Patents by Inventor Samuel L. Shull

Samuel L. Shull 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: 20030028240
    Abstract: A stent-graft assembly having a thin-walled membrane and method of preparing the same are disclosed. In a first embodiment, the assembly comprises a stent, a coating and a porous membrane, wherein the membrane is less than 0.040 inch thick or less. Portions of the coating extend into the pores of the thin membrane to sealingly engage the membrane to achieve secure adhesion. In a second embodiment the coating and thin membrane bond to form a homogenous structure. In an alternative embodiment, the assembly comprises an inner and outer thin membrane bound to one another through the interstices of the support member and a coating at the proximal and distal regions. In any of the foregoing embodiments, the proximal and distal regions of the stent-graft assembly may comprise an additional coating, whereby layers of material are sealed, thereby minimizing thrombogenic potential of free ends of the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: John E. Nolting, Michael S. Williams, Matthew J. Birdsall, Robert D. Lashinski, Samuel L. Shull
  • Patent number: 6488701
    Abstract: A stent-graft assembly having a thin-walled membrane and method of preparing the same are disclosed. In a first embodiment, the assembly comprises a stent, a coating and a porous membrane, wherein the membrane is less than 0.040 inch thick or less. Portions of the coating extend into the pores of the thin membrane to sealingly engage the membrane to achieve secure adhesion. In a second embodiment the coating and thin membrane bond to form a homogenous structure. In an alternative embodiment, the assembly comprises an inner and outer thin membrane bound to one another through the interstices of the support member and a coating at the proximal and distal regions. In any of the foregoing embodiments, the proximal and distal regions of the stent-graft assembly may comprise an additional coating, whereby layers of material are sealed, thereby minimizing thrombogenic potential of free ends of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Medtronic AVE, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Nolting, Michael S. Williams, Matthew J. Birdsall, Robert D. Lashinski, Samuel L. Shull
  • Patent number: 6143022
    Abstract: A stent-graft assembly and method of preparing the same are disclosed. In a first embodiment, the assembly comprises a stent and a graft, wherein the graft has a delivery configuration and a treatment configuration in relation to the stent. In the delivery configuration, the graft material is longer than the stent, covers the outer diameter of the stent, and is folded under and into the inner diameter of the stent. In the treatment configuration, the graft is shorter in length than the stent, such that the graft is no longer folded under the ends and the end regions of the stent are uncovered. The graft is sufficiently affixed to the stent to prevent migration of the graft, yet sufficiently free of the stent such that it can assume a second configuration upon deployment of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Medtronic AVE, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel L. Shull, John E. Nolting