Patents by Inventor Reto Frei

Reto Frei 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).

  • Publication number: 20230101666
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for automatically isolating viable cells from connective, epithelial or other tissue, and, if the tissue is multilayered, for automatically separating one tissue layer from another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2021
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Inventors: Claude Nicolas HOLENSTEIN, Vincent RONFARD, Anna-Lena DITTRICH, Reto FREI, Christian Stefan WULLSCHLEGER, Jascha EISENBERG, Sebastian WOLLMANN
  • Publication number: 20230000513
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing skin grafts for rehabilitation of skin defects, where the method is carried out in a closed system operated and controlled in an automated manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2020
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Vincent RONFARD, Claude HOLENSTEIN, Anna-Lena DITTRICH, Laurent BARNES, Reto FREI, Ulrich ÖFFINGER, Boris STOLZ
  • Publication number: 20220225969
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device adapted to facilitate transport of a biopsy sample from a sterile extraction site to laboratory-type equipment by which the biopsy sample is processed, while maintaining the biopsy sample wetted and sterile and automatically transferring the biopsy sample from the device to the laboratory-type equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventors: Astrid Welti, Claude Holenstein, Vincent Ronfard, Anna-Lena Dittrich, Reto Frei, Christian Wullschleger, Sebastian Wollmann
  • Patent number: 10781280
    Abstract: A method for producing thermosetting phenolic resins includes the step of reacting a polycondensable phenolic compound with 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) under conditions leading to the formation of polycondensation products. The HMF includes at least one HMF oligomer, and the reaction step is carried out at pH values greater than 7 for more than 60 minutes. Further, thermosetting phenolic resins may be used for producing a wood composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: AVALON Industries AG
    Inventors: Mariangela Mortato, Stefan Krawielitzki, Francois Badoux, Christopher Holmes, Masoumeh Ghorbani, Marion Sanglard, Reto Frei
  • Patent number: 10292390
    Abstract: Compounds described herein inhibit biofilm formation or disperse pre-formed biofilms of Gram-negative bacteria. Biofilm-inhibitory compounds can be encapsulated or contained in a polymer matrix for controlled release. Coatings, films, multilayer films, hydrogels, microspheres and nanospheres as well as pharmaceutical compositions and disinfecting compositions containing biofilm-inhibitory compounds are also provided. Methods for inhibiting formation of biofilms or dispersing already formed biofilms are provided. Methods for treating infections of gram-negative bacteria which form biofilms, particularly those of Pseudomonas and more particularly P. aeruginosa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Helen Blackwell, Reto Frei, Anthony Breitbach, David M. Lynn, Adam H. Broderick
  • Publication number: 20180244824
    Abstract: A method for producing thermosetting phenolic resins includes the step of reacting a polycondensable phenolic compound with 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) under conditions leading to the formation of polycondensation products. The HMF includes at least one HMF oligomer, and the reaction step is carried out at pH values greater than 7 for more than 60 minutes. Further, thermosetting phenolic resins may be used for producing a wood composite material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Applicant: AVALON Industries AG
    Inventors: Mariangela MORTATO, Stefan KRAWIELITZKI, Francois BADOUX, Christopher HOLMES, Masoumeh GHORBANI, Marion SANGLARD, Reto FREI
  • Publication number: 20180243938
    Abstract: A process for the manufacture of wood composite materials includes the steps of: preparation of a thermally curable resin by reacting a polycondensation-capable phenolic compound and/or an amino plastic forming agent with 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) under conditions leading to the formation of polycondensation products, bringing the resin into contact with lignocellulose-containing material, and curing the resin with formation of the wood composite material. The 5-hydroxymethylfurfural includes at least one HMF oligomer. Further, wood composite materials are obtainable by the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Applicant: AVALON Industries AG
    Inventors: Francois BADOUX, Stefan KRAWIELITZKI, Mariangela MORTATO, Reto FREI, Marie-Christine LAGEL, Christopher HOLMES
  • Publication number: 20180244825
    Abstract: Processes for the manufacture of thermally curable resins contain the step of the reaction of a polycondensation-capable phenolic compound and/or of an aminoplastic forming agent with 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) under conditions leading to formation of polycondensation products. The HMF includes at least one HMF oligomer. Further, thermally curable resins produced by such processes may be used for the manufacture of a wood composite material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Applicant: AVALON Industries AG
    Inventors: Francois BADOUX, Stefan KRAWIELITZKI, Mariangela MORTATO, Reto FREI, Marie-Christine LAGEL, Christopher HOLMES
  • Patent number: 10046135
