., Larry D. Pool, Christopher W. Widenhouse
  • Patent number: 8603025
    Abstract: A gas-assisted fluid-dispensing device (10) for delivering an aerosol. The gas-assisted fluid-dispensing device (10) includes a syringe (14) that contains a fluid and includes a distal end (18), a proximal end (20), and a plunger (24) extending proximally from the proximal end (20). A spray nozzle tip (26) is configured to generate the aerosol and is coupled to the distal end (18) of the syringe (14). The gas-assisted fluid-dispensing device (10) further includes a housing (44) having first and second housing portions (52, 54). The first housing portion (52) includes a docking port (42) for receiving the syringe (14); the second housing portion (54) is configured as a handle. A trigger (50), coupled to the housing (44), is operably coupled to an actuating member (58) that is configured to apply a force onto the plunger (24) of the syringe (14) and discharge the fluid from the syringe (14) and into the spray nozzle tip (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Troy Allen Pongratz, Bradley David Robb, Jon E. Hoogenakker
  • Patent number: 8595950
    Abstract: Described herein are devices and techniques for spray drying a fluid to produce a dried powder. Assemblies include a spray drying head attachable to a gas supplier and a liquid sample, such as a standard unit of blood product. The spray drying head can be adapted to provide an aerosolized flow of liquid sample exposed to a drying gas. The assembly also includes a drying chamber adapted to separate the aerosolized flow of liquid sample into a dried powder and humid air. The assembly can be disposable, provided in a sterilized kit and having simplified attachments allowing quick connect and disconnect from the gas and liquid sample. Separation of the powder from the humid air exiting the drying chamber occurs within a filtered collection bag. In some embodiments, one or more of the drying chamber and collection bag are formed form a thin-walled, collapsible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Velico Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Brian Hubbard, Jr., Michael Haley, John Charles Rosenfelder, George T. Perivolotis
  • Patent number: 8591478
    Abstract: A variable hydraulic resistor for use with implantable pumps is disclosed. The variable hydraulic resistor according to the present invention is particularly useful in varying the flow rate of a medication fluid from an otherwise constant flow implantable pump. An implantable pump is also disclosed, which does not require a complicated clinching system or the like, and which may include an undulating membrane and chamber design to reduce the height of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Palyon Medical (BVI) Limited
    Inventor: Bernd Steinbach
  • Patent number: 8551044
    Abstract: Multiple reservoir implantable valve accumulator pump for the delivery of medication, and method of infusate delivery. The apparatus includes at least first and second infusate reservoirs in a common pressure chamber, each in fluid communication with a metering assembly. The metering assembly includes an accumulator that is preferably a fixed volume accumulator having an inlet and an outlet. A first valve is in fluid communication with the first infusate reservoir and an inlet of the accumulator, and a second valve is in fluid communication with the second infusate reservoir and an inlet of the accumulator. An outlet valve is in fluid communication with the outlet of the accumulator. The accumulator can be filled with infusate from the first and second infusate reservoirs sequentially, can be filled from the first infusate reservoir multiple times consecutively, the second infusate reservoir multiple times consecutively, or any combination or permutation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Flowonix Medical Incorporated
    Inventors: Paul F. Burke, Joshua L. Buckman, Patrick J. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 8545477
    Abstract: Multiple reservoir implantable valve accumulator pump for the delivery of medication, and method of infusate delivery. The apparatus includes at least first and second infusate reservoirs in a common pressure chamber, each in fluid communication with a metering assembly. The metering assembly includes an accumulator that is preferably a fixed volume accumulator having an inlet and an outlet. A first valve is in fluid communication with the first infusate reservoir and an inlet of the accumulator, and a second valve is in fluid communication with the second infusate reservoir and an inlet of the accumulator. An outlet valve is in fluid communication with the outlet of the accumulator. The accumulator can be filled with infusate from the first and second infusate reservoirs sequentially, can be filled from the first infusate reservoir multiple times consecutively, the second infusate reservoir multiple times consecutively, or any combination or permutation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Flowonix Medical Incorporated
    Inventors: Paul F. Burke, Joshua L. Buckman, Patrick J. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 8491524
    Abstract: A method for tilling needleless injector capsules with liquid drug, whereby dissolved gas within the drug is replaced by a less soluble gas in order to reduce the inclusion of gas bubbles, or to prevent the growth of bubbles during storage and thereby prevent breakage of the capsules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Zogenix, Inc.
