Patents by Inventor Steven C. Shanks

Steven C. Shanks 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).

  • Publication number: 20240108912
    Abstract: Each electron transport chain complex has different wavelengths at which there is peak absorption of the light. Methods described herein apply light at defined ranges of wavelengths to a patient's skin, targeting each complex of the electron transport chain at its peak absorption, to increase the activity of the respective complex. This results in improved oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial function in the area treated. Complexes I and II are treated with violet-blue (400-490 nm) light. Complex I is treated with green (495-570 nm) light. Complex IV is treated with red (620-700 nm) light. To achieve optimal oxidative phosphorylation all three colors are applied to the treatment area, simultaneously or non-simultaneously. The light energy can be applied using a single device that can emit all three wavelengths, or multiple devices that emit a subset of the desired wavelengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Applicant: Erchonia Corporation, LLC
    Inventors: Steven C. SHANKS, Travis SAMMONS
  • Publication number: 20240024695
    Abstract: Light energy is applied externally to the ear of a person suffering tinnitus and down the side of the person's neck below that ear. If both ears suffer tinnitus, then the other ear is treated in the same manner. The wavelength of the applied light energy is in the visible violet-blue range of about 400-500 nm. Preferably applied light energy is 405 nm±10 nm. The light energy is preferably laser energy and is supplied by a laser device that emits a line of light energy. The line of light energy is waved manually across a treatment area in a continuous, sweeping manner from about one inch above the person's first ear down the side of the person's neck below the first ear. Preferably the light energy is applied using a hand-held device so that a person can treat him or herself at home.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Applicant: Erchonia Corporation, LLC
    Inventors: Steven C SHANKS, Travis SAMMONS
  • Patent number: 11813476
    Abstract: Light energy is applied externally to a patient's head, neck, or both, to treat the brain and nervous system. The light energy stimulates different neurological pathways, reduces inflammation, stimulates mitochondria function in the brain, and increases HRV. The light is applied to the patient on the skull, near the vagus nerve, or a combination thereof. The treatment can be enhanced by activating the cranial nerves while the light is applied. The wavelengths of the applied light range from ultraviolet to far infrared, and preferably are visible light from about 400-760 nm. In a preferred embodiment the applied light is in the red range and more preferably about of 635 nm±10 nm. The applied light energy is applied with a pulse frequency or frequencies that mimic healthy brain function of alpha, beta, delta, and theta waves such as 8 Hz, 53 Hz, 73 Hz and 101 Hz. The pulse frequencies can be applied singularly, serially, alternately, or simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Erchonia Corporation, LLC
    Inventor: Steven C Shanks
  • Patent number: 11446513
    Abstract: A method for treating autism. Light energy is applied externally to a patient's scalp on the skull near the frontal lobes. Optionally the light is also applied to the temporal lobes and the base of the brain. The treatment can be enhanced by activating the cranial nerves while the light is applied. In a preferred embodiment the applied light is in the red range and more preferably about of 635 nm±10 nm. In a preferred embodiment, the applied light energy is applied with a pulse frequency or frequencies of 8 Hz, 53 Hz, 73 Hz and 101 Hz. The light can be emitted from the same light emitter or from multiple emitters. Preferably the light is laser light and is emitted as a line from a hand-held laser device, and the line is waved manually across a person's skull in the desired area in a continuous, sweeping manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Erchonia Corporation, LLC
    Inventor: Steven C Shanks
  • Publication number: 20210346715
    Abstract: Methods for treating acute respiratory distress syndrome are disclosed. Light energy is applied externally to a patient at or near targeted areas including the lungs, the vagus nerve, and spinous process to stimulate different neurological pathways and reduce inflammation. The wavelength of the applied light ranges from about 400-700 nm, and in a preferred embodiment uses two wavelengths, 405 nm and 635 nm. The applied light energy can be applied in pulses or as a constant wave. The light energy is applied at dosages that cause no detectable temperature rise of the treated tissue and no macroscopically visible changes in tissue structure. Preferably the power is 500 mW or less. The light can be emitted from the same light emitter or from multiple emitters and is preferably laser light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Applicant: Erchonia Corporation, LLC
