Patents by Inventor Kulwinder Plahey
Kulwinder Plahey 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).
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Publication number: 20230405197Abstract: A dialysis machine (e.g., a peritoneal dialysis (PD) machine) can include a safety feature that enables the dialysis machine to automatically identify the connections made by a user in preparation for treatment. A smart connector is disclosed that uses a split RFID device that is operational when a first portion of the connector is mated to a second portion of the connector, and is not operational when the first portion is disconnected from the second portion. In an embodiment, the split RFID device incorporates an RFID chip in the first portion of the connector and an antenna in the second portion of the connector. In an embodiment, the RFID chip can store a tag that encodes information that indicates a formulation or a volume of a dialysis bag connected to the ports of a disposable cassette such that the dialysis machine can automatically discover the configuration of the dialysis setup.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2023Publication date: December 21, 2023Inventors: Hernando Garrido Garza, Gilberto Romero Saldivar, Kulwinder Plahey, Irving Uziel Hernandez
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Publication number: 20230381390Abstract: A dialysis machine (e.g., a peritoneal dialysis (PD) machine) can include a safety feature that is used to isolate individual fluid lines attached to a disposable cassette. The PD machine can include an interface for a disposable cassette, a plurality of safety mechanisms, and a processor. A plurality of fluid lines are connected to the disposable cassette, and each safety mechanism corresponds to a particular fluid line in the plurality of fluid lines. The processor is configured to detect a hazard condition, such as a loss of power to the PD machine or leak in the disposable cassette, and activate one or more safety mechanisms to isolate corresponding fluid lines connected to the disposable cassette. In one embodiment, the safety mechanisms are spring-loaded clamping mechanisms configured to compress a distensible tube connected to the fluid line. In another embodiment, the safety mechanisms include relay solenoids and/or check valves.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2023Publication date: November 30, 2023Inventor: Kulwinder Plahey
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Patent number: 11759560Abstract: A dialysis machine (e.g., a peritoneal dialysis (PD) machine) can include a safety feature that is used to isolate individual fluid lines attached to a disposable cassette. The PD machine can include an interface for a disposable cassette, a plurality of safety mechanisms, and a processor. A plurality of fluid lines are connected to the disposable cassette, and each safety mechanism corresponds to a particular fluid line in the plurality of fluid lines. The processor is configured to detect a hazard condition, such as a loss of power to the PD machine or leak in the disposable cassette, and activate one or more safety mechanisms to isolate corresponding fluid lines connected to the disposable cassette. In one embodiment, the safety mechanisms are spring-loaded clamping mechanisms configured to compress a distensible tube connected to the fluid line. In another embodiment, the safety mechanisms include relay solenoids and/or check valves.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2020Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.Inventor: Kulwinder Plahey
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Patent number: 11717600Abstract: A dialysis machine (e.g., a peritoneal dialysis (PD) machine) can include a control unit configured to operate in a hybrid automated mode during a PD treatment. A processor in the control unit is configured to engage a pump during a fill phase of the PD cycle. The volume of fluid (e.g., dialysate) transferred to a patient line during the fill phase is monitored. After a dwell period, the pump is disengaged at the start of a drain phase of the PD cycle. Disengaging the pump can include: configuring valves of a disposable cassette to bypass the pump chambers of a disposable cassette; activating a bypass valve to shunt the patient line to a drain line; or moving a roller assembly of a peristaltic pump. The fluid transferred from the patient line to the drain line is monitored during the drain phase of the PD cycle.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2020Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Kulwinder Plahey, James Peterson
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Patent number: 11426502Abstract: Dialysis systems and methods for operating dialysis machines (e.g., peritoneal dialysis machines) for conducting dialysis treatments are disclosed. The dialysis system may include a dialysis machine for transferring dialysate to a patient from a dialysate source. The dialysate may flow from the dialysate source through a cassette (e.g., a disposable cassette) positionable within a port formed in the dialysis machine. The dialysis system may also include a cleaning cartridge insertable into the port. The cleaning cartridge may be arranged and configured to collect, remove, etc. any foreign material or debris from the port.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2020Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE HOLDINGS, INC.Inventors: Kulwinder Plahey, Lynn Jensen
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Publication number: 20220111131Abstract: A dialysis machine (e.g., a peritoneal dialysis (PD) machine) can include a safety feature that enables the dialysis machine to automatically identify the connections made by a user in preparation for treatment. A smart connector is disclosed that uses a split RFID device that is operational when a first portion of the connector is mated to a second portion of the connector, and is not operational when the first portion is disconnected from the second portion. In an embodiment, the split RFID device incorporates an RFID chip in the first portion of the connector and an antenna in the second portion of the connector. In an embodiment, the RFID chip can store a tag that encodes information that indicates a formulation or a volume of a dialysis bag connected to the ports of a disposable cassette such that the dialysis machine can automatically discover the configuration of the dialysis setup.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2020Publication date: April 14, 2022Inventors: Hernando Garrido Garza, Gilberto Romero Saldivar, Kulwinder Plahey, Irving Uziel Hernandez
