Tube Compressors Patents (Class 251/4)
  • Patent number: 11975151
    Abstract: A patient interface includes a plenum chamber pressurisable to a therapeutic pressure, a seal-forming structure to maintain the therapeutic pressure in the plenum chamber, and a positioning and stabilising structure (PSS) to provide a force to hold a seal-forming structure on a patient's head. The PSS has at least one arm to be positioned adjacent to a cheek of the patient, and a strap removably received around the arm to contact a posterior region of the patient's head. The strap has a first coupling having a mechanical connector to engage the arm and limit movement of the arm into and out of the cavity, a second coupling spaced apart from an outer surface of the first coupling, and a sleeve being folded over the second coupling and positioned between the first and second couplings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Iain McNicol Finlay
  • Patent number: 11872056
    Abstract: Handheld steering devices for use with intravascular devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In some instances, the handheld steering device includes a housing sized and shaped for grasping by a hand of a user; a steering controller coupled to the housing; a processor in communication with the steering controller, the processor configured to translate inputs from the steering controller into actuation signals based on a code architecture that includes a script for at least one of a return home function, a return to stored position function, a store current position function, or an automated mapping function; and an actuator positioned within the housing and configured to interface with the intravascular device based on the actuation signals to the steer the intravascular device. Associated systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Princeton Saroha, Jeremy Stigall, Maritess Minas
  • Patent number: 11543793
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods and structures for controlling developer critical dimension (DCD) variations across a wafer surface. Aspects of the invention include an apparatus having developer tubing and an internal cam. The internal cam is coupled to a fixed axis. A flexible divider is positioned between the developer tubing and the internal cam. The flexible divider is coupled to the internal cam such that rotation of the internal cam about the fixed axis is operable to change an inner diameter of the developer tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Richard C. Johnson, Hao Tang, Yongan Xu
  • Patent number: 11530752
    Abstract: Fluid management systems for handling pressurized fluid connect various subsystems or subunits without the need to use reinforced tubing. The system utilizes one or more segments of unreinforced conduit that are encapsulated at various points along a length of the segment with one or more rigid encapsulating members. The unreinforced conduit may be made a disposable element while the rigid encapsulating members may be re-used. In one aspect, the encapsulating member may include a two-part valve body that surrounds and encapsulates a portion of the unreinforced conduit. In another aspect, the encapsulating member may include a two-part jacket that surrounds and encapsulates a portion of the unreinforced conduit. The two-part valve bodies and two-part jackets may be joined at various points within the system as part of the overall flow system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Repligen Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Gagne, Dean C. Richards, Steven V. Cates
  • Patent number: 11399937
    Abstract: A delivery system for delivering a stent-mounted heart valve, or other implant, through an introducer sheath. The delivery system includes an elongate catheter supporting a capsule. The capsule contains the stent-mounted heart valve in the crimped condition. The capsule includes a protrusion extending from its outer surface for urging the sheath away from the outer surface capsule as it moves therethrough, thereby reducing an average peak push force resulting from advancement of the capsule through the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventor: Darshin S. Patel
  • Patent number: 11320054
    Abstract: The invention describes a pinching device for controlling flows in elastic tube lines. The pinching device comprises two wheels, wherein the first wheel is designed as an eccentric wheel and is fastened eccentrically on a drive shaft and the second wheel is fixed in a predefined position relative to the eccentric wheel, wherein the position of the second wheel can be adjusted. The eccentric wheel can be rotated via the drive shaft about the eccentric axis of the eccentric wheel in the direction of the second wheel in order to pinch a tube positioned between the two wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: DrM, Dr. Müller AG
    Inventors: Patrick Müller, Kevin Wetter
  • Patent number: 11122851
