Patents by Inventor James W. Poitras

James W. Poitras 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: 11608822
    Abstract: A diaphragm assembly for a pulsatile fluid pump includes an edge-mounted flexible diaphragm, the diaphragm configured for operation cyclically between a diastole mode and a systole mode. The diaphragm assembly further includes a systolic distribution brace having an interior wall configured to cup a portion of the outside surface of the diaphragm, and a diastolic plate, embedded in the diaphragm, mechanically coupled to a portion of the inside surface of the diaphragm. In the course of the systole mode, force is applied across the maximum radial extent of the systolic distribution brace, so as to impart tension in the diaphragm around the periphery of the systolic distribution brace. In the course of the diastole mode, force is applied across the maximum radial extent of the diastolic plate, so as to impart tension in the diaphragm around the diastolic plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: VentriFlo, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Vincent, George Koenig, James W. Poitras, Matthew J. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20220265993
    Abstract: A pulsatile fluid pump system includes a pump-valving assembly including a chamber and a diaphragm assembly coupled to the chamber and including a flexible diaphragm. The diaphragm assembly and the pump-valving assembly are configured as an integral pump assembly. The system further includes a linear motor having a magnet and a coil, the magnet moving in relation to the coil, the coil having an electrical input. The system also includes a control housing rigidly coupled to the linear motor and a controller system having an electrical output coupled to the electrical input of the coil, the controller system defining an electrical waveform at the electrical output to cause desired operation of the diaphragm. The integral pump assembly is configured to be removably coupled to the control housing, and the diaphragm assembly of the integral pump assembly is configured to be removably coupled to the linear motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: Douglas E. Vincent, Brian Bailey, Conrad Bzura, David Butz, David Olney, Eric Smith, George Koenig, James W. Poitras, Jeffrey P. Naber, Judy Labonté, Kathleen Vincent, Lawrence Kuba, Matthew J. Murphy, Patrick Shields, Roger Greeley
  • Publication number: 20220268266
    Abstract: A diaphragm assembly for a pulsatile fluid pump includes an edge-mounted flexible diaphragm, the diaphragm configured for operation cyclically between a diastole mode and a systole mode. The diaphragm assembly further includes a systolic distribution brace having an interior wall configured to cup a portion of the outside surface of the diaphragm, and a diastolic plate, embedded in the diaphragm, mechanically coupled to a portion of the inside surface of the diaphragm. In the course of the systole mode, force is applied across the maximum radial extent of the systolic distribution brace, so as to impart tension in the diaphragm around the periphery of the systolic distribution brace. In the course of the diastole mode, force is applied across the maximum radial extent of the diastolic plate, so as to impart tension in the diaphragm around the diastolic plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2022
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: Douglas E. Vincent, George Koenig, James W. Poitras, Matthew J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 11236741
    Abstract: A diaphragm assembly for a pulsatile fluid pump includes an edge-mounted flexible diaphragm, the diaphragm configured for operation cyclically between a diastole mode and a systole mode. The diaphragm assembly further includes a systolic distribution brace having an interior wall configured to cup a portion of the outside surface of the diaphragm, and a diastolic plate, embedded in the diaphragm, mechanically coupled to a portion of the inside surface of the diaphragm. In the course of the systole mode, force is applied across the maximum radial extent of the systolic distribution brace, so as to impart tension in the diaphragm around the periphery of the systolic distribution brace. In the course of the diastole mode, force is applied across the maximum radial extent of the diastolic plate, so as to impart tension in the diaphragm around the diastolic plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: VentriFlo, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Vincent, George Koenig, James W. Poitras, Matthew J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6652135
    Abstract: An apparatus for safely handling and securely holding a multitude of large and heavy open topped pails, for loading ingredients into these pails, and for stirring the ingredients within these pails into a fully homogenized state. The apparatus is adapted for simple removal and easy cleaning of the stirring components, and to minimize mess and eliminate cross contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Highland Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Poitras, James V. Bengiovanni, Peter C. Lewis, Dennis A. Nickerson, Paul J. Walker, Robert A. Prebble
  • Publication number: 20030058734
    Abstract: An apparatus for safely handling and securely holding a multitude of large and heavy open topped pails, for loading ingredients into these pails, and for stirring the ingredients within these pails into a fully homogenized state. The apparatus is adapted for simple removal and easy cleaning of the stirring components, and to minimize mess and eliminate cross contamination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: Highland Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Poitras, James V. Bengiovanni, Peter C. Lewis, Dennis A. Nickerson, Paul J. Walker, Robert A. Prebble
  • Patent number: 6041974
    Abstract: A support apparatus for a fluid dispenser having a container with a body portion, a neck portion defining an opening and a flange; and a fluid pump mechanism for withdrawing fluid from the container. Included in the apparatus is a housing for mounting on an upright planar surface; the housing defining a guide, and a support surface for receiving the flange to removably support the container; a latch; and a retainer shaped and arranged for reciprocating movement on the guide between open and closed positions and in a first direction relative to the housing and for reciprocating movement in a second direction different than the first direction and between the closed position and a latched position. The retainer, in its open position, allows removal of the container from the housing, in its closed position, prevents removal, and, in its latched position, is prevented from movement in the first direction by the latch. The retainer discourages unauthorized removal of the container from the support apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Highland Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Poitras, Dennis A. Nickerson, Edwin W. Wlodyka
  • Patent number: 4679709
    Abstract: The invention is a liquid dispenser including a container for retaining a liquid to be dispensed and comprising a mounting plate portion having a downwardly opening slot defined by a slot edge, a front surface bounding the slot, and a rear surface for juxtaposition a support surface; and a bracket comprising a body portion with a back surface for engaging the support surface, a wall bordering the body portion and extending transversely to the support surface, and a skirt projecting from the wall and spaced from and substantially parallel to the support surface. The wall engages the slot edge so as to provide vertical support for the container and the skirt and the support surface straddle and engage the front surface and the rear surface plate portion, respectively, so as to provide horizontal support for the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Assignee: Highland Laboratories
    Inventors: James W. Poitras, Edwin W. Wlodyka
  • Patent number: D452099
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Highland Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Poitras, Dennis A. Nickerson, Edwin W. Wlodyka
  • Patent number: D298897
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Assignee: Highland Laboratories
    Inventors: Rudolph C. Blaich, James W. Poitras, Edwin W. Wlodyka