Patents Examined by Timothy Cleveland
  • Patent number: 9901380
    Abstract: A device and method store, mix, and apply polymethylmethacrylate bone cement, and comprise a first container (51) for a first pasty component of the bone cement, a dispensing plunger (54) that is arranged such that it can be shifted in the first container (51) for pressing the content of the first container (51) through a dispensing tube (62) situated opposite from the dispensing plunger (54), whereby the dispensing tube (62) is arranged such that it can be rotated and shifted in longitudinal direction through a feed-through in a side of the container (51) opposite from the dispensing plunger (54), and a mixing facility (72) for mixing the content of the first container (51), whereby the mixing facility (72) is arranged in the first container (51) and is secured to the dispensing tube (62), such that the mixing facility (72) can be moved in the first container (51) by moving the dispensing tube (62) in order to mix the content of the first container (51), whereby a closure (71) that can be opened is arranged
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Heraeus Medical GmbH
    Inventor: Sebastian Vogt
  • Patent number: 9901935
    Abstract: A gripper unit for handling a vessel for receiving biological material is proposed, inter alia. The vessel has a lid which can assume an open position and a closed position. The gripper unit comprises a gripper for gripping and releasing the vessel, and a lid holder, for holding a lid in a defined position in relation to the vessel. The defined position is an open position of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: QIAGEN GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Schaefer, Thomas Voit, Walter Tschopp, Adrian Geiger, Markus Zbinden, Harald Hibbing, Andreas Karl, Frank Eigemeier, Volker Behrmann, Dietmar Kopp, Andreas Schmiede
  • Patent number: 9872931
    Abstract: A removable sterilization rack for supporting objects to be sterilized inside a sterilization apparatus is disclosed. The sterilization rack includes a support structure for supporting the objections; at least one opening for directing a flow of a fluid towards the objects when the objects are supported by the support structure; a docking port for docking with a fluid supply port in the sterilization apparatus and for receiving the fluid from the fluid supply port of the sterilization apparatus; and a conduit arranged and configured to bring the docking port in fluid connection with the at least one opening. The sterilization rack further includes a marker configured to provide a contactless positioning indication to the sterilization apparatus when the docking port is in a position to receive the fluid from the fluid supply port of the sterilization apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: GETINGE STERILIZATION AB
    Inventors: Jonas Andersson, Ola Kristiansson, Henrik Einarsson
  • Patent number: 9869851
    Abstract: A centrifuge force microscope module for use within a bucket of a centrifuge in measuring a characteristic of a sample under a centrifugal force and/or in monitoring a sample under a centrifugal force. The centrifuge force microscope module includes an electronics module and an optical module. The electronics module includes a housing removably disposable in the bucket of the centrifuge, and at least one of a power source and a connector operably connectable to a power source for powering the electronics module. The optical module is operable to receive and direct light from the sample. The optical module is releaseably connectable to the housing of the electronics module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: The Research Foundation for the State University of New York
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Halvorsen, Tony P. Hoang
  • Patent number: 9867894
    Abstract: Apparatuses are provided which include one or more germicidal sources, power circuitry coupled to the germicidal source/s, and a shield. The shield and/or at least one of the germicidal source/s are moveable within the apparatus and the apparatus is configured such that the shield and/or the germicidal source/s may be brought in and out of proximity with the other and upon doing so germicide projected from one or more of the germicidal source/s is either substantially contained in the apparatus or is projected exterior to the apparatus for different disinfection modes of the apparatus. The apparatuses include a processor and processor-executable program instructions for activating the power circuitry to operate the at least one germicidal source when the germicidal source is not encased within the apparatus and for activating the power circuitry to operate at least one germicidal source when the germicidal source/s are encased within the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Xenex Disinfection Services, LLc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Stibich, Paul P. Froutan, Sarah E. Simmons, Charles Dale
  • Patent number: 9855544
    Abstract: An air separation module including a canister defining an interior chamber and having a first port at a first end and a second port at a second end, the canister configured to permit fluid to pass from the first port to the second port through the interior chamber, a first end cap located proximal to the first end of the canister and configured to releasably retain the first end of the canister, a second end cap located proximal to the second end of the canister and configured to releasably retain the second end of the canister, and a collar movably configured on the second end of the canister and configured to move from a first position to a second position, wherein the first position defines an engagement between the collar and the second end cap, and the second position defines a disengagement between the collar and the second end cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Frederick Peacos, III, Corey E. Rekow
