Inventors list

Assignees list

Classification tree browser

Top 100 Inventors

Top 100 Assignees


Fulkerson, CO

Barry N. Fulkerson, Longmont, CO US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090076434 Method and System for Achieving Volumetric Accuracy in Hemodialysis Systems - Volumetric accuracy in hemodialysis systems is provided by swapping pumps between the replacement fluid side and the output side for a hemofiltration system and between the return fluid side and the sorbent side for a closed-loop, sorbent-based system, such that same quantity of fluid is pumped at each point after the end of an even number of pump swaps. A method for calculating the time interval between swaps is provided based on an allowable difference in amount pumped in the two functions at any given time. A mechanism is provided for compensating for the differences in head pressure presented to the pumps for fluid coming from the replacement-fluid containers or the reservoir and that coming back from the patient through the dialyzer. The pump-swapping system provides an accurate means that can be inexpensively implemented, including using a disposable device.03-19-2009
20090101552Manifolds for Use in Conducting Dialysis - The present invention is directed to novel systems for conducting the filtration of blood using manifolds. The manifolds integrate various sensors and have fluid pathways formed therein to direct fluids from various sources through the requisite blood filtration or ultrafiltration system steps.04-23-2009
20090101577Methods and Systems for Controlling Ultrafiltration Using Central Venous Pressure Measurements - The volume of fluid removed from a patient during ultrafiltration is controlled automatically on the basis of central venous pressure (CVP) measurements. In one embodiment, a central venous catheter (CVC) is used for accessing blood during dialysis. A sensor located at the tip of the catheter or inside the dialysis machine is used to periodically measure CVP. CVP feedback data helps prevent the excessive removal of fluids from the patient.04-23-2009
20100252490Modular Reservoir Assembly for a Hemodialysis and Hemofiltration System - The present specification discloses a dialysis system having a reservoir module with a reservoir housing defining an internal space, a surface located within the internal space for supporting a container that contains dialysate, and a conductivity sensor located within the internal space, where the conductivity sensor has a coil, a capacitor in electrical communication with the coil, and an energy source in electrical communication with the circuit.10-07-2010
20100331754Method and Systems for Controlling Ultrafiltration Using Central Venous Pressure Measurements - The volume of fluid removed from a patient during ultrafiltration is controlled automatically on the basis of central venous pressure (CVP) measurements. In one embodiment, a central venous catheter (CVC) is used for accessing blood during dialysis. A sensor located at the tip of the catheter or inside the dialysis machine is used to periodically measure CVP. CVP feedback data helps prevent the excessive removal of fluids from the patient.12-30-2010

