Patents by Inventor Mark A. Christensen
Mark A. Christensen 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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Patent number: 11976251Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method for controlling lubrication of a rotary shaft seal. The method involves providing an apparatus having a bulk lubricating oil reservoir, a rotary shaft that passes through the bulk lubricating oil reservoir, and a rotary shaft seal. The rotary shaft seal has a sealing edge in proximity with the rotary shaft creating a contact zone. The contact zone has a film of lubricating oil. The method also involves increasing the rate of heat flow along the rotary shaft to reduce temperature of the film of lubricating oil in the contact zone. Increasing the rate of heat flow along the rotary shaft is accomplished by using rotary shaft materials of construction having sufficient high thermal conductivity, rotary shaft coatings having sufficient high thermal conductivities, or increasing the surface area of the rotary shaft. This disclosure also relates to a method for controlling heat transfer in a contact zone, and a method for improving performance of an apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2020Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: EXXONMOBIL TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING COMPANYInventors: Gary Christensen, David A. Racke, Mark Sitko
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Publication number: 20240075942Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling operation of a vehicle. An example system for controlling operation of a vehicle includes one or more data collection components and one or more processors. The one or more data collection components are configured to collect data representative of a physical configuration of an interior vehicle component. The one or more processors are configured to access the collected data, determine, by processing the collected data, the physical configuration of the interior vehicle component, select a manner of operation based upon the determined physical configuration of the interior vehicle component, and cause the vehicle to operate according to the manner of operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2023Publication date: March 7, 2024Inventors: Scott Thomas Christensen, Brian Mark Fields, Stephen R. Prevatt, Steve Roberson
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Publication number: 20230398345Abstract: A fluid control component configured for controlling fluid flow through the hub of a catheter assembly during and after placement into the patient is disclosed. In one embodiment, the fluid control component comprises a body disposed within a cavity of the hub, the body being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the body does not pierce a valve disposed in the hub when in the first position and wherein the body pierces the valve when in the second position. The body includes a conduit to enable fluid flow through an internal portion of the body when the body is in the second position, and a plurality of longitudinal ribs disposed on an exterior surface of the body. The longitudinal ribs can provide fluid flow channels between the valve and an external portion of the body when the body is in the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2023Publication date: December 14, 2023Inventors: Huy Ngoc Tran, Mark A. Christensen, Chad A. Hadley, Jason R. Stats
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Publication number: 20230354802Abstract: Solutions and methods for forming an exogenous flexible film on a plant and plants including the exogenous flexible film. The solutions include a solvent, a film forming matrix component, a hydrophobic barrier component, a plasticizing component, and a film enhancing component. The methods include spraying the solution on the plant. The methods also include evaporating at least a fraction of the solvent from the solution to form the exogenous flexible film. The plant includes fruit, and the spraying includes spraying at least 45 days prior to harvesting the fruit. The plants include an exogenous flexible film formed from the solutions and/or by the methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2023Publication date: November 9, 2023Inventors: Luis Fernando Hernandez Aguilar, Brian James Tipton, Sean Calvin Musser, John Mark Christensen
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Patent number: 11793989Abstract: A method for making a catheter. The method includes forming a catheter tube including an outer wall circumscribing at least one lumen and having a closed distal end, and creating a slit valve in a distal segment of the catheter tube proximal of the closed distal end. The slit valve includes a slit through the outer wall and a compliant segment designed to facilitate inward deflection of a portion of the outer wall along the slit when negative pressure is applied to the at least one lumen. The compliant segment is circumferentially spaced apart from the slit.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2020Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.Inventors: Jeremy B. Cox, Daniel B. Blanchard, Mark A. Christensen
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Patent number: 11759618Abstract: A fluid control component configured for controlling fluid flow through the hub of a catheter assembly during and after placement into the patient is disclosed. In one embodiment, the fluid control component comprises a body disposed within a cavity of the hub, the body being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the body does not pierce a valve disposed in the hub when in the first position and wherein the body pierces the valve when in the second position. The body includes a conduit to enable fluid flow through an internal portion of the body when the body is in the second position, and a plurality of longitudinally extending ribs disposed on an exterior surface of the body. The ribs provide at least one fluid flow channel between the valve and an external portion of the body when the body is in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2019Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.Inventors: Huy N. Tran, Mark A. Christensen, Chad A. Hadley
