WO2022150308A1 - Devices, systems, and methods for the treatment of clogged glands of the eye - Google Patents
Devices, systems, and methods for the treatment of clogged glands of the eye Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2022150308A1 WO2022150308A1 PCT/US2022/011173 US2022011173W WO2022150308A1 WO 2022150308 A1 WO2022150308 A1 WO 2022150308A1 US 2022011173 W US2022011173 W US 2022011173W WO 2022150308 A1 WO2022150308 A1 WO 2022150308A1
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- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- heating element
- surface material
- graphene heating
- eye
- mask
- Prior art date
Links
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F7/00—Heating or cooling appliances for medical or therapeutic treatment of the human body
- A61F7/007—Heating or cooling appliances for medical or therapeutic treatment of the human body characterised by electric heating
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F7/00—Heating or cooling appliances for medical or therapeutic treatment of the human body
- A61F2007/0001—Body part
- A61F2007/0002—Head or parts thereof
- A61F2007/0004—Eyes or part of the face surrounding the eyes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F7/00—Heating or cooling appliances for medical or therapeutic treatment of the human body
- A61F7/007—Heating or cooling appliances for medical or therapeutic treatment of the human body characterised by electric heating
- A61F2007/0071—Heating or cooling appliances for medical or therapeutic treatment of the human body characterised by electric heating using a resistor, e.g. near the spot to be heated
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F7/00—Heating or cooling appliances for medical or therapeutic treatment of the human body
- A61F7/007—Heating or cooling appliances for medical or therapeutic treatment of the human body characterised by electric heating
- A61F2007/0077—Details of power supply
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F7/00—Heating or cooling appliances for medical or therapeutic treatment of the human body
- A61F7/02—Compresses or poultices for effecting heating or cooling
- A61F2007/0203—Cataplasms, poultices or compresses, characterised by their contents; Bags therefor
- A61F2007/0206—Cataplasms, poultices or compresses, characterised by their contents; Bags therefor containing organic solids or fibres
- A61F2007/0207—Plants, dried plants, seeds or fruits
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F7/00—Heating or cooling appliances for medical or therapeutic treatment of the human body
- A61F7/02—Compresses or poultices for effecting heating or cooling
- A61F2007/0225—Compresses or poultices for effecting heating or cooling connected to the body or a part thereof
- A61F2007/0228—Compresses or poultices for effecting heating or cooling connected to the body or a part thereof with belt or strap, e.g. with buckle
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to the field of treatment for clogged glands and/or partially clogged glands of the eye, and particularly, to a thermal compress for providing heat to an eye region for treating the clogged glands.
- MGD Meibomian gland dysfunction
- a common recommendation from medical professionals for treatment of dry eye syndrome and/or blepharisis is to take a fabric eye mask, wet it, and then heat it in the microwave for 20 seconds before applying to the eye region to unclog the glands.
- Second, the fabric on the mask is not directly focused on the target area, but rather heats up the entire general eye area including the eyebrows and upper cheeks. (0005)
- MGD dry eye syndrome
- blepharitis a common recommendation from medical professionals for treatment of dry eye syndrome and/or blepharisis
- a system for treating clogged glands of the eye includes a heated eye mask, an electrical cord, and a controller.
- the heated eye mask includes an outer layer of surface material, an inner layer of surface material, and a graphene heating element.
- the outer layer of surface material is configured to be positioned away from an eye region of a user.
- the inner layer of surface material is configured to contact the eye region of the user.
- the graphene heating element is disposed between the outer layer of surface material and the inner layer of surface material in a therapeutic region of the heated eye mask.
- the therapeutic region of the heated eye mask is a portion of the heated eye mask configured to cover only an area of the eye region of the user extending along the Meibomian glands of the eye.
- An electrically insulating cover encapsulates the graphene heating element.
- a thermally conductive material is in contact with the graphene heating element and the inner layer of surface material to evenly distribute heat across the therapeutic region of the heated eye mask.
- the electrical cord is coupled to the heated eye mask for providing power to the heated eye mask.
- the controller is provided on the electrical cord for controlling the heated eye mask.
- the controller includes a temperature control to control the heated eye mask to heat to one of at least four pre-set temperature levels.
- Another embodiment relates to a system for treating clogged glands of an eye.
- the system includes a heated eye mask, an electrical cord coupled to the heated eye mask for providing power to the heated eye mask, and a controller provided on the electrical cord for controlling the heated eye mask.
- the controller comprises a temperature control to control the heated eye mask to heat to one of at least four pre-set temperature levels.
