Patents by Inventor Calvin Blankenship

Calvin Blankenship 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: 9492624
    Abstract: An IV line temperature controlled warming device includes a housing and a fluid cassette or cartridge that receives fluid from an IV line and includes intravenous line tubing arranged in a preformed configuration. The configuration includes tubing sections arranged in generally circular and concentric portions and a central serpentine tubing section that basically reverses fluid flow and facilitates flow in opposing directions within adjacent tubing sections. The fluid cassette is retained within the device on a base plate partially disposed within a device housing interior, while a housing cover is selectively opened and closed to permit access to the base plate. The base plate includes a heater plate disposed thereon, while the cover and heater plate each include heating elements to apply heat to opposing surfaces of the tubing cassette. The heating elements are controlled by a controller in response to measured temperatures of the heater plate and fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Medical Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Durward I. Faries, Jr., Bruce R. Heymann, Calvin Blankenship, David Hendrix
  • Patent number: 9119912
    Abstract: A system for controlling pressurized infusion and temperature of intravenous fluids according to the present invention includes a housing, a heating assembly and a flexible cover. The heating assembly is recessed within the housing and includes a generally U-shaped configuration to surround and uniformly heat fluid within a fluid container placed thereon. The cover wraps around a portion of the fluid container to secure the fluid container against the heating assembly. The cover includes a pressurization member to apply a desired pressure to the fluid container to achieve a desired flow rate of intravenous fluid from the fluid container to an infusion site on a patient. The system further includes a controller to control the heating assembly and pressure within the pressurization member in accordance with desired temperature and pressure information entered into the controller for system operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Medical Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Durward I. Faries, Jr., Bruce R. Heymann, Calvin Blankenship, David Hendrix
  • Patent number: 8920372
    Abstract: An IV line temperature controlled warming device includes a housing and a fluid cassette or cartridge that receives fluid from an IV line and includes intravenous line tubing arranged in a preformed configuration. The configuration includes tubing sections arranged in generally circular and concentric portions and a central serpentine tubing section that basically reverses fluid flow and facilitates flow in opposing directions within adjacent tubing sections. The fluid cassette is retained within the device on a base plate partially disposed within a device housing interior, while a housing cover is selectively opened and closed to permit access to the base plate. The base plate includes a heater plate disposed thereon, while the cover and heater plate each include heating elements to apply heat to opposing surfaces of the tubing cassette. The heating elements are controlled by a controller in response to measured temperatures of the heater plate and fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Medical Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Durward I. Faries, Jr., Bruce R. Heymann, Calvin Blankenship, David Hendrix
  • Patent number: 8920387
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressure infusion and temperature control of infused liquids including an infrared sensing device mounted proximate a drip chamber to ascertain drip count. The infrared sensing device having particular features such as emission and detection window shapes, arrangement of emission and detection windows and different numbers of emitters and detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Medical Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Durward I. Faries, Jr., Bruce Heymann, Calvin Blankenship, George T. DuBose, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8821011
    Abstract: An intravenous solution bag includes a temperature sensing device in the form of a temperature sensing strip. The strip includes a temperature scale and corresponding temperature sensitive substances that change color or illuminate the scale indicators to visually indicate solution temperature. The strip may be formed integral with the bag, may be attached to the bag exterior surface, may be laminated to the bag exterior surface or may be encased with the bag within a solution bag liner. Further, the temperature sensing strip may be affixed to bottles containing intravenous or other solutions, where the strip is attached to the bottle exterior surface or to a label affixed to the bottle to measure and indicate temperature of fluid contained therein as described above. Moreover, the temperature sensing strip may be employed by a receptacle or delivery tube of an infusion apparatus to measure and indicate solution temperature prior to or during infusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Medical Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Durward I. Faries, Jr., Bruce R. Heymann, Calvin Blankenship
  • Patent number: 8313462
