Material Impelled By Nonreciprocating Piston Driven By Motor Patents (Class 604/154)
  • Patent number: 6676634
    Abstract: The present syringe adapter (100), which permits use of syringes (40) of various types, sizes and configurations to be used with a front-loading injector (10), includes a removable injector face plate (120) having a releasable mounting mechanism (122a, 122b) for attaching the adapter face plate (120) to a front-load injector (10), a reducing sleeve (140) having a recess (190) for receiving the distal flange (44) of syringe (40), locking pivot arms (220, 240) pivotly attached to the reducing sleeve (140) to releasably engage syringe flange (44), and a piston extension (320) provided for extending the injector drive piston (16) for engagement with syringe plunger (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Spohn, Robert J. Ashcraft, Jr., Craig John Bowser, P. Eric Pavlik, Albert John Yarzebinski, David M. Reilly, Joseph B. Havrilla
  • Patent number: 6676635
    Abstract: Since this syringe has projections provided on the rear surface of a flange of a syringe barrel, when it is inserted in an insertion groove of a cylinder holder, the tips of projections are compressed and the flange is fixed. Consequently, even when a solution having high viscosity is injected at higher pressure, breakage does not occur easily. Further, pressure-receiving area may also be increased by providing a guide defining mounting direction of a syringe, alternatively, a positioning mechanism may be provided so as to obtain mounting at a correct position, or the surface of a flange may be roughened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Nemoto Kyorindo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeru Nemoto
  • Publication number: 20040006318
    Abstract: A catheter includes an elongated tubular member having a lumen extending through the elongated tubular member. The elongated tubular member also has an outer surface, a distal end and at least one opening. The opening extends between the inner and outer surfaces, provides communication between the outer surface and the lumen and includes at least two straight edges extending parallel to the lumen of the tubular member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Inventors: Ramanathan Periakaruppan, Scott D. Moore
  • Patent number: 6659980
    Abstract: An occlusion detection system detects an occlusion in a fluid path of an infusion pump. The infusion pump is for delivering fluid to a user. The infusion pump includes a housing, a motor, a reservoir, one or more drive train components, a sensor, and an electronics system. The motor is contained within the housing. The reservoir contains the fluid to be delivered. The one or more drive train components react to stimulus from the motor to force the fluid from the reservoir into the user. The sensor is positioned to measure a parameter associated with the motor or a drive train component, and the sensor produces three or more output levels across a range of measurements. The electronics system processes the sensor output levels to declare when an occlusion exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventors: Sheldon B. Moberg, James D. Causey, III, Rex O. Bare, Andrew J. Scherer, Bradley J. Sargent
  • Patent number: 6652489
    Abstract: Embodiments of an injector, syringe, syringe interface, and piston/plunger assembly for an injector (of contrast medium, for example) are described. Preferably, the syringe is adapted to engage a syringe interface mechanism such that the syringe may be connected to an injector without regard to any particular orientation of the syringe to the injector or to the piston/plunger assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Trocki, Mark W. Hitchins, Kevin P. Cowan, James A. Dedig, Francis J. Sciulli, Steven C. Rygg, Larry J. Fuchs, Edward J. Rhinehart, Robert D. Parks
  • Publication number: 20030163090
    Abstract: Sensors are described that may be provided in a medication pump. A magnetic sensor detects rotation of an element that is rotated by a motor, where a magnet covers a portion of the element. A light sensor may also be provided that detects if a cartridge is present in a cartridge chamber. A medication cartridge includes an opaque area at its open end for use with the light sensor. Methods of using these sensors to operate the pump area also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Michael L. Blomquist, Daniel H. Pommerening, Clinton S. Vilks, Gail Beth Bynum, Mark Henry Faust
  • Publication number: 20030163089
    Abstract: A safety cap cover for use with a medication pump and a method for using a pump are described, where the cap cover makes the pump is more difficult for a child to open. The cap cover according to the present invention is configured to reversibly attach to and enclose a pump cap of a medication pump. The cap cover is movable from a first state to a second state on the pump cap. In the first state, the safety cap cover rotates freely around the pump cap. In the second state, the cap cover contacts an exterior surface of the pump cap so that the user can apply torque on the pump cap through the cap cover to rotate the pump cap. Preferably, the safety cap cover is moved from the first state to the second state by applying a radially inward force on opposing sides of the cap cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Gail Beth Bynum