    Abstract: A shape shifting orthotic sole having a cushioning layer, shape changing layer, and a sensing layer in communication, the shape changing layer and sensing layer communicatively coupled with a power source and circuitry unit which provides for default and evolving settings, and automatic and manual support settings for the shape changing region as a result of input from the sensing layer. The shape shifting orthotic sole may communicate with a cellular device and other device able to maintain mobile applications, and an IOT Health Monitoring Device during the operation of the shape shifting orthotic sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: THE WINGER GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Albert P. Winger, Robert B. Zajeski
  • Patent number: 10940302
    Abstract: The invention relates to an implantable access device for accessing the vascular system of a human or animal body, particularly subcutaneously implantable access port, comprising: at least one inlet opening, at least one outlet opening and at least one passageway between the at least one inlet opening and the at least one outlet opening, further comprising at least one valve assembly in the at least one passageway, which in a first, unactuated operating condition prevents a fluid flow through the at least one passageway and in a second, actuated operating condition permits a fluid flow through the at least one passageway, which is characterized in that the at least one valve assembly in the first, unactuated operating condition is longitudinally elongated and radially compressed in such a way to prevent a fluid flow through the at least one passageway and that the at least one valve assembly in the second, actuated operating condition is longitudinally compressed and radially elongated in such a way to permit
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: PFM MEDICAL AG
    Inventor: Stanislas Marie Bertrand Achard de la Vente
  • Patent number: 10863941
    Abstract: A hose segment, and a device for using the hose segment, to regulate a volumetric flow rate, including the hose segment through which fluid can flow, and a hose clamp including a basic housing having an accommodating region for the hose segment and a clamping element that can be moved between at least two regulation positions. The clamping element has an effect on the hose segment in interaction with segments of the accommodating region as pressing points at least in one regulation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: MEDICAL MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS B.V.
    Inventors: Michael Gondy Jensen, Kristine Larsen, David Van Gorkom, Jens Witte
  • Patent number: 10549032
    Abstract: An infusion pump apparatus includes a length of resilient tubing removably loadable in an infusion pump having a housing, a pumping mechanism, and a pump door. A latch member is pivotally mounted to the pump door and cooperates with a latch pin fixed on pump housing. A free-flow protection device is biased to pinch the tubing closed to stop fluid flow. The latch member has a first range of pivotal motion in a latching direction for causing the latch member to engage with the latch pin to secure the door in a closed position and a second range of pivotal motion in the latching direction for causing the latch member to actuate the free-flow protection device to unpinch the tubing and allow flow. The latch member pivots through at least a portion of the first range of pivotal motion before beginning to pivot through the second range of pivotal motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Curlin Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Azur Azapagic, Mohan Jonathan Barkley
  • Patent number: 10398836
    Abstract: A clamping device comprising: a one end portion having a locked part at a tip and an other end portion having a locking part capable of locking the locked part, wherein the one end portion or the other end portion has an interfering part, and when the one end portion is further pressed with the locked part being locked by the locking part, the interfering part interferes with an appropriate part and prevents further movement of the locked part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Nikkiso Company Limited
    Inventors: Ryo Kato, Shigeaki Funamura
  • Patent number: 10350067
    Abstract: A delivery system for delivering a stent-mounted heart valve, or other implant, through an introducer sheath. The delivery system includes an elongate catheter supporting a capsule. The capsule contains the stent-mounted heart valve in a crimped or collapsed condition. The delivery system also includes a nosecone with a tapered distal end and a proximal end enlarged to have a diameter larger than the capsule. Surprisingly, the proximal end of the nosecone, despite having a larger profile than the capsule, reduces an average peak push force for advancing the delivery system through an introducer sheath. Also disclosed are features, such as protrusions and ridges, supported on an outside of the capsule for reducing push force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
    Inventor: Darshin S. Patel
  • Patent number: 10208277
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a problem of closed systems, namely minimizing the number of electromagnetic valves required to control a plurality of flow paths, can be addressed, and thus a low-cost cell culture device can be achieved. In this flow-path control method for X number of flow paths satisfying X?2N, the X number of flow paths are selected by using N number of valves to simultaneously and selectively control the opening and closing of the plurality of flow paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Shimase, Kazumichi Imai, Eiichiro Takada, Sadamitsu Aso