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Patent number: 11737454Abstract: Solutions and methods for forming an exogenous flexible film on a plant and plants including the exogenous flexible film. The solutions include a solvent, a film forming matrix component, a hydrophobic barrier component, a plasticizing component, and a film enhancing component. The methods include spraying the solution on the plant. The methods also include evaporating at least a fraction of the solvent from the solution to form the exogenous flexible film. The plant includes fruit, and the spraying includes spraying at least 45 days prior to harvesting the fruit. The plants include an exogenous flexible film formed from the solutions and/or by the methods.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2018Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Cultiva, LLCInventors: Luis Fernando Hernandez Aguilar, Brian James Tipton, Sean Calvin Musser, John Mark Christensen
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Patent number: 11659962Abstract: A disposable liner for use with a reusable infant's bathtub. A workable liner may be formed from two parallel flat sheets of plastic film, bonded together around an outside boundary. The liner is disposable in a flat configuration of minimum thickness, and can then be folded to form a space-efficient rectangular package of substantially constant thickness. Certain liners may include a backrest cushion.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2021Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Catapult Products, LLCInventors: Daniel B. Blanchard, Dana L. Denton, Marshall T. Denton, William C. Ballard, Mark A. Christensen
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Publication number: 20220233788Abstract: An atomizing nozzle structured particularly for nasal therapy. Preferred embodiments include a 2-piece atomizing nozzle structured to couple with luer-locking structure carried by a syringe. Such an atomizing nozzle includes a nasal stopper and a stem. A preferred nasal stopper includes a distal tip sized for insertion into a nostril of a human child, with a proximal shield portion being structured to resist over-insertion of a discharge orifice into the nostril. A nasal stopper desirably provides a centering function to urge the discharge orifice away from a nasal wall. One operable stem is structured to couple with the stopper and desirably carries unitary thread structure at a proximal end. A second operable stem is structured as a unitary part of the nasal stopper and also desirably carries unitary thread structure at a proximal end. Certain embodiments may also include spacer structure configured to reduce a dead volume inside the atomizing nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2022Publication date: July 28, 2022Inventors: Marshall T. DENTON, Perry W. CROLL, Mark A. CHRISTENSEN, Timothy R. WOLFE, J. Michael BROWN
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Publication number: 20220054737Abstract: Anti-snagging components for use in infusion sets are provided. The anti-snagging component includes a sliding surface that guides an infusion set component past an obstruction when the infusion set is moved during manufacture or use. An anti-snagging structure may be integrally formed as a portion of an infusion set component or the anti-snagging structure may be a separate component that connects or attaches to an infusion set component. Some anti-snagging structures include a covering portion to cover a needleless connector and a tail portion to connect to a length of tubing. The covering portion may include an anti-microbial coating.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2021Publication date: February 24, 2022Inventors: Wantjinarjo Suwito, Corey Mark Christensen, Christopher Jesse Zollinger
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Patent number: 11241547Abstract: An atomizing nozzle structured particularly for nasal therapy. Preferred embodiments include a 2-piece atomizing nozzle structured to couple with luer-locking structure carried by a syringe. Such an atomizing nozzle includes a nasal stopper and a stem. A preferred nasal stopper includes a distal tip sized for insertion into a nostril of a human child, with a proximal shield portion being structured to resist over-insertion of a discharge orifice into the nostril. A nasal stopper desirably provides a centering function to urge the discharge orifice away from a nasal wall. One operable stem is structured to couple with the stopper and desirably carries unitary thread structure at a proximal end. A second operable stem is structured as a unitary part of the nasal stopper and also desirably carries unitary thread structure at a proximal end. Certain embodiments may also include spacer structure configured to reduce a dead volume inside the atomizing nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2011Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: TELFLEX MEDICAL INCORPORATEDInventors: Marshall T. Denton, Perry W. Croll, Mark A. Christensen, Timothy R. Wolfe, J. Michael Brown
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Patent number: 11207496Abstract: A magnetic stylet includes a core element and a distal region. The core element may include a proximal end coupled to a tab, the proximal end having a first diameter, a transition region, and a distal region extending from the transition region to a distal end. The distal region may have a second diameter less than the first diameter. The distal section may include the transition region and the distal region of the core element, a magnetic element, a polymer member, and a closure element. The magnetic element may be positioned distal of the transition region of the core element. The polymer member may be circumferentially disposed about the distal region of the core element, the continuous permanent magnetic element, and at least a portion of the transition region of the core element. The closure element may be an epoxy that forms a rounded end distal of the polymer member.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2018Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.Inventors: Matthew W. Bown, Mark A. Christensen, Guy Rome, Bret Hamatake
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Patent number: 11191889Abstract: Anti-snagging components for use in infusion sets are provided. The anti-snagging component includes a sliding surface that guides an infusion set component past an obstruction when the infusion set is moved during manufacture or use. An anti-snagging structure may be integrally formed as a portion of an infusion set component or the anti-snagging structure may be a separate component that connects or attaches to an infusion set component. Some anti-snagging structures include a covering portion to cover a needleless connector and a tail portion to connect to a length of tubing. The covering portion may include an anti-microbial coating.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2018Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: CAREFUSION 303, INC.Inventors: Wantjinarjo Suwito, Corey Mark Christensen, Christopher Jesse Zollinger
