Means For Controlling Material Flow To Or From Body, Or Metering A Predetermined Dose Or Amount Patents (Class 604/246)
  • Patent number: 8262628
    Abstract: A luer connector comprising a housing with a hollow bore having first and second ends. The hollow bore also has a male luer tip and a tapering interior surface. The luer connector also comprises a rigid valve member configured to at least partially extend through the housing. The valve member has a first opened end and a second closed end. The valve member also comprises a passageway within the valve member and an outwardly extending flange near the second end adapted to seal the hollow bore at the second end of the housing when placed in contact with a tapering interior surface of the housing. The valve member further comprises at least one opening near the closed end of the valve member extending outward from the passageway through the valve member and at least one strut attached to the valve member. At least a portion of the strut extends substantially parallel to the central axis of the valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8265733
    Abstract: To facilitate imaging of a patient two different image recording methods are to be carried out at the same time. An auxiliary fluid, for example a contrast medium or a tracer, may be introduced into the body in each image recording method. The invention proposes mixing the two auxiliary fluids in situ immediately before dispensing to the patient. For this purpose it provides an injector with which the auxiliary fluids may be mixed and supplied to the patient. Devices for controlling dispensing of fluid from containers connected to the injector to produce a mixed solution may be electronically controlled by a control unit which calculates the total quantities, and optionally sub-quantities, of auxiliary fluids, which are used for a mixed solution, before activating the devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Maschke
  • Patent number: 8251959
    Abstract: A delivery device and a method for administering a fluid from a fluid reservoir, wherein an unintended free flow of the fluid from the reservoir to a recipient is reliably prevented, are disclosed. The delivery device has a tank for the fluid; a fluid delivery device which delivers the fluid from the tank; a valve body providing an input hole and an output hole; and an infusion set in order to guide the fluid from the tank to a distal end of the delivery device. The delivery device further provides a shutter assembly which is or can be mounted to the valve body and prevents the fluid from flowing inside the infusion set when the fluid exhibits a pressure which is lower than a predefined pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics International AG
    Inventors: Pascal Johner, Jean-Noel Fehr, Michel Saint-Ghislain, Hanspeter Niklaus, Felix Fuchs
  • Patent number: 8251945
    Abstract: A device for suctioning material out of an instrument channel during an endoscopic procedure. The device includes a biopsy valve having a first end, a second end, and an outer circumferential surface. The biopsy valve defines an internal passage leading from the first end to the second end, wherein the first end is adapted for connection to an endoscope instrument channel inlet port. Tubing connects the biopsy valve second end to a suction source connector disposed remote from the biopsy valve. A flow controller is fixed to the tubing and disposed between the biopsy valve second end and the suction source connector. The device may include an irrigation port and an instrument entry port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: U.S. Endoscopy Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean J. Secrest, Christopher J. Kaye, Paul Davis, John P. Winstanley
  • Patent number: 8251346
    Abstract: Valves are provided for controlling flow along a fluid line that includes an outer shell and an inner housing slidably disposed therein that includes connector threads surrounding a boss on one end and a passage including a tapered region within the boss. A shaft within the valve includes a base coupled to the outer shell, a tapered sealing pin disposed within the tapered region, and a fluid passage extending through the base to outlets in the sealing pin. A connector may be threaded into the one end of the inner housing, thereby slidably engaging the connector threads, camming elements on the inner housing causing the inner housing to move helically from a closed position wherein the sealing pin engages the boss to seal the outlets and an open position wherein the inner housing is directed away from the sealing pin to open a fluid path through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Infusion Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: David K. Stroup
  • Patent number: 8251067
    Abstract: Disclosed is a flow control device for a bronchial passageway. The device can includes a valve member that regulates fluid flow through the flow control device, a frame coupled to the valve member, and a membrane attached to the frame. At least a portion of the flow control device forms a seal with the interior wall of the bronchial passageway when the flow control device is implanted in the bronchial passageway. The membrane forms a fluid pathway from the seal into the valve member to direct fluid flowing through the bronchial passageway into the valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Pulmonx Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Hendricksen, Peter Wilson, Ronald Hundertmark, Antony J. Fields
