Patents Examined by Cachet Sellman
  • Pyrolytic carbon implants with porous fixation component and methods of making the same
    Patent number: 9192476
    Abstract: An orthopedic implant including an articulation portion having a pyrolytic carbon bearing surface and a porous bone on- or in-growth structure, and methods of making the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian H. Thomas, Oludele O. Popoola, Joseph R. Vargas, Steven Seelman, Jeffrey P. Anderson
  • High strength suture coated with collagen
    Patent number: 9186432
    Abstract: A high strength surgical suture formed of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) yarns, the suture being coated with native or denatured collagen. The braided jacket surrounds a core formed of twisted yarns of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene. The suture has exceptional strength, is ideally suited for most orthopedic procedures, and can be attached to a suture anchor or a curved needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Arthrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Augustus D. Mazzocca, MaryBeth McCarthy
  • Techniques to improve polyurethane membranes for implantable glucose sensors
    Patent number: 9179869
    Abstract: The invention provides an implantable membrane for regulating the transport of analytes therethrough that includes a matrix including a first polymer; and a second polymer dispersed throughout the matrix, wherein the second polymer forms a network of microdomains which when hydrated are not observable using photomicroscopy at 400× magnification or less. In one aspect, the homogeneous membrane of the present invention has hydrophilic domains dispersed substantially throughout a hydrophobic matrix to provide an optimum balance between oxygen and glucose transport to an electrochemical glucose sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: DexCom, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Tapsak, Rathbun K. Rhodes, Mark C. Shults, Jason D. McClure
  • Method for improving the wear resistance of dyed surgical instruments
    Patent number: 9175378
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving the wear resistance of dyed surgical instruments having a vacuum-resistant material as the main body which, over the course of a vacuum coating step, is coated with a thin layer of titanium, and the coated surface is subjected to anodic oxidation. The method is characterized in that, over the course of the vacuum coating step, prior to coating with the layer of titanium, at least parts of the main body are coated with a layer of hard material which improves the wear protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: OERLIKON SURFACE SOLUTIONS AG, TRUBBACH
    Inventors: Albert Peter Gerhard Janssen, Gabriella Sinicco
  • Pattern transfer method and apparatus
    Patent number: 9176376
    Abstract: A method of performing pattern transfer includes the steps of: applying liquid to a substrate, while performing relative movement of the substrate and a liquid ejection head having a plurality of nozzles, by performing ejection and deposition of a plurality of droplets of the liquid from the nozzles onto the substrate in a state where a shape of each of the droplets upon the deposition is not a single circular shape and each of the droplets does not combine with adjacent another of the droplets on the substrate; and curing the liquid that has been applied to the substrate in the applying step while pressing a pattern forming surface of a stamper having a prescribed projection-recess pattern against the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Mataki
  • Method of manufacturing an offset printing substrate and method of manufacturing a display substrate using the same
    Patent number: 9171872
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing an offset printing substrate and a method of manufacturing a display substrate, the method includes forming a first coating layer on a base substrate on which is formed a first concave pattern having a first width. An intermediate substrate is also formed upon the first coating layer of the base substrate, the intermediate substrate having a pattern corresponding to the first concave pattern. An offset printing substrate is also formed upon the pattern of the intermediate substrate, the offset printing substrate having a second concave pattern is formed to correspond to the pattern of the intermediate substrate, and the second concave pattern has a second width smaller than the first width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyu-Young Kim, Youn-Gu Lee, Dae-Young Lee, Nam-Ok Jung
  • Layered manufacturing utilizing foam as a support and multifunctional material for the creation of parts and for tissue engineering
    Patent number: 9168328
    Abstract: A solid freeform fabrication method of creating a three-dimensional article built at least in part from scaffolding layers, the method includes providing a scaffolding material, providing a supporting material in a shape of a foamy layer, and contacting the scaffolding material with the foamy layer to form at least one scaffolding layer and thereby creating the three dimensional article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Drexel University
