Stephen P Franks

US Patent:

20030033857, Feb 20, 2003

Filed:

Aug 16, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/222515

Inventors:

Stephen Franks - Hopkinton MA, US

International Classification:

G01M003/34
G01M003/00

US Classification:

073/049300, 073/052000

Abstract:

A laser displacement transducer mounted on an X-Y table below a vacuum chamber with a bottom glass window measures displacement in flexible surfaces of sealed packages to test for leakage. Sealed packages, including multi-chamber packages are positioned precisely in a grid pattern by rapid loading and unloading of the top of the vacuum chamber mounted on top of a console to permit using the device with an assembly line. Leaking cavities and packages are instantaneously identified by comparison of the measured displacement with programmed information about displacement and the results displayed on a screen. Leaking packages are discarded and well sealed packages are returned to the assembly line.

US Patent:

49158473, Apr 10, 1990

Filed:

Aug 4, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/081484

Inventors:

David M. Dillon - Dover MA
Stephen H. Franks - Hopkinton MA

Assignee:

Baxter International Inc. - Deerfield IL

International Classification:

B01D 2126

US Classification:

210737

Abstract:

A set for the isolation of cryoprecipitate includes a hollow vessel with first and second ends and a tapered body extending to a narrow sump closing the second end, said sump enclosing a volume of approximately 2 to 5 percent of the volume of the hollow vessel. A port enters the vessel in the tapered body above the sump. In one embodiment, the vessel is formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material and the first end is closed by a cap containing a micro-porous filter for venting the vessel. In another or further embodiment, the sump has a tapered tip portion which may be sliced off to permit extrusion of the isolated cryoprecipitate by squeezing the vessel. In a different embodiment, the vessel contains an inner filter column, or bag with a filter matrix, accessible via an access port. Cellular material placed in the column is frozen, thawed and centrifuged to separate out antigen-free platelet growth factor with the cryoprecipitate.

US Patent:

47335556, Mar 29, 1988

Filed:

Apr 13, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/037600

Inventors:

Stephen H. Franks - Hopkinton MA

International Classification:

G01M 332

US Classification:

73 493

Abstract:

A pressure testing apparatus has a probe with a piercing tip. The probe sealingly engages a special entry port having a mating pressure-coupling body which establishes a sealing connection with the probe before the tip pierces the package. An adhesive sheet flange extends about the body of the entry port and sealingly secures the body to the package. This eliminates the need for external clamping or holding fixtures. In a preferred embodiment the pressure-coupling body is formed of a semi-rigid material and has a tapered through bore for receiving the probe. A face of the body defines a stop which limits the piercing travel of the probe tip. The probe assembly, in one embodiment has inlet and return ports which accommodate a pressure supply inlet line and a pressure sensing return line, respectively. A single piercing tip enters the packaging, with the inlet port located near to the tip end of the probe, and the return port located at a distal end. The interior of the probe thus serves as a pressure buffer chamber, enhancing the stable performance of a microprocessor-polled pressure sensing unit, and preventing obstruction of the return port or of the sensor by package debris.

US Patent:

49178040, Apr 17, 1990

Filed:

Oct 31, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/925318

Inventors:

Stephen H. Franks - Hopkinton MA
David M. Dillon - Dover MA
Read S. McCarty - Hingham MA

Assignee:

Baxter International Inc. - Deerfield IL

International Classification:

B01D 2126

US Classification:

210737

Abstract:

A set for the isolation of cryoprecipitate includes a hollow vessel with a closed first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis, and a nipple extending from and closing the second end, said nipple enclosing a volume of approximately 2 to 5 percent of the volume of the hollow vessel. In one embodiment, the vessel is formed of a semi-rigid material and the first end is closed by a cap containing a micro-porous filter for venting the vessel. In another or further embodiment, the nipple has a tapered tip portion which may be sliced off to permit extrusion of the isolated cryoprecipitate by squeezing the vessel. In a different further embodiment, the nipple has a twist-lockable connector, for attachment to a syringe or to an applicator tip. In yet another embodiment a piston mounts on the cap within the vessel for directly extruding separated cryoprecipitate from the nipple. Preferably the set includes plural vessels, each connected to a common sterile docking connector and having a total volume of approximately 250 ml, for processing the plasma from one unit of whole blood.