Patents by Inventor Mark Forrest Smith

Mark Forrest Smith 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: 11071811
    Abstract: The specification discloses a portable dialysis machine having a detachable controller unit and base unit. The controller unit includes a door having an interior face, a housing with a panel, where the housing and panel define a recessed region configured to receive the interior face of the door, and a manifold receiver fixedly attached to the panel. The base unit has a planar surface for receiving a container of fluid, a scale integrated with the planar surface, a heater in thermal communication with the planar surface, and a sodium sensor in electromagnetic communication with the planar surface. Embodiments of the disclosed portable dialysis system have improved structural and functional features, including improved modularity, ease of use, and safety features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, James Roswell Braig, David J Mishelevich, Charles Clemens, Clark Berg Foster, Martin Hering, Jan Brian Zwierstra, Russell Thomas Joseph, Victor Gura, Thomas Robinson, Milan Trcka, Daniele Ghidoli, Frank Isackson, Mark Forrest Smith
  • Patent number: 10808861
    Abstract: The present specification is directed to a valve that has an orifice closing member adjacent to an orifice through which fluid can flow, a displacement member having a first portion and a second portion, where the first portion is adjacent to the orifice closing member when the valve is in an open position, a first magnet and a second magnet where the first and second magnets are sufficiently proximate to the displacement member to exert a magnetic force on the displacement member, and an actuator for generating a magnetic field to move the displacement member toward the first magnet, cause the first portion to press against the orifice closing member, and cause the orifice closing member to close the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Forrest Smith
  • Publication number: 20200254169
    Abstract: The specification discloses a portable dialysis machine having a detachable controller unit and base unit. The controller unit includes a door having an interior face, a housing with a panel, where the housing and panel define a recessed region configured to receive the interior face of the door, and a manifold receiver fixedly attached to the panel. The base unit has a planar surface for receiving a container of fluid, a scale integrated with the planar surface, a heater in thermal communication with the planar surface, and a sodium sensor in electromagnetic communication with the planar surface. Embodiments of the disclosed portable dialysis system have improved structural and functional features, including improved modularity, ease of use, and safety features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, James Roswell Braig, David J Mishelevich, Charles Clemens, Clark Berg Foster, Martin Hering, Jan Brian Zwierstra, Russell Thomas Joseph, Victor Gura, Thomas Robinson, Milan Trcka, Daniele Ghidoli, Frank Isackson, Mark Forrest Smith
  • Patent number: 10596310
    Abstract: The specification discloses a portable dialysis machine having a detachable controller unit and base unit. The controller unit includes a door having an interior face, a housing with a panel, where the housing and panel define a recessed region configured to receive the interior face of the door, and a manifold receiver fixedly attached to the panel. The base unit has a planar surface for receiving a container of fluid, a scale integrated with the planar surface, a heater in thermal communication with the planar surface, and a sodium sensor in electromagnetic communication with the planar surface. Embodiments of the disclosed portable dialysis system have improved structural and functional features, including improved modularity, ease of use, and safety features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, James Roswell Braig, David J Mishelevich, Charles Clemens, Clark Berg Foster, Martin Hering, Jan Brian Zwierstra, Russell Thomas Joseph, Victor Gura, Thomas Robinson, Milan Trcka, Daniele Ghidoli, Frank Isackson, Mark Forrest Smith
  • Publication number: 20190203848
    Abstract: The present specification is directed to a valve that has an orifice closing member adjacent to an orifice through which fluid can flow, a displacement member having a first portion and a second portion, where the first portion is adjacent to the orifice closing member when the valve is in an open position, a first magnet and a second magnet where the first and second magnets are sufficiently proximate to the displacement member to exert a magnetic force on the displacement member, and an actuator for generating a magnetic field to move the displacement member toward the first magnet, cause the first portion to press against the orifice closing member, and cause the orifice closing member to close the orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2018
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Inventor: Mark Forrest Smith
  • Patent number: 10197180
    Abstract: The present specification is directed to a valve that has an orifice closing member adjacent to an orifice through which fluid can flow, a displacement member having a first portion and a second portion, where the first portion is adjacent to the orifice closing member when the valve is in an open position, a first magnet and a second magnet where the first and second magnets are sufficiently proximate to the displacement member to exert a magnetic force on the displacement member, and an actuator for generating a magnetic field to move the displacement member toward the first magnet, cause the first portion to press against the orifice closing member, and cause the orifice closing member to close the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Forrest Smith
  • Publication number: 20170232177
    Abstract: The specification discloses a portable dialysis machine having a detachable controller unit and base unit. The controller unit includes a door having an interior face, a housing with a panel, where the housing and panel define a recessed region configured to receive the interior face of the door, and a manifold receiver fixedly attached to the panel. The base unit has a planar surface for receiving a container of fluid, a scale integrated with the planar surface, a heater in thermal communication with the planar surface, and a sodium sensor in electromagnetic communication with the planar surface. Embodiments of the disclosed portable dialysis system have improved structural and functional features, including improved modularity, ease of use, and safety features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, James Roswell Braig, David J Mishelevich, Charles Clemens, Clark Berg Foster, Martin Hering, Jan Brian Zwierstra, Russell Thomas Joseph, Victor Gura, Thomas Robinson, Milan Trcka, Daniele Ghidoli, Frank Isackson, Mark Forrest Smith
