With Threaded Drive Means Patents (Class 604/155)
  • Publication number: 20040176725
    Abstract: An improved reservoir is provided for use in a medication infusion device for operating the reservoir to administer a fluid to a patient. The reservoir comprises a hollow barrel adapted to receive a supply of fluid for delivery through infusion tubing or the like to the patient, in combination with a reservoir plunger. The reservoir plunger is designed to engage a motor-driven lead screw of the medication infusion device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC MINIMED INC.
    Inventors: William H. Stutz, Herman L. Renger, Cary D. Talbot
  • Patent number: 6786890
    Abstract: A linear actuator comprising a first member (1) and a second member (2) provided with internal threads (6,8) cut in opposite directions and an intermediary member (3) engaged with and being axially displaceable in relation to the first and second members (1,2), via external threads (11,12) that are complementary to the threads (6,8) provided on the first and second members (1,2). The linear actuator furthermore comprises a sheath (4) stretching across the intermediary member (3), which sheath (4) is inrotatably, but longitudinally slidably arranged in relation to the first and second members (1,2). The linear actuator also comprises a driving rod (5) that is inrotatably, but longitudinally slidably arranged within the intermediary member (3). A medical delivery device provided with such a linear actuator is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Novo Nordisk A/S
    Inventors: Jan Harald Preuthun, Soren Henrik Ljunggreen
  • Patent number: 6776773
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignees: Japan Servo Co., Ltd., Servo Techno System Co., Ltd., JMS Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Kiyatake, Katumi Tominaga, Kazuhide Yamazaki, Seiji Kojima
  • Publication number: 20040092878
    Abstract: A device for delivering fluid to a patient, including an exit port assembly adapted to connect to a transcutaneous patient access tool, a reservoir including a side wall extending towards an outlet connected to the exit port assembly, at least one threaded lead screw received in the reservoir and extending towards the outlet of the reservoir generally parallel with the side wall, and a plunger threadedly received on the lead screw such that rotating one of the lead screw and the plunger moves the plunger within the reservoir. The device also includes a dispenser operatively coupled to one of the lead screw and the plunger for rotating one of the lead screw and the plunger. The lead screw driven plunger reduces the size, complexity and costs of the device so that the device lends itself to being small and disposable in nature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: J. Christopher Flaherty
  • Publication number: 20040049161
    Abstract: A syringe driver system comprises a rotatable threaded lead screw shaft and a plunger which directly engages the threaded shaft such that rotation of the shaft drives the plunger into the syringe body. The plunger is formed with a threaded shaft engaging portion in the form of a half nut to engage with and follow the threaded shaft. The syringe driver system further comprises a guide system to secure the plunger in direct engagement with the threaded shaft and to prevent rotation of the plunger. An arm of the plunger stem carries markers useful in determining the near end of infusion. The syringe body carries a marker or markers useful in determining a characteristic about the syringe, such as its volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: James G. J. Shearn
  • Patent number: 6676663
    Abstract: An applicator device for controllable injecting a cement into bones, particularly, in percutaneous vertebroplasty, comprising an elongated body with an inner axial cavity, a guiding block having an inner thread closing a first end of the axial cavity, a rotatable spin having a central outer thread portion and a distal end emerging from an axial cavity through the guiding block, the spin being axially movable within the axial cavity when being rotated, a syringe holder compartment for tightly holding a syringe body within an axial space being in axial continuation of the axial cavity, the syringe holding compartment comprising a hollow body being releasably fastened by fastening means within at least an end portion of said axial cavity, and at least a first axial rib outwardly protruding from the hollow body, the first axial rib fitting within a complementary first axial slot in said end portion of the axial cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventors: Antonio Pérez Higueras, Tomás Martín Valdiviesa
  • 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: 6656148
    Abstract: A piston-type infusion pump is provided having an improved method of occlusion detection. The infusion pump includes processing circuitry for controlling the drive mechanism to infuse medication to a patient, including a sensor to track the position of the syringe plunger, thereby metering the amount of medication dispensed to the patient. The processing circuitry also includes a force sensor for providing signals indicative of the presence of occlusions along the infusion path. The operation of the drive mechanism causes delivery of medication to the patient. The infusion pump is constructed to be watertight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Animas Corporation
