Patents by Inventor William R. Hardwick

William R. Hardwick 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: 6409764
    Abstract: There are numerous medical situations involving deficiencies of living bone or periodontal tissue and where increase of living bone or periodontal tissue mass is desired. Methods are described wherein a configured, shell-like device that is capable of being penetrated by living cells and tissues, is implanted into the body of a mammal in such a way as to establish a space, the space being at least partly, bounded by the device. The configuration of the device is such that the configuration of the established space is essentially the same as the configuration of living bone or periodontal tissue that is desired for treatment of the tissue deficiency. At least one protein from the Transforming Growth Factor-Beta Superfamily of proteins is placed within the established space for the purpose of stimulating the growth of living bone or periodontal tissue within the established space. A kit for the generation of living bone or periodontal tissue, comprised of the components mentioned above, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventors: Charles F. White, Charles Flynn, Alonzo D. Cook, William R. Hardwick, Ulf M. E. Wikesjo, Robert C. Thomson
  • Patent number: 6328765
    Abstract: There are numerous medical situations involving deficiencies of living tissue and where increase of living tissue mass is desired. Methods are described wherein a configured, shell-like device that is capable of being penetrated by living cells and tissues, is implanted into the body of a mammal in such a way as to establish a space, the space being at least partly, bounded by the device. The configuration of the device is such that the configuration of the established space is essentially the same as the configuration of living tissue that is desired for treatment of the tissue deficiency. At least one tissue stimulating molecular substance is placed within the established space for the purpose of stimulating the growth of desired living tissue within the established space. A kit for the generation of desired living tissue, comprised of the components mentioned above, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Hardwick, Robert C. Thomson, Robert L. Cleek, Shrikant M. Mane, Alonzo D. Cook
  • Patent number: 6031148
    Abstract: An implantable bioabsorbable article for the separation and regeneration of tissue at a tissue defect site in the form of a fibrous matrix laminarly affixed to both surfaces of a cell-barrier sheet material. When implanted it allows ingrowth of tissue into the fibrous matrix side of the material; simultaneously the tissue to be regenerated at the tissue defect site is separated from the ingrowing tissue by the cell-barrier sheet material. A method for making the implantable bioabsorbable article is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Byron Kent Hayes, William R. Hardwick, Charles F. White, Mark D. Butler
  • Patent number: 5093179
    Abstract: A method for treatment of periodontal disease is disclosed. The gingival tissue is separated from the tooth surface in an area where periodontal disease is present. A biocompatible, porous material such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene capable of supporting ingrowth of gingival connective tissue and preventing apical migration of gingival epithelium is placed in a laminar relationship to a portion of the perimenter of the tooth surface. The gingival tissue is repositioned around the tooth and in contact with the porous material, with the porous material positioned between the gingival tissue and the tooth. Articles for the treatment of periodontal disease are also disclosed. One article comprises a first portion which is capable of supporting ingrowth of gingival connective tissue and preventing apical migration of gingival epithelium and a second portion which is impermeable to oral tissues and bacteria. Articles and methods for the treatment of bone defects are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Inventors: Todd V. Scantlebury, Jeanne B. Ambruster, Suzanne Motsinger, Daniel F. Davidson, William R. Hardwick, Stephen E. Campbell
  • Patent number: 5032445
    Abstract: A method for treatment of periodontal disease is disclosed. The gingival tissue is separated from the tooth surface in an area where periodontal disease is present. A biocompatible, porous material such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene capable of supporting ingrowth of gingival connective tissue and preventing apical migration of gingival epithelium is placed in a laminar relationship to a portion of the perimeter of the tooth surface. The gingival tissue is repositioned around the tooth and in contact with the porous material, with the porous material positioned between the gingival tissue and the tooth. Articles for the treatment of periodontal disease are also disclosed. One article comprises a first portion which is capable of supporting ingrowth of gingival connective tissue and preventing apical migration of gingival epithelium and a second portion which is impermeable to oral tissues and bacteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates
    Inventors: Todd V. Scantlebury, Jeanne B. Ambruster, Suzanne Motsinger, Daniel F. Davidson, William R. Hardwick, Stephen E. Campbell