Patents by Inventor Dean C. Richards

Dean C. Richards 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: 20240133472
    Abstract: A valve assembly with a multidirectional flow path includes a valve body that includes respective hinged portions defining respective passageways extending through the valve body when in a closed state. A flexible conduit or tubing having a loop portion and a plurality of branches extending from the loop portion is at least partially positioned within the valve body. Portions of the loop that extend beyond the valve body are encapsulated by respective rigid jackets. Multiple valves are situated on the valve body and are used to selectively pinch the loop portion in different pinching configurations to direct fluid to or from the particular branches. The valve assembly may be integrated into a manufacturing or other production process with optional additional jackets used to encapsulate the flexible conduit branches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2024
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Applicant: Repligen Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Gagne, Steven V. Cates, Dean C. Richards, Scott Bendon
  • Patent number: 11898645
    Abstract: A valve assembly with a multidirectional flow path includes a valve body that includes respective hinged portions defining respective passageways extending through the valve body when in a closed state. A flexible conduit or tubing having a loop portion and a plurality of branches extending from the loop portion is at least partially positioned within the valve body. Portions of the loop that extend beyond the valve body are encapsulated by respective rigid jackets. Multiple valves are situated on the valve body and are used to selectively pinch the loop portion in different pinching configurations to direct fluid to or from the particular branches. The valve assembly may be integrated into a manufacturing or other production process with optional additional jackets used to encapsulate the flexible conduit branches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: REPLIGEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael C. Gagne, Steven V. Cates, Dean C. Richards, Scott Bendon
  • Publication number: 20230358321
    Abstract: Fluid management systems for handling pressurized fluid connect various subsystems or subunits without the need to use reinforced tubing. The system utilizes one or more segments of unreinforced conduit that are encapsulated at various points along a length of the segment with one or more rigid encapsulating members. The unreinforced conduit may be made a disposable element while the rigid encapsulating members may be re-used. In one aspect, the encapsulating member may include a two-part valve body that surrounds and encapsulates a portion of the unreinforced conduit. In another aspect, the encapsulating member may include a two-part jacket that surrounds and encapsulates a portion of the unreinforced conduit. The two-part valve bodies and two-part jackets may be joined at various points within the system as part of the overall flow system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Applicant: Repligen Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Gagne, Dean C. Richards, Steven V. Cates
  • Patent number: 11754191
    Abstract: Fluid management systems for handling pressurized fluid connect various subsystems or subunits without the need to use reinforced tubing. The system utilizes one or more segments of unreinforced conduit that are encapsulated at various points along a length of the segment with one or more rigid encapsulating members. The unreinforced conduit may be made a disposable element while the rigid encapsulating members may be re-used. In one aspect, the encapsulating member may include a two-part valve body that surrounds and encapsulates a portion of the unreinforced conduit. In another aspect, the encapsulating member may include a two-part jacket that surrounds and encapsulates a portion of the unreinforced conduit. The two-part valve bodies and two-part jackets may be joined at various points within the system as part of the overall flow system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Repligen Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Gagne, Dean C. Richards, Steven V. Cates
  • Patent number: 11578809
    Abstract: A system for managing flexible conduit or tubing used in pharmaceutical, bioprocess, or food/dairy applications includes a segment of flexible conduit or tubing and a plurality of conduit tracks, each conduit track including a conduit channel disposed on a first side thereof and extending along the length of each respective conduit track and dimensioned to receive the segment of flexible conduit or tubing therein, each conduit track further including a connector channel disposed on a second, opposing side and extending along the length of each respective conduit track and containing the one or more connectors that connect adjacent conduit tracks. The conduit tracks can be connected to each other or other process components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Repligen Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Gagne, Dean C. Richards, Steven V. Cates, Scott Bendon
  • Patent number: 11530752
    Abstract: Fluid management systems for handling pressurized fluid connect various subsystems or subunits without the need to use reinforced tubing. The system utilizes one or more segments of unreinforced conduit that are encapsulated at various points along a length of the segment with one or more rigid encapsulating members. The unreinforced conduit may be made a disposable element while the rigid encapsulating members may be re-used. In one aspect, the encapsulating member may include a two-part valve body that surrounds and encapsulates a portion of the unreinforced conduit. In another aspect, the encapsulating member may include a two-part jacket that surrounds and encapsulates a portion of the unreinforced conduit. The two-part valve bodies and two-part jackets may be joined at various points within the system as part of the overall flow system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Repligen Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Gagne, Dean C. Richards, Steven V. Cates
  • Patent number: 11512987
