Patents by Inventor Dennis L. Gierhart

Dennis L. Gierhart 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: 20170100347
    Abstract: Oral formulations for promoting eye health, and in particular for preventing or treating macular degeneration, are disclosed, containing zeaxanthin, a carotenoid pigment, and at least two or more additional ocular-active nutrients selected from lipoic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, plant-derived compounds such as flavonoids, anthocyanins, or polyphenolics, taurine, carnitine, Coenzyme-Q10, carnosine, and nutrients that stimulate the production of glutathione. Processes are disclosed for identifying ocular-active nutrients that will interact in a synergistic and potentiating manner with zeaxanthin, to provide better and more effective protection, for eye health, than can be provided by zeaxanthin alone. Additional optional agents include zinc, vitamin E, and vitamin C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Inventor: Dennis L. Gierhart
  • Publication number: 20160367128
    Abstract: A macular health measurement and storage system comprises a plurality of macular-pigment measurement machine for measuring macular pigment density in humans, a plurality of computers each of which is associated with a corresponding one the macular-pigment measuring machines, and a central host. The plurality of macular-pigment measurement machines include a device for receiving macular pigment data from a patient, at least one data transfer port, and at least one processor that enables the transfer of the macular pigment data from the transfer port. The plurality of computers include a first port coupled to the data transfer port of the corresponding macular-pigment measurement machine for receiving the macular pigment data. Each of the computers includes a second port for transferring patient data. The central host is coupled to the second ports on each of the plurality of computers. The central host includes a storage device for storing the patient data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: Dennis L. Gierhart, Terry B. Hatfield
  • Patent number: 9474724
    Abstract: Oral formulations for promoting eye health, and in particular for preventing or treating macular degeneration, are disclosed, containing zeaxanthin, a carotenoid pigment, and at least two or more additional ocular-active nutrients selected from lipoic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, plant-derived compounds such as flavonoids, anthocyanins, or polyphenolics, taurine, carnitine, Coenzyme-Q10, carnosine, and nutrients that stimulate the production of glutathione. Processes are disclosed for identifying ocular-active nutrients that will interact in a synergistic and potentiating manner with zeaxanthin, to provide better and more effective protection, for eye health, than can be provided by zeaxanthin alone. Additional optional agents include zinc, vitamin E, and vitamin C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: ZeaVision LLC
    Inventor: Dennis L. Gierhart
  • Patent number: 9445715
    Abstract: A macular health measurement and storage system comprises a plurality of macular-pigment measurement machine for measuring macular pigment density in humans, a plurality of computers each of which is associated with a corresponding one the macular-pigment measuring machines, and a central host. The plurality of macular-pigment measurement machines include a device for receiving macular pigment data from a patient, at least one data transfer port, and at least one processor that enables the transfer of the macular pigment data from the transfer port. The plurality of computers include a first port coupled to the data transfer port of the corresponding macular-pigment measurement machine for receiving the macular pigment data. Each of the computers includes a second port for transferring patient data. The central host is coupled to the second ports on each of the plurality of computers. The central host includes a storage device for storing the patient data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: ZeaVision LLC
    Inventors: Dennis L. Gierhart, Terry B. Hatfield
  • Publication number: 20160106645
    Abstract: Zeaxanthin is ingested orally at suitable dosages that gives skin a darker tint that emulates a healthy suntan and that reduces the severity of unwanted skin discoloration or irregularities. In tests involving adults, it was found that zeaxanthin dosages of 30 to about 80 mg per day were sufficient to induce a mild but noticeable tinting, shading, or darkening of skin color, comparable to a mild suntan, a substantial increase in the person's ability to withstand elevated levels of sun or UV exposure without any subsequent pain or discomfort, and without the subsequent peeling and flaking that characterizes sunburns, and an increased ability of reddened and sunburned skin to convert into intact skin that looks browned and healthily tanned. The topical application of zeaxanthin can further enhance the darkening of the skin and reduce the severity of unwanted skin discoloration or irregularities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: Dennis L. Gierhart, Joseph A. Fox
  • Publication number: 20160038019
