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).

  • Publication number: 20110168193
    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: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Leach, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Joel C. Higgins, Brandon Miller
  • Patent number: 7954646
    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: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Joel C. Higgins, Brandon Miller
  • Publication number: 20110077596
    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: December 6, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Joel C. Higgins, Matthew Swift, Nathan Gordon, Barry F. Hecker
  • Patent number: 7914689
    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: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Joel C. Higgins, Michael D. Leach, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Brandon Miller
  • Publication number: 20110056893
    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: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, LLC.
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Joel C. Higgins, Matthew Swift, Nathan Gordon
  • Publication number: 20100323870
    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: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Joel C. Higgins, Brandon Miller
  • Publication number: 20100324450
    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: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Leach, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Joel C. Higgins, Brandon Miller
  • Patent number: 7845499
    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: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Joel C. Higgins, Matthew Swift, Nathan Gordon, Barry F. Hecker
  • Patent number: 7832566
    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: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Joel C. Higgins, Matthew Swift, Nathan Gordon
  • Patent number: 7780860
    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: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Joel C. Higgins, Michael D. Leach, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Brandon Miller
  • Publication number: 20100055087
    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: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Joel C. HIGGINS, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Jacy Hoeppner
  • Publication number: 20090220482
    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 a liquid volume of white blood cells and platelets 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: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Joel C. HIGGINS, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Jacy C. Hoeppner
  • Publication number: 20090192528
    Abstract: A device for repairing a hernia defect in a patient, the device having a biocompatible mesh material having a treated surface and a tissue composition coated on at least a portion of the treated surface, where the tissue composition originates from the patient. A method of preparing a surgical mesh for repairing a hernia defect, comprises placing a tissue specimen into a container, centrifuging the container to separate the specimen into at least two fractions, then drawing a selected fraction from the container, treating a surface of a biocompatible mesh and coating the surface-treated biocompatible mesh with the selected fraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel C. Higgins, Matthew Swift
  • Publication number: 20080217264
    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: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Michael Leach, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Joel C. Higgins, Brandon Miller
  • Publication number: 20080217263
    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: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel C. Higgins, Bruce Simon, Jennifer E. Woodell-May
  • Publication number: 20080217265
    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: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Michael Leach, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Joel C. Higgins, Brandon Miller
  • Publication number: 20080193424
    Abstract: Methods for treating a tissue defect include applying therapeutic compositions to the tissue defect. Treatment of a tissue defect, including wound healing can be enhanced by a process including obtaining blood compatible with the subject, fractionating the blood from the subject to produce a blood component, obtaining stromal cells from the subject, combining the stromal cells and the blood component to form a therapeutic composition, and delivering the therapeutic composition to the tissue defect. Therapeutic compositions for promoting wound healing include isolated stromal cells and a blood component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. McKale, Joel C. Higgins, Matthew Swift
  • Patent number: 7374678
    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: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Leach, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Joel C. Higgins, Brandon Miller
  • Patent number: 7338529
    Abstract: The present teachings provide for a prosthetic implant comprising a femoral component, a tibial component, a bearing and a wear reduction device. The femoral component is operable to replace at least a portion of a patient's natural femur. The tibial component is operable to replace at least a portion of a patient's natural tibia, the tibial component having a superior tibial component surface. The bearing is operable to provide engagement between the femoral component and the tibial component. The bearing has a superior bearing surface operable to articulate with the femoral component and an inferior bearing surface operable to cooperate with the superior tibial component surface. The wear reduction device is located at least one of the superior tibial component surface and the inferior bearing surface and is operable to reduce wear upon at least one of the superior tibial component surface and the inferior bearing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: Joel C Higgins
  • Patent number: 6165222
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling access to an intramedullary canal of a femur through a femoral knee joint prosthesis includes a first condylar portion and a second condylar portion. The first condylar portion has a first femoral bearing surface and the second condylar portion has a second femoral bearing surface. An intercondylar portion extends between the first condylar portion and the second condylar portion and defines an opening passing therethrough. A seal member is operable to substantially seal the opening such that the seal member is further operable to be opened to enable access to the intramedullary canal of the femur without having to remove the femoral knee joint prosthesis from the femur. A method for enabling access to the intramedullary canal of the femur through the femoral knee joint prosthesis is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Biomet, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacy Charles Hoeppner, David Ray Brown, Gregory David VanDeWater, Joel C. Higgins, Brian David Salyer