Material Flow Varying Means Controlled By Condition Responsive Sensor Patents (Class 604/65)
  • Patent number: 8454576
    Abstract: A closed loop/semi-closed loop infusion system provides therapy modification and safeguards against the over-delivery or under-delivery of insulin. A glucose sensor system is configured to obtain a measured blood glucose value. A controller is operationally connected with the glucose sensor system and configured to trigger an alarm based on a measured blood glucose value or amount of insulin delivered, selectively perform calibration of the glucose sensor system when the alarm is triggered, and adjust a therapy delivery parameter when the alarm is triggered, wherein the adjusted therapy delivery parameter is limited to be within a boundary. Thereafter, a delivery system delivers therapy at the adjusted therapy delivery parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Mastrototaro, Richard K. Yoon
  • Patent number: 8454554
    Abstract: A handheld diabetes managing device that provides a secure and efficient communication link between an insulin pump and an external computing device. The handheld diabetes managing device can include a blood glucose meter, a processor and first and second communication modules. The handheld diabetes managing device can be configured to deliver data between an insulin pump and an external computing device over a secure communication path without a direct communication link between the insulin pump and the external computing device. The secure communication path can include a first secure bidirectional communication link between the handheld diabetes managing device and the insulin pump and a second secure bidirectional communication link between the handheld diabetes managing device and the external computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Eugene Reinke, Mark Nierzwick, Blaine Edward Ramey
  • Patent number: 8454553
    Abstract: A rigid tubular piece (24) and a cassette assembly (10) for extracorporeal blood circulation having the rigid tubular piece are disclosed. The rigid tubular piece is used for submitting fluid circulating therein to measurements and includes a protrusion or a recess in correspondence of at least an end connector. A blood treatment medical apparatus using the cassette assembly is also disclosed. The apparatus is able to detect if the right rigid tubular piece is in proper position before authorizing measurements of a blood property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Francesco Fontanazzi, Luca Caleffi, Marco Paraluppi, Giacomo Grandi
  • Patent number: 8454581
    Abstract: Some embodiments of an infusion pump system can include a controller in which one or more features sets to be provided by the controller are enabled or disabled based upon the particular pump device that is connected to the controller. For example, in some embodiments, one or more advanced features of the controller are available to the user only when a first type of pump device (e.g., having predefined settings stored therein) is connected to the controller, and those advanced features of the controller are disabled when a second type of pump device is connected to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Asante Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Estes, Wenkang Qi, Phillip Hopper
  • Patent number: 8449510
    Abstract: A medical waste fluid collection and disposal system includes a medical waste fluid collection cart including first and second fluid collection canisters. A valve assembly selectively communicates with the canisters and a valve drive system controls the valve assembly. A liquid level sensor is positioned within each of the canisters. A cart processor communicates with the liquid level sensors and the valve drive system. A cart drain line communicates with the valve assembly and a receptacle, a cart flushing line communicates with the valve assembly and the receptacle and a cart data line and a cart power line communicate with the cart processor and the cart receptacle. A station includes a drain pump that communicates with a drainage system and a station drain line, a flushing pump that communicates with a source of washing liquid and a station flushing line and a station processor in communication with the drain and flushing pumps. A station data line communicates with the station processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Dornoch Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Martini, Lawrence Guerra
  • Patent number: 8449524
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for determining analyte concentration in a sample such as bodily fluid. Systems and methods disclosed herein can also include a treatment dosing system to infuse or inject a treatment drug (e.g., insulin or glucose) and provide glycemic control. The dose of the treatment drug may be based on the concentration of the analyte or the average value for the concentration of the analyte and/or the rate of change of the value of the concentration of the analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Optiscan Biomedical Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Braig, Richard Keenan, Peter Rule, Gil Rivas, Mahesh Seetharaman
  • Patent number: 8444595
    Abstract: A disease management system, methods, and devices are shown and described. In one embodiment, the system includes an infusion pump and a remote controller with the ability to be paired to each other. A method to verify a wireless connection between an infusion pump and a remote controller is shown and described herein. In a further embodiment, a method to verify a wireless connection between an infusion pump and a remote controller is provided. In addition, a method of operating a diabetes management system is provided in which the system includes an infusion pump and at least a remote controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Animas Corporation
    Inventors: Krzysztof Z Brukalo, Manfred Ebner, Steven Getz, David Hohl, David Pohlman
  • Publication number: 20130123684
    Abstract: A system and method for tuning the parameters of a therapeutic medical device comprises a movement measurement data acquisition system capable of wireless transmission; processing comprising kinematic feature extraction, a scoring algorithm trained using scores from expert clinicians, a therapeutic device parameter setting adjustment suggestion algorithm preferably trained using the parameter setting adjustment judgments of expert clinicians; and a display and/or means of updating the parameter settings of the treatment device. The invention facilitates the treatment of movement disorders including Parkinson's disease, essential tremor and the like by optimizing deep brain stimulation (DBS) parameter settings, eliminating as much as possible motor symptoms and reducing time and costs of surgical and outpatient procedures and improving patient outcomes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: GREAT LAKES NEUROTECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Giuffrida, Dustin A. Heldman, Thomas O. Mera
  • Publication number: 20130123685
    Abstract: Medical injection advice adapted for operating in a dose setting mode and in a dose administration mode, comprising a dosing actuator (124) reversibly actuatable from a first state for operating the device in the dose setting mode to a second state for operating the device in the dose administration mode, a switch (130, 132) adapted to sense positional information associated with the dosing actuator, and a controller coupled to the switch arrangement, wherein electronic mode representation is configured to enter dose setting mode after a time delay following detecting the dosing actuator has moved away from said second state or detecting the dosing actuator has moved into said first state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Novo Nordisk A/S
    Inventors: Soren Kragh Jespersen, Claus Valentin Buschardt, Kim Ejholm Hansen, Bo Kvolsbjerg, Bennie Peder Smiszek Pedersen, Claus Urup Gjødesen, Preben Mikael Nielsen
  • Patent number: 8439862
    Abstract: A device for dispensing fluid to a patient and indicating a fluid flow condition. The device includes a reservoir configured to provide a source of fluid under pressure. A continuous flow path in fluid communication with the source of fluid provides a continuous and substantially constant flow rate of fluid from the source to a patient. The device further includes at least one pre-biased indicator in fluid communication with the continuous flow path. The pre-biased indicator is configured to provide a discrete visual signal that the pressure of the fluid in the continuous flow path is different from a predetermined level of pressure, thereby indicating a fluid flow condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Roger Dillard Massengale
  • Publication number: 20130116650
    Abstract: Dialysis apparatus including a blood treatment unit having a dialysate chamber and a blood chamber separated by a semipermeable membrane, a dialysate circuit presenting a supply line and a discharge line connected to the blood treatment unit, a preparation device for preparing a dialysate containing a substance present in the blood too and a regulator regulating the concentration of the substance in the dialysate. A blood circuit to circulate extracorporeal blood through the blood chamber; a controller that determines a value representative of the concentration of the substance in the blood and are programmed for driving the regulator as a function of the determined value representative of the substance concentration in the blood such that the substance concentration in the dialysate tends towards the substance concentration in the blood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Georges Vantard, Bernard Bene
  • Patent number: 8435212
    Abstract: Methods and compact automatic devices are provided for delivery of micro doses of liquid drugs to a patient. Devices have a fluid supply reservoir comprising an expandable indicator supplied with a sensor, a mechanism forcing the fluid to squeeze predetermined dose out, and a processor treating sensor's signals accordingly to preprogrammed algorithm. The method comprises steps: (a) initiating the delivery cycle, (b) acquiring sensor's signals, (c) treating signals in order to integrate an intensity of output flow and to determine when the squeezing-out force must be terminated, (d) terminating the cycle accordingly to processor's command. Self-testing of devices occurs while each fluid delivery cycle. Their high dosing precision exceeds that of known analogs about two orders of magnitude. A possibility to use low cost disposable exit port assembly and/or easy replaceable factory pre-filled cartridges is an additional advantage eliminating risks of overdosing, air bubbles, and/or compromised sterility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Leonid Grigorov
  • Patent number: 8430840
    Abstract: An improved method of controlling intraocular pressure with a microsurgical system using measured flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Nader Nazarifar, Frederick Reed, John C. Huculak, Roger Thomas
  • Patent number: 8414522
    Abstract: A method of dispensing fluid includes three processes. A first one of these processes includes pumping fluid into a resilient variable-volume dispensing chamber. The dispensing chamber is in series with a normally present finite fluid impedance and an output. The impedance is sufficient so as to cause expansion of the dispensing chamber as it receives pumped fluid even while some fluid flows through the output. Another one of these processes includes repeatedly measuring a parameter related to volume of the dispensing chamber over time. A third one of these processes includes controlling the pumping of fluid based on repeated measurements of the parameter to produce a desired fluid flow through the output. A corresponding system for dispensing fluid implements these processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Russell H. Beavis, Derek G. Kane, John M. Kerwin, Larry B. Gray
  • Patent number: 8414523
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, an apparatus comprising a pump configured to deliver a fluid, a wireless communication port, a controller, and a housing to enclose the apparatus. The controller is configured to communicate with a second device via the communication port using an open standard wireless communication protocol. The housing includes a mechanical coupling to slidably engage the second device which includes a second wireless communication port. Slidably engaging the second device positions the first and second communication ports opposite each other to allow communication via the first and second communication ports when slidably engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Blomquist, Timothy Bresina, William Van Dyke, Gail Beth Bynum, Michael Welsch
  • Patent number: 8414557
    Abstract: A modular external infusion device that controls the rate a fluid is infused into an individual's body, which includes a first module and a second module. More particularly, the first module may be a pumping module that delivers a fluid, such as a medication, to a patient while the second module may be a programming module that allows a user to select pump flow commands. The second module is removably attachable to the first module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Emilian Istoc, Himanshu Patel
  • Publication number: 20130085443
    Abstract: Tilting of a drip chamber from its vertical axis during fluid administration can have negative effects upon the accuracy of systems configured for drop counting and/or for volumetric measurement of individual drops passing through the drip chamber. To address these negative effects, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a fluid delivery system engages in a fluid control process that comprises determining an error parameter, based at least in part on a tilt signal, generating an error condition, and either holding the fluid flow at the present rate or stopping the flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: Michael G. Lowery, Brian G. Markey, James A. Markey
  • Patent number: 8409158
    Abstract: An ostomy device that comprises an adhesive wafer for attaching to the skin around the stoma. The wafer comprises an adhesive layer having a proximal adhesive side and a distal side, where the distal side is covered with a backing layer. The wafer comprises a central portion and a peripheral portion, and it comprises a proximal section located on the proximal side of the central portion and a distal section visually arranged on the distal side of peripheral portion, wherein the distal section changes colour when the proximal section is exposed to fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Coloplast A/S
    Inventors: Henrik Edvardsen, Michael Hansen, Danuta Ciok, Lene Feldskov Nielsen, Kent Hoeier Nielsen
  • Patent number: 8409130
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for controlling resuscitation in a patient. In at least one embodiment, the invention includes a fluid rate measurer, a controller electrically coupled to the fluid rate measurer, and a pump. The controller is adapted to receive signals from a physiological monitor and controls the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Jill L. Sondeen, Guy A. Drew
  • Patent number: 8409133
    Abstract: An apparatus and a system for controlling and/or managing administration of a drug to a body of a patient. The apparatus includes a drug infusion device configured to deliver drug at a predetermined location in the body of the patient, at least one sensor disposed in the drug infusion device and configured to measure a. corresponding property related to the patient and selected from the group consisting of physiological properties, biochemical properties, environmental properties and drug-related properties, a controller disposed in the drug infusion device and configured to receive from the at least one sensor data representative of the measured corresponding property and based on the received data, determine a drug delivery rate. The drug delivery device is configured to deliver the drug to the body of the patient based on the determined drug delivery rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Insuline Medical Ltd.
    Inventors: Benny Pesach, Gabriel Bitton, Ron Nagar, Ram Weiss
  • Patent number: 8409131
    Abstract: An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: James Say, Michael F. Tomasco, Adam Heller, Yoram Gal, Aria Behrad, Ephraim Heller, Phillip John Plante, Mark S. Vreeke, Keith A. Friedman, Fredric C. Colman
  • Patent number: 8409132
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for implementing or deploying therapeutic administration systems for obtaining a flow-change-indicative measurement and signaling a decision whether to administer one or more clot-reducing agents at least partly based on the flow-change-indicative measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Eric C. Leuthardt, Dennis J. Rivet, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Publication number: 20130079708
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical drug delivery device comprises a main body having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end is configured to attach to a dispense interface. A separable housing that can prevent an administration of a drug by the drug delivery device, the housing configured to cover at least a portion of the distal end of the main body when the separable housing is coupled to the main body of the drug delivery device. A conduction element is provided by the main body and configured for establishing an electrical connection with an electrical connector. Establishment of the electrical connection is prevented when the housing does not cover at least a portion of the distal end of the main body. The electrical connection may be established when the housing covers at least a portion of the distal end of the main body of the drug delivery device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: SANOFI-AVENTIS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Steven Wimpenny, Aidan Michael O'Hare, Barry Yates, Shane Alistair Day
  • Patent number: 8403881
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for obtaining and acting upon information indicative of circulatory health and related phenomena in human beings or other subjects. Some involve implementing or deploying therapeutic administration systems, for example, for obtaining a flow-change-indicative measurement and signaling a decision whether to administer one or more clot-reducing agents at least partly based on the flow-change-indicative measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, Jeffrey John Hagen, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Eric C. Leuthardt, Dennis J. Rivet, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Patent number: 8398577
    Abstract: A device for removing fluid from a first bodily cavity and for directing that fluid into a second bodily cavity while avoiding risks of infection and, in one embodiment, excessive dehydration of the first bodily cavity. The device includes an uptake tube having a proximal end in fluid communication with the first bodily cavity and a distal end in fluid communication with a pump, and an outflow tube having a proximal end in fluid communication with the pump and a distal end in fluid communication with the second bodily cavity. The distal end of the uptake tube may be coupled to a reservoir configured to expand upon ingression of fluid into the reservoir and to contract upon removal of fluid due to a negative pressure provided by the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Sequana Medical AG
    Inventor: Daniel R. Burnett
  • Patent number: 8398592
    Abstract: A system and method are provided to associate a medication name with an infusion pump and to communicate that association to a patient data management system (“PDMS”) for display and monitoring. In the case where the infusion pump does not contain a library of selectable medical fluid names that includes the name of the medical fluid to be infused, a separate computer will display a list of medical fluid names for the infusion pump and the operator may select the name of the medical fluid for that infusion pump. The computer will then continually associate that medical fluid name with that infusion pump and communicate the association to the PDMS. In the case where the infusion pump is capable of accepting an upload of new medical fluid names, the computer will upload an abbreviated list of fluid names so as not to overburden the computer with the transfer of large amounts of data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Leibner-Druska
  • Publication number: 20130066297
    Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning body cavities are presented. Described embodiments include systems for cleaning feces from the lower GI tract. Also provided are systems for steering such a cleaning system, also useful for steering an endoscope or other tool inserted into a body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: MOTUS GI MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: Boris Shtul, Alexey Morochovsky, Alexander Banzger, Noam Hassidov
  • Patent number: 8394321
    Abstract: In an infusion circuit (1), a peristaltic pump (7) displaced the infusion fluid along a line (3), sourcing it from a batch container (2). When a weight sensor (5) detects an emptying of the batch container (2), the pump is halted. If on stopping the pump the pressure measured by a sensor (6) operating in an expansion chamber (4) does not drop in excess of a predetermined threshold with respect to a non-empty container (2), a non-secure situation is signalled, due to an excessive quantity of air in the expansion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Giuseppe Franzoni, Luca Caleffi, Ranko Sakota
  • Patent number: 8394046
