Sensor Controls Pump, Motor, Or Pressure Driven Means Patents (Class 604/67)
  • Patent number: 8684972
    Abstract: An infusion pump assembly includes a reservoir assembly configured to contain an infusible fluid. A motor assembly is configured to act upon the reservoir assembly and dispense at least a portion of the infusible fluid contained within the reservoir assembly. Processing logic is configured to control the motor assembly. A primary power supply is configured to provide primary electrical energy to at least a portion of the processing logic. A backup power supply is configured to provide backup electrical energy to the at least a portion of the processing logic in the event that the primary power supply fails to provide the primary electrical energy to the at least a portion of the processing logic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Marc A. Mandro
  • Publication number: 20140088554
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention utilize a closed-loop feedback control system to ensure accurate drug delivery. This control system may, for example, utilize a flow sensor to measure the volume of delivery and an intelligent control algorithm to anticipate and compensate for overdoses and underdoses. Feedback control systems in accordance herewith can be applied to any piston- or plunger-driven pump system utilizing sensors that measure flow directly or indirectly. Depending on the mode of operation, fluid may be dispensed continuously or in discrete pulses, and the manner of adjustment or calibration may be tailored to the operational mode in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Po-Ying Li, Shengtao Li, Jonathan K. Lee, Patrick Ryan, Alice Lai, Sean Caffey, Mark S. Humayun
  • Publication number: 20140088555
    Abstract: Drug-delivery devices may utilize electrolysis pumps to push a plunger so as to deliver drug from a reservoir. The volume and/or rate of drug delivery may be monitored based on pressure measurements in the pump chamber. Pressure signatures characteristic of end-of-dose and occlusion events may be used to detect when plunger movement stops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Po-Ying Li, Patrick Ryan, Shengtao Li, Jonathan K. Lee, Alice Lai, Sean Caffey, Yu-Chong Tai
  • Publication number: 20140088494
    Abstract: A fluid injection system that includes an injector head having a syringe for delivering a fluid to a patient; a mounting structure pivotally connected to the injector head and configured to support the injector head above a surface; and a control system operationally coupled to the injector head for controlling an injection procedure is disclosed. The fluid injection system is provided with various sensors to control various aspects of the fluid injection system, such as the establishment of a reference plane, the determination of a tilt angle of the injector head, and the determination of a temperature of an actuation system of the injector head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: John D. Shearer, JR., Christopher M. Scutt, Walter J. Grumski, Michael A. Spohn, Jarrell T. McWilliams, Arlie D. Long, III, Richard C. Morton
  • Patent number: 8679326
    Abstract: A medical apparatus (100) for extracorporeal blood treatment comprises a support structure (101) housing a hydraulic circuit (1) located above a liquid collection zone (103) such that liquid losses from the hydraulic circuit can at least partially accumulate at the liquid collection zone. A liquid sensor (108) detects presence of any liquid in the liquid collection zone and operates in a distanced position with respect to the liquid collection zone (103).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Luca Vinci, Andrea Rossi
  • Publication number: 20140081234
    Abstract: Described is a needle assembly reuse prevention mechanism comprising a barrier movable between a retracted position and an extended position, a spring coupled to the barrier, a pin formed on the barrier, and a slot receiving the pin. When in the extended position, the barrier substantially covers an opening of a needle assembly storage compartment. The spring forces the barrier in a first direction. The slot has at least one abutment face for abutting the pin and preventing movement of the barrier in the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: SANOFI-AVENTIS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Ilona Eggert, Christopher Nigel Langley, Shane Alistair Day
  • Publication number: 20140081202
    Abstract: An infusion pump comprises at least three operating layers. A first layer includes epicyclic gear means comprising a rotatable central gear, a stationary outer ring gear, and movable planet gears arranged between the central gear and the ring gear in movable engagement with the central and ring gears. A second layer includes roller bearing means comprising a stationary outer ring and a movable inner roller arrangement in movable arrangement with the outer ring and coupled with the epicyclic gear means to provide a rotational bearing for the central and planet gears. A third layer includes rotary peristaltic pump means comprising stationary flexible tubing which includes a bent portion having an essentially part-cycle form and a rotor having engagement elements to squeeze the bent portion during rotation for a pump action, wherein the rotor is coupled with the central gear to transfer torque from the central gear to the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: MICREL Medical Devies S.A.
