Patents by Inventor Ralph W. Carmichael

Ralph W. Carmichael 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: 8524798
    Abstract: Compositions for use in treating and repairing orthopedic defects are provided. The compositions are especially useful for performing percutaneous vertebroplasty, percutaneous kyphoplasty and other procedures. When cured, the compositions are relatively solid but compressible, and prior to curing are viscous liquids with a low enough viscosity to fill voids in cavities such as voids within fractured vertebrae. Optionally, the properties of a composition according to the invention can be adjusted taking into account the hardness and density of the orthopedic structure to be repaired. Also disclosed are devices and methods for using the compositions, and a kit containing components for forming and utilizing the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventors: Linda M. Trebing, Ralph W. Carmichael
  • Publication number: 20080125870
    Abstract: Devices for use in the regeneration or repair of body tissue (such as nerves) comprise a multi-lumen scaffold and, optionally, an outer sheath. The tissue guidance conduits are preferably formed of biocompatible, biodegradable charged polymer hydrogels, particularly charged oligo-(polyethylene glycol)fumarate hydrogels. The outer sheath is formed of a stronger material than the scaffold and preferably comprises a region at each end for suturing the device in place. Methods for making tissue guidance conduits and for repairing tissue are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Ralph W. Carmichael, Bradley C. Fox