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressure infusion and temperature control of infused liquids includes a receptacle for receiving a liquid-filled bag containing intravenous solution or other liquid and an inflatable pressure device. The inflatable pressure device is disposed within a pressure device bag and is positioned proximate the liquid-filled bag in the receptacle. The inflatable pressure device expands within the pressure device bag upon inflation and exerts pressure on the liquid-filled bag. A heating element may be disposed on the inflatable pressure device bag to heat the liquid-filled bag to a desired temperature. The liquid may alternatively be maintained at a desired temperature, while flowing to a patient via a heating assembly disposed along a tube. The heating assembly includes a sleeve having a slot for receiving the tube and a plurality of individually controlled heaters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Medical Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Durward I. Faries, Jr., Bruce Heymann, Calvin Blankenship, George T. DuBose, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8226293
    Abstract: A device according to present invention embodiments measures the temperature of fluid within an IV line at selected locations. The device may be in the form of a fitting including a projection in fluid communication with a fluid channel to receive a temperature sensor. A thermally conductive receptacle may be disposed in the projection to receive the temperature sensor and partially extends into the fluid channel for contact with the fluid. The temperature sensor may be coupled to a temperature display device and/or controller to display the measured temperature and/or control a thermal element to regulate fluid temperature. The fitting may further include a looped configuration and/or a control valve that controls the flow of fluid through the fluid channel. In addition, the device may further be connected to, or be in the form of, a needle hub to measure fluid temperature proximate the entry site on a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Medical Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Durward I. Faries, Jr., Bruce R. Heymann, Calvin Blankenship, David Hendrix
  • Patent number: 8226605
    Abstract: An IV line temperature controlled warming device includes a housing and a fluid cassette or cartridge that receives fluid from an IV line and includes intravenous line tubing arranged in a preformed configuration. The configuration includes tubing sections arranged in generally circular and concentric portions and a central serpentine tubing section that basically reverses fluid flow and facilitates flow in opposing directions within adjacent tubing sections. The fluid cassette is retained within the device on a base plate partially disposed within a device housing interior, while a housing cover is selectively opened and closed to permit access to the base plate. The base plate includes a heater plate disposed thereon, while the cover and heater plate each include heating elements to apply heat to opposing surfaces of the tubing cassette. The heating elements are controlled by a controller in response to measured temperatures of the heater plate and fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Medical Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Durward I. Faries, Jr., Bruce R. Heymann, Calvin Blankenship, David Hendrix
  • Publication number: 20120053518
    Abstract: An IV line temperature controlled warming device includes a housing and a fluid cassette or cartridge that receives fluid from an IV line and includes intravenous line tubing arranged in a preformed configuration. The configuration includes tubing sections arranged in generally circular and concentric portions and a central serpentine tubing section that basically reverses fluid flow and facilitates flow in opposing directions within adjacent tubing sections. The fluid cassette is retained within the device on a base plate partially disposed within a device housing interior, while a housing cover is selectively opened and closed to permit access to the base plate. The base plate includes a heater plate disposed thereon, while the cover and heater plate each include heating elements to apply heat to opposing surfaces of the tubing cassette. The heating elements are controlled by a controller in response to measured temperatures of the heater plate and fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Durward I. Faries, JR., Bruce R. Heymann, Calvin Blankenship, David Hendrix
  • Publication number: 20110270367
    Abstract: A drape including a sensing device according to the present invention is disposed over a top surface of a thermal treatment system having a basin recessed therein. A portion of the drape is pushed down into the basin to form a drape container for collecting a sterile medium. The thermal treatment system may be of the type that either heats or congeals the sterile medium. The sensing device includes electrodes that are typically disposed through the drape and sealed. The electrodes provide signals indicating the presence of liquid and/or leaks or other conditions within the drape container to the system to facilitate control of system operation. In addition, the sensing device includes a fuse to limit the drape to a single use. The system disables the fuse to indicate prior use and detects tampering to bypass the fuse, thereby preventing use of the drape for subsequent medical procedures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Durward I. Faries, JR., Bruce R. Heymann, Calvin Blankenship, David Hendrix
