Patents by Inventor Michael D Leach

Michael D Leach 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
  • Patent number: 8337711
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system to separate, enrich, and/or purify a cellular population from a biological tissue, such as a tissue sample. For example, an adipose tissue sample can be acquired and disrupted. The disrupted tissue sample can then be separated and purified. The separated components can include multipotent, pluripotent, or other cell populations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Randel Dorian, Michael D. Leach, Richard W. Storrs, Jason Chavarria
  • Patent number: 8328024
    Abstract: A separator that uses centrifugation to fractionate a suspension such as blood comprises a separation container and a buoy. The buoy is carried in the separation container and has a tuned density that is configured to reach an equilibrium position in a suspension. The guide surface is carried on the buoy upper surface and is inclined to an accumulation position near a buoy perimeter. The buoy suspension fractionation system can be used in a method of isolating a fraction from a suspension, and in a method for re-suspending particulates for withdrawal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignees: Hanuman, LLC, Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Randel Dorian, Jacy C. Hoeppner
  • Publication number: 20120301957
    Abstract: A method and apparatus can separate and concentrate a selected component from a multi-component material. The multi-component material may include a whole sample such as adipose tissue, whole blood, or the like. The apparatus generally includes a moveable piston positioned within a separation container and a withdrawal tube that is operable to interact with a distal end of the collection container past the piston. Material can be withdrawn through the withdrawal tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, James M. McKale
  • Patent number: 8313954
    Abstract: A separation device including a first buoy, a second buoy, a first valve, and a second valve. The first buoy is mounted to a buoy guide post and slidably mounted within a separation chamber. The second buoy is slidably mounted to the guide post and movable between a first position and a second position. The second buoy closes the first valve and opens the second valve when in the first position. The second buoy opens the first valve and closes the second valve when in the second position. The second buoy has a density such that after spinning the device for a suitable period of time a first component of the composition is isolated between the first buoy and the second buoy and a second component of the composition is isolated between the second buoy and the end of the separation chamber that is opposite to a port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Jason Chavarria
  • Publication number: 20120228203
    Abstract: A device for isolating a component of a multi-component composition. The device includes a housing, a chamber, and a withdrawal port. The chamber is rotatably mounted within the housing. The chamber includes a chamber base and a sidewall. The side wall extends from the chamber base. At least a portion of the sidewall is defined by a filter that permits passage of a first component of the multi-component composition out of the chamber through the filter and to the housing base. The filter restricts passage of a second component of the multi-component composition through the filter. The withdrawal port extends from a position proximate to the housing base to an exterior of the device. The withdrawal port permits the withdrawal of the first component from the housing base to an exterior of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Barry F. Hecker, Michael D. Leach
  • Patent number: 8236258
    Abstract: A method and apparatus can separate and concentrate a selected component from a multi-component material. The multi-component material may include a whole sample such as adipose tissue, whole blood, or the like. The apparatus generally includes a moveable piston positioned within a separation container and a withdrawal tube that is operable to interact with a distal end of the collection container past the piston. Material can be withdrawn through the withdrawal tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, James M. McKale
  • Publication number: 20120145652
    Abstract: A separator system operable to use centrifugation to fractionate a multiple component material, such as a suspension including blood, comprises a buoy. The buoy can be carried in a separation container and has a tuned density that is configured to reach an equilibrium position in the multiple component material. A guide surface is carried on a buoy upper surface and is inclined to an accumulation position near a buoy perimeter. The buoy suspension fractionation system can be used in a method of isolating a fraction from a suspension, and in a method for re-suspending particulates for withdrawal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicants: Hanuman LLC, Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Randel Dorian, Jacy C. Hoeppner
  • Patent number: 8187475
    Abstract: A device for isolating a component of a multi-component composition. The device includes a housing, a chamber, and a withdrawal port. The chamber is rotatably mounted within the housing. The chamber includes a chamber base and a sidewall. The side wall extends from the chamber base. At least a portion of the sidewall is defined by a filter that permits passage of a first component of the multi-component composition out of the chamber through the filter and to the housing base. The filter restricts passage of a second component of the multi-component composition through the filter. The withdrawal port extends from a position proximate to the housing base to an exterior of the device. The withdrawal port permits the withdrawal of the first component from the housing base to an exterior of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Barry F. Hecker, Michael D. Leach
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8133389
    Abstract: The PRP separator-concentrator of this invention is suitable for office use or emergency use for trauma victims. The PRP separator comprises a motorized centrifugal separation assembly, and a concentrator assembly. The centrifugal separator assembly comprises a centrifugal drum separator that includes an erythrocyte capture module and a motor having a drive axis connected to the centrifugal drum separator. The concentrator assembly comprises a water-removal module for preparing PRP concentrate. The centrifugal drum separator has an erythrocyte trap. The water removal module can be a syringe device with water absorbing beads or it can be a pump-hollow fiber cartridge assembly. The hollow fibers are membranes with pores that allow the flow of water through the fiber membrane while excluding flow of clotting factors useful for sealing and adhering tissue and growth factors helpful for healing while avoiding activation of platelets and disruption of any trace erythrocytes present in the PRP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignees: Hanuman, LLC, Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Randel Dorian, Michael D. Leach
