The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 19, 2002
Filed:
Sep. 13, 1999
Robert Leinders, Limbricht, NL;
Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN (US);
Abstract
An implantable pump apparatus and method of operating the implantable pump for infusing a fluid into a body as described. An expandable fluid reservoir member includes a first end, a second end, an inlet for receiving the fluid from an outside source and an outlet for dispensing the fluid into the body. A first conductor is operably attached to the first end of the expandable fluid reservoir member. A second conductor is operably attached to the second end of the expandable fluid reservoir member. The level of fluid within the expandable fluid reservoir member is determined by measuring an inductance value at the first conductor that is proportional to the distance between the first conductor and the second conductor.