Patents by Inventor Michael F. Altman

Michael F. Altman 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).

  • Stretch floss band
    Patent number: 8726917
    Abstract: A dental cleaning article comprising a band of expanded fluoropolymer that is highly distensible at room temperature, such that it can be stretched from a first state to a second state is described. The diameter of the band of expanded fluoropolymer may be increased by stretching by, in some embodiments, two times or more the original first state diameter. Likewise the cross sectional area of the band of expanded fluoropolymer may be reduced upon stretching to less than one quarter the first state cross sectional area. The band of expanded fluoropolymer provides the user with the ability to stretch the band a desired amount, such that they may more effectively clean between their teeth. Furthermore, the band may be regular or irregularly shaped, and in some embodiments may comprise higher density regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Dolan, Michael F. Altman, Donald L. Hollenbaugh, Jr., Rachel Radspinner, Alex R. Hobson
  • Stretch Floss Band
    Publication number: 20130081648
    Abstract: A dental cleaning article comprising a band of expanded fluoropolymer that is highly distensible at room temperature, such that it can be stretched from a first state to a second state is described. The diameter of the band of expanded fluoropolymer may be increased by stretching by, in some embodiments, two times or more the original first state diameter. Likewise the cross sectional area of the band of expanded fluoropolymer may be reduced upon stretching to less than one quarter the first state cross sectional area. The band of expanded fluoropolymer provides the user with the ability to stretch the band a desired amount, such that they may more effectively clean between their teeth. Furthermore, the band may be regular or irregularly shaped, and in some embodiments may comprise higher density regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: John W. Dolan, Michael F. Altman, Donald L. Hollenbaugh, Rachel Radspinner, Alex R. Hobson