Patents Assigned to Tech Met, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11952523
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for etching a surface of an implantable device are disclosed. The compositions generally include one or more alkali components, such as a metal hydroxide and optionally an amine, one or more chelating agents, and certain dissolved metals, such as component metals of the metal or alloy to be etched and optionally iron. For example, when etching a titanium device, the metals may include titanium (Ti). Alternatively, the composition may be an electrolyte composition useful for electrochemical etching of the implantable device. These compositions and methods may generate nanoscale geometry on the surface of the implantable device to provide implants with accelerate osseointegration and healing after surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Tech Met, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Vidra, Edward Palanko, Robert Vaccaro, Jordan Incerpi
  • Patent number: 11952669
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for etching a nanoscale geometry on a metal or metal alloy surface are disclosed. Such surfaces, when included on an implantable medical device, enhance healing after surgery. When included on a bone contacting medical implant, the nanoscale geometry may enhance osseointegration. When included on a tissue contacting device, the nanoscale geometry may enhance endothelial cell attachment, proliferation, and restoration of a healthy endothelial surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Tech Met, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Vidra, Daniel Jon Schutzer, Jordan Incerpi
  • Patent number: 11932947
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for etching an implantable device having a cobalt chrome surface are disclosed. The compositions generally include at least two mineral acids, iron (Fe), and certain component metals of the cobalt chrome to be etched. For example, when etching a cobalt chromium molybdenum alloy, the metals may include chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), and optionally, cobalt (Co). The at least two mineral acids may include hydrochloric acid (HCl), nitric acid (HNO3), and hydrofluoric acid (HF). Alternatively, the composition may be an electrolyte composition useful for electrochemical etching of the implantable device. These compositions and methods may generate nanoscale geometry on the surface of the implantable device to provide implants with improved osseointegration, biocompatibility, and healing after surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Tech Met, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Vidra, Jordan Incerpi, Daniel Jon Schutzer
  • Patent number: 11851772
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for etching a surface of an implantable device are disclosed. The compositions generally include one or more alkali components, such as a metal hydroxide and an amine, one or more chelating agents, and optionally iron (Fe) and/or certain component metals of the metal or alloy to be etched. For example, when etching a titanium device, the metals may include titanium (Ti). Alternatively, the composition may be an electrolyte composition useful for electrochemical etching of the implantable device. These compositions and methods may generate nanoscale geometry on the surface of the implantable device to provide implants with accelerate osseointegration and healing after surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Tech Met, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Vidra, Edward Palanko, Robert Vaccaro, Jordan Incerpi
  • Patent number: 11682550
    Abstract: Systems and methods for etching complex patterns on an interior surface of a hollow object are disclosed. A method generally includes positioning a laser system within the hollow object with a focal point of the laser focused on the interior surface, and operating the laser system to form the complex pattern on the interior surface. Motion of the laser system and the hollow object is controlled by a motion control system configured to provide rotation and/or translation about a longitudinal axis of one or both of the hollow object and the laser system based on the complex pattern, and change a positional relationship between a reflector and a focusing lens of the laser system to accommodate a change in distance between the reflector and the interior surface of the hollow object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Tech Met, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Vidra, Robert Vaccaro, Edward Palanko, Mark Megela
  • Publication number: 20220017822
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for etching a surface of an implantable device are disclosed. The compositions generally include one or more alkali components, such as a metal hydroxide and optionally an amine, one or more chelating agents, and certain dissolved metals, such as component metals of the metal or alloy to be etched and optionally iron. For example, when etching a titanium device, the metals may include titanium (Ti). Alternatively, the composition may be an electrolyte composition useful for electrochemical etching of the implantable device. These compositions and methods may generate nanoscale geometry on the surface of the implantable device to provide implants with accelerate osseointegration and healing after surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Applicant: Tech Met, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Vidra, Edward Palanko, Robert Vaccaro, Jordan Incerpi
  • Publication number: 20210332483
