Patents by Inventor Edward M. Willis

Edward M. Willis 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).

  • Publication number: 20230235456
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a chemical vapor infiltration process is disclosed. The apparatus can optionally include any one or combination of a first reaction chamber, a mixing chamber and a second reaction chamber. The mixing chamber can have at least a first inlet, a second inlet and an outlet. The first inlet can be in fluid communication with the first reaction chamber and receive a second precursor gas. The second inlet can be in fluid communication to receive a third precursor gas. The second precursor gas and the third precursor gas can mix within the mixing chamber before passing to the outlet and into the second reaction chamber. The second reaction chamber can contain a substrate that can receive a film deposition from reaction of the second precursor gas and the third precursor gas within the second reaction chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Akshay Vinayak Dhamankar, Sheng Ma, Edward M. Willis
  • Publication number: 20210402351
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a system for processing waste from a chemical vapor deposition process. The system can include an inlet configured to be connected to one or more chemical vapor deposition systems, the inlet configured for receiving an effluent comprising one or more waste gases, a vacuum component in fluid communication with the inlet, the vacuum component configured for maintaining a vacuum of about 0.5 Torr to about 3.5 Torr and actuatable for removing the one or more waste gases from the one or more chemical vapor deposition systems, and a fluid line fluidly connecting the inlet to the vacuum component; and a controller in communication with the vacuum component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Inventors: Edward M. Willis, William MacDonald, Sheng Ma, Ashley Lutero Abanilla, Mrugesh Shroff, Delroy F. Green
  • Publication number: 20190328533
    Abstract: A patient-specific porous metal prosthesis and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The orthopaedic prosthesis may be metallic to provide adequate strength and stability. Also, the orthopaedic prosthesis may be porous to promote bone ingrowth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Inventors: Jia Li, Scott V. Cron, Jeffrey Bassett, Edward M. Willis
  • Patent number: 10350074
    Abstract: A patient-specific porous metal prosthesis and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The orthopedic prosthesis may be metallic to provide adequate strength and stability. Also, the orthopedic prosthesis may be porous to promote bone ingrowth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Jia Li, Scott V. Cron, Jeffrey Bassett, Edward M. Willis
  • Patent number: 10045837
    Abstract: A dental augment system includes a porous metal augment, a solid metal insert, and a dental implant. The porous metal augment is sized for use in mandibular or maxillar bone. The porous metal material of the augment facilitates and promotes ingrowth of the surrounding bone into the porous metal structure, thereby rebuilding a suitable foundation for affixation of dental implants. The solid metal insert can be configured to be received within an insert bore of the porous metal augment and a dental implant can be received within and theradably engaged with a threaded bore of the solid metal insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward M. Willis, Scott V. Cron, Ryan Hollenbeck
  • Publication number: 20170224494
    Abstract: A patient-specific porous metal prosthesis and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The orthopaedic prosthesis may be metallic to provide adequate strength and stability. Also, the orthopaedic prosthesis may be porous to promote bone ingrowth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventors: Jia Li, Scott V. Cron, Jeffrey Bassett, Edward M. Willis
  • Patent number: 9662214
    Abstract: A patient-specific porous metal prosthesis and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The orthopedic prosthesis may be metallic to provide adequate strength and stability. Also, the orthopedic prosthesis may be porous to promote bone ingrowth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Jia Li, Scott V. Cron, Jeffrey Bassett, Edward M Willis
  • Patent number: 9554877
    Abstract: A regenerative device can include a first side section, a second side section, and a top section extending between and connecting the first side section and the second side section. The top section and the first and second side sections can each be formed from a porous material that retains its structure after implantation in the patient. The regenerative device can be used for ridge augmentation of a maxilla or a mandible. The top section can include an opening configured for receiving an implant. The porous material can be permanently implanted in the mouth and promote bone regeneration or ridge augmentation. One or both of the first and second side sections of the device can include one or more openings or apertures for receiving a fastener to secure the device to the alveolar ridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Bassett, Leonard Conner, Edward M. Willis, Ken Varner, Michael Scott Collins
  • Patent number: 9205171
    Abstract: Systems and methods for hydrogen out gas of a porous metal scaffold are disclosed. A method can comprise heating a porous metal scaffold for a period of time sufficient to remove at least a portion of a hydrogen concentration from the scaffold, subjecting the porous metal scaffold to a vacuum while heating it, flowing an inert gas through or around the porous metal scaffold while heating it, and enhancing a mechanical property of the porous metal scaffold. Heating of the porous metal scaffold can include maintaining a temperature of the scaffold between 1035° C. and 1065° C., inclusive. A system can comprise a reaction chamber, a heater, a gas feed, and a vacuum apparatus. The heater can be configured to heat the reaction chamber and the porous metal scaffold, while the gas feed and the vacuum apparatus respectively flow inert gas and subject the porous metal scaffold to a vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward M. Willis, Mae Abiog, Joseph R. Vargas
