Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Shepard
Thomas A. Shepard 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: 20250143923Abstract: A medical implant is disclosed. The medical implant includes a body having a first end having a first cross-sectional dimension, a second end having a second cross-sectional dimension, and a tapered portion extending between the first end and the second end. The first cross-sectional dimension is larger than the second cross-sectional dimension. In some embodiments, the body comprises multiple layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2025Publication date: May 8, 2025Applicant: ALCON INC.Inventors: Thomas A. Shepard, Tyler Pegoraro, Stuart Williams, Sanjib Kumar Das, Leo Anthony Trevino, Cheng Li
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Patent number: 12268633Abstract: A medical implant is disclosed. The medical implant includes a body having a first end having a first cross-sectional dimension, a second end having a second cross-sectional dimension, and a tapered portion extending between the first end and the second end. The first cross-sectional dimension is larger than the second cross-sectional dimension. In some embodiments, the body comprises multiple layers.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2021Date of Patent: April 8, 2025Assignee: ALCON INC.Inventors: Thomas A. Shepard, Tyler Pegoraro, Stuart Williams, Sanjib Kumar Das, Leo Anthony Trevino, Cheng Li
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Patent number: 12213913Abstract: A medical implant is disclosed. The medical implant includes a body having a first end having a first cross-sectional dimension, a second end having a second cross-sectional dimension, and a tapered portion extending between the first end and the second end. The first cross-sectional dimension is larger than the second cross-sectional dimension. In some embodiments, the body comprises multiple layers.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2022Date of Patent: February 4, 2025Assignee: ALCON INC.Inventors: Thomas A. Shepard, Tyler Pegoraro, Stuart Williams, Sanjib Kumar Das, Leo Anthony Trevino, Cheng Li
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Publication number: 20240065970Abstract: A medical implant is disclosed. The medical implant includes a body having a first end having a first cross-sectional dimension, a second end having a second cross-sectional dimension, and a tapered portion extending between the first end and the second end. The first cross-sectional dimension is larger than the second cross-sectional dimension. In some embodiments, the body comprises multiple layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2022Publication date: February 29, 2024Inventors: Thomas A. Shepard, Tyler Pegoraro, Stuart Williams, Sanjib Kumar Das, Leo Anthony Trevino, Cheng Li
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Publication number: 20220133532Abstract: A medical implant is disclosed. The medical implant includes a body having a first end having a first cross-sectional dimension, a second end having a second cross-sectional dimension, and a tapered portion extending between the first end and the second end. The first cross-sectional dimension is larger than the second cross-sectional dimension. In some embodiments, the body comprises multiple layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2021Publication date: May 5, 2022Inventors: Thomas A. Shepard, Tyler Pegoraro, Stuart Williams, Sanjib Kumar Das, Leo Anthony Trevino, Cheng Li
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Patent number: 8287202Abstract: This invention generally relates to a method of dispensing an adhesive material using an applicator comprising: a body having a cavity; at least one breaking member integral with the body and having a surrounding gap, the breaking member deflectable into the cavity and having a first engagement member; an annular housing movable with respect to the body and having a second engagement member complementary with the first engagement member, the first and the second engagement members being cooperatively engageable; a reservoir secured to body and having applicator means; a retaining member between the body and reservoir; and a frangible container of adhesive material disposed within the cavity; moving the annular housing relative to the body from a first position to a second position where the engagement members are cooperatively engaged; deflecting the breaking members and breaking the frangible container; and squeezing the reservoir and dispensing adhesive material.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2012Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Jack Goodman, Gregory Hake, Thomas Schoon, Thomas A Shepard
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Publication number: 20120184992Abstract: A bioabsorbable suture anchor for anchoring soft tissue to a bone is provided. The suture anchor is configured to toggle and anchor itself inside a bone cavity of a small joint. The anchor comprises an elongate body defined by a longitudinal axis, a first, leading end and a second, trailing end. The elongate body also has two opposed surfaces between the first and second ends, and a plurality of sidewalls extending between the two opposed surfaces. Extending from one of the sidewalls is a flared portion that is formed on the second end of the elongate body. A suture channel extends between the two opposed surfaces. The suture channel is formed in the elongate body for passage of a suture strand therethrough, such that pulling on an attached suture strand effects toggling of the anchor inside a bone cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2012Publication date: July 19, 2012Applicant: DePuy Mitek, Inc.Inventors: Shelby L. Cook, Jose E. Lizardi, Karl S. Reese, Thomas A. Shepard
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Publication number: 20120160867Abstract: This invention generally relates to a method of dispensing an adhesive material using an applicator comprising: a body having a cavity; at least one breaking member integral with the body and having a surrounding gap, the breaking member deflectable into the cavity and having a first engagement member; an annular housing movable with respect to the body and having a second engagement member complementary with the first engagement member, the first and the second engagement members being cooperatively engageable; a reservoir secured to body and having applicator means; a retaining member between the body and reservoir; and a frangible container of adhesive material disposed within the cavity; moving the annular housing relative to the body from a first position to a second position where the engagement members are cooperatively engaged; deflecting the breaking members and breaking the frangible container; and squeezing the reservoir and dispensing adhesive material.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2012Publication date: June 28, 2012Inventors: Jack GOODMAN, Gregory HAKE, Thomas SCHOON, Thomas A. SHEPARD
