Patents by Inventor Qi-Bin Bao
Qi-Bin Bao 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).
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Patent number: 7077865Abstract: A system for repairing an intervertebral disc by delivering and curing a biomaterial in situ within the disc. The system includes both a device, having an insertable balloon and related lumen, controls and adapters, as well as an in situ curable biomaterial (and related biomaterial delivery means). The system can allow the doctor to determine a suitable endpoint for biomaterial delivery, by controlling distraction and/or biomaterial delivery pressure, and in turn, to deliver a desired quantity of biomaterial to the balloon in order to achieve improved polymer cure and implant characteristics. Also provided is a related method for repairing an intervertebral disc by using such a system to deliver and cure the biomaterial in situ. The system can be used to implant a prosthetic total disc, or a prosthetic disc nucleus in a manner that leaves the surrounding disc tissue substantially intact.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2003Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Disc Dynamics, Inc.Inventors: Qi-Bin Bao, Robert Garryl Hudgins, Jeffrey C. Felt, Alexander Arsenyev, Hansen A. Yuan
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Patent number: 7001431Abstract: A system for repairing an intervertebral disc by delivering and curing a biomaterial in situ within the disc. The system includes both a device, having an insertable balloon and related lumen, controls and adapters, as well as an in situ curable biomaterial (and related biomaterial delivery means). The system can allow the doctor to determine a suitable endpoint for biomaterial delivery, by controlling distraction and/or biomaterial delivery pressure, and in turn, to deliver a desired quantity of biomaterial to the balloon in order to achieve improved polymer cure and implant characteristics. Also provided is a related method for repairing an intervertebral disc by using such a system to deliver and cure the biomaterial in situ. The system can be used to implant a prosthetic total disc, or a prosthetic disc nucleus in a manner that leaves the surrounding disc tissue substantially intact.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2003Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Disc Dynamics, Inc.Inventors: Qi-Bin Bao, Robert Garryl Hudgins, Jeffrey C. Felt, Alexander Arsenyev, Hansen A. Yuan
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Publication number: 20060015183Abstract: A spinal column reconstruction device is disclosed including at least two bone surface engagement portions, each for fixation to distinct vertebral bone portions, a mobile portion of the device positioned between the two bone surface portions and providing for movement therebetween, and a motion limiter portion generally fixing the bone surface engagement portions in a predetermined positional orientation for reconstruction of the spine.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2005Publication date: January 19, 2006Inventors: Jonathan Gilbert, Qi-Bin Bao, Brian Janowski
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Publication number: 20050209601Abstract: A method and apparatus for fluidly coupling a reservoir containing a flowable biomaterial to a mold. The flow of the flowable biomaterial into the mold is controlled in accordance with a first operating parameter. At least one injection condition is monitored. The flow of the flowable biomaterial is controlled in accordance with a second operating parameter in response to one or more of the injection conditions reaching a threshold level. The second operating parameter is maintained during at least a portion of the curing of the flowable biomaterial. In some embodiments, the second operating parameter may optionally include permitting a portion of the flowable biomaterial to be expelled from the mold.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2004Publication date: September 22, 2005Applicant: Disc Dynamics, Inc.Inventors: Bruce Bowman, Robert Kohler, Erik Martz, Daniel Melink, Khin Myint, Michael Ahrens, Jean-Charles Lehuec, John Sherman, Scott Hook, Dennis Johnson, Qi-Bin Bao, Robert Hudgins
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Publication number: 20050209602Abstract: A method and apparatus for fluidly coupling a reservoir containing a flowable biomaterial to a mold. The flow of the flowable biomaterial into the mold is controlled in accordance with a first operating parameter. At least one injection condition is monitored. The flow of the flowable biomaterial is controlled in accordance with a second operating parameter in response to one or more of the injection conditions reaching a threshold level. The second operating parameter is maintained during at least a portion of the curing of the flowable biomaterial. In some embodiments, the second operating parameter may optionally include permitting a portion of the flowable biomaterial to be expelled from the mold.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2004Publication date: September 22, 2005Applicant: Disc Dynamics, Inc.Inventors: Bruce Bowman, Robert Kohler, Erik Martz, Daniel Melink, Khin Myint, Michael Ahrens, Jean-Charles Lehuec, John Sherman, Scott Hook, Dennis Johnson, Qi-Bin Bao, Robert Hudgins