    Inventors: Steven C SHANKS, Rodrigo NEIRA, Rod NEIRA, Clara NEIRA, Travis SAMMONS
  • Patent number: 10857378
    Abstract: A hand-held laser treatment device automatically sweeps a line of laser energy across a treatment area of a patient without moving the device. Laser energy sources reside in a scan head housing, which is rotatably connected to a body housing at a housing mount. A motorized scanning mechanism in the body housing drives a pushrod connected that is to the scan head to cause the scan head to reciprocate about the housing mount axis, moving an emitted line of laser energy up and down. The scanning mechanism comprises a rotational motor, a pushrod drive cam, a guide cam and an amplitude adjustor, all coaxially aligned along a motor axis. Interposed between the pushrod drive cam and the guide cam are the pushrod and a guide bearing aligned along an axis parallel to the motor axis. The degree of sweep is adjustable to change the size of the area treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Erchonia Corporation, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin B Tucek, Steven C Shanks
  • Publication number: 20200054892
    Abstract: A hand-held laser treatment device automatically sweeps a line of laser energy across a treatment area of a patient without moving the device. Laser energy sources reside in a scan head housing, which is rotatably connected to a body housing at a housing mount. A motorized scanning mechanism in the body housing drives a pushrod connected that is to the scan head to cause the scan head to reciprocate about the housing mount axis, moving an emitted line of laser energy up and down. The scanning mechanism comprises a rotational motor, a pushrod drive cam, a guide cam and an amplitude adjustor, all coaxially aligned along a motor axis. Interposed between the pushrod drive cam and the guide cam are the pushrod and a guide bearing aligned along an axis parallel to the motor axis. The degree of sweep is adjustable to change the size of the area treated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Kevin B. Tucek, Steven C. Shanks
  • Publication number: 20180169434
    Abstract: A non-invasive method for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Light energy is applied externally to a patient's head to stimulate different neurological pathways, reduce inflammation and stimulate mitochondria function in the brain. The light is applied near the area of the brain that is malfunctioning or that is associated with the source of the disease to be treated. The treatment can be enhanced by activating the cranial nerves while the light is applied. The wavelength of the applied light range from about 400-760 nm, and in a preferred embodiment is about 640 nm. The applied light energy can be applied with a pulse frequencies that mimic healthy brain function of alpha, beta, delta, and theta waves. The pulse frequencies can be applied series, alternately, or simultaneously. The light can be emitted from the same light emitter or from multiple emitters and is preferably laser light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: Erchonia Corporation
    Inventor: Steven C. Shanks
  • Publication number: 20180169435
    Abstract: Light energy is applied externally to the head of a patient who has a healthy brain to activate portions of the brain. The light is applied to the patient's scalp all over the patient's head or to desired portions of the scalp to activate desired portions of the brain. The treatment can be enhanced by activating the cranial nerves while the light is applied. The wavelengths of the applied light range from about 400-760 nm. In a preferred embodiment the applied light is about 640 nm. In a preferred embodiment, the applied light energy is applied with a pulse frequency or frequencies that mimic healthy brain function of alpha, beta, delta, and theta waves. The pulse frequencies can be applied in series, alternately, or simultaneously. The light can be emitted from a single light emitter or from multiple emitters. Preferably the applied light energy is laser light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: Erchonia Corporation
    Inventor: Steven C. Shanks
  • Publication number: 20180169436
    Abstract: A method for treating autism. Light energy is applied externally to a patient's scalp on the skull near the frontal lobes. Optionally the light is also applied to the temporal lobes and the base of the brain. The treatment can be enhanced by activating the cranial nerves while the light is applied. In a preferred embodiment the applied light is in the red range and more preferably about of 635 nm±10 nm. In a preferred embodiment, the applied light energy is applied with a pulse frequency or frequencies of 8 Hz, 53 Hz, 73 Hz and 101 Hz. The light can be emitted from the same light emitter or from multiple emitters. Preferably the light is laser light and is emitted as a line from a hand-held laser device, and the line is waved manually across a person's skull in the desired area in a continuous, sweeping manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: Erchonia Corporation
