Patents by Inventor John Pittinger

John Pittinger has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230310728
    Abstract: A method includes initiating one or more pumps of an apheresis machine, detecting a flow of fluid through the apheresis machine, detecting the flow of fluid is below a predetermined threshold, and in response to detecting the flow of fluid is below the predetermined threshold, adjusting a rate of the one or more pumps of the apheresis machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Taylor POLODNA, Stephanie Lynne ST. GEORGE, John PITTINGER
  • Publication number: 20230285642
    Abstract: A separation assembly for an apheresis system includes a first media bag, a second media mag, a vessel, and a separation set. The first media bag contains a first fluid medium. The second media bag contains a second fluid medium. The vessel is configured to contain a third fluid medium. The separation set includes a first tube and a second tube. The first tube has a first fitting that is configured to be coupled to the first media bag. The first tube defines a first length. The second tube has a second fitting that is configured to be coupled to the second media bag. The second tube defines a second length different from the first length. The separation set may further includes a third tube is configured to be coupled to the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Tanner LADTKOW, Leah HENDRICKS, John PITTINGER
  • Publication number: 20230289173
    Abstract: A method includes detecting a startup of an apheresis machine; in response to detecting start up, transmitting data to a server; determining, based on the data, whether software of the apheresis machine is current; receiving, in response to the data, a response from the server; and preventing usage of apheresis machine if the response indicates the software is not current. The data transmitted to the server may include one or more of a data log, a firmware version identifier, and an error log. The response may include a lockout signal. The response may include a software update. The software update may include a firmware update. The method may include automatically initiating installation of the software update. The method may include ceasing prevention of usage of the apheresis machine following installation of the software update.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Stephanie Lynne ST. GEORGE, John PITTINGER
  • Publication number: 20230285651
    Abstract: An apheresis system may include an assembly for separating a component from a multi-component fluid, a processor, and a memory storing data for processing by the processor. The data, when processed, may cause the processor to run a calibration test on one or more instruments of the assembly and, based the one or more instruments failing the calibration test, calibrate the one or more instruments or lock the apheresis system for non-use. The apheresis system may include a pump configured to generate a calibration pressure at a test port and a pressure sensor configured to sense a pressure at the test port. The calibration test may include comparing the calibration pressure at the test port to the sensed pressure by the pressure sensor at the test port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: John PITTINGER, Stephanie Lynne ST. GEORGE, Mark E. HILLAM
  • Publication number: 20230285652
    Abstract: A method includes detecting a beginning of a donation process; in response to detecting the beginning of the donation process, providing an output; determining an amount of time remaining for the donation process; in response to detecting the amount of time remaining for the donation process, updating the output; detecting a loss in pressure; in response to detecting the loss in pressure, updating the output; detecting an ending of the donation process; and in response to detecting the ending of the donation process, updating the output. The donation process may include a plasma donation using an apheresis machine. The detecting the beginning of the donation process may include detecting a flow of fluid. The output may include one or more of a light and a sound. The output may be provided on a side of an apheresis machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Stephanie Lynne ST. GEORGE, John PITTINGER
  • Publication number: 20230285644
    Abstract: A method includes receiving, with an apheresis system, data associated with a donor; determining, based on the data associated with a donor, an identification of the donor; receiving, with the apheresis system, data associated with a blood component collection set; receiving, with the apheresis system, data associated with a plasma collection bottle; and performing, with the apheresis system, a plasma donation process based on the identification of the donor, the data associated with the blood component set, and the data associated with the plasma collection bottle. Receiving the data associated with the donor may include scanning, with a scanner, an image. The scanner is disposed on the apheresis system and the image may include one of a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional barcode. The data associated with the donor may be displayed on a user device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: John PITTINGER, Justin BROUSSARD, Stephanie Lynne ST. GEORGE
  • Publication number: 20230285653
    Abstract: A method includes detecting a condition including one or more of a change in flow of a fluid and a change in a composition of the fluid, issuing an alarm in response to the condition detected, lowering a flow rate; and attempting to restart process and increase the flow rate. The change in flow may include a change in pressure. The change in flow may be associated with a collapsed vein. The change in flow of the fluid may include detecting that the flow rate has fallen below a threshold. The change in the composition may be associated with a color. The change in the composition may include using a color sensor to detect one or more of a red, a green, and a blue reflection or transmission to detect red blood cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: John PITTINGER, Stephanie Lynne ST. GEORGE, Taylor POLODNA, Bruce ELLINGBOE, Charles L. HAKE, Evan Christopher PROVAN
  • Publication number: 20230285655