    Inventors: Wei Sun, Jae Hyun Nam
  • Method of increasing ink crystallization
    Patent number: 9168776
    Abstract: The present embodiments relate to methods of increasing ink crystallization. In particular, there is provided a method for increasing the ink crystallization rate comprising providing a substrate; applying a first crystalline compound on the substrate to form a first layer; and printing an image using an ink comprises a second crystalline compound dispose on the first layer, wherein nucleation sites are formed between the first crystalline compound and the second crystalline compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Allen Mantell, Paul McConville
  • Porous surface layers with increased surface roughness and implants incorporating the same
    Patent number: 9168142
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing tissue-interfacing surface layers with increased roughness can be attained by providing a metallic powder to a machined or previously machined tissue-interfacing surface of a porous foam structure. The metallic powder can have sizes and characteristics such that the porous structure can have an increased roughness at the tissue-interfacing machined surface while inhibiting the occlusion of the open pores in the porous metallic foam structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Carie Fincher Alley, Laura J. Gilmour
  • Substance with an antimicrobial effect
    Patent number: 9162013
    Abstract: A method reducing microbial growth uses an inorganic substance consisting of MoO2 and/or MoO3 which causes the formation of hydrogen cations when in contact with an aqueous medium to achieve an antimicrobial effect. The substance is present as a layer or a component of a layer, and is present in combination with one or more materials as a composite material. The composite material has a polymer matrix, and the substance is incorporated at 3 to 50% by weight into the composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: PLANSEE SE
    Inventors: Joseph Peter Guggenbichler, Nico Eberhardt, Hans-Peter Martinz, Heiko Wildner
  • Methods, apparatus, and systems for controlling an initial line width of radiation curable gel ink
    Patent number: 9150032
    Abstract: A radiation curable ink initial line width control system includes a print head that deposits radiation curable ink to form as-deposited ink lines on a substrate. A substrate heating system heats the substrate to heat the ink and spread the ink to increase a line width of the ink. The line width of the ink is increased before the ink is contact-leveled at a contact-leveling nip. The substrate is heated to a temperature that minimizes or avoids showthrough and/or coalescence in a printed image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Bryan J. Roof, Anthony S. Condello, Edward B. Caruthers
  • Activated gaseous species for improved lubrication
    Patent number: 9133412
    Abstract: The present application is directed to methods and devices for altering material properties of lubricants and other cross-linkable compounds comprising organic or organometallic materials through exposure to energized gaseous species. The energized gaseous species may create reactive sites among lubricant molecules that may alter their material properties by cross-linking at least a portion of the lubricant molecules. The cross-linked lubricant may reduce the ability of the lubricant to migrate away when force is applied between lubricated sliding friction surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: TriboFilm Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Jackson Thornton, Vinay G. Sakhrani, Charles Tomasino, Robert A. Mineo
  • Insulation pattern-forming method and insulation pattern-forming material
    Patent number: 9126231
    Abstract: An insulation pattern-forming method includes forming an organic pattern on a substrate. A space defined by the organic pattern is filled with an insulating material. The organic pattern is removed to obtain an inverted pattern formed of the insulating material. The inverted pattern is cured. An insulation pattern-forming method includes forming a first organic pattern on the substrate. A space defined by the first organic pattern is filled with an insulating material. An upper surface of the first organic pattern is exposed. A second organic pattern that comes in contact with the upper surface of the first organic pattern is formed. A space defined by the second organic pattern is filled with the insulating material. The first organic pattern and the second organic pattern are removed to obtain an inverted pattern formed of the insulating material. The inverted pattern is cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: JSR Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Dei, Hayato Namai, Kyoyu Yasuda, Koichi Hasegawa
  • Apparatus and methods for impinging fluids on substrates
    Patent number: 9126224
