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).

  • Patent number: 10400216
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the washing of biological fluid/biological cells are disclosed. The method provides for the automated dilution of the cell feed during the cell washing procedure using a separator in which the separator has a predetermined maximum output concentration for the biological cells that are being washed. The method further includes determining the concentration ratio of the biological cells to be washed in the washing procedure and determining a maximum input concentration as a function of the maximum output concentration and the concentration ratio. Wash solution is then added to dilute said biological cells so that the maximum input concentration of the diluted biological cells entering the separator is not exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Daniel R. Boggs, Bret M. Olson
  • Publication number: 20190192844
    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: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Mark Brierton
  • Patent number: 10329530
    Abstract: A fluid circuit for cell washing is provided that comprises a spinning membrane separator and a fluid management system comprising a cassette that defines the fluid pathways, and including internally mechanical valving, pressure sensing and air sensing for controlling flow through the fluid pathways, thus minimizing the volume of the fluid circuit. Additionally, the fluid circuit comprises syringes that are acted on by syringe pumps associated with the hardware component of the system to provide pressure for moving fluid through the circuit. Preferably, the syringes are connected directly to the cassette, or formed integrally within the cassette housing, thus further minimizing the volume of the fluid circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher J. Wegener
  • Publication number: 20190184087
    Abstract: A method for prophylaxis or treatment of a graft's rejection of a recipient, driven and adjusted by a microprocessor-based controller. Provided is a fluid circuit comprising a first container configured to receive a transplant component and a second container configured to receive an apoptotic component. Provided is a separator configured to associate with the fluid circuit and separate whole blood into a red blood cell component, a plasma component, and a white blood cell component. Whole blood is directed into the fluid circuit and the separator. The whole blood is separated into the red blood cell component, the plasma component, and the white blood cell component. A first portion comprising the transplant component of the white blood cell component is directed to the first container. A second portion of the white blood cell component is directed to the second container and the second portion is rendered apoptotic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Inventors: Katherine N. Radwanski, Tanima Jahan Abedin, Christopher J. Wegener
  • Patent number: 10300189
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling fouling and complement protein activation during separation of plasma from whole blood using a spinning membrane separator. The separator includes a pair of relatively rotating surfaces spaced apart to define a gap therebetween, with at least one of the surfaces comprising a membrane that allows plasma to pass therethrough but substantially prevents the passage of red cells. In accordance with the method, the membrane material and membrane fabrication technique are selected so as that the resulting membrane both resists fouling and complement protein activation. In a specific embodiment, the membrane is has a smooth surface and substantially linear pores. The pores have a nominal diameter of less than 2 microns (so as to exclude platelets) and preferably a diameter of from 0.6 microns to 0.8 microns, as may be obtained by use of track-etching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin E. Kusters, Kyungyoon Min, Christopher J. Wegener, Daniel R. Boggs
  • Patent number: 10274495
    Abstract: A cell processing system includes a first processor connectable to a source container filled with a biological fluid, a second processor, and a controller coupled to the processors. The first processor includes a separator configured to separate the biological fluid into at least two streams of material, and a first container configured to receive one of the streams. The second processor includes a magnetic separator configured to select target cells, the target cells being associated with magnetic particles, a second, pass-through container associated with the magnetic separator, the second container connected at a first end to the first container, and a third container connected to a second end of the pass-through container. One of the processors includes at least one pump configured to transfer material between the separator and the first container, and between the first container and the second container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Kyungyoon Min
  • Patent number: 10251990
    Abstract: A method for automated processing of a cellular product comprising target substrate cells, the method comprising providing a separation apparatus configured to associate with a disposable sterile circuit comprising a separator in communication with the cellular product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Bret M. Olson, Alaina Schlinker, Steven Binninger, Avnie A. Kadakia
  • Publication number: 20190099545
    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: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Steven C. Binninger, Alaina Schlinker, Bret Olson
  • Patent number: 10172995
    Abstract: An irradiation device for photopheresis, comprising an exposure chamber configured to receive an illumination container holding a target cell suspension; an irradiation source configured to irradiate the illumination container and target cell suspension for a certain exposure time period; an irradiation sensor configured to detect the intensity of irradiation emitted by the irradiation source; and a processing circuit coupled to the irradiation sensor and configured to treat the target cell suspension with a predetermined treatment dosage of radiation, wherein the processing circuit adjusts the exposure time period based on the intensity of irradiation in order to achieve the predetermined treatment dosage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Inventors: Katherine N. Radwanski, Christopher J. Wegener
