Light Application Patents (Class 606/2)
  • Patent number: 11918823
    Abstract: A device for generating singlet oxygen is provided. The device has a sensitizer that converts triplet oxygen to single oxygen upon exposure to light. The device is configured to keep the sensitizer from contacting external fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignees: Research Foundation of the City University of New York, SingletO2 Therapeutics LLC
    Inventors: Alan M. Lyons, Alexander Greer, QianFeng Xu
  • Patent number: 11903909
    Abstract: The invention relates to combined liposuction methods and can be used in surgical interventions to remove local fat deposits in the lower third of the face and neck. The method includes a preoperative examination of the patient when one or more areas of the lower third of the face and neck of the patient are designated as liposuction areas constituting the operative field. The contour boundaries of the operative field and at least one operative access point are determined. Uniform infiltration anesthesia of the adipose tissue to be removed in the liposuction areas is performed. From a Nd:YAG laser radiation source with a wavelength of 1064 nm, a Nd:YAG laser radiation with a wavelength of 1064 nm in a pulsed mode with a frequency of 50 Hz, with a pulse duration of 300 ?s and a power of the predetermined value is supplied directly to the adipose tissue to be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignees: LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY “CENTER FOR PLASTIC SURGERY AND COSMETOLOGY ”SHARM“”
    Inventors: Vitaly Alexandrovich Igumnov, Alexandr Alexandrovich Igumnov
  • Patent number: 11839775
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising energy (e.g., light) absorbing submicron particles (e.g., nanoparticles comprising a silica core and a gold shell) and methods for delivering such particles via topical application. This delivery is facilitated by application of mechanical agitation (e.g. massage), acoustic vibration in the range of 10 Hz-20 kHz, ultrasound, alternating suction and pressure, and microjets. The method of treatment is performed and then, depending upon the desired clinical outcome, repeated after a treatment response interval has elapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: CORONADO AESTHETICS, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony V. Lando, Dilip Paithankar, Erin C. Keller, Todd J. Meyer
  • Patent number: 11813476
    Abstract: Light energy is applied externally to a patient's head, neck, or both, to treat the brain and nervous system. The light energy stimulates different neurological pathways, reduces inflammation, stimulates mitochondria function in the brain, and increases HRV. The light is applied to the patient on the skull, near the vagus nerve, or a combination thereof. The treatment can be enhanced by activating the cranial nerves while the light is applied. The wavelengths of the applied light range from ultraviolet to far infrared, and preferably are visible light from about 400-760 nm. In a preferred embodiment the applied light is in the red range and more preferably about of 635 nm±10 nm. The applied light energy is applied with a pulse frequency or frequencies that mimic healthy brain function of alpha, beta, delta, and theta waves such as 8 Hz, 53 Hz, 73 Hz and 101 Hz. The pulse frequencies can be applied singularly, serially, alternately, or simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Erchonia Corporation, LLC
    Inventor: Steven C Shanks
  • Patent number: 11815392
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement/evaluation which allows piercing detection within a fiber optic cable connector by means of two photodetectors independent of power, pulse frequency and pulse length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: II-VI DELAWARE, INC.
    Inventor: Gunnar Köhler
  • Patent number: 11801397
    Abstract: A wearable photobiomodulation device comprises a shell portion and an illumination module and is configured to deliver light to a photoresponsive tissue of an individual. In some embodiments, the illumination module provides red and/or infrared light to a photoresponsive tissue on an individual at a dose of between about 5-50 mJ/cm2 over a target illumination area of about 100-200 cm2. Exemplary devices may be configured as a wearable sports cup with an integral or detachable illumination module that provides effective amounts of light to a target are to so effect photobiomodulation in an individual wearing the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Shining Buddha Corp.