  • Patent number: 6610030
    Abstract: A microinjection pump for administration of fluid pharmacological compounds to unrestrained and freely behaving animals is provided. The micro-pump employs a screw drive mechanism that is actuated by a small stepper motor. The pump moves fluids by direct mechanical displacement from two micro-syringes arranged in parallel. The drive mechanism incorporates a threaded central drive screw that is attached to the stepper motor drive shaft, The threads of the central drive screw engage the threads of two parallel, but oppositely turned (left hand turned and right hand turned) threaded rods. By the frictional action of the helical threads of the threaded drive screw with the threads of the threaded rods the threaded rods are moved linearly and depress the plungers of the attached micro-liter syringes. Medications are administered to animals through flexible tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: Anthony Baxter
  • Patent number: 6562008
    Abstract: A front-loading syringe which comprises a movable plunger for injecting liquid contrast media, is rotatably mountable on a front wall of an injector housing with an interference fit and in sealed relationship with respect thereto, with or without a pressure jacket, by a first-quick release mechanism. At the same time, the plunger is connected to an injector drive mechanism by a second readily releasable mechanism. During the mounting operation, a sensor reads injection information from an indicator device on the syringe and feeds it to an injector control. An audible-and-tactile indicating mechanism also is activated when the syringe is essentially in the desired mounted position. The syringe may include reinforcing ribs which also function as volumetric gradations, and liquid media presence-or-absence indicating dots which appear circular against a liquid media background and oval-shaped against an air background.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Reilly, Joseph B. Havrilla, Eugene A. Gelblum, Daniel Kazousky
  • Patent number: 6558352
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically controlling the quantitative delivery of, and then recording the occurrence of the administration of medicines to animals is disclosed and claimed. An intelligent syringe receives and automatically implements an instruction relating to a preferred quantity of medicine to be delivered to a specific animal, based on the measured weight of the animal. Upon actuation of the intelligent syringe, a first signal containing information relating to the actuation of the intelligent syringe, and the resulting injection of the animal is transmitted to a data repository. An EID is attached to the animal to provide a tamper-resistant electronic identification of the animal, and a receiver is utilized for receiving the first signal from the intelligent syringe and the electronic identification of the animal. Thereafter, a computer database maintains the information contained in the first signal for selective access and analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Verilogik, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Hogan
  • Patent number: 6551277
    Abstract: A syringe pump has a plunger head retainer with two retainer arms mounted on shafts extending parallel to the syringe axis. Each shaft carries a gear, which is engaged by common gear wheel mounted on a threaded shaft. Initially, the shaft is rotated to displaces the gear and hence the retainer arms axially forwardly, and thereafter swing the retainer arms outwardly to an open position. After the syringe has been loaded in the pump, the plunger head retainer is driven forwards until a pad coupled with a force sensor detects contact with the head. This causes the retainer arms to be swung in across the forward side of the plunger head and to be pulled rearwardly against the plunger head. The pump then reduces the force applied by the retainer arms to ensure that the force sensor can respond to force on the plunger during expulsion of liquid from the syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Smiths Group PLC
    Inventor: Andrew John Ford
  • Publication number: 20030073954
    Abstract: An occlusion detection system detects an occlusion in a fluid path of an infusion pump. The infusion pump is for delivering fluid to a user. The infusion pump includes a housing, a motor, a reservoir, one or more drive train components, a sensor, and an electronics system. The motor is contained within the housing. The reservoir contains the fluid to be delivered. The one or more drive train components react to stimulus from the motor to force the fluid from the reservoir into the user. The sensor is positioned to measure a parameter associated with the motor or a drive train component, and the sensor produces three or more output levels across a range of measurements. The electronics system processes the sensor output levels to declare when an occlusion exists.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: MINIMED INC.
