Patents by Inventor Lowell Hughes

Lowell Hughes 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: 12005077
    Abstract: The present invention introduces an ophthalmic solution containing halo-fullerenes. When the spherical fullerene carbon cages are functionalized with halogens, the resulting halo-fullerenes demonstrate sustained antimicrobial activity. Fullerenes are also characterized by unique electron properties that impart antioxidant capabilities as free radical scavengers. Nonetheless, far smaller than ocular tissue cells, halo-fullerenes are biocompatible—and capable of penetrating intricate barriers, like the cornea and conjunctiva, with potential to achieve greater efficacy and symptom relief in chronic dry eye than conventional treatments. With remarkable surface area, halo-fullerenes also allow customization and possess a unique molecular architecture for broader applications. This multifunctional solution thus imparts antimicrobial activity, antioxidative protection, molecular lubrication, and shielding from external irritants while penetrating dense ocular structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Inventors: Terry Earl Brady, Anthony Lee Dellinger, Lowell Hughes, Melinda K. M. Goddard, Christopher E. Starr, Abed Alqader Ibrahim
  • Patent number: 12005132
    Abstract: This invention proposes a multifunctional topical composition that integrates halogen-functionalized fullerenes and metallic nanoparticles (NPs) to provide comprehensive skin protection and sanitizing, cosmetic enhancement, and in some embodiments, treatment for various conditions. Leveraging the atomic scale and physical characteristics of halogenated fullerenes for deeper tissue dispersion, the composition can provide antioxidant, antimicrobial, and UV protective benefits to foster cellular integrity, proliferation, and differentiation as healthy tissue. The proposed formulation can deliver active ingredients through the pores of sweat glands; the lipid matrix of the stratum corneum; and hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and pilosebaceous pores to then penetrate underlying dermal layers. This composition also uses stable, inorganic antibacterial agents with a robust safety profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Inventors: Terry Earl Brady, Anthony Lee Dellinger, Lowell Hughes, Lori Bush, Melinda K. M. Goddard, Abed Algader Ibrahim
  • Patent number: 11872109
    Abstract: The present innovation is a customized compression device for prevention and treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scarring, primarily a frequent complication of ear piercing. The “one size fits all” design of traditional devices can compromise efficacy due to uneven fit and compression. This invention harnesses 3D digital scanning to capture the intricate contours of the ear for every patient, for personalized compression therapy. Using 3D printing, shells are fabricated with biocompatible materials such as Polylactic Acid, shape memory polymers, or silicone-based substances. In primary embodiments, device functionality is achieved with compression clips or spring-open, single-piece structures. The custom fit, potential for infusion of therapeutic agents (e.g., corticosteroids), and engineered porosity combine to improve keloid management from uniform pressure distribution and optimal healing. Additionally, the ‘shells’ can be pigmented to match patient skin tones and encourage compliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Inventors: Lowell Hughes, Anthony Lee Delligner, Melinda K. M. Goddard, Terry E. Brady
  • Patent number: 11813363
    Abstract: The gut-brain axis, neurobiology and neurotransmission are physiologic systems with known pathways, yet they are rarely leveraged for wellness, notwithstanding extensive literature regarding healthy diets and nutrition. Gastrointestinal (GI) evolution has equipped humans with exceptional plasticity for food abundance or scarcity, while maintaining homeostasis by producing essential neurotransmitters that drive fundamental behaviors, from seeking nourishment to engaging in routine tasks of life. The advent of cheap, abundant, and highly processed foods in the last century, however, has upended the very systems that evolved for survival with a debilitating propensity for obesity in abundance—and malnourishment where access may be limited to a scarce supply of such processed foods, or none at all. In short, a better understanding and application of physiologic signaling and equilibrium is needed in cases of weight management and malnourishment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Inventors: Terry Earl Brady, Anthony Lee Dellinger, Melinda K. M. Goddard, Lowell Hughes, Dick Luttekes
  • Patent number: 11771125
    Abstract: The gut-brain axis, neurobiology and neurotransmission are physiologic systems with known pathways, yet they are rarely leveraged for wellness, notwithstanding extensive literature regarding healthy diets and nutrition. Gastrointestinal (GI) evolution has equipped humans with exceptional plasticity for food abundance or scarcity, while maintaining homeostasis by producing essential neurotransmitters that drive fundamental behaviors, from seeking nourishment to engaging in routine tasks of life. The advent of cheap, abundant, and highly processed foods in the last century, however, has upended the very systems that evolved for survival with a debilitating propensity for obesity in abundance—and malnourishment where access may be limited to a scarce supply of such processed foods, or none at all. In short, a better understanding and application of physiologic signaling and equilibrium is needed in cases of weight management and malnourishment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Inventors: Terry Earl Brady, Anthony Lee Dellinger, Lowell Hughes, Melinda K. M. Goddard
  • Patent number: 11653984
    Abstract: Multi-angle radiographic imaging enables 3D visualization of internal surgical targets like solid-tumors, heart vessels, blocked glands or any bodily cavities like fallopian or Eustachian tubes for diagnostics and surgery planning. Those images are dimensionally precise and easily replicated as life-forms with 3D printing for exact modeling. The “negative” aspects of the images are the diseased tissues requiring excision, as in a solid-tumor example. Needle biopsies are routine and can be radiographically guided. Similarly, guided needle delivery of a magnetic surgical fluid containing fullerenes into a target site, such as a solid tumor is less invasive than laparoscopic techniques. Introducing an external magnetic field force can then be used to propel, rotate and maneuver fullerenes into cellular matter or into tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Inventors: Terry Earl Brady, Anthony Lee Dellinger, Lowell Hughes, Melinda K. M. Goddard
  • Patent number: 11638720
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to quantum-scale biocidal particles and chemical reactions that disrupt and eviscerate microbial matter by combining aqueous and dry components. As halo-fullerene activation requires volatile excitation to mix, contact and collide so as to rupture microbial matter, atomic scale chemical reactions impart the requisite movement of engineered halo-fullerenes to destroy bacterial, fungal and viral matter upon contact. The present invention includes two primary mechanisms: an excitation chemistry and biocidal, hydrophobic halo-fullerenes. Upon aqueous exposure, the dry composition initiates a chemical reaction that activates biocidal halo-fullerenes to disrupt biologic surfaces in topical applications. The object of the present invention is a shelf stable, pre-packaged wiping material or dry packet for rehydration with broad spectrum antimicrobial activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Inventors: Terry Earl Brady, Anthony Lee Dellinger, Lowell Hughes, Melinda K. M. Goddard, Julie Catherine-Elise Hakim
  • Patent number: 11186118
    Abstract: A paint can caddie, including a can receiving portion to receive a base and at least a portion of an outer circumference of a paint can therein, and a paint storing portion circumferentially disposed around the can receiving portion to receive paint spilled from the paint can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Inventor: Lowell Hughes
  • Publication number: 20190351697
    Abstract: A paint can caddie, including a can receiving portion to receive a base and at least a portion of an outer circumference of a paint can therein, and a paint storing portion circumferentially disposed around the can receiving portion to receive paint spilled from the paint can.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventor: Lowell Hughes
  • Publication number: 20190351698
    Abstract: A paint can caddie, including a can receiving portion to receive a base and at least a portion of an outer circumference of a paint can therein, and a paint storing portion circumferentially disposed around the can receiving portion to receive paint spilled from the paint can.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventor: Lowell Hughes