Patents by Inventor Michael ACKERMANN

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: 10722718
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, Daniel Palanker, James Donald Loudin, Garrett Cale Smith, Victor Wayne McCray, Brandon McNary Felkins
  • Patent number: 10709707
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and pharmaceutical formulations for treating ocular conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Oyster Point Pharma, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, James Loudin, Kenneth J. Mandell
  • Publication number: 20200121181
    Abstract: Generally, a machine may include a processor and a memory connected to the processor, where the memory stores instructions executed by the processor to determine first and second properties related to dry eye symptoms of a patient. The properties may be used to form a dry eye forecast. A treatment recommendation may be selected based at least in part upon the dry eye forecast. The treatment recommendation may be supplied to a device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Inventors: Manfred Franke, Chao Liu, Abirami Muralidharan, James Donald Loudin, Douglas Michael Ackermann, Michael G. Rogers
  • Patent number: 10610695
    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: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Oculeve, Inc.
    Inventors: James Donald Loudin, Manfred Franke, Daniel N. Hamilton, Anand Doraiswamy, Douglas Michael Ackermann
  • Patent number: 10610095
    Abstract: Generally, a machine may include a processor and a memory connected to the processor, where the memory stores instructions executed by the processor to determine first and second properties related to dry eye symptoms of a patient. The properties may be used to form a dry eye forecast. A treatment recommendation may be selected based at least in part upon the dry eye forecast. The treatment recommendation may be supplied to a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Oculeve, Inc.
    Inventors: Manfred Franke, Chao Liu, Abirami Muralidharan, James Donald Loudin, Douglas Michael Ackermann, Michael G. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20200101289
    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: September 5, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: James Donald Loudin, Manfred Franke, Douglas Michael Ackermann
  • Publication number: 20200038238
    Abstract: Described here are systems, devices, and methods for delivering an implant to the orbit. In some instances, the systems may comprise 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 comprise 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: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Janusz Kuzma, Douglas Michael Ackermann, Christopher William Stivers
  • Publication number: 20200033636
    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: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    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: 20200030615
    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 8, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: James Donald Loudin, Manfred Franke, Daniel N. Hamilton, Anand Doraiswamy, Douglas Michael Ackermann
  • Patent number: 10537469
    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: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Oculeve, Inc.
    Inventors: Janusz Kuzma, Douglas Michael Ackermann, Christopher William Stivers
  • Publication number: 20190344077
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, James Donald Loudin, Janusz Kuzma, Daniel Palanker, Scott Franklin Wetenkamp
  • Patent number: 10456396
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and pharmaceutical formulations for treating dry eye disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Oyster Point Pharma, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, Jr., James Loudin, Kenneth J. Mandell
  • Patent number: 10456575
    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: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Kevin Kilgore, Douglas Michael Ackermann, Jr., Niloy Bhadra, Narendra Bhadra, Joe Payer
  • Publication number: 20190314630
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for nerve conduction block. The systems and methods can utilize at least one renewable electrode. The methods can include delivering a first direct current with a first polarity to an electrode proximate nervous tissue sufficient to block conduction in the nervous tissue. Delivering the first direct current can place the nervous tissue in a hypersuppressed state at least partially preventing conduction of the nervous tissue after cessation of delivering of the first direct current. The nervous tissue can be maintained in the hypersuppressed state for a desired period, such as at least about 1 minute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, Kenneth Wu
  • Publication number: 20190308009
    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: March 18, 2019
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Inventors: James Donald Loudin, Daniel N. Hamilton, Manfred Franke, Douglas Michael Ackermann
  • Patent number: 10426958
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Oculeve, Inc.
    Inventors: James Donald Loudin, Manfred Franke, Douglas Michael Ackermann
  • Publication number: 20190290922
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Inventors: Douglas Michael ACKERMANN, Daniel PALANKER, James Donald LOUDIN, Garrett Cale SMITH, Victor Wayne McCRAY, Brandon McNary FELKINS
  • Publication number: 20190282804
    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: March 25, 2019
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: Douglas Michael Ackermann, James Donald Loudin
  • Publication number: 20190217095
    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: January 15, 2019
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: Manfred Franke, James Donald Loudin, Janusz Kuzma, Paul Taehyun Yu, Douglas Michael Ackermann
  • Publication number: 20190201397
    Abstract: Described herein are methods and pharmaceutical formulations for treating ocular conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Applicant: Oyster Point Pharma, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Michael ACKERMANN, James LOUDIN, Kenneth J. MANDELL