TERUMO BCT, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160090569 | Scheduled Feed - Embodiments described herein generally provide for the scheduled feeding of cells in a cell expansion system. A schedule to proactively and automatically increase and/or maintain inlet rates of media to feed cells may be created, in which inlet rates to the intracapillary portion (or extracapillary portion) of a bioreactor may be increased or maintained according to the schedule. Such schedule may be conservative or aggressive or a combination thereof, for example. Multiple schedules may be used. Scheduled media exchanges may also be included. By following a feed schedule, the monitoring of metabolite levels may be optional. Inlet rates may be increased or maintained without manual manipulation. Media usage may also be more predictable. In an embodiment, a custom task(s) may be created to follow a desired feed schedule. In another embodiment, a pre-programmed task(s) may be used for the scheduled feeding of cells. | 03-31-2016 |
20160058938 | System for Blood Separation with Replacement Fluid Apparatus and Method - A method is provided in a centrifugal blood processing system for adding replacement fluid without a dedicated peristaltic pump to blood components being returned to the donor. A disposable blood processing set for use in the method comprises a hermetically sealed set of blood bags, connecting tubes, needles or connectors, and supporting structures with a replacement fluid line coupled directly to a return reservoir without contact with an intervening pump. | 03-03-2016 |
20160045921 | Processing Particles - Embodiments relate to systems, chambers, and methods for processing particles by washing, concentrating, and/or treating the particles. Some embodiments provide for the processing of cells that may be in a liquid medium (e.g., a liquid in which the cells were grown) and are processed by being washed and concentrated for later use in research or other therapies. | 02-18-2016 |
20160024455 | Method of Loading and Distributing Cells in a Bioreactor of a Cell Expansion System - One or more embodiments are described directed to a method and system for loading and distributing cells in a bioreactor of a cell expansion system. Accordingly, embodiments include methods and systems that may provide for adding a plurality of cells to a fluid within a bioreactor of the cell expansion system. A first percentage of the plurality of cells is allowed to settle in the bioreactor and a second percentage of the plurality of cells is allowed to settle outside of the bioreactor. The first percentage of cells is then expanded in the bioreactor. The second percentage of cells is wasted. | 01-28-2016 |
20150375238 | System for Blood Separation with Gravity Valve for Controlling a Side-Tapped Separation Chamber - A disposable blood separation set and a centrifugal blood processing system comprising a blood processing chamber adapted to be mounted on a rotor of a centrifuge; a frustro-conical cell separation chamber in fluid communication with the processing chamber, the cell separation chamber having an inlet, a primary outlet and a side tap outlet adjacent the inlet. A valve that is responsive to centrifugal force (a “gravity” valve) selects between the outlet and the side tap outlet. The gravity valve is mounted on the rotor. When the rotor spins at high speed, the gravity valve may open the primary outlet and close the side tap outlet. When the rotor spins at a lower speed, the gravity valve may open the side tap outlet and close the primary outlet. | 12-31-2015 |
20150354894 | Lyophilization - Embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatuses for lyophilizing, storing, and transfusing materials are described. In embodiments, the materials may include whole blood or a component of whole blood such as plasma. | 12-10-2015 |
20150307832 | Measuring Flow Rate - Embodiments are described that relate to flow rate measuring systems that may be used in cell expansion systems (CES) and in methods for controlling fluid input into systems such as a CES. | 10-29-2015 |
20150275170 | Passive Replacement of Media - Embodiments described herein generally relate to passively replacing media in a closed cell expansion system to reduce or prevent the dilution of chemical signaling used to inhibit signaling pathways that keep a cell population in the lag phase of cell growth. To prevent such dilution, active inlet fluid flow to the system may be halted. To replace fluid lost by the system, a bag containing media may be attached to the waste line in replacement of the waste or outlet bag connected thereto. By turning off one or more pumps, media from the replacement bag is added to the system at the rate of evaporation. Chemical signaling dilution may be prevented while conserving system resources. Enhancement of chemical signaling to reduce the lag phase of cell growth may further be accomplished by adding molecules, such as chemical-signaling proteins, from a direct source to the system. | 10-01-2015 |
