Patents by Inventor Wallace Gregory Sawyer

Wallace Gregory Sawyer 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).

  • Patent number: 11964422
    Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of a valve that may be opened and closed using a thixotropic or “stress yield” material, or other material that temporarily changes phase upon application of energy to the material. More particularly, some embodiments may include a valve that is opened and closed using a granular gel that is a temporary phase change material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Muse, Meghan Hughes, Carl David Crane, Thomas Ettor Angelini, Kyle D. Schulze, Tapomoy Bhattacharjee, Wallace Gregory Sawyer, Curtis Taylor
  • Patent number: 11879119
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bioreactor system that allows perfusive flow through a porous support medium enabling 3D growth of biological samples. In some embodiments, the system comprises a sample well filled with a three-dimensional (3D) cell growth medium. The system can further comprises a liquid medium reservoir fluidly connected to the sample well by a first filter material. The system can further comprises a medium collection chamber fluidly connected to the sample well by a second filter material. The system can further comprise an absorbant material that creates an osmotic pressure gradient to produce perfusive flow. In some embodiments, osmotic pressure draws fluid from the liquid medium reservoir, through the first filter material, into the sample well where it permeates the three-dimensional cell growth medium, through the second filter material, and finally into the medium collection chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Ettor Angelini, Tapomoy Bhattacharjee, Wallace Gregory Sawyer, Cameron Morley
  • Publication number: 20230357461
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for compositions including at least one type of water-soluble polymer having a molecular weight of about 10 kDa to 10,000 kDa, methods of making the water-soluble polymer, structures having the water-soluble polymer disposed thereof, and methods of use thereof. The present disclosure provides for branched and hyperbranched water-soluble polymers and methods of making branched and hyperbranched water-soluble polymers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Cullen Lee Garrett Davidson, Megan Lott, Rebecca Olson, Diego Ivan Pedro, Wallace Gregory Sawyer, Brent S Sumerlin
  • Patent number: 11766823
    Abstract: A method or apparatus for creating a three-dimensional tissue construct of a desired shape for repair or replacement of a portion of an organism. The method may comprise injecting at least one biomaterial in a three-dimensional pattern into a first material such that the at least one biomaterial is held in the desired shape of the tissue construct by the first material. The apparatus may comprise an injector configured to inject at least one biomaterial in a three-dimensional pattern into a first material such that the at least one biomaterial is held in the desired shape of the tissue construct by the first material. The first material may comprise a yield stress material, which may be a material exhibiting Herschel-Bulkley behavior. The tissue construct may have a smallest feature size of ten micrometers or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Ettor Angelini, Wallace Gregory Sawyer, Kyle Gene Rowe, Tapomoy Bhattacharjee, Alberto Fernandez-Nieves, Ya-Wen Chang, Samantha M. Marquez
  • Patent number: 11753538
    Abstract: An organic microgel system as support material for 3D printing of soft materials such as silicone and methods for manufacturing and using the organic microgel system are disclosed. In some embodiments, the organic microgel system comprises a plurality of microgel particles formed by blending a di-block copolymer and a tri-block copolymer in an organic solvent. The organic microgel system may allow high precision 3D printing of silicone objects with complex shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Ettor Angelini, Brent S. Sumerlin, Christopher S. O'Bryan, Wallace Gregory Sawyer, Tapomoy Bhattacharjee
  • Publication number: 20230272327
    Abstract: Provided herein are injection molded perfusion-enabled bioreactors and systems including said bioreactors. The bioreactor can include a lid, a frame comprising an an-ay of sample wells, a membrane adhered to a bottom of the frame beneath the array of sample wells, and a skirt adhered to a bottom of the frame, such that the membrane is located between the frame and the skirt. The skirt can include a plurality of channels corresponding to the sample wells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Inventors: Wallace Gregory SAWYER, Ryan A. SMOLCHEK, Juan Manuel URUEÑA VARGAS, Jack E. FAMIGLIETTI, Duy T. NGUYEN
  • Patent number: 11680241
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bioreactor system that allows active perfusive flow through a porous support medium enabling 3D growth of biological samples. In some embodiments, the system comprises a sample well filled with a three-dimensional (3D) cell growth medium. The system can further comprise a liquid medium reservoir fluidly connected to the sample well by a first filter material. The system can further comprises a medium collection chamber fluidly connected to the sample well by a second filter material. In some embodiments, application of negative gage pressure to the medium collection chamber or positive pressure to the liquid medium reservoir draws fluid from the liquid medium reservoir, through the first filter material, into the sample well where it permeates the three-dimensional cell growth medium, through the second filter material, and finally into the medium collection chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Wallace Gregory Sawyer, Samantha Lauren Marshall, Eric O. McGhee, Alexander McGhee, Kylie E. Van Meter, Angela Athena Pitenis, Juan Manuel Urueña, Derek L. Hood, Michael Dougherty, Christian Jobin, Jack E. Famiglietti, Ryan A. Smolchek, Padraic P. Levings
  • Patent number: 11674029
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for lubricious structures (also referred to simply as “structure”), methods of making lubricious structures, methods of using lubricious structures, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott S. Perry, Alexander Rudy, Wallace Gregory Sawyer, Thomas Ettor Angelini
  • Publication number: 20230077050
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for lubricious structures (also referred to simply as “structure”), methods of making lubricious structures, methods of using lubricious structures, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Scott S. PERRY, Alexander RUDY, Wallace Gregory SAWYER, Thomas Ettor ANGELINI
  • Patent number: 11559608
