Patents by Inventor Ross W. Towse
Ross W. Towse 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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Publication number: 20140011161Abstract: A method of forming a nanocrystalline surface on an implant is disclosed. The method comprises the act of roughening at least a portion of the implant surface to form a roughened surface. The method further comprises the act of, without forming an alkoxide on the roughened surface, depositing nanocrystals on the roughened surface. The nanocrystals comprise a material having a property that promotes osseointegration.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: Biomet 3i, LLCInventors: Bruce Berckmans, III, Ross W. Towse, Robert L. Mayfield
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Publication number: 20130323678Abstract: A dental implant system including an implant and an abutment is disclosed. The implant includes a generally cylindrical body, a central axis, a distal end for anchoring in a patient's bone and a proximal end opposing the distal end. The proximal end includes a roughened lateralized surface that surrounds an abutment-engaging region. The lateralized surface is disposed at a negative slope relative to the central axis. The abutment includes an upper portion for supporting a tooth-like prosthesis and a lower portion for engaging the abutment-engaging region of the dental implant. The diameter of the lower portion of the abutment is smaller than the diameter of the implant at its proximal end. The lower portion includes a first surface with a soft-tissue enhancing material. The first surface and the lateralized surface defining a circumferentially extending recess having a V-shaped cross-section for receiving and attachment to the soft tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2013Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: BIOMET 3I, LLCInventors: Ross W. Towse, Michael D. Scalise, Zachary B. Suttin
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Publication number: 20130248487Abstract: A method of forming an implant to be implanted into living bone is disclosed. The method comprises the act of roughening at least a portion of the implant surface to produce a microscale roughened surface. The method further comprises the act of immersing the microscale roughened surface into a solution including potassium hydroxide to produce a nanoscale roughened surface consisting of a web-like structure superimposed on the microscale roughened surface. The nanoscale roughened surface has a property that promotes osseointegration.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: Biomet 3i, LLCInventors: Robert L. Mayfield, Ross W. Towse
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Patent number: 8486483Abstract: A method of forming a nanocrystalline surface on an implant. The method includes the act of roughening at least a portion of the implant surface to form a roughened surface. The method further includes the act of, without forming an alkoxide on the roughened surface, depositing nanocrystals on the roughened surface. The nanocrystals include a material having a property that promotes osseointegration.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2006Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Biomet 3i, LLCInventors: Bruce Berckmans, III, Ross W. Towse, Robert L. Mayfield
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Patent number: 8425230Abstract: The present inventions is an abutment for use with a dental implant. The abutment comprises a prosthetic portion adapted to support a prosthesis thereon and an insert. The prosthetic portion has a subgingival end and a supragingival region for protruding beyond gingiva adjacent to the dental implant. The prosthetic portion has a passageway extending therethrough. The passageway includes an enlarged retention groove and non-round section. The insert extends into the passageway and engages the subgingival end of the prosthetic portion. The insert includes flexible retention fingers that, upon insertion into the passageway, initially contract before reaching the enlarged retention groove and then expand outwardly into the enlarged retention groove to hold the insert onto the prosthetic portion. The insert also has a non-round section for mating with the non-round section of the passageway.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2011Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Biomet 3i, LLCInventors: Ross W. Towse, John J. Bellanca, Theodore M. Powell, Ralph E. Goodman
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Publication number: 20130004916Abstract: A dental restoration system is disclosed including an implant for attachment to a jaw bone of a patient. The implant includes a cylindrical body having an interior bore formed between a distal end and a proximal end. An abutment includes an interior bore formed through the stem and the post and an interface section interfacing with the abutment interface of the dental implant. An abutment removal insert has a cylindrical end insertable into a groove formed in the interior bore of the abutment. An abutment removal tool screw is insertable within the abutment removal insert. The abutment removal tool screw includes a grip and an opposite end. The opposite end causes the abutment removal insert to contact the abutment. The grip is rotatable to cause the opposite end to create force against the implant to cause the abutment to be detached from the implant.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: Biomet 3i, LLCInventors: John J. Bellanca, Dan P. Rogers, Stephen M. Herrington, Ross W. Towse, Ralph E. Goodman, Zachary B. Suttin, Isabel Scalise, Michael Bobby
