Patents by Inventor Thomas G. DiLorenzo

Thomas G. DiLorenzo 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: 20230250883
    Abstract: A pinch valve includes a base having a body and a head and an anvil aligned therewith and including a shaft and a pinch tip. The head is disposed at a first end of the body. The head includes a contact protrusion that has a radiused surface defining an apex disposed at a point furthest from a second end of the body and centered around a base axis. The pinch tip is disposed at a first end of the shaft and includes two planar surfaces disposed at acute angles relative to an anvil axis to form an acute point disposed at a point furthest from a second end of the shaft and centered around the anvil axis. The base and anvil are aligned to form a gap between the radiused surface and the acute point and are movable between a first and second positions to change dimensions of the gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas G. DILORENZO, Davis BENZ
  • Patent number: 11685883
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally provide for the expansion of cells in a cell expansion system using an active promotion of a coating agent(s) to a cell growth surface. A coating agent may be applied to a surface, such as the cell growth surface of a hollow fiber, by controlling the movement of a fluid in which a coating agent is suspended. Using ultrafiltration, the fluid may be pushed through the pores of a hollow fiber from a first side, e.g., an intracapillary (IC) side, of the hollow fiber to a second side, e.g., an extracapillary (EC) side, while the coating agent is actively promoted to the surface of the hollow fiber. In so doing, the coating agent may be hydrostatically deposited onto a wall, e.g., inner wall, of the hollow fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. Frank, Brian J. Nankervis, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Thomas G. DiLorenzo
  • Publication number: 20230193180
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally provide for the expansion of cells in a cell expansion system using an active promotion of a coating agent(s) to a cell growth surface in some embodiments. A coating agent may be applied to a surface, such as the cell growth surface of a hollow fiber in a bioreactor, by controlling the movement of a fluid in which a coating agent is suspended, by changing flow rates, by changing flow directions, by rotation of the bioreactor, and/or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Nathan D. FRANK, Brian J. NANKERVIS, Dennis J. HLAVINKA, Thomas G. DILORENZO
  • Patent number: 11634677
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally provide for the expansion of cells in a cell expansion system using an active promotion of a coating agent(s) to a cell growth surface in some embodiments. A coating agent may be applied to a surface, such as the cell growth surface of a hollow fiber in a bioreactor, by controlling the movement of a fluid in which a coating agent is suspended, by changing flow rates, by changing flow directions, by rotation of the bioreactor, and/or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. Frank, Brian J. Nankervis, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Thomas G. Dilorenzo
  • Patent number: 11104874
    Abstract: Embodiments provide for introducing a first fluid into a bioreactor and while introducing the first fluid into the bioreactor, circulating a second fluid with a reagent at a first flow rate through the bioreactor. The bioreactor may be maintained in a first orientation for a first period of time to allow at least a first portion of the reagent to coat the bioreactor. The second fluid may then be circulated at a second flow rate slower than the first flow rate to allow a second portion of the reagent to coat the bioreactor. Introduction of the first fluid may promote coating of the bioreactor by ultrafiltration. The introduction of the first fluid may be stopped. A third fluid may be circulated through the bioreactor to remove a portion of the reagent not coated on the bioreactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. Frank, Brian J. Nankervis, Dennis J. Hlavinka, Thomas G. Dilorenzo
  • Publication number: 20200239819
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally provide for the expansion of cells in a cell expansion system using an active promotion of a coating agent(s) to a cell growth surface. A coating agent may be applied to a surface, such as the cell growth surface of a hollow fiber, by controlling the movement of a fluid in which a coating agent is suspended. Using ultrafiltration, the fluid may be pushed through the pores of a hollow fiber from a first side, e.g., an intracapillary (IC) side, of the hollow fiber to a second side, e.g., an extracapillary (EC) side, while the coating agent is actively promoted to the surface of the hollow fiber. In so doing, the coating agent may be hydrostatically deposited onto a wall, e.g., inner wall, of the hollow fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Applicant: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. FRANK, Brian J. NANKERVIS, Dennis J. HLAVINKA, Thomas G. DILORENZO
  • Publication number: 20200239822
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally provide for the expansion of cells in a cell expansion system using an active promotion of a coating agent(s) to a cell growth surface in some embodiments. A coating agent may be applied to a surface, such as the cell growth surface of a hollow fiber in a bioreactor, by controlling the movement of a fluid in which a coating agent is suspended, by changing flow rates, by changing flow directions, by rotation of the bioreactor, and/or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Applicant: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. FRANK, Brian J. NANKERVIS, Dennis J. HLAVINKA, Thomas G. DILORENZO
  • Publication number: 20170349873