    Inventor: Steven C Shanks
  • Publication number: 20160066994
    Abstract: A noninvasive method of slimming a patient's body by concurrently applying laser energy of two different wavelengths to the patient. In the preferred embodiment, the laser treatment uses one wavelength of about 635 nm and another wavelength of about 532 nm. Preferably the laser energy is applied using a circular beam spot created by a line swept through a 360° circle. By using two wavelengths concurrently in the treatment regimen, the patient avoids the inconvenience and expense of the trial-and-error approach of undergoing a complete treatment regimen unsuccessfully with a first wavelength, and then subsequently undergoing a second complete treatment regimen using a second wavelength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: Erchonia Corporation
    Inventor: Steven C. SHANKS
  • Patent number: 9149650
    Abstract: A noninvasive method of slimming a patient's body by applying laser energy having a wavelength shorter than 632 nm externally through the skin of the patient. One or more areas of a patient's body, preferably the more fatty regions, such as the abdominal, buttock, lower back, thigh, bust or arm regions, is measured. Objective measurements are made of body criteria, including external dimension, percentage body fat, fat mass, or body mass. Sufficient laser energy, preferably in a range of 0.03-0.1 J/cm2, is applied to one or more of those areas to cause a reduction in the measurement in the lasered areas, as well as overall body slimming. The preferred embodiments use laser light at about 532 nm, 440 nm, or 405 nm. Preferably 18 mW or 25 mW laser diodes are used to apply laser energy at 0.03-0.1 J/cm2 for 15 minutes, every other day for 1-4 weeks, depending on the amount of slimming desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Erchonia Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C Shanks, Kevin B Tucek
  • Patent number: 8932338
    Abstract: A noninvasive method of reducing fat from targeted regions of a patient's body by applying low-level laser energy externally through the skin of the patient to the targeted areas. Sufficient laser energy is applied to release at least a portion of intracellular fat into the interstitial space. The released intracellular fat is removed from the body through the body's natural functions. The preferred embodiment uses laser energy at about 635 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Erchonia Corporation
    Inventors: Susan M. L. Lim, Steven C. Shanks, Rodrigo Neira
  • Publication number: 20140343638
    Abstract: A noninvasive method of slimming a patient's body by applying laser energy having a wavelength shorter than 632 nm externally through the skin of the patient. One or more areas of a patient's body, preferably the more fatty regions, such as the abdominal, buttock, lower back, thigh, bust or arm regions, is measured. Objective measurements are made of body criteria, including external dimension, percentage body fat, fat mass, or body mass. Sufficient laser energy, preferably in a range of 0.03-0.1 J/cm2, is applied to one or more of those areas to cause a reduction in the measurement in the lasered areas, as well as overall body slimming. The preferred embodiments use laser light at about 532 nm, 440 nm, or 405 nm. Preferably 18 mW or 25 mW laser diodes are used to apply laser energy at 0.03-0.1 J/cm2 for 15 minutes, every other day for 1-4 weeks, depending on the amount of slimming desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Steven C SHANKS, Kevin B TUCEK
  • Patent number: 8814924
    Abstract: A portable, small-footprint laser device contains one or more housings in which a laser energy source and an optical arrangement are disposed. The housing produces a laser beam spot that may be rotated and scanned to apply laser energy to a target area. The laser device receives treatment parameters and uses them to program a treatment regimen in which activation and movement of the housings is automated. The laser device may be used to apply a treatment regimen to a patient's hands or feet that are infected by Onychomycosis. In the treatment regimen, certain wavelengths of laser energy are applied at a predetermined duration. The treatment may be repeated, and a topical anti-fungal medication may be applied to aid in the efficacy of the treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Erchonia Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C Shanks, Kevin B Tucek
  • Patent number: 8813756
