Patents by Inventor Robert Childers

Robert Childers 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: 6814547
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for performing peritoneal dialysis are provided. To this end, in part, a pump for a dialysis system is provided. The pump includes a first chamber wall including a first aperture, a second chamber wall including a second aperture, a piston, at least a portion of which can move through the second aperture, the piston including a third aperture, and first and second membranes disposed between the first and second chambers walls. A vacuum can be applied through the first aperture to pull the first membrane towards the first chamber wall and can be applied through the third aperture to pull the second membrane towards the piston. The piston can thereafter move the second membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Robert Childers, Don Busby
  • Publication number: 20040016700
    Abstract: A system and a method for determining integrity of a dialyzer are provided. The dialyzer may have a gas, such as, for example, air, within the dialyzer. A liquid chamber may be connected to the dialyzer. Liquid within the liquid chamber may be directed toward the dialyzer. The air within the dialyzer may then be compressed. A monitor may be provided exterior to the dialyzer to measure a pressure decay within the dialyzer as the compressed air exits the dialyzer. A comparison between the pressure decay and a leak threshold associated with the dialyzer may assist in determining whether the dialyzer has a leak wherein the dialyzer is unacceptable for use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Benjamin Kellam, Robert Childers
  • Publication number: 20030220607
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for performing peritoneal dialysis are provided. To this end, in part, a peritoneal dialysis apparatus is provided that includes a body provided with an operating portion and a display, a mounting portion provided on the body for detachably mounting a cassette, a pumping actuating device for setting a diaphragm in a positive and negative pressure state to distribute fluid from the dialysis fluid container to the drained fluid container, and a heater for heating an amount of dialysis fluid. The apparatus further includes a flow path switching device for opening/closing a flow path switching portion in order to form a flow path through which the heated dialysis fluid is distributed into and drained from a peritoneal cavity of a patient, and a controller for controlling operation of the operating portion, the display, the pumping actuating device, the heater, and the flow path switching device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Don Busby, Peter Hopping, Robert Childers, Shahid Din, Brian Lauman, Rick Kienman, Ian Richardson, Joseph H. Bowman, Loren M. Lundtveit, Jose Alvaro, Bruce Ming-Da Eu, Sherwin Shang
  • Publication number: 20030220598
    Abstract: The present invention provides automated peritoneal dialysis systems, methods of operating the systems and devices for performing same. A typical therapy performed by the present invention begins by draining dialysis solution that is already in the patient's peritoneal cavity. The system pumps fresh dialysate from one of a plurality of supply bags, through an in-line heater to the patient's peritoneal cavity. After a dwell period, the spent dialysate in the cavity is pumped out of the patient to a drain or other disposal means. The system then pumps fresh dialysate from the supply bags to the patient and the procedure is repeated as defined in the therapy protocol. The system can pump a last bag of dialysate to the peritoneal cavity for an extended dwell, such as a daytime dwell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Don Busby, Peter Hopping, Robert Childers, Shahid Din, Brian Lauman, Rick Kienman, Ian Richardson, Joseh H. Bowman, Loren M. Lundtveit, Jose Alvaro, Bruce Ming-Da Eu, Sherwin Shang
  • Publication number: 20030217962
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for performing peritoneal dialysis are provided. To this end, in part, a pump for a dialysis system is provided. The pump includes a first chamber wall including a first aperture, a second chamber wall including a second aperture, a piston, at least a portion of which can move through the second aperture, the piston including a third aperture, and first and second membranes disposed between the first and second chambers walls. A vacuum can be applied through the first aperture to pull the first membrane towards the first chamber wall and can be applied through the third aperture to pull the second membrane towards the piston. The piston can thereafter move the second membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Robert Childers, Don Busby
  • Publication number: 20030220609
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for performing peritoneal dialysis are provided. To this end, in part, a pump for a dialysis system is provided. The pump includes a first chamber wall including a first aperture, a second chamber wall including a second aperture, a piston, at least a portion of which can move through the second aperture, the piston including a third aperture, and first and second membranes disposed between the first and second chambers walls. A vacuum can be applied through the first aperture to pull the first membrane towards the first chamber wall and can be applied through the third aperture to pull the second membrane towards the piston. The piston can thereafter move the second membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Robert Childers, Peter Hopping
  • Publication number: 20030216677
    Abstract: A biosensor capable of monitoring a number of different constituents of a dialysate solution used during dialysis therapy is provided. The biosensor of the present invention includes an integrated array of reactive elements and sensing elements that can be hydraulically coupled to the dialysate solution. In this regard, the biosensor can be utilized to provide on-line monitoring of total solutes removed from a patient during dialysis therapy, infection levels and/or other desirable parameters such that an overall assessment of dialysis therapy can be readily evaluated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Li Pan, Ramesh Wariar, Leo Martis, Cliff Holmes, Robert Childers, Shahid Din