Patents by Inventor Darrell H. Reneker
Darrell H. Reneker 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).
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Publication number: 20110028878Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a non-woven fiber assembly comprising one or more fibers wherein each fiber contains: a hydrophilic component; and an elastomeric component, and wherein the non-woven fiber assembly further comprises an adhesive component. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to a non-woven fiber assembly comprising one or more fibers wherein each fiber contains: a hydrophilic component; an elastomeric component; and an adhesive component, wherein the hydrophilic component, the elastomeric component and the adhesive component are all contained within each fiber. Also disclosed is a method of making the afore-mentioned non-woven fiber assemblies. Additionally, a medical dressing made from the non-woven fiber assemblies of the present invention is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRONInventors: Daniel J. SMITH, Darrell H. RENEKER
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Publication number: 20100283189Abstract: The invention relates to a novel method for electrospinning fibers wherein the fiber-spinning solution is infused with gas bubbles which travel through the electrospinning fluid, causing the bubbles to be coated with electrospinning solution. The coated bubbles, in turn, in response to an applied electrical force, generate jets of the electrospinning fluid that travel away from the bubble surface. The invention further relates to the fibers formed by this bubble-jet process and to products made therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2008Publication date: November 11, 2010Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRONInventors: Darrell H. Reneker, George G. Chase, Jackapon Sunthornvarabhas
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Publication number: 20100215790Abstract: The present invention includes embodiments that generally relate to methods and devices for control of electrospinning processes. Some embodiments include constant current electrospinning jets. Other embodiments include pressure control using a system of valves in fluid communication with the electrospinning fluid. Still other embodiments include control of one or more physical parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2006Publication date: August 26, 2010Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRONInventors: Darrell H. Reneker, Tao Han
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Patent number: 7765647Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a non-woven fiber assembly comprising one or more fibers wherein each fiber contains: a hydrophilic component; and an elastomeric component, and wherein the non-woven fiber assembly further comprises an adhesive component. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to a non-woven fiber assembly comprising one or more fibers wherein each fiber contains: a hydrophilic component; an elastomeric component; and an adhesive component, wherein the hydrophilic component, the elastomeric component and the adhesive component are all contained within each fiber. Also disclosed is a method of making the afore-mentioned non-woven fiber assemblies. Additionally, a medical dressing made from the non-woven fiber assemblies of the present invention is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2003Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: The University of AkronInventors: Daniel J. Smith, Darrell H. Reneker
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Publication number: 20100009267Abstract: The present invention generally relates to metal oxide fibers and nanofibers, the processes for making same, and uses thereof. Such metal oxide nanofibers possess the ability to absorb and decompose chemical warfare agents and other toxic chemicals. These nanofibers can be incorporated into protective clothing and devices for breathing or in another example may be used in lithium-ion batteries. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to titania, alumina, and/or magnesia fibers and nanofibers, and to processes for making same. In another instance, alpha-phase aluminum oxide is utilized as one material in nanofibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2007Publication date: January 14, 2010Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRONInventors: George C. Chase, Matthew P. Espe, Edward A. Evans, Rex D. Ramsier, Darrell H. Reneker, Richard W. Tuttle, Jennifer Rapp
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Publication number: 20090324680Abstract: A nanofiber-reinforced composition suited to applying to a wound site in a human body includes a carrier liquid and nanofibers dispersed therein. The viscosity of the composition is such that it is able to be applied through a tube yet adhere proximate the wound site to provide a barrier layer which assists in healing of the wound by spacing it from neighboring organs.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2009Publication date: December 31, 2009Applicant: The University of AkronInventors: Darrell H. RENEKER, Sureeporn TRIPATANASUWAN, Daniel J. SMITH
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Publication number: 20090075354Abstract: The present invention relates generally to nanofiber structures designed to support, entrap, entangle, preserve, and/or retain one or more biological materials. More specifically, the present invention relates to nanofiber matrix structures made from at least two different types of nanofibers that are designed to support, entrap, entangle, preserve, and/or retain one or more biological materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2006Publication date: March 19, 2009Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRONInventors: Darrell H. Reneker, Daniel J. Smith