    Inventors: Kusal K. Das, Ian Maxwell Shipway
  • Patent number: 6645177
    Abstract: A syringe driver system comprises a rotatable threaded lead screw shaft and a plunger which directly engages the threaded shaft such that rotation of the shaft drives the plunger into the syringe body. The plunger is formed with a threaded shaft engaging portion in the form of a half nut to engage with and follow the threaded shaft. The syringe driver system further comprises a guide system to secure the plunger in direct engagement with the threaded shaft and to prevent rotation of the plunger. An arm of the plunger stem carries markers useful in determining the near end of infusion. The syringe body carries a marker or markers useful in determining a characteristic about the syringe, such as its volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Alaris Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James G. J. Shearn
  • Patent number: 6641566
    Abstract: A medication injection or delivery system is provided for injecting fluids such as insulin within body tissue. The device includes a housing, a flexible shaft movably mounted within the housing, and a dose setting mechanism for controlling the movement of the shaft with respect to a fluid-containing cartridge removably positioned within or mounted to the housing. The flexible shaft, according to exemplary embodiments, includes a plunger and a flexible cable connected to the dose setting mechanism. The plunger and dose setting mechanism are connected together by the flexible shaft. The dose setting mechanism, in one aspect of the invention, includes a screw, a locking mechanism, and a nut assembly connected to the flexible shaft. The dose setting mechanism is used to set the dosage and prime the catheter. The plunger retracts into a recess to permit a new cartridge to be installed quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Sterling Medivations, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Douglas, John Ramirez, Robert Hugo
  • Publication number: 20030199824
    Abstract: A device for delivering fluid, such as insulin for example, to a patient. The device includes an exit port assembly, a syringe-like reservoir including a side wall extending towards an outlet connected to the exit port assembly. A threaded lead screw is received in the reservoir and a plunger has an outer periphery linearly slideable along the side wall of the reservoir and an inner periphery threadedly received on the lead screw. The plunger is non-rotatable with respect to the side wall such that rotating the lead screw causes the plunger to advance within the reservoir and force fluid through the outlet. The device also includes a dispenser having a return element for causes rotation of the lead screw, and a shape memory element. A changeable length of the shape memory element decreasing from an uncharged length to a charged length resets the return element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Derek Dwayne Mahoney, John T. Garibotto, Kerry Dennis O'Mara, Christopher Carter Gregory, John Michael Margicin, J. Christopher Flaherty
  • Publication number: 20030199825
    Abstract: A device for delivering fluid, such as insulin for example, to a patient. The device includes an exit port assembly, a syringe-like reservoir including a side wall extending towards an outlet connected to the exit port assembly. A threaded lead screw is received in the reservoir and a plunger has an outer periphery linearly slideable along the side wall of the reservoir and an inner periphery threadedly received on the lead screw. The plunger is non-rotatable with respect to the side wall such that rotating the lead screw causes the plunger to advance within the reservoir and force fluid through the outlet. The device also includes a dispenser having a return element for causes rotation of the lead screw, and a shape memory element. A changeable length of the shape memory element decreasing from an uncharged length to a charged length resets the return element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: J. Christopher Flaherty
  • 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: 6592551
    Abstract: A syringe pump has a drive mechanism for moving the plunger of a syringe along a barrel. Ears at the rear of the barrel engage against a wall on the pump and an L shape clamp arm is urged against the ears by a spring. The clamp arm is mounted about an axis at right-angles to the syringe and is articulated at a point along its length. A lever having a flag at one end is pivoted about a horizontal axis by movement of the arm and moves relative to an optical sensor so that the output of the sensor indicates whether the syringe is correctly loaded in the pump. The clamp arm is rotated away from the barrel by the drive mechanism during loading of the syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Smith Group PLC
    Inventor: Anthony Richard Cobb
  • Patent number: 6575936