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for etching cobalt chromium alloys are disclosed. The compositions generally include at least two mineral acids, certain component metals of the alloy to be etched, and optionally iron (Fe). For example, when etching a cobalt chromium molybdenum alloy, the component metals may include chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), and optionally, cobalt (Co). The at least two mineral acids may include hydrochloric acid (HCl), nitric acid (HNO3), and hydrofluoric acid (HF). The methods provide for etching an entire surface of a substrate or etching a surface of a substrate in a pattern using selective coating patterns and/or coating removal. Thus, unlimited patterns, as well as etch depths and variations in etch depths are achievable using the compositions and methods disclosed. Moreover, the compositions and methods provide cobalt chrome surfaces having very low surface roughness (Ra) that are useful in the aerospace industry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Applicant: Tech Met, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael VIDRA, Daniel Schutzer
  • Patent number: 11053595
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for etching cobalt chromium alloys are disclosed. The compositions generally include at least two mineral acids, certain component metals of the alloy to be etched, and optionally iron (Fe). For example, when etching a cobalt chromium molybdenum alloy, the metals may include chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), and optionally, cobalt (Co). The at least two mineral acids may include hydrochloric acid (HCl), nitric acid (HNO3), and hydrofluoric acid (HF). The methods provide for etching an entire surface of a substrate or etching a surface of a substrate in a pattern using selective coating patterns and/or coating removal. Thus, unlimited patterns, as well as etch depths and variations in etch depths are achievable using the compositions and methods disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Tech Met, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Vidra, Daniel Jon Schutzer
  • Publication number: 20210062347
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for etching an implantable device having a cobalt chrome surface are disclosed. The compositions generally include at least two mineral acids, iron (Fe), and certain component metals of the cobalt chrome to be etched. For example, when etching a cobalt chromium molybdenum alloy, the metals may include chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), and optionally, cobalt (Co). The at least two mineral acids may include hydrochloric acid (HCl), nitric acid (HNO3), and hydrofluoric acid (HF). Alternatively, the composition may be an electrolyte composition useful for electrochemical etching of the implantable device. These compositions and methods may generate nanoscale geometry on the surface of the implantable device to provide implants with improved osseointegration, biocompatibility, and healing after surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Applicant: TECH MET, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Vidra, Jordan Incerpi, Daniel Jon Schutzer
  • Publication number: 20200362466
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for etching a surface of an implantable device are disclosed. The compositions generally include one or more alkali components, such as a metal hydroxide and an amine, one or more chelating agents, and optionally iron (Fe) and/or certain component metals of the metal or alloy to be etched. For example, when etching a titanium device, the metals may include titanium (Ti). Alternatively, the composition may be an electrolyte composition useful for electrochemical etching of the implantable device. These compositions and methods may generate nanoscale geometry on the surface of the implantable device to provide implants with accelerate osseointegration and healing after surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Applicant: TECH MET, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Vidra, Edward Palanko, Robert Vaccaro, Jordan Incerpi
  • Publication number: 20200190671
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for etching cobalt chromium alloys are disclosed. The compositions generally include at least two mineral acids, certain component metals of the alloy to be etched, and optionally iron (Fe). For example, when etching a cobalt chromium molybdenum alloy, the metals may include chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), and optionally, cobalt (Co). The at least two mineral acids may include hydrochloric acid (HCl), nitric acid (HNO3), and hydrofluoric acid (HF). The methods provide for etching an entire surface of a substrate or etching a surface of a substrate in a pattern using selective coating patterns and/or coating removal. Thus, unlimited patterns, as well as etch depths and variations in etch depths are achievable using the compositions and methods disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Applicant: Tech Met, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael VIDRA, Daniel Jon SCHUTZER
  • Publication number: 20200176243
    Abstract: Systems and methods for etching complex patterns on an interior surface of a hollow object are disclosed. A method generally includes positioning a laser system within the hollow object with a focal point of the laser focused on the interior surface, and operating the laser system to form the complex pattern on the interior surface. Motion of the laser system and the hollow object is controlled by a motion control system configured to provide rotation and/or translation about a longitudinal axis of one or both of the hollow object and the laser system based on the complex pattern, and change a positional relationship between a reflector and a focusing lens of the laser system to accommodate a change in distance between the reflector and the interior surface of the hollow object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Applicant: Tech Met, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Vidra, Robert Vaccaro, Edward Palanko, Mark Megela
  • Patent number: 10399240