  • Patent number: 7959860
    Abstract: A drape including a sensing device according to the present invention is disposed over a top surface of a thermal treatment system having a basin recessed therein. A portion of the drape is pushed down into the basin to form a drape container for collecting a sterile medium. The thermal treatment system may be of the type that either heats or congeals the sterile medium. The sensing device includes electrodes that are typically disposed through the drape and sealed. The electrodes provide signals indicating the presence of liquid and/or leaks or other conditions within the drape container to the system to facilitate control of system operation. In addition, the sensing device includes a fuse to limit the drape to a single use. The system disables the fuse to indicate prior use and detects tampering to bypass the fuse, thereby preventing use of the drape for subsequent medical procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventors: Durward I. Faries, Jr., Bruce R. Heymann, Calvin Blankenship, David Hendrix
  • Patent number: 7942851
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressure infusion and temperature control of infused liquids includes a receptacle for receiving a liquid-filled bag containing intravenous solution or other liquid and an inflatable pressure device. The inflatable pressure device is disposed within a pressure device bag and is positioned proximate the liquid-filled bag in the receptacle. The inflatable pressure device expands within the pressure device bag upon inflation and exerts pressure on the liquid-filled bag. A heating element may be disposed on the inflatable pressure device bag to heat the liquid-filled bag to a desired temperature. The liquid may alternatively be maintained at a desired temperature, while flowing to a patient via a heating assembly disposed along a tube. The heating assembly includes a sleeve having a slot for receiving the tube and a plurality of individually controlled heaters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Medical Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Durward I. Faries, Jr., Bruce Heymann, Calvin Blankenship, George T. DuBose, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100168671
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressure infusion and temperature control of infused liquids includes a receptacle for receiving a liquid-filled bag containing intravenous solution or other liquid and an inflatable pressure device. The inflatable pressure device is disposed within a pressure device bag and is positioned proximate the liquid-filled bag in the receptacle. The inflatable pressure device expands within the pressure device bag upon inflation and exerts pressure on the liquid-filled bag. A heating element may be disposed on the inflatable pressure device bag to heat the liquid-filled bag to a desired temperature. The liquid may alternatively be maintained at a desired temperature, while flowing to a patient via a heating assembly disposed along a tube. The heating assembly includes a sleeve having a slot for receiving the tube and a plurality of individually controlled heaters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Durward I. Faries, JR., Bruce Heymann, Calvin Blankenship, George T. DuBose, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100111135
    Abstract: A temperature sensing device measures the temperature of a fluid at selected locations along an IV fluid line. The device is secured to a selected portion of the IV line and includes a temperature sensor for measuring fluid flowing within that line. The device is coupled to a temperature display device to display the measured temperature. The temperature sensing device may include: a housing with a lower cover to engage the line and a temperature sensor; a holder movable along the line and including a temperature sensor; a housing with a lower member including a tip to pierce and measure temperature of fluid within the line; a resilient member with a spiral configuration and a tip to pierce and measure temperature of fluid within the line; a ‘T’-type fitting including a temperature sensor; or a ‘Y’-type fitting including a temperature sensor in the form of a needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Durward I. Faries, JR., Bruce R. Heymann, Calvin Blankenship, David Hendrix
  • Patent number: 7546869
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning and supporting the work platform of a mobile workover rig is disclosed. The work platform of the preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes a unique support structure and automated positioning system for positioning the work platform at the desired height above the wellhead equipment. The preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes a specialized automated “pinning” system that secures the work platform at the desired height. Additionally, the present invention utilizes one or more support cylinders to position and support the work platform in the horizontal position over the wellhead equipment. The automated positioning and pinning system of the present invention is a unique system that significantly reduces the time required to position the work platform of a mobile workover rig in the operating position, as well as significantly reduces the risk of injury to rig personnel assisting in the positioning operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: National-Oilwell, L.P.