  • Patent number: 9517296
    Abstract: The specification discloses a portable dialysis machine having a detachable controller unit and base unit. The controller unit includes a door having an interior face, a housing with a panel, where the housing and panel define a recessed region configured to receive the interior face of the door, and a manifold receiver fixedly attached to the panel. The base unit has a planar surface for receiving a container of fluid, a scale integrated with the planar surface, a heater in thermal communication with the planar surface, and a sodium sensor in electromagnetic communication with the planar surface. Embodiments of the disclosed portable dialysis system have improved structural and functional features, including improved modularity, ease of use, and safety features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, James Roswell Braig, David J Mishelevich, Charles Clemens, Clark Berg Foster, Martin Hering, Jan Brian Zwierstra, Russell Thomas Joseph, Victor Gura, Thomas Robinson, Milan Trcka, Daniele Ghidoli, Frank Isackson, Mark Forrest Smith
  • Publication number: 20160319954
    Abstract: The present specification is directed to a valve that has an orifice closing member adjacent to an orifice through which fluid can flow, a displacement member having a first portion and a second portion, where the first portion is adjacent to the orifice closing member when the valve is in an open position, a first magnet and a second magnet where the first and second magnets are sufficiently proximate to the displacement member to exert a magnetic force on the displacement member, and an actuator for generating a magnetic field to move the displacement member toward the first magnet, cause the first portion to press against the orifice closing member, and cause the orifice closing member to close the orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventor: Mark Forrest Smith
  • Patent number: 9360129
    Abstract: The present specification is directed to a valve that has an orifice closing member adjacent to an orifice through which fluid can flow, a displacement member having a first portion and a second portion, where the first portion is adjacent to the orifice closing member when the valve is in an open position, a first magnet and a second magnet where the first and second magnets are sufficiently proximate to the displacement member to exert a magnetic force on the displacement member, and an actuator for generating a magnetic field to move the displacement member toward the first magnet, cause the first portion to press against the orifice closing member, and cause the orifice closing member to close the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Forrest Smith
  • Publication number: 20160101225
    Abstract: A dialysis system is disclosed. An example dialysis system includes a heat disinfected dialysate fluid path. The example dialysis system also includes a disposable blood fluid path. The example dialysis system also includes an active carbon filter to purify influent water to purified water for dialysis or as a substitution fluid. An example method for dialysis includes providing a heat disinfected dialysate fluid path, providing a disposable blood fluid path, and purifying influent water via an active carbon filter to for dialysis or as a substitution fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Mark Forrest Smith, W. Mark Davis, Justin Charles Smith
  • Publication number: 20160103077
    Abstract: A liquid contaminant sensor system and method. An example system includes at least one light source. The example system includes at least one light detector to receive a light signal from the at least one light source. The example system includes a signal processor to compare the light signal received at the at least one light detector with a reference signal and determine if a particle is present in a liquid. An example liquid contaminant sensor method includes emitting a light into a detection path and a reference path, detecting a light signal from the detection path and the reference path, and comparing the light signal with a reference signal to determine if a particle is present in a fluid. In an example, a fluid path is split into a detection path and a reference path. In another example, the fluid path includes both the detection path and reference path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Mark Forrest Smith, W. Mark Davis, Justin Charles Smith
  • Publication number: 20150299002
    Abstract: Activated carbon filter (ACF) system and method are disclosed. An example of the ACF system includes a plurality of activated carbon electrodes, The ACF system includes at least one current spreader for each of the plurality of activated carbon electrodes. The ACF system includes an electrical connection to provide electrical power to the plurality of activated carbon electrodes via the at least one current spreader. The ACF system includes an inlet and an outlet configured to provide fluid through a flow path in the plurality of activated carbon electrodes to remove contaminant from the fluid. The ACE system actively deionizes and removes chemical, biological, and/or other particles from a fluid (e.g., tap water).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Inventors: Mark Forrest Smith, W. Mark Davis, Justin Charles Smith
  • Publication number: 20150298999
    Abstract: A water purification system is disclosed. An example of the water purification system includes a transportable water machine to generate purified water. The example transportable water machine includes fluid treatment subsystems including at least a pre-treatment subsystem, a Capacitive Deionization (CDI) subsystem, a mix and filter subsystem, and an output subsystem. The example transportable water machine also includes a mechanical subsystem to support the pre-treatment subsystem, CDI subsystem, mix and filter subsystem, and the output subsystem. The example transportable water machine also includes an electrical subsystem to support the pre-treatment subsystem, CDI subsystem, mix and filter subsystem, and the output subsystem. in an example, influent (e.g., tap water) to the water purification system is passed through one or more filter (e.g., a series of filters) to remove large particles, ions, organic molecules, inorganic molecules, and biological material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Inventors: Mark Forrest Smith, W. Mark Davis, Justin Charles Smith