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Publication number: 20090068461Abstract: A hierarchical structure that has at least one carbon nanotube extending radially from a nanofiber substrate and related methods of use and manufacture.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2004Publication date: March 12, 2009Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRONInventors: Darrell H. Reneker, Haoqing Hou
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Publication number: 20090039565Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use and production of fibers from one or more polymers or polymer composites. In one embodiment, the fibers of the present invention are nanofibers. In another embodiment, the fibers of the present invention are polymer nanofibers that further include at least one active agent or additive contained on, in, or about the polymer nanofibers of the present invention. In still another embodiment, the fibers of the present invention can be used to yield carbon and/or ceramic fibers/nanofibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2006Publication date: February 12, 2009Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRONInventors: Darrell H. Reneker, Daniel Smith
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Publication number: 20090020921Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing hybrid materials of thin polymer films with single, laminated, complete and/or partially embedded nanofibers to obtain products with unique functional properties. In one embodiment, the present invention involves a method that comprises the combination of two process technologies; a thin film solution casting process (tape casting, solvent casting) and an electrospinning process, in order to produce hybrid materials of thin polymer films with single, laminated, completely and/or partially embedded electrospun nanofibers to obtain products with unique functional properties. In another embodiment of the present invention, fibers and/or nanofibers of a chosen material are spun directly on to substrates of polymer solutions and/or monomers solutions, were such solutions are located on a carrier belt that is electrically and/or ionically conductive.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2006Publication date: January 22, 2009Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRONInventors: Mukerrem Cakmak, Darrell H. Reneker, Baris Yalcin
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Publication number: 20080237934Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing fibers made from one or more polymers or polymer composites, and to structures that can be produced from such fibers. In one embodiment, the fibers of the present invention are nanofibers. The present invention also relates to apparatus for producing fibers made from one or more polymers or polymer composites, and methods by which such fibers are made.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2006Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRONInventors: Darrell H. Reneker, George Chase, Oludotun Dosunmu, Woraphon Kataphinan
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Publication number: 20080027531Abstract: The present invention is directed to a medical device, such as a stent, having a coating comprising a release component and an insoluble fibrous component. The release component is capable of being degraded thus leaving a gap between the stent and the insoluble fibrous component. Further, the insoluble fibrous component is capable of being wrapped about the stent, and capable of moving substantially freely about the stent upon degradation of the release component. This capacity enables the insoluble fibrous component to form a reinforced thrombus plug in, for instance, an aneurysm or fistula.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2005Publication date: January 31, 2008Inventors: Darrell H. Reneker, Daniel J. Smith, Woraphon Kataphinan
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Patent number: 6855366Abstract: A novel coating for medical devices provides nitric oxide delivery using nanofibers of linear poly(ethylenimine)diazeniumdiolate. Linear poly(ethylenimine)diazeniumdiolate releases nitric oxide (NO) in a controlled manner to tissues and organs to aid the healing process and to prevent injury to tissues at risk of injury. Electrospun nano-fibers of linear poly(ethylenimine) diazeniumdiolate deliver therapeutic levels of NO to the tissues surrounding a medical device while minimizing the alteration of the properties of the device. A nanofiber coating, because of the small size and large surface area per unit mass of the nanofibers, provides a much larger surface area per unit mass while minimizing changes in other properties of the device.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2003Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: The University of AkronInventors: Daniel J. Smith, Darrell H. Reneker
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Patent number: 6821479Abstract: A method of preserving a biological material includes the steps of providing at least one fiber-forming material, mixing at least one biological material, and optionally, one or more additives, to the at least one fiber-forming material to form a mixture, and forming at least one fiber from the mixture, wherein the resulting fiber has a diameter between 0.3 nanometers and about 25 microns. A biological material preserved by this method is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2001Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: The University of AkronInventors: Daniel J. Smith, Woraphon Kataphinan, Darrell H. Reneker, Sally Dabney