  • Patent number: 10188827
    Abstract: A catheter for insertion into a body cavity of a subject (such as the urinary bladder), and having a drainage tube extending from a drainage opening adjacent a distal end of the catheter to a drainage outlet adjacent a proximal end of the catheter; a closure member mountable for sliding movement within the drainage tube between a first position such that said drainage opening is in fluid communication with the drainage outlet and a second position wherein the closure member blocks fluid communication between the drainage opening and the outlet port; and an actuator, operable from the proximal end of the catheter, to move the closure member between the first and second positions. The closure member can include a second tube, sliding within the drainage tube, or a slideable plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Uropharma Limited
    Inventors: Scott Glickman, Howard Shapland
  • Patent number: 10183159
    Abstract: Constriction valves for catheters and method of using constriction valves are presented. The catheter valve has a conduit defining a lumen. The catheter also has a spring that is configured to bias the lumen from an open position to a closed position by altering an effective length of the conduit or altering the circumference of the conduit. The spring is further configured to change its configuration by changes of intraluminal pressure of the valve. A user can insert a tool into a catheter having a valve by manipulating the valve to expand a substantially closed lumen by compressing the spring, twisting the spring, or pulling on a cord coupled with the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: HeartStitch, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Nobles, Christian Willer
  • Patent number: 9855021
    Abstract: An interventional medical device is provided that incorporates a forward-directed ultrasound imaging system integrated into a single minimally invasive device. The medical device can be in the form of an image guided catheter having a replaceable and reusable ultrasound imaging assemble and replaceable interventional devices such as a removable introducer needle and syringe, the device having a tapered distal tip, particularly those suitable for minimally invasive direct introduction into the human or other mammalian body. The imaging system comprises one or more small ultrasound transducers that can be replaceably integrated into the device via a longitudinal slot in an expendable elongate body and may be inserted into and removed from the device to customize the device for a particular use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Perceptive Navigation, LLC
    Inventor: Theodore P. Abraham
  • Patent number: 9550042
    Abstract: A catheter which exhibits excellent anti-kinking properties while avoiding interference with respect to an object moving inside the lumen of the catheter includes: an elongated catheter main body having a longitudinally extending lumen; a tubular-shaped guide wire insertion portion on the distal end of the catheter main body through which a guide wire is insertable, and which includes a distal opening portion and a proximal opening portion; and a reinforcement portion having a coil portion in which at least a portion of the reinforcement portion is arranged proximally of the proximal opening portion and is formed by a wound wire element, and an extension portion extending from the wire element of the coil portion in the distal direction away from the proximal opening portion, and wherein the reinforcement portion is positioned between the inner surface and the outer surface of the lumen of the catheter main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiromichi Tanioka
  • Patent number: 9463968
    Abstract: A faucet assembly for dispensing liquid from a beverage source includes a housing having a body and a cover coupled to the body. The body is configured to mount to a structure associated with the beverage source. The cover is movable relative to the body while the body is connected to the structure to provide access to an interior of the housing. The faucet assembly also includes an insert positioned within the housing in fluid communication with the beverage source to direct the liquid through the housing. The insert is removable from the housing when the cover is moved to provide access to the interior of the housing. The faucet assembly further includes an actuator supported by the housing. The actuator is movable relative to the housing to selectively inhibit fluid flow through the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Brewnique LLC
    Inventors: Mark Schaefer, Patrick Morrissey, Sesha Chalapathi Madireddi, Ye Tian, Nicholas William Yurek
  • Patent number: 9162044