20150273128 | Gain In Separation Processes With Control Loop - Embodiments are described for receiving first data related to an amount of a first component in a multi-component liquid. A gain may be determined based on the first data. The multi-component liquid may be separated into at least two components. The gain may then be used to control a position of an interface between two separated components of the multi-component liquid, such as by using the gain in changing a speed of a pump pumping at least one of the components. | 10-01-2015 |
20150238668 | Multi-Unit Blood Processor with Volume Prediction - Method and Apparatus for predicting the volume of a component separated from a composite fluid by predicting the volume of the composite fluid from sensed pressure and predicting the volume of other separated components from sensed movement of the other components to collection bags. | 08-27-2015 |
20150174589 | Centrifuge safety mechanism - Embodiments are directed to methods and apparatuses for ensuring that mechanisms that are used to position components of an apheresis machine are not broken as a result of rotation of a centrifuge. In embodiments, a safety mechanism is provided that contacts components of the centrifuge and pushes them into a position to ensure that they do not break when the centrifuge is operated at high rpm. | 06-25-2015 |
20150140654 | EXPANDING CELLS IN A BIOREACTOR - Described are embodiments for expanding cells in a bioreactor. In one embodiment, methods are provided that distribute cells throughout the bioreactor and attach cells to specific portions of a bioreactor to improve the expansion of the cells in the bioreactor. Embodiments may be implemented on a cell expansion system configured to load, distribute, attach and expand cells. | 05-21-2015 |
20150140653 | EXPANDING CELLS IN A BIOREACTOR - Described are embodiments for expanding cells in a bioreactor. In one embodiment, methods are provided that distribute cells throughout the bioreactor and attach cells to specific portions of a bioreactor to improve the expansion of the cells in the bioreactor. Embodiments may be implemented on a cell expansion system configured to load, distribute, attach and expand cells. | 05-21-2015 |
20150140546 | DETECTING COMPONENTS OF A COMPOSITE FLUID - Described are embodiments for determining components of a composite liquid and controlling the flow of the components into containers. In one embodiment, components of whole blood, after separation, are determined and directed to different containers for collection and storage. Embodiments may be implemented on an apparatus configured to separate multiple discrete volumes of composite liquid (e.g., whole blood) into components. | 05-21-2015 |
20150079664 | Methods and Systems of Growing and Harvesting Cells in a Hollow Fiber Bioreactor System with Control Conditions - 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. | 03-19-2015 |
20150024492 | Cell Expansion System and Methods of Use - Cell expansion systems and methods of use are provided. The cell expansion systems generally include a hollow fiber cell growth chamber, and first and second circulation loops (intracapillary loops and extracapillary loops) associated with the interior of the hollow fibers and exterior of the hollow fibers, respectively. Detachable flow circuits and methods of expanding cells are also provided. | 01-22-2015 |
20150011004 | Systems and Methods for Expanding High Density Non-Adherent Cells - Embodiments described herein generally relate to systems and methods for promoting the expansion of high density non-adherent cells through the use of a cell growth chamber, a mass transfer device, and a fluid circulation loop. Improved cell growth is achieved in the cell growth chamber by using a chamber having a particular orientation and shape, e.g., conical, to create a media-rich reservoir for growing cells. By placing the chamber in a vertical position, the force of media flow along the chamber walls is substantially equal and opposite to the gravitational force on the cells. The interaction of these forces maintains the non-adherent cells in suspension. The use of the cell growth chamber in conjunction with the mass transfer device and fluid circulation loop(s) creates efficiencies by relying on the cumulative and combined features of the devices. | 01-08-2015 |
20140234829 | Separating Composite Liquids - Described are embodiments that include methods and devices for separating composite liquids into components. Embodiments involve the use of a flexible membrane for separating a composite liquid into components. The composite liquid may include, in embodiments, a cellular containing liquid, such as whole blood or components of whole blood. In one specific embodiment, the composite liquid is a buffy coat. | 08-21-2014 |
20140234183 | System for Blood Separation with a Separation Chamber Having an Internal Gravity Valve - A disposable blood separation set and a centrifugal blood processing system comprising a blood processing chamber adapted to be mounted on a rotor of a centrifuge; a frustro-conical cell separation chamber in fluid communication with the processing chamber, the cell separation chamber having an inlet, an outlet and a gravity valve inside the cell separation chamber. The valve is responsive to the gravitational field created by the speed of the rotor. When the rotor spins at high speed, the gravity valve may open the outlet at a location proximal to an axis of rotation of the rotor. When the rotor spins at a lower speed, the gravity valve may open the outlet at a location distal from the axis. | 08-21-2014 |
