Patents by Inventor Christopher Brian Locke

Christopher Brian Locke 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: 11123537
    Abstract: A system is described herein that can irrigate a tissue site using negative-pressure. The system may include a tissue interface configured to be placed adjacent to the tissue site, and a sealing member configured to be placed over the tissue interface to form a sealed space. The system may also include a negative-pressure source configured to be fluidly coupled to the sealed space and a fluid source. The system may further include an irrigation valve. The irrigation valve can have a fluid inlet configured to be fluidly coupled to the fluid source. The irrigation valve can also have a fluid outlet configured to be fluidly coupled to the sealed space. The irrigation valve may also include a clamp configured to be actuated by the negative-pressure source to regulate fluid flow from the fluid source through the fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Luckemeyer, Timothy Mark Robinson, Christopher Brian Locke
  • Patent number: 11116887
    Abstract: Fluid supply systems and methods for therapeutic fluid delivery systems, including those used for negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) systems and methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Andrew Pratt, Daniel Evans, Christopher Brian Locke, Kenneth Mitchel Knowles
  • Patent number: 11103386
    Abstract: A dressing for treating tissue with negative pressure may be a composite of dressing layers, including a release film, perforated gel layer, a perforated polymer film, a manifold, and an adhesive cover. A method of manufacturing the dressing may comprise providing a first layer, such as the gel layer, on a substrate, perforating the first layer on the substrate to create a plurality of apertures in the first layer, and creating an index of the plurality of apertures in the first layer. A laser can be calibrated based on the index. A second layer, such as the polymer film, may be coupled to the first layer, and a plurality of slots can be cut in the second layer with the laser. Each of the slots can be cut through one of the apertures in the first layer based on the index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Locke, John Elwood
  • Patent number: 11096829
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for generating and releasing iodine are described. Some embodiments may include a dressing member including a plurality of iodine-forming reagents and a water-swellable material. In some embodiments, the dressing member may include water-swellable fibers. The water-swellable fibers may each include a water-swellable material in which iodine-forming reagents are dispersed. As liquid comes into contact with and is absorbed by the water-swellable material, the iodine-forming reagents may come into contact with each other, causing an iodine-forming reaction to occur, producing iodine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Mark Robinson, Brian Andrews, Christopher Brian Locke
  • Patent number: 11096830
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a dressing assembly may include a dressing bolster, an interface seal, and a base layer. The dressing bolster may include a first side, a second side, and a periphery. The interface seal may be coupled at the periphery of the dressing bolster. The base layer may include a base layer flange configured to be coupled to the dressing and to extend beyond the periphery of the dressing bolster. The dressing assembly may be suitable for treating a tissue site with reduced pressure and for creating an apposition force between a first portion of the tissue site and a second portion of the tissue site. Other systems, apparatus, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Andrew Pratt, Christopher Brian Locke, Timothy Mark Robinson
  • Patent number: 11083630
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and dressing are presented for treating a tunnel wound on a patient. In one instance, a reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing includes a longitudinal core member formed from a closed-cell foam that is surrounded by a first longitudinal concentric member formed from a manifolding material. When subjected to reduced pressure, the longitudinal core member expands and the first longitudinal concentric member compresses. These actions create intimate contact between the tunnel wound and the dressing, oppose collapse of the tunnel, and when reduced pressure is removed provide clearance to remove the dressing. Other embodiments are presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Aidan Marcus Tout, Richard Daniel John Coulthard, Christopher Brian Locke, Timothy Mark Robinson
  • Patent number: 11083884
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for irrigating a tissue site are described. The system can include a tissue interface and a sealing member configured to be placed over the tissue site to form a sealed space, and a negative-pressure source fluidly coupled to the sealed space. The system includes an irrigation valve having a housing, a piston disposed in the housing, a fluid inlet to fluidly couple a fluid inlet chamber to a fluid source, and a fluid outlet to fluidly couple a fluid outlet chamber to the sealed space. A piston passage extends through the piston and fluidly couples the fluid inlet chamber and the fluid outlet chamber, and a biasing member is coupled to the piston to bias the irrigation valve to a closed position. The negative-pressure source is configured to move the piston between the closed position and an open position to draw fluid to the sealed space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Mark Robinson, Christopher Brian Locke, James A. Luckemeyer
  • Patent number: 11083629