  • Publication number: 20120215180
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fluid infusion device of the type that delivers medication fluid to the body of a patient. The device includes or cooperates with a fluid reservoir, and the device has a sealing assembly to receive and form a fluid seal with the fluid reservoir. A retractable sealing element surrounding a hollow fluid delivery needle may be used to seal a port of the fluid reservoir. The port may include a pressure vent that is sealed by the retractable sealing element. In one variation, the reservoir includes a moving valve sleeve that holds a septum. The septum moves to allow the reservoir to vent, and to form a seal with the port when the needle pierces the septum. In another variation, the device includes a needleless sealing assembly. In yet other variations, the device uses a needled fluid reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Edgardo C. Halili, Eric M. Lorenzen, Matthew William Yavorsky
  • Patent number: 8235937
    Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter and catheter assembly for delivering micronized therapeutic agents to a target site in the body and, in particular, to a target site in the heart. The micronized therapeutic agents are delivered in aerosol form or dry powder form. The present invention also provides a method of delivering micronized therapeutic agents to a target site in the body by placing the therapeutic agents in a catheter, positioning the catheter in the target site, and exposing the therapeutic agents to an energizing mechanism sufficient to create supersonic flow to carry the therapeutic agents from a stationary state in the catheter to a mobile state towards the target site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Maria Palasis, Wendy Naimark, Toby Freyman, Samuel Epstein
  • Patent number: 8235946
    Abstract: There is disclosed a tri-leaflet valve (100) in which the leaflets (102) extend for substantially the entire length of the valve (100). The valve (100) is provide with a waist (106). An element (16) inserted in the tri-leaflet valve (100) can be sealed by closure of the valve (100), for example by pressurization or twisting. The seat is more effective then prior art seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Arne Molgaard-Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20120197214
    Abstract: A continuous nerve block apparatus comprising: (a) a hollow needle including a conduit extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being beveled between ten and fifty degrees; and, (b) a connector operatively coupled to the hollow needle, the connector including at least a first through passage in fluid communication with the conduit of the hollow needle, the connector including a first orifice allowing fluid communication from an exterior of the connector to the first through passage, the connector also including at least one valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Mark David Manley, Douglas Paul Stewart, Brian Newell Vaughan
  • Publication number: 20120197201
    Abstract: A indwelling needle includes an outer needle, an outer needle hub with a flow path communicating with the inside of the outer needle and configured to connect a connector to the flow path, and a valve mechanism which opens and closes the flow path. The valve mechanism includes a valve element in the middle of the flow path having an openable/closable opening/closing section and an operation member having a side hole and configured to open and close the opening/closing section. The valve mechanism is positionable in a state in which the operation member penetrates through the opening/closing section to protrude therefrom and the side hole is located closer to the front end side than the opening/closing section. When infusion liquid is supplied in this state, the liquid flows to the flow path through the side hole and the dead space within the flow path is filled with the infusion liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidenori TANABE, Masao Kawamura, Takato Murashita
  • Publication number: 20120197191
    Abstract: An enteral feeding tube provides a conduit for the flow of liquid nutritional material. Most of the enteral feeding tube that is external to the patient is generally horizontal when the device is positioned in a stoma of a user lying in a prostrate position. A housing surrounds the horizontal portion enteral feeding tube, provides a low profile, aids in holding the enteral feeding tube in place, and protects the enteral feeding tube. The bottom surface of the housing comprises a resilient material that contacts the skin of the patient. The enteral feeding tube comprises a balloon that is positioned in the stomach to retain the device in the stomach. An air conduit extends generally vertically from an upper portion of the housing and through the enteral feeding tube to communicate with the balloon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Rebecca DeLegge
  • Patent number: 8231584