    Abstract: A clamp (10) for a flexible tube, in particular an infusion tube, composed of a substantially U-shaped plastic band, the free end (111) of the first branch (11?) of the U being bent over to form the clamp head (11), to the free end (121) of the second branch, or back (12), so that, when closed, the back's free end (121) rests under the head's free end (111), and when opened, the back's free end (121) is at a distance above the head's free end (1110. The clamp has openings (114, 134) for extending a flexible tube and two opposite projections (113, 123) for obturating the flexible tube by compressing it when the clamp is closed. Locking means (112, 122) prevent the head end (111) from moving away from the back end (121) when the clamp (10) is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: FRESENIUS VIAL SAS
    Inventor: Philippe Traversaz
  • Patent number: 9097214
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system adapted for use by an internal combustion engine, and for selectively diverting a recirculated portion of the engine exhaust away from the EGR cooler, includes a by-pass conduit and/or feed line shiftable between open and closed conditions, and an active material actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Patrick G. Szymkowicz
  • Patent number: 8973889
    Abstract: Embodiments of a clamp for compressing a flexible tube are disclosed herein. In one such embodiment, the clamp includes a first member, a second member moveably coupled to the first member to move into and out of a clamping position to apply a compressive force to the tube, a locking member to hold the first and second members in the clamping position, a third member moveably retained between a pair of sidewalls of one of the first member and the second member, and a fourth member moveably coupled to one of the first member and the second member and engageable with the third member to apply an additional compressive force to the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: Albert A. Werth
  • Patent number: 8955819
    Abstract: A cinch valve includes a first plate with a first aperture, an orbital plate with a second aperture that is substantially aligned with the first aperture. The first plate is arranged to rotate relative to the first plate between a first (open) position and a second (closed) position. The cinch valve includes multiple cables, each of which has a first end coupled to the first plate and a second end coupled to the orbital plate. Rotation of the orbital plate from the first position to the second position causes the plurality of cables to converge and form a woven closure. One or more elastic devices are arranged such that when the plurality of cables converges to form the woven closure, each elastic device urges a corresponding one of the cables in a direction that tends to open the woven closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Acrison, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc S. Landry
  • Publication number: 20150021360
    Abstract: Fixed-volumes of liquid are measured and dispensed from a container by empirically determining the liquid surface height and opening a dispensing valve for a time period that is calculated using a volume of liquid specified to be dispensed and the empirically-determined liquid surface height. The liquid surface height in the container is determined empirically for initial and subsequent volumes of liquid that are dispensed. Dispensing accuracy is maintained whether the container is full or nearly empty.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: PRINCE CASTLE LLC
    Inventors: Loren Veltrop, Christopher Lyons
  • Patent number: 8910918
    Abstract: Process for closing and cutting into sections a flexible tube, with a cutting element and a pinching closing device for cutting into sections with two cross-sections, each with two parts with indentations that can be placed in removable extension by combination elements and that make a passage with an access, whereby the pinching closing device is in the open or closed state where the cross-sections are closed by locking members and where the surfaces form a pinching closing passage of the tube; the pinching region of the tube is positioned in the indentation of a cross-section; the other cross-section is brought opposite the preceding one and the pinching closing device in the closed state, with cooperation of the locking elements, the tube being positively pinched and closed in two positive pinching zones, and thus held in place; the tube is cut into sections between the parts in the closed state, using the cutting element by passing it into the passage without it interfering with the pinching closing devic
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Sartorius Stedim FMT SAS
    Inventors: Isabelle Valerie Christine Gay, Michael Bates, Ray Bassett, Chris Biddel
  • Patent number: 8905978
    Abstract: A medical tubing clamp includes a first member, a second member, and a hinge connecting the first and second members to form a body. The second member has a first and second wall portion extending distally toward the first member, and a shelf extending between and connecting the first and second wall portions. The first and second wall portions and the shelf define a recess. The hinge allows the first and second members to move relative to one another to transition the clamp between an open mode and a closed mode. The first member is located within the recess and supported by the shelf when in the closed mode. The hinge has a first opening configured to receive the tubing. The clamp also has a tubing closure member that deforms the tubing to prevent fluid flow through the tubing when in the closed mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Haemonetics Corporation
