In Vacuum Chamber Patents (Class 366/139)
  • Patent number: 11737802
    Abstract: A bone cement mixing and dispensing system and method for mixing and delivering bone cement therefrom. The system has a mixing container for holding a bone cement mixture, the mixing container extending along an axial length and having opposed first and second ends, the first end comprising a downstream opening for dispensing the bone cement downstream from the mixing container; a mixing element movably disposed within the mixing container; and a plunger comprising a piston movably disposed within the mixing container. In this system. with a first coupling, the mixing element moves by assistance of a motor along the axial length of the mixing container without translation of the plunger to mix the bone cement. In this system. with a second coupling, the mixing element and plunger are driven together along the axial length of the mixing container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Zavation Medical Products, LLC
    Inventors: Colby Williams, John Franklin Cummins, John Lawrence Walker, Brad Risher, Christopher Strahm, Talya Mathein
  • Patent number: 11712278
    Abstract: A mixing and delivery system includes a compressible tube and a mixing apparatus. The compressible tube includes a reservoir configured for mixing and holding a surgical substance, an inlet portion for accommodating introduction of an element of the surgical substance into the compressible tube, and an exit port for enabling the delivery of the surgical substance to a target portion of an anatomy. The mixing apparatus is configured to be received through the inlet portion of the compressible tube for mixing elements of the surgical substance to form the surgical substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Spinal Generations, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick J. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 11583813
    Abstract: A mixing device for cylindrical jars, the device having two drive rollers and two guide rollers extending upward from a housing and through a top surface of the housing. The rear end of the top surface has a stop member. The drive rollers on one side of the jar and the guide rollers on an opposite side of the jar are mounted on axles positioned in the interior of the housing, wherein the axles slant downward 2 to 45 degrees from the front end to the rear end of the housing. A motor and transmission in the housing are connected operatively to the drive rollers. The drive rollers will rotate the jar at least 5 RPM with the jar tilted downward. Ajar of natural peanut butter rotated for 5 to 20 minutes will remain uniformly mixed for a week.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Inventor: James Michael Tousek
  • Patent number: 11459710
    Abstract: A continuous asphalt mixture production plant based on double-horizontal-shaft forced mixing includes a cold aggregate bin, a continuous aggregate conveying and metering system, a drying drum, an aggregate elevator, a double-horizontal-shaft continuous mixing host, a continuous asphalt metering and conveying system, a continuous powder conveying and metering system and a finished product bin. The double-horizontal-shaft continuous mixing host includes a first double-horizontal-shaft mixing cylinder and a second double-horizontal-shaft mixing cylinder connected in series. The first double-horizontal-shaft mixing cylinder is provided with an aggregate inlet, an asphalt inlet, a powder inlet and a first discharging port, and the second double-horizontal-shaft mixing cylinder is provided with a mixture inlet and a second discharging port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: FUJIAN TIETUO MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Daile Gao, Guoqiang Gao, Pixian Guo, Zuoyao Yin
  • Patent number: 11439962
    Abstract: A system for continuously making-down a dry powder material is provided. The system may include a liquid supply system, a material feed system, a vessel, a filter, and an agitator. The vessel may receive a continuous supply of liquid from the liquid supply system and a continuous supply of dry powder from the material feed system. The liquid and material may be discharged continuously from the vessel. A filter may sealingly extend across the outlet to filter the solution exiting the vessel. The filter may include an upstream surface in contact with the inner volume of the vessel. The agitator may be disposed within the vessel and may be configured to agitate the contents of the vessel. The agitator may include a wiping member configured to contact the upstream surface of the filter while agitating the contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Cheng-Sung Huang, Shahin Zarghamin, Larry G. Triplett, Heqing Huang
  • Patent number: 11351039
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus, system and method for delivery of bone graft material in a patient's spine. The graft delivery device according to various embodiments delivers and disperses biologic material to a disc space and without withdrawal from the surgical site. In one embodiment, the graft delivery device includes a plunger with a distal end configured to bend relative to a longitudinal axis as bone graft material is delivery to the disc space. The plunger can include two arms that extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The graft delivery device may selectively deliver a fusion cage for deposit to the same disc space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Spinal Surgical Strategies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Milella, Jr., Jeffrey Kleiner, Edward J. Grimberg, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11324569
