Patents by Inventor Robert D. Black

Robert D. Black 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: 9168170
    Abstract: An in-ear stimulation device for administering caloric stimulation to the ear canal of a subject includes (a) first and second earpieces configured to be insertable into the ear canals of the subject; (b) at least first and second thermoelectric devices thermally coupled to respective ones of the first and second earpieces; (c) a first heat sink thermally coupled to the first thermoelectric device opposite the first earpiece and a second heat sink thermally coupled to the second thermoelectric device opposite the second earpiece; and (d) a controller comprising a waveform generator in communication with the first and second thermoelectric devices, the waveform generator configured to generate a first control signal to control a first caloric output to the first thermoelectric device and a second control signal to control a second caloric output to the second caloric device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: SCION NEUROSTIM, LLC
    Inventors: Lanty L. Smith, Lesco L. Rogers, Robert D. Black
  • Publication number: 20140243941
    Abstract: An in-ear stimulation device for administering caloric stimulation to the ear canal of a subject includes (a) first and second earpieces configured to be insertable into the ear canals of the subject; (b) at least first and second thermoelectric devices thermally coupled to respective ones of the first and second earpieces; (c) a first heat sink thermally coupled to the first thermoelectric device opposite the first earpiece and a second heat sink thermally coupled to the second thermoelectric device opposite the second earpiece; and (d) a controller comprising a waveform generator in communication with the first and second thermoelectric devices, the waveform generator configured to generate a first control signal to control a first caloric output to the first thermoelectric device and a second control signal to control a second caloric output to the second caloric device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Lesco L. Rogers, Lanty L. Smith, Robert D. Black
  • Publication number: 20130317576
    Abstract: A device for delivering caloric vestibular stimulation to an individual, includes: (a) an earpiece configured to be at least partially insertable into the ear canal of the individual for delivering said caloric vestibular stimulation; (b) a power supply operatively associated with said earpiece; and (c) a controller operatively associated with said power supply and said earpiece for configuring said caloric vestibular stimulation as at least a first and second time-varying waveform. Preferably, the waveforms are actively controlled waveforms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Scion NeuroSlim LLC
    Inventors: Lesco L. Rogers, Lanty L. Smith, Robert D. Black
  • Publication number: 20130310907
    Abstract: A device for delivering caloric vestibular stimulation to an individual, includes: (a) an earpiece configured to be at least partially insertable into the ear canal of the individual for delivering a first thermal stimulus; (b) an input unit for receiving a user input indicating efficacy of said first thermal stimulus, and (c) a controller operatively associated with said earpiece and said input unit for: (i) controlling said earpiece to provide said first thermal stimulus, and (ii) receiving a signal corresponding to the user input and generating a control signal to control the earpiece and delivering a subsequent thermal stimulus different from said first thermal stimulus. In some embodiments, each thermal stimulus is an actively controlled time varying waveform stimulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventors: Lesco L. Rogers, Lanty L. Smith, Robert D. Black
  • Publication number: 20130296987
    Abstract: The present invention provides devices, systems and methods for delivering one or more thermal waveforms to the vestibular system and/or the nervous system of a patient. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a vestibular stimulation device configured both to generate a prescription for delivering one or more thermal waveforms and to deliver the prescribed thermal waveforms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Lesco L. Rogers, Lanty L. Smith, Robert D. Black
  • Publication number: 20120316625
    Abstract: An in-ear stimulation device for administering caloric stimulation to the ear canal of a subject includes (a) first and second earpieces configured to be insertable into the ear canals of the subject; (b) at least first and second thermoelectric devices thermally coupled to respective ones of the first and second earpieces; (c) a first heat sink thermally coupled to the first thermoelectric device opposite the first earpiece and a second heat sink thermally coupled to the second thermoelectric device opposite the second earpiece; and (d) a controller comprising a waveform generator in communication with the first and second thermoelectric devices, the waveform generator configured to generate a first control signal to control a first caloric output to the first thermoelectric device and a second control signal to control a second caloric output to the second caloric device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Lanty L. Smith, Lesco L. Rogers, Robert D. Black
  • Publication number: 20120316624
    Abstract: An in-ear stimulation device for administering caloric stimulation to the ear canal of a subject includes (a) first and second earpieces configured to be insertable into the ear canals of the subject; (b) at least first and second thermoelectric devices thermally coupled to respective ones of the first and second earpieces; (c) a first heat sink thermally coupled to the first thermoelectric device opposite the first earpiece and a second heat sink thermally coupled to the second thermoelectric device opposite the second earpiece; and (d) a controller comprising a waveform generator in communication with the first and second thermoelectric devices, the waveform generator configured to generate a first control signal to control a first caloric output to the first thermoelectric device and a second control signal to control a second caloric output to the second caloric device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Lanty L. Smith, Lesco L. Rogers, Robert D. Black
  • Patent number: 8323172
    Abstract: Methods of forming a low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy device include depositing a solution comprising a soluble form of a radioactive material on a substrate. A water-insoluble form of the radioactive material is formed on the substrate by chemical precipitation and/or thermal decomposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Civatech Oncology
    Inventors: Robert D. Black, David Wagner, Claudia Black
  • Publication number: 20110237909
    Abstract: Systems are disclosed wherein labeled binding molecules can be provided in vivo to tissue having biomolecules that specifically bind the labeled binding molecule. A first optical radiation is emitted into the tissue in vivo to excite the labeled binding molecule bound to the biomolecule in vivo. A second optical radiation that is emitted by the excited labeled binding molecule, in response to the excitation thereof, can be detected in vivo. Related telemetric-circuits and apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Robert D. Black
  • Publication number: 20110210258
    Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and computer program products include positioning single-use radiation sensor patches that have adhesive onto the skin of a patient to evaluate the radiation dose delivered during a medical procedure or treatment session. The sensor patches are configured to be relatively unobtrusive and operate during radiation without the use of externally extending power cords or lead wires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Robert D. Black, Steven R. Widener, John Carroll, Gregory Glenwood Mann, Phillip M. Lehman
  • Publication number: 20110161012
    Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and computer program products include positioning single-use radiation sensor patches that have adhesive means onto the skin of a patient to evaluate the radiation dose delivered during a treatment session. The sensor patches are configured to be minimally obtrusive and operate without the use of externally extending power cords or lead wires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Robert D. Black, Gregory Glenwood Mann, Steven R. Widener, Phillip M. Lehman
  • Patent number: 7966054
    Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and computer program products include positioning single-use radiation sensor patches that have adhesive onto the skin of a patient to evaluate the radiation dose delivered during a medical procedure or treatment session. The sensor patches are configured to be relatively unobtrusive and operate during radiation without the use of externally extending power cords or lead wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Sicel Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Black, Steven R. Widener, John Carroll, Gregory Glenwood Mann, Phillip M. Lehman
  • Publication number: 20110121188
    Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and computer program products include positioning single-use radiation internal dosimeters with MOSFETs into a patient to evaluate the radiation dose delivered during a medical procedure or treatment session. The MOSFETs can be unpowered during irradiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Robert D. Black, Steven R. Widener, John Carroll, Gregory Glenwood Mann, Phillip M. Lehman
  • Patent number: 7923694
    Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and computer program products include positioning single-use radiation sensor patches that have adhesive means onto the skin of a patient to evaluate the radiation dose delivered during a treatment session. The sensor patches are configured to be minimally obtrusive and operate without the use of externally extending power cords or lead wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Sicel Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Black, Gregory Glenwood Mann, Steven R. Widener, Phillip M. Lehman
  • Patent number: 7897927
    Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and computer program products include positioning single-use radiation internal dosimeters with MOSFETs into a patient to evaluate the radiation dose delivered during a medical procedure or treatment session. The MOSFETs can be unpowered during irradiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Sicel Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Black, Steven R. Widener, John Carroll, Gregory Glenwood Mann, Phillip M. Lehman
  • Publication number: 20100298672
    Abstract: Methods, systems, devices and computer program product include: (i) administering a fluorescent analyte to a subject; (ii) repetitively emitting excitation light from a sensor over a desired monitoring period; (iii) detecting fluorescence intensity in response to the excitation light using the sensor that outputs the excitation light; and (iv) using data associated with the detected fluorescence intensity to perform at least one of: (a) calculate the concentration or dose of the analyte received proximate to the sensor site; (b) evaluate the pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic activity of the fluorescent analyte; (c) confirm Ab attachment to a tumor site; (d) monitor a non-target site to confirm it is not unduly affected by a therapy; (e) monitor for changes in cellular properties; (f) use the calculated dose or concentration data to adjust or customize a therapeutic amount of the analyte administered to the subject; (g) confirm micelle concentration at a target site and then stimulate toxin release based on t
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Robert D. Black, Natasha Bolick
  • Publication number: 20100233352
    Abstract: A low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy device having a spatiotemporal radiation profile includes an elongated body having a radioactive material in a spatial pattern to provide a spatial radiation profile with a radiation intensity that varies along a length of the elongated body. The radioactive material includes at least first and second radioisotopes having at least first and second respective decay profiles that together provide a temporal radiation profile that is different from the first and second decay profiles. The spatial radiation profile and the temporal radiation profile form a net spatiotemporal radiation profile configured to provide a radiotherapy plan for a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Robert D. Black, Jeffrey C. Leung
  • Patent number: 7778695
    Abstract: Methods, systems, devices and computer program product include: (i) administering a fluorescent analyte to a subject; (ii) repetitively emitting excitation light from an implanted sensor over a desired monitoring period; (iii) detecting fluorescence intensity in response to the excitation light using the implanted sensor that outputs the excitation light; and (iv) using data associated with the detected fluorescence intensity to perform at least one of: (a) calculate the concentration or dose of the analyte received proximate to the implanted sensor site; (b) evaluate the pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic activity of the fluorescent analyte; (c) confirm Ab attachment to a tumor site; (d) monitor a non-target site to confirm it is not unduly affected by a therapy; (e) monitor for changes in cellular properties; (f) use the calculated dose or concentration data to adjust or customize a therapeutic amount of the analyte administered to the subject; (g) confirm micelle concentration at a target site and then sti
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Sicel Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Black, Natasha Bolick
  • Patent number: 7686756
    Abstract: A low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy device having a spatiotemporal radiation profile includes an elongated body having a radioactive material in a spatial pattern to provide a spatial radiation profile with a radiation intensity that varies along a length of the elongated body. The radioactive material includes at least first and second radioisotopes having at least first and second respective decay profiles that together provide a temporal radiation profile that is different from the first and second decay profiles. The spatial radiation profile and the temporal radiation profile form a net spatiotemporal radiation profile configured to provide a radiotherapy plan for a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Ciratech Oncology
    Inventors: Robert D. Black, Jeffrey C. Leung
  • Publication number: 20090275793
    Abstract: Methods of forming a low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy device include depositing a solution comprising a soluble form of a radioactive material on a substrate. A water-insoluble form of the radioactive material is formed on the substrate by chemical precipitation and/or thermal decomposition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Robert D. Black, David Wagner, Claudia Black