    Inventor: John F. Perullo
  • Publication number: 20140228778
    Abstract: A multi-use intravenous infusion assembly is presented which includes a septum actuator having various features to prevent over-insertion of the septum actuator through a slit in a blood control septum. By preventing over-insertion of the septum actuator, the slit of the septum is able to repeatedly self-close following removal of an external Luer device. Thus, the intravenous infusion assembly may be used repeatedly without exposing a clinician to blood and other infusion fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY
    Inventor: Yiping Ma
  • Publication number: 20140198159
    Abstract: An improved pinch valve includes a camshaft and associated cam(s) controlling the position of a pivotally-mounted first pinch arm and an opposed, pivotally-mounted second pinch arm. The respective pinch arms are provided symmetrically about a central plane which contains an axis of the camshaft. A spring extends across the central plane and interconnects the respective pinch arms so as to urge both pinch arms towards the central plane. A mechanical advantage lever is provided such that the pinching force is greater than the spring force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: ZAMTEC LIMITED
    Inventors: Geoffrey Philip Dyer, Rommel Balala, Paul Charles Knight, Kianoush Mir Sanaei, Saminda Jayatileke
  • Patent number: 8770542
    Abstract: The invention relates to a valve for controlling a flow of a fluid through a fluid channel, comprising a tube of flexible material in which a section of a fluid channel is formed, a valve component assigned to the tube, a squeeze element, which is formed and configured on the valve component by pressing against an outside surface of the tube to control a flow of a fluid through the fluid channel, optionally up to the closing of the fluid channel, a guide section, which is formed on the valve component, and a guide assigned to the valve component, which cooperates with the guide section in a relative movement of the guide and valve components relative to one another in the longitudinal direction of the tube, such that the squeeze element is displaced in the relative movement, changing the pressure on the outside surface of the tube and thus changing the flow through the fluid channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignees: Mt. Derm GmbH, Technische Universität Berlin
    Inventors: Andreas Loth, Florian Bühs, Kristian Plückhahn
  • Patent number: 8757201
    Abstract: A device for airflow regulation in an air damper is disclosed. The device includes a twist sleeve of flexible material, the cross section of which substantially conforms to an outer tube in which the flow takes place, one end of the twist sleeve being disposed on the inner side of the outer tube and the other end of the twist sleeve being disposed in a tube sleeve which can be rotated under an axial displacement controlled in relation to the rotation. The outer diameter of the tube sleeve is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer tube, so that the tube sleeve slides easily in the outer tube. The tube sleeve is provided with a helical slot. The rotation of the tube sleeve is achieved by a gearwheel adapted to cooperate with the helical slot to pull around the tube sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Jerry Borander
  • Publication number: 20140158919
    Abstract: An actuator assembly includes a housing, and a clamp disposed within the housing. The clamp is configured to attach the actuator assembly to a damper jackshaft or valve stem or valve linkage shaft. The jackshaft is operable to control the position of one or more damper blades. The valve stem and valve linkage shaft control the position of the valve plug. The clamp is accessible via a slotted opening which is unobstructed at one end. A motor is configured to rotate the clamping device within the housing. A control module is coupled to the motor and configured to control the damper or valve actuator assembly. In embodiments, a communications module facilitates communications to and from the damper actuator assembly over a network, and allows both remote monitoring of the damper and remote control of the damper actuator assembly or of the valve and remote control of the valve actuator assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Alan Burt, Nicholas James DeJong
  • Publication number: 20140124687
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pinch valve having upper and lower casings respectively supporting upper and lower pinch elements. The upper and lower casings are adapted for receiving a sleeve. A synchronization mechanism drives movements of the upper and lower pinch elements for pinching the sleeve. The upper and lower casings are connected by a pivot allowing pivoting of one or the other of the upper and lower casings for opening of the pinch valve, and for ease of access to the sleeve for maintenance purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventors: Frederic RUELLAND, Clement SIMARD