  • Publication number: 20120045823
    Abstract: A method and apparatus can separate and concentrate a selected component from a multi-component material. The multi-component material may include a whole sample such as adipose tissue, whole blood, or the like. The apparatus generally includes a moveable piston positioned within a separation container and a withdrawal tube that is operable to interact with a distal end of the collection container past the piston. Material can be withdrawn through the withdrawal tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, James M. McKale
  • Patent number: 8119013
    Abstract: A separator that uses centrifugation to fractionate a suspension such as blood comprises a separation container and a buoy. The buoy is carried in the separation container and has a tuned density that is configured to reach an equilibrium position in a suspension. The guide surface is carried on the buoy upper surface and is inclined to an accumulation position near a buoy perimeter. The buoy suspension fractionation system can be used in a method of isolating a fraction from a suspension, and in a method for re-suspending particulates for withdrawal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignees: Hanuman, LLC, Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Randel Dorian, Jacy C. Hoeppner
  • Publication number: 20120027746
    Abstract: Methods of generating thrombin and methods of applying a clotting tissue sealant to a site on a subject are provided. A blood component comprising platelets can be obtained from the subject. A hypotonic composition is contacted with a solid matrix to form a thrombin-containing liquid, where the hypotonic composition includes water, calcium, a blood component comprising platelets, and optionally a chelator. Calcium is present in the hypotonic composition in an amount greater than the amount of calcium that can be complexed by the chelator. Thrombin-containing liquid is then separated from the hypotonic composition and can be applied to the site on the subject to form a clot, for example, by combination with fibrinogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Randel DORIAN, Richard W. Storrs, Michael D. Leach
  • Patent number: 8105495
    Abstract: A process for separating platelet rich plasma from a blood sample using a platelet rich plasma separator system is disclosed. The system includes an inner wall having a top edge and a central axis that is surrounded by a depth filter having a capacity to receive all of the erythrocytes in the blood sample, where an inner surface of the inner wall has an angle of about 0.2° from the central axis of the inner wall. The process includes spinning the inner cylinder at its central axis at a speed that separates the erythrocytes from plasma and platelets and causes the erythrocytes to collect against an inner surface of the depth filter. The cylinder is continually spun for a sufficient time to allow substantially all of the erythrocytes to flow up the inner surface and over the top edge into the depth filter, leaving platelet enriched plasma (PRP) in the inner cylinder, such that upon discontinuing the spinning, permits the platelet enriched plasma to flow to the bottom of the inner cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignees: Hanuman, LLC, Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Randel Dorian, Michael D. Leach
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8096422
    Abstract: Disclosed is a separator-concentrator, such as for separating and concentrating platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) from whole blood that is suitable for office use or emergency use for trauma victims. The PRP separator comprises a motorized centrifugal separation assembly and a concentrator assembly. The centrifugal separation assembly comprises a centrifugal drum separator and a motor having a drive axis connected to the centrifugal drum separator. The concentrator assembly comprises a water-removal module for preparing PRP concentrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignees: Hanuman LLC, Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Randel Dorian, Michael D. Leach
  • Publication number: 20110284460
    Abstract: A separator that uses centrifugation to fractionate a suspension such as blood comprises a separation container and a buoy. The buoy is carried in the separation container and has a tuned density that is configured to reach an equilibrium position in a suspension. The guide surface is carried on the buoy upper surface and is inclined to an accumulation position near a buoy perimeter. The buoy suspension fractionation system can be used in a method of isolating a fraction from a suspension, and in a method for re-suspending particulates for withdrawal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicants: Hanuman LLC, Biomet Biologics, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Leach, Randel Dorian, Jacy C. Hoeppner
  • Publication number: 20110281714
    Abstract: The PRP separator-concentrator of this invention is suitable for office use or emergency use for trauma victims. The PRP separator comprises a motorized centrifugal separation assembly, and a concentrator assembly. The centrifugal separator assembly comprises a centrifugal drum separator that includes an erythrocyte capture module and a motor having a drive axis connected to the centrifugal drum separator. The concentrator assembly comprises a water-removal module for preparing PRP concentrate. The centrifugal drum separator has an erythrocyte trap. The water removal module can be a syringe device with water absorbing beads or it can be a pump-hollow fiber cartridge assembly. The hollow fibers are membranes with pores that allow the flow of water through the fiber membrane while excluding flow of clotting factors useful for sealing and adhering tissue and growth factors helpful for healing while avoiding activation of platelets and disruption of any trace erythrocytes present in the PRP.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicants: Biomet Biologics, LLC, Hanuman LLC
    Inventors: Randel Dorian, Michael D. Leach
  • 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