Patents by Inventor Michael C. Whitehurst

Michael C. Whitehurst 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).

  • Publication number: 20190350750
    Abstract: A dry eye treatment device and method of use are disclosed for applying heat to the exterior surface of an eyelid to treat dry eye symptoms which can be caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). More specifically, a user operable main unit and hand piece are provided that allow the user to heat his/her or another patient's eyelids to a desired temperature, which can effectively and efficiently raise the temperature at the meibomian glands sufficient to melt, loosen, or soften more serious occlusions or obstructions in the meibomian glands, thereby restoring natural secretory function to obstructed glands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Michael C. Whitehurst, Michael Lutz
  • Patent number: 10130507
    Abstract: A dry eye treatment device and method of use are disclosed for applying heat to the exterior surface of an eyelid to treat dry eye symptoms which can be caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). More specifically, a user operable main unit and hand piece are provided that allow the user to heat his/her or another patient's eyelids to a desired temperature, which can effectively and efficiently raise the temperature at the meibomian glands sufficient to melt, loosen, or soften occlusions or obstructions in the meibomian glands, thereby restoring natural secretory function to the meibomian glands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Inventors: Michael C. Whitehurst, Michael Lutz
  • Publication number: 20150320590
    Abstract: A dry eye treatment device and method of use are disclosed for applying heat to the exterior surface of the eyelid to treat dry eye caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). More specifically, a user operable main unit and hand piece are provided that allow the user to heat his/her or another patient's eyelids to a desired temperature, which can effectively and efficiently raise the temperature at the meibomian glands to a temperature sufficient to melt, loosen, or soften more serious occlusions or obstructions in the meibomian glands, and restore natural secretory function to obstructed glands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventors: Michael C. Whitehurst, Michael Lutz