Patents Assigned to Terumo BCT, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20230248892
    Abstract: Described are embodiments that include methods and devices for separating components from multi-component fluids. Embodiments may involve use of separation vessels and movement of components into and out of separation vessels through ports. Embodiments may involve the separation of plasma from whole blood. Also described are embodiments that include methods and devices for positioning portions, e.g., loops, of disposables in medical devices. Embodiments may involve use of surfaces for automatically guiding loops to position them into a predetermined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Applicant: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. FELT, Brian M. HOLMES, Taylor POLODNA, Peter O'BRIEN
  • Patent number: 11685883
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally provide for the expansion of cells in a cell expansion system using an active promotion of a coating agent(s) to a cell growth surface. A coating agent may be applied to a surface, such as the cell growth surface of a hollow fiber, by controlling the movement of a fluid in which a coating agent is suspended. Using ultrafiltration, the fluid may be pushed through the pores of a hollow fiber from a first side, e.g., an intracapillary (IC) side, of the hollow fiber to a second side, e.g., an extracapillary (EC) side, while the coating agent is actively promoted to the surface of the hollow fiber. In so doing, the coating agent may be hydrostatically deposited onto a wall, e.g., inner wall, of the hollow fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. Frank, Brian J. Nankervis, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Thomas G. DiLorenzo
  • Patent number: 11667876
    Abstract: Described are embodiments for expanding cells in a bioreactor. In one embodiment, methods are provided that distribute cells throughout the bioreactor and attach cells to specific portions of a bioreactor to improve the expansion of the cells in the bioreactor. Embodiments may be implemented on a cell expansion system configured to load, distribute, attach and expand cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Nankervis, Mark E. Jones
  • Patent number: 11667881
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally provide for the scheduled feeding of cells in a cell expansion system. A schedule to proactively and automatically increase and/or maintain inlet rates of media to feed cells may be created, in which inlet rates to the intracapillary portion (or extracapillary portion) of a bioreactor may be increased or maintained according to the schedule. Such schedule may be conservative or aggressive or a combination thereof, for example. Multiple schedules may be used. Scheduled media exchanges may also be included. By following a feed schedule, the monitoring of metabolite levels may be optional. Inlet rates may be increased or maintained without manual manipulation. Media usage may also be more predictable. In an embodiment, a custom task(s) may be created to follow a desired feed schedule. In another embodiment, a pre-programmed task(s) may be used for the scheduled feeding of cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventor: Boah Vang
  • Patent number: 11634677
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally provide for the expansion of cells in a cell expansion system using an active promotion of a coating agent(s) to a cell growth surface in some embodiments. A coating agent may be applied to a surface, such as the cell growth surface of a hollow fiber in a bioreactor, by controlling the movement of a fluid in which a coating agent is suspended, by changing flow rates, by changing flow directions, by rotation of the bioreactor, and/or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. Frank, Brian J. Nankervis, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Thomas G. Dilorenzo
  • Patent number: 11629332
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally provide for expanding cells in a cell expansion system. The cells may be grown in a bioreactor, and the cells may be activated by an activator (e.g., a soluble activator complex). Nutrient and gas exchange capabilities of a closed, automated cell expansion system may allow cells to be seeded at reduced cell seeding densities, for example. Parameters of the cell growth environment may be manipulated to load the cells into a particular position in the bioreactor for the efficient exchange of nutrients and gases. System parameters may be adjusted to shear any cell colonies that may form during the expansion phase. Metabolic concentrations may be controlled to improve cell growth and viability. Cell residence in the bioreactor may be controlled. In embodiments, the cells may include T cells. In further embodiments, the cells may include T cell subpopulations, including regulatory T cells (Tregs), for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Jones, Brian J. Nankervis
  • Patent number: 11624046
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally provide for expanding cells in a cell expansion system. The cells may be grown in a bioreactor, and the cells may be activated by an activator (e.g., a soluble activator complex). Nutrient and gas exchange capabilities of a closed, automated cell expansion system may allow cells to be seeded at reduced cell seeding densities, for example. Parameters of the cell growth environment may be manipulated to load the cells into a particular position in the bioreactor for the efficient exchange of nutrients and gases. System parameters may be adjusted to shear any cell colonies that may form during the expansion phase. Metabolic concentrations may be controlled to improve cell growth and viability. Cell residence in the bioreactor may be controlled. In embodiments, the cells may include T cells. In further embodiments, the cells may include T cell subpopulations, including regulatory T cells (Tregs), helper, naïve, memory, or effector, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Nankervis, Mark E. Jones, Domicinda M. Hill
  • Patent number: 11613727
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to methods and systems for configuring settings of a cell expansion system including a bioreactor. Through a user interface, a user may configure display settings, system settings, and settings associated with protocols for loading, growing and/or harvesting cells. In configuring settings for protocols and associated processes, a diagram view or window of the cell expansion system is displayed in embodiments. The diagram view displays the process settings as graphical user interface elements. Settings available for configuration are enabled for selection in the diagram view. The diagram view allows the user to visualize the settings available for task configuration and to configure enabled settings. Configured settings are stored and capable of retrieval for subsequent execution or modification of the applicable protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Allan Stanton, IV, Glen Delbert Antwiler, Patrick J. Howley, Michael E. Kinzie, Jon A. Dodd, Casey V. Medina
  • Patent number: 11608486
    Abstract: Embodiments for loading and expanding particular cell types are described. Embodiments may include the use of hollow fiber membranes with particular characteristic such as hollow fibers with inner diameters that provide mechanical stimulus (e.g., radius of curvature greater than a dimension of a cell). In addition, embodiments may provide for manipulation of flow rates and other features that also provide mechanical stimuli and promote or enhance the growth of particular types of cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Jones, Brian J. Nankervis, Kristina E. Fuerst, Jon A. Dodd
  • Patent number: 11498082
