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).
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Patent number: 8753349Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 24, 2012Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Inventors: Steven R Cohen, Ralph E Holmes, J Peter Amis, Horst R Fichtner
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Patent number: 8349795Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 28, 2011Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: MAST Biosurgery AGInventors: Christopher J. Calhoun, Ralph E. Holmes, Kenneth K. Kleinhenz
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Publication number: 20120209271Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: MEDTRONIC PS MEDICAL INC.Inventors: Steven R. Cohen, Ralph E. Holmes, J. Peter Amis, Horst R. Fichtner
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Patent number: 8162944Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 18, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Steven R. Cohen, Ralph E. Holmes, J. Peter Amis, Horst R. Fichtner
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Publication number: 20110280917Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2011Publication date: November 17, 2011Inventors: Christopher J. Calhoun, Ralph E. Holmes, Kenneth K. Kleinhenz
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Patent number: 8048444Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 11, 2007Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: MAST Biosurgery AGInventors: Christopher J. Calhoun, Ralph E. Holmes, G. Bryan Cornwall
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Patent number: 8012502Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 9, 2007Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: MAST Biosurgery AGInventors: Christopher J. Calhoun, Ralph E. Holmes, Kenneth K. Kleinhenz
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Patent number: 7947300Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 16, 2007Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: MAST Biosurgery AGInventors: Christopher J. Calhoun, Ralph E. Holmes, Kenneth K. Kleinhenz
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Patent number: 7771427Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 8, 2000Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: MacroporeInventors: Steven R. Cohen, Ralph E. Holmes, J. Peter Amis, Horst R. Fichtner, Stefan M. Lemperle
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Patent number: 7767222Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 31, 2003Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: MAST Biosurgery AGInventors: Christopher J. Calhoun, Ralph E. Holmes, G. Bryan Cornwall
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Patent number: 7744915Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 12, 2007Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: MAST Biosurgery AGInventors: Christopher J. Calhoun, Ralph E. Holmes, G. Bryan Cornwall
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Patent number: 7592017Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 31, 2003Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: MAST Biosurgery AGInventors: Christopher J. Calhoun, Ralph E. Holmes, Kenneth K. Kleinhenz
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Patent number: 6786910Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 8, 2000Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Medtronic PS Medical, Inc.Inventors: Steven R. Cohen, Ralph E. Holmes, J. Peter Amis, Horst R. Fichtner
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Publication number: 20040137033Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2003Publication date: July 15, 2004Inventors: Christopher J. Calhoun, Ralph E. Holmes, Kenneth K. Kleinhenz
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Publication number: 20040115241Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2003Publication date: June 17, 2004Inventors: Christopher J. Calhoun, Ralph E. Holmes, G. Bryan Cornwall
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Patent number: 6673362Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 10, 2003Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: MacroPore Biosurgery, Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. Calhoun, Ralph E. Holmes
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Publication number: 20030152608Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2003Publication date: August 14, 2003Inventors: Christopher J. Calhoun, Ralph E. Holmes
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Patent number: 6531146Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 12, 2001Date of Patent: March 11, 2003Assignee: MacroPore, Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. Calhoun, Ralph E. Holmes
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Publication number: 20020161374Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2000Publication date: October 31, 2002Inventors: Steven R. Cohen, Ralph E. Holmes, J. Peter Amis, Horst R. Fichtner
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Publication number: 20020072747Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2000Publication date: June 13, 2002Inventors: Steven R. Cohen, Ralph E. Holmes, J. Peter Amis, Horst R. Fichtner, Stefan M. Lemperle