    Abstract: A macular health measurement and storage system comprises a plurality of macular-pigment measurement machine for measuring macular pigment density in humans, a plurality of computers each of which is associated with a corresponding one the macular-pigment measuring machines, and a central host. The plurality of macular-pigment measurement machines include a device for receiving macular pigment data from a patient, at least one data transfer port, and at least one processor that enables the transfer of the macular pigment data from the transfer port. The plurality of computers include a first port coupled to the data transfer port of the corresponding macular-pigment measurement machine for receiving the macular pigment data. Each of the computers includes a second port for transferring patient data. The central host is coupled to the second ports on each of the plurality of computers. The central host includes a storage device for storing the patient data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Dennis L. Gierhart, Terry B. Hatfield
  • Publication number: 20160008296
    Abstract: Oral formulations for promoting eye health, and in particular for preventing or treating macular degeneration, are disclosed, containing zeaxanthin, a carotenoid pigment, and at least two or more additional ocular-active nutrients selected from lipoic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, plant-derived compounds such as flavonoids, anthocyanins, or polyphenolics, taurine, carnitine, Coenzyme-Q10, carnosine, and nutrients that stimulate the production of glutathione. Processes are disclosed for identifying ocular-active nutrients that will interact in a synergistic and potentiating manner with zeaxanthin, to provide better and more effective protection, for eye health, than can be provided by zeaxanthin alone. Additional optional agents include zinc, vitamin E, and vitamin C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventor: Dennis L. Gierhart
  • Patent number: 9192586
    Abstract: Oral formulations for promoting eye health, and in particular for preventing or treating macular degeneration, are disclosed, containing zeaxanthin, a carotenoid pigment, and at least two or more additional ocular-active nutrients selected from lipoic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, plant-derived compounds such as flavonoids, anthocyanins, or polyphenolics, taurine, carnitine, Coenzyme-Q10, carnosine, and nutrients that stimulate the production of glutathione. Processes are disclosed for identifying ocular-active nutrients that will interact in a synergistic and potentiating manner with zeaxanthin, to provide better and more effective protection, for eye health, than can be provided by zeaxanthin alone. Additional optional agents include zinc, vitamin E, and vitamin C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: ZeaVision LLC
    Inventor: Dennis L. Gierhart
  • Patent number: 9192587
    Abstract: Zeaxanthin is ingested orally at suitable dosages that gives skin a darker tint that emulates a healthy suntan and that reduces the severity of unwanted skin discoloration or irregularities. In tests involving adults, it was found that zeaxanthin dosages of 30 to about 80 mg per day were sufficient to induce a mild but noticeable tinting, shading, or darkening of skin color, comparable to a mild suntan, a substantial increase in the person's ability to withstand elevated levels of sun or UV exposure without any subsequent pain or discomfort, and without the subsequent peeling and flaking that characterizes sunburns, and an increased ability of reddened and sunburned skin to convert into intact skin that looks browned and healthily tanned. The topical application of zeaxanthin can further enhance the darkening of the skin and reduce the severity of unwanted skin discoloration or irregularities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: ZeaVision, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis L. Gierhart, Joseph A. Fox
  • Patent number: 9095279
    Abstract: A macular health measurement and storage system comprises a plurality of macular-pigment measurement machine for measuring macular pigment density in humans, a plurality of computers each of which is associated with a corresponding one the macular-pigment measuring machines, and a central host. The plurality of macular-pigment measurement machines include a device for receiving macular pigment data from a patient, at least one data transfer port, and at least one processor that enables the transfer of the macular pigment data from the transfer port. The plurality of computers include a first port coupled to the data transfer port of the corresponding macular-pigment measurement machine for receiving the macular pigment data. Each of the computers includes a second port for transferring patient data. The central host is coupled to the second ports on each of the plurality of computers. The central host includes a storage device for storing the patient data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: ZeaVision LLC
    Inventors: Dennis L. Gierhart, Terry B. Hatfield
  • Publication number: 20150055095
    Abstract: A system measures macular pigment of a macula of a human eye of a subject. The system comprises a light source having a first light and a second light that modulate at variable frequencies, an input device for receiving an input indicating the frequency at which the user perceives the modulation of the first light and a second light, a display device, at least one processor, and one or more memory devices. The one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the system to (i) display, on the display device, test data corresponding to the user's inputs from the input device, (ii) determine whether the test data are valid or invalid through a curve-fitting algorithm, (iii) automatically indicate that the test data are valid or invalid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Dennis L. Gierhart, Christopher Gerald Barber, Malcolm Stuart Grover
