# US 9,433,557 B2 · Loading system for an encapsulation device > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 9,433,557 B2 - Document ID: US9433557B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 14/000,864 - Filed: 2011-02-21 - Published: 2014-01-16 - Granted: 2016-09-06 - Earliest claimed: 2011-02-21 - Assignees: ViaCyte, Inc. - Applicants: Chad Green; Laura Martinson; Val Anthony Bellora; Richard Alexander Grant; Evert Kroon; Emmanuel Edward Baetge - Inventors: Chad Green; Laura Martinson; Val Anthony Bellora; Richard Alexander Grant; Evert Kroon; Emmanuel Edward Baetge - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9433557B2 ## CPC - A61J 1/20: Arrangements for transferring {or mixing} fluids, e.g. from vial to syringe - A61F 2/0095: {Packages or dispensers for prostheses or other implants (for intraocular lenses A61F2/1691; for dental surgery A61C19/02)} - A61F 2/022: {Artificial gland structures using bioreactors (hemodialysis A61M1/16; hemofiltration A61M1/34; other extracorporeal blood treatment A61M1/36)} - C12N 11/00: Carrier-bound or immobilised enzymes; Carrier-bound or immobilised microbial cells; Preparation thereof - A61J: CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE - A61F: FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS (dental prosthetics A61C) - C12N: MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA (microbiological testing media C12Q1/00) ## Abstract The present invention provides, in at least one embodiment, a loading device, system and method that loads aggregate cells into an encapsulation device for implanting into a patient. The loading system uses negative pressure from a low pressure pump in a closed system to improve safety and cell viability while allowing for even loading of the encapsulation device. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A cell encapsulation loading system comprising: a) a cell encapsulation loading device comprising (1) a housing comprising a first housing member and a second housing member, wherein the first housing member is coupled to the second housing member, thereby forming a hollow device chamber and (2) an encapsulation device comprising an inlet port wherein the inlet port is detachably coupled to the housing and the encapsulation device is enclosed within the hollow device chamber; and b) an inverting holding rack for tilting or inverting the cell encapsulation loading device during loading. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The cell encapsulation loading system of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a first port. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The cell encapsulation loading system of claim 2, wherein the housing further comprises a second port. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The cell encapsulation loading system of claim 3, wherein the second port is adapted for receiving negative pressure. ### Claim 5 (depends on 2) The cell encapsulation loading device system of claim 2, wherein the first port is adapted for sterilely loading cells into the encapsulation device. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The cell encapsulation loading system of claim 1, wherein the encapsulation device further comprises living cells. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The cell encapsulation loading system of claim 1, wherein the first housing member and the second housing member are detachably coupled. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The cell encapsulation loading system of claim 1, further comprising: a cell chamber containing living cells and fluid medium, wherein the cell chamber is in fluid communication with the encapsulation loading device. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The cell encapsulation loading system of claim 8, wherein the living cells and fluid media are loaded into the encapsulation device through the inlet port. ### Claim 10 (depends on 8) The cell encapsulation loading system of claim 8, further comprising at least one fluid reservoir that is in fluid communication with the loading device for dispensing sterile fluid to the encapsulation device, wherein the reservoir is selected from the group consisting of a bottle, a flask, a funnel, a tube and a bag. ### Claim 11 (depends on 8) The cell encapsulation loading system of claim 8, further comprising a computer for automating a process of loading the encapsulation device with the living cells and fluid medium. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The cell encapsulation loading system of claim 1, wherein the inverting holding rack is coupled to a motor for automating inversion of the cell loading device. ### Claim 13 (depends on 8) The cell encapsulation loading system of claim 8, further comprising a means for maintaining the cells in suspension during loading. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The cell encapsulation loading system of claim 13, wherein the means for maintaining the cells in suspension during loading is an orbital rotator. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The cell encapsulation loading system of claim 1, further comprising a means for loading cells using negative pressure. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) A method of loading an encapsulation device, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a cell encapsulation loading system according to claim 1; b) providing a cell chamber comprising living cells and a fluid medium; and c) applying negative pressure to draw the living cells and the fluid medium through the inlet port and into the encapsulation device, thereby loading the encapsulation device. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The method of claim 16, wherein the method is semi-automated.