Sensor Controls Pump, Motor, Or Pressure Driven Means Patents (Class 604/67)
  • Publication number: 20130046277
    Abstract: A system and method to automatically initiate an injection procedure of a medicament into a patient. In the system, a delivery assembly includes an injector for infusing the medicament into the patient. Further, the system includes a monitor for detecting a parameter characteristic of the procedure, for instance, a pressure indicative of a partial vacuum between the injector and the injection site, a pressure exerted by the patient against the delivery assembly, a conductance, a capacitance, or an optical blood reading. Also, the system includes a timer for determining compliance of the parameter within a predetermined range during a first time interval. In response to the timer, an actuator initiates the injection procedure at the expiration of the first time interval. Further, the actuator may stop the injection procedure if the parameter is outside the predetermined range during a second time interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: John B. Slate, Michael W. Burk
  • Patent number: 8376985
    Abstract: A medication delivery device includes a housing, a door coupled to the housing and moveable between a closed position and an open position. The door permits insertion of a medication container, containing liquid medication, into the housing in the open position. A door opening mechanism is coupled to the door. A push member is axially moveable between a retracted position and a non-retracted position and located external to the medication container. The push member enters the medication container and pushes the liquid medication out of the medication container. A lock mechanism is coupled to the door opening mechanism and prevents opening of the door when the push member is in the non-retracted position inside the medication container, wherein the lock mechanism automatically unlocks the door opening mechanism when the push member is in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Ares Trading S.A.
    Inventors: Vincent Pongpairochana, Timothy John MacLean, Robert Prasser, Gerhard Lauchard, Werner Wurmbauer, Gerhard Kogler
  • 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: 8366667
    Abstract: A medical fluid infusion system including: a fluid pathway for transporting a pulsatile flow of fluid; a dampening element in communication with the fluid pathway, the dampening element configured to actively dampen pressure fluctuations of the pulsatile flow to smoothen the pulsatile fluid flow, the dampening element operable in any orientation; and a fluid flow sensor disposed along the fluid pathway downstream of the dampening element to measure the flow rate of the smoothened fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: William Chan, Ramiro Castellanos, Reema A. Bhagtani, Georgios A. Bertos, Rongsheng Lin, Richard Boyer, Jorge DelCastillo, Gary Schultz
  • Patent number: 8361010
    Abstract: An infusion pump includes: a housing, a pump actuator supported by the housing, electronics configured to control the pump actuator, a pain controlled analgesic (“PCA”) input device, a cord having a remote end connected to the PCA input device and a local end connected to the housing, a remote integrated circuit; and a local integrated circuit in communication with the electronics and the remote integrated circuit so as to provide operational information concerning the PCA input device to the electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventor: Mark Randal Simmons
  • Publication number: 20130023722
    Abstract: A patient seeking complementary and alternative medicine must visit a practitioner which is not always convenient or possible. It would be beneficial to provide a patient with a simple means of deriving benefit from such physical CAM techniques in a non-intimidating manner whereby the means has familiarity associated with it. Even with conventional medicine children, infants, toddlers, and babies require medical treatment and experience fear and/or anxiety arising from visiting the medical practitioner or with the treatment. According to embodiments of the invention provide patients are provided means to exploit CAM techniques away from the practitioner or allow patients to not associate activities with a medical treatment but another activity, such as playing in the instance of a child. Variations of the means allow medical monitoring activities to be similarly associated with familiar objects and non-traumatic activities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Marie Kruk
  • Publication number: 20130023848
    Abstract: A system and method for preventing an undesirable reverse rotation of an infusion pump assembly. The infusion pump motor includes a roller assembly, a coil, a rotor, a rotor position sensor, and a controller. The rotor is in communication with the coil, and the rotor is rotationally coupled to a roller assembly. If the pump is in not pumping, then the system monitors for reverse rotation of the pump, and if reverse rotation of the pump is detected, energizes the coil in a manner that holds the rotor in place. The system may also activate an indicator if reverse rotation is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: CURLIN MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: James E. Nelson, Troy A. Bartz
