Patents by Inventor Thomas E. Powell
Thomas E. Powell 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: 20140180413Abstract: Disclosed herein are polyurethane polymer matrices with a porosity of from about 20 microns to about 90 microns that are useful in promoting closure and protection of incision sites; supporting the lower pole position of breast implants; and providing a partial or complete covering of breast implants to provide a beneficial interface with host tissue and to reduce the potential for malpositioning or capsular contracture. The disclosed matrices can be seeded with mammalian cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2014Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: Allergan, Inc.Inventors: Dennis E. Van Epps, Thomas E. Powell
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Publication number: 20140074237Abstract: A fluid-filled prosthetic implant having a shell comprising a matrix material and an additive distributed in the matrix material.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: Allergan, Inc.Inventors: Kerim Yacoub, Thomas E. Powell
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Publication number: 20140066748Abstract: A fluid-filled prosthetic implant having a shell comprising a matrix material and an additive distributed in the matrix material. The implant can be imaged in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging to more clearly reveal defects in the shell, relative to a implant having a shell without the additive material.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: Allergan, Inc.Inventors: Kerim Yacoub, Thomas E. Powell
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Publication number: 20140012377Abstract: A variable cohesive gel form stabilizing implant is provided for augmentation or reconstruction of the breast. The prosthesis includes a shell filled with a gel having variations in cohesiveness to maintain stable form, shape, and dimension after surgical implantation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: Allergan, Inc.Inventors: G. Patrick Maxwell, Thomas E. Powell, Daniel A. Carlisle
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Publication number: 20130323952Abstract: An electrical connector receptacle for mounting within an explosion proof enclosure includes a flange portion having a first side, a second side and a centrally disposed aperture. Also included is a cylindrical member integrally formed with the flange portion and extending away from the first side. Further included is a plurality of apertures extending from the first side to the second side, wherein the plurality of apertures are configured to receive a mechanical fastener for mounting the electrical connector receptacle to a printed wiring board. Yet further included is an o-ring groove disposed within the first side and spaced radially outwardly from an outer surface of the cylindrical member. Also included is a plurality of mounting feet integrally formed with the flange portion and extending away from the second side to form an electrical bonding path to the printed wiring board.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2012Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATIONInventors: Melissa Loureiro, Thomas E. Powell
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Publication number: 20130310934Abstract: A soft prosthetic implant shell, such as a silicone breast implant shell, that has discrete fixation surfaces thereon for tissue adhesion. The fixation surfaces may be provided on the posterior face of the shell, as well as either on the periphery or at discrete areas on the anterior face. Band-shaped fixation surfaces may be provided on the anterior face of the shell to generally match the angle of pectoralis major or pectoralis minor muscle groups. The fixation surfaces may be roughened areas of the shell, or may be separate elements adhered to the shell.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: Allergan, Inc.Inventors: Dennis E. Van Epps, Thomas E. Powell
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Publication number: 20130302511Abstract: Implantable prosthesis, components of prosthesis, and methods of making same are provided. The methods generally include the steps of providing an implant shell, applying a curable fluid composition to the shell to form a coating thereon and applying a particulate component to the composition. The composition is a mixture, for example, an emulsion, containing a silicone-based elastomer dispersion and droplets of a suspended leachable agent. After the elastomer is stabilized and cured, the particulate component and leachable agent are removed, resulting in an implantable member having a porous, open-cell surface texture designed to be effective in reducing incidence of capsular formation or contraction.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Inventors: Alexei Goraltchouk, Dennis Van Epps, Thomas E. Powell