    Abstract: A disposable set (5) for establishing a fluid connection between a fluid dispensing unit (17) and a dosing device adapted to dispense a fluid into a patient's vein. The disposable set comprises a length of tubing (15) having a first (1) and a second (10) tubing part. The first tubing part (1) having a one-way valve (3) which permits a fluid flow from the dispensing unit (17) towards the dosing device and to prevent a backward fluid flow from the dosing device towards the dispensing unit. The first and second tubing part are in fluid connection with each other by means of a releasable connection device (11, 12), which is adapted to permit a back flow from a patient in a released position of the releasable connection device and to prevent a back flow from the patient in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Peters
  • Publication number: 20120191059
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides cassettes and methods of using same for the delivery of fluids to a patient using fluid delivery systems. In a general embodiment, the cassettes of the present disclosure include a flexible tube, a housing having a recessed area and first and second ends for holding the flexible tube, and at least two additional components including, for example, different sensors, false reading components for sensors, anti-flow valve means, insertion guides, directional indicators, latch mechanisms, kink-prevention notches, etc. Such additional components provide the cassettes of the present disclosure with several advantages including, for example, quality control, efficiency of use, cost effectiveness, and safety of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: David Charles Cummings, Alan P. Halbert, Seralaathan Hariharesan, James Allen Higgins, Brian Highley, Michael Rueben Jedwab, Russell Paul Meyer, Andrew Peter Nelson, David Woodruff West
  • Publication number: 20120191037
    Abstract: A connector comprised of a body having a fluid passageway extending therethrough, wherein a first fitting is formed at a first end of the body and a second fitting is formed at a second end of the body, an opening formed in the body that is in communication with the fluid passageway, and a pressure relief valve element located in the opening. In one embodiment, the connector is an elbow connector having a tube fitting and a male (Luer) conical lock fitting. The connector is particularly well suited for connecting fluid supply lines with medical devices where the pressure level in the fluid supply line may need to be reduced due to an overpressurization condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Niles Patel, Jeffrey B. Williams
  • Patent number: 8211054
    Abstract: A system for controlling administration of medical fluid includes a fluid passageway to which is attached a first flow regulator, a second flow regulator, and a flow detector. The system also includes a controller for controlling the first and second flow regulators in response to a measurement taken by the flow detector of fluid movement in the fluid passageway. The first flow regulator, such as a pump, is configured to maintain fluid movement at flow values greater than an unrestricted flow value. The second flow regulator, such as a variable adjustable valve, is configured to maintain fluid movement at a flow value less than the unrestricted flow value. A method of controlling administration of medical fluid includes obtaining a target flow value, moving fluid through the disposable assembly, taking a measurement of fluid movement in the disposable assembly, and actuating a flow regulating apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Dewey
  • Patent number: 8211092
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for the controlled release or exposure of reservoir contents. The device includes a substrate, a plurality of reservoirs in the substrate, reservoir contents disposed in the reservoirs, discrete reservoir caps covering each reservoir to seal the reservoir contents in the reservoirs, and control circuitry for selectively disintegrating the reservoir caps to release or expose the reservoir contents in vivo. At least one of the reservoir caps comprises a first electrically conductive layer coated with one or more protective layers. In one embodiment, the control circuitry comprises an electrical input lead and an electrical output lead connected to and directly contacting each of said reservoir caps and a source of electric power for applying an electrical current through each reservoir cap in an amount effective to rupture each of the reservoir caps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: MicroCHIPS, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Uhland, Benjamin F. Polito, John M. Maloney, Norman F. Sheppard, Jr., Stephen J. Herman, Barry M. Yomtov
  • Patent number: 8211068
    Abstract: A cassette insertable into an irrigation or aspiration machine for endoscopy includes an irrigation or an aspiration tube and a support provided with one or two inlet plugs and one or two outlet plugs where two tubes form an elbow to be connectable to the inlet or outlet plugs in an input and output direction of motion, respectively and to form an irrigation or aspiration pumping area in the input and output direction of motion. The support includes a T-shaped guide according to the head of the T for protecting the elbow of each tube and according to the length of the T body in a slot guiding the tube in the output direction. The T-shaped guide extends between one or two inlet plugs to form the irrigation or aspiration pumping area on both sides of the slot between each inlet plug and the head of the T.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Future Medical System S.A.
