Patents Assigned to W. L. Gore & Associates
  • Publication number: 20220036873
    Abstract: Water impermeable, air permeable membrane assemblies are described herein. In some embodiments, the assemblies include a polymer membrane and at least one support structure. Certain assemblies are configured to provide an acoustic impedance having phase angle of +45 degrees to ?45 over a frequency range of 50 to 20,000 Hz.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Applicant: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary E. Lampert, Wayne M. Gibbons, Yitian Zhang
  • Patent number: 11229512
    Abstract: A diametrically adjustable endoprosthesis includes a controlled expansion element extending along at least a portion of a graft and is supported by a stent. The controlled expansion element diametrically constrains and limits expansion of the endoprosthesis. Upon deployment from a smaller, delivery configuration, the endoprosthesis can expand to the initial diameter set by the controlled expansion element. Thereafter, the endoprosthesis can be further diametrically expanded (e.g., using balloon dilation) by mechanically altering the controlled expansion element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward H. Cully, Jeffrey B. Duncan, Marisa L. Sylvester, Daniel W. Yates, Michael J. Vonesh
  • Patent number: 11229539
    Abstract: The present disclosure comprises devices, systems, and methods having an inverted sheath configured to cover, and in some instances constrain, a medical device and to retract through eversion, thus enabling the deployment of medical device at the treatment site. A constraining sheath can evert hydraulically. A constraining sheath can be configured to neck down a medical device to achieve a lower delivery profile. Furthermore, a constraining sheath can comprise a balloon to expand or positionally or structurally adjust a medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward H. Cully, Craig W. Irwin, James D. Silverman
  • Patent number: 11229540
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes implantable medical devices comprising covers, such as a balloon cover. Such devices can comprise a first layer of a porous polymeric material, such as ePTFE, surrounded by layers of a porous polymeric material having an imbibed elastomer, such as polyurethane. The cover can be used to assist in deployment of an expandable implant, such as a stent-graft, within the body of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Deenu G. Kanjickal, James J. Nickerson, Thomas G. Triebes
  • Patent number: 11224853
    Abstract: A catalytic membrane composite that includes porous supported catalyst particles durably enmeshed in a porous fibrillated polymer membrane is provided. The porous fibrillated polymer membrane may be manipulated to take the form of a tube, disc, or diced tape and used in multiphase reaction systems. The supported catalyst particles are composed of at least one finely divided metal catalyst dispersed on a porous support substrate. High catalytic activity is gained by the effective fine dispersion of the finely divided metal catalyst such that the metal catalyst covers the support substrate and/or is interspersed in the pores of the support substrate. In some embodiments, the catalytic membrane composite may be introduced to a stirred tank autoclave reactor system, a continuous flow reactor system, or a Parr Shaker reaction system and used to effect the catalytic reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary P. Harp, Jeffrey A. Knopf, Jr., William J. Napier, III
  • Patent number: 11224457
    Abstract: A catheter system (110) for removal of occlusive material in a body lumen. The catheter system (110) includes a catheter body (10), extending between a distal end (20) and a proximal end (22) and having a proximal portion (29) and a distal portion (28). The catheter body (10) includes a filtration section (30A) having filter media (32) configured to permit blood to pass through the lumen of the catheter body (10) and inhibiting occlusive material from passing out of the catheter body (10). The catheter system (110) also includes a control handle (120) coupled to the proximal portion (29) of the catheter body (10) and a cutter assembly (12) having a drive mechanism (40) operatively coupled to the control handle (120). The cutter assembly (12) includes a drive mechanism (40) and a conveyor (44) coupled to the drive mechanism (40) and rotatable with the drive mechanism (40) to convey occlusive material proximally within the catheter body (10) and through the filtration section (30A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Brinkmann, Paul D. Goodman
  • Publication number: 20220013819
    Abstract: Provided is a catalyst device for a lead-acid battery, the catalyst device being capable of reducing gas release from an electrolyte solution and a decrease in electrolyte solution due to the leakage, thus providing a lead-acid battery having a long life, and being capable of ensuring safety even in excessive flow of gas. Also provided is a lead-acid battery including the catalyst device. A catalyst device for a lead-acid battery, including: a catalyst layer including a catalyst to accelerate a reaction for generating water or water vapor from oxygen and hydrogen; and a porous membrane including thermoplastic resin having a melting point or a glass transition temperature of 160° C. or less, and wherein at least one surface of the catalyst layer is in contact with the porous membrane, and the porous membrane has a planar size being equal to or greater than that of the catalyst layer. Also a lead-acid battery including the catalyst device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Applicant: W. L. GORE & ASSOCIATES G.K.