    Abstract: Methods and devices for etching patterns on interior surfaces of hollow objects are described. The method may include preparation of the interior surface of the object, such as pre-cleaning, and coating the interior surface of the object. A pattern may then be generated on the interior surface of the object by any of mechanical or manual scribing and peeling, laser ablation, or photoresist coating and laser exposure, development and hardening. The pattern is then etched using chemical etchants, and finished to remove remaining coating, provide surface passivation and/or protectant application. Mechanical and laser devices which may facilitate pattern generation are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Tech Met, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Vidra, James Ringer, Robert Vaccaro, Mark Megela, Edward Palanko
  • Publication number: 20190051514
    Abstract: Systems and methods for etching complex patterns on an interior surface of a hollow object are disclosed. A method generally includes positioning a laser system within the hollow object with a focal point of the laser focused on the interior surface, and operating the laser system to form the complex pattern on the interior surface. Motion of the laser system and the hollow object is controlled by a motion control system configured to provide rotation and/or translation about a longitudinal axis of one or both of the hollow object and the laser system based on the complex pattern, and change a positional relationship between a reflector and a focusing lens of the laser system to accommodate a change in distance between the reflector and the interior surface of the hollow object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Applicant: Tech Met, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Vidra, Robert Vaccaro, Edward Palanko, Mark Megela
  • Publication number: 20170259444
    Abstract: Methods and devices for etching patterns on interior surfaces of hollow objects are described. The method may include preparation of the interior surface of the object, such as pre-cleaning, and coating the interior surface of the object. A pattern may then be generated on the interior surface of the object by any of mechanical or manual scribing and peeling, laser ablation, or photoresist coating and laser exposure, development and hardening. The pattern is then etched using chemical etchants, and finished to remove remaining coating, provide surface passivation and/or protectant application. Mechanical and laser devices which may facilitate pattern generation are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Applicant: Tech Met, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Vidra, James Ringer, Robert Vaccaro, Mark Megela, Edward Palanko
  • Patent number: 6193762
    Abstract: An attachment surface for an implantable device has a random irregular pattern formed through a repetitive masking and chemical milling process. Additionally, an attachment surface for an implantable device has a random irregular pattern formed through a repetitive masking and electrochemical milling process. The electrochemical milling process is particularly well suited for use with substrate materials which have high chemical inertness which makes them resistant to chemical etching. Surface material is removed from the implant surface without stress on the adjoining material and the process provides fully dimensional fillet radii at the base of the surface irregularities. This irregular surface is adapted to receive the ingrowth of bone material and to provide a strong anchor for that bone material. The unitary nature of the substrate and surface features provides a strong anchoring surface with is resistant to cracking or breaking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignees: Cycam, Inc., Tech Met, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Wagner, Gary Reed
  • Patent number: 5507815
    Abstract: An attachment surface for an implantable device has a random irregular pattern formed through a repetitive masking and chemical milling process. Surface material is removed from the implant surface without stress on the adjoining material and the process provides fully dimensional fillet radii at the base of the surface irregularities. This irregular surface is adapted to receive the ingrowth of bone material and to provide a strong anchor for that bone material. The unitary nature of the substrate and surface features provides a strong anchoring surface with is resistant to cracking or breaking. The surface is prepared through an etching process which utilizes the random application of a maskant and subsequent etching of the metallic substrate in areas unprotected by the maskant. This chemical etching process is repeated a number of times as necessitated by the nature of the irregularities required in the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignees: Cycam, Inc., Tech Met, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Wagner, Gary Reed
  • Patent number: 5258098
    Abstract: An attachment surface for increasing adhesion between two objects or materials and a method for creating such a surface is disclosed. A substrate, including articles such as particularly an implantable device and high performance aircraft parts, is provided with a random irregular pattern formed through a repetitive masking and chemical milling process. Surface material is removed from the substrate without stress on the adjoining material and the process provides fully dimensional fillet radii at the base of the surface irregularities. This irregular surface is adapted to receive the adjacent material to be joined thereto, such as the ingrowth of bone material, and to provide a strong anchor for that material. The unitary nature of the substrate and surface features provides a strong anchoring surface with is resistant to cracking or breaking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignees: Cycam, Inc., Tech Met, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Wagner, Gary Reed