    Inventors: Sheldon B. Moberg, James D. Causey, Rex O. Bare, Andrew J. Scherer, Bradley J. Sargent
  • Patent number: 6547755
    Abstract: A delivery device including a) a housing, b) a container for a fluid arranged in the housing, the container having an opening, c) a delivery conduit connected in fluid communication with the opening, the conduit having a front end in flow respect distal from the container and a rear end in flow respect proximal to the container, the front end and the rear end defining an axis therebetween and a forward direction and a rearward direction, and d) a pump arranged to deliver fluid at least in a direction from the container through the conduit, the device comprising, a sensor able to change state in at least one respect in response to a predetermined proximity of an object to the sensor in a sensing direction, a converter, separate from or integral with the sensor, converting at least one of the sensor states into an electromagnetic signal, and a processor, receiving the electromagnetic signal and delivering a control signal to an operational component of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Pharmacia AB
    Inventors: Barbara Lippe, Anders Holte, Hans Himbert, Birger Hjertman, Bohdan Pavlu, Magnus Westermark, Ranier Bosse, Markus Adam
  • Patent number: 6544229
    Abstract: An ambulatory infusion pump (10) has a syringe barrel (16) having a fluid chamber (19) and an inner wall (22). The pump (10) further has an infusion engine (14) for moving fluid through the syringe barrel (16). The infusion engine (14) has a member (42) for engaging a portion of the syringe barrel (16) for moving the engine (14) linearly along the syringe barrel (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc
    Inventors: Hal C. Danby, John Hawker
  • Publication number: 20030065287
    Abstract: A syringe for use with a powered injector to inject a fluid into a patient includes at least a first indicator positioned on the syringe at a predetermined axial position. The distance between a rearward surface of the first indicator and a predetermined position on the powered injector provides information about the syringe configuration. The first indicator can, for example, be a rear surface of the attachment flange. An injector system includes a powered injector having a drive member and at least one sensor for detecting energy. The injector system also includes a syringe having at least a first indicator positioned on the syringe at a predetermined axial position. The energy detected by the sensor is determined by the axial position of the indicator when the syringe is attached to the powered injector. The axial position of the indicator thereby provides information about the syringe configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Michael A. Spohn, Joelle A. Rudnick, Thomas P. Joyce, Adam J. Hahn, Michael J. Masters, William J. Nolan, Jason A. Zaperach, Joseph B. Havrilla
  • Publication number: 20030060768
    Abstract: A first sensor (13-1), the mounting position of the first sensor (13-1) being recognized as a counting number of instruction pulses to a pulse motor (3), is arranged along a plate (11) with slits of an encoder at a portion between a position where a pushing holder (7) is connected to a plunger (9) for the liquid infusion, and a start position where the pushing holder (7) is separated from the plunger (9). A counting means (16) for counting encoder pulses from the encoder, is reset when a first sensor (13-1) is detected by a position detecting device (14) moved together with the pushing holder (7), and started to count the encoder pulses according to the movement of the pushing holder (7). A time to complete the liquid infusion is calculated by using a distance between the position where the plunger (9) is connected to the holder (7) and a liquid infusion finish position proper to the syringe, and a predetermined liquid infusion speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: Japan Servo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Kiyatake, Katumi Tominaga, Kazuhide Yamazaki, Seiji Kojima
  • Patent number: 6520930
    Abstract: An injector for use in injecting a fluid in a medical injection procedure includes a drive having a motor to pressurize the fluid; a sensor to provide a measure of fluid pressure; and a pressure monitor in communication with the sensor and the drive to stop the motor using 4-quadrant control when the sensor communicates a measured pressure of at least a pressure hazard limit. The pressure monitor also limits power input to the motor to a power limit once the sensor communicates a measured pressure of at least a power limiting pressure. The power limiting pressure is below the pressure hazard limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard G. Critchlow, Martin J. Uram, David A. Mishler, Richard A. Bates, Robert J. Doiron
  • Patent number: 6514230
    Abstract: Described is an electronic injection device wherein an electronic circuit is designed to work in two alternative modes: an air shot mode and a dose injection mode. When working in the air shot mode a small predetermined air shot dose is pressed out from the ampule when the injection button is actuated. When working in the injection mode, a dose set by operation of the dose setting means is injected by operation of the injection button. The electronic injection device is normally working in the air shot mode but shifts to work in the dose injection mode when it receives a signal indicating that the dose setting means has been operated. The circuit returns to its air shot mode when receiving a signal indicating that the set dose has been injected. This signal can originate either from a switch indicating that the protection cap is mounted or from a switch indicating that the injection button has been pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Novo Nordisk A/S