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a delivery system (100) for the release of a dental composition mixed from two or optionally three components. The delivery system has a mixer (14), a cartridge (20) with three compartments and a switchable bypass valve (40) for bypassing the third component from the mixer. The present application further relates to a method of dispensing a dental composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Anja Friedrich, Christian Richter
  • Patent number: 11229468
    Abstract: A syringe mixing device has a cylindrical syringe housing, an end cap, a nozzle cap, a removable stir rod mixer assembly, a large mouth funnel, and optional locking clip. The cylindrical syringe housing has an internal chamber for holding material, a distal end and a proximal end. Adjacent the proximal end is a pair of finger grips. The end cap has a proximal end for attaching to the distal end of the syringe housing. The end cap has a nozzle configured to pass material ejected from the syringe housing. The nozzle cap is for sealing the nozzle. The large mouth funnel is configured to fasten at a throat end to the distal end of the cylindrical syringe housing. The funnel has a slope shaped chamber configured to receive and pass material for mixing into the internal chamber of the syringe housing. The syringe mixing device further has a removable plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Vivex Biologics Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Silvia Daniela Gonzales, Shabnam Namin, William Blake Martin, Timothy Ganey
  • Patent number: 11160594
    Abstract: A device for producing a bone cement dough from a monomer liquid and a cement powder and dispensing the bone cement dough. The device includes a cartridge holding the cement powder in an internal space. A monomer receptacle screws onto the cartridge, forms a chamber, and has a plunger with a passage that is permeable to gases and the monomer liquid but is impermeable to the cement powder and that connects the internal space to the chamber. The plunger tightly closes the internal space with the exception of the passage. A gas supply opening is arranged in the wall of the monomer receptacle. A monomer liquid container holds the monomer liquid and is located in the chamber. An opening facility opens the container, and closes the gas supply opening before opening the container. Also provided is a method for producing and dispensing the bone cement dough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: HERAEUS MEDICAL GMBH
    Inventors: Sebastian Vogt, Thomas Kluge
  • Patent number: 11130102
    Abstract: A mixer for mixing and degassing fluids includes a revolution device having a revolution base to be driven for rotation; a first spin device connected to the revolution base of the revolution device; a first barrel connected to the first spin device to be spun by the first spin device; an transmitting coil electrically connected to a power source to generate a time-vary magnetic field; and a receiving coil connected to the revolution base of the revolution device and electrically connected to the first spin device, wherein the receiving coil rotates with the revolution base. The receiving coil receives the power from the time-vary magnetic field of the transmitting coil and produces an electromotive force to be supplied to the first spin device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Inventors: Cheng Chi Tai, Hsin Chang Lin, Chun Hao Lu
  • Patent number: 11109904
    Abstract: Systems and methods for indicating an interval in which a procedure (or sub-procedure) should be carried out are disclosed. Some systems and methods involve timing various sub-procedures and alerting a practitioner at the completion of a sub-procedure period. Some systems and methods include a sensor, such as a temperature sensor, that is used determine a window of time in which a variable-viscosity material is of suitable viscosity for delivery to a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: DFine, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Lampropoulos, Jim Mottola, Nate Shirley, Blaine Johnson
  • Patent number: 11109905
    Abstract: A bone cement applicator comprising a cartridge with an internal space. The cartridge has a head with a dispensing opening for expulsion of bone cement, a first thread, a dispensing plunger, a threaded tube having a counter thread engaging the first thread, a receptacle mobile in the threaded tube, and a mixing rod with a mixer fastened to it and arranged in the internal space of the cartridge. The mixing rod is detachably connected to the receptacle and is guided through a feedthrough in the dispensing plunger and is supported in the feedthrough so as to be axially mobile. When detached from the receptacle, the mixing rod can be pushed into the receptacle when the receptacle is propelled in the direction of the cartridge head. A method is also disclosed for production of a bone cement using the bone cement applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: HERAEUS MEDICAL GMBH
