Patents by Inventor Dennis J. Hlavinka
Dennis J. Hlavinka 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: 12077739Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally provide for the expansion of cells in a cell expansion system using an active promotion of a coating agent(s) to a cell growth surface in some embodiments. A coating agent may be applied to a surface, such as the cell growth surface of a hollow fiber in a bioreactor, by controlling the movement of a fluid in which a coating agent is suspended, by changing flow rates, by changing flow directions, by rotation of the bioreactor, and/or combinations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2023Date of Patent: September 3, 2024Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.Inventors: Nathan D. Frank, Brian J. Nankervis, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Thomas G. Dilorenzo
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Patent number: 12043823Abstract: Implementations are described that relate to methods and systems for growing cells in a hollow fiber bioreactor. In implementations, the cells may be exposed to a number of growth factors including a combination of recombinant growth factors. In other implementations, the cells may be grown in co-culture with other cells, e.g., hMSC's. In implementations, the cells may include CD34+ cells. A coated membrane includes a membrane having a first coating configured to promote cellular adhesion to the membrane and a second coating that includes a soluble protein moiety.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2022Date of Patent: July 23, 2024Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.Inventors: Mark E. Jones, Dalip Sethi, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Thomas J. Felt
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Publication number: 20240191944Abstract: A lyophilizer includes a shelf and a container, at least one of the shelf and the container including a material having an emissivity greater than or equal to about 0.6 to less than or equal to about 1.0. A shelf plate includes a plate body and a material layer disposed on or defining one or more surfaces of the plate body, the material layer having an emissivity greater than or equal to about 0.6 to less than or equal to about 1.0.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2023Publication date: June 13, 2024Inventors: Dennis J. Hlavinka, Frank Corbin, III, Daniel Clement
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Patent number: 11999929Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally provide for the expansion of cells in a cell expansion system using an active promotion of a coating agent(s) to a cell growth surface. A coating agent may be applied to a surface, such as the cell growth surface of a hollow fiber, by controlling the movement of a fluid in which a coating agent is suspended. Using ultrafiltration, the fluid may be pushed through the pores of a hollow fiber from a first side, e.g., an intracapillary (IC) side, of the hollow fiber to a second side, e.g., an extracapillary (EC) side, while the coating agent is actively promoted to the surface of the hollow fiber. In so doing, the coating agent may be hydrostatically deposited onto a wall, e.g., inner wall, of the hollow fiber.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2020Date of Patent: June 4, 2024Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.Inventors: Nathan D. Frank, Brian J. Nankervis, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Thomas G. Dilorenzo
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Patent number: 11994343Abstract: Provided is a multi-part lyophilization container for lyophilizing a fluid, storing the lyophilizate, reconstituting the lyophilizate, and infusing the reconstituted lyophilizate into a patient, including a method of using same. The container includes a front surface, a back surface, a non-breathable section including a port region, a breathable section including a breathable membrane, and a peelable region including a peelable seal encompassing a boundary between the non-breathable section and the breathable section. The method includes inputting a fluid into a non-breathable section of the container, freezing the fluid, applying, in a lyophilization chamber, vacuum pressure, opening the peelable seal using a pressure differential, applying heat energy, sublimating the fluid and creating a temporary occlusion in a peelable region of the container.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2023Date of Patent: May 28, 2024Assignee: Terumo BCT Biotechnologies, LLCInventors: Kestas P. Parakininkas, Eric T. Hansen, Kirk L. Weimer, Nathaniel T. Johnson, Dennis J. Hlavinka
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Patent number: 11980707Abstract: Described are embodiments that include methods and devices for separating components from multi-component fluids. Embodiments may involve use of separation vessels and movement of components into and out of separation vessels through ports. Embodiments may involve the separation of plasma from whole blood. Also described are embodiments that include methods and devices for positioning portions, e.g., loops, of disposables in medical devices. Embodiments may involve use of surfaces for automatically guiding loops to position them into a predetermined position.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2023Date of Patent: May 14, 2024Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Felt, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Brian M. Holmes
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Publication number: 20240139399Abstract: Described are embodiments that include methods and devices for separating components from multi-component fluids. Embodiments may involve use of separation vessels and movement of components into and out of separation vessels through ports. Embodiments may involve the separation of plasma from whole blood. Also described are embodiments that include methods and devices for positioning portions, e.g., loops, of disposables in medical devices. Embodiments may involve use of surfaces for automatically guiding loops to position them into a predetermined position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2024Publication date: May 2, 2024Inventors: Thomas J. FELT, Dennis J. HLAVINKA, Brian M. HOLMES
