Robert John Connelly

US Patent:

6589229, Jul 8, 2003

Filed:

Jul 31, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/629977

Inventors:

Robert I. Connelly - Raleigh NC
Charles D. Shermer - Raleigh NC
Kenneth G. Powell - Raleigh NC

Assignee:

Becton, Dickinson and Company

International Classification:

A61K 922

US Classification:

6048901, 604 65, 604 66, 604 67

Abstract:

A wearable, self contained drug infusion device is disclosed that is capable of achieving the precise flow rate control needed for dose-critical drugs such as insulin. In preferred embodiments of the device, piezoelectrically-actuated valve or pump structures are used in combination with thermal flow sensors and closed-loop control circuits for providing the desired flow rate control. The device has a two-part construction in which the more expensive electronic components are housed in a reusable portion and the fluid delivery components are housed in a separable disposable portion. The invention may also utilize a wireless unit for controlling the operation of the drug infusion device.

US Patent:

6689100, Feb 10, 2004

Filed:

Oct 5, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/971145

Inventors:

Robert I. Connelly - Raleigh NC
Ronald J. Pettis - Cary NC

Assignee:

Becton, Dickinson and Company - Franklin Lakes NJ

International Classification:

A61M 500

US Classification:

604117, 604115, 604180, 6048901, 604239, 604274, 604289

Abstract:

A device for withdrawing or delivering a substance through the skin of a patient includes a body and a skin penetrating device having a plurality of skin penetrating members, such microneedles. The body includes a bottom surface having a first inner surface area supporting the skin penetrating members and a second outer surface having an adhesive for attaching the device to the skin. In one embodiment, the firs inner surface is spaced outwardly from the second outer surface when the device is attached to the skin. The inner surface can have a textured visually wettable surface, such as an etched surface, to provide a visual indication of leakage from the interface between the skin penetrating members and the skin.

US Patent:

6702779, Mar 9, 2004

Filed:

Aug 17, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/931102

Inventors:

Robert I. Connelly - Raleigh NC
Kenneth G. Powell - Raleigh NC

Assignee:

Becton, Dickinson and Company - Franklin Lakes NJ

International Classification:

A61M 3100

US Classification:

604 9301, 6048901

Abstract:

A wearable, self-contained drug infusion device is disclosed that is capable of achieving the precise flow rate control needed for dose-critical drugs such as insulin. In preferred embodiments of the device, at least two flow channels are utilized in conjunction with a series of valves for providing a user with selectable, constant flow rate control. The device can be made with small dimensions so that it can be worn by the user with a minimum of discomfort and inconvenience. In addition, the simple mechanical nature of the device provides the user with close control over the flow rate, which is required for safe and effective delivery of insulin and other drugs. Also, the absence of electronic components allows the device to be manufactured inexpensively. The device is provided with a first channel that is long and narrow, functioning as a flow restrictor. The first channel is preferably provided in a serpentine pattern.

US Patent:

6722364, Apr 20, 2004

Filed:

Jan 12, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/758776

Inventors:

Robert I. Connelly - Raleigh NC
Vincent J. Sullivan - Morrisville NC
Charles D. Shermer - Raleigh NC
Anjana Bhuta - Cary NC
Ronald J. Pettis - Durham NC

Assignee:

Becton, Dickinson and Company - Franklin Lakes NJ

International Classification:

A61M 1500

US Classification:

12820315, 12820023, 12820312, 12820321

Abstract:

A medicament delivery device for administering a medicament to a user includes a medicament reservoir and an entrance port and an exit port each disposed adjacent the reservoir. A gas chamber disposed adjacent the entrance port. The device includes a pressurizing mechanism operable to pressurize said gas chamber to at least a prescribed pressure. A first frangible membrane extends across the entrance port and separates the reservoir from the gas chamber. A second frangible membrane extends across the exit port. When the pressurizing mechanism is attached, at least one of the first and second membranes is responsive to the prescribed pressure in the gas chamber to burst to allow gas to flow through the entrance port and the reservoir and to carry the medicament through the exit port.

