Physical Removal Of Hair Or Hair Plugs From Skin Patents (Class 606/133)
  • Patent number: 11957375
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system, method, and apparatus for harvesting follicular units from an epidermis. The disclosed apparatus includes a hollow tubular structure having a central axis and an end structure that is attached to an end of the hollow tubular structure. The end structure terminates distally at a substantially flat annular face that is substantially in a plane perpendicular to the central axis. The flat annular face has a sharp outer edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: DEVROYE INSTRUMENTS BELGIUM
    Inventor: Jean Devroye
  • Patent number: 11883060
    Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for transplanting follicles and other cells from one location on a patient to another location on the same or different patient without the need to shave or cut hair extending from the follicles or cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Advanced Hair Restoration LLC
    Inventor: Nik Rusa
  • Patent number: 11877639
    Abstract: The present disclosure is concerned with epilator having an epilator head that has a head housing and a skin contacting unit arranged for being pivotable with respect to the head housing around a first axis and a handle arranged for being held by a user's hand, wherein the epilator head is pivotably connected with the handle and is arranged for being pivotable with respect to the handle around a second axis, the first axis and the second axis being essentially perpendicular to each other and the first axis and the second axis have a distance to each other and wherein the epilator head comprises a neck portion that is connected with the handle to establish a separable but otherwise fixed connection and the head housing comprises a cylindrically or spherically shaped neck wall, which neck wall is arranged to immerse into a hollow defined by the neck portion when the head housing pivots around the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Braun GMBH
    Inventors: Pedro Sanchez-Martinez, Judith Von Dahlen
  • Patent number: 11812833
    Abstract: A hair pulling device includes a machine body which is provided with a hair clamping support (1) and a driving device. A fixation shaft (3) which is fixed and non-rotary as well as a plurality of positioning frames (2) which are driven by the driving device to rotate around the fixation shaft (3) are disposed on the hair clamping support (1); a plurality of groups of hair clamping assembly units which are rotated with the positioning frames (2) are disposed, along an axial direction of the fixation shaft (3), on the positioning frames (2); the fixation shaft (3) is fixedly sleeved by a positioning shaft (4); The hair pulling device has high hair clamping efficiency and reliable and stable clamping force, and avoids the problems that hair pulling fails due to failure of an elastic part or hair pulling fails due to insufficient clamping force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Inventor: BingJie Jin
  • Patent number: 11723740
    Abstract: A surgical system includes a robotic device, an end effector mounted on the robotic device, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to generate a plurality of virtual geometries, each virtual geometry associated with a surgical task, track a position of the end effector, and determine whether the position of the end effector is at a location corresponding to a first virtual geometry of the plurality of virtual geometries. In response to a determination that the position of the end effector is at the location corresponding to the first virtual geometry, the processing circuit is configured to control the robotic device to facilitate completion of a first surgical task associated with the first virtual geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Radu Iorgulescu, Carinne Cecile Granchi, Dennis Moses, Jason Robert Wojcik
  • Patent number: 11617406
    Abstract: A handheld device for applying eyelash extensions is disclosed. The handheld device includes a device enclosure with an opening at a distal end of the device enclosure. The handheld device further includes tweezers at least partially disposed within the device enclosure. The tweezers are configured to grasp one or more lashes from a lash cartridge at least partially disposed within or coupled to the device enclosure. The tweezers are coupled to a tweezer actuator at least partially disposed within the device enclosure. The tweezer actuator is configured to selectively position the tweezers between a rest position and an extended position, wherein the tweezers are configured to extend the one or more lashes grasped by the tweezers through the opening at the distal end of the device enclosure when the tweezers are in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Inventor: Christopher Fiala
  • Patent number: 11399613
    Abstract: The invention relates to an epilating device (10) for epilating hairs growing from skin, comprising a housing; an epilating system having a plurality of hair-clamping elements arranged adjacent to each other rotatably on a curved supporting shaft which extends in a plane of curvature; a drive system arranged (58) to rotate the hair-clamping elements; a skin-contacting member (16) arranged to contact the skin during use and to be pivotable relative to the housing about a first pivot axis; a compression member arranged adjacent to the epilating system to exert a compression force on the epilating system directed along a compression line, said compression member being pivotable relative to the housing about a second pivot axis to adjust a position of the compression line relative to the housing; and a linkage mechanism linking the skin-contacting member and the compression member such that a pivotal motion of the skin-contacting member about the first pivot axis over a first pivot angle results in a pivotal moti
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Joost Tomas Glazenburg, Johannes Beugels, Johan Kuiper, Rogier Enrico De Haas
  • Patent number: 11375794
    Abstract: A hand operated device, and improvements thereof, for the removal of unwanted hairs from the nose and ears. The device comprised of a handle body and trigger assembly that, when squeezed between the thumb and fingers, remotely compresses a spring at its end. Which spring can be inserted blindly into the cavities of the nose and ears to grasp and remove the hair thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Studio 010 Inc.