    Inventors: Sebastian Vogt, Thomas Kluge
  • Patent number: 11033866
    Abstract: A mixing device for bone cement comprising a plunger for extruding the mixed material, which plunger is also used as a cover. The plunger has spring blades adapted to be latched on a collar of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: OSARTIS GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Sattig, Ingeborg Liedtke
  • Patent number: 10875000
    Abstract: A storage and mixing device for PMMA bone cements having a cylindrical interior of the cartridge that is delimited on a front side by a cartridge head with a closed delivery opening, a plunger which is arranged to be axially movable in the cylindrical interior of the cartridge and which is spaced from the cartridge head. The plunger circumferentially rests against the inner wall of the interior, so that the plunger divides the interior of the cartridge into two sections in a gas-tight manner, a powdery first parent component of the bone cement, which is contained in the interior between the plunger and the cartridge head, a feed-through which is arranged in the cartridge head or in the cylinder barrel of the cartridge between the plunger and the cartridge head, wherein the feed-through is connected to a fluid line in which a monomer liquid as a second parent component of the bone cement is contained or into which a monomer liquid is fillable or introducible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: HERAEUS MEDICAL GMBH
    Inventors: Sebastian Vogt, Thomas Kluge
  • Patent number: 10722855
    Abstract: A storage and mixing device for two-component polymethyl methacrylate bone cements having a cylindrical interior of a cartridge that is delimited on a front side by a cartridge head, a plunger arranged to be axially movable in the cylindrical interior of the cartridge and spaced from the cartridge head, a powdery first parent component of the bone cement, that is contained in the interior between the plunger and the cartridge head, a feed-through arranged in the cartridge head or in the cylinder barrel of the cartridge between the plunger and the cartridge head. The feed-through is connectable to a fluid line, a receptacle for a monomer liquid, wherein the fluid line connects the feed-through to the receptacle in a liquid-permeable manner, and a press-out device pushable into the receptacle, so that monomer liquid is pressable out of the receptacle into the fluid line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: HERAEUS MEDICAL GMBH
    Inventors: Sebastian Vogt, Thomas Kluge
  • Patent number: 10711576
    Abstract: The application is directed to a power system that may be provided in a portable form and operationally configured for use at a work site as a single source of electric power, hydraulic power and pneumatic power for work site operations. In regard to hydraulic fracturing stimulation of a wellbore, the power system is operationally configured as the source of hydraulic power for transportable pumping units of a fracturing operation and for hydraulic power tools, as the source of pneumatic power for pneumatic power tools and as the source of electric power for electric power tools and electronic equipment at a well site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: MGB OILFIELD SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Daniel Bishop
  • Patent number: 10575887
    Abstract: A dispensing system includes a main body having a base and an extension extending from the base. The extension includes an inner surface defining a passageway. The main body includes an opening that extends through the extension. The opening is in communication with the passageway. A first plunger is configured to be positioned within the passageway. The first plunger includes a lumen extending through and between opposite proximal and distal end surfaces of the first plunger. A second plunger is configured to be positioned within the lumen. Kits and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Medtronic Holding Company Sàrl
    Inventor: Neil S. Sasaki
  • Patent number: 10517662
    Abstract: A device and methods mix polymethylmethacrylate bone cement and/or store the starting components of the bone cement. The device comprising: a cartridge with an internal space for mixing the bone cement that is closed on one side by means of a mobile dispensing plunger; a monomer container for a monomer liquid and/or a connector for attachment of a monomer container for a monomer liquid such that the monomer container can be opened appropriately in the device such that the monomer liquid flows from the monomer container into the device; a connecting conduit through which the monomer liquid can be guided into the internal space of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: HERAEUS MEDICAL GMBH
    Inventors: Sebastian Vogt, Thomas Kluge
  • Patent number: 10499971
    Abstract: A bone cement delivery system including a mixer, a reservoir for holding bone cement, a cannula that is connected to the reservoir and through which the bone cement is delivered into living tissue. A plunger that is advanced by a drive assembly, pushes the bone cement out of the delivery tube into the cannula for discharge from the cannula. A valve is located upstream of the cannula. A control unit regulates both drive assembly and the setting of the valve. The control unit is configured to, when deactivating the valve so as to stop the advancement of the plunger, close the valve. The closing of the valve reduces the extent to which the bone cement, which is under pressure continues to flow into and be discharged out of the cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jared P. Coffeen, Jeffery D. Arnett
