Patents by Inventor Michael A. Spohn
Michael A. Spohn 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: 11975172Abstract: An engagement mechanism associated with a reciprocally movable piston of a fluid injector is configured for releasably engaging an engagement portion at a proximal end of a rolling diaphragm syringe having a flexible sidewall configured for rolling upon itself when acted upon by the piston. The engagement mechanism has a plurality of engagement elements reversibly and radially movable relative to the engagement portion of the syringe between a first position, where the plurality of engagement elements are disengaged from the engagement portion of the syringe, and a second position, where the plurality of engagement elements are engaged with the engagement portion of the syringe. The engagement mechanism further has a drive mechanism for moving the plurality of engagement elements between the first position and the second position.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2021Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: BAYER HEALTHCARE LLCInventors: Kevin Cowan, Michael Spohn, Adam Steege, Jessie Delgado, Keith Lipford, Chet Larrow, Mariano Mumpower, Danica Gordon
-
Publication number: 20240131268Abstract: A fluid injector system for delivering a multi-phase fluid injection to a patient and methods of fluid delivery is disclosed. Methods of creating and using a multi-aspect fluid path impedance model of the injector system are used. Modeling and adjustment of factors that affect impedance and prevent or reduce backflow, reduce the likelihood of fluid flow rate spikes and provide more accurate flow rates and mixing ratios of fluids may be repeated or happen essentially continuously during an injection. The adjustments may be determined before the injection or determined and/or adjusted during the injection. The determination may include sensor feedback commonly used in injectors such as pressure and position feedback as well as other sensors. In all cases, the user can be notified of adjustments through on-screen notices and/or through the recordation of the injection data by a control device of the injector at the conclusion of the injection.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2023Publication date: April 25, 2024Inventors: Arthur Uber, III, Chelsea Marsh, William Barone, Michael McDermott, Timothy Newing, Michael Spohn, Vince Delbrugge, Ralph Schriver, Kevin Cowan, David Griffiths
-
Patent number: 11938093Abstract: A fluid path connector for a medical fluid delivery system, the fluid path connector including a first connector element comprising a body, a first lumen, a first flexible leg, and a second flexible leg, and a second connector element comprising a body defining an undercut, a second lumen, a channel defined in the body, and at least one sealing element positioned within the channel, in which the first flexible leg comprises a first flange and the second flexible leg comprises a second flange, and in which, upon engagement of the first connector element with the second connector element, the first flange and the second flange engage with the undercut of the body of the second connector element to prevent disengagement of the first connector element and the second connector element.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2021Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: BAYER HEALTHCARE LLCInventors: Michael Spohn, Kevin Cowan, James Dedig, John Haury
-
Patent number: 11918775Abstract: An assembly for retaining a pressure jacket (134) and a syringe (132) on a fluid injector, the assembly including a base plate (1902) comprising a body (1904); at least a first retaining arm (1910a) and a second retaining arm (1910b) operatively mounted on the body of the base plate, the first retaining arm having a first retaining surface at a distal end thereof and the second retaining arm having a second retaining surface at a distal end thereof, wherein the first retaining surface and the second retaining surface are configured for abutting a distal surface of at least one of the pressure jacket and the syringe; a linkage assembly operatively connected to at least one of the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm, wherein the linkage assembly is configured to move at least one of the first retaining arm and the second retaining arm between at least a first open position and a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2020Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: BAYER HEALTHCARE LLCInventors: Michael Spohn, Kevin Cowan, Arthur Uber, III, Patrick Campbell, Andrew Osan, John Haury, James Dedig, Andrew Naples, Christopher Scutt, Michael Swantner, Nathaniel Payor
-
