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).
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Patent number: 11052184Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 13, 2018Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Kusters, Kyungyoon Min, Christopher Wegener
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Patent number: 10307582Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 25, 2013Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Wegener, Kyungyoon Min, Mark Brierton, Benjamin Kusters, James Madsen, William H. Cork
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Publication number: 20190117870Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2018Publication date: April 25, 2019Inventors: Benjamin Kusters, Kyungyoon Min, Christopher Wegener
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Patent number: 10207042Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 10, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Kusters, Kyungyoon Min, Christopher Wegener
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Patent number: 9987411Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 19, 2014Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: FENWAL, INC.Inventors: Samantha M. Planas, Amit J. Patel, Melissa A. Thill, Christopher Wegener, Elizabeth Asma
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Patent number: 9956337Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 9, 2017Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: FENWAL, INC.Inventors: Kyungyoon Min, Christopher Wegener
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Publication number: 20170274134Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2017Publication date: September 28, 2017Inventors: Kyungyoon Min, Christopher Wegener
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Patent number: 9770545Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 9, 2016Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Kusters, Kyungyoon Min, Christopher Wegener, William H. Cork
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Patent number: 9744498Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 7, 2012Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.Inventor: Christopher Wegener
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Publication number: 20170218330Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2017Publication date: August 3, 2017Inventors: Christopher Wegener, Kyungyoon Min
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Patent number: 9717838Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 3, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Kusters, Christopher Wegener, Kyungyoon Min
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Patent number: 9717842Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 12, 2012Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.Inventors: Kyungyoon Min, Christopher Wegener
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Patent number: 9713669Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 26, 2013Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Wegener, Bret Olson, Kyungyoon Min
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Publication number: 20160279316Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2016Publication date: September 29, 2016Inventors: Benjamin Kusters, Kyungyoon Min, Christopher Wegener, William H. Cork
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Patent number: 9388383Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 11, 2013Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Kusters, Kyungyoon Min, Christopher Wegener, William H. Cork
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Publication number: 20160184504Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2016Publication date: June 30, 2016Inventors: Benjamin Kusters, Kyungyoon Min, Christopher Wegener
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Publication number: 20160177263Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2014Publication date: June 23, 2016Inventors: Samantha M. Planas, Amit J. Patel, Melissa A. Thill, Christopher Wegener, Elizabeth Asma
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Publication number: 20160151549Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2016Publication date: June 2, 2016Inventors: Benjamin Kusters, Christopher Wegener, Kyungyoon Min
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Patent number: 9284529Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 18, 2015Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Kusters, Christopher Wegener, Kyungyoon Min
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Patent number: 9279104Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 18, 2015Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Kusters, Christopher Wegener, Kyungyoon Min