    Abstract: A fluid monitoring assembly includes a conduit having a wall defining a lumen for carrying fluid. A sensor mount is integrally formed with the wall of the conduit and extends generally transverse with respect to a longitudinal axis of the conduit, the sensor mount including an aperture defining an inner surface extending to the lumen. The assembly includes a sensor configured to be removably secured within the sensor mount, the sensor having an elongate body terminating at one end thereof in a sensing portion, the elongate body having a male projection on a portion thereof and configured to rest within the inner surface of the sensor mount. The assembly further includes a housing having first and second portions connected to one another, the housing defining an interior portion configured to encapsulate the conduit, at least a portion of the elongate body of the sensor, and the sensor mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Repligen Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Gagne, Steven V. Cates, Dean C. Richards, Scott Bendon
  • Publication number: 20220356955
    Abstract: Fluid management systems for handling pressurized fluid connect various subsystems or subunits without the need to use reinforced tubing. The system utilizes one or more segments of unreinforced conduit that are encapsulated at various points along a length of the segment with one or more rigid encapsulating members. The unreinforced conduit may be made a disposable element while the rigid encapsulating members may be re-used. In one aspect, the encapsulating member may include a two-part valve body that surrounds and encapsulates a portion of the unreinforced conduit. In another aspect, the encapsulating member may include a two-part jacket that surrounds and encapsulates a portion of the unreinforced conduit. The two-part valve bodies and two-part jackets may be joined at various points within the system as part of the overall flow system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Applicant: Repligen Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Gagne, Dean C. Richards, Steven V. Cates
  • Publication number: 20220299121
    Abstract: Fluid management systems for handling pressurized fluid connect various subsystems or subunits without the need to use reinforced tubing. The system utilizes one or more segments of unreinforced conduit that are encapsulated at various points along a length of the segment with one or more rigid encapsulating members. The unreinforced conduit may be made a disposable element while the rigid encapsulating members may be re-used. In one aspect, the encapsulating member may include a two-part valve body that surrounds and encapsulates a portion of the unreinforced conduit. In another aspect, the encapsulating member may include a two-part jacket that surrounds and encapsulates a portion of the unreinforced conduit. The two-part valve bodies and two-part jackets may be joined at various points within the system as part of the overall flow system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Inventors: Michael C. Gagne, Dean C. Richards, Steven V. Cates
  • Patent number: 11384848
    Abstract: Fluid management systems for handling pressurized fluid connect various subsystems or subunits without the need to use reinforced tubing. The system utilizes one or more segments of unreinforced conduit that are encapsulated at various points along a length of the segment with one or more rigid encapsulating members. The unreinforced conduit may be made a disposable element while the rigid encapsulating members may be re-used. In one aspect, the encapsulating member may include a two-part valve body that surrounds and encapsulates a portion of the unreinforced conduit. In another aspect, the encapsulating member may include a two-part jacket that surrounds and encapsulates a portion of the unreinforced conduit. The two-part valve bodies and two-part jackets may be joined at various points within the system as part of the overall flow system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Repligen Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Gagne, Dean C. Richards, Steven V. Cates
  • Publication number: 20220163366
    Abstract: A method of using a fluid monitoring assembly for measuring the flow rate of a fluid through a flexible conduit comprising a wall that defines a lumen through which the fluid passes. The assembly includes a housing having first and second portions each defining respective recessed interior portions that define a cavity that is configured to encapsulate and retain the flow sensor and the flexible tubing contained therein. The flow sensor may be removably secured around the outside of the flexible conduit and include one or more transducer/receiver pairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2022
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Applicant: Repligen Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Gagne, Dean C. Richards, Steven V. Cates
  • Patent number: 11274954
    Abstract: A method of using a fluid monitoring assembly for measuring the flow rate of a fluid through a flexible conduit comprising a wall that defines a lumen through which the fluid passes. The assembly includes a housing having first and second portions each defining respective recessed interior portions that define a cavity that is configured to encapsulate and retain the flow sensor and the flexible tubing contained therein. The flow sensor may be removably secured around the outside of the flexible conduit and include one or more transducer/receiver pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Repligen Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Gagne, Dean C. Richards, Steven V. Cates
  • Patent number: 11231120
    Abstract: A system for managing flexible conduit or tubing used in pharmaceutical, bioprocess, or food/dairy applications includes a segment of flexible conduit or tubing and a plurality of conduit tracks, each conduit track including a conduit channel disposed on a first side thereof and extending along the length of each respective conduit track and dimensioned to receive the segment of flexible conduit or tubing therein, each conduit track further including a connector channel disposed on a second, opposing side and extending along the length of each respective conduit track and containing the one or more connectors that connect adjacent conduit tracks. The conduit tracks can be connected to each other or other process components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Repligen Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Gagne, Dean C. Richards, Steven V. Cates, Scott Bendon
  • Publication number: 20210372540
