Patents by Inventor David Demarest
David Demarest 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: 8821658Abstract: A method of thermal forming of refractory alloy suture needles is disclosed. Needle blanks made from refractory alloys are used to form surgical needles, which are heated to a temperature above the ductile to brittle transition temperature but below the recrystallization temperature of the refractory alloy. The heated needle blanks are then mechanically formed into a surgical needle.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2012Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Frank R. Cichocki, Thomas Nering, David Demarest
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Patent number: 8366845Abstract: An apparatus for thermally treating a plurality of curved suture needles. The apparatus includes a conveyer for transferring the plurality of curved suture needles from a source of curved suture needles to a receiver, a housing positioned adjacent the conveyer, the housing having a first end, a second end, and an opening running from the first end to the second end, the opening aligned with the conveyer to enable the plurality of curved suture needles to pass therethrough, and a heat source located within the housing for heating the plurality of curved suture needles as the plurality of curved suture needles are transferred by the conveyer from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing. Also provided is a process for thermally treating a plurality of curved suture needles to enhance the stiffness and yield moment of the curved suture needles. The curved suture needles so treated have a desirable combination of stiffness, strength and ductility.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2011Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Frank Richard Cichocki, Jr., David DeMarest, Gregory Hollin, Eugene D. Reynolds
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Patent number: 8241441Abstract: An apparatus for thermally treating and coloring a plurality of curved suture needles. The apparatus includes a conveyer for transferring the plurality of curved suture needles from a source of curved suture needles to a receiver, a housing positioned adjacent the conveyer, the housing having a first end, a second end, and an opening running from the first end to the second end, the opening aligned with the conveyer to enable the plurality of curved suture needles to pass therethrough, a heat source located within the housing for heating the plurality of curved suture needles as the plurality of curved suture needles are transferred by the conveyer from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing and a system for providing a gas mixture containing a fractional concentration of oxygen to oxidize and colorize the surfaces of the plurality of curved suture needles as the plurality of suture needles pass through the housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Frank Richard Cichocki, Jr., David Demarest, Gregory Hollin, Eugene D. Reynolds
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Publication number: 20120192608Abstract: A method of thermal forming of refractory alloy suture needles is disclosed. Needle blanks made from refractory alloys are used to form surgical needles, which are heated to a temperature above the ductile to brittle transition temperature but below the recrystallization temperature of the refractory alloy. The heated needle blanks are then mechanically formed into a surgical needle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Inventors: Frank R. Cichocki, Thomas Nering, David Demarest
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Publication number: 20110290385Abstract: An apparatus for thermally treating a plurality of curved suture needles. The apparatus includes a conveyer for transferring the plurality of curved suture needles from a source of curved suture needles to a receiver, a housing positioned adjacent the conveyer, the housing having a first end, a second end, and an opening running from the first end to the second end, the opening aligned with the conveyer to enable the plurality of curved suture needles to pass therethrough, and a heat source located within the housing for heating the plurality of curved suture needles as the plurality of curved suture needles are transferred by the conveyer from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing. Also provided is a process for thermally treating a plurality of curved suture needles to enhance the stiffness and yield moment of the curved suture needles. The curved suture needles so treated have a desirable combination of stiffness, strength and ductility.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: ETHICON, INC.Inventors: Frank Richard CICHOCKI, JR., David DEMAREST, Gregory HOLLIN, Eugene D. REYNOLDS
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Patent number: 8062437Abstract: A method of thermal forming of refractory alloy suture needles is disclosed. Needle blanks made from refractory alloys are used to form surgical needles, which are heated to a temperature above the ductile to brittle transition temperature but below the recrystallization temperature of the refractory alloy. The heated needle blanks are then mechanically formed into a surgical needle. A Fixture and an apparatus for forming refractory alloy surgical needles using this method are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2007Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Frank R. Cichocki, Thomas Nering, David Demarest
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Patent number: 8021598Abstract: An apparatus for thermally treating a plurality of curved suture needles. The apparatus includes a conveyer for transferring the plurality of curved suture needles from a source of curved suture needles to a receiver, a housing positioned adjacent the conveyer, the housing having a first end, a second end, and an opening running from the first end to the second end, the opening aligned with the conveyer to enable the plurality of curved suture needles to pass therethrough, and a heat source located within the housing for heating the plurality of curved suture needles as the plurality of curved suture needles are transferred by the conveyer from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing. Also provided is a process for thermally treating a plurality of curved suture needles to enhance the stiffness and yield moment of the curved suture needles. The curved suture needles so treated have a desirable combination of stiffness, strength and ductility.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2007Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Frank Richard Cichocki, Jr., David Demarest, Gregory Hollin, Eugene D. Reynolds
