US4010494A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Canine ear implant and method for supporting defective auricular cartilage
Assignee: Porex Technologies Corp
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Filing: 1975-08-15
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Granted: 1977-03-08
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Expires: 1995-08-15
Abstract
Abstract Canine ear implant for strengthening the defective auricular cartilage of the canine ear is formed of a sheet of flexible porous polymeric material adapted in size and shape to be positioned adjacent to either side of the auricular cartilage. The polymeric material comprises a network of interconnected pores throughout its volume having an average pore diameter of between 20 μm - 300 μm, the average pore volume being at least 30%.
Inventors
- 👤 Barry W. Sauer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 16:14
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/18; A61D; A61D9/00; A61F2002/183
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
97 words
Canine ear implant for strengthening a defective auricular cartilage of a canine ear, comprising a sheet of flexible polymeric material adapted in size and shape to be positioned adjacent to either side of the auricular cartilage, the polymeric material having a density of at least 0.912 g./c.c. and being porous throughout and comprising a network of interconnected pores with no straight paths longer than the diameter of the largest pore, the minimum pore volume being 30% and the average pore diameter being 20 μm - 300 μm, the sheet having a thickness of at least 20/1000 in.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
97 words
Canine ear implant for strengthening a defective auricular cartilage of a canine ear, comprising a sheet of flexible polymeric material adapted in size and shape to be positioned adjacent to either side of the auricular cartilage, the polymeric material having a density of at least 0.912 g./c.c. and being porous throughout and comprising a network of interconnected pores with no straight paths longer than the diameter of the largest pore, the minimum pore volume being 30% and the average pore diameter being 20 μm - 300 μm, the sheet having a thickness of at least 20/1000 in.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The implant in claim 1, wherein the sheet is generally rectangular in shape with rounded edges.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The implant in claim 1, wherein the polymeric material comprises polyethylene having a density in the range of 0.945 and 0.965 g./cc.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The implant in claim 1, wherein the polymeric material comprises polypropylene having a density in the range of 0.912 and 0.914 g./cc.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
98 words
Method of strengthening auricular cartilage in a canine ear which has a defective portion, comprising the steps of forming an incision in the outer surface of the ear in the vicinity of the defective portion, implanting a splint adjacent to one side of the defective portion of the cartilage, the splint projecting beyond the defective portion and being formed of a sheet of flexible polymeric material which includes a network of interconnected pores throughout its volume with an average pore diameter of between 20 μm -- 300 μm, the sheet having a thickness of at least 20/1000 in.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
98 words
Method of strengthening auricular cartilage in a canine ear which has a defective portion, comprising the steps of forming an incision in the outer surface of the ear in the vicinity of the defective portion, implanting a splint adjacent to one side of the defective portion of the cartilage, the splint projecting beyond the defective portion and being formed of a sheet of flexible polymeric material which includes a network of interconnected pores throughout its volume with an average pore diameter of between 20 μm -- 300 μm, the sheet having a thickness of at least 20/1000 in.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3879767A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-03-07 | 1980-09-06 | 1981-03-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-03-07 | 1984-09-06 | 1985-03-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-03-07 | 1988-09-06 | 1989-03-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |