Patents by Inventor Gian Franco Bernabei

Gian Franco Bernabei 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: 6980854
    Abstract: A treatment method for delivery of lidocaine or other type of skin treatment drug to a patient's skin, includes applying electrical bursts of pulses onto the patient's skin by way of electrodes provided on a head of a probe that is placed against the patient's skin. The treatment method also includes applying mechanical vibrations of a same frequency and phase as the bursts of pulses onto the patient's skin by way of a vibrating element provided on the head of the probe. At the same time as the above two steps are being performed, the treatment method includes providing, between the electrodes and the patient's skin, at least two solution-absorbing pads electrically insulated from each other and each one of the two solution-absorbing pads being in electrical contact with one or more of the electrodes on the head of the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Mattioli Engineering Ltd.
    Inventor: Gian Franco Bernabei
  • Publication number: 20050107832
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transdermal drug delivery to be provided to a patient's skin, includes performing a dermabrasion treatment of the patient's skin so as to lower a skin impedance to below a first value. It also includes providing at least one burst of electrical pulses to the patient's skin that has been dermabrasion treated, wherein each pulses in the at least one burst of electrical pulses is stabilized with respect to a current amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventor: Gian Franco Bernabei
  • Publication number: 20040220622
    Abstract: A treatment method and apparatus for providing a substance to be absorbed onto a surface of a patient's skin, includes applying the substance onto the surface of the patient's skin by way of a probe head that provides, at the same time: i) bursts of electrical pulses to the skin surface, and ii) vibrations to the skin surface. The vibrations are applied to the skin surface at substantially a same frequency rate, a first harmonic of the same frequency rate, and/or a second harmonic of the same frequency rate, as a burst rate of electrical pulses being applied to the skin surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Applicant: MATTIOLI ENGINEERING LTD.
    Inventor: Gian Franco Bernabei
  • Patent number: 6748266
    Abstract: Application of electrical pulses is made in a controlled manner, in order to increase the absorption of substances applied previously on the skin. Optionally, mechanical vibrations may also be provided to the skin to increase the absorption effect. The electrical pulses are provided to the skin by way of an array of electrodes disposed on a vibrating head plate, and the mechanical vibrations are provided to the skin by way of the vibrating head plate being made to vibrate (if that option is utilized). Preferably, the electrical and mechanical vibrations are at the same frequency and phase with respect to each other, in order to increase the absorption effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Mattioli Engineering Ltd.
    Inventor: Gian Franco Bernabei
  • Patent number: 6743215
    Abstract: Application of electrical pulses and mechanical vibrations to the skin is provided in a controlled manner, in order to increase the absorption of substances applied previously on the skin. A dermabrasion treatment is first performed on a region of the skin to be later given a skin absorption enhancement treatment. After the dermabrasion treatment, electrical pulses are provided to the skin by way of an array of electrodes disposed on a vibrating head, and the mechanical vibrations are provided to the skin by way of the vibrating head being made to vibrate. Preferably, the electrical and mechanical vibrations are at the same frequency and phase with respect to each other, in order to increase the absorption effect. Also, a suction may be applied to the skin, in order to provide for a substantially uniform absorption of the substance that was applied previously on the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Mattioli Engineering Ltd.
    Inventor: Gian Franco Bernabei
  • Patent number: 6687537
    Abstract: Application of electrical pulses and mechanical vibrations to the skin is provided in a controlled manner, in order to increase the absorption of substances applied previously on the skin. Electrical pulses are provided to the skin by way of an array of electrodes disposed on a vibrating head, and the mechanical vibrations are provided to the skin by way of the vibrating head being made to vibrate. Preferably, the electrical and mechanical vibrations are at the same frequency and phase with respect to each other, in order to increase the absorption effect. Also, a suction is applied to the skin, in order to provide for a substantially uniform absorption of the substance that was applied previously on the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Mattioli Engineering Ltd.
