Patents by Inventor Steven R. Katz
Steven R. Katz 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: 20250144642Abstract: Fluid separation chambers are provided for rotation about an axis in a fluid processing system. The fluid separation chamber may be provided with first and second stages, with the first and second stages being positioned at different axial locations. In another embodiment, at least one of the stages may be provided with a non-uniform outer diameter about the rotational axis, which may define a generally spiral-shaped profile or a different profile for fractionating a fluid or fluid component. One or more of the stages may also have a varying outer diameter along the axis. The profile of the chamber may be provided by the chamber itself (in the case of rigid chambers) or by an associated fixture or centrifuge apparatus (in the case of flexible chambers).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2024Publication date: May 8, 2025Inventors: Gregory G. Pieper, Salvatore Manzella, JR., Brian C. Case, Steven R. Katz, Kyungyoon Min
-
Publication number: 20240424502Abstract: Fluid separation chambers are provided for rotation about an axis in a fluid processing system. The fluid separation chamber may be provided with first and second stages, with the first and second stages being positioned at different axial locations. In another embodiment, at least one of the stages may be provided with a non-uniform outer diameter about the rotational axis, which may define a generally spiral-shaped profile or a different profile for fractionating a fluid or fluid component. One or more of the stages may also have a varying outer diameter along the axis. The profile of the chamber may be provided by the chamber itself (in the case of rigid chambers) or by an associated fixture or centrifuge apparatus (in the case of flexible chambers).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2024Publication date: December 26, 2024Inventors: Gregory G. Pieper, Salvatore Manzella, JR., Brian C. Case, Steven R. Katz, Kyungyoon Min
-
Patent number: 12076731Abstract: Fluid separation chambers are provided for rotation about an axis in a fluid processing system. The fluid separation chamber may be provided with first and second stages, with the first and second stages being positioned at different axial locations. In another embodiment, at least one of the stages may be provided with a non-uniform outer diameter about the rotational axis, which may define a generally spiral-shaped profile or a different profile for fractionating a fluid or fluid component. One or more of the stages may also have a varying outer diameter along the axis. The profile of the chamber may be provided by the chamber itself (in the case of rigid chambers) or by an associated fixture or centrifuge apparatus (in the case of flexible chambers).Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2021Date of Patent: September 3, 2024Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.Inventors: Gregory G. Pieper, Salvatore Manzella, Jr., Brian C. Case, Steven R Katz, Kyungyoon Min
-
Patent number: 11865242Abstract: A medical system includes a reusable apparatus and a disposable fluid circuit, the disposable fluid circuit being coupled to the reusable apparatus and the reusable apparatus being configured to move a fluid through the disposable fluid circuit to perform a procedure. The medical system also includes a controller coupled to the reusable apparatus and configured to control the reusable apparatus to move the fluid through the disposable circuit according to the procedure, to store a procedure record in a memory, to await a procedure termination input, and if the procedure termination input is received, to request at least one input corresponding to a procedure termination reason and to add the procedure termination reason corresponding to the input to the procedure record if received.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2020Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.Inventors: Steven R. Katz, Dale H. Meixelsperger, Roberto Vilardi
-
Publication number: 20230055028Abstract: A fluid processing system includes a fluid processing device and a fluid flow circuit. The device includes a pump configured to convey a priming fluid through the circuit. The pressure in a conduit of the circuit is measured while the pump is operated at a particular rate. When the magnitude of the pressure is less than the magnitude of a predetermined pressure at the end of a time interval, the pump is operated at an increased rate. When the magnitude of the pressure is greater than the magnitude of the predetermined pressure at the end of the time interval, the pump is instead operated at a decreased rate. The magnitude of the pressure in the conduit is again compared to the magnitude of the predetermined pressure after the pump has operated at the increased or decreased rate for the time interval to determine how to next adjust the operational rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2022Publication date: February 23, 2023Inventors: Jeffrey R. Maher, Jonathan W. Prendergast, Brian C. Case, Steven R. Katz, Robert Crampton, Ryan DeLacey
-