    Inventors: Raphael Tachoire, Stanislas Chautard, Andre Francisco, Steven Janin, Christian Rodriguez, Patrick Janin, Thierry Pascual, Armando Dias
  • Patent number: 8211067
    Abstract: When consumable part such as pressure-resistant cover (300) is installed on a chemical solution injector (100), consumption degree data is read from storage means such as an RFID chip of the consumable part and temporarily held. If the consumption degree updated according to the use of the consumable part exceeds the consumption criteria, a replacement preliminary warning is outputted and the updated consumption degree data is written in the consumption storage means (310) of the consumable part. Since the consumption degree of a consumable part installed on a mechanical device is automatically detected and a replacement preliminary warning is issue to the user at an adequate timing, continuous use of a totally consumed part, unnecessary replacement of a non-totally consumed part is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Nemoto Kyorindo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeru Nemoto
  • Publication number: 20120165757
    Abstract: Disclosed are sheaths that comprise a first sheath member having a first passageway, a first length, and a first proximal end defined by a first valve apparatus configured to seal the first passageway, the first passageway having a first passageway diameter at a location in the first passageway; and a second sheath member coupled to the first sheath member, the second sheath member having a second passageway and a second length, the second passageway having a second passageway diameter at a location in the second passageway; where the first passageway and the second passageway are separate from each other and not co-axial, the first length is different from the second length, and the first and second sheath members are positioned beside each other for a portion of their first and second lengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: Phillip D. Purdy
  • Publication number: 20120165756
    Abstract: A coaxial guide catheter to be passed through guide catheter having a first lumen, for use with interventional cardiology devices that are insertable into a branch artery that branches off from a main artery. The coaxial guide catheter is extended through the lumen of the guide catheter and beyond the distal end of the guide catheter and inserted into the branch artery. The device assists in resisting axial and shear forces exerted by an interventional cardiology device passed through the second lumen and beyond the flexible distal tip portion that would otherwise tend to dislodge the guide catheter from the branch artery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: VASCULAR SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Howard Root, Gregg Sutton, Jeffrey M. Welch, Jason M. Garrity
  • Patent number: 8206375
    Abstract: A valved connector configured to control the leakage of bodily fluid from within a patient. The valved connector including a seal positioned within a lumen of the body of the valved connector. The distal end of the valved connector is adapted to permit access to, or coupling of an apparatus. A proximal end is adapted to be threadably coupled to a secondary device. The needless connector valve being configured to be openable by a dilator or post of an apparatus which is connected to the proximal end of the needleless connector. In the event that a luer coupler or other secondary apparatus is not available, a needle, cannula, trocar, or other instrument can be threaded through the main lumen of the valved connector opening the valve and allowing the passage of fluid directly through the needle, trocar, cannula, or other instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremy W. Snow
  • Publication number: 20120157914
    Abstract: A valve is provided for controlling flow along a fluid line that includes an outer shell and an inner housing slidably disposed therein that includes connector threads surrounding a boss on one end and a passage through the boss. A backing member is coupled to the outer shell and has a sealing pin extending into the passage. A connector may be threaded into the one end of the inner housing, thereby slidably engaging the connector threads, causing the inner housing to move helically from a closed position wherein the sealing pin engages an outlet opening at the distal end of the boss to seal the outlet opening and an open position wherein the inner housing is directed away from the sealing pin to open a fluid path through the valve, around the pin, and through the outlet opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: INFUSION INNOVATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: David Karl Stroup
  • Patent number: 8202250
    Abstract: A delivery device includes a durable housing portion and a separable disposable portion that selectively engage and disengage from each other. The disposable housing portion secures to the patient-user and may be disposed of after it has been in use for a prescribed period. Components that normally come into contact with a patient-user or with an infusion medium, including a pump device, are supported by the disposable housing portion for disposal after the prescribed use, while the durable housing portion supports other components such as electronics for controlling delivery of the infusion medium from the reservoir and a drive device and drive linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Stutz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8202255