    Inventor: Achilleas Tsoukalis
  • Patent number: 8672876
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system having a closed-loop control process for delivering a medical fluid to a patient. A fluid infusion system includes a pump for delivering a fluid to a patient via an administration tube. A flow sensor associated with the administration tube provides an indication of the actual flow rate of fluid in the administration tube. Such a flow sensor may comprise a positive displacement flow sensor constructed using micro-fabrication and/or micro-molding techniques. A reader reads the actual flow rate signal and provides an indication to a controller for controlling the pump. The flow rate information can also be used for providing status information, such as the existence of a blockage in the fluid delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Jacobson, Tuan Bui, Stephen R. Garchow, Atif Yardimci, James S. Slepicka
  • Patent number: 8672875
    Abstract: A system and method determine when fluid is not flowing properly from a secondary infusion source during a secondary infusion. The system includes an upstream pressure sensor and a processor programmed to receive signals from the sensor and analyze the signals to determine if secondary fluid flow is proper. The processor samples the output signals from the upstream pressure sensor and analyzes the sampled signals to determine if a pressure rise in the infusion line has occurred when the secondary infusion is initiated. If a pressure rise, indicating that fluid from the secondary container has begun flowing into the infusion line, has not been detected, the processor is programmed to provide a signal indicating that attention should be given to the infusion set up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy W. Vanderveen, Robert D. Butterfield
  • Patent number: 8672873
    Abstract: A fluid medicament delivery device includes a patient attachment unit and a separate indicator unit. The patient attachment unit includes a housing and a fluid channel located therein, wherein at least a portion of the fluid channel includes a flexible member substantially coterminous with the housing. The separate indicator unit is adapted to be detachably coupled to the housing of the patient attachment unit and includes a first sensing element for contacting the flexible member when the indicator unit is coupled to the housing to sense a flexure of the flexible member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Cequr SA
    Inventors: Peter Gravesen, Heiko Arndt, Serguei Chiriaev
  • Publication number: 20140074019
    Abstract: A drug infusion assembly comprises a drug delivery device arranged to adhere to a patient's skin and includes a reservoir that holds the drug, a cannula that delivers the drug to the patient, and a pump that causes the drug to flow to the cannula. The assembly further includes a monitor device for providing information about the operation of a drug delivery device. The monitor device includes a housing arranged to be attached to and detached from the drug delivery device, a sensor that senses the operation of the drug delivery device and generates an activation signal, a clock mechanism that generates a time signal, a memory that receives and stores the activation signal and the time signal and creates an information packet coordinating the time signal and the activation signal, an interrogator that interrogates the memory such that the memory generates a memory signal in response thereto, and a responder that receives the memory signal and generates a response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: CALIBRA MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Karratt, Brett Cross
  • Publication number: 20140074062
    Abstract: Drug pump devices with syringe or pen-injection configurations may utilize pre-filled drug vials or cartridges; the prefilled vials may be equipped with mechanisms for stirring their contents and/or changing a chemical environment therein to improve therapies. To facilitate combination therapies, multiple drug pump devices may be assembled into a larger system. Lancet insertion devices for use in conjunction with the drug pump devices may feature improved safety characteristics and/or mechanisms for minimizing pain and discomfort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Sean Caffey, Alice Lai, Po-Ying Li
  • Patent number: 8668665
    Abstract: The invention is generally directed to systems and methods for fluid control, and more particularly to systems and methods for power and flow rate control for aspiration. In accordance with one embodiment, an aspiration system includes an aspiration line having distal and proximal ends and an aspiration port defined in the distal end; a fluid transport device operatively coupled to the proximal end of the aspiration line; and a flow restrictor operatively coupled to the aspiration line in between the fluid transport device and the aspiration port. To measure occlusion within the line, first and second pressure sensors are utilized, the first sensor being operatively coupled to the aspiration line between the port and the restrictor and the second sensor being operatively coupled to the aspiration line between the restrictor and the fluid transport device. The pressure differential between the two sensors can provide an indication of the onset, presence, and/or elimination of an occlusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Medical Optics Inc.