  • Patent number: 9855357
    Abstract: A device for rapidly sanitizing a surface is described. The device has an enclosure having an opening adapted to insert a surface, and an interior; a liquid nitric oxide solution applicator; and an absorbent material. The liquid nitric oxide solution applicator is in fluid communication with the interior of the enclosure and is adapted to apply liquid nitric oxide solution onto the surface when the surface is positioned within the enclosure. A method of rapidly sanitizing a surface is described. The devices and methods provided herein may be implemented to sanitize the surface of any body part or item that may be placed within the device. An infectious agent on the surface may be killed; i.e., the surface is disinfected. Non-limiting applications of the devices and methods include preventing nosocomial infections or food contamination, sanitizing household items, and implementing sanitizing procedures to comply with FDA Good Manufacturing Practices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: THE TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
    Inventor: Paul H. Axelsen
  • Patent number: 9849453
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for processing fluids and to a fluid processing device (1) for use in a centrifuge comprising: (a) a first holder (14) form-fit to the shape of a first tube (18) for holding said first tube (18) whereby said first tube (18) has a first cross section (A1); and (b) a second holder (22) form-fit to the shape of a second tube (26) for holding said second tube (26) whereby said second tube (26) has a second cross section (A2) that is different from said first cross section (A1). With the fluid processing devices and the methods according to the invention, it is possible to simplify the centrifugal processing steps for a given fluid processing sequence and to automate them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: QIAGEN GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Schaefer, Thomas Voit, Markus Zbinden, Andreas Schmiede
  • Patent number: 9849222
    Abstract: Method and Apparatus for predicting the volume of a component separated from a composite fluid by predicting the volume of the composite fluid from sensed pressure and predicting the volume of other separated components from sensed movement of the other components to collection bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor D. Dolecek, Darryl Hudock
  • Patent number: 9844417
    Abstract: A medical tool kit is provided for packaging, storing, and transporting medical instruments and tools of various types. The medical tool kit is capable of providing continuing sterilization to the medical instruments and toots kept inside the medical toot kit after the tool case is opened during its normal use in a medical procedure. The medical tool kit is further capable of emitting a GPS tracking signal to identify the location of an opened medical tool kit during an emergency as well as creating hands free communication between the user of the medical tool kit and local emergency institutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Mobilize RRS LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Gerstner, Robert Gerstner
  • Patent number: 9839235
    Abstract: An apparatuses used for the safe dispensation of compressed liquid/gas butane from a compressed liquid/gas butane can for use in mixing this liquid/gas with parts of a marijuana plant within a glass tube of the apparatus to thereby remove the THC from the marijuana plant and disposing it and the residual liquid/gasses into a capture member for further processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Inventors: John Marino, Marilyn Marino
  • Patent number: 9839710
    Abstract: A chlorine dioxide gas generator (100) is provided which capable of efficiently generating and gasifying a chlorine dioxide solution within a short period of time without accidental leakage, facilitating fumigation, and facilitating washing of the interior of the generator within a short period of time. The chlorine dioxide gas generator (100) includes a separation tank (20) that separates a chlorine dioxide gas (30b) from a chlorine dioxide solution (30a) generated in the reactor (10), the separation tank (20) including a separation cylinder (21), downwardly convex trays (22), upwardly convex tray covers (23), nubs (24) packed between the trays (22) and tray covers (23), a liquid supply pipe (25) communicating with an upper portion of the separation cylinder (21), and an air-mixture cylinder (27) that forms an air-mixture space (27a) around the separation cylinder (21) on a waste liquid chamber (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: TAKIMOTOGIKEN KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masateru Takimoto
  • Patent number: 9840029
    Abstract: A device stores, mixes, and applies polymethylmethacrylate bone cement. The device comprises a first container for a first pasty component of the bone cement, a dispensing plunger arranged in the first container such that it can be shifted and serves for pressing the content of the first container out of a dispensing opening, a mixing facility for mixing the content of the first container, whereby the mixing facility is arranged in the first container and the mixing facility can be moved in the first container from outside for mixing, and at least one second container for at least one second component of the bone cement is arranged in or on said first container. The second container can be opened, such that the contents of the first container and second container can be mixed with each other in the first container, whereby at least a boundary surface of the first container is formed by a mobile volume compensation element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: HERAEUS MEDICAL GMBH
