Patents by Inventor Brian Thomas Kelly

Brian Thomas Kelly 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: 11318248
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Alec Huang, Brian Thomas Kelly, Tam Nolan
  • Patent number: 11187572
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Joe Fazio, Alec Huang, Brian Thomas Kelly, Tam Nolan, Mark Smith
  • Patent number: 11110214
    Abstract: The present specification provides a dialysate management system for generating, weighing, and heating a dialysate fluid during a dialysis treatment. The dialysate management system includes a container and base enclosure. A bottom surface of the container rests within the base enclosure, which is configured to weigh the fluid in the container and measure its conductivity. The fluid may be heated using a heater integrated into the base enclosure or positioned in-line with a fluid pathway. The base of the container is preferably sloped and positioned within the internal volume of the container is a disposable prescription bag having a predefined quantity of prescription compositions that dissolve when water is poured into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Brian Thomas Kelly
  • Patent number: 10857281
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Alec Huang, Brian Thomas Kelly
  • Publication number: 20200191640
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Joe Fazio, Alec Huang, Brian Thomas Kelly, Tam Nolan, Mark Smith
  • Publication number: 20200155756
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Alec Huang, Brian Thomas Kelly, Tam Nolan
  • Publication number: 20200061280
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Alec Huang, Brian Thomas Kelly
  • Patent number: 10539450
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Joe Fazio, Alec Huang, Brian Thomas Kelly, Tam Nolan, Mark Smith
  • Patent number: 10383993
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Alec Huang, Brian Thomas Kelly, Tam Nolan
  • Patent number: 10258731
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Alec Huang, Brian Thomas Kelly
  • Publication number: 20180321077
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Joe Fazio, Alec Huang, Brian Thomas Kelly, Tam Nolan, Mark Smith
  • Publication number: 20180289879
    Abstract: The present specification provides a dialysate management system for generating, weighing, and heating a dialysate fluid during a dialysis treatment. The dialysate management system includes a container and base enclosure. A bottom surface of the container rests within the base enclosure, which is configured to weigh the fluid in the container and measure its conductivity. The fluid may be heated using a heater integrated into the base enclosure or positioned in-line with a fluid pathway. The base of the container is preferably sloped and positioned within the internal volume of the container is a disposable prescription bag having a predefined quantity of prescription compositions that dissolve when water is poured into the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Brian Thomas Kelly
  • Patent number: 9841310
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Joe Fazio, Alec Huang, Brian Thomas Kelly, Tam Nolan, Mark Smith
  • Publication number: 20170021088
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Alec Huang, Brian Thomas Kelly
  • Publication number: 20160317733
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Alec Huang, Brian Thomas Kelly, Tam Nolan
  • Patent number: 9358331
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Alec Huang, Brian Thomas Kelly, Tam Nolan
  • Patent number: 9308307
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Alec Huang, Brian Thomas Kelly
  • Publication number: 20160069732
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Joe Fazio, Alec Huang, Brian Thomas Kelly, Tam Nolan, Mark Smith
  • Patent number: 9157786
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Joe Fazio, Alec Huang, Brian Thomas Kelly, Tam Nolan, Mark Smith
  • Publication number: 20140174835
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Joe Fazio, Alec Huang, Brian Thomas Kelly, Tam Nolan, Mark Smith