    Inventor: Rahil (Ray) Khan
  • Patent number: 11726237
    Abstract: To provide a light diffuser plate that can control an anisotropic shape of diffused light. The light diffuser plate includes a base material, and a group structure including a plurality of convexities or concavities provided on at least one main surface of the base material and having anisotropic shapes extended in a common direction. The plurality of convexities or concavities are arranged randomly and densely on the main surface of the base material. A boundary between adjacent ones of the plurality of convexities or concavities includes a plurality of curved lines having curvatures different from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: DEXERIALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mitsuo Arima, Masayuki Ishiwata
  • Patent number: 11674844
    Abstract: A sensor arrangement/evaluation which allows piercing detection within a fiber optic cable connector by means of two photodetectors independent of power, pulse frequency and pulse length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: II-VI DELAWARE, INC.
    Inventor: Gunnar Köhler
  • Patent number: 11464997
    Abstract: System and methods to generate and control light for use in therapeutic, aesthetic, disinfection, and other light-related applications in settings where a significant portion of skin is exposed to light (e.g., shower, sauna, locker-room). Characteristics of the light are controlled to simulate specific spectra of natural sunlight and unnatural light and deliver targeted doses of UV light (e.g., for vitamin-D synthesis, boosting the immune system, tanning), UV-C light (e.g., to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi), visible light (e.g., to anchor a circadian rhythm to improve mood, metabolism, cognitive functions, physical performance, and sleep), and red or infrared light (e.g., for skin rejuvenation, wound healing, tissue repair, blood-flow, muscle recovery, circulation) while, at the same time, minimizing negative impacts of light exposure. Various embodiments may further create the experience of an outdoor shower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Inventor: Konrad Jarausch
  • Patent number: 11458575
    Abstract: A device for shaping tissue includes a tip with an internal close-looped circulation system. The tip is configured to connect to tubes. One tube is configured to connect to a submersible cold-water pump. Another tube is an outlet. The tip has a sapphire window on one face and, on opposite face, a shaft with a laser fiber therein, and an opening for laser beam to shine through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Brian Jet-Fei Wong, Guillermo Aguilar, Dmitry Protsenko, Lars Svaasand, Cara Chlebicki
  • Patent number: 11439839
    Abstract: A hand-held light treatment device configured with interchangeable emitter heads that are pre-programmed with desired treatment protocols and updated from a remote store of treatment protocols. The device comprises a handpiece, a plurality of emitter heads, and a base. The removable emitter heads each contain one or more treatment LEDs, a tracking light, a task light, a proximity sensor, and a control module. A tip is attached to the emitter head, either removably or integral therewith. In one embodiment, the tip is integral with the emitter head and emits light to the side of the device, perpendicular to the handpiece. The device is prohibited from emitting light when too far from a surface. Some embodiments have disposable tips of various shapes that attach to the emitter heads, which permits a single device to direct the emitted energy at nearly any direction and be used in a variety of applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Acuity Innovation and Design, LLC
    Inventors: Laurence A Harlan, Yoram Weiss
  • Patent number: 11413240
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for the treatment of oral lesions in a subject comprising a methylene blue oral rinse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventor: Carlos Julio Roldan
  • Patent number: 11406536
    Abstract: Embodiments of this disclosure disclose an imaging system, including an eye interface device, a scanning assembly, a beam source, a free-floating mechanism, and a detection assembly. The beam source generates an electromagnetic radiation beam. The detection assembly generates a signal indicative of an intensity of a portion of the electromagnetic radiation beam reflected from the focal point location. A subsequent focal point of the electromagnetic radiation beam may be adjusted per the measured intensity signal. In some embodiments, an intensity signal below a lower threshold value may suggest a depth increase for a subsequent focal point. An intensity signal above an upper threshold value may suggest a depth decrease for a subsequent focal point. And, an intensity signal between the lower and upper thresholds may suggest a depth be maintained for a subsequent focal point. The focal point may be adjusted after each pulse or after a plurality of pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: AMO Development, LLC
    Inventors: Georg Schuele, Raymond Woo, John S. Hart
  • Patent number: 11395925
    Abstract: A device includes light sources, electromagnetic field generators, and vibration components to apply a variety of treatment regimens to a living animal organism, including a human person or a body part of a person. The light and electromagnetic therapy are applied at frequencies which have physiological effects, and which can be combined to induce lipolysis, stimulate muscle, and achieve other effects. Feedback is used to dynamically adjust the intensity, duration, and other parameters of the light, electromagnetic, and vibration treatment modalities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Inventor: Brian A. Gandel
  • Patent number: 11191482
    Abstract: The present invention is a Miniature Vein Enhancer that includes a Miniature Projection Head. The Miniature Projection Head may be operated in one of three modes, AFM, DBM, and RTM. The Miniature Projection Head of the present invention projects an image of the veins of a patient, which aids the practitioner in pinpointing a vein for an intravenous drip, blood test, and the like. The Miniature projection head may have a cavity for a power source or it may have a power source located in a body portion of the Miniature Vein Enhancer. The Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to one of several improved needle protectors, or the Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to a body similar to a flashlight for hand held use. The Miniature Vein Enhancer of the present invention may also be attached to a magnifying glass, a flat panel display, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: AccuVein, INC.