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Publication number: 20130240220Abstract: A low profile explosion proof by containment enclosure includes a base wall having first and second edge sections that are joined with third and fourth edge sections to define a substantially planar surface. First and second side walls extend from the first and second edge sections, and third and fourth side walls extending from the third and fourth edge sections and are joined with the first and second side walls. The base wall, first and second, and third and fourth side walls define an interior zone. A cover is coupled to the first and second, and third and fourth side walls to enclose the interior zone and provide containment to any flammable events. At least one of the first and second side walls, third and fourth side walls, base wall, and cover includes one or more unobstructed openings that provide fluid drainage while also providing containment to any flammable events.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2012Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATIONInventors: Melissa Loureiro, Thomas E. Powell
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Patent number: 8506627Abstract: A soft prosthetic implant shell, such as a silicone breast implant shell, that has discrete fixation surfaces thereon for tissue adhesion. The fixation surfaces may be provided on the posterior face of the shell, as well as either on the periphery or at discrete areas on the anterior face. Band-shaped fixation surfaces may be provided on the anterior face of the shell to generally match the angle of pectoralis major or pectoralis minor muscle groups. The fixation surfaces may be roughened areas of the shell, or may be separate elements adhered to the shell.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2009Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Allergan, Inc.Inventors: Dennis Van Epps, Thomas E. Powell
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Patent number: 8313527Abstract: A method of texturing a soft prosthetic implant shell, such as a silicone breast implant shell. A soft prosthetic implant with a textured external surface layer of silicone elastomer and having an open-cell structure is made by adhering and then dissolving round salt crystals. The resulting roughened surface has enhanced physical properties relative to surfaces formed with angular salt crystals. An implant having such a textured external surface layer is expected to help prevent capsular contraction, to help prevent scar formation, and to help in anchoring the implant within the body.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2008Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Allergan, Inc.Inventors: Thomas E. Powell, Loantrang Dang
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Publication number: 20120209381Abstract: Disclosed herein are polyurethane polymer matrices with a porosity of from about 20 microns to about 90 microns that are useful in promoting closure and protection of incision sites; supporting the lower pole position of breast implants; and providing a partial or complete covering of breast implants to provide a beneficial interface with host tissue and to reduce the potential for malpositioning or capsular contracture. The disclosed matrices can be seeded with mammalian cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: ALLERGAN, INC.Inventors: Thomas E. Powell, Dennis E. Van Epps
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Publication number: 20120207837Abstract: Disclosed herein are polyurethane polymer matrices with a porosity of from about 20 microns to about 90 microns that are useful in promoting closure and protection of incision sites; supporting the lower pole position of breast implants; and providing a partial or complete covering of breast implants to provide a beneficial interface with host tissue and to reduce the potential for malpositioning or capsular contracture. The disclosed matrices can be seeded with mammalian cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: ALLERGAN, INC.Inventors: Thomas E. Powell, Dennis E. Van Epps
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Publication number: 20120143328Abstract: A variable cohesive gel form stabilizing implant is provided for augmentation or reconstruction of the breast. The prosthesis includes a shell filled with a gel having variations in cohesiveness to maintain stable form, shape, and dimension after surgical implantation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2011Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: ALLERGAN, INC.Inventors: G. Patrick Maxwell, Thomas E. Powell, Daniel A. Carlisle
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Patent number: 8070808Abstract: A variable cohesive gel form stabilizing implant is disclosed for augmentation or reconstruction of the breast. The prosthesis of this invention comprises an implantable shell or envelope (not limited to a single shell or envelope), filled with a biocompatible gel, or gels, having alterations in gel cohesiveness to maintain stable form, shape, and dimension after surgical implantation. The gel cohesiveness may increase, with increased volume or dimension of the prosthesis. The variable cohesiveness of the gel filler material may be altered by any means (i.e. chemical, fabrication, etc.). The variable cohesive gel form stabilizing implant has shape retention characteristics to maintain its form, thereby reducing or eliminating the undesirable effects of shell wrinkling, knuckling, scalloping or deformation, which can occur at the upper or lower pole of the prostheses, along the perimeter of the shell or at the base, post-implantation.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2006Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Allergan, Inc.Inventors: G. Patrick Maxwell, Thomas E. Powell, Daniel A. Carlisle
