Patents by Inventor Clayton F. Gardinier

Clayton F. Gardinier has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8865631
    Abstract: Proppant material for hydraulic fracturing is provided. The particles of the proppant are formed by drip casting. A slurry of finely divided ceramic particles is flowed through nozzles and formed into droplets under the influence of vibration. Uniform sized, smooth surface, spherical green particles are formed. The green particles are dried and sintered to form the proppant. The proppant is used in the process of hydraulic fracturing of wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Carbo Ceramics, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin T. Eldred, Brett A. Wilson, Clayton F. Gardinier, Robert J. Duenckel
  • Patent number: 8603181
    Abstract: An improved composition of titanium sintered titanium carbide is provided. The composition provides an improved degree of strength and toughness and improved compatibility with medical imaging. The composition provides good compatibility with sintered polycrystalline diamond, achieving a good mechanical fit in terms of the combined compressibility and thermal expansion during the sintering process to minimize stress or cracking between the substrate and the diamond layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Dimicron, Inc
    Inventors: Bill J. Pope, Richard H. Dixon, Jeffery K. Taylor, Clayton F. Gardinier, Troy Medford, Dean C. Blackburn, Victorian Carvajal, David P. Harding
  • Publication number: 20130260173
    Abstract: Polycrystalline diamond compacts for use in artificial joints achieve reduced corrosion and improved biocompatibility through the use of solvent metal formulations containing tin and through the control of solvent metal pore size, particularly in inner layers of the compact. Solvent metal formulations containing tin have been discovered which provide sintering ability, part strength, and grind resistance comparable to levels achieved by using CoCrMo solvent metals. It has been discovered that limiting the solvent metal pore size in the diamond layers minimizes or eliminates the occurrence of micro cracks in the solvent metal and significantly reduces the corrosion of the compact as manifested by the release of heavy metal ions from the compact. Polycrystalline diamond compacts which utilize both the solvent metal formulations containing tin and the control of pore sizes achieve significantly reduced corrosion and improved biocompatibility compared to prior art polycrystalline diamond compacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Clayton F. Gardinier, Alfred S. Despres, Troy J. Medford, Tim Bunton
  • Patent number: 8449991
    Abstract: Polycrystalline diamond compacts for use in artificial joints achieve reduced corrosion and improved biocompatibility through the use of solvent metal formulations containing tin and through the control of solvent metal pore size, particularly in inner layers of the compact. Solvent metal formulations containing tin have been discovered which provide sintering ability, part strength, and grind resistance comparable to levels achieved by using CoCrMo solvent metals. It has been discovered that limiting the solvent metal pore size in the diamond layers minimizes or eliminates the occurrence of micro cracks in the solvent metal and significantly reduces the corrosion of the compact as manifested by the release of heavy metal ions from the compact. Polycrystalline diamond compacts which utilize both the solvent metal formulations containing tin and the control of pore sizes achieve significantly reduced corrosion and improved biocompatibility compared to prior art polycrystalline diamond compacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Dimicron, Inc.
    Inventors: Clayton F. Gardinier, Alfred S. Despres, Troy J. Medford, Tim Bunton
  • Publication number: 20130025862
    Abstract: Proppant material for hydraulic fracturing is provided. The particles of the proppant are formed by drip casting. A slurry of finely divided ceramic particles is flowed through nozzles and formed into droplets under the influence of vibration. Uniform sized, smooth surface, spherical green particles are formed. The green particles are dried and sintered to form the proppant. The proppant is used in the process of hydraulic fracturing of wells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: CARBO Ceramics, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin T. Eldred, Brett A. Wilson, Clayton F. Gardinier, Robert J. Duenckel
  • Publication number: 20120231981
    Abstract: Proppant material for hydraulic fracturing is provided. The particles of the proppant are formed by drip casting. A slurry of finely divided ceramic particles is flowed through nozzles and formed into droplets under the influence of vibration. Uniform sized, smooth surface, spherical green particles are formed. The green particles are dried and sintered to form the proppant. The proppant is used in the process of hydraulic fracturing of wells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: CARBO CERAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin T. Eldred, Brett A. Wilson, Clayton F. Gardinier, Robert J. Duenckel
  • Publication number: 20120227968
    Abstract: Proppant material for hydraulic fracturing is provided. The particles of the proppant are formed by drip casting. A slurry of finely divided ceramic particles is flowed through nozzles and formed into droplets under the influence of vibration. Uniform sized, smooth surface, spherical green particles are formed. The green particles are dried and sintered to form the proppant. The proppant is used in the process of hydraulic fracturing of wells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: CARBO CERAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin T. Eldred, Brett A. Wilson, Clayton F. Gardinier, Robert J. Duenckel
  • Patent number: 8016889
    Abstract: Articulating diamond-surfaced spinal implants are disclosed. The implants use sintered polycrystalline articulation surfaces which are attached to spinal endplates and which are implanted to replace damaged spinal joints. The implants provide a long wearing and biocompatible articulation surface. Materials which may be used to make the spinal implants and manufacturing and finishing techniques for making the implants are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Diamicron, Inc
    Inventors: Richard H. Dixon, Clayton F Gardinier, Troy J. Medford, Dean C. Blackburn, Jeffery K. Taylor, Bill J. Pope
  • Publication number: 20100198353
    Abstract: An improved composition of titanium sintered titanium carbide is provided. The composition provides an improved degree of strength and toughness and improved compatibility with medical imaging. The composition provides good compatibility with sintered polycrystalline diamond, achieving a good mechanical fit in terms of the combined compressibility and thermal expansion during the sintering process to minimize stress or cracking between the substrate and the diamond layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Bill J. Pope, Richard H. Dixon, Jeffery K. Taylor, Clayton F. Gardinier, Troy Medford, Dean C. Blackburn, Victorian Carvajal, David P. Harding
  • Patent number: 7678325
    Abstract: A combination of a metal and Sn may be used as a solvent material for bulk crystallization and sintering of single crystal diamond to form a biocompatible and corrosion-resistant biomedical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Diamicron, Inc.
