Patents by Inventor James Donald Loudin
James Donald Loudin 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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Publication number: 20200101289Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2019Publication date: April 2, 2020Inventors: James Donald Loudin, Manfred Franke, Douglas Michael Ackermann
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Publication number: 20200030615Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2019Publication date: January 30, 2020Inventors: James Donald Loudin, Manfred Franke, Daniel N. Hamilton, Anand Doraiswamy, Douglas Michael Ackermann
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Publication number: 20190344077Abstract: Described here are stimulation systems and methods for stimulating one or more anatomical targets in a patient for treatment conditions such as dry eye. The stimulation system may include a controller and a microstimulator. The components of the controller and microstimulator may be implemented in a single unit or in separate devices. When implemented separately, the controller and microstimulator may communicate wirelessly or via a wired connection. The microstimulator may generate pulses from a signal received from the controller and apply the signal via one or more electrodes to an anatomical target. In some variations, the microstimulator may include a passive generation circuit configured to generate a pulse based on a signal received from the controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2019Publication date: November 14, 2019Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, James Donald Loudin, Janusz Kuzma, Daniel Palanker, Scott Franklin Wetenkamp
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Publication number: 20190308009Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2019Publication date: October 10, 2019Inventors: James Donald Loudin, Daniel N. Hamilton, Manfred Franke, Douglas Michael Ackermann
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Patent number: 10426958Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 1, 2016Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: Oculeve, Inc.Inventors: James Donald Loudin, Manfred Franke, Douglas Michael Ackermann
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Publication number: 20190290922Abstract: A stimulation system stimulates anatomical targets in a patient for treatment of dry eye. The system may include a controller and a microstimulator. The controller may be implemented externally to or internally within the microstimulator. The components of the controller and microstimulator may be implemented in a single unit or in separate devices. When implemented separately, the controller and microstimulator may communicate wirelessly or via a wired connection. The microstimulator may generate pulses from a controller signal and apply the signal via one or more electrodes to an anatomical target. The microstimulator may not have any intelligence or logic to shape or modify a signal. The microstimulator may be a passive device configured to generate a pulse based on a signal received from the controller. The microstimulator may shape or modify a signal. Waveforms having different frequency, amplitude and period characteristics may stimulate different anatomical targets in a patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2018Publication date: September 26, 2019Inventors: Douglas Michael ACKERMANN, Daniel PALANKER, James Donald LOUDIN, Garrett Cale SMITH, Victor Wayne McCRAY, Brandon McNary FELKINS
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Publication number: 20190282804Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2019Publication date: September 19, 2019Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, James Donald Loudin
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Publication number: 20190217095Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2019Publication date: July 18, 2019Inventors: Manfred Franke, James Donald Loudin, Janusz Kuzma, Paul Taehyun Yu, Douglas Michael Ackermann
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Patent number: 10328262Abstract: Described here are stimulation systems and methods for stimulating one or more anatomical targets in a patient for treatment conditions such as dry eye. The stimulation system may include a controller and a microstimulator. The components of the controller and microstimulator may be implemented in a single unit or in separate devices. When implemented separately, the controller and microstimulator may communicate wirelessly or via a wired connection. The microstimulator may generate pulses from a signal received from the controller and apply the signal via one or more electrodes to an anatomical target. In some variations, the microstimulator may include a passive generation circuit configured to generate a pulse based on a signal received from the controller.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2017Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignees: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University, Oculeve, Inc.Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, James Donald Loudin, Janusz Kuzma, Daniel Palanker, Scott Franklin Wetenkamp
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Publication number: 20190167978Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2018Publication date: June 6, 2019Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, James Donald Loudin
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Patent number: 10252048Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 21, 2017Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Assignee: Oculeve, Inc.Inventors: James Donald Loudin, Daniel N. Hamilton, Manfred Franke, Douglas Michael Ackermann
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Patent number: 10238861Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 11, 2016Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: Oculeve, Inc.Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, James Donald Loudin
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Patent number: 10207108Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 22, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Oculeve, Inc.Inventors: Manfred Franke, James Donald Loudin, Janusz Kuzma, Paul Taehyun Yun, Douglas Michael Ackermann
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Publication number: 20190022392Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods of use thereof for treating dry eye, tired eye, or other forms of ocular discomfort such as from contact lenses. The methods generally include applying spatially and/or temporally patterned stimulation to one or more anatomical structures located in an ocular or nasal region. The electrical stimulation may elicit a reflex that activates the lacrimal gland or may directly activate the lacrimal gland or nerves innervating the lacrimal gland to produce tears. The devices may be implantable or handheld, and may be configured to deliver the spatially and/or temporally patterned stimulation patterns described.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2018Publication date: January 24, 2019Inventors: Manfred Franke, James Donald Loudin, John Wardle, Mark Jeffrey Holdbrook
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Patent number: 10155108Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 18, 2014Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: OCULEVE, INC.Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, James Donald Loudin
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Patent number: 10143846Abstract: A stimulation system stimulates anatomical targets in a patient for treatment of dry eye. The system may include a controller and a microstimulator. The controller may be implemented externally to or internally within the microstimulator. The components of the controller and microstimulator may be implemented in a single unit or in separate devices. When implemented separately, the controller and microstimulator may communicate wirelessly or via a wired connection. The microstimulator may generate pulses from a controller signal and apply the signal via one or more electrodes to an anatomical target. The microstimulator may not have any intelligence or logic to shape or modify a signal. The microstimulator may be a passive device configured to generate a pulse based on a signal received from the controller. The microstimulator may shape or modify a signal. Waveforms having different frequency, amplitude and period characteristics may stimulate different anatomical targets in a patient.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2017Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior UniversityInventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, Daniel Palanker, James Donald Loudin, Garrett Cale Smith, Victor Wayne McCray, Brandon McNary Felkins
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Patent number: 10112048Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods of use thereof for treating dry eye, tired eye, or other forms of ocular discomfort such as from contact lenses. The methods generally include applying spatially and/or temporally patterned stimulation to one or more anatomical structures located in an ocular or nasal region. The electrical stimulation may elicit a reflex that activates the lacrimal gland or may directly activate the lacrimal gland or nerves innervating the lacrimal gland to produce tears. The devices may be implantable or handheld, and may be configured to deliver the spatially and/or temporally patterned stimulation patterns described.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2017Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: Oculeve, Inc.Inventors: Manfred Franke, James Donald Loudin, John Wardle, Mark Jeffrey Holdbrook
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Publication number: 20180280688Abstract: Described herein are polymer formulations for facilitating electrical stimulation of nasal or sinus tissue. The polymer formulations may be hydrogels that are prepared by a UV cross-linking process. The hydrogels may be included as a component of nasal stimulator devices that electrically stimulate the lacrimal gland to improve tear production and treat dry eye. Additionally, devices and methods for manufacturing the nasal stimulators, including shaping of the hydrogel, are described herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2018Publication date: October 4, 2018Inventors: James Donald LOUDIN, Amitava GUPTA, John WARDLE, Christopher William STIVERS, Anand DORAISWAMY, Marie Dvorak CHRIST, F. Richard CHRIST
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Patent number: D826420Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2016Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: Oculeve, Inc.Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, James Donald Loudin, John Wardle, John W. Lai, Natalie Catherine Vanns
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Patent number: D837396Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2016Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: Oculeve, Inc.Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, James Donald Loudin, John Wardle, John W. Lai, Natalie Catherine Vanns