Patents by Inventor Darrell Reneker
Darrell 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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Patent number: 10537660Abstract: Embodiments relate to amino acid-based poly(ester urea)s with amino acid residues selected L-leucine, L-isoleucine, L-valine or combinations thereof. The amino acid-based poly(ester urea)S may optionally include a second amino acid residue selected from proteinogenic amino acids and non-proteinogenic amino acids. The amino acid-based poly(ester urea)s are particular useful for the preparation of vascular grafts. Due to the biocompatibility of the amino acid-based poly(ester urea)s, vascular grafts prepared from amino acid-based poly(ester urea)s with small internal diameters (i.e. less than 5 mm) may be prepared and inserted into a patient or animal, and provide a substantial decrease in the risk of failure compared to conventional polymers used in vascular grafts.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2014Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRONInventors: Matthew Becker, Darrell Reneker, Yaohua Gao
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Patent number: 9476145Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to flexible ceramic fibers and to methods for making same. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to flexible ceramic fibers that are heat and chemical resistant, and to a method for making same. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to flexible ceramic nanofibers, and to a method for making same. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to electrospun flexible ceramic nanofibers, products that include such fibers, and to methods of making same.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2006Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: The University of AkronInventors: Darrell Reneker, George Chase, Woraphon Kataphinan, Prathyusha Katta
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Publication number: 20160250382Abstract: Embodiments relate to amino acid-based poly(ester urea)s with amino acid residues selected L-leucine, L-isoleucine, L-valine or combinations thereof. The amino acid-based poly(ester urea)S may optionally include a second amino acid residue selected from proteinogenic amino acids and non-proteinogenic amino acids. The amino acid-based poly(ester urea)s are particular useful for the preparation of vascular grafts. Due to the biocompatibility of the amino acid-based poly(ester urea)s, vascular grafts prepared from amino acid-based poly(ester urea)s with small internal diameters (i.e. less than 5 mm) may be prepared and inserted into a patient or animal, and provide a substantial decrease in the risk of failure compared to conventional polymers used in vascular grafts.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2014Publication date: September 1, 2016Applicant: The University of AkronInventors: Matthew Becker, Darrell Reneker, Yaohua Gao
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Publication number: 20160023392Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods for making multi-component microfibers and nanofibers and non-woven fiber mats thereof. In some embodiments, the fibers have diameters ranging from 10 nm or more to 3000 nm or less. In some embodiments, the fibers are made of more than one component and have one or a mix of the following morphologies: core-sheath, side by side, stratified and/or interpenetrating structures. In some embodiments the multi-component fibers are made from two spinnable fluids and in other embodiments the multi-component fibers are made from a single spinnable solution having two different material dissolved within. Unlike certain prior art processes, the present invention does not involve application of an electrical charge to the spinnable fluid to produce the fibers and, as a result, the solvent selection is not limited to those solvents conducive to being electrically charged.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2013Publication date: January 28, 2016Inventors: Sadhan JANA, Rafael BENAVIDES, Darrell RENEKER
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Patent number: 8636493Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a device for measuring characteristics of polymeric fluids (semi-dilute and concentrated polymer solutions and melts) in extremely strong elongational flows. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a device for measuring characteristics of polymeric fluids (semi-dilute and concentrated polymer solutions and melts) in extremely strong elongational flows in spinning jets and/or electrified jets. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for determining the elastic modulus and the relaxation time of a polymeric fluid. Also, the present invention enables one to determine and/or measure the primary parameters needed to describe a viscoelastic material.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2008Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: The University of AkronInventors: Darrell Reneker, Tao Han, Alexander L. Yarin
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Patent number: 8574315Abstract: The present invention relates to structures that contain one or more fiber and/or nanofiber structures where such structures can be formed on a wide variety of structures or surfaces (e.g., asperities, flat surfaces, angled surface, hierarchical structures, etc.). In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for forming one or more fibers, nanofibers or structures made therefrom on a wide variety of structures or surfaces (e.g., asperities, flat surfaces, angled surface, hierarchical structures, etc.). In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for forming one or more fibers, nanofibers or structures made therefrom on a wide variety of structures or surfaces (e.g., asperities, flat surfaces, angled surface, hierarchical structures, etc.) where such fibers and/or structures are designed to sequester, carry and/or encapsulate one or more substances.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2007Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: The University of AkronInventors: Darrell Reneker, Tao Han, Daniel Smith, Camden Ertley, Joseph W. Reneker
