Patents by Inventor Joel C Higgins

Joel C Higgins 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: 11725031
    Abstract: Methods and compositions generating and using an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra)-rich solution. Methods for generating and isolating interleukin-1 receptor antagonist include incubating a liquid volume of white blood cells and platelets with polyacrylamide beads to produce interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. The interleukin-1 receptor antagonist is isolated from the polyacrylamide beads to obtain the solution rich in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. Methods for treating a site of inflammation in a patient include administering to the site of inflammation the solution rich in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Joel C. Higgins, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Jacy C. Hoeppner
  • Publication number: 20220137048
    Abstract: A method of electronically diagnosing a cause of an inflamed and/or painful joint of a patient using a joint specific biological material, the method including: receiving, data regarding tests performed on the joint specific biological material; determining if osteoarthritis (OA) is the cause of the inflamed and/or painful joint based upon one or more of the tests, wherein the diagnosing is based upon a level of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and a ratio of COMP to interleukin-8 (IL-8) in the joint specific biological material; if the one or more of the tests indicate OA is not the cause of the inflamed joint, determining if inflammatory arthritis, crystalline arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, possible septic arthritis or septic arthritis is the cause of the inflamed joint based upon a further plurality of the tests; and generating a sample results report with result data including diagnosis for use by a clinician.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2022
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventors: Van Thai-Paquette, Krista Toler, Joel C. Higgins, Cheryl Paes
  • Publication number: 20210236544
    Abstract: Methods of inducing a polarization of macrophages. The method includes obtaining a blood fraction, fractionating the blood fraction to produce a blood fraction, and contacting the blood fraction with a source of macrophages. A blood fraction including platelet-poor plasma polarizes the source of macrophages into M1 macrophages. A blood faction including a protein solution polarizes the source of macrophages into M2 macrophages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Inventors: Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Joel C. Higgins, William King
  • Patent number: 10946043
    Abstract: Methods of inducing a polarization of macrophages. The method includes obtaining a blood fraction, fractionating the blood fraction to produce a blood fraction, and contacting the blood fraction with a source of macrophages. A blood fraction including platelet-poor plasma polarizes the source of macrophages into M1 macrophages. A blood faction including a protein solution polarizes the source of macrophages into M2 macrophages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Joel C. Higgins, William King
  • Publication number: 20190352353
    Abstract: Methods and compositions generating and using an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra)-rich solution. Methods for generating and isolating interleukin-1 receptor antagonist include incubating a liquid volume of white blood cells and platelets with polyacrylamide beads to produce interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. The interleukin-1 receptor antagonist is isolated from the polyacrylamide beads to obtain the solution rich in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. Methods for treating a site of inflammation in a patient include administering to the site of inflammation the solution rich in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Joel C. Higgins, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Jacy C. Hoeppner
  • Patent number: 10400017
    Abstract: Methods and compositions generating and using an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra)-rich solution. Methods for generating and isolating interleukin-1 receptor antagonist include incubating a liquid volume of white blood cells and platelets with polyacrylamide beads to produce interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. The interleukin-1 receptor antagonist is isolated from the polyacrylamide beads to obtain the solution rich in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. Methods for treating a site of inflammation in a patient include administering to the site of inflammation the solution rich in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Joel C. Higgins, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Jacy C. Hoeppner
  • Patent number: 10208095
    Abstract: Non-centrifugal methods for generating a solution rich in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist from a tissue comprising cytokine-producing cells. The solution rich in IL-1ra can also include at least one of sTNF-RI, sTNF-RII, IGF-I, EGF, HGF, PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, VEGF, TGF-?1, and sIL-1 RII.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Joel C. Higgins, Krista O'Shaughnessey
  • Patent number: 10183042
    Abstract: An apparatus may allow separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at least three fractions in the apparatus. It also provides for a new method of extracting the buffy coat phase from a whole blood sample and mesenchymal stem cells from bone reaming material. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Joel C. Higgins, Matthew Swift, Nathan Gordon
  • Patent number: 10143725
    Abstract: Methods for treating pain using a protein solution comprising two or more of IL1-ra, sTNF-R1, sTNF-RII, IGF-I, EGF, HGF, PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, VEGF, TGF-?1, and sIL-1RII, Compositions may also contain white blood cells and platelets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Inventors: Krista O'Shaughnessey, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Joel C. Higgins, Michael D. Leach
  • Patent number: 10106587
    Abstract: Methods and compositions generating and using an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra)-rich solution. Methods for generating and isolating interleukin-1 receptor antagonist include incubating a liquid volume of white blood cells and platelets with polyacrylamide beads to produce interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. The interleukin-1 receptor antagonist is isolated from the polyacrylamide beads to obtain the solution rich in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. Methods for treating a site of inflammation in a patient include administering to the site of inflammation the solution rich in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Joel C. Higgins, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Jacy C. Hoeppner