  • Publication number: 20150299000
    Abstract: A fluid handling system is disclosed as it may be implemented to purify water. In an example, a single-unit fluid handling system includes a stationary filter, a mobile tank, and an end effector subsystem. The stationary filter has a Capacitive Deionization (CDI) subsystem. The stationary filter also has a mix and filter subsystem, and an output subsystem. The mobile tank has a tank subsystem, and a tank liner subsystem. The system may also include a waste handling component having a waste tank subsystem. In an example, purified fluid is maintained in physical, chemical, and biological isolation from waste fluid on the same device. Although not limited in end-use, the fluid handling system may be configured to further combine the purified water with medical fluid concentrate, store the fluid, and then dispense the product, e.g., via a medical device for use in a medical treatment procedure and/or surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Inventors: Mark Forrest Smith, W. Mark Davis, Justin Charles Smith
  • Publication number: 20140138294
    Abstract: The specification discloses a portable dialysis machine having a detachable controller unit and base unit. The controller unit includes a door having an interior face, a housing with a panel, where the housing and panel define a recessed region configured to receive the interior face of the door, and a manifold receiver fixedly attached to the panel. The base unit has a planar surface for receiving a container of fluid, a scale integrated with the planar surface, a heater in thermal communication with the planar surface, and a sodium sensor in electromagnetic communication with the planar surface. Embodiments of the disclosed portable dialysis system have improved structural and functional features, including improved modularity, ease of use, and safety features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, James Roswell Braig, David J. Mishelevich, Charles Clemens, Clark Berg Foster, Martin Hering, Jan Brian Zwierstra, Russell Thomas Joseph, Victor Gura, Thomas Robinson, Milan Trcka, Daniele Ghidoli, Frank Isackson, Mark Forrest Smith
  • Patent number: 8597505
    Abstract: The specification discloses a portable dialysis machine having a detachable controller unit and base unit. The controller unit includes a door having an interior face, a housing with a panel where the housing and panel define a recessed region configured to receive the interior face of the door, and a manifold receiver fixedly attached to the panel. The base unit has a planar surface for receiving a container of fluid, a scale integrated with the planar surface, a heater in thermal communication with the planar surface, and a sodium sensor in electromagnetic communication with the planar surface. Embodiments of the disclosed portable dialysis system have improved structural and functional features, including improved modularity, ease of use, and safety features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Russell Thomas Joseph, James Roswell Braig, Victor Gura, David J. Mishelevich, Thomas Robinson, Charles Clemens, Milan Trcka, Clark Berg Foster, Daniele Ghidoli, Martin Hering, Frank Isackson, Jan Brian Zwierstra, Mark Forrest Smith
  • Publication number: 20120280154
    Abstract: The present specification is directed to a valve that has an orifice closing member adjacent to an orifice through which fluid can flow, a displacement member having a first portion and a second portion, where the first portion is adjacent to the orifice closing member when the valve is in an open position, a first magnet and a second magnet where the first and second magnets are sufficiently proximate to the displacement member to exert a magnetic force on the displacement member, and an actuator for generating a magnetic field to move the displacement member toward the first magnet, cause the first portion to press against the orifice closing member, and cause the orifice closing member to close the orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Forrest Smith
  • Patent number: 8240636
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a valve that has an orifice closing member adjacent to an orifice through which fluid can flow, a displacement member having a first portion and a second portion, where the first portion is adjacent to the orifice closing member when the valve is in an open position, a first magnet and a second magnet where the first and second magnets are sufficiently proximate to the displacement member to exert a magnetic force on the displacement member, and an actuator for generating a magnetic field to move the displacement member toward the first magnet, cause the first portion to press against the orifice closing member, and cause the orifice closing member to close the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Forrest Smith
  • Publication number: 20110315611
    Abstract: The specification discloses a portable dialysis machine having a detachable controller unit and base unit. The controller unit includes a door having an interior face, a housing with a panel where the housing and panel define a recessed region configured to receive the interior face of the door, and a manifold receiver fixedly attached to the panel. The base unit has a planar surface for receiving a container of fluid, a scale integrated with the planar surface, a heater in thermal communication with the planar surface, and a sodium sensor in electromagnetic communication with the planar surface. Embodiments of the disclosed portable dialysis system have improved structural and functional features, including improved modularity, ease of use, and safety features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Barry Neil Fulkerson, Russell Thomas Joseph, James Roswell Braig, Victor Gura, David J. Mishelevich, Thomas Robinson, Charles Clemens, Milan Trcka, Clark Berg Foster, Daniele Ghidoli, Martin Hering, Frank Isackson, Jan Brian Zwierstra, Mark Forrest Smith