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: 20170315121
    Abstract: A cell processing system includes at least one processor connectable to a source container filled with a biological fluid, the at least one processor including a spinning membrane configured to receive and separate target cells from the biological fluid, the target cells exiting at a first outlet, one or more containers selectively connected to the first outlet; and, and a magnet. The system also includes a controller coupled to the at least one processor and configured to operate the spinning membrane to receive biological fluid from the source container and to direct the target cells to one of the one or more containers, to pause to permit magnetic particles to be associated with the target cells, and to operate the spinning membrane to receive the contents of one of the one or more containers with the magnet applied to the target cells associated with the magnetic particles.
    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, Kyle Thompson, Kyle Wolok, Melanie Hamilton
  • Publication number: 20170262601
    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: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Steven Binninger, Christopher J. Wegener, Alaina Schlinker, Bret M. Olson
  • Publication number: 20170252550
    Abstract: A device for connecting first and second medical fluid flow systems includes a linear movement carriage system that is positioned within a housing. The carriage system includes first and second connector holders configured to hold first and second connectors of the first and second medical fluid flow systems, respectively. A coupler holder is configured to hold a coupler and is positioned substantially between the first and second connector holders. The first and second connector holders and the coupler holder are relatively moveable between a separated configuration, where the first and second connectors and the coupler are located in relatively spaced apart positions, and a joined configuration, where the first and second connectors engage the coupler. An ultraviolet light source is positioned in the housing so as to irradiate first and second connectors and the coupler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wegener, Kyungyoon Min
  • Publication number: 20170204371
    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: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventor: Christopher J. Wegener
  • Patent number: 9656013
    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: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin E. Kusters, Christopher J. Wegener, Daniel R. Boggs, Kyungyoon Min
  • Publication number: 20170128656
    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: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Benjamin E. Kusters, Kyungyoon Min, Christopher J. Wegener, Daniel R. Boggs
  • 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: 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: 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