Patents by Inventor Bret M. Olson

Bret M. Olson 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: 11904147
    Abstract: A pneumatic driver for a syringe is provided. The syringe has an elongated barrel with a cap secured to the proximal end that has a through bore. A filter is secured to the cap interior of the barrel that covers an opening in the through bore interior of the barrel. The pneumatic driver includes a source of pressurized air; a support for receiving and locating the syringe; and a supply block configured to receive pressurized air from the source and having an outlet for delivery of pressurized air. The supply block is movable between a first position spaced apart from the cap of the syringe and a second position in contact with the cap with fluid communication being established between the outlet of the supply block and the through-bore in the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Alexandra Salomon, Bret M. Olson, Keith Grider, Tom Matusaitis
  • Patent number: 11901068
    Abstract: A method of processing blood includes receiving from a touch screen user input data for a protocol for a wash procedure. The user input data includes a numeric value. The method includes storing the protocol in a memory, receiving an identifier from a user, determining if the identifier permits the user to modify the protocol and receiving a modification of the protocol from the user. The method includes providing a plurality of authorizations, a second authorization being a default and an administrator authorization permitting the user to change a setting. The method includes comparing a password to a password stored in memory and, if there is a match, determining that the password is associated with an administrator. If a command to change the setting is received, the command is applied to change the setting. The blood is processed employing a wash procedure using the modified protocol and the changed setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Binninger, Christopher J. Wegener, Alaina Schlinker, Bret M. Olson
  • Patent number: 11883575
    Abstract: A cell processing system includes at least one processor connectable to a source container filled with a biological fluid, the processor including a spinning membrane configured to receive and separate target cells from the biological fluid, the target cells exiting at a first outlet, first and second containers selectively connected to the first outlet; and a magnet. The system also includes a controller configured to operate the spinning membrane to receive biological fluid and to direct the target cells to the first container, to pause to permit magnetic particles to be associated with the target cells in the first container, to operate the spinning membrane to receive the contents of the first container with the magnet applied to the target cells associated with the magnetic particles, to remove or deactivate the magnet, and to transfer the target cells to the second container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Bret M. Olson, Alaina Schlinker, Steven Binninger, Avnie A. Kadakia, Kyle Thompson, Kyle Wolok, Melanie Hamilton
  • Patent number: 11873867
    Abstract: An electric vehicle transmission includes a housing, a first gear, a second gear, and a first clutch pack supported in the housing. A first actuator is arranged in the housing. The first actuator is coupled with a first actuator member. A second actuator is arranged in the housing. The second actuator is coupled with a second actuator member. A modular actuation system is mounted to the housing. The modular actuation system includes a first energizer member and a second energizer member. The first energizer member is operatively connected to the first actuator and is operable to engage the first gear and the second energizer member is operatively connected to the second actuator and is operable to engage the second gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Clinton E. Carey, Dongxu Li, Edward W. Mellet, Bret M. Olson
  • Patent number: 11767005
    Abstract: A method of testing a braking system for an automotive vehicle that includes a master cylinder, a brake booster, a plurality of brake assemblies, a plurality of inlet valves, each inlet valve adapted to selectively allow brake fluid to flow into one of the plurality of brake assemblies and a plurality of outlet valves, each outlet valve adapted to selectively allow brake fluid to flow from one of the brake assemblies to a brake fluid reservoir, the method includes testing a first one of the plurality of inlet valves, testing a first one of the plurality of outlet valves, and sending diagnostic information to a controller within the automotive vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Steven P. Moorman, Bret M. Olson, Shawn M. Harris
  • Publication number: 20230277735
    Abstract: A cell processing system includes a processor connectable to a source container filled with a biological fluid, the processor including a separator configured to separate the biological fluid from the source container into at least two streams according to a process including at least one process parameter, and a controller coupled to the processor and an input. The controller is configured to receive the at least one process parameter, to evaluate the process using the at least one process parameter before performing the process, and to carry out one or more actions based on the evaluation, such as providing an output estimate to the operator, preventing the process from being performed according to a comparison between a calculated condition and a control, or providing an error indication to the operator according to the calculated condition and a measured in-process condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Daniel Boggs, Bret M. Olson, Steven C. Binninger, James D. Hosek
  • Patent number: 11672891
    Abstract: A cell processing system includes a processor connectable to a source container filled with a biological fluid, the processor including a separator configured to separate the biological fluid from the source container into at least two streams according to a process including at least one process parameter, and a controller coupled to the processor and an input. The controller is configured to receive the at least one process parameter, to evaluate the process using the at least one process parameter before performing the process, and to carry out one or more actions based on the evaluation, such as providing an output estimate to the operator, preventing the process from being performed according to a comparison between a calculated condition and a control, or providing an error indication to the operator according to the calculated condition and a measured in-process condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Daniel Boggs, Bret M. Olson, Steven C. Binninger, James D. Hosek