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Patent number: 11938261Abstract: Embodiments are described for treating a fluid, e.g., a biological fluid. The embodiments may include systems, apparatuses, and methods. Embodiments may provide for a flow cell, with a plurality of manipulation elements, through which a fluid is flowed. The fluid may be treated (e.g., exposed to energy) as it moves through the flow cell. In embodiments, the flow cell may be used to inactivate pathogens in the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2019Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: Terumo BCT Biotechnologies, LLCInventors: Jon A. Dodd, Daniel R. Clement, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Jeremy T. Parsons, Haralambos P. Apostolopoulos
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Patent number: 11925743Abstract: Described are embodiments that include methods and devices for separating components from multi-component fluids. Embodiments may involve use of separation vessels and movement of components into and out of separation vessels through ports. Embodiments may involve the separation of plasma from whole blood. Also described are embodiments that include methods and devices for positioning portions, e.g., loops, of disposables in medical devices. Embodiments may involve use of surfaces for automatically guiding loops to position them into a predetermined position.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2023Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Felt, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Brian M. Holmes
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Publication number: 20240060030Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally provide for expanding cells in a cell expansion system. The cells may be grown in a bioreactor, and the cells may be activated by an activator (e.g., a soluble activator complex). Nutrient and gas exchange capabilities of a closed, automated cell expansion system may allow cells to be seeded at reduced cell seeding densities, for example. Parameters of the cell growth environment may be manipulated to load the cells into a particular position in the bioreactor for the efficient exchange of nutrients and gases. System parameters may be adjusted to shear any cell colonies that may form during the expansion phase. Metabolic concentrations may be controlled to improve cell growth and viability. Cell residence in the bioreactor may be controlled. In embodiments, the cells may include T cells. In further embodiments, the cells may include T cell subpopulations, including regulatory T cells (Tregs), for example.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2023Publication date: February 22, 2024Inventors: Dalip SETHI, James ARTHUR, David Alan HANNA, Daniel CLEMENT, Brian J. NANKERVIS, Jerome HEINTZ, Nathan D. FRANK, Brett BAEVERSTAD, Dennis J. HLAVINKA
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Publication number: 20240042118Abstract: Methods and devices for separating components from multi-component fluids are provided. A method for collecting a blood component includes drawing whole blood into a centrifuge, spinning the centrifuge to cause centrifugal force to act on the whole blood to separate the whole blood into a least a first blood component and a second blood component that is different from the first blood component, extracting the first blood component from the centrifuge, detecting when the second blood component is about to be extracted from the centrifuge, and after the second blood component is detected and while the centrifuge continues to spin, flowing the separated first blood component back towards the centrifuge to move at least the second blood component from the centrifuge.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2023Publication date: February 8, 2024Inventors: Dennis J. HLAVINKA, Thomas J. FELT
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Publication number: 20230405204Abstract: Embodiments are described for treating a fluid, e.g., a biological fluid. The embodiments may include systems, apparatuses, and methods. Embodiments may provide for a flow cell, with a plurality of manipulation elements, through which a fluid is flowed. The fluid may be treated (e.g., exposed to energy) as it moves through the flow cell. In embodiments, the flow cell may be used to inactivate pathogens in the fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2023Publication date: December 21, 2023Inventors: Jon A. DODD, Daniel CLEMENT, Dennis J. HLAVINKA, Jeremy T. PARSONS, Haralambos P. APOSTOLOPOULOS
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Publication number: 20230372598Abstract: Described are embodiments that include methods and devices for separating components from multi-component fluids. Embodiments may involve use of separation vessels and movement of components into and out of separation vessels through ports. Embodiments may involve the separation of plasma from whole blood. Also described are embodiments that include methods and devices for positioning portions, e.g., loops, of disposables in medical devices. Embodiments may involve use of surfaces for automatically guiding loops to position them into a predetermined position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2023Publication date: November 23, 2023Inventors: Thomas J. FELT, Dennis J. HLAVINKA, Brian M. HOLMES
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Patent number: 11815311Abstract: Provided is a gas fill fixture for use in lyophilization, a related system and method. The gas fill fixture includes a chassis, fill indicator and a lid, such that the chassis and lid together form a cavity for receiving a flexible lyophilization container. The system includes a lyophilization container, a lyophilizer and a gas fill fixture incorporating a chassis, a fill indicator and a lid. The method includes process steps for using the system to lyophilize a fluid.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2022Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: Terumo BCT Biotechnologies, LLCInventors: Nathaniel T. Johnson, Rylan A. Summit, Dennis A. Bridges, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Kestas P. Parakininkas, Kirk L. Weimer, Michael Lawrence Glover, Alexander Du Nguyen, Margaret V. Kwiat