  • Patent number: 10478242
    Abstract: A container for bone cement includes a first member defining a chamber, which contains a first ingredient. The chamber also includes a second member movably coupled to the first member. The second member includes a mixing device that is movably disposed within the first chamber, and the second member defines a second chamber containing a second ingredient. The container additional includes an opening device that selectively opens the second chamber and allows the second ingredient to enter from the second chamber into the first chamber. The mixing device is movable within the first chamber to promote mixing of the first ingredient and the second ingredient to prepare the bone cement. A corresponding method of preparing bone cement is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Encore Medical, L.P.
    Inventors: H. Gene Hawkins, Imad K. Merkhan
  • Patent number: 10456183
    Abstract: A device in the form of a kit for mixing and injecting a bone cement is described, in which a mixing unit and a transfer unit are two units distinct from and independent of each other, with no element in common, and are designed to be connected alternately, that is to say successively, to the same end of a hollow cylindrical body or mixing body of a main module, before this main module is connected to an injection unit via its other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: TEKNIMED
    Inventors: Alain Leonard, Carole Leonard, Gautier Halbin, Cyril Sender
  • Patent number: 10345322
    Abstract: A cartridge for dispensing a fluid is provided, the cartridge comprising: a reservoir chamber configured for receiving the fluid, the reservoir chamber having a fluid outlet and a cover with a first bearing; and a stirring assembly comprising a stirrer located inside the reservoir chamber, the stirring assembly comprising a shaft connected to the stirrer. The stirring assembly can be moved between first and second positions, wherein in the first position the stirring assembly can seal the fluid outlet, the stirring assembly in the first position being configured to form a second bearing with the reservoir chamber or the fluid outlet such that the stirrer can be rotated about an axis defined by the first and second bearing, and wherein if the stirring assembly is in the second position the fluid can pass through the fluid outlet, the shaft being configured to transmit rotational power to the stirrer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Thorsten Brueckner, Christoph Boehm, Juergen Spinke
  • Patent number: 10289022
    Abstract: A developing device includes a developing member that develops an electrostatic latent image on an image carrying member with developer; a housing that houses and supports the developing member and has an open part facing the image carrying member; a storage portion provided inside the housing and storing the developer; and a leakage suppressing member provided at an edge of the open part that is on a downstream side in a direction of rotation of the developing member, the leakage suppressing member suppressing leakage of the developer from the housing toward the image carrying member. The housing has an opening on the downstream side in the direction of rotation with respect to the leakage suppressing member and on an upstream side in the direction of rotation with respect to the storage portion, the opening being open from a side of the developing member toward the outside of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Akaike, Takafumi Wakai
  • Patent number: 10053953
    Abstract: A system for blending cement and at least one additive during a blending job to create a cement slurry for use in an underground hydrocarbon well includes a mixing tub, at least first and second blenders and a rotatable platform upon which the blenders are mounted. Each blender includes at least one elongated, rotatable, mixing blade extending into the tub to mix the cement and at the additive(s) to form the cement slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Baker Hughes, a GE company, LLC
    Inventor: Virgilio C Go Boncan
  • Patent number: 9974589
    Abstract: A container for bone cement includes a first member defining a chamber, which contains a first ingredient. The chamber also includes a second member movably coupled to the first member. The second member includes a mixing device that is movably disposed within the first chamber, and the second member defines a second chamber containing a second ingredient. The container additional includes an opening device that selectively opens the second chamber and allows the second ingredient to enter from the second chamber into the first chamber. The mixing device is movable within the first chamber to promote mixing of the first ingredient and the second ingredient to prepare the bone cement. A corresponding method of preparing bone cement also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Encore Medical, L.P.
