Patents by Inventor Brandon M. Knudsen

Brandon M. Knudsen 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).

  • Publication number: 20250144582
    Abstract: A method of mixing a fluid includes at least partially unfolding a collapsible bag bounding a compartment, the collapsible bag containing in the compartment at least a portion of an elongated drive line or drive shaft and an impeller secured to the drive line or drive shaft, the impeller including a plurality of impeller blades that are pivotable relative to the drive line or drive shaft, at least one of the plurality of impeller blades being in a collapsed position. A fluid is delivered into the compartment of the collapsible bag. The drive line or drive shaft is then rotated so as to rotate the impeller within the compartment and mix the fluid therein, the at least one of the plurality of impeller blades pivoting from the collapsed position to an expanded position as the impeller is rotated within the compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2025
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Inventors: Clinton C. Staheli, Brandon M. Knudsen, Steven R. Kjar, Trevor G. Williams
  • Patent number: 12226743
    Abstract: A method of mixing a fluid includes at least partially unfolding a collapsible bag bounding a compartment, the collapsible bag containing in the compartment at least a portion of an elongated drive line or drive shaft and an impeller secured to the drive line or drive shaft, the impeller including a plurality of impeller blades that are pivotable relative to the drive line or drive shaft, at least one of the plurality of impeller blades being in a collapsed position. A fluid is delivered into the compartment of the collapsible bag. The drive line or drive shaft is then rotated so as to rotate the impeller within the compartment and mix the fluid therein, the at least one of the plurality of impeller blades pivoting from the collapsed position to an expanded position as the impeller is rotated within the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2025
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Clinton C. Staheli, Brandon M. Knudsen, Trevor G. Williams, Steven R. Kjar
  • Patent number: 12128371
    Abstract: A fluid mixing system includes a container, such as a flexible bag, bounding a compartment. A flexible drive line is disposed within the compartment, the drive line having a first end rotatably connected to a first end of the container and an opposing second end rotatably connected to a second end of the container. At least one mixing element, such as an impeller, can be coupled with the flexible drive line. Rotation of the drive line facilitates rotation of the impeller within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Clinton C. Staheli, Brandon M. Knudsen, Trevor G. Williams, Steven R. Kjar
  • Publication number: 20240350992
    Abstract: A method for mixing a fluid includes: dispensing a first volume of a fluid into a flexible container, the flexible container being at least partially disposed within the chamber of a support housing; repeatedly moving the support housing and the flexible container contained therein so as to mix the first volume of fluid within the flexible container; adding further fluid into the flexible container after moving the support housing to form a second volume of fluid; and manipulating a mixing element within the flexible container so as to mix the second volume of fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2024
    Publication date: October 24, 2024
    Inventors: Nephi D. Jones, Brandon M. Knudsen, Whitt F. Woods
  • Publication number: 20240342670
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a mixing assembly for a fluid mixing system. The mixing assembly includes a first rotational assembly having a first casing and a first hub rotatably mounted to the first casing, a second rotational assembly having a second casing and a second hub rotatably mounted to the second casing, an elongated member having a first end coupled with the first hub and an opposing second end coupled with the second hub, and one or more impellers secured to the elongated member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2024
    Publication date: October 17, 2024
    Inventors: Jeremy K. Larsen, Clinton C. Staheli, Brandon M. Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20240269628
    Abstract: A fluid mixing system includes a flexible bag having a first end, an opposing second end, and an interior surface bounding a compartment; a retainer coupled to the second end of the flexible bag, the retainer having a retention cavity formed thereon that communicates with the compartment of the flexible bag; and an elongated member having a first end rotatably coupled to the first end of the flexible bag and an opposing second end freely disposed within the retention cavity of the retainer so that the second end of the elongated member can rotate within the retention cavity relative to the retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2024
    Publication date: August 15, 2024
    Inventors: Jeremy K. Larsen, Clinton C. Staheli, Brandon M. Knudsen
  • Patent number: 12005412
    Abstract: A method for mixing a fluid includes: dispensing a first volume of a fluid into a flexible container, the flexible container being at least partially disposed within the chamber of a support housing; repeatedly moving the support housing and the flexible container contained therein so as to mix the first volume of fluid within the flexible container; adding further fluid into the flexible container after moving the support housing to form a second volume of fluid; and manipulating a mixing element within the flexible container so as to mix the second volume of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Nephi D. Jones, Brandon M. Knudsen, Whitt F. Woods
  • Patent number: 11944945
