Patents by Inventor Jeffery L. Coffer

Jeffery L. Coffer 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).

  • Patent number: 7442575
    Abstract: A method is shown for manufacturing silicon semiconductor nanowires on graphite cloth conducting substrates. The nanowires are grown on the substrate by first depositing a thin gold film on the graphite cloth using RF sputtering. The substrate structure is then exposed to dilute silane, resulting in a uniform coating of Si nanowires on the cloth. A method is also shown for growing calcified mineral phases on such nanowire surfaces as well as for the incorporation of anti-osteoporotic drugs or anti-bacterial agents onto the surface of the nanowires. Lastly, a method is shown for promoting the growth of bone-forming cells onto the nanowire materials by exposing specially treated nanowires to bone marrow cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Texas Christian University
    Inventor: Jeffery L. Coffer
  • Publication number: 20080081439
    Abstract: A method is shown for manufacturing silicon semiconductor nanowires on graphite cloth conducting substrates. The nanowires are grown on the substrate by first depositing a thin gold film on the graphite cloth using RF sputtering. The substrate structure is then exposed to dilute silane, resulting in a uniform coating of Si nanowires on the cloth. A method is also shown for growing calcified mineral phases on such nanowire surfaces as well as for the incorporation of anti-osteoporotic drugs or anti-bacterial agents onto the surface of the nanowires. Lastly, a method is shown for promoting the growth of bone-forming cells onto the nanowire materials by exposing specially treated nanowires to bone marrow cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffery L. Coffer
  • Patent number: 6569292
    Abstract: A method of forming thin porous layers of calcium phosphate upon a silicon wafer surface using a high voltage spark. The outer layer of calcium phosphate is the inorganic component of bone and is anchored to the underlying substrate of silicon. The silicon is compatible with existing integrated circuit processing methods. The morphology and thickness of the calcium phosphate film can be controlled by the duration of the spark and the distance between the affected surface and the counterelectrode utilized. The resultant porous layer can be impregnated with medicinally useful substances which then can be subsequently released to the surroundings through an electrical actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Texas Christian University
    Inventor: Jeffery L. Coffer
  • Publication number: 20020144888
    Abstract: A method of forming thin porous layers of calcium phosphate upon a silicon wafer surface using a high voltage spark. The outer layer of calcium phosphate is the inorganic component of bone and is anchored to the underlying substrate of silicon. The silicon is compatible with existing integrated circuit processing methods. The morphology and thickness of the calcium phosphate film can be controlled by the duration of the spark and the distance between the affected surface and the counterelectrode utilized. The resultant porous layer can be impregnated with medicinally useful substances which then can be subsequently released to the surroundings through an electrical actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Applicant: Texas Christian University
    Inventor: Jeffery L. Coffer