    Abstract: A liquid infusion apparatus for fixing an outer cylinder of a syringe and a driver for pushing a plunger in a predetermined direction so as to exhaust liquid in the syringe, an incremental linear encoder arranged along the feeding axis of said driver for pushing the plunger, a detector of said incremental linear encoder mounted on a slider portion of the driver for pushing the plunger so as to generate a signal indicating a moving quantity of the plunger, and a sensor provided in the vicinity of a liquid exhaust port of the outer cylinder for setting along the feeding axis a remaining liquid quantity small section so as to generate a signal about a position of the plunger at the remaining liquid quantity small section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignees: Japan Servo Co., Ltd., JMS Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Kojima, Katumi Tominaga, Shigeo Hayashi, Hiromu Miura
  • 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: 20030055380
    Abstract: A device for delivering fluid to a patient, including an exit port assembly adapted to connect to a transcutaneous patient access tool, a reservoir including a side wall extending towards an outlet connected to the exit port assembly, at least one threaded lead screw received in the reservoir and extending towards the outlet of the reservoir generally parallel with the side wall, and a plunger threadedly received on the lead screw such that rotating one of the lead screw and the plunger moves the plunger within the reservoir. The device also includes a dispenser operatively coupled to one of the lead screw and the plunger for rotating one of the lead screw and the plunger. The lead screw driven plunger reduces the size, complexity and costs of the device so that the device lends itself to being small and disposable in nature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: J. Christopher Flaherty
  • 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
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6475188
    Abstract: A microinjection pump for unrestrained and freely behaving animals is provided. The microinjection pump employs a screw drive mechanism that is actuated by an attached small stepper motor. The pump moves fluid by direct mechanical displacement from two microsyringes arranged in parallel (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The pump pivots and turns freely above an animal cage by an electrical swivel and connects to the animal head only by two small flexible capillary tubes that store and deliver fluids to both sides of its brain. Through associated electronic connections, the pump allows the animal to lever press for self-administration of fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Anthony David Baxter
  • Publication number: 20020161339
    Abstract: An injector pack has a box which houses in separate positions a firing mechanism and a syringe housing. The firing mechanism has safe and cocked conditions and as it is located in the box it is constrained to adopt the safe condition by a sleeve grip being held against rotation while a protruding barrel co-operates with cams to rotate it. The firing mechanism when removed can be screwed by its barrel to the rear end of the syringe housing while that is held by the box, and then the whole injector can be withdrawn for use. The syringe is made operable by rotating the barrel to the cocked condition. Pressing the grip forwards then releases a plunger to act on the syringe. The previous retraction of the plunger can be done using a pillar formation upstanding within the box and over which the barrel can be sleeved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Steven Mark Guy Rolfe
  • Patent number: 6423035
    Abstract: A piston-type infusion pump is provided having an improved method of occlusion detection. The infusion pump includes processing circuitry for controlling the drive mechanism to infuse medication to a patient, including a sensor to track the position of the syringe plunger, thereby metering the amount of medication dispensed to the patient. The processing circuitry also includes a force sensor for providing signals indicative of the presence of occlusions along the infusion path. The operation of the drive mechanism causes delivery of medication to the patient. The infusion pump is constructed to be watertight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Animas Corporation
    Inventors: Kusal K. Das, Ian Maxwell Shipway
  • Publication number: 20020077598
    Abstract: An improved pump, reservoir and reservoir piston are provided for controlled delivery of fluids. A motor is operably coupled to a drive member, such as a drive screw, which is adapted to advance a plunger slide in response to operation of the motor. The plunger slide is removably coupled to the piston. The piston comprises a first member and a second member. The first member has an external proximate side and an external distal side. The external proximate side is adapted to contact the fluid and is made of a material having a first stiffness. The second member has a first side and a second side and is at least partially disposed within the first member. The first side of the second member is adjacent to the external proximate side of the first member and is made of a material having a stiffness which is greater than the first stiffness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Darren Y. K. Yap, Poonam Gulati, Paul H. Kovelman, William P. Van Antwerp, Bradley J. Enegren, Eric P. Geismar, Philip J. Hudak, Susan McConnell, Sheldon B. Moberg
