Communications and operation control of apheresis systems
Inventors
ST. GEORGE, Stephanie Lynne • PITTINGER, John
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12379916-B2
Publication Date
2025-08-05
Expiration Date
Abstract
A method includes detecting a startup of an apheresis machine; in response to detecting start up, transmitting data to a server; determining, based on the data, whether software of the apheresis machine is current; receiving, in response to the data, a response from the server; and preventing usage of apheresis machine if the response indicates the software is not current. The data transmitted to the server may include one or more of a data log, a firmware version identifier, and an error log. The response may include a lockout signal. The response may include a software update. The software update may include a firmware update. The method may include automatically initiating installation of the software update. The method may include ceasing prevention of usage of the apheresis machine following installation of the software update.
Core Innovation
The disclosure describes detecting, with a controller, a startup of an apheresis machine based on signals received by the controller. In response to detecting startup, the controller automatically transmits data to a server, and the server automatically determines, based on the data, whether software of the apheresis machine is current. The controller automatically receives a response from the server and uses the response to control machine usage.
When the response indicates the software is not current, the controller automatically prevents usage of the apheresis machine. The response comprises a lockout signal, and the lockout signal includes instructions to prevent usage until the software is current. The transmitted startup-related data can include a data log, a firmware version identifier, and an error log.
The disclosure also states that software includes firmware, applications, and operating systems, and that the system can use device logs and firmware, applications, and operating systems as part of what constitutes software. Further dependent variations include manually installing a software update and presenting GUI-based messaging related to the lockout and currentness state.
Claims Coverage
The provided claims identify six inventive features centered on startup-triggered software currency verification and controller-enforced usage prevention for an apheresis machine.
Startup detection with controller-based signals
Detecting, with a controller, a startup of an apheresis machine based on signals received by the controller.
Server transmission of startup data
In response to detecting start up, automatically transmitting, by the controller, data to a server.
Server determination of whether software is current
Automatically determining, by the server and based on the data, whether software of the apheresis machine is current.
Controller prevents usage based on server response
Automatically preventing, by the controller, usage of the apheresis machine if the response from the server indicates the software is not current.
Lockout signal and instructions
The response comprises a lockout signal, and the lockout signal includes instructions to prevent usage until the software is current.
Software currentness scope
The software includes one or more of firmware, applications, and operating systems.
Overall, the claims cover a controller-server workflow that detects startup, transmits startup-related data, determines whether the software is current, receives a response, and prevents use of the apheresis machine when the software is not current. Dependent refinements further specify the categories of startup data, the lockout signal, the software component scope, and manual software update installation.
Stated Advantages
Reducing centrifuge rotation time by about 30% or more, improving donation efficiency/time and comfort.
Documented Applications
Operational control for an apheresis machine during startup, using server communication to determine software currency and prevent usage if software is not current [procedural detail omitted for safety].
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