Patents by Inventor Stephen E. Myrick

Stephen E. Myrick 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: 20230022647
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for enriching a flowing liquid with a dissolved gas inside a conduit. The system comprises two or more capillaries, each capillary delivering a stream of a gas-enriched liquid to the flowing liquid. The first ends of the capillaries are positioned to form an intersecting angle with respect to the effluent streams such that these streams of gas-enriched liquid collide with each other upon exit from the first ends of the capillaries, effecting localized convective mixing within the larger liquid conduit before these gas-enriched streams are able to come into close contact with the boundary surfaces of the conduit, whereby the gas-enriched liquid mixes with the flowing liquid to form a gas-enriched flowing liquid. In the preferred embodiment, no observable bubbles are formed in the gas-enriched flowing liquid. Methods of making and using such system are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2022
    Publication date: January 26, 2023
    Inventors: Stephen E. Myrick, Jeffrey L. Creech
  • Patent number: 11420165
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for enriching a flowing liquid with a dissolved gas inside a conduit. The system comprises two or more capillaries, each capillary delivering a stream of a gas-enriched liquid to the flowing liquid. The first ends of the capillaries are positioned to form an intersecting angle with respect to the effluent streams such that these streams of gas-enriched liquid collide with each other upon exit from the first ends of the capillaries, effecting localized convective mixing within the larger liquid conduit before these gas-enriched streams are able to come into close contact with the boundary surfaces of the conduit, whereby the gas-enriched liquid mixes with the flowing liquid to form a gas-enriched flowing liquid. In the preferred embodiment, no observable bubbles are formed in the gas-enriched flowing liquid. Methods of making and using such system are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: ZOLL Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen E. Myrick, Jeffrey L. Creech
  • Publication number: 20210252463
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for enriching a flowing liquid with a dissolved gas inside a conduit. The system comprises two or more capillaries, each capillary delivering a stream of a gas-enriched liquid to the flowing liquid. The first ends of the capillaries are positioned to form an intersecting angle with respect to the effluent streams such that these streams of gas-enriched liquid collide with each other upon exit from the first ends of the capillaries, effecting localized convective mixing within the larger liquid conduit before these gas-enriched streams are able to come into close contact with the boundary surfaces of the conduit, whereby the gas-enriched liquid mixes with the flowing liquid to form a gas-enriched flowing liquid. In the preferred embodiment, no observable bubbles are formed in the gas-enriched flowing liquid. Methods of making and using such system are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventors: Stephen E. Myrick, Jeffrey L. Creech
  • Patent number: 10960364
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for enriching a flowing liquid with a dissolved gas inside a conduit. The system comprises two or more capillaries, each capillary delivering a stream of a gas-enriched liquid to the flowing liquid. The first ends of the capillaries are positioned to form an intersecting angle with respect to the effluent streams such that these streams of gas-enriched liquid collide with each other upon exit from the first ends of the capillaries, effecting localized convective mixing within the larger liquid conduit before these gas-enriched streams are able to come into close contact with the boundary surfaces of the conduit, whereby the gas-enriched liquid mixes with the flowing liquid to form a gas-enriched flowing liquid. In the preferred embodiment, no observable bubbles are formed in the gas-enriched flowing liquid. Methods of making and using such system are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: ZOLL Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen E. Myrick, Jeffrey L. Creech
  • Publication number: 20180207592
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for enriching a flowing liquid with a dissolved gas inside a conduit. The system comprises two or more capillaries, each capillary delivering a stream of a gas-enriched liquid to the flowing liquid. The first ends of the capillaries are positioned to form an intersecting angle with respect to the effluent streams such that these streams of gas-enriched liquid collide with each other upon exit from the first ends of the capillaries, effecting localized convective mixing within the larger liquid conduit before these gas-enriched streams are able to come into close contact with the boundary surfaces of the conduit, whereby the gas-enriched liquid mixes with the flowing liquid to form a gas-enriched flowing liquid. In the preferred embodiment, no observable bubbles are formed in the gas-enriched flowing liquid. Methods of making and using such system are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Inventors: Stephen E. Myrick, Jeffrey L. Creech
  • Patent number: 9919276
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for enriching a flowing liquid with a dissolved gas inside a conduit. The system comprises two or more capillaries, each capillary delivering a stream of a gas-enriched liquid to the flowing liquid. The first ends of the capillaries are positioned to form an intersecting angle with respect to the effluent streams such that these streams of gas-enriched liquid collide with each other upon exit from the first ends of the capillaries, effecting localized convective mixing within the larger liquid conduit before these gas-enriched streams are able to come into close contact with the boundary surfaces of the conduit, whereby the gas-enriched liquid mixes with the flowing liquid to form a gas-enriched flowing liquid. In the preferred embodiment, no observable bubbles are formed in the gas-enriched flowing liquid. Methods of making and using such system are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: TherOx, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Myrick, Jeffrey L. Creech
  • Patent number: 8636952