    Abstract: A method provides for checking the correct coupling of an adding device to a therapeutic appliance that includes an extracorporeal circuit with which the adding device is connected such that a drug can be introduced into the extracorporeal circuit by the adding device during operation of the therapeutic appliance. The adding device is coupled to the extracorporeal circuit on the suction side of a pump disposed in the extracorporeal circuit, with a portion in the region of negative pressure of the extracorporeal circuit being in connection with a portion of the adding device that is closed with respect to the other parts of the extracorporeal circuit, and with the pressure in the closed portion being varied and measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Nuernberger, Marco Blasek, Peter Kloeffel
  • Patent number: 8388570
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for distending a body tissue cavity of a subject by continuous flow irrigation by using a dynamic pump, such as a centrifugal pump, on the inflow side and a positive displacement pump, such as a peristaltic pump, on the outflow side, such that the amplitude of the pressure pulsations created by a the said outflow positive displacement pump inside the said tissue cavity is substantially dampened to almost negligible levels. The present invention also provides a method for accurately determining the rate of fluid loss, into the subject's body system, during any endoscopic procedure without utilizing any deficit weight or fluid volume calculation, the same being accomplished by using two fluid flow rate sensors. The present invention also provides a system of creating and maintaining any desired pressure in a body tissue cavity for any desired cavity outflow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventors: Atul Kumar, Alka Kumar
  • Patent number: 8388598
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method and device for controlling a number of infusion pumps 2-10, whereby each infusion pump (2-10) has an infusate assigned to it which is administered within a pre-determinable period of time assigned to it as an infusion at a pre-determinable infusion rate to a living being, whereby the infusion pumps (2-10) exchange control data for activating and deactivating the various infusions in a chronologically coordinated manner autonomously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: B. Bruan Medizinelektronik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Alexander Steinkogler
  • Patent number: 8382700
    Abstract: A medical device comprising a pressure generating means adapted to deliver a liquid, a sensor adapted to measure a flow resistance, and an implantable member comprising an analyte responsive porous membrane which reversibly changes its porosity subject to changes in analyte concentration occurring in the solution surrounding the implantable member. The analyte may in particular be glucose. The medical device may also be used for drug administration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Sensile Pat AG
    Inventors: Sigfrid Straessler, Uwe Beyer
  • Patent number: 8382697
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the formation of an arteriovenous fistula in the limb of the patient. Embodiments include an apparatus for the creation, modification and maintenance of a fistula, including the modification of an existing dialysis fistula; and a method of supplying oxygenated blood to the venous circulation of a patient. A kit of anastomotic implants is described which supports a broad base of patient anatomies and fistula locations. The devices, systems and methods can be used to treat patients with one or more numerous ailments including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, hypotension, respiratory failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, lung fibrosis and adult respiratory distress syndrome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Rox Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Brenneman, Dean A. Schaefer, J. Christopher Flaherty
  • Patent number: 8382702
    Abstract: Fluid is pressurized and supplied to a fluid chamber with a fluid pressurizing and supplying unit. The pressurized fluid within the fluid chamber is ejected through an injection nozzle by reduction of the volume of the fluid chamber caused by applying a driving voltage to a volume varying unit. In applying the driving voltage to the volume varying unit, the effect imposed on fluid injection by pressure fluctuations of the fluid pressurized and supplied to the fluid chamber is compensated by changing the voltage waveform of the driving voltage. When the pressure of the supply flow amount is decreased to a pressure lower than a predetermined pressure, the time intervals of the driving waveform are corrected. The maneuverability of a fluid injection device does not deteriorate even when the pressure of the fluid pressurized and supplied to the fluid chamber fluctuates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuaki Uchida, Hideki Kojima, Atsuya Hirabayashi
  • Patent number: 8376978
    Abstract: An access disconnection system includes: a material capable of absorbing blood from a patient upon an arterial or venous line disconnection; a light emitter positioned to emit light onto the material; a light receiver positioned to receive light reflected off of the material; and electronic circuitry operably coupled to at least one of the light emitter and receiver, the circuitry configured to provide an output (i) when light received by the receiver reaches a particular level or (ii) indicative of an amount of light received by the light receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Rodolfo G. Roger, Joel Tejedor, Robert W. Childers
  • Patent number: 8373421