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Publication number: 20110108165Abstract: An apparatus for thermally treating and coloring a plurality of curved suture needles. The apparatus includes a conveyer for transferring the plurality of curved suture needles from a source of curved suture needles to a receiver, a housing positioned adjacent the conveyer, the housing having a first end, a second end, and an opening running from the first end to the second end, the opening aligned with the conveyer to enable the plurality of curved suture needles to pass therethrough, a heat source located within the housing for heating the plurality of curved suture needles as the plurality of curved suture needles are transferred by the conveyer from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing and a system for providing a gas mixture containing a fractional concentration of oxygen to oxidize and colorize the surfaces of the plurality of curved suture needles as the plurality of suture needles pass through the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2011Publication date: May 12, 2011Inventors: Frank Richard Cichocki, JR., David Demarest, Gregory Hollin, Eugene D. Reynolds
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Patent number: 7887746Abstract: An apparatus for thermally treating and coloring a plurality of curved suture needles. The apparatus includes a conveyer for transferring the plurality of curved suture needles from a source of curved suture needles to a receiver, a housing positioned adjacent the conveyer, the housing having a first end, a second end, and an opening running from the first end to the second end, the opening aligned with the conveyer to enable the plurality of curved suture needles to pass therethrough, a heat source located within the housing for heating the plurality of curved suture needles as the plurality of curved suture needles are transferred by the conveyer from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing and a system for providing a gas mixture containing a fractional concentration of oxygen to oxidize and colorize the surfaces of the plurality of curved suture needles as the plurality of suture needles pass through the housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2007Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Frank Richard Cichocki, Jr., David Demarest, Gregory Hollin, Eugene D. Reynolds
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Patent number: 7671297Abstract: A method and apparatus for laser drilling a vibrating workpiece. A laser is mounted to a stationary frame. A separate machine having a separate machine frame has a spherical lens mounted to the top of the machine frame in proximity to a workpiece engaged by the machine. The vibrations of the machine caused by operation are transmitted to the lens and workpiece. A laser beam emitted by the laser is transmitted thought the lens and focused on the workpiece. The apparatus and method provides for precisely drilled and located holes or openings in the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: R. Christopher Carney, David Demarest, Reza K. Mozavi, Angel Perez
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Publication number: 20090234385Abstract: A method of thermal forming of refractory alloy suture needles is disclosed. Needle blanks made from refractory alloys are used to form surgical needles, which are heated to a temperature above the ductile to brittle transition temperature but below the recrystallization temperature of the refractory alloy. The heated needle blanks are then mechanically formed into a surgical needle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2009Publication date: September 17, 2009Inventors: Frank R. Cichocki, Thomas Nering, David Demarest
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Publication number: 20090151823Abstract: An apparatus for thermally treating and coloring a plurality of curved suture needles. The apparatus includes a conveyer for transferring the plurality of curved suture needles from a source of curved suture needles to a receiver, a housing positioned adjacent the conveyer, the housing having a first end, a second end, and an opening running from the first end to the second end, the opening aligned with the conveyer to enable the plurality of curved suture needles to pass therethrough, a heat source located within the housing for heating the plurality of curved suture needles as the plurality of curved suture needles are transferred by the conveyer from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing and a system for providing a gas mixture containing a fractional concentration of oxygen to oxidize and colorize the surfaces of the plurality of curved suture needles as the plurality of suture needles pass through the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2007Publication date: June 18, 2009Inventors: Frank R. CICHOCKI, JR., David Demarest, Gregory Hollin, Eugene D. Reynolds
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Publication number: 20090157116Abstract: An apparatus for thermally treating a plurality of curved suture needles. The apparatus includes a conveyer for transferring the plurality of curved suture needles from a source of curved suture needles to a receiver, a housing positioned adjacent the conveyer, the housing having a first end, a second end, and an opening running from the first end to the second end, the opening aligned with the conveyer to enable the plurality of curved suture needles to pass therethrough, and a heat source located within the housing for heating the plurality of curved suture needles as the plurality of curved suture needles are transferred by the conveyer from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing. Also provided is a process for thermally treating a plurality of curved suture needles to enhance the stiffness and yield moment of the curved suture needles. The curved suture needles so treated have a desirable combination of stiffness, strength and ductility.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2007Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: ETHICON, INC.Inventors: Frank Richard Cichocki, JR., David Demarest, Gregory Hollin, Eugene D. Reynolds