    Inventors: James Gerg, Carina R Reisin
  • Patent number: 8668666
    Abstract: A method comprises measuring a volume of fluid delivered per pump stroke for each of a plurality of substantially identical medical pumps. The substantially identical medical pumps each have a fixed stroke length. The method further comprises: storing indications of the measured volumes on one or more data storage mediums; and for each of the plurality of substantially identical medical pumps, generating a separate therapy control program based on the indication of the measured volume associated with that one of the plurality of substantially identical medical pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas R. Whitehead, John Michael Gray, James M. Haase, Cynthia R. Nelson Konen, Thomas W. Hovind, Dale A. Young
  • Patent number: 8663157
    Abstract: A fluid management system with a detection circuit for detecting whether an attached surgical device is operational. The fluid management system changes at least one operation mode when the surgical device is detected as being operational. The fluid management system may include inflow, outflow, or inflow/outflow capabilities, and monitors at least one signal characteristic of an AC power signal provided to the surgical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Hacker, Ronald Seese, Terrance J. Mclaughlin, Adam Mankowski, Edwin W. Floyd, James A. Tebo, Milton D. Frank, Sheshin Yamin
  • Publication number: 20140058318
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and devices for sustained medical infusion with controlled rate injection of a fluid into a body. Such a system may include a first separate reusable unit, a second separate depletable unit a third separate disposable unit having a cannula, and may include a fourth separate remote control unit. Emission of appropriate instructions from the fourth unit, when the first unit, the second unit, and the third unit are coupled together in associative operation and disposed on the skin, power is supplied to an engine for generating motion to a fluid transfer system, and when the cannula is inserted in the body, fluid is transferred from the reservoir to the body, via the tube and the cannula.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: MEDINGO LTD.
    Inventors: Ofer Yodfat, Avi Neta, Gavriel J. Iddan
  • Publication number: 20140058349
    Abstract: Apparatus are provided for infusion devices and related control systems and methods. In one embodiment, an infusion device includes a voided portion adapted to receive a shaft portion that includes a shaft coupled to a plunger of a reservoir. The shaft portion includes a detectable feature, and the infusion device includes a sensing arrangement proximate the voided portion to sense the detectable feature. In some embodiments, a control module is coupled to the sensing arrangement to determine a remaining amount of fluid in the reservoir based at least in part on the sensed position of the detectable feature. In other embodiments, the control module identifies an anomalous condition based at least in part on the sensed position of the detectable feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventors: Afshin BAZARGAN, Pablo VAZQUEZ, EJMar FONACIER, Andrew E. WEAVER
  • Patent number: 8657778
    Abstract: A disposable assembly for use with a sensor assembly comprises a body, a flow restricting element, and a fluid pressure membrane. The body has a lid portion and a base portion. The body defines a fluid flow passage that forms an inlet and an outlet. The flow restricting element is positioned in the fluid flow passage between the inlet and the outlet. The membrane is located between the lid and base portions along the fluid flow passage. A reinforcing structure, such as a ring or a rigid disk, is positioned between the fluid pressure membrane and the lid portion to provide increased resistance to pressure in the fluid flow passage. The ring or disk can be a separate component or formed on the membrane. The membrane thickness adjacent to sensor access openings in the lid portion can be increased for pressure resistance, too.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Hospira, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Ziegler, James D. Morrow, Olivier F. Currat, Jeff D. Bransky, Brian Barclay, Marwan A. Fathallah, James D. Jacobson
  • Publication number: 20140052055
    Abstract: Disclosed is a portable therapeutic fluid dispensing device. The fluid dispensing device includes a reusable part (100) comprising a reusable part housing including at least a controller and a first portion (186) of a driving mechanism, and a disposable part (200) comprising a disposable part housing including at least a reservoir (220) to retain therapeutic fluid, an outlet port to which the therapeutic fluid is dispensed, a fluid conduit providing fluid communication between the reservoir and the outlet port, and a second portion (112) of the driving mechanism. At least a portion of the disposable part housing defines at least a portion of the reservoir. Also, the second portion of the driving mechanism is mechanically couplable to the first portion of the driving mechanism upon connection of the disposable part to the reusable part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Medingo Ltd.
    Inventors: OFER YODFAT, Yair Dan, Ofer Arnold, Avraham Neta, Yossi Shalev
  • Publication number: 20140052096
    Abstract: An infusion pump system is disclosed for dispensing liquid medication, such as insulin. The infusion pump system includes a first reservoir for storing liquid medication, a first fluid driver for exerting pressure on the first reservoir, a second reservoir for storing liquid medication, and a second fluid driver for exerting pressure on the second reservoir. One or more valves are used to permit flow of liquid medication from the first reservoir to the second reservoir, and to permit flow of liquid medication from the second reservoir to an infusion site. Each of the valves is selectively opened or closed to fill the second reservoir with liquid medication from the first reservoir and to dispense liquid medication from the second reservoir to the infusion site. A controller and one or more sensors are used to monitor and control the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Gary Searle, Roman Tunkel, William Tormey III, Andrew Leonczyk, David Pollock, Paul Naumann, Kenneth Focht
  • Patent number: 8652093
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Zyno Medical, LLC.