    Inventor: Clayton F. Gardinier
  • Patent number: 7665898
    Abstract: Diamond bearings and bearing components are disclosed. Some embodiments of the bearings and bearing components include polycrystalline diamond compacts sintered under high pressure and high temperature to create a diamond table chemically and mechanically bonded to a substrate, the diamond table presenting a durable and thermally stable load bearing and articulation surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Diamicron, Inc.
    Inventors: Bill J. Pope, Jeffery K. Taylor, Richard H. Dixon, Clayton F. Gardinier, Louis M. Pope, II, Dean C. Blackburn, Michael A. Vail
  • Publication number: 20100025898
    Abstract: Use of Ti and Nb cemented in TiC in prosthetic joints, such as prosthetic joint components made from sintered superhard materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Bill J. Pope, Richard H. Dixon, Jeffery K. Taylor, Clayton F. Gardinier, Troy Medford, Dean C. Blackburn, Victorian Carvajal
  • Publication number: 20090263643
    Abstract: Polycrystalline diamond compacts for use in artificial joints achieve reduced corrosion and improved biocompatibility through the use of solvent metal formulations containing tin and through the control of solvent metal pore size, particularly in inner layers of the compact. Solvent metal formulations containing tin have been discovered which provide sintering ability, part strength, and grind resistance comparable to levels achieved by using CoCrMo solvent metals. It has been discovered that limiting the solvent metal pore size in the diamond layers minimizes or eliminates the occurance of micro cracks in the solvent metal and significantly reduces the corrosion of the compact as manifested by the release of heavy metal ions from the compact. Polycrystalline diamond compacts which utilize both the solvent metal formulations containing tin and the control of pore sizes achieve significantly reduced corrosion and improved biocompatibility compared to prior art polycrystalline diamond compacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: Clayton F. Gardinier, Alfred S. Despres, Troy J. Medford, Tim Bunton
  • Patent number: 7569176
    Abstract: Use of Ti and Nb cemented in TiC in prosthetic joints, such as prosthetic joint components made from sintered superhard materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Diamicron, Inc.
    Inventors: Bill J. Pope, Richard H. Dixon, Jeffery K. Taylor, Clayton F. Gardinier, Troy Medford, Dean C. Blackburn, Victoriano Carvajal
  • Patent number: 7556763
    Abstract: Carbides as substrates in prosthetic joints, particularly in sintered polycrystalline diamond compacts and sintered cubic boron nitride compacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Diamicron, Inc.
    Inventors: Bill J. Pope, Richard H. Dixon, Jeffery K. Taylor, Clayton F. Gardinier, Troy Medford, Dean C. Blackburn, Victoriano Carbajal
  • Publication number: 20090046967
    Abstract: Diamond bearings and bearing components are disclosed. Some embodiments of the bearings and bearing components include polycrystalline diamond compacts sintered under high pressure and high temperature to create a diamond table chemically and mechanically bonded to a substrate, the diamond table presenting a durable and thermally stable load bearing and articulation surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Bill J. Pope, Jeffery K. Taylor, Richard H. Dixon, Clayton F. Gardinier, Louis M. Pope, II, Dean C. Blackburn, Michael A. Vail
  • Patent number: 7465219
    Abstract: Brut polishing of superhard materials to remove positive asperities by use of pressure and heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Diamicron, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Dixon, Clayton F. Gardinier, Troy Medford, Dean C. Blackburn, Victoriano Carvajal, Mark E. Richards, Art B. Curnow, Peter C. Cook
  • Patent number: 7461978
    Abstract: Diamond bearings and bearing components are disclosed. Some embodiments of the bearings and bearing components include polycrystalline diamond compacts sintered under high pressure and high temperature to create a diamond table chemically and mechanically bonded to a substrate, the diamond table presenting a durable and thermally stable load bearing and articulation surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Diamicron, Inc.
    Inventors: Bill J. Pope, Jeffery K. Taylor, Richard H. Dixon, Clayton F. Gardinier, Louis M. Pope, II, Dean C. Blackburn, Michael A. Vail
  • Publication number: 20080215158
    Abstract: A prosthetic joint in which at least one bearing component is made from solid diamond.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Bill J. Pope, Jeffery K. Taylor, Richard H. Dixon, Clayton F. Gardinier, Louis M. Pope, Dean C. Blackburn, Michael A. Vail, Kenneth M. Jensen
  • Publication number: 20080195220
    Abstract: A prosthetic joint in which at least one bearing component is made from solid diamond.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Bill J. Pope, Jeffery K. Taylor, Richard H. Dixon, Clayton F. Gardinier, Louis M. Pope, Dean C. Blackburn, Michael A. Vail, Kenneth M. Jensen