Patents by Inventor William J. Schnell

William J. Schnell 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).

  • INJECTION SITE FOR MALE LUER OR OTHER TUBULAR CONNECTOR
    Publication number: 20130123713
    Abstract: A medical device has an interior for containment of fluids; an opening into the interior, an elastomeric wall comprising a fixedly placed, flexible barrier across the opening; and a retention wall positioned adjacent to a peripheral portion of the elastomeric wall. The retention wall defines a central opening and has a generally rigid retention zone surrounding the central opening, to engage and retain a connector tube which is advanced into the central opening to open a flow aperture through the elastomeric wall, for flow through the wall and connector tube. One of the retention zone and connector tube may be made of a material of sufficient hardness that material of the other engaging member is deformed by engagement therewith, which increases the strength of retention between the retention wall and the connector tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: NXSTAGE MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: David S. UTTERBERG, William J. SCHNELL, David BELL
  • Injection site for male luer or other tubular connector
    Patent number: 8377039
    Abstract: A medical device has an interior for containment of fluids; an opening into the interior, an elastomeric wall comprising a fixedly placed, flexible barrier across the opening; and a retention wall positioned adjacent to a peripheral portion of the elastomeric wall. The retention wall defines a central opening and has a generally rigid retention zone surrounding the central opening, to engage and retain a connector tube which is advanced into the central opening to open a flow aperture through the elastomeric wall, for flow through the wall and connector tube. One of the retention zone and connector tube may be made of a material of sufficient hardness that material of the other engaging member is deformed by engagement therewith, which increases the strength of retention between the retention wall and the connector tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Utterberg, William J. Schnell, David Bell
  • Medical devices and methods for assisting in sub-scab access
    Patent number: 8251973
    Abstract: Device and methods for separating a scab from a vascular access site are disclosed. The devices include providing a scab separation device having a point for initial separation of a portion of a scab from a patient's flesh, and a series of inclined surfaces leading from the point to lift and separate the scab from the access site. The scab separation device is provided with a cover so that the device is maintained as sterile. In a preferred embodiment, the scab separation device is provided as a set or assembly with a needle or needle set and, in a more preferred embodiment, the scab separation device cover is also used as a cover for a needle to maintain sterility both of an operative end of the separation device and of the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Schnell
  • FLUID LINE SAFETY DEVICE
    Publication number: 20120214337
    Abstract: A restraining device for a tubing connector assembly can include a resilient member having a generally U-shape with forked ends that curve toward each other. Each forked end can have a recess between tines thereof. Each recess can have a blind end. The resilient member can have a bend provided with an engagement bump. The engagement bump and forked ends can be aligned such that the engagement bump coincides with a line joining the blind ends. When a cylindrical connector assembly tube is placed in the recesses, the engagement bump is urged against a side of the connector assembly to thereby prevent inadvertent disconnection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: NXSTAGE MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: William J. Schnell, James M. Brugger
  • DIAPHRAGM PRESSURE POD FOR MEDICAL FLUIDS
    Publication number: 20120130338
    Abstract: A tubular medical fluid flow set comprises a pressure sensing chamber connected in flow-through relation to fluid flow tubing of the set. The pressure sensing chamber defines a movable, flexible, impermeable diaphragm dividing the chamber into two separate compartments. The fluid flow tubing communicates with one of the compartments and is isolated from the other of the compartments. A port is carried on the chamber, the port having a seal therein, and communicating with the other of the compartments. Thus, the other of the compartments is hermetically sealed until the port is opened for connection with a pressure measuring device, to keep the flexible diaphragm in a desired, initial position prior to opening of the seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: NXSTAGE MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: WILLIAM J. SCHNELL, David Bell, Karen Wilson, David S. Utterberg
  • Diaphragm pressure pod for medical fluids
    Patent number: 8092414
    Abstract: A tubular medical fluid flow set comprises a pressure sensing chamber connected in flow-through relation to fluid flow tubing of the set. The pressure sensing chamber defines a movable, flexible, impermeable diaphragm dividing the chamber into two separate compartments. The fluid flow tubing communicates with one of the compartments and is isolated from the other of the compartments. A port is carried on the chamber, the port having a seal therein, and communicating with the other of the compartments. Thus, the other of the compartments is hermetically sealed until the port is opened for connection with a pressure measuring device, to keep the flexible diaphragm in a desired, initial position prior to opening of the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Schnell, David Bell, Karen Wilson, David S. Utterberg
  • ADHESIVE INJECTION SITE
    Publication number: 20110264024