    Abstract: A ventilation tube system for breathing gas for ventilating patients is provided, the system having a first inhalation tube (1) connectable to a respiratory humidifier (3) and to a Y-piece (5); a second inhalation tube (7) connectable to a respirator (9) and to the respiratory humidifier (3); and an exhalation tube (11) connectable to the respirator (9) and to the Y-piece (5); wherein at least certain portions of the first inhalation tube (1) and the exhalation tube (11) each comprise tube heaters having at least one heating wire (15, 17) wherein each of the tube heaters is controllable by a power supply and control unit inside the respiratory humidifier (3) wherein a power supply line (13) of the tube heater of the exhalation tube (11) starts from a link of the second inhalation tube (7) at the respiratory humidifier (3) and proceeds from there via the second inhalation tube (7) and a connecting element (21) separate from the respirator (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Hamilton Medical AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Buechi, Reto Frei, Marc Maeder, Thomas Granzotto, Axel Zolkos
  • Patent number: 9937314
    Abstract: A connecting system for connecting a ventilation tube to a respiratory humidifier (1) is provided, wherein the ventilation tube comprises an electrical line and the respiratory humidifier (1) comprises a housing (2) and a liquid container (4), the connection system including a first connection element (6) arranged on the liquid container (4); a first electrical contact element (24) arranged on the housing (2); and a second connection element (14), which can be connected to the ventilation tube (7, 9) and comprises a second electrical contact element (16), which can be connected to the electrical line of the ventilation tube (7, 9); wherein the first connection element (6) and the second connection element (14) can be connected to each other in a first connecting direction in such a way that, by establishment of the pneumatic connection of the ventilation tube (7, 9) to the liquid container (4), the electrical connection of the first contact element (24) to the second contact element (16) is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Hamilton Medical AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Buechi, Reto Frei, Marc Maeder, Thomas Granzotto, Axel Zolkos
  • Patent number: 9937316
    Abstract: A liquid-container/ventilation-tube kit for a ventilation system that includes (a) a ventilator, (b) a respiratory humidifier having a housing and a liquid container, the housing having a pair of first electrical contact elements, (c) a first inhalation tube extending from the respiratory humidifier to a Y-piece, (d) a second inhalation tube extending from the ventilator to the respiratory humidifier, and (e) an exhalation tube extending from the Y-piece to the ventilator, the kit including the liquid container having a pair of first connection elements for removable connection of the first and second inhalation tubes thereto, and a pair of second connection elements each attached to a respective one of the first and second inhalation tubes and by which each of the inhalation tubes is pneumatically connected to a respective one of the first connection elements along a first connecting direction, each second connection element having a second electrical contact element that is positioned and arranged such that
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Hamilton Medical AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Buechi, Reto Frei, Marc Maeder, Thomas Granzotto, Axel Zolkos
  • Publication number: 20170106162
    Abstract: A liquid-container/ventilation-tube kit for a ventilation system that includes (a) a ventilator, (b) a respiratory humidifier having a housing and a liquid container, the housing having a pair of first electrical contact elements, (c) a first inhalation tube extending from the respiratory humidifier to a Y-piece, (d) a second inhalation tube extending from the ventilator to the respiratory humidifier, and (e) an exhalation tube extending from the Y-piece to the ventilator, the kit including the liquid container having a pair of first connection elements for removable connection of the first and second inhalation tubes thereto, and a pair of second connection elements each attached to a respective one of the first and second inhalation tubes and by which each of the inhalation tubes is pneumatically connected to a respective one of the first connection elements along a first connecting direction, each second connection element having a second electrical contact element that is positioned and arranged such that
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: Hamilton Bonaduz AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Buechi, Reto Frei, Marc Maeder, Thomas Granzotto, Axel Zolkos
  • Publication number: 20140246021
    Abstract: A connecting system for connecting a ventilation tube to a respiratory humidifier (1) is provided, wherein the ventilation tube comprises an electrical line and the respiratory humidifier (1) comprises a housing (2) and a liquid container (4), the connection system including a first connection element (6) arranged on the liquid container (4); a first electrical contact element (24) arranged on the housing (2); and a second connection element (14), which can be connected to the ventilation tube (7, 9) and comprises a second electrical contact element (16), which can be connected to the electrical line of the ventilation tube (7, 9); wherein the first connection element (6) and the second connection element (14) can be connected to each other in a first connecting direction in such a way that, by establishment of the pneumatic connection of the ventilation tube (7, 9) to the liquid container (4), the electrical connection of the first contact element (24) to the second contact element (16) is produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: HAMILTON BONADUZ AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Buechi, Reto Frei, Marc Maeder, Thomas Granzotto, Axel Zolkos
  • Publication number: 20140238397
