Patents by Inventor Nicole Distefano

Nicole Distefano 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: 11931991
    Abstract: A packaging system includes a packaging unit and an article. The packaging unit includes a solid layer, a porous layer and a plastic layer with a cavity. The cavity is configured to receive and secure the article in an opening defined by the cavity that is flexible between a first and a second dimension. The packaging unit is fabricated by a 3D printing process. A tensioning device of a 3D printing machine tensions a feed filament during the 3D printing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Nicole Distefano, Marc Esformes, Robert W. Klein
  • Publication number: 20210154967
    Abstract: A packaging system includes a packaging unit and an article. The packaging unit includes a solid layer, a porous layer and a plastic layer with a cavity. The cavity is configured to receive and secure the article in an opening defined by the cavity that is flexible between a first and a second dimension. The packaging unit is fabricated by a 3D printing process. A tensioning device of a 3D printing machine tensions a feed filament during the 3D printing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Applicant: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Nicole Distefano, Marc Esformes, Robert W. Klein
  • Patent number: 10940666
    Abstract: A packaging system includes a packaging unit and an article. The packaging unit includes a solid layer, a porous layer and a plastic layer with a cavity. The cavity is configured to receive and secure the article in an opening defined by the cavity that is flexible between a first and a second dimension. The packaging unit is fabricated by a 3D printing process. A tensioning device of a 3D printing machine tensions a feed filament during the 3D printing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Nicole Distefano, Marc Esformes, Robert W. Klein
  • Patent number: 10792143
    Abstract: The present invention relates to packages and methods of using packages that provide a sterile enclosure for an implant so that the implant can be transported and retrieved without being contaminated. In one embodiment, the package includes an insert with an implant disposed therein and a tray. The insert includes a first engagement feature and the tray includes a second engagement feature corresponding to the first engagement feature. The insert is sized to fit within and engage with the tray through engagement of the first and second engagement features, where in a first position the implant is secured within the package and in a second position, the implant is retrievable from the insert. The insert moves relative to the tray between the first and positions, but remains secured to it in both positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventor: Nicole Distefano
  • Publication number: 20180339486
    Abstract: A packaging system includes a packaging unit and an article. The packaging unit includes a solid layer, a porous layer and a plastic layer with a cavity. The cavity is configured to receive and secure the article in an opening defined by the cavity that is flexible between a first and a second dimension. The packaging unit is fabricated by a 3D printing process. A tensioning device of a 3D printing machine tensions a feed filament during the 3D printing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Nicole Distefano, Marc Esformes, Robert W. Klein
  • Publication number: 20180311027
    Abstract: The present invention relates to packages and methods of using packages that provide a sterile enclosure for an implant so that the implant can be transported and retrieved without being contaminated. In one embodiment, the package includes an insert with an implant disposed therein and a tray. The insert includes a first engagement feature and the tray includes a second engagement feature corresponding to the first engagement feature. The insert is sized to fit within and engage with the tray through engagement of the first and second engagement features, where in a first position the implant is secured within the package and in a second position, the implant is retrievable from the insert. The insert moves relative to the tray between the first and positions, but remains secured to it in both positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Inventor: Nicole Distefano
  • Patent number: 9757222
    Abstract: A product package includes a first member and a second member arrangeable in an unpackaged state and a packaged state. The package has a flexible member attached to the first and second members which assists in securing an implant to the first member. The flexible member is slack when the package is in the unpackaged state and is taut in the packaged state. The first member is coupled to the second member by a connector in the packaged state with the product secured between the first member and the flexible member. The flexible member is externally exposed when the package is in the packaged state. The package can also include an insert coupled to the first member to assist in securing the product in the package. The flexible member can have a pull tab forming a frangible connection with the flexible member to open the package. The flexible member may form a sterile barrier around the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventor: Nicole Distefano
  • Publication number: 20170086958
    Abstract: A product package includes a first member and a second member arrangeable in an unpackaged state and a packaged state. The package has a flexible member attached to the first and second members which assists in securing an implant to the first member. The flexible member is slack when the package is in the unpackaged state and is taut in the packaged state. The first member is coupled to the second member by a connector in the packaged state with the product secured between the first member and the flexible member. The flexible member is externally exposed when the package is in the packaged state. The package can also include an insert coupled to the first member to assist in securing the product in the package. The flexible member can have a pull tab forming a frangible connection with the flexible member to open the package. The flexible member may form a sterile barrier around the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventor: Nicole Distefano