Patents by Inventor Thomas F. Fangrow
Thomas F. Fangrow 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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Patent number: 8777908Abstract: A luer connector including a housing with first end including a male luer tip and a second end. The connector further includes a rigid valve member having a first opened end and a second closed end and a retaining member configured to couple the valve member and the housing. The housing further includes a rigid conduit positioned within the housing and in fluid communication with the second end of the housing, the rigid conduit adapted to engage the first opened end of the valve member. The housing defines a first internal volume when the valve member is in a first position and a second, smaller volume when the valve member is in a second position.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2012Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow, Jr.
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Publication number: 20140188088Abstract: A medical connector for use with one or more medical implements. In some embodiments, the connector minimizes or eliminates the retrograde flow of fluid into the connector from one end or port upon the disconnection of a medical implement from the other end or port. In some embodiments, the connector generates a positive flow of fluid out of the connector from one end or port when a medical implement is disconnected from the other end or port.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2014Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: ICU MEDICAL, INC.Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow, JR.
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Publication number: 20140174596Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein related to a device for transferring precise amounts of fluid from at least one source container to a at least one target container. In some embodiments, the fluid is first transferred from the source container (e.g., a vial) through a connector to an intermediate measuring container (e.g., a syringe). In some embodiments air can pass through an air inlet and enter the vial to compensate for the volume of fluid withdrawn from the vial. An air check valve or a bag or a filter can prevent the fluid from escaping through the air inlet. The precisely measured amount of fluid can then be transferred from the intermediate measuring container to the target container (e.g., an IV bag). In some embodiments the connector can include a source check valve and a target check valve to direct fluid first from the source container to the intermediate measuring container and then from the intermediate measuring container to the target container.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2014Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: ICU MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: George A. Lopez, Thomas F. Fangrow, Peter Leissling, Matthias Janssen
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Patent number: 8758306Abstract: A medical connector for use in a fluid pathway includes a substantially transparent housing having a proximal end with a proximal opening and a distal end with a distal opening, and a cavity extending therebetween. The connector provides a substantially visible fluid flow path extending through a substantial portion of the connector.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.Inventors: George A. Lopez, Thomas F. Fangrow, Jr., Bob Foret
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Publication number: 20140124528Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial includes a piercing member and a bag. The bag can be contained within the piercing member such that the bag is introduced to the vial when the vial adaptor is coupled with the vial. In some embodiments, the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In other embodiments, a vial includes a bag for regulating pressure within the vial as liquid is removed therefrom. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands within the vial, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts within the vial.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2013Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: ICU Medical, Inc.Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow
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Publication number: 20140107588Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a medical connector having a backflow resistance module configured to prevent fluid from being drawn into the connector when a backflow inducing event occurs. In some embodiments, the backflow resistance module can include a variable-volume chamber configured to change in volume in response to a backflow-inducing event and a check valve configured to resist backflow. In some embodiments, the medical connector can include a fluid diverter configured to direct fluid flowing through the medical connector into the variable volume chamber to prevent fluid stagnation therein. In some embodiments, the medical connector includes a body member, a base member, a seal member, a support member, and a valve member.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow
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Patent number: 8679090Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a medical connector having a selectively closable male end portion. Embodiments are configured to open upon connection with a female connector or female tipped medical implement. Some embodiments include an internal cavity configured to change size as the connector moves from the open to closed or closed to open positions. In some embodiments, the connector is configured to draw fluid from the male end toward the other end of the connector as the connector closes.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.Inventors: Harold Anderson, Christopher Lopez, Thomas F. Fangrow, Jr.