  • Patent number: 11478755
    Abstract: A fluid processing system includes a disposable fluid circuit and reusable hardware configured to accept the disposable fluid circuit. The disposable fluid circuit includes a spinning membrane separator, first and second syringes, and a flow control cassette. The reusable hardware includes a spinning membrane separator drive coupled to the spinning membrane separator, first and second syringe pumps coupled to the first and second syringes respectively, a control cassette interface coupled to the flow control cassette, and at least one controller coupled to the spinning membrane separator drive, the first and second syringe pumps, and the control cassette interface. The controller is configured to selectively operate the drive, the first and second syringe pumps, and the interface to provide a procedure according to a protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Bret M. Olson, Carolyn Kos, Timothy Getschman, Mark J. Brierton, Robert A. Brown
  • Publication number: 20220055599
    Abstract: A method of testing a braking system for an automotive vehicle that includes a master cylinder, a brake booster, a plurality of brake assemblies, a plurality of inlet valves, each inlet valve adapted to selectively allow brake fluid to flow into one of the plurality of brake assemblies and a plurality of outlet valves, each outlet valve adapted to selectively allow brake fluid to flow from one of the brake assemblies to a brake fluid reservoir, the method includes testing a first one of the plurality of inlet valves, testing a first one of the plurality of outlet valves, and sending diagnostic information to a controller within the automotive vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Inventors: Steven P. Moorman, Bret M. Olson, Shawn M. Harris
  • Publication number: 20210398664
    Abstract: A method of processing blood includes receiving from a touch screen user input data for a protocol for a wash procedure. The user input data includes a numeric value. The method includes storing the protocol in a memory, receiving an identifier from a user, determining if the identifier permits the user to modify the protocol and receiving a modification of the protocol from the user. The method includes providing a plurality of authorizations, a second authorization being a default and an administrator authorization permitting the user to change a setting. The method includes comparing a password to a password stored in memory and, if there is a match, determining that the password is associated with an administrator. If a command to change the setting is received, the command is applied to change the setting. The blood is processed employing a wash procedure using the modified protocol and the changed setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2021
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Applicant: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Binninger, Christopher J. Wegener, Alaina Schlinker, Bret M. Olson
  • Patent number: 11191879
    Abstract: A cell processing system includes a processor connectable to a source container filled with a biological fluid, the processor including a separator configured to separate the biological fluid from the source container into at least two streams according to a process including at least one process parameter, and a controller coupled to the processor and an input. The controller is configured to receive the at least one process parameter, to evaluate the process using the at least one process parameter before performing the process, and to carry out one or more actions based on the evaluation, such as providing an output estimate to the operator, preventing the process from being performed according to a comparison between a calculated condition and a control, or providing an error indication to the operator according to the calculated condition and a measured in-process condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: FENWAL, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Daniel Boggs, Bret M. Olson, Steven C. Binninger, James D. Hosek
  • Publication number: 20210361835
    Abstract: A cell processing system includes a processor connectable to a source container filled with a biological fluid, the processor including a separator configured to separate the biological fluid from the source container into at least two streams according to a process including at least one process parameter, and a controller coupled to the processor and an input. The controller is configured to receive the at least one process parameter, to evaluate the process using the at least one process parameter before performing the process, and to carry out one or more actions based on the evaluation, such as providing an output estimate to the operator, preventing the process from being performed according to a comparison between a calculated condition and a control, or providing an error indication to the operator according to the calculated condition and a measured in-process condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Daniel Boggs, Bret M. Olson, Steven C. Binninger, James D. Hosek
  • Patent number: 11139074
    Abstract: A cell processing system includes a processor to receive a biological fluid to be processed, a controller coupled to the processor, the controller configured to operate the processor according to at least one modifiable process parameter, and at least one input coupled to the controller, the at least one input configured to receive an identifier and at least one process parameter control associated with the at least one process parameter that limits modification of the at least one process parameter if applied. The controller is configured to determine if the identifier is associated with an administrator authorization and to apply the at least one processor parameter control to the at least one process parameter if the identifier is associated with an administrator authorization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Binninger, Christopher J. Wegener, Alaina Schlinker, Bret M. Olson
  • Patent number: 11062805
