Patents by Inventor Ralph Chappa

Ralph Chappa 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: 10058634
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include bioactive agent eluting devices. In an embodiment the invention includes a bioactive agent delivery device including a substrate, a hydrophilic polymer disposed on the substrate, and a substantially amorphous bioactive agent disposed on the surface of the hydrophilic polymer. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of making a bioactive agent delivery device including depositing a hydrophilic polymer on a substrate forming a hydrophilic surface and depositing a substantially amorphous bioactive agent on the hydrophilic surface. In an embodiment, the invention includes a bioactive agent-eluting catheter including a catheter shaft and an expandable balloon disposed on the catheter shaft. Other embodiments are included herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Surmodics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph A. Chappa, Andrew G. Bach
  • Publication number: 20180036519
    Abstract: Embodiments herein include apparatus and methods for coating medical devices. In an embodiment, a coating apparatus is included having a coating application unit including a movement restriction structure, a fluid applicator having a lengthwise major axis, a fluid distribution bar having a body angled with respect to the major lengthwise axis of the fluid applicator between 0 and 20 degrees, a rotation mechanism and an axial motion mechanism. The axial motion mechanism configured to cause movement of at least one of the coating application unit and the rotation mechanism with respect to one another. Other embodiments are also included herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Ralph A. Chappa, Andrew G. Bach, Mark MacGregor
  • Patent number: 9827401
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include apparatus and methods for coating drug eluting medical devices. In an embodiment, the invention includes a coating apparatus including a coating application unit comprising a movement restriction structure; a fluid applicator; and an air nozzle. The apparatus can further include a rotation mechanism and an axial motion mechanism, the axial motion mechanism configured to cause movement of at least one of the coating application unit and the rotation mechanism with respect to one another. Other embodiments are also included herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Surmodics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph A. Chappa, Andrew G. Bach, Mark MacGregor
  • Patent number: 9795720
    Abstract: Aspects herein relate to coatings with crystallized active agent(s) and related methods. A method for coating a medical device herein includes selecting a solvent and a polymer, selecting a concentration of an active agent of at least a certain amount of saturation, forming a coating composition having the selected concentration of the active agent, and applying the coating composition to the medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Surmodics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph A. Chappa, Kimberly K. M. Lindsoe
  • Publication number: 20170157372
    Abstract: A coating apparatus for coating the balloon portion of a balloon catheter is described. The coating apparatus includes a rotatable member in which the catheter portion of the balloon catheter is mounted and fixed, and which causes rotation of the balloon catheter. The apparatus also includes a support member in which the distal tip of the catheter is inserted and free to rotate; and a spray nozzle directing sprayed material on the balloon surface. The inventive configuration of the coating apparatus allows the balloon catheter to be rotated along its axis with insubstantial or no wobble, which significantly improves the quality of the coating applied to the surface of the balloon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Ralph A. Chappa, Mark F. Carlson
  • Patent number: 9649413
    Abstract: Embodiments herein include coatings with crystallized active agent(s) and related methods. In an embodiment, a method is included for coating a medical device including selecting a solvent and a polymer, selecting a concentration of an active agent of at least a certain amount of saturation, forming a coating composition having the selected concentration of the active agent, and applying the coating composition to the medical device. In an embodiment, an elution control coating disposed on a medical device is included, the elution control coating including an active agent that is at least about 80% crystallized within one week of being disposed on the medical device. In an embodiment, a method is included for enhancing the formation of active agent crystals within a coating layer including adjusting the concentration of an active agent in a coating solution to reach some percentage of the active agent saturation point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Surmodics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph A. Chappa, Kimberly K. M. Lindsoe
  • Patent number: 9623215
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include apparatus and methods for coating drug eluting medical devices. In an embodiment, the invention includes a coating apparatus including a coating application unit comprising a movement restriction structure; a fluid applicator; and an air nozzle. The apparatus can further include a rotation mechanism and an axial motion mechanism, the axial motion mechanism configured to cause movement of at least one of the coating application unit and the rotation mechanism with respect to one another. Other embodiments are also included herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Surmodics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph A. Chappa, Andrew G. Bach, Mark MacGregor
  • Publication number: 20170095559
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for intravascular delivery of a therapeutic agent, such as paclitaxel, rapamycin, or an analog thereof. The composition includes the therapeutic agent and a biocompatible solvent, such as glycofurol. The composition can aid tissue penetration by the therapeutic agent. A catheter assembly that protects the pharmaceutical composition from the surroundings can be used for its intravascular delivery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventor: Ralph A. Chappa
  • Patent number: 9579491
    Abstract: A coating apparatus for coating the balloon portion of a balloon catheter is described. The coating apparatus includes a rotatable member in which the catheter portion of the balloon catheter is mounted and fixed, and which causes rotation of the balloon catheter. The apparatus also includes a support member in which the distal tip of the catheter is inserted and free to rotate; and a spray nozzle directing sprayed material on the balloon surface. The inventive configuration of the coating apparatus allows the balloon catheter to be rotated along its axis with insubstantial or no wobble, which significantly improves the quality of the coating applied to the surface of the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: SURMODICS, INC.
