Patents by Inventor Barry Neil Fulkerson
Barry Neil Fulkerson 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: 20170007756Abstract: An extracorporeal blood processing system comprises a plastic molded compact manifold that supports a plurality of molded blood and dialysate fluidic pathways along with a plurality of relevant sensors, valves and pumps. A disposable dialyzer is connected to the molded manifold to complete the blood circuit of the system. The compact manifold is also disposable in one embodiment and can be detachably installed in the dialysis machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2016Publication date: January 12, 2017Inventors: Thomas Patrick Robinson, Charles E. Clemens, David Jacob Mishelevich, James Roswell Braig, Barry Neil Fulkerson, Daniele Ghidoli, Russell Thomas Joseph
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Patent number: 9517296Abstract: The specification discloses a portable dialysis machine having a detachable controller unit and base unit. The controller unit includes a door having an interior face, a housing with a panel, where the housing and panel define a recessed region configured to receive the interior face of the door, and a manifold receiver fixedly attached to the panel. The base unit has a planar surface for receiving a container of fluid, a scale integrated with the planar surface, a heater in thermal communication with the planar surface, and a sodium sensor in electromagnetic communication with the planar surface. Embodiments of the disclosed portable dialysis system have improved structural and functional features, including improved modularity, ease of use, and safety features.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2013Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, James Roswell Braig, David J Mishelevich, Charles Clemens, Clark Berg Foster, Martin Hering, Jan Brian Zwierstra, Russell Thomas Joseph, Victor Gura, Thomas Robinson, Milan Trcka, Daniele Ghidoli, Frank Isackson, Mark Forrest Smith
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Publication number: 20160317733Abstract: The specification discloses a portable dialysis machine having a detachable controller unit and base unit with an improved reservoir heating system. The controller unit includes a door having an interior face, a housing with a panel, where the housing and panel define a recessed region configured to receive the interior face of the door, and a manifold receiver fixedly attached to the panel. The base unit has a reservoir with an internal pan and external pan, separated by a space that holds a heating element. The heating element is electrically coupled to electrical contacts attached to the external surface of the external pan.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2016Publication date: November 3, 2016Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Alec Huang, Brian Thomas Kelly, Tam Nolan
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Patent number: 9415152Abstract: An extracorporeal blood processing system comprises a plastic molded compact manifold that supports a plurality of molded blood and dialysate fluidic pathways along with a plurality of relevant sensors, valves and pumps. A disposable dialyzer is connected to the molded manifold to complete the blood circuit of the system. The compact manifold is also disposable in one embodiment and can be detachably installed in the dialysis machine.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2014Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Patrick Robinson, Charles E. Clemens, David Jacob Mishelevich, James Roswell Braig, Barry Neil Fulkerson, Daniele Ghidoli, Russell Thomas Joseph
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Patent number: 9358331Abstract: The specification discloses a portable dialysis machine having a detachable controller unit and base unit with an improved reservoir heating system. The controller unit includes a door having an interior face, a housing with a panel, where the housing and panel define a recessed region configured to receive the interior face of the door, and a manifold receiver fixedly attached to the panel. The base unit has a reservoir with an internal pan and external pan, separated by a space that holds a heating element. The heating element is electrically coupled to electrical contacts attached to the external surface of the external pan.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2012Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Alec Huang, Brian Thomas Kelly, Tam Nolan
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Publication number: 20160109429Abstract: The present specification discloses a dialysis system having a reservoir module with a reservoir housing defining an internal space, a surface located within the internal space for supporting a container that contains dialysate, and a conductivity sensor located within the internal space, where the conductivity sensor has a coil, a capacitor in electrical communication with the coil, and an energy source in electrical communication with the circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2015Publication date: April 21, 2016Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Mark Smith
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Publication number: 20160109398Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring fluid levels and electrolyte levels used in a dialysis machine. A receptacle, configured to receive a container, comprises a plurality of curved side panels and a base to form a cylindrical shaped cavity for receiving a container. Each panel includes a conductive material on its inner surface and, optionally, a shielding on its outer surface. An electronics component housed within, or near, the receptacle drives the capacitive process and interprets generated data to determine fluid levels and compositions. An alternate receptacle includes one or two coils wrapped about the container and uses induction to determine fluid level.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2015Publication date: April 21, 2016Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Gregory Hayes Gengarelly, Tam Nolan
