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).

  • Patent number: 9993390
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial comprises 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 comprises 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: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Seifert, Thomas F. Fangrow
  • Patent number: 9987195
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor comprises a housing member, a connector configured to couple the adaptor with a vial, a regulator channel, and an extractor channel formed in the housing member. The extractor channel is configured to facilitate withdrawal of fluid from the vial when the adaptor is coupled to the vial. The regulator channel is configured to facilitate flow of a regulating fluid to compensate for changes in volume of a medical fluid in the vial. In some embodiments, an expansion member is disposed on the housing member and is configured to expand and contract in accordance with changes in the volume of a medical fluid in the vial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow
  • Patent number: 9974940
    Abstract: A medical connector includes a housing with a central axis, a hollow bore, and a narrowed passage. The connector further includes a rigid valve member configured to move along the axis of the connector as the connector moves between an open and closed configuration. The connector includes a resilient member coupled to the valve member and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9974939
    Abstract: A medical connector includes a housing with a central axis, a hollow bore, and a narrowed passage. The connector further includes a rigid valve member configured to move along the axis of the connector as the connector moves between an open and closed configuration. The connector includes a resilient member coupled to the valve member and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20180125759
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor comprises a housing configured to couple the adaptor with a vial, an access channel, a regulator channel, and a regulator assembly. The access channel is configured to facilitate withdrawal of fluid from the vial when the adaptor is coupled to the vial. The regulator channel is configured to facilitate a flow of a regulating fluid from the regulator assembly to compensate for changes in volume of a medical fluid in the vial. In some embodiments, the regulator assembly includes a flexible member configured to expand and contract in accordance with changes in the volume of the medical fluid in the vial. In some embodiments, the flexible member is substantially free to expand and contract. In some embodiments, the flexible member is not partly or completely located in a rigid enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow
  • Publication number: 20180099137
    Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to medical connectors with a housing comprising a proximal body member and a base member that form an internal cavity with a proximal abutment surface. A seal member and a rigid, hollow elongated portion are located within the internal cavity such that a proximal tip of the elongated member extends proximally within the internal cavity further than the abutment surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow
  • Patent number: 9931275
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor comprises a housing member, a connector configured to couple the adaptor with a vial, and an extractor channel formed in the housing member. The extractor channel is configured to facilitate withdrawal of fluid from the vial when the adaptor is coupled to the vial. In some embodiments, an anti-reflux valve is positioned within the extractor channel. The anti-reflux valve can be configured to impede or obstruct fluid returning to a fluid source after withdrawal of the fluid from the fluid source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow
  • Patent number: 9933094
    Abstract: A connector system for medical fluid includes a male connector and a female connector that have a closed configuration when detached from one another. The first end of the male connector is configured to mate with a first end of the female connector. When the male connector is coupled with the female connector, complementary structures engage to move seals away from ports in the male connector and the female connector, opening a fluid pathway through the connectors. The mating ends of the connectors are not exposed to the medical fluid when the connectors are coupled so that when the connectors are disconnected, the mating ends are substantially free of residual medical fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow
  • Patent number: 9931276
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: George A. Lopez, Thomas F. Fangrow, Peter Leissling, Matthias Janssen
  • Publication number: 20180055735
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: George A. Lopez, Thomas F. Fangrow, Peter Leissling, Matthias Janssen
  • Publication number: 20180050184
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: George A. Lopez, Thomas F. Fangrow, Bob Foret
  • Patent number: 9895291
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor comprises a housing configured to couple the adaptor with a vial, an access channel, a regulator channel, and a regulator assembly. The access channel is configured to facilitate withdrawal of fluid from the vial when the adaptor is coupled to the vial. The regulator channel is configured to facilitate a flow of a regulating fluid from the regulator assembly to compensate for changes in volume of a medical fluid in the vial. In some embodiments, the regulator assembly includes a flexible member configured to expand and contract in accordance with changes in the volume of the medical fluid in the vial. In some embodiments, the flexible member is substantially free to expand and contract. In some embodiments, the flexible member is not partly or completely located in a rigid enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow
  • Publication number: 20180036524
    Abstract: A medical connector includes a housing with a central axis, a hollow bore, and a narrowed passage. The connector further includes a rigid valve member configured to move along the axis of the connector as the connector moves between an open and closed configuration. The connector includes a resilient member coupled to the valve member and the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow, JR.
  • Patent number: 9884176
    Abstract: A soft grip medical connector comprises a housing with an upstream end, a downstream end and a lumen extending through a central portion thereof. A flexible member comprises a valve portion integrally formed with a sleeve portion. The valve portion is positioned within a section of the housing and is configured to control a flow of fluid through the housing lumen. The sleeve is inverted to envelope at least a portion of the outer surface of the housing. In some embodiments the gripping portion is integrally formed with the valve portion. In some embodiments, the connector is also generally configured to create a positive pressure in a catheter lumen upon removal of a syringe or other medical device from the upstream end of the connector. Methods of making a medical fluid connector generally comprise forming a valve member with a sleeve extending there from, and assembling the valve, sleeve and housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow
  • Patent number: 9883987
    Abstract: Fluid transfer systems are disclosed that can be configured to transfer precise amounts of fluid from a source container to a target container. The fluid transfer system can have multiple fluid transfer stations for transferring fluids into multiple target containers or for combining different types of fluids into a single target container to form a mixture. The fluid transfer system can include a pump and a destination sensor, such as a weight sensor. The fluid transfer system can be configured to flush remaining fluid out of a connector to reduce waste, using air or a flushing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: George A. Lopez, Thomas F. Fangrow
  • Publication number: 20180028403
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a medical fluid connector is configured to receive an emitter of therapeutic agents to be emitted into a fluid pathway within the connector, the medical fluid connector comprising a proximal female end, an intermediate region, a distal male end, and a fluid pathway extending from the proximal female end, through the intermediate region, to the distal male end. A retaining structure is positioned within the intermediate region. The retaining structure is configured to securely receive an emitter of one or more therapeutic agents in a position and orientation where the fluid pathway is configured to convey fluid moving longitudinally through the fluid pathway directly into a proximal region of the emitter, around one or more lateral surfaces of the emitter, and toward the distal male end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas F. Fangrow
  • Publication number: 20180021561
    Abstract: A medical connector for use in a fluid pathway. A valve member with sealing rings helps preclude undesired accumulation of fluid within the connector. A branched connector includes a fluid diverter extending away from a port of the branched connector. The fluid diverter is configured to divert fluid flowing through the branched connector and into a medical connector attached thereto, flushing a distal portion of the medical connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: David Nelson, Thomas F. Fangrow
  • Publication number: 20180015275
    Abstract: A luer connector including a rigid housing having a first end and a second end. The housing further including a rigid tubular male portion at the first end, a rigid tubular female portion at the second end, and a longitudinal opening therethrough. The male portion is configured to be engageable with a female connector. The female portion is configured to be engageable with a male connector and to prevent the disengagement of the male connector from the female portion. In some embodiments, the female portion is configured to maintain a fixed rotational position when the male connector is being threaded therewith, but to rotate with the male connector once the male connector has become fully engaged with the female portion so as to prevent the male connector from becoming unthreaded from the female portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas F. Fangrow, JR., George A. Lopez
  • Patent number: 9827163
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: George A. Lopez, Thomas F. Fangrow, Peter Leissling, Matthias Janssen
  • Publication number: 20170333288
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial comprises 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 comprises 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: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas F. Fangrow, Dee E. Warren, Dan Lopez, John M. Seifert