  • Patent number: 8357132
    Abstract: A urine capturing assembly includes a sleeve that has an upper edge, a lower edge and a perimeter wall extending between the upper and lower edges. The upper and lower edges define openings in the sleeve. A penis is positionable in the sleeve to direct urine from the penis toward the lower edge. A pouch has an open top end. The pouch is integrally coupled to the perimeter wall and the top end is positioned adjacent to the upper edge of the sleeve. A scrotum is positionable in pouch through the top end. A conduit is fluidly coupled to and extends between the sleeve and the pouch to direct urine held in the pouch into the sleeve. A collection bag is fluidly couplable to the lower edge of the sleeve to collect and retain urine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventor: Agatha N. Lekweuwa
  • Patent number: 8357125
    Abstract: The invention relates to an injection device (1) being in one of a passive and active state, triggering of injection being prevented when said device (1) is in its passive state and permitted when said device (1) is in its active state, having: a housing (30, 30a, 30b) receiving a container, the container being in one of a passive state and an active state, movement of the container out of its initial position being prevented when the container is in its passive state, and being permitted when the container is in its active state, and a safety shield (40) coupled with the housing (30) and being movable with respect to the housing along a movement path having a predetermined length, first retaining means (60, 61, 54a) for maintaining the container (20) in its passive state, second retaining means (34a, 81b) for maintaining said device (1) in its passive state, said device (1) being characterized in that it comprises: first deactivating means (50, 53) and second deactivating means (50, 50a) movable coinciden
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Guillaume Grunhut, Lionel Maritan
  • Patent number: 8353864
    Abstract: Disclosed is a low cost, disposable, infusion pump. The infusion pump can include an integrated occlusion detector that detects both upstream and downstream occlusions in an infusion tube. In addition, the infusion pump can easily monitor flow rates through the infusion tube, and be quickly set to infuse at a pre-determined rate. An armature within the infusion pump works in concert with a pair of tubing pinchers to precisely control the movement of fluid within the tubing. Sensors mounted within the device detect the position of the armature and can determine if an occlusion has occurred in the tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventor: David L. Davis
  • 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: 8343093
    Abstract: A micro fluid delivery device is particularly useful in medical applications. The device may be worn or carried by the user and may deliver drugs or other medicaments to the user or patient. The device has a control system that accepts input from the user and controls all aspects of operation of the device. The control system measures the output of the pump and adjusts the output of the pump to achieve the desired dosage rate and size. This eliminates differences from pump to pump that result from inevitable variations in the manufacturing of such small scale affordable devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin M. Rush
  • Patent number: 8346399
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a bolus of a medical agent to a patient. The apparatus comprises a pump mechanism, a data input device, and a processor in data communication with the keypad and arranged to control the pump mechanism. The processor is programmed to receive data specifying a bolus amount through the data port, receive data regarding duration through the data port, receive a percentage through the data port, the percentage defining a portion of the bolus amount to deliver immediately upon executing a deliver command and a remainder of the bolus amount to deliver over the duration upon executing a deliver command, and execute the deliver command thereby controlling the pump mechanism to deliver the bolus. Also a method of temporarily adjusting the delivery rate of an infusion pump. The infusion pump is programmed to deliver a basal rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Blomquist
  • Patent number: 8337486
    Abstract: Disclosed is a portable fluid dispensing device for infusing a fluid into the body of a user and/or for sensing an analyte within the body. The device includes at least one housing to retain a source of energy to energize the device, the source of energy comprising at least one electrochemical cell to produce electrical energy upon exposure of the cell to air, and a seal to prevent exposure of the at least one cell to air when the source of energy is not in use and to enable exposure of the at least one cell to air prior to energizing the device with the source of energy. The at least one housing includes an opening to provide access to the seal to enable actuation of the seal to control exposure of the at least one cell to air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Medingo Ltd.