    Inventors: William Henry, Andrew Lewis
  • Patent number: 8480624
    Abstract: A self-contained and hand-held power-assisted syringe is provided which is suitable for the controlled injection of fluid material during medical procedures such as coronary angiography procedures which utilize small-bore and small sized guide catheter systems. The present invention provides a greater degree of injection power on-demand than was previously possible in a portable and hand-held syringe; and it can deliver larger volumes of radiopaque contrast medium at greater pressures than was previously possible using a conventional manual syringe. The power assisted syringe, along with all components necessary for its effective use and operation, may be pre-packaged and steriled within a single container and then disposed of after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventors: Ducksoo Kim, Joseph L. Smith, Jr., James A. Crunkleton
  • Patent number: 8480656
    Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing medicaments to a patient that is made up of first and second stand-alone, interconnectable assemblies. The first of these assemblies comprises a fluid reservoir assembly that houses a fluid reservoir defining component while the second assembly comprises a fluid delivery and control assembly that includes a novel flow control means that functions to control the flow of medicinal fluid from the fluid reservoir of the first assembly toward the patient via a plurality of fluid flow control passageways. Because the stand-alone fluid delivery and control assembly is initially totally separate from the fluid reservoir assembly of the apparatus, the fluid flow passageways of the fluid delivery and control assembly can be effectively sterilized using conventional gamma ray sterilization techniques without adversely affecting the medicament contained within the fluid reservoir of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: BioQuiddity, Inc.
    Inventor: Marshall S. Kriesel
  • Patent number: 8460256
    Abstract: A fluid collection system includes a disposable collection container and a disposable collection container receiving housing, the housing having a cavity and a suction source. The fluid collection container may include a flexible liner and a shelf for diverting fluid from the suction and to assist with a collapse of the liner during evacuation of the fluid from the liner. The collection container receiving housing may include a piston assembly having a main piston body and a scraper ring. The collection container receiving housing may include a piston stop feature. The system may include a partially hydrophobic filter and a flat surface suction tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Allegiance Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas L. Michaels, Russ A. Johnson, Eric D. Hill
  • Patent number: 8425462
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a medicament container, an actuator, and a biasing member. The actuator is configured to move the medicament container within the housing when the actuator is moved from a first configuration to a second configuration. The actuator includes a gas container and a puncturer. When the actuator is in the first configuration, a portion of the puncturer is disposed apart from the gas container. When the actuator is in the second configuration, the portion of the puncturer is disposed within the gas container. The gas container has a longitudinal axis offset from a longitudinal axis of the medicament container. The biasing member is configured to bias the actuator toward the second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Intelliject, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Shawn Edwards, Evan Thomas Edwards
  • Patent number: 8425493
    Abstract: An implantable medication delivery device that is highly space efficient and can reliably and safely deliver controlled medication doses to a target site. The system includes a variable volume medication reservoir that is exposed to an ambient pressure equal to the ambient pressure at a system outlet port. A pump/valve subassembly is provided to draw medication from the reservoir and force a medication dose along a fluid transfer passageway to the outlet port. The pump/valve subassembly incorporates a safety mechanism, e.g., a balanced valve, which normally blocks medication flow to the outlet port and opens only in response to a pump induced unbalancing force. A protective shell is also disclosed for protecting the ambient reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: The Alfred E. Mann Foundation For Scientific Research
    Inventors: Peter C. Lord, Clyde K. Nason, Darren Y. K. Yap, Stephen D. Das, Ronald J. Lebel
  • Patent number: 8394081
    Abstract: Pump cassettes, wound-treatment apparatuses and methods. In some embodiments, a pump cassette comprises: a pump body having a pump chamber, an inlet valve in fluid communication with the pump chamber, and an outlet valve in fluid communication with the pump chamber; a diaphragm coupled to the pump body such that the diaphragm is movable to vary a volume in the pump chamber; and an identifier configured to store one or more properties of the pump cassette such that the identifier is readable by an automated reader to determine the one or more properties. In some embodiments, the pump cassette is configured to be removably coupled to a wound-treatment apparatus having an actuator such that the actuator can be activated to move the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Locke, David George Whyte
