Patents by Inventor Ralph E. Holmes

Ralph E. Holmes 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: 8753349
    Abstract: A device for early stabilizing of distracted tissue that includes a first implant, a second implant, a sliding expansion mechanism and a stabilizer. The first implant is capable of being attached to a first tissue region. The second implant is capable of being attached to a second tissue region. The sliding expansion mechanism engages the first implant and the second implant for distracting the first implant away from the second implant to create a distraction space for formation of the distracted tissue. The stabilizer rigidly fixes the first implant and the second implant after disengagement of the sliding expansion mechanism to rigidly stabilize the distracted tissue. The stabilizer includes in whole or in part a biodegradable, bioerodible or bioresorbable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventors: Steven R Cohen, Ralph E Holmes, J Peter Amis, Horst R Fichtner
  • Patent number: 8349795
    Abstract: Resorbable lactide polymer thin membranes are disclosed. The thin membranes are constructed of polylactide resorbable polymers, which are engineered to be absorbed into the body relatively slowly over time in order to reduce potential negative side effects. The membranes are formed to have very thin thicknesses, for example, thicknesses between about 0.010 mm and about 0.30 mm. The membranes can be extruded from polylactide polymers having a relatively high viscosity property, can be preshaped with relatively thick portions, and can be stored in sterile packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: MAST Biosurgery AG
    Inventors: Christopher J. Calhoun, Ralph E. Holmes, Kenneth K. Kleinhenz
  • Publication number: 20120209271
    Abstract: A device for early stabilizing of distracted tissue that includes a first implant, a second implant, a sliding expansion mechanism and a stabilizer. The first implant is capable of being attached to a first tissue region. The second implant is capable of being attached to a second tissue region. The sliding expansion mechanism engages the first implant and the second implant for distracting the first implant away from the second implant to create a distraction space for formation of the distracted tissue. The stabilizer rigidly fixes the first implant and the second implant after disengagement of the sliding expansion mechanism to rigidly stabilize the distracted tissue. The stabilizer includes in whole or in part a biodegradable, bioerodible or bioresorbable material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC PS MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: Steven R. Cohen, Ralph E. Holmes, J. Peter Amis, Horst R. Fichtner
  • Patent number: 8162944
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a connective tissue distraction device comprising: a first transmitting structure for transmitting force to a first tissue region and a second transmitting structure for transmitting force to a second tissue region by contact with bone, and an expansion device for exerting force distracting the first transmitting structure from the second transmitting structure. At least one of the first transmitting device, the second transmitting device and the expansion structure comprises in whole or in part a biodegradable, bioerodible or bioresorbable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Cohen, Ralph E. Holmes, J. Peter Amis, Horst R. Fichtner
  • Publication number: 20110280917
    Abstract: Resorbable lactide polymer thin membranes are disclosed. The thin membranes are constructed of polylactide resorbable polymers, which are engineered to be absorbed into the body relatively slowly over time in order to reduce potential negative side effects. The membranes are formed to have very thin thicknesses, for example, thicknesses between about 0.010 mm and about 0.30 mm. The membranes can be extruded from polylactide polymers having a relatively high viscosity property, can be preshaped with relatively thick portions, and can be stored in sterile packages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Christopher J. Calhoun, Ralph E. Holmes, Kenneth K. Kleinhenz
  • Patent number: 8048444
    Abstract: An anti-adhesion membrane is placed onto an implant introduced into a surgical site of a patient to prevent post-surgical adhesions between the implant and surrounding tissue. The implant may comprise either biological material, such as a transplanted organ, or non-biological material such as a medical device. The membrane may be applied in a variety of ways. In one example, a membrane according to the present invention is shrink-wrapped around a pace-maker. In another example, a breast implant is spray-coated or dipped with the membrane material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: MAST Biosurgery AG
    Inventors: Christopher J. Calhoun, Ralph E. Holmes, G. Bryan Cornwall
  • Patent number: 8012502
    Abstract: Resorbable lactide polymer thin membranes are disclosed. The thin membranes are constructed of polylactide resorbable polymers, which are engineered to be absorbed into the body relatively slowly over time in order to reduce potential negative side effects. The membranes are formed to have very thin thicknesses, for example, thicknesses between about 0.010 mm and about 0.300 mm. The membranes can be extruded from polylactide polymers having a relatively high viscosity property, can be preshaped with relatively thick portions, and can be stored in sterile packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: MAST Biosurgery AG
