Patents by Inventor Michael Merchant
Michael Merchant 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).
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Publication number: 20230087734Abstract: A medicinal infusion system includes a safety valve for isolating residual medication by providing a single point of fluidic disconnect to encapsulate a residual fluid volume prone to spillage. The safety valve couples a medicinal repository such as an infusion pump to a medicinal supply, typically from a syringe or tubing. The safety valve includes a resilient, deformable, or hinged surface for isolating and sealing the medicinal flow to eliminate and/or isolate any residual volume in tubing and connectors. The isolating surface accommodates an inserted fitting or coupling for allowing the medicinal flow to fill the infusion pump. Upon disconnection, fluids on either side of the safety valve are therefore isolated on the respective fill or source sides, and residual volume prone to spillage is eliminated.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2022Publication date: March 23, 2023Inventor: Michael A. Merchant
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Publication number: 20230070577Abstract: A medicinal vial reconstitution and IV dispensing device includes a bifurcated receptacle adapted to engage a medicinal vial, and a valve or barrier for selectively opening and closing the medicinal vial from fluidic communication with the patient IV line. The reconstitution device mixes medication with saline solution from an IV bag through a dedicated channel. The reconstitution device receives a medication vial containing the powdered medication. The reconstituted medication is then passed back into the IV bag for uniform mixing. A flow control element ensures fluid flow only from the vial to the bag. Once mixed, the reconstituted medication achieves a desired concentration in the IV bag. The (now medicated) saline solution in the IV bag is dispensed back through the reconstitution device via an IV line to the patient, and the flow control element redirects fluid only to the IV line and prevents any backflow with the vial.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2022Publication date: March 9, 2023Inventors: Michael A. Merchant, Hsi Chin Tsai
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Patent number: 11497684Abstract: A medicinal vial reconstitution and IV dispensing device includes a bifurcated receptacle adapted to engage a medicinal vial, and a valve or barrier for selectively opening and closing the medicinal vial from fluidic communication with the patient IV line. The reconstitution device mixes medication with saline solution from an IV bag through a dedicated channel. The reconstitution device receives a medication vial containing the powdered medication. The reconstituted medication is then passed back into the IV bag for uniform mixing. A flow control element ensures fluid flow only from the vial to the bag. Once mixed, the reconstituted medication achieves a desired concentration in the IV bag. The (now medicated) saline solution in the IV bag is dispensed back through the reconstitution device via an IV line to the patient, and the flow control element redirects fluid only to the IV line and prevents any backflow with the vial.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2019Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Inventors: Michael A. Merchant, Hsi Chin Tsai
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Patent number: 11491275Abstract: A medicinal infusion system includes a safety valve for isolating residual medication by providing a single point of fluidic disconnect to encapsulate a residual fluid volume prone to spillage. The safety valve couples a medicinal repository such as an infusion pump to a medicinal supply, typically from a syringe or tubing. The safety valve includes a resilient, deformable, or hinged surface for isolating and sealing the medicinal flow to eliminate and/or isolate any residual volume in tubing and connectors. The isolating surface accommodates an inserted fitting or coupling for allowing the medicinal flow to fill the infusion pump. Upon disconnection, fluids on either side of the safety valve are therefore isolated on the respective fill or source sides, and residual volume prone to spillage is eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2019Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Inventor: Michael A. Merchant
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Patent number: 11491319Abstract: An infusion coupling allows administration of IV drugs to a patient through an IV fluid line, and ensures that successive courses of medication are fully passed or flushed from the line to prevent mixing of incompatible drugs in the IV line. The infusion coupling includes a vessel body, and a plurality of branch inlets to receive medication through IV tubing connected to the inlets. The vessel body has a generally cylindrical shape such that each of the branch inlets is in fluidic communication with the interior volume for receiving the IV fluids for transport. The inlets are angled on the body of the infusion coupling. A transverse bar or obstruction extends across an interior diameter of the infusion coupling for disrupting a circular flow that can result in a vortex. Formation of a vortex can retain the infused medication in the infusion coupling and result in mixing with successive medication courses.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2019Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Inventor: Michael A. Merchant
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Publication number: 20200330326Abstract: A medicinal vial reconstitution and IV dispensing device includes a bifurcated receptacle adapted to engage a medicinal vial, and a valve or barrier for selectively opening and closing the medicinal vial from fluidic communication with the patient IV line. The reconstitution device mixes medication with saline solution from an IV bag through a dedicated channel. The reconstitution device receives a medication vial containing the powdered medication. The reconstituted medication is then passed back into the IV bag for uniform mixing. A flow control element ensures fluid flow only from the vial to the bag. Once mixed, the reconstituted medication achieves a desired concentration in the IV bag. The (now medicated) saline solution in the IV bag is dispensed back through the reconstitution device via an IV line to the patient, and the flow control element redirects fluid only to the IV line and prevents any backflow with the vial.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2019Publication date: October 22, 2020Inventors: Michael A. Merchant, Hsi Chin Tsai