    Inventors: Ofer Yodfat, Avraham Neta, Avihoo Keret
  • Publication number: 20120323170
    Abstract: Medical pumps may obtain programming data from a database through the use of a remote query process which allows the individual pump to flexibly request data from existing hospital databases, to identify the necessary information in those databases, and to convert that data for use without the need for manual programming or a centralized pump control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Chaoyoung Lee, Mei Zhang
  • Publication number: 20120316492
    Abstract: The invention concerns a flow regulator, made of a stack of 3 plates, respectively a top plate including a flexible membrane (1), a middle plate (2) with pillars and through holes and a bottom plate (3) with fluidic ports, micro channels and through holes (8,9,12). The principle is based on the deformation of the membrane due to the pressure of the liquid. The membrane goes in contact with the pillars of the middle plate, obstructing gradually the through holes of the pillars. The device is designed to keep the flow constant in a predefined range of pressure. The device is dedicated to ultra low flow rate up to 1 ml per day or below, typically for drug infusion. Plastic flow regulators comprise preferably several independent valves coupled in parallel. The membrane plate is therefore made of several flexible membranes obstructing gradually the flow by increasing the pressure. Stress limiters are used to avoid plastic deformation of the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Eric Chappel
  • Patent number: 8328082
    Abstract: A medication container encoding, verification and identification method is provided that includes receiving data characterizing a medication, generating an identifier encapsulating the data and applying an identifier to a medication container such that it is automatically readable by a medication administration device and/or a medication wasting device. Related apparatus, systems, methods and articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: CRISI Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter John Bochenko, Mark VanVeen, Stephen Michael Prince
  • Publication number: 20120310153
    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. A method, system, and an article of manufacture for automatically detecting an occlusion in a medication infusion pump is provided. The electrical current to an infusion pump is measured. Based on a series of measurements of one or more variables, the infusion pump detects whether there is an occlusion in the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Sheldon B. Moberg, Ian B. Hanson, Cary D. Talbot
  • Patent number: 8323234
    Abstract: The medication delivery device is designed to receive a replaceable medication container and to determine an adjusted medication dose AD for each medication container received if the amount of medication contained in the medication container is not a multiple of a prescribed dose D. The adjusted medication dose is the dose to be delivered instead of the prescribed dose at each use of the medication delivery device with the medication container received. The adjusted dose is determined by selecting one of a first dose, that is higher than the prescribed dose, and of a second dose, that is lower than the prescribed dose, as a function of a variable B that cumulates the values nAD·(AD?D), where nAD is equal to INT(Cont/AD) and Cont is the amount of medication in the medication container received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Ares Trading SA
    Inventors: Enrico Chavez, Sandrine Piotelat, Vincent Pongpairochana
  • Patent number: 8323231
    Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes: (i) a fluid cassette including diaphragm operated first and second pump chambers; (ii) a first pressure sensor operable with the first pump chamber; (iii) a second pressure sensor operable with the second pump chamber; and (iv) a to-patient port of the cassette in fluid communication with the first and second pump chambers, wherein the first pressure sensor is located between the first pump chamber and the to-patient port and the second pressure sensor is located between the second pump chamber and the to-patient port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Baxter International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Warren Childers, Vital Eerlingen, Patrick Balteau, Duane Belongie
  • Publication number: 20120302946
    Abstract: A micromechanical electromagnetic actuator may have two separate components: a flux-generating portion and a separate movable structure. The flux-generating portion may have a plurality of conductive coils wound around a magnetically permeable material. Each coil generates a magnetic field along its axis, which is different for each of the coils. The adjacent movable structure may include magnetically permeable features, one inlaid in the movable structure and other stationary features which focus the flux produced by the flux-generating mechanism across a gap between the stationary features. By energizing each coil sequentially, a push-pull motion in the actuator may result from the force of the magnetically permeable features. This push-pull actuator may be particularly effective when used as a pumping element in a drug delivery system, or other fluidic pumping system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: Innovative Micro Technology
    Inventor: Paul J. Rubel
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8317687
    Abstract: The inventive endoscopy system includes a cannula for arranging an endoscope and forming, between said cannula and endoscope, an irrigation or aspiration channel for transporting an irrigation or aspiration fluid, respectively, a connection ring mounted around the cannula and provided with a connection channel connectable to the irrigation or aspiration channel, respectively and a connector which is mounted on the connection ring and includes a transport channel with the connection channel and a first pressure sensor for detecting pressure in the transport channel. The connection ring is provided with a bypass circuit connectable to the irrigation or aspiration channel, respectively and the connector including a dead channel connectable to the bypass circuit and a second pressure sensor for detecting pressure in the dead channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Future Medical System S.A.