  • 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: 20010047153
    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: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    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
  • Patent number: 6061587
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for targeted drug delivery into a living patient using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The apparatus and method are useful in delivery to all types of living tissue and uses MR Imaging to track the location of drug delivery and estimating the rate of drug delivery. An MR-visible drug delivery device positioned at an target site (e.g., intracranial delivery) delivers a diagnostic or therapeutic drug solution into the tissue (e.g., the brain). The spatial distribution kinetics of the injected or infused drug agent are monitored quantitatively and non-invasively using water proton directional diffusion MR imaging to establish the efficacy of drug delivery at a targeted location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: John Kucharczyk, Michael E. Moseley
  • Patent number: 6042565
    Abstract: The present invention provides a syringe and a powered injector for use therewith in which the syringe is attachable to a powered drive member of an injector over a range of relative axial positions of the syringe plunger and the drive member. The syringe comprises a plunger, and a plunger extension connected thereto and extending rearward from the plunger, such that the syringe may be operated manually or by a powered injector. In one embodiment, the plunger extension comprises a plurality of plunger attachment members located over a range of axial positions on the plunger extension. Each of the plurality of plunger attachment members is adapted to form a releasable attachment with at least one cooperating injector attachment member on the powered drive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan D. Hirschman, David M. Reilly
  • Patent number: 5993423
    Abstract: A portable automatic syringe device having a configuration including a separable rotating shaft adapted to provide a drive force to a piston included in the automatic syringe device so that the rotating shaft can be separated, along with the piston, from a housing of the syringe device upon re-filling a syringe of the syringe device with a liquid medicine. A coupling member is coupled between the rotating shaft and power transmission means. The coupling member has a reduction gear engaging with an output gear of the power transmission means, and a cross groove. A horizontal engaging pin is fixed to a lower end of the rotating shaft in such a fashion that it is engaged in the cross groove when the rotating shaft is positioned in position in the syringe device, thereby causing the rotating shaft to be coupled to the coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Soo Bong Choi
  • Patent number: 5993411
    Abstract: A portable automatic syringe device having a configuration including a separable rotating shaft adapted to provide a drive force to a piston included in the automatic syringe device so that the rotating shaft can be separated, along with the piston, from a housing of the syringe device upon re-filling a syringe of the syringe device with a liquid medicine. A coupling member is coupled between the rotating shaft and power transmission means. The coupling member has a reduction gear engaging with an output gear of the power transmission means, and a cross groove. A horizontal engaging pin is fixed to a lower end of the rotating shaft in such a fashion that it is engaged in the cross groove when the rotating shaft is positioned in position in the syringe device, thereby causing the rotating shaft to be coupled to the coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Soo Bong Choi
  • Patent number: 5968015
    Abstract: An injector head for medical use is provided with a position plate serving as both the position plate and a nut, placed at a rear end portion of a plunger, as well as a screw axis engaging with the position plate. A mechanical stopper which can slide only in a direction of an axis of the plunger is provided to the plunger. A female thread is formed on the surface of the mechanical stopper. A main body portion is provided which accommodates the mechanical stopper, the plunger, and the position plate and has a male thread formed on its inner surface and screwed together with the female thread. By utilizing this structure, an injector head for medical use can be provided which is scaled down and simplified while keeping its mechanical safety mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Sugan Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5964728
    Abstract: A synchronous vitreous lavage device for ophthalmology includes a platform, a pair of main and auxiliary supporters, a pair of guiding arms, a movable seat and a pair of clamps. When the movable seat moves in the direction of the guiding arms, the lavage device simultaneously drains bloody water from an eyeball and injects lavage water into the eyeball by means of two syringes. The bloody water in the eyeball can be easily removed from the eyeball at a cheap cost. An ophthalmologic lavaging system is formed by connecting two regulating syringes through two three-way valves to the lavage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventor: Po-Kang Lin
