Patents by Inventor Christopher McDowell
Christopher McDowell 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).
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Patent number: 10513904Abstract: A well tool can include a closure member having open and closed positions, a seat having a flow passage blocked by the closure member in the closed position, and a line extending through the seat. A communication method can include positioning a conduit in an interior of a well tool, and conducting a signal via the conduit between annular structures surrounding a longitudinal flow passage of the well tool. A well system can include a well tool connected in a tubular string, a flow passage of the tubular string extending through the well tool, the well tool including a closure member having open and closed positions, in which the closure member respectively permits and blocks flow through the flow passage, an annular cavity surrounding the flow passage, and a line, the closure member and the line being positioned in the annular cavity in the open position.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2017Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLCInventors: Joe Noske, Jr., Christopher McDowell
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Publication number: 20190003277Abstract: A well tool can include a closure member having open and closed positions, a seat having a flow passage blocked by the closure member in the closed position, and a line extending through the seat. A communication method can include positioning a conduit in an interior of a well tool, and conducting a signal via the conduit between annular structures surrounding a longitudinal flow passage of the well tool. A well system can include a well tool connected in a tubular string, a flow passage of the tubular string extending through the well tool, the well tool including a closure member having open and closed positions, in which the closure member respectively permits and blocks flow through the flow passage, an annular cavity surrounding the flow passage, and a line, the closure member and the line being positioned in the annular cavity in the open position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2017Publication date: January 3, 2019Inventors: Joe NOSKE, JR., Christopher MCDOWELL
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Patent number: 9533088Abstract: A flow reversing device for performing blood treatment can include a flow reversing actuator. The flow reversing actuator can receive and engage a disposable tubing set with multiple branches that form forward and reverse blood flow paths respectively when blood the flow reversing actuator is selectively changed between forward and reverse configurations. The shape of the tubing can be such that during forward operation, dead regions of non-flowing blood are defined. The flow reversing actuator can have a controller configured to operate generally in forward mode. At first times, the controller can cause the flow reversing actuator to clear the dead regions. At second times, the controller can cause the flow reversing actuator to test for leaks by reversing the flow of blood for a period of time sufficient to cause air to be drawn into the tubing set and conveyed to an air sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2013Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: NXSTAGE MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: James M. Brugger, Christopher McDowell
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Publication number: 20130283891Abstract: A flow reversing device for performing blood treatment can include a flow reversing actuator. The flow reversing actuator can receive and engage a disposable tubing set with multiple branches that form forward and reverse blood flow paths respectively when blood the flow reversing actuator is selectively changed between forward and reverse configurations. The shape of the tubing can be such that during forward operation, dead regions of non-flowing blood are defined. The flow reversing actuator can have a controller configured to operate generally in forward mode. At first times, the controller can cause the flow reversing actuator to clear the dead regions. At second times, the controller can cause the flow reversing actuator to test for leaks by reversing the flow of blood for a period of time sufficient to cause air to be drawn into the tubing set and conveyed to an air sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventors: JAMES M. BRUGGER, CHRISTOPHER MCDOWELL
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Patent number: 8480608Abstract: A blood processing system includes a flow reversing device with at least an air sensor in the venous line located near the patient. During treatment, blood flow is reversed to cause air to infiltrate the blood lines if any disconnections or breaks in the blood line are present. One means for placing the sensor close to the patient is to provide the flow switching device aid sensors in a small lightweight module that can be located close to the treatment machine. Another is to provide a module with just the sensors near the access.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2011Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Nxstage Medical, Inc.Inventors: James M. Brugger, Christopher McDowell
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Publication number: 20110218475Abstract: A blood processing system includes a flow reversing device with at least an air sensor in the venous line located near the patient. During treatment, blood flow is reversed to cause air to infiltrate the blood lines if any disconnections or breaks in the blood line are present. One means for placing the sensor close to the patient is to provide the flow switching device aid sensors in a small lightweight module that can be located close to the treatment machine. Another is to provide a module with just the sensors near the access.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2011Publication date: September 8, 2011Applicant: NxStage Medical, Inc.Inventors: James M. Brugger, Christopher McDowell
