Patents by Inventor Eric R. VonGunten

Eric R. VonGunten 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).

  • Method of replacing the nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc
    Patent number: 10369001
    Abstract: An implant configured to completely replace degenerated or damaged nucleus pulposus in an intervertebral disc. The implant comprises a silicone elastomer shell that is implanted into a void within the annulus fibrosus created by at least partial removal of the nucleus pulposus therefrom. A colloidal suspension of platinum cured silicone-based polymer and carbon nanotubes is injected into the elastomer shell. The colloidal suspension is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, particularly infrared or near infrared light, to the point that it hardens. The hardened implant becomes a mechanical replacement for the original nucleus pulposus in the intervertebral disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Inventor: Eric R. VonGunten
  • METHOD OF REPLACING THE NUCLEUS PULPOSUS OF AN INTERVERTEBRAL DISC
    Publication number: 20180036135
    Abstract: An implant configured to completely replace degenerated or damaged nucleus pulposus in an intervertebral disc. The implant comprises a silicone elastomer shell that is implanted into a void within the annulus fibrosus created by at least partial removal of the nucleus pulposus therefrom. A colloidal suspension of platinum cured silicone-based polymer and carbon nanotubes is injected into the elastomer shell. The colloidal suspension is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, particularly infrared or near infrared light, to the point that it hardens. The hardened implant becomes a mechanical replacement for the original nucleus pulposus in the intervertebral disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Eric R. VonGunten
  • Nucleus pulposus spinal implant and method of using the same
    Patent number: 9814593
    Abstract: An implant configured to completely replace degenerated or damaged nucleus pulposus in an intervertebral disc. The implant comprises a silicone elastomer shell that is implanted into a void within the annulus fibrosus created by at least partial removal of the nucleus pulposus therefrom. A colloidal suspension of platinum cured silicone-based polymer and carbon nanotubes is injected into the elastomer shell. The colloidal suspension is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, particularly infrared or near infrared light, to the point that it hardens. The hardened implant becomes a mechanical replacement for the original nucleus pulposus in the intervertebral disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Inventor: Eric R. VonGunten
  • NUCLEUS PULPOSUS SPINAL IMPLANT AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20150305884
    Abstract: An implant configured to completely replace degenerated or damaged nucleus pulposus in an intervertebral disc. The implant comprises a silicone elastomer shell that is implanted into a void within the annulus fibrosus created by at least partial removal of the nucleus pulposus therefrom. A colloidal suspension of platinum cured silicone-based polymer and carbon nanotubes is injected into the elastomer shell. The colloidal suspension is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, particularly infrared or near infrared light, to the point that it hardens. The hardened implant becomes a mechanical replacement for the original nucleus pulposus in the intervertebral disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Inventor: Eric R. VonGunten
  • Nucleus pulposus spinal implant and method of using the same
    Patent number: 9095443
    Abstract: An implant configured to completely replace degenerated or damaged nucleus pulposus in an intervertebral disc. The implant comprises a silicone elastomer shell that is implanted into a void within the annulus fibrosus created by at least partial removal of the nucleus pulposus therefrom. A colloidal suspension of platinum cured silicone-based polymer and carbon nanotubes is injected into the elastomer shell. The colloidal suspension is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, particularly infrared or near infrared light, to the point that it hardens. The hardened implant becomes a mechanical replacement for the original nucleus pulposus in the intervertebral disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Inventor: Eric R. VonGunten
  • NUCLEUS PULPOSUS SPINAL IMPLANT AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20130304212
    Abstract: An implant configured to completely replace degenerated or damaged nucleus pulposus in an intervertebral disc. The implant comprises a silicone elastomer shell that is implanted into a void within the annulus fibrosus created by at least partial removal of the nucleus pulposus therefrom. A colloidal suspension of platinum cured silicone-based polymer and carbon nanotubes is injected into the elastomer shell. The colloidal suspension is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, particularly infrared or near infrared light, to the point that it hardens. The hardened implant becomes a mechanical replacement for the original nucleus pulposus in the intervertebral disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Eric R. VonGunten