    Abstract: A ventilation tube system for breathing gas for ventilating patients is provided, the system having a first inhalation tube (1) connectable to a respiratory humidifier (3) and to a Y-piece (5); a second inhalation tube (7) connectable to a respirator (9) and to the respiratory humidifier (3); and an exhalation tube (11) connectable to the respirator (9) and to the Y-piece (5); wherein at least certain portions of the first inhalation tube (1) and the exhalation tube (11) each comprise tube heaters having at least one heating wire (15, 17) wherein each of the tube heaters is controllable by a power supply and control unit inside the respiratory humidifier (3) wherein a power supply line (13) of the tube heater of the exhalation tube (11) starts from a link of the second inhalation tube (7) at the respiratory humidifier (3) and proceeds from there via the second inhalation tube (7) and a connecting element (21) separate from the respirator (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Hamilton Bonaduz AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Buechi, Reto Frei, Marc Maeder, Thomas Granzotto, Axel Zolkos
  • Patent number: 8753379
    Abstract: A guide body is designed to receive longitudinal fixation elements such as wires nails, pegs or screws which are to be anchored within bone. The guide body includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and a number of openings connecting the top surface with the bottom surface. The central axes of at least two of the openings are transverse to each other. The guide body permits the insertion of fixation elements at various angles with respect to each other. The guide body may prevent fixation elements which extend into the intramedullary region or the spongiosa from being displaced either in the proximal or in the distal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Depuy Synthes Products, LLC
    Inventors: Reto Frei, Markus Hehli, Georg Duda
  • Publication number: 20130136782
    Abstract: Compounds described herein inhibit biofilm formation or disperse pre-formed biofilms of Gram-negative bacteria. Biofilm-inhibitory compounds can be encapsulated or contained in a polymer matrix for controlled release. Coatings, films, multilayer films, hydrogels, microspheres and nanospheres as well as pharmaceutical compositions and disinfecting compositions containing biofilm-inhibitory compounds are also provided. Methods for inhibiting formation of biofilms or dispersing already formed biofilms are provided. Methods for treating infections of gram-negative bacteria which form biofilms, particularly those of Pseudomonas and more particularly P. aeruginosa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: Helen BLACKWELL, Reto Frei, Anthony Breitbach, David M. Lynn, Adam H. Broderick
  • Publication number: 20110071574
    Abstract: The invention relates to an osteosynthesis implant (1) that preferably consists of a bioresorbable plastic material. The inventive implant receives the longitudinal fixation elements (10) to be anchored in the bone, especially in the form of wires, nails, pins or screws. The openings destined to receive the fixation elements (10) do not completely extend through the implant (1) like in conventional bone plates or intramedullary nails but are degenerated to indents (2) in the surface of the implant (1) so that they may serve as a guide for the fixation elements (10) to be guided through the implant (1). The inventive implant (1) allows insertion of the fixation elements (10) in the bone diverging angles and crossing one another, so that the fixation elements (10) extending intramedullarly or in the spongiosa are primarily prevented from migrating in a proximal or distal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: Synthes USA, LLC
    Inventors: Markus Hehli, Reto Frei, Georg Duda
  • Patent number: 7862596
    Abstract: The invention relates to an osteosynthesis implant (1) that preferably consists of a bioresorbable plastic material. The inventive implant receives the longitudinal fixation elements (10) to be anchored in the bone, especially in the form of wires, nails, pins or screws. The openings destined to receive the fixation elements (10) do not completely extend through the implant (1) like in conventional bone plates or intramedullary nails but are degenerated to indents (2) in the surface of the implant (1) so that they may serve as a guide for the fixation elements (10) to be guided through the implant (1). The inventive implant (1) allows insertion of the fixation elements (10) in the bone diverging angles and crossing one another, so that the fixation elements (10) extending intramedullarly or in the spongiosa are primarily prevented from migrating in a proximal or distal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Synthes USA, LLC
    Inventors: Markus Hehli, Reto Frei, Georg Duda
  • Patent number: 6780185
    Abstract: The invention relates to an osteosynthetic anchoring member comprising a longitudinal shaft extending along a longitudinal axis having a front shaft portion and a rear shaft portion, the front shaft portion insertable into a bone and comprising anchoring means for fixating the shaft in the bone and the rear shaft portion comprising anti-rotation means for permitting the rear shaft portion to be received in an implantable bone plate or a connecting member and to be secured against rotating about the longitudinal axis. The anchoring means are capable of being extended orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and the rear shaft portion comprises tension means for extending the anchoring means to enable the anchoring member to be fixated within the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Synthes (U.S.A.)
    Inventors: Reto Frei, Markus Hehli
  • Patent number: 6645212
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a fastening element for use in bone, and in particular to a device for fixating implants on or in bone. The device may have a longitudinal axis for anchoring in bone and may comprise a core and at least one wing extending from the core. The wing may have an enlarged peripheral portion adapted to contact bone. A cross-section of the device transverse to the longitudinal axis may have first and second portions, the first portion comprising the core and defining a first cross-sectional area, the second portion comprising the enlarged peripheral portion of the at least one wing and defining a second cross-sectional area, and the second cross-sectional area preferably is greater than the first cross-sectional area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Synthes (U.S.A.)
    Inventors: Jörg Goldhahn, Reto Frei, Jörn Seebeck