    Inventors: Jens Munk, Denmark Denmark Aasmul, Henrik Ljunggreen, Lars Hofmann Christensen
  • Publication number: 20030018252
    Abstract: An angiographic injector system and a method of controllably delivering medical fluid to a patient from an angiographic injector system are disclosed. A multiple processor control system is used to actively control the injection process and to monitor sensed functions of the system. The multiple processors provide dual redundancy safety circuits for critical control functions such as syringe motor drive speed and current. A motor/servo-amplifier nested control function is also disclosed. A unique method and apparatus are disclosed for establishing injection parameter default values just prior to an injection procedure that are based on physiological values of the patient to be treated. The injector system uses an interactive display panel that presents sequenced set-up screens to the user and which enables the user to select injection procedures, parameters and other modes of operation directly through the interactive panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Douglas J. Duchon, James P. Smith, Katherine H. Anderson, Robert F. Wilson, Jiyan Liu
  • Publication number: 20030014013
    Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic syringe device including a syringe pump having a housing defined therein with a syringe receiving chamber for receiving a syringe, a control unit received in the housing and adapted to control a motor adapted to supply, to the syringe pump, a drive force for injecting a liquid medicine out of the syringe, a transmitter/receiver unit received in the housing and electrically connected to the control unit, and a remote controller adapted to control the control unit via the transmitter/receiver unit. The remote controller includes a transmitter/receiver unit adapted to conduct transmission and reception of signals to and from the control unit of the syringe pump via the transmitter/receiver unit of the syringe pump, a control unit adapted to control the transmitter/receiver unit of the remote controller, and a display adapted to display an ON or OFF state and an operation mode of the syringe pump under a control of the second control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Soo Bong Choi
  • Publication number: 20030009133
    Abstract: A pump system for an infusion system includes a linear drive (36, 36′) which minimizes the space occupied by the pump components in a portable housing (10, 10′). A motor (34) and a motor drive shaft (42) are arranged in parallel with, and adjacent to a syringe (14, 14′) and lead screw (94, 94′). A gear box (54) connects the drive shaft and lead screw to transfer rotational movements between them. A piston driving member, such as a cone (116) or drive nut (116′) converts the rotational movement of the lead screw into linear motion of a syringe piston (24). Sensors (150, 152) detect when the piston or cone is in a “home” position and in an “end” position, respectively. Optionally, a proximity sensor (170) is used to ensure that the cone and the piston (24) are abutting during dispensing. Alternatively, a clamping member (350) selectively clamps the lead screw (94′) against linear motion in at least a dispensing direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Kirk Ramey
  • Publication number: 20020198496
    Abstract: An angiographic injector system and a method of controllably delivering medical fluid to a patient from an angiographic injector system are disclosed. A multiple processor control system is used to actively control the injection process and to monitor sensed functions of the system. The multiple processors provide dual redundancy safety circuits for critical control functions such as syringe motor drive speed and current. A motor/servo-amplifier nested control function is also disclosed. A unique method and apparatus are disclosed for establishing injection parameter default values just prior to an injection procedure that are based on physiological values of the patient to be treated. The injector system uses an interactive display panel that presents sequenced set-up screens to the user and which enables the user to select injection procedures, parameters and other modes of operation directly through the interactive panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Douglas J. Duchon, James P. Smith, Katherine H. Anderson, Robert F. Wilson, Jiyan Liu
  • Publication number: 20020183616
    Abstract: A method of preventing extravasation of contrast agent during a computed tomography injection. An automatic injector device facilitates ease of accomplishing the method. The method includes establishing the absence of extravasation using an absorbable injectate, such as saline, prior to injecting the contrast agent. The device includes a computerized injector head capable of switching between two injectates without physical human intervention. The device is controlled by a remote operating panel located in a control room that is protected from X-ray radiation. The device includes various software driven safety features that prevent the occurrence of unsafe conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Applicant: ACIST Medical System, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Toews, Chris Szczech, Tom McPeak, Doug Duchon