    Inventor: Kotaro Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 11213415
    Abstract: Medical device delivery systems and methods are disclosed. In various examples, the medical device delivery system (1000) includes an elongate element (1100) including an olive (1200). The olive (1200) includes an opening that exposes a lockwire (1300) extending through a lumen of the olive (1200) such that a linking element (1500) can be coupled to the portion of the lockwire (1300) exposed by the opening, wherein the linking element (1500) provides a coupling to a medical device (1400).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl R. Chung, Susan J. Rudes
  • Patent number: 11207095
    Abstract: A thrombus treatment device includes a support wire, a body frame portion that is disposed about an axis defined by the support wire, one or more tethers that each have a first end and a second end, and a filter element extending from the body frame portion. Each of the one or more tethers is attached at its first end to the body frame portion, and at its second end to a collar that couples the second end of each of the multiple tethers to the support wire. When the collar is positioned substantially within a region interior of the body frame portion, a rotational actuation of the support wire causes a swiveling motion of the one or more tethers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward H. Cully, Nathan L. Friedman, Eric H. Zacharias
  • Patent number: 11212916
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to flexible printed circuits for dermal applications that include a synthetic polymer membrane 702 and at least one electrically conductive trace 705. In an alternative embodiment, the electrically conductive trace is located on both sides of the microporous synthetic polymer membrane. The electrically conductive trace may be located on the surface of or be imbibed into the pores and through the thickness of a microporous synthetic polymer membrane. The flexible printed circuits may be electrically coupled to an electronic component to form a flexible printed circuit board and adhered to the skin 701 by a dermally acceptable adhesive. The flexible printed circuit or the flexible printed circuit board may be coupled to an electronic module 703 to form a hybrid flexible printed circuit board. The flexible printed circuit, flexible printed circuit board, and hybrid flexible printed circuit board achieve a balance of comfort, flexibility, and durability for on-skin use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Edmundson, Paul D. Gassler
  • Patent number: 11202717
    Abstract: A medical fixation device having a device attachment portion, a compression bearing portion and a barb portion. The barb portion is separated from a device constraining means by the incorporation of the compression bearing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward E. Shaw
  • Patent number: 11173276
    Abstract: A multi lumen catheter assembly. The assembly provides an expandable, low profile, fixed length sheath and catheter, with fixed infusion ports. The assembly has an expandable outer sheath that expands upon pressure activation with a fluid and the sheath allows the fluid to exit from at least one predetermined fixed location from a distal end of the catheter assembly. The catheter assembly can be used in various medical device procedures, such as a TIPS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt) procedure, or anywhere a low profile, multi lumen, infusion catheter system is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome S. Conia, Edward H. Cully, Jeffrey B. Duncan, James L. Goepfrich, Woodrow W. Watson
  • Patent number: 11173023
    Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods for placement in vessels, appendages, and openings in a body including a frame having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis. In certain instances, the frame includes a waist portion angled relative to the longitudinal axis and one or more anchors arranged along the waist portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron D. Fox, Nicholas S. Webster, Brett J. Wham, Roark N. Wolfe, Peter J. Zeller
  • Patent number: 11173286
    Abstract: A method of inflating a catheter balloon may include providing a balloon assembly operable to provide a balloon diameter vs. balloon pressure profile generally depicting a balloon inflation sequence providing at least one intermediate inflated diameter and a final inflated diameter of a balloon such that the balloon attains the at least one intermediate diameter at a predetermined pressure, and attains the final diameter at a final predetermined pressure that is lower than a predetermined pressure of a last intermediate pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Carey V. Campbell, James L. Goepfrich, Brandon C. Hedberg, Benjamin M. Trapp