    Inventor: Tyson David Triplett
  • Patent number: 11369179
    Abstract: Clamping heads are disclosed with epilators and clamping hairs, and can include a first clamping unit and at least two spring plates arranged adjacent to each other on a plane traversing an axis of rotation of a stopper plate, each of said spring plate having a first spring plate clamping surface, and said stopper plate is adjacent to said first clamping unit and having a stopper plate clamping surface opposing said first spring plate clamping surface of each said spring plate, such that during rotation of said stopper plate relative to said first clamping unit, said first clamping unit reciprocally moves away from and towards said stopper plate such that a first space between said first spring plate clamping surface and said stopper plate clamping surface opens and closes for clamping hair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: HEROKA INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventor: Shuwong Lau
  • Patent number: 11259888
    Abstract: A surgical system includes a robotic device, an end effector mounted on the robotic device, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to generate a plurality of virtual geometries, each virtual geometry associated with a surgical task, track a position of the end effector, and determine whether the position of the end effector is at a location corresponding to a first virtual geometry of the plurality of virtual geometries. In response to a determination that the position of the end effector is at the location corresponding to the first virtual geometry, the processing circuit is configured to control the robotic device to facilitate completion of a first surgical task associated with the first virtual geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Radu Iorgulescu, Carinne Cecile Granchi, Dennis Moses, Jason Robert Wojcik
  • Patent number: 11246401
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a body care system (100a-j) including a cooling device (10a-j) for a body care system (100a-j) comprising a brush unit (12) including a plurality of airflow generating structures, a connecting unit (16) for connecting the brush unit (12) to a driving unit (14), the driving unit (14) being configured to drive the brush unit (12) to rotate about a rotational axis (18) to generate an airflow by the rotation of the airflow generating structures, wherein the rotational axis (18) is substantially parallel to the surface of the body part, and a supplying unit arranged inside the brush unit (12) for supplying a cooling medium to the plurality of airflow generating structures of the brush unit (12) to evaporate the cooling medium by the generated airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Maarten Van Den Boogaard, Bastiaan Johannes De Wit, Robert Godlieb
  • Patent number: 11229452
    Abstract: A system comprising a handpiece and drive system configured to removably couple to a proximal end of a housing. A scalpet assembly is configured to removeably couple to the housing, and includes a scalpet array comprising at least one scalpet configured for rotation. The scalpet array is configured to harvest dermal plugs via fractional resection. A collection chamber is configured to collect the dermal plugs, and to house formation of an injectable filler by mincing the dermal plugs, and mixing the dermal plugs with a carrier. The injectable filler is configured for bulk fill. The collection chamber includes a loading port, and a cannular syringe is configured to mate with the loading port to receive the injectable filler, and to deliver the injectable filler for the bulk fill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: SRGI HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: Edward Knowlton
  • Patent number: 11197674
    Abstract: A hair grasping device comprising a handle and a grasping mechanism on an end of the handle. The grasping mechanism includes a finger having a handle end and a grasping end and a hair grip extending from the grasping end of the finger. The hair grip and the finger are moveable with respect to one another between a hair grasping position and a hair holding position and the hair grip is operably coupled with the finger when in the hair holding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: 11:11, LLC
    Inventors: David Carl Krupp, Kathleen Bartel, Maddie Dietz, Alyssa Esquivel, Tracy Piplani, Charles E. Romans
  • Patent number: 11058450