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Patent number: 8002727Abstract: A blood processing system includes a flow reversing device with at least an air sensor in the venous line located near the patient. During treatment, blood flow is reversed to cause air to infiltrate the blood lines if any disconnections or breaks in the blood line are present. One means for placing the sensor close to the patient is to provide the flow switching device aid sensors in a small lightweight module that can be located close the treatment machine. Another is to provide a module with just the sensors near the access.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2004Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: NxStage Medical, Inc.Inventors: James M. Brugger, Christopher McDowell
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Publication number: 20080214979Abstract: A blood processing system includes a flow reversing device with at least an air sensor in the venous line located near the patient. During treatment, blood flow is reversed to cause air to infiltrate the blood lines if any disconnections or breaks in the blood line are present. One means for placing the sensor close to the patient is to provide the flow switching device aid sensors in a small lightweight module that can be located close the treatment machine. Another is to provide a module with just the sensors near the access.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2004Publication date: September 4, 2008Applicant: NXSTAGE MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: James M. Brugger, Christopher McDowell
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Patent number: 7337674Abstract: A pressure measurement device usable for monitoring pressure of fluids such as blood, waste, and replacement fluid in a blood treatment system provides a reliable signal and other benefits by virtue of a number of features of the various embodiments disclosed. The pressure of fluid carried by a vessel or tube is measured by measuring a change in shape of the vessel or tube via a sensor element contacting it. Materials, shape, and mechanical support cooperatively ensure that the little inelastic strain occurs and pressure measurements are repeatable. The embodiments are compatible with the use of disposable vessels and tubes.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2005Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Nx Stage Medical, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey H. Burbank, James M. Brugger, Dennis M. Treu, Christopher McDowell
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Publication number: 20070000333Abstract: A pressure measurement device usable for monitoring pressure of fluids such as blood, waste, and replacement fluid in a blood treatment system provides a reliable signal and other benefits by virtue of a number of features of the various embodiments disclosed. The pressure of fluid carried by a vessel or tube is measured by measuring a change in shape of the vessel or tube via a sensor element contacting it. Materials, shape, and mechanical support cooperatively ensure that the little inelastic strain occurs and pressure measurements are repeatable. The embodiments are compatible with the use of disposable vessels and tubes.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Applicant: NXSTAGE MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: James BRUGGER, Christopher MCDOWELL, Jefrey BURBANK, Dennis TREU
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Patent number: 6840943Abstract: An instrument for applying fasteners such as bioabsorbable skull rivets, having a piston coaxially received within a housing. The piston has a tip at its distal end and the housing has a distal end sized to receive the tip and also to receive a portion of on of the fasteners. A slit in the housing allows it to flex and accommodate the fastener.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2001Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignee: Codman & Shurtleff, IncInventors: William Kennefick, Laurel Rogers, Christopher McDowell
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Patent number: 6699253Abstract: A self-centering bone drill comprises a drill bit having a proximal end and a distal end, a cutting surface at the distal end, and a first radially extending flange. A tubular housing coaxially receives the drill bit and a spring is coaxially received within the housing, and coaxially receives the drill bit. The spring is compressed between the first radially extending flange and an interior abutment surface on the housing distal of the first radially extending flange to urge the housing distally along the drill bit. A chamfered surface on a distal end of the housing engages a chamfered surface on a work piece to center the drill bit.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Codman & Shurtleff, IncInventors: Christopher McDowell, William Kennefick, Laurel Rogers
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Publication number: 20020087162Abstract: A self-centering bone drill comprises a drill bit having a proximal end and a distal end, a cutting surface at the distal end, and a first radially extending flange. A tubular housing coaxially receives the drill bit and a spring is coaxially received within the housing, and coaxially receives the drill bit. The spring is compressed between the first radially extending flange and an interior abutment surface on the housing distal of the first radially extending flange to urge the housing distally along the drill bit. A chamfered surface on a distal end of the housing engages a chamfered surface on a work piece to center the drill bit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2001Publication date: July 4, 2002Inventors: Christopher McDowell, William Kennefick, Laurel Rogers
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Publication number: 20020050463Abstract: A tray for holding surgical fasteners comprises at least one well holding one of the fasteners and a film over the well. Preferably the film is weakened, as by scoring, or slit, over the well to more easily allow an instrument to penetrate the well to remove the fastener.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2001Publication date: May 2, 2002Inventor: Christopher McDowell
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Publication number: 20020052607Abstract: An instrument for applying fasteners such a bioabsorbable skull rivets, having a piston coaxially received within a housing. The piston has a tip at its distal end and the housing has a distal end sized to receive the tip and also to receive a portion of on of the fasteners. A slit in the housing allows it to flex and accommodate the fastener.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2001Publication date: May 2, 2002Inventors: William Kennefick, Laurel Rogers, Christopher McDowell