    Abstract: A cell washing system includes a fluid circuit, a source container, a source of wash solution, a pump, and a separator device. The system also includes a touch screen configured to receive user input and to display data to a user, and a controller coupled to the touch screen and configured to control the separator device and pump to operate a wash procedure, wherein the controller is configured to receive from the touch screen user input data for at least one protocol, the at least one protocol including values for a set of process parameters for a wash procedure, to store the at least one protocol in a memory, to receive an identifier associated with a user, to apply the at least one protocol based at least in part on the identifier, and to operate the wash procedure using the applied protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Binninger, Christopher J. Wegener, Alaina Schlinker, Bret M. Olson
  • Publication number: 20210046426
    Abstract: A fluid processing system includes a disposable fluid circuit and reusable hardware configured to accept the disposable fluid circuit. The disposable fluid circuit includes a spinning membrane separator, first and second syringes, and a flow control cassette. The reusable hardware includes a spinning membrane separator drive coupled to the spinning membrane separator, first and second syringe pumps coupled to the first and second syringes respectively, a control cassette interface coupled to the flow control cassette, and at least one controller coupled to the spinning membrane separator drive, the first and second syringe pumps, and the control cassette interface. The controller is configured to selectively operate the drive, the first and second syringe pumps, and the interface to provide a procedure according to a protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2019
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Bret M. Olson, Carolyn Kos, Timothy Getschman, Mark J. Brierton, Robert A. Brown
  • Publication number: 20210043317
    Abstract: A cell washing system includes a fluid circuit, a source container, a source of wash solution, a pump, and a separator device. The system also includes a touch screen configured to receive user input and to display data to a user, and a controller coupled to the touch screen and configured to control the separator device and pump to operate a wash procedure, wherein the controller is configured to receive from the touch screen user input data for at least one protocol, the at least one protocol including values for a set of process parameters for a wash procedure, to store the at least one protocol in a memory, to receive an identifier associated with a user, to apply the at least one protocol based at least in part on the identifier, and to operate the wash procedure using the applied protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Inventors: Steven Binninger, Christopher J. Wegener, Alaina Schlinker, Bret M. Olson
  • Patent number: 10654000
    Abstract: A network of cell processing systems including a plurality of cell processing instruments and a server computer. Each cell processing instrument includes a control circuit configured to operate the cell processing instrument according to a modifiable process parameter, a component of the cell processing instrument and a sensor configured to measure a characteristic of the component. The server computer is disposed remotely from the cell processing instruments, and is configured to transmit a request message for a value measured by the sensor, receive a response message based on the request message, and generate a notification message based on the response message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Binninger, Bret M. Olson, Alaina Schlinker, Christopher J. Wegener
  • Patent number: 10641391
    Abstract: A vehicle propulsion system includes an oncoming condition sensor that generates an oncoming condition signal, a continuously variable transmission with a variator assembly adapted to transfer torque between a first rotating member and a second rotating member through a flexible continuous device rotatably coupling the first rotating member to the second rotating member, one of the first rotating member and second rotating member including a clamping pulley adapted to controllably adjust a clamping force on the flexible continuous device, and a controller in communication with the oncoming condition sensor and the continuously variable transmission that is programmed to characterize an oncoming condition based upon the oncoming condition signal and to control the clamping pulley to adjust the clamping force based on the characterization of the oncoming condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Craig D. Reynolds, Avinash Singh, Bret M. Olson, Douglas A. Ward, Nolan K. Perry
  • Publication number: 20200009309
    Abstract: A cell processing system includes at least one processor connectable to a source container filled with a biological fluid, the processor including a spinning membrane configured to receive and separate target cells from the biological fluid, the target cells exiting at a first outlet, first and second containers selectively connected to the first outlet; and a magnet. The system also includes a controller configured to operate the spinning membrane to receive biological fluid and to direct the target cells to the first container, to pause to permit magnetic particles to be associated with the target cells in the first container, to operate the spinning membrane to receive the contents of the first container with the magnet applied to the target cells associated with the magnetic particles, to remove or deactivate the magnet, and to transfer the target cells to the second container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Bret M. Olson, Alaina Schlinker, Steven Binninger, Avnie A. Kadakia, Kyle Thompson, Kyle Wolok, Melanie Hamilton
  • Publication number: 20190323602
    Abstract: A vehicle propulsion system includes an oncoming condition sensor that generates an oncoming condition signal, a continuously variable transmission with a variator assembly adapted to transfer torque between a first rotating member and a second rotating member through a flexible continuous device rotatably coupling the first rotating member to the second rotating member, one of the first rotating member and second rotating member including a clamping pulley adapted to controllably adjust a clamping force on the flexible continuous device, and a controller in communication with the oncoming condition sensor and the continuously variable transmission that is programmed to characterize an oncoming condition based upon the oncoming condition signal and to control the clamping pulley to adjust the clamping force based on the characterization of the oncoming condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Inventors: Craig D. Reynolds, Avinash Singh, Bret M. Olson, Douglas A. Ward, Nolan K. Perry