    Abstract: A punching needle for a handpiece used to separate a follicle of an extraction target hair from a skin tissue of a patient while the punching needle is rotated is provided. The punching needle includes a slit formed at one side of a front end portion thereof, the slit extends rearward from the front end portion of the punching needle in a longitudinal direction of the punching needle, and the punching needle is mounted in and used in the handpiece to allow a part of the slit or the entire slit to be exposed in front of the handpiece. The punching needle enables an inside of the punching needle to be directly and visually checked through the slit and enables the extraction target hair to be inserted into the punching needle from a side of the punching needle through the slit formed in the punching needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Inventors: Jae Hyun Park, Choon Bae Park
  • Patent number: 10922735
    Abstract: A system and method of providing customized hair care information including the step of gathering data on an individual's hair. The system and method includes the step of creating, within a computerized system, an account. The system and method includes storing the gathered data in association with the account in a computerized data storage device. The system and method include the step of analyzing the stored data using a processor in association with a computerized knowledge base thereby generating account analytics. The step of analyzing stored data from a plurality of diverse accounts includes the step of grouping the analyzed stored data by at least one category selected from the group of categories consisting of: race/ethnicity, hair color, hair composition, hair style, hair length, hair thickness, and hair curliness. The system and method includes automatically generating a customized hair report based on the account analytics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Inventor: Crystal Elaine Porter
  • Patent number: 10874187
    Abstract: Disclosed is depilatory device comprising a coil spring having retainable ends; a longitudinal first member configured to receive one retainable end of the coil spring, wherein the retainable end of the coil spring is retained in the longitudinal first member; and a longitudinal second member configured to receive another retainable end of the coil spring, wherein the other retainable end of the coil spring is retained in the longitudinal second member. The longitudinal first member is configured to couple with the longitudinal second member to conceal the coil spring, when the depilatory device is maintained in an unused state; and the longitudinal first member is separated from the longitudinal second member to reveal the coil spring for performing a depilatory action, when the depilatory device is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Inventor: Nahid Sultana
  • Patent number: 10849402
    Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an epilator for removing body hair. The epilator comprises a body having a head section, a plucking cylinder which is rotatable about a first rotation axis in the head section for plucking hairs and at least one shaving blade for shaving off hairs, which is mounted in the head section movable with respect to the plucking cylinder. The at least one shaving blade is movable between a retracted position in which the at least one shaving blade does not protrude from the head section and an extended position in which the at least one shaving blade protrudes from the head section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Tarik Mehaddene, Frieder Grieshaber, Bernhard Kraus
  • Patent number: 10835281
    Abstract: A tissue punch including a barrel defining a first open end, a second open end, and inner diameter, an outer diameter, and a lumen there through. A piston is at least partially disposed within the lumen and pressed against the inner diameter of the barrel, the piston being configured to create negative pressure within the barrel when the piston is retracted. A cutting element defines a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the cutting element being disposed at the second open end of the barrel, the distal end of the cutting element defining a cutting edge, the cutting element is in fluid communication with the barrel. A pushing element is slideably disposed about the outer diameter of the barrel, the pushing element is movable from a biased first position away from the cutting edge to a second position proximate the cutting edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignees: Thomas Jefferson University, RTM Vital Signs LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey I Joseph, Channy Loeum, Noud Van Helmond, Nance K Dicciani, Denise L Devine
  • Patent number: 10675179
    Abstract: An ophthalmic tool and methods are shown. Examples of ophthalmic tools include cannula removal portions that include one or more grippers. In use the grippers, a mandrel, and a tool base provide a surgeon with a level of control that facilitates removal of a cannula. Other examples include a wound visualization tool that may be in combination with a cannula remover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Inventor: Edwin Ryan