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Publication number: 20050192671Abstract: An artificial disc device for replacing a damaged nucleus is disclosed. In one form, the device may be inserted in components such that the device may be assembled within and retained by the natural annulus therein. In another form, the device may be inserted into the natural annulus in a collapsed or compressed state or arrangement and then be expanded within and retained by the annulus therein. In a further form, the device may be provided with a releasable connection so that the device may be connected in an insertion configuration and may be released in an operable configuration. Insertion tools and methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2004Publication date: September 1, 2005Inventors: Qi-Bin Bao, Jeffrey Trudeau, Brian Janowski, Matthew Songer, Hansen Yuan, Thomas Kilpela, Gregory Berrevoets
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Publication number: 20050033437Abstract: An artificial disc device for replacing a damaged nucleus is disclosed. In one form, the device may be inserted in components such that the device may be assembled within and retained by the natural annulus therein. In another form, the device may be inserted into the natural annulus in a collapsed or compressed state or arrangement and then be expanded within and retained by the annulus therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2003Publication date: February 10, 2005Inventors: Qi-Bin Bao, Jeffrey Trudeau, Brian Janowski, Matthew Songer, Hansen Yuan, Thomas Kilpela, Gregory Berrevoets
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Publication number: 20030220649Abstract: A system for repairing an intervertebral disc by delivering and curing a biomaterial in situ within the disc. The system includes both a device, having an insertable balloon and related lumen, controls and adapters, as well as an in situ curable biomaterial (and related biomaterial delivery means). The system can allow the doctor to determine a suitable endpoint for biomaterial delivery, by controlling distraction and/or biomaterial delivery pressure, and in turn, to deliver a desired quantity of biomaterial to the balloon in order to achieve improved polymer cure and implant characteristics. Also provided is a related method for repairing an intervertebral disc by using such a system to deliver and cure the biomaterial in situ. The system can be used to implant a prosthetic total disc, or a prosthetic disc nucleus in a manner that leaves the surrounding disc tissue substantially intact.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2003Publication date: November 27, 2003Inventors: Qi-Bin Bao, Robert Garryl Hudgins, Jeffrey C. Felt, Alexander Arsenyev, Hansen A. Yuan
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Publication number: 20030195628Abstract: A system for repairing an intervertebral disc by delivering and curing a biomaterial in situ within the disc. The system includes both a device, having an insertable balloon and related lumen, controls and adapters, as well as an in situ curable biomaterial (and related biomaterial delivery means). The system can allow the doctor to determine a suitable endpoint for biomaterial delivery, by controlling distraction and/or biomaterial delivery pressure, and in turn, to deliver a desired quantity of biomaterial to the balloon in order to achieve improved polymer cure and implant characteristics. Also provided is a related method for repairing an intervertebral disc by using such a system to deliver and cure the biomaterial in situ. The system can be used to implant a prosthetic total disc, or a prosthetic disc nucleus in a manner that leaves the surrounding disc tissue substantially intact.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2003Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventors: Qi-Bin Bao, Robert Garryl Hudgins, Jeffrey C. Felt, Alexander Arsenyev, Hansen A. Yuan
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Publication number: 20020075496Abstract: A method and system are provided which receive information from a non-standard source, in a relatively standardized manner. The received information is operated upon using an artificial intelligence module to translate the received information into a standardized internet protocol, such as XML (extensible Mark-Up Language).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2000Publication date: June 20, 2002Inventors: Yan Zhang, James J. Sun, Nicolas T. Gao, Weiguang Shao, Qi-Bin Bao, Julia Zhang, Kejia Sun
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Patent number: 6280475Abstract: An article for use in the preparation of a hydrogel prosthetic nucleus, for an intervertebral disc, having equilibrium water contents (EWCs) of from about 30 to about 90% and compressive strengths of at least 4 meganewtons per square meter (MNm−2), at their EWCs, when subjected to the same constraints as the normal nucleus, comprising one or more xerogel rods containing from zero to less than the EWC.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Stryker Technologies CorporationInventors: Qi-Bin Bao, Paul A. Higham
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Patent number: 6224630Abstract: A surgical device and related method and kit for use in sealing a biological aperture in situ. In one embodiment, the device is provided in the form of an expandable, porous material such as poly(vinyl alcohol).Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1998Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Advanced Bio Surfaces, Inc.Inventors: Qi-Bin Bao, Hansen A. Yuan
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Patent number: 5976186Abstract: An article for use in the preparation of a hydrogel prosthetic nucleus, for an intervertebral disc, having equilibrium water contents (EWCs) of from about 30 to about 90% and compressive strengths of at least 4 meganewtons per square meter (MNm.sup.-2), at their EWCs, when subjected to the same constraints as the normal nucleus, comprising one or more xerogel rods containing from zero to less than the EWC. A method for preparing a hydrogel prosthetic nucleus, for a vertebral disc, comprising one or more hydrogel rods containing from about 30 to about 90% water, and having compressive strengths of at least 1 MNm.sup.-2, at their EWCs, which comprises inserting one or more hydrophilic xerogel rods, which at their EWC will contain from about 30 to about 90% water and have compressive strengths of at least 1 MNm.sup.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1996Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Stryker Technologies CorporationInventors: Qi-Bin Bao, Paul A. Higham