    Inventors: H. Gene Hawkins, Imad K. Merkhan
  • Patent number: 9968392
    Abstract: An assembly for preparing and dispensing a paste, preferably bone cement, includes a cylinder containing a powder and a receptacle containing a liquid. A piercing device is configured to open the receptacle to allow liquid to flow into the cylinder to be mixed with the powder. The receptacle is collapsed by a differential pressure between the cylinder and the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: PROMIXA MEDICAL AB
    Inventors: Staffan Grebius, Sten Drennow, Ulf Larsson
  • Patent number: 9937057
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a delivery device for delivering a tissue repair composition in paste form, such as a bone graft extender and substitute in paste form, for use in surgical procedures including minimally invasive spine (fusion) surgery, open spine surgery and other orthopedic procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: ISTO Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary B. Gage
  • Patent number: 9863443
    Abstract: A multistage ejector has a nozzle arrangement, which has at least three nozzles which are arranged in series in the direction of a longitudinal axis, wherein the nozzles are designed for passage of a throughflow of a fluid, wherein a fluid gap is provided between adjacent nozzles in each case, wherein at least two of the at least three nozzles are interconnected monolithically to form a nozzle string, and wherein the nozzle string is arranged at least partially in a sleeve and the nozzle string and the sleeve are detachably fastened to each other. The nozzle string and the sleeve are axially fastened to each other by fastening mechanism which acts in a positively locking manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: J. SCHMALZ GMBH
    Inventors: Stefan Kaupp, Tobias Stahl, Walter Dunkmann
  • Patent number: 9861943
    Abstract: Vacuum mixing systems and methods mix of polymethylmethacrylate bone cement, the systems and methods comprise at least one cartridge having an evacuable internal space, a pump with a plunger that can be moved by hand to generate a low pressure, and a connecting conduit connecting the internal space of the at least one cartridge to the pump. The pump comprises an operating element that can be operated from outside and is connected appropriately to the plunger such that it is suitable for moving the plunger in the pump by hand such that a low pressure can be generated such that the low pressure of the pump can be used to evacuate gas from the internal space of the at least one cartridge through the connecting conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Heraeus Medical GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Vogt, Thomas Kluge
  • Patent number: 9776150
    Abstract: A mixing system is disclosed in which the system comprises a source of bone-graft or bone-graft-substitute material, a liquid source, and a vacuum source, at least one of the source of bone-graft or bone-graft-substitute material and the liquid source being in communication with the vacuum source. A valve assembly also forms part of the system, the valve assembly having a valve movable between a first position in which a first fluid passageway is created between the source of bone-graft or bone-graft-substitute material and the vacuum, and a second position in which a second fluid passageway is created between the source of bone-graft or bone-graft-substitute material and the liquid source, wherein, in the second position, the valve seals off the first fluid passageway, the vacuum source being adapted to generate a negative-pressure environment, relative to atmospheric pressure, within the valve assembly while the valve is in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Orthovita, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Gettings, Matthew B. Havener, Stephen E. McIlhenny
  • Patent number: 9687111
    Abstract: A vacuum blender having a vessel, a motor base containing a motor having a motor drive shaft, a blade holder having a blade with a blade shaft for engaging the motor drive shaft, and a fan connected to the motor drive shaft. The blender includes a conduit system for the passage of air from the vessel to an area in proximity to the fan before passing to the outside of the motor base. The conduit system is connected to a valve system, preferably including a three way valve or Venturi valve. The fan and blade are capable of being selectively actuated using a gear or clutch system, preferably operated by firmware. The invention is capable of evacuating air from the vessel before blending of the food contents occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: R. Joseph Trojan
  • Patent number: 9675397
    Abstract: A device to prepare and administer a two-component mixture, including a first chamber in which a container is housed that is hermetically closed for a liquid component, a second chamber containing a powdered component, an opening of the container of the liquid component, a mixing member placed in the second chamber for preparing the mixture and a piston able to move in the second chamber to dispense the mixture. The mixing member includes a stem, passing through an opening for dispensing the mixture in the second chamber, having an outer end equipped with a handle and an inner end provided with a mixing blade connected to the inner end with a releasable connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: TECRES S.P.A.