  • Patent number: 10363067
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for skin care are provided. Some embodiments may include a device or system for skin care that may include a skin tool head portion, a skin tool head support that may be coupled with the skin tool head portion, and/or a portable microscope connector that may be configured to couple a portable microscope with the skin tool head support. Some embodiments include a device for skin care that may include a spacer configured to couple with a portable microscope. The spacer includes at least one aperture configured to facilitate the use of a skin tool. Some embodiments include a spacer coupled with a compressible structure configured to preclude a skin tool from contacting a portion of skin when in an uncompressed state and to allow the skin tool to contact the portion of skin when in a compressed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventor: Warren R. Hultquist
  • Patent number: 10357316
    Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a treatment plan for cosmetic procedures are provided. The treatment plan automatically modifies or generates one or more proposed sites within a first body surface element based on one or more parameters in one or more second body surface elements. Various techniques and methods described in the application provide for improved planning of a procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Restoration Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: (Radhika) Mohan Bodduluri, Hui Zhang, Gabriele Zingaretti, Theodore Thuong Nguyen
  • Patent number: 10226113
    Abstract: This invention relates to the removal of hair including the root, from the nostrils and the ear canals, as well as for some various facial hairs. It is a mechanical device using a tension coil spring attached to a plunger and housing assembly to extend the spring, thereby creating multiple openings between the individual coils of the spring so as to allow multiple hairs to enter the openings, after which the plunger is released and the coils of the spring retract, grabbing the hairs with adequate friction to pull them out. This device is operated by the thumb and two fingers and can remove any unwanted hair, particularly nose and ear hair, within a couple of minutes with almost no pain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Inventor: Michael Victor Lucido
  • Patent number: 10194935
    Abstract: Treatment protocols for preparing a subject's skin to receive skin formulations having one or more active materials are provided. The devices and/or methods for carrying out the treatment protocols aim to increase the skin's ability for skin formulations to penetrate or infuse into the SC layers thereof. The treatment protocol includes the application of shearing forces in order to part, tear, or form fissures only in the Stratum Corneum (SC) of the subject's skin without inducing trauma in viable skin layers below the SC. After application of shearing forces to the skin, a skin formulation can be applied to the sheared areas of skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Joseph W. Grez
  • Patent number: 10154717
    Abstract: A mechanical hair puller has a plunger, a housing and a spring. The housing has a spring receiving portion, a finger rest and a stopper. The plunger has a plunger rest and a plunger stop. The spring has a spring tab at a top end of the spring. A bottom portion of the spring is screwed into the spring receiving portion of the housing. A portion of the plunger slides within the housing over a limited range of movement between a first and second end positions. The plunger pushes the spring tab to extend the spring so as to create multiple openings between turns (windings) of the spring. Unwanted hairs enter the multiple openings. The unwanted hairs are captured by the multiple openings. Then, the plunger is released. The spring retracts and grabs the unwanted hairs. Then, move the spring with sufficient friction to pull out the unwanted hairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Inventor: Michael Victor Lucido
  • Patent number: 10028802
    Abstract: Devices and methods are described for performing a procedure on multiple adjacent segments of a body surface. The methods generally involve positioning a locator device on a body surface to delineate a first body surface segment. A first portion of the locator device may be moved while leaving a second portion of the locator device in place as a reference. The second portion of the locator may then be moved to reform the locator device and delineate a second segment of the body surface. Locator devices comprising two detachable portions are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: RESTORATION ROBOTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Zander H. Oostman, Clifford A. Oostman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9877563