    Inventor: Sebastian Vogt
  • Patent number: 9833794
    Abstract: A method for washing platelets includes introducing anticoagulant into a platelet product container, drawing re-anticoagulated platelet product from the platelet product container, and introducing it into a centrifuge bowl. The centrifuge bowl separates the platelets from the supernatant in which they are suspended. The method then washes the platelets by introducing wash solution into the centrifuge bowl. As the wash solution is introduced into the bowl, it displaces the supernatant from the bowl and into a waste container. The method then introduces platelet additive solution into the centrifuge bowl, which displaces the wash solution from the centrifuge bowl and into the waste container and further wash the platelets. The method then repeatedly accelerates and decelerates the centrifuge bowl to resuspend the platelets in the platelet additive solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Haemonetics Corporation
    Inventors: Etienne Pagès, Dominique Uhlmann, Matthew Murphy
  • Patent number: 9833529
    Abstract: Sterilization cassette systems, instrument retention systems for use with a sterilization cassette, and configurable instrument retention members are disclosed that are suitable at least for holding medical and/or dental instruments during sterilization in an autoclave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: HU-FRIEDY MFG. CO., LLC
    Inventors: David W. Tipton, Timothy J. Fischer, David K. Platt, Chantel D. Willis, Jennifer Radovich Naylor, Marjavis J. Matthis, Mark Kurth, Timothy Payne, Philip Anthony
  • Patent number: 9814795
    Abstract: A method for controlling condensation of hydrogen peroxide at a preselected temperature within a sealed sterilization chamber including an article to be sterilized includes the steps of applying to the sealed chamber a vacuum of a first pressure sufficient to evaporate, at the preselected temperature, an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide of a first concentration. The hydrogen peroxide solution is then evaporated into a water vapor component and a hydrogen peroxide vapor component. The evaporated solution is injected into the sealed chamber in repeated pulses. The injecting is terminated once a preselected second pressure, higher than the first pressure, is reached in the chamber. The pulse volume is selected to allow selective control of the condensation of the hydrogen peroxide vapor component to achieve a layer of micro-condensation of hydrogen peroxide on the article, which layer has a second hydrogen peroxide concentration higher than the first hydrogen peroxide concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: TSO3 Inc.
    Inventors: Sylvie Dufresne, Jean-Martin Vallieres, Bruno Tremblay
  • Patent number: 9815035
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to improved magnetic mixing assemblies and mixing system. The magnetic mixing assemblies can provide improved mixing action, ease of use, and low friction. The mixing assemblies can be adapted for use with a wide variety of containers including narrower neck containers and flexible containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Albert A. Werth, Michael E. Cahill, Anthony P. Pagliaro
  • Patent number: 9802165
    Abstract: This invention relates to bubble generation, in particular to microbubble generation in a microfluidic device, which bubbles may be useful as contrasting agents or drug delivery vehicles. The invention further relates to apparatuses, systems and methods for manufacturing said microbubbles, microbubbles produced by such methods and to their uses, e.g. in medical, diagnostic and other such applications. The microbubbles are preferentially formed using a microspray regime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: The University of Leeds
    Inventors: Sally Anne Peyman, Radwa Hassan Abou-Saleh, Stephen Derek Evans
  • Patent number: 9803695
    Abstract: A mixing system includes a housing having a motor mount rotatably coupled thereto, the motor mount having a passage extending therethrough. A drive shaft is removably positioned within the passage of the motor mount. A cap includes a main body removably coupled to the motor mount and an actuator coupled to the main body so as to be pivotable between a first position and a second position with respect to the main body. The actuator producing a camming action when the actuator is pivoted such that when the actuator is in the first position, the actuator pushes the drive shaft against the motor mount so that the main body is locked to the motor mount and so that rotation of the motor mount causes rotation of the drive shaft and when the actuator is in the second position, the actuator is disengaged from the drive shaft and the cap is removable from the motor mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Hayes, Jeffery Hurd, Steven R. Kjar, Whitt F. Woods
  • Patent number: 9801963
    Abstract: Provided is a steam sterilizer capable of performing water vapor sterilization without using a vacuum pump as a mechanism for bringing the inside of a pressure vessel into vacuum. The steam sterilizer includes a pressure vessel (32) which stores an object to be sterilized and in which sterilization is performed with water vapor supplied from a steam piping, and vacuum-generating means (34) which is connected to the pressure vessel (32) and brings the inside of the pressure vessel (32) into a vacuum state. The vacuum-generating means (34) includes a water ejector (48), a tank (50) for storing supply water supplied from an outside, and a pump (52) for supplying the supply water inside the tank (50) to the water ejector (48).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: SAKURA SEIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chihiro Kinebuchi, Eiichi Minemura, Satoshi Tanaka, Haruo Machida, Akihiro Miyamoto, Kouji Tanaka, Hiroshi Karasawa