    Inventors: Giovanni Faccioli, Renzo Soffiatti
  • Patent number: 9669366
    Abstract: A mixing system has a single-use container (1) with flexible walls and a mixing device. The mixing device has at least one encapsulated drive (5) and a mixer shaft (3). The drive (5) can be disposed of after use together with the mixer shaft (3) and the single-use container (1). The mixing system can be used in biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry for mixing liquids, dissolving solids or cultivating cells and microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: SARTORIUS STEDIM BIOTECH GMBH
    Inventors: Oscar-Werner Reif, Gerhard Greller, Juergen Van Den Boogaard, Karl-Heinz Kompart, Marco Lohrengel
  • Patent number: 9636860
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing bulked continuous carpet filament which, in various embodiments, comprises: (A) grinding recycled PET bottles into a group of flakes; (B) washing the flakes; (C) identifying and removing impurities, including impure flakes, from the group of flakes; (D) passing the flakes through a PET crystallizer; (E) passing the group of flakes through an MRS extruder while maintaining the pressure within the MRS portion of the MRS extruder below about 18 millibars; (F) passing the resulting polymer melt through at least one filter having a micron rating of less than about 50 microns; and (G) forming the recycled polymer into bulked continuous carpet filament that consists essentially of recycled PET.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Mohawk Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas R. Clark
  • Patent number: 9549770
    Abstract: A device for storing and mixing bone cement components. The device includes a housing, a safety device, and a vacuum indicator. The housing defines a mixing chamber configured to store a first bone cement component therein. In a first safety position, the safety device prevents contact between the first bone cement component and a second bone cement component in the mixing chamber. In a second safety position, the safety device permits contact between the first and second bone cement components in the mixing chamber. The vacuum indicator restricts movement of the safety device from the first safety position to the second safety position when in a first vacuum indicator position. The vacuum indicator permits movement of the safety device from the first safety position to the second safety position when in a second vacuum indicator position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Biomet SAS
    Inventors: Lenaic Giffard, Cedric Cauquot, Alexis Dupuy
  • Patent number: 9505863
    Abstract: The invention relates to an energy efficient, environmentally favourable process for preparing water and solvent-free rubber ionomers and/or polymer nanocomposites comprising said rubber ionomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: LANXESS INTERNATIONAL SA
    Inventors: Hanns-Ingolf Paul, Rolf Feller, Paul Wagner, John Lovegrove, Adam Gronowski, Phil Magill, Dana Adkinson, Jörg Kirchhoff
  • Patent number: 9492947
    Abstract: A container for bone cement includes a first member defining a chamber, which contains a first ingredient. The chamber also includes a second member movably coupled to the first member. The second member includes a mixing device that is movably disposed within the first chamber, and the second member defines a second chamber containing a second ingredient. The container additional includes an opening device that selectively opens the second chamber and allows the second ingredient to enter from the second chamber into the first chamber. The mixing device is movable within the first chamber to promote mixing of the first ingredient and the second ingredient to prepare the bone cement. A corresponding method of preparing bone cement is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Encore Medical, L.P.
