Patents Assigned to W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
  • Support members for filter pleated media
    Patent number: 10974189
    Abstract: Systems and methods of filtering with filter assemblies including a frame having a header structure, an end cap structure, and a plurality of side plates coupling the header structure to the end cap structure are provided. The filter pleated media may include an upstream surface and a downstream surface opposite the upstream surface in a direction of flow through the filter assembly, and the filter pleated media may include a pleated configuration. The filter assemblies may further include a support member coupled to a portion of the frame and along at least one of the upstream surface or the downstream surface of the filter pleated media. The support member may at least partially penetrate the pleated configuration and extend into a pleat of the pleated configuration of the filter pleat media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Wai Poon, Ryder William Pingry, Chinedu David Chikwem
  • Affinity chromatography devices
    Patent number: 10974170
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to affinity chromatography devices that separate a targeted protein or antibody from an aqueous mixture containing the targeted protein or antibody. The chromatography device may contain a stacked membrane assembly or a wound membrane assembly. The membrane assemblies include at least one polymer membrane that contains therein inorganic particles. The polymer membrane and/or the inorganic particles have an affinity ligand bonded thereto. The affinity ligand may be a protein, an antibody, or a polysaccharide that reversibly binds to the targeted protein or antibody. The chromatography device may be repeatedly used and may be cleaned with a caustic solution between uses. The chromatography devices may have a dynamic binding capacity (DBC) of at least 30 mg/ml (or 0.07 micromol/ml) at 10% breakthrough at a residence time of 20 seconds or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael C. McManaway
  • Geometric control of bending character in prosthetic heart valve leaflets
    Patent number: 10966820
    Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward prosthetic valves having leaflets of particular shapes that control bending character. In accordance with an embodiment, a prosthetic valve has a plurality of leaflets. Each leaflet includes a central region and two side regions on opposite sides of the central region. The central region is defined by a shape of an isosceles triangle defined by two central region sides, the leaflet base and the leaflet free edge, wherein the two central region sides converge from the leaflet base. Each of the two side regions has a shape of a triangle and each is defined by one of the central region sides, one of the leaflet sides, and the leaflet free edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Bruchman, Cody L. Hartman
  • Implantable medical device constraint and deployment apparatus
    Patent number: 10966850
    Abstract: An implantable medical device deployment system is disclosed that employs both a sheath element and a constraint member to protect implantable medical devices during delivery in a body while providing simple, accurate, and reliable device deployment. The delivery system is configured so that loading and deployment forces are not directly related to device diameter, length, or design, thus allowing a more universal delivery system across various delivered device configurations and product lines. The deployment system can provide numerous benefits, include better protection for drug-coated implantable devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig W. Irwin, James D. Silverman
  • Filter assembly with curved inlet guide
    Patent number: 10967317
    Abstract: A cassette filter assembly for removing particles from an air stream, in particular from a gas stream entering a gas turbine, has an upstream end and a downstream end and comprises a header frame to which a filter media is fitted and which has an inlet guide on said mounting face, the inlet guide having a plurality of openings, each opening being defined by a pair of lofted short sides and a pair of lofted long sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Wai Sing Poon, Thomas P. Kelmartin, Vineet Rakesh
  • Suture guard for a prosthetic valve
    Patent number: 10959838
    Abstract: A system includes a heart valve and a device that functions to minimize a possibility for suture becoming entangled with a commissure post of the heart valve during an implantation procedure. In some examples, the device is a suture guard that includes one or more features that deflect suture to help minimize entanglement of the same with the commissure posts of the heart valve. In some examples, the features operate to deflect the commissure posts radially inwardly, while in other examples, the features overlay the commissure posts without deflecting that same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan L. Bennett, Ryan S. Titone
  • Leaflet frame attachment for prosthetic valves
    Patent number: 10959842
    Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward centrally-opening leaflet prosthetic valves having a frame and a leaflet construct. Leaflet frame attachments for prosthetic valves include the leaflet construct being at least partially coupled to a frame outer side by a looped structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Arcaro, Stephen M. Probert, Dustin V. Dienno, Cody L. Hartman
  • Devices and methods related to deposited support structures
    Patent number: 10959715
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes medical devices comprising a bio-corrodible stent member and a graft member. The bio-corrodible stent member can comprise a metal applied directly to the graft member via a vapor deposition process, such as a chemical or physical vapor deposition process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward H. Cully, Sherif A. Eskaros
  • Valve assembly for medical procedures
    Patent number: 10960198
    Abstract: The invention relates to a valve used in medical procedures. More specifically the invention relates to an introducer sheath valve used in minimally invasive and conventional surgical procedures. The valve may accommodate a wide range of surgical implement diameters, shapes, and multiple implements without imposing the high frictional forces of known valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Arcaro, James L. Goepfrich, William Wilkie
  • Prosthetic valve with improved washout
    Patent number: 10952842
    Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward prosthetic valves having a support structure and at least one leaflet. The leaflet comprises means for allowing fluid that is behind the leaflet to pass through to the front of the leaflet when the leaflet is not in the closed position. The prosthetic valve includes a leaflet moveable between an open position that permits antegrade flow through the prosthetic valve and a closed position that prevents regurgitant flow through the prosthetic valve, the leaflet having an aperture or gap, or a separation of portions of the leaflet to allow a flow or exchange of fluid between a front and back of the leaflet, when the leaflet is not in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle W Colavito, Dustin V Dienno, Logan R Hagaman, Cody L Hartman, Sudeep Sastry
