Sean P Plunkett

US Patent:

58766677, Mar 2, 1999

Filed:

Jan 11, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/584275

Inventors:

Robert F. Gremel - Huntington Beach CA
Sean D. Plunkett - Mission Viejo CA
Henry W. Palermo - Burbank CA
Gary D. Reeder - Morrison CO
Peter Z. Kubisa - Littleton CO
Peter J. Hier - Castle Rock CO

Assignee:

Medtronic, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

A61M 136

US Classification:

422 44

Abstract:

Micro-conduit with enhanced wetting characteristics for use in providing a blood heat exchanger apparatus with improved heat exchange capability. The micro-conduit comprises a plurality of elongated fibers, which may be made of a hydrophobic material such as polypropylene or polyethylene. Each fiber is open at two opposing ends, and has an inner surface between the open ends. The inner surface is coated with a wetting agent, such as phosphatidyl choline or another ampiphilic material with a hydrophilic end and a hydrophobic end. The fibers may have a shape and size that without presence of the wetting agent, would otherwise substantially impair free passage of water. The micro-conduit may be provided as a heat exchanger micro-conduit wrapping material, wherein micro-conduit fibers are attached to a thin flexible interconnect, such as woven netting, to maintain the fibers at predetermined spacings in substantially parallel alignment with each other. The wrapping material is wrapped about an elongated spindle to provide a generally cylindrical heat exchange core. Opposing first and second seals are created by applying potting compound between fibers proximate the spindle's first end and proximate the spindle's second end.

US Patent:

53106482, May 10, 1994

Filed:

Feb 1, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/649470

Inventors:

Frances H. Arnold - Pasadena CA
Pradeep Dhal - Pasadena CA
Deborah Shnek - Pomona CA
Sean Plunkett - Pasadena CA

Assignee:

California Institute of Technology - Pasadena CA

International Classification:

A01N 102
C12Q 170
C12Q 104
C12N 500

US Classification:

435 5

Abstract:

The invention provides an imprinted matrix which exhibits selective binding interactions through metal chelates with a predetermined molecule or biological particle. Also provided is a preformed, fluid-imprinted matrix having sufficient rigidity to maintain selective binding interaction with a predetermined molecule or biological particle through interactive moieties. Methods for producing such matrices are additionally provided.