Patents by Inventor Mark A. Christensen

Mark A. Christensen 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: 20240075942
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling operation of a vehicle. An example system for controlling operation of a vehicle includes one or more data collection components and one or more processors. The one or more data collection components are configured to collect data representative of a physical configuration of an interior vehicle component. The one or more processors are configured to access the collected data, determine, by processing the collected data, the physical configuration of the interior vehicle component, select a manner of operation based upon the determined physical configuration of the interior vehicle component, and cause the vehicle to operate according to the manner of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: Scott Thomas Christensen, Brian Mark Fields, Stephen R. Prevatt, Steve Roberson
  • Publication number: 20230398345
    Abstract: A fluid control component configured for controlling fluid flow through the hub of a catheter assembly during and after placement into the patient is disclosed. In one embodiment, the fluid control component comprises a body disposed within a cavity of the hub, the body being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the body does not pierce a valve disposed in the hub when in the first position and wherein the body pierces the valve when in the second position. The body includes a conduit to enable fluid flow through an internal portion of the body when the body is in the second position, and a plurality of longitudinal ribs disposed on an exterior surface of the body. The longitudinal ribs can provide fluid flow channels between the valve and an external portion of the body when the body is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2023
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Inventors: Huy Ngoc Tran, Mark A. Christensen, Chad A. Hadley, Jason R. Stats
  • Publication number: 20230354802
    Abstract: Solutions and methods for forming an exogenous flexible film on a plant and plants including the exogenous flexible film. The solutions include a solvent, a film forming matrix component, a hydrophobic barrier component, a plasticizing component, and a film enhancing component. The methods include spraying the solution on the plant. The methods also include evaporating at least a fraction of the solvent from the solution to form the exogenous flexible film. The plant includes fruit, and the spraying includes spraying at least 45 days prior to harvesting the fruit. The plants include an exogenous flexible film formed from the solutions and/or by the methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Luis Fernando Hernandez Aguilar, Brian James Tipton, Sean Calvin Musser, John Mark Christensen
  • Patent number: 11793989
    Abstract: A method for making a catheter. The method includes forming a catheter tube including an outer wall circumscribing at least one lumen and having a closed distal end, and creating a slit valve in a distal segment of the catheter tube proximal of the closed distal end. The slit valve includes a slit through the outer wall and a compliant segment designed to facilitate inward deflection of a portion of the outer wall along the slit when negative pressure is applied to the at least one lumen. The compliant segment is circumferentially spaced apart from the slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy B. Cox, Daniel B. Blanchard, Mark A. Christensen
  • Patent number: 11759618
    Abstract: A fluid control component configured for controlling fluid flow through the hub of a catheter assembly during and after placement into the patient is disclosed. In one embodiment, the fluid control component comprises a body disposed within a cavity of the hub, the body being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the body does not pierce a valve disposed in the hub when in the first position and wherein the body pierces the valve when in the second position. The body includes a conduit to enable fluid flow through an internal portion of the body when the body is in the second position, and a plurality of longitudinally extending ribs disposed on an exterior surface of the body. The ribs provide at least one fluid flow channel between the valve and an external portion of the body when the body is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Huy N. Tran, Mark A. Christensen, Chad A. Hadley
  • Patent number: 11737454
    Abstract: Solutions and methods for forming an exogenous flexible film on a plant and plants including the exogenous flexible film. The solutions include a solvent, a film forming matrix component, a hydrophobic barrier component, a plasticizing component, and a film enhancing component. The methods include spraying the solution on the plant. The methods also include evaporating at least a fraction of the solvent from the solution to form the exogenous flexible film. The plant includes fruit, and the spraying includes spraying at least 45 days prior to harvesting the fruit. The plants include an exogenous flexible film formed from the solutions and/or by the methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Cultiva, LLC
    Inventors: Luis Fernando Hernandez Aguilar, Brian James Tipton, Sean Calvin Musser, John Mark Christensen
  • Patent number: 11659962