    Abstract: A fluid mixing system includes a flexible bag having a first end, an opposing second end, and an interior surface bounding a compartment; a retainer coupled to the second end of the flexible bag, the retainer having a retention cavity formed thereon that communicates with the compartment of the flexible bag; and an elongated member having a first end rotatably coupled to the first end of the flexible bag and an opposing second end freely disposed within the retention cavity of the retainer so that the second end of the elongated member can rotate within the retention cavity relative to the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeremy K. Larsen, Clinton C. Staheli, Brandon M. Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20240044430
    Abstract: A coupling assembly includes: a tubular compression collar having a tubular body made of a resiliently flexible polymeric material and having an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface; an end of a tube disposed within a throughway of the compression collar; and a tube fitting disposed within the passageway of the tube. The tube fitting includes: a tubular stem; a flange radially outwardly projecting from an exterior surface of the stem; and an annular barb encircling and radially outwardly projecting from the exterior surface of the stem, the annular barb including a frustoconical outside face that extends along and outwardly slopes away from the stem as the outside face extends toward the flange. The compression collar radially inwardly compresses the tube against the annular barb of the tube fitting so that a liquid tight seal is formed between the tube and the tube fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Inventors: Ryan S. Beus, Brandon R. Burtenshaw, Eric Davis, Patrick L. Draper, Michael E. Goodwin, Brandon M. Knudsen, Jeremy K. Larsen, Kevin R. Pickup
  • Publication number: 20240035601
    Abstract: A method for coupling a tube to a tube fitting includes radially outwardly expanding a tubular compression collar from a constricted state to an expanded state, the compression collar having a throughway extending there through and being made of a resiliently flexible material. An end of the tube is inserted within the throughway of the expanded compression collar, the tube bounding a passage. A tube fitting is inserted within the passage of the tube. The compression collar is allowed to resiliently rebound back towards the constricted state so that the compression collar pushes the tube against the tube fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: Ryan S. Beus, Brandon R. Burtenshaw, Eric Davis, Patrick L. Draper, Michael E. Goodwin, Brandon M. Knudsen, Jeremy K. Larsen, Kevin R. Pickup
  • Patent number: 11821553
    Abstract: A method for coupling a tube to a tube fitting includes radially outwardly expanding a tubular compression collar from a constricted state to an expanded state, the compression collar having a throughway extending there through and being made of a resiliently flexible material. An end of the tube is inserted within the throughway of the expanded compression collar, the tube bounding a passage. A tube fitting is inserted within the passage of the tube. The compression collar is allowed to resiliently rebound back towards the constricted state so that the compression collar pushes the tube against the tube fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan S. Beus, Brandon R. Burtenshaw, Eric Davis, Patrick L. Draper, Michael E. Goodwin, Brandon M. Knudsen, Jeremy K. Larsen, Kevin R. Pickup
  • Patent number: 11821554
    Abstract: A coupling assembly includes: a tubular compression collar having a tubular body made of a resiliently flexible polymeric material and having an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface; an end of a tube disposed within a throughway of the compression collar; and a tube fitting disposed within the passageway of the tube. The tube fitting includes: a tubular stem; a flange radially outwardly projecting from an exterior surface of the stem; and an annular barb encircling and radially outwardly projecting from the exterior surface of the stem, the annular barb including a frustoconical outside face that extends along and outwardly slopes away from the stem as the outside face extends toward the flange. The compression collar radially inwardly compresses the tube against the annular barb of the tube fitting so that a liquid tight seal is formed between the tube and the tube fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryan S. Beus, Brandon R. Burtenshaw, Eric Davis, Patrick L. Draper, Michael E. Goodwin, Brandon M. Knudsen, Jeremy K. Larsen, Kevin R. Pickup
  • Publication number: 20230234732
    Abstract: A fluid manifold system includes a first manifold having portions of opposing flexible sheets welded together to form a fluid flow path therebetween, a fluid inlet communicating with the fluid flow path. The fluid flow path of the first manifold includes: a primary flow path communicating with the fluid inlet of the first manifold; and a plurality of spaced apart secondary flow paths that branch off of the primary flow path. Each secondary flow path has a first end communicating with the primary flow path and an opposing second end, each secondary flow path having a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the primary flow path. The fluid manifold system also includes a plurality of tubular connectors with each tubular connector being secured to the first manifold at the second end of a corresponding one of the secondary flow paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Michael E. Goodwin, Jeremy K. Larsen, Patrick L. Draper, Brandon M. Knudsen
  • Patent number: 11639240
    Abstract: A fluid manifold system includes a first manifold having portions of opposing flexible sheets welded together to form a fluid flow path therebetween, a fluid inlet communicating with the fluid flow path. The fluid flow path of the first manifold includes: a primary flow path communicating with the fluid inlet of the first manifold; and a plurality of spaced apart secondary flow paths that branch off of the primary flow path. Each secondary flow path has a first end communicating with the primary flow path and an opposing second end, each secondary flow path having a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the primary flow path. The fluid manifold system also includes a plurality of tubular connectors with each tubular connector being secured to the first manifold at the second end of a corresponding one of the secondary flow paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael E. Goodwin, Jeremy K. Larsen, Patrick L. Draper, Brandon M. Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20230093549