    Inventors: Chaoyoung Lee, Mei Zhang
  • Patent number: 8652086
    Abstract: The invention is generally directed to systems and methods for fluid control, and more particularly to systems and methods for power and flow rate control for aspiration. In accordance with one embodiment, an aspiration system includes an aspiration line having distal and proximal ends and an aspiration port defined in the distal end; a fluid transport device operatively coupled to the proximal end of the aspiration line; and a flow restrictor operatively coupled to the aspiration line in between the fluid transport device and the aspiration port. To measure occlusion within the line, first and second pressure sensors are utilized, the first sensor being operatively coupled to the aspiration line between the port and the restrictor and the second sensor being operatively coupled to the aspiration line between the restrictor and the fluid transport device. The pressure differential between the two sensors can provide an indication of the onset, presence, and/or elimination of an occlusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Medical Optics Inc.
    Inventors: James Gerg, Carina Reisin
  • Patent number: 8647074
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Sheldon B. Moberg, Ian B. Hanson, Cary D. Talbot
  • Publication number: 20140039385
    Abstract: A programmable implantable pump is disclosed. The pump includes an implantable pump and a hermetically sealed module. The module provides 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 pressure of the fluid, electronics for analyzing the pressure information and determining the flow rate of the fluid, and a mechanism for physically altering the flow rate. 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: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: PALYON MEDICAL (BVI) LIMITED
    Inventor: Bernd Steinbach
  • Publication number: 20140039447
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to preventing over-delivery of a drug and related systems and methods. The method includes receiving, from a drug delivery device, information pertaining to a desired amount of fluid to be delivered by the drug delivery device and receiving information pertaining to a delivered amount of a fluid that has been delivered by the drug delivery device. The method also includes determining that the delivered amount satisfies a predetermined threshold amount and in response to the determination, detecting whether an initial amount of fluid provided to the drug delivery device corresponds to the desired amount of fluid to be delivered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc
    Inventors: Nigel Wright, Tom Monahan
  • Publication number: 20140039384
    Abstract: Different embodiment programmable pumps including multiple reservoirs are disclosed, as are methods of utilizing same. The pumps generally include at least two reservoirs and means for dispensing active substances housed in each at varying flow rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: PALYON MEDICAL (BVI) LIMITED
    Inventor: Bernd Steinbach
  • Publication number: 20140039446
    Abstract: A patient care system has a medical pump for delivering a medicine to a patient, and a processor in communication with the pump. The pump is configured to receive a first input on whether the medicine is a critical medicine, and a second input on a trigger condition that triggers a fail-operate mode for the critical medicine. The processor controls the medical pump to operate in the fail-operate mode, where the fail-operate mode continues delivery of the critical medicine when the trigger condition is triggered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: William K. Day
  • Patent number: 8641670
    Abstract: A device (1000) for delivering a therapeutic fluid (e.g. insulin) into a body of a patient are provided. In one aspect, the device can be implemented with a help of a patch unit (10) securable to a cradle unit (20) or to the body of the patient. The patch unit can employ a driving mechanism (120), a power source (210), a processor (110), a user interface (14) and a display(12). The processor can be adapted for controlling the driving mechanism by using one or more inputs. The inputs can corresponding to a basal rate and/or a bolus profile. The display can be adapted for displaying the inputs. The user interface can be adapted for adjusting the inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations Inc.