    Abstract: A dose display mechanism for a drug delivery device is disclosed. The display mechanism has an elongated dose setting dial with both an external helical thread and external linear grooves extending from one end to the other end. A counter ring is mounted surrounding the setting dial. The counter ring has ribs on its inner surface which engage the grooves and permit the counter ring to move axially along the setting dial but prevent it from rotating relative to the setting dial. Indicia, in the form of digits, are arranged helically on the outer surface of the dose setting dial. The digits are spaced at a pitch which corresponds to the pitch of the external helical threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignees: Terumo Corp., sanofi-aventis Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Masaru Saiki
  • Patent number: 8197452
    Abstract: A vascular access device may include a body and a layer of the body that communicates with a pathogenic environment to discourage adhesion of a pathogen to the layer and thus repress pathogenic activity. A method of repressing pathogenic activity in a vascular access device includes providing the device with a body, and coating the body with a layer that discourages adhesion of a pathogen to the layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Weston F. Harding, Austin Jason McKinnon, Mark A. Crawford, Lantao Guo, Glade H. Howell, David Ou-Yang
  • Publication number: 20120143168
    Abstract: An irrigation device that includes a reservoir for an irrigating liquid, a catheter in liquid communication with the reservoir, a fixation member for fixation of the catheter and a control unit. The control unit is arranged for in a first position transferring the irrigation liquid to the fixation member and in a second position transferring the irrigation liquid to the catheter. Thereby is provided a simple, inexpensive and essentially maintenance free device which can be used for administrating an irrigation liquid, and which at the same time comprises a fixation member that will not be expelled from the body cavity by e.g. a peristaltic reflex, during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: MBH-INTERNATIONAL A/S
    Inventor: Henrik Bork Bjerregaard
  • Patent number: 8187253
    Abstract: A low profile adaptor for use with a medical catheter. In one embodiment, the adaptor comprises a lower connector portion, an upper connector portion and a valve. The lower connector portion comprises a tubular portion and an annular portion, the annular portion radially surrounding the tubular portion along an intermediate length thereof. A helical thread is formed on the inside surface of the tubular portion. A circular lip projects upwardly a short distance from the top surface of the annular portion. The upper connector portion comprises a tubular section adapted for insertion into the tubular portion of the lower connector portion. An external helical thread is formed on the tubular section of the upper connector portion for mating engagement with the thread on the interior of the tubular portion of the lower connector portion. The upper connector portion also includes an annular base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Laddvanh Bouphavichith, Michael S. H. Chu, Laurence D. Brenner, William L. Churchill
  • Patent number: 8177772
    Abstract: A catheter connection system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a catheter connection system may include at least two components and a deformable sealing element positioned between the at least two components configured to allow, upon deformation, fluid flow through the at least two components. In another embodiment, the catheter connection system may include a sealing element positioned between at least two components, wherein the components are coupled to one another by a locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Christensen, William Randy Barron
  • Publication number: 20120109077
    Abstract: An improved needle-free intravenous injection port assembly is disclosed. Embodiments include a boot valve with a helical surface, a boot valve and septum which mate with mechanical interference, a spike with a rough outer surface coated with a lubricant, a septum having a shoulder and a single continuous swabbable surface, a septum and a boot valve which are pre-punctured, a septum with a frustroconical extension and a combination single piece septum and boot valve. The injection port assembly provides zero fluid displacement during coupling and uncoupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Dana Wm. Ryan
  • Patent number: 8166802
    Abstract: A device for displaying and measuring air losses in a chest drainage apparatus, having a transparent window enclosure with a connection to a tube end connected to a chest cavity to convey exuded liquids for collection a vessel and air losses, a chamber being provided within the apparatus at one of the transparent windows, that contains liquid and comprises the outlet section of a duct for air loss conveying. The device comprises a bell arranged above the outlet section, immersed in liquid at least at a lower end area, and provided, at the submerged portion, with at least one always-open air outflow port and with at least one additional port for the outflow of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Eurosets S.r.l.