    Abstract: A depilation device operative to tweeze hairs from a narrow, selected area on a skin surface, continuously. Relatively short hairs may be tweezed. Additionally, relatively rapid and painless tweezing is provided. The depilation device is ergonomically designed for easy and effective hair tweezing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Inventor: Edward Tweg
  • Patent number: 9827141
    Abstract: Tissue manipulation during ocular surgery may be achieved by a variety of systems and techniques. In particular implementations, a system may include spaced apart levers, hinge members, a grasping mechanism, and a guide mechanism located between the levers. A first hinge member may extend from one of the levers to the guide mechanism and move the guide mechanism in one of a proximal or distal direction when the levers are moved toward each other. The grasping mechanism may be coupled to the guide mechanism and extend distally from the guide mechanism. A second hinge member may extend from one of the levers and be coupled to a tube that surrounds a portion of the grasping mechanism. The second hinge member distally displaces the tube when the levers are moved towards each other. The relative motion of the guide mechanism and the tube may cause actuation of the grasping mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Philipp Schaller, Reto Grueebler
  • Patent number: 9706827
    Abstract: An epilating device removes hair from a user by pinching, pulling and releasing the hairs. The epilating device has a tweezer portion having an axis and being mounted to rotate about its axis during use, the tweezer portion defining at least one pinching region at its circumference in which hairs may be grasped by tweezer elements. The tweezer portion is mounted in cantilevered fashion by its first end to an attachment portion of a handle. The cantilever arrangement of the tweezer portion allows better access to the tweezer elements, in particular for epilating in areas that may otherwise be difficult to reach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: KONINLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Ingrid Hietbrink, Arthur Putzer, Martin Jakob Mitterer
  • Patent number: 9542743
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that determine a mapping between a first camera system's coordinate system and a second camera system's coordinate system; or determine a transformation between a robot's coordinate system and a camera system's coordinate system, and/or locate, in a robot's coordinate system, a tool extending from an arm of the robot based on the tool location in the camera's coordinate system. The disclosed systems and methods may use transformations derived from coordinates of features found in one or more images. The transformations may be used to interrelate various coordinate systems, facilitating calibration of camera systems, including in robotic systems, such as an image-guided robotic systems for hair harvesting and/or implantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Restoration Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: John A Tenney, Erik R. Burd, Hui Zhang, Robert F. Biro
  • Patent number: 9510657
    Abstract: The invention relates to an epilation head for an epilation device, in particular for plucking hair from human skin. The epilation head having a rotating cylinder rotating around a rotational axis and having a number of plucking units for grasping and plucking out hair. Each plucking unit includes a movable clamping unit, and a stationary clamping unit. The movable clamping unit and the stationary clamping unit form a closable plucking gap. The movable clamping unit has a hair guiding device which is associated with the movable clamping unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Huisinga, Ralf Klug, Judith Von Dahlen, Michael Maichel, Stefan Sindlinger, Thomas Steiner
  • Patent number: 9510913
    Abstract: Devices and methods for applying tension to an area of skin during various cosmetic or dermatological procedures, in particular for follicular unit removal and/or implantation in a hair transplantation procedure, are provided. The systems and methods utilize a segmented structure configured to conform to the body surface of various sizes, shapes and/or textures, thus allowing for customization in order to fit a variety of persons. In some embodiments, the tensioning device may be temporary secured, for example, to a patient chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Restoration Robotics, Inc.