    Inventors: Ron Goldman, Stephen P. Conlon, Vincent Luciano, Fred Wood
  • Patent number: 11172880
    Abstract: The present invention is a Miniature Vein Enhancer that includes a Miniature Projection Head. The Miniature Projection Head may be operated in one of three modes, AFM, DBM, and RTM. The Miniature Projection Head of the present invention projects an image of the veins of a patient, which aids the practitioner in pinpointing a vein for an intravenous drip, blood test, and the like. The Miniature projection head may have a cavity for a power source or it may have a power source located in a body portion of the Miniature Vein Enhancer. The Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to one of several improved needle protectors, or the Miniature Vein Enhancer may be attached to a body similar to a flashlight for hand held use. The Miniature Vein Enhancer of the present invention may also be attached to a magnifying glass, a flat panel display, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: AccuVein, Inc.
    Inventors: Ron Goldman, David Hunt, Mark Mock, Graham Marshall, Stephen P. Conlon, Robert Roth
  • Patent number: 11045294
    Abstract: The present invention provides for oral care systems comprising: an appliance comprising a first and second plurality of nozzles, the appliance configured to be held in the mouth of a user with the first and second plurality of nozzles in fluid communication with one or more surfaces of the user's oral cavity; a source of gas; a source of liquid; and a fluid controller for directing entrained fluid to the appliance. Also provided are methods of cleaning, or otherwise providing benefits to, one or more surfaces of the oral cavity using a system of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Dorward, Tara Fourre, Justin McDonough, Davide Miksa, Jin Seo, Deepak Sharma
  • Patent number: 10952786
    Abstract: Electrosurgical lysing devices and related systems and methods. In some embodiments, the lysing device may comprise a lysing tip comprising a plurality of beads. One or more of the plurality of beads may be electrically non-conductive, at least along their respective surfaces. The lysing tip may further comprise at least one lysing member defining at least one lysing segment extending between each pair of adjacent beads. At least a subset of the plurality of beads may protrude both distally and proximally relative to the at least one lysing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Inventor: Paul Joseph Weber
  • Patent number: 10675481
    Abstract: The invention provides a laser system and method for administering multiple beams of laser energy in tissue treatment applications. The system administers the beams simultaneously in a distribution pattern of spatially separated overlapping and non-overlapping regions on a tissue. The simultaneous administration and distribution pattern permit the beams to propagate within a tissue without producing the light scattering effects that characterize the sequential application of multiple laser beams to a tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Inventor: Nikolai Tankovich
  • Patent number: 10646273
    Abstract: The apparatus for irradiating a laser in accordance with an exemplary embodiment includes: a main body; a laser resonator located within the main body and configured to generate a laser beam and output the laser beam forwards; a beam barrel in which a focusing lens is fixed; a beam barrel guiding unit located in front of the main body and configured to guide forward and backward movement of the beam barrel; and a forward and backward moving means connected to an outer periphery of the beam barrel and configured to move the beam barrel forwards and backwards relative to an irradiation target portion in front of the beam barrel. A screw thread is formed on the outer periphery of the beam barrel and a screw thread is formed on an inner surface of the forward and backward moving means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Lameditech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong Seok Choi
  • Patent number: 10638933
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for illuminating and imaging tissue is provided. In one version, the method includes illuminating a volume of a tissue with photons from a three-dimensional array of optical emitters inserted into the tissue. In another version, the method includes detecting photons from a volume of a tissue using a three-dimensional array of optical detectors inserted into the tissue. A probe device for illuminating tissue and/or detecting photons emitted from tissue includes elongated microsized probes containing optical emitters and optical detectors in a three dimensional array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Michael L. Roukes
  • Patent number: 10556123