- FIG. 1 depicts the human eye showing the Meibomian glands
- FIG. 2 shows a system for treatment of clogged glands of the eye
- FIG. 3 shows an electric heated eye mask of the system of FIG. 2 having an alternative power source configuration
- FIG. 4 shows an electric heated eye mask for treatment of clogged glands of the eye
- FIG. 5 is an alternative view of the electric heated eye mask shown in FIG. 4;
- FIG. 6A is a view of the arrangement of the internal elements of the electric heated eye mask of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 6B is an alternative view of the arrangement of the internal elements of the electric heated eye mask of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 7 depicts a heat controller for use with an electric heated eye mask
- FIG. 8 is a flowchart depicting a method for treating clogged glands of the eye.
- FIG. 9A shows a front side view of a heating element assembly.
- FIG. 9B shows a back side view of a heating element assembly.
- FIG. 1 depicts a system 10 for treating clogged glands of an eye, such as the Meibomian glands, by providing heat to melt the oils in the glands, and therefore, unclog the glands.
- the system 10 includes a heated eye mask 100, a power source 200, and a controller 300.
- the heated eye mask 100 is configured to be worn by a user by positioning and securing the mask 100 over the user’s eye region.
- the power source 200 provides power to the eye mask 100 for heating the eye mask 100 during a treatment session.
- the controller 300 is coupled to the power source 200 to control the time of the treatment session and/or the temperature provided by the eye mask 100 during the treatment session.
- the power source 200 shown in FIG. 2, is an electrical cord 202 with a USB interface 204 at its distal end.
- the USB interface 204 is configured to be coupled to any USB power device such as a 5 V adapter 206 for a wall outlet, a battery pack, a personal computer, a USB power hub, etc.
- the power source 200 can have a USB interface on the proximal end.
- the USB interface is configured to be coupled to a USB receiver in the controller 300.
- the power source 200 can have a DC plug 208, as shown in FIG. 2, on the proximal end.
- the DC plug is configured to be coupled to a DC port in the controller 300.
- FIG. 3 there is a disconnectable portion 210 along the electrical cord 202.
- a power connector 212 extends from the eye mask 100.
- the power connector 212 is a lead wire having a socket 214 at its distal end.
- the socket 214 is configured to receive a DC plug 216 which continues to an interface, such as the USB interface 204, for plugging into a power supply.
- FIG. 4 is a front view of the heated eye mask 100, showing an outside of the mask 100 that would face away from a user.
- FIG. 5 is a rear view of the heated eye mask 100, showing an inside of the mask 100 that would be in contact with the eye region of the user.
- the heated eye mask 100 includes a mask body 110 and an adjustable strap 130, with the electrical cord 202 extending from the mask body 110.
- the mask body 110 is made up of a first layer of surface material 112 configured to be positioned away from the eye region of the user, and a second layer of surface material 114 configured to be in contact with the eye region of the user.
- the first layer 112 and second layer 114 of surface material are stitched, or otherwise attached, together along an outer perimeter to form the mask body 110.
- the mask body 110 is also coupled to an adjustable strap 130.
- the adjustable strap 130 is elastic.
- the adjustable strap 130 is adjustable by way of one or more length adjustment mechanisms 132.
- FIGS. 6A-6B show an arrangement of internal elements of the mask body 110 with the first layer of surface material 112 (the outer facing layer) removed.
- the mask body 110 includes a heating element 140, also referred to as a heating element assembly 140, positioned between the first layer of surface material 112 and the second layer of surface material 114.
- the heating element 140 is a flexible fiber, such as a wire.
- the wire may be a metal fiber heating wire.
- the wire may be made of nickel -chromium (nichrome).
- the heating element 140 is arranged in a sinusoidal shape.
- the heating element can be arranged in any shape or form in order to provide heat to a target area of the mask body 110, such as any number of horizontal lines, such as the three horizontal lines shown in FIG. 6B, any number of vertical lines, a zigzag pattern, etc.
- the heating element 140 is positioned in a therapeutic region on both sides (right and left eye) of the mask body 110.
- the therapeutic region includes two therapeutic zones 142A, 142B.
- a first therapeutic zone 142A is aligned with the Meibomian glands of the right eye and a second therapeutic zone 142B is aligned with the Meibomian glands of the left eye, with a gap between the two therapeutic zones 142 A, 142B.
- heat is targeted to a certain area over each eye, particularly, the area along the eyelids where the Meibomian glands are found.
- This targeted therapy that is achieved by positioning the heating element 140 specifically in the therapeutic region provides a more effective treatment for blockage of the Meibomian glands than widespread heat distribution across the entire eye region.
- the heating element 140 is stitched to one or more intermediate layers 144 that are positioned or attached (e.g., by stitching or adhesive) between the first layer of surface material 112 and the second layer of surface material 114.