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Patent number: 11813553Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems, chambers, and methods for processing particles by washing, concentrating, and/or treating the particles. Some embodiments provide for the processing of cells that may be in a liquid medium (e.g., a liquid in which the cells were grown) and are processed by being washed and concentrated for later use in research or other therapies.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2022Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.Inventors: Timothy Michael Taga, Anne Baker Oram, Linda A. Taylor, Dennis J. Hlavinka
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Publication number: 20230357699Abstract: A cell culturing system includes a processing unit that cultures cells, a reactor installation device in which the processing unit is installable, a connection circuit connected to the processing unit, a circuit control device to and from which the connection circuit is attachable and detachable, and a tank device including a culture medium accommodation unit for accommodating the culture medium. The processing unit includes a plurality of bioreactors. The culture medium in the culture medium accommodation unit is supplied to the processing unit via the connection circuit. The culture medium accommodation unit is capable of accommodating the culture medium of an amount required for culturing the cells in the processing unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2023Publication date: November 9, 2023Inventors: Masatsugu IGARASHI, Hirotaka OHASHI, Thomas J. FELT, Dennis J. HLAVINKA
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Publication number: 20230358471Abstract: Provided is a multi-part lyophilization container for lyophilizing a fluid, storing the lyophilizate, reconstituting the lyophilizate, and infusing the reconstituted lyophilizate into a patient, including a method of using same. The container includes a front surface, a back surface, a non-breathable section including a port region, a breathable section including a breathable membrane, and a peelable region including a peelable seal encompassing a boundary between the non-breathable section and the breathable section. The method includes inputting a fluid into a non-breathable section of the container, freezing the fluid, applying, in a lyophilization chamber, vacuum pressure, opening the peelable seal using a pressure differential, applying heat energy, sublimating the fluid and creating a temporary occlusion in a peelable region of the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2023Publication date: November 9, 2023Inventors: Kestas P. PARAKININKAS, Eric T. HANSEN, Kirk L. WEIMER, Nathaniel T. JOHNSON, Dennis J. HLAVINKA
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Patent number: 11771814Abstract: Embodiments are described for treating a fluid, e.g., a biological fluid. The embodiments may include systems, apparatuses, and methods. Embodiments may provide for a flow cell, with a plurality of manipulation elements, through which a fluid is flowed. The fluid may be treated (e.g., exposed to energy) as it moves through the flow cell. In embodiments, the flow cell may be used to inactivate pathogens in the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2019Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: Terumo BCT Biotechnologies, LLCInventors: Jon A. Dodd, Daniel R. Clement, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Jeremy T. Parsons, Haralambos P. Apostolopoulos
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Patent number: 11747082Abstract: Provided is a multi-part lyophilization container for lyophilizing a fluid, storing the lyophilizate, reconstituting the lyophilizate, and infusing the reconstituted lyophilizate into a patient, including a method of using same. The container includes a front surface, a back surface, a non-breathable section including a port region, a breathable section including a breathable membrane, and a peelable region including a peelable seal encompassing a boundary between the non-breathable section and the breathable section. The method includes inputting a fluid into a non-breathable section of the container, freezing the fluid, applying, in a lyophilization chamber, vacuum pressure, opening the peelable seal using a pressure differential, applying heat energy, sublimating the fluid and creating a temporary occlusion in a peelable region of the container.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2022Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: Terumo BCT Biotechnologies, LLCInventors: Kestas P. Parakininkas, Eric T. Hansen, Kirk L. Weimer, Nathaniel T. Johnson, Dennis J. Hlavinka
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Patent number: 11685883Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally provide for the expansion of cells in a cell expansion system using an active promotion of a coating agent(s) to a cell growth surface. A coating agent may be applied to a surface, such as the cell growth surface of a hollow fiber, by controlling the movement of a fluid in which a coating agent is suspended. Using ultrafiltration, the fluid may be pushed through the pores of a hollow fiber from a first side, e.g., an intracapillary (IC) side, of the hollow fiber to a second side, e.g., an extracapillary (EC) side, while the coating agent is actively promoted to the surface of the hollow fiber. In so doing, the coating agent may be hydrostatically deposited onto a wall, e.g., inner wall, of the hollow fiber.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2017Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.Inventors: Nathan D. Frank, Brian J. Nankervis, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Thomas G. DiLorenzo