20140178995 | Method of Reseeding Adherent Cells Grown in a Hollow Fiber Bioreactor System - This invention is directed to methods of directly reseeding harvested adherent cells grown in a hollow fiber bioreactor. Also disclosed is a novel harvest media for use in directly reseeding adherent cells into a hollow fiber bioreactor. | 06-26-2014 |
20140051167 | Concentrating Components of Fluid Circulated through a Cell Growth Chamber - 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. | 02-20-2014 |
20140051162 | Method of Loading and Distributing Cells in a Bioreactor of a Cell Expansion System - One or more embodiments are described directed to a method and system for loading and distributing cells in a bioreactor of a cell expansion system. Accordingly, embodiments include methods and systems that may provide for adding a plurality of cells to a fluid within a bioreactor of the cell expansion system. A first percentage of the plurality of cells is avowed to settle in the bioreactor and a second percentage of the plurality of cells is allowed to settle outside of the bioreactor. The first percentage of cells is then expanded in the bioreactor. The second percentage of cells is wasted. | 02-20-2014 |
20140005023 | System for Blood Separation with Shielded Extraction Port and Optical Control | 01-02-2014 |
20130264288 | System and Method For Collecting And Treating Plasma Protein Fractions - Method and apparatus for separating plasma from blood in a separation vessel, separating the separated plasma into desired plasma proteins in a plasma separator fluidly connected to the separation vessel to receive the separated plasma, and adding photosensitizer to the desired plasma proteins for viral inactivation treatment of such proteins. | 10-10-2013 |
20130157366 | Rotation System for Cell Growth Chamber of a Cell Expansion System and Method of Use Therefor - 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. | 06-20-2013 |
20130153482 | Filter with Attachment Element - Described are embodiments of a filter that may include an outer housing, an inlet tube, an outlet tube, filter media and an attachment element attaching the filter media to one of the inlet and outlet tubes. Other embodiments describe methods of manufacturing a filter. | 06-20-2013 |
20130153047 | Workstation and Method For Transfering Biological Fluid Between Containers - The invention pertains to a method of connecting at least two containers for enabling a transfer of liquid from one container to the other container, comprising the steps of: a) Depositing a first cassette including at least a first container on a first tray. The first container has a plurality of connecting means. b) Depositing a second cassette including a second container on a second tray. The cassettes or the containers include a data storage means. c) The data are read by respective data reading means. d) The data are processed and it is verified whether they match each other. e1) In case of a negative result, the second cassette is removed and the steps from step b) onwards are repeated. e2) In case of a positive verification result, the containers are connected. f) Removing the second cassette. g) Repeating steps b) to f) a plurality of times. | 06-20-2013 |
20130149692 | Methods And Apparatus For Donor Platelet Pre-Count In Centrifugal Blood Separator - A method for determining platelet pre-count in centrifugal blood processing apparatus comprising a centrifuge rotor, a separation chamber, a tubing set for conducting blood components and fluids and having an inlet line, and an outlet line. The apparatus tests flow conditions using a red light-green light sensor to determine a donor platelet pre-count. | 06-13-2013 |
20130107043 | Blood Processing Apparatus with Robust Automated Process Control | 05-02-2013 |
20130105571 | Cassette, Workstation and Method For Marking Containers Containing A Liquid | 05-02-2013 |
20130102070 | Cell Expansion System and Methods of Use - Cell expansion systems and methods of use are provided. The cell expansion systems generally include a hollow fiber cell growth chamber, and first and second circulation loops (intracapillary loops and extracapillary loops) associated with the interior of the hollow fibers and exterior of the hollow fibers, respectively. Detachable flow circuits and methods of expanding cells are also provided. | 04-25-2013 |
