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).

  • Patent number: 11634677
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. Frank, Brian J. Nankervis, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Thomas G. Dilorenzo
  • Publication number: 20230086359
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2022
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Inventors: Kestas P. PARAKININKAS, Eric T. HANSEN, Kirk L. WEIMER, Nathaniel T. JOHNSON, Dennis J. HLAVINKA
  • Patent number: 11609042
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Terumo BCT Biotechnologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kestas P. Parakininkas, Eric T. Hansen, Kirk L. Weimer, Nathaniel T. Johnson, Dennis J. Hlavinka
  • Patent number: 11609043
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Terumo BCT Biotechnologies, LLC
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20230015292
    Abstract: A modular cassette is provided for separating a composite fluid into at least two component parts thereof during centrifugation. The modular cassette includes: a housing defining a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a chamber for fluid separation; a fluidic channel configured to provide fluid communication between at least two components of the modular cassette; a heat expanding valve including: a flow pathway including undulations configured to facilitate closing of the fluidic channel, wherein the heat expanding valve occludes one or more of the undulations of the flow pathway to close the fluidic channel; and a heating element configured to actuate the heat expanding valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: James R. LADTKOW, Dennis J. HLAVINKA, Thomas J. FELT, Andrew GLOOR, Jesse JANZEN, Taylor POLODNA, Luke Edwin LADTKOW
  • Publication number: 20230008773
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2022
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Applicant: Terumo BCT Biotechnologies, LLC
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20220355222
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Timothy Michael TAGA, Anne Baker ORAM, Linda A. TAYLOR, Dennis J. HLAVINKA
  • Patent number: 11478792
    Abstract: A modular cassette and method for separating a composite fluid into at least two component parts thereof during centrifugation is provided. The modular cassette includes a fluid inlet portion, at least one fluid separation portion, at least one media chamber in fluid communication with the fluid separation portion, a fluid collection portion, at least one fluidic channel configured to form a fluid communication between at least two components of the cassette, at least one wax valve including undulating flow channel portions configured to close at least one of the fluidic channels, and at least one heating element configured to actuate the at least one wax valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Ladtkow, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Thomas J. Felt, Andrew Gloor, Jesse Janzen, Taylor Polodna, Luke Edwin Ladtkow
  • Patent number: 11460248
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Terumo BCT Biotechnologies, LLC
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20220306978
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Inventors: Mark E. Jones, Dalip Sethi, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Thomas J. Felt
  • Patent number: 11446589
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Michael Taga, Anne Baker Oram, Linda A. Taylor, Dennis J. Hlavinka
  • Patent number: 11376525
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Michael Taga, Anne Baker Oram, Linda A. Taylor, Dennis J. Hlavinka
  • Publication number: 20210361847
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Applicant: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. FELT, Dennis J. HLAVINKA, Brian M. HOLMES
  • Patent number: 11137206
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatuses for lyophilizing, storing, and transfusing materials are described. In embodiments, the materials may include whole blood or a component of whole blood such as plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Corbin, III, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Rajesh Pareta, Mark E. Hillam
  • Patent number: 11104874
    Abstract: Embodiments provide for introducing a first fluid into a bioreactor and while introducing the first fluid into the bioreactor, circulating a second fluid with a reagent at a first flow rate through the bioreactor. The bioreactor may be maintained in a first orientation for a first period of time to allow at least a first portion of the reagent to coat the bioreactor. The second fluid may then be circulated at a second flow rate slower than the first flow rate to allow a second portion of the reagent to coat the bioreactor. Introduction of the first fluid may promote coating of the bioreactor by ultrafiltration. The introduction of the first fluid may be stopped. A third fluid may be circulated through the bioreactor to remove a portion of the reagent not coated on the bioreactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. Frank, Brian J. Nankervis, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Thomas G. Dilorenzo
  • Patent number: 11090425
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Felt, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Brian M. Holmes
  • Patent number: 11067336
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatuses for lyophilizing, storing, and transfusing materials are described. In embodiments, the materials may include whole blood or a component of whole blood such as plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Corbin, III, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Rajesh Pareta, Mark E. Hillam
  • Patent number: 10976105
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatuses for lyophilizing, storing, and transfusing materials are described. In embodiments, the materials may include whole blood or a component of whole blood such as plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Corbin, III, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Rajesh Pareta, Mark E. Hillam
  • Patent number: 10969171
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatuses for lyophilizing, storing, and transfusing materials are described. In embodiments, the materials may include whole blood or a component of whole blood such as plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Corbin, III, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Rajesh Pareta, Mark E. Hillam
  • Publication number: 20210016943
    Abstract: 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 an occlusion zone encompassing a boundary between the non-breathable section and the breathable section. The non-breathable section is configured to accommodate any of a liquid, a solid, a gas or combination thereof. The breathable section is configured to accommodate only a gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Applicant: Terumo BCT Biotechnologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kirk L. WEIMER, Nate T. JOHNSON, Dennis J. HLAVINKA, Kestas P. PARAKININKAS