    Abstract: A system for managing flexible conduit or tubing used in pharmaceutical, bioprocess, or food/dairy applications includes a segment of flexible conduit or tubing and a plurality of conduit tracks, each conduit track including a conduit channel disposed on a first side thereof and extending along the length of each respective conduit track and dimensioned to receive the segment of flexible conduit or tubing therein, each conduit track further including a connector channel disposed on a second, opposing side and extending along the length of each respective conduit track and containing the one or more connectors that connect adjacent conduit tracks. The conduit tracks can be connected to each other or other process components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Applicant: Repligen Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Gagne, Dean C. Richards, Steven V. Cates, Scott Bendon
  • Patent number: 11112021
    Abstract: A system for managing flexible conduit or tubing used in pharmaceutical, bioprocess, or food/dairy applications includes a segment of flexible conduit or tubing and a plurality of conduit tracks, each conduit track including a conduit channel disposed on a first side thereof and extending along the length of each respective conduit track and dimensioned to receive the segment of flexible conduit or tubing therein, each conduit track further including a connector channel disposed on a second, opposing side and extending along the length of each respective conduit track and containing the one or more connectors that connect adjacent conduit tracks. The conduit tracks can be connected to each other or other process components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Repligen Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Gagne, Dean C. Richards, Steven V. Cates, Scott Bendon
  • Publication number: 20210231470
    Abstract: A fluid monitoring assembly includes a conduit having a wall defining a lumen for carrying fluid. A sensor mount is integrally formed with the wall of the conduit and extends generally transverse with respect to a longitudinal axis of the conduit, the sensor mount including an aperture defining an inner surface extending to the lumen. The assembly includes a sensor configured to be removably secured within the sensor mount, the sensor having an elongate body terminating at one end thereof in a sensing portion, the elongate body having a male projection on a portion thereof and configured to rest within the inner surface of the sensor mount. The assembly further includes a housing having first and second portions connected to one another, the housing defining an interior portion configured to encapsulate the conduit, at least a portion of the elongate body of the sensor, and the sensor mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Applicant: Repligen Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Gagne, Steven V. Cates, Dean C. Richards, Scott Bendon
  • Publication number: 20210033207
    Abstract: A valve assembly with a multidirectional flow path includes a valve body that includes respective hinged portions defining respective passageways extending through the valve body when in a closed state. A flexible conduit or tubing having a loop portion and a plurality of branches extending from the loop portion is at least partially positioned within the valve body. Portions of the loop that extend beyond the valve body are encapsulated by respective rigid jackets. Multiple valves are situated on the valve body and are used to selectively pinch the loop portion in different pinching configurations to direct fluid to or from the particular branches. The valve assembly may be integrated into a manufacturing or other production process with optional additional jackets used to encapsulate the flexible conduit branches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Applicant: ALPHINITY, LLC
    Inventors: Michael C. Gagne, Steven V. Cates, Dean C. Richards, Scott Bendon
  • Publication number: 20210033203
    Abstract: Fluid management systems for handling pressurized fluid connect various subsystems or subunits without the need to use reinforced tubing. The system utilizes one or more segments of unreinforced conduit that are encapsulated at various points along a length of the segment with one or more rigid encapsulating members. The unreinforced conduit may be made a disposable element while the rigid encapsulating members may be re-used. In one aspect, the encapsulating member may include a two-part valve body that surrounds and encapsulates a portion of the unreinforced conduit. In another aspect, the encapsulating member may include a two-part jacket that surrounds and encapsulates a portion of the unreinforced conduit. The two-part valve bodies and two-part jackets may be joined at various points within the system as part of the overall flow system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Applicant: ALPHINITY, LLC
    Inventors: Michael C. Gagne, Dean C. Richards, Steven V. Cates
  • Publication number: 20200326004
    Abstract: A system for managing flexible conduit or tubing used in pharmaceutical, bioprocess, or food/dairy applications includes a segment of flexible conduit or tubing and a plurality of conduit tracks, each conduit track including a conduit channel disposed on a first side thereof and extending along the length of each respective conduit track and dimensioned to receive the segment of flexible conduit or tubing therein, each conduit track further including a connector channel disposed on a second, opposing side and extending along the length of each respective conduit track and containing the one or more connectors that connect adjacent conduit tracks. The conduit tracks can be connected to each other or other process components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Applicant: ALPHINITY, LLC
    Inventors: Michael C. Gagne, Dean C. Richards, Steven V. Cates, Scott Bendon
  • Publication number: 20200300682
    Abstract: A fluid monitoring assembly for measuring the flow rate of a fluid includes a flexible conduit comprising a wall that defines a lumen through which the fluid passes. In one embodiment, a flow sensor is removably secured around the outside of the flexible conduit, the flow sensor having one or more transducer/receiver pairs. The assembly includes a housing having first and second portions connected to one another at a hinge, the first and second housing portions each defining respective recessed interior portions that define a cavity that is configured to encapsulate and retain the flow sensor and flexible tubing contained therein. In an alternative embodiment, the flow sensor is directly embedded or integrated into the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Applicant: ALPHINITY, LLC
    Inventors: Michael C. Gagne, Dean C. Richards, Steven V. Cates