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for promoting re-epithelialization as an aspect of wound healing are presented. A re-epithelialization dressing for use with reduced pressure has a moist tissue-interface layer, a manifold member, and a sealing member. The moist tissue-interface layer has a plurality of apertures. The moist tissue-interface layer is for disposing adjacent to the wound and provides a moisture balance (i.e., provides moisture when the wound is dry and receives moisture when the wound site is substantially wet). The reduced pressure, apertures, and moist tissue-interface layer help with liquid management and otherwise promote re-epithelialization. Other systems, apparatuses, and methods are presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Locke, Timothy Mark Robinson, Richard Daniel John Coulthard
  • Publication number: 20210236342
    Abstract: This disclosure includes wound dressings and systems with low-flow, high-concentration therapeutic gas sources for topical wound therapy and related methods. Some dressings, which are configured to be coupled to tissue to facilitate delivery of therapeutic gas to the tissue, comprise a manifold that defines a plurality of gas passageways, the manifold configured to allow communication of therapeutic gas to the tissue; a sorbent material configured to be disposed above or below the manifold and to capture exudate; and a gas-occlusive layer configured to be disposed over the manifold and the sorbent material and coupled to the tissue such that an interior volume containing the manifold and the sorbent material is defined between the gas-occlusive layer and the tissue and the gas-occlusive layer limits escape of therapeutic gas from the interior volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Inventors: Justin Alexander Long, Christopher Brian Locke, Timothy Mark Robinson
  • Patent number: 11058453
    Abstract: Skin graft harvesting systems and methods are disclosed that utilize sensors to automate the harvesting of skin grafts or assist a user in deciding when the skin graft is ready to be harvested. Such systems and methods can reduce the burden of visual observation and ensure greater reliability and consistency of the grafts. The invention is particularly useful with harvesters that rely upon suction and/or heating to raise a plurality of small or “micro” blisters simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: KCI LICENSING, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin A. Pratt, Christopher Brian Locke, Timothy Mark Robinson, Kevin Higley, Tab Randolph, T. Blane Sanders
  • Patent number: 11045594
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for treating a tissue site with reduced pressure are described. The system includes a manifold configured to be placed adjacent the tissue site, and a sealing member configured to be placed over the tissue site and the manifold. The system also includes a reduced-pressure source fluidly coupled to the manifold through the sealing member. The system further includes a pouch having an upstream layer having a first thickness, a downstream layer having a second thickness, and an absorbent member enclosed between the upstream layer and the downstream layer. The second thickness is greater than the first thickness. The upstream layer may have a hydrophilic side adjacent the absorbent member, and the downstream layer may have a hydrophobic side adjacent the absorbent member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: David George Whyte, Christopher Brian Locke, Richard Daniel John Coulthard
  • Patent number: 11045593
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for detecting leaks in systems for treating a patient with reduced pressure. In one instance, a system includes a distribution manifold for disposing proximate to the tissue site and a sealing member for disposing over the distribution manifold and at least a portion of intact epidermis of the patient. The sealing member has at least a portion that is substantially transparent. The system further includes a reduced-pressure source associated with the distribution manifold for providing reduced pressure to the distribution manifold and a leak-detection member sized and configured to substantially surround the distribution manifold. The leak-detection member includes a detection material that develops a color contrast when a portion is exposed to air and a portion is not exposed to air. The leak detection member works with even low flow systems. Other systems, methods, and apparatus are presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Locke, Timothy Mark Robinson, Aidan Marcus Tout, Justin Alexander Long
  • Patent number: 11033664
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing reduced pressure at a tissue site are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a pump for supplying reduced pressure to the tissue site, a motor coupled to the pump to propel the pump, and a drive system electrically coupled to the motor that includes a power source that provides a source of direct current power to the motor during an operational period at a substantially constant current and of sufficient magnitude to supply a targeted reduced pressure during the operational period. The drive system also includes a controller that monitors the pump's loading on the motor by measuring the voltage across the motor to determine whether the motor voltage remains within a predetermined operational range of voltages necessary for maintaining the reduced pressure supplied by the pump proximate to the targeted reduced pressure without directly measuring the reduced pressure using a pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Locke, David Robson Blandford, Richard Daniel John Coulthard
  • Patent number: 11026844
