Patents by Inventor Christopher J. Wegener

Christopher J. Wegener 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: 20260053997
    Abstract: A cell selection chamber includes an inlet and an outlet, with a reservoir positioned therebetween and configured to allow for fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet. The reservoir contains a plurality of microbubbles, which are each at least partially coated with streptavidin. An upstream membrane is positioned between the inlet and the reservoir, while a downstream membrane is positioned between the outlet and the reservoir. The membranes include a plurality of pores each having a diameter that is less than a diameter of the microbubbles. In use, a heterogeneous population of cells is mixed with a biotinylated antibody additive and then conveyed into the cell selection chamber so as to cause target cells of the heterogeneous population of cells to become bound to the microbubbles and to cause other cells of the heterogeneous population of cells to flow out of the cell selection chamber as unbound cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2025
    Publication date: February 26, 2026
    Inventors: Kyle Thompson, Christopher J. Wegener
  • Publication number: 20250387547
    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 21, 2025
    Publication date: December 25, 2025
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Daniel Boggs, Bret M. Olson, Steven C. Binninger, James D. Hosek
  • Patent number: 12496579
    Abstract: A magnetic selector includes a housing configured to receive a container and having a floor upon which the container is disposed. The selector also includes a magnet carrier disposed on an opposite side of the floor from the container. The magnet carrier has at least one magnet disposed thereon and being moveable relative to the floor between a first state wherein the magnet carrier is adjacent the floor and a second state wherein the magnet carrier is spaced from the floor. The selector may include a door. The magnetic selector is usable in a fluid processing system that includes a fluid processor connectable to a source container filled with a biological fluid. A container is disposed in the magnetic selector and connected to the processor along a fluid pathway. The processor is configured to separate the biological fluid from the source container into at least two streams of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2025
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, James Madsen
  • Publication number: 20250375557
    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 25, 2025
    Publication date: December 11, 2025
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Daniel Boggs, Bret M. Olson, Steven C. Binninger, James D. Hosek
  • Patent number: 12415165
    Abstract: A fluid processing system may include a flow control cassette comprising at least one interface sensor chamber in fluid communication with at least one of a plurality of separate channels, the at least one interface sensor chamber defined at least in part by a wall, and at least one capacitive sensor disposed on the wall of the at least one interface sensor chamber. The fluid processing system may include, in the alternative or in addition, at least one syringe comprising a wall defining a barrel having a first end and a second end, the barrel having a bore with or without a piston or plunger disposed therein, and at least one capacitive sensor disposed on an outer surface of the wall of the syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2025
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher J. Wegener
  • Patent number: 12397089
    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 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2025
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Daniel Boggs, Bret M. Olson, Steven C. Binninger, James D. Hosek
  • Publication number: 20250249166
    Abstract: A system and method for processing a biological cell suspension from a source to provide a product in a retentate container comprises a disposable fluid circuit and a reusable hardware unit. The reusable hardware unit comprises a controller which stores processing parameters comprising an estimated volume of biological cell suspension in the source and a concentration of cells in the biological cell suspension. The controller calculates a number of draws of the biological cell suspension and a volume of each draw and calculates a pump speed based on a received processing parameter. The controller controls pumping of the processing solution into the disposable fluid circuit to prime the disposable fluid circuit. The controller directs the withdrawal of the biological cell suspension from the source in batches in accordance with the calculated number of draws and volume of each draw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2025
    Publication date: August 7, 2025
    Applicant: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Steven C. Binninger, Alaina Schlinker, Bret Olson
  • Publication number: 20250214079
    Abstract: A fluid processing system includes a syringe having a barrel and a plunger configured for movement within the barrel, a housing, a syringe support arranged on the housing configured to support the syringe, and a syringe clamp connected to the housing and configured to clamp the syringe to the syringe support. The syringe clamp is connected to the housing and includes a sealing section for sealing against the syringe and a holding section for latching the syringe clamp in a clamped condition. The sealing section is configured to apply a clamping force to a top face of the syringe to form a seal. The holding section includes a clamping surface configured to engage a clamp bearing surface of the syringe support to secure the syringe clamp in the clamped condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2024