    Inventors: Paolo Fontanili, Ruggero Paratelli
  • Patent number: 8162873
    Abstract: An apparatus for administering a therapeutic agent is provided. The apparatus, in an embodiment, includes an ozone generator connected to a scavenger and an ozone administrator via network of tubing and valves. When activated and the valves placed in the proper position, the ozone generator will fill the ozone administrator with ozone. The ozone generator can then be turned off and the valves moved so that the administrator can be disconnected from the remainder of the apparatus. The administrator is typically in the form of a syringe and needle. Once the syringe and needle is filled with ozone, the needle can be inserted into a tissue and the ozone expressed therefrom into the tissue. Various other apparatuses and methods are also contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Ceramatec, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Muto, Kieran P. Murphy
  • Patent number: 8162903
    Abstract: A system and method for mixing and delivering fluids such as contrast media and saline is disclosed including at least two fluid sources, a pump, a joining fluid path connecting the at least two fluid sources to an inlet to the pump, and a valve device in the fluid path upstream of the pump. The valve device includes an actuator adapted to restrict flow in at least one of respective fluid lines connecting the at least two fluid sources to the pump inlet. A patient interface device may be associated with an outlet of the pump. The valve device actuator is generally adapted to restrict the flow in at least one of the respective fluid lines such that a positional change in valve device actuator position provides a change in fluid mixture ratio of the fluids from the at least two fluid sources to the pump inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Reilly, John F. Kalafut, Ralph H. Schriver
  • Patent number: 8162901
    Abstract: Microneedle devices for transport of molecules, including drugs and biological molecules, across tissue, are provided. The microneedle devices permit drug delivery or removal of body fluids at clinically relevant rates across skin or other tissue barriers, with minimal or no damage, pain, or irritation to the tissue. Microneedles can be formed of biodegradable or non-biodegradable polymeric materials or metals. In a preferred embodiment, a microneedle device includes a plugging element comprising a platform including a plurality of microneedle plugs for preventing skin or other tissue barriers from entering the hollow microneedles. In another preferred embodiment, a microneedle device includes a plurality of bioerodible elements for temporarily plugging the hollow microneedles, thereby preventing skin or other tissue barriers from entering the hollow microneedles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Valeritas, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Gonnelli, Devin V. McAllister
  • Publication number: 20120089101
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes a hub, a closure valve, an internal seal member, and a spring. The hub defines an internal chamber. The closure valve is disposed within the internal chamber and defines an internal bore extending therethrough. The closure valve is movable relative to the hub between a first position, substantially sealing the internal chamber, and a second position, establishing a fluid passage extending completely through the hub. The internal seal member is disposed within the internal bore of the closure valve and is movable relative to the closure valve between a closed position, substantially sealing the internal bore, and an open position, establishing an internal passage, different from the fluid passage, extending completely through the closure valve. The spring is disposed within the internal chamber and is configured to bias the internal seal member towards the closed position, thereby biasing the closure valve towards the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: James L. Carlyon, David J. Salto, Eugene Schrader
  • Patent number: 8152780
    Abstract: In general, this disclosure relates to techniques for sealing, or pinching, high-pressure fluid tubing (e.g., braided tubing) that may be used to deliver medical fluid from a powered medical fluid injection device, such as an injector that delivers contrast media and/or saline during angiographic or computed tomography (CT) procedures. In some cases, one or more low-friction, solenoid-based pinch valve mechanisms may be used. One example powered medical fluid injection device comprises an injector head and at least one pinch valve mechanism that is coupled to the injector head. The at least one pinch valve mechanism comprises a plunger, a reciprocating arm driven by the plunger, and a tube pinching area. The at least one pinch valve mechanism, when deactivated by the injector head, is configured to cause the reciprocating arm to pinch fluid tubing that runs through the tube pinching area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: ACIST Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Evans, Marty Hieb, Khoi Le, Chris Lins, Steven Paul Plager, Bill West, Darryl T. Wrolson
  • Patent number: 8147461
