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).

  • Patent number: 8348985
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Erchonia Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. Shanks, Kevin B. Tucek
  • Publication number: 20120280889
    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: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Kevin B. TUCEK, Steven C. SHANKS
  • Publication number: 20120150263
    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: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: ERCHONIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven C. Shanks, Ryan Maloney, Kerry Zang
  • Publication number: 20120109265
    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: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: ERCHONIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven C. SHANKS, Kevin B. TUCEK
  • Patent number: 8155721
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Erchonia Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C Shanks, Kevin B Tucek, George Leger
  • Patent number: 8126544
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Erchonia Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. Shanks, Kevin Tucek
  • Patent number: 8097029
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Erchonia Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. Shanks, Kevin B. Tucek
  • Publication number: 20120010686
    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: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: Erchonia Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. SHANKS, Kevin B. TUCEK
  • Patent number: 8083785
    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: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Erchonia Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. Shanks, Kevin B. Tucek
  • Publication number: 20110295187
    Abstract: The present invention is a non-invasive method for reducing fat or cellulite in a patient by administering a therapeutically effective amount of niacin and applying laser energy to targeted external regions of a patient's body. The present method helps create smooth contours.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Erchonia Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. SHANKS, Ryan Maloney
  • Publication number: 20110224759
    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: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: Erchonia Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. Shanks, Ryan Maloney, Kerry Zang
  • Publication number: 20110218599
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: ERCHONIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven C. Shanks, Kevin B. Tucek
  • Publication number: 20110218598
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: ERCHONIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven C. Shanks, Kevin B. Tucek
  • Publication number: 20110213446
    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: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: ERCHONIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin B. Tucek, Steven C. Shanks
  • Publication number: 20110193767
    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: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: ERCHONIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin B. Tucek, Steven C. Shanks
  • Patent number: 7993382
    Abstract: The present invention is a non-invasive method for reducing fat in a patient by administering a therapeutically effective amount of niacin and applying laser energy to targeted external regions of a patient's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Erchonia Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C Shanks, Ryan Maloney
  • Patent number: 7973736
    Abstract: The present invention is a varying angle antenna design to be used with an electromagnetic radiation dissipation device that reduces exposure to undesirable electromagnetic radiation. The dissipation device uses a varying angle antenna 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: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Erchonia Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin B. Tucek, Steven C. Shanks
  • Patent number: 7947067
    Abstract: This invention is a scanning laser device with a universal carriage that holds any type of optical element. The carriage rotates about an axis that is substantially co-axial to the incident laser beam, thereby causing the laser energy passing through the optical element to sweep through a 360° circle. The preferred embodiment uses a rod lens as the optical element, resulting in a large circular beam spot. The device may utilize laser sources of various wavelengths and pulse frequencies, and multiple devices may be combined to scan an even larger area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Erchonia Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Tucek, Steven C. Shanks, Lawrence Owens
  • Publication number: 20110087312
    Abstract: Low-level laser therapy is applied externally through the skin of the patient to targeted areas of a of a patient's body to treat diabetes or prediabetes. A patient is first diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes, preferably by blood draws that measure insulin, A1C, or glucose levels. A therapeutic amount of laser energy to apply is determined from a patient's biological factors such as body mass index. The therapeutic amount of laser energy is applied one or more times over a two week time period. The patient is then retested for diabetes or prediabetes. If necessary, a new therapeutic amount of laser energy is determined according to any changes in the patient's diabetes or prediabetes diagnosis and any changes in the patient's biological factors. Adjusted treatments with low-level laser energy continue until the diabetes or prediabetes diagnosis is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: ERCHONIA CORPORATIN
    Inventors: Charles SHANKS, Ryan MALONEY, Steven C. SHANKS, Kevin B. TUCEK, Rodrigo NEIRA
  • Patent number: 7922751
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Erchonia Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C Shanks, Kevin B. Tucek