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Patent number: 5800549Abstract: A method and apparatus for injecting an elastic spinal implant into a cavity in a spinal disc so as to treat disc degeneration are given. The method and apparatus can be used in a variety of surgical approaches with respect to the patient. An elastic spinal nucleus prosthesis is very quickly inserted into the cavity through a small opening in the disc so that permanent deformation of the prosthesis is avoided.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1997Date of Patent: September 1, 1998Assignee: Howmedica Inc.Inventors: Qi-Bin Bao, Paul A. Higham, Charanpreet S. Bagga, Hansen A. Yuan
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Patent number: 5705780Abstract: A method of dehydration of bulky hydrogel samples of polyvinyl alcohol (i.e., PVA) and a method of preparation of prosthetic nuclei for vertebral discs are given. A method of gamma irradiation sterilization of PVA gel samples which does not incur the side effects of discoloration and of increased crystallinity (i.e., further reduction of water content) is also given.A method of dehydrating bulky hydrogel samples of polyvinyl alcohol (i.e., PVA) so that no significant distortion in the samples results, comprises:(a) subjecting the sample to a solvent system comprising at least one organic solvent which(1) has a solubility for PVA which is less than the solubility of water for PVA and(2) is miscible with waterfor a length of time generally from about 2 to about 10 days so that the dehydration rate of the hydrogel samples is sufficiently slow so as not to cause any distortions on the dehydrated samples.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1995Date of Patent: January 6, 1998Assignee: Howmedica Inc.Inventor: Qi-Bin Bao
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Patent number: 5534028Abstract: A prosthetic nucleus for a vertebral disc is made of a hydrogel material. The hydrogel prosthetic nucleus has a shape generally conforming to the natural nucleus pulposus, and it exhibits diminished lateral bulging under high compressive loads. The hydrogel has a water content of from 30% to 90% and has a compressive strength of 4 MNm.sup.-2 or greater. When the hydrogel material is dehydrated, it has a dimension of less than half of that of the hydrated hydrogel nucleus. The prosthetic nucleus may be formed of two or more pieces of hydrogel material which pieces, when combined, have a shape generally conforming to the natural nucleus. The prosthetic nucleus may have a stiff posterior periphery and/or a thickened anterior wall.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1993Date of Patent: July 9, 1996Assignee: Howmedica, Inc.Inventors: Qi-Bin Bao, Paul A. Higham
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Patent number: 5522898Abstract: Novel prosthetic nuclear implants for insertion into vertebral discs are prepared by dehydrating hydrated bulky hydrogel discs under specific conditions so as to reduce the water content as low as possible (down to about 10% by weight) but without distortion of the implants, without the formation of concavities and sharp edges, and without changing the shape of the hydrated implant.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1993Date of Patent: June 4, 1996Assignee: Howmedica Inc.Inventor: Qi-Bin Bao
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Patent number: 5391669Abstract: A water swellable crosslinked polymer of essentially balanced charge is obtained by polymerizing a polymer-forming composition comprising a cationic-anionic pair of ethylenically unsaturated monomers and a non-ionic ethylenically unsaturated hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic monomer. Contact lenses formed from the polymer exhibit little if any tendency to attract soils, e.g., proteinaceous debris, to their surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1993Date of Patent: February 21, 1995Assignees: Hydron Limited, Ceskoslovenska akademie ved.Inventors: Jiri Sulc, Zuzana Krcova, Patrick Chen, Qi-Bin Bao
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Patent number: 5270415Abstract: A water swellable crosslinked polymer of essentially balanced charge is obtained by polymerizing a polymer-forming composition comprising a cationic-anionic pair of ethylenically unsaturated monomers and a nonionic ethylenically unsaturated hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic monomer. Contact lenses formed from the polymer exhibit little if any tendency to attract soils, e.g., proteinaceous debris, to their surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1990Date of Patent: December 14, 1993Assignees: Allergan Inc., Ceskoslovenska akademie vedInventors: Jiri Sulc, Zuzana Krcova, Patrick Chen, Qi-Bin Bao
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Patent number: 5263985Abstract: An implantable material for promoting bone growth has a microporous structure exhibiting an average pore size of at least 30 .ANG.. The porous biomaterial is capable of retaining macromolecules having a molecular weight of at least 15,000 and up to 500,000.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1992Date of Patent: November 23, 1993Assignee: Pfizer Hospital Products Group, Inc.Inventors: Qi-Bin Bao, John H. Dumbleton, Paul A. Higham