Patents by Inventor Joel C Higgins

Joel C Higgins has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8808551
    Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at least three fractions in the apparatus. It also provides for a new method of extracting the buffy coat phase from a whole blood sample and mesenchymal stem cells from bone reaming material. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Joel C. Higgins, Matthew Swift, Nathan Gordon
  • Publication number: 20140212397
    Abstract: Methods for transfusing blood to a mammalian subject. The method includes obtaining a unit of blood, rejuvenating the blood with an enhancement composition, measuring 2,3-DPG concentration of the blood, and delivering the blood to a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Alan GRAY, Joel C. HIGGINS, Matthew D. LANDRIGAN, Grant CUNNINGHAM
  • Patent number: 8753690
    Abstract: Methods and compositions generating and using an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra)-rich solution. Methods for generating and isolating interleukin-1 receptor antagonist include incubating adipose tissue and/or adipocytes with polyacrylamide beads to produce interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. The interleukin-1 receptor antagonist is isolated from the polyacrylamide beads to obtain the solution rich in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. Methods for treating a site of inflammation in a patient include administering to the site of inflammation the solution rich in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Joel C. Higgins, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Jacy Hoeppner
  • Publication number: 20140155680
    Abstract: Methods for promoting angiogenesis comprising administering platelet-rich plasma to a site and stimulating the site with an electromagnetic field. Platelets include platelet-rich plasma and compositions can further include stem cells such as adipose stromal cells and cells derived from bone marrow aspirate. Methods also comprise isolating platelets from a patient's blood, forming a composition including the platelets, delivering the composition to a site in need of treatment, and electrically stimulating the site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Joel C. HIGGINS, Bruce SIMON, Jennifer E. WOODELL-MAY
  • Publication number: 20140097135
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at various fractions in the apparatus. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient. Also selected fractions from the sample can be applied to a patient, either alone or as part of a mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. LEACH, Joel C. HIGGINS
  • Publication number: 20140071787
    Abstract: A clotting serum production device including a main chamber, an inlet housing, and an outlet port. The main chamber is defined by a first end wall, a second end wall opposite to the first end wall, and a side wall extending between the first end wall and the second end wall. The inlet housing extends from the first end wall. The inlet housing includes a first inlet port, a second inlet port, and a first conduit extending between the first inlet port and a second conduit. The second conduit extends between the second inlet port and the main chamber. The inlet housing is configured to provide one-way fluid flow from the first inlet port to the second inlet port and to provide one-way fluid flow from the second inlet port to the main chamber. An outlet port is in fluid communication with the main chamber and provides fluid communication with an exterior of the clotting serum production device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. LEACH, Jennifer E. WOODELL-MAY, Hillary OVERHOLSER, Joel C. HIGGINS, Jason CHAVARRIA, Ned M. HAMMAN
  • Patent number: 8663146
    Abstract: Methods for promoting angiogenesis comprising administering platelet-rich plasma to a site and stimulating the site with an electromagnetic field. Platelets include platelet-rich plasma and compositions can further include stem cells such as adipose stromal cells and cells derived from bone marrow aspirate. Methods also comprise isolating platelets from a patient's blood, forming a composition including the platelets, delivering the composition to a site in need of treatment, and electrically stimulating the site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Joel C. Higgins, Bruce Simon, Jennifer E. Woodell-May
  • Publication number: 20140051061
    Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at various fractions in the apparatus. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient. Also selected fractions from the sample can be applied to a patient, either alone or as part of a mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: BIOMET BIOLOGICS, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew D. LANDRIGAN, Michael D. LEACH, Joel C. HIGGINS
  • Patent number: 8603346
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at various fractions in the apparatus. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient. Also selected fractions from the sample can be applied to a patient, either alone or as part of a mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Joel C. Higgins
  • Patent number: 8586324
    Abstract: A method for preparing and isolating clotting serum. The method includes adding reagent and a clotting serum source to a reaction chamber of a clotting serum production device that includes an activator. The reagent, clotting serum source and activator are mixed by shaking the serum production device to bring the contents to a foam. The serum production device is placed in either a vacuum or at room temperature for a period of time, and the clotting serum is extracted from the reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Hillary Overholser, Joel C. Higgins, Jason Chavarria, Ned M. Hamman
