Patents by Inventor Klaus Heilmann

Klaus Heilmann 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).

  • Patent number: 6776909
    Abstract: A filter device has two flow paths. The first flow path having at least one cap and fluid port. The second flow path surrounding the first fluid flow path and having at least one cap that overlaps the cap of the first fluid flow path. The second flow path also having at least one fluid port. The filter device providing a simple arrangement that is easily disinfected or sterilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Hahmann, Klaus Heilmann, Michael Schönhofen, Gerhard Wiesen
  • Publication number: 20040089598
    Abstract: A filter device for mass exchange between two media separated by a membrane providing a low-stress transfer of blood flow from the connection area of the filter device to the fibers of a hollow fiber bundle is disclosed. Relatively uniform utilization of the fibers is provided by a membrane in the form of a hollow fiber bundle whose fiber cavities form a first flow space, with at least one inflow or outflow chamber connected to the first flow space being provided for supplying a medium to the hollow fiber bundle or removing a medium from the hollow fiber bundle. The inflow or outflow chamber is adjacent to an essentially circular or semicircular channel which is designed to be open in the direction of the ends of the hollow fibers and is connected to an inlet or outlet of the filter device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Klaus Heilmann, Gerhard Breith, Igor Raiko, Roland Sander, Steffen Fritzsche
  • Patent number: 6641731
    Abstract: A filter device for mass exchange between two media separated by a membrane is disclosed. The device provides for low-stress transfer of blood flow from the connection area of the filter device to the fibers of a hollow fiber bundle. Relatively uniform utilization of the fibers is provided by a membrane in the form of a hollow fiber bundle whose fiber cavities form a first flow space. At least one inflow or outflow chamber is connected to the first flow space for supplying a medium to the hollow fiber bundle or removing a medium from the hollow fiber bundle. The inflow or outflow chamber is adjacent to an essentially circular or semicircular channel which is designed to be open in the direction of the ends of the hollow fibers and is connected to an inlet or outlet of the filter device. The channel is arranged approximately centrally with the hollow fiber bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland
    Inventors: Klaus Heilmann, Gerhard Breith, Igor Raiko, Roland Sander, Steffen Fritzsche
  • Publication number: 20030155294
    Abstract: The invention relates to a filter device, preferably for hemodialysis, that consists of a cylindrical filter housing and a bundle of curled hollow fibers. The bundle is arranged in the filter housing. According to the invention, the curled hollow fibers are provided with an essentially sinusoidal texture and a wavelength that is defined by means of certain limits. The invention also relates to a curled hollow fiber and a method for filling a hollow fiber dialyser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Klaus Heilmann, Steffen Fritzsche
  • Publication number: 20020153314
    Abstract: A filter device having two flow paths. The first flow path having at least one cap and fluid port. The second flow path surrounding the first fluid flow path and having at least one cap that overlaps the cap of the first fluid flow path. The second flow path also having at least one fluid port. The filter device providing a simple arrangement that is easily disinfected or sterilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Uwe Hahmann, Klaus Heilmann, Michael Schonhofen, Gerhard Wiesen
  • Publication number: 20020104791
    Abstract: A closure element for sterile closure of connections, in particular connections of filter modules for dialysis, hemofiltration or ultrafiltration is described. A closure element with a simple design that provides a reliable seal is formed by having the closure element include a wall with an automatically closing slit-shaped indentation which when closed creates a germ-proof seal. The sealing element is used for sterile closure of connections of medical items, as well as for the medical items themselves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Uwe Hahmann, Christian Sauerwald, Klaus Heilmann, Gerhard Breith, Steffen Fritzsche
  • Patent number: 6426002
    Abstract: A filter device has two flow paths. The first flow path has at least one cap and fluid port. The second flow path surrounds the first fluid flow path and has at least one cap that overlaps the cap of the first fluid flow path. The second flow path also has at least one fluid port. The filter device provides a simple arrangement that is easily disinfected or sterilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Hahmann, Klaus Heilmann, Michael Schönhofen, Gerhard Wiesen
  • Patent number: 6419825