    Abstract: A pad of elastomeric material having a softness of no more than about durometer 30 Shore 00. The pad may carry adhesive for adhering the pad to a surface, either directly or indirectly through an envelope which surrounds the pad and carries the adhesive. Such a pad exhibits hemostatic and leak prevention properties against needle puncture holes in the skin or the wall of a hollow medical device. Particularly, hemostasis may be prevented with low pressure application of the pad to the skin. The pad may be previously applied to the skin of the patient or a wall of a medical device such as tubing or a solution bag, and the needle may then penetrate both the pad and the skin or medical device wall, to make a resealable puncture with leakage reduction and hemostasis when the needle is withdrawn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: David S. Utterberg, William J. Schnell
  • Injection and hemostasis site
    Patent number: 8017826
    Abstract: A pad of elastomeric material having a softness of no more than about durometer 30 Shore 00. The pad may carry adhesive for adhering the pad to a surface, either directly or indirectly through an envelope which surrounds the pad and carries the adhesive. Such a pad exhibits hemostatic and leak prevention properties against needle puncture holes in the skin or the wall of a hollow medical device. Particularly, hemostasis may be prevented with low pressure application of the pad to the skin. The pad may be previously applied to the skin of the patient or a wall of a medical device such as tubing or a solution bag, and the needle may then penetrate both the pad and the skin or medical device wall, to make a resealable puncture with leakage reduction and hemostasis when the needle is withdrawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: DSU Medical Corporation
    Inventors: David S. Utterberg, William J. Schnell
  • Medical Devices and Methods for Assisting in Sub-Scab Access
    Publication number: 20110060263
    Abstract: Device and methods for separating a scab from a vascular access site are disclosed. The devices include providing a scab separation device having a point for initial separation of a portion of a scab from a patient's flesh, and a series of inclined surfaces leading from the point to lift and separate the scab from the access site. The scab separation device is provided with a cover so that the device is maintained as sterile. In a preferred embodiment, the scab separation device is provided as a set or assembly with a needle or needle set and, in a more preferred embodiment, the scab separation device cover is also used as a cover for a needle to maintain sterility both of an operative end of the separation device and of the needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventor: William J. Schnell
  • Medical tubing set sheath
    Patent number: 7892208
    Abstract: A medical tubing set sheath is provided which includes a retention portion for attaching the sheath to a collar of a connector attached to the medical tubing set. The sheath may serve as a handle to facilitate torque-locking of the connector to another connector. The sheath may also include a ratcheting mechanism in order to allow for the sheath to ratchet upon application of excess torque, when the tubing set is being attached to a peripheral tubing set. The sheath may also include a needle receiving portion, so that the sheath provides for a needle protector, which may be retained in a position displaced from the needle in order to insure that the needle is exposed when removed from its packaging, and can be quickly and easily inserted in a patient's arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: DSU Medical Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Schnell, David Bell, David S. Utterberg
  • MEDICAL DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ASSISTING IN SUB-SCAB ACCESS
    Publication number: 20100217210
    Abstract: Device and methods for separating a scab from a vascular access site are disclosed. The devices include providing a scab separation device having a point for initial separation of a portion of a scab from a patient's flesh, and a series of inclined surfaces leading from the point to lift and separate the scab from the access site. The scab separation device is provided with a cover so that the device is maintained as sterile. In a preferred embodiment, the scab separation device is provided as a set or assembly with a needle or needle set and, in a more preferred embodiment, the scab separation device cover is also used as a cover for a needle to maintain sterility both of an operative end of the separation device and of the needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: William J. Schnell
  • INJECTION AND HEMOSTASIS SITE
    Publication number: 20100076362
    Abstract: A pad of elastomeric material having a softness of no more than about durometer 50 Shore 00. The pad may carry adhesive and/or a housing for adhering the pad to a surface, either directly or indirectly through an envelope which surrounds the pad and carries the adhesive. Such a pad exhibits hemostatic and leak prevention properties against needle puncture holes in the skin or the wall of a hollow medical device. Particularly, hemostasis may be prevented with low pressure application of the pad to the skin. The pad may be previously applied to the skin of the patient or a wall of a medical device such as tubing or a solution bag, and the needle may then penetrate both the pad and the skin or medical device wall, to make a resealable puncture with leakage reduction and hemostasis when the needle is withdrawn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: David S. Utterberg, William J. Schnell, David Bell
  • Short winged needle and guard
    Patent number: 7591804