  • Patent number: 8690015
    Abstract: A dispenser for oil and vinegar, the dispenser comprising: (a) an outer container defining an internal space for receiving oil and having a top rim defining an opening; (b) an inner container defining an internal space for receiving vinegar, the inner container being at least partially located within the internal space of the outer container, the inner container having a shoulder projecting outwardly and being located above the top rim of the outer container; (c) a cap having a top wall and a peripheral wall for enclosing the top rim of the outer container and the shoulder of the inner container, the top wall and peripheral wall defining an internal space; (d) a first tube having a bottom end defining a bottom opening facing the internal space of the outer container and a top end defining a top opening opened to the atmosphere, wherein the first tube defines a first passage for allowing fluid communication between the internal space of the outer container and the atmosphere; and (e) a second tube having a bot
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Trudeau Corporation 1889 Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Mainville, Benoit Orban, François Gaucher, André Quévillon
  • Patent number: 8657801
    Abstract: The invention provides a switching device for an irrigation system. The switching device provides selective communication between a supply port to which a supply of fluid under pressure can be attached and a balloon port to which a fixing balloon of a catheter can be attached, and between the supply port and a port to which a liquid reservoir can be attached. By use of a selection handle, the user can deform conduits in a pre-determined sequence and thus control an irrigation procedure by opening and closing fluid flow in various conduits. The invention further provides an irrigation device incorporating the switching device and a method of controlling a fluid flow e.g. in an irrigation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Coloplast A/S
    Inventors: Jakob Ilskov Nielsen, Jens Peter Bredholt, Alister David Morton, Klaus Sommer Ipsen, Henrik Jeppesen
  • Patent number: 8628502
    Abstract: A dialysis valve includes a tube attached between an artery and a vein which, when elongated, simultaneously narrows in diameter at least one location. The narrowed portion of the tube decreases the volume and velocity between the arterial and venous side of the patient to prevent damage or intimal hyperplasia on the venous side between dialysis treatments. When the valve is opened for dialysis, an unrestricted blood flow exists between the arterial and venous side, permitting a controlled, open blood flow during dialysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: INTERRAD Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Claude, Edward A. Barlow, David W. Hunter, Michael S. Rosenberg
  • Publication number: 20130320249
    Abstract: A blood donor tube sealing apparatus includes a housing configured to house an electronic circuit configured to provide a radio frequency signal. The sealing apparatus further includes a sealing device coupled to the housing. The sealing device includes a movable sealing head and at least one movable tube support. The movable sealing head and movable tube support are configured to be moved into contact with a blood donor tube. The movable sealing head is powered by the radio frequency signal to seal the blood donor tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Kwang Suk Kim, James Darren Roxas, Terry Chung, David Shao Ling, Daniel Lynn, Richard West, Craig Sandford
  • Patent number: 8561963
    Abstract: An improved microvalve is described. The microvalve includes a corresponding actuation aperture in an actuation aperture layer. A control fluid flows through the actuation aperture. The flow of the control fluid is controlled by an electric field typically applied via a charge distribution near an actuation aperture layer. In one embodiment, the electric field may adjust the opening and closing of the actuation aperture thereby controlling the flow of the control fluid. In a second embodiment, the control fluid is an electrorheological fluid where the electric field controls the viscosity of the ER fluid thereby controlling fluid flow through the actuation aperture. In both embodiments the flow of the control fluid controls stretching of a flexible membrane formed along the wall of a conduit through which a fluid to be controlled flows. The stretching of the flexible membrane controlling the flow of the main fluid to be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Ashish Pattekar, Eugene M Chow, Eric Peeters
  • Publication number: 20130214184
    Abstract: A fluid transport apparatus includes a main unit and a replacement unit that can be removably attached to the main unit. The replacement unit includes a tube for transporting a fluid, and a plurality of fingers for pressing against and occluding the tube, the plurality of fingers being arranged along the tube. The main unit includes a cam for pressing the plurality of fingers successively in a transport direction of the fluid. The tube, the plurality of fingers and the cam are arranged in a layered arrangement along a rotation axis direction of the cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Seiko Epson Corporation