    Abstract: In some illustrative embodiments, a system suitable for treating a tissue site may include a dressing, a low-profile conduit, a conduit interface, and a reduced-pressure source. The dressing may be adapted for positioning at the tissue site. The low-profile conduit may be adapted for fluidly coupling to the dressing. The low-profile conduit may include a manifold and a sealing member encapsulating the manifold. The conduit interface may be adapted for fluidly coupling to the low-profile conduit. The conduit interface may be in fluid communication with the dressing through the low-profile conduit. The reduced-pressure source may be adapted for fluid communication with the conduit interface. Other systems, devices, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Locke, Timothy Mark Robinson, David George Whyte
  • Patent number: 11026845
    Abstract: Connection pads for coupling fluid-instillation and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) apparatuses to wound dressing, and methods and wound dressings for breaching a drape after coupling a wound dressing to a fluid-instillation and/or NPWT apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Locke, Colin John Hall, Aidan Marcus Tout, Paul S. Slack, Thomas Paul Lawhorn, Timothy Mark Robinson
  • Patent number: 11020516
    Abstract: A reduced pressure dressing for applying reduced pressure treatment to a tissue site includes an interface layer adapted to be positioned at the tissue site. An absorbent layer is in fluid communication with the interface layer to absorb liquid from at least one of the interface layer and the tissue site. A pump is in fluid communication with the absorbent layer to deliver a reduced pressure to the tissue site. A cover is positioned over the pump, the absorbent layer, and the interface layer to maintain the reduced pressure at the tissue site, and a liquid-air separator is positioned between the absorbent layer and the pump to inhibit liquid from entering the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Paul Jaeb, Richard Daniel John Coulthard, Timothy Mark Robinson, Christopher Brian Locke, Aidan Marcus Tout
  • Patent number: 11007084
    Abstract: A sealing drape may be suitable for use with a reduced-pressure treatment system for treating a tissue site. The sealing drape may have an interior surface adapted for positioning adjacent to a peripheral surface of the tissue site. The sealing drape may include a sealing material and an absorbent material. The sealing material may be hydrophobic and substantially free of hydrophilic components. Further, the sealing material may be positioned between the interior surface of the sealing drape and the absorbent material. The sealing drape may be used with a manifold for positioning at the tissue site, a reduced-pressure interface, and a reduced-pressure source. Methods of manufacture and treatment are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Mark Robinson, Christopher Brian Locke
  • Publication number: 20210128804
    Abstract: A system for applying negative pressure to a joint positioned in a treatment area. The system includes a negative pressure dressing. The negative pressure dressing includes a compressive layer and a sealing layer. The compressive layer includes a first surface and a second, treatment area-facing. The compressive layer further includes a first elongated portion configured to be positioned proximate the joint. The first elongated portion includes a first end and a second end. The compressive layer further includes a second elongated portion spaced from the first elongated portion and configured to be positioned proximate the joint. The second elongated portion includes a first end and a second end. The compressive layer further includes an interconnecting portion extending between the first elongated portion and the second elongated portion. The interconnecting portion is configured to overlie at least a portion of the joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Locke, Timothy Mark Robinson
  • Patent number: 10994062
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for instilling fluid to a tissue site in a negative-pressure therapy environment are described. Illustrative embodiments may include a pneumatically-actuated instillation pump that can draw a solution from a solution source during a negative-pressure interval, and instill the solution to a dressing during a venting interval. A pneumatic actuator may be mechanically coupled to a disposable distribution system that can provide a fluid path between the solution source and a distribution component. A bacterial filter may be disposed in the fluid path between the actuator and the distribution component to prevent contamination of the actuator during operation. The distribution system may be separated from the actuator and disposed of after operation, and the actuator may be re-used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Andrew Pratt, Christopher Brian Locke
  • Patent number: 10994106
    Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment system includes a liquid-collection canister for collecting liquid from a tissue site to which reduced pressure treatment is applied. The canister includes a first space configured to collect the liquid from the tissue site and a filter having a frame and a non-planar filter element. The filter defines a second space within the canister separated from the first space by the filter element. The filter element substantially prevents liquid from passing from the first space into the second space. The filter element substantially allows gaseous communication between the first space and the second space when the second space is exposed to a reduced pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: KCl Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Locke, Aidan Marcus Tout, Benjamin Andrew Pratt