    Abstract: A disposable liner for use with a reusable infant's bathtub. A workable liner may be formed from two parallel flat sheets of plastic film, bonded together around an outside boundary. The liner is disposable in a flat configuration of minimum thickness, and can then be folded to form a space-efficient rectangular package of substantially constant thickness. Certain liners may include a backrest cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Catapult Products, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel B. Blanchard, Dana L. Denton, Marshall T. Denton, William C. Ballard, Mark A. Christensen
  • Publication number: 20220233788
    Abstract: An atomizing nozzle structured particularly for nasal therapy. Preferred embodiments include a 2-piece atomizing nozzle structured to couple with luer-locking structure carried by a syringe. Such an atomizing nozzle includes a nasal stopper and a stem. A preferred nasal stopper includes a distal tip sized for insertion into a nostril of a human child, with a proximal shield portion being structured to resist over-insertion of a discharge orifice into the nostril. A nasal stopper desirably provides a centering function to urge the discharge orifice away from a nasal wall. One operable stem is structured to couple with the stopper and desirably carries unitary thread structure at a proximal end. A second operable stem is structured as a unitary part of the nasal stopper and also desirably carries unitary thread structure at a proximal end. Certain embodiments may also include spacer structure configured to reduce a dead volume inside the atomizing nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2022
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Inventors: Marshall T. DENTON, Perry W. CROLL, Mark A. CHRISTENSEN, Timothy R. WOLFE, J. Michael BROWN
  • Publication number: 20220054737
    Abstract: Anti-snagging components for use in infusion sets are provided. The anti-snagging component includes a sliding surface that guides an infusion set component past an obstruction when the infusion set is moved during manufacture or use. An anti-snagging structure may be integrally formed as a portion of an infusion set component or the anti-snagging structure may be a separate component that connects or attaches to an infusion set component. Some anti-snagging structures include a covering portion to cover a needleless connector and a tail portion to connect to a length of tubing. The covering portion may include an anti-microbial coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Inventors: Wantjinarjo Suwito, Corey Mark Christensen, Christopher Jesse Zollinger
  • Patent number: 11241547
    Abstract: An atomizing nozzle structured particularly for nasal therapy. Preferred embodiments include a 2-piece atomizing nozzle structured to couple with luer-locking structure carried by a syringe. Such an atomizing nozzle includes a nasal stopper and a stem. A preferred nasal stopper includes a distal tip sized for insertion into a nostril of a human child, with a proximal shield portion being structured to resist over-insertion of a discharge orifice into the nostril. A nasal stopper desirably provides a centering function to urge the discharge orifice away from a nasal wall. One operable stem is structured to couple with the stopper and desirably carries unitary thread structure at a proximal end. A second operable stem is structured as a unitary part of the nasal stopper and also desirably carries unitary thread structure at a proximal end. Certain embodiments may also include spacer structure configured to reduce a dead volume inside the atomizing nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: TELFLEX MEDICAL INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Marshall T. Denton, Perry W. Croll, Mark A. Christensen, Timothy R. Wolfe, J. Michael Brown
  • Patent number: 11207496
    Abstract: A magnetic stylet includes a core element and a distal region. The core element may include a proximal end coupled to a tab, the proximal end having a first diameter, a transition region, and a distal region extending from the transition region to a distal end. The distal region may have a second diameter less than the first diameter. The distal section may include the transition region and the distal region of the core element, a magnetic element, a polymer member, and a closure element. The magnetic element may be positioned distal of the transition region of the core element. The polymer member may be circumferentially disposed about the distal region of the core element, the continuous permanent magnetic element, and at least a portion of the transition region of the core element. The closure element may be an epoxy that forms a rounded end distal of the polymer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew W. Bown, Mark A. Christensen, Guy Rome, Bret Hamatake
  • Patent number: 11191889
    Abstract: Anti-snagging components for use in infusion sets are provided. The anti-snagging component includes a sliding surface that guides an infusion set component past an obstruction when the infusion set is moved during manufacture or use. An anti-snagging structure may be integrally formed as a portion of an infusion set component or the anti-snagging structure may be a separate component that connects or attaches to an infusion set component. Some anti-snagging structures include a covering portion to cover a needleless connector and a tail portion to connect to a length of tubing. The covering portion may include an anti-microbial coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: CAREFUSION 303, INC.
