Patents by Inventor Douglas Michael Ackermann

Douglas Michael Ackermann 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).

  • Patent number: 9782580
    Abstract: A percutaneously implantable paddle lead includes an elongated lead body having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a plurality of terminals disposed on the proximal portion of the lead; a flexible paddle body coupled to the distal portion of the lead; and a plurality of electrodes disposed in the paddle body and electrically coupled to the terminals on the proximal portion of the lead. The percutaneously implantable paddle lead also includes a bonding material in contact with the paddle body and holding the paddle body in a compacted form prior to, and during, insertion into a percutaneous implantation tool. The bonding material is configured and arranged to release the paddle body during or soon after implantation into a patient so that the paddle body can deploy into its paddle-like form. Alternatively, at least one current-degradable fastener can be used instead of the binding material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Anne Margaret Pianca, Douglas Michael Ackermann
  • Patent number: 9764150
    Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for increasing tear production by stimulating the cornea, conjunctiva, and/or subconjunctiva. In some variations, the devices may be in the form of a contact lens. The contact lens may comprise a lens body and a stimulator chip, where the stimulator chip is embedded in the lens body. An external power source wirelessly transmits energy to the stimulator chip, where the stimulator chip may convert the energy to an electric waveform to stimulate the cornea, conjunctiva, and/or subconjunctiva. Stimulation may activate the lacrimal reflex to increase tear production. The devices and systems for increasing tear production may be used in methods of treating dry eye, reducing the symptoms of tired eye, increasing comfort for contact lens wearers, and extending the number of years a contact lens user can wear contacts. Also described are methods of manufacturing a contact lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Oculeve, Inc.
    Inventors: James Donald Loudin, Manfred Franke, Daniel N. Hamilton, Anand Doraiswamy, Douglas Michael Ackermann
  • Publication number: 20170239244
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and pharmaceutical formulations for treating dry eye disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: Oyster Point Pharma, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, JR., James Loudin, Kenneth J. Mandell
  • Publication number: 20170239459
    Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for treating one or more conditions, such as allergic rhinitis, non-allergic rhinitis, nasal congestion, ocular allergy, and/or symptoms associated with these conditions, by providing stimulation to nasal or sinus tissue. In some variations, the handheld devices may have a stimulator body and a stimulator probe having one or more nasal insertion prongs, and the nasal insertion prongs may be configured to deliver an electrical stimulus to the tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: James Donald LOUDIN, Daniel N. HAMILTON, Manfred FRANKE, Douglas Michael ACKERMANN
  • Patent number: 9737702
    Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for treating one or more conditions (such as dry eye) or improving ocular health by providing stimulation to nasal or sinus tissue. Generally, the devices may be handheld or implantable. In some variations, the handheld devices may have a stimulator body and a stimulator probe having one or more nasal insertion prongs. When the devices and systems are used to treat dry eye, nasal or sinus tissue may be stimulated to increase tear production, reduce the symptoms of dry eye, and/or improve ocular surface health.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Oculeve, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, James Donald Loudin, John Wardle, Jarren Armond Baldwin, Daniel N. Hamilton, Janusz Kuzma
  • Patent number: 9717627
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for delivering an implant to the orbit. In some instances, the systems may include a delivery device having a tongue member and a handle. The delivery device may further include an ejector configured to deliver an implant from the tongue member. The delivery device may also include a piercing member configured to create an opening in tissue. The systems may further include a piercing member for creating an opening in tissue. In some instances, the piercing member may have a first blade member rotatably connected to a second blade member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Oculeve, Inc.