  • Patent number: 8567609
    Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at various fractions in the apparatus. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient. Also selected fractions from the sample can be applied to a patient, either alone or as part of a mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew D. Landrigan, Michael D. Leach, Joel C. Higgins
  • Publication number: 20130045523
    Abstract: A clotting serum production device including a main chamber, an inlet housing, and an outlet port. The main chamber is defined by a first end wall, a second end wall opposite to the first end wall, and a side wall extending between the first end wall and the second end wall. The inlet housing extends from the first end wall. The inlet housing includes a first inlet port, a second inlet port, and a first conduit extending between the first inlet port and a second conduit. The second conduit extends between the second inlet port and the main chamber. The inlet housing is configured to provide one-way fluid flow from the first inlet port to the second inlet port and to provide one-way fluid flow from the second inlet port to the main chamber. An outlet port is in fluid communication with the main chamber and provides fluid communication with an exterior of the clotting serum production device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Hillary Overholser, Joel C. Higgins, Jason Chavarria, Ned M. Hamman
  • Publication number: 20120172836
    Abstract: Treatments and devices for generating and using interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra). An implantable device is loaded with adipose tissue and/or white blood cells and inserted into an inflammation site in a patient to produce interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in vivo. The implantable device has an enclosed or substantially enclosed body that defines an internal space. At least a portion of the body comprises a first bioresorbable material and a second bioresorbable material is within the internal space along with one or more voids. The second bioresorbable material includes an activation surface to activate adipose tissue and/or white blood cells loaded into the device to produce IL-1ra.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: Biomet, Biologics, LLC.
    Inventors: Joel C. Higgins, James M. McKale, Jennifer E. Woodell-May
  • Patent number: 8163184
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at least three fractions in the apparatus. It also provides for a new method of extracting the buffy coat phase from a whole blood sample. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Joel C. Higgins, Brandon Miller
  • Publication number: 20120015796
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at various fractions in the apparatus. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient. Also selected fractions from the sample can be applied to a patient, either alone or as part of a mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Joel C. Higgins
  • Publication number: 20120010559
    Abstract: Methods for promoting angiogenesis comprising administering platelet-rich plasma to a site and stimulating the site with an electromagnetic field. Platelets include platelet-rich plasma and compositions can further include stem cells such as adipose stromal cells and cells derived from bone marrow aspirate. Methods also comprise isolating platelets from a patient's blood, forming a composition including the platelets, delivering the composition to a site in need of treatment, and electrically stimulating the site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Joel C. Higgins, Bruce Simon, Jennifer E. Woodell-May
  • Patent number: 8062534
    Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at various fractions in the apparatus. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient. Also selected fractions from the sample can be applied to a patient, either alone or as part of a mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Joel C. Higgins, Matthew Swift, Nathan Gordon, Barry F. Hecker
  • Patent number: 8048321
    Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at least three fractions in the apparatus. It also provides for a new method of extracting the buffy coat phase from a whole blood sample. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Joel C. Higgins, Brandon Miller
  • Patent number: 8034014
    Abstract: Methods for promoting angiogenesis comprising administering platelet-rich plasma to a site and stimulating the site with an electromagnetic field. Platelets include platelet-rich plasma and compositions can further include stem cells such as adipose stromal cells and cells derived from bone marrow aspirate. Methods also comprise isolating platelets from a patient's blood, forming a composition including the platelets, delivering the composition to a site in need of treatment, and electrically stimulating the site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Joel C. Higgins, Bruce Simon, Jennifer E. Woodell-May
  • Publication number: 20110192804
    Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at various fractions in the apparatus. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient. Also selected fractions from the sample can be applied to a patient, either alone or as part of a mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew D. Landrigan, Michael D. Leach, Joel C. Higgins