    Inventors: Andre Francisco, Patrick Janin, Thierry Pascual, Armando Dias
  • Publication number: 20120289928
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to medical tubing installation detection. In certain aspects, a method is performed by a data processing apparatus. The method includes detecting that a tube is incorrectly installed on a drug delivery device by providing an instruction for a motor of the drug delivery device to pump a drug and receiving, after a period of time has passed since providing the instruction for the motor of the drug delivery device to pump the drug, a signal from a fluid detector connected to the tube, the signal indicating an absence of fluid in the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Nigel Wright, Samuel Ernest Magargi, III, Jeremy Thomas Harbaugh, Michael John Zang, Regis Joseph Winniewicz, JR., Joseph Stephen Beri, Douglas Mark Zatezalo, Tom Monahan, Ronald Robert Fox
  • Patent number: 8308680
    Abstract: An infusion system to administer a fluid includes an infusion pump with a pump processor, a pump memory to store a plurality of configurable alarms and a pump radio to enable bi-directional communication. The infusion system further includes a controller that has a controller processor, a controller memory, a controller radio to transmit and receive communication from the pump radio. The controller further has a graphical user interface shown on a display along with controls to manipulate the graphical user interface. Furthermore, the bi-directional communication between the infusion pump and the controller establish an infusion pump relative proximity between the infusion pump and the controller such that when the infusion pump relative proximity exceeds a pump threshold distance at least one of the plurality of configurable alarm conditions of the infusion pump is modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventor: Hiten Chawla
  • Patent number: 8308679
    Abstract: A delivery system for delivering fluidic media may include a second housing configured to be selectively operatively engaged with and disengaged from a first housing portion adapted to be carried by a user. One of the housing portions may support a reservoir for containing fluidic media and a plunger head moveable within the reservoir. A drive device may be supported by the other of the housing portions for coupling with the reservoir upon the housing portions being operatively engaged. A first interactive element may be supported on the first housing portion for interacting with a second interactive element supported on the second housing portion. Circuitry may be configured to detect an interaction between the interactive elements and configured to provide a signal or a change in state in response to the housing portions being operatively engaged and an interaction between the interactive elements being detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian B. Hanson, Paul F. Bente, IV
  • Publication number: 20120283632
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an infusion control device designed to secure the infusion control device to a drip chamber attached to an infusion tube. The infusion control device comprises a light indicator and a microprocessor. The microprocessor determines the amount of fluid in an infusion bottle providing fluid to the transparent drip chamber, and provides instructions to the light indicator to illuminate the infusion bottle when the amount of fluid in the infusion bottle is less than a predetermined first limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Fredrik Svensson, Lennart Lood, Martin Dunér
  • Publication number: 20120283691
    Abstract: A method of infusing a fluid includes receiving values of one or more infusion parameters for an infusion of a fluid. Based on the received infusion parameter values, an occlusion pressure threshold for the infusion of the fluid is automatically calculated. During the infusion, a fluid pressure value is sensed. An indication is provided responsive to whether a value of the sensed fluid pressure is greater than the occlusion pressure threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Barnes, Robert Dwaine Butterfield
  • Patent number: 8303535
    Abstract: A compact and one time use, self-administration device (10) for administering medication is disclosed. The device includes a housing (12) having a start button (26), a status indicator (28), a window (30), and a surface removably attachable to a user. The device (10) has a cartridge holder (34) providing in an aseptic environment a cartridge (32) containing the medication. The cartridge (32) is viewable through the cartridge holder (34) and the window (30). An included drive unit (42) provides a movable plunger (126) that breaks through a sterile barrier (130) of the cartridge holder (34) to dispense the medication from the cartridge (32) to an hollow needle (38) for administering the medication into the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Hoffman-La Roche Inc.
