Patents Assigned to Accentus
  • Publication number: 20220008622
    Abstract: Metal objects are treated by anodising the metal object in contact with an aqueous electrolyte, and then subjecting the anodised metal object to a reversed voltage. The anodising is performed in two stages, firstly to passivate with the formation of an oxide layer, and secondly to form regions in the oxide layer having a higher oxygen to metal atom ratio, for example pits or caps, in this oxide layer. The second stage of anodising is performed by applying a multiplicity of voltage cycles, each voltage cycle involving ramping the voltage between a lower threshold voltage and an upper threshold voltage, and then returning to the lower threshold voltage. The reversed voltage step forms a hydrous metal oxide in the regions of higher oxygen to metal atom ratio, and the oxide layer and hydrous metal oxide together constitute a surface layer which is integral with the metal object, and has ion exchange capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2021
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Applicant: Accentus Medical Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Derek Turner, James Merotra, David Richard Lewis, Jonathon Speed, James Shawcross
  • Publication number: 20180133370
    Abstract: Metal objects are treated by anodising the metal object in contact with an aqueous electrolyte, and then subjecting the anodised metal object to a reversed voltage. The anodising is performed in two stages, firstly to passivate with the formation of an oxide layer, and secondly to form regions in the oxide layer having a higher oxygen to metal atom ratio, for example pits or caps, in this oxide layer. The second stage of anodising is performed by applying a multiplicity of voltage cycles, each voltage cycle involving ramping the voltage between a lower threshold voltage and an upper threshold voltage, and then returning to the lower threshold voltage. The reversed voltage step forms a hydrous metal oxide in the regions of higher oxygen to metal atom ratio, and the oxide layer and hydrous metal oxide together constitute a surface layer which is integral with the metal object, and has ion exchange capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Applicant: Accentus Medical Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Derek Turner, James Merotra, David Richard Lewis, Jonathan Speed, James Shawcross
  • Patent number: 9809894
    Abstract: In a process for anodizing a metal object (12), the metal object (12) is contacted with an anodizing electrolyte (32), and is first pre-anodized so as to grow a thin oxide film on the surface. The microscopic surface area is then deduced from electrical measurements either during pre-anodizing or on the pre-anodized surface. The metal object (12) can then be anodized. This is applicable when treating an implant to provide a surface that has the ability to incorporate biocidal material such as silver ions. The pre-anodizing uses a low voltage, for example no more than 2. V, and may take less than 120 seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Accentus Medical Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Derek Turner
  • Patent number: 9738980
    Abstract: Metal objects are treated by anodizing (P, SE) the metal object in contact with an acidic solution, and then subjecting the anodized metal object to a reversed voltage (VR). The anodizing is performed in two stages, firstly to passivate (P) with the formation of a surface layer, and secondly to form pits in this surface layer (SE). The second stage (SE) of anodizing is performed at a lower voltage than the first stage (P). After the reversed voltage step (VR) the metal object is then contacted with a biocidal metal-containing solution. Biocidal metal is absorbed into the surface of the metal object, resulting in improved biocidal properties. The lower voltage of the second stage anodizing (SE) results in reduced processing time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Accentus Medical Limited
    Inventors: James Timothy Shawcross, David Richard Lewis, Andrew Derek Turner
  • Patent number: 9649410
    Abstract: A metal implant for use in a surgical procedure is provided with a surface layer that is integral with the metal substrate, and which incorporates a biocidal material. The surface layer may be grown from the metal substrate, by anodising, and the biocidal material incorporated in it by ion exchange. Alternatively the layer may be deposited by electroplating, followed by diffusion bonding so as to become integral with the metal substrate. In either case, silver is a suitable biocidal material; and both the release rate and the quantity of biocidal material should be low to avoid toxic effects on body cells. Electropolishing the surface before formation of the surface layer is also beneficial, and this may be achieved by electropolishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Accentus Medical Limited
    Inventors: Martin Edward Lee Pickford, Andrew Derek Turner
  • Patent number: 9393349
    Abstract: A metal implant for use in a surgical procedure is provided with a surface layer that is integral with the metal substrate, and which incorporates a biocidal material. The surface layer may be grown from the metal substrate, by anodizing, and the biocidal material incorporated in it by ion exchange. Alternatively the layer may be deposited by electroplating, followed by diffusion bonding so as to become integral with the metal substrate. In either case, silver is a suitable biocidal material; and both the release rate and the quantity of biocidal material should be low to avoid toxic effects on body cells. Electropolishing the surface before formation of the surface layer is also beneficial, and this may be achieved by electropolishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Accentus Medical Limited