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Patent number: 9308307Abstract: The specification discloses a portable dialysis machine having a detachable controller unit and base unit. The controller unit includes a door having an interior face, a housing with a panel, where the housing and panel define a recessed region configured to receive the interior face of the door, and a manifold receiver fixedly attached to the panel. The manifold includes diaphragms adapted to minimize the dead space between the dialysis machine pins and improve responsivity. The base unit has a planar surface for receiving a container of fluid, a scale integrated with the planar surface and a heater in thermal communication with the container. Embodiments of the disclosed portable dialysis system have improved structural and functional features, including improved modularity, ease of use, and safety features.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2013Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Alec Huang, Brian Thomas Kelly
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Patent number: 9295772Abstract: The application is directed to an extracorporeal blood processing system capable of using dialysate to prime the system. A plastic molded compact manifold supports molded blood and dialysate fluidic pathways along with relevant sensors, valves and pumps. The compact manifold is also disposable in one embodiment and can be detachably installed in the dialysis machine. A two-way valve in the manifold is used to direct the dialysate flow through the blood circuit to prime the circuit for use in treatment.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2012Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Martin Hering, Frank Isackson
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Publication number: 20160069732Abstract: A load suspension and weighing system for a removable reservoir unit of a portable dialysis machine includes a centrally located flexure assembly. The flexure assembly includes magnets and a number of flexure rings which allow for movement of the magnets about a fixed circuit board. Sensors in the circuit board sense changes in the magnetic field as the magnets move in relation to the circuit board. The magnetic field changes produce a voltage output which is used by a processor to generate weight calculations. The top of the flexure assembly is attached to the interior of the dialysis machine. The entirety of the reservoir unit is suspended by a first internal frame that is attached to the bottom of the flexure assembly. Having a single flexure assembly positioned above the reservoir unit provides more accurate weight measurements while also preventing damage to the assembly from water spillage.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2015Publication date: March 10, 2016Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Joe Fazio, Alec Huang, Brian Thomas Kelly, Tam Nolan, Mark Smith
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Patent number: 9201036Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring fluid levels and electrolyte levels used in a dialysis machine. A receptacle, configured to receive a container, comprises a plurality of curved side panels and a base to form a cylindrical shaped cavity for receiving a container. Each panel includes a conductive material on its inner surface and, optionally, a shielding on its outer surface. An electronics component housed within, or near, the receptacle drives the capacitive process and interprets generated data to determine fluid levels and compositions. An alternate receptacle includes one or two coils wrapped about the container and uses induction to determine fluid level.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Gregory Hayes Gengarelly, Tam Nolan
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Patent number: 9157786Abstract: A load suspension and weighing system for a removable reservoir unit of a portable dialysis machine includes a centrally located flexure assembly. The flexure assembly includes magnets and a number of flexure rings which allow for movement of the magnets about a fixed circuit board. Sensors in the circuit board sense changes in the magnetic field as the magnets move in relation to the circuit board. The magnetic field changes produce a voltage output which is used by a processor to generate weight calculations. The top of the flexure assembly is attached to the interior of the dialysis machine. The entirety of the reservoir unit is suspended by a first internal frame that is attached to the bottom of the flexure assembly. Having a single flexure assembly positioned above the reservoir unit provides more accurate weight measurements while also preventing damage to the assembly from water spillage.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2012Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Joe Fazio, Alec Huang, Brian Thomas Kelly, Tam Nolan, Mark Smith
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Publication number: 20140339149Abstract: An extracorporeal blood processing system comprises a plastic molded compact manifold that supports a plurality of molded blood and dialysate fluidic pathways along with a plurality of relevant sensors, valves and pumps. A disposable dialyzer is connected to the molded manifold to complete the blood circuit of the system. The compact manifold is also disposable in one embodiment and can be detachably installed in the dialysis machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2014Publication date: November 20, 2014Applicant: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Patrick Robinson, Charles E. Clemens, David Jacob Mishelevich, James Roswell Braig, Barry Neil Fulkerson, Daniele Ghidoli, Russell Thomas Joseph
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Patent number: 8771511Abstract: An extracorporeal blood processing system comprises a plastic molded compact manifold that supports a plurality of molded blood and dialysate fluidic pathways along with a plurality of relevant sensors, valves and pumps. A disposable dialyzer is connected to the molded manifold to complete the blood circuit of the system. The compact manifold is also disposable in one embodiment and can be detachably installed in the dialysis machine.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2012Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Patrick Robinson, Charles E. Clemens, David Jacob Mishelevich, James Roswell Braig, Barry Neil Fulkerson, Daniele Ghidoli, Russell Thomas Joseph
