Patents by Inventor Paul R. Prince

Paul R. Prince 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: 9095497
    Abstract: A medication loader is disclosed for quickly loading medications into medication organizers such as seven-day pillboxes. Seven pills are quickly isolated and trapped as the excess pills are held separately and then blocked while the trapped pills are directed into the seven chambers of the organizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Inventor: Paul R. Prince
  • Patent number: 8485194
    Abstract: An oral airway for insertion into a mouth and pharynx of a patient to provide a breathing pathway and for cooperating with either an anesthesia breathing connector, a suction tube, or a nasal cannula. The oral airway includes a first tubular member, a second tubular member disposed within the first tubular member, and a connector configured to securely attach to both the first tubular member and the second tubular member. The connector includes a first portion in fluid communication with the first tubular member and a second portion in fluid communication with the second tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventors: Phillip Benjamin Guerra, Paul R. Prince
  • Publication number: 20130014754
    Abstract: An oral airway for insertion into a mouth and pharynx of a patient to provide a breathing pathway and for cooperating with either an anesthesia breathing connector, a suction tube, or a nasal cannula. The oral airway includes a first tubular member, a second tubular member disposed within the first tubular member, and a connector configured to securely attach to both the first tubular member and the second tubular member. The connector includes a first portion in fluid communication with the first tubular member and a second portion in fluid communication with the second tubular member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Phillip Guerra, Paul R. Prince
  • Patent number: 8220461
    Abstract: An oral airway for insertion into the mouth and pharynx of a patient is disclosed and adapted to connect to an anesthesia breathing connector, a suction tube, or a nasal cannula, interchangeably as needed, without necessitating the removal of the oral airway from the patient. A tubular member has a connector at a proximal end and includes a first portion that is adapted for fixing with the anesthesia breathing connector. A second portion of the connector is adapted for receiving the suction tube. At least one protuberance between the first and second portions receives and retains a portion of the nasal cannula, or alternately, at least one aperture is included in the second portion for receiving a portion of the nasal cannula. A mouth guard extends outwardly from the connector. Alternately, a suction tube guide within the tubular member may be slidably positionable between a retracted and extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventors: Phillip B. Guerra, Paul R. Prince
  • Publication number: 20040142306
    Abstract: A system for sketching, illustrating, drawing or painting a likeness composition such as a canvas oil painting from a source image is described, and includes a set of graduated reusable overlayable source image grids with subdivision indicators affixed to clear plastic sheets to be used with a corresponding destination canvas grid pattern, thereby allowing a consistent grid pattern for all canvas sizes. Such a system greatly simplifies the use of grids in producing artwork and provides a low cost timesaving method to draw accurate shapes. The system includes a unique pre-gridded canvas with a water soluble grid pattern that includes the image grid pattern, thereby facilitating the drawing of the source image onto the canvas and simplifying the removal of the grid pattern after the drawing is completed and prior to painting. A method for imprinting the grid pattern onto the canvas, and a method for using the system of the present invention, are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: Paul R. Prince
  • Patent number: 6568938
    Abstract: A system for sketching, illustrating, drawing or painting likeness compositions such as canvas oil paintings from source images includes a set of increasing size reusable overlayable source image grids with image composition frames used with corresponding destination canvas grid patterns, allowing a consistent grid pattern for all canvas sizes by using predetermined grid dimensions for each canvas size. The image grid patterns may be affixed to clear plastic sheets or may be software-generated patterns. This combination greatly simplifies the use of grids in artwork and provides low-cost timesaving methods to draw accurate perspective. The system includes a unique canvas grid ruler for simplifying generation of canvas grid lines and in some embodiments canvases are pre-printed or backside-shadowed with appropriate canvas grid patterns and labels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Gridart, LLC
    Inventors: Paul R. Prince, Mary Von Lortz
  • Patent number: 6497821
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for filtering suspensions of medical and biological fluids, one aspect of which is separating a suspension comprising at least two types of particles which are differently sized or shaped and in which the first type of particle may be deformable at a relatively lower force and/or faster rate than the second type of particle. A filter member is provided having substantially precisely dimensioned pore sizes, with the pores being dimensioned to allow passage of the first type of suspended particle without distortion or only minimal distortion and passage of the second type of particle only with substantial distortion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: David Bellamy, Jr., Paul R. Prince, Michael O. Pekkarinen, Shmuel Sternberg
  • Patent number: 6491819