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Publication number: 20040131753Abstract: A novel coating for medical devices provides nitric oxide delivery using nanofibers of linear poly(ethylenimine)diazeniumdiolate. Linear poly(ethylenimine)diazeniumdiolate releases nitric oxide (NO) in a controlled manner to tissues and organs to aid the healing process and to prevent injury to tissues at risk of injury. Electrospun nano-fibers of linear poly(ethylenimine) diazeniumdiolate deliver therapeutic levels of NO to the tissues surrounding a medical device while minimizing the alteration of the properties of the device. A nanofiber coating, because of the small size and large surface area per unit mass of the nanofibers, provides a much larger surface area per unit mass while minimizing changes in other properties of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2003Publication date: July 8, 2004Applicant: The University of AkronInventors: Daniel J. Smith, Darrell H. Reneker
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Patent number: 6753454Abstract: A novel fiber comprising a substantially homogeneous mixture of a hydrophilic polymer and a polymer which is at least weakly hydrophobic is disclosed. The fiber optionally contains a pH adjusting compound. A method of making the fiber comprises electrospinning fibers of the substantially homogeneous polymer solution. A method of treating a wound or other area of a patient requiring protection from contamination comprises electrospinning the substantially homogeneous polymer solution to form a dressing. An apparatus for electrospinning a wound dressing is discosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2000Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: The University of AkronInventors: Daniel J. Smith, Darrell H. Reneker, Albert T. McManus, Heidi L. Schreuder-Gibson, Charlene Mello, Michael S. Sennett
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Patent number: 6737447Abstract: A novel coating for medical devices provides nitric oxide delivery using nanofibers of linear poly(ethylenimine)diazeniumdiolate. Linear poly(ethylenimine)diazeniumdiolate releases nitric oxide (NO) in a controlled manner to tissues and organs to aid the healing process and to prevent injury to tissues at risk of injury. Electrospun nano-fibers of linear poly(ethylenimine) diazeniumdiolate deliver therapeutic levels of NO to the tissues surrounding a medical device while minimizing the alteration of the properties of the device. A nanofiber coating, because of the small size and large surface area per unit mass of the nanofibers, provides a much larger surface area per unit mass while minimizing changes in other properties of the device.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2000Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: The University of AkronInventors: Daniel J. Smith, Darrell H. Reneker
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Patent number: 6695992Abstract: An apparatus for forming a non-woven mat of nanofibers by using a pressurized gas stream includes paralell, spaced apart, first, second, and third members, each having a supply end and an opposing exit end. The second member is located apart from and adjacent to the first member. The exit end of the second member extends beyond the exit end of the first member. The first and second members define a first supply slit. The third member is located apart from and adjacent to the first member on the opposite side of the first member from the second member. The first and third members define a first gas slit, and the exit ends of the first, second and third members define a gas jet space. A method for forming a non-woven mat of nanofibers utilizes this nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: The University of AkronInventor: Darrell H. Reneker
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Publication number: 20030137069Abstract: An apparatus for forming a non-woven mat of nanofibers by using a pressurized gas stream comprises a first member having a supply end defined by one side across the width of said first member and an opposing exit end defined by one side across the width of said first member; a second member having a supply end defined by one side across the width of said second member and an opposing exit end defined by one side across the width of said second member, the second member being located apart from and adjacent to said first member, the length of said second member extending along the length of said first member, said exit end of said second member extending beyond said exit end of said first member, wherein said first and second members define a first supply slit; and a third member having a supply end defined by one side across the width of said third member and an opposing exit end defined by one side across the width of said third member, said third member being located apart from and adjacent to said first meType: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2002Publication date: July 24, 2003Applicant: The University of AkronInventor: Darrell H. Reneker
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Patent number: 6520425Abstract: A nozzle for forming nanofibers by using a pressurized gas stream comprises a center tube, a first supply tube that is positioned concentrically around and apart from the center tube, a middle gas tube positioned concentrically around and apart from the first supply tube, and a second supply rube positioned concentrically around and apart from the middle gas tube. The center tube and first supply tube form a first annular column. The middle gas tube and the first supply tube form a second annular column. The middle gas tube and second supply tube form a third annular column. The tubes are positioned so that first and second gas jet spaces are created between the lower ends of the center tube and first supply tube, and the middle gas tube and second supply tube, respectively. A method for forming nanofibers from a single nozzle is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2001Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: The University of AkronInventor: Darrell H. Reneker