    Abstract: The present invention provides method and apparatus for treating tissue in a region at depth while protecting non-targeted tissue by cyclically applying cooling to the patients skin, and preferably to the region, and by applying radiation to the patient's skin above the region to selectively heat tissue during and/or after cooling is applied. At least one of cooling and radiation may be applied by successively passing a continuous output applicator over the patient's skin. Treatment may also be enhanced by applying mechanical, acoustic or electrical stimulation to the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: PALOMAR MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory B. Altshuler, Konstantin Prikhodko, Andrei V. Belikov, Ilya Yaroslavsky
  • Patent number: 10524701
    Abstract: A motion capture system includes a motion sensor having a flexible body and a fiber bragg gratings (FBG) sensor inserted into the body, a fixture configured to fix the motion sensor to a human body of a user, a light source configured to irradiate light to the motion sensor, and a measurer configured to analyze a reflected light output from the motion sensor, wherein the FBG sensor includes an optical fiber extending along a longitudinal direction of the body and a sensing unit formed in a partial region of the optical fiber and having a plurality of gratings, and wherein a change of a wavelength spectrum of the reflected light, caused by the change of an interval of the gratings due to a motion of the user, is detected to measure a motion state of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignees: Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Center of Human-Centered Interaction for Coexistence
    Inventors: Jinseok Kim, Hyun Joon Shin, Bum-Jae You, Sungwook Yang, Minsu Jang, Jun Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 10437744
    Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatuses and methods using the apparatuses. Some of the apparatuses include a circuit structure that can be configured to operate in either the C-PHY mode or the D-PHY mode of the MIPI specification. In one device, the circuit structure can be included in a receiver of the device and configured to operate in the C-PHY mode. In another device, the circuit structure can be included in a receiver of the device and configured to operate in the D-PHY mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Hongjiang Song, Mahender R Voruganti, Girish Ramanathan
  • Patent number: 10363173
    Abstract: Embodiments of this disclosure disclose an imaging system, including an eye interface device, a scanning assembly, a beam source, a free-floating mechanism, and a detection assembly. The beam source generates an electromagnetic radiation beam. The detection assembly generates a signal indicative of an intensity of a portion of the electromagnetic radiation beam reflected from the focal point location. A subsequent focal point of the electromagnetic radiation beam may be adjusted per the measured intensity signal. In some embodiments, an intensity signal below a lower threshold value may suggest a depth increase for a subsequent focal point. An intensity signal above an upper threshold value may suggest a depth decrease for a subsequent focal point. And, an intensity signal between the lower and upper thresholds may suggest a depth be maintained for a subsequent focal point. The focal point may be adjusted after each pulse or after a plurality of pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: OPTIMEDICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Georg Schuele, Raymond Woo, John S. Hart
  • Patent number: 10364944
    Abstract: A lighting system combines an arrangement of UV LEDs which face a light exit window and an arrangement of visible light LEDs which face a reflector arrangement. The reflection can be used to provide desired beam shaping or diffusion so that beam shaping components are not needed at the exit window. In this way, UV deterioration of beam shaping components is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: SIGNIFY HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Ties Van Bommel, Rifat Ata Mustafa Hikmet
  • Patent number: 10251600
    Abstract: A surgical system used to determine if a vessel is within a region proximate to a working end of a surgical instrument includes at least one light emitter disposed at the working end of the surgical instrument, the at least one light emitter adapted to emit light of at least two different wavelengths. The system also includes at least one light sensor disposed at the working end of the surgical instrument opposite the at least one light emitter, the at least one light sensor adapted to detect light at the at least two different wavelengths. The system further includes a controller coupled to the at least one light sensor and adapted to determine a ratio of the light absorbed at the least two different wavelengths, and to indicate if an artifact within a region proximate to the working end of the surgical instrument is a vessel based on the ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Briteseed, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Fehrenbacher, Jonathan Gunn, Hariharan Subramanian
  • Patent number: 10195453
