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).
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Patent number: 11813476Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 3, 2019Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: Erchonia Corporation, LLCInventor: Steven C Shanks
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Patent number: 11446513Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 20, 2017Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Erchonia Corporation, LLCInventor: Steven C Shanks
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Patent number: 10857378Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 16, 2018Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: Erchonia Corporation, LLCInventors: Kevin B Tucek, Steven C Shanks
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Publication number: 20200054892Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2018Publication date: February 20, 2020Inventors: Kevin B. Tucek, Steven C. Shanks
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Publication number: 20180169435Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2017Publication date: June 21, 2018Applicant: Erchonia CorporationInventor: Steven C. Shanks
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Publication number: 20180169436Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2017Publication date: June 21, 2018Applicant: Erchonia CorporationInventor: Steven C Shanks
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Publication number: 20180169434Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2017Publication date: June 21, 2018Applicant: Erchonia CorporationInventor: Steven C. Shanks
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Patent number: 9149650Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 21, 2014Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: Erchonia CorporationInventors: Steven C Shanks, Kevin B Tucek
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Patent number: 8932338Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 7, 2005Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Erchonia CorporationInventors: Susan M. L. Lim, Steven C. Shanks, Rodrigo Neira
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Patent number: 8813756Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 5, 2013Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Erchonia CorporationInventors: Steven C Shanks, Kevin B Tucek
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Patent number: 8814924Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 5, 2012Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Erchonia CorporationInventors: Steven C Shanks, Kevin B Tucek
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Patent number: 8704729Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 13, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Inventors: Kevin B Tucek, Steven C Shanks
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Patent number: 8525750Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 26, 2011Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Erchonia CorporationInventors: Kevin B. Tucek, Steven C. Shanks
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Patent number: 8439927Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 1, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Erchonia CorporationInventors: Steven C. Shanks, Kevin B Tucek
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Patent number: 8409264Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 20, 2012Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Erchonia CorporationInventors: Steven C Shanks, Ryan Maloney, Kerry Zang
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Patent number: 8348985Abstract: A stand-alone laser device that provides low level laser therapy using one or more laser sources. The laser sources are attached to one or more arms which can be positioned to cause the laser light to impinge on a desired area of a patient's body. A scanning apparatus is attached to the arms which comprise structures that cooperate to cause an optical element to be able to simultaneously rotate about a central axis and move in a linear motion along that axis to achieve any desired scan pattern. Laser light of different pulse widths, different beam shapes and different scan patterns can be applied externally to a patient's body. In the preferred embodiment, red light having a wavelength of about 635 nm is used to stimulate hair growth on a patient's scalp.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2011Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Erchonia CorporationInventors: Steven C. Shanks, Kevin B. Tucek
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Publication number: 20120150263Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2012Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: ERCHONIA CORPORATIONInventors: Steven C. Shanks, Ryan Maloney, Kerry Zang
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Patent number: 8155721Abstract: The present invention is a method and device for reducing exposure to undesirable electromagnetic radiation. The dissipation device uses a varying angle antenna design to capture radiation from an active emission source, such as a cellular telephone when it is transmitting. 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2009Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Erchonia CorporationInventors: Steven C Shanks, Kevin B Tucek, George Leger
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Patent number: 8126544Abstract: A device for imparting a combination of therapies to a user's body or body parts has a first battery-powered array submerged into a liquid contained in a first reservoir and a second battery-powered array submerged into a liquid contained in a second reservoir. Each array has one or more degradable electrodes that release ions into the liquid in the reservoir. The electrodes can be copper, zinc, steel, silver, nickel, or a combination thereof. The solution in the reservoir may contain positively or negatively charged medicament ions. During a therapy session, the device is operated in one or both of an electrolysis mode and an iontophoresis mode. Direct current is applied to one or more of the electrodes depending on the mode selected and other session parameters.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2008Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Erchonia CorporationInventors: Steven C. Shanks, Kevin Tucek
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Patent number: 8097029Abstract: A stand-alone laser device that provides low level laser therapy using one or more laser sources. The laser sources are attached to one or more arms which can be positioned to cause the laser light to impinge on a desired area of a patient's body. A scanning apparatus is attached to the arms which comprise structures that cooperate to cause an optical element to be able to simultaneously rotate about a central axis and move in a linear motion along that axis to achieve any desired scan pattern. Laser light of different pulse widths, different beam shapes and different scan patterns can be applied externally to a patient's body. In the preferred embodiment, red light having a wavelength of about 635 nm is used to stimulate hair growth on a patient's scalp.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2011Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Erchonia CorporationInventors: Steven C. Shanks, Kevin B. Tucek