    Abstract: Herein are disclosed apparatus and methods for impinging fluids, e.g. heated fluids, onto the surface of moving substrates and then locally removing the impinged fluid. The apparatus may comprise at least first and second fluid delivery outlets that are in diverging relation to each other. A long axis of the first fluid delivery outlet may be oriented obliquely to the path of the first moving substrate, and a long axis of the second fluid delivery outlet may be oriented obliquely to the path of the second moving substrate. The apparatus may comprise at least first and second fluid capture inlets that are locally positioned relative to the first and second fluid delivery outlets, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kristopher K. Biegler, Michael R. Gorman
  • Method of manufacturing a functionalized implant, and functionalized implant
    Patent number: 9119687
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a functionalized implant, in particular a dental implant, is provided, including first providing a substrate for the implant and applying a highly porous, hydrophilic coating which contains at least one of the following materials for functionalization: zirconium or titanium or zirconium alloy or titanium alloy, zirconium oxide or titanium oxide, calcium phosphate, calcium titanate or calcium zirconate. Further provision is made for a functionalized implant, in particular a dental implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: DOT GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Georg Neumann, Ulrich Lembke
  • Liquid discharge head manufacturing method
    Patent number: 9114617
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a liquid discharge head having a flow path communicating with a discharge port for discharging liquid includes in the following order: preparing a substrate with an evenly provided first layer as a flat layer; forming, of the first layer, a pattern of the flow path for forming the flow path, and a member (A) provided outside the pattern via a gap; providing a second layer so as to fill the gap and to cover the pattern and the member (A); forming, of the second layer, a member (B) for forming the discharge port on the pattern; and removing the member (A), providing, at least on the substrate, a third layer so as to hold it in intimate contact with the member (B), and removing the pattern to form the flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tamaki Sato, Masafumi Morisue, Hirono Yoneyama
  • Intraocular shunt manufacture
    Patent number: 9113994
    Abstract: An intraocular shunt can be manufactured using a system that includes a liquid bath and a wire, which is moved through the bath. When moved through the bath, the wire is coated with a material, such as gelatin. For example, the liquid bath can have a top layer, including water, and a bottom layer, including gelatin. The coated wire passes through an aperture formed in a plate component of the system. The gelatin can be dried on the wire in a humidity-controlled space, thereby forming the shunt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: AqueSys, Inc.
    Inventors: Laszlo O. Romoda, Brian Hamstrom, Partha Chandrakant, Christopher Horvath
  • Method for depositing a layer on the surface of a substrate
    Patent number: 9108219
    Abstract: A process for depositing a layer on at least part of the surface of a substrate by at least partially submerging the substrate in a solution having a solvent and at least one compound intended to form the layer, then drying the substrate, the drying being at least partially carried out in an atmosphere that is isolated from the solution. The submersion in the solution and the drying of the substrate are carried out in the same controlled-atmosphere enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignees: UNIVERSITE PIERRE ET MARIE CURIE (PARIS 6), CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE, SCIENTIFIQUE, UNIVERSITE PARIS-SUD 11
    Inventors: David Grosso, Cédric Boissiere, Clément Sanchez, Pierre Antoine Albouy
  • Tensioning process for coating balloon
    Patent number: 9101741
    Abstract: Method of coating an expandable member includes providing an expandable member having a proximal and a distal end with a guidewire lumen extending therebetween, the expandable member having a deflated and fully expanded configurations, and inflating the expandable member to an initial inflation pressure; positioning a mandrel within the guidewire lumen; tensioning the mandrel to straighten the guidewire lumen within the expandable member; and disposing a therapeutic agent on at least a portion of the expandable member. Method further includes partially deflating the expandable member to an intermediate pressure, and drying the therapeutic agent on the expandable member, and, if a folded expandable member is used, at least partially refolding the expandable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: ABBOTT LABORATORIES
    Inventors: Binh T. Nguyen, Benjamyn Serna
  • Artificial eyes and manufacture thereof
    Patent number: 9101464
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an artificial eye for fitting as a whole or partial replacement of a patient's original eye is provided. The method includes providing a digitally acquired image of an iris and transferring the image to a substrate comprising at least the frontal region of an artificial eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: The Manchester Metropolitan University
    Inventors: Lewis Green, Thomas George Fripp, Lesley Elizabeth Gill