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Publication number: 20190247643Abstract: An infusion coupling allows administration of IV drugs to a patient through an IV fluid line, and ensures that successive courses of medication are fully passed or flushed from the line to prevent mixing of incompatible drugs in the IV line. The infusion coupling includes a vessel body, and a plurality of branch inlets to receive medication through IV tubing connected to the inlets. The vessel body a generally cylindrical shape such that each of the branch inlets is in fluidic communication with the interior volume for receiving the IV fluids for transport. The inlets are angled on the body of the infusion coupling. A transverse bar or obstruction extends across an interior diameter of the infusion coupling for disrupting a circular flow that can result in a vortex. Formation of a vortex can retain the infused medication in the infusion coupling and result in mixing with successive medication courses.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2019Publication date: August 15, 2019Inventor: Michael A. Merchant
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Publication number: 20190209775Abstract: A medicinal infusion system includes a safety valve for isolating residual medication by providing a single point of fluidic disconnect to encapsulate a residual fluid volume prone to spillage. The safety valve couples a medicinal repository such as an infusion pump to a medicinal supply, typically from a syringe or tubing. The safety valve includes a resilient, deformable, or hinged surface for isolating and sealing the medicinal flow to eliminate and/or isolate any residual volume in tubing and connectors. The isolating surface accommodates an inserted fitting or coupling for allowing the medicinal flow to fill the infusion pump. Upon disconnection, fluids on either side of the safety valve are therefore isolated on the respective fill or source sides, and residual volume prone to spillage is eliminated.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2019Publication date: July 11, 2019Inventor: Michael A. Merchant
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Publication number: 20190082866Abstract: A unitary bedsheet and cover are provided for applying bedding to a mattress. A mattress encasement surrounds the mattress, much like a pillow case and pillow. A flap is provided to cover the opening in the encasement tuck beneath the mattress. A top sheet is attached along a foot end of the mattress encasement. The unitary bedsheet system may have elastic panels to provide a snug fit of the encasement around the mattress. Once installed the sheets of unitary unit do not move or come untucked and the fitted encasement stays tight to the mattress.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2018Publication date: March 21, 2019Inventor: Terry Michael Merchant
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Patent number: 9895489Abstract: A disposable safety needle assembly and safety enclosure for internally shielding a used or contaminated needle includes a needle assembly having a needle cannula slidably disposed within a safety enclosure. An angular orientation to the needle within the enclosure maintains an insertion angle allowing the safety enclosure to remain substantially flush with a dermal surface during and while the needle is inserted. The safety enclosure also includes an internally disposed flexible safety member. The flexible safety member has face portion transversely situated and having a safety feature disposed to the needle and that slides thereon. Retracting the needle within the safety enclosure to a point wherein the sharp tip of the needle is beyond the needle protection section of the flexible member causes the protection section to travel transversely to the direction of motion of the needle. As a result, the safety feature receives the sharp tip of the needle.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2015Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Inventor: Michael Merchant
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Publication number: 20170056586Abstract: A disposable safety needle assembly and safety enclosure for internally shielding a used or contaminated needle includes a needle assembly having a needle cannula slidably disposed within a safety enclosure. An angular orientation to the needle within the enclosure maintains an insertion angle allowing the safety enclosure to remain substantially flush with a dermal surface during and while the needle is inserted. The safety enclosure also includes an internally disposed flexible safety member. The flexible safety member has face portion transversely situated and having a safety feature disposed to the needle and that slides thereon. Retracting the needle within the safety enclosure to a point wherein the sharp tip of the needle is beyond the needle protection section of the flexible member causes the protection section to travel transversely to the direction of motion of the needle. As a result, the safety feature receives the sharp tip of the needle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2015Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventor: Michael Merchant
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Patent number: 9366157Abstract: A lube oil supply system of a turbine system and method of regulating lube oil temperatures. In one embodiment, the system includes a first valve positioned on a lube oil bypass conduit in fluid communication with a lube oil supply line to a heat exchanger. The first valve may be positioned in parallel with the heat exchanger. The system may also include a second valve positioned on a cooling fluid supply line in fluid communication with the heat exchanger, and a lube oil control system operably connected to the first valve and the second valve. The lube oil control system may be configured to modify a position of at least one of the first valve, or the second valve in response to determining a temperature of a lube oil of the lube oil supply line differs from a predetermined lube oil temperature threshold.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2013Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Matthew Paul Fitzpatrick, Matthew Kenneth King, Jon Michael Merchant, Steven Paul Scarlata
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Publication number: 20150044036Abstract: A lube oil supply system of a turbine system and method of regulating lube oil temperatures. In one embodiment, the system includes a first valve positioned on a lube oil bypass conduit in fluid communication with a lube oil supply line to a heat exchanger. The first valve may be positioned in parallel with the heat exchanger. The system may also include a second valve positioned on a cooling fluid supply line in fluid communication with the heat exchanger, and a lube oil control system operably connected to the first valve and the second valve. The lube oil control system may be configured to modify a position of at least one of the first valve, or the second valve in response to determining a temperature of a lube oil of the lube oil supply line differs from a predetermined lube oil temperature threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2013Publication date: February 12, 2015Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Matthew Paul Fitzpatrick, Matthew Kenneth King, Jon Michael Merchant, Steven Paul Scarlata