    Inventors: Marcel Both, Kurt Friedli, Heiner Kaufmann, Juerg Liniger, Fabio Oester, Allen Pearson, Daniel Peter, Dominik Scherrer, Simon Scheurer, Oliver Shergold, Roger Siegenthaler, Sofia Galbraith
  • Publication number: 20120277717
    Abstract: A method includes receiving data regarding a catheter being used with the infusion device. The catheter has a lumen operably coupled to a reservoir of the infusion device and is configured to deliver fluid from the infusion device to a target location of a patient. The method further includes infusing fluid from the reservoir into the lumen of the catheter at a first rate and monitoring pressure via a pressure sensor in communication with the lumen of the catheter. Monitoring the pressure includes acquiring pressure data from the pressure sensor at a first frequency. The method also includes (i) determining whether the monitored pressure exceeds a first threshold, wherein the first threshold is based on the data regarding the catheter; and (ii) decreasing the rate at which the fluid is delivered from the reservoir into the catheter if the monitored pressure is determined to exceed the threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Irfan Z. Ali, Scott L. Kalpin
  • Patent number: 8298172
    Abstract: A medical device is provided comprising a transcutaneous device unit and a process unit. The transcutaneous device unit may comprise a transcutaneous device for transporting a fluid through a skin portion of a subject, and a mounting surface adapted for application to the skin of the subject. The process unit may comprise a reservoir adapted to contain a fluid drug, the reservoir comprising an outlet means allowing the transcutaneous device to be arranged in fluid communication with an interior of the reservoir, and an expelling assembly for expelling a fluid drug out of the reservoir and through the skin of the subject via the transcutaneous device. The transcutaneous device unit and the process unit further comprise coupling means allowing the reservoir unit to be secured to the transcutaneous device unit in the situation of use. By this arrangement a two-unit system is provided which can be used in a convenient and cost-effective manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Novo Nordisk A/S
    Inventors: Ole Christian Nielsen, Jim Radmer, Jan Harald Preuthun, Erik Winkel Ethelfeld, Simon Rorvig, Henrik Bengtsson
  • Publication number: 20120271274
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a tubing set (12) suitable for use in co-operation with a hemodialysis machine (10). The tubing set comprises: an out-tube (14) for supplying the blood from the patient to a filter (16) of the machine; an in-tube (18) for supplying the blood from the filter back to the patient; a drip chamber (20) placed along one of said tubes, adapted to let the blood drip through an air buffer (22); and a vial gate (24) for the connection of vials (26) containing drugs to be delivered into the blood. The vial gate (24) according to the invention comprises a delivery lumen (28), suitable for delivering the drug (30) from the vial to the drip chamber, and a vent lumen (32), suitable for providing air (34) inside the vial in order to replace the delivered drug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Reinhold Reiter, Massimo Fini, Alain Veneroni, Johannes Bartholomaeus, Gerhard Wiesen
  • Patent number: 8292843
    Abstract: A system and method to automatically initiate an injection procedure of a medicament into a patient. In the system, a delivery assembly includes an injector for infusing the medicament into the patient. Further, the system includes a monitor for detecting a parameter characteristic of the procedure, for instance, a pressure indicative of a partial vacuum between the injector and the injection site, a pressure exerted by the patient against the delivery assembly, a conductance, a capacitance, or an optical blood reading. Also, the system includes a timer for determining compliance of the parameter within a predetermined range during a first time interval. In response to the timer, an actuator initiates the injection procedure at the expiration of the first time interval. Further, the actuator may stop the injection procedure if the parameter is outside the predetermined range during a second time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Avant Medical Corp.
    Inventors: John B. Slate, Michael W. Burk
  • Patent number: 8292842
    Abstract: A therapy delivery component is connected to an IMD with a coupling that has a known physical property, based upon which the type and/or connection status of the therapy delivery component is automatically identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Ajinkya M. Joglekar
  • Patent number: 8292808
    Abstract: Systems and methods for non-vascular sensor implantation and for measuring physiological parameters in areas of a body where the physiological parameters are heterogeneous. An implant unit is implanted in an area of a body and a foreign body capsule is allowed to form around the implant unit area. A sensor may be directed into a body cavity such as, for example, the peritoneal space, subcutaneous tissues, the foreign body capsule, or other area. A subcutaneous area of the body may be tunneled for sensor placement. Spatially separated sensing elements may be used for detecting individual amounts of the physiological parameter. An overall amount of the physiological parameter may be determined by calculating a statistical measurement of the individual sensed amounts in the area. Another embodiment of the invention, a multi-analyte measuring device, may include a substrate having an electrode array on one side and an integrated circuit on another side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Miller, Rajiv Shah
  • Publication number: 20120265128
