The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 23, 2002
Filed:
Mar. 21, 2000
Alptekin Aksan, East Lansing, MI (US);
John J. McGrath, DeWitt, MI (US);
Board of Trustees of Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI (US);
Abstract
The present invention provides a method for strengthening collagen in collagenous tissue which uses the controlled application of heat to induce shrinkage or contraction of the collagen in the tissue and a cross-linking means which cross-links the shrunken collagen in the tissue thereby stabilizing and strengthening collagenous tissue. In particular, the present invention provides an in vivo method for treating joint instability problems, controlled manipulation of skin structure and properties, and other problems involving collagen-containing tissues. The present invention further provides an in vitro method for stabilizing collagenous tissue for use in vivo or in vitro. Further, the present invention provides a method for treating collagenous tissue and testing the strength and stability of the treated tissue.