    Abstract: This invention discloses a modular system having a base module, a mid-section control module, and a display module for preparing and administering a gas-enriched bodily fluid via an extracorporeal circuit. Gas-enrichment is achieved by a gas-enriching device which can be in the form of a disposable cartridge. The gas-enrichment device has an information recording element disposed thereon. During operation, the gas-enrichment device is placed in an enclosure within the control module. An electronic controller manages the various aspects of the system such as the production of gas-enriched fluid, flow rates, bubble detection, and automatic operation and shut down. The controller is capable of setting a fluid flow rate in the circuit according to a programming based on the information encoded in the information recording element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: TherOx, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Myrick, Gregory P. Watson, Jeffrey L. Creech, John M. Aoki
  • Publication number: 20130294189
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for enriching a flowing liquid with a dissolved gas inside a conduit. The system comprises two or more capillaries, each capillary delivering a stream of a gas-enriched liquid to the flowing liquid. The first ends of the capillaries are positioned to form an intersecting angle with respect to the effluent streams such that these streams of gas-enriched liquid collide with each other upon exit from the first ends of the capillaries, effecting localized convective mixing within the larger liquid conduit before these gas-enriched streams are able to come into close contact with the boundary surfaces of the conduit, whereby the gas-enriched liquid mixes with the flowing liquid to form a gas-enriched flowing liquid. In the preferred embodiment, no observable bubbles are formed in the gas-enriched flowing liquid. Methods of making and using such system are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: THEROX, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Myrick, Jeffrey L. Creech
  • Patent number: 8246564
    Abstract: This invention discloses a modular system having a base module, a mid-section control module, and a display module for preparing and administering a gas-enriched bodily fluid. Gas-enrichment is achieved by a gas-enriching device which can be in the form of a disposable cartridge. During operation, the gas-enrichment device is placed in an enclosure within the control module to form a fluid pathway for extracorporeal circulation of the bodily fluid. An electronic controller manages the various aspects of the system and executes an automated method for priming the extracorporeal circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: TherOx, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Myrick, Gregory P. Watson, John S. Gilkerson, John M. Aoki
  • Patent number: 8192384
    Abstract: This invention discloses a modular system having a base module, a mid-section control module, and a display module for preparing and administering a gas-enriched bodily fluid. An apparatus adapted for connecting with a gas tank is included in the system for gas tank hook-up. Gas-enrichment is achieved by a gas-enriching device which can be in the form of a disposable cartridge. During operation, the gas-enrichment device is placed in an enclosure within the control module. An electronic controller manages the various aspects of the system such as the production of gas-enriched fluid, flow rates, bubble detection, and automatic operation and shut down. The system has a power supply for providing electrical power to the system, and a switching mechanism coupled to the power supply and gas tank for synchronized switching of the power supply and the gas tank between an ON state and an OFF state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: TherOx, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Myrick, Gregory P. Watson, Achilles V. Young
  • Patent number: 7820102
    Abstract: A device generates a gas-enriched physiologic fluid and combines it with a bodily fluid to create a gas-enriched bodily fluid. The device may take the form of a disposable cartridge. The cartridge may include a fluid supply chamber for delivering physiologic fluid under pressure to an atomizer. The atomizer delivers fluid droplets into a gas-pressurized atomization chamber to enrich the physiologic fluid with the gas. The gas-enriched physiologic fluid is delivered to a mixing chamber in the cartridge where the gas-enriched physiologic fluid is mixed with a bodily fluid, such as blood, to create a gas-enriched bodily fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: TherOx, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Myrick, Gregory P. Watson, William R. Patterson, Paul J. Zalesky
  • Publication number: 20100143192
    Abstract: This invention discloses a modular system having a base module, a mid-section control module, and a display module for preparing and administering a gas-enriched bodily fluid. Gas-enrichment is achieved by a gas-enriching device which can be in the form of a disposable cartridge. During operation, the gas-enrichment device is placed in an enclosure within the control module. An electronic controller manages the various aspects of the system such as the production of gas-enriched fluid, flow rates, bubble detection, and automatic operation and shut down. The system includes a combination bubble detector/flow meter that uses a single ultrasonic probe for detecting bubbles and measuring fluid flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: THEROX, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Myrick, Gregory P. Watson, Jeffrey L. Creech
  • Publication number: 20100145249
    Abstract: This invention discloses a modular system having a base module, a mid-section control module, and a display module for preparing and administering a gas-enriched bodily fluid via an extracorporeal circuit. Gas-enrichment is achieved by a gas-enriching device which can be in the form of a disposable cartridge. The gas-enrichment device has an information recording element disposed thereon. During operation, the gas-enrichment device is placed in an enclosure within the control module. An electronic controller manages the various aspects of the system such as the production of gas-enriched fluid, flow rates, bubble detection, and automatic operation and shut down. The controller is capable of setting a fluid flow rate in the circuit according to a programming based on the information encoded in the information recording element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: THEROX, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Myrick, Gregory P. Watson, Jeffrey L. Creech, John M. Aoki