    Abstract: An infusion pump for continuously conveying a fluid includes an inlet, an outlet, a first piston movably supported in a first chamber connected to the inlet, a second piston movably supported in a second chamber connected to the outlet, and a connecting channel connecting the first chamber to the second chamber. At least one control element, in a first position, connects the inlet to the first chamber and, in a second position, connects the first chamber to the second chamber. A controller acts upon the first piston, the second piston, and the control element so that, when the control element is set in the first position, the first chamber is filled while the second chamber is drained, and when in the second position, the first chamber is drained and the second chamber is filled, wherein a constant discharge at the outlet is maintained at a predefined flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Harm Kolln
  • Publication number: 20120265127
    Abstract: A device and a method for controlling a medical administering apparatus wherein an electrical motor of the medical administering apparatus is activated during defined discharging events, including short discharging events, and the motor is controlled as per a predefined speed profile with a plurality of regions (Pi), wherein a load sensor establishes load signals (Imot) that constitute a measure of the electrical load formed by the motor, e.g. load signals representing the motor current, wherein a monitoring arrangement compares a variable derived from the load signals with at least one predefined condition and emits an occlusion signal if the condition is satisfied, and wherein to compensate for acceleration effects, the load signals are corrected as a function of the current region by an associated correction value (I1; I2; I3), thereby facilitating reliable recognition of occlusions during short discharging events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas Buri, Michael Rufer
  • Publication number: 20120265125
    Abstract: There is provided an infusion pump system for delivering a predetermined medical solution at a preset reference infusion speed. The system comprises a medical solution container; an infusion line through which the medical solution is drawn out of the medical solution container; an infusion pump configured to discharge the medical solution via the infusion line. The infusion pump is controlled so that the discharge speed of the infusion pump is computed on the basis of a current discharge speed of the infusion pump and the infusion speed of the medical solution, the resulting discharge speed is corrected by a predefined correction coefficient, and the medical solution is discharged at the corrected discharge speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: K&Y CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Kawamura
  • Patent number: 8287485
    Abstract: A treatment system for surgery includes: a handpiece driving apparatus for supplying electric energy to a handpiece, the handpiece including a treatment portion insertable into a body cavity; a perfusion apparatus for perfusing liquid in the body cavity, the perfusion apparatus being capable of adjusting pressure in the body cavity; and a control circuit for controlling the pressure in the body cavity to a different level in conjunction with an output state of the handpiece driving apparatus and changing a flow rate of the perfusion liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Kenichi Kimura, Manabu Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8287488
    Abstract: A holographic occlusion detection system has a white-light holographic label placed onto a sensing portion or surface of a pressure sensor connected to infusion tubing. The pressure sensor at the sensing portion can have a relatively thin wall section and may be wider and flatter than a normal cross section of the infusion tubing. The label is then illuminated by a polychromatic light source, and the light reflected off the holographic label is then received by a photodetector. Pressure changes within the tubing cause a change in orientation of the white-light holographic label, thereby resulting in a shift in the peak wavelength of the reflective light sensed by the photodetector. This shift in wavelength can then be calibrated to the swelling of the sensing portion so that pressure within the infusion line can be calculated. In another variation, monochromatic light is reflected off a holographic label, and pressure changes are detected by measuring the amplitude of the reflected light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Wiegel
  • Patent number: 8282595
    Abstract: A contrast media injection system detects the absolute position of the syringe ram using a non-contact sensor. A series of magnets and Hall-Effect sensors may be used or an opto-reflective system. Illuminated knobs that are connected to the drive mechanism for the syringe ram rotate with the drive and provide visual feedback on operation through the illumination. Analog Hall-Effect sensors are used to determine the presence or absence of magnets that identify the type of faceplate being used. The faceplates include control electronics, connected to the powerhead through connectors, which may be interchangeably used by the two faceplates. The faceplate electronics include detectors for automatically detecting the capacity of pre-filled syringes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt LLC
    Inventor: Gary S. Wagner
  • Patent number: 8282563
    Abstract: Problems To provide a cardiac disease treatment system for accurately diagnosing the functional cause of an abnormality of a cardiac disease by analyzing the hemodynamic state of a patient, automatically performing medication in accordance with the diagnosis result, and treating the cardiac disease. Means for solving problems The cardiac disease treatment system is characterized by comprising input means (2) for inputting the cardiac output value of the patient, the left atrial pressure value and/or the right atrial pressure value, first calculating means (31) for calculating the pumping ability value of the left heart or the right heart from the inputted cardiac output and the left or right atrial pressure value, first comparing means (41) for comparing the pumping ability value of the left heart or the right heart with a target pumping ability value, and first medicating means (51) for medicating the patient in accordance with the result of the comparison by the first comparing means (41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Japan Health Sciences Foundation