- the heating element 140 may be positioned and stitched in between two intermediate layers 144.
- the intermediate layer(s) 144 assist in maintaining the heating element 140 in its desired shape and positioned in the therapeutic region 142.
- the material of the intermediate layer(s) 144 is any material having adequate strength and structure to hold the heating element 140 in position.
- the thermally conductive material 146 is configured to evenly disperse the heat generated by the heating element 140.
- the material is preferably a conductive fabric made from, coated, or blended with conductive metals.
- a base material such as cotton, wool, polyester, or nylon, is coated or blended with the conductive metal.
- the conductive metal may be gold, carbon, titanium, nickel, silver, or copper, for example.
- the thermal conductive material 146 is preferably a small piece of material that is sized and configured to cover only the therapeutic region 142, therefore further assisting in the targeted therapy to only the area of the eye in which the Meibomian glands are found.
- an additional blocking material 150 for example, a thermal blocking material, may be added in the area of the bridge of the user’s nose which prevent the spread of heat between the therapeutic regions 142A, 142B over the right and left eyes.
- a pillow 148 is provided between the first layer of surface material 112 and the heating element 140 on both sides of mask body 110 (i.e., over each eye).
- the pillow 148 is configured to apply additional pressure to the heating element 140 to urge the heating element 140 towards the eye socket of the user.
- the pillow 148 is made of a polyester material.
- the mask body 110 is filled with a flexible, filler material (not shown) to soften the mask body 110 and allow flexibility of the mask to form to the user’s eye region.
- the filler material is a non-synthetic material which will not heat up when exposed to the heating element 140 (or only minimally) and will also not emit any chemicals or other harmful elements when exposed to heat.
- the filler material may be flax seed.
- flax seed also comprises very small seed elements which easily contour to the user’s eye region for a comfortable fit.
- Other types of filler material may be used, such as other materials containing small elements (i.e., beads or seeds) or a soft material (i.e., cotton, polyester, feathers, etc.)
- FIG. 7 depicts a controller 300 for controlling the time and temperature settings of the therapy session.
- the controller 300 includes a display portion including a display 302, an input portion including one or more buttons, switches, or other type of input mechanism 304, an integrated circuit, a battery 310, and a housing 312.
- the integrated circuit can be configured to receive inputs from the input mechanism 304 and provide a display via the display 302.
- the integrated circuit can provide power to the electrical cord 202 based on the received input from the input mechanism 304.
- the display is a touch screen display, and in such cases the display 302 and the input mechanism 304 are a unitary element.
- the display 302 provides a digital output 306 of the time of the therapy session (it may show time remaining or time elapsed) and an indicator 308 of the temperature setting.
- the time of the therapy session may be a specific length of time selected by the user, or the controller may allow for selection of one of a plurality of pre-set lengths of time.
- the preset lengths of time may start at minimum time (for example, at 10 minutes, 20 minutes, etc.) and increase in two minute intervals. In other embodiments, there may be fewer preset options such as 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes, and 30 minutes. For best results, it is recommended that a user wear the mask twice a day for at least 8 minutes.
- the indicator 308 of the temperature setting is lighting element which illuminates one of four preset temperature settings: low (125) - every second (every other second), medium (135) - 2 seconds, medium high (140) - cuts every 3 seconds, or high (145) - heat on continuously.
- the low setting provides a temperature of approximately 125 degrees Fahrenheit
- the medium setting provides a temperature of approximately 135 degrees Fahrenheit
- the medium high setting provides a temperature of approximately 140 degrees Fahrenheit
- the high setting provides a temperature of approximately 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- the preset temperatures are achieved by regulating the power supplied to the heating element.
- the power is maintained to the heating element 140 throughout the therapy session (e.g., 100% duty cycle).
- the current is removed every three seconds (three seconds on, one second off) (e.g., 75% duty cycle), two seconds (two seconds on, one second off) (e.g., 66% duty cycle), or every other second (one second on, one second off) (e.g., 50% duty cycle), respectively.
- the temperature settings available to the user are in the range of 120 degrees Fahrenheit to 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- the temperature settings may also be shown on the display in a digital format.
- the input mechanism(s) 304 on the controller 300 allow a user to select the time and/or temperature settings of the therapy session.
- there may be fewer or more input mechanism(s) such as additional “+” and a buttons to allow a user to increase or decrease the time or temperature.
- the battery 310 can be any suitable rechargeable battery.
- the battery 310 can be a lead-acid battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, nickel-metal hydride battery, etc.
- the battery 310 can be charged by plugging into the power source 200.
- the battery 310 allows the user to utilize the mask 100 without needing to be plugged into an outlet, or carry an external battery (e.g., battery pack, laptop).