  • Patent number: 6485465
    Abstract: An occlusion detection system detects an occlusion in a fluid path of an infusion pump. The infusion pump is for delivering fluid to a user. The infusion pump includes a housing, a motor, a reservoir, one or more drive train components, a sensor, and an electronics system. The motor is contained within the housing. The reservoir contains the fluid to be delivered. The one or more drive train components react to stimulus from the motor to force the fluid from the reservoir into the user. The sensor is positioned to measure a parameter associated with the motor or a drive train component, and the sensor produces three or more output levels across a range of measurements. The electronics system processes the senor output levels to declare when an occlusion exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Sheldon B. Moberg, James D. Causey, III, Rex O. Bare, Andrew J. Scherer, Bradley J. Sargent
  • Publication number: 20020165491
    Abstract: An injector for injecting a fluid from a syringe, which includes an elongated body, a mounting member positioned on a rear portion of the body, and a plunger moveably positioned within the body of the syringe, includes a housing having a front wall and a retainer on the front wall. The retainer is adapted to cooperate with the mounting member to releasably retain the syringe on the front wall. The retainer includes a powered loader adapted to bring the mounting member and the retainer into secure engagement to securely connect the syringe to the injector. The injector further includes a powered drive member in the housing. The drive member is adapted to engage the plunger and control the movement of the plunger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: David M. Reilly
  • Patent number: 6475192
    Abstract: A front-loading syringe which comprises a movable plunger for injecting liquid contrast media, is rotatably mountable on a front wall of an injector housing with an interference fit and in sealed relationship with respect thereto, with or without a pressure jacket, by a first-quick release mechanism. At the same time, the plunger is connected to an injector drive mechanism by a second readily releasable mechanism. During the mounting operation, a sensor reads injection information from an indicator device on the syringe and feeds it to an injector control. An audible-and-tactile indicating mechanism also is activated when the syringe is essentially in the desired mounted position. The syringe may include reinforcing ribs which also function as volumetric gradations, and liquid media presence-or-absence indicating dots which appear circular against a liquid media background and oval-shaped against an air background.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Reilly, Joseph B. Havrilla, Eugene A. Gelblum, Daniel Kazousky
  • Patent number: 6447487
    Abstract: An infusion apparatus for administering drugs to a patient has a threaded shaft acting on a plunger of a syringe and is provided with protection against overdose caused by free flow. The protection is in the form of an adapter connected to the threaded shaft and having a neck and head with roughened surface extending into a threaded seat in the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Cané S.R.L.
    Inventor: Mario Cane′
  • Patent number: 6428509
    Abstract: A syringe plunger driver system capable of engaging different sized syringes. A drive head includes a pushing surface as well as spaced-apart arms biased toward each other and toward the pushing surface. An activating lever moved to a first position moves the arms outward away from each other and forward toward the syringe barrel for ease in loading a syringe. Moving the lever to a second position permits the biasing devices connected to the arms to move the arms inward to capture the syringe plunger and then rearward to hold the plunger flange against the pushing surface to resist siphoning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: ALARIS Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul D. Fielder
  • Patent number: 6402718
    Abstract: A front-loading syringe which comprises a movable plunger for injecting liquid contrast media, is rotatably mountable on a front wall of an injector housing with an interference fit and in sealed relationship with respect thereto, with or without a pressure jacket, by a first-quick release mechanism. At the same time, the plunger is connected to an injector drive mechanism by a second readily releasable mechanism. During the mounting operation, a sensor reads injection information from an indicator device on the syringe and feeds it to an injector control. An audible-and-tactile indicating mechanism also is activated when the syringe is essentially in the desired mounted position. The syringe may include reinforcing ribs which also function as volumetric gradations, and liquid media presence-or-absence indicating dots which appear circular against a liquid media background and oval-shaped against an air background.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Reilly, Joseph B. Havrilla, Eugene A. Gelblum, Daniel Kazousky
  • Patent number: 6402717