  • Patent number: 11173281
    Abstract: An endoluminal access device including an outer sheath defining a lumen and a guide assembly. The guide assembly includes an expandable portion configured to be transitioned between a collapsed configuration having a first diameter and an expanded configuration having a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. The expandable portion includes a first arm defining a first lumen and an aperture in communication with the first lumen. The expandable portion is configured to expand outwardly from a central longitudinal axis when the expandable portion transitions to the expanded configuration and to deflect inwardly toward the central longitudinal axis when the expandable portion is transitioned to the collapsed configuration. The endoluminal access device further includes an endoluminal tool deliverable from the first lumen of the first arm and outwardly from the aperture of the first arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward H. Cully, Sherif A. Eskaros, Eric A. Mokelke, Reed A. Houge
  • Publication number: 20210351501
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an assembly. In some embodiments the assembly comprises at least one antenna and a thermal insulation component. In some embodiments, the at least one antenna is configured to transmit a field of radiofrequency (RF) communication at an operating frequency ranging from 6 GHz to 100 GHz. In some embodiments, the thermal insulation component is disposed within the field of RF communication. In some embodiments, the thermal insulation component has a thermal conductivity ranging from 0.0025 W/m·K to 0.025 W/m·K at 25° C. and 1 atm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Applicant: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob B. Hersh, John C. Allen, Mitchell H. Warren, Lindsey C. Keen
  • Patent number: 11166806
    Abstract: This document provides implantable intraluminal stent graft medical devices. In some embodiments, the stent graft devices provided herein are implantable in bodily conduits that have side branches, and the stent graft devices are operable to allow the flow of fluids between the conduit and the side branches. In some embodiments, the walls of the stent graft devices provided herein include compliant channels which allow for fluid communication between the interior and the exterior of the stent graft devices. In some embodiments, the compliant channels are configured to inhibit or reduce tissue ingrowth, tissue bridging, and/or endothelialization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11166809
    Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward centrally-opening, leaflet valve devices and systems for transcatheter delivery having a two-piece valve body as well as methods of making and delivering the two-piece valve devices. A transcatheter valve includes a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The transcatheter valve can further include an everted configuration and a non-everted configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Bruchman, Cody L. Hartman
  • Patent number: 11167063
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward composite materials comprising high aspect ratio habits of drug crystals which can be partially or fully extending into a substrate, and additionally, can be projecting from a substrate at an angle of about 20° to about 90°. The present disclosure is directed toward medical devices, such as medical balloons, comprising said composite and methods of using and making the same. The described composite can be used for the local treatment of vascular disease. The present disclosure is also directed toward paclitaxel crystals with a hollow acicular habit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Cleek, Edward H. Cully, Paul D. Drumheller, Mei Li, Peter D. Traylor
  • Patent number: 11154105
    Abstract: Waterproof, breathable garments and methods of making are provided. The garments may include a laminate of a seamless ePTFE membrane and at least one textile. The garment is conformable over a range of sizes, and may be shaped to fit numerous sizes and shapes of forming molds. The ePTFE membrane may shrink to fit, or, alternatively, be stretched to fit, a mold having a desired size to form a garment. Such a conformable ePTFE membrane may allow for forming multiple sizes of garments with various sizes and shapes of molds. In embodiments where the ePTFE membrane is seamless and continuous, the garment eliminates the need for a waterproof seam tape, which is conventionally used to make garments waterproof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Bacino, Norman E. Clough, Orlando Collazo, Jean Norvell, Franz Shelley