  • Patent number: 5954697
    Abstract: An improved syringe is provided for use in a medication infusion pump for operating the syringe to administer a selected medication to a patient. The syringe comprises a hollow barrel adapted to receive a supply of the selected medication for delivery through infusion tubing or the like to the patient, in combination with a syringe plunger formed with an open-sided threaded half nut for engaging a motor-driven lead screw of the medication infusion pump when the syringe is correctly seated within a syringe compartment formed within a pump housing. The half nut on the syringe plunger includes detent tabs for snap-fit engagement with the pump lead screw to provide a direct drive connection therebetween. A compartment door on the pump housing can be moved to a closed position, following syringe placement into the syringe compartment, only when the plunger half nut is properly engaged with the lead screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventors: Chad Srisathapat, Jeffery V. Funderburk, Randy W. Adair
  • Patent number: 5928197
    Abstract: A computer-controlled injector of the type having a motor which advances and retracts a plunger located within a syringe housing toward and away from a nozzle located in the front of the syringe to inject fluid into or out of an animal subject. Manual motion is induced by operating a manual motion control; the operator can manipulate the control to indicate the desired direction and velocity of motion. The manual motion control also has a locking mode in which manual motion of the plunger will continue once initiated without requiring the operator to continue manipulating the manual motion control. The injector performs injections in accordance with one of several pre-programmed protocols, and automatically tracks the fluid volume remaining. The injector compensates for plunger extenders found in some partially pre-filled syringes by applying a stored offset value to the computed plunger position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Liebel-Flarsheim Company
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Niehoff
  • Patent number: 5925018
    Abstract: An infusion and microdialysis pump comprises a casing (100, 200) and an insertable cylinder and plunger (300) of the injection syringe type. Seated on the plunger rod is a runner element (4) which runs on a motor-driven screw (3), thereby to cause the plunger to dispense fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: CMA/Microdialysis AB
    Inventor: Urban Ungerstedt
  • Patent number: 5814011
    Abstract: An active intravascular lung includes a gas exchanger for delivering oxygen to blood flowing across the gas exchanger when positioned within the cavity and a pump in proximity to the gas exchanger for creating a differential blood pressure across the gas exchanger. When the gas exchanger is positioned percutaneously in the blood flow cavity, oxygen can be delivered to the blood independent of the operation of the patient's heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell A. Corace
  • Patent number: 5814015
    Abstract: A processor driven syringe pump for one or more, typically two syringes, which are held vertically in corresponding pumping stations of a housing unit which itself is typically suspended from an IV pole. The pump features a central display having portions corresponding to each of the syringes operated by the pump. A data entry knob cooperative with a display processor, causes a cursor issue on the display to step through and choose the menu selections. A function knob is operative to select five operating states including: Purge, Setup, Stop, Run and Bolus in a virtual or software driven manner. The syringe holding station includes a pusher assembly having plunger clamp assembly and a load cell to measure force exerted on the plunger flange. An actuation pad and associated linkage provides for easy syringe flange capturing, while a syringe barrel clamp provides for easy syringe loading and secure syringe barrel positioning for many sizes of syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Harvard Clinical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Diane A. Gargano, Eric J. Flachbart, Barry Cowen, Monica Duh, John L. Rudser, Jr., Ken Zhen, Lynn Noble, Julian Warhurst, Luis Pedraza
  • Patent number: 5807334
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser includes a hollow housing having an elongate chamber formed therein. A power supply is located within the chamber of the housing, the power supply being in electrical communication with a motor also located within the chamber of the housing. A switch, accessible from outside the housing, is in electrical communication with the power supply and motor for selectively operating the motor from a non-operable condition to an operable condition. A gear train is driven by a drive shaft of the motor, the gear train being located within the chamber of the housing and having a plurality of gears. At least one of the gears defines a slow speed gear which is rotatable at a relatively slow rate of speed and at least another of the gears defines a fast speed gear which is rotatable at a relatively fast rate of speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventors: Milton Hodosh, Fitz-Eugene Dixon Newbold