    Inventors: H. Gene Hawkins, Imad K. Merkhan
  • Patent number: 9433226
    Abstract: A vacuum tumbling system for marinating meat including a vacuum sensor; an airtight driver; an outer vacuum chamber configured to monitor and pull a vacuum; and an inner vacuum tumbling chamber configured to enclose a marinade mixture, liquid, and the meat, configured to be disposed inside the outer vacuum chamber, and configured to pull the vacuum from the outer vacuum chamber through a small hole which is recessed on a bottom surface of the inner vacuum tumbling chamber. The outer vacuum chamber monitors the vacuum through the vacuum sensor, pulls the vacuum through the airtight driver, and tumbles the inner vacuum tumbling chamber in response to the airtight driver being driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: HOLLYMATIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Erik Bauer
  • Patent number: 9408650
    Abstract: A mixing and delivery device for osseous tissue is provided. A kit for use by a medical professional is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: KT, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy R. Brahm, Kevin Foley
  • Patent number: 9375699
    Abstract: Cross-linked compositions include a first precursor functionalized with a first reactive member and a second precursor functionalized with a second reactive member, the first and second reactive members covalently bonding with each other when exposed to UV radiation. The compositions are useful in a variety of surgical and wound treatment applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Sofradim Production
    Inventor: Sébastien Ladet
  • Patent number: 9375863
    Abstract: A container for bone cement includes a first member defining a chamber, which contains a first ingredient. The chamber also includes a second member movably coupled to the first member. The second member includes a mixing device that is movably disposed within the first chamber, and the second member defines a second chamber containing a second ingredient. The container additional includes an opening device that selectively opens the second chamber and allows the second ingredient to enter from the second chamber into the first chamber. The mixing device is movable within the first chamber to promote mixing of the first ingredient and the second ingredient to prepare the bone cement. A corresponding method of preparing bone cement is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Encore Medical, L.P.
    Inventors: H. Gene Hawkins, Imad K. Merkhan
  • Patent number: 9060877
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for near-simultaneous and integrated delivery of bone graft material during the placement of surgical cages or other medical implants in a patient's spine. The integrated fusion cage and graft delivery device according to various embodiments delivers and disperses biologic material through a fusion cage to a disc space and, without withdrawal from the surgical site, may selectably detach the fusion cage for deposit to the same disc space. The integrated fusion cage and graft delivery device is formed such that a hollow tube and plunger selectively and controllably place bone graft material and a fusion cage in or adjacent to the bone graft receiving area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Spinal Surgical Strategies, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Kleiner
  • Publication number: 20150138910
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dental vacuum mixer which includes: a body comprising a magnet sensor, a mixing motor and a control means; a mixing unit coupler through which a driving shaft of the mixing motor passes to be combined; and a mixing unit composed of a mixing container, a cover combined with the mixing container, and a magnet installed at the position corresponding to the magnet sensor on the upper side of the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Jong-dae Cha
  • Patent number: 9016927
    Abstract: A clay mixing apparatus includes a mixing chamber, a rotor arranged within the mixing chamber, a drive unit arranged to rotate the rotor, an ejecting unit, a pressure reducing unit; and an exhaust flow path. The rotor includes a shaft rotated by the drive unit, an extruding member and a mixing member. The mixing member includes a plurality of arms and a plurality of blades arranged at tip ends of the arms. The exhaust opening is opposed, in a radial direction about the center axis, to a portion of the mixing member lying near the extruding member and/or a portion of the extruding member lying near the mixing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Nidec-Shimpo Corporation
    Inventors: Motoki Kuriki, Takeo Tokuda, Masaya Higashitsuji
  • Publication number: 20150109877
