Patents by Inventor Richard B. Cwik

Richard B. Cwik 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).

  • Process of manufacturing a cobalt-chromium orthopaedic implant without covering defects in the surface of the implant
    Patent number: 6025536
    Abstract: An orthopaedic implant is forged from a metallic body consisting of a cobalt-chromium alloy. The forged implant is descaled by blasting the implant with a particulate blasting agent at a momentum which is sufficient to remove scale formed on the implant during the forging step but insufficient to otherwise cause major structural surface deformation to the implant. The descaled implant is electro-chemical polished by submersing the implant in an acid bath having a temperature of between approximately 80.degree. F. and 90.degree. F. The acid bath includes approximately 45% sulfuric acid and 50% phosphoric acid. Direct current electrical power ranging between approximately 10 volts D.C. and 13 volts D.C. is applied to the implant. The polished implant is ultrasonically cleaned. The implant is inspected with a fluorescent penetrant to determine whether surface defects exist in the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
    Inventors: Larry S. Bender, David M. Blakemore, Richard C. Compton, Richard B. Cwik, Leslie N. Gilbertson, Steven M. Humphrey, Steven C. Kitch, Kris K. Merchant, Tim A. Mosher, Robin J. Reed