Tracy Potter

US Patent:

7302993, Dec 4, 2007

Filed:

Sep 28, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/536149

Inventors:

William A. Crawford - Cincinnati OH, US
Tracy J. Potter - Philipsburg PA, US
Donald F. Heaney - Philipsburg PA, US
Brain S. DeForce - Port Matilda PA, US
Samardh Onukuri - Cincinnati OH, US

Assignee:

Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. - Cincinnati OH

International Classification:

B22D 13/00

US Classification:

164114, 164 34, 164516, 164488

Abstract:

Techniques for forming cast parts for medical devices suitable for contact with internal regions of patients are described herein. Such parts can be small in scale (e. g. , having a major axis less than 0. 3 inches, and/or a minor axis less than about 0. 08 inches), and can be formed from metals that have a high melting point and high reactivity with environmental components or mold surfaces, such as stainless steel and titanium alloys. Such techniques can include injecting molten metal into the sprue of a mold tree such that the side runners are backfilled after the molten metal impacts a closed end of the sprue. Side runners can be oriented in particular directions and positions to promote backfilling. As well, flask temperatures and the use of surfactants can also promote cast part formation, hindering the formation of surface defects.

US Patent:

7762308, Jul 27, 2010

Filed:

Dec 3, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/949262

Inventors:

William A. Crawford - Cincinnati OH, US
Tracy J. Potter - Philipsburg PA, US
Donald F. Heaney - Philipsburg PA, US
Brain S. DeForce - Port Matilda PA, US
Samardh Onukuri - Cincinnati OH, US

Assignee:

Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. - Cincinnati OH

International Classification:

B22D 13/00

US Classification:

164114, 164118, 164133

Abstract:

Techniques for forming cast parts for medical devices suitable for contact with internal regions of patients are described herein. Such parts can be small in scale (e. g. , having a major axis less than 0. 3 inches, and/or a minor axis less than about 0. 08 inches), and can be formed from metals that have a high melting point and high reactivity with environmental components or mold surfaces, such as stainless steel and titanium alloys. Such techniques can include injecting molten metal into the sprue of a mold tree such that the side runners are backfilled after the molten metal impacts a closed end of the sprue. Side runners can be oriented in particular directions and positions to promote backfilling. As well, flask temperatures and the use of surfactants can also promote cast part formation, hindering the formation of surface defects.

US Patent:

20080118771, May 22, 2008

Filed:

Oct 30, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/927933

Inventors:

William A. Crawford - Cincinnati OH, US
Tracy J. Potter - Philipsburg PA, US
Donald F. Heaney - Philipsburg PA, US
Brian S. DeForce - Port Matilda PA, US
Samardh Onukuri - Cincinnati OH, US

Assignee:

ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC. - Cincinnati OH

International Classification:

B32B 15/01

US Classification:

428687, 428544

Abstract:

Techniques for forming cast parts for medical devices suitable for contact with internal regions of patients are described herein. Such parts can be small in scale (e.g., having a major axis less than 0.3 inches, and/or a minor axis less than about 0.08 inches), and can be formed from metals that have a high melting point and high reactivity with environmental components or mold surfaces, such as stainless steel and titanium alloys. Such techniques can include injecting molten metal into the sprue of a mold tree such that the side runners are backfilled after the molten metal impacts a closed end of the sprue. Side runners can be oriented in particular directions and positions to promote backfilling. As well, flask temperatures and the use of surfactants can also promote cast part formation, hindering the formation of surface defects.