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Patent number: 8758991Abstract: Methods of isolating membrane vesicles from a biological fluid sample are provided. In some embodiments, the methods comprise providing a biological fluid sample comprising membrane vesicles; filtering the biological fluid sample through a filtration module comprising a filter having an average pore diameter of between about 0.01 um and about 0.15 um; and collecting from the filtration module a retentate comprising the membrane vesicles, thereby isolating the membrane vesicles from the biological fluid sample.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2007Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: University of Louisville Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Jon Klein, Elias Klein, Michael Merchant
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Patent number: 8394601Abstract: Methods and kits are provided for diagnosing a kidney disease, or the risk thereof, in a subject. The methods include determining an amount of at least one peptide biomarker disclosed herein in a biological sample from the subject and comparing the amount of the at least one peptide in the sample with a control level, wherein if the amount determined is different than the control level, the subject is diagnosed as having, or at an increased risk of developing, the kidney disease.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2011Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: University of Louisville Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Jon B. Klein, Michael Merchant, Grzegorz Boratyn
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Patent number: 8303571Abstract: A multiple-line connective device for use in a medication infusing system includes a connective device body forming a main flow passage from an inlet to an outlet along a longitudinal axis, the main flow passage including an interior surface having a raised surface feature configured to induce turbulent liquid flow through the main flow passage. One or more branches extend from the connective device body, each defining at least one branch passage in communication with the main flow passage. Each branch passage enters the main flow passage at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis that imparts a flow through the branch passage that has a directional component that is parallel to the longitudinal axis and in the direction from the inlet to the outlet.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2010Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Errorless Medical, LLCInventors: Timothy Y. Kraushaar, Michael A. Merchant
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Patent number: 8221352Abstract: Techniques disclosed herein include a disposable safety needle assembly and safety enclosure for internally shielding a used or contaminated needle. The needle assembly has a needle cannula slidably disposed within a safety enclosure. The safety enclosure includes an internally disposed flexible safety member. The flexible safety member has face portion transversely situated and having a safety feature disposed to the needle and that slides thereon. Retracting the needle within the safety enclosure to a point wherein the sharp tip of the needle is beyond the needle protection section of the flexible member causes the protection section to travel transversely to the direction of motion of the needle. As a result, the safety feature receives the sharp tip of the needle and prevents the needle from exiting the enclosure, thereby maintaining the needle safely after use.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2010Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Inventor: Michael Merchant
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Publication number: 20120029479Abstract: A multiple-line connective device for use in a medication infusing system includes a connective device body forming a main flow passage from an inlet to an outlet along a longitudinal axis, the main flow passage including an interior surface having a raised surface feature configured to induce turbulent liquid flow through the main flow passage. One or more branches extend from the connective device body, each defining at least one branch passage in communication with the main flow passage. Each branch passage enters the main flow passage at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis that imparts a flow through the branch passage that has a directional component that is parallel to the longitudinal axis and in the direction from the inlet to the outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2010Publication date: February 2, 2012Inventors: Timothy Y. Kraushaar, Michael A. Merchant
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Publication number: 20120009606Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter provides methods for diagnosing a kidney disease, or the risk thereof, in a subject. The methods comprise determining an amount of at least one peptide biomarker disclosed herein in a biological sample from the subject and comparing the amount of the at least one peptide in the sample with a control level, wherein if the amount determined is different than the control level, the subject is diagnosed as having, or at an increased risk of developing, the kidney disease.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2011Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.Inventors: Jon B. Klein, Michael Merchant, Grzegorz Boratyn
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Patent number: 8039227Abstract: Methods for diagnosing a kidney disease, or the risk thereof, in a subject are provided. The methods comprise determining an amount of at least one peptide biomarker disclosed herein in a biological sample from the subject and comparing the amount of the at least one peptide in the sample with a control level, wherein if the amount determined is different than the control level, the subject is diagnosed as having, or at an increased risk of developing, the kidney disease.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2008Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: University of Louisville Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Jon B. Klein, Michael Merchant, Grzegorz Boratyn