    Abstract: A winged needle comprises a hollow medical needle which typically is no smaller than 18 gauge carried by a hub. The hub has wings projecting laterally outwardly, the wings having outer tips that are spaced from each other by essentially 20 to 30 mm. A guard for a winged needle tube set is also disclosed, in which the guard comprises a needle guard tube free of wing-receiving slots and defining a forward, open end to receive a winged needle having outwardly extending, substantially unbent wings as positioned within the guard. In some embodiments, the guard comprises a substantially fixed, open mouth having a width of at least 20 mm and a height of at least 5 mm. A novel anchor strip having two flex lines is also provided to the guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: DSU Medical Corporation
    Inventors: David S. Utterberg, William J. Schnell, David Bell
  • Fluid flow connector permitting forceful lateral separation
    Publication number: 20080303267
    Abstract: A fluid flow connector comprises a connector body which carries a first connector tube having a lumen for receiving a second connector tube when the connectors are joined. The first connector tube has a lumen and a lumen wall. The first connector tube typically has an end portion that carries a plurality of circumferentially spaced, outerwardly extending lugs to engage the second connector tube when connected. The fluid flow connector is made of a plastic having a flexural modulus that is low enough to allow deformation, permitting a connected, engaging second connector to pop loose from connection with the fluid flow connector when laterally struck, rather than breaking the fluid flow connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: William J. Schnell, David S. Utterberg
  • CLOSURE FOR TUBULAR ACCESS PORT
    Publication number: 20080187460
    Abstract: A closure for a tubular access port in a medical fluid flow line or other container comprises a removable cap for enclosing and sealing the tubular access port. The cap has a closed end wall. The end wall carries an extending poker to facilitate the pushing of an antiseptic-carrying material into a lumen of the access port. The poker has an outer diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the access port. A method of using the poker is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: David S. Utterberg, William J. Schnell
  • BLOOD LEAK MONITORING METHOD AND APPARATUS
    Publication number: 20080183120
    Abstract: A method for monitoring for leaks or disconnections in an extracorporeal blood circuit, comprising the steps of operating a blood pump to circulate blood through an extracorporeal blood circuit; opening a shunt connection between the arterial and venous blood flow portions; sensing the presence of air from any leaks or disconnections within the venous blood flow portion, and taking corrective action if the presence of air is noted. The shunt connection is typically periodically but only briefly opened, to check for leaks in the typically positive pressure portion of the venous set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: David S. Utterberg, William J. Schnell
  • FLEXIBLE VALVE FOR BLOOD TREATMENT SET
    Publication number: 20080172002
    Abstract: A flexible valve for a blood treatment set. A flexible fitting including a first chamber, a second chamber, and a slit barrier connecting the first chamber and second chamber and positioned therebetween. An actuating member is positioned in rotating engagement with the slit barrier that is moveable from a first rotational position, in which the slit is closed, to a second position, in which the slit is open. The flexible valve is attachable to a port of a blood treatment chamber. A user opens the valve by rotating the actuating member from a first position to a second position and closes the valve by rotating the valve from the second position to a first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventors: David Bell, William J. Schnell, David S. Utterberg
  • Resilient hemostasis devices
    Publication number: 20080097270
    Abstract: A soft hemostasis pad of elastomeric material typically having a hardness of no more than about 50 Shore 00 and an upper wall having a raised profile, such as a convex shape. The pad has a central aperture extending therethrough, and a slit that extends through the pad thickness between the central aperture and the periphery of the pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: David S. Utterberg, David Bell, William J. Schnell
  • Medical tubing set sheath
    Publication number: 20080082052
    Abstract: A medical tubing set sheath is provided which includes a retention portion for attaching the sheath to a collar of a connector attached to the medical tubing set. The sheath may serve as a handle to facilitate torque-locking of the connector to another connector. The sheath may also include a ratcheting mechanism in order to allow for the sheath to ratchet upon application of excess torque, when the tubing set is being attached to a peripheral tubing set. The sheath may also include a needle receiving portion, so that the sheath provides for a needle protector, which may be retained in a position displaced from the needle in order to insure that the needle is exposed when removed from its packaging, and can be quickly and easily inserted in a patient's arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: William J. Schnell, David Bell, David S. Utterberg
  • Resilient double pad hemostasis devices
    Publication number: 20080015482
    Abstract: A soft hemostasis pad of elastomeric material having a hardness of no more than about 50 Shore 00 and an upper surface of raised profile, such as a dome. The pad may be connected by a hinge with another, generally flat-bottom pad of similar elastomeric material and hardness of no more than about 50 Shore 00. The pad may rest on the skin and be penetrated by a needle or other cannula. The pad with the raised profile may then be placed over on top of the needle, for improved hemostasis and sealing when the cannula is removed and before, facilitated by the application of gentle pressure, such as by tape that holds the pads in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: David S. Utterberg, William J. Schnell, David Bell