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: 9603986
    Abstract: A system and method are provided, including an integrated single-use kit, for processing whole blood to produce platelet rich plasma. A two stage spinning membrane separator, has a first stage for receiving whole blood and separating substantially all red blood cells from plasma and platelets, and a second stage for further separating platelet rich plasma from plasma. A first waste container is in fluid communication with the first stage of the separator for receiving separated red blood cells, while a second waste container is in fluid communication with the second stage of the separator for receiving separated plasma. An outlet line is in fluid communication with the second stage of the separator for receiving platelet rich plasma, and a reinfusion container is removably connected to the outlet line for receiving platelet rich plasma from the second stage of the separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin E. Kusters, Christopher J. Wegener, Kyungyoon Min
  • Patent number: 9408961
    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: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Kyungyoon Min, Laurent Forcioli, Mark J. Brierton, Daniel R. Boggs
  • Publication number: 20160195555
    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: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Katherine N. Radwanski
  • Patent number: 9381291
    Abstract: A membrane separation device for use in blood processing procedures is disclosed. In one embodiment, a spinning membrane separator is provided in which at least two zones or regions are created in the gap between the spinning membrane and the shell, such that mixing of the fluid between the two regions is inhibited by a radial rib or ridge associated with the spinning membrane that decreases the gap between the spinning 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 selected blood 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: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Boggs, Mark J. Brierton, Benjamin E. Kusters, Kyungyoon Min, Christopher J. Wegener
  • Publication number: 20160177262
    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: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Daniel R. Boggs, Bret M. Olson
  • Publication number: 20160051740
    Abstract: A system is provided for pumping fluid, with the system including a fluid pump and a cassette. The pump includes a motor and a piston that is movable toward and away from a flexible diaphragm of the cassette. A linkage connects the motor and the piston to move the piston toward and away from the diaphragm. At least a portion of the piston or the diaphragm is magnetized, with the other having at least a portion that is magnetized or formed of a ferromagnetic material, thereby magnetically coupling the piston and the diaphragm such that movement of the piston moves the diaphragm into and out of a cassette cavity aligned with the diaphragm and piston. Movement of the diaphragm into and out of the cavity changes the effective volume of the cavity, which has the effect of drawing fluid into or forcing fluid out of the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Mark Brierton
  • Publication number: 20160051747
    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: August 19, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Benjamin E. Kusters
  • Publication number: 20150196706
    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: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Inventors: Katherine N. Radwanski, Christopher J. Wegener
  • Patent number: 9011359
    Abstract: Certain examples describe systems and methods for increasing plasma extracted from donor blood. An example method includes receiving blood extracted from a donor connected to a blood collection machine. The example method includes filtering the blood using a filtration device to remove at least a portion of plasma included in the blood to separate the plasma removed from remaining blood. The example method includes routing the plasma removed for collection. The example method includes re-filtering the remaining blood using a or the filtration device to remove additional plasma from the remaining blood. The example method includes routing the additional plasma removed for collection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Daniel R. Boggs, Kyungyoon Min, Prakash Mathew, Marc N. Weasler, Benjamin E. Kusters
  • Publication number: 20150060363
    Abstract: A system and method are provided, including an integrated single-use kit, for processing whole blood to produce platelet rich plasma. A two stage spinning membrane separator, has a first stage for receiving whole blood and separating substantially all red blood cells from plasma and platelets, and a second stage for further separating platelet rich plasma from plasma. A first waste container is in fluid communication with the first stage of the separator for receiving separated red blood cells, while a second waste container is in fluid communication with the second stage of the separator for receiving separated plasma. An outlet line is in fluid communication with the second stage of the separator for receiving platelet rich plasma, and a reinfusion container is removably connected to the outlet line for receiving platelet rich plasma from the second stage of the separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: FENWAL INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin E. Kusters, Christopher J. Wegener, Kyungyoon Min
  • Patent number: 8840790