    Publication date: July 3, 2025
    Inventors: James Gregory Madsen, Christopher J. Wegener, Alexander Dodge
  • Patent number: 12296086
    Abstract: Automated systems and methods for processing a biological cell suspension are disclosed. The systems and methods allow for the processing of large volumes of a biological cell suspension contained in or more source containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2025
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Steven C. Binninger, Alaina Schlinker, Bret Olson
  • Patent number: 12279609
    Abstract: A system for washing red blood cells, comprising a separator configured to separate a quantity of blood into concentrated red blood cells having a hematocrit of at least 60% and a volume of 150-250 mL, and a supernatant component. The system comprises a flow controller configured to remove the supernatant component to provide an initial red blood cell concentrate; combine 50-500 mL of an additive solution with the red blood cell concentrate to provide an intermediate red blood cell product intended for storage for 42 days or less; and wash the intermediate red blood cell product with a washing solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2025
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher J. Wegener
  • Publication number: 20240358907
    Abstract: A bedside cell processing system including an apheresis system configured to collect from a patient a blood component comprising target cells, a cell processing system configured to receive the target cells from the apheresis system and to process the target cells, and a reinfusion system configured to receive the processed target cells and to return the processed cells to the patient. A method of operating a bedside cell processing system for a patient also is provided, including operating the apheresis system to collect from the patient via a collection flow path a blood component comprising target cells, operating a cell processing system to receive the target cells via a collected target cells flow path and to process the target cells, operating the reinfusion system to receive the processed target cells via a processed target cells flow path and to return the processed target cells to the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2024
    Publication date: October 31, 2024
    Inventors: Kyungyoon Min, Christopher J. Wegener
  • Patent number: 12097383
    Abstract: Methods and systems for treating a biological fluid with light are disclosed. The methods and systems include determining the light dose being delivered to a biological fluid and adjusting the duration of a treatment or the intensity of light emitted in the event of a detected light source outage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Coultas, Christopher J. Wegener, Tanima Jahan Abedin
  • Publication number: 20240266040
    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: December 30, 2023
    Publication date: August 8, 2024
    Applicant: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Binninger, Christopher J. Wegener, Alaina Schlinker, Bret M. Olson
  • Patent number: 11911553
    Abstract: A system for concentrating cells, wherein a syringe comprises a lumen and an axial end comprising a port and a radial end closed to liquid flow. A plunger divides the axial and radial ends, and the syringe is configured to hold a cellular suspension. A filter disposed at the radial end is configured to maintain sterility of the syringe. A cap comprises a vent disposed at the radial end. The plunger is configured to be actuated towards the axial end by air pressure being applied into the radial end and the plunger is configured to be actuated towards the radial end by a vacuum being applied into the radial end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyungyoon Min, Christopher J. Wegener, Alexander Dodge
  • 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: 11904281
    Abstract: A priming subsystem of a cell processing system carries out a method for priming a spinning membrane separator having an inlet and first and second outlets. The method includes opening a first selectable junction disposed between a priming fluid container and the inlet to open a path between the priming fluid container and the inlet, operating a first pump coupled to the first outlet to draw priming fluid from the priming fluid container into the spinning membrane separator, and closing the first selectable junction and a second selectable junction coupled to the second outlet after drawing the priming fluid into the spinning membrane separator. The method further includes operating the first pump after the first selectable junction is closed to draw a vacuum, and opening the first selectable junction after drawing the vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Carolyn Kos
  • 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: 11850347
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for the separation of blood into blood products and, more particularly, to systems and methods that permit automated recovery of white blood cells after producing a leukocyte-reduced blood product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Benjamin E. Kusters
  • Patent number: 11827398
    Abstract: A variety of fill options is provided for a cell processing system. Certain options relate to a filling system associated with the cell processing system, the filling system comprising one or more filling stations, each with at least one container that may receive product from a container associated with a cell processing system. Other options relate to a syringe assembly that receives a product from a container associated with a cell processing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: FENWAL, INC.
    Inventors: Kyungyoon Min, Alexandra Salomon, Julie Griep, Christopher J. Wegener