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for separating a suspension comprising at least two types of particles which are differently sized or shaped and in which the first type of particle may be deformable at a relatively lower force or faster rate than the second type of particle. A housing is provided having a generally cylindrical inner surface in which is mounted a rotor having a generally cylindrical outer surface. The outer surface of the rotor is spaced from the inner surface of the housing to define a suspension processing gap. A filter membrane is provided on the surface of the rotor or the housing that has pores with substantially precisely dimensioned shapes and sizes to correspond substantially to the shape of the first type of particle, thus allowing passage of the first type of particle and blocking passage of the second type of particle. A suspension is directed into the processing gap for either a selected residence time in contact with the filter membrane and/or at a selected force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Prince, Michael O. Pekkarinen, David Bellamy, Jr., Shmuel Sternberg
  • Publication number: 20020151329
    Abstract: A wireless telephone coupler for connecting a modem connected to a computer to a wireless telephone. In the preferred embodiments, the coupler includes an standard RJ-11 telephone jack for connection to the modem and a three conductor output receptacle adapted to be connected to the socket currently included in most cell phones and cordless phones for use with headsets to allow hands-free voice communication. In one preferred embodiment, a pair of amplifiers are coupled so that one of the amplifiers is coupled to transmit from the modem to one conductor of the socket and the other of the amplifier is connected to receive from the other of conductor and pass signals from the socket to the modem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: Paul R. Prince, Rod E. Hosilyk, Kevin R. Prince
  • Publication number: 20020033367
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for filtering suspensions of medical and biological fluids, one aspect of which is separating a suspension comprising at least two types of particles which are differently sized or shaped and in which the first type of particle may be deformable at a relatively lower force and/or faster rate than the second type of particle. A filter member is provided having substantially precisely dimensioned pore sizes, with the pores being dimensioned to allow passage of the first type of suspended particle without distortion or only minimal distortion and passage of the second type of particle only with substantial distortion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Applicant: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Prince, Michael O. Pekkarinen, David Bellamy, Shmuel Sternberg
  • Patent number: 6205201
    Abstract: A telephone line testing device detects the integrity of a telephone loop connected to a subscriber's modular telephone jack. The device includes a modular connector at a far end of a flexible electrically conductive cable, the other end of the cable terminating in a circuit enclosure housing a testing circuit. The testing circuit, when connected through the cable and modular connector to the telephone line, presents a low impedance to the line, drawing the line “offhook.” The testing circuit then tests the current potential of the line, and, if the current is excessive, presents a visual indication thereof. If the tip and ring signals of the telephone loop are reversed, reverse polarity is visually indicated. Otherwise, if the tested current falls within a predefined acceptable range, a visual indication that the telephone line is in working order is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: iCo Corporation
    Inventor: Paul R. Prince
  • Patent number: 5536237
    Abstract: A method and system for calibrating and controlling the withdrawal of a fluid, such as blood, from a fluid source, such as a blood vessel, includes a fluid pump, a pressure sensor, a flow rate sensor, and a microprocessor based flow control subsystem. The flow control subsystem optimizes the flow rate by sensing zero flow rate pressure within the subject, making a plurality of periodic flow path pressure measurements and extrapolating a calibration flow rate curve. A control curve is generated by utilizing the zero-flow rate pressure point, the slope of the calibration curve, and an empirically predetermined pressure. The blood pump is then operated at a maximum speed that is limited by the flow control curve to maximize flow without occlusion or collapse of the blood vessel during blood withdrawal. The method and system of the invention is particularly applicable to automated apheresis systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Prince, Robin Huff
  • Patent number: 5200090
    Abstract: A system is provided for weighing and monitoring flow from multiple fluid sources into a flow system wherein incoming fluid is received in a weighing bag attached to a control system for monitoring the amount of fluid passed through the weighing bag and for preventing admission of air into the flow system. An alarm attached to the weighing bag warns when fluid in the weighing bag is approaching empty, so that the fluid in the weighing bag can be replenished from the fluid source before the weighing bag runs dry. If fluid in the weighing bag is not replenished, the system automatically shuts down.The fluid pump can be absolutely calibrated using the controlled admission of known amounts of fluid into the weighing bag so that the amount of fluid introduced into the flow system through the weighing bag can be calculated automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Ford, Paul R. Prince
  • Patent number: 5188588
    Abstract: Blood separation is accomplished by alternately extracting blood from and reinfusing blood into a donor by way of a single needle while simultaneously and continuously separating the extracted blood into constituents. A harness set applicable to a hemapheresis instrument includes a dual-compartment reservoir. A first compartment stores blood during extraction for supply to the separator during reinfusion. The second compartment stores packed cells during collection for return to the donor during reinfusion. The collection and reinfusion cycles are alternated rapidly to preclude clotting in the un-anticoagulated portion of the harness tubing between the venepuncture needle and the Y-connection with the anticoagulant line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Baxter Internatonal Inc.
