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).

  • Publication number: 20130045523
    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: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Hillary Overholser, Joel C. Higgins, Jason Chavarria, Ned M. Hamman
  • Publication number: 20120172836
    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: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: Biomet, Biologics, LLC.
    Inventors: Joel C. Higgins, James M. McKale, Jennifer E. Woodell-May
  • Patent number: 8163184
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that allows for 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. 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: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Joel C. Higgins, Brandon Miller
  • Publication number: 20120015796
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at various fractions in the apparatus. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second 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. Also selected fractions from the sample can be applied to a patient, either alone or as part of a mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Joel C. Higgins
  • Publication number: 20120010559
    Abstract: Methods for promoting angiogenesis comprising administering platelet-rich plasma to a site and stimulating the site with an electromagnetic field. Platelets include platelet-rich plasma and compositions can further include stem cells such as adipose stromal cells and cells derived from bone marrow aspirate. Methods also comprise isolating platelets from a patient's blood, forming a composition including the platelets, delivering the composition to a site in need of treatment, and electrically stimulating the site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Joel C. Higgins, Bruce Simon, Jennifer E. Woodell-May
  • Patent number: 8062534
    Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at various fractions in the apparatus. 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. Also selected fractions from the sample can be applied to a patient, either alone or as part of a mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Joel C. Higgins, Matthew Swift, Nathan Gordon, Barry F. Hecker
  • Patent number: 8048321
    Abstract: An apparatus that allows for 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. 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 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Joel C. Higgins, Brandon Miller
  • Patent number: 8034014
    Abstract: Methods for promoting angiogenesis comprising administering platelet-rich plasma to a site and stimulating the site with an electromagnetic field. Platelets include platelet-rich plasma and compositions can further include stem cells such as adipose stromal cells and cells derived from bone marrow aspirate. Methods also comprise isolating platelets from a patient's blood, forming a composition including the platelets, delivering the composition to a site in need of treatment, and electrically stimulating the site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Joel C. Higgins, Bruce Simon, Jennifer E. Woodell-May
  • Publication number: 20110192804
    Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at various fractions in the apparatus. 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. Also selected fractions from the sample can be applied to a patient, either alone or as part of a mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew D. Landrigan, Michael D. Leach, Joel C. Higgins
  • Publication number: 20110168193
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that allows for 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. 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: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Leach, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Joel C. Higgins, Brandon Miller
  • Patent number: 7954646
    Abstract: An apparatus that allows for 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. 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 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Joel C. Higgins, Brandon Miller
  • Publication number: 20110077596
    Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at various fractions in the apparatus. 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. Also selected fractions from the sample can be applied to a patient, either alone or as part of a mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Joel C. Higgins, Matthew Swift, Nathan Gordon, Barry F. Hecker
  • Patent number: 7914689
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that allows for 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. 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: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Joel C. Higgins, Michael D. Leach, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Brandon Miller
  • Publication number: 20110056893
    Abstract: An apparatus that allows for 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: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, LLC.
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Joel C. Higgins, Matthew Swift, Nathan Gordon
  • Publication number: 20100324450
    Abstract: An apparatus that allows for 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. 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: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Leach, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Joel C. Higgins, Brandon Miller
  • Publication number: 20100323870
    Abstract: An apparatus that allows for 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. 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: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Joel C. Higgins, Brandon Miller
  • Patent number: 7845499
    Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at various fractions in the apparatus. 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. Also selected fractions from the sample can be applied to a patient, either alone or as part of a mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Joel C. Higgins, Matthew Swift, Nathan Gordon, Barry F. Hecker
  • Patent number: 7832566
    Abstract: An apparatus that allows for 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: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Joel C. Higgins, Matthew Swift, Nathan Gordon
  • Patent number: 7780860
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that allows for 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. 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: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Joel C. Higgins, Michael D. Leach, Jennifer E. Woodell-May, Brandon Miller
  • Publication number: 20090192528
    Abstract: A device for repairing a hernia defect in a patient, the device having a biocompatible mesh material having a treated surface and a tissue composition coated on at least a portion of the treated surface, where the tissue composition originates from the patient. A method of preparing a surgical mesh for repairing a hernia defect, comprises placing a tissue specimen into a container, centrifuging the container to separate the specimen into at least two fractions, then drawing a selected fraction from the container, treating a surface of a biocompatible mesh and coating the surface-treated biocompatible mesh with the selected fraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel C. Higgins, Matthew Swift