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatus for constructing tissue replacements, such as bone replacements that may be used to repair damaged or missing segments of bone, such as may occur in wound repair or as a repair of a congenital anomaly. These methods involve a three-dimensional (3D) cell growth medium made from a yield stress material that allows cells and structures to be easily deposited and positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Wallace Gregory Sawyer, Thomas Ettor Angelini, Steven C. Ghivizzani, C. Parker Gibbs
  • Publication number: 20220346984
    Abstract: Various examples are provided for modular prosthetic devices and their use. In one example, a device includes a chassis assembly including a joint portion; and an interchangeable module that can be removably attached to the chassis assembly. The interchangeable modules can be configured for use in a wide variety of applications. The interchangeable modules can be quickly exchanged for different activities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventors: Wallace Gregory Sawyer, Brian P. Bartlett, Derek L. Hood
  • Publication number: 20220333051
    Abstract: A three-dimensional cell growth medium is described. The cell growth medium may comprise hydrogel particles swollen with a liquid cell growth medium to form a granular gel yield stress material which undergoes a phase transformation from a solid phase to a liquid-like phase when an applied stress exceeds the yield stress. Cells may be placed in the three-dimensional cell growth medium according to any shape or geometry, and may remain in place within the three-dimensional cell growth medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2022
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Inventors: WALLACE GREGORY SAWYER, THOMAS ETTOR ANGELINI, STEVEN CRAIG GHIVIZZANI, TAPOMOY BHATTACHARJEE, GLYN DANIEL PALMER
  • Patent number: 11390835
    Abstract: A three-dimensional cell growth medium is described. The cell growth medium may comprise hydrogel particles swollen with a liquid cell growth medium to form a granular gel yield stress material which undergoes a phase transformation from a solid phase to a liquid-like phase when an applied stress exceeds the yield stress. Cells may be placed in the three-dimensional cell growth medium according to any shape or geometry, and may remain in place within the three-dimensional cell growth medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Wallace Gregory Sawyer, Thomas Ettor Angelini, Steven Craig Ghivizzani, Tapomoy Bhattacharjee, Glyn Daniel Palmer
  • Patent number: 11377634
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an integrated assay system that can be used, for example, to monitor and screen cells in 3D culture. This system involves a 3D cell growth medium made from a yield stress material that allows cells to be deposited, e.g. by 3D printing, samples to be taken, and the extracellular environment manipulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Wallace Gregory Sawyer, Thomas Ettor Angelini, Steven C. Ghivizzani, C. Parker Gibbs
  • Patent number: 11337833
    Abstract: Various examples are provided for modular prosthetic devices and their use. In one example, a device includes a chassis assembly including a joint portion; and an interchangeable module that can be removably attached to the chassis assembly. The interchangeable modules can be configured for use in a wide variety of applications. The interchangeable modules can be quickly exchanged for different activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Wallace Gregory Sawyer, Brian P. Bartlett, Derek L. Hood
  • Publication number: 20220054711
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatus for constructing tissue replacements, such as bone replacements that may be used to repair damaged or missing segments of bone, such as may occur in wound repair or as a repair of a congenital anomaly. These methods involve a three-dimensional (3D) cell growth medium made from a yield stress material that allows cells and structures to be easily deposited and positioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Inventors: Wallace Gregory Sawyer, Thomas Ettor Angelini, Steven C. Ghivizzani, C. Parker Gibbs
  • Patent number: 11197946
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatus for constructing tissue replacements, such as bone replacements that may be used to repair damaged or missing segments of bone, such as may occur in wound repair or as a repair of a congenital anomaly. These methods involve a three-dimensional (3D) cell growth medium made from a yield stress material that allows cells and structures to be easily deposited and positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Wallace Gregory Sawyer, Thomas Ettor Angelini, Steven C. Ghivizzani, C. Parker Gibbs
  • Publication number: 20210363340
    Abstract: An organic microgel system as support material for 3D printing of soft materials such as silicone and methods for manufacturing and using the organic microgel system are disclosed. In some embodiments, the organic microgel system comprises a plurality of microgel particles formed by blending a di-block copolymer and a tri-block copolymer in an organic solvent. The organic microgel system may allow high precision 3D printing of silicone objects with complex shapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas Ettor Angelini, Brent S. Sumerlin, Christopher S. O'Bryan, Wallace Gregory Sawyer, Tapomoy Bhattacharjee
  • Patent number: 11124644
    Abstract: An organic microgel system as support material for 3D printing of soft materials such as silicone and methods for manufacturing and using the organic microgel system are disclosed. In some embodiments, the organic microgel system comprises a plurality of microgel particles formed by blending a di-block copolymer and a tri-block copolymer in an organic solvent. The organic microgel system may allow high precision 3D printing of silicone objects with complex shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Ettor Angelini, Brent S. Sumerlin, Christopher S. O'Bryan, Wallace Gregory Sawyer, Tapomoy Bhattacharjee
  • Publication number: 20210252777
    Abstract: A method or apparatus for creating a three-dimensional tissue construct of a desired shape for repair or replacement of a portion of an organism. The method may comprise injecting at least one biomaterial in a three-dimensional pattern into a first material such that the at least one biomaterial is held in the desired shape of the tissue construct by the first material. The apparatus may comprise an injector configured to inject at least one biomaterial in a three-dimensional pattern into a first material such that the at least one biomaterial is held in the desired shape of the tissue construct by the first material. The first material may comprise a yield stress material, which may be a material exhibiting Herschel-Bulkley behavior. The tissue construct may have a smallest feature size of ten micrometers or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas Ettor ANGELINI, Wallace Gregory SAWYER, Kyle Gene ROWE, Tapomoy BHATTACHARJEE, Alberto FERNANDEZ-NIEVES, Ya-Wen CHANG, Samantha M. MARQUEZ