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally provide for the expansion of cells in a cell expansion system using an active promotion of a coating agent(s) to a cell growth surface in some embodiments. A coating agent may be applied to a surface, such as the cell growth surface of a hollow fiber in a bioreactor, by controlling the movement of a fluid in which a coating agent is suspended, by changing flow rates, by changing flow directions, by rotation of the bioreactor, and/or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. FRANK, Brian J. NANKERVIS, Dennis J. HLAVINKA, Thomas G. DILORENZO
  • Publication number: 20170349869
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally provide for the expansion of cells in a cell expansion system using an active promotion of a coating agent(s) to a cell growth surface. A coating agent may be applied to a surface, such as the cell growth surface of a hollow fiber, by controlling the movement of a fluid in which a coating agent is suspended. Using ultrafiltration, the fluid may be pushed through the pores of a hollow fiber from a first side, e.g., an intracapillary (IC) side, of the hollow fiber to a second side, e.g., an extracapillary (EC) side, while the coating agent is actively promoted to the surface of the hollow fiber. In so doing, the coating agent may be hydrostatically deposited onto a wall, e.g., inner wall, of the hollow fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. FRANK, Brian J. NANKERVIS, Dennis J. HLAVINKA, Thomas G. DILORENZO
  • Patent number: 9695393
    Abstract: One or more embodiments are described directed to a method and system for concentrating components of a fluid circulated through a cell growth chamber such as a cell growth chamber. Accordingly, embodiments include methods and systems that utilize a tangential flow filter to concentrate components of a fluid that in embodiments includes expanded cells. In embodiments, a concentrated fluid component and a concentrated cell component are generated by flowing the fluid with expanded cells across a tangential flow filter. The concentrated cell component may be recirculated to the tangential flow filter to reach some desired concentration of cells. The concentrated fluid component may be collected to utilize cellular-produced constituents in the concentrated fluid component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Nankervis, Thomas G. DiLorenzo, Michael E. Kinzie, Mark E. Jones
  • Patent number: 9670451
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to methods and systems for using an air removal chamber as a control for a process in a cell expansion system. The air removal chamber may be mounted on a fluid conveyance assembly for use with the system. Fluid is pumped into a fluid containment chamber of the air removal chamber, in which the level of fluid in the fluid containment chamber may be monitored through the use of one or more sensors. The sensors are capable of detecting air, a lack of fluid, fluid, and/or a gas/fluid interface, e.g., an air/fluid interface, at measuring positions within the air removal chamber. Protocols for use with the system may include one or more stop conditions. In an embodiment, the stopping of a process is automated based on the detection of air, a lack of fluid, and/or a gas/fluid interface in the air removal chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Dilorenzo, Edward Allan Stanton, IV, Glen Delbert Antwiler, Michael E. Kinzie, Brian J. Nankervis, Monique Givens, Casey V. Medina, Jon A. Dodd
  • Patent number: 9284523
    Abstract: A premounted fluid conveyance assembly for use with a cell expansion machine comprises a tubing-organizer and a fluid conveyance system. The fluid conveyance system is at least partially attached to the tubing-organizer, and the fluid conveyance system comprises an oxygenator or gas transfer module, a length of tubing and a bioreactor all fluidly interconnected. The premounted fluid conveyance assembly is adapted to be detachably-attached to the cell expansion machine. Accordingly, after a premounted fluid conveyance assembly is used, it is removed from the cell expansion machine by disengaging it from the cell expansion machine. Thereafter, another premounted fluid conveyance assembly can be attached in place of the previously used premounted fluid conveyance assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon A. Dodd, Thomas G. Dilorenzo, Frank Corbin, III, Glen Delbert Antwiler
  • Patent number: 8999046
    Abstract: A cell expansion system includes an air removal chamber to provide a bubble trap so that air and/or gas bubbles do not enter the bioreactor of the cell expansion system. The air removal chamber includes a pair of ports situated at the bottom of the air removal chamber. An entrance port allows fluid to enter the air removal chamber, and an exit port allows fluid to exit the air removal chamber. In one embodiment the air removal chamber forms an element of a premounted fluid conveyance assembly for use with a cell expansion machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. DiLorenzo, Edward Allan Stanton
  • Publication number: 20150079664
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to methods and systems for using an air removal chamber as a control for a process in a cell expansion system. The air removal chamber may be mounted on a fluid conveyance assembly for use with the system. Fluid is pumped into a fluid containment chamber of the air removal chamber, in which the level of fluid in the fluid containment chamber may be monitored through the use of one or more sensors. The sensors are capable of detecting air, a lack of fluid, fluid, and/or a gas/fluid interface, e.g., an air/fluid interface, at measuring positions within the air removal chamber. Protocols for use with the system may include one or more stop conditions. In an embodiment, the stopping of a process is automated based on the detection of air, a lack of fluid, and/or a gas/fluid interface in the air removal chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: TERUMO BCT, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas G. DILORENZO, Edward Allan STANTON, IV, Glen Delbert ANTWILER, Michael E. KINZIE, Brian J. NANKERVIS, Monique GIVENS, Casey V. MEDINA, Jon A. DODD