    Inventors: Ralph A. Chappa, Mark F. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20170007745
    Abstract: The present invention relates to coatings with crystallized active agent(s) and related methods. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for coating a medical device including selecting a solvent and a polymer, selecting a concentration of an active agent of at least a certain amount of saturation, forming a coating composition having the selected concentration of the active agent, and applying the coating composition to the medical device. In an embodiment, the invention includes an elution control coating disposed on a medical device, the elution control coating including a polymer, and an active agent, wherein the active agent is at least about 80% crystallized within one week of being disposed on the medical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Ralph A. Chappa, Kimberly K. M. Lindsoe
  • Publication number: 20160256668
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include apparatus and methods for coating drug eluting medical devices. In an embodiment, the invention includes a coating apparatus including a coating application unit comprising a movement restriction structure; a fluid applicator; and an air nozzle. The apparatus can further include a rotation mechanism and an axial motion mechanism, the axial motion mechanism configured to cause movement of at least one of the coating application unit and the rotation mechanism with respect to one another. Other embodiments are also included herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Inventors: Ralph A. Chappa, Andrew G. Bach, Mark MacGregor
  • Patent number: 9427501
    Abstract: Coatings with crystallized active agent(s) and related methods are disclosed. One method includes selecting a solvent and a polymer, selecting a concentration of an active agent of at least a certain amount of saturation, forming a coating composition having the selected concentration of the active agent, and applying the coating composition to the medical device. Also disclosed is an elution control coating which includes an active agent that is at least about 80% crystallized within one week of being disposed on a medical device. One method enhances the formation of active agent crystals within a coating layer by adjusting the concentration of the active agent in the coating solution to reach some percentage of the active agent saturation point. Another method includes increasing the rate of active agent nucleation within the coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Surmodics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph A. Chappa, Kimberly K. M. Lindsoe
  • Patent number: 9364349
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for applying coatings to devices. In an embodiment, the invention includes a coating apparatus including a mandrel having a lengthwise axis and an exterior surface, the exterior surface of the mandrel defining a plurality of channels disposed parallel to the lengthwise axis, the mandrel configured to rotate around the lengthwise axis; and a spray head configured to direct a stream of material at the mandrel. In an embodiment the invention includes a method of applying a coating to a medical device. Other embodiments are also included herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: SurModics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph A. Chappa, James H. Arps
  • Patent number: 9308355
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include apparatus and methods for coating drug eluting medical devices. In an embodiment, the invention includes a coating apparatus including a coating application unit comprising a movement restriction structure; a fluid applicator; and an air nozzle. The apparatus can further include a rotation mechanism and an axial motion mechanism, the axial motion mechanism configured to cause movement of at least one of the coating application unit and the rotation mechanism with respect to one another. Other embodiments are also included herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: SurModies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph A. Chappa, Andrew G. Bach, Mark MacGregor
  • Publication number: 20160089480
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include medical device elements formed from polymers with lubricious properties. In an embodiment, a method of forming a medical device element is included. The method can include mixing a first polymeric component and a second polymeric component to form a polymer mixture. The method can further include forming the polymer mixture into the medical device element. The method can also include treating the polymer mixture with at least one of an acid or a base. In an embodiment, a medical device is included. The medical device can include a lubricious element, the lubricious element comprising a mixture of a first polymeric component and a second polymeric component. The second polymeric component can include a polymer that is treated with at least one of an acid or a base after formation of the element. Other embodiments are also included herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: Ralph A. Chappa, Nathan A. Lockwood, Joseph Schmidt McGonigle
  • Patent number: 9295820
    Abstract: A coating apparatus for coating the balloon portion of a balloon catheter is described. The coating apparatus includes a rotatable member in which the catheter portion of the balloon catheter is mounted and fixed, and which causes rotation of the balloon catheter. The apparatus also includes a support member in which the distal tip of the catheter is inserted and free to rotate; and a spray nozzle directing sprayed material on the balloon surface. The inventive configuration of the coating apparatus allows the balloon catheter to be rotated along its axis with insubstantial or no wobble, which significantly improves the quality of the coating applied to the surface of the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: SURMODICS, INC.
    Inventors: Ralph A. Chappa, Mark F. Carlson
  • Patent number: 9283350
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include coating apparatuses and related methods. In an embodiment, the invention includes a coating apparatus. The coating apparatus can include a motor, a rotating contact member, a fluid applicator, a fluid pump, and a base member. The fluid applicator can include an orifice. The rotating contact member can be configured to rotate around a device to be coated that does not rotate. The rotating contact member can be configured to move along the lengthwise axis of a device to be coated. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of coating a medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: SurModics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph A. Chappa, Timothy M. Kloke
  • Publication number: 20150374886
    Abstract: The present invention relates to coatings with crystallized active agent(s) and related methods. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method for coating a medical device including selecting a solvent and a polymer, selecting a concentration of an active agent of at least a certain amount of saturation, forming a coating composition having the selected concentration of the active agent, and applying the coating composition to the medical device. In an embodiment, the invention includes an elution control coating disposed on a medical device, the elution control coating including a polymer, and an active agent, wherein the active agent is at least about 80% crystallized within one week of being disposed on the medical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Ralph A. Chappa, Kimberly K.M. Lindsoe
  • Publication number: 20150174384
    Abstract: A coating apparatus for coating the balloon portion of a balloon catheter is described. The coating apparatus includes a rotatable member in which the catheter portion of the balloon catheter is mounted and fixed, and which causes rotation of the balloon catheter. The apparatus also includes a support member in which the distal tip of the catheter is inserted and free to rotate; and a spray nozzle directing sprayed material on the balloon surface. The inventive configuration of the coating apparatus allows the balloon catheter to be rotated along its axis with insubstantial or no wobble, which significantly improves the quality of the coating applied to the surface of the balloon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: Ralph A. Chappa, Mark F. Carlson
  • Patent number: RE46251
    Abstract: A method for coating a rollable device including a device rotator having a pair of rollers and spray nozzle is described. The spray nozzle produces a spray of coating material that is directed towards a gap that is between the rollers of the pair. The majority of any spray not deposited on the rollable device during a coating process passes through the gap between the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Surmodics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph A. Chappa, Mark F. Carlson