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Patent number: 8657788Abstract: An infusion set comprises a base member (60), an introducer cap (64), and an infusion cap (54). The base member (60) preferably comprises a soft cannula (52) extending from a lower side (118) of the base member (60), and a port (62) on an upper side (92) thereof. The port (62) is configured to be in fluid communication with the cannula (52). The port (62) also comprises a septum (130) adapted to seal the port (62) against unwanted fluid flow. The introducer cap (64) is adapted to be mounted to the base member (60) and has a needle (66) adapted to extend through the septum (130) and said soft cannula (52) in an assembled position. The infusion cap (54) comprises a lumen (160) adapted to receive an elongate flexible tube (162). The infusion cap (54) also comprises a hard cannula (170) adapted to be inserted through the septum (130) and to place said soft cannula (52) in fluid communication with said lumen (160).Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2006Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Tecpharma Licensing AGInventor: Thomas F. Fangrow, Jr.
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Patent number: 8647310Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a luer connector comprising a housing having a hollow bore therethrough, a first end, and a second end, a male luer tip supported by the housing configured to rotate with respect to the housing, the luer tip having a first open end and a passageway through the luer tip in fluid communication with the first open end, and a substantially rigid internal member extending into the passageway of the luer tip toward the first open end of the luer tip. In some embodiments, at least one of the luer tip and the internal member can be axially moveable between a first closed position and a second open position relative to the other of the luer tip and the internal member. Further, the luer tip and the internal member can cooperate such that rotation of the luer tip in a first direction relative to the housing increases an axial displacement between the first open end of the luer tip and an end portion of the internal member.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2011Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.Inventors: Thomas F. Fangrow, Jr., Bruce Hubrecht
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Patent number: 8628515Abstract: A medical connector for use with one or more medical implements. In some embodiments, the connector minimizes or eliminates the retrograde flow of fluid into the connector from one end or port upon the disconnection of a medical implement from the other end or port. In some embodiments, the connector generates a positive flow of fluid out of the connector from one end or port when a medical implement is disconnected from the other end or port.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2013Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow, Jr.
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Publication number: 20130304037Abstract: Some embodiments comprise a connector including a rigid housing having a first end and a second end. A second member can be positioned at a second end portion of the housing and be engageable with a second device. The second member can have a body portion having a first body portion, a second body portion, and a flow lumen extending axially through the body portion, an annular covering portion extending in a radial direction away from the body portion, a receiving portion extending away from the covering portion in an axial direction, and at least one protrusion extending radially away from an outside surface of the body portion. In some embodiments, the second member can be supported by the housing such that, in an assembled state, the first body portion is positioned within the housing and such that the annular covering portion and the second body portion are positioned outside the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Inventors: Thomas F. Fangrow, George A. Lopez
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Publication number: 20130253478Abstract: A valve for selectively permitting a fluid flow between first and second medical implements is disclosed. The valve has a housing with an interface suitable for receiving a connector portion of a first medical device such as a catheter, and a seal made of a flexible material. The seal has a first end in fluid communication with the interface, a second end suitable for receiving the second medical device, and at least one slit in fluid communication with the first end and the second end. The slit defines a restricted fluid flow path and a relatively small interior volume when in an undisturbed state, defines an expanded fluid flow path and a larger interior volume upon the introduction of the second medical instrument into the slit, and retracts to define a restricted flow path and a small interior volume upon the withdrawal of the second medical device from the seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: ICU MEDICAL, INC.Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow, JR.