    Inventors: Wantjinarjo Suwito, Corey Mark Christensen, Christopher Jesse Zollinger
  • Publication number: 20210322748
    Abstract: Tube markers for use in infusion sets are provided. An infusion tube includes a tube marker positioned from a tube end at a distance equal to the distance between an external edge and a hard stop of a fluid port of an infusion set component. The tube marker provides an external visual indicator of the fit between the infusion tube and the infusion set component, such as whether there is a gap between the end of the infusion tube and hard stop of the fluid port. The tube marker may be pad printed or laser etched on the tube. The tube marker may also be a tube sleeve over molded or heat shrunk onto the tube. Methods of providing tube markers are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: Wantjinarjo SUWITO, Christopher Kazimierz JEDRZEJEWSKI, Aaron En-Yu WANG, Corey Mark CHRISTENSEN
  • Publication number: 20210308428
    Abstract: An insertion device for inserting a catheter into a patient's body is disclosed. In some embodiments, the insertion device combines needle insertion, guidewire advancement, catheter insertion, and needle shielding in a single device. In one embodiment, the insertion device comprises a housing including a hollow needle distally extending from the housing. At least a portion of the catheter is pre-disposed over the needle such that the catheter is disposed substantially external to the housing. A guidewire is included, as well as an advancement assembly that is configured to selectively advance the distal end of the guidewire out a distal opening of the needle in preparation for distal advancement of the catheter. The advancement assembly is further configured to enable distal catheter advancement before shielding the needle after use. The insertion device is configured to be grasped and used by a single hand of a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Daniel B. Blanchard, Huy Ngoc Tran, Rex A. Ribelin, Thomas S. Russell, Amir Orome, Jordan P. Diamond, Eric W. Lindekugel, Mark A. Christensen, Jay A. Muse
  • Publication number: 20210298536
    Abstract: A disposable liner for use with a reusable infant's bathtub. A workable liner may be formed from two parallel flat sheets of plastic film, bonded together around an outside boundary. The liner is disposable in a flat configuration of minimum thickness, and can then be folded to form a space-efficient rectangular package of substantially constant thickness. Certain liners may include a backrest cushion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Daniel B. Blanchard, Dana L. Denton, Marshall T. Denton, William C. Ballard, Mark A. Christensen
  • Patent number: 11040176
    Abstract: An insertion device for inserting a catheter into a patient's body is disclosed. The insertion device combines needle insertion, guidewire advancement, catheter insertion, and needle shielding in a single device. In one embodiment, the insertion device comprises a housing including a hollow needle distally extending from the housing. At least a portion of the catheter is pre-disposed over the needle such that the catheter is disposed substantially external to the housing. A guidewire is included, as well as an advancement assembly that is configured to selectively advance the distal end of the guidewire out a distal opening of the needle in preparation for distal advancement of the catheter. The advancement assembly is further configured to enable distal catheter advancement before shielding the needle after use. The insertion device is configured to be grasped and used by a single hand of a user during advancement of the guidewire and the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel B. Blanchard, Huy Ngoc Tran, Rex A. Ribelin, Thomas S. Russell, Amir Orome, Jordan P. Diamond, Eric W. Lindekugel, Mark A. Christensen, Jay A. Muse
  • Patent number: 10946123
    Abstract: A catheter connector assembly which may be included with a corporeal drainage system, and a method of draining fluid from a bodily cavity. The catheter connector assembly may include a catheter connector and a drainage line connector. The catheter connector may include a connector body with a coupling feature, a deformable sealing element, and a retaining member. The drainage line connector may include a drainage line body first and second hinge clips, and an actuator. The actuator is designed to deform the deformable sealing element when the drainage line connector is coupled to the catheter connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Christensen, Steven M. Smith, Jim C. Beasley, Kelly B. Powers
  • Publication number: 20200345999
    Abstract: A method for making a catheter. The method includes forming a catheter tube including an outer wall circumscribing at least one lumen and having a closed distal end, and creating a slit valve in a distal segment of the catheter tube proximal of the closed distal end. The slit valve includes a slit through the outer wall and a compliant segment designed to facilitate inward deflection of a portion of the outer wall along the slit when negative pressure is applied to the at least one lumen. The compliant segment is circumferentially spaced apart from the slit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2020
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventors: Jeremy B. Cox, Daniel B. Blanchard, Mark A. Christensen
  • Publication number: 20200246606
    Abstract: Tube markers for use in infusion sets are provided. An infusion tube includes a tube marker positioned from a tube end at a distance equal to the distance between an external edge and a hard stop of a fluid port of an infusion set component. The tube marker provides an external visual indicator of the fit between the infusion tube and the infusion set component, such as whether there is a gap between the end of the infusion tube and hard stop of the fluid port. The tube marker may be pad printed or laser etched on the tube. The tube marker may also be a tube sleeve over molded or heat shrunk onto the tube. Methods of providing tube markers are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Inventors: Wantjinarjo SUWITO, Christopher Kazimierz JEDRZEJEWSKI, Aaron En-Yu WANG, Corey Mark CHRISTENSEN
  • Patent number: 10722700
    Abstract: A bi-directional valve assembly, including valves for use in closed-ended catheters or other elongate tubular devices, is disclosed. In one embodiment, a catheter assembly for insertion into a body of a patient is disclosed and comprises an elongate catheter tube including an outer wall that at least partially defines at least one lumen that extends between a proximal end and a closed distal end thereof. The catheter tube includes a valve assembly that in turn includes a linear slit valve defined through the outer wall of a distal segment of the catheter tube, and a deformation region. The deformation region includes a compliant segment disposed in the outer wall of the catheter tube and a thinned portion of the outer wall. The compliant segment and thinned portion of the deformation region cooperate to preferentially deform the outer wall and open the slit valve during aspiration through the catheter tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy B. Cox, Daniel B. Blanchard, Mark A. Christensen