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Patent number: 8133257Abstract: A bioabsorbable suture anchor for anchoring soft tissue to a bone is provided. The suture anchor is configured to toggle and anchor itself inside a bone cavity of a small joint. The anchor comprises an elongate body defined by a longitudinal axis, a first, leading end and a second, trailing end. The elongate body also has two opposed surfaces between the first and second ends, and a plurality of sidewalls extending between the two opposed surfaces. Extending from one of the sidewalls is a flared portion that is formed on the second end of the elongate body. The flared portion is adapted to engage and anchor into bone tissue upon toggling. A suture channel extends between the two opposed surfaces. The suture channel is formed in the elongate body for passage of a suture strand therethrough, such that pulling on an attached suture strand effects toggling of the anchor inside a bone cavity.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2003Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: DePuy Mitek, Inc.Inventors: Shelby L. Cook, Jose E. Lizardi, Karl S. Reese, Thomas A. Shepard
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Patent number: 8118508Abstract: An applicator device for dispensing a polymerizable adhesive material comprising a body portion comprising a closed proximal end and an open distal end providing a cavity sized to accept a frangible container having a polymerizable adhesive material; at least one breaking member at least partially deflectable into the cavity; an annular housing movable with respect to the body portion; and a reservoir secured to the open distal end of the body portion, the reservoir further comprising an applicator; wherein the annular housing is movable relative to the body portion from a first position to a second position to deflect at least a portion of the breaking member into the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2006Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Closure Medical CorporationInventors: Jack Goodman, Gregory Hake, Thomas Schoon, Thomas A. Shepard
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Publication number: 20080131190Abstract: An applicator device for dispensing and/or applying an adhesive material comprises a body portion comprising a closed proximal end and an open distal end providing a cavity. The cavity is sized to accept a frangible container having a polymerizable adhesive material. At least one breaking member integral with the body portion and having a surrounding gap is at least partially deflectable into the cavity and each breaking member has a first engagement member. An annular housing movable with respect to the body portion has a second engagement member complementary with the first engagement member, the first and the second engagement member being cooperatively engageable with each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2006Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventors: Jack Goodman, Gregory Hake, Thomas Schoon, Thomas A. Shepard
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Patent number: 5753159Abstract: A molding process includes flowing a polymer melt into the cavity of a mold which includes a core pin. After the mold is filled and skin layers of solidified polymer have formed adjacent the mold wall and core pin wall, the core pin is spun transversely to the direction of polymer melt flow. The invention includes hollow articles of improved mechanical properties made by the process.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1996Date of Patent: May 19, 1998Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Bangshu Cao, Thomas A. Shepard
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Patent number: 5571583Abstract: A molding process includes flowing a polymer melt into the cavity of a mold which includes a core pin. After the mold is filled and skin layers of solidified polymer have formed adjacent the mold wall and core pin wall, the core pin is spun transversely to the direction of polymer melt flow. The invention includes hollow articles of improved mechanical properties made by the process.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1995Date of Patent: November 5, 1996Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Bangshu Cao, Thomas A. Shepard
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Patent number: 5547577Abstract: Gel formulations including a polydimethylsiloxane-polyethyleneoxide copolymer gelled with dibenzylidine sorbitol in the presence of water or alcohol, The gel formulations are useful for facilitating the separation of blood serum or plasma from the cellular portion of blood or as a thermoreversible shear sensitive substance.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1995Date of Patent: August 20, 1996Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Erwin A. Vogler, Thomas A. Shepard, Jane C. Graper
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Patent number: 5543048Abstract: A blood collection assembly with gel formulations including a polydimethylsiloxane-polyethyleneoxide copolymer gelled with dibenzylidine sorbitol in the presence of water or alcohol. The gel formulations are useful for facilitating the separation of blood serum or plasma from the cellular portion of blood or as a thermoreversible shear sensitive substance.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1995Date of Patent: August 6, 1996Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Erwin A. Vogler, Thomas A. Shepard, Jane C. Graper
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Patent number: 5525227Abstract: Method for forming blood compatible, shear sensitive gel formulations including a polydimethylsiloxane-polyethyleneoxide copolymer gelled with dibenzylidine sorbitol in the presence of water or alcohol. The gel formulations are useful for facilitating the separation of blood serum or plasma from the cellular portion of blood or as a thermoreversible shear sensitive substance.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1995Date of Patent: June 11, 1996Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Erwin A. Vogler, Thomas A. Shepard, Jane C. Graper
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Patent number: 5518615Abstract: Gel formulations including a polydimethylsiloxane-polyethyleneoxide copolymer gelled with dibenzylidine sorbitol in the presence of water or alcohol. The gel formulations are useful for facilitating the separation of blood serum or plasma from the cellular portion of blood or as a thermoreversible shear sensitive substance.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1994Date of Patent: May 21, 1996Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Erwin A. Vogler, Thomas A. Shepard, Jane C. Graper
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Patent number: D573710Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2006Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Closure Medical CorporationInventors: Jack Goodman, Gregory Hake, Thomas Schoon, Thomas A. Shepard
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Patent number: D584815Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2008Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Closure Medical CorporationInventors: Jack Goodman, Gregory Hake, Thomas Schoon, Thomas A. Shepard
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Patent number: D1072252Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2021Date of Patent: April 22, 2025Assignee: ALCON INC.Inventors: Thomas A. Shepard, Tyler Pegoraro, Leo Anthony Trevino