    Abstract: A front-loading syringe which comprises a movable plunger for injecting liquid contrast media, is rotatably mountable on a front wall of an injector housing with an interference fit and in sealed relationship with respect thereto, with or without a pressure jacket, by a first-quick release mechanism. At the same time, the plunger is connected to an injector drive mechanism by a second readily releasable mechanism. During the mounting operation, a sensor reads injection information from an indicator device on the syringe and feeds it to an injector control. An audible-and-tactile indicating mechanism also is activated when the syringe is essentially in the desired mounted position. The syringe may include reinforcing ribs which also function as volumetric gradations, and liquid media presence-or-absence indicating dots which appear circular against a liquid media background and oval-shaped against an air background.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Reilly, Joseph B. Havrilla, Eugene A. Gelblum, Daniel Kazousky
  • Patent number: 6387077
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for maintaining the suspension of an agent suspended in a suspending medium in which a container holding the agent is revolved about an axis to create and maintain the suspension and the agent is selectively provided from the container. The agent may be selectively provided from the container while the container is simultaneously or intermittently revolved in a planetary orbit about an axis of rotation generally parallel to an axis of the container for maintaining the suspension. Alternatively, the container may be rotated about its longitudinal axis by a source of rotation to create and maintain the suspension while the agent is provided from the container due to a force imparted by the source of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Lazarevich Klibanov, Ronald Walter Hagen, Mark Edward Boyce
  • Publication number: 20020045861
    Abstract: A syringe pump has a motor rotating a leadscrew to drive a plunger head actuator along it. The head actuator engages the plunger of a syringe and moves the plunger along the syringe barrel to dispense medication. An optical encoder mounted on the leadscrew is rotated by the motor to produce a pulse output. A control unit times the interval between the pulses and compares these timings with a stored value representative of a predetermined multiple of the minimum time. If the head actuator is obstructed, the speed of rotation of the motor is slowed and the time interval between pulses rises. When this exceeds the stored value, the control unit stops the drive to the head actuator and generates an alarm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventor: Robert James Tribe
  • Patent number: 6371938
    Abstract: The pressure jacket systems of the invention are used to permit the front loading and removal of a syringe from an injector and include a first jacket segment and a second jacket segment surrounding the exterior surface of the syringe, interior surfaces comformable to the exterior surface of the syringe, a mechanism which allows movement of the first jacket segment in relation to the second jacket segment to permit insertion and removal of the syringe from the pressure jacket, and a mechanism for securing the first and second jacket segments in a fixed relationship upon insertion of the syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Reilly, Arthur E. Uber, III, Alan D. Hirschman, Eugene A. Gelblum
  • Publication number: 20020032409
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser for dischargeable media, preferably containing at least one active pharmaceutical substance and packed in portioned manner in storage chambers of a storage means, as well as a conveying device for the supply of the storage means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventor: Stefan Ritsche
  • Patent number: 6340357
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drug delivery device wherein a dose to be apportioned from a cartridge is set by changing the relative position of co-operating dose setting elements (3, 5) and is injected by pressing a button (5) until this button abuts a stop (6). By operation of count up (7) or count down (8) buttons the dose is set and read into an electronic circuit (9) comprising a microprocessor and the dose setting movement of the dose setting elements relative to each other is performed by a motor (11) controlled by the circuit in accordance with the read in dose. The set dose is shown on a display (10). The motor (11) is further controlled to perform certain movements of the piston rod (3) so as retraction of this rod when a cartridge (1) is going to be changed an advancing of the piston rod to abutment with the piston (2) after the cartridge has been changed and further to advance this piston to expel air from the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Novo Nordisk A/S
    Inventors: Jens Ulrik Poulsen, Henrik Ljunggreen, Lars Hofmann Christensen
  • Patent number: 6339718
    Abstract: A fluid injection arrangement, in the context of patient imaging systems, in which phases of contrast medium injection and flushing medium injection can be freely and selectably ordered so as to make available to the operator and patient a vast array of possible protocols that has hitherto been essentially unattainable. Also contemplated is the use of a “hold” phase, involving an indefinite pause between phases of a protocol, in connection with such imaging systems. Further contemplated is the use of a “pause” phase in which a pause of fixed duration is pre-programmed into the protocols of MRI injector systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Doug Zatezalo, Jeffrey John Thompson, Steven C. Rygg, Scott R. Griffith, John Gardner, Ronald Barbati