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Publication number: 20130004915Abstract: A dental assembly for vertical attachment of an implant to a dental abutment for restorative dental procedures is disclosed. The implant includes a cylindrical body having an interior bore formed between a distal end and a proximal end. An abutment interface is formed on the proximal end of the cylindrical body. The interface includes a radial annular interior surface and a flat annular stop surface circumferentially bordering the interior bore. The assembly also includes an abutment including a stem and a post coupled to the stem. An interior bore is formed through the stem and the post. The abutment includes an interface section between the post and the stem. The interface section may include an annular radially curved exterior surface proximate to the post. The radially curved exterior surface and the circular flat surface interfaces with the abutment interface of the dental implant.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: Biomet 3i, LLCInventors: John J. Bellanca, Dan P. Rogers, Stephen M. Herrington, Ross W. Towse, Ralph E. Goodman, Zachary B. Suttin, Isabel Scalise, Michael Bobby
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Publication number: 20120288828Abstract: A titanium 6 Al/4V alloy is provided with a surface topography that is similar to the Osseotite® surface produced on commercially pure titanium. Native oxide is removed from the Ti 6Al/4V alloy, followed by contacting the metal at ambient temperature with an aqueous hydrochloric acid solution containing a relatively small amount of hydrofluoric acid.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2012Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: Biomet 3i, LLCInventors: T. Tait Robb, Bruce Berckmans, III, Ross W. Towse, Robert L. Mayfield
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Patent number: 8309162Abstract: A method of increasing the hydrophilicity of an implant to be implanted into living bone. The method comprises the act of depositing non-toxic salt residuals on the surface of the implant by exposing the surface to a solution including the non-toxic salts. The method further comprises the act of drying the implant.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2009Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Biomet 3i, LLCInventors: Jacqueline K. Charlton, Robert L. Mayfield, Ross W. Towse
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Patent number: 8251700Abstract: A titanium 6 A1/4V alloy is provided with a surface topography that is similar to the Osseotite® surface produced on commercially pure titanium. Native oxide is removed from the Ti 6A1/4V alloy, followed by contacting the metal at ambient temperature with an aqueous hydrochloric acid solution containing a relatively small amount of hydrofluoric acid.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2004Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Biomet 3i, LLCInventors: T. Tait Robb, Bruce Berckmans, III, Ross W. Towse, Robert L. Mayfield
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Publication number: 20120077150Abstract: A dental implant screw for holding an abutment on a dental implant includes a head and a shaft. A proximal end of the shaft is coupled to the head. The shaft includes a threaded section, an outwardly tapered section leading into a recessed section, and a stop section directly between the outwardly tapered section and the recessed section. The recessed section is directly between the head and the stop section. The threaded section is directly adjacent a distal end of the shaft and is configured to engage threads of an internally threaded bore in the dental implant to hold the abutment on the dental implant.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: Biomet 3i, LLCInventors: Ralph E. Goodman, John J. Bellanca, Zachary B. Suttin, Ross W. Towse
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Publication number: 20110318710Abstract: The present inventions is an abutment for use with a dental implant. The abutment comprises a prosthetic portion adapted to support a prosthesis thereon and an insert. The prosthetic portion has a subgingival end and a supragingival region for protruding beyond gingiva adjacent to the dental implant. The prosthetic portion has a passageway extending therethrough. The passageway includes an enlarged retention groove and non-round section. The insert extends into the passageway and engages the subgingival end of the prosthetic portion. The insert includes flexible retention fingers that, upon insertion into the passageway, initially contract before reaching the enlarged retention groove and then expand outwardly into the enlarged retention groove to hold the insert onto the prosthetic portion. The insert also has a non-round section for mating with the non-round section of the passageway.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2011Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: Biomet 3i, LLCInventors: Ross W. Towse, John J. Bellanca, Theodore M. Powell, Ralph E. Goodman
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Patent number: 8033826Abstract: The present inventions is an abutment for use with a dental implant. The abutment comprises a prosthetic portion adapted to support a prosthesis thereon and an insert. The prosthetic portion has a subgingival end and a supragingival region for protruding beyond gingiva adjacent to the dental implant. The prosthetic portion has a passageway extending therethrough. The passageway includes an enlarged retention groove and non-round section. The insert extends into the passageway and engages the subgingival end of the prosthetic portion. The insert includes flexible retention fingers that, upon insertion into the passageway, initially contract before reaching the enlarged retention groove and then expand outwardly into the enlarged retention groove to hold the insert onto the prosthetic portion. The insert also has a non-round section for mating with the non-round section of the passageway.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2008Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Biomet 3i, LLCInventors: Ross W. Towse, John J. Bellanca, Theodore M. Powell, Ralph E. Goodman