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to methods and apparatuses for ensuring that mechanisms that are used to position components of an apheresis machine are not broken as a result of rotation of a centrifuge. In embodiments, a safety mechanism is provided that contacts components of the centrifuge and pushes them into a position to ensure that they do not break when the centrifuge is operated at high rpm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventor: Luke Ryan Noffsinger
  • Patent number: 11478792
    Abstract: A modular cassette and method for separating a composite fluid into at least two component parts thereof during centrifugation is provided. The modular cassette includes a fluid inlet portion, at least one fluid separation portion, at least one media chamber in fluid communication with the fluid separation portion, a fluid collection portion, at least one fluidic channel configured to form a fluid communication between at least two components of the cassette, at least one wax valve including undulating flow channel portions configured to close at least one of the fluidic channels, and at least one heating element configured to actuate the at least one wax valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Ladtkow, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Thomas J. Felt, Andrew Gloor, Jesse Janzen, Taylor Polodna, Luke Edwin Ladtkow
  • Patent number: 11446589
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems, chambers, and methods for processing particles by washing, concentrating, and/or treating the particles. Some embodiments provide for the processing of cells that may be in a liquid medium (e.g., a liquid in which the cells were grown) and are processed by being washed and concentrated for later use in research or other therapies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Michael Taga, Anne Baker Oram, Linda A. Taylor, Dennis J. Hlavinka
  • Patent number: 11376525
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems, chambers, and methods for processing particles by washing, concentrating, and/or treating the particles. Some embodiments provide for the processing of cells that may be in a liquid medium (e.g., a liquid in which the cells were grown) and are processed by being washed and concentrated for later use in research or other therapies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Michael Taga, Anne Baker Oram, Linda A. Taylor, Dennis J. Hlavinka
  • Patent number: 11366096
    Abstract: Embodiments are described for separating/collecting components from a multi-component fluid such as whole blood. Some embodiments provide for controlling the amount of a component, such as platelets, introduced into a separation chamber to ensure that the density of fluid in the separation chamber does not exceed a particular value. This may provide for collecting purer components. Other embodiments may provide for determining a chamber flow rate based on a concentration of a component in the multi-component fluid, which may then be used to determine a centrifuge speed, to collect purer concentrated components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: TERUMO BCT, INC.
    Inventors: Marlene Bainbridge, Todd Curtis Green, Logan Fender
  • Patent number: 11360075
    Abstract: Embodiments are described for separating/collecting components from a multi-component fluid such as whole blood. Some embodiments provide for controlling the amount of a component, such as platelets, introduced into a separation chamber to ensure that the density of fluid in the separation chamber does not exceed a particular value. This may provide for collecting purer components. Other embodiments may provide for determining a chamber flow rate based on a concentration of a component in the multi-component fluid, which may then be used to determine a centrifuge speed, to collect purer concentrated components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: TERUMO BCT, INC.
    Inventors: Marlene Bainbridge, Todd Curtis Green, Logan Fender
  • Publication number: 20220112967
    Abstract: Provided is a centrifuge cassette assembly (800) for separating a fluid and related method of manufacture. The cassette assembly includes a first chamber, a second chamber (308), a fluidic channel (808) creating a fluid connection between the first chamber and the second chamber, at least one molded insertion valve (600, 700) configured to control the flow of fluid in the fluidic channel and a heating element (802) for actuating the at least one molded valve. Further provided are Normally Open Valves (NOVs) (700) and Normally Closed Valves (NCVs) (600) which are capable of insertion into, and which control the fluid flow of, the centrifuge cassette assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Applicant: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy PEERY, James LADTKOW, Jesse JANZEN, Andrew GLOOR, Kevin KLIMEK
  • Publication number: 20210361848
    Abstract: Described are embodiments that include methods and devices for separating components from multi-component fluids. Embodiments may involve use of separation vessels and movement of components into and out of separation vessels through ports. Embodiments may involve the separation of plasma from whole blood. Also described are embodiments that include methods and devices for positioning portions, e.g., loops, of disposables in medical devices. Embodiments may involve use of surfaces for automatically guiding loops to position them into a predetermined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Applicant: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter O'BRIEN, Brian M. HOLMES
  • Publication number: 20210361850
    Abstract: Described are embodiments that include methods and devices for separating components from multi-component fluids. Embodiments may involve use of separation vessels and movement of components into and out of separation vessels through ports. Embodiments may involve the separation of plasma from whole blood. Also described are embodiments that include methods and devices for positioning portions, e.g., loops, of disposables in medical devices. Embodiments may involve use of surfaces for automatically guiding loops to position them into a predetermined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Applicant: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. HOLMES, Thomas J. FELT, Taylor POLODNA
  • Publication number: 20210361849
    Abstract: Described are embodiments that include methods and devices for separating components from multi-component fluids. Embodiments may involve use of separation vessels and movement of components into and out of separation vessels through ports. Embodiments may involve the separation of plasma from whole blood. Also described are embodiments that include methods and devices for positioning portions, e.g., loops, of disposables in medical devices. Embodiments may involve use of surfaces for automatically guiding loops to position them into a predetermined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Applicant: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Taylor POLODNA, Brian M. HOLMES
  • Publication number: 20210361847
    Abstract: Described are embodiments that include methods and devices for separating components from multi-component fluids. Embodiments may involve use of separation vessels and movement of components into and out of separation vessels through ports. Embodiments may involve the separation of plasma from whole blood. Also described are embodiments that include methods and devices for positioning portions, e.g., loops, of disposables in medical devices. Embodiments may involve use of surfaces for automatically guiding loops to position them into a predetermined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Applicant: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. FELT, Dennis J. HLAVINKA, Brian M. HOLMES