    Inventors: Donald W. Schoendorfer, Paul R. Prince
  • Patent number: 5178603
    Abstract: A method and system for adaptively controlled withdrawal/infusion of a fluid, such as blood, to or from a fluid source, such as a blood vessel. An adaptive flow rate limit is established and periodically adjusted during the course of withdrawal/infusion so as to maximize and optimize the withdrawal/infusion rate while, at the same time, providing for rapid corrective adjustments in flow rate responsive to early indications of flow disruption, such as occlusion or collapse of the blood vessel during blood withdrawal. The method and system of the invention is particularly applicable to automated apheresis systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: Baxter International, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Prince
  • Patent number: 5112298
    Abstract: A simplified fluid separation method and device usable for various apheresis procedures, including plasmapheresis. At least one pump is utilized to draw a first fluid (e.g. whole blood) into a separation device. The separation device then operates to separate the fluid (e.g. whole blood) into first and second fluid fractions (e.g. a cell concentrate and blood plasma). The first and second fluid fractions are pumped from the separation device to separate first and second fluid fraction containers, both of which are positioned on a single weighing device, such as an electronic load cell. At least one of the fluid fractions is subsequently removed from its fluid fraction container and returned to the human subject or other fluid source. Weights recorded by the single weighing device are then utilized to calculate the actual weights of fluid and/or fluid fractions pumped by at least one pump during the procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Prince, William Miller, Grant S. Benjamin
  • Patent number: 5069792
    Abstract: An adaptive filter concentrate flow control system and method includes a filter system, a pumping system driving feed fluid, concentrate and filtrate flowing through the filter system and a flow control system controlling the pumping system to maintain optimum filtrate flow rates or minimum feed flow rates along a control surface in a three dimensional transmembrane pressure--feed fluid rate--filtrate flow rate space. Actual sensed operating point data is used to locate the control surface so as to assure an optimized filtrate flow rate or minimized feed flow rate at which reversible blocking of the membrane has begun to occur without irreversible blocking or plugging. The system is advantageously employed to control and maximize the flow of plasma in a plasmapheresis system or to minimize the rate at which blood is withdrawn from a donor and introduced into the system while achieving a fixed rate of plasma flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Prince, William D. Callaway
  • Patent number: 4994188
    Abstract: The efficiency of a blood plasmapheresis filter is purposefully reduced at low input blood flow rates so as to prevent possibly excessive hematocrit which may make it difficult or impossible to handle the resulting blood cell concentrate (e.g., for infusion purposes) and/or which may cause accompanying red cell damage. Where filter efficiency is a function of rpm of a spinning element, such controlled reduction may be achieved by simply controlling spinner rpm as a function (e.g., linear over at least some range) of the input blood flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventor: Paul R. Prince
  • Patent number: D680642
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventors: Phillip B. Guerra, Paul R. Prince
  • Patent number: D687162
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: Paul R. Prince