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Publication number: 20080295927Abstract: A method of thermal forming of refractory alloy suture needles is disclosed. Needle blanks made from refractory alloys are used to form surgical needles, which are heated to a temperature above the ductile to brittle transition temperature but below the recrystallization temperature of the refractory alloy. The heated needle blanks are then mechanically formed into a surgical needle. A Fixture and an apparatus for forming refractory alloy surgical needles using this method are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2007Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventors: Frank R. Cichocki, Thomas Nering, David Demarest
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Publication number: 20080300552Abstract: A method of thermal forming of refractory alloy suture needles is disclosed. Needle blanks made from refractory alloys are used to form surgical needles, which are heated to a temperature above the ductile to brittle transition temperature but below the recrystallization temperature of the refractory alloy. The heated needle blanks are then mechanically formed into a surgical needle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2007Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventors: Frank R. Cichocki, Thomas Nering, David Demarest
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Publication number: 20050109741Abstract: A method and apparatus for laser drilling a vibrating workpiece. A laser is mounted to a stationary frame. A separate machine having a separate machine frame has a spherical lens mounted to the top of the machine frame in proximity to a workpiece engaged by the machine. The vibrations of the machine caused by operation are transmitted to the lens and workpiece. A laser beam emitted by the laser is transmitted thought the lens and focused on the workpiece.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2003Publication date: May 26, 2005Inventors: R. Carney, David Demarest, Reza Mozavi, Angel Perez
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Publication number: 20050078313Abstract: A system for monitoring production of uniform strands, such as medical sutures, utilizes a measurement head through which the strand passes. The measurement head includes a plurality of light beams illuminating a corresponding number of sensors. The light beams all illuminate the same section of the strand as it travels through the measurement head. Passage of a fault through the light beams produces a fault signal, which is used by the production system to excise and discard the strand section including the fault. Synchronization and summing of the plurality of fault signals increases the sensitivity and accuracy of the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2003Publication date: April 14, 2005Inventors: David Demarest, Michael Prikril, William Smith
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Patent number: 6647803Abstract: A machine, and operating procedures for a machine, for automatically threading, swaging and packaging surgical needles. A first mechanism is used to suture the needles and to pull test the needles to determine if certain maximum and minimum pull test requirements are met. The sutured needles are then transferred to packages on a second mechanism, and that mechanism indexes the packages through a series of stations to complete the packaging of the needles. Various checks are made at the packaging mechanism before that mechanism is operated to index the needle packages; and different items at the station used to pull test the needles, are monitored to determine if they return timely to predetermined positions. Also, check are made at the station at which the needles are transferred to the packages, to be sure that those items are in preferred positions before the packages are moved.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2000Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: David Demarest, Michael G. Hodulik, Timothy P. Lenihan, John F. Blanch
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Patent number: 6314705Abstract: A machine, and operating procedures for a machine, for automatically threading, swaging and packaging surgical needles. A first mechanism is used to suture the needles and to pull test the needles to determine if certain maximum and minimum pull test requirements are met. The sutured needles are then transferred to packages on a second mechanism, and that mechanism indexes the packages through a series of stations to complete the packaging of the needles. Various checks are made at the packaging mechanism before that mechanism is operated to index the needle packages; and different items at the station used to pull test the needles, are monitored to determine if they return timely to predetermined positions. Also, check are made at the station at which the needles are transferred to the packages, to be sure that those items are in preferred positions before the packages are moved.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2000Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: David Demarest, Michael G. Hodulik, Timothy P. Lenihan, John F. Blanch
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Patent number: 6264456Abstract: An apparatus for cutting an indefinite length suture strand to uniform lengths for subsequent threading and swaging to a surgical needle includes a drawing tower having at least one guide member defining a drawing axis parallel thereto. First and second gripping devices are provided to grip the indefinite length suture strand and draw it along the drawing axis; each gripping device mounted for reciprocal movement on at least one guide member. A retractable cutter for cutting the indefinite length suture strand is also provided for cutting the strand at a start position along the drawing axis. The indefinite length suture strand is fed to the drawing axis and drawn a predetermined distance beyond the location of the retractable cutter for positioning within a suture receiving opening formed in the surgical needle, while the second gripping device reciprocates to a start position along the drawing axis.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1995Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Inventors: David Demarest, Timothy Lenihan, William Rattan