  • Patent number: 8876293
    Abstract: A system measures macular pigment of a macula of a human eye of a subject. The system comprises a light source having a first light and a second light that modulate at variable frequencies, an input device for receiving an input indicating the frequency at which the user perceives the modulation of the first light and a second light, a display device, at least one processor, and one or more memory devices. The one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the system to (i) display, on the display device, test data corresponding to the user's inputs from the input device, (ii) determine whether the test data are valid or invalid through a curve-fitting algorithm, (iii) automatically indicate that the test data are valid or invalid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: ZeaVision, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis L. Gierhart, Christopher Gerald Barber, Malcolm Stuart Grover
  • Publication number: 20140227214
    Abstract: A carotenoid substance called zeaxanthin, when ingested orally at suitable dosages such as 30 to 100 mg/day for a span of 1 to 2 weeks, can provide effective protection against sunburns, and can give skin a darker tint that emulates a healthy suntan. In tests involving adults, it was found that zeaxanthin dosages of 30 to about 80 mg per day were sufficient to induce: (i) a mild but noticeable tinting, shading, or darkening of skin color, comparable to a mild suntan; (ii) a substantial increase in the person's ability to withstand elevated levels of sun or UV exposure without any subsequent pain or discomfort, and without the subsequent peeling and flaking that characterizes sunburns; and, (iii) an increased ability of reddened and sunburned skin to convert into intact skin that looks browned and healthily tanned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: ZeaVision, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis L. Gierhart, Joseph A. Fox
  • Patent number: 8715627
    Abstract: Zeaxanthin is ingested orally at suitable dosages such as 30 to 100 mg/day for a span of 1 to 2 weeks, can give skin a darker tint that emulates a healthy suntan. In tests involving adults, it was found that zeaxanthin dosages of 30 to about 80 mg per day were sufficient to induce: (i) a mild but noticeable tinting, shading, or darkening of skin color, comparable to a mild suntan; (ii) a substantial increase in the person's ability to withstand elevated levels of sun or UV exposure without any subsequent pain or discomfort, and without the subsequent peeling and flaking that characterizes sunburns; and, (iii) an increased ability of reddened and sunburned skin to convert into intact skin that looks browned and healthily tanned. The topical application of zeaxanthin can further enhance the darkening of the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: ZeaVision LLC
    Inventors: Dennis L. Gierhart, Joseph A. Fox
  • Publication number: 20140118698
    Abstract: A system measures macular pigment of a macula of a human eye of a subject. The system comprises a light source having a first light and a second light that modulate at variable frequencies, an input device for receiving an input indicating the frequency at which the user perceives the modulation of the first light and a second light, a display device, at least one processor, and one or more memory devices. The one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the system to (i) display, on the display device, test data corresponding to the user's inputs from the input device, (ii) determine whether the test data are valid or invalid through a curve-fitting algorithm, (iii) automatically indicate that the test data are valid or invalid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: ZeaVision, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis L. Gierhart, Christopher Gerald Barber, Malcolm Stuart Grover
  • Publication number: 20140098344
    Abstract: A macular health measurement and storage system comprises a plurality of macular-pigment measurement machine for measuring macular pigment density in humans, a plurality of computers each of which is associated with a corresponding one the macular-pigment measuring machines, and a central host. The plurality of macular-pigment measurement machines include a device for receiving macular pigment data from a patient, at least one data transfer port, and at least one processor that enables the transfer of the macular pigment data from the transfer port. The plurality of computers include a first port coupled to the data transfer port of the corresponding macular-pigment measurement machine for receiving the macular pigment data. Each of the computers includes a second port for transferring patient data. The central host is coupled to the second ports on each of the plurality of computers. The central host includes a storage device for storing the patient data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: ZeaVision LLC.