    Inventors: Ofer Yodfat, Iddo M. Gescheit
  • Patent number: 8641660
    Abstract: A microenvironment of a biological body is controlled, and more particularly, is measured, changed, and monitored with respect to temperature, pH level, moisture and other tissue parameters of a region of the body while, optionally, administering a therapeutic agent to that region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: P Tech, LLC
    Inventors: Peter M. Bonutti, Justin E. Beyers
  • Publication number: 20140031743
    Abstract: A wearable infusion pump assembly including a reservoir for receiving an infusible fluid, and a fluid delivery system configured to deliver the infusible fluid from the reservoir to an external infusion set. The fluid delivery system includes a volume sensor assembly configured to receive a quantity of the infusible fluid from the reservoir. The volume sensor assembly includes an acoustically contiguous region having a volume that varies based upon the quantity of infusible fluid received from the reservoir, and an acoustic energy emitter configured to provide acoustic energy at a plurality of frequencies to excite a gas included within the acoustically contiguous region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: DEKA PRODUCTS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, John Matthew Kerwin, Colin Holmes Murphy
  • Publication number: 20140025002
    Abstract: Some embodiments of an infusion pump system may be configured to detect when at least one component of the pump system is exposed to an impact above a threshold level. In particular embodiments, the infusion pump system can be equipped with an impact detection system that can sense when an impact above the threshold level has occurred to the pump device, which thereby enables the infusion pump system to initiate appropriate patient safety countermeasures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: ASANTE SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Wenkang Qi, Tracy Brewer, Hans Crommenacker
  • Patent number: 8628510
    Abstract: A device for delivering fluid to a user includes a housing, a drive motor assembly in the housing, a force sensor, and an electronics module. The drive motor assembly regulates delivery of fluid by actuating a piston of a fluid reservoir, and the force sensor generates output levels in response to force imparted thereto during, for example, fluid delivery operations. The electronics module processes the output levels of the force sensor to assess the operating health of the force sensor, to check for occlusions in the fluid delivery path, and to monitor the seating status of the fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Afshin Bazargan, Pablo Vazquez, Hsiao-Yu S. Kow, Salman Monirabbasi, Ian B. Hanson
  • Publication number: 20140012226
    Abstract: An automatic injection apparatus uses non-continuous fluid-flow of drugs to identify an intended injection site and includes a drive mechanism, a sensor and a controller for establishing fluid flow and pressure and preventing fluid flow until the pressure drops below a predetermined threshold. The pressure threshold is determined based on an internal pressure generated during an injection and more fluid will not flow until it drops below a predetermined pressure. An injection is performed to establish an initial pressure threshhold and then to stop the fluid flow into a patient until the pressure drops below a predetermined pressure which allows fluid flow to resume, thus identifying a fluid filled tissue space. The initial pressure threshold is used as a control parameter to a microprocessor below which controls the rate of injection. Fluid flows below certain pressures are also used to identify a specific location within the body during injections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: MILESTONE SCIENTIFIC, INC.
    Inventor: Mark N. HOCHMAN
  • Patent number: 8622998
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for automatically estimating the length of an implantable catheter by measuring the pressure decay response to pumping fluid through the catheter. The decay time for a unit fluid pressure pulse generated within the catheter is proportional to the catheter length, i.e. as the catheter length increases so does the decay time. The catheter length can therefore be estimated based on, e.g., the decay time of the pressure pulse. The estimated catheter length can also be analyzed to determine if it is representative of the actual catheter length, or, e.g., is affected by one or more catheter malfunctions including cuts and occlusions. Systems for automatically estimating the catheter length include an implantable catheter, a pumping mechanism, a pressure sensor configured to measure pressure within the catheter, and a processor that calculates the catheter length from a pressure pulse measured while delivering fluid through the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott L. Kalpin
  • Patent number: 8622991
    Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for delivery of a chemical substance to the body of the patient are provided. Such embodiments may include an infusion catheter configured to be inserted into tissue, a catheter securing element configured to be adhered to the skin of the patient and further configured to secure the infusion catheter to the skin, a drug delivery pump configured to infuse a drug into the infusion catheter for delivery to a drug infused region on the body of the patient, and a treatment element configured to apply a treatment to the drug infused region to improve pharmacodynamics of the drug during a period of delivery of the drug to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Insuline Medical Ltd.