  • Patent number: 6336913
    Abstract: The present syringe adapter (100), which permits use of syringes (40) of various types, sizes and configurations to be used with a front-loading injector (10), includes a removable injector face plate (120) having a releasable mounting mechanism (122a, 122b) for attaching the adapter face plate (120) to a front-load injector (10), a reducing sleeve (140) having a recess (190) for receiving the distal flange (44) of syringe (40), locking pivot arms (220, 240) pivotly attached to the reducing sleeve (140) to releasably engage syringe flange (44), and a piston extension (320) provided for extending the injector drive piston (16) for engagement with syringe plunger (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Spohn, Robert J. Ashcraft, Jr., Craig John Bowser, P. Eric Pavlik, Albert John Yarzebinski
  • Publication number: 20010053888
    Abstract: The present invention involves a device for tissue, especially hard tissue, penetration device which incorporated a novel paddle-shaped needle for low friction rotatory penetration of hard tissue and a controlled delivery or extraction system for transfer of material from to device into a tissue site or transfer of material from the tissue site to the device. The delivery system or extraction system includes at least on solenoid or other similar device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: Kyriacos A. Athanasiou, George Constantinides, Dan R. Lanctot
  • Publication number: 20010049496
    Abstract: The present invention provides an auto-injection device including a housing, a container from which a product is dispensed by advancing a piston, the container shiftably accommodated by the housing and carrying a needle, and a drive unit including a driven member, wherein the driven member is shiftably accommodated by the housing and, during an auto-injection, is adapted for inserting the needle and advancing the container to a predetermined frontal position in relation to the housing and advancing the piston within the container for dispensing of the product, wherein the driven member remains uncoupled with the piston until the container reaches its frontal position, and upon the container reaching its frontal position, the driven member detaches from the container and couples with the piston for advancing the piston within the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Fritz Kirchhofer, Jurg Steck, Peter Hostettler, Stephan Jost
  • Patent number: 6322535
    Abstract: The present invention provides prefillable syringes and injectors for use therewith that expand and/or facilitate a variety of medical procedures involving the injection of a liquid medium. In several embodiments, the present syringes and injectors enable the use of current syringe materials at higher pressures than previously attainable or the use of other materials not previously usable with current high pressure-syringe and injector designs. In one embodiment, a syringe comprises an elongated cylindrical main body having a first pair and a second pair of mounting flanges encompassing collectively an arcuate length equal to at least approximately 180° of the circumference of the rear portion of the cylindrical main body for releasably mounting the syringe in a desired position relative to the front wall of the injector housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Hitchins, Edward J. Rhinehart, Robert J. Masarik
  • Publication number: 20010034502
    Abstract: An occlusion detection system detects an occlusion in a fluid path of an infusion pump. The infusion pump is for delivering fluid to a user. The infusion pump includes a housing, a motor, a reservoir, one or more drive train components, a sensor, and an electronics system. The motor is contained within the housing. The reservoir contains the fluid to be delivered. The one or more drive train components react to stimulus from the motor to force the fluid from the reservoir into the user. The sensor is positioned to measure a parameter associated with the motor or a drive train component, and the sensor produces three or more output levels across a range of measurements. The electronics system processes the senor output levels to declare when an occlusion exists.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventors: Sheldon B. Moberg, James D. Causey, Rex O. Bare, Andrew J. Scherer, Bradley J. Sargent
  • Publication number: 20010027287
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for reducing the load on a patient's left ventricle while perfusing ischemic myocardium are provided using a first conduit having an inlet end configured for insertion into the left atrium, left ventricle or aorta coupled to a second conduit having an outlet end configured for insertion into the coronary venous vasculature via the coronary ostium. A motor-driven or hydraulically-actuated pump may be coupled between an outlet end of the first conduit and an inlet end of the second conduit to direct flow between the first and second conduits. Control circuitry is provided for use with the motor-driven pump to control the pump with a user selected duty cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Applicant: Trans Vascular, Inc.