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Publication number: 20110233169Abstract: A method of forming an implant to be implanted into living bone is disclosed. The method comprises the act of roughening at least a portion of the implant surface to produce a microscale roughened surface. The method further comprises the act of immersing the microscale roughened surface into a solution containing hydrogen peroxide and a basic solution to produce a nanoscale roughened surface consisting of nanopitting superimposed on the microscale roughened surface. The nanoscale roughened surface has a property that promotes osseointegration.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2011Publication date: September 29, 2011Applicant: Biomet 3i, LLCInventors: Robert L. Mayfield, Ross W. Towse
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Publication number: 20110229856Abstract: A method of forming an implant to be implanted into living bone is disclosed. The method comprises the act of roughening at least a portion of the implant surface to produce a microscale roughened surface. The method further comprises forming a nanoscale roughened surface on the microscale roughened surface. The method further comprises the act of depositing discrete nanoparticles on the nanoscale roughened surface though a one-step process of exposing the roughened surface to a solution including the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles comprise a material having a property that promotes osseointegration.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2011Publication date: September 22, 2011Applicant: Biomet 3I, LLCInventors: Bruce Berckmans, III, Ross W. Towse, Robert L. Mayfield
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Patent number: 7972648Abstract: A method of forming an implant to be implanted into living bone is disclosed. The method comprises the act of roughening at least a portion of the implant surface to produce a microscale roughened surface. The method further comprises forming a nanoscale roughened surface on the microscale roughened surface. The method further comprises the act of depositing discrete nanoparticles on the nanoscale roughened surface though a one-step process of exposing the roughened surface to a solution including the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles comprise a material having a property that promotes osseointegration.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2007Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Biomet 3I, LLCInventors: Bruce Berckmans, III, Ross W. Towse, Robert L. Mayfield
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Patent number: 7771774Abstract: A method of forming an implant to be implanted into living bone is disclosed. The method comprises the act of roughening at least a portion of the implant surface to produce a roughened surface. The method further comprises the act of depositing discrete nanoparticles on the roughened surface though a one-step process of exposing the roughened surface to a solution. The nanoparticles comprise a material having a property that promotes osseointegration.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Biomet 3l, LLCInventors: Bruce Berckmans, III, Ross W. Towse, Robert L. Mayfield
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Publication number: 20090191507Abstract: A method of increasing the hydrophilicity of an implant to be implanted into living bone. The method comprises the act of depositing non-toxic salt residuals on the surface of the implant by exposing the surface to a solution including the non-toxic salts. The method further comprises the act of drying the implant.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2009Publication date: July 30, 2009Applicant: Biomet 3i, LLCInventors: Jacqueline K. Charlton, Robert L. Mayfield, Ross W. Towse
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Publication number: 20090130629Abstract: The present inventions is an abutment for use with a dental implant. The abutment comprises a prosthetic portion adapted to support a prosthesis thereon and an insert. The prosthetic portion has a subgingival end and a supragingival region for protruding beyond gingiva adjacent to the dental implant. The prosthetic portion has a passageway extending therethrough. The passageway includes an enlarged retention groove and non-round section. The insert extends into the passageway and engages the subgingival end of the prosthetic portion. The insert includes flexible retention fingers that, upon insertion into the passageway, initially contract before reaching the enlarged retention groove and then expand outwardly into the enlarged retention groove to hold the insert onto the prosthetic portion. The insert also has a non-round section for mating with the non-round section of the passageway.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2008Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: Biomet 3i, LLCInventors: Ross W. Towse, John J. Bellanca, Theodore M. Powell, Ralph E. Goodman
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Publication number: 20090075236Abstract: A dental implant system employs an improved abutment screw with acceptable biocompatibility, corrosion, strength, and preload characteristics. In particular, embodiments provide a dental implant system having an artificial implant and an abutment which are fastened with a screw formed from stainless steel, such as surgical grade 316L stainless steel. In some embodiments, the stainless steel screw is coated with a malleable material, such as gold, silver, or polytetraflouroethylene, to improve screw preload. Alternatively, the stainless steel screw may be coated with a harder material, such as diamond like carbon (DLC), amorphous diamond, crystalline diamond, or a combination thereof, which provides a low coefficient of friction providing improved preload properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2008Publication date: March 19, 2009Inventors: Ross W. Towse, Prabhu Gubbi