Patents by Inventor Patrick C. Vien

Patrick C. Vien 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).

  • Electropolishing solution containing a water sequestering agent and methods of use thereof
    Patent number: 8617380
    Abstract: Substantially anhydrous electropolishing electrolyte solutions. The substantially anhydrous electropolishing electrolyte solutions described herein do not use water as a solvent; instead, such electropolishing electrolyte solutions use anhydrous alcohols and/or glycols as a solvent. For example, an electropolishing electrolyte solution, as described herein, may include an alcohol, at least one mineral acid, and at least one water sequestering agent. Suitable examples of water sequestering agent include, but are not limited to, polyfunctional alcohols. Methods of electropolishing metal articles using such electropolishing electrolyte solutions are disclosed herein as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Sophia L. Wong, Nicholas R Haluck, Patrick C Vien
  • REMOVAL OF AN ISLAND FROM A LASER CUT ARTICLE
    Publication number: 20130092555
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for use in such methods for removing islands from laser cut articles. Methods include using a chemical etching solution to remove material in the strut-island gap. Optionally, heat and/or agitation can be applied during the etching process to increase the chemical activity of the chemical etching solution and/or to vibrate the islands out of position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: ABBOTT CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas R. Haluck, Austin M. Leach, Patrick C. Vien
  • ELECTROPOLISHING SOLUTION CONTAINING A WATER SEQUESTERING AGENT AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF
    Publication number: 20130092557
    Abstract: Substantially anhydrous electropolishing electrolyte solutions. The substantially anhydrous electropolishing electrolyte solutions described herein do not use water as a solvent; instead, such electropolishing electrolyte solutions use anhydrous alcohols and/or glycols as a solvent. For example, an electropolishing electrolyte solution, as described herein, may include an alcohol, at least one mineral acid, and at least one water sequestering agent. Suitable examples of water sequestering agent include, but are not limited to, polyfunctional alcohols. Methods of electropolishing metal articles using such electropolishing electrolyte solutions are disclosed herein as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: ABBOTT CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Sophia L. Wong, Nicholas R. Haluck, Patrick C. Vien