Publication number: 20240066239Abstract: An apparatus for suspending air bubbles in a fluid path of a fluid injector system includes an internal chamber having a curved interior wall defined within the housing, an inlet fluid pathway in fluid communication with the internal chamber, and an outlet fluid pathway in fluid communication with the internal chamber. The inlet fluid pathway extending into the chamber at a tangent to the curved interior wall, and the outlet fluid pathway spaced from the inlet fluid pathway such that fluid flowing into the internal chamber via the inlet fluid pathway is directed away from the outlet fluid pathway. The internal chamber is configured to create an internal fluid vortex in an injection fluid entering the internal chamber from the inlet fluid pathway, and wherein the internal fluid vortex at least temporarily suspends one or more air bubbles in the fluid in the internal vortex and delays the passage of the one or more air bubbles to the outlet fluid pathway.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2023Publication date: February 29, 2024Inventors: Kevin Cowan, James Dedig, Michael Spohn, John Haury, Arthur Uber
-
Publication number: 20240017003Abstract: A cassette for holding fluid path components for a fluid injector may include a body defining at least one feature for holding at least one fluid path component for the fluid injector; and a connecting member for removably connecting the body of the cassette to the fluid injector, the connecting member operatively connected to the body, wherein the connecting member comprises at least one pivotable connecting feature protruding from the body, and wherein each of the at least one pivotable connecting feature is configured for removably connecting to a corresponding connecting feature receiver on the fluid injector such that the body is pivotally movable relative to the fluid injector between a first, unlatched position and a second, latched position in which the at least one fluid path component on the body of the cassette is positioned for operative connection to a corresponding feature of the fluid injector.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2021Publication date: January 18, 2024Inventors: Andrew Naples, Kevin Cowan, Michael Spohn, John Haury, Patrick Campbell, James Dedig, Randy Lee, John Caswell, Katherine MacNamee, James Tirone
-
Patent number: 11865323Abstract: A fluid injection system and a fluid verification system for confirming that a syringe, containing a fluid for injection, is fully filled with fluid and neither has free space (i.e., air) near the distal end thereof when the syringe is provided in an upright position nor contains air bubbles. Imaging processing techniques and systems are also provided to determine various injection parameters and to verify the type and certain properties of fluid that is present within a syringe.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2021Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: BAYER HEALTHCARE LLCInventors: Kevin Cowan, Michael Spohn, Michael McDermott
-
Patent number: 11865294Abstract: A fluid control valve for use in a fluid delivery system for delivering fluid to a patient includes a valve body defining an internal chamber, a first inlet port for receiving a first inlet tube, a second inlet port for receiving a second inlet tube, an outlet port, and a sliding valve member slidably disposed in the internal chamber. The first inlet tube defines a first inlet lumen axially aligned with the internal chamber. The second inlet tube defines a second inlet lumen axially aligned with the internal chamber. The sliding valve member includes a first sealing end and second sealing end. The sliding valve member is positionable in a first operating state, a second operating state, and a third operating state based on a flow differential between the first inlet lumen and the second inlet lumen.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2017Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: BAYER HEALTHCARE LLCInventors: Michael Spohn, Kevin Cowan, Brian Cain, David Berry, James Fentress, David Orenstein, James Dedig, Barry Tucker
-
Patent number: 11839751Abstract: An apparatus (300) for suspending air bubbles in a fluid path of a fluid injector system includes an internal chamber (320) having a curved interior wall (322) defined within the housing (310), an inlet fluid pathway in fluid communication with the internal chamber, and an outlet fluid pathway in fluid communication with the internal chamber. The inlet fluid pathway extending into the chamber at a tangent to the curved interior wall, and the outlet fluid pathway spaced from the inlet fluid pathway such that fluid flowing into the internal chamber via the inlet fluid pathway is directed away from the outlet fluid pathway. The internal chamber is configured to create an internal fluid vortex in an injection fluid entering the internal chamber from the inlet fluid pathway, and wherein the internal fluid vortex at least temporarily suspends air bubbles in the fluid in the internal vortex and delays the passage of the air bubbles to the outlet fluid pathway.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2021Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: BAYER HEALTHCARE LLCInventors: Kevin Cowan, James Dedig, Michael Spohn, John Haury
-