    Inventor: Clifford A. Oostman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9421030
    Abstract: Subject matter disclosed herein relates to surgical instruments and methods for extracting hair follicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Cole Isolation Technique, LLC
    Inventors: John P. Cole, Tesfaye H. Gutema, Howard L. Paulk
  • Patent number: 9320334
    Abstract: A hair removal apparatus adapted to remove hair can be manually, electrically, or battery operated, and is configured to fit comfortably from various parts of the body utilizing a threading member. The hair removal apparatus within the palm of a user's hand such that the user may accurately guide the hair removal apparatus over the desired hair-removal region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: SWEET TEA INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Kathleen Wilson-Thompson
  • Patent number: 9320593
    Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a treatment plan for cosmetic procedures, for example, a hair transplantation procedure, are provided. The treatment plan automatically modifies or generates one or more proposed harvesting or implantation sites within a first hair element based on one or more parameters in one or more second hair elements. Various techniques and methods described in the application provide for improved planning of a natural looking hair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Restoration Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Hui Zhang, Mohan Bodduluri, Gabriele Zingaretti, Theodore Thuong Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9259236
    Abstract: The stabilization of the dermal area around a follicular unit of hair for harvesting comprises the introduction of a small volume of fluid into the dermal area around a target follicular unit in order to stabilize the dermal area and initiate a limited time period during which the harvesting of the target follicular unit can occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Inventors: William Rassman, Jae Pak
  • Patent number: 9028507
    Abstract: Provided herein is an instrument and method useful to incise in to the skin to a precise depth and at a specific angle with respect to the surface of the skin of a patient, for the extraction of individual follicular groups or individual follicular units. An instrument according to the invention precisely limits the depth of incision, and creates a circular incision around a hair, follicular unit, or follicular cluster in a manner such that no damage occurs to any of the hair shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: John P. Cole
  • Patent number: 9028508
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an epilating apparatus (10) comprising a first disc assembly (12) arranged in a first row (14) and at least a second disc assembly (16) arranged in a second row (18), wherein during operation of the apparatus (10) the first disc assembly (12) and the second disc assembly (16) rotate (substantially) in a same direction. In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, a circumferential speed of the first disc assembly (12) is different from a circumferential speed of the second disc assembly (16). In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, the first disc assembly and the second disc assembly are arranged angularly relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Juergen Holzbauer, Ferdinand Sereinig
  • Patent number: 9017342
    Abstract: A Hair Threading Brace for the successful, sanitary operation of the Hair Threading procedure. The wearer of the threading brace can continue to offer the service of hair threading without requiring the wearer to either hold the thread in the mouth, a potentially unsanitary practice, or take the lengthy time to tie a loop around the neck. Additionally the wearer will be able to wind the thread around at least one bend on the device, which allows for the creation of a point of tension that can be used in the service of hair threading. The invention also calls for the addition of an optional wearers' mouth guard, which the wearer can choose to attach in order to protect both the wearer and the client from any debris that may be exhaled by the wearer, or caused by the threading technique, as is the case when the thread gently exfoliates skin off the client, into the air, by rubbing against its surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Rupa Russell Vickers
  • Patent number: 9017343
    Abstract: Tools and methods of use for removing biological units from a body surface utilizing a removal tool are disclosed. The tool incorporates a retention member configured to impede movement of the biological unit in the direction of a distal end of the tool and to improve retention of the biological unit in the tool. The retention member is radially movable within the lumen of the biological unit removal tool. The distal tips of the tools are desirably configured to reduce the chance of transection of a biological unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Restoration Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Westerling, Jr., Michael J. Drews, Timothy J Kirkley
  • Patent number: 9005218
    Abstract: A method and device for the extraction of follicular units from a donor area on a patient. The method includes aligning a dissecting punch over a follicular unit and rotating the dissecting punch to score the epidermis layer of the skin so that hair follicles are disposed within the lumen. The dissecting punch is then moved through the dermis layer and fatty tissue layer of the skin to dissect the follicular unit from the tissue surrounding the follicular unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: HSC Development LLC
    Inventor: James A. Harris
  • Patent number: 8998931
    Abstract: A surgical apparatus for hair removal surgery includes an extraction module, a visualization component and a bridging component. The extraction module includes independently controllable coring and clipping devices. The visualization component acts to align a target hair follicle with the extraction module. The extraction module also includes at least one independently controllable suction port. The instrument also includes a dissection module having a tissue separating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: PiloFocus, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos K. Wesley, Trevor K. Lewis
  • Patent number: 8986324