  • Patent number: 8387270
    Abstract: Described herein are devices and techniques for spray drying a fluid to produce a dried powder. Assemblies include a spray drying head attachable to a gas supplier and a liquid sample, such as a standard unit of blood product. The spray drying head can be adapted to provide an aerosolized flow of liquid sample exposed to a drying gas. The assembly also includes a drying chamber adapted to separate the aerosolized flow of liquid sample into a dried powder and humid air. The assembly can be disposable, provided in a sterilized kit and having simplified attachments allowing quick connect and disconnect from the gas and liquid sample. Separation of the powder from the humid air exiting the drying chamber occurs within a filtered collection bag. In some embodiments, one or more of the drying chamber and collection bag are formed form a thin-walled, collapsible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Velico Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Brian Hubbard, Jr., Michael Haley, John Charles Rosenfelder, George T. Perivolotis
  • Patent number: 8376999
    Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes: a hardware unit including a piston having a contact surface, a pneumatic source for supplying a negative pressure, a stepper motor, a controller including a processor and memory programmed to control the pneumatic source and the stepper motor, and a video monitor operating with a touch screen for sending and receiving information to and from the controller; and a disposable unit including a moveable membrane positioned adjacent to the contact surface, the programmed processor and memory operable to (i) cause the pneumatic source to apply the negative pressure to the membrane so that the negative pressure moves the membrane to conform to a shape of the contact surface and (ii) control the stepper motor so that the membrane follows the piston as the piston is moved away from the disposable unit and moves with the piston as the piston is moved into the disposable unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Don Busby, Peter Hopping, Robert Childers, Rick Kienman, Ian Richardson
  • Patent number: 8359767
    Abstract: Described herein are devices and techniques for spray drying a fluid to produce a dried powder. Assemblies include a spray drying head attachable to a gas supplier and a liquid sample, such as a standard unit of blood product. The spray drying head can be adapted to provide an aerosolized flow of liquid sample exposed to a drying gas. The assembly also includes a drying chamber adapted to separate the aerosolized flow of liquid sample into a dried powder and humid air. The assembly can be disposable, provided in a sterilized kit and having simplified attachments allowing quick connect and disconnect from the gas and liquid sample. Separation of the powder from the humid air exiting the drying chamber occurs within a filtered collection bag. In some embodiments, one or more of the drying chamber and collection bag are formed form a thin-walled, collapsible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Velico Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Brian Hubbard, Jr., Michael Haley, John Charles Rosenfelder, George T. Perivolotis
  • Publication number: 20130023818
    Abstract: A device for substance delivery to and/or extraction from the tympanic cavity, comprising: a stationary body having a distal surface, a proximal surface; a movable body having a distal surface and a proximal surface, disposed within the stationary body and free to move relative to the stationary body; at least one piercing element having a distal end and a proximal end, disposed in the movable body; and a means for moving the movable body relative to the stationary body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: ENTRATYMPANIC, LLC
    Inventors: Lev Rosenblum, Christian Pfeffer, George Kenney
  • Patent number: 8352041
    Abstract: Remote controls, including a communication device, a button or other communication device actuator and a movable structure that allows actuation of the actuator in one position and prevents actuation of the actuator in another position to prevent inadvertent signal transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: The Alfred E. Mann Foundation For Scientific Research
    Inventors: Stephen D. Das, Jose P. Bernardo, Daniel H. Villegas, Scott R. Gibson, Timothy John Payne, Scott LaVoy Conway, Joseph Wayne Vandegriff
  • Patent number: 8343102
    Abstract: Some injectors of the invention may include a fluid drive responsive to pressure of a working fluid (e.g., liquid, pneumatic, or both) to impart a sequence of forces to drive a delivery device (e.g., a syringe) to deliver a medical fluid (e.g., a contrast agent, a radiopharmaceutical, a drug, or a combination thereof). Some injectors may include a multimedia tube configured to pass a working fluid (e.g., air) and a light signal (e.g., infrared). Some injectors may include a peristaltic drive responsive to pressure of a working fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt LLC
    Inventors: Gary S. Wagner, Frank M. Fago, Peter Staats, Dane Battiato
  • Publication number: 20120330272