    Abstract: An apheresis system at least partially defines a chamber and includes centrifuge that is movable between lock and unlock states. The centrifuge includes a base, cover, lock assembly, and latch assembly. The cover engages the base and defines slots. The lock assembly is coupled to the base and rotates between latched and unlatched states. The lock assembly includes tabs and a protrusion. The tabs are in the slots of the cover. The protrusion at least partially defines a receptacle. The latch assembly is coupled to the base and includes a lever and engagement component attached thereto. In the latched state, the protrusion engages the engagement component to reduce or prevent rotation of the lock assembly. In the unlatched state, the lock assembly can rotate. In the lock state, the tabs are at least partially within the slots. In the unlock state, the cover is movable with respect to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Charles L. HAKE, Mark E. HILLAM, John PITTINGER, Bruce ELLINGBOE, Peter O'BRIEN, Dennis BEBIE, Hong Duc NGUYEN
  • Patent number: 8523750
    Abstract: A centrifugal blood processing apparatus comprising a centrifuge rotor, a separation chamber, a tubing set for conducting blood components and fluids and a method for controlling the blood processing apparatus comprising separating a blood component in a separation chamber; flowing the blood component out of the separation chamber and into a concentration chamber; concentrating the blood component in the concentration chamber; and flushing the blood component out of the concentration chamber. The method further comprising simultaneously flowing a solution, such as a wash solution or PAS, into the concentration chamber between the separation chamber and the concentration chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: John Pittinger, Logan Fender
  • Patent number: 8226537
    Abstract: A disposable blood separation set of a centrifugal blood processing system comprising a blood processing chamber adapted to be mounted on a rotor of a centrifuge; a frustro-conical cell separation chamber in fluid communication with the processing chamber, the cell separation chamber a baffle within a separation area. The baffle may have a plurality of vanes with openings therein. A protruding inlet may have a frustro-conical inner surface that slants radially outwardly from an inlet to a mouth of the protruding inlet. A circumferential well may surround the protruding inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: John Pittinger, Robert Langley, Mary Langley, legal representative, Logan Fender
  • Publication number: 20120010062
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting a maximum amount of platelets for a selected blood separation procedure without collecting excess platelets above those required for a selected platelet product, whether that product was one unit of platelets, two units of platelets (a double platelet), or more. The method and apparatus will continue to adjust the platelet yield target for platelet collection throughout the procedure without operator intervention, unless the selected procedure cannot be completed successfully, and the operator is required to select another allowed procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: CARIDIANBCT, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher FLETCHER, John PITTINGER
  • Publication number: 20110224064
    Abstract: A disposable blood separation set of a centrifugal blood processing system comprising a blood processing chamber adapted to be mounted on a rotor of a centrifuge; a frustro-conical cell separation chamber in fluid communication with the processing chamber, the cell separation chamber a baffle within a separation area. The baffle may have a plurality of vanes with openings therein. A protruding inlet may have a frustro-conical inner surface that slants radially outwardly from an inlet to a mouth of the protruding inlet. A circumferential well may surround the protruding inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: CaridianBCT, Inc.
    Inventors: John PITTINGER, Logan FENDER, Robert W. LANGLEY, Mary LANGLEY
  • Publication number: 20110152055
    Abstract: A centrifugal blood processing apparatus comprising a centrifuge rotor, a separation chamber, a tubing set for conducting blood components and fluids and a method for controlling the blood processing apparatus comprising separating a blood component in a separation chamber; flowing the blood component out of the separation chamber and into a concentration chamber; concentrating the blood component in the concentration chamber; and flushing the blood component out of the concentration chamber. The method further comprising simultaneously flowing a solution, such as a wash solution or PAS, into the concentration chamber between the separation chamber and the concentration chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: CARIDIANBCT, INC.
    Inventors: John PITTINGER, Logan FENDER
  • Patent number: 7963901
    Abstract: A disposable blood separation set of a centrifugal blood processing system comprising a blood processing chamber adapted to be mounted on a rotor of a centrifuge; a frustro-conical cell separation chamber in fluid communication with the processing chamber, the cell separation chamber having a protruding inlet therein. The protruding inlet may have a frustro-conical inner surface that slants radially outwardly from an inlet to a mouth of the protruding inlet. A circumferential well may surround the protruding inlet. The cell separation chamber may have a baffle within a separation area. The baffle may have a plurality of vanes with openings therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: CaridianBCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Langley, John Pittinger, Logan Fender
  • Publication number: 20100081985
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of reducing residual white blood cells in an apheresed platelet product. The method includes the steps of adding to the platelet product a solution comprising sodium chloride and magnesium and inducing degradation of the residual white blood cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: CARIDIANBCT, INC.
    Inventors: John PITTINGER, Anna RAZATOS
  • Publication number: 20100065483
    Abstract: A disposable blood separation set of a centrifugal blood processing system comprising a blood processing chamber adapted to be mounted on a rotor of a centrifuge; a frustro-conical cell separation chamber in fluid communication with the processing chamber, the cell separation chamber having a protruding inlet therein. The protruding inlet may have a frustro-conical inner surface that slants radially outwardly from an inlet to a mouth of the protruding inlet. A circumferential well may surround the protruding inlet. The cell separation chamber may have a baffle within a separation area. The baffle may have a plurality of vanes with openings therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: CARIDIANBCT, INC.
    Inventors: Robert W. LANGLEY, John PITTINGER, Logan FENDER
  • Patent number: D1021953
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephanie L. St. George, John Pittinger, Albert Winsman