Patents by Inventor Christopher Wegener

Christopher 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: 11052184
    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 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: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Kusters, Kyungyoon Min, Christopher Wegener
  • Patent number: 10307582
    Abstract: Fluid flow conduits and apparatus and methods for joining the conduits, preferably in a sterile manner, are disclosed. Each conduit has a polymeric open end that is sealed by a sealing member that may include a heating element. The polymeric end material is melted, the sealing members are moved to expose the melted open ends of the conduits and the ends are brought together to form a fused or welded connection between the conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Wegener, Kyungyoon Min, Mark Brierton, Benjamin Kusters, James Madsen, William H. Cork
  • Publication number: 20190117870
    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 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: December 13, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventors: Benjamin Kusters, Kyungyoon Min, Christopher Wegener
  • Patent number: 10207042
    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 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 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Kusters, Kyungyoon Min, Christopher Wegener
  • Patent number: 9987411
    Abstract: Methods and systems for priming biological fluid processing systems are disclosed. In accordance with such methods and systems, the disposable fluid processing circuit is primed by introducing a first priming solution into a portion of the circuit and a second priming solution into a portion of the circuit. The amount of citrate returned to the biological flood source is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: FENWAL, INC.
    Inventors: Samantha M. Planas, Amit J. Patel, Melissa A. Thill, Christopher Wegener, Elizabeth Asma
  • Patent number: 9956337
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the washing and processing of biological fluid/biological cells are disclosed. The systems and methods utilize a disposable fluid circuit including a spinning membrane separation device to wash the biological cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: FENWAL, INC.
    Inventors: Kyungyoon Min, Christopher Wegener
  • Publication number: 20170274134
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the washing and processing of biological fluid/biological cells are disclosed. The systems and methods utilize a disposable fluid circuit including a spinning membrane separation device to wash the biological cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: Kyungyoon Min, Christopher Wegener
  • Patent number: 9770545
    Abstract: A method and system for collecting a double volume of red blood cells using a spinning membrane separator is provided by which a first quantity of whole blood is withdrawn from a donor; a first quantity of whole blood is flowed to the spinning membrane separator; where it is separated into a first quantity of red blood cells and a first quantity of plasma. The first quantity of red blood cells and the first quantity of plasma are then flowed to respective collection containers, and at least a portion of the first quantity of plasma is returned to the donor. A second quantity of whole blood withdrawn from the donor, and then separated into a second quantity of red blood cells and a second quantity of plasma using the spinning membrane separator. The second quantity of red blood cells and the second quantity of plasma are then flowed to the respective collection containers, and at least a portion of the second quantity of plasma is returned to the donor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Kusters, Kyungyoon Min, Christopher Wegener, William H. Cork
  • Patent number: 9744498
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the washing and processsing of biological fluid/biological cells are disclosed. The systems and methods prevent inadvertent target cell loss by monitoring pressure and providing for the dilution of the cell feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Wegener
  • Publication number: 20170218330
    Abstract: Methods and systems for processing suspensions of biological cells and microcarriers are disclosed. The biological cells are separated from the microcarriers by introducing the suspension into a spinning membrane separator whereby the biological cells pass through the membrane and the microcarriers do not pass through the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher Wegener, Kyungyoon Min
  • Patent number: 9717838
    Abstract: A method and system for collecting leukoreduced red blood cells employing a spinning membrane separator including a housing having an upper end region and a lower end region in an operating position with a red blood cell outlet in the upper end region of the housing and a whole blood inlet in the lower end region of the housing. The method and system provide for flowing additive solution into the whole blood inlet of the housing to prime the separator; flowing whole blood into the whole blood inlet of the housing; separating red blood cells from the whole blood; flowing separated red blood cells out of the red blood cell outlet of the housing; combining the separated red blood cells with additive solution: passing the separated red blood cells and additive solution combination through a leukoreduction filter; and collecting the filtered red blood cells and additive solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Kusters, Christopher Wegener, Kyungyoon Min
  • Patent number: 9717842
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the washing and processing of biological fluid/biological cells are disclosed. The systems and methods utilize a disposable fluid circuit including a spinning membrane separation device to wash the biological cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyungyoon Min, Christopher Wegener
  • Patent number: 9713669