  • Patent number: 5697916
    Abstract: A hypodermic dosage measuring device to be utilized with a hypodermic syringe and a conventional drug vial, the dosage measuring device including a vial holding portion adapted to hold a head of the drug vial non-slidably therein, a syringe holding portion adapted to hold the syringe in a non-slidable position with a needle of the syringe disposed within the drug vial, and a dose adjustment portion, the dose adjustment portion including an elongate plunger holder and gear element, the plunger holder and gear element each including a plurality of teeth thereon such that movement of the gear element results in an elongate track segment of the plunger holder sliding in a longitudinal direction parallel to a length of the syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Stat Medical Devices Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Schraga
  • Patent number: 5681286
    Abstract: A computer-controlled injector of the type having a motor which advances and retracts a plunger located within a syringe housing toward and away from a nozzle located in the front of the syringe to inject fluid into or out of an animal subject. The injector includes a display for querying the operator as to operating parameters for an injection, such as the capacity of the syringe, prior to an injection. The injector may be configured so as to generate a different sequences of displays prior to an injection, e.g., to not include a query as to the syringe capacity if the injector will not be used with syringes of differing capacities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Liebel Flarsheim Company
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Niehoff
  • Patent number: 5672155
    Abstract: A body having a syringe receptacle for receiving and retaining a syringe having a plunger, a housing containing a drive assembly for moving the plunger of the syringe between a depressed position and an extended position, a grip containing a control assembly for controlling the operation of the drive assembly in programmable modes of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventors: Robert Q. Riley, Thomas J. Aksamit
  • Patent number: 5662612
    Abstract: A computer-controlled injector of the type as a motor which advances and retracts a plunger located within a syringe housing toward and away from a nozzle located in the front of the syringe to inject fluid into or out of an animal subject. The injector tracks the plunger position during an injection, and compensates for plunger extenders found in partially pre-filled syringes by applying a stored offset value to the computed plunger position, to produce a corrected plunger position reflecting the actual position of the plunger and compensating for the presence of the extender. The offset value can be determined by querying the operator as to the capacity of the syringe and determining therefrom the appropriate offset value, or may be automatically computed by detecting physical indicia on the syringe or extender which indicate the length of the extender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Liebel Flarsheim Company
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Niehoff
  • Patent number: 5656034
    Abstract: A syringe pump particularly adapted for delivery of small volumes at a high pressure in an accurate and reproducible manner. The syringe pump includes a frame, a motor attached to the frame, and a lead screw drivably connected to the motor. A cover seal is mounted to the front end of the lead screw, the cover seal having grooves formed therein to facilitate mounting and demounting of the cover seal. The pump further includes a cylindrical barrel within which the cover seal reciprocates, the barrel being made of a ceramic material, wherein the barrel is fixedly attached to the frame at the front end and floatably mounted to the frame at the back end. A barrel head is mounted to the front end of the barrel for closing off that end of the barrel, the barrel head including an outlet port for allowing fluid to enter and exit the barrel. In addition, the present invention includes a multi-syringe gradient syringe pump, a liquid chromatography system, a cover seal, and a mixer for mixing multiple flow streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventors: Michael L. Kochersperger, Reid B. Kowallis, Andrew A. Pham
  • Patent number: 5647853
    Abstract: An improved occlusion detector is provided in a medication infusion pump to monitor medication delivery to a patient, and to provide an early alarm in the event of medication nondelivery. The detector comprises a force sensor and related control circuit for reading and comparing the pressure applied to the medication at the time of pump operation to administer a dose to the patient, with the same pressure at a later point in time preceding the next dose. If the difference between the pressure readings is less than a predetermined value, an occlusion of the medication delivery line is indicated and an alarm is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: MiniMed Inc.
