Patents by Inventor Charles Czeisler
Charles Czeisler 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).
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Patent number: 8852127Abstract: A system configured to monitor ambient illumination experienced by a subject. In one embodiment, the system comprises an illumination sensor, a timer, and a storage module. The illumination sensor is configured to monitor an intensity of ambient illumination within two or more wavelength ranges by generating one or more output signals that convey information related to the intensity of ambient illumination within the two or more wavelength ranges. The timer is configured to indicate the passage of periods of time. The storage module is configured to store information related to the intensity of ambient illumination within the two or more wavelength ranges, as conveyed by the one or more output signals, for individual periods of time. The system is portable to be carried by the subject.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2008Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Ric Investments, LLCInventors: Florian G. Bell, Donna K. Barton, Charles A. Czeisler
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Publication number: 20080319354Abstract: A system configured to monitor ambient illumination experienced by a subject. In one embodiment, the system comprises an illumination sensor, a timer, and a storage module. The illumination sensor is configured to monitor an intensity of ambient illumination within two or more wavelength ranges by generating one or more output signals that convey information related to the intensity of ambient illumination within the two or more wavelength ranges. The timer is configured to indicate the passage of periods of time. The storage module is configured to store information related to the intensity of ambient illumination within the two or more wavelength ranges, as conveyed by the one or more output signals, for individual periods of time. The system is portable to be carried by the subject.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2008Publication date: December 25, 2008Applicant: RIC Investments, LLC.Inventors: Florian G. Bell, Donna K. Barton, Charles A. Czeisler
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Publication number: 20060106437Abstract: The present invention is a method for modifying the circadian cycle of a human subject to a desired state. The method includes the steps of assessing the present circadian cycle of the human subject, determining the characteristics of a desired circadian cycle, selecting an appropriate time during which to apply a stimulus of light to effect a desired modification of the present circadian cycle, and applying the light stimulus at the selected appropriate time to achieve the desired circadian cycle for the human subject. The stimulus of light comprises monochromatic short wavelength light (446-483 nm) or white light substantially comprising short wavelength light.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2005Publication date: May 18, 2006Inventors: Charles Czeisler, Steven Lockley, Richard Kronauer, George Brainard
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Publication number: 20050137247Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating and/or preventing hypertension are provided. The methods involve administration of melatonin, or an analog thereof, to a subject. The methods and compositions may be used to treat various forms of hypertension, including essential hypertension.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2004Publication date: June 23, 2005Applicant: The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.Inventors: Charles Czeisler, Frank Scheer
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Patent number: 5545192Abstract: The present invention is a method for modifying the circadian cycle of a human subject to a desired state including the steps of determining the characteristics of the desired circadian cycle, selecting an appropriate time during which to apply a light stimulus to effect a desired modification of the present circadian cycle, and applying the stimulus at the selected time to achieve the desired circadian cycle for the subject. The light stimulus of the present invention includes an episode of intermittent light consisting of at least two pulses of enhanced light separated by at least one pulse of reduced light.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 1994Date of Patent: August 13, 1996Assignee: Brigham and Women's HospitalInventors: Charles A. Czeisler, Richard E. Kronauer
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Patent number: 5503637Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for producing and delivering high-intensity light to the eyes of a subject to modify the subject's circadian phase. The apparatus includes a support for positioning the apparatus above the eyes of the subject, a light generator for producing a cool, high-intensity light which is radiated to the eyes of the subject, and a power source coupled to the apparatus for supplying power to the light generator. The support of the invention is preferably a visor which does not obstruct the subject's vision when positioned on the head.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1992Date of Patent: April 2, 1996Assignees: Light Sciences, Inc., Brigham and Women's HospitalInventors: Christopher J. Kyricos, Charles A. Czeisler, Richard E. Kronauer
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Patent number: 5304212Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 1992Date of Patent: April 19, 1994Assignee: Brigham and Women's HospitalInventors: Charles A. Czeisler, Richard E. Kronauer, James S. Allan
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Patent number: 5176133Abstract: A method for accurately assessing and rapidly modifying the phase and amplitude of the endogenous circadian pacemaker is disclosed. A circadian cycle modification capacity assessment method comprises (before and after a stimulus) eliminating activity-related confounding factors associated with the sleep-rest cycle which otherwise mask the state of the endogenous circadian pacemaker. Based on either individual or normative assessment data, the circadian phase and amplitude modification method involves the application of bright (about 9,500 lux) light and, advantageously, episodes of imposed darkness, at critically chosen phases to achieve rapid and stable changes in phase and amplitude. The timing of the episodes of bright light may be chosen either by reference to empirically-derived phase response data, or by using a mathematical model in which the endogenous circadian pacemaker is a van der Pol oscillator.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1989Date of Patent: January 5, 1993Assignee: Brigham and Women's HospitalInventors: Charles A. Czeisler, Richard E. Kronauer, James S. Allan
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Patent number: 5167228Abstract: A method for accurately assessing and rapidly modifying the phase and amplitude of the endogenous circadian pacemaker is disclosed. A circadian cycle modification capacity assessment method comprises (before and after a stimulus) eliminating activity-related confounding factors associated with the sleep-rest cycle which otherwise mask the state of the endogenous circadian pacemaker. Based on either individual or normative assessment data, the circadian phase and amplitude modification method involves the application of bright (about 9,500 lux) light and, advantageously, episodes of imposed darkness, at critically chosen phases to achieve rapid and stable changes in phase and amplitude. The timing of the episodes of bright light may be chosen either by reference to empirically-derived phase response data, or by using a mathematical model in which the endogenous circadian pacemaker is a second order differential equation of the van der Pol type, transformed into two complementary first order equations.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1990Date of Patent: December 1, 1992Assignee: Brigham and Women's HospitalInventors: Charles A. Czeisler, Richard E. Kronauer, James S. Allan
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Patent number: 5163426Abstract: A method for accurately assessing and rapidly modifying the phase and amplitude of the endogenous circadian pacemaker is disclosed. A circadian cycle modification capacity assessment method comprises (before and after a stimulus) eliminating activity-related confounding factors associated with the sleep-rest cycle which otherwise mask the state of the endogenous circadian pacemaker. Based on either individual or normative assessment data, the circadian phase and amplitude modification method involves the application of bright (about 9,500 lux) light and, advantageously, episodes of imposed darkness, at critically chosen phases to achieve rapid and stable changes in phase and amplitude. The timing of the episodes of bright light may be chosen either by reference to empirically-derived phase response data, or by using a mathematical model in which the endogenous circadian pacemaker is a van der Pol oscillator.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1987Date of Patent: November 17, 1992Assignee: Brigham and Women's HospitalInventors: Charles A. Czeisler, Richard E. Kronauer, James S. Allan
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Patent number: 5146927Abstract: A method of determining the functional integrity of the visual system (including the photoreceptive elements, the retino-hypothalamic tracts and their connections to the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus) of visually imparied human beings. The method includes measuring the melatonin content in blood samples taken before, during and after application of a stimulus (e.g. light) to the subject's retinas, and comparing the measured melatonin content to determine if the melatonin content was suppressed during application of the stimulus.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1991Date of Patent: September 15, 1992Assignee: Brigham and Women's HospitalInventors: Charles A. Czeisler, Heinz Martens, Theresa L. Shanahan