Patents by Inventor Mark E. Hillam

Mark E. Hillam 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: 20230310725
    Abstract: An apheresis system includes a chamber configured to receive a centrifuge assembly and a moving loop holder. The moving loop holder includes a loop holder that has a loop connection that is configured to interact with a flexible loop received by the centrifuge assembly. The moving loop holder is configured to move between a first position and a second position, where in the first position, the moving loop holder is a first distance from the centrifuge assembly, and in the second position, the moving loop holder is a second distance from the centrifuge assembly. The centrifuge assembly is prevented from moving from an operating state to a loading state when the moving loop holder is in the first position, and the centrifuge assembly is allowed to move from the operating state to the loading state when the moving loop holder is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Mark E. Hillam, Evan C. Provan, Peter O’Brien
  • Publication number: 20230285654
    Abstract: A fluid collection loop includes a flexible tube having a first end and a second end, a connector, and a fluid component collection bladder. The connector is configured to couple the first end of the flexible loop and the fluid component collection bladder. The fluid component collection bladder includes a first chamber defined between a top end and a flow chamber separator, and a second chamber defined between a bottom end and the flow chamber separator. The flow chamber separator extends from a first end of the fluid component collection bladder towards a second end of the fluid component collection bladder and a gap exists between the fluid component collection bladder and the second end of the fluid component collection bladder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Tanner J. Ladtkow, Peter O'Brien, Mark E. Hillam
  • Publication number: 20230285651
    Abstract: An apheresis system may include an assembly for separating a component from a multi-component fluid, a processor, and a memory storing data for processing by the processor. The data, when processed, may cause the processor to run a calibration test on one or more instruments of the assembly and, based the one or more instruments failing the calibration test, calibrate the one or more instruments or lock the apheresis system for non-use. The apheresis system may include a pump configured to generate a calibration pressure at a test port and a pressure sensor configured to sense a pressure at the test port. The calibration test may include comparing the calibration pressure at the test port to the sensed pressure by the pressure sensor at the test port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: John PITTINGER, Stephanie Lynne ST. GEORGE, Mark E. HILLAM
  • Publication number: 20230285655
    Abstract: An apheresis system at least partially defines a chamber and includes centrifuge that is movable between lock and unlock states. The centrifuge includes a base, cover, lock assembly, and latch assembly. The cover engages the base and defines slots. The lock assembly is coupled to the base and rotates between latched and unlatched states. The lock assembly includes tabs and a protrusion. The tabs are in the slots of the cover. The protrusion at least partially defines a receptacle. The latch assembly is coupled to the base and includes a lever and engagement component attached thereto. In the latched state, the protrusion engages the engagement component to reduce or prevent rotation of the lock assembly. In the unlatched state, the lock assembly can rotate. In the lock state, the tabs are at least partially within the slots. In the unlock state, the cover is movable with respect to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Charles L. HAKE, Mark E. HILLAM, John PITTINGER, Bruce ELLINGBOE, Peter O'BRIEN, Dennis BEBIE, Hong Duc NGUYEN
  • Publication number: 20230285656
    Abstract: A modular serviceability sled includes a frame, subassembly, interconnection, gasket, and shielding component. The interconnection is operatively connected to the subassembly and includes an electrical, pneumatic, and/or hydraulic connection. The gasket can engage the frame and a base assembly of an apparatus. The shielding component can contact the frame and the base assembly and includes an electromagnetic interference and/or radio frequency shielding component. The sled is movable between an engaged state and a disengaged state. In the engaged state, the sled is at least partially within a receiving space of the apparatus, the gasket engages the frame and the base assembly, the shielding component contacts the frame and the base assembly, and the interconnection is operatively connected to a machine interconnection of the apparatus. In the disengaged state, the interconnection is disconnected from the machine interconnection and the sled is configured to freely move with respect to the base assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Charles L. HAKE, Mark E. HILLAM, Dave GIBBONS, Bruce ELLINGBOE, Anne Baker ORAM
  • Publication number: 20230285232
    Abstract: A load cell assembly includes a load cell and a deflection portion. The load cell includes a fixed end and a free end. The free end is configured to receive a force in a first direction. The deflection portion includes a first component and a second component. The first component is coupled to the free end of the load cell. The first component defines a first cam surface. The second component is configured to support the vessel. The second component defines a second cam surface. The second cam surface is configured to engage the first cam surface. In an engaged state, the second cam surface is in continuous direct contact with the first cam surface. In a disengaged state, at least a portion of the second cam surface is disengaged from the first cam surface. The load cell assembly includes a central axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Mark E. HILLAM, Drew PARKER, Davis BENZ, Robert BRERETON
  • Publication number: 20230285650
    Abstract: A soft cassette includes a body including a flexible material and first and second component. The body defines first and second lumens and first and second chambers. The first lumen extends between first and second ends. The first chamber is in the first lumen such that fluid passing through the first lumen passes through the first chamber. The second lumen is fluidly connected to the first lumen at a first junction between the first end and the first chamber and a second junction between the second end and the first chamber such that fluid passing through the second lumen bypasses the first chamber. The second chamber is in the second lumen. The first component is on a first side of the second chamber and includes a first ferromagnetic metal or magnet. The second component is on a second side of the second chamber and includes a second ferromagnetic metal magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Tanner J. LADTKOW, Davis BENZ, Mark E. HILLAM
  • 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: 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: 20200149814
    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: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank CORBIN, III, Dennis J. HLAVINKA, Rajesh PARETA, Mark E. HILLAM
  • Publication number: 20200141644
    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: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Applicant: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank CORBIN, III, Dennis J. HLAVINKA, Rajesh PARETA, Mark E. HILLAM
  • Publication number: 20200141645
    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: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Applicant: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank CORBIN, III, Dennis J. HLAVINKA, Rajesh PARETA, Mark E. HILLAM
  • Publication number: 20200141646
    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: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Applicant: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank CORBIN, III, Dennis J. HLAVINKA, Rajesh PARETA, Mark E. HILLAM
  • Patent number: 10539367
    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 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: TERUMO BCT, INC.
    Inventors: Frank Corbin, III, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Rajesh Pareta, Mark E. Hillam
  • Publication number: 20180128544
    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: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Applicant: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank CORBIN, III, Dennis J. HLAVINKA, Rajesh PARETA, Mark E. HILLAM
  • Patent number: 9863699
    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: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Corbin, III, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Rajesh Pareta, Mark E. Hillam
  • Publication number: 20150354894
    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: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Applicant: TERUMO BCT, INC.
    Inventors: Frank CORBIN, III, Dennis J. HLAVINKA, Rajesh PARETA, Mark E. HILLAM
  • Patent number: 5833092
    Abstract: Apparatus for feeding poorly flowable dry particulate materials includes a rotary supply hopper having an interior chamber for receiving and containing a quantity of material and an annular sidewall open at a lower edge, a stationary platform having a circular groove formed in a top surface of the platform encircling an upright central axis and an opening extending through the platform adjacent to the circular groove, spaced from the central axis and defined between the circular groove and central axis, a support structure supporting the hopper above the platform to undergo rotation relative to the platform about the upright central axis with the lower edge of the supply hopper being spaced from and extending downward into the circular groove of the platform such that the platform serves as a stationary bottom for the rotary supply hopper, and an annular discharge spout attached at an open upper end to the platform below and encircling the opening through the platform and having a transfer passage extending f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Summit Machine Builders, Corp.
    Inventors: Scott E. Godfrey, Leonard L. Hierath, Mark E. Hillam, Michael R. Schmehl, Charles F. Watson