    Inventors: William G. Feldmann, Vernon J. Scherbenske, Craig M. Henning
  • Patent number: 5505709
    Abstract: An improved medication infusion pump is provided of the type for receiving and supporting a medication-containing syringe, wherein the pump and syringe include matingly interfitted components to ensure use of the pump with a compatible and correctly installed syringe. The infusion pump comprises a pump housing defining a syringe compartment for receiving and supporting the syringe, in combination with a drive member for engaging and programmably displacing a syringe plunger to administer medication to a patient. In one preferred form, the drive member and plunger include a matingly interfitting tab and notch which are engaged when the syringe is fully and properly positioned within the syringe compartment. In another form, the tab and notch are formed on the syringe plunger and a portion of the pump housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: MiniMed, Inc., a Delaware Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffery V. Funderburk, Matthew Jordan, Deborah C. McIntyre
  • Patent number: 5505697
    Abstract: An electrically powered jet injector impacts a plunger driver against a plunger to generate a high initial pressure pulse, for piercing the skin. The plunger driver then continues to generate a lower delivery pressure until the injection is completed. A microprocessor within the injector controls the speed and direction of the electric motor which moves the plunger driver. The injector provides a subcutaneous injection especially useful for injecting insulin to treat diabetes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventors: Charles N. McKinnon, Jr., James T. Potter, Ken Mattocks
  • Patent number: 5456669
    Abstract: An animal fluid injector, replaceable syringe and method of replacement of the syringe in the injector are provided in which the syringe is loadable and unloadable into and from the injector through the open front end of a pressure jacket of the injector, thereby permitting replacement without retraction of the syringe plunger drive or disconnection of the injection tubing. The syringe is provided with a pressure restraining front end, such as an integral or removable cap with structure such as threads that lock the syringe to the front end of the jacket by mating with threads on the jacket. A mechanism in the injector, which includes, for example, a key on cam ring operated by a lever with one hand of an operator, interacts with structure such asymmetrically spaced notches on the back end of the syringe to, for example, rotate the syringe and simultaneously translate or rotate a coupling on the syringe plunger into and out of engagement with the plunger drive in the injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Liebel-Flarsheim Company
    Inventors: Charles Neer, Frank M. Fago, Paul E. Dieterlen, James H. Goethel
  • Patent number: 5456670
    Abstract: An animal fluid injector is provided with a syringe guide, preferably in the form of a pressure jacket, having an open front end through which a replaceable disposable syringe is loadable into and unloadable from, thereby permitting replacement without retraction of the syringe plunger drive or disconnection of the injection tubing. The injector is provided with structure, preferably in the form of thread sections, which mates with cooperating structure on the syringe, to connect and lock the syringe to the injector, preferably by rotational motion of, preferably, less than a full turn, of for example, 90.degree.. In the illustrated embodiment, the structure is at the front end of the guide or at the front periphery of a jacket to connect to threads on a pressure restraining front end of the syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Liebel-Flarsheim Company
    Inventors: Charles Neer, Frank M. Fago, Paul E. Dieterlen, James H. Goethel
  • Patent number: 5368572
    Abstract: An injection device for a dental anesthetic or the like is constituted such that the linkage between the rear end side of an operating rod provided so as to freely go in and out of a main body and a drive mechanism operated by a motor provided in the main body is made detachably and the connecting or disconnecting operation of the drive mechanism and the rear end side of the operating rod is carried out by means of a manipulation portion provided in the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Shirota Denki Rozai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazunari Shirota
  • Patent number: 5322511
    Abstract: A hand-held power injector is provided for injecting liquid, such as contrast media, into the vascular system of a mammal. The device comprises a pistol-shaped housing which encloses a battery-powdered D.C. motor for constant-rate delivery of liquid from a syringe. In a particular embodiment the hand-help power injector includes an engagement feature connecting the syringe and the power injector which prevents inadvertent activation of the power injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Sterling Winthrop Inc.
    Inventors: Randy E. Armbruster, Bruce J. Semmler
  • Patent number: 5300042
    Abstract: A medication dispensing apparatus comprising a liquid container having an open end and a cap assembly engagably removable from the open end of the container. The cap assembly comprises an external cap having a lower end, an inner fixing element adapted to be fitted into the open end of the liquid container and connected to the lower end of the external cap. The cap assembly further comprises a dropper connected through the inner fixing element and having a fluid passageway and activation element for aspirating liquid from the container into the dropper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Kossoff-Sukel, Inc.
    Inventors: Sheila Kossoff, Carole Sukel, James Howard, Christopher Gieda