    Abstract: A method of soft tissue treatment of a patient includes placing an applicator onto a surface of the soft tissue, with the applicator including an electrode and a dielectric material vacuum cup. The soft tissue is heated via the electrode. Vacuum is applied to the vacuum cup. The electrode may be at least partially covered by a dielectric material of variable thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: BTL Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Tomá{hacek over (s)} Schwarz, Ondrej Pribula, Franti{hacek over (s)}ek Lang
  • Patent number: 10197244
    Abstract: Stage light fixture provided with: a short arc lamp adapted to emit a light beam along an optical axis; a reflector associated to the short arc lampso as to concentrate light beam rays substantially at a work point; an output optical assembly, arranged at the most downstream point along the optical axis, having a focal point arranged between the light source and the output optical assembly and coinciding with the work point; at least one color assembly comprising a plurality of color devices configured to selectively color the light beam; the color assembly being arranged between the short arc lampand the work point (PL).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: CLAY PAKY S.P.A.
    Inventors: Pasquale Quadri, Angelo Cavenati
  • Patent number: 9937004
    Abstract: A method, system and device for shortening hair with the method including generating a plurality of laser pulses overlapping in time; focusing the laser pulses into spatially separated focal spots having a peak power density at least equal to a first threshold at which a laser induced optical breakdown phenomenon occurs in the hair and below a second threshold at which a laser induced optical breakdown phenomenon occurs in skin. Generating the plurality of laser pulses includes an act of generating the plurality of laser pulses to reach the first characteristic threshold value after a start of each corresponding laser pulse in a time span of less than half of the pulse duration; and positioning the respective at least three focal spots into respective target positions within a single hair such that only one of the plurality of laser pulses occur in each of the at least three focal spots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Robbert Adrianus Maria Van Hal, Rieko Verhagen
  • Patent number: 9901745
    Abstract: A light-emitting device includes a plurality of light-emitting elements or light sources and a flexible pad for positioning and conforming the light-emitting device to a portion of a body of a user. The flexible pad includes a three-dimensional structure having a plurality of protrusions for contacting a skin of the portion of the body when the light-emitting device is applied to the portion of the body by the flexible pad. Further, the three-dimensional structure includes a plurality of recesses for creating a clearance between the skin and the flexible pad when the light-emitting device is applied to the portion of the body, and a plurality of apertures for engaging with the plurality of light-emitting elements. Each protrusion includes an extended part and a withdrawn part, where the extended part is further extended than the withdrawn part, and the extended part is configured to contact the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Mathew Lee Bembridge, Guofu Zhou, Jorgen Meeusen, Wouter Petrus Kaandorp
  • Patent number: 9889314
    Abstract: Provided is a color light therapy device. The color light therapy device includes: a body that is used by being attached to a color light therapy portion of a human body by using a double-sided adhesive tape, a hydrogel pad, or an air suction plate, and includes a printed circuit board (PCB) that supplies driving power to a light source that emits color light in a given wavelength range to perform color light therapy on the human body; and a power jack that is connected to the PCB of the body through an electric wire. Since a user may use the color light therapy device by connecting the power jack to a mobile phone, a PC, a laptop, a tablet PC, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a vehicle, or a socket at home while carrying the color light therapy device, anyone may conveniently use the color light therapy device to perform color light therapy on the human body without exchanging or charging a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: COLOR SEVEN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nam Gyun Kim, Kyong Jun Park
  • Patent number: 9820887
    Abstract: A surgical system includes a laser source to generate a first set of laser pulses; a guiding optic to guide the first set of laser pulses to a target region; a laser controller to generate an electronic representation of a target scan pattern, and to control the guiding optic to scan the first set of laser pulses according to a portion of the target scan pattern to create a first photo-disrupted region in the target region; and a OCT imaging system to generate an image of a portion of the first photo-disrupted region. The laser controller can generate an electronic representation of a modified scan pattern in relation to the image generated by the SS-OCT imaging system, and control the guiding optic to scan a second set of laser pulses according the modified scan pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Alcon LenSx, Inc.