  • Publication number: 20150132719
    Abstract: A porous metal augment is sized for use in mandibular or maxillar bone. The porous metal material of the augment facilitates and promotes ingrowth of the surrounding bone into the porous metal structure, thereby rebuilding a suitable foundation for affixation of dental implants. A non-porous core or insert can be embedded within the porous metal body of the augment, and can be made of a material suitable for firm threaded fixation of dental implants thereto. For example, the metal core can be formed of a titanium structure that has sufficient strength and resiliency to form a firm and long lasting threaded connection with a threaded stem of a dental implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Edward M. Willis, Scott V. Cron, Ryan Hollenbeck
  • Patent number: 8939764
    Abstract: A porous metal augment is sized for use in mandibular or maxillar bone. The porous metal material of the augment facilitates and promotes ingrowth of the surrounding bone into the porous metal structure, thereby rebuilding a suitable foundation for affixation of dental implants. A non-porous core or insert can be embedded within the porous metal body of the augment, and can be made of a material suitable for firm threaded fixation of dental implants thereto. For example, the metal core can be formed of a titanium structure that has sufficient strength and resiliency to form a firm and long lasting threaded connection with a threaded stem of a dental implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward M. Willis, Scott V. Cron, Ryan Hollenbeck
  • Publication number: 20140099601
    Abstract: A regenerative device can include a first side section, a second side section, and a top section extending between and connecting the first side section and the second side section. The top section and the first and second side sections can each be formed from a porous material that retains its structure after implantation in the patient. The regenerative device can be used for ridge augmentation of a maxilla or a mandible. The top section can include an opening configured for receiving an implant. The porous material can be permanently implanted in the mouth and promote bone regeneration or ridge augmentation. One or both of the first and second side sections of the device can include one or more openings or apertures for receiving a fastener to secure the device to the alveolar ridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Zimmer Trabecular Metal Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Bassett, Len Conner, Edward M. Willis, Ken Varner, Michael Scott Collins, Liis Underwood
  • Publication number: 20140038132
    Abstract: A regenerative device can include a first side section, a second side section, and a top section extending between and connecting the first side section and the second side section. The top section and the first and second side sections can each be formed from a porous material that retains its structure after implantation in the patient. The regenerative device can be used for ridge augmentation of a maxilla or a mandible. The top section can include an opening configured for receiving an implant. The porous material can be permanently implanted in the mouth and promote bone regeneration or ridge augmentation. The first and second side sections of the device can include openings for receiving a fastener to secure the device to the alveolar ridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Zimmer Trabecular Metal Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward M. Willis, Ken Varner, Michael Scott Collins, Liis Underwood
  • Publication number: 20140027027
    Abstract: Systems and methods for hydrogen out gas of a porous metal scaffold are disclosed. A method can comprise heating a porous metal scaffold for a period of time sufficient to remove at least a portion of a hydrogen concentration from the scaffold, subjecting the porous metal scaffold to a vacuum while heating it, flowing an inert gas through or around the porous metal scaffold while heating it, and enhancing a mechanical property of the porous metal scaffold. Heating of the porous metal scaffold can include maintaining a temperature of the scaffold between 1035° C. and 1065° C., inclusive. A system can comprise a reaction chamber, a heater, a gas feed, and a vacuum apparatus. The heater can be configured to heat the reaction chamber and the porous metal scaffold, while the gas feed and the vacuum apparatus respectively flow inert gas and subject the porous metal scaffold to a vacuum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventors: Edward M. Willis, Mae Abiog, Joseph R. Vargas
  • Publication number: 20140023992
    Abstract: A porous metal augment is sized for use in mandibular or maxillar bone. The porous metal material of the augment facilitates and promotes ingrowth of the surrounding bone into the porous metal structure, thereby rebuilding a suitable foundation for affixation of dental implants. A non-porous core or insert can be embedded within the porous metal body of the augment, and can be made of a material suitable for firm threaded fixation of dental implants thereto. For example, the metal core can be formed of a titanium structure that has sufficient strength and resiliency to form a firm and long lasting threaded connection with a threaded stem of a dental implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Edward M. Willis, Scott V. Cron, Ryan Hollenbeck
  • Publication number: 20120310364
    Abstract: A patient-specific porous metal prosthesis and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The orthopaedic prosthesis may be metallic to provide adequate strength and stability. Also, the orthopaedic prosthesis may be porous to promote bone ingrowth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventors: Jia Li, Scott V. Cron, Jeffrey Bassett, Edward M. Willis