    Inventors: Martin Edward Lee Pickford, Andrew Derek Turner
  • Patent number: 9096943
    Abstract: Metal objects are treated by anodising (P, SE) the metal object in contact with an acidic solution, and then subjecting the anodised metal object to a reversed voltage (VR). The anodising is performed in two stages, firstly to passivate (P) with the formation of a surface layer, and secondly to form pits in this surface layer (SE). The second stage (SE) of anodising is performed at a lower voltage than the first stage (P). After the reversed voltage step (VR) the metal object is then contacted with a biocidal metal-containing solution. Biocidal metal is absorbed into the surface of the metal object, resulting in improved biocidal properties. The lower voltage of the second stage anodising (SE) results in reduced processing time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Accentus Medical Limited
    Inventors: James Timothy Shawcross, David Richard Lewis, Andrew Derek Turner
  • Patent number: 9080250
    Abstract: A metal object is treated to form an integral surface layer by: (a) immersing the metal object in an anodising electrolyte, and passivating the metal to form an anodised layer on the metal object; (b) continuing the application of a potential to modify the surface layer; (c) then treating the metal object with a chemical reducing agent so a hydrous metal oxide is formed; and (d) then contacting the metal object with a solution containing a biocidal material so as to incorporate biocidal material into the surface layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Accentus Medical Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Derek Turner
  • Patent number: 9011665
    Abstract: A metal implant for use in a surgical procedure is provided with a surface layer that is integral with the metal substrate, and which incorporates a biocidal material. The surface layer is grown by anodizing at a voltage between 50 and 150 V, and the biocidal material incorporated in it by ion exchange. This produces a significantly harder surface than anodizing at low voltage, and generates pits containing ion-absorbing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Accentus Medical Limited
    Inventors: Martin Edward Lee Pickford, David Richard Lewis, Andrew Derek Turner
  • Patent number: 8945363
    Abstract: A metal implant for use in a surgical procedure is provided with a surface layer that is integral with the metal substrate, and which incorporates a biocidal material. The surface layer may be grown from the metal substrate, by anodizing, and the biocidal material incorporated in it by ion exchange. Alternatively the layer may be deposited by electroplating, followed by diffusion bonding so as to become integral with the metal substrate. In either case, silver is a suitable biocidal material; and both the release rate and the quantity of biocidal material should be low to avoid toxic effects on body cells. Electropolishing the surface before formation of the surface layer is also beneficial, and this may be achieved by electropolishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Accentus Medical Limited
    Inventors: Martin Edward Lee Pickford, Andrew Derek Turner
  • Patent number: 8888983
    Abstract: Metal implants (10) are treated by anodising the surface (11, 12) in contact with an electrolyte, and then briefly subjecting the anodised surface to a reversed voltage. During a first anodising stage the surfaces are passivated, while during a subsequent anodising stage pits are formed in the passivating surface layer. Rough portions (15) of the surface, in particular portions produced by plasma spraying of metal powder, are sealed with a watertight cover (20) during at least part of the anodising process. After rinsing, biocidal metal ions are subsequently absorbed into the surface of the implant. This provides the implant with biocidal properties. The use of the cover (20) enables a more uniform geometric distribution of biocidal metal ions to be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Accentus Medical Limited
    Inventors: James Timothy Shawcross, Andrew Derek Turner, David Richard Lewis
  • Patent number: 8858775
    Abstract: Metal objects are treated by anodising the metal object in contact with an acidic solution, and then subjecting the anodised metal object to a reversed voltage (compared to the anodising voltage). The thus-treated metal object is then contacted with a biocidal metal-containing solution. Biocidal metal is deposited on the surface of the metal object, resulting in improved biocidal properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Accentus Medical Limited
    Inventors: Philip James Agg, James Timothy Shawcross, Martin Edward Lee Pickford, Andrew Derek Turner, David Richard Lewis
  • Patent number: 7695522
    Abstract: A metal implant for use in a surgical procedure is provided with a surface layer that is integral with the metal substrate, and which incorporates a biocidal material. The surface layer may be grown from the metal substrate, by anodizing, and the biocidal material incorporated in it by ion exchange. Alternatively the layer may be deposited by electroplating, followed by diffusion bonding so as to become integral with the metal substrate. In either case, silver is a suitable biocidal material; and both the release rate and the quantity of biocidal material should be low to avoid toxic effects on body cells. Electropolishing the surface before formation of the surface layer is also beneficial, and this may be achieved by electropolishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Accentus plc
    Inventors: Martin Edward Lee Pickford, Andrew Derek Turner
