| MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20130130395 | AQUEOUS RADIATION PROTECTING FORMULATIONS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THEM - Medical devices are typically sterilized in processes used to manufacture such products and their sterilization by exposure to radiation is a common practice. Radiation has a number of advantages over other sterilization processes including a high penetrating ability, relatively low chemical reactivity, and instantaneous effects without the need to control temperature, pressure, vacuum, or humidity. Unfortunately, radiation sterilization can compromise the function of certain components of medical devices. For example, radiation sterilization can lead to loss of protein activity and/or lead to bleaching of various dye compounds. Embodiments of the invention provide methods and materials that can be used to protect medical devices from unwanted effects of radiation sterilization. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130116632 | FLANGED SEALING ELEMENT AND NEEDLE GUIDE PIN ASSEMBLY FOR A FLUID INFUSION DEVICE HAVING A NEEDLED FLUID RESERVOIR - A sealing assembly for a fluid infusion device includes a base plate, a reservoir port receptacle, a flow base component, and a needle sealing element. The receptacle receives the reservoir port, and has proximal and distal ends, and a needle entry in the distal end to receive a hollow needle of a fluid reservoir. The flow base component has an inlet structure defining a fluid chamber, and a needle guide pin protruding therefrom. The end of the guide pin fits within the hollow needle. The needle sealing element has a proximal flange adjacent to the inlet structure, a distal flange opposite the proximal flange, a neck section between the flanges, and a needle opening extending through the neck section. The needle sealing element is positioned within the port receptacle such that the neck section surrounds the end section of the needle guide pin. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130102867 | GLYCEMIC HEALTH METRIC DETERMINATION AND APPLICATION - Disclosed are methods, apparatuses, etc. for determination and application of a metric for assessing a patient's glycemic health. In one particular implementation, a computed metric may be used to balance short-term and long-term risks associated with a particular therapy. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130102866 | METHOD AND/OR SYSTEM FOR MULTICOMPARTMENT ANALYTE MONITORING - Subject matter disclosed herein relates to monitoring and/or controlling levels of an analyte in bodily fluid. In particular, estimation of a concentration of the analyte in a first physiological compartment based upon observations of a concentration of the analyte in a second physiological compartment may account for a latency in transporting the analyte between the first and second physiological compartments. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130090625 | COORDINATION OF CONTROL COMMANDS IN A MEDICAL DEVICE SYSTEM HAVING AT LEAST ONE THERAPY DELIVERY DEVICE AND AT LEAST ONE WIRELESS CONTROLLER DEVICE - A medical device system includes at least one controllable patient-worn or patient-carried medical device, and a plurality of controller devices that are capable of independently controlling features or functions of the patient medical device. Control commands and other data is wirelessly communicated among the patient medical device and the multiple controller devices. A number of techniques, protocols, and other measures are provided to coordinate wireless communication between the various devices in a medical device system. These control command coordination processes address situations where conflicting, redundant, or concurrent control commands might be independently issued by the multiple controller devices. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130079608 | IMPLANTABLE SENSOR METHOD AND SYSTEM - 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. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130066281 | SEALING ASSEMBLY WITH PINCH VALVE STRUCTURE FOR A FLUID INFUSION DEVICE HAVING A NEEDLED FLUID RESERVOIR - A fluid infusion device that delivers medication fluid to a user includes a removable fluid reservoir having a reservoir port and a hollow fluid reservoir needle, a base plate having a reservoir port receptacle for the reservoir port and the reservoir needle, and an inlet structure in the reservoir port receptacle to define at least a portion of a fluid chamber. The fluid infusion device also includes a needle sealing element having a base section, an end section opposite the base section, a neck section between the base section and the end section, and a needle opening extending through the base section, the neck section, and the end section. A compression element is coupled around the neck section to impart an inward biasing force near the needle opening. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130060106 | OPTICAL SENSING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - An optical glucose sensor may include an optical fiber and a glucose-permeable membrane having a hollow interior and being coupled to the optical fiber's distal end. The membrane's hollow interior provides a compartment to house a competitive glucose binding affinity assay. The assay may include a glucose analog that may be labeled with a dye, and a glucose receptor that may be labeled with a fluorophore. The optical fiber may include a compound parabolic concentrator tip, and the compartment may additionally house a reflector disposed so as to face the optical fiber's tip. A fluorophore-labeled assay may be interrogated by an optical interrogating system including a light source and a filter substrate having one or more coatings to effect, e.g., an excitation filter and/or an emission filter. The interrogating system may be manufactured as a stacked planar integrated optical system and diced into smaller units. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130060105 | Orthogonally Redundant Sensor Systems and Methods - A continuous glucose monitoring system may include a hand-held monitor, a transmitter, an insulin pump, and an orthogonally redundant glucose sensor, which may comprise an optical glucose sensor and a non-optical glucose sensor. The former may be a fiber optical sensor, including a competitive glucose binding affinity assay with a glucose analog and a fluorophore-labeled glucose receptor, which is interrogated by an optical interrogating system, e.g., a stacked planar integrated optical system. The non-optical sensor may be an electrochemical sensor having a plurality of electrodes distributed along the length thereof. Proximal portions of the optical and electrochemical sensors may be housed inside the transmitter and operationally coupled with instrumentation for, e.g., receiving signals from the sensors, converting to respective glucose values, and communicating the glucose values. The sensors' distal portions may be inserted into a user's body via a single delivery needle and may be co-located inside the user's body. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130046253 | RETRACTABLE SEALING ASSEMBLY FOR A FLUID RESERVOIR OF A FLUID INFUSION DEVICE - Disclosed herein is a fluid infusion device of the type that delivers medication fluid to the body of a patient. The device includes or cooperates with a fluid reservoir, and the device has a sealing assembly to receive and form a fluid seal with the fluid reservoir. A retractable sealing element surrounding a hollow fluid delivery needle may be used to seal a port of the fluid reservoir. The port may include a pressure vent that is sealed by the retractable sealing element. In one variation, the reservoir includes a moving valve sleeve that holds a septum. The septum moves to allow the reservoir to vent, and to form a seal with the port when the needle pierces the septum. In another variation, the device includes a needleless sealing assembly. In yet other variations, the device uses a needled fluid reservoir. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130046252 | SEALING ASSEMBLY AND STRUCTURE FOR A FLUID INFUSION DEVICE HAVING A NEEDLED FLUID RESERVOIR - A sealing assembly is utilized for a fluid infusion device that cooperates with a fluid reservoir having a reservoir port and a hollow fluid reservoir needle at least partially located within the reservoir port. The sealing assembly has a reservoir port receptacle with a proximal end, a distal end extending from the proximal end, and a needle opening formed in the distal end to receive the hollow fluid reservoir needle. The sealing assembly also has a fluid chamber located at least partially in the reservoir port receptacle, and a needle sealing element having a self-sealing needle opening formed therein. The needle sealing element is located within the reservoir port receptacle between the distal end and the fluid chamber. The the self-sealing needle opening accommodates the hollow fluid reservoir needle when the reservoir port engages the reservoir port receptacle. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130035633 | Selective Alarms for an Infusion Device - 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. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130018357 | MEDICATION RESERVOIR - A method and apparatus for a connection interface between a reservoir or syringe, infusion set tubing, and an infusion pump is provided. A base is provided which is adapted to receive a reservoir. The base has a base engagement member, such as a detent, projecting therefrom. A cap is provided which is adapted to receive the base. The cap includes a first cap engagement member, such as a detent opening, which is adapted to removably engage the base detent. The cap further includes a second cap detent opening which is adapted to removably engage the base detent. A piercing member, such as a needle, is disposed in the interior of the cap in such a manner that the needle is separated from the reservoir septum when the base detent is in the first cap detent opening, and the needle pierces the reservoir septum when the base detent is in the second cap detent opening. When the reservoir, the base and the cap are connected to form an integrated unit, this unit is then capable of being inserted and secured in the infusion pump housing. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130018317 | Insertion Device for an Insertion Set and Method of Using the Same - An insertion device and insertion set. The insertion device for inserting at least a portion of at least one piercing member of an insertion set through the skin of a patient includes a device housing, a carrier body and a driver. The carrier body is slidably received within the device housing for movement between an advanced position and a retracted position. The carrier body also includes a receiving structure to support the insertion set in a position with the at least one piercing member oriented for insertion through the skin of the patient at a predetermined or variable angle relative to the skin of the patient upon movement of the carrier body from the retracted position to the advanced position. The driver is operatively coupled between the device housing and the carrier body to urge the carrier body from the retracted position toward the advanced position to place at least a portion of the at least one piercing member of the insertion set thorough the skin of the patient to install the insertion set to the patient. The receiving structure of the carrier body is removable from the insertion set while maintaining the installation of the insertion set to the patient. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20120323188 | SEALING ASSEMBLY FOR A FLUID RESERVOIR OF A FLUID INFUSION DEVICE - Disclosed herein is a fluid infusion device of the type that delivers medication fluid to the body of a patient. The device includes or cooperates with a fluid reservoir, and the device has a sealing assembly to receive and form a fluid seal with the fluid reservoir. A retractable sealing element surrounding a hollow fluid delivery needle may be used to seal a port of the fluid reservoir. The port may include a pressure vent that is sealed by the retractable sealing element. In one variation, the reservoir includes a moving valve sleeve that holds a septum. The septum moves to allow the reservoir to vent, and to form a seal with the port when the needle pierces the septum. In another variation, the device includes a needleless sealing assembly. In yet other variations, the device uses a needled fluid reservoir. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120310153 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING OCCLUSIONS IN AN AMBULATORY INFUSION PUMP - 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. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120310063 | REAL-TIME SELF-CALIBRATING SENSOR SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for calibrating a sensor of a characteristic monitoring system in real time utilizes a self-calibration module for periodic determination of, and compensation for, the IR drop across unwanted resistances in a cell. A current-interrupt switch is used to open the self-calibration module circuit and either measure the IR drop using a high-frequency (MHz) ADC module, or estimate it through linear regression of acquired samples of the voltage across the sensor's working and reference electrodes (Vmeasured) over time. The IR drop is then subtracted from the closed-circuit value of Vmeasured to calculate the overpotential that exists in the cell (Vimportant). Vimportant may be further optimized by subtracting the value of the open-circuit voltage (Voc) across the sensor's working and reference electrodes. The values of Vmeasured and Vimportant are then controlled by respective first and second control units to compensate for the IR drop. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120289900 | Automated Reservoir Fill System - An automated reservoir filling system for a portable medical device is disclosed. The system includes a vial sealed by a septum partially filled with a liquid and a gas occupying a headspace. The system further includes a reservoir with a volume defined between a reservoir septum and a plunger head. The plunger head is coupled to a plunger arm which is further coupled to a drive system. Further included is a transfer system with a vial end that pierces the vial septum and remains in contact with the liquid, and a reservoir end that pierces the reservoir septum and remains in the reservoir volume. A controller coupled to the drive system to actuates the drive system automatically drawing fluid from the vial to the reservoir through the degas system. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120283538 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTINUOUS ANALYTE MONITORING - Embodiments of the invention provide analyte sensors and sensor systems such as amperometric glucose sensors used in the management of diabetes as well as optimized methods for monitoring analytes using such sensors and sensor systems. | 11-08-2012 |
| 20120277668 | SELECTIVE ALARMS FOR AN INFUSION DEVICE - 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. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120259282 | FLUID RESERVOIR SEATING PROCEDURE FOR A FLUID INFUSION DEVICE - A method of seating a fluid reservoir in a housing of a fluid infusion device is presented here. The method is performed prior to establishing an outgoing fluid flow path from the fluid reservoir. The method begins by detecting insertion of the fluid reservoir into the housing of the fluid infusion device. In response to detecting the insertion, the method determines whether the fluid reservoir is in need of depressurization. When the fluid reservoir is in need of depressurization, the drive motor assembly of the fluid infusion device is rewound to depressurize the fluid reservoir. After depressurizing the fluid reservoir, an equalization state for the fluid reservoir is achieved. After achieving the equilibrium state, the drive motor assembly is advanced to obtain an initial seated state for the fluid reservoir. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120259278 | Algorithm Sensor Augmented Bolus Estimator for Semi-Closed Loop Infusion System - An infusion system is for infusing a fluid into the body of a patient. The infusion system includes at least one sensor for monitoring blood glucose concentration of the patient and an infusion device for delivering fluid to the patient. The sensor produces at least one sensor signal input. The infusion device uses the at least one sensor signal input and a derivative predicted algorithm to determine future blood glucose levels. The infusion device delivers fluid to the patient when future blood glucose levels are in a patient's target range. The infusion device is capable of suspending and resuming fluid delivery based on future blood glucose levels and a patient's low shutoff threshold. The infusion device suspends fluid delivery when future blood glucose levels falls below the low shutoff threshold. The infusion device resumes fluid delivery when a future blood glucose level is above the low shutoff threshold. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120248151 | ACTUATOR WITH GROOVED PISTON FOR A FLUID INFUSION DEVICE - An apparatus for delivering a fluid includes a housing, an inlet in the housing for receiving the fluid, and an outlet in the housing for discharging the fluid. A piston channel is provided within the housing through which the fluid flows from the inlet to the outlet. An actuator is positioned within the housing and is moveable between a retracted position and a forward position, the actuator defining a piston chamber for storing fluid received through the inlet when the actuator is in the retracted position and for driving the fluid stored in the piston chamber toward the outlet when the actuator transitions from the retracted position to the forward position. The actuator includes an armature and a piston coupled to the armature and moveable within the piston channel. The piston is provided with a groove in an outer surface for conducting fluid from the inlet to the outlet. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120238849 | INFUSION SET COMPONENT WITH INTEGRATED ANALYTE SENSOR CONDUCTORS - An infusion set component for a fluid infusion device that delivers fluid to a patient is presented here. The component includes a tube formed from tubing material having an interior fluid canal defined therein to provide a fluid pathway from the fluid infusion device to the patient, a plurality of sensor conductors incorporated with the tubing material to facilitate sensing of an analyte of the patient by the fluid infusion device, and a combined infusion-sensor unit coupled to the tube and to the plurality of sensor conductors. The infusion-sensor unit accommodates delivery of fluid from the tube, and it also accommodates sensing of the analyte. The component may also include a connector assembly coupled to the tube and to the plurality of sensor conductors, to fluidly couple the fluid canal to a fluid reservoir of the fluid infusion device and to electrically couple the sensor conductors to an electronics module of the fluid infusion device. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120235823 | BATTERY LIFE INDICATION TECHNIQUES FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A portable electronic device, such as a fluid infusion device, obtains its operating power from a primary battery and a secondary battery. The primary battery may be a replaceable battery, and the secondary battery may be a rechargeable battery that can be charged with the primary battery under certain conditions. The device utilizes a power management scheme that transitions between the primary battery and/or the secondary battery to prolong the useful life of the primary battery. The device may also generate an intelligent battery life indicator that displays an accurate representation of the remaining life of the primary battery. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120235485 | POWER CONTROL TECHNIQUES FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A portable electronic device, such as a fluid infusion device, obtains its operating power from a primary battery and a secondary battery. The primary battery may be a replaceable battery, and the secondary battery may be a rechargeable battery that can be charged with the primary battery under certain conditions. The device utilizes a power management scheme that transitions between the primary battery and/or the secondary battery to prolong the useful life of the primary battery. The device may also generate an intelligent battery life indicator that displays an accurate representation of the remaining life of the primary battery. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120227737 | ANALYTE SENSOR AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - An analyte sensor and systems for determining analyte levels in a user's body. The analyte sensor and systems are adapted to be used with single dose medication devices and include a communication system to transmit the communications from the analyte sensor to the user to notify the user of an estimated amount of fluid to deliver to the user's body. More particularly, these apparatuses and methods for use are for providing convenient monitoring of blood glucose levels in determining the appropriate amount of insulin to deliver. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120227358 | GLUCOSE SENSOR PRODUCT AND RELATED MANUFACTURING AND PACKAGING METHODS - A glucose sensor product is manufactured by a process that maintains the sterility of the glucose sensor while allowing gaseous manufacturing by-products to be vented from the inside of the glucose sensor package. The method begins by placing a glucose sensor assembly into a plastic package tray having a sealing surface surrounding an opening. The method continues by covering the opening with a microbial barrier material such that the microbial barrier material overlies the sealing surface, forming a seal between the sealing surface and the microbial barrier material, resulting in a sealed package tray containing the glucose sensor assembly, and sterilizing the glucose sensor assembly inside the sealed package tray. The microbial barrier material maintains sterility of the glucose sensor assembly while allowing volatile by-products outgassed from the glucose sensor assembly and the plastic package tray to pass therethrough. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120226234 | MONITORING THE SEATING STATUS OF A FLUID RESERVOIR IN A FLUID INFUSION DEVICE - 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. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120220928 | System for Providing Blood Glucose Measurements to an Infusion Device - An infusion system includes a characteristic determining device and an infusion device. The characteristic determining device includes a receptacle for receiving and testing an analyte from the user to determine a concentration of the analyte in the user. The characteristic determining device also includes a communication system for transmitting a communication including data indicative of the determined concentration of the analyte in the user, and the infusion device includes a communication system for receiving the communication from the characteristic determining device. The infusion device further includes a bolus estimator for calculating an estimated amount of fluid to be infused into the body of the user based upon the received data indicative of the determined concentration of the analyte in the user and a target concentration of the analyte in the user, and an indicator to indicate when the estimated amount of fluid to be infused has been calculated. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120218023 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INITIALIZING A VOLTAGE BUS AND MEDICAL DEVICES INCORPORATING SAME - Systems, apparatus, and methods are provided for initializing a voltage bus. An exemplary system includes an input interface, a voltage bus, discharge circuitry coupled to the voltage bus, connection circuitry coupled between the voltage bus and the input interface, and a control module coupled to the connection circuitry and the discharge circuitry. The control module activates the discharge circuitry prior to activating the connection circuitry. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120215199 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR DETECTING OCCLUSIONS IN AN AMBULATORY INFUSION PUMP - 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. Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for automatically detecting an occlusion in a medication infusion pump are provided. The electrical current to an infusion pump may be measured. Based on measurements of one or more variables, such as force, the infusion pump detects whether there is an occlusion in the system. The methods of detecting occlusions may be dynamic. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120215183 | FLUID INFUSION DEVICE HAVING A SEALING ASSEMBLY FOR A FLUID RESERVOIR - Disclosed herein is a fluid infusion device of the type that delivers medication fluid to the body of a patient. The device includes or cooperates with a fluid reservoir, and the device has a sealing assembly to receive and form a fluid seal with the fluid reservoir. A retractable sealing element surrounding a hollow fluid delivery needle may be used to seal a port of the fluid reservoir. The port may include a pressure vent that is sealed by the retractable sealing element. In one variation, the reservoir includes a moving valve sleeve that holds a septum. The septum moves to allow the reservoir to vent, and to form a seal with the port when the needle pierces the septum. In another variation, the device includes a needleless sealing assembly. In yet other variations, the device uses a needled fluid reservoir. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120215180 | FLUID INFUSION DEVICE AND RELATED SEALING ASSEMBLY FOR A NEEDLELESS FLUID RESERVOIR - Disclosed herein is a fluid infusion device of the type that delivers medication fluid to the body of a patient. The device includes or cooperates with a fluid reservoir, and the device has a sealing assembly to receive and form a fluid seal with the fluid reservoir. A retractable sealing element surrounding a hollow fluid delivery needle may be used to seal a port of the fluid reservoir. The port may include a pressure vent that is sealed by the retractable sealing element. In one variation, the reservoir includes a moving valve sleeve that holds a septum. The septum moves to allow the reservoir to vent, and to form a seal with the port when the needle pierces the septum. In another variation, the device includes a needleless sealing assembly. In yet other variations, the device uses a needled fluid reservoir. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120215179 | FLUID RESERVOIR HAVING A FLUID DELIVERY NEEDLE FOR A FLUID INFUSION DEVICE - Disclosed herein is a fluid infusion device of the type that delivers medication fluid to the body of a patient. The device includes or cooperates with a fluid reservoir, and the device has a sealing assembly to receive and form a fluid seal with the fluid reservoir. A retractable sealing element surrounding a hollow fluid delivery needle may be used to seal a port of the fluid reservoir. The port may include a pressure vent that is sealed by the retractable sealing element. In one variation, the reservoir includes a moving valve sleeve that holds a septum. The septum moves to allow the reservoir to vent, and to form a seal with the port when the needle pierces the septum. In another variation, the device includes a needleless sealing assembly. In yet other variations, the device uses a needled fluid reservoir. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120215178 | PRESSURE VENTED FLUID RESERVOIR HAVING A MOVABLE SEPTUM - Disclosed herein is a fluid infusion device of the type that delivers medication fluid to the body of a patient. The device includes or cooperates with a fluid reservoir, and the device has a sealing assembly to receive and form a fluid seal with the fluid reservoir. A retractable sealing element surrounding a hollow fluid delivery needle may be used to seal a port of the fluid reservoir. The port may include a pressure vent that is sealed by the retractable sealing element. In one variation, the reservoir includes a moving valve sleeve that holds a septum. The septum moves to allow the reservoir to vent, and to form a seal with the port when the needle pierces the septum. In another variation, the device includes a needleless sealing assembly. In yet other variations, the device uses a needled fluid reservoir. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120215177 | PRESSURE VENTED FLUID RESERVOIR FOR A FLUID INFUSION DEVICE - Disclosed herein is a fluid infusion device of the type that delivers medication fluid to the body of a patient. The device includes or cooperates with a fluid reservoir, and the device has a sealing assembly to receive and form a fluid seal with the fluid reservoir. A retractable sealing element surrounding a hollow fluid delivery needle may be used to seal a port of the fluid reservoir. The port may include a pressure vent that is sealed by the retractable sealing element. In one variation, the reservoir includes a moving valve sleeve that holds a septum. The septum moves to allow the reservoir to vent, and to form a seal with the port when the needle pierces the septum. In another variation, the device includes a needleless sealing assembly. In yet other variations, the device uses a needled fluid reservoir. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120215169 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR DETECTING OCCLUSIONS IN AN AMBULATORY INFUSION PUMP - 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. Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for automatically detecting an occlusion in a medication infusion pump are provided. The electrical current to an infusion pump may be measured. Based on measurements of one or more variables, such as force, the infusion pump detects whether there is an occlusion in the system. The methods of detecting occlusions may be dynamic. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120211947 | SEALING ASSEMBLY FOR A FLUID RESERVOIR OF A FLUID INFUSION DEVICE - Disclosed herein is a fluid infusion device of the type that delivers medication fluid to the body of a patient. The device includes or cooperates with a fluid reservoir, and the device has a sealing assembly to receive and form a fluid seal with the fluid reservoir. A retractable sealing element surrounding a hollow fluid delivery needle may be used to seal a port of the fluid reservoir. The port may include a pressure vent that is sealed by the retractable sealing element. In one variation, the reservoir includes a moving valve sleeve that holds a septum. The septum moves to allow the reservoir to vent, and to form a seal with the port when the needle pierces the septum. In another variation, the device includes a needleless sealing assembly. In yet other variations, the device uses a needled fluid reservoir. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120211946 | SEALING ELEMENT FOR A HOLLOW NEEDLE OF A FLUID INFUSION DEVICE - Disclosed herein is a fluid infusion device of the type that delivers medication fluid to the body of a patient. The device includes or cooperates with a fluid reservoir, and the device has a sealing assembly to receive and form a fluid seal with the fluid reservoir. A retractable sealing element surrounding a hollow fluid delivery needle may be used to seal a port of the fluid reservoir. The port may include a pressure vent that is sealed by the retractable sealing element. In one variation, the reservoir includes a moving valve sleeve that holds a septum. The septum moves to allow the reservoir to vent, and to form a seal with the port when the needle pierces the septum. In another variation, the device includes a needleless sealing assembly. In yet other variations, the device uses a needled fluid reservoir. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120205438 | Color detection system for detecting reservoir presence and content in device - A system for identifying a reservoir used with a fluid delivery device. The system includes a reservoir comprising a housing for holding fluid and a colored marking located on a surface of the housing. A fluid delivery device includes a compartment for receiving and operatively coupling with the reservoir. A light source shines light on the colored marking of the reservoir. A color sensor detects wavelengths reflected and/or refracted from the colored marking due to the light shined on the colored marking. A processor of the delivery device determines a color of the colored marking from the detected wavelengths and ascertains information related to the reservoir or the fluid in the reservoir corresponding to the determined color, wherein the processor operates the fluid delivery device according to the ascertained information, wherein the information may include a reservoir type and/or medication type. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120203196 | MODULAR EXTERNAL INFUSION DEVICE - A modular external infusion device that controls the rate a fluid is infused into an individual's body, which includes a first module and a second module. More particularly, the first module may be a pumping module that delivers a fluid, such as a medication, to a patient while the second module may be a programming module that allows a user to select pump flow commands. The second module is removably attachable to the first module. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120190950 | ELECTRODE COMPOSITIONS FOR USE WITH ANALYTE SENSORS - Embodiments of the invention provide amperometric analyte sensors having optimized elements such as electrodes formed from sputtered platinum compositions as well as layers of material selected to optimize the characteristics of a wide variety of sensor elements and sensors. While embodiments of the innovation can be used in a variety of contexts, typical embodiments of the invention include glucose sensors used in the management of diabetes. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120186997 | LAYERED ENZYME COMPOSITIONS FOR USE WITH ANALYTE SENSORS - Embodiments of the invention provide amperometric analyte sensors having optimized elements such as electrodes formed from sputtered platinum compositions as well as layers of material selected to optimize the characteristics of a wide variety of sensor elements and sensors. While embodiments of the innovation can be used in a variety of contexts, typical embodiments of the invention include glucose sensors used in the management of diabetes. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120179015 | TELEMETERED CHARACTERISTIC MONITOR SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - A telemetered characteristic monitor system includes a remotely located data receiving device, a sensor for producing signal indicative of a characteristic of a user, and a transmitter device. The transmitter device includes a housing, a sensor connector, a processor, and a transmitter. The transmitter receives the signals from the sensor and wirelessly transmits the processed signals to the remotely located data receiving device. The processor coupled to the sensor processes the signals from the sensor for transmission to the remotely located data receiving device. The data receiving device may be a characteristic monitor, a data receiver that provides data to another device, an RF programmer for a medical device, a medication delivery device (such as an infusion pump), or the like. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120172694 | GLYCEMIC HEALTH METRIC DETERMINATION AND APPLICATION - Disclosed are methods, apparatuses, etc. for determination and application of a unidimensional metric for assessing a patient's glycemic health. In one particular implementation, a computed metric may be used to balance short-term and long-term risks associated with a particular therapy. In another implementation, a computed unidimensional metric may be used to balance risks of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120165780 | MONITORING THE OPERATING HEALTH OF A FORCE SENSOR IN A FLUID INFUSION DEVICE - 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. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120165755 | SYRINGE PISTON WITH FINNED SEALING COVER - Syringe pistons for a fluid syringe, and related sealing elements, are presented here. A syringe piston includes a piston body having a fluid end, an actuator end, and an outer seal-retaining surface between the fluid end and the actuator end. The syringe piston may utilize a piston sealing sleeve or a piston sealing cover. The sleeve can be coupled to the piston body around the outer seal-retaining surface, the piston sealing sleeve having a fin-shaped fluid seal element to form an interference fluid seal with an interior wall of a syringe barrel. The sealing cover can be coupled overlying the tip of the piston body. The cover has a fin-shaped fluid seal element to form an interference fluid seal with an interior wall of a syringe barrel. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120165754 | SYRINGE PISTON WITH FIN-SHAPED CIRCUMFERENTIAL SEALING ELEMENT - Syringe pistons for a fluid syringe, and related sealing elements, are presented here. A syringe piston includes a piston body having a fluid end, an actuator end, and an outer seal-retaining surface between the fluid end and the actuator end. The syringe piston may utilize a piston sealing sleeve or a piston sealing cover. The sleeve can be coupled to the piston body around the outer seal-retaining surface, the piston sealing sleeve having a fin-shaped fluid seal element to form an interference fluid seal with an interior wall of a syringe barrel. The sealing cover can be coupled overlying the tip of the piston body. The cover has a fin-shaped fluid seal element to form an interference fluid seal with an interior wall of a syringe barrel. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120165736 | MEDICATION INFUSION SET - An infusion set is provided for use in delivering fluid through a cannula, which is housed on a cannula housing, to a selected subcutaneous infusion site on a patient. The fluid is generally a medication, e.g., insulin. The cannula is in fluid communication with a fluid passageway surrounded by a projection on the cannula housing that includes one or more rail-like extensions acting as guides. A connector connects the cannula housing to a fluid delivery system, e.g., an infusion pump. The connector includes a needle, one or more guide arms that slide over the rail-like extensions to guide the needle into the self-sealing septum, and one or more locking arms, with barbs at the end, to connect with corresponding recesses in the cannula housing. An introducer having one or more similar guide arms and locking arms, and a longer needle, may be used to insert the cannula into the patient. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120165733 | MONITORING THE SEATING STATUS OF A FLUID RESERVOIR IN A FLUID INFUSION DEVICE - 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. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120160033 | OCCLUSION DETECTION FOR A FLUID INFUSION DEVICE - 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. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120150007 | MODULAR EXTERNAL INFUSION DEVICE - A modular external infusion device that controls the rate a fluid is infused into an individual's body, which includes a first module and a second module. More particularly, the first module may be a pumping module that delivers a fluid, such as a medication, to a patient while the second module may be a programming module that allows a user to select pump flow commands. The second module is removably attachable to the first module. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120136336 | Closed Loop/Semi-Closed Loop Therapy Modification System - A closed loop/semi-closed loop infusion system provides therapy modification and safeguards against the over-delivery or under-delivery of insulin. A glucose sensor system is configured to obtain a measured blood glucose value. A controller is operationally connected with the glucose sensor system and configured to trigger an alarm based on a measured blood glucose value or amount of insulin delivered, selectively perform calibration of the glucose sensor system when the alarm is triggered, and adjust a therapy delivery parameter when the alarm is triggered, wherein the adjusted therapy delivery parameter is limited to be within a boundary. Thereafter, a delivery system delivers therapy at the adjusted therapy delivery parameter. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120125075 | DETERMINATION AND APPLICATION OF GLUCOSE SENSOR RELIABILITY INDICATOR AND/OR METRIC - Disclosed are a system and method for determining a metric and/or indicator of a reliability of a blood glucose sensor in providing glucose measurements. In one aspect, the metric and/or indicator may be computed based, at least in part, on an observed trend associated with signals generated by the blood glucose sensor. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120123690 | REAL-TIME SELF-CALIBRATING SENSOR SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for calibrating a sensor of a characteristic monitoring system in real time utilizes a self-calibration module for periodic determination of, and compensation for, the IR drop across unwanted resistances in a cell. A current-interrupt switch is used to open the self-calibration module circuit and either measure the IR drop using a high-frequency (MHz) ADC module, or estimate it through linear regression of acquired samples of the voltage across the sensor's working and reference electrodes (Vmeasured) over time. The IR drop is then subtracted from the closed-circuit value of Vmeasured to calculate the overpotential that exists in the cell (Vimportant). Vimportant may be further optimized by subtracting the value of the open-circuit voltage (Voc) across the sensor's working and reference electrodes. The values of Vmeasured and Vimportant are then controlled by respective first and second control units to compensate for the IR drop. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120116309 | Activity Guard - A fluid infusion system including a pocketable pump housing with a reservoir cavity with helical coupling features. The system further has a reservoir with an open end that is removable from the reservoir cavity. A removable cap coupled to the housing is also included in the system. The cap has corresponding coupling features, an exterior surface and a tab. The corresponding coupling features couple the cap to the housing while the tab is a ridge that extends away from the exterior surface. The tab has a port to accommodate flow from the reservoir and the port defines an axis of rotation such that torque applied to the tab about the axis of rotation disengages the coupling between the cap and the housing. The system further has a removably coupled guard with a slot defined to immobilize rotation of the tab about the axis of rotation. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120116197 | Methods and Apparatuses for Detecting Medical Device Acceleration, Temperature, and Humidity Conditions - An ambulatory medical device for detecting acceleration, temperature, and/or humidity conditions in or around the medical device is provided. The medical device includes one or more acceleration, thermal, and/or humidity sensors which detect acceleration, temperature, and/or humidity conditions in or around the medical device. In response to detected conditions, the medical device may, among other things, alter the operation of the device, provide an alarm or warning to the user, or transmit data about the detected conditions to another device. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120108933 | SYSTEM AND/OR METHOD FOR GLUCOSE SENSOR CALIBRATION - The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems, methods and/or devices for calibrating sensor data to be used in estimating a blood glucose concentration. A relationship between sensor signal values and reference readings may be used to estimate a relationship between sensor signal values and measurements of blood glucose concentration. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120108932 | GLUCOSE SENSOR SIGNAL PURITY ANALYSIS - Disclosed are methods, apparatuses, etc. for glucose sensor signal purity analysis. In certain example embodiments, a series of samples of at least one sensor signal that is responsive to a blood glucose level of a patient may be obtained. Based at least partly on the series of samples, at least one metric may be determined to characterize one or more non-physiological anomalies of a representation of the blood glucose level of the patient by the at least one sensor signal. A reliability of the at least one sensor signal to represent the blood glucose level of the patient may be assessed based at least partly on the at least one metric. Other example embodiments are disclosed herein. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120101474 | MODULAR EXTERNAL INFUSION DEVICE - A modular external infusion device that controls the rate a fluid is infused into an individual's body, which includes a first module and a second module. More particularly, the first module may be a pumping module that delivers a fluid, such as a medication, to a patient while the second module may be a programming module that allows a user to select pump flow commands. The second module is removably attachable to the first module. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120101436 | SENSOR ASSEMBLY AND MEDICAL DEVICE INCORPORATING SAME - Apparatus are provided for sensor assemblies and related medical devices. An embodiment of a sensor assembly includes a rigid structure and a beam structure having an outer portion in contact with the rigid structure and an inner portion. The beam structure includes one or more beams extending between the outer portion and the inner portion of the beam structure and a cantilevered portion extending from the inner portion to inhibit displacement of the inner portion toward the rigid structure. Each beam has a sensing element disposed thereon. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120097554 | ANALYTE SENSORS COMPRISING ELECTRODES HAVING SELECTED ELECTROCHEMICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES - Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein comprise amperometric glucose sensor systems that include multiple working electrodes having different material properties as well as algorithms and other elements designed for use with such systems. While embodiments of the innovation can be used in a number of contexts, typical embodiments of the invention include glucose sensors used to facilitate the management of diabetes. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120096954 | SENSOR ASSEMBLY AND MEDICAL DEVICE INCORPORATING SAME - Apparatus are provided for sensor assemblies and related medical devices. An embodiment of a sensor assembly includes a beam and a sensing element disposed on the beam. The sensor assembly also includes a loading member to deflect the beam in response to a force applied to the sensor assembly. The loading member has a feature that prevents deflection of the beam when the force applied is greater than a threshold value. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120096953 | SENSOR ASSEMBLY AND MEDICAL DEVICE INCORPORATING SAME - Apparatus are provided for sensor assemblies and related medical devices. An embodiment of a sensor assembly includes a beam and a sensing element disposed on the beam. The sensor assembly also includes a structure to prevent deflection of the beam when a force applied to the sensor assembly is greater than a threshold value. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120095399 | MEDICAL DEVICE AND RELATED ASSEMBLY HAVING AN OFFSET ELEMENT FOR A PIEZOELECTRIC SPEAKER - A device for delivering fluid to a user includes a housing, a drive motor assembly in the housing, other internal components in the housing, and a keypad external to the housing. The device includes a number of features and elements that enhance its operation, manufacturability, reliability, and user-friendliness. These features and elements include a shock absorbing element for a battery of the device, a keypad actuator layer that overlies a keypad assembly and forms a water resistant seal with the housing, and an offset element for a piezoelectric speaker that is located inside the housing. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120095398 | BATTERY SHOCK ABSORBER FOR A PORTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A device for delivering fluid to a user includes a housing, a drive motor assembly in the housing, other internal components in the housing, and a keypad external to the housing. The device includes a number of features and elements that enhance its operation, manufacturability, reliability, and user-friendliness. These features and elements include a shock absorbing element for a battery of the device, a keypad actuator layer that overlies a keypad assembly and forms a water resistant seal with the housing, and an offset element for a piezoelectric speaker that is located inside the housing. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120092264 | MEDICAL DEVICE WITH MEMBRANE KEYPAD SEALING ELEMENT, AND RELATED MANUFACTURING METHOD - A device for delivering fluid to a user includes a housing, a drive motor assembly in the housing, other internal components in the housing, and a keypad external to the housing. The device includes a number of features and elements that enhance its operation, manufacturability, reliability, and user-friendliness. These features and elements include a shock absorbing element for a battery of the device, a keypad actuator layer that overlies a keypad assembly and forms a water resistant seal with the housing, and an offset element for a piezoelectric speaker that is located inside the housing. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120091813 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PREDICTING END OF BATTERY LIFE - A powering subassembly for a portable electronic device includes a main battery, a converter, a backup battery, and a controller. The main battery provides a main voltage and the backup battery can provide a backup voltage. The converter receives the main voltage and increases it to at least one operating voltage. The controller receives the operating voltage from the converter, monitors the voltage of the main battery, and compares the monitored voltage to a main battery low voltage threshold. The controller transmits a disconnect signal to decouple the main battery from the converter if the monitored voltage from the main battery is less than the main battery low voltage threshold. The controller transmits a connection signal to couple the backup battery to the converter if the monitored voltage is less than the main battery low voltage threshold. The backup battery provides the power for a predetermined minimum amount of time. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120088996 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE POINT OF HYDRATION AND PROPER TIME TO APPLY POTENTIAL TO A GLUCOSE SENSOR - According to an embodiment of the invention, a method of determining hydration of a sensor having a plurality of electrodes is disclosed. In particular embodiments, the method couples a sensor electronics device to the sensor and measures the open circuit potential between at least two of the plurality of electrodes. Then, the open circuit potential measurement is compared to a predetermined value. In some embodiments, the plurality of electrodes includes a working electrode, a reference electrode, and a counter electrode. In still further embodiments, the open circuit potential between the working electrode and the reference electrode is measured. In other embodiments, the open circuit potential between the working electrode and the counter electrode is measured. In still other embodiments, the open circuit potential between the counter electrode and the reference electrode is measured. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120059673 | FLEXIBLE GLUCOSE ANALYSIS USING VARYING TIME REPORT DELTAS AND CONFIGURABLE GLUCOSE TARGET RANGES - A diabetes data management system selects variable threshold parameters that are utilized in a report. A first low threshold glucose reading and a first high threshold glucose reading for a before meal event timeframe are selected. A second low threshold glucose reading and a second high threshold glucose reading are selected for an after meal event timeframe. The threshold readings are stored in a database. The diabetes data management system analyzes glucose behavior around meal events. The system receives a plurality of glucose readings for a time period, receives a first time range as a pre-meal analysis period for the first meal event and receives a second time range as a post-meal analysis period for the first meal event. The system creates a graph which highlights the pre-meal analysis period, the post-meal analysis period, and displays the plurality of glucose readings for the time period. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120059323 | INSERTION DEVICE - An insertion device, generally used with an infusion set, including a needle being adapted for puncturing at one end and including at the opposite end a hub. The hub includes a handle part and a guard part that are capable of securing the needle through the use of locks. Locking structures are used to secure the insertion device in a position where the needle is covered in a locked position, avoiding unintended contact with the needle. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120059322 | INSERTION DEVICE - An insertion device, generally used with an infusion set, including a needle being adapted for puncturing at one end and including at the opposite end a hub. The hub includes a handle part and a guard part that are capable of securing the needle through the use of locks. Locking structures are used to secure the insertion device in a position where the needle is covered in a locked position, avoiding unintended contact with the needle. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120059320 | MEDICATION INFUSION SET - An infusion set is provided for use in delivering fluid through a cannula, which is housed on a cannula housing, to a selected subcutaneous infusion site on a patient. The fluid is generally a medication, e.g., insulin. The cannula is in fluid communication with a fluid passageway surrounded by a projection on the cannula housing that includes one or more rail-like extensions acting as guides. A connector connects the cannula housing to a fluid delivery system, e.g., an infusion pump. The connector includes a needle, one or more guide arms that slide over the rail-like extensions to guide the needle into the self-sealing septum, and one or more locking arms, with barbs at the end, to connect with corresponding recesses in the cannula housing. An introducer having one or more similar guide arms and locking arms, and a longer needle, may be used to insert the cannula into the patient. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120046533 | COMBINED SENSOR AND INFUSION SETS - Embodiments of the invention provide a dual insertion set for supplying a fluid to the body of a patient and for monitoring a body characteristic of the patient. Typical embodiments of the invention include a base, an infusion portion coupled to a first piercing member and a sensor portion coupled to a second piercing member. The infusion portion includes a cannula coupled to the piercing member for supplying a fluid to a placement site. The sensor portion includes a sensor coupled to and extending from the base having at least one sensor electrode formed on a substrate and is coupled to the piercing member in a manner that allows the sensor to be inserted at the placement site. The base is arranged to secure the dual insertion set to the skin of a patient. Typically the infusion portion and sensor portion piercing members are arranged such that when they are operatively coupled to the base, they are disposed in a spatial orientation designed to inhibit sensor interference that may be caused by compounds present in fluids infused through the cannula. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120041415 | MEDICATION DELIVERY SYSTEM AND MONITOR - Systems and methods for the delivery and monitoring of a medication, such as insulin, to a recipient are provided. An exemplary feature-rich system comprises an infusion pump with a control system for controlling medication delivery by the infusion pump and a bolus estimator for estimating an appropriate amount of medication for delivery by the control system with the infusion pump. Estimating the appropriate amount of medication for delivery is based upon one or more settings which each vary according to a setting profile. In other embodiments, the control system comprises a suspend function for temporarily suspending medication delivery by the infusion pump, an alarm profile function for programming a variable alarm volume of the alarm and a simplified menu for controlling the dual wave bolus delivery function. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120041414 | MEDICATION DELIVERY SYSTEM AND MONITOR - Systems and methods for the delivery and monitoring of a medication, such as insulin, to a recipient are provided. An exemplary feature-rich system comprises an infusion pump with a control system for controlling medication delivery by the infusion pump and a bolus estimator for estimating an appropriate amount of medication for delivery by the control system with the infusion pump. Estimating the appropriate amount of medication for delivery is based upon one or more settings which each vary according to a setting profile. In other embodiments, the control system comprises a suspend function for temporarily suspending medication delivery by the infusion pump, an alarm profile function for programming a variable alarm volume of the alarm and a simplified menu for controlling the dual wave bolus delivery function. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120041370 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING OCCLUSIONS IN AN AMBULATORY INFUSION PUMP - 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. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120035549 | INSERTION DEVICE - An insertion device, generally used with an infusion set, including a needle being adapted for puncturing at one end and including at the opposite end a hub. The hub includes a handle part and a guard part that are capable of securing the needle through the use of locks. Locking structures are used to secure the insertion device in a position where the needle is covered in a locked position, avoiding unintended contact with the needle. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120035547 | MEDICATION DELIVERY SYSTEM AND MONITOR - Systems and methods for the delivery and monitoring of a medication, such as insulin, to a recipient are provided. An exemplary feature-rich system comprises an infusion pump with a control system for controlling medication delivery by the infusion pump and a bolus estimator for estimating an appropriate amount of medication for delivery by the control system with the infusion pump. Estimating the appropriate amount of medication for delivery is based upon one or more settings which each vary according to a setting profile. In other embodiments, the control system comprises a suspend function for temporarily suspending medication delivery by the infusion pump, an alarm profile function for programming a variable alarm volume of the alarm and a simplified menu for controlling the dual wave bolus delivery function. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120029941 | Communication Station and Software for Interfacing with an Infusion Pump, Analyte Monitor, Analyte Meter, or the Like - A communication station is for use with a medical device (such as an infusion pump) and a processing device (such as a computer). The communication station includes a housing, a medical device interface coupled to the housing, a processing device interface coupled to the housing and a processor coupled to the housing. The device interface interfaces with the medical device, and the processing device interface interfaces with the processing device. The processor provides a communication path between the medical device and the processing device such that programming and instructions may be communicated from the processing device to the medical device and data may be transferred from the medical device to the processing device. The communication station may be combined with a system that is capable of generating reports either locally or remotely. In addition, the medical device interface may be a cradle that is configurable to attach to different shaped medical devices. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120025995 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING OCCLUSIONS IN AN AMBULATORY INFUSION PUMP - 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. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120016305 | WIRELESS DATA COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS FOR A MEDICAL DEVICE NETWORK - A fluid infusion system includes local “body network” devices, such as an infusion pump, a handheld monitor or controller, a physiological sensor, and a bedside or hospital monitor. The body network devices support communication of status data, physiological information, alerts, control signals, and other information between one another. In addition, the body network devices support networked communication of status data, physiological information, alerts, control signals, and other information between the body network devices and “external” devices, systems, or communication networks. The networked medical devices support a variety of wireless data communication protocols. In addition, the wireless medical devices support a number of dynamically adjustable wireless data communication modes to react to current operating conditions, application-specific data content, or other criteria. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120010562 | INFUSION DEVICE - An infusion system that includes a controller device and a communication system to provide for two-way communication between the controller device and an infusion device that controls delivery of fluids to a user's body. Either the controller device or the infusion device may be integrated with a characteristic determining device in a single housing. The housing, in turn, may include a test-strip receptacle and an illuminator disposed so as to illuminate an area covering the receptacle and a test-strip inserted therein. The illuminator may be configured to be activated automatically when a test strip is inserted into the receptacle, selectively by the user via a button, key, or similar mechanism, and/or when the ambient light level, measured, e.g., with a light sensor, falls below a predetermined intensity. The illuminator may be a LED emitting white light, and may provide illumination at various levels of intensity. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120006100 | METHOD AND/OR SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING BLOOD GLUCOSE REFERENCE SAMPLE TIMES - Subject matter disclosed herein relates to monitoring and/or controlling blood glucose levels in patients. In particular, times for obtaining metered blood glucose samples of a patient may be altered based, at least in part, on a blood glucose level of said patient observed from a blood glucose sensor. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120004524 | PROTRUDENT ANALYTE SENSOR - The methods and apparatus for detecting an analyte in blood are useful for detecting an analyte in tissue of a subject. The apparatus comprises a sensor, which comprises an elongated conductive material having a protrudent end, the protrudent end comprising an electrode that detects the presence of an analyte; a substrate affixed to the conductive material; and a support having an external surface, a proximal end, and a distal end. The conductive material is positioned on the support and the protrudent end of the conductive material protrudes beyond the distal end of the support. Optionally, the sensor is suspended within the lumen of a venous flow device. Typically, only a portion of the sensor is suspended within the lumen of the venous flow device, said portion comprising the protrudent end of the conductive material. Alternatively, the conductive material is positioned on the external surface of the intravenous infusion catheter. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120001920 | GRAPHICAL DISPLAY FOR PHYSIOLOGICAL PATIENT DATA - An intuitive graphical display as described herein can be rendered by a host device that obtains physiological patient data (such as blood glucose values) in real time or substantially real time. The graphical display includes a calibrated bar graph having a desired measurement range for the monitored parameter. The graphical display also includes a dynamic measurement value indicator that moves along the bar graph in a manner that tracks the current value of the monitored physiological characteristic. The graphical display may also incorporate easy-to-interpret display elements that allow the user to quickly determine whether the current value of the monitored physiological characteristic is within or outside a normal range, whether the monitored physiological characteristic is rising or falling, and the approximate rate of change of the monitored physiological characteristic. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20110320166 | GLUCOSE SENSOR SIGNAL STABILITY ANALYSIS - Disclosed are methods, apparatuses, etc. for glucose sensor signal stability analysis. In certain example embodiments, a series of samples of at least one sensor signal that is responsive to a blood glucose level of a patient may be obtained. Based at least partly on the series of samples, at least one metric may be determined to assess an underlying trend of a change in responsiveness of the at least one sensor signal to the blood glucose level of the patient over time. A reliability of the at least one sensor signal to respond to the blood glucose level of the patient may be assessed based at least partly on the at least one metric assessing an underlying trend. Other example embodiments are disclosed herein. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110319734 | SENSOR SYSTEMS HAVING MULTIPLE PROBES AND ELECTRODE ARRAYS - Embodiments of the invention provide amperometric analyte sensors having multiple related structural elements (e.g. sensor arrays comprising a working, counter and reference electrode) and algorithms designed for use with such sensors. While embodiments of the innovation can be used in a variety of contexts, typical embodiments of the invention include glucose sensors used in the management of diabetes. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110313390 | METHOD AND/OR SYSTEM FOR CLOSED-LOOP CONTROL OF GLUCOSE TO A TREATMENT RANGE - Subject matter disclosed herein relates to monitoring and/or controlling blood glucose levels in patients. In particular, one or more substances may be delivered to a patient at a particular infusion rate while the patient's estimated glucose level is within a predetermined range. A different insulin infusion rate may then be applied if the patient's estimated blood glucose level deviates outside of the predetermined range. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110295341 | MEDICATION DELIVERY SYSTEM AND MONITOR - Systems and methods for the delivery and monitoring of a medication, such as insulin, to a recipient are provided. An exemplary feature-rich system comprises an infusion pump with a control system for controlling medication delivery by the infusion pump and a bolus estimator for estimating an appropriate amount of medication for delivery by the control system with the infusion pump. Estimating the appropriate amount of medication for delivery is based upon one or more settings which each vary according to a setting profile. In other embodiments, the control system comprises a suspend function for temporarily suspending medication delivery by the infusion pump, an alarm profile function for programming a variable alarm volume of the alarm and a simplified menu for controlling the dual wave bolus delivery function. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110288388 | MULTI-CONDUCTOR LEAD CONFIGURATIONS USEFUL WITH MEDICAL DEVICE SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THEM - A multiple-conductor electrical lead for use with medical device systems and a method of manufacture is disclosed. The multiple-conductor electrical lead comprises a central core and has at least one conductor, typically in the form of a ribbon cable, coiled around it along its length. Typically one or more ribbon cables coiled around a central core each comprise a plurality of separate electrical conductors both coupled together along their lengths in series and electrically insulated from one another with an insulating material. The material of the central core, e.g. polyester, stainless steel, nickel titanium, and the structural configuration, e.g. wrapping pitch of the ribbon cable around the central core and number of ribbon cables, are selected based on desired mechanical characteristics. Such multiple-conductor electrical leads are useful, for example, with analyte sensor systems such as amperometric glucose sensor systems used in the management of diabetes. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110282321 | MODEL PREDICTIVE METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING AND SUPERVISING INSULIN INFUSION - A system and method for controlling and monitoring a diabetes-management system through the use of a model that predicts or estimates future dynamic states of glucose and insulin from variables such as insulin delivery or exogenous glucose appearance as well as inherent physiological parameters. The model predictive estimator can be used as an insulin bolus advisor to give an apriori estimate of postprandial glucose for a given insulin delivery profile administered with a known meal to optimize insulin delivery; as a supervisor to monitor the operation of the diabetes-management system; and as a model predictive controller to optimize the automated delivery of insulin into a user's body to achieve a desired blood glucose profile or concentration. Open loop, closed-loop, and semi-closed loop embodiments of the invention utilize a mathematical metabolic model that includes a Minimal Model, a Pump Delivery to Plasma Insulin Model, and a Meal Appearance Rate Model. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110282320 | MODEL PREDICTIVE METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING AND SUPERVISING INSULIN INFUSION - A system and method for controlling and monitoring a diabetes-management system through the use of a model that predicts or estimates future dynamic states of glucose and insulin from variables such as insulin delivery or exogenous glucose appearance as well as inherent physiological parameters. The model predictive estimator can be used as an insulin bolus advisor to give an apriori estimate of postprandial glucose for a given insulin delivery profile administered with a known meal to optimize insulin delivery; as a supervisor to monitor the operation of the diabetes-management system; and as a model predictive controller to optimize the automated delivery of insulin into a user's body to achieve a desired blood glucose profile or concentration. Open loop, closed-loop, and semi-closed loop embodiments of the invention utilize a mathematical metabolic model that includes a Minimal Model, a Pump Delivery to Plasma Insulin Model, and a Meal Appearance Rate Model. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110282282 | RESERVOIR PRESSURE EQUALIZATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to equalizing pressure in a reservoir containing fluidic media, possibly due to imperfect installation of the reservoir or an external influence such as an altitude or a temperature change. In various embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled from the reservoir through a needle and contained in an interior volume of a pierceable member before the needle pierces the pierceable member to establish a flow path to a user. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a port of the reservoir into a chamber or to the outside environment. In further embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a channel in a plunger head and out a passage in the reservoir when the channel and passage are aligned. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a valve, and the valve may be pierceable by a needle to establish a flow path to the user. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110273839 | Modular Docking Station - A modular, multifunction dock system is disclosed. The dock system includes a dock housing with a dock receiver to interface with a data port for both a recorder and a transmitter. The dock system further includes a logic board that is contained within the dock housing. The logic board couples a memory and a processor to the dock receiver to enable dock functionality with both the recorder and the transmitter. Further included with the dock system is a coupling port to provide access through the dock housing to a socket coupled to the logic board and an input/output port to enable power and data transmission from the logic board to a data processor. The dock housing includes a mating arm that moves between a retracted and extended position. The mating arm fits within the coupling port and is terminated by a plug that couples with the socket. The dock system further includes a light emitting element on the exterior of the dock housing that is coupled to the logic board to provide visual feedback regarding the status of either the recorder or the transmitter when either are coupled to the dock receiver. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110264383 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING OCCLUSIONS IN AN AMBULATORY INFUSION PUMP - 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. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110238031 | MEDICATION RESERVOIR - A method and apparatus for a connection interface between a reservoir or syringe, infusion set tubing, and an infusion pump is provided. A base is provided which is adapted to receive a reservoir. The base has a base engagement member, such as a detent, projecting therefrom. A cap is provided which is adapted to receive the base. The cap includes a first cap engagement member, such as a detent opening, which is adapted to removably engage the base detent. The cap further includes a second cap detent opening which is adapted to removably engage the base detent. A piercing member, such as a needle, is disposed in the interior of the cap in such a manner that the needle is separated from the reservoir septum when the base detent is in the first cap detent opening, and the needle pierces the reservoir septum when the base detent is in the second cap detent opening. When the reservoir, the base and the cap are connected to form an integrated unit, this unit is then capable of being inserted and secured in the infusion pump housing. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110237917 | CALIBRATION OF GLUCOSE MONITORING SENSOR AND/OR INSULIN DELIVERY SYSTEM - Disclosed are methods, apparatuses, etc. for calibrating glucose monitoring sensors and/or insulin delivery systems. In certain example embodiments, blood glucose reference samples may be correlated with sensor measurements with regard to a delay associated with the sensor measurements. In certain other example embodiments, one or more parameters of a probability model may be estimated based on blood glucose reference sample-sensor measurement pairs. Based on such information, function(s) for estimating a blood-glucose concentration in a patient may be determined. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110230741 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR OBSERVING SENSOR PARAMETERS - The invention disclosed herein provides methods and materials for observing the state of a sensor, for example those used by diabetic patients to monitor blood glucose levels. Typically a voltage such as a voltage pulse is applied to the sensor in order to solicit a current response from which for example, factors such as impedance values can be derived. Such values can then be used as indicators of a sensor's state, for example the state of sensor hydration, sensor noise, sensor offset, sensor drift or the like. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110230735 | ANALYTE SENSOR APPARATUSES HAVING IMPROVED ELECTRODE CONFIGURATIONS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THEM - Embodiments of the invention provide analyte sensors having optimized elements and/or configurations of elements as well as methods for making and using such sensors. Typical embodiments of the invention include glucose sensors used in the management of diabetes. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110224614 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR DETECTING OCCLUSIONS IN AN AMBULATORY INFUSION PUMP - 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 measurements of one or more variables, the infusion pump detects whether there is an occlusion in the system. The methods of detecting occlusions may be dynamic. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110218489 | Method and System for Providing Sensor Redundancy - A closed loop system or semi-closed loop system for infusing insulin using sensor values applies a redundant sensor system as a fail-safe method against sensor failure. The redundant glucose sensors are used corroborate each other and a failing sensor is detected if the sensors no longer corroborate each other. The use of redundant sensors has the additional benefit of producing better sensor signals compared to the use of a single sensor. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110208155 | CLOSED-LOOP GLUCOSE CONTROL STARTUP - Disclosed are methods, systems, etc. for closed-loop glucose control startup. In certain example embodiments, a request for entry of an automatic mode of operation of a glucose monitoring and insulin delivery system for a patient may be detected. An entry of the automatic mode of operation may be controlled based, at least in part, on a detected rate of change of blood glucose concentration of the patient. In certain other example embodiments, initiation of a continual phase of an automatic mode of operation may be controlled based, at least in part, on a time since a most recent manual delivery of a bolus, on a detected rate of change of blood glucose concentration, on a targeted fixed set point, a combination thereof, and so forth. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110178462 | REMOTE MONITORING FOR NETWORKED FLUID INFUSION SYSTEMS - A fluid infusion system as described herein includes a number of local “body network” devices, such as an infusion pump, a handheld monitor or controller, a physiological sensor, and a bedside or hospital monitor. The body network devices can be configured to support communication of status data, physiological information, alerts, control signals, and other information between one another. In addition, the body network devices can be configured to support networked communication of status data, physiological information, alerts, control signals, and other information between the body network devices and “external” devices, systems, or communication networks. Such external communication allows the infusion system to be extended beyond the traditional short-range user environment. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110176490 | IDENTIFICATION OF DEVICES IN A MEDICAL DEVICE NETWORK AND WIRELESS DATA COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES UTILIZING DEVICE IDENTIFIERS - A fluid infusion system as described herein includes a number of local “body network” devices, such as an infusion pump, a handheld monitor or controller, a physiological sensor, and a bedside or hospital monitor. The body network devices can be configured to support communication of status data, physiological information, alerts, control signals, and other information between one another. In addition, the body network devices can be configured to support networked communication of status data, physiological information, alerts, control signals, and other information between the body network devices and “external” devices, systems, or communication networks. The networked medical devices are configured to support a variety of wireless data communication protocols for efficient communication of data within the medical device network. In addition, the wireless medical devices may be configured to support a number of dynamically adjustable wireless data communication modes to react to current operating conditions, application-specific data content, or other criteria. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110160667 | Activity Guard - The fluid infusion system is disclosed that includes a pump housing that has a reservoir cavity and is designed to be pocketable. The reservoir cavity has a rim and helical coupling features formed on an interior face of the reservoir cavity. The fluid infusion system further has a reservoir that is removable from the reservoir cavity and the reservoir also has an open end. A removable cap coupled to the pump housing is also included in the fluid infusion system. The cap has corresponding coupling features, an exterior surface and a tab. The corresponding coupling features are defined to couple the cap to the pump housing while the tab is defined as a ridge that extends away from the exterior surface. The tab further has a port to accommodate fluid flow from the reservoir where the port defines an axis of rotation such that torque applied to the tab about the axis of rotation disengages the coupling between the cap and the pump housing. Further included in the infusion system is a guard that is removably coupled to the pump housing. The guard has a slot defined to immobilize rotation of the tab about the axis of rotation. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110160553 | Sensor and monitor system - A monitor system to monitor a characteristic of a user is disclosed. The monitor system includes a sensor to produce a signal indicative of a glucose characteristic measured in the user, the sensor further having a sensor port. The monitor system further includes a recorder within a recording housing, the recorder hosing also encompassing a batter. The recorder further includes a recorder port that interfaces with the sensor port in order to receive the produced signals from the sensor port. A recorder clock that assigns a time to the signals from the sensor is also defined within the recorder housing, as is a recorder processor that includes a recorder memory that is coupled to the recorder port to store the produced signals from the sensor. The recorder further includes a data port defined to interface with a dock receiver. A dock that is remotely located from the sensor and the recorder is also included with the monitor system. The dock includes the dock receiver that physically couples the recorder to the dock via the data port and a dock processor that is coupled to the dock receiver. The monitor system further includes a data processor defined to analyze the signals from the sensor that were stored in the recorder. The data processor includes: a data processor memory to store data from the recorder and a data processor clock. Further included with the data processor is a program to assign the time and date of the signals from the sensor by comparing the time and date on the data processor clock with the time assigned to the signals from the sensor by the recorder clock. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110152970 | LOCATION-BASED RANKING AND SWITCHING OF WIRELESS CHANNELS IN A BODY AREA NETWORK OF MEDICAL DEVICES - Operating techniques and methodologies for a body area network of medical devices are provided. One technique relates to an intelligent channel hopping scheme that detects loss of wireless synchronization on an initial wireless channel, thereafter obtains a measure of quality for the initial wireless channel, and then selects a new wireless channel when the obtained measure of quality fails to satisfy a threshold criteria. Another operating technique dynamically adapts an ordered list of available wireless channels in accordance with a quality measure of the available wireless channels. Thus, when quality degradation associated with a first wireless channel is detected, the ordered list can be updated to indicate a lower preference for the first wireless channel and to indicate a higher preference for a second wireless channel that does not suffer from quality degradation. Another channel hopping or switching technique selects wireless channels in a manner that is influenced by the current geographic position of the medical device. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110152820 | BARRIER COATINGS FOR FLUIDS CONTACTING MEDICAL DEVICES - The invention relates to methods and materials that, for example, function to increase the barrier properties of containers including polymeric drug medication reservoirs and related containers such as infusion set tubing. Embodiments of the invention include aqueous container systems having containers coated with a composition selected to have one or more material properties including an ability to reduce the diffusion or permeation of compounds such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and preservatives (e.g. phenol, benzyl alcohol and m-cresol) into or through a wall of the container. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110152785 | SYRINGE PISTON WITH CHECK VALVE SEAL - A fluid syringe of the type used with fluid infusion devices is presented here. The fluid syringe generally includes a barrel, a piston, and a check valve seal. The barrel has an interior wall and a sealed main fluid chamber. The piston is slidably coupled within the barrel, and the piston has a piston seal forming an interference fluid seal against the interior wall. The check valve seal is coupled to the piston, and it is located between the piston seal and the main fluid chamber. The check valve seal forms an interference fluid seal against the interior wall when the piston is unloaded, and it disengages the interior wall to allow gas flow from the main fluid chamber toward the piston seal when the piston is loaded. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110152654 | ANALYTE SENSORS COMPRISING BLENDED MEMBRANE COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THEM - Embodiments of the invention provide analyte sensors having elements designed to modulate their chemical reactions as well as methods for making and using such sensors. In certain embodiments of the invention, the sensor includes an analyte modulating membrane that comprises a blended mixture of a linear polyurethane/polyurea polymer, and a branched acrylate polymer. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110149759 | RANKING AND SWITCHING OF WIRELESS CHANNELS IN A BODY AREA NETWORK OF MEDICAL DEVICES - Operating techniques and methodologies for a body area network of medical devices are provided. One technique relates to an intelligent channel hopping scheme that detects loss of wireless synchronization on an initial wireless channel, thereafter obtains a measure of quality for the initial wireless channel, and then selects a new wireless channel when the obtained measure of quality fails to satisfy a threshold criteria. Another operating technique dynamically adapts an ordered list of available wireless channels in accordance with a quality measure of the available wireless channels. Thus, when quality degradation associated with a first wireless channel is detected, the ordered list can be updated to indicate a lower preference for the first wireless channel and to indicate a higher preference for a second wireless channel that does not suffer from quality degradation. Another channel hopping or switching technique selects wireless channels in a manner that is influenced by the current geographic position of the medical device. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110130988 | METHOD OF AND SYSTEM FOR STABILIZATION OF SENSORS - A blood glucose sensing system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes stabilization circuitry. The stabilization circuitry causes a first voltage to be applied to one of the electrodes for a first timeframe and causes a second voltage to be applied to one of the electrodes for a second timeframe. The stabilization circuitry repeats the application of the first voltage and the second voltage to continue the anodic-cathodic cycle. The sensor electronics device may include a power supply, a regulator, and a voltage application device, where the voltage application device receives a regulated voltage from the regulator, applies a first voltage to an electrode for the first timeframe, and applies a second voltage to an electrode for the second timeframe. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110125447 | METHOD OF AND SYSTEM FOR STABILIZATION OF SENSORS - A blood glucose sensing system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes stabilization circuitry. The stabilization circuitry causes a first voltage to be applied to one of the electrodes for a first timeframe and causes a second voltage to be applied to one of the electrodes for a second timeframe. The stabilization circuitry repeats the application of the first voltage and the second voltage to continue the anodic-cathodic cycle. The sensor electronics device may include a power supply, a regulator, and a voltage application device, where the voltage application device receives a regulated voltage from the regulator, applies a first voltage to an electrode for the first timeframe, and applies a second voltage to an electrode for the second timeframe. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110125446 | METHOD OF AND SYSTEM FOR STABILIZATION OF SENSORS - A blood glucose sensing system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes stabilization circuitry. The stabilization circuitry causes a first voltage to be applied to one of the electrodes for a first timeframe and causes a second voltage to be applied to one of the electrodes for a second timeframe. The stabilization circuitry repeats the application of the first voltage and the second voltage to continue the anodic—cathodic cycle. The sensor electronics device may include a power supply, a regulator, and a voltage application device, where the voltage application device receives a regulated voltage from the regulator, applies a first voltage to an electrode for the first timeframe, and applies a second voltage to an electrode for the second timeframe. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110119033 | Method and Apparatus for Detecting Errors, Fluid Pressure, and Occlusions in an Ambulatory Infusion Pump - 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 a force sensor failure in a medication infusion pump is provided. The electrical current to an infusion pump is measured. Based on the current measurements, the infusion pump detects when the plunger slide is seated in the reservoir, and detects a problem with the force sensor when the force sensor independently fails to register a value indicating that the plunger slide is seated in the reservoir. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110110281 | BROADCAST DATA TRANSMISSION AND DATA PACKET REPEATING TECHNIQUES FOR A WIRELESS MEDICAL DEVICE NETWORK - A fluid infusion system as described herein includes a number of local “body network” devices, such as an infusion pump, a handheld monitor or controller, a physiological sensor, and a bedside or hospital monitor. The body network devices can be configured to support communication of status data, physiological information, alerts, control signals, and other information between one another. In addition, the body network devices can be configured to support networked communication of status data, physiological information, alerts, control signals, and other information between the body network devices and “external” devices, systems, or communication networks. The networked medical devices are configured to support a variety of wireless data communication protocols for efficient communication of data within the medical device network. In addition, the wireless medical devices may be configured to support a number of dynamically adjustable wireless data communication modes to react to current operating conditions, application-specific data content, or other criteria. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110106480 | METHOD OF AND SYSTEM FOR STABILIZATION OF SENSORS - A blood glucose sensing system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes stabilization circuitry. The stabilization circuitry causes a first voltage to be applied to one of the electrodes for a first timeframe and causes a second voltage to be applied to one of the electrodes for a second timeframe. The stabilization circuitry repeats the application of the first voltage and the second voltage to continue the anodic-cathodic cycle. The sensor electronics device may include a power supply, a regulator, and a voltage application device, where the voltage application device receives a regulated voltage from the regulator, applies a first voltage to an electrode for the first timeframe, and applies a second voltage to an electrode for the second timeframe. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110106479 | METHOD OF AND SYSTEM FOR STABILIZATION OF SENSORS - A blood glucose sensing system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes stabilization circuitry. The stabilization circuitry causes a first voltage to be applied to one of the electrodes for a first timeframe and causes a second voltage to be applied to one of the electrodes for a second timeframe. The stabilization circuitry repeats the application of the first voltage and the second voltage to continue the anodic-cathodic cycle. The sensor electronics device may include a power supply, a regulator, and a voltage application device, where the voltage application device receives a regulated voltage from the regulator, applies a first voltage to an electrode for the first timeframe, and applies a second voltage to an electrode for the second timeframe. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110105955 | OMNIDIRECTIONAL ACCELEROMETER DEVICE AND MEDICAL DEVICE INCORPORATING SAME - A portable medical device is provided with an internal accelerometer device. The medical device includes a circuit board, the accelerometer device, and a response module coupled to the accelerometer device. The accelerometer device is mechanically and electrically coupled to the circuit board, and it includes a plurality of mass-supporting arms for a plurality of electrically distinct sensor electrodes, piezoelectric material for the mass-supporting arm, and a proof mass supported by the mass-supporting arms. Each of the mass-supporting arms has one of the sensor electrodes located thereon. Acceleration of the proof mass causes deflection of the piezoelectric material, which generates respective sensor signals at one or more of the sensor electrodes. The response module is configured to initiate an acceleration-dependent operation of the portable medical device in response to generated sensor signals present at the sensor electrodes. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110101995 | METHOD OF AND SYSTEM FOR STABILIZATION OF SENSORS - A blood glucose sensing system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes stabilization circuitry. The stabilization circuitry causes a first voltage to be applied to one of the electrodes for a first timeframe and causes a second voltage to be applied to one of the electrodes for a second timeframe. The stabilization circuitry repeats the application of the first voltage and the second voltage to continue the anodic-cathodic cycle. The sensor electronics device may include a power supply, a regulator, and a voltage application device, where the voltage application device receives a regulated voltage from the regulator, applies a first voltage to an electrode for the first timeframe, and applies a second voltage to an electrode for the second timeframe. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110098674 | Method and System for Programming an Infusion Device - A method of programming an infusion device includes receiving an infusion rate for a time period, wherein the time period overlaps with a predefined start of a predefined period of the infusion device. The time period is converted into (1) a first converted time period extending from a start of the time period to the predefined start of the predefined period, and (2) a second converted time period extending from the predefined start of the predefined period to an end of the time period. The infusion device is programmed with the infusion rate for the first converted time period and the second converted time period. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110098638 | Sensor-Augmented Medication Infusion System - A sensor-augmented medication infusion system includes a sensor attached to a body of a user to detect an analyte level of the user. An infusion device is adapted to be carried by the user that includes a drive mechanism operatively coupled to a reservoir containing a fluid to infuse the fluid into the body of the user, a processor operatively coupled to the drive mechanism to control the drive mechanism, a communication receiver operatively coupled to the processor to receive data from the sensor corresponding to the analyte level of the user, and a display screen operatively coupled to the processor to display the data corresponding to the analyte level of the user, wherein the infusion device includes a user-selectable function to disable the infusion device from infusing the fluid into the body of the user while continuing to display the data corresponding to the analyte level of the user on the display screen. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110098637 | Method and System for Configuring an Insulin Infusion Device - A method of configuring an insulin infusion device includes receiving body weight information of a patient or total daily dose (TDD) information of the patient. The insulin infusion device is programmed for operation based on the received information and default rules. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110097480 | SENSOR WITH LAYERED ELECTRODES - A thin film sensor, such as a glucose sensor, is provided for transcutaneous placement at a selected site within the body of a patient. The sensor includes several sensor layers that include conductive layers and includes a proximal segment defining conductive contacts adapted for electrical connection to a suitable monitor, and a distal segment with sensor electrodes for transcutaneous placement. The sensor electrode layers are disposed generally above each other, for example with the reference electrode above the working electrode and the working electrode above the counter electrode. The electrode layers are separated by dielectric layer. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110091817 | SENSOR WITH LAYERED ELECTRODES - A thin film sensor, such as a glucose sensor, is provided for transcutaneous placement at a selected site within the body of a patient. The sensor includes several sensor layers that include conductive layers and includes a proximal segment defining conductive contacts adapted for electrical connection to a suitable monitor, and a distal segment with sensor electrodes for transcutaneous placement. The sensor electrode layers are disposed generally above each other, for example with the reference electrode above the working electrode and the working electrode above the counter electrode. The electrode layers are separated by dielectric layer. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110091816 | SENSOR WITH LAYERED ELECTRODES - A thin film sensor, such as a glucose sensor, is provided for transcutaneous placement at a selected site within the body of a patient. The sensor includes several sensor layers that include conductive layers and includes a proximal segment defining conductive contacts adapted for electrical connection to a suitable monitor, and a distal segment with sensor electrodes for transcutaneous placement. The sensor electrode layers are disposed generally above each other, for example with the reference electrode above the working electrode and the working electrode above the counter electrode. The electrode layers are separated by dielectric layer. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110082356 | ANALYTE SENSOR APPARATUSES HAVING INTERFERENCE REJECTION MEMBRANES AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THEM - Embodiments of the invention provide amperometric analyte sensors having optimized elements such as interference rejection membranes as well as methods for making and using such sensors. While embodiments of the innovation can be used in a variety of contexts, typical embodiments of the invention include glucose sensors used in the management of diabetes. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110071464 | SEMI-CLOSED LOOP INSULIN DELIVERY - Subject matter disclosed herein relates to a semi-closed loop drug delivery system. In particular embodiments, an amount of insulin to be administered to a patient may be calculated based, at least in part, on one or more blood-glucose measurements obtained from said patient, and an alarm may be initiated in response to the calculated amount of insulin. At least a portion of the calculated amount of insulin may then be injected into the patient in the absence of a response to the alarm within a time limit. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110054281 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETECTING THE HYDRATION OF SENSORS - A sensor system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes a connection detection device, a power source, and a delay circuit. The connection detection device determines if the sensor electronics device is connected to the sensor and transmits a connection signal. The delay circuit receives the connection signal, waits a preset hydration time, and couples the regulated voltage from the power source to an electrode in the sensor after the preset hydration time has elapsed. Alternatively, the sensor electronics device may include an electrical detection circuit and a microcontroller. The electrical detection circuit determines if the plurality of electrodes are hydrated and generates an interrupt if the electrodes are hydrated. A microcontroller receives the interrupt and transmits a signal representative of a voltage to an electrode of the plurality of electrodes. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110050428 | MEDICAL DEVICE HAVING AN INTELLIGENT ALERTING SCHEME, AND RELATED OPERATING METHODS - A portable medical device and related operating methods are provided. One operating method involves a portable medical device that includes a situational awareness sensor. The method begins by detecting an alert condition associated with operation of the portable medical device. In response to the alert condition, the situational awareness sensor performs a scanning operation to obtain sensor data indicative of a current environmental status of the portable medical device. The device can then select a preferred alerting scheme from a plurality of different available alerting schemes, where the preferred alerting scheme is influenced by the sensor data. The device then generates an alert for the alert condition in accordance with the preferred alerting scheme. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110048941 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETECTING THE HYDRATION OF SENSORS - A sensor system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes a connection detection device, a power source, and a delay circuit. The connection detection device determines if the sensor electronics device is connected to the sensor and transmits a connection signal. The delay circuit receives the connection signal, waits a preset hydration time, and couples the regulated voltage from the power source to an electrode in the sensor after the preset hydration time has elapsed. Alternatively, the sensor electronics device may include an electrical detection circuit and a microcontroller. The electrical detection circuit determines if the plurality of electrodes are hydrated and generates an interrupt if the electrodes are hydrated. A microcontroller receives the interrupt and transmits a signal representative of a voltage to an electrode of the plurality of electrodes. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110048938 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETECTING THE HYDRATION OF SENSORS - A sensor system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes a connection detection device, a power source, and a delay circuit. The connection detection device determines if the sensor electronics device is connected to the sensor and transmits a connection signal. The delay circuit receives the connection signal, waits a preset hydration time, and couples the regulated voltage from the power source to an electrode in the sensor after the preset hydration time has elapsed. Alternatively, the sensor electronics device may include an electrical detection circuit and a microcontroller. The electrical detection circuit determines if the plurality of electrodes are hydrated and generates an interrupt if the electrodes are hydrated. A microcontroller receives the interrupt and transmits a signal representative of a voltage to an electrode of the plurality of electrodes. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110040256 | Insertion Device for an Insertion Set and Method of Using the Same - An insertion device and insertion set. The insertion device for inserting at least a portion of at least one piercing member of an insertion set through the skin of a patient includes a device housing, a carrier body and a driver. The carrier body is slidably received within the device housing for movement between an advanced position and a retracted position. The carrier body also includes a receiving structure to support the insertion set in a position with the at least one piercing member oriented for insertion through the skin of the patient at a predetermined or variable angle relative to the skin of the patient upon movement of the carrier body from the retracted position to the advanced position. The driver is operatively coupled between the device housing and the carrier body to urge the carrier body from the retracted position toward the advanced position to place at least a portion of the at least one piercing member of the insertion set thorough the skin of the patient to install the insertion set to the patient. The receiving structure of the carrier body is removable from the insertion set while maintaining the installation of the insertion set to the patient. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110028901 | MEDICATION DELIVERY SYSTEM AND MONITOR - Systems and methods for the delivery and monitoring of a medication, such as insulin, to a recipient are provided. An exemplary feature-rich system comprises an infusion pump with a control system for controlling medication delivery by the infusion pump and a bolus estimator for estimating an appropriate amount of medication for delivery by the control system with the infusion pump. Estimating the appropriate amount of medication for delivery is based upon one or more settings which each vary according to a setting profile. In other embodiments, the control system comprises a suspend function for temporarily suspending medication delivery by the infusion pump, an alarm profile function for programming a variable alarm volume of the alarm and a simplified menu for controlling the dual wave bolus delivery function. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110028818 | Methods and Apparatuses for Detecting Medical Device Acceleration, Temperature, and Humidity Conditions - An ambulatory medical device for detecting acceleration, temperature, and/or humidity conditions in or around the medical device is provided. The medical device includes one or more acceleration, thermal, and/or humidity sensors which detect acceleration, temperature, and/or humidity conditions in or around the medical device. In response to detected conditions, the medical device may, among other things, alter the operation of the device, provide an alarm or warning to the user, or transmit data about the detected conditions to another device. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110010257 | PROVIDING CONTEXTUALLY RELEVANT ADVERTISEMENTS AND E-COMMERCE FEATURES IN A PERSONAL MEDICAL DEVICE SYSTEM - A medical device system includes a portable (patient-worn or patient-carried) medical device that can automatically initiate certain e-commerce and/or advertisement presentation features in response to the detection of one or more triggering events. A triggering even may, for example, be associated with the monitoring of the operation or status of the medical device, the operation or status of the medical device system, a medical condition of the patient, treatment of the patient, and/or the preferences of the patient or user. In one application, the medical device is an insulin infusion pump and the user is automatically prompted to purchase, order, or otherwise obtain replaceable or replenishable items associated with the operation of the insulin infusion pump, such as a continuous glucose sensor, an infusion set, or an insulin reservoir. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110010105 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETECTING THE HYDRATION OF SENSORS - A sensor system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes a connection detection device, a power source, and a delay circuit. The connection detection device determines if the sensor electronics device is connected to the sensor and transmits a connection signal. The delay circuit receives the connection signal, waits a preset hydration time, and couples the regulated voltage from the power source to an electrode in the sensor after the preset hydration time has elapsed. Alternatively, the sensor electronics device may include an electrical detection circuit and a microcontroller. The electrical detection circuit determines if the plurality of electrodes are hydrated and generates an interrupt if the electrodes are hydrated. A microcontroller receives the interrupt and transmits a signal representative of a voltage to an electrode of the plurality of electrodes. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110010104 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETECTING THE HYDRATION OF SENSORS - A sensor system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes a connection detection device, a power source, and a delay circuit. The connection detection device determines if the sensor electronics device is connected to the sensor and transmits a connection signal. The delay circuit receives the connection signal, waits a preset hydration time, and couples the regulated voltage from the power source to an electrode in the sensor after the preset hydration time has elapsed. Alternatively, the sensor electronics device may include an electrical detection circuit and a microcontroller. The electrical detection circuit determines if the plurality of electrodes are hydrated and generates an interrupt if the electrodes are hydrated. A microcontroller receives the interrupt and transmits a signal representative of a voltage to an electrode of the plurality of electrodes. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110009846 | MODULAR EXTERNAL INFUSION DEVICE - A modular external infusion device that controls the rate a fluid is infused into an individual's body, which includes a first module and a second module. More particularly, the first module may be a pumping module that delivers a fluid, such as a medication, to a patient while the second module may be a programming module that allows a user to select pump flow commands. The second module is removably attachable to the first module. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110009813 | PANNING A DISPLAY OF A PORTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - In a medical device having a display element, a method of providing an intuitive graphical display of patient data begins by obtaining measurement data corresponding to values of a physiological characteristic measured over a period of time. The method continues by rendering a graphical representation of a portion of the measurement data on the display element, resulting in a display of the values of the physiological characteristic measured during a first interval of the period of time. Thereafter, the method processes a user-initiated display panning command and, in response to the user-initiated display panning command, dynamically pans the graphical representation while updating the portion of the measurement data. Thereafter, the method renders a display of the values of the physiological characteristic measured during a second interval of the period of time. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110009725 | PROVIDING CONTEXTUALLY RELEVANT ADVERTISEMENTS AND E-COMMERCE FEATURES IN A PERSONAL MEDICAL DEVICE SYSTEM - A medical device system includes a portable (patient-worn or patient-carried) medical device that can automatically initiate certain e-commerce and/or advertisement presentation features in response to the detection of one or more triggering events. A triggering even may, for example, be associated with the monitoring of the operation or status of the medical device, the operation or status of the medical device system, a medical condition of the patient, treatment of the patient, and/or the preferences of the patient or user. In one application, the medical device is an insulin infusion pump and the user is automatically prompted to purchase, order, or otherwise obtain replaceable or replenishable items associated with the operation of the insulin infusion pump, such as a continuous glucose sensor, an infusion set, or an insulin reservoir. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110009724 | PROVIDING CONTEXTUALLY RELEVANT ADVERTISEMENTS AND E-COMMERCE FEATURES IN A PERSONAL MEDICAL DEVICE SYSTEM - A medical device system includes a portable (patient-worn or patient-carried) medical device that can automatically initiate certain e-commerce and/or advertisement presentation features in response to the detection of one or more triggering events. A triggering even may, for example, be associated with the monitoring of the operation or status of the medical device, the operation or status of the medical device system, a medical condition of the patient, treatment of the patient, and/or the preferences of the patient or user. In one application, the medical device is an insulin infusion pump and the user is automatically prompted to purchase, order, or otherwise obtain replaceable or replenishable items associated with the operation of the insulin infusion pump, such as a continuous glucose sensor, an infusion set, or an insulin reservoir. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110006880 | FINGERPRINT-LINKED CONTROL OF A PORTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A medical device as provided here includes a security module configured to regulate operations of the medical device. The medical device also includes a fingerprint reader operatively coupled to the security module. The fingerprint reader is configured to detect fingerprints, and to generate fingerprint data corresponding to swiped fingerprints. The medical device also includes at least one memory element operatively coupled to the security module, and configured to maintain a list of fingerprint-secured operations of the medical device, each of the fingerprint-secured operations being linked to a respective assigned set of identifiable fingerprint data. The security module is configured to analyze a swiped set of fingerprint data, compare the swiped set of fingerprint data to identifiable fingerprint data maintained in the list, and initiate one of the fingerprint-secured operations when the swiped set of fingerprint data satisfies matching criteria for its respective assigned set of identifiable fingerprint data. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110006876 | COORDINATION OF CONTROL COMMANDS IN A MEDICAL DEVICE SYSTEM HAVING AT LEAST ONE THERAPY DELIVERY DEVICE AND AT LEAST ONE WIRELESS CONTROLLER DEVICE - A medical device system includes at least one controllable patient-worn or patient-carried medical device, and a plurality of controller devices that are capable of independently controlling features or functions of the patient medical device. Control commands and other data is wirelessly communicated among the patient medical device and the multiple controller devices. A number of techniques, protocols, and other measures are provided to coordinate wireless communication between the various devices in a medical device system. These control command coordination processes address situations where conflicting, redundant, or concurrent control commands might be independently issued by the multiple controller devices. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20100331647 | LONG TERM ANALYTE SENSOR ARRAY - A long term analyte sensor for measuring at least one analyte in the body of a user and which includes a housing, a plurality of analyte contacting sensor elements and at least one structure for relaying information away from the sensor. This plurality of analyte contacting sensor elements are typically disposed in an array. The analyte sensor further includes at least one sensor protection membrane that is controllable in a manner such that sensor elements may be activated (e.g. exposed to the external environment) at different times so as to extend the useful life of the sensor. In illustrative analyte sensors, the analyte is glucose. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100324853 | REAL-TIME SELF-CALIBRATING SENSOR SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for calibrating a sensor of a characteristic monitoring system in real time utilizes a self-calibration module for periodic determination of, and compensation for, the IR drop across unwanted resistances in a cell. A current-interrupt switch is used to open the self-calibration module circuit and either measure the IR drop using a high-frequency (MHz) ADC module, or estimate it through linear regression of acquired samples of the voltage across the sensor's working and reference electrodes (Vmeasured) over time. The IR drop is then subtracted from the closed-circuit value of Vmeasured to calculate the overpotential that exists in the cell (Vimportant). Vimportant may be further optimized by subtracting the value of the open-circuit voltage (Voc) across the sensor's working and reference electrodes. The values of Vmeasured and Vimportant are then controlled by respective first and second control units to compensate for the IR drop. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100324382 | CLOSED-LOOP GLUCOSE AND/OR INSULIN CONTROL SYSTEM - Disclosed are a method and/or system for determining a suggested change in a recommended therapy for a patient based, at least in part, on sensor measurements, and generating an alert to an attendant in a hospital environment upon detection of the suggested change. In another embodiment, a method and/or system is directed to automatically determining a maximum interval to alert an attendant following receipt of a measurement at an operator interface. In yet another embodiment, a method and/or system is directed to blood-glucose sensor calibration. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100305545 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING INSULIN INFUSION WITH STATE VARIABLE FEEDBACK - An infusion system, which may be a closed loop, or “semi-closed-loop”, infusion system, uses state variable feedback to control the rate at which fluid is infused into a user's body. The closed loop system includes a sensor system, a controller, and a delivery system. The “semi-closed-loop” system further includes prompts that provide indications to the user prior to fluid delivery. The sensor system includes a sensor for monitoring a condition of the user and produces a sensor signal which is representative of the user's condition. The delivery system infuses a fluid into the user at a rate dictated by the commands from the controller. The system may use three state variables, e.g., subcutaneous insulin concentration, plasma insulin concentration, and insulin effect, and corresponding gains, to calculate an additional amount of fluid to be infused with a bolus and to be removed from the basal delivery of the fluid. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100280442 | Replay device for transferring information between a sensor system and a fluid delivery system - A relay device transfers information between a sensor system, which measures a physiological characteristic level of a user, and a fluid delivery system, which infuses a fluid into a user. The relay device includes a sensor system receiver for receiving communications from the sensor system in a sensor system format. The relay device also includes a processor for processing the communications from the sensor system and converting the communications for transmission in a delivery system format. The relay device further includes a delivery system transmitter for transmitting the converted communications in the delivery system format to the fluid delivery system. The sensor system and delivery system formats may utilize different frequencies and/or different communication protocols for communications transmitted between the sensor system and the fluid delivery system through the relay device. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100280347 | BIOSENSORS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THEM - Embodiments of the invention provide analyte sensors having optimized permselective membranes and methods for making and using such sensors. Embodiments of the invention also provide analyte sensors such as those having porous matrices coated with an analyte sensing composition and methods for making and using such sensors. Illustrative embodiments include electrochemical glucose sensors having glucose oxidase coatings. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100279377 | BIOSENSORS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THEM - Embodiments of the invention provide analyte sensors having optimized permselective membranes and methods for making and using such sensors. Embodiments of the invention also provide analyte sensors such as those having porous matrices coated with an analyte sensing composition and methods for making and using such sensors. Illustrative embodiments include electrochemical glucose sensors having glucose oxidase coatings. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100277119 | Medical Device Charging System - A medical device charging system includes a charging cable to electrically couple with a power source and has a connector. A medical device includes a rechargeable battery electrically coupled to a medical device interface. The medical device interface and the connector on the charging cable are incompatible. An adapter includes a first interface to electrically couple with the connector on the charging cable, and a second interface to electrically couple with the medical device interface. The adapter conducts charging power from the charging cable to the medical device to charge the rechargeable battery in the medical device. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100274592 | THERAPY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A diabetes data management system selects variable parameters and one or more devices with data that are utilized in a report. The diabetes data management system analyzes data during a selected period. The system generates reports which highlight data from one or more device during the selected period including carbohydrate, insulin, and glucose data, reports which highlight data around and during meal events and other user-defined events, reports which overlay multiple data based on time of day and other factors, and automatically prepared logbook reports. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100268477 | Systems and Methods for Calibrating Physiological Characteristic Sensors - A method of calibrating glucose monitor data includes collecting the glucose monitor data over a period of time at predetermined intervals, obtaining reference glucose values from a reference source that temporally correspond with the glucose monitor data obtained at the predetermined intervals, calculating the calibration characteristics using the reference glucose values and corresponding glucose monitor data to regress the obtained glucose monitor data, and calibrating the obtained glucose monitor data using the calibration characteristics. In additional embodiments, calculation of the calibration characteristics includes linear regression and, in particular embodiments, least squares linear regression. Alternatively, calculation of the calibration characteristics includes non-linear regression. Data integrity may be verified and the data may be filtered. Further, calibration techniques may be modified during a fast rate of change in the patient's blood glucose level to increase sensor accuracy. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100249530 | Bolus Estimator with Image Capture Device - A method of providing bolus dosage recommendations for diabetics includes receiving an image of a meal to be consumed by a user. The image is analyzed to identify at least one food item in the image. A bolus dosage recommendation is calculated based on the identified at least one food item in the image. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100241065 | Infusion Device with Base Portion and Durable Portion - A delivery device includes a durable housing portion and a separable disposable portion that selectively engage and disengage from each other. The disposable housing portion secures to the patient and may be disposed of after it has been in use for a prescribed period. Components that normally come into contact with a patient or with infusion media are supported by the disposable housing portion for disposal after the prescribed use, while the durable housing portion supports other components such as electronics for controlling delivery of infusion media from the reservoir and a drive device and drive linkage. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100232992 | ACTUATOR WITH GROOVED PISTON FOR A FLUID INFUSION DEVICE - An apparatus for delivering a fluid includes a housing, an inlet in the housing for receiving the fluid, and an outlet in the housing for discharging the fluid. A piston channel is provided within the housing through which the fluid flows from the inlet to the outlet. An actuator is positioned within the housing and is moveable between a retracted position and a forward position, the actuator defining a piston chamber for storing fluid received through the inlet when the actuator is in the retracted position and for driving the fluid stored in the piston chamber toward the outlet when the actuator transitions from the retracted position to the forward position. The actuator includes an armature and a piston coupled to the armature and moveable within the piston channel. The piston is provided with a groove in an outer surface for conducting fluid from the inlet to the outlet. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100217193 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING OCCLUSIONS IN AN AMBULATORY INFUSION PUMP - 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. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100217192 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING OCCLUSIONS IN AN AMBULATORY INFUSION PUMP - 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. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100201196 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PREDICTING END OF BATTERY LIFE - A powering subassembly for a portable electronic device includes a main battery, a converter, a backup battery, and a controller. The main battery provides a main voltage and the backup battery can provide a backup voltage. The converter receives the main voltage and increases the main voltage to at least one operating voltage. The controller receives the operating voltage from the converter, monitors the voltage of the main battery, and compares the monitored main battery voltage to a main battery low voltage threshold. The controller transmits a disconnect signal to decouple the main battery from the converter if the monitored voltage from the main battery is less than the main battery low voltage threshold. The controller transmits a connection signal to couple the backup battery to the converter if the monitored voltage is less than the main battery low voltage threshold. The backup battery provides the power for a predetermined minimum amount of time. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100198143 | System for Providing Blood Glucose Measurements to an Infusion Device - An infusion system includes a characteristic determining device and an infusion device. The characteristic determining device includes a receptacle for receiving and testing an analyte from the user to determine a concentration of the analyte in the user. The characteristic determining device also includes a communication system for transmitting a communication including data indicative of the determined concentration of the analyte in the user, and the infusion device includes a communication system for receiving the communication from the characteristic determining device. The infusion device further includes a bolus estimator for calculating an estimated amount of fluid to be infused into the body of the user based upon the received data indicative of the determined concentration of the analyte in the user and a target concentration of the analyte in the user, and an indicator to indicate when the estimated amount of fluid to be infused has been calculated. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100191087 | SENSING SYSTEM WITH AUXILIARY DISPLAY - A system is provided for sensing blood glucose data of a patient. The system includes a sensor, user interface, and an optional auxiliary device. If the connection between the sensor and user interface is by a wire, the sensor remains powered when the wire is disconnected. The communication between the sensor and the user interface may be wireless. The auxiliary device can be a patient monitor or other display or signal device, which displays information about the blood glucose data collected by the sensor. The sensor is connected to sensor electronics, which include a sensor power supply, a voltage regulator, and optionally a memory and processor. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100191086 | SENSING SYSTEM WITH AUXILIARY DISPLAY - A system is provided for sensing blood glucose data of a patient. The system includes a sensor, user interface, and an optional auxiliary device. If the connection between the sensor and user interface is by a wire, the sensor remains powered when the wire is disconnected. The communication between the sensor and the user interface may be wireless. The auxiliary device can be a patient monitor or other display or signal device, which displays information about the blood glucose data collected by the sensor. The sensor is connected to sensor electronics, which include a sensor power supply, a voltage regulator, and optionally a memory and processor. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100191084 | SENSOR WITH LAYERED ELECTRODES - A thin film sensor, such as a glucose sensor, is provided for transcutaneous placement at a selected site within the body of a patient. The sensor includes several sensor layers that include conductive layers and includes a proximal segment defining conductive contacts adapted for electrical connection to a suitable monitor, and a distal segment with sensor electrodes for transcutaneous placement. The sensor electrode layers are disposed generally above each other, for example with the reference electrode above the working electrode and the working electrode above the counter electrode. The electrode layers are separated by dielectric layer. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100175992 | METHODS AND MATERIALS FOR CONTROLLING THE ELECTROCHEMISTRY OF ANALYTE SENSORS - Embodiments of the invention provide electrochemical analyte sensors having elements designed to modulate their electrochemical reactions as well as methods for making and using such sensors. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100174553 | Diabetes Therapy Management System - A method of diabetes analysis is provided. A plurality of glucose level readings for a user is received. The plurality of blood glucose level readings are analyzed to generate a report. The report includes a first chart along a 24-hour timeline indicating the plurality of glucose level readings, and a second chart having at least one of infusion device settings and active insulin levels corresponding to the 24-hour timeline of the first chart. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100174230 | MODULAR EXTERNAL INFUSION DEVICE - A modular external infusion device that controls the rate a fluid is infused into an individual's body, which includes a first module and a second module. More particularly, the first module may be a pumping module that delivers a fluid, such as a medication, to a patient while the second module may be a programming module that allows a user to select pump flow commands. The second module is removably attachable to the first module. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100169035 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR OBSERVING SENSOR PARAMETERS - The invention disclosed herein provides methods and materials for observing the state of a sensor, for example those used by diabetic patients to monitor blood glucose levels. Typically a voltage such as a voltage pulse is applied to the sensor in order to solicit a current response from which for example, factors such as impedance values can be derived. Such values can then be used as indicators of a sensor's state, for example the state of sensor hydration, sensor noise, sensor offset, sensor drift or the like. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100168538 | METHOD AND/OR SYSTEM FOR SENSOR ARTIFACT FILTERING - Disclosed are a method and/or system for filtering sensor measurements. In one particular implementation, a sensor signal may be processed concurrently in a plurality of signal-filter paths. A particular signal-filter path may be selected to provide an output signal for obtaining a measurement based, at least in part, on a measurement of noise associated with the sensor signal. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100162800 | MEDIA COMPOSITIONS FOR ELUTING COMPOUNDS FROM MATRICES AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THEM - Embodiments of the invention provide to apparatuses and media used in drug elution studies and methods for making and using them. One embodiment of the invention is a drug elution method that can be used for in-vitro studies of a matrix impregnated with a compound such as a drug blended polymer matrix. Such methods and materials can be used for example to assess and control the manufacturing process variability of drug eluting implantable devices such as cardiac leads. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100162786 | SYSTEM AND/OR METHOD FOR GLUCOSE SENSOR CALIBRATION - The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems, methods and/or devices for calibrating sensor data to be used in estimating a blood glucose concentration. A relationship between sensor measurements and reference readings may be used to estimate a relationship between sensor measurements and blood glucose concentration. Such sensor measurements may be weighted according to a decreasing function of uncertainty associated with sensor values. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100160864 | INSERTION DEVICE - An insertion device, generally used with an infusion set, including a needle being adapted for puncturing at one end and including at the opposite end a hub. The hub includes a handle part and a guard part that are capable of securing the needle through the use of locks. Locking structures are used to secure the insertion device in a position where the needle is covered in a locked position, avoiding unintended contact with the needle. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100160861 | Control Tabs for Infusion Devices and Methods of Using the Same - An external infusion device that infuses a fluid into an individual's body includes a housing, a reservoir, a drive system, a power supply, electrical elements, and a tab. The reservoir contains the fluid, and the drive system forces the fluid from the reservoir. The electrical elements control the power to the drive system to regulate the rate that fluid is forced from the reservoir. The tab mates with the housing, and contains at least one electrical element. The tab is removable, and may be replaced with a different tab. The different tab may change the rate fluid is forced from the reservoir. A tab may be removed from one external infusion device and installed in a different external infusion device. The tab may be limited to use in a predetermined number of external infusion devices and may include a power supply. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100125247 | RESERVOIR CONNECTOR - A method and apparatus for a connection interface between a reservoir or syringe, infusion set tubing, and an infusion pump is provided. A base is provided which is adapted to receive a reservoir. The base has a base engagement member, such as a detent, projecting therefrom. A cap is provided which is adapted to receive the base. The cap includes a first cap engagement member, such as a detent opening, which is adapted to removably engage the base detent. The cap further includes a second cap detent opening which is adapted to removably engage the base detent. A piercing member, such as a needle, is disposed in the interior of the cap in such a manner that the needle is separated from the reservoir septum when the base detent is in the first cap detent opening, and the needle pierces the reservoir septum when the base detent is in the second cap detent opening. When the reservoir, the base and the cap are connected to form an integrated unit, this unit is then capable of being inserted and secured in the infusion pump housing. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100114015 | Apparatus and method for controlling insulin infusion with state variable feedback - An infusion system, which may be a closed loop infusion system or “semi-closed-loop” system, uses state variable feedback to control the rate that fluid is infused into the body of a user. The closed loop infusion system includes a sensor system, a controller, and a delivery system. The “semi-closed-loop” system further includes prompts that are displayed or sounded or otherwise provide indications to the user prior to fluid delivery. The sensor system includes a sensor for monitoring a condition of the user. The sensor produces a sensor signal, which is representative of the condition of the user. The delivery system infuses a fluid into the user at a rate dictated by the commands from the controller. The system may use three state variables, subcutaneous insulin concentration, plasma insulin concentration, and insulin effect, and corresponding gains, to calculate an additional amount of fluid to be infused as a bolus and to be removed from the basal delivery of the fluid. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100111066 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VARIABLE BEACON TIMING WITH WIRELESS DEVICES - Systems and methods for supporting variable beacon timing for a first wireless device and a second wireless device are provided. An exemplary system may include a number of wireless devices configured to wirelessly communicate with one another. The system includes a beacon-transmitting wireless device and a listening wireless device. The beacon-transmitting wireless device is configured to transmit, during a first operating mode, wireless beacons separated in time by relatively long time intervals. The beacon-transmitting device is also configured to transmit, during a second operating mode, wireless beacons separated in time by relatively short time intervals. The listening wireless device is configured to listen, during the first operating mode, for wireless beacons transmitted by the beacon-transmitting wireless device, and is configured to listen, during the second operating mode, for wireless beacons transmitted by the beacon-transmitting wireless device. The system may have more than two different operating modes, which may be desirable if the number of wireless devices in the system exceeds two. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100106000 | Methods and Systems for Evaluating Glycemic Control - A method of evaluating glycemic control of a patient includes providing a pentagon having five axes radiating from a center of the pentagon. A first pentagon area formed by a first point, a second point, a third point, a fourth point, and a fifth point plotted on the five axes, respectively, is determined. A second pentagon area formed by a sixth point, a seventh point, an eighth point, a ninth point, and a tenth point plotted on the five axes, respectively, is determined. A glycemic control parameter is determined based on the first pentagon area and the second pentagon area. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100098595 | APPARATUSES AND MEDIA FOR DRUG ELUTION AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THEM - Embodiments of the invention provide to apparatuses and media used in drug elution studies and methods for making and using them. Such methods and materials can be used for example to assess and control the manufacturing process variability of drug eluting implantable devices such as cardiac leads. One embodiment of the invention is a drug elution method that can be used for in-vitro studies of a matrix impregnated with a compound such as a drug blended polymer matrix. A related embodiment of the invention is an apparatus that is used for example to facilitate the practice of the above-noted methods by inhibiting the evaporation of dissolution media from the vessels in which elution is observed. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100096278 | METHODS AND MATERIALS FOR CONTROLLING THE ELECTROCHEMISTRY OF ANALYTE SENSORS - Embodiments of the invention provide electrochemical analyte sensors having elements designed to modulate their electrochemical reactions as well as methods for making and using such sensors. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100082010 | RESERVOIR CONNECTOR - A method and apparatus for a connection interface between a reservoir or syringe, infusion set tubing, and an infusion pump is provided. A base is provided which is adapted to receive a reservoir. The base has a base engagement member, such as a detent, projecting therefrom. A cap is provided which is adapted to receive the base. The cap includes a first cap engagement member, such as a detent opening, which is adapted to removably engage the base detent. The cap further includes a second cap detent opening which is adapted to removably engage the base detent. A piercing member, such as a needle, is disposed in the interior of the cap in such a manner that the needle is separated from the reservoir septum when the base detent is in the first cap detent opening, and the needle pierces the reservoir septum when the base detent is in the second cap detent opening. When the reservoir, the base and the cap are connected to form an integrated unit, this unit is then capable of being inserted and secured in the infusion pump housing. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100052619 | ENERGY SOURCE ISOLATION AND PROTECTION CIRCUIT FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - An energy source isolation and protection circuit is provided for an electronic device, such as a patient-worn or patient-carried medical device. The isolation and protection circuit includes a supply voltage rail, a reference voltage rail, an electrical load coupled across the supply voltage rail and the reference voltage rail, and an energy source for supplying a voltage to the electrical load via the supply voltage rail and the reference voltage rail. The isolation and protection circuit also includes a voltage-controlled switch architecture that is configured to detach and electrically isolate the energy source from the electrical load (and from itself) in response to the voltage of the energy source falling below a threshold voltage. The voltage-controlled switch architecture is also designed to maintain the energy source in the detached and electrically isolated state in the absence of operating voltage provided by the energy source to the voltage-controlled switch architecture. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100049144 | RESERVOIR CONNECTOR - Apparatuses and methods for a connection interface between a reservoir or syringe, infusion set tubing, and an infusion pump are provided. A base is provided which is adapted to receive a reservoir and engage a cap. A piercing member, such as a needle, is disposed in the interior of the cap in such a manner that the needle is separated from the reservoir septum when the base is in a first detent position, and the needle pierces a reservoir septum when the base is in a second detent position. When the reservoir, the base and the cap are connected to form an integrated unit, this unit is then capable of being inserted and secured in the infusion pump housing. In some embodiments, an integral connector couples directly to the reservoir. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100049135 | RESERVOIR CONNECTOR - A method and apparatus for a connection interface between a reservoir or syringe, infusion set tubing, and an infusion pump is provided. A base is provided which is adapted to receive a reservoir. The base has a base engagement member, such as a detent, projecting therefrom. A cap is provided which is adapted to receive the base. The cap includes a first cap engagement member, such as a detent opening, which is adapted to removably engage the base detent. The cap further includes a second cap detent opening which is adapted to removably engage the base detent. A piercing member, such as a needle, is disposed in the interior of the cap in such a manner that the needle is separated from the reservoir septum when the base detent is in the first cap detent opening, and the needle pierces the reservoir septum when the base detent is in the second cap detent opening. When the reservoir, the base and the cap are connected to form an integrated unit, this unit is then capable of being inserted and secured in the infusion pump housing. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100037680 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR DETECTING OCCLUSIONS IN AN AMBULATORY INFUSION PUMP - 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. Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for automatically detecting an occlusion in a medication infusion pump are provided. The electrical current to an infusion pump may be measured. Based on measurements of one or more variables, and/or multiple measurements of a single variable, such as force, the infusion pump detects whether there is an occlusion in the system. The methods of detecting occlusions may be dynamic. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100030045 | ANALYTE SENSOR APPARATUSES COMPRISING MULTIPLE IMPLANTABLE SENSOR ELEMENTS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THEM - Embodiments of the invention provide analyte sensors having optimized elements and/or configurations of elements as well as methods for making and using such sensors. Typical embodiments of the invention include glucose sensors used in the management of diabetes. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100025238 | ANALYTE SENSOR APPARATUSES HAVING IMPROVED ELECTRODE CONFIGURATIONS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THEM - Embodiments of the invention provide analyte sensors having optimized elements and/or configurations of elements as well as methods for making and using such sensors. Typical embodiments of the invention include glucose sensors used in the management of diabetes. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100010330 | WIRELESS MONITOR FOR A PERSONAL MEDICAL DEVICE SYSTEM - A monitor device for a fluid infusion system and its operating, display, and data processing characteristics are described herein. One embodiment of the monitor device is used in an insulin infusion system having an insulin infusion pump and a continuous glucose sensor transmitter. The monitor device is configured as a wireless bedside monitor that wirelessly receives status data from a device in the fluid infusion system, such as the infusion pump or the sensor transmitter. The monitor device supports a number of user interface features, alarm/alert features, and graphical display features, where such features enhance the overall operation and user-friendliness of the monitor device. For example, the monitor device can generate status icons that graphically indicate the time remaining for an exhaustible operating quantity of a device in the infusion system (e.g., a battery charge, a fluid reservoir volume, or a calibration or replacement period). The monitor device can also estimate future measurements of a physiological characteristic of a monitored patient, based upon empirical measurement data received by the monitor device. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20090299301 | Needle protective device for subcutaneous sensors - An introducer is provided for introducing a sensor into the body of a patient. The introducer connects to a sensor hub. When the sensor hub and introducer are connected, the introducer needle is exposed. When the sensor hub and introducer are disconnected, a needle cover and the needle move with respect to each other so that the needle cover substantially covers the needle, protecting a user from being injured by the needle. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090299290 | External Infusion Device with a Vented Housing - An external infusion device for infusion of a fluid into a body from a reservoir includes a drive system, a housing, electronic control circuitry and at least one vent port. The drive system is operatively coupled with a reservoir to infuse a fluid into a body. The housing is adapted for use on an exterior of the body, and is sized to contain at least a portion of a reservoir. In addition, the drive mechanism is at least partially contained within the housing, and operatively couples with the at least a portion of a reservoir within the housing. Also, the housing is sized to be carried by a user without significant restriction on mobility. The electronic control circuitry is coupled to the drive system to control infusion of the fluid into the body. Moreover, the housing has at least one vent port that permits the passage of air into and out of the housing and inhibits the passage of liquids into the housing through the at least one vent port. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090292250 | INSERTION DEVICE - An insertion device, generally used with an infusion set, including a needle being adapted for puncturing at one end and including at the opposite end a hub. The hub includes a handle part and a guard part that are capable of securing the needle through the use of locks. Locking structures are used to secure the insertion device in a position where the needle is covered in a locked position, avoiding unintended contact with the needle. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090292249 | INSERTION DEVICE - An insertion device, generally used with an infusion set, including a needle being adapted for puncturing at one end and including at the opposite end a hub. The hub includes a handle part and a guard part that are capable of securing the needle through the use of locks. Locking structures are used to secure the insertion device in a position where the needle is covered in a locked position, avoiding unintended contact with the needle. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090270705 | Automobile Physiological Monitoring System and Method for Using the Same - An automobile monitoring system to monitor user body characteristics includes at least one sensor to monitor at least one user body characteristic. The at least one sensor is operatively coupled to a body of a user to monitor the at least one user body characteristic while the user is operating an automobile. The at least one user body characteristic is at least a glucose level of the user's body. At least one transmitter is operatively coupled to the at least one sensor to communicate sensor data obtained from the at least one sensor while the user is operating the automobile. Automobile electronics are operatively coupled to the at least one transmitter to receive sensor data from the at least one sensor while the user is operating the automobile. The automobile electronics provide the sensor data to the user while the user is operating the automobile. A global positioning system (GPS) is operatively coupled to the automobile electronics to determine a current location of the user. The automobile electronics provide a nearest destination from the current location of the user for the user to travel to based on the sensor data received from the at least one sensor. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090267775 | Automobile Physiological Monitoring System and Method for Using the Same - An automobile monitoring system to monitor user body characteristics includes at least one sensor to monitor at least one user body characteristic. The at least one sensor is operatively coupled to a body of a user to monitor the at least one user body characteristic while the user is operating an automobile. The at least one user body characteristic is at least a glucose level of the user's body. At least one transmitter is operatively coupled to the at least one sensor to communicate sensor data obtained from the at least one sensor while the user is operating the automobile. Automobile electronics are operatively coupled to the at least one transmitter to receive sensor data from the at least one sensor while the user is operating the automobile. The automobile electronics provide the sensor data to the user while the user is operating the automobile. A global positioning system (GPS) is operatively coupled to the automobile electronics to determine a current location of the user. The automobile electronics limit the user from operating the automobile to travel beyond a distance based on the sensor data received from the at least one sensor. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090267774 | Automobile Physiological Monitoring System and Method for Using the Same - An automobile monitoring system to monitor user body characteristics, includes at least one sensor to monitor at least one user body characteristic. The at least one sensor is operatively coupled to a body of a user to monitor the at least one user body characteristic while the user is operating an automobile. The at least one user body characteristic is at least a glucose level of the user's body. At least one transmitter is operatively coupled to the at least one sensor to communicate sensor data obtained from the at least one sensor while the user is operating the automobile. Automobile electronics are operatively coupled to the at least one transmitter to receive sensor data from the at least one sensor while the user is operating the automobile. The automobile electronics provide the sensor data to the user while the user is operating the automobile. A mobile telephone is operatively coupled to the automobile electronics, wherein the automobile electronics initiate a communication via the mobile telephone based on the sensor data received from the at least one sensor. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090198117 | ANALYTE SENSORS HAVING NANOSTRUCTURED ELECTRODES AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THEM - Embodiments of the invention provide analyte sensors having nanostructured electrodes as well as methods for making and using such sensors. In certain embodiments of the invention, the sensor includes a carbon nanotube electrode and a analyte limiting membrane that modulates the ability of a analyte to contact the carbon nanotube electrode. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090150186 | Flexible glucose analysis using varying time report deltas and configurable glucose target ranges - A diabetes data management system selects variable threshold parameters to that are utilized in a report. A first low threshold glucose reading and a first high threshold glucose reading for a before meal event timeframe are selected. A second low threshold glucose reading and a second high threshold glucose reading are selected for an after meal event timeframe. The threshold readings are stored in a database. The diabetes data management system analyzes glucose behavior around meal events. The system receives a plurality of glucose readings for a time period, receives a first time range as a pre-meal analysis period for the first meal event and receives a second time range as a post-meal analysis period for the first meal event. The system creates a graph which highlights the pre-meal analysis period, the post-meal analysis period, and displays the plurality of glucose readings for the time period. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090149803 | System for Providing Blood Glucose Measurements to an Infusion Device - An infusion system includes a characteristic determining device and an infusion device. The characteristic determining device includes a receptacle for receiving and testing an analyte from the user to determine a concentration of the analyte in the user. The characteristic determining device also includes a communication system for transmitting a communication including data indicative of the determined concentration of the analyte in the user, and the infusion device includes a communication system for receiving the communication from the characteristic determining device. The infusion device further includes a bolus estimator for calculating an estimated amount of fluid to be infused into the body of the user based upon the received data indicative of the determined concentration of the analyte in the user and a target concentration of the analyte in the user, and an indicator to indicate when the estimated amount of fluid to be infused has been calculated. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090149728 | BLOOD CONTACTING SENSOR - The invention provides methods and apparatus for detecting an analyte in blood. The apparatus is particularly suited for bringing a sensor into direct contact with blood in vivo. The apparatus comprises a sensor that detects the presence of an analyte and an assembly means. The assembly means has a sensor end, wherein the sensor end of the assembly means is affixed to the sensor, and the assembly means is adapted for coupling with a venous flow device. By coupling with a venous flow device, the assembly means brings the sensor into direct contact with blood flowing through the venous flow device. Examples of venous flow devices that bring the sensor into direct contact with the blood of a subject include, but are not limited to, intravenous catheters and external blood loops, such as are used in extra corporeal membrane oxygenation or hemodialysis. | 06-11-2009 |