  • Patent number: 8895291
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to methods and systems for using an air removal chamber as a control for a process in a cell expansion system. The air removal chamber may be mounted on a fluid conveyance assembly for use with the system. Fluid is pumped into a fluid containment chamber of the air removal chamber, in which the level of fluid in the fluid containment chamber may be monitored through the use of one or more sensors. The sensors are capable of detecting air, a lack of fluid, fluid, and/or a gas/fluid interface, e.g., an air/fluid interface, at measuring positions within the air removal chamber. Protocols for use with the system may include one or more stop conditions. In an embodiment, the stopping of a process is automated based on the detection of air, a lack of fluid, and/or a gas/fluid interface in the air removal chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Dilorenzo, Edward Allan Stanton, IV, Glen Delbert Antwiler, Michael E. Kinzie, Brian J. Nankervis, Monique Givens, Casey V. Medina, Jon A. Dodd
  • Patent number: 8809043
    Abstract: A system and method for rotating a cell growth chamber of a cell expansion system includes a rotatable member for engaging a chamber coupling attached to the cell growth chamber. The rotatable member includes an independently operable mechanism for engaging a rotatable fitting associated with the chamber coupling. In at least one embodiment, the chamber coupling is selectively rotatable by turning the rotatable member, thereby rotating the cell growth chamber around a first axis. The cell growth chamber is also selectively rotatable around a second axis by turning the rotatable fitting associated with the chamber coupling. Other novel aspects include a way of attaching the cell growth chamber to the shaft assembly, and a new tube routing clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Leuthaeuser, Jon A. Dodd, Thomas G. Dilorenzo
  • Publication number: 20140051167
    Abstract: One or more embodiments are described directed to a method and system for concentrating components of a fluid circulated through a cell growth chamber such as a cell growth chamber. Accordingly, embodiments include methods and systems that utilize a tangential flow filter to concentrate components of a fluid that in embodiments includes expanded cells. In embodiments, a concentrated fluid component and a concentrated cell component are generated by flowing the fluid with expanded cells across a tangential flow filter. The concentrated cell component may be recirculated to the tangential flow filter to reach some desired concentration of cells. The concentrated fluid component may be collected to utilize cellular-produced constituents in the concentrated fluid component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. NANKERVIS, Thomas G. DiLorenzo, Michael E. Kinzie, Mark E. Jones
  • Patent number: 8399245
    Abstract: A system and method for rotating a cell growth chamber of a cell expansion system includes a rotatable member for engaging a chamber coupling attached to the cell growth chamber. The rotatable member includes an independently operable mechanism for engaging a rotatable fitting associated with the chamber coupling. In at least one embodiment, the chamber coupling is selectively rotatable by turning the rotatable member, thereby rotating the cell growth chamber around a first axis. The cell growth chamber is also selectively rotatable around a second axis by turning the rotatable fitting associated with the chamber coupling. Other novel aspects include a way of attaching the cell growth chamber to the shaft assembly, and a new tube routing clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Leuthaeuser, Jon A. Dodd, Thomas G. DiLorenzo
  • Publication number: 20120088224
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to methods and systems for using an air removal chamber as a control for a process in a cell expansion system. The air removal chamber may be mounted on a fluid conveyance assembly for use with the system. Fluid is pumped into a fluid containment chamber of the air removal chamber, in which the level of fluid in the fluid containment chamber may be monitored through the use of one or more sensors. The sensors are capable of detecting air, a lack of fluid, fluid, and/or a gas/fluid interface, e.g., an air/fluid interface, at measuring positions within the air removal chamber. Protocols for use with the system may include one or more stop conditions. In an embodiment, the stopping of a process is automated based on the detection of air, a lack of fluid, and/or a gas/fluid interface in the air removal chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: CARIDIANBCT, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas G. DILORENZO, Edward Allan STANTON, IV, Glen Delbert ANTWILER, Michael E. KINZIE, Brian J. Nankervis, Monique Givens, Casey V. Medina, Jon A. Dodd
  • Publication number: 20110155256
    Abstract: A cell expansion system includes an air removal chamber to provide a bubble trap so that air and/or gas bubbles do not enter the bioreactor of the cell expansion system. The air removal chamber includes a pair of ports situated at the bottom of the air removal chamber. An entrance port allows fluid to enter the air removal chamber, and an exit port allows fluid to exit the air removal chamber. In one embodiment the air removal chamber forms an element of a premounted fluid conveyance assembly for use with a cell expansion machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: CaridianBCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. DiLorenzo, Edward Allan Stanton