    Inventors: Ilya Goldshleger, Guy Holland, Adam Juhasz, Ronald M. Kurtz, Kostadin Vardin
  • Patent number: 9782603
    Abstract: Provided is a living body stimulator capable of bringing about a stable treatment effect through a light stimulation without increasing the temperature of an irradiation surface more than necessary. This invention is a living body stimulator for stimulating a living body through a light irradiation from a light source. This stimulator includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the irradiation surface in contact with the living body; and a brightness control unit for changing and controlling the brightness of the light source such that the temperature of the irradiation surface becomes not higher than 42° C., by receiving a detection output from the temperature sensor. The brightness control unit is capable of extending a period of irradiation from the light source in accordance with a decrease in the brightness thereof, when decreasing such brightness through a control regulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: TECHNO LINK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tatsuyuki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9726476
    Abstract: An instrument system that includes an image capture device, an elongate body, an optical fiber and a controller is provided. The elongate body is operatively coupled to the image capture device. The optical fiber is operatively coupled to the elongate body and has a strain sensor provided on the optical fiber. The controller is operatively coupled to the optical fiber and adapted to receive a signal from the strain sensor and to determine a position or orientation of the image capture device based on the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Bhaskar S. Ramamurthy, Neal A. Tanner, Robert G. Younge, Randall L. Schlesinger
  • Patent number: 9719977
    Abstract: A method of treating meibomian gland dysfunction is disclosed. The method includes directing RF energy to an internal portion of a meibomian gland, selectively targeting an obstruction within a duct of the meibomian gland with the applied RF energy to melt, loosen, or soften the obstruction, and expressing the obstruction from the duct of the meibomian gland. An apparatus for treating meibomian gland dysfunction is also disclosed. The apparatus comprises at least one RF electrode configured to direct RF energy to an internal portion of a meibomian gland located in an eyelid of an eye, the at least one RF electrode further configured to selectively target an obstruction within a duct of the meibomian gland with the applied RF energy to melt, loosen, or soften the obstruction. The apparatus also comprises at least one expressor configured to express the obstruction from the duct of the meibomian gland.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: TearScience, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Korb, Stephen M. Grenon, Timothy R. Willis, Benjamin Tyson Gravely, Steven Bacich
  • Patent number: 9597150
    Abstract: The invention encompasses a method of inhibiting the growth of hair in skin including epilation of follicles in the skin, waiting until within 5 days of the commencement of metanagen, applying a photodynamic agent to the skin, and exposing the skin to photoactivating light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: DUSA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventor: Scott Lundahl
  • Patent number: 9486616
    Abstract: Providing a method for monitoring an analyte extracted from a patient and delivering a permeant composition to the patient. The method includes the steps of a) contacting a poration device to a tissue membrane of the patient, the poration device including at least one porator array; b) actuating poration of the tissue membrane using the at least one porator array in the poration device; c) extracting the analyte from the porated tissue membrane by way of the at least one porator array; d) analyzing the analyte to determine a concentration of the analyte within the tissue membrane; and e) delivering a permeant composition to the tissue membrane by way of the at least one porator array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jonathan Eppstein, Stuart McRae
  • Patent number: 9456927
    Abstract: A cataract surgical system includes a laser source to generate a first set of laser pulses; a guiding optic to guide the first set of laser pulses to a cataract target region in an eye; a laser controller to generate an electronic representation of a target scan pattern, and to control the guiding optic to scan the first set of laser pulses according to a portion of the target scan pattern to create a first photo-disrupted region in the cataract target region; and a Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomographic (SS-OCT) imaging system to generate an image of a portion of the first photo-disrupted region. The laser controller can generate an electronic representation of a modified scan pattern in relation to the image generated by the SS-OCT imaging system, and control the guiding optic to scan a second set of laser pulses according the modified scan pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: ALCON LENSX, INC.