    Inventors: Dennis L. Gierhart, Terry B. Hatfield
  • Patent number: 8632179
    Abstract: A macular health measurement and storage system comprises a plurality of macular-pigment measurement machine for measuring macular pigment density in humans, a plurality of computers each of which is associated with a corresponding one the macular-pigment measuring machines, and a central host. The plurality of macular-pigment measurement machines include a device for receiving macular pigment data from a patient, at least one data transfer port, and at least one processor that enables the transfer of the macular pigment data from the transfer port. The plurality of computers include a first port coupled to the data transfer port of the corresponding macular-pigment measurement machine for receiving the macular pigment data. Each of the computers includes a second port for transferring patient data. The central host is coupled to the second ports on each of the plurality of computers. The central host includes a storage device for storing the patient data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: ZeaVision LLC.
    Inventors: Dennis L. Gierhart, Terry B. Hatfield
  • Publication number: 20130281545
    Abstract: A carotenoid substance called zeaxanthin, when ingested orally at suitable dosages such as 30 to 100 mg/day for a span of 1 to 2 weeks, can provide effective protection against sunburns, and can give skin a darker tint that emulates a healthy suntan. In tests involving adults, it was found that zeaxanthin dosages of 30 to about 80 mg per day were sufficient to induce: (i) a mild but noticeable tinting, shading, or darkening of skin color, comparable to a mild suntan; (ii) a substantial increase in the person's ability to withstand elevated levels of sun or UV exposure without any subsequent pain or discomfort, and without the subsequent peeling and flaking that characterizes sunburns; and, (iii) an increased ability of reddened and sunburned skin to convert into intact skin that looks browned and healthily tanned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Dennis L. Gierhart, Joseph A. Fox
  • Patent number: 8501163
    Abstract: A carotenoid substance called zeaxanthin, when ingested orally at suitable dosages, can provide effective protection against sunburns and darken the skin to emulate a healthy suntan. Zeaxanthin may induce: (i) a mild but noticeable tinting, shading, or darkening of skin color, comparable to a mild suntan; (ii) a substantial increase in the person's ability to withstand elevated levels of sun or UV exposure; and, (iii) an increased ability of reddened and sunburned skin to convert into intact skin that looks browned and healthily tanned. Topical formulations containing zeaxanthin can be administered to the skin during the time period of ingesting the oral formulation to further protect the skin and provide an additional darkening of the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: ZeaVision LLC
    Inventors: Dennis L. Gierhart, Joseph A. Fox
  • Patent number: 8481009
    Abstract: A carotenoid substance called zeaxanthin, when ingested orally at suitable dosages such as 30 to 100 mg/day for a span of 1 to 2 weeks, can provide effective protection against sunburns, and can give skin a darker tint that emulates a healthy suntan. In tests involving adults, it was found that zeaxanthin dosages of 30 to about 80 mg per day were sufficient to induce: (i) a mild but noticeable tinting, shading, or darkening of skin color, comparable to a mild suntan; (ii) a substantial increase in the person's ability to withstand elevated levels of sun or UV exposure; and, (iii) an increased ability of reddened and sunburned skin to convert into intact skin that looks browned and healthily tanned. Oral ingestion of dosages of zeaxanthin after a noticeable darkening of the skin has been achieved further enhances a tanned appearance and/or protects against sun damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: ZeaVision LLC
    Inventors: Dennis L. Gierhart, Joseph A. Fox