    Abstract: A closure element for sterile closure of connections, in particular connections of filter modules for dialysis, hemofiltration or ultrafiltration is described. A closure element with a simple design that provides a reliable seal is formed by having the closure element include a wall with an automatically closing slit-shaped indentation which when closed creates a germ-proof seal. The sealing element is used for sterile closure of connections of medical items, as well as for the medical items themselves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Hahmann, Christian Sauerwald, Klaus Heilmann, Gerhard Breith, Steffen Fritzsche, Igor Raiko
  • Patent number: 6074559
    Abstract: A filter device has two flow paths. The first flow path has at least one cap and fluid port. The second flow path surrounds the first fluid flow path and has at least one cap that overlaps the cap of the first fluid flow path. The second flow path also has at least one fluid port. The filter device provides a simple arrangement that is easily disinfected or sterilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Hahmann, Klaus Heilmann, Michael Schonhofen, Gerhard Wiesen
  • Patent number: 6053967
    Abstract: An air separator for liquid containing gas bubbles having an essentially cylinder-shaped chamber through which liquid, such as blood, flows essentially in helical flow paths, with the result that air bubbles are driven in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the chamber because of pressure differences produced by centrifugal forces. The inlet and outlet of the chamber of the air separator are coaxial relative to each other in the longitudinal axis of the chamber. The air separator also includes a flow-deflection component or influx distributor, which includes a rotation-symmetrical base body element whose outer surface faces inflowing liquid as a first deflection surface, which is geometrically defined by rotation of a curve section about the longitudinal axis of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Fresenius AG
    Inventors: Klaus Heilmann, Bernd Knierbein
  • Patent number: 6017598
    Abstract: The invention concerns a multilayer polymer film and a multichamber bag, whose bag chambers are formed by seams in the outer border zone and by at least one seam in the chamber separation zone, whereby the seams are formed from the polymer materials facing the chambers. The polymer materials facing the chambers are inseparably sealed together in the outer border zone and sealed together in the chamber separation zone such that the seam is separable with a force which lies in the range from 5 to 20 N. The different strength of the bond from the sealing process is obtained by varying sealing temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Fresenius AG
    Inventors: Thomas Kreischer, Klaus Heilmann, Thomas Nicola, Michael Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 6004311
    Abstract: A connecting arrangement for a medical system, having a first part including a plastic material that is dimensionally stable at a heat-treatment temperature and a second part including a plastic material that is not dimensionally stable at the heat-treatment temperature and thus tends to flow under a compressive force; in which the plastic materials do not contain any PVC or EVA. The connection is made by bringing the surfaces on the first and second parts together with subsequent heat-treatment under a compressive force, wherein the second plastic material tends to flow under the simultaneous effects of temperature and compressive force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Fresenius AG
    Inventors: Klaus Heilmann, Thomas Nicola
  • Patent number: 5928744
    Abstract: According to the invention, strong adhesion of the layers to each other and simple formation of a strong and leakproof connection with bags or connectors made from polypropylene or polycarbonate during steam sterilisation is achieved by the first plastic material containing at least one polymer which is dimensionally stable at temperatures of .gtoreq.121.degree. C., while the second plastic material contains at least one polymer which is no longer dimensionally stable at temperatures of .gtoreq.121.degree. C. A layer C) (2) is optionally present, the plastic material of which contains at least one polymer which is dimensionally stable at temperatures of .gtoreq.121.degree. C. The invention can be used for medical purposes, in particular as a fluid line in dialysis, infusion or artificial feeding, primarily in connection with connectors or medical bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Fresenius AG
    Inventors: Klaus Heilmann, Thomas Nicola
  • Patent number: 5843049
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for administering a medical fluid comprises a film-sheet pouch of a heat-sealed polymeric material, which includes a first chamber containing medical fluid and a second chamber for receiving used medical fluid, and comprises a cross-over conveying device detachably enclosed within a third chamber of the film-sheet pouch that includes a fluid conduit line, having a first end heat-sealed into the bonded seam defining the first chamber and a second end including a connector coupled to a peritoneal catheter. The apparatus of the present invention also includes at least one shut-off element to control the flow of fluid out of the first chamber into the conduit line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Fresenuis AG