    Abstract: An ambulatory infusion device for infusion of a liquid drug into a patient's body over an extended period of time and methods thereof are disclosed. The device includes a sensor assembly, which produces a sensor assembly output based on an infusion characteristic of the ambulatory infusion device and based on a supply voltage/current, and a supply unit which is coupled to a sensor of the sensor assembly and generates the supply voltage/current. A sensor testing unit detects a failure of the sensor assembly, wherein the sensor testing unit is coupled to the sensor assembly and the supply unit, and the sensor testing unit carries out a sensor testing sequence. The sensor testing sequence includes controlling the supply unit so as to produce a variation of the supply voltage/current, and determining whether the variation of the supply voltage/current produces a corresponding variation of the sensor assembly output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics International AG
    Inventors: Stefan Lindegger, Reto Schrotberger, Alex Muri
  • Patent number: 8372038
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to suppress vacuum surges in a surgical aspiration system is disclosed and claimed. A vacuum surge suppressor includes a first fluid path for coupling to a surgical instrument, and a filter attached to the first fluid path. A flow restrictor is coupled to the filter with the filter disposed upstream of the flow restrictor. The vacuum surge suppressor also includes a second fluid path for coupling to a vacuum pump. The second fluid path is connected to the flow restrictor and disposed downstream of the flow restrictor. The second fluid path defines a path internal pressure. A third fluid path is coupled to the filter and is connected to the second fluid path, bypassing the flow restrictor. A valve in the third fluid path obstructs flow in the third fluid path in response to the path internal pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Dana, LLC
    Inventors: Alex Urich, Armand Maaskamp
  • Publication number: 20130035632
    Abstract: The invention provides decomposing apparatus which comprises a first sub-component and a first micro device comprising a decomposable material, wherein the sub-component comprises a drug, a medical kit, a micro-disease detection system, or an auto-navigation system. Also within the invention are methods for fabricating such apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Chris C. Yu, Xuedong Du
  • Patent number: 8366690
    Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment system is provided that includes a canister that is fluidly connected to a tissue site and is configured to receive fluid drawn from the tissue site under the influence of a reduced pressure. A reduced pressure source provides the reduced pressure and is fluidly connected to the tissue site by a fluid communication path, which may include a source conduit, the canister, and a target conduit. A sensing device communicates with the source conduit and is configured to sense a pressure in the source conduit. A valve communicates with the source conduit and is configured to vent the reduced pressure. A processing unit communicates with the sensing device and the valve and is configured to open the valve for a selected amount of time, determine a decay of reduced pressure, and determine a fill status of the canister based on the decay of reduced pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Locke, Timothy Mark Robinson, David Robson Blandford
  • Patent number: 8366686
    Abstract: A method may include placing a first device on a first side of a skin portion of a subject and transferring a material through the skin portion of the subject from the first device to a subdermal second device disposed on a second side of the skin portion of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Dennis J. Rivet, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8348885
    Abstract: A fluid infusion system as described herein includes a number of local “body network” devices, such as an infusion pump, a handheld monitor or controller, a physiological sensor, and a bedside or hospital monitor. The body network devices can be configured to support communication of status data, physiological information, alerts, control signals, and other information between one another. In addition, the body network devices can be configured to support networked communication of status data, physiological information, alerts, control signals, and other information between the body network devices and “external” devices, systems, or communication networks. Such external communication allows the infusion system to be extended beyond the traditional short-range user environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Sheldon B. Moberg, Kenny J. Long, Kaezad J. Mehta, Ian B. Hanson
  • Patent number: 8348884
    Abstract: A sympatholytic cardiovascular agent delivered by a drug delivery pump to a central nervous system site to alleviate symptoms of acute or chronic cardiac insult or impaired cardiac performance. The drug delivery pump can be external or implantable infusion pump (IIP) coupled with a drug infusion catheter extending to the site. A patient activator can command delivery of a dosage and/or an implantable heart monitor (IHM) coupled with a sensor can detect physiologic parameters associated with cardiac insult or impaired cardiac performance and trigger dosage delivery. The IIP and IHM can be combined into a single implantable medical device (IMD) or can constitute separate IMDs that communicate by any of known communication mechanisms. The sympatholytic cardiovascular agent is one of the group consisting of an alpha-adrenergic agonist and an alpha2-adrenergic agonist (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith R. Hildebrand, Michael R. Ujhelyi, Xiaohong Zhou, Daniel C. Sigg, Linda M. Page