    Inventors: Ilya Goldshleger, Guy Holland, Adam Juhasz, Ronald M. Kurtz, Kostadin Vardin
  • Patent number: 9456926
    Abstract: A cataract surgical system includes a laser source to generate a first set of laser pulses; a guiding optic to guide the first set of laser pulses to a cataract target region in an eye; a laser controller to generate an electronic representation of a target scan pattern, and to control the guiding optic to scan the first set of laser pulses according to a portion of the target scan pattern to create a first photo-disrupted region in the cataract target region; and a Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomographic (SD-OCT) imaging system to generate an image of a portion of the first photo-disrupted region. The laser controller can generate an electronic representation of a modified scan pattern in relation to the image generated by the SD-OCT imaging system, and control the guiding optic to scan a second set of laser pulses according the modified scan pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: ALCON LENSX, INC.
    Inventors: Ilya Goldshleger, Guy Holland, Adam Juhasz, Ronald M. Kurtz, Kostadin Vardin
  • Patent number: 9216235
    Abstract: A method of crosslinking a protein or peptide for use as a biomaterial, the method comprising the step of irradiating a photoactivatable metal-ligand complex and an electron acceptor in the presence of the protein or peptide, thereby initiating a crosslinking reaction to form a 3-dimensional matrix of the biomaterial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Alan George Brownlee, Christopher Malcolm Elvin, Jerome Anthony Werkmeister, John Alan Maurice Ramshaw, Charles Mark Lindall
  • Patent number: 9192289
    Abstract: An endoscope system includes at least an endoscope of the endoscope and an accessory, a placement unit on which the endoscope is adapted to be placed, a detecting unit configured to detect whether the endoscope is placed on the placement unit or not, an actuating unit for at least one of the endoscope and the accessory, an operating unit for operating the actuating unit, and a control unit configured to be switched between a normal mode wherein the actuating unit is controlled according to an operation to the operating unit and a restricting mode wherein the actuating unit is controlled regardless of an operation to the operating unit, on the basis of a result of detection by the detecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Umemoto, Kazuhiko Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9101448
    Abstract: System and method for making incisions in eye tissue at different depths. The system and method focuses light, possibly in a pattern, at various focal points which are at various depths within the eye tissue. A segmented lens can be used to create multiple focal points simultaneously. Optimal incisions can be achieved by sequentially or simultaneously focusing lights at different depths, creating an expanded column of plasma, and creating a beam with an elongated waist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: OPTIMEDICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark S. Blumenkranz, Daniel V. Palanker, David H. Mordaunt, Dan E. Andersen
  • Patent number: 9084622
    Abstract: A method for automated treatment of an area of skin of a patient with laser energy. The method including: identifying the area to be treated with the laser; modeling the identified area of the skin to be treated; and controlling the laser to direct laser energy to within the modeled area of the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: OMNITEK PARTNERS LLC
    Inventors: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Thomas Spinelli
  • Patent number: 9039681
    Abstract: A medical system that allows a mentor to teach a pupil how to use a robotically controlled medical instrument. The system may include a first handle that can be controlled by a mentor to move the medical instrument. The system may further have a second handle that can be moved by a pupil to control the same instrument. Deviations between movement of the handles by the mentor and the pupil can be provided as force feedback to the pupil and mentor handles. The force feedback pushes the pupil's hand to correspond with the mentor's handle movement. The force feedback will also push the mentor's hand to provide information to the mentor on pupil's movements. The mentor is thus able to guide the pupil's hands through force feedback of the pupil handles to teach the pupil how to use the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Yulun Wang, Modjtaba Ghodoussi, Darrin Uecker, James Wright, Amante Mangaser, Ranjan Mukherjee
  • Patent number: 9033961
    Abstract: Methods and instruments are disclosed for creating lesions in tissue, especially cardiac tissue, for treatment of arrhythmias and the like, by employing an elastic balloon and an energy emitter, which is independently positionable within the lumen of the instrument and adapted to project a series of spots of ablative energy through a transmissive region of the balloon to a target tissue site. The energy emitter preferably is configured such the spots of energy result in a series of lesions formed in the target tissue region when the emitter is activated, the lesions having an average area ranging from about 5 mm2 to about 100 mm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: CARDIOFOCUS, INC.