    Inventors: Klaus Heilmann, Peter Friedrich, Claus Jessen, Josef Winter
  • Patent number: 5783269
    Abstract: Non-PVC multi-layer film (1) containing an outer layer (2), a supporting layer (4) together with at least one interposed central layer (3), characterized in that the outer (2) and supporting (4) layers contain polymers having Vicat softening temperatures of above approximately 121.degree. C. and that at least one central layer (3) contains polymers having softening temperatures of below approximately 70.degree. C. The non-PVC multi-layer film (1) is particularly suitable for the production of medical bags, in particular multi-chamber bags, as the materials of the individual layers (2-4) are selected in such a manner that the film is transparent and flexible, but in particular also heat-sterilizable, fusible and heat sealable. The film is moreover completely recyclable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Fresenius AG
    Inventors: Klaus Heilmann, Thomas Nicola, Thomas Kreischer
  • Patent number: 5713850
    Abstract: Apparatus for controlling a fluid flow includes a housing having a first fitting for connection of a tube and at least one further fitting for detachable securement of a coupling piece of a peritoneal catheter. Accommodated in the housing is a rotary valve which is indexable in predetermined positions to selectively establish a fluid communication between the fittings. Associated with one of the fittings is at least one closure member which is acted upon by the rotary valve for displacement in a radial direction to open and close a passage to the peritoneal catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Fresenius AG
    Inventors: Klaus Heilmann, Josef Herrmann, Claus Jessen, Helmut Schmidt, Christian Schwegmann, Michael Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 5694978
    Abstract: A protective cap assembly for protecting and sealing a tubing used in the field of peritoneal dialysis, includes a plug that is closely fitted in one end of a tubing, and a protective cap which has first connection means for allowing a permanent attachment of the protective cap to the plug, and second connection means for allowing a detachable securement of the protective cap to the tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Fresenius AG
    Inventors: Klaus Heilmann, Claus Jessen
  • Patent number: 5522724
    Abstract: Process and device for the treatment of lumpy products using process media, the treatment including a predetermined sequence of process steps. A chain of treatment units is moved in a stepwise manner. The product to be treated remains within the same treatment unit for the duration of the sequence of the process steps. A supply unit supplies and removes process media in a stopping-station specific manner so that the process steps can proceed simultaneously in the treatment units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Fresenius AG
    Inventors: Klaus Heilmann, Martin Lauer
  • Patent number: 5268144
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for sterilizing a medical unit having at least two connections for a fluid flow pathway where a sterilizing medium flows through the medical unit.Medical units of this type are e.g. medical filters, in particular dialyzers. A high degree of sterility is here required. This is accomplished through the steps of:(a) inserting the medical unit into a system under pressure-tight coupling of the at least two connections to a feed conduit and discharge conduit of the system under atmospheric conditions;(b) passing the sterilizing medium from the system through the medical unit for a given period of time;(c) closing the at least two connections in the coupled state and in a germproof manner, without the same being opened, on completion of the sterilization operation; and(d) removing said medical unit from said system as a sterile medical unit with closed connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Fresenius AG
    Inventors: Klaus Heilmann, Bernd Mathieu, Michael Rink, Wolfram Weber
  • Patent number: 5147613
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for carrying out a method for sterilizing a medical unit comprising at least two connections for a fluid flow pathway where a sterilizing medium flows through the unit.Medical units of this type are e.g. medical filters, in particular dialyzers. A high degree of sterility is here required. This is accomplished through the steps of:(a) inserting the unit into a system under pressure-tight coupling of the two connections to a feed conduit and discharge conduit of the system under atmospheric conditions;(b) passing the sterilizing medium from the system through the unit for a give period;(c) closing the two connections in the coupled state and in a germproof manner, without the same being opened, on completion of the sterilization operation; and(d) removing said unit from said system as a sterile unit with closed connections.All steps, including the removal of the unit, are therefore carried out in a system where the sterility obtained is constantly maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Fresenius AG
    Inventors: Klaus Heilmann, Bernd Mathieu, Michael Rink, Wolfram Weber