  • Catalytic efficiency of flue gas filtration
    Patent number: 10940471
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method of regenerating at least one filter medium comprising: providing at least one filter medium, wherein the at least one filter medium comprises: at least one catalyst material; and ammonium bisulfate (ABS) deposits, ammonium sulfate (AS) deposits, or any combination thereof; flowing a flue gas stream transverse to a cross-section of a filter medium, such that the flue gas stream passes through the cross section of the at least one filter medium, wherein the flue gas stream comprises: NOx compounds comprising: Nitric Oxide (NO), and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2); and increasing an NOx removal efficiency of the at least one filter medium after removal of deposits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhuonan Song, Stephen Stark
  • Acoustic protective cover including a curable support layer
    Patent number: 10945061
    Abstract: A protective cover assembly is disclosed that includes a membrane and a layered assembly bonded to the membrane. The membrane is positioned in an acoustic pathway and has a first side and a second side, the first side facing toward an acoustic cavity and the second side of the membrane facing toward an opening of the acoustic pathway. The layered assembly includes at least one curable support layer bonded to a side of the membrane formed of a polymer adhesive and defining at least a portion of a wall for the acoustic pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew J. Holliday
  • Insulating structures
    Patent number: 10940669
    Abstract: Described herein are insulating structures that include at least one microporous layer including a plurality of pores, a porous layer adjacent to the microporous layer, and a monolithic aerogel structure extending through the plurality of pores of the microporous layer and through at least part of the porous layer. The microporous layer filters aerogel dust from cracked or damaged aerogel within the scaffold, slowing or preventing loss of dust from the insulating structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignees: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., Aspen Aerogels, Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie Rikleen, Michael Magyar, Eric O'Bryan, David Mihalcik, Owen Evans, Nicholas Zafiropoulos, George Gould
  • Catheter assembly
    Patent number: 10933225
    Abstract: Novel catheter constructions comprising thin covering or wrapping materials such as polymer films. A catheter provided with a guidewire catheter lumen having a thin covering that is easily punctured by a guidewire at virtually any desired point along the catheter length. The thin covering may be integral with the catheter shaft, or may be a separate component that covers only the portion of the catheter shaft immediately adjacent the outer portion of the guidewire lumen, or may be a thin tubular construct that surrounds the entire catheter shaft. Moreover, polymer film can be used in combination with one or more elements to produce novel catheter constructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Carey V. Campbell, Edward H. Cully, Sherif Eskaros, George N. Foutrakis, James William Mann, Peter J. Roeber, Benjamin M. Trapp, Michael J. Vonesh
  • Endoluminal device retrieval devices and related systems and methods
    Patent number: 10932930
    Abstract: A retrieval device includes an elongate element having a collapsible retriever at its distal end, wherein the collapsible retriever can be axially delivered over or through an introducer to the site of an object to be retrieved, e.g., a failed endoluminal device. When the retrieval device reaches the failed endoluminal device, the endoluminal device and the retrieval device are withdrawn together through the introducer. The introducer is configured to force the retrieval device down over the endoluminal device reducing the french size of the spent endoluminal device upon extraction. The collapsible retriever can be configured to side-mount a delivery element, or it can be integrated into a delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Cody L. Bliss, Edward H. Cully, Jeffrey B. Duncan
  • Vascular occlusion and drug delivery devices, systems, and methods
    Patent number: 10926064
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure comprise occlusion and drug delivery devices and methods. One aspect of the disclosure comprises a drug delivery device comprising an inner expansion member and an outer drug delivery component. Another aspect of the disclosure comprises bioabsorbable, lumen-occluding implants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward H. Cully, Jeffrey B. Duncan, Douglas S. Paget, Rachel Radspinner, Edward E. Shaw, Michael J. Vonesh
  • Space-filling device
    Patent number: 10918510
    Abstract: A medical device includes a vessel member, a port that couples a compartment interior of the vessel member to a region exterior of the vessel member, and a tubular member that defines a lumen. A distal end of the tubular member is attached to an internal surface of the vessel member within the compartment so that a portion of the internal surface of the vessel member provides a seal at a distal end of the lumen. The tubular member passes through the port, and the proximal end of the tubular member is configured to remain exterior of the compartment. A delivery of a sufficient amount of a filling material into the lumen of the tubular member causes a length of the tubular member to pass through the port and into the vessel compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward H. Cully, Michael J. Vonesh
  • Increased film tear strength
    Patent number: 10918471
    Abstract: A method of increasing the tensile strength of polymer films is provided. The creation of the load distribution elements in polymer films necessary to achieve this result is described. Application of the present invention to increase suture retention in a surgical polymer film is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Towler
  • Adsorbent breather for enclosure protection
    Patent number: 10905991
    Abstract: An adsorbent breather assembly for filtering contaminants such as particulars and vapor phase contaminants, e.g. volatile organic compounds, for use with electronic devices can include a blocking region adjacent to the adsorbent filter layer to improve filtering performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignees: W. L. Gore & Associates, inc., W. L. Gore & Associates Technologies (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiao Chun Lu, Rajan Gidumal, Xishou Li
  • Self-expanding, balloon expandable stent-grafts
    Patent number: 10905539
    Abstract: A stent-graft having a smaller compacted diameter suitable to allow the stent-graft to be transported through a body conduit to a desired site. The stent-graft is deployed at the desired site by self-expanding to a first larger diameter from the smaller compacted diameter. The stent-graft has at least one flared end when self-expanded to the first larger diameter. The stent graft is further diametrically expandable by the application of force such as the inflation of a catheter balloon within the stent-graft to a still larger, maximum second diameter that is equal to about the maximum diameter of the flared end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry J. Kovach, Raymond W. Uerling