Robert F Gremel from 32371 Alipaz St TRLR 66, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, age 78, Phone: (949)2187756

Pleat Construction For Bellows Heat Exchanger Manifold
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US Patent:

6423269, Jul 23, 2002
Filed:

Aug 9, 1999
Appl. No.:

09/370357
Inventors:

Robert F. Gremel - Huntington Beach CA
Assignee:

Medtronic, Inc. - Minneapolis MN
International Classification:

A61M 114
US Classification:

422 46, 165164
Abstract:

Heat exchanging contact of water and blood with a pleated metal bellow heat exchanging surface in a heat exchanger for an extracorporeal blood circuit is improved by so forming the pleats of the bellows that the fluid chamber inside each pleat continuously narrows from the mouth of the pleat toward the inner end of the chamber. Uniform water distribution along the bellows is accomplished by making the water manifold in the heat exchanger core much larger in cross section than the inlet fitting to the manifold.

Prevention Of Electrical Discharges In Polymeric Heat Exchangers
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US Patent:

6497841, Dec 24, 2002
Filed:

Jul 22, 1997
Appl. No.:

08/898559
Inventors:

Neil D. Plotkin - Pasadena CA
Roger J. Elgas - Anaheim CA
Robert F. Gremel - Huntington Beach CA
Robert V. Worrell - Lake Forest CA
Assignee:

Medtronic, Inc. - Minneapolis MN
International Classification:

A61M 114
US Classification:

422 46, 422 44, 422 45, 604 613
Abstract:

A heat exchanger, or the heat exchanger component of a multi-function device, comprising a polymeric heat transfer material. The heat exchanger exhibits reduced voltage-induced breakdown of the polymeric material, which can lead to cross-contamination of the two fluids. Either or both of two approaches may be employed. The first approach modifies the polymeric material to increase its resistance to breakdown. The second approach employs at least one electrical bridge between the fluids in the two sides of the heat exchanger, thus placing the two fluids into electrical equilibrium.

Venous Filter For Assisted Venous Return
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US Patent:

6524267, Feb 25, 2003
Filed:

Sep 18, 2001
Appl. No.:

09/954787
Inventors:

Robert F. Gremel - Huntington Beach CA
Roger J. Elgas - Anaheim Hills CA
Assignee:

Medtronic, Inc. - Brooklyn Park MN
International Classification:

A61M 3700
US Classification:

604 609, 604 401, 604 501, 210436, 422 44, 422 48
Abstract:

The need for a venous reservoir in a heart-lung machine is obviated by using a vacuum-purged negative-pressure air filter in the venous return line ahead of the main blood pump. The purging vacuum for the venous air filter can also be used to purge air from the cardiotomy reservoir if a backflow-preventing valve is used on the venous air filter.

Method And Apparatus For Improving Blood Mixing In Oxygenators
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US Patent:

6613279, Sep 2, 2003
Filed:

Aug 31, 1999
Appl. No.:

09/386245
Inventors:

Roger J. Elgas - Anaheim Hills CA
Robert F. Gremel - Huntington Beach CA
Assignee:

Medtronic, Inc. - Brooklyn Park MN
International Classification:

A61M 114
US Classification:

422 45, 604 614
Abstract:

Blood mixing in fiber-wound oxygenators is improved by inserting at least one layer of a planar apertured mat between selected layers of wound gas-exchange fibers.

Variable Packing Density In Hollow Fiber Device
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US Patent:

6638479, Oct 28, 2003
Filed:

Oct 11, 1999
Appl. No.:

09/416146
Inventors:

Roger J. Elgas - Anaheim Hills CA
Robert F. Gremel - Huntington Beach CA
Assignee:

Medtronic, Inc. - Minneapolis MN
International Classification:

A61M 114
US Classification:

422 45, 604 401
Abstract:

The efficiency of a hollow fiber wound oxygenator is improved by varying the packing density of the fiber bundle in a direction longitudinal and/or circumferential of the core.

Venous Filter For Assisted Venous Return
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US Patent:

6918887, Jul 19, 2005
Filed:

Dec 19, 2002
Appl. No.:

10/324176
Inventors:

Robert F. Gremel - Huntington Beach CA, US
Roger J. Elgas - Anaheim Hills CA, US
Assignee:

Medtronic, Inc. - Minneapolis MN
International Classification:

A61M037/00
US Classification:

604 609, 604 611, 604 615, 604319, 210120
Abstract:

The need for a venous reservoir in a heart-lung machine is obviated by using a vacuum-purged negative-pressure air filter in the venous return line ahead of the main blood pump. The purging vacuum for the venous air filter can also be used to purge air from the cardiotomy reservoir if a backflow-preventing valve is used on the venous air filter.

Apparatus For Retaining Concentric Parts Within One Another
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US Patent:

6994694, Feb 7, 2006
Filed:

Aug 19, 2003
Appl. No.:

10/643453
Inventors:

Robert F. Gremel - Huntington Beach CA, US
Rowland W. Kanner - Guntersville AL, US
Assignee:

Saftey 1st Medical, Inc. - Santa Ana CA
International Classification:

A61M 5/32
US Classification:

604192, 604110
Abstract:

Apparatus for retaining concentric parts within one another and enabling limited axial movement therebetween, includes an inner component having a shoulder disposed in an external perimeter thereof and an outer tubular component having a wall and an open end for receiving the inner component and an inner surface for abutting the shoulder and enabling a sliding interface therebetween. A retaining tab is provided and disposed in the wall proximate the open end for depression of a free end toward the wall and a slot formed in the wall beneath the tab enables the free end to be forced therepast for retaining the free end inside the wall for engagement with the shoulder, thus preventing separation of the inner component from the outer component.

Apparatus For Locking Concentric Components In Alignment
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US Patent:

20060195062, Aug 31, 2006
Filed:

Feb 25, 2005
Appl. No.:

11/066774
Inventors:

Robert Gremel - Huntington Beach CA, US
International Classification:

A61M 5/00
A61M 5/32
US Classification:

604110000, 604192000
Abstract:

Apparatus for locking concentric components and alignment with one another generally includes a syringe sheath having a cylindrical wall between a bottom and an open top. A syringe body includes a bottom thereabout for sliding engagement with a syringe sheath inner surface and cleats formed in the syringe body wall in an opposing relationship are guided in two channels formed in the syringe sheath wall. Each of the cleats includes one end attached to the syringe body wall, a free end and a body portion disposed parallel to the channels. The free ends are spaced apart from the syringe body wall and engagement of the cleats with shoulders limits insertion of the syringe body into the syringe sheath. Placement of the cleats prevents tilting of the syringe body from releasing the cleats from corresponding shoulders.