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Publication number: 20220080091Abstract: Dialysis systems and methods for operating dialysis machines (e.g., peritoneal dialysis machines) for conducting dialysis treatments are disclosed. The dialysis system may include a dialysis machine for transferring dialysate to a patient from a dialysate source. The dialysate may flow from the dialysate source through a cartridge or cassette (e.g., a disposable cartridge or cassette) positionable within the dialysis machine. The dialysis machine includes a piston or pump for pumping fluid (e.g., dialysate) from the cassette to the patient. In various embodiments, the dialysis machine includes one or more sensors for monitoring a condition. For example, the dialysis machine may include sensor(s) for monitoring proper alignment of the cassette within the cassette compartment, or sensors mounted on the pump head for monitoring a leak during a dialysis operation, or sensors for monitoring improper operation of the pumps (e.g., pistons), or a combination thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2020Publication date: March 17, 2022Inventor: Kulwinder Plahey
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Publication number: 20220080092Abstract: A dialysis machine (e.g., a peritoneal dialysis (PD) machine) can include a safety feature that is used to isolate individual fluid lines attached to a disposable cassette. The PD machine can include an interface for a disposable cassette, a plurality of safety mechanisms, and a processor. A plurality of fluid lines are connected to the disposable cassette, and each safety mechanism corresponds to a particular fluid line in the plurality of fluid lines. The processor is configured to detect a hazard condition, such as a loss of power to the PD machine or leak in the disposable cassette, and activate one or more safety mechanisms to isolate corresponding fluid lines connected to the disposable cassette. In one embodiment, the safety mechanisms are spring-loaded clamping mechanisms configured to compress a distensible tube connected to the fluid line. In another embodiment, the safety mechanisms include relay solenoids and/or check valves.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2020Publication date: March 17, 2022Inventor: Kulwinder Plahey
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Publication number: 20210379259Abstract: A dialysis machine (e.g., a peritoneal dialysis (PD) machine) can include a control unit configured to operate in a hybrid automated mode during a PD treatment. A processor in the control unit is configured to engage a pump during a fill phase of the PD cycle. The volume of fluid (e.g., dialysate) transferred to a patient line during the fill phase is monitored. After a dwell period, the pump is disengaged at the start of a drain phase of the PD cycle. Disengaging the pump can include: configuring valves of a disposable cassette to bypass the pump chambers of a disposable cassette; activating a bypass valve to shunt the patient line to a drain line; or moving a roller assembly of a peristaltic pump. The fluid transferred from the patient line to the drain line is monitored during the drain phase of the PD cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2020Publication date: December 9, 2021Inventors: Kulwinder Plahey, James Peterson
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Publication number: 20210338914Abstract: Dialysis systems and methods for operating dialysis machines (e.g., peritoneal dialysis machines) for conducting dialysis treatments are disclosed. The dialysis system may include a dialysis machine for transferring dialysate to a patient from a dialysate source. The dialysate may flow from the dialysate source through a cassette (e.g., a disposable cassette) positionable within a port formed in the dialysis machine. The dialysis system may also include a cleaning cartridge insertable into the port. The cleaning cartridge may be arranged and configured to collect, remove, etc. any foreign material or debris from the port.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2020Publication date: November 4, 2021Applicant: Intense Lighting, LLC.Inventors: Kulwinder Plahey, Lynn Jenson
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Publication number: 20070112297Abstract: A portable peritoneal dialysis apparatus having a side-hinged, inclined door for enclosing a disposable cassette that seals tightly shut using air pressure which imposes a safety interlock, a cassette with its inlet/outlet tube exclusively along the lower edge so that the connected lines can hang straight, a circumferential channel defined in the cassette, and a pneumatic system for sealing the membranes of both the pump chamber diaphragms and the pressure sensor diaphragms in the cassette to the respective mating pistons and pressure sensors in the cycler. In addition a system for draining patient line fluid to an empty solution bag is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2006Publication date: May 17, 2007Inventors: Kulwinder Plahey, Frank Hedmann, Stephan Klatte, Thomas Folden
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Publication number: 20060195064Abstract: A portable peritoneal dialysis apparatus having (1) a hinged door for enclosing a disposable cassette that seals tightly shut using air pressure; (2) accurate pressure sensing of pressures applied to the patient through an enclosure in the disposable cassette; (3) two pumps that can operate separately or in tandem actuated by two separate stepper motors; and (4) a touch screen user interface where indicia of the operating mode is always visible along with indicia for the other possible operating modes and the mode can be changed by touching one of these indicia.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2005Publication date: August 31, 2006Applicant: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Kulwinder Plahey, Frank Hedmann, Stephan Klatte, Thomas Folden