  • Publication number: 20100143191
    Abstract: This invention discloses a modular system having a base module, a mid-section control module, and a display module for preparing and administering a gas-enriched bodily fluid. An apparatus adapted for connecting with a gas tank is included in the system for gas tank hook-up. Gas-enrichment is achieved by a gas-enriching device which can be in the form of a disposable cartridge. During operation, the gas-enrichment device is placed in an enclosure within the control module. An electronic controller manages the various aspects of the system such as the production of gas-enriched fluid, flow rates, bubble detection, and automatic operation and shut down. The system has a power supply for providing electrical power to the system, and a switching mechanism coupled to the power supply and gas tank for synchronized switching of the power supply and the gas tank between an ON state and an OFF state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: THEROX, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Myrick, Gregory P. Watson, Achilles V. Young
  • Publication number: 20100143190
    Abstract: This invention discloses a modular system having a base module, a mid-section control module, and a display module for preparing and administering a gas-enriched bodily fluid via an extracorporeal circuit. Gas-enrichment is achieved by a gas-enriching device which can be in the form of a disposable cartridge. During operation, the gas-enrichment device is placed in an enclosure within the control module. An electronic controller manages the various aspects of the system such as the production of gas-enriched fluid, flow rates, bubble detection, and automatic operation and shut down. The controller is capable of detecting occlusions in the extracorporeal circuit and responding to different occlusion conditions to prevent forced shutdown/re-priming of the circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: THEROX, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Myrick, Gregory P. Watson
  • Publication number: 20100145248
    Abstract: This invention discloses a modular system having a base module, a mid-section control module, and a display module for preparing and administering a gas-enriched bodily fluid. Gas-enrichment is achieved by a gas-enriching device which can be in the form of a disposable cartridge. During operation, the gas-enrichment device is placed in an enclosure within the control module to form a fluid pathway for extracorporeal circulation of the bodily fluid. An electronic controller manages the various aspects of the system and executes an automated method for priming the extracorporeal circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: THEROX, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Myrick, Gregory P. Watson, John S. Gilkerson, John M. Aoki
  • Patent number: 7172727
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for blood oxygenation are provided. The apparatus includes a chamber having a first inlet to receive a fluid, e.g., physiologic saline; a second inlet to receive a gas, e.g., oxygen, from a gas supply; and an outlet coupled to a capillary assembly. An atomizer nozzle coupled to the first inlet creates within the chamber fine droplets of fluid into which the gas diffuses to create a gas-supersaturated fluid, which is removed via the outlet. The removed gas-supersaturated fluid mixes with blood within a liquid-to-liquid oxygenation assembly to form oxygenated blood for delivery to a patient. Alternately, the blood may be provided by a pump to a high pressure hollow fiber or other type membrane oxygenator within which oxygen diffuses across the membrane(s) and into the blood to form oxygenated blood, again for delivery to a patient or other site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: TherOx, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Patterson, Stephen E. Myrick, Vincent Divino, Jr., Jeffrey L. Creech, Mark S. Buhr
  • Patent number: 6974435
    Abstract: A system utilizes an oxygenation device to generate a gas-enriched physiologic fluid and to combine it with a bodily fluid to create a gas-enriched bodily fluid. The oxygenation device may take the form of a disposable cartridge, which is placed within an enclosure. An electronic controller manages various aspects of the system, such as the production of gas-enriched fluids, flow rates, bubble detection, and automatic operation and shut down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: TherOx, Inc
    Inventors: Derek J. Daw, William R. Patterson, Stephen E. Myrick, Jeffrey L. Creech, Vincent Divino, Jr., Gregory P. Watson, Paul J. Zalesky
  • Patent number: 6936221
    Abstract: A method for forming a gas-enriched fluid is provided. The method includes a step of providing a mixing chamber having a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet. A first fluid is delivered into the mixing chamber via the first inlet and flows vertically. A second fluid having a liquid phase supersaturated with a gas is delivered to the mixing chamber via the second inlet to mix with the first fluid and from the gas-enriched fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: TherOx, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Divino, Jr., William R. Patterson, Jeffrey L. Creech, Stephen E. Myrick
  • Patent number: 6899847
    Abstract: A device for producing a gas-supersaturated fluid is provided. The device includes a chamber having a first inlet to receive a gas and a second and a third inlets to receive a fluid; and an outlet for removal of the produced gas-supersaturated fluid. The gas is received from a gas supply that maintains pressure within the chamber at a predetermined level. An atomizer nozzle is coupled to the third inlet to create fine droplets of fluid within the chamber into which gas diffuses to create the gas-supersaturated fluid. The device also includes a first valve coupled to the outlet of the chamber and a second valve coupled to the second inlet, the third inlet and an actuator assembly to control delivery of the fluid from the piston assembly into the chamber. The fluid is delivered into the chamber through the second inlet when the second valve is open and the fluid is delivered through the third inlet when the second valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Therox, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Myrick, Mark S. Buhr