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: 20220072234
    Abstract: A syringe including a barrel, a plunger, and a vented closure. The barrel has a bore, and an end with an opening in communication with the bore and a barrel flange disposed outwardly of the opening. The plunger is disposed in the bore, and is movable along the bore. The vented closure is attached to the barrel at the end, and includes a stopper, a cap and a filter. The stopper is disposed over and/or in the opening in communication with the bore. The cap includes a body disposed over the stopper, and a fastener engaged with the barrel flange. The filter is disposed between the stopper and the cap, or in at least one of the stopper and the cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Inventor: Christopher J. Wegener
  • Patent number: 11252955
    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, wherein the intermediate red blood cell product at the end of storage has an osmolarity value between 202-479 mOsm/L; and wash the intermediate red blood cell product comprising the osmolarity value between 202-479 mOsm/L with a washing solution having an osmolarity value higher than that of the intermediate red blood cell product comprising the osmolarity value between 202-479 mOsm/L.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher J. Wegener
  • 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: 11191880
    Abstract: A system for processing fluids and filling a container with a product 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 drive coupled to the spinning membrane separator, first and second syringe pumps, the first and second syringes coupled to the first and second syringe pumps respectively, and a controller. The system also includes a syringe pump for filling low-volume containers, which syringe pump may be one of the first and second syringe pumps, or may be a third syringe pump. The syringe pump for filling low-volume containers may include a filtered vacuum/pressure source and a position detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: FENWAL, INC.
    Inventors: Kyungyoon Min, Christopher J. Wegener
  • 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: 11135343
    Abstract: A device for pooling a blood component stored in source containers includes a pump or pumps configured to pump a fluid in a first direction and a second direction and receive a pump line having a first end connected to the source containers. A pool clamp is configured to receive a pool line having a first end connected to a second end of the pump line and a second end connected to a pool container. A wash clamp is configured to receive a wash line having a first end connected to the second end of the pump line and a second end connected to a wash media container. A controller is configured to open the pool clamp, close the wash clamp and operate the pump in the first direction and to alternatively close the pool clamp, open the wash clamp and operate the pump in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandra Salomon, Julie Griep, Kyungyoon Min, Christopher J. Wegener, Anand Raju
  • Patent number: 11090478
    Abstract: A sterile tube connector for a fluid circuit system comprising a housing. A first opening is configured to receive a first length of tubing in communication with a first chamber. A second opening is configured for communicating with the first chamber when the tube connector is in an open configuration but not in a closed configuration. The second opening is configured to reversibly engage a third opening to form a second chamber. The third opening is configured for communicating with a second length of tubing. A first portion of the housing forming the first opening comprises a material at least partially permeable to a sterilization energy source for sterilizing contents of the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Mark Brierton
  • 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: 20210121827
    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: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Inventor: Christopher J. Wegener
  • Publication number: 20210123937
    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: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Inventor: Christopher J. Wegener
  • Publication number: 20210106747
    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: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Benjamin E. Kusters
  • Patent number: 10926895
    Abstract: A method for controlling the flow rate of a pneumatic syringe in a system that includes a disposable fluid circuit and reusable hardware configured to accept the disposable fluid circuit. The disposable fluid circuit includes one or more syringes, while the reusable hardware includes a syringe pump for each syringe of the disposable fluid circuit and a controller. The syringe pump includes a vacuum/pressure source for moving the piston within the syringe and a position detector for indicating the position of the piston within the syringe. The method controls several distinct phases of the process: break pressure targeting, glide control and vent control, and the method is the same regardless of whether a positive pressure or a vacuum is applied to the piston of the syringe. Preferably, a proportional-integral-derivative (“PID”) feedback loop is used for controlling the movement of the piston in the syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Robert Ciechowski
  • 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: 10905819
    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: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Benjamin E. Kusters
  • Publication number: 20210002008
    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: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Publication date: January 7, 2021
    Inventors: Kyungyoon Min, Alexandra Salomon, Julie Griep, Christopher J. Wegener
  • Patent number: 10886022
    Abstract: A medical device verification system for an extracorporeal photopheresis procedure comprises a reusable irradiation device comprising a UV light source and a scanner. A fluid circuit comprises a disposable cell suspension container having a photo-reactive label comprising an identifiable code. The identifiable code is unobscured when the label in a first state and is obscured when the label is in a second state. The irradiation step is performed by irradiating the disposable cell suspension container for a predetermined period of time at or above the threshold UV irradiation level. A second input is received from the scanner during the irradiation step, the second input comprising identification of a state of the label. A response action is provided if the first input comprises identification of the second state of the label and/or if the second input comprises identification of the first state of the label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Zahra R. Ali, Christopher J. Wegener, Tanima Jahan Abedin, Lan T. Nguyen, Brian C. Nelson, Nicole F. Young, Christian R. Bernard
  • Patent number: 10865805
    Abstract: A disposable fluid pump is provided with a housing including first and second faces, with a sidewall extending between the first and second faces. The housing defines a chamber, with an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber. An impeller is rotatably mounted within the chamber and includes a plurality of flexible vanes. Such a pump may be incorporated into a disposable fluid flow circuit that is adapted to be mounted on a durable hardware for processing a fluid. In such a fluid flow circuit, the fluid pump may be integrated into a cassette of the circuit or, alternatively, the inlet and outlet of the fluid pump may be directly connected to fluid flow conduits of the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Mark J. Brierton