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Publication Number
US-12620480-B2
Publication Date
2026-05-05
Expiration Date
Abstract
A fleet management system includes apheresis devices and a fleet management device remotely located from and in communication with the apheresis devices. Each apheresis device has a controller, firmware and firmware settings. The fleet management device includes an interface to allow a user to interact with the fleet management device, a server and a processor. The server receives information regarding the firmware/firmware settings of each of the apheresis devices and a firmware file from the user and/or a remote repository. The processor processes the information to determine which of the apheresis devices requires an update to the firmware/firmware settings. The server then distributes the firmware file to each apheresis device that requires the update. The system may also develop a fleet model for one or more donation centers that includes a recommend quantity of devices for the location(s) and/or whether devices should be moved from one location to another.
Core Innovation
The invention describes a fleet management system and device that remotely monitor firmware and firmware settings across apheresis devices. A server requests and receives device information, while a processor identifies devices requiring updates and discrepancies between devices. The server can distribute firmware files to devices requiring updates, and the fleet management device can notify a user of discrepancies or distribute files to correct them.
The system also collects operational and performance data and uses it to model recommended device quantities and placements across donation centers. The stated objective is to support consistent firmware and firmware settings and proper operation across the fleet. The background section is not included in the supplied content, so the problem being solved in that section is not explicitly described in patent.
Claims Coverage
The claims identify four inventive features across three independent claims, comprising a fleet management system, a fleet management device, and a method for managing a fleet of apheresis devices.
Remote monitoring and updating of apheresis devices
The independent system claim covers a fleet management device that receives information regarding firmware and firmware settings from a plurality of apheresis devices, determines which devices require an update, and distributes a firmware file to those devices.
Discrepancy identification and correction
The independent system and device claims cover compiling or analyzing firmware and firmware settings information to identify discrepancies between devices, notifying the user and/or distributing a firmware file to correct discrepancies, and pre-emptively ensuring consistent firmware and settings and proper operation.
Method for managing a fleet of apheresis devices
The independent method claim covers requesting and receiving firmware and firmware settings information, determining which devices require an update, distributing a firmware file, identifying discrepancies, and sending a notification and/or firmware file to correct them and support consistent operation.
Operational data and fleet recommendations
Dependent claims identify additional information that may include procedures performed, productivity, utilization, device quantity within a donation center, performance data, or inventory data. They also describe a fleet model that includes recommended apheresis device quantities for one or more donation centers and notification of those recommendations to a user.
The independent claims cover system, device, and method forms of remote fleet management for monitoring firmware and settings, identifying update needs and discrepancies, and distributing files or notifications to support consistent, properly operating apheresis devices. Dependent claims add operational information, installation-status alerts, and fleet-model recommendations.
Stated Advantages
The system pre-emptively ensures that apheresis devices operate with the same firmware and firmware settings and operate properly.
The system can identify devices requiring updates and distribute firmware files to them, and can identify discrepancies and notify the user and/or distribute files to correct them.
Documented Applications
Remote management of firmware and firmware settings across a fleet of apheresis devices.
Collection of operational and performance information and fleet modeling to recommend apheresis device quantities for donation centers.
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