    Abstract: A system for dispersing finely dispersed solids into high-viscosity products includes, in a container, a coaxial stirring system having stirring elements on two independently drivable, coaxially arranged shafts. A positive-displacement, close-wall-clearance stirring element on the one shaft and a plurality of stirring elements on a central shaft are arranged in such a manner that, in an upper mixing region of the container, a combination of the positive-displacement, close-wall-clearance stirring element and stirring elements for forming an ideally mixed zone is provided, and in a mixing region downstream of the upper mixing region of the container, stirring elements for developing a plug-flow zone are provided. A positive-displacement pump is provided in a region downstream of the plug flow zone as a discharge zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Benjamin Multner, Klaus Gezork, Werner Himmelsbach
  • Patent number: 9010586
    Abstract: A cartridge for squeezing-out a cartridge content, like a cement, or a medical cement, having a cylindrical hollow space bordered by a cartridge wall, a feed plunger arranged in the hollow space to be mobile along the cylinder axis of the hollow space and abutting the cartridge wall, and at least one snap-in means for locking the feed plunger in place at the cartridge wall, to a locking device arranged on the feed plunger and comprises at least a snap-in means which is accessible from outside when the feed plunger is locked. The invention also provides a cartridge system with a cartridge for squeezing out content and a method for dispensing such cartridge content, preferably a cement, through the use of a cartridge of said type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Heraeus Medical GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Vogt, Tim Schnieber
  • Patent number: 8960993
    Abstract: A blender device including a rotor designed to engage with a motor device to be rotated; and an annular ring enclosing the rotor and having at least one axial orifice and a plurality of radial orifices for the passage of the blend. The blender also includes an admission duct for admitting particles intended to be incorporated into the blend, leading into the interior of the annular ring. The blender also effectively dispenses particles in a blend by introducing the particles with a high flow and decreasing product losses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: VMI
    Inventors: Jose Cheio De Oliveira, Henri Daheron, Pascal Ricard
  • Patent number: 8960991
    Abstract: A device is provided with which it is possible to produce poly(methyl methacrylate) bone-cement paste, which is degassed to the greatest extent possible, while avoiding large-volume mixing containers and large cement volumes contained therein. The device includes a tubular hollow body (10) having a first opening (30) on the input side and a second opening (20) on the output side, at least one rotatably-mounted shaft (40) arranged in the axial direction in the tubular hollow body (10), thread turns (50) arranged axially along the outer side of the shaft (40), wherein the shaft (40) has at least one section with thread turns (50) whose pitch decreases in the direction of the second opening (20), at least one stirring blade (60) arranged on the shaft (40), and rigid mixing elements (70) arranged on the inner side of the tubular hollow body (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Heraeus Medical GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Vogt, Hubert Büchner
  • Patent number: 8834011
    Abstract: A device for pneumatic treatment of powder materials in a recipient chamber (22), with introduction of two material streams into the above through two inlet tubes (40, 40a), optionally in a counter-current and/or approximately tangential sense and swirled in the recipient chamber (22). The material streams are for introduction at roughly the same level in the container and the tracks thereof are interleaved. The material streams are also introduced at an inclination angle (w) to a radial plane (E) of the recipient chamber (22) which is inclined downwards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Dietrich Engineering Consultants S.A.
    Inventors: Frédéric Dietrich, Yves Dietrich
  • Publication number: 20140192611
    Abstract: A system for bone cement includes a vial holder configured for receiving a vial and including a holding structure for maintaining the vial in the vial holder. The vial includes a monomer component for bone cement. A holder chamber is configured to receive and secure the vial holder. The vial holder is advanced toward a vial-breaking device for breaking the vial and releasing its contents into the holder chamber past the elastomeric seal. Once the vial holder is advanced further the elastomeric seal is deformed to form a seal and prevent fumes produced from escaping from the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Kyphon SARL
    Inventors: NEIL S. SASAKI, Bryan A. Click