  • Publication number: 20180303997
    Abstract: A membrane separation device is disclosed along with systems and methods employing the device in blood processing procedures. In one embodiment, a spinning membrane separator is provided in which at least two zones or regions are created in the gap between the membrane and the shell, such that mixing of the fluid between the two regions is inhibited by a radial rib associated with the membrane that decreases the gap between the membrane and the shell to define two fluid regions, the ridge isolating the fluid in the two regions to minimize mixing between the two. Automated systems and methods are disclosed for separating a unit of previously collected whole blood into components, such as concentrated red cells and plasma, for collecting red cells and plasma directly from a donor in a single pass, and for cell washing. Data management systems and methods and priming methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Benjamin E. Kusters, Christopher J. Wegener, Daniel R. Boggs, Kyungyoon Min, William H. Cork, Daryl R. Calhoun, Bryan Blickman, Daniel Lynn
  • Patent number: 10088492
    Abstract: An irradiation device for photopheresis, comprising an exposure chamber configured to receive an illumination container holding a target cell suspension, an irradiation transmitter configured to irradiate the illumination container and target cell suspension, an irradiation receiver configured to detect absorption of radiation from the irradiation transmitter, and a processing circuit coupled to the irradiation receiver and configured to determine whether a hematocrit of the target cell suspension exceeds a predetermined threshold hematocrit and to treat the target cell suspension with a treatment dosage of radiation if the predetermined threshold is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher J Wegener, Katherine N Radwanski
  • Publication number: 20180168142
    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: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Christopher J. Wegener
  • Publication number: 20180172685
    Abstract: A cell processing system includes a first processor connectable to a source container filled with a biological fluid, a second processor, and a controller coupled to the processors. The first processor includes a separator configured to separate the biological fluid into at least two streams of material, and a first container configured to receive one of the streams. The second processor includes a magnetic separator configured to select target cells, the target cells being associated with magnetic particles, a second, pass-through container associated with the magnetic separator, the second container connected at a first end to the first container, and a third container connected to a second end of the pass-through container. One of the processors includes at least one pump configured to transfer material between the separator and the first container, and between the first container and the second container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Kyungyoon Min
  • Publication number: 20180154054
    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: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Inventors: Alexandra Salomon, Julie Griep, Kyungyoon Min, Christopher J. Wegener, Anand Raju
  • Publication number: 20180155070
    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 13, 2017
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Inventors: Kyungyoon Min, Alexandra Salomon, Julie Griep, Christopher J. Wegener
  • Patent number: 9895482
    Abstract: A membrane separation device is disclosed along with systems and methods employing the device in blood processing procedures. In one embodiment, a spinning membrane separator is provided in which at least two zones or regions are created in the gap between the membrane and the shell, such that mixing of the fluid between the two regions is inhibited by a radial rib associated with the membrane that decreases the gap between the membrane and the shell to define two fluid regions, the ridge isolating the fluid in the two regions to minimize mixing between the two. Automated systems and methods are disclosed for separating a unit of previously collected whole blood into components, such as concentrated red cells and plasma, for collecting red cells and plasma directly from a donor in a single pass, and for cell washing. Data management systems and methods and priming methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin E. Kusters, Christopher J. Wegener, Kyungyoon Min
  • Publication number: 20180015418
    Abstract: A network of cell processing systems including a plurality of cell processing instruments and a server computer. Each cell processing instrument includes a control circuit configured to operate the cell processing instrument according to a modifiable process parameter, a component of the cell processing instrument and a sensor configured to measure a characteristic of the component. The server computer is disposed remotely from the cell processing instruments, and is configured to transmit a request message for a value measured by the sensor, receive a response message based on the request message, and generate a notification message based on the response message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Inventors: Steven C. Binninger, Bret M. Olson, Alaina Schlinker, Christopher J. Wegener
  • Publication number: 20180010612
    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: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Mark J. Brierton
  • Publication number: 20170340783
    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: March 13, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Daniel Boggs, Bret M. Olson, Steven C. Binninger, James D. Hosek
  • Publication number: 20170313968
    Abstract: A method for automated processing of a cellular product comprising target substrate cells, the method comprising providing a separation apparatus configured to associate with a disposable sterile circuit comprising a separator in communication with the cellular product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Bret M. Olson, Alaina Schlinker, Steven Binninger, Avnie A. Kadakia