    Inventor: Gian Franco Bernabei
  • Publication number: 20040015190
    Abstract: A treatment method for delivery of lidocaine or other type of skin treatment drug to a patient's skin, includes applying electrical bursts of pulses onto the patient's skin by way of electrodes provided on a head of a probe that is placed against the patient's skin. The treatment method also includes applying mechanical vibrations of a same frequency and phase as the bursts of pulses onto the patient's skin by way of a vibrating element provided on the head of the probe. At the same time as the above two steps are being performed, the treatment method includes providing, between the electrodes and the patient's skin, at least two solution-absorbing pads electrically insulated from each other and each one of the two solution-absorbing pads being in electrical contact with one or more of the electrodes on the head of the probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Applicant: MATTIOLI ENGINEERING LTD.
    Inventor: Gian Franco Bernabei
  • Publication number: 20030187478
    Abstract: A treatment system and method for enhancing absorption of substances provided on a surface of a patient's skin, includes applying a substance to the surface of the patient's skin by way of a probe that provides at least one of: i) electrical pulses to the skin surface, and ii) vibrational pulses to the skin surface, in order to cause absorption of the substance within the patient's skin. At the same that the substance is applied to the skin, a gauze pad is provided between the probe and the patient's skin. The gauze pad allows for the probe to be moved over the surface of the patient's skin with less friction than if no gauze pad is used, in order to obtain easier movement of the probe with respect to the skin, and to obtain a more even application of the substance to the skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: MATTIOLI ENGINEERING LTD.
    Inventor: Gian Franco Bernabei
  • Patent number: 6587730
    Abstract: Radio frequency current pulses are applied to the skin in a controlled manner in order to heat selected volumes of skin, thereby inducing the removal of unwanted pigments from the skin and also enhancement of collagen formation on the skin. A probe provides the radio frequency current pulses to the skin, where the probe includes first and second metallic stripes, and where the probe is connected to two coaxial cables that are respectively connected to the first and second metallic stripes. The two coaxial cables are connected to a balanced/unbalanced transformer, which in turn is connected to a radio frequency generator that provides radio frequency pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Mattioli Engineering Ltd.
    Inventor: Gian Franco Bernabei
  • Patent number: 6535761
    Abstract: Application of electrical pulses and mechanical vibrations to the skin is provided in a controlled manner, in order to increase the absorption of substances applied previously on the skin. Electrical pulses are provided to the skin by way of an array of electrodes disposed on a vibrating head, and the mechanical vibrations are provided to the skin by way of the vibrating head being made to vibrate. Preferably, the electrical and mechanical vibrations are at the same frequency and phase with respect to each other, in order to increase the absorption effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Mattioli Engineering Ltd.
    Inventor: Gian Franco Bernabei
  • Patent number: 6518538
    Abstract: A radio frequency generated plasma is provided to a skin surface in a controlled manner, in order to heat and selectively damage a thin superficial layer, thereby inducing a renewal process of the epidermis. The plasma is generated by providing a vacuum to the probe, and also providing an rf pulse to an electrode within the probe, thereby creating a glow discharge that includes gas ions that contact the skin and cause the skin to heat up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Mattioli Engineering Ltd.
    Inventor: Gian Franco Bernabei
  • Publication number: 20030014081
    Abstract: Application of electrical pulses is made in a controlled manner, in order to increase the absorption of substances applied previously on the skin. Optionally, mechanical vibrations may also be provided to the skin to increase the absorption effect. The electrical pulses are provided to the skin by way of an array of electrodes disposed on a vibrating head plate, and the mechanical vibrations are provided to the skin by way of the vibrating head plate being made to vibrate (if that option is utilized). Preferably, the electrical and mechanical vibrations are at the same frequency and phase with respect to each other, in order to increase the absorption effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: MATTIOLI ENGINEERING LTD.
    Inventor: Gian Franco Bernabei
  • Patent number: 6482212
    Abstract: A dermabrasion apparatus operating by a flow of air and reducing substances conveyed by a pneumatic system through a handpiece. The apparatus comprises a housing, a vacuum pump, and an external tray inside of which a mixing bottle and a collecting bottle are provided. The handpiece and the bottles are disposable sterilized components, and may be kept in a plastic bag for maintaining their sterility prior to use. The components may be subjected to gamma rays while in the plastic bag, in order to provide an additional level of sterilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Mattioli Engineering, Ltd.