Patent applications by Barry N. Fulkerson, Longmont, CO US

Barry Neil Fulkerson, Longmont, CO US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090120864WEARABLE DIALYSIS METHODS AND DEVICES - The present invention provides a portable continuous dialysis system configured as a wearable belt in fluid communication with a separate portable unit in the form of an easy to carry bag-pack or case, or a fanny pack wearable around the shoulder. In one embodiment, the wearable belt unit comprises a dialyzer and a pump, such as a dual pulsatile pump, while the portable unit comprises a dialysate regeneration system and a waste collection bag. In another embodiment, the wearable belt unit comprises a manifold for blood circuit, while the portable unit comprises a manifold for dialysate circuit. The placement of components can be varied between the portable unit and the wearable belt unit, depending upon factors such as comparative weight and size of the belt and portable units, the ease of operation of the dialysis system by the patient, the overall length of the tubing system and the safety of operation of the overall system.05-14-2009
20090173682System and Method for Conducting Hemodialysis and Hemofiltration - An extracorporeal blood processing system comprises a plastic molded compact manifold that supports a plurality of molded blood and dialysate fluidic pathways along with a plurality of relevant sensors, valves and pumps. A disposable dialyzer is connected to the molded manifold to complete the blood circuit of the system. The compact manifold is also disposable in one embodiment and can be detachably installed in the dialysis machine. Two-way valves in the manifold are used to direct the dialysate flow to the dialyzer in hemodialysis mode of operation and to bypass the dialyzer to direct the flow of infusion grade dialysate directly to the patient in hemofiltration mode of operation.07-09-2009
20100116048Thermal Flow Meter - A thermal flow meter for use in dialysis is described, that uses a thermal wave to generate a signal in the fluid for which the flow rate is to be measured. The phase angle of the thermal wave signal changes when traversing downstream. The phase difference between the signals received downstream, compared with a reference excitation source signal is measured, and used to determine the flow rate of the fluid.05-13-2010
20100116740Priming System and Method for Dialysis Systems - The application is directed to an extracorporeal blood processing system capable of using dialysate to prime the system. A plastic molded compact manifold supports molded blood and dialysate fluidic pathways along with relevant sensors, valves and pumps. The compact manifold is also disposable in one embodiment and can be detachably installed in the dialysis machine. A two-way valve in the manifold is used to direct the dialysate flow through the blood circuit to prime the circuit for use in treatment.05-13-2010
20100140149Modular, Portable Dialysis System - The present invention is directed toward a dialysis unit that is modular and portable, with improved functionality. In one embodiment, the dialysis system comprises a top unit that is detachably affixed to a base that comprises a reservoir for fluid storage. Among numerous other features, the portable, modular dialysis system of the present invention has improved power door locking, zoned leak detection, fluid handling, and mechanical design features that enable improved modularity.06-10-2010
20100234786System and Method for Detection of Disconnection in an Extracorporeal Blood Circuit - The present invention is directed to a dialysis system with a disconnection monitor for determining if a blood line connection to a patient has been disconnected. It includes a blood circuit in fluid communication with a patient and a dialysis circuit, a pressure transducer for generating a signal indicative of a pulse signal in the blood circuit, a cardiac reference signal generator for generating a signal indicative of the patient's pulse and a disconnection monitor. The disconnection monitor includes a pressure transducer data receiver for receiving the signal indicative of the pulse signal in the blood circuit, a cardiac reference signal receiver for receiving the signal indicative of the patient's pulse, and a processor for cross-correlating the signal indicative of the pulse signal in the blood circuit and the signal indicative of the patient's pulse to generate data indicative of a disconnection of the blood line connection to the patient.09-16-2010
20110054378Methods and Systems for Measuring and Verifying Additives for Use in a Dialysis Machine - The present application discloses a portable dialysis system for conducting a dialysis treatment. The portable dialysis system has a controller unit that includes a display, a scale, a bar code reader, and a memory storing a plurality of programmatic instructions. Upon execution, the instructions generate a first graphical user interface, a second graphical user interface, and a third graphical user interface for presentation on the display. The first graphical user interface displays each additive required for use in the dialysis treatment. The second graphical user interface prompts a user to submit additives to scanning using the bar code scanner. The third graphical user interface prompts a user to submit additives to measurement using the scale.03-03-2011
20110315611Portable Dialysis Machine - The specification discloses a portable dialysis machine having a detachable controller unit and base unit. The controller unit includes a door having an interior face, a housing with a panel where the housing and panel define a recessed region configured to receive the interior face of the door, and a manifold receiver fixedly attached to the panel. The base unit has a planar surface for receiving a container of fluid, a scale integrated with the planar surface, a heater in thermal communication with the planar surface, and a sodium sensor in electromagnetic communication with the planar surface. Embodiments of the disclosed portable dialysis system have improved structural and functional features, including improved modularity, ease of use, and safety features.12-29-2011

Patent applications by Barry Neil Fulkerson, Longmont, CO US

Christopher Fulkerson, Longmont, CO US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120042182FORCED IDLE CACHE - An interface controller of an electronic device manages power consumption of the electronic device by caching data associated with write commands received while the electronic device is in an idle mode. In one implementation, an interface controller directs write commands to a write cache until disc access is required. Additionally, the interface controller may direct write commands to the write cache until the write cache becomes full or a non-cached read command is received. Once, disc access is required, the data associated with the cached commands are flushed to the hard disc. In one implementation, the interface controller transitions the electronic device to a lower power state and maintains the electronic device in the lower power state until disc access is required. When disc access is required, the interface controller transitions the electronic device to a higher power state.02-16-2012

Christopher R. Fulkerson, Longmont, CO US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100083017ENERGY-EFFICIENT TRANSITIONING AMONG DEVICE OPERATING MODES - Methods and devices are provided for managing the transitions between operating modes in a data device. In an illustrative example, a method includes storing, in a control system for a device, a value for a first interval of time. The value indicates a minimum interval of time required for the device to remain in a lower power operating mode to provide energy savings at least equal to an energy cost associated with transitioning between the lower power operating mode and a higher power operating mode. The method further includes receiving a signal that instructs the device to transition from the lower power operating mode to the higher power operating mode. The method also includes ensuring that the device has remained in the lower power operating mode for at least as long as the first interval of time before it transitions to the higher power operating mode.04-01-2010

Christopher Ryan Fulkerson, Longmont, CO US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100318825Power Conservation During A Power Mode Transition - An apparatus and associated method to begin performing a power reduction enablement sequence based on a first predetermined value of elapsed time after an execution of a data access command is completed. The power reduction enablement sequence is performed at an adaptively selected rate that is related to a second predetermined value of elapsed time after the execution that calls for a switch to a reduced power mode for the apparatus.12-16-2010
20110055431MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS USING CONFIGURABLE PARAMETERS - The present disclosure relates to performing maintenance operations in a data system using configurable parameters. In one embodiment, a method in a data system is provided. The method includes receiving an indication of a data latency threshold and performing at least one maintenance operation in the data system based on the data latency threshold.03-03-2011