    Abstract: Systems and methods of controlling fouling during a filtration procedure are described. A plasmapheresis method includes accepting a selection of a plasma flow rate and predicting an estimated procedure end time based at least partially on a plasma collection target volume. The method also includes flowing blood past a membrane and changing a plasma flow rate until the selected plasma flow rate through the membrane is achieved. The method also includes determining an acceptable rate of pressure change with time for respective times to the estimated procedure end time, the acceptable fouling rate limit being associated with a system pressure and adjusting the plasma flow rate based on the determined acceptable rate of pressure change with time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Marc N. Weasler, Benjamin E. Kusters, Daniel R. Boggs, Kyungyoon Min
  • Publication number: 20140010738
    Abstract: A membrane separation device for use in blood processing procedures is disclosed. In one embodiment, a spinning membrane separator is provided in which at least two zones or regions are created in the gap between the spinning membrane and the shell, such that mixing of the fluid between the two regions is inhibited by a radial rib or ridge associated with the spinning membrane that decreases the gap between the spinning 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 selected blood 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: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: FENWAL INC.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Boggs, Mark J. Brierton, Benjamin E. Kusters, Kyungyoon Min, Christopher J. Wegener
  • Publication number: 20130341274
    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: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: FENWAL, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin E. Kusters, Christopher J. Wegener, Daniel R. Boggs, Kyungyoon Min
  • Publication number: 20130341291
    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: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: FENWAL, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Kyungyoon Min, Laurent Forcioli, Mark J. Brierton, Daniel R. Boggs
  • Publication number: 20130345674
    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: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: FENWAL, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin E. Kusters, Christopher J. Wegener, Daniel R. Boggs, Kyungyoon Min, William H. Cork, Daryl R. Calhoun, Bryan Blickhan, Daniel Lynn
  • Publication number: 20130341275
    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: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: FENWAL, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin E. Kusters, Christopher J. Wegener, Kyungyoon Min
  • Publication number: 20130284653
    Abstract: Certain examples describe systems and methods for increasing plasma extracted from donor blood. An example method includes receiving blood extracted from a donor connected to a blood collection machine. The example method includes filtering the blood using a filtration device to remove at least a portion of plasma included in the blood to separate the plasma removed from remaining blood. The example method includes routing the plasma removed for collection. The example method includes re-filtering the remaining blood using a or the filtration device to remove additional plasma from the remaining blood. The example method includes routing the additional plasma removed for collection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Daniel R. Boggs, Kyungyoon Min, Prakash Mathew, Marc N. Weasler, Benjamin E. Kusters
  • Patent number: 8469916
    Abstract: Certain examples describe systems and methods for increasing plasma extracted from donor blood. An example method includes receiving blood extracted from a donor connected to a blood collection machine. The example method includes filtering the blood using a filtration device to remove at least a portion of plasma included in the blood to separate the plasma removed from remaining blood. The example method includes routing the plasma removed for collection. The example method includes re-filtering the remaining blood using a or the filtration device to remove additional plasma from the remaining blood. The example method includes routing the additional plasma removed for collection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Daniel R. Boggs, Kyungyoon Min, Prakash Mathew, Marc N. Weasler, Benjamin E. E. Kusters
  • Publication number: 20120273416
    Abstract: Systems and methods of controlling fouling during a filtration procedure are described. A plasmapheresis method includes accepting a selection of a plasma flow rate and predicting an estimated procedure end time based at least partially on a plasma collection target volume. The method also includes flowing blood past a membrane and changing a plasma flow rate until the selected plasma flow rate through the membrane is achieved. The method also includes determining an acceptable rate of pressure change with time for respective times to the estimated procedure end time, the acceptable fouling rate limit being associated with a system pressure and adjusting the plasma flow rate based on the determined acceptable rate of pressure change with time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Marc N. Weasler, Benjamin E. Kusters, Daniel R. Boggs, Kyungyoon Min
  • Publication number: 20120220915
    Abstract: Certain examples describe systems and methods for increasing plasma extracted from donor blood. An example method includes receiving blood extracted from a donor connected to a blood collection machine. The example method includes filtering the blood using a filtration device to remove at least a portion of plasma included in the blood to separate the plasma removed from remaining blood. The example method includes routing the plasma removed for collection. The example method includes re-filtering the remaining blood using a or the filtration device to remove additional plasma from the remaining blood. The example method includes routing the additional plasma removed for collection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Daniel R. Boggs, Kyungyoon Min, Prakash Mathew, Marc N. Weasler, Benjamin E. Kusters