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing device for dispensing a fluid product having a dispensing outlet from which the fluid product is dispensable, a supply of the fluid product, a dispensing member mounted for movement in a dispensing direction along an axis X-X from a first position to a second position which causes a dose of the fluid product in the supply to be dispensed from the dispensing outlet, and a finger-operable actuator member mounted for movement in an actuating direction which is generally transverse to the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Glaxo Group Limited
    Inventors: Stanley George Bonney, Hugh Alexander Connell, Michael Birsha Davies, James William Godfrey, Mark Graham Hedley, Robert William Tansley
  • Patent number: 8147463
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a method to purge air or liquid from a powered injection system. In this embodiment, the method includes driving a first pumping device in a first operational mode to inject an amount of a first liquid medium through disposable tubing and a disposable valve, driving the first pumping device in a second operational mode to deform the disposable valve, and driving a second pumping device to inject an amount of a second liquid medium through the disposable tubing and the deformed valve. In one embodiment, the first pumping device comprises a first syringe, the second pumping device comprises a second syringe, and the disposable valve comprises an elastomeric valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: ACIST Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin G Hieb, Khader Mohiuddin, Sidney D Nystrom, Robert F Wilson
  • Publication number: 20120078198
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vagina cleaning device for cleaning vaginas. The vagina cleaning device comprises a body having a first end and a second end, the first end being attachable to a hose for conveying water thereto, inserting nozzle portion being attached to the second end and a flow-pattern regulator engaged in the nozzle portion for regulating the pattern of the water flow through the nozzle portion and into a vagina for cleaning thereof. The cleaning device may comprise a set of devices each having a different flow pattern regulator, or a plurality of different flow pattern regulators may be interchanged in the same cleaning device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: Sik Hoong Leong
  • Publication number: 20120078196
    Abstract: An administration feeding set for use with a flow control apparatus to deliver fluid from at least one fluid source to a patient. The set includes tubing for flow of fluid along a fluid pathway and a mounting member on the tubing adapted to engage the flow control apparatus. The mounting member has at least two receiving portions co-axial with the fluid pathway. The set also includes one or more identification members selectively positioned on one or more of the at least two receiving portions of the mounting member to permit identification of the administration feeding set as having a particular functional configuration different from another functional configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: COVIDIEN AG
    Inventors: Glenn G. Fournie, James Harr, Kevin C. Meier, Ricky A. Sisk
  • Patent number: 8142418
    Abstract: An in-line connector for use in an enteral feeding system includes a first component connectable to a first feeding device of the feeding system, and a second component connectable to a second feeding device of the feeding system. A releasable coupling is configured between the first and second components, wherein in a connected state the first and second components define a fluid passage between the different feeding devices. Each of the first and second components includes a one-way automatic shutoff valve configured therein such that in a disconnected state of the components, the shutoff valve in the first component prevents flow out of the first component in a first direction and the shutoff valve in the second component prevents flow out of the second component in a second direction that is opposite from the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. McMichael, Nathan Griffith
  • Publication number: 20120071855
    Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a chemotactic hematopoietic stem cell product comprising an enriched population of CD34+ cells containing a subpopulation of CD34+/CXCR-4+ cells having CXCR-4-mediated chemotactic activity, methods of preparing these compositions and use of these compositions to treat or repair vascular injury, including infarcted myocardium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Andrew L. Pecora, Robert A. Preti
  • Publication number: 20120065596
    Abstract: An insulin pump and an infusion set adapter having a membrane which can be acted upon by a liquid flow path associated with the pump, wherein the pump comprises a sensor by which a change in shape or location of at least a portion of the membrane caused by a change in the liquid pressure in the flow path can be detected in a contact-free manner to identify an occlusion in the flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS INTERNATIONAL AG
    Inventors: Ueli Haueter, David Bosshard, Ivan Heutschi, Thomas Rufer, Hanspeter Stoller
  • Patent number: 8132470