    Abstract: A self-contained portable apparatus for administration of a drug solution includes a housing having an enclosure for receiving a flexible pouch containing a drug solution, the output of which is connectable to a conduit for delivering the drug solution to a recipient. A pressurization system is arranged for providing a constant and controllable gas pressure to the housing in order to obtain a controllable delivery of the drug solution. The pressurization system includes a pressure source for delivering positive pressure gas; a pressure accumulation tank connected to the source and the second chamber; a one-way valve arranged between the pressure source and the pressure accumulation tank; and a mechanical pressure regulator arranged between the pressure accumulation tank and the housing. Hereby, an extremely stable and well controllable output pressure and output flow is obtainable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Martin NILSSON, Erik Andreen
  • Patent number: 8317756
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a medicament container and an actuator assembly coupled to a proximal end portion of the medicament container. A distal end portion of the medicament container is configured to be coupled to a needle. A piston is movably disposed within the medicament container such that the medicament container is divided into a first internal portion and a second internal portion, the first internal portion containing a medicament. The actuator assembly has a pressurized fluid container, a regulator and a bias member. The pressurized fluid container is configured to move relative to the medicament container between a first position and a second position. The regulator is configured to fluidically couple the pressurized fluid container and the second internal portion of the medicament container when the pressurized fluid container is in the second position. The bias member is configured to bias the pressurized fluid container in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: John F. Krumme, Leslie A. Field
  • Patent number: 8317753
    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 drug container that can be filled in the field with 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: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventors: Marshall S. Kriesel, Joshua W. Kriesel, Thomas N. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8313475
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlled rate dispensing of a liquid contained in a flexible bag, said apparatus including a chamber adapted to contain the flexible bag containing the liquid, an outlet from the chamber adapted to receive an outlet conduit communicating with the interior of the flexible bag, a source of gas arranged to apply pressure to at least part of the exterior walls of the flexible bag, and a pressure regulator arranged to control the pressure applied to said exterior walls, whereby pressure applied to said exterior walls causes liquid to be dispensed from the flexible bad through the outlet conduit at a controlled rate. A method of delivering liquid at a controlled rate using the apparatus of the present invention is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Keystone Product Developments Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Ian Clarke, Kenneth Arthur Logan, Paul Christopher Dastoor
  • Patent number: 8292876
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventors: Marshall S. Kriesel, Joshua W. Kriesel, Thomas N. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8287521
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Bio Quiddity, Inc.
    Inventors: Marshall S. Kriesel, Joshua W. Kriesel, Thomas N. Thompson
  • Patent number: 8267894
    Abstract: A self-contained portable apparatus for administration of a drug solution includes a housing having an enclosure for receiving a flexible pouch containing a drug solution, the output of which is connectable to a conduit for delivering the drug solution to a recipient. A pressurization system is arranged for providing a constant and controllable gas pressure to the housing in order to obtain a controllable delivery of the drug solution. The pressurization system includes a pressure source for delivering positive pressure gas; a pressure accumulation tank connected to the source and the second chamber; a one-way valve arranged between the pressure source and the pressure accumulation tank; and a mechanical pressure regulator arranged between the pressure accumulation tank and the housing. Hereby, an extremely stable and well controllable output pressure and output flow is obtainable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Astra Tech AB
    Inventors: Martin Nilsson, Erik Andreen
  • Patent number: 8262605
    Abstract: Described are devices and methods related to the needleless injection of fluid into tissue of the lower urinary tract, such as the urethra and prostate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Vincent G. Copa, Sidney F. Hauschild
  • Patent number: 8251981
    Abstract: A flow regulator (19, 208, 308, 408) may be used in a drug delivery system 10. The regulator includes a chamber that is divided by a diaphragm (111, 211, 311, 411) into a first and second subchamber. A third subchamber is in fluid communication with the first subchamber. A valve (26, 217, 317, 417) is operatively connected to the diaphragm, wherein pressure differences between the first subchamber and second subchamber result in movement of the diaphragm and movement of the diaphragm controls operation of the valve. A flow restrictor (116, 216, 316, 416) is in fluid communication between the first and second subchambers. Flow of a drug (11, 101) is thereby regulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Olsen