    Inventors: Christopher J. Calhoun, Ralph E. Holmes, Kenneth K. Kleinhenz
  • Patent number: 7947300
    Abstract: Resorbable lactide polymer thin membranes are disclosed. The thin membranes are constructed of polylactide resorbable polymers, which are engineered to be absorbed into the body relatively slowly over time in order to reduce potential negative side effects. The membranes are formed to have very thin thicknesses, for example, thicknesses between about 0.010 mm and about 0.300 mm. The membranes can be extruded from polylactide polymers having a relatively high viscosity property, can be preshaped with relatively thick portions, and can be stored in sterile packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: MAST Biosurgery AG
    Inventors: Christopher J. Calhoun, Ralph E. Holmes, Kenneth K. Kleinhenz
  • Patent number: 7771427
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a connective tissue distraction device comprising: a first transmitting structure for transmitting force to a first tissue region and a second transmitting structure for transmitting force to a second tissue region by contact with bone, and an expansion device for exerting force distracting the first transmitting structure from the second transmitting structure. At least one of the first transmitting device, the second transmitting device and the expansion structure comprises in whole or in part a biodegradable, bioerodible or bioresorbable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Macropore
    Inventors: Steven R. Cohen, Ralph E. Holmes, J. Peter Amis, Horst R. Fichtner, Stefan M. Lemperle
  • Patent number: 7767222
    Abstract: An anti-adhesion membrane is placed onto an implant introduced into a surgical site of a patient to prevent post-surgical adhesions between the implant and surrounding tissue. The implant may comprise either biological material, whcu as a transplanted organ, or non-biological material such as a medical device. The membrane may be applied in a variety of ways. In one example, a membrane according to the present invention is shrink-wrapped around a pace-maker. In another example, a breast implant is spray-coated or dipped with the membrane material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: MAST Biosurgery AG
    Inventors: Christopher J. Calhoun, Ralph E. Holmes, G. Bryan Cornwall
  • Patent number: 7744915
    Abstract: An anti-adhesion membrane is placed onto an implant introduced into a surgical site of a patient to prevent post-surgical adhesions between the implant and surrounding tissue. The implant may comprise either biological material, such as a transplanted organ, or non-biological material such as a medical device. The membrane may be applied in a variety of ways. In one example, a membrane according to the present invention is shrink-wrapped around a pace-maker. In another example, a breast implant is spray-coated or dipped with the membrane material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: MAST Biosurgery AG
    Inventors: Christopher J. Calhoun, Ralph E. Holmes, G. Bryan Cornwall
  • Patent number: 7592017
    Abstract: Resorbable lactide polymer thin membranes are disclosed. The thin membranes are constructed of polylactide resorbable polymers, which are engineered to be absorbed into the body relatively slowly over time in order to reduce potential negative side effects. The membranes are formed to have very thin thicknesses, for example, thicknesses between about 0.010 mm and about 0.300 mm. The membranes can be extruded from polylactide polymers having a relatively high viscosity property, can be preshaped with relatively thick portions, and can be stored in sterile packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: MAST Biosurgery AG
    Inventors: Christopher J. Calhoun, Ralph E. Holmes, Kenneth K. Kleinhenz
  • Patent number: 6786910
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a connective tissue distraction device comprising: a first transmitting structure for transmitting force to a first tissue region and a second transmitting structure for transmitting force to a second tissue region by contact with bone, and an expansion device for exerting force distracting the first transmitting structure from the second transmitting structure. At least one of the first transmitting device, the second transmitting device and the expansion structure comprises in whole or in part a biodegradable, bioerodible or bioresorbable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Medtronic PS Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Cohen, Ralph E. Holmes, J. Peter Amis, Horst R. Fichtner
  • Publication number: 20040137033
    Abstract: Resorbable lactide polymer thin membranes are disclosed. The thin membranes are constructed of polylactide resorbable polymers, which are engineered to be absorbed into the body relatively slowly over time in order to reduce potential negative side effects. The membranes are formed to have very thin thicknesses, for example, thicknesses between about 0.010 mm and about 0.300 mm. The membranes can be extruded from polylactide polymers having a relatively high viscosity property, can be preshaped with relatively thick portions, and can be stored in sterile packages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher J. Calhoun, Ralph E. Holmes, Kenneth K. Kleinhenz