    Inventors: Janusz Kuzma, Douglas Michael Ackermann, Christopher William Stivers
  • Publication number: 20170157401
    Abstract: Described here are devices and methods for increasing ocular mucin and other tear protein release using intranasally delivered electrical stimulation. Generally, the devices may deliver electrical stimulation to the nasal mucosa. Intranasal stimulation may trigger degranulation of conjunctival goblet cells, which in turn releases secretory mucins into the tear fluid. The intranasal stimulation may also trigger release of lysozyme, lactoferrin, and other tear proteins into the aqueous layer of the tear film. The methods may further comprise obtaining feedback relating to the efficacy of the delivered electrical stimulation by measuring impedance or an electromyogram (EMG) signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: James Donald LOUDIN, Manfred FRANKE, Douglas Michael ACKERMANN
  • Patent number: 9597284
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and pharmaceutical formulations for treating dry eye disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Oyster Point Pharma, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, Jr., James Loudin, Kenneth J. Mandell
  • Patent number: 9532944
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and pharmaceutical formulations for improving ocular discomfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: OYSTER POINT PHARMA, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, Jr., James Loudin, Kenneth J. Mandell
  • Publication number: 20160367795
    Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for treating one or more conditions (such as dry eye) or improving ocular health by providing stimulation to nasal or sinus tissue. Generally, the devices may be handheld or implantable. In some variations, the handheld devices may have a stimulator body and a stimulator probe having one or more nasal insertion prongs. When the devices and systems are used to treat dry eye, nasal or sinus tissue may be stimulated to increase tear production, reduce the symptoms of dry eye, and/or improve ocular surface health.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: Douglas Michael ACKERMANN, James Donald LOUDIN, John WARDLE, Jarren Armond BALDWIN, Daniel N. HAMILTON, Janusz KUZMA, Christopher William STIVERS, Manfred FRANKE
  • Patent number: 9504644
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and pharmaceutical formulations for increasing tear production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: OYSTER POINT PHARMA, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, Jr., James Loudin, Kenneth J. Mandell
  • Patent number: 9504645
    Abstract: Described herein are pharmaceutical formulations for treating ocular conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: OYSTER POINT PHARMA, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, Jr., James Loudin, Kenneth J. Mandell
  • Patent number: 9440065
    Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for treating one or more conditions (such as dry eye) or improving ocular health by providing stimulation to nasal or sinus tissue. Generally, the devices may be handheld or implantable. In some variations, the handheld devices may have a stimulator body and a stimulator probe having one or more nasal insertion prongs. When the devices and systems are used to treat dry eye, nasal or sinus tissue may be stimulated to increase tear production, reduce the symptoms of dry eye, and/or improve ocular surface health.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Oculeve, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, James Donald Loudin, John Wardle, Jarren Armond Baldwin, Daniel N. Hamilton, Janusz Kuzma, Christopher William Stivers, Manfred Franke
  • Publication number: 20160235969
    Abstract: Example adjustable electrodes are described. One example adjustable electrode includes two or more contacts configured to selectively deliver high frequency alternating current (HFAC) to a nerve in an amount sufficient to produce an HFAC nerve conduction block in the nerve. The example adjustable electrode may also include a logic configured to selectively control which of the two or more contacts deliver HFAC to the nerve to control whether the nerve electrode is in a first (e.g., onset response mitigating) configuration or in a second (e.g., HFAC nerve conduction block maintenance) configuration. The electrode may be used in applications including, but not limited to, nerve block applications, and nerve stimulation applications. The electrode may be adjusted by changing attributes including, but not limited to, the number, length, orientation, distance between, surface area, and distance from a nerve of contacts to be used to deliver the HFAC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Kevin Kilgore, Douglas Michael Ackermann, JR., Niloy Bhadra, Narendra Bhadra, Joe Payer
  • Patent number: 9395468
    Abstract: Embodiments of the technology relate to a contact lens having a core that is covalently coated by a hydrogel layer, and to methods of making such a lens. In one aspect, embodiments provide for a coated contact lens comprising a lens core comprising an outer surface; and a hydrogel layer covalently attached to at least a portion of the outer surface, the hydrogel layer adapted to contact an ophthalmic surface, wherein the hydrogel layer comprises a hydrophilic polymer population having a first PEG species and a second PEG species, the first PEG species being at least partially cross-linked to the second PEG species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Ocular Dynamics, LLC
    Inventors: Karen L. Havenstrite, Victor Wayne McCray, Brandon McNary Felkins, Douglas Michael Ackermann, Garrett Cale Smith, Paul A. Cook, Evan S. Luxon, Andrew A. McGibbon
  • Publication number: 20160166829
    Abstract: A percutaneously implantable paddle lead includes an elongated lead body having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a plurality of terminals disposed on the proximal portion of the lead; a flexible paddle body coupled to the distal portion of the lead; and a plurality of electrodes disposed in the paddle body and electrically coupled to the terminals on the proximal portion of the lead. The percutaneously implantable paddle lead also includes a bonding material in contact with the paddle body and holding the paddle body in a compacted form prior to, and during, insertion into a percutaneous implantation tool. The bonding material is configured and arranged to release the paddle body during or soon after implantation into a patient so that the paddle body can deploy into its paddle-like form. Alternatively, at least one current-degradable fastener can be used instead of the binding material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Anne Margaret Pianca, Douglas Michael Ackermann
  • Patent number: 9364661
    Abstract: Example adjustable electrodes are described. One example adjustable electrode includes two or more contacts configured to selectively deliver high frequency alternating current (HFAC) to a nerve in an amount sufficient to produce an HFAC nerve conduction block in the nerve. The example adjustable electrode may also include a logic configured to selectively control which of the two or more contacts deliver HFAC to the nerve to control whether the nerve electrode is in a first (e.g., onset response mitigating) configuration or in a second (e.g., HFAC nerve conduction block maintenance) configuration. The electrode may be used in applications including, but not limited to, nerve block applications, and nerve stimulation applications. The electrode may be adjusted by changing attributes including, but not limited to, the number, length, orientation, distance between, surface area, and distance from a nerve of contacts to be used to deliver the HFAC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Case Western Reserve University
    Inventors: Kevin Kilgore, Douglas Michael Ackermann, Jr., Niloy Bhadra, Narendra Bhadra, Joe Payer
  • Publication number: 20160158548
    Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for treating one or more conditions (such as dry eye) or improving ocular health by providing stimulation to nasal or sinus tissue. Generally, the devices may be handheld or implantable. In some variations, the handheld devices may have a stimulator body and a stimulator probe having one or more nasal insertion prongs. When the devices and systems are used to treat dry eye, nasal or sinus tissue may be stimulated to increase tear production, reduce the symptoms of dry eye, and/or improve ocular surface health.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventors: Douglas Michael ACKERMANN, James Donald LOUDIN
  • Publication number: 20160114163
    Abstract: Described here are systems, devices, and methods for implanting a nasal stimulator into nasal tissue and electrically stimulating nasal tissue. In some variations, a nasal microstimulator implantation system may comprise an implantation tool and an implantable microstimulator. An implantation tool may comprise a shaft and features to releasably attach a microstimulator. A microstimulator may comprise a passive stimulation circuit and one or more electrodes. In other variations, a nasal implantation system may additionally comprise one or more additional devices, such as a controller, an electrical probe, and/or a dissection tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Manfred FRANKE, James Donald LOUDIN, Janusz KUZMA, Paul Taehyun YUN, Douglas Michael ACKERMANN
  • Publication number: 20160114172
    Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for increasing tear production by stimulating the cornea, conjunctiva, and/or subconjunctiva. In some variations, the devices may be in the form of a contact lens. The contact lens may comprise a lens body and a stimulator chip, where the stimulator chip is embedded in the lens body. An external power source wirelessly transmits energy to the stimulator chip, where the stimulator chip may convert the energy to an electric waveform to stimulate the cornea, conjunctiva, and/or subconjunctiva. Stimulation may activate the lacrimal reflex to increase tear production. The devices and systems for increasing tear production may be used in methods of treating dry eye, reducing the symptoms of tired eye, increasing comfort for contact lens wearers, and extending the number of years a contact lens user can wear contacts. Also described are methods of manufacturing a contact lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: James Donald LOUDIN, Manfred FRANKE, Daniel N. HAMILTON, Anand DORAISWAMY, Douglas Michael ACKERMANN