Patent number: 11826553Abstract: A fluid injector system for delivering a multi-phase fluid injection to a patient and methods of fluid delivery is disclosed. Methods of creating and using a multi-aspect fluid path impedance model of the injector system are used. Modeling and adjustment of factors that affect impedance and prevent or reduce backflow, reduce the likelihood of fluid flow rate spikes and provide more accurate flow rates and mixing ratios of fluids may be repeated or happen essentially continuously during an injection. The adjustments may be determined before the injection or determined and/or adjusted during the injection. The determination may include sensor feedback commonly used in injectors such as pressure and position feedback as well as other sensors. In all cases, the user can be notified of adjustments through on-screen notices and/or through the recordation of the injection data by a control device of the injector at the conclusion of the injection.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2021Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: BAYER HEALTHCARE LLCInventors: Arthur Uber, III, Chelsea Marsh, William Barone, Michael McDermott, Timothy Newing, Michael Spohn, Vince Delbrugge, Ralph Schriver, Kevin Cowan, David Griffiths
-
Patent number: 11826541Abstract: A cap for intake and delivery of a fluid from a syringe is described. The cap includes an outer cap assembly comprising a fluid inlet path and a fluid outlet path and an inner cap assembly configured for insertion into a fluid nozzle of the syringe and to provide selective fluid communication between an interior of a syringe and the fluid inlet path or the fluid outlet path. The outer cap assembly is slidable relative to the inner cap assembly between a first filling position, where the interior of the syringe is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet path, and a second delivery position, where the interior of the syringe is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet path. Syringes including the cap are also described.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2018Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: BAYER HEALTHCARE LLCInventors: Kevin Cowan, Michael Spohn, Barry Tucker, Matthew Walker, James Dedig, James Fentress, Joseph Ranaletta
-
Publication number: 20230347043Abstract: A method of maintaining an overall flow rate during a sequential delivery of at least two fluids to a patient’s blood vessel includes delivering at least a first fluid into the patient’s blood vessel at a first flow rate, delivering at least a second fluid into the patient’s blood vessel at a second flow rate, and adjusting at least one of a first flow profile of the first flow rate and a second flow profile of the second flow rate to dampen a transient increase in the overall flow rate during a transition between delivering one of the first fluid and the second fluid to delivering the other of the first fluid and the second fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2023Publication date: November 2, 2023Inventors: Michael Spohn, Ralph Schriver, Arthur Uber, III, Ronald Heller, Kevin Cowan, Barry Tucker, Edward Rhinehart, Timothy Newing
-
Patent number: 11786652Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved methods for calibrating the zero position of at least one drive member of an injector system is disclosed. Automated methods of position calibration of the drive member of a fluid injector are disclosed. These methods address sources of error in positional accuracy and fluid delivery inaccuracies, such as disposable syringe tolerance and injector wear over time. According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, methods and fluid injector systems for determining and correcting for the amount of slack in a fluid injection apparatus are described. An understanding of the calibration and the amount of slack in a fluid injection system allows a processor to correct for the slack, thereby ensuring more accurate fluid delivery to the patient and more accurate imaging processes.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2018Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: BAYER HEALTHCARE LLCInventors: Michael McDermott, Chelsea Marsh, Michael Spohn, William Barone, Shahab Taheri, Han Min Thu, David Coleman, Jee Hoon Yoo, Vince Delbrugge
-
Patent number: 11779702Abstract: A method for dynamic pressure control during a multiphase injection is described wherein the pressures of fluids in the various reservoirs of a fluid delivery system are controlled to provide desired fluid delivery parameters. The methods include advancing the first drive member to expel the first fluid from the first reservoir into a conduit, wherein the fluid is pressurized to a first fluid pressure; measuring the first fluid pressure to provide a target value; while the second reservoir is in fluid isolation from the conduit, advancing or retracting the second drive member to increase or decrease the fluid pressure of the second fluid in the second reservoir to the target value; placing the second reservoir in fluid communication with the conduit; and advancing the second drive member to expel the second fluid from the second reservoir into the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2018Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: BAYER HEALTHCARE LLCInventors: William Barone, Michael Spohn, Chelsea Marsh, Michael McDermott, John Volkar