  • Publication number: 20040115241
    Abstract: An anti-adhesion membrane is placed onto an implant introduced into a surgical site of a patient to prevent post-surgical adhesions between the implant and surrounding tissue. The implant may comprise either biological material, such as a transplanted organ, or non-biological material such as a medical device. The membrane may be applied in a variety of ways. In one example, a membrane according to the present invention is shrink-wrapped around a pace-maker. In another example, a breast implant is spray-coated or dipped with the membrane material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher J. Calhoun, Ralph E. Holmes, G. Bryan Cornwall
  • Patent number: 6673362
    Abstract: Resorbable polylactide polymer scar tissue reduction barrier membranes and methods of their application are disclosed. The scar-tissue reduction barrier membranes are constructed entirely of polylactide resorbable polymers, which are engineered to be absorbed into the body relatively slowly over time in order to reduce potential negative side effects. The scar tissue reduction barrier membranes are formed to have thicknesses on the order of microns, such as, for example, thicknesses between 10 and 300 microns. The membranes are preshaped with welding flanges and stored in sterile packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: MacroPore Biosurgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Calhoun, Ralph E. Holmes
  • Publication number: 20030152608
    Abstract: Resorbable polylactide polymer scar tissue reduction barrier membranes and methods of their application are disclosed. The scar-tissue reduction barrier membranes are constructed entirely of polylactide resorbable polymers, which are engineered to be absorbed into the body relatively slowly over time in order to reduce potential negative side effects. The scar tissue reduction barrier membranes are formed to have thicknesses on the order of microns, such as, for example, thicknesses between 10 and 300 microns. The membranes are preshaped with welding flanges and stored in sterile packaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Christopher J. Calhoun, Ralph E. Holmes
  • Patent number: 6531146
    Abstract: Resorbable polylactide polymer scar tissue reduction barrier membranes and methods of their application are disclosed. The scar-tissue reduction barrier membranes are constructed entirely of polylactide resorbable polymers, which are engineered to be absorbed into the body relatively slowly over time in order to reduce potential negative side effects. The scar tissue reduction barrier membranes are formed to have thicknesses on the order of microns, such as, for example, thicknesses between 10 and 300 microns. The membranes are preshaped with welding flanges and stored in sterile packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: MacroPore, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Calhoun, Ralph E. Holmes
  • Publication number: 20020161374
    Abstract: The present invention recognizes that existing distraction devices have certain disadvantages, including the requirement to remove materials in the distraction device from the subjects body after distraction is completed. Depending on the location of distraction, this procedure can be of varying degrees of undesireability. One aspect of the present invention is a connective tissue distraction device comprising: a first transmitting means for transmitting force to a first tissue region and a second transmitting means for transmitting force to a second tissue region by contact with bone, expansion means for exerting force distracting said first transmitting means from said second transmitting means, wherein at least one of said first transmitting means, said second transmitting means and said expansion means comprises in whole or in part a biodegradable, bioerodible or bioresorbable material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Steven R. Cohen, Ralph E. Holmes, J. Peter Amis, Horst R. Fichtner
  • Publication number: 20020072747
    Abstract: The present invention recognizes that existing distraction devices have certain disadvantages, including the requirement to remove materials in the distraction device from the subjects body after distraction is completed. Depending on the location of distraction, this procedure can be of varying degrees of undesireability. One aspect of the present invention is a connective tissue distraction device comprising: a first transmitting means for transmitting force to a first tissue region and a second transmitting means for transmitting force to a second tissue region by contact with bone, expansion means for exerting force distracting said first transmitting means from said second transmitting means, wherein at least one of said first transmitting means, said second transmitting means and said expansion means comprises in whole or in part a biodegradable, bioerodible or bioresorbable material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Steven R. Cohen, Ralph E. Holmes, J. Peter Amis, Horst R. Fichtner, Stefan M. Lemperle