    Inventors: Benny Pesach, Gabriel Bitton, Ram Weiss, Ron Nagar
  • Publication number: 20140005596
    Abstract: The invention relates to an injection device for delivering a drug, comprising a housing arranged to receive a drug container and an electrical energy source, wherein a driver is arranged to displace a dose of the drug from the container under load of a drive spring upon release, wherein an electric motor powered by the electrical energy source is arranged for tensioning the drive spring, wherein control means are arranged for controlling the electric motor so as to tension the drive spring when an injection has been performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Ralf Schuster
  • Patent number: 8617098
    Abstract: A device is employed that can be retrofit onto existing feed pumps to remediate the problem of fluid aspiration in patients being fed through a feeding tube from the pump. In one embodiment the feeding pump is plugged into the device which is plugged into a power outlet. A patient angle sensor triggers power cutoff to the pump and stoppage of fluid flow. The angle sensor and operating program may be part of a smart phone. Power to the pump may be shut off due to a BLUETOOTH® signal from the smart phone to a BLUETOOTH® controlled power strip into which the pump is plugged to receive power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Allen Gerber
  • Publication number: 20130345658
    Abstract: In an infusion pump operable to deliver fluid to a patient at a programmed therapy flow rate, air-in-line sensing is improved by commanding the pumping mechanism to deliver a bolus volume of fluid at a flow rate higher than the therapy flow rate when an uninterrupted volume of air is detected that exceeds a first threshold. In many cases, the bolus will be effective to clear microbubbles from an observation zone of the air-in-line sensor to avoid an air-in-line alarm condition. If the uninterrupted volume of air continues to grow beyond a second threshold in spite of the bolus, then an alarm may be triggered. The invention reduces false alarms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: ZEVEX, INC.
    Inventors: Aidan Browne, Jeffery T. Juretich, Ramji Gupta, Daniel A. Martel
  • Patent number: 8613719
    Abstract: A drug infusion assembly comprises a drug delivery device arranged to adhere to a patient's skin and includes a reservoir that holds the drug, a cannula that delivers the drug to the patient, and a pump that causes the drug to flow to the cannula. The assembly further includes a monitor device for providing information about the operation of a drug delivery device. The monitor device includes a housing arranged to be attached to and detached from the drug delivery device, a sensor that senses the operation of the drug delivery device and generates an activation signal, a clock mechanism that generates a time signal, a memory that receives and stores the activation signal and the time signal and creates an information packet coordinating the time signal and the activation signal, an interrogator that interrogates the memory such that the memory generates a memory signal in response thereto, and a responder that receives the memory signal and generates a response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Calibra Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Karratt, Brett Cross
  • Publication number: 20130338576
    Abstract: Described is drug infusion device configure to maintain its intended drug delivery rate by monitoring atmospheric effects. The device may include one or more vents that permit the passage of gas between the exterior and interior of the device's housing. The device may also include one or more pressure and/or temperature sensors, the readings from which may be used to determine malfunctions in the venting of the device and/or changes in pressure that could cause the unintended over-delivery or under-delivery of medication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Sean O'Connor, Charles Hendrixson, Luis Jahn
  • Publication number: 20130338577
    Abstract: A fluid vessel insertion device (10), typically for medical use, comprises a puncture member (18) arranged for location within a sleeve (20), and a retraction mechanism (44, 48, 60) for retracting the puncture member relative to the sleeve. The puncture member (18) is retractable in use between a first condition in which an end (18A) of the puncture member protrudes beyond an end (24) of the sleeve and a second condition in which the end of the puncture member is within the sleeve (20). The retraction mechanism (44, 48, 60) actuates the puncture member between the first and second conditions in response to fluid pressure at the end (18A) of the puncture member. The device may be used during positioning of the sleeve in a desired fluid vessel, such as, for example, during intravenous cannulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: OLBERON MEDICAL INNOVATION SAS
    Inventors: Amin H.A. Al-Habaibeh, Arash Bakhtyari-Nejad-Esfahani, Thomas David Stead
  • Patent number: 8612055
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system comprises a pump configured to deliver a therapeutic agent to a patient, a memory storing a therapy program defining the delivery of the therapeutic agent to the patient by the pump and a default infusion schedule based on the therapy program, and a processor configured to control the pump to deliver the therapeutic agent to the patient according to the therapy program, to determine an error condition that prevents the pump from continuing to deliver therapy according to the therapy program, and, upon determination of the error condition, to control the pump to deliver the therapeutic agent to the patient according to the default infusion schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Irfan Z. Ali, Steven M. Goetz, David C. Ullestad, Emem D. Akpan, Mark D. Salzwedel, Jiaying Shen
  • Patent number: 8608700
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Innovative Micro Technology
    Inventor: Paul J. Rubel
  • Patent number: 8608642