  • Patent number: 8491543
    Abstract: An automatic safety occluder provides an occluder for an infusion set that is biased in a closed position until an electrical signal is received that causes the occluder to open. Should the occluder fail to be installed correctly, or if power is removed, the occluder will return to its biased closed position, preventing free flow. The occluder may also be placed in an integrated unit such that the automatic safety occluder may attach to the tubing as a unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Zevex, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Stringham
  • Patent number: 8469331
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for preparation of purified water and medicaments for various uses including blood treatment are described. Methods, devices, and systems for creating multiple-treatment batches are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: NxStage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Burbank, James M. Brugger
  • Publication number: 20130118619
    Abstract: The invention relates to a valve device for controlling a flow of a fluid through a fluid channel, having a tube (2) made of a flexible material, in which a section of a fluid channel is formed, a valve component (1) assigned to the tube (2), a cantilevered arm (8), which is designed to be reversibly displaceable on the valve component (1) against a restoring force supplied at least partially by the cantilevered arm (8) itself, a squeeze element (10), which is arranged on a distal end of the cantilevered arm (8) for support of the cantilevered arm (8) on the valve component (1) and is configured to control a flow of a fluid through the fluid channel by pressing against an outside surface of the tube (2), optionally up to the closing of the fluid channel, and an actuator (11) which is configured to displace the squeeze element (10) in various control directions against the restoring force on the cantilevered arm (8), so that the pressure of the squeeze element (10) on the outside surface of the tube (2) and th
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITÄT BERLIN
    Inventors: Andreas Loth, Florian Bühs
  • Patent number: 8387943
    Abstract: A pinch valve for controlling fluid flow through flexible tubing is disclosed. The valve has a frame for accommodating flexible tubing and a tube-constricting arrangement, which arrangement includes a pair of arc sections on one side of the frame forming a throat or crimping channel transverse to the tube axis and a blade member extending correspondingly and transversely on the other side. An actuator reciprocally positions the blade member between an open and closed position. When the blade member is in the closed position, flexible tubing is crimped within the throat, preventing fluid flow therethrough. When the blade member is moved away from the tubing in an open position, the flexible tubing reverts to a relaxed condition and allows fluid flow therethrough. The pinch valve is utilizable with a bladder that provides a closed system and assists in throttling the flow of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Harley H. Mattheis
  • Patent number: 8387655
    Abstract: A system for controlling slurry flow through a flexible-walled transport tube. An example system includes a frame, a pivot pin, a rotatable radial arm having an attached pressure pad, a spring tension adjustment rod extending between the radial arm and the frame, and a coil spring concentric with the spring tension adjustment rod and configured to oppose rotation of the radial arm away from a flexible-walled transport tube contacting the pressure pad. In one operating condition, a decrease in the pressure of the slurry within the transport tube reduces the force applied by the slurry outward on the tube wall, leading the spring to rotate the radial arm toward the tube, causing the contact pad to deflect the wall of the flexible-walled transport tube and impeding the flow of slurry through the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Kelly Cowlishaw
  • Publication number: 20130026396
    Abstract: A holding apparatus for holding at least one tube clamp on a medical tube, the tube clamp including at least one, usually two, clamping section(s) for altering a luminal cross-section of a medical tube during use, includes at least one receiving structure for detachably receiving at least one section of the tube clamp. A medical tube with at least one holding apparatus as well as a method for sterilizing a medical tube are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Juergen HAECKER, Lothar LEICK, Wolfgang SCHULZ, Edmund-Jakob THIRY
  • Patent number: 8356791
    Abstract: A squeeze-off apparatus and method for at least partially locally interrupting the flow of a fluid in a resilient tube or pipe are described. Tubes may be accessed from a single direction, thereby eliminating the need for significant excavation around a buried tube. Squeeze-off is performed using two pairs of jaws which close in a parallel manner, the closed distance between the jaws being adjustable depending on the wall thickness of the tubing, thereby permitting the tube to remain integral for at least one such crimping and release cycle. Embodiments of the squeeze-off apparatus may be locked in place once the tube is crimped, thereby permitting the flow to be reduced or shut off without continued application of force to the squeeze-off jaws of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventor: Gerald E. Blom