    Inventors: Gerald Melsky, Stephen W. Sagon, Alfred Stancampiano, Jeffrey M. Arnold, Lincoln S. Baxter
  • Patent number: 9033962
    Abstract: A method of photodynamic therapy is described that includes administering a therapeutically effective amount of a photosensitizer to an area of tissue such as the skin of a subject, delivering a first photoirradiation with light having a wavelength suitable to activate the photosensitizer to the area of skin, allowing a sufficient interval of time to pass for an effective amount of the photosensitizer to penetrate the tissue, and then delivering a second photoirradiation with light having a wavelength suitable to activate the photosensitizer to provide a therapeutic effect. Use of multiple photoirradiations increases the speed with which the photosensitizer can penetrate the tissue to reach the area where the source of the disease is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Case Western Reserve University
    Inventors: Kevin D. Cooper, Elma D. Baron
  • Patent number: 9028469
    Abstract: A treatment for subcutaneous fat and/or cellulite includes delivering a beam of radiation to a subcutaneous fat region disposed relative to a dermal interface in a target region of skin. The beam of radiation affects at least one fat cell in the subcutaneous fat region without causing substantial unwanted injury to the epidermal region and causes thermal injury to a dermal region to induce collagen formation to strengthen the target region of skin in a target region of skin. The treatment can include cooling an epidermal region of the target region of skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Candela Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Jones, James C. Hsia, Dilip Y. Paithankar
  • Patent number: 9028536
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for applying laser energy having desired pulse characteristics, including a sufficiently short duration and/or a sufficiently high energy for the photomechanical treatment of skin pigmentations and pigmented lesions, both naturally-occurring (e.g., birthmarks), as well as artificial (e.g., tattoos). The laser energy may be generated with an apparatus having a resonator with the capability of switching between a modelocked pulse operating mode and an amplification operating mode. The operating modes are carried out through the application of a time-dependent bias voltage, having waveforms as described herein, to an electro-optical device (e.g., a Pockels cell) positioned along the optical axis of the resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Cynosure, Inc.
    Inventors: Rafael Armando Sierra, Mirko Mirkov, Richard Shaun Welches
  • Publication number: 20150126913
    Abstract: A method of skin tissue (1) treatment is provided which comprises the steps of: determining a treatment zone (9) within the skin tissue below the skin surface (3); modifying an electrical conductance property of at least two first skin tissue portions (11) present on opposite sides of the treatment zone with respect to a direction parallel to the skin surface; and providing radio frequency (RF) energy to the treatment zone via said first skin tissue portions. The step of modifying said first skin tissue portions comprises decreasing electrical impedance for the radiofrequency energy, in particular increasing electrical conductance, of said first skin tissue portions relative to a second skin tissue portion present between said first skin tissue portions; and such that said first skin tissue portions extend into the skin tissue substantially from the skin surface to treatment zone. A system for skin tissue (1) treatment is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Martin Jurna, Jonathan Alambra Palero, Margaret Ruth Horton