    Abstract: An environmentally sensitive hydrogel material swells or collapses in response to a parameter such as pH level associated with consumption of food by a patient. This swelling or collapsing is harnessed to treat morbid obesity or some other condition of the patient. The swelling or collapsing of the hydrogel may be used to tighten a gastric band or gastric valve when the patient starts eating; then loosen the band or valve when the patient is between meals. The swelling or collapsing of the hydrogel may also be used to increase the size of a space occupying device in the patient's stomach when the patient starts eating; then decrease the size of the space occupying device when the patient is between meals. The swelling or collapsing of the hydrogel may also be used to selectively restrict the absorption of nutrients within a patient's gastrointestinal tract, such as in the duodenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Janna M. Burrell, Randal T. Byrum, Robert Louis Koch, Jr., Larry D. Pool, Christopher W. Widenhouse
  • Patent number: 8608682
    Abstract: A pressure and a vision regulation method and device for irrigation of a body cavity (1), in which method an inflow liquid pump (2) pressurizes the irrigation liquid in a feed line (13) and in which an outflow device (3) or an external suction source (20) drains the irrigation liquid from the body cavity (1) through a tubing (16) into a waste container (17) and in which a control unit (4) controls either the inflow liquid pump (2) only or both the inflow liquid pump (2) and the outflow device (3) depending on an inflow irrigation liquid pressure from a pressure sensor (5), where the first control unit (4) compares the inflow irrigation liquid pressure and flow with pressures calculated to correspond to pressure in the body cavity for the respective flow for a nominal surgical site and that a matching between the calculated values and the inflow irrigation liquid pressures is made by altering the effect of either the inflow liquid pump (2) only or the inflow liquid pump (2) and/or the outflow device (3) and/or
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Medical Vision AB
    Inventors: Anders Möllstam, Sven Milton, Tomas Movin
  • Patent number: 8608683
    Abstract: A device for infusing of at least one medicament includes at least two actuators configured to cause at least two medicaments to be infused; at least one sensor configured to measure a value of at least two parameters; and a controller configured to control the at least two actuators, wherein the controller is programmed to activate the at least two actuators depending on the values of each of the at least two parameters, and wherein the controller is arranged so as to consider a dependency of the at least two medicaments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: UP-Med GmbH
    Inventors: Frederic Michard, Ulrich Pfeiffer, Reinhold Knoll
  • Patent number: 8603027
    Abstract: Apparatus are provided for motor control systems and related medical devices. In one embodiment, a control system includes a motor having a rotor, a modulation module coupled to the motor, and a control module coupled to the modulation module. The modulation module generates a modulated voltage that is applied to the motor and rotates the rotor to deliver fluid via a fluid path. The control module adjusts a duty cycle of the modulated voltage to achieve a commanded rotation of the rotor and detects an occlusion condition in the fluid path based on the duty cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacques L. Favreau
  • Patent number: 8603026
    Abstract: Apparatus are provided for motor control systems and related medical devices. In one embodiment, a control system includes a motor having a rotor, a sensor to obtain a measured displacement that is influenced by rotation of the rotor, and a control module coupled to the sensor. The control module adjusts a duty cycle for a modulated voltage applied to the motor in response to a difference between an expected displacement and the measured displacement. The expected displacement is influenced by or otherwise corresponds to a commanded rotation of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacques L. Favreau
  • Patent number: 8597279
    Abstract: A capsule and methodology for dispensing a medicament in the gastrointestinal tract of a mammal is disclosed, the gastrointestinal tract having tissue sites of interest. The capsule may include a medicament reservoir; medicament dispensing means such as a plurality of piezoelectric droplet jet nozzle dispensers; a power source; electronic control circuitry means and/or detecting means capable of communicating with a medicament dispensing means for regulating the amount and time interval for dispensing of the medicament into the gastrointestinal tract by the medicament dispensing means; and a non-digestible outer protective shell housing, e.g., the medicament reservoir, medicament dispensing means and electronic control circuitry means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Medimetrics Personalized Drug Delivery, Inc.
    Inventors: Johan Frederik Dijksman, Anke Pierik, Judith Margreet Rensen, Jeff Shimizu, Hans Zou, Ivar Schram
  • Publication number: 20130317422
    Abstract: A device for administering a fluid includes a housing that holds a sterilization cassette having a shell, a fluid chamber, and a light transmitting window. An input directs fluid into the chamber. A light source is positioned to direct ultraviolet or other light through the window into the fluid chamber at an intensity sufficient to kill or render non-reproducible at least one species of a microorganism in the fluid while the fluid is in the chamber. An outlet receives fluid from the cassette and directs the fluid to a destination. The fluid is substantially uniformly exposed to the light while in the chamber. The cassette and light source are contained in a housing that prevents light from escaping the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: DJLM Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Levenson, John L. Moss