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Patent number: 8540692Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial includes a piercing member and a bag. The bag can be contained within the piercing member such that the bag is introduced to the vial when the vial adaptor is coupled with the vial. In some embodiments, the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In other embodiments, a vial includes a bag for regulating pressure within the vial as liquid is removed therefrom. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands within the vial, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts within the vial.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2011Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow
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Publication number: 20130231616Abstract: A medical connector providing connection between medical devices comprising a female end connectable with a male end of a first medical device, a generally circular covering portion attached to the female end that is substantially wider than the transverse cross-section of the female end, a second end configured to connect with a second medical device, a housing extending between the female end and the second end comprising a region adjacent the covering portion that is wider than an outer diameter of the covering portion. In a first stage, the female end is configured to remain stationary with respect to the housing while the male end of the first medical device is rotated onto the female end. In a second stage, the female end is configured to rotate with respect to the housing to inhibit disconnection of the male end of the first medical device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2013Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicant: ICU MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Thomas F. Fangrow, George A. Lopez
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Patent number: 8522832Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein related to a device for transferring precise amounts of fluid from at least one source container to a at least one target container. In some embodiments, the fluid is first transferred from the source container (e.g., a vial) through a connector to an intermediate measuring container (e.g., a syringe). In some embodiments air can pass through an air inlet and enter the vial to compensate for the volume of fluid withdrawn from the vial. An air check valve or a bag or a filter can prevent the fluid from escaping through the air inlet. The precisely measured amount of fluid can then be transferred from the intermediate measuring container to the target container (e.g., an IV bag). In some embodiments the connector can include a source check valve and a target check valve to direct fluid first from the source container to the intermediate measuring container and then from the intermediate measuring container to the target container.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2010Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.Inventors: George A. Lopez, Thomas F. Fangrow, Jr., Peter Leissling, Matthias Janssen
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Patent number: 8512307Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial includes a piercing member and a bag. The bag can be contained within the piercing member such that the bag is introduced to the vial when the vial adaptor is coupled with the vial. In some embodiments, the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In other embodiments, a vial includes a bag for regulating pressure within the vial as liquid is removed therefrom. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands within the vial, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts within the vial.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2010Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow
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Patent number: 8469939Abstract: A vial adaptor configured to be attached to a wide range of vial sizes, the adaptor being configured to penetrate the vial seal so that the contents of a vial can be removed. The vial adaptor can have a body portion, a penetrating portion projecting from the body portion and configured to be inserted through the seal and positioned within an interior space of the vial so that the contents of the vial can flow through an opening in the penetrating portion, an interface portion supported by the body portion that is connectable to a syringe or other medical implement, at least one deflectable tab configured be bendable by hand or to bend in response to contact with the vial. The vial can also have a filtered air vent to allow air to fill the vial as the contents thereof are being removed.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2009Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow, Jr.
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Publication number: 20130150806Abstract: A luer connector comprising a housing with a hollow bore having first and second ends, a male luer tip, and a tapering interior surface. The luer connector also comprises a rigid valve member having a first opened end and a second closed end, a passageway therein, and an outwardly extending flange near the second end adapted to seal the hollow bore at the second end of the housing when in contact with an interior surface of the housing. The valve member further comprises an opening near the closed end of the valve member extending outward from the passageway through the valve member and at least one strut attached to the valve member. The luer connector also comprises a retaining member configured to couple the valve member and the housing and a sealing element disposed within the housing to inhibit fluid communication through the hollow bore of the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2012Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: ICU Medical, Inc.Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow, JR.
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Patent number: 8454579Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a medical connector having a backflow resistance module configured to prevent fluid from being drawn into the connector when a backflow inducing event occurs. In some embodiments, the backflow resistance module can include a variable-volume chamber configured to change in volume in response to a backflow-inducing event and a check valve configured to resist backflow. In some embodiments, the medical connector can include a fluid diverter configured to direct fluid flowing through the medical connector into the variable volume chamber to prevent fluid stagnation therein. In some embodiments, the medical connector includes a body member, a base member, a seal member, a support member, and a valve member.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2010Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow, Jr.
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Patent number: 8444628Abstract: A valve for selectively permitting a fluid flow between first and second medical implements is disclosed. The valve has a housing with an interface suitable for receiving a connector portion of a first medical device such as a catheter, and a seal made of a flexible material. The seal has a first end in fluid communication with the interface, a second end suitable for receiving the second medical device, and at least one slit in fluid communication with the first end and the second end. The slit defines a restricted fluid flow path and a relatively small interior volume when in an undisturbed state, defines an expanded fluid flow path and a larger interior volume upon the introduction of the second medical instrument into the slit, and retracts to define a restricted flow path and a small interior volume upon the withdrawal of the second medical device from the seal.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2012Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow, Jr.