  • Patent number: 8328763
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clamp (10) for a flexible tube, in particular an infusion tube, composed of a substantially U-shaped plastic band, the free end (111) of the first branch (11?) of the U being bent over, so as to form the head (11) of the clamp, to the free end (121) of the second branch, called the back (12), in such a way that, in the closed position, the free end (121) of the back (12) is situated resting under the free end (111) of the head (11), whereas, in the opened position, the free end (121) of the back (12) is situated at a distance above the free end (111) of the head (11), the clamp having a pair of openings (114, 134) to allow a flexible tube to extend through the clamp and be supported by the latter, and two opposite projections (113, 123) for obturating the flexible tube by compressing it when the clamp is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Fresenius Vial SAS
    Inventor: Philippe Traversaz
  • Publication number: 20120266965
    Abstract: Flow control devices.—In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a cassette (30) comprising a housing having a flow restrictor (34), and a tube (36) attached to the housing and positioned adjacent the flow restrictor. The flow restrictor may be so constructed and arranged to rotate from a first position in which the flow restrictor prevents fluid flow through the tube to a second position in which fluid is able to flow through the tube when the cassette is positioned inside a pumping device. As a result, the cassette is designed to prevent free flow of fluid when an enteral feeding tube set is not installed in a pumping device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Seralaathan Hariharesan, James Allen Higgins, David Woodruff West
  • Patent number: 8282069
    Abstract: A cinch valve includes an upper plate having a first aperture; an orbital plate rotatable relative to the upper plate and having a second aperture substantially aligned with the first aperture; an actuator coupled to the orbital plate arranged to rotate the orbital plate between a first position and a second position; and a plurality of cables each having a flexible portion and each having a first end and a second end, wherein each first end is coupled to the upper plate and each second end is coupled to the orbital plate. Rotation of the orbital plate from the first position to the second position causes the plurality of cables to converge and form a woven closure in approximately the center of the second aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Acrison, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc S. Landry
  • Patent number: 8276875
    Abstract: A plate clamp where clamp resistance when a tube is slid from an insertion hole to a slit section is low, where clamping operation is easy, and where the tube being clamped at the slit section is less likely to unintentionally slide to the through-hole side. The clamp for a tube has the slit section for clamping and holding the tube at plate-like members, a tube lead-in section as a groove forwardly expanding from the forward end of the slit section, and the tube insertion hole continuously formed with the tube lead-in section. A stopper section is provided only on one side of the boundary between the tube lead-in section and the slit section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: JMS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Okiyama
  • Patent number: 8272392
    Abstract: A method of controlling a main fluid in a conduit using a microvalve is described. The microvalve includes a corresponding actuation aperture in an actuation aperture layer. A control fluid flows through the actuation aperture in response to an electric field applied via a charge distribution near an actuation aperture layer. In one embodiment, the electric field may adjust the opening and closing of the actuation aperture thereby controlling the flow of the control fluid. In a second embodiment, the control fluid is an electrorheological fluid where the electric field controls the viscosity of the ER fluid, thereby controlling fluid flow through the actuation aperture. In both embodiments the flow of the control fluid controls stretching of a flexible membrane into and out of the conduit, thereby controlling the flow of the main fluid by opening or closing the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Ashish Pattekar, Eugene M. Chow, Eric Peeters
  • Publication number: 20120217424
    Abstract: A sealing tube for a line conduit, in which the sealing tube can be held at its ends, which can be distorted in reference to each other about its longitudinal axis. Inside the sealing tube, several separate sealing elements are arranged, which extend over a small portion of the length of the sealing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Manfred Klein, Tom Hager