Publication number: 20210291200Abstract: Fluid separation chambers are provided for rotation about an axis in a fluid processing system. The fluid separation chamber may be provided with first and second stages, with the first and second stages being positioned at different axial locations. In another embodiment, at least one of the stages may be provided with a non-uniform outer diameter about the rotational axis, which may define a generally spiral-shaped profile or a different profile for fractionating a fluid or fluid component. One or more of the stages may also have a varying outer diameter along the axis. The profile of the chamber may be provided by the chamber itself (in the case of rigid chambers) or by an associated fixture or centrifuge apparatus (in the case of flexible chambers).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2021Publication date: September 23, 2021Inventors: Gregory G. Pieper, Salvatore Manzella, JR., Brian C. Case, Steven R. Katz, Kyungyoon Min
-
Patent number: 11052408Abstract: Fluid separation chambers are provided for rotation about an axis in a fluid processing system. The fluid separation chamber may be provided with first and second stages, with the first and second stages being positioned at different axial locations. In another embodiment, at least one of the stages may be provided with a non-uniform outer diameter about the rotational axis, which may define a generally spiral-shaped profile or a different profile for fractionating a fluid or fluid component. One or more of the stages may also have a varying outer diameter along the axis. The profile of the chamber may be provided by the chamber itself (in the case of rigid chambers) or by an associated fixture or centrifuge apparatus (in the case of flexible chambers).Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2020Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.Inventors: Gregory G. Pieper, Salvatore Manzella, Jr., Brian C. Case, Steven R. Katz, Kyungyoon Min
-
Publication number: 20200384182Abstract: A medical system includes a reusable apparatus and a disposable fluid circuit, the disposable fluid circuit being coupled to the reusable apparatus and the reusable apparatus being configured to move a fluid through the disposable fluid circuit to perform a procedure. The medical system also includes a controller coupled to the reusable apparatus and configured to control the reusable apparatus to move the fluid through the disposable circuit according to the procedure, to store a procedure record in a memory, to await a procedure termination input, and if the procedure termination input is received, to request at least one input corresponding to a procedure termination reason and to add the procedure termination reason corresponding to the input to the procedure record if received.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2020Publication date: December 10, 2020Inventors: Steven R. Katz, Dale H. Meixelsperger, Roberto Vilardi
-
Patent number: 10768107Abstract: Blood separation systems and methods are provided for controlling the interface between separated blood components. The system includes a centrifuge assembly having a light-transmissive portion, a light reflector, and a fluid processing region therebetween. An optical sensor system emits a scanning light beam along a path toward the light-transmissive portion, which transmits at least a portion of the scanning light beam to the fluid processing region and the light reflector. The light reflector reflects at least a portion of the scanning light beam toward the optical sensor system along a path substantially coaxial to the path of the scanning light beam from the optical sensor system toward the light-transmissive portion of the centrifuge assembly. The scanning light beam may be a white light beam or narrow spectrum beam. The reflected beam may be directed through the optical sensor system via optical fibers.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2018Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.Inventors: Peter David Koudelka, Ryan Eliot Eckman, Eric Karl Lindmark, Lubomir Koudelka, James Joseph Ulmes, Steven R. Katz, William H. Cork
-
Publication number: 20200188937Abstract: Fluid separation chambers are provided for rotation about an axis in a fluid processing system. The fluid separation chamber may be provided with first and second stages, with the first and second stages being positioned at different axial locations. In another embodiment, at least one of the stages may be provided with a non-uniform outer diameter about the rotational axis, which may define a generally spiral-shaped profile or a different profile for fractionating a fluid or fluid component. One or more of the stages may also have a varying outer diameter along the axis. The profile of the chamber may be provided by the chamber itself (in the case of rigid chambers) or by an associated fixture or centrifuge apparatus (in the case of flexible chambers).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2020Publication date: June 18, 2020Inventors: Gregory G. Pieper, Salvatore Manzella, JR., Brian C. Case, Steven R. Katz, Kyungyoon Min
-
Patent number: 10596579Abstract: Fluid separation chambers are provided for rotation about an axis in a fluid processing system. The fluid separation chamber may be provided with first and second stages, with the first and second stages being positioned at different axial locations. In another embodiment, at least one of the stages may be provided with a non-uniform outer diameter about the rotational axis, which may define a generally spiral-shaped profile or a different profile for fractionating a fluid or fluid component. One or more of the stages may also have a varying outer diameter along the axis. The profile of the chamber may be provided by the chamber itself (in the case of rigid chambers) or by an associated fixture or centrifuge apparatus (in the case of flexible chambers).Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2018Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.Inventors: Gregory G. Pieper, Salvatore Manzella, Jr., Brian C. Case, Steven R. Katz, Kyungyoon Min
-
Patent number: 10561784Abstract: A blood processing system includes a centrifuge and an optical monitoring system mounted at a stationary radial position with respect to the centrifuge. A flow circuit may be mounted within the centrifuge, with an umbilicus of the flow circuit extending outside of the centrifuge. A midsection of the umbilicus is orbited around a rotational axis of the centrifuge at a uniform first speed, which causes the centrifuge to rotate at a non-uniform second speed that is approximately double the first speed. The monitoring system is configured to view the flow circuit through a radial window of the centrifuge to determine a characteristic of the flow circuit. The yoke and/or umbilicus may occasionally move into position between the monitoring system and the window, so a controller of the monitoring system is configured to determine when unobstructed light reflected through the window by the centrifuge is received by the monitoring system.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2017Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.Inventors: Steven R. Katz, Jeffrey Maher, Eric Linner, Ryan DeLacey, Robert Crampton, Richard L. West, Brian C. Case
-
Publication number: 20190120761Abstract: Blood separation systems and methods are provided for controlling the interface between separated blood components. The system includes a centrifuge assembly having a light-transmissive portion, a light reflector, and a fluid processing region therebetween. An optical sensor system emits a scanning light beam along a path toward the light-transmissive portion, which transmits at least a portion of the scanning light beam to the fluid processing region and the light reflector. The light reflector reflects at least a portion of the scanning light beam toward the optical sensor system along a path substantially coaxial to the path of the scanning light beam from the optical sensor system toward the light-transmissive portion of the centrifuge assembly. The scanning light beam may be a white light beam or narrow spectrum beam. The reflected beam may be directed through the optical sensor system via optical fibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2018Publication date: April 25, 2019Inventors: Peter David Koudelka, Ryan Eliot Eckman, Eric Karl Lindmark, Lubomir Koudelka, James Joseph Ulmes, Steven R. Katz, William H. Cork
-
Patent number: 10258998Abstract: An optical monitoring system is provided for use with a blood processing system. The system includes a light source configured to illuminate a disposable flow circuit received in a centrifuge and a light detector configured to receive an image of the disposable flow circuit. A controller combines two or more of the images received by the light detector to generate a two-dimensional output. The output is used to control the separation of blood within the disposable flow circuit. The monitoring system may also be used to verify that the disposable flow circuit is suitable for use with the centrifuge or that the disposable flow circuit is properly aligned within the centrifuge. The monitoring system may be positioned outside of the centrifuge bucket which receives the centrifuge.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2017Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.Inventors: Brian C. Case, Steven R. Katz, William H. Cork, Jonathan Prendergast
-
Patent number: 10209185Abstract: Blood separation systems and methods are provided for controlling the interface between separated blood components. The system includes a centrifuge assembly having a light-transmissive portion, a light reflector, and a fluid processing region therebetween. An optical sensor system emits a scanning light beam along a path toward the light-transmissive portion, which transmits at least a portion of the scanning light beam to the fluid processing region and the light reflector. The light reflector reflects at least a portion of the scanning light beam toward the optical sensor system along a path substantially coaxial to the path of the scanning light beam from the optical sensor system toward the light-transmissive portion of the centrifuge assembly. The scanning light beam may be a white light beam or narrow spectrum beam. The reflected beam may be directed through the optical sensor system via optical fibers.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.Inventors: Peter David Koudelka, Ryan Eliot Eckman, Eric Karl Lindmark, Lubomir Koudelka, James Joseph Ulmes, Steven R. Katz, William H. Cork