    Abstract: A noninvasive method of slimming a patient's body by applying laser energy having a wavelength shorter than 632 nm externally through the skin of the patient. One or more areas of a patient's body, preferably the more fatty regions, such as the abdominal, buttock, lower back, thigh, bust or arm regions, is measured. Objective measurements are made of body criteria, including external dimension, percentage body fat, fat mass, or body mass. Sufficient laser energy, preferably in a range of 0.03-0.1 J/cm2, is applied to one or more of those areas to cause a reduction in the measurement in the lasered areas, as well as overall body slimming. The preferred embodiments use laser light at about 532 nm, 440 nm, or 405 nm. Preferably 18 mW or 25 mW laser diodes are used to apply laser energy at 0.03-0.1 J/cm2 for 15 minutes, every other day for 1-4 weeks, depending on the amount of slimming desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Erchonia Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C Shanks, Kevin B Tucek
  • Patent number: 8704729
    Abstract: An extended varying angle antenna is used with an electromagnetic radiation dissipation device to reduce exposure to electromagnetic radiation. The extended antenna captures radiation from an active emission source, such as a transmitting cellular telephone. The device converts the captured radiation into an electric current and dissipates the collected current by operating the dissipation device. The extended antenna is a printed circuit board trace antenna comprising a microstrip having a meandering portion with several serially connected meandering segments and an extended portion. One or more meandering segments include 90-degree bends in the microstrip, and one or more meandering segments include bends of more and less than 90 degrees. The extended portion includes two or more parallel horizontal portions and at least one vertical portion, all connected by 90-degree bends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventors: Kevin B Tucek, Steven C Shanks
  • Patent number: 8525750
    Abstract: A varying angle antenna design can be used with an electromagnetic radiation dissipation device to reduce exposure to electromagnetic radiation. The antenna captures radiation from an active emission source, such as a cellular telephone as it transmits. The device converts the captured radiation into an electric current and dissipates the collected current by spending it to operate a thermal, mechanical, or electrical device. The varying angle antenna is a printed circuit board trace antenna comprising a microstrip having several serially connected meandering segments. One or more meandering segments include 90-degree bends in the microstrip, and one or more meandering segments include bends of more and less than 90 degrees. Portions of the microstrip that are horizontally oriented are all parallel, while portions of the microstrip that are vertically oriented can be parallel or angled, depending on the bend angle. Near the center of the antenna, the microstrip segments are narrower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Erchonia Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin B. Tucek, Steven C. Shanks
  • Patent number: 8439927
    Abstract: A hand-held laser device that can simultaneously provide multiple types of low level laser therapy treatments to multiple areas of a patient's body simultaneously. The device enables laser light of different pulse repetition rate, different beam shapes and spot sizes to be applied to a patient's body. The device includes multiple laser sources. In the preferred embodiment, two semiconductor diode laser sources simultaneously provide two separate laser beams from separate probes, one laser beam producing laser light at a first pulse repetition rate and the other producing laser light at a second pulse repetition rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Erchonia Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. Shanks, Kevin B Tucek
  • Patent number: 8409264
    Abstract: Methods for treating fungal infections of the hand or foot use applications of low level laser energy to the infected area to inhibit fungal growth. A laser device is used to produce one or more low-level laser beams, typically in the range of 400-800 nm emanated at a power of less than 1 watt. The laser light is scanned across the infected area for a predetermined duration. Preferably, the duration is between about 10 and 30 minutes, so that at least 0.5 joules of laser energy is applied. Preferably, about 10 joules of laser energy is applied. The application may be repeated, and is preferably repeated once, about five weeks after the first application. A topical medication, such as an antifungal cream, may be used in conjunction with the laser light to speed up fungal removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Erchonia Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C Shanks, Ryan Maloney, Kerry Zang