  • Patent number: 8343092
    Abstract: Method and system for integrating infusion device and analyte monitoring system including medication infusion device such as an insulin pump and an analyte monitoring system such as a glucose monitoring system are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin M. Rush, Christopher V. Reggiardo
  • Patent number: 8343131
    Abstract: A catheter adapted for use in passing fluids and medicines therethrough for use in the perfusion or reperfusion of blood or blood-fluid mixtures into the arteries, veins, tissues, conduits, or organs of a patient by selectively adjusting the flow rate of fluid supplied to a drug delivery lumen of the catheter based at least in part on the sensed systemic fluid pressure and the sensed fluid pressure at a distal end of the catheter is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Emory University
    Inventor: Jakob Vinten-Johansen
  • Publication number: 20120330174
    Abstract: An implantable device and method for monitoring S1 heart sounds with a remotely located accelerometer. The device includes a transducer that converts heart sounds into an electrical signal. A control circuit is coupled to the transducer. The control circuit is configured to receive the electrical signal, identify an S1 heart sound, and to convert the S1 heart sound into electrical information. The control circuit also generates morphological data from the electrical information. The morphological data relates to a hemodynamic metric, such as left ventricular contractility. A housing may enclose the control circuit. The housing defines a volume coextensive with an outer surface of the housing. The transducer is in or on the volume defined by the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Gerrard M. Carlson, Krzysztof Z. Siejko, Ramesh Wariar, Marina Brockway
  • Patent number: 8337469
    Abstract: An insulin pump comprises a pump device, a control for the pump device, a memory, an operating element for operating the insulin pump and a method for controlling a user interface of the insulin pump are disclosed. The control is designed and programmed such that options for the user of the insulin pump are displayed by the user interface as a function of a user-specific preference profile stored in the memory and as a function of a current time and are provided for selection by using the operating element. The insulin pump can be designed in an auto-adaptive fashion, such that the control continuously updates the user-specific preference profile based on analyzing operating inputs of the user. Embodiments of the invention allow a large range of functions and simple operation, even in the case of miniaturized pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics International AG
    Inventors: Andreas Eberhart, Michael Krieftewirth, Marcel Both
  • Patent number: 8328754
    Abstract: Some embodiments of a wearable infusion pump system can include a pump device having a drive system to dispense a medicine to a user, an activity sensor that detects a possible change in an activity level of the user, and a controller to activate the drive system to dispense the medicine to the user. The controller device can query the user to indicate whether a detected activity level of the user represents an actual change in the activity level of the user. The controller device can alter the medicine dispensing schedule based on the user indicated changes in activity level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Asante Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Estes, Deb Ruppert
  • Publication number: 20120310204
    Abstract: A method of alerting a user to a potential unintended bolus delivery includes delivering fluid to a patient along a first fluid flow path. The method also includes transmitting a signal prior to initiation of a change in fluid delivery to the patient along a second fluid flow path connected to the first fluid flow path upstream of the patient, and detecting the signal. The method further includes actuating an alarm to alert the user to a potential unintended bolus delivery if the signal is detected. A system for carrying out the method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicants: BAXTER HEALTHCARE S.A., BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Ross G. Krogh
  • Publication number: 20120302990
    Abstract: A core apparatus connectable to at least one sensor and to at least one fluid delivery device which includes a base housing, a connection hub to couple to the at least one sensor and to the at least one fluid delivery device, and a controller disposed within the base housing to communicate with the at least one sensor and to the at least one fluid delivery device, wherein the controller forms a continuous feedback loop with the at least one sensor and the at least one fluid delivery device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Guilherme Jose Enne de Paula
  • Patent number: 8317770
    Abstract: Methods and systems for determining whether a catheter malfunction is present in a catheter by analyzing changes in the pressure of fluids being pumped through the delivery lumen of the catheter. The pressure changes that may be monitored may include, e.g., the peak pressure within the catheter and/or the pressure decay profile. The catheter malfunctions that may be determined using the methods and systems of the invention may include, e.g., leaks, blockages, the presence of gas bubbles, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith A. Miesel, Eric J. Panken