    Abstract: A method of mixing a fluid includes at least partially unfolding a collapsible bag bounding a compartment, the collapsible bag containing in the compartment at least a portion of an elongated drive line or drive shaft and an impeller secured to the drive line or drive shaft, the impeller including a plurality of impeller blades that are pivotable relative to the drive line or drive shaft, at least one of the plurality of impeller blades being in a collapsed position. A fluid is delivered into the compartment of the collapsible bag. The drive line or drive shaft is then rotated so as to rotate the impeller within the compartment and mix the fluid therein, the at least one of the plurality of impeller blades pivoting from the collapsed position to an expanded position as the impeller is rotated within the compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2022
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Inventors: Clinton C. Staheli, Brandon M. Knudsen, Trevor G. Williams, Steven R. Kjar
  • Publication number: 20220228686
    Abstract: A coupling assembly includes: a tubular compression collar having a tubular body made of a resiliently flexible polymeric material and having an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface; an end of a tube disposed within a throughway of the compression collar; and a tube fitting disposed within the passageway of the tube. The tube fitting includes: a tubular stem; a flange radially outwardly projecting from an exterior surface of the stem; and an annular barb encircling and radially outwardly projecting from the exterior surface of the stem, the annular barb including a frustoconical outside face that extends along and outwardly slopes away from the stem as the outside face extends toward the flange. The compression collar radially inwardly compresses the tube against the annular barb of the tube fitting so that a liquid tight seal is formed between the tube and the tube fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2022
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventors: Ryan S. Beus, Brandon R. Burtenshaw, Eric Davis, Patrick L. Draper, Michael E. Goodwin, Brandon M. Knudsen, Jeremy K. Larsen, Kevin R. Pickup
  • Patent number: 11371634
    Abstract: A method for coupling a tube to a tube fitting includes radially outwardly expanding a tubular compression collar from a constricted state to an expanded state, the compression collar having a throughway extending there through and being made of a resiliently flexible material. An end of the tube is inserted within the throughway of the expanded compression collar, the tube bounding a passageway. A tube fitting is inserted within the passageway of the tube. The compression collar is allowed to resiliently rebound back towards the constricted state so that the compression collar pushes the tube against the tube fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan S. Beus, Brandon R. Burtenshaw, Eric Davis, Patrick L. Draper, Michael E. Goodwin, Brandon M. Knudsen, Jeremy K. Larsen, Kevin R. Pickup
  • Publication number: 20220136632
    Abstract: A method for coupling a tube to a tube fitting includes radially outwardly expanding a tubular compression collar from a constricted state to an expanded state, the compression collar having a throughway extending there through and being made of a resiliently flexible material. An end of the tube is inserted within the throughway of the expanded compression collar, the tube bounding a passage. A tube fitting is inserted within the passage of the tube. The compression collar is allowed to resiliently rebound back towards the constricted state so that the compression collar pushes the tube against the tube fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventors: Ryan S. Beus, Brandon R. Burtenshaw, Eric Davis, Patrick L. Draper, Michael E. Goodwin, Brandon M. Knudsen, Jeremy K. Larsen, Kevin R. Pickup
  • Publication number: 20220002007
    Abstract: A fluid manifold system includes a first manifold having portions of opposing flexible sheets welded together to form a fluid flow path therebetween, a fluid inlet communicating with the fluid flow path. The fluid flow path of the first manifold includes: a primary flow path communicating with the fluid inlet of the first manifold; and a plurality of spaced apart secondary flow paths that branch off of the primary flow path. Each secondary flow path has a first end communicating with the primary flow path and an opposing second end, each secondary flow path having a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the primary flow path. The fluid manifold system also includes a plurality of tubular connectors with each tubular connector being secured to the first manifold at the second end of a corresponding one of the secondary flow paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: Michael E. Goodwin, Jeremy K. Larsen, Patrick L. Draper, Brandon M. Knudsen
  • Patent number: 11148836
    Abstract: A method of dispensing a fluid includes coupling a manifold to a fluid source, the manifold including at least portions of opposing flexible sheets welded together to form a fluid flow path therebetween; passing a fluid from the fluid source through the fluid flow path of the manifold and into a plurality of flexible bags coupled to the manifold; sealing closed each of the flexible bags; progressively collapsing the fluid flow path along a length of the manifold so as to force a portion of the fluid remaining within the fluid flow path into one of the flexible bags before all of the flexible bags are sealed closed; and removing each sealed bag from the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Goodwin, Jeremy K. Larsen, Patrick L. Draper, Brandon M. Knudsen