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Patent number: 8298563Abstract: The present invention relates to nanofibers that produce therapeutic amounts of nitric oxide after a delay period, which allows time to install or implant the device into a patient. The nitric oxide release is thus localized to the area of the organism where NO dosing is indicated. The delay time is achieved by cospinning the NO-producing fiber with a fiber that tends to sequester the former's NO-producing functional groups. Fibers of the present invention may be incorporated into medical devices such as stents or other implantable medical devices to prevent the formation of adhesions or scarring in the area of the implant.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2005Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: The University of AkronInventors: Darrell Reneker, Daniel J. Smith
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Publication number: 20110274825Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a device for measuring characteristics of polymeric fluids (semi-dilute and concentrated polymer solutions and melts) in extremely strong elongational flows. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a device for measuring characteristics of polymeric fluids (semi-dilute and concentrated polymer solutions and melts) in extremely strong elongational flows in spinning jets and/or electrified jets. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for determining the elastic modulus and the relaxation time of a polymeric fluid. Also, the present invention enables one to determine and/or measure the primary parameters needed to describe a viscoelastic material.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2008Publication date: November 10, 2011Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRONInventors: Darrell Reneker, Tao Han, Alexander L. Yarin
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Patent number: 7723084Abstract: The present invention provides a fibrous protein-immobilization system composition comprising a fiber comprising fiber-forming material, and a protein attached to the fiber-forming material.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2003Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: The University of AkronInventors: Ping Wang, Darrell Reneker, Hongfei Jia, Guangyu Zhu
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Publication number: 20100008994Abstract: The present invention relates to structures that contain one or more fiber and/or nanofiber structures where such structures can be formed on a wide variety of structures or surfaces (e.g., asperities, flat surfaces, angled surface, hierarchical structures, etc.). In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for forming one or more fibers, nanofibers or structures made therefrom on a wide variety of structures or surfaces (e.g., asperities, flat surfaces, angled surface, hierarchical structures, etc.). In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for forming one or more fibers, nanofibers or structures made therefrom on a wide variety of structures or surfaces (e.g., asperities, flat surfaces, angled surface, hierarchical structures, etc.) where such fibers and/or structures are designed to sequester, carry and/or encapsulate one or more substances.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2007Publication date: January 14, 2010Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRONInventors: Darrell Reneker, Tao Han, Daniel Smith, Camden Ertley, Joseph W. Reneker
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Publication number: 20090321997Abstract: A apparatus and process of forming electrospun fibers including the steps of supplying a substantially homogeneous mixture of a solvent and a polymer which can be formed into an electrospun fiber; electrospinning the polymer into a fiber in an enclosed chamber; monitoring the humidity in said chamber; and changing the partial pressure of solvent evaporation to thereby modify the morphology of the thus formed fibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2008Publication date: December 31, 2009Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRONInventors: Darrell RENEKER, Sureeporn TRIPATANASUWAN
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Publication number: 20080286321Abstract: The present invention relates to nanofibers that produce therapeutic amounts of nitric oxide after a delay period, which allows time to install or implant the device into a patient. The nitric oxide release is thus localized to the area of the organism where NO dosing is indicated. The delay time is achieved by cospinning the NO-producing fiber with a fiber that tends to sequester the former's NO-producing functional groups. Fibers of the present invention may be incorporated into medical devices such as stents or other implantable medical devices to prevent the formation of adhesions or scarring in the area of the implant.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2005Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventors: Darrell Reneker, Daniel J. Smith
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Publication number: 20080242178Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to ceramic fibers, which when employed in sheets to provide flexibility and to methods for making same. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to ceramic fibers that are heat and chemical resistant, and to a method for making same. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to ceramic nanofibers and ceramic nanofiber sheets, and to a method for making same. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to electrospun ceramic nanofibers and nanofiber sheets, products that include such fibers, and to methods of making same.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2006Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRONInventors: Darrell Reneker, George Chase, Woraphon Kataphinan, Prathyusha Katta