-
Publication number: 20230310750Abstract: A syringe including a proximal end, a distal end, and a cylindrical sidewall extending between the proximal end and the distal end, wherein the distal end comprises a conical distal end wall and a fluid nozzle at a distal end of the conical distal end wall; a cylindrical load bearing wall extending axially from the cylindrical sidewall past a proximal end of the conical distal end wall; and a plurality of radial ribs positioned around a periphery of the conical distal end wall, wherein a longitudinal axis of the plurality of radial ribs extends radially inward from the cylindrical load bearing wall towards the fluid nozzle over at least a portion of the conical distal end wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2021Publication date: October 5, 2023Inventors: Michael Spohn, Kevin Cowan, Patrick Campbell, Gerald Callan
-
Publication number: 20230310758Abstract: A fluid injection system and a fluid verification system for confirming that a syringe, containing a fluid for injection, is fully filled with fluid and neither has free space (i.e., air) near the distal end thereof when the syringe is provided in an upright position nor contains air bubbles. Imaging processing techniques and systems are also provided to determine various injection parameters and to verify the type and certain properties of fluid that is present within a syringe.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2023Publication date: October 5, 2023Inventors: Kevin Cowan, Michael Spohn, Michael McDermott
-
Publication number: 20230293874Abstract: A fluid mixing device for mixing a first injection fluid and a second injection fluid includes a first fluid inlet, a second fluid inlet, a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the first and second fluid inlets, and an outlet port in fluid communication with the mixing chamber. The first fluid inlet is configured to conduct the first injection fluid in a first direction and has a first redirecting surface. The second fluid inlet is configured to conduct the second injection fluid in a second direction along a different axis from the first direction and has a second redirecting surface. The mixing chamber is configured to mix the first injection fluid and the second fluid together. The mixture of the first injection fluid and the second injection fluid exits the fluid mixing device via the outlet port.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2023Publication date: September 21, 2023Inventors: Kevin Cowan, James Dedig, Michael Spohn, John Haury
-
Publication number: 20230285733Abstract: A prime tube includes a sidewall defining an internal chamber having an expandable volume, a connecter associated with a proximal end of the sidewall and configured to reversibly engage an outlet of a fluid reservoir containing a medical fluid, and a closure associated with a distal end of the sidewall, the closure permeable to air and substantially impermeable to the medical fluid. The expandable volume of the internal chamber is configured to increase as the medical fluid enters the internal chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2021Publication date: September 14, 2023Inventors: Kevin Cowan, Michael Spohn, Arthur Uber, III, John Haury, Joseph Kent
-
Publication number: 20230270947Abstract: Provided is a fluid wicking tip. The fluid wicking tip includes a plurality of drip flanges arranged to wick fluid between narrow spaces defined between any two drip flanges. The narrow spaces are dimensioned to facilitate wicking by capillary action. Also provided is a syringe that includes the fluid wicking tip. Also provided is a spike tip including a series of tiered drip flanges for retaining fluid spilled from a bulk fluid container during a syringe filling operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2023Publication date: August 31, 2023Inventors: Michael McDermott, Kevin Cowan, Michael Spohn
-
Patent number: 11717614Abstract: A syringe for a fluid delivery system includes a pressure jacket having a distal end, a proximal end, and a throughbore therebetween. The syringe further includes a rolling diaphragm having a proximal end with an end wall for engaging a plunger, a distal end received within the throughbore of the pressure jacket. The distal end of the rolling diaphragm has a nozzle and a sidewall extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the rolling diaphragm along a longitudinal axis. At least a portion of one of the sidewall and the end wall has non-uniform thickness. At least a portion of the sidewall is flexible and rolls upon itself when acted upon by the plunger such that an outer surface of the sidewall at a folding region is folded in a radially inward direction as the plunger is advanced from the proximal end to the distal end of the rolling diaphragm.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2020Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: BAYER HEALTHCARE LLCInventors: Dave Berry, Kevin P. Cowan, Martin J. Gibler, Michael A. Spohn