Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1998
Title: Douglas Warren Ackerman: Innovator in Surgical Needle Technology
Introduction
Douglas Warren Ackerman is a notable inventor based in Gainesville, GA (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of surgical needle technology, holding two patents that enhance the manufacturing process of these critical medical instruments.
Latest Patents
Ackerman's latest patents include a "Process for heat treating and tempering surgical needles" and a "Process for the heat treatment of surgical needles by aging." The first patent discloses a continuous process for heat treating and cleaning martensitic stainless steel surgical needles. This method involves exposing the needles to a partial vacuum at a temperature below the heat treating temperature to eliminate volatile surface contaminants. Following this, the needles are heat treated in an argon gas environment at a pressure of at least 1.0 Torr, and the temperature is subsequently lowered to temper the needles. The second patent outlines a method for heat treating and cleaning maraging or precipitation hardening stainless steel surgical needles. Similar to the first, this method also begins with exposing the needles to a partial vacuum at a temperature below the aging temperature to remove surface contaminants, followed by heat treatment in an argon gas environment at a pressure of at least 1.0 atmosphere.
Career Highlights
Douglas Ackerman is currently employed at Ethicon GmbH, where he continues to innovate in the field of surgical instruments. His work has significantly impacted the quality and reliability of surgical needles used in medical procedures.
Collaborations
Ackerman has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Timothy A. Sardelis and William C. McJames, who have contributed to his research and development efforts.
Conclusion
Douglas Warren Ackerman's contributions to surgical needle technology through his innovative patents demonstrate his commitment to improving medical instruments. His work at Ethicon GmbH and collaborations with esteemed colleagues further highlight his role as a key figure in this field.