    Inventors: Ascher Shmulewitz, John Burton, Robert S. Bley
  • Publication number: 20010021823
    Abstract: Since this syringe has projections provided on the rear surface of a flange of a syringe barrel, when it is inserted in an insertion groove of a cylinder holder, the tips of projections are compressed and the flange is fixed. Consequently, even when a solution having high viscosity is injected at higher pressure, breakage does not occur easily. Further, pressure-receiving area may also be increased by providing a guide defining mounting direction of a syringe, alternatively, a positioning mechanism may be provided so as to obtain mounting at a correct position, or the surface of a flange may be roughened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Inventor: Shigeru Nemoto
  • Publication number: 20010011163
    Abstract: An adapter includes a syringe carrier adapted to seat at least a portion of the syringe. The syringe carrier includes at least one rearward facing abutment member to abut at least one forward facing surface on a syringe. The syringe carrier includes an opening therein to allow a drive member of an injector to communicate forward force to the plunger through abutment without connective engagement between the drive member and the plunger. The adapter further includes a releasable mounting mechanism positioned to the rear of the syringe carrier to mount the adapter in a desired position relative to the front wall of the injector. An adapter includes a first section and a second section that are rotatable relative to each other about a hinge axis generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Inventors: William J. Nolan, Michael A. Spohn, John Haury, Anthony S. McCoppin, Frank A. Lazzaro, Robert J. Ashcraft, James Albert Dedig, Christopher J. Blue, David H. Berry
  • Patent number: 6264634
    Abstract: An implant-type chemical supply device includes: a supply tube for supplying chemicals from a chemical tank; a pump unit having an actuating lever which is rotated by a step motor and has rollers on both ends thereof so that the rollers are arranged in contact with the halfway of the supply tube, for extruding the chemicals within the supply tube by the rollers to supply the chemicals; a waveform synthesizing circuit for producing drive pulse groups each having a different effective power; a drive circuit for supplying any one of the drive pulse groups to the step motor in synchronism with a time signal; a detection circuit for generating a non-rotation signal when an induced voltage developed in the drive coil within the step motor by free oscillations of the step motor is equal to or less than a given value after the drive pulse is supplied to the step motor; and a control circuit for controlling the drive circuit so that the drive pulse having an effective power larger by one in magnitude than that of the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Ko Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 6245043
    Abstract: An injector for medical use, in particular with semisolid substances, the injector comprising a case and at least one injection electric motor pressing against a piston acting on the moving end of a cartridge, the motor being movable in translation inside the body in order to exert force on the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Alain Villette
  • Patent number: 6183442
    Abstract: The present invention involves a device for tissue, especially hard tissue, penetration device which incorporated a novel paddle-shaped needle for low friction rotatory penetration of hard tissue and a controlled delivery or extraction system for transfer of material from to device into a tissue site or transfer of material from the tissue site to the device. The delivery system or extraction system includes at least on solenoid or other similar device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the University of Texas System
    Inventors: Kyriacos A. Athanasiou, George Constantinides, Dan R. Lanctot
  • Patent number: 6113574
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the power and computer assisted injection of local anesthetic into a patient in a virtually pain free manner, in which anesthetic pressure is automatically monitored as an input to the computer, in which the patient is able at any time to order the automatic reduction of anesthetic pressure and in which a simple single pole switch is the only control input to the computer required of the doctor administering the injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: Ronald P. Spinello
  • Patent number: 6090064
    Abstract: A front-loading syringe which comprises a movable plunger for injecting liquid contrast media, is rotatably mountable on a front wall of an injector housing with an interference fit and in sealed relationship with respect thereto, with or without a pressure jacket, by a first-quick release mechanism. At the same time, the plunger is connected to an injector drive mechanism by a second readily releasable mechanism. During the mounting operation, a sensor reads injection information from an indicator device on the syringe and feeds it to an injector control. An audible-and-tactile indicating mechanism also is activated when the syringe is essentially in the desired mounted position. The syringe may include reinforcing ribs which also function as volumetric gradations, and liquid media presence-or-absence indicating dots which appear circular against a liquid media background and oval-shaped against an air background.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Reilly, Joseph B. Havrilla, Eugene A. Gelblum, Daniel Kazousky
  • Patent number: RE37602
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems for generating diagnostic images of a patient's internal organs and more particularly, this invention relates to improved MRI systems with decreased interference between the magnetic field used for producing diagnostic images and the magnetic fields generated by the electric motors used for driving the pistons of the contrast media injectors. Additionally, the system employs an improved communication link between an externally located system controller and the injection head control unit located within the electromagnetic isolation barrier which defines the magnetic imaging room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur E. Uber, III, Seid Waddell, John Stulen, Jon E. Manley, Salvatore J. Dedola, Gordon C. Newell