    Abstract: A method is provided for separating a suspension of cellular material comprising at least two differently-sized cell types using a spinning membrane separator. The method comprises selecting the cell type to be separated by passing through the membrane; determining a concentration of the selected cell type in the suspension; selecting an inlet flow rate for the suspension; selecting a rotational speed for the spinning membrane separator related to one or more of the concentration and relative size of the selected cell type in the suspension; rotating the spinning membrane separator at the selected rotational speed so that the selected cell type tends to migrate to regions of the shear field adjacent the porous membrane; and flowing the suspension through the spinning membrane separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Wegener, Bret Olson, Kyungyoon Min
  • Publication number: 20160279316
    Abstract: A method and system for collecting a double volume of red blood cells using a spinning membrane separator is provided by which a first quantity of whole blood is withdrawn from a donor; a first quantity of whole blood is flowed to the spinning membrane separator; where it is separated into a first quantity of red blood cells and a first quantity of plasma. The first quantity of red blood cells and the first quantity of plasma are then flowed to respective collection containers, and at least a portion of the first quantity of plasma is returned to the donor. A second quantity of whole blood withdrawn from the donor, and then separated into a second quantity of red blood cells and a second quantity of plasma using the spinning membrane separator. The second quantity of red blood cells and the second quantity of plasma are then flowed to the respective collection containers, and at least a portion of the second quantity of plasma is returned to the donor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventors: Benjamin Kusters, Kyungyoon Min, Christopher Wegener, William H. Cork
  • Patent number: 9388383
    Abstract: A method and system for collecting a double volume of red blood cells using a spinning membrane separator is provided by which a first quantity of whole blood is withdrawn from a donor; a first quantity of whole blood is flowed to the spinning membrane separator; where it is separated into a first quantity of red blood cells and a first quantity of plasma. The first quantity of red blood cells and the first quantity of plasma are then flowed to respective collection containers, and at least a portion of the first quantity of plasma is returned to the donor. A second quantity of whole blood withdrawn from the donor, and then separated into a second quantity of red blood cells and a second quantity of plasma using the spinning membrane separator. The second quantity of red blood cells and the second quantity of plasma are then flowed to the respective collection containers, and at least a portion of the second quantity of plasma is returned to the donor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Kusters, Kyungyoon Min, Christopher Wegener, William H. Cork
  • Publication number: 20160184504
    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 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 10, 2016
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Benjamin Kusters, Kyungyoon Min, Christopher Wegener
  • Publication number: 20160177263
    Abstract: Methods and systems for priming biological fluid processing systems are disclosed. In accordance with such methods and systems, the disposable fluid processing circuit is primed by introducing a first priming solution into a portion of the circuit and a second priming solution into a portion of the circuit. The amount of citrate returned to the biological flood source is minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Samantha M. Planas, Amit J. Patel, Melissa A. Thill, Christopher Wegener, Elizabeth Asma
  • Publication number: 20160151549
    Abstract: A method and system for collecting leukoreduced red blood cells employing a spinning membrane separator including a housing having an upper end region and a lower end region in an operating position with a red blood cell outlet in the upper end region of the housing and a whole blood inlet in the lower end region of the housing. The method and system provide for flowing additive solution into the whole blood inlet of the housing to prime the separator; flowing whole blood into the whole blood inlet of the housing separating red blood cells from the whole blood; flowing separated red blood cells out of the red blood cell outlet of the housing; combining the separated red blood cells with additive solution: passing the separated red blood cells and additive solution combination through a leukoreduction filter; and collecting the filtered red blood cells and additive solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Publication date: June 2, 2016
    Inventors: Benjamin Kusters, Christopher Wegener, Kyungyoon Min
  • Patent number: 9284529
    Abstract: A method and system for collecting leukoreduced red blood cells employing a spinning membrane separator including a housing having an upper end region and a lower end region in an operating position with a red blood cell outlet in the upper end region of the housing and a whole blood inlet in the lower end region of the housing. The method and system provide for flowing additive solution into the whole blood inlet of the housing to prime the separator; flowing whole blood into the whole blood inlet of the housing; separating red blood cells from the whole blood; flowing separated red blood cells out of the red blood cell outlet of the housing; combining the separated red blood cells with additive solution; passing the separated red blood cells and additive solution combination through a leukoreduction filter; and collecting the filtered red blood cells and additive solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Kusters, Christopher Wegener, Kyungyoon Min
  • Patent number: 9279104
    Abstract: A blood processing system and method are disclosed that comprise a leukoreduction filter for removing leukocytes from red blood cells as the red blood cells pass through the filter; and a pump for pumping an additive solution through the leukoreduction filter to flush the leukoreduction filter of red blood cells that remain in the leukoreduction filter after filtration of the red blood cells. Additive solution is flowed through the leukoreduction filter at an initial flush rate to flush remaining red blood cells from the leukoreduction filter and the pump increases the flush rate of the additive solution during flushing of the leukoreduction filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Kusters, Christopher Wegener, Kyungyoon Min