-
Patent number: 10188784Abstract: One embodiment relates to a pressure sensor apparatus, including a housing with a flexible member and an aperture configured to receive a fluid. The pressure sensor apparatus further includes a first member disposed on the flexible member, a second member removably coupled to the first member configured to move in response to a pressure of the fluid and a sensor configured to detect the movement of the second member. The pressure sensor apparatus generates a pressure signal for the fluid based on the displacement of the second member.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2016Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: FENWAL, INC.Inventors: Steven R. Katz, Salvatore Manzella, Terry Chung, Greg Pieper, Natalie Osterweil
-
Patent number: 10172996Abstract: A system of authenticating a medical solution used in a blood processing procedure, comprising a blood processing system having a user interface and access to a database of medical solutions identifiable by identifiers, wherein the blood processing system guides a user through steps of the procedure and the user interface prompts the user to execute an action as part of a step; a fluid circuit having an inlet for a medical solution, wherein the fluid circuit is coupled to the fluid processing system; wherein a step of the blood processing procedure comprises drawing a solution into the circuit, wherein the interface receives a user input of an identifier of the solution prior to the fluid processing system executing the step; wherein the fluid processing system is configured to compare the received identifier to medical solution identifiers within the database and, based on a result of the comparison, executing the step.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2015Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Inventors: Brian C. Case, Steven R. Katz
-
Publication number: 20180344920Abstract: A blood processing system includes a centrifuge and an optical monitoring system mounted at a stationary radial position with respect to the centrifuge. A flow circuit may be mounted within the centrifuge, with an umbilicus of the flow circuit extending outside of the centrifuge. A midsection of the umbilicus is orbited around a rotational axis of the centrifuge at a uniform first speed, which causes the centrifuge to rotate at a non-uniform second speed that is approximately double the first speed. The monitoring system is configured to view the flow circuit through a radial window of the centrifuge to determine a characteristic of the flow circuit. The yoke and/or umbilicus may occasionally move into position between the monitoring system and the window, so a controller of the monitoring system is configured to determine when unobstructed light reflected through the window by the centrifuge is received by the monitoring system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2017Publication date: December 6, 2018Inventors: Steven R. Katz, Jeffrey Maher, Eric Linner, Ryan DeLacey, Robert Crampton, Richard L. West, Brian C. Case
-
Publication number: 20180221891Abstract: Fluid separation chambers are provided for rotation about an axis in a fluid processing system. The fluid separation chamber may be provided with first and second stages, with the first and second stages being positioned at different axial locations. In another embodiment, at least one of the stages may be provided with a non-uniform outer diameter about the rotational axis, which may define a generally spiral-shaped profile or a different profile for fractionating a fluid or fluid component. One or more of the stages may also have a varying outer diameter along the axis. The profile of the chamber may be provided by the chamber itself (in the case of rigid chambers) or by an associated fixture or centrifuge apparatus (in the case of flexible chambers).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2018Publication date: August 9, 2018Inventors: Gregory G. Pieper, Salvatore Manzella, JR., Brian C. Case, Steven R. Katz, Kyungyoon Min
-
Patent number: 9968946Abstract: Centrifuges are provided for rotating fluid separation chambers about an axis in a fluid processing system. The centrifuge may be provided with high- and low-G walls, with a gap defined between the high- and low-G walls. A first section of the gap may have a substantially uniform radius about the axis, while a second section of the gap may have a non-uniform radius about the axis. The radius of the second section of the gap about the axis at all locations is no larger than the radius of the first section of the gap about the axis. The high-G wall may comprise an inner surface of an outer bowl, while the low-G wall may comprise an outer surface of an inner spool. At least a portion of the second section of the gap may have a varying radius along the axis and/or be configured as a spiral.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: FENWAL, INC.Inventors: Gregory G. Pieper, Salvatore Manzella, Jr., Brian C. Case, Steven R. Katz, Kyungyoon Min