20130085054 | Multi-Unit Blood Processor With Rotating Valves - An apparatus for separating at least two discrete volumes of a composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component, comprising a valve design that facilitates loading and unloading of blood bags and associated tubing and bag sets. The valves comprise a rotating head, mounted on a shaft, which assumes a “load” position. The head pivots to an “open” position, which secures the tube in its designated location, but which maintains an open lumen through the tube. When the head is in a “closed” position, blood components cannot flow through the tube. The valve apparatus comprises means for maintaining a constant pressure on the tube and contact with the tube as the tube is melted and sealed. | 04-04-2013 |
20130072367 | Blood Processing Apparatus with Robust Automated Process Control - A centrifuge for separating blood having a camera observing fluid flow, and a controller controlling the flow. The location of an interface is detected by image processing steps, which may comprise the steps of “spoiling” the image, “diffusing” the image, “edge detection”, “edge linking”, “region-based confirmation”, and “interface calculation”. “Spoiling” reduces the number of pixels to be examined preferentially on orthogonal axis oriented with respect to the expected location of the interface or phase boundary. “Diffusing” smoothes out small oscillations in the interface boundary, making to the location of the interface more distinct. “Edge detection” computes the rate of change in pixel intensity. “Edge linking” connects adjacent maxima. “Region-based confirmation” creates a pseudo image of the regions that qualify as distinct. “Final edge calculation” uses the points where the shade changes in the pseudo image, averages the radial displacement of these points for the interface position. | 03-21-2013 |
20130040797 | System for Blood Separation with Replacement Fluid Apparatus and Method - A method is provided in a centrifugal blood processing system for adding replacement fluid without a dedicated peristaltic pump to blood components being returned to the donor. A disposable blood processing set for use in the method comprises a hermetically sealed set of blood bags, connecting tubes, needles or connectors, and supporting structures with a replacement fluid line coupled directly to a return reservoir without contact with an intervening pump. | 02-14-2013 |
20120316051 | System for Blood Separation with Side-Tapped Separation Chamber - A disposable blood separation set and a centrifugal blood processing system comprising a blood processing chamber adapted to be mounted on a rotor of a centrifuge; a frustro-conical cell separation chamber in fluid communication with the processing chamber, the cell separation chamber having an inlet, and outlet and a side tap outlet adjacent the inlet. The inlet may protrude into the cell separation chamber forming a circumferential well surrounding the protruding inlet. The side tap outlet may connect to the well. The set and system comprise means for selectively drawing fluid from either the outlet or the side tap outlet. | 12-13-2012 |
20120316049 | System for Blood Separation with Gravity Valve for Controlling a Side-Tapped Separation Chamber - A disposable blood separation set and a centrifugal blood processing system comprising a blood processing chamber adapted to be mounted on a rotor of a centrifuge; a frustro-conical cell separation chamber in fluid communication with the processing chamber, the cell separation chamber having an inlet, a primary outlet and a side tap outlet adjacent the inlet. A valve that is responsive to centrifugal force (a “gravity” valve) selects between the outlet and the side tap outlet. The gravity valve is mounted on the rotor. When the rotor spins at high speed, the gravity valve may open the primary outlet and close the side tap outlet. When the rotor spins at a lower speed, the gravity valve may open the side tap outlet and close the primary outlet. | 12-13-2012 |
20120295352 | Systems and Methods for Expanding High Density Non-Adherent Cells - Embodiments described herein generally relate to systems and methods for promoting the expansion of high density non-adherent cells through the use of a cell growth chamber, a mass transfer device, and a fluid circulation loop. Improved cell growth is achieved in the cell growth chamber by using a chamber having a particular orientation and shape, e.g., conical, to create a media-rich reservoir for growing cells. By placing the chamber in a vertical position, the force of media flow along the chamber walls is substantially equal and opposite to the gravitational force on the cells. The interaction of these forces maintains the non-adherent cells in suspension. The use of the cell growth chamber in conjunction with the mass transfer device and fluid circulation loop(s) creates efficiencies by relying on the cumulative and combined features of the devices. | 11-22-2012 |
20120205041 | Method of Assembling a Hollow Fiber Bioreactor - The present invention relates to a method of assemblying a cell growth module, and preventing the formation of cytotoxic chemicals in the cell growth module which may interfere with the growth of the cells in the cell growth module. Electromagnetic radiation such as gamma irradiation may be used to treat the membrane surface prior to the membrane being inserted into the housing. The cell growth module includes at least a membrane and a housing. | 08-16-2012 |