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Publication number: 20210322748Abstract: Tube markers for use in infusion sets are provided. An infusion tube includes a tube marker positioned from a tube end at a distance equal to the distance between an external edge and a hard stop of a fluid port of an infusion set component. The tube marker provides an external visual indicator of the fit between the infusion tube and the infusion set component, such as whether there is a gap between the end of the infusion tube and hard stop of the fluid port. The tube marker may be pad printed or laser etched on the tube. The tube marker may also be a tube sleeve over molded or heat shrunk onto the tube. Methods of providing tube markers are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2021Publication date: October 21, 2021Inventors: Wantjinarjo SUWITO, Christopher Kazimierz JEDRZEJEWSKI, Aaron En-Yu WANG, Corey Mark CHRISTENSEN
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Publication number: 20210308428Abstract: An insertion device for inserting a catheter into a patient's body is disclosed. In some embodiments, the insertion device combines needle insertion, guidewire advancement, catheter insertion, and needle shielding in a single device. In one embodiment, the insertion device comprises a housing including a hollow needle distally extending from the housing. At least a portion of the catheter is pre-disposed over the needle such that the catheter is disposed substantially external to the housing. A guidewire is included, as well as an advancement assembly that is configured to selectively advance the distal end of the guidewire out a distal opening of the needle in preparation for distal advancement of the catheter. The advancement assembly is further configured to enable distal catheter advancement before shielding the needle after use. The insertion device is configured to be grasped and used by a single hand of a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2021Publication date: October 7, 2021Inventors: Daniel B. Blanchard, Huy Ngoc Tran, Rex A. Ribelin, Thomas S. Russell, Amir Orome, Jordan P. Diamond, Eric W. Lindekugel, Mark A. Christensen, Jay A. Muse
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Publication number: 20210298536Abstract: A disposable liner for use with a reusable infant's bathtub. A workable liner may be formed from two parallel flat sheets of plastic film, bonded together around an outside boundary. The liner is disposable in a flat configuration of minimum thickness, and can then be folded to form a space-efficient rectangular package of substantially constant thickness. Certain liners may include a backrest cushion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2021Publication date: September 30, 2021Inventors: Daniel B. Blanchard, Dana L. Denton, Marshall T. Denton, William C. Ballard, Mark A. Christensen
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Patent number: 11040176Abstract: An insertion device for inserting a catheter into a patient's body is disclosed. The insertion device combines needle insertion, guidewire advancement, catheter insertion, and needle shielding in a single device. In one embodiment, the insertion device comprises a housing including a hollow needle distally extending from the housing. At least a portion of the catheter is pre-disposed over the needle such that the catheter is disposed substantially external to the housing. A guidewire is included, as well as an advancement assembly that is configured to selectively advance the distal end of the guidewire out a distal opening of the needle in preparation for distal advancement of the catheter. The advancement assembly is further configured to enable distal catheter advancement before shielding the needle after use. The insertion device is configured to be grasped and used by a single hand of a user during advancement of the guidewire and the catheter.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2016Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.Inventors: Daniel B. Blanchard, Huy Ngoc Tran, Rex A. Ribelin, Thomas S. Russell, Amir Orome, Jordan P. Diamond, Eric W. Lindekugel, Mark A. Christensen, Jay A. Muse
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Patent number: 10946123Abstract: A catheter connector assembly which may be included with a corporeal drainage system, and a method of draining fluid from a bodily cavity. The catheter connector assembly may include a catheter connector and a drainage line connector. The catheter connector may include a connector body with a coupling feature, a deformable sealing element, and a retaining member. The drainage line connector may include a drainage line body first and second hinge clips, and an actuator. The actuator is designed to deform the deformable sealing element when the drainage line connector is coupled to the catheter connector.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2018Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: Merit Medical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Christensen, Steven M. Smith, Jim C. Beasley, Kelly B. Powers
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Publication number: 20200345999Abstract: A method for making a catheter. The method includes forming a catheter tube including an outer wall circumscribing at least one lumen and having a closed distal end, and creating a slit valve in a distal segment of the catheter tube proximal of the closed distal end. The slit valve includes a slit through the outer wall and a compliant segment designed to facilitate inward deflection of a portion of the outer wall along the slit when negative pressure is applied to the at least one lumen. The compliant segment is circumferentially spaced apart from the slit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2020Publication date: November 5, 2020Inventors: Jeremy B. Cox, Daniel B. Blanchard, Mark A. Christensen
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Publication number: 20200246606Abstract: Tube markers for use in infusion sets are provided. An infusion tube includes a tube marker positioned from a tube end at a distance equal to the distance between an external edge and a hard stop of a fluid port of an infusion set component. The tube marker provides an external visual indicator of the fit between the infusion tube and the infusion set component, such as whether there is a gap between the end of the infusion tube and hard stop of the fluid port. The tube marker may be pad printed or laser etched on the tube. The tube marker may also be a tube sleeve over molded or heat shrunk onto the tube. Methods of providing tube markers are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2019Publication date: August 6, 2020Inventors: Wantjinarjo SUWITO, Christopher Kazimierz JEDRZEJEWSKI, Aaron En-Yu WANG, Corey Mark CHRISTENSEN