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Publication number: 20140175012Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring fluid levels and electrolyte levels used in a dialysis machine. A receptacle, configured to receive a container, comprises a plurality of curved side panels and a base to form a cylindrical shaped cavity for receiving a container. Each panel includes a conductive material on its inner surface and, optionally, a shielding on its outer surface. An electronics component housed within, or near, the receptacle drives the capacitive process and interprets generated data to determine fluid levels and compositions. An alternate receptacle includes one or two coils wrapped about the container and uses induction to determine fluid level.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2012Publication date: June 26, 2014Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Gregory Hayes Gengarelly, Tam Nolan
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Publication number: 20140174835Abstract: A load suspension and weighing system for a removable reservoir unit of a portable dialysis machine includes a centrally located flexure assembly. The flexure assembly includes magnets and a number of flexure rings which allow for movement of the magnets about a fixed circuit board. Sensors in the circuit board sense changes in the magnetic field as the magnets move in relation to the circuit board. The magnetic field changes produce a voltage output which is used by a processor to generate weight calculations. The top of the flexure assembly is attached to the interior of the dialysis machine. The entirety of the reservoir unit is suspended by a first internal frame that is attached to the bottom of the flexure assembly. Having a single flexure assembly positioned above the reservoir unit provides more accurate weight measurements while also preventing damage to the assembly from water spillage.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2012Publication date: June 26, 2014Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Joe Fazio, Alec Huang, Brian Thomas Kelly, Tam Nolan, Mark Smith
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Publication number: 20140138294Abstract: The specification discloses a portable dialysis machine having a detachable controller unit and base unit. The controller unit includes a door having an interior face, a housing with a panel, where the housing and panel define a recessed region configured to receive the interior face of the door, and a manifold receiver fixedly attached to the panel. The base unit has a planar surface for receiving a container of fluid, a scale integrated with the planar surface, a heater in thermal communication with the planar surface, and a sodium sensor in electromagnetic communication with the planar surface. Embodiments of the disclosed portable dialysis system have improved structural and functional features, including improved modularity, ease of use, and safety features.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2013Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, James Roswell Braig, David J. Mishelevich, Charles Clemens, Clark Berg Foster, Martin Hering, Jan Brian Zwierstra, Russell Thomas Joseph, Victor Gura, Thomas Robinson, Milan Trcka, Daniele Ghidoli, Frank Isackson, Mark Forrest Smith
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Patent number: 8597505Abstract: The specification discloses a portable dialysis machine having a detachable controller unit and base unit. The controller unit includes a door having an interior face, a housing with a panel where the housing and panel define a recessed region configured to receive the interior face of the door, and a manifold receiver fixedly attached to the panel. The base unit has a planar surface for receiving a container of fluid, a scale integrated with the planar surface, a heater in thermal communication with the planar surface, and a sodium sensor in electromagnetic communication with the planar surface. Embodiments of the disclosed portable dialysis system have improved structural and functional features, including improved modularity, ease of use, and safety features.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2011Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Russell Thomas Joseph, James Roswell Braig, Victor Gura, David J. Mishelevich, Thomas Robinson, Charles Clemens, Milan Trcka, Clark Berg Foster, Daniele Ghidoli, Martin Hering, Frank Isackson, Jan Brian Zwierstra, Mark Forrest Smith
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Patent number: 8535522Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dialysis system with a disconnection monitor for determining if a blood line connection to a patient has been disconnected. It includes a blood circuit in fluid communication with a patient and a dialysis circuit, a pressure transducer for generating a signal indicative of a pulse signal in the blood circuit, a cardiac reference signal generator for generating a signal indicative of the patient's pulse and a disconnection monitor. The disconnection monitor includes a pressure transducer data receiver for receiving the signal indicative of the pulse signal in the blood circuit, a cardiac reference signal receiver for receiving the signal indicative of the patient's pulse, and a processor for cross-correlating the signal indicative of the pulse signal in the blood circuit and the signal indicative of the patient's pulse to generate data indicative of a disconnection of the blood line connection to the patient.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2010Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, James R. Braig
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Patent number: 8475399Abstract: The present application discloses a portable dialysis system for conducting a dialysis treatment. The portable dialysis system has a controller unit that includes a display, a scale, a bar code reader, and a memory storing a plurality of programmatic instructions. Upon execution, the instructions generate a first graphical user interface, a second graphical user interface, and a third graphical user interface for presentation on the display. The first graphical user interface displays each additive required for use in the dialysis treatment. The second graphical user interface prompts a user to submit additives to scanning using the bar code scanner. The third graphical user interface prompts a user to submit additives to measurement using the scale.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2010Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.Inventor: Barry Neil Fulkerson