US Patent:

7040316, May 9, 2006

Filed:

Mar 3, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/792583

Inventors:

Robert I. Connelly - Raleigh NC, US
Vincent J. Sullivan - Morrisville NC, US
Charles D. Shermer - Raleigh NC, US
Anjana Bhuta - Cary NC, US
Ronald J. Pettis - Durham NC, US

Assignee:

Becton, Dickinson and Company - Franklin Lakes NJ

International Classification:

A61M 15/00

US Classification:

12820315, 12820312, 12820321

Abstract:

A medicament delivery device for administering a medicament to a user includes a medicament reservoir and an entrance port and an exit port each disposed adjacent the reservoir. A gas chamber disposed adjacent the entrance port. The device includes a pressurizing mechanism operable to pressurize said gas chamber to at least a prescribed pressure. A first frangible membrane extends across the entrance port and separates the reservoir from the gas chamber. A second frangible membrane extends across the exit port. When the pressurizing mechanism is attached, at least one of the first and second membranes is responsive to the prescribed pressure in the gas chamber to burst to allow gas to flow through the entrance port and the reservoir and to carry the medicament through the exit port.

US Patent:

7540285, Jun 2, 2009

Filed:

Mar 7, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/369596

Inventors:

Robert I. Connelly - Raleigh NC, US
Vincent J. Sullivan - Cary NC, US
Charles D. Shermer - Raleigh NC, US
Anjana Bhuta - Cary NC, US
Ronald J. Pettis - Cary NC, US

Assignee:

Becton, Dickinson and Company - Franklin Lakes NJ

International Classification:

A61M 15/00

US Classification:

12820315, 12820312, 12820321

Abstract:

A medicament delivery device for administering a medicament to a user includes a medicament reservoir and an entrance port and an exit port and a gas chamber disposed adjacent the entrance port. The device includes a pressurizing mechanism to pressurize the gas chamber. The device also contains frangible membranes and may include a piercing member. In use, the frangible membranes in the device are responsive to pressure in the gas chamber and are either pierced or burst to allow gas to flow through the entrance port and the reservoir and to carry the medicament through the exit port.

US Patent:

8459257, Jun 11, 2013

Filed:

May 22, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/470557

Inventors:

Robert I. Connelly - Raleigh NC, US
Vincent J. Sullivan - Morrisville NC, US
Charles D. Shermer - Raleigh NC, US
Anjana Bhuta - Cary NC, US
Ronald J. Pettis - Durham NC, US

Assignee:

Becton, Dickinson and Company - Franklin Lakes NJ

International Classification:

A61M 16/00
A61M 15/00
B05D 7/14
B65D 83/06

US Classification:

12820315, 12820312, 12820321

Abstract:

A medicament delivery device for administering a medicament to a user includes a medicament reservoir and an entrance port and an exit port each disposed adjacent the reservoir. A gas chamber disposed adjacent the entrance port. The device includes a pressurizing mechanism operable to pressurize said gas chamber to at least a prescribed pressure. A first frangible membrane extends across the entrance port and separates the reservoir from the gas chamber. A second frangible membrane extends across the exit port. When the pressurizing mechanism is attached, at least one of the first and second membranes is responsive to the prescribed pressure in the gas chamber to burst to allow gas to flow through the entrance port and the reservoir and to carry the medicament through the exit port.

US Patent:

20040162518, Aug 19, 2004

Filed:

Feb 13, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/777078

Inventors:

Robert Connelly - Raleigh NC, US
Kenneth Powell - Raleigh NC, US

International Classification:

A61M031/00

US Classification:

604/093010

Abstract:

A wearable, self-contained drug infusion device is disclosed that is capable of achieving the precise flow rate control needed for dose-critical drugs such as insulin. In preferred embodiments of the device, at least two flow channels are utilized in conjunction with a series of valves for providing a user with selectable, constant flow rate control. The device can be made with small dimensions so that it can be worn by the user with a minimum of discomfort and inconvenience. In addition, the simple mechanical nature of the device provides the user with close control over the flow rate, which is required for safe and effective delivery of insulin and other drugs. Also, the absence of electronic components allows the device to be manufactured inexpensively. The device is provided with a first channel that is long and narrow, functioning as a flow restrictor. The first channel is preferably provided in a serpentine pattern. A second channel is also provided that has a larger cross section so that flow is not restricted. A series of valves are used to force the flow of fluid through a selectable portion of the serpentine portion of the first channel before entering the remainder of the second channel and flowing to the delivery cannula. In one embodiment of the device, a needle port is provided in fluid communication with the delivery cannula for delivering bolus injections. In another embodiment, a bolus button is provided for delivering bolus injections. A flow restrictor is preferably included in the bolus button to limit the rate at which the bolus button refills.