  • Publication number: 20090198344
    Abstract: An implant with a metal structure for use in a surgical procedure, in which at a region of the implant to be in contact with bone the metal structure is provided with a roughened surface. The roughened region is then provided with a ceramic coating comprising hydroxyapatite by a thermal spraying process. Biocidal ions of silver are absorbed into the ceramic coating, and gradually leach out into body fluids after implantation. The hydroxyapatite enhances bone regrowth into the implant, while the silver ions suppress infection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: Accentus PLC
    Inventors: Thomas Campbell Prentice, Martin Edward Lee Pickford, David Richard Lewis, Andrew Derek Turner
  • Patent number: 7511213
    Abstract: A musical sonification system and method sonifies data, such as real-time financial market data, to produce an audio signal output including a musical rendering of the data. A sonification engine converts the data into sound parameters based on configuration data and a sonification and mapping scheme. A sound generator generates the audio output signal from the sound parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Accentus LLC
    Inventors: Edward P. Childs, Jr., James C. Perkins, John Graham Brooks
  • Publication number: 20080139400
    Abstract: Peptides or polypeptides are displayed using multienzyme complex proteins, especially an E2 protein of a 2-oxo acid dehydrogenase multienzyme complex. Such display is useful in screening for peptides or polypeptides which bind target proteins of interest or are bound by target antibodies of interest, or which have other desirable properties, and in the elicitation of immune responses, e.g., for vaccination. A variety of different numbers of peptides or polypeptides can be displayed on a single complex, and a variety of different peptides or polypeptides can be displayed on the same complex.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Accentus plc
    Inventors: Richard N. Perham, Gonzalo J. Domingo
  • Patent number: 7357835
    Abstract: A crystalline material sufficiently pure for use in pharmaceuticals may be made by forming a saturated solution of the material, changing the temperature of the solution so it becomes supersaturated, and subjecting the solution to irradiation by high intensity ultrasound, the frequency of the ultrasound being scanned over a range of frequencies. For example the ultrasound may be varied between 19.5 and 20.5 kHz, and this variation may be sinusoidal. Preferably the ultrasound is provided only briefly, say for less than 5 s, before allowing the solution to cool gradually without further irradiation. The ultrasound may be applied using a vessel with an array of ultrasonic transducers attached to a wall, so each transducer radiates no more than 3 W/cm2 yet the power dissipation within the vessel is between 25 and 150 W/litre. This method can reduce the metastable zone width to less than 10 K. It is applicable in particular to aspartame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Accentus PLC
    Inventors: Linda Jane McCausland, John Patrick Perkins
  • Patent number: 7354556
    Abstract: Fluids in a vessel are subjected to a high ultrasonic intensity, by means of several ultrasonic transducers attached to a wall of the vessel, each transducer (14) radiating no more than 3 W/cm2, the transducers being sufficiently close to each other, and the number of transducers being sufficiently high, that the power dissipation within the vessel is at least 25 W/liter. The number of transducers, the power of the transducers, and the volume of the vessel may be such that the power density is between 40 and 80 W/liter. The vessel may be double walled, and the space between the two walls be filled by a low attenuation buffer liquid (36) whose cavitation threshold is above that of the liquid being treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Accentus PLC
    Inventor: John Patrick Perkins
  • Patent number: 7326294
    Abstract: Small crystals are made by mixing a solution of a desired substance with an anti-solvent in a fluidic vortex mixer in which the residence time is less than 1s, for example 10 ms. The liquid within the fluidic vortex mixer (12) is subjected to high intensity ultrasound from a transducer (20, 22). The solution very rapidly becomes supersaturated, and the ultrasound can induce a very large number of nuclei for crystal growth. Small crystals, for example less than 5 ?m, are formed. The resulting suspension is treated so as to add or remove ingredients, and then spray dried using an atomizer tuned to create small droplets in such a way that each droplet should contain not more than one crystal. Crystal agglomeration is hence prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Accentus PLC
    Inventors: Linda Jane McCausland, David Reay
  • Patent number: 7244307
    Abstract: A crystalline material sufficiently pure for use in pharmaceuticals may be made by forming a saturated solution of the material changing the temperature of the solution so it becomes supersaturated, and briefly subjecting the solution to irradiation by high intensity ultrasound, before allowing the solution to cool gradually without further irradiation. The ultrasound may be applied using a vessel with an array of ultrasonic transducers attached to a wall, so each transducer radiates no more than 3 W/cm2 yet the power dissipation within the vessel is between 25 and 150 W/litre. This method can reduce the metastable zone width to less than 10 K. There is no erosion of the wall and consequently no formation of small particles of metal. It is applicable for example to aspartame, and to amino acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Accentus PLC
    Inventor: Linda Jane McCausland