    Inventors: Kazunori Uemura, Atsunori Kamiya, Masaru Sugimachi, Kenji Sunagawa
  • Patent number: 8282626
    Abstract: Some embodiments of a portable infusion pump system can be configured to deliver medicine (e.g., insulin or the like) to a user and to deliver media content to a user. The media content can include, for example, MP3 music and other audio/video data stored in a memory device in the portable system. Thus, in particular embodiments, the portable infusion pump system can serve a dual purpose of providing medication and entertainment for the user from a compact and unobtrusive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Asante Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell Wenger, Mark C. Estes, Scott Chiang
  • Publication number: 20120253271
    Abstract: The fluid injector system includes a source of injection fluid, a pump device, and a fluid path set in fluid connection with the source of injection fluid and the pump device. The fluid path set includes a drip chamber including an elongated body and a raised projection. A fluid level sensing mechanism is operably associated with a fluid control device, and includes a drip chamber support for supporting the drip chamber body and a fluid level sensor associated with the drip chamber support. The drip chamber support is adapted to support the drip chamber body such that the raised projection is in operational contact with the fluid level sensor and the fluid level sensing mechanism is operable to transmit ultrasonic or light energy through the raised projection to be sensed by the fluid level sensor for sensing the injection fluid level in the drip chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: MEDRAD, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Spohn, Thomas P. Joyce, Michael J. Ehrenberger, James Albert Dedig, John A. Haury, Susan Lynn Felix, Gerald W. Callan, John D. Shearer, JR., Jonathan R. Speicher, Christopher M. Scutt, Herb Grubic, Ralph E. Kopacko, William D. Barlow, Jerry A. Stokes, JR., Richard G. Critchlow, Karen M. Zelenski, Mirza Hyder Hussain, Linda M. O'Meara, Roderick H. Beaulieu, Jennie Kwo, Luis A. Pedraza
  • Publication number: 20120253270
    Abstract: An implantable infusion pump system is disclosed. The pump system preferably includes an implantable pump and a programmable module. The module may provide for varying flow rates of fluid being dispensed from the pump or may provide for a constant flow rate of such fluid. In the case of varying flow rate capabilities, the module preferably includes one or more sensors to determine information relating to the flow rate, electronics for analyzing the flow rate information, and a mechanism for physically altering the flow rate. In certain embodiments, the module includes a hermetically sealed housing. Methods of dispensing a medicament to a patient utilizing such a system are also disclosed, as are variations of the pump system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: Palyon Medical (BVI) Limited
    Inventor: Bernd Steinbach
  • Publication number: 20120245514
    Abstract: A therapy delivery component is connected to an IMD with a coupling that has a known physical property, based upon which the type and/or connection status of the therapy delivery component is automatically identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Ajinkya M. Joglekar
  • Publication number: 20120245515
    Abstract: System for trans-dermal delivery of doses of a medicament, comprising a delivery device to be placed in dermal contact with a patient, the delivery device comprising a reservoir for holding a medicament to be delivered, a trans-dermal injection element for delivering doses of the medicament to the patient, a control unit for controlling the delivery of the medicament when activated, the system further comprising a separate hand-held drive device to be temporarily placed in proximity of the delivery device when a dose of medicament is required, the drive device comprising an activation unit for activating the control unit of the delivery device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Irio Giuseppe Calasso, Luca Calasso
  • Publication number: 20120245554
    Abstract: Infusion systems according to the present invention provide a medical fluid infusion system operable at a relatively wide range of flow rates while simultaneously maintaining a high degree of accuracy and predictability through employing specific flow path architecture, flow path dimensional ranges, and pump control parameters, such as voltage, frequency, voltage rise time, pump size and quantity, and controlled restriction of the fluid flow path. Automatic recognition of restrictive elements is employed to facilitate the ease of use of different restrictive elements with a single infusion system and improve patient safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Kawamura
  • Patent number: 8273052
    Abstract: An augmented, adaptive algorithm utilizing model predictive control (MPC) is developed for closed-loop glucose control in type 1 diabetes. A linear empirical input-output subject model is used with an MPC algorithm to regulate blood glucose online, where the subject model is recursively adapted, and the control signal for delivery of insulin and a counter-regulatory agent such as glucagon is based solely on online glucose concentration measurements. The MPC signal is synthesized by optimizing an augmented objective function that minimizes local insulin accumulation in the subcutaneous depot and control signal aggressiveness, while simultaneously regulating glucose concentration to a preset reference set point. The mathematical formulation governing the subcutaneous accumulation of administered insulin is derived based on nominal temporal values pertaining to the pharmacokinetics (time-course of activity) of insulin in human, in terms of its absorption rate, peak absorption time, and overall time of action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Trustees of Boston University
    Inventors: Edward Damiano, Firas El-Khatib
  • Publication number: 20120238997
    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: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Dewey