  • Publication number: 20180243376
    Abstract: Methods for making non-immunogenic anti-inflammatory cytokine compositions, comprising (a) obtaining a liquid comprising cytokine producing cells from a mammalian donor; (b) contacting the liquid with a solid extraction material to generate a composition rich in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist; and performing one or both of (i) removing cells from the composition and (ii) freezing the composition. The compositions comprise two or more of IL1-ra, sTNF-R1, sTNF-RII, IGF-I, EGF, HGF, PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, VEGF, TGF-?1, and sIL-1RII. Compositions may also contain white blood cells and platelets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Binder, Joel C. Higgins, Michael D. Leach, Krista Toler, Jennifer E. Woodell-May
  • Patent number: 9950035
    Abstract: Methods for making non-immunogenic anti-inflammatory cytokine compositions, comprising (a) obtaining a liquid comprising cytokine producing cells from a mammalian donor; (b) contacting the liquid with a solid extraction material to generate a composition rich in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist; and performing one or both of (i) removing cells from the composition and (ii) freezing the composition. The compositions comprise two or more of IL1-ra, sTNF-R1, sTNF-RII, IGF-I, EGF, HGF, PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, VEGF, TGF-?1, and sIL-1RII, Compositions may also contain white blood cells and platelets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Binder, Joel C. Higgins, Michael D. Leach, Krista O'Shaughnessey, Jennifer E. Woodell-May
  • Patent number: 9937445
    Abstract: A material separation system and method is disclosed. The system may include a buoy having a volume that includes or houses a reacting component. The buoy may be placed in a container to hold the material to be separated during a separation procedure. The separated material may be used to various procedures following separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: William King, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Joel C. Higgins, Michael D. Leach
  • Publication number: 20180050063
    Abstract: Methods of inducing a polarization of macrophages. The method includes obtaining a blood fraction, fractionating the blood fraction to produce a blood fraction, and contacting the blood fraction with a source of macrophages. A blood fraction including platelet-poor plasma polarizes the source of macrophages into M1 macrophages. A blood faction including a protein solution polarizes the source of macrophages into M2 macrophages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Joel C. Higgins, William King
  • Patent number: 9833474
    Abstract: Methods of inducing a polarization of macrophages. The method includes obtaining a blood fraction, fractionating the blood fraction to produce a blood fraction, and contacting the blood fraction with a source of macrophages. A blood fraction including platelet-poor plasma polarizes the source of macrophages into M1 macrophages. A blood faction including a protein solution polarizes the source of macrophages into M2 macrophages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Biomet Biologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Joel C. Higgins, William King
  • Publication number: 20170334960
    Abstract: Methods and compositions generating and using an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra)-rich solution. Methods for generating and isolating interleukin-1 receptor antagonist include incubating a liquid volume of white blood cells and platelets with polyacrylamide beads to produce interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. The interleukin-1 receptor antagonist is isolated from the polyacrylamide beads to obtain the solution rich in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. Methods for treating a site of inflammation in a patient include administering to the site of inflammation the solution rich in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Joel C. Higgins, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Jacy C. Hoeppner
  • Patent number: 9815038
    Abstract: A clotting serum production device including a main chamber, an inlet housing, and an outlet port. The main chamber is defined by a first end wall, a second end wall opposite to the first end wall, and a side wall extending between the first end wall and the second end wall. The inlet housing extends from the first end wall. The inlet housing includes a first inlet port, a second inlet port, and a first conduit extending between the first inlet port and a second conduit. The second conduit extends between the second inlet port and the main chamber. The inlet housing is configured to provide one-way fluid flow from the first inlet port to the second inlet port and to provide one-way fluid flow from the second inlet port to the main chamber. An outlet port is in fluid communication with the main chamber and provides fluid communication with an exterior of the clotting serum production device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Hillary Overholser, Joel C. Higgins, Jason Chavarria, Ned M. Hamman
  • Patent number: 9808487
    Abstract: Methods for transfusing blood to a mammalian subject. The method includes obtaining a unit of blood, rejuvenating the blood with an enhancement composition, measuring a level of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate in the blood, and delivering the blood to a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Alan Gray, Joel C. Higgins, Matthew D. Landrigan, Grant Cunningham
  • Patent number: 9763875
    Abstract: Treatments and devices for generating and using interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra). An implantable device is loaded with adipose tissue and/or white blood cells and inserted into an inflammation site in a patient to produce interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in vivo. The implantable device has an enclosed or substantially enclosed body that defines an internal space. At least a portion of the body comprises a first bioresorbable material and a second bioresorbable material is within the internal space along with one or more voids. The second bioresorbable material includes an activation surface to activate adipose tissue and/or white blood cells loaded into the device to produce IL-1ra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Joel C. Higgins, James M. McKale, Jennifer E. Woodell-May
  • Patent number: 9758806
    Abstract: Acellular compositions for treating inflammation, comprising two or more of IL1-ra, sTNF-R1, sTNF-RII, IGF-I, EGF, HGF, PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, VEGF, TGF-?1, and sIL-1RII. Components of the acellular compositions may be derived from biologic materials, such as blood clots and urine. Components may also be obtained from cell cultures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Joel C. Higgins, Michael D. Leach, Krista O'Shaughnessey