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Publication number: 20110288639Abstract: An inflatable tissue expander, suitable for implantation in a breast, is provided. The tissue expander includes a puncturable, self-sealing anterior portion forming a fillable cavity, and posterior portion that is puncture resistant. The anterior portion includes a silicone-based elastomer material having a mesh embedded therein. The posterior portion includes a first composite guard and a second composite guard, each composite guard including an arrangement of puncture resistant members and a flexible substrate having a first side on which the puncture resistant members are disposed in a spaced apart fashion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: ALLERGAN, INC.Inventors: Nikhil S. Trilokekar, Dimitrios Stroumpoulis, Dustin Leslie, Kaustubh S. Chitre, Nicholas J. Manesis, David J. Schuessler, Thomas E. Powell, James A. Harders
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Publication number: 20110276135Abstract: A fluid-filled prosthetic implant having a shell comprising a matrix material and an additive distributed in the matrix material. The implant can be imaged in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging to more clearly reveal defects in the shell, relative to a implant having a shell without the additive material.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2009Publication date: November 10, 2011Applicant: ALLERGAN, INC.Inventors: Kerim Yacoub, Thomas E. Powell
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Publication number: 20110270392Abstract: An elastomeric gel-filled prosthetic implant having a shell made of a single gel barrier layer. The barrier layer is formed of a homogeneous silicone elastomer capable of sterically retarding permeation of the silicone gel through the shell and having a bleed rate that is less than about 40% of the bleed rate of current shells which use a sandwiched construction with an internal barrier layer. Further, the barrier layer shell is made of a material that exhibits a wet strength that is comparable to or greater than current shells. The silicone elastomer may be a polydimethyl siloxane, and the substituted chemical group is a diphenyl group with a minimum mole percent of at least 13%. The implant may be designed for breast reconstruction or augmentation such that the shell is accordingly shaped. The shell wall thickness is at least 0.254 mm (0.010 inches), and desirably about 0.456 mm (0.018 inches). The implant shell may be made by dip-forming, spray-forming, or rotational molding.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: ALLERGAN, INC.Inventors: David J. Schuessler, Thomas E. Powell
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Patent number: 8043373Abstract: An elastomeric gel-filled prosthetic implant having a shell made of a single gel barrier layer. The barrier layer is formed of a homogeneous silicone elastomer capable of sterically retarding permeation of the silicone gel through the shell and having a bleed rate that is less than about 40% of the bleed rate of current shells which use a sandwiched construction with an internal barrier layer. Further, the barrier layer shell is made of a material that exhibits a wet strength that is comparable to or greater than current shells. The silicone elastomer may be a polydimethyl siloxane, and the substituted chemical group is a diphenyl group with a minimum mole percent of at least 13%. The implant may be designed for breast reconstruction or augmentation such that the shell is accordingly shaped. The shell wall thickness is at least 0.254 mm (0.010 inches), and desirably about 0.456 mm (0.018 inches). The implant shell may be made by dip-forming, spray-forming, or rotational molding.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2008Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Allergan, Inc.Inventors: David J. Schuessler, Thomas E. Powell
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Publication number: 20110230964Abstract: A fluid-filled prosthetic implant having a shell comprising a matrix material and an additive distributed in the matrix material.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2009Publication date: September 22, 2011Applicant: ALLERGAN, INC.Inventors: Kerim Yacoub, Thomas E. Powell
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Publication number: 20110117267Abstract: A method of texturing a soft prosthetic implant shell, such as a silicone breast implant shell. A soft prosthetic implant with a textured external surface layer of silicone elastomer and having an open-cell structure is made by adhering and then dissolving round salt crystals. The resulting roughened surface has enhanced physical properties relative to surfaces formed with angular salt crystals. An implant having such a textured external surface layer is expected to help prevent capsular contraction, to help prevent scar formation, and to help in anchoring the implant within the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2011Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: ALLERGAN, INC.Inventors: Thomas E. Powell, Loantrang Dang