    Abstract: A fluid flow detector includes a detector main body defining a fluid flow channel having a fluid flow detection channel positioned adjacent an upstream hole and a discharge channel positioned adjacent a downstream hole. A mobile body is positioned within the fluid flow channel and dimensioned to be movable along the fluid flow channel. The diameter of the fluid flow detection channel is smaller than the diameter of the discharge channel, and the maximum diameter of the outer peripheral edge part of the face of the fluid flow channel orthogonal to the direction of movement of the mobile body is slightly smaller than the diameter of the fluid flow detection channel. The upstream hole and the downstream hole are formed with a size and shape such that fluid can flow through the upstream and downstream holes without being obstructed by the mobile body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Koike, Nobuaki Suzuki, Motonori Watanabe, Masatoshi Yokoyama, Yoshimi Akaike
  • Publication number: 20120059313
    Abstract: An injection device for injecting a fluid into an organism, in particular a human or animal body, which can comprise a fluid providing section including a container for storing the fluid and a supply means for supplying the fluid. The fluid injecting section for injecting the fluid provided by the fluid providing section into the organism includes a catheter means and is characterized by the fluid injecting section being provided with a pressure recognition arrangement which can be located close to and/or in the catheter means for detecting a pressure increase and/or a pressure loss.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS INTERNATIONAL LTD.
    Inventor: Oliver Shergold
  • Publication number: 20120053556
    Abstract: A medical fluid control device includes an actuator that is selectively operable to cause fluid to be delivered from a fluid source to a patient at a basal rate of flow via a first flow path, or cause a bolus dose of fluid to be delivered from a bolus reservoir to the patient via a second flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Freddie Eng Hwee Lee
  • Publication number: 20120053514
    Abstract: A therapeutic fluid delivery device that includes at least one controllable valve is generally described. In one example, an implantable therapeutic fluid delivery system includes a first fluid pathway configured to convey a first therapeutic fluid and a second fluid pathway configured to convey a second therapeutic fluid, the second fluid pathway being separate from the first fluid pathway. The therapeutic fluid delivery system includes a valve connected to the first fluid pathway and the second fluid pathway, and a processor configured to control actuation of the value to open and close the first fluid pathway and to open and close the second fluid pathway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Reginald D. Robinson, Mary E. Robischon, Bernard Q. Li, Irfan Z. Ali, Steven R. Christenson, Keith A. Miesel
  • Patent number: 8123727
    Abstract: A method of placing a catheter into a patient while preventing disadvantageous escape of fluid from the patient comprises providing a catheter secured to a valve housing. The catheter has a proximal end, a distal end and an interior lumen. The valve housing has a first port, a second port, and a fluid path running between the first and second ports. The catheter and the valve housing have a hollow needle extending therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Luther Needlesafe Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald B Luther, John I Muri, Dean R Gauf
  • Publication number: 20120041391
    Abstract: Some embodiments comprise a connector including a rigid housing having a first end and a second end. A second member can be positioned at a second end portion of the housing and be engageable with a second device. The second member can have a body portion having a first body portion, a second body portion, and a flow lumen extending axially through the body portion, an annular covering portion extending in a radial direction away from the body portion, a receiving portion extending away from the covering portion in an axial direction, and at least one protrusion extending radially away from an outside surface of the body portion. In some embodiments, the second member can be supported by the housing such that, in an assembled state, the first body portion is positioned within the housing and such that the annular covering portion and the second body portion are positioned outside the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: ICU MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Fangrow, George A. Lopez
  • Publication number: 20120041416
    Abstract: A syringe assembly for connecting to an intravenous (“IV”) line includes: a syringe barrel having an actuation end and a discharge end; a syringe plunger moveable within the syringe barrel, the syringe plunger including a plunger head connected to a plunger arm; a seal between the plunger arm and the syringe barrel, the seal residing on an actuation end side of the syringe plunger; and a tube in fluid communication with the syringe barrel at a location between the seal and the plunger head, the tube having a distal end configured to be connected to the IV line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicants: BAXTER HEALTHCARE S.A., BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Birendra K. Lal