    Inventors: Gian Franco Bernabei, Dario Di Fiore, Carlo Stanisci
  • Publication number: 20020147467
    Abstract: Application of electrical pulses and mechanical vibrations to the skin is provided in a controlled manner, in order to increase the absorption of substances applied previously on the skin. A dermabrasion treatment is first performed on a region of the skin to be later given a skin absorption enhancement treatment. After the dermabrasion treatment, electrical pulses are provided to the skin by way of an array of electrodes disposed on a vibrating head, and the mechanical vibrations are provided to the skin by way of the vibrating head being made to vibrate. Preferably, the electrical and mechanical vibrations are at the same frequency and phase with respect to each other, in order to increase the absorption effect. Also, a suction may be applied to the skin, in order to provide for a substantially uniform absorption of the substance that was applied previously on the skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Applicant: MATTIOLI ENGINEERING LTD.
    Inventor: Gian Franco Bernabei
  • Publication number: 20020147465
    Abstract: Application of electrical pulses and mechanical vibrations to the skin is provided in a controlled manner, in order to increase the absorption of substances applied previously on the skin. Electrical pulses are provided to the skin by way of an array of electrodes disposed on a vibrating head, and the mechanical vibrations are provided to the skin by way of the vibrating head being made to vibrate. Preferably, the electrical and mechanical vibrations are at the same frequency and phase with respect to each other, in order to increase the absorption effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: Gian Franco Bernabei
  • Publication number: 20020147466
    Abstract: Application of electrical pulses and mechanical vibrations to the skin is provided in a controlled manner, in order to increase the absorption of substances applied previously on the skin. Electrical pulses are provided to the skin by way of an array of electrodes disposed on a vibrating head, and the mechanical vibrations are provided to the skin by way of the vibrating head being made to vibrate. Preferably, the electrical and mechanical vibrations are at the same frequency and phase with respect to each other, in order to increase the absorption effect. Also, a suction is applied to the skin, in order to provide for a substantially uniform absorption of the substance that was applied previously on the skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: Gian Franco Bernabei
  • Publication number: 20020107529
    Abstract: A dermabrasion apparatus operates by a flow of air and reducing substances conveyed to a patient through a handpiece. The apparatus includes an oval-shaped mixing bottle that has a first enclosed region for holding reducing substances. The mixing bottle includes a cap that has two tubes extending therefrom, for coupling to respective input and output legs of the handpiece. The mixing bottle also includes a second enclosed region for holding one of the two tubes that provides an air-tight coupling between the output leg of the handpiece and a collecting bottle. The mixing bottle is oval-shaped so that a user can readily manipulate the handpiece so as to move the handpiece coupled to the mixing bottle in a desired direction. This is especially useful for small handpieces that are hard to hold onto by themselves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Applicant: MATTIOLI ENGINEERING LTD.
    Inventor: Gian Franco Bernabei
  • Patent number: 6409736
    Abstract: A dermabrasion apparatus operates by a flow of a mixture of air and reducing substances. This mix is conveyed by a pneumatic system through a contacting handle. The apparatus includes a carrying tray that houses a vacuum pump and a cup. Inside the cup, there is placed a mixing bottle and a collecting bottle. The handle and the bottles are disposable sterilized components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Mattioli Engineering Ltd.
    Inventor: Gian Franco Bernabei
  • Publication number: 20020043520
    Abstract: A radio frequency generated plasma is provided to a skin surface in a controlled manner, in order to heat and selectively damage a thin superficial layer, thereby inducing a renewal process of the epidermis. The plasma is generated by providing a vacuum to the probe, and also providing an rf pulse to an electrode within the probe, thereby creating a glow discharge that includes gas ions that contact the skin and cause the skin to heat up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventor: Gian Franco Bernabei
  • Patent number: 6368333
    Abstract: A dermabrasion apparatus operating by a flow of air and reducing substances conveyed by a pneumatic system through a handpiece. The apparatus comprises a housing, a vacuum pump, and an external tray inside of which a mixing bottle and a collecting bottle are provided. The handpiece and the bottles are disposable sterilized components, and may be kept in a plastic bag for maintaining their sterility prior to use. The components may be subjected to gamma rays while in the plastic bag, in order to provide an additional level of sterilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Mattioli Engineering Ltd.
    Inventors: Gian Franco Bernabei, Dario Di Fiore, Carlo Stanisci