    Inventors: Jeff A. Lambert, James C. Garrett, Kenneth L. Cambern, Joel M. Ferland, Jay D. Furnish, Donald W. Johnson, Michael R. Zemanek, James R. Cirone, Calvin Blankenship
  • Patent number: 7540864
    Abstract: A temperature sensing device measures the temperature of a fluid at selected locations along an IV fluid line. The device is secured to a selected portion of the IV line and includes a temperature sensor for measuring fluid flowing within that line. The device is coupled to a temperature display device to display the measured temperature. The temperature sensing device may include: a housing with a lower cover to engage the line and a temperature sensor; a holder movable along the line and including a temperature sensor; a housing with a lower member including a tip to pierce and measure temperature of fluid within the line; a resilient member with a spiral configuration and a tip to pierce and measure temperature of fluid within the line; a ‘T’-type fitting including a temperature sensor; or a ‘Y’-type fitting including a temperature sensor in the form of a needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Medical Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Durward I. Faries, Jr., Bruce R. Heymann, Calvin Blankenship, David Hendrix
  • Publication number: 20080205481
    Abstract: A device according to present invention embodiments measures the temperature of fluid within an IV line at selected locations. The device may be in the form of a fitting including a projection in fluid communication with a fluid channel to receive a temperature sensor. A thermally conductive receptacle may be disposed in the projection to receive the temperature sensor and partially extends into the fluid channel for contact with the fluid. The temperature sensor may be coupled to a temperature display device and/or controller to display the measured temperature and/or control a thermal element to regulate fluid temperature. The fitting may further include a looped configuration and/or a control valve that controls the flow of fluid through the fluid channel. In addition, the device may further be connected to, or be in the form of, a needle hub to measure fluid temperature proximate the entry site on a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Durward I. Faries, Bruce R. Heymann, Calvin Blankenship, David Hendrix
  • Patent number: 7417205
    Abstract: Various present invention devices enable adherence to requirements for medical items. A medical item of the present invention includes a monitoring or data recording device to monitor and/or record medical solution conditions. The device may further include indicators to indicate compliance of the medical solution with prescribed requirements (e.g., manufacturer, medical standard or regulation, etc.). The medical item may alternatively include a barcode or transponder to uniquely identify the medical item to a thermal treatment system measuring and storing conditions in a central database. The present invention further includes various thermal treatment systems that monitor medical items for prescribed requirements and display the monitored parameters to medical personnel. In addition, the present invention may place time stamp information on medical items to enable determination by medical personnel of compliance with prescribed requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Patented Medical Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Durward I. Faries, Jr., Bruce R. Heymann, Calvin Blankenship, David Hendrix
  • Publication number: 20080147016
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressure infusion and temperature control of infused liquids includes a receptacle for receiving a liquid-filled bag containing intravenous solution or other liquid and an inflatable pressure device. The inflatable pressure device is disposed within a pressure device bag and is positioned proximate the liquid-filled bag in the receptacle. The inflatable pressure device expands within the pressure device bag upon inflation and exerts pressure on the liquid-filled bag. A heating element may be disposed on the inflatable pressure device bag to heat the liquid-filled bag to a desired temperature. The liquid may alternatively be maintained at a desired temperature, while flowing to a patient via a heating assembly disposed along a tube. The heating assembly includes a sleeve having a slot for receiving the tube and a plurality of individually controlled heaters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Durward I. Faries, Bruce Heymann, Calvin Blankenship, George T. DuBose
  • Publication number: 20080063498
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning and supporting the work platform of a mobile workover rig is disclosed. The work platform of the preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes a unique support structure and automated positioning system for positioning the work platform at the desired height above the wellhead equipment. The preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes a specialized automated “pinning” system that secures the work platform at the desired height. Additionally, the present invention utilizes one or more support cylinders to position and support the work platform in the horizontal position over the wellhead equipment. The automated positioning and pinning system of the present invention is a unique system that significantly reduces the time required to position the work platform of a mobile workover rig in the operating position, as well as significantly reduces the risk of injury to rig personnel assisting in the positioning operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Jeff Lambert, James Garrett, Kenneth Cambern, Joel Ferland, Jay Furnish, Donald Johnson, Michael Zemanek, James Cirone, Calvin Blankenship