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Publication number: 20080021545Abstract: The present invention relates to nanofibrous coatings on medical devices such a surgical mesh or stent, wherein the coating is mechanically attached to the device. The principal mechanism for attaching the coating is through causing the fibers to permeate and entangle with the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2005Publication date: January 24, 2008Inventors: Darrell Reneker, Daniel Smith, Woraphon Kataphinan
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Publication number: 20070255206Abstract: An expandable balloon for use in angioplasty procedures comprises a balloon having an outer surface layer, the outer surface layer being made from electrospun nanofibers and incorporating at least one pharmaceutically active substance, such as nitric oxide (NO). The outer surface layer may be formed on a separate flexible tubular member or sock, which is slipped over the balloon. An acidic agent, such as ascorbic acid, may be included in the balloon for enhancing NO release. A method of treating cell disorders in tubular structures of a living being comprises the steps of placing a coated balloon at a treatment site within the tubular structures, expanding the balloon at the treatment site, and releasing the pharmaceutically active substance at the treatment site. Optionally, a stent may be crimped onto the balloon prior to insertion of the balloon and stent into the tubular structures of the living being.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2004Publication date: November 1, 2007Inventors: Darrell Reneker, Daniel Smith, Erik Andersen
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Publication number: 20070207179Abstract: A medical device, such as a guide wire, an embolization device, or a guide shaft for a micro catheter, comprises a solid and/or non-expandable core member made from e.g. metal, such as tantalum, and an outer surface layer, which is formed by electrospun nanofibers. The outer surface layer may incorporate a pharmaceutically active substance, such as a nitric oxide (NO) donor for release in the vascular or neurovascular system of a living being. The NO donor may be incorporated in a polymer, such as a polymeric linear poly(ethylenimine) diazeniumdiolate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2004Publication date: September 6, 2007Inventors: Erik Andersen, Daniel Smith, Darrell Reneker
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Publication number: 20070062855Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for removing water and/or water-based compounds from organic liquids/fluids. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus that utilize fibrous media that contains, is impregnated, or is formed from at least one super absorbent compound, where the fibrous media is formed from nanofibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2006Publication date: March 22, 2007Inventors: George Chase, Darrell Reneker, Daniel Smith
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Patent number: 7163334Abstract: A method of mixing including providing a slurry (26, 126) having a first fiber (14, 114) into a container (20, 120), introducing an agitation fluid (31, 138) into the slurry to cause a mixing motion (38, 138) within the slurry, and delivering a second fiber (16, 116) into the slurry, whereby the mixing motion mixes the first and second fibers to create a fiber mixture.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2001Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: The University of AkronInventors: George Chase, Darrell Reneker, Srihari Rangarajan, Ketan Mehta
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Publication number: 20060280781Abstract: A fibrous assembly is provided for performing site-specific chemistry. In general the present invention provides a fibrous assembly comprising a first fiber that sequesters a first reactive component; and a second fiber that sequesters a second reactive component, wherein at least the first or second fiber releases its reactive component when the fiber is in the presence of a releasing agent, and wherein when the at least first or second fiber releases its reactive component, the first and second reactive components react with each other to form a reaction product Related methods of manufacture and use are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2004Publication date: December 14, 2006Inventors: Darrell Reneker, Daniel Smith
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Patent number: 7147694Abstract: A method for removing a liquid from a gas, comprises passing the gas and the liquid through a network of fibers containing at least one fiber in which a temperature gradient has been induced along at least a portion of the length of the fiber, thereby permitting droplets of the liquid to be captured by the at least one fiber, and wherein the temperature gradient causes migration of the droplets. A method of preventing the fouling of a coalescence filter is also disclosed. The method comprises inducing a temperature gradient along at least a portion of a length of at least one fiber within the filter, wherein the temperature gradient causes migration of liquid droplets captured by the fiber. A coalescence filter medium comprising at least one fiber in which a temperature gradient has been induced along at least a portion of the length of the fiber is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2001Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Inventors: Darrell Reneker, Alexander L. Yarin, Wenxia Liu