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for harvesting hair grafts from a body surface utilizing a removal tool comprising first and second elongated bodies. The described systems and methods serve to eliminate and/or at least minimize unnecessary compression of adjacent tissue during the removal process, thereby minimizing damage to the follicular unit being removed, reducing the opportunities for the follicular unit to intersect the path of the harvesting tool, and/or improving the quality of the removed specimen, preferably preserving its integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Restoration Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohan Bodduluri, Kyle R. Breton, Clifford A. Oostman, Jr., George D. Hermann
  • Publication number: 20150072963
    Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for regulating hair growth. Specifically, the invention relates to regulating hair growth by regulating the activity one of the prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) receptors, DP-2 (GPR44). Compositions and methods for regulating hair growth include inhibiting hair growth by administering a DP-2 agonist, or stimulating hair growth by administering a DP-2 antagonist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: George Cotsarelis, Garret Fitzgerald, Luis Garza
  • Patent number: 8951266
    Abstract: A variety of systems and methods are described which enable quantitative information to be extracted regarding automated procedures, including those performed at a high speed that may require a user input, without having to interrupt the procedure. In addition, these systems and methods serve to provide information on one or more parameters of the automated procedure, whereby they may be modified, if required, to improve the automated procedure or the results from such a procedure. The systems and methods provided are especially useful in automated hair transplantation procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Restoration Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriele Zingaretti, Mohan Bodduluri, Miguel G. Canales, Brian E. Tippett
  • Patent number: 8951267
    Abstract: A system and method for harvesting, storing, and implanting biological units, in particular hair follicular units (FUs). The system is particularly useful to facilitate hair transplant procedures. FUs are harvested from a body surface, either attached to a patient or in a strip of removed tissue, and shuttled into a cartridge having a plurality of receptacles. The receptacles are open in a distal direction toward a removal tool, but a cover over the proximal ends of the receptacles prevents the FUs from continuing out of the cartridge. One way to shuttle the FUs is to provide a pressure differential, such as by applying suction to the proximal end of a receptacle. The shuttle subsystem may be incorporated within an overall automated or robotic system, or the shuttle subsystem may form part of a semi-automated or even manual apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Restoration Robotics, Inc.
    Inventor: Clifford A. Oostman, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150038985
    Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus and method useful for surgical removal of mammalian tissue at specific depths and specific angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: John P. Cole
  • Patent number: 8945150
    Abstract: Systems and methods for selecting follicular units in a distribution of follicular units are provided. A selection parameter, such as a distance-related parameter separating the follicular units to be selected, may be used to determine a desired quantity of follicular units to be selected, such as a desired percentage of follicular units to be selected, and to help provide a substantially uniform distribution of selected follicular units. In addition, a characteristic parameter, such as a characteristic distance or characteristic density, may be determined. The characteristic parameter may be used in determining the desired quantity of follicular units to be selected and or may be used for treatment purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Restoration Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohan Bodduluri, Gabriele Zingaretti
  • Publication number: 20150032129
    Abstract: Tools and methods are provided for removing biological units from a body surface utilizing a removal tool. The tools may incorporate retention members and mechanisms configured to impede movement of the biological unit in the direction of a distal end of the tool and to improve retention of the biological unit in the tool. Some of the retention members are stationary and some are movable within the lumen of the biological unit removal tools. The distal tips of the tools are desirably configured to reduce the chance of transection of a biological unit, such as by including both cutting segments and blunt relief segments. A number of dual concentric tube embodiments permit a division of removal functions. Distal fluid or gas delivery may be used to help separating biological units from surrounding tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Clifford A. Oostman, JR., Miguel G. Canales
  • Patent number: 8936607
    Abstract: A hair removal system configured to destroy germinative cells at a base of at least one hair follicle is provided. The system comprises a casing and at least one pluck-head configured to trap at least one hair, and at least one oscillator mechanically coupled to the pluck-head and to the casing. The oscillator is configured to vibrate the pluck-head such that when the hair is trapped by the pluck-head, vibrations transmitted to the base are sufficient to destroy the germinative cells. A method of using the same is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Liosonic Ltd.
    Inventor: Avraham Shekalim
  • Publication number: 20150018845
    Abstract: An epilation apparatus includes a support and a glass pad adhered to the support. The glass pad has an exposed roughened surface that, when placed against human skin and manually manipulated in a rotational motion, is adapted to remove hair from the human skin. A method of using the epilation apparatus involves configuring the support such that the roughened surface of the glass pad is placed against human skin that has hair and manually manipulating the support in a rotational motion such the glass pad removes the hair from the human skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: EDISON NATION, LLC
    Inventors: Joeri FRANCK, An VRANCX, Juan Carlos PEREZ