- the housing 312 can be of any suitable material (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, ABS).
- the display 302, input mechanisms 304, integrated circuit, and battery 310 can be maintained within the housing 312.
- the housing 312 can have an elongated rectangular shape. This may be beneficial as the elongated rectangular shape can provide the user an ergonomic grip of the controller 300.
- FIG. 8 depicts a method 800 for using the heated eye mask system 10 for treating clogged glands of the eyes.
- a user positions the heated eye mask 100 on the eye region.
- the design of the eye mask 100 provides for targeted therapy directly to the area of the eye in which the clogged glands may be found, for example, by the heating element 140 positioned particularly in the therapeutic region 142 and the pillow 148 to bias the heating element 140 towards the eye socket of the user.
- the user may position and secure the heated eye mask 100 on the eye region by placing the adjustable strap 130 over his or her head and adjusting the strap 130 for a secure fit.
- step 802 which may be performed before or after positioning the eye mask 100 on the eye region, the user selects the therapy session parameters, such as the length of time and temperature settings for the therapy session.
- the heated eye mask 100 is connected to a power source 200, such as a standard wall outlet with a 5 V plug adapter or to a battery pack.
- the user maintains the heated eye mask 100 on the eye region for the desired length of time and temperature. The user may adjust the temperature or the time, as needed, during the therapy session. As mentioned above, for best results, it is recommended that a user wear the mask twice a day for at least 8 minutes.
- FIGs 9A and 9B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the heating element assembly 140 for use with an eye mask.
- FIG. 9 A illustrates a front side of the heating element assembly 140 including a front surface 938 of a left graphene heating element 902 A and a front surface 938 of a right graphene heating element 902B.
- FIG. 9B illustrates a back side of the heating element assembly 140 including a rear surface 940 of a left graphene heating element 902A and a rear surface 940 of a right graphene heating element 902B.
- the heating element 140 as described herein, is positioned in a therapeutic region covering both sides (right and left eye) of the mask body 110.
- the heating element assembly 140 is supplied with power by the electrical cord 202.
- the heating element assembly 140 comprises two graphene heating elements 902 (e.g., left graphene heating element and right graphene heating element), a ground lead 906-910 (e.g., earth ground), a positive lead 912-916, and an electrically insulating cover 904 which encapsulates the two graphene heating elements 902, the ground lead 906-910, and the positive lead 912-916.
- graphene heating elements 902 e.g., left graphene heating element and right graphene heating element
- a ground lead 906-910 e.g., earth ground
- positive lead 912-916 e.g., earth ground
- an electrically insulating cover 904 which encapsulates the two graphene heating elements 902, the ground lead 906-910, and the positive lead 912-916.
- the graphene heating elements 902 can be a stadium shape (e.g., rectangle with rounded comers) having a separation distance of 922, a width of 924, and a height of 926.
- the graphene heating elements 902 can be shaped such that they imitate the shape of an eye and beneficially provide even heating of a right and a left eye of a user.
- the graphene heating elements 902 can be of an elliptical shape with a major axis of width 924 and a minor axis of a height 926.
- the height 926 of the graphene heating elements 902 can range from 20 mm to 40mm.
- the height 926 can be 30 mm.
- the width 924 of the graphene heating elements 902 can range from 30 mm to 70 mm. In some embodiments the width 924 can be 50 mm.
- the graphene heating elements 902 can have a gap 920 on central side of both a left graphene heating element 902 A and a right graphene heating element 902B (e.g., on the left side of the right graphene heating element 902B, on the right side of the left graphene heating element 902A).
- the gap 920 can provide a channel for the ground contact leads 910 to pass through the first positive lead 914 and the second positive lead 916, on their respective sides, to prevent a short between the ground contact leads 910 and the positive leads 914 and 916.
- the gap 920 can be extend into the graphene heating element 902 for a distance equal to, or approximately equal to 25% of the width 924.
- the gap 920 can have an internal height (e.g., nearest the ground contact leads 910) equal to or approximately equal to 10% of the height 926.
- the gap 920 can have a distal height (e.g., furthest from the ground contact leads 910) equal to or approximately equal to 20% of the height 926.
- the two heating elements can be separated by a separation distance 922.
- the separation distance 922 can be an average distance between the eyes of a common user. This can be beneficial as the graphene heating elements 902 can be positioned over the eyes of the user allowing for heating mask 100 to work more efficiently (e.g., so that heat is not wasted on the bridge of the nose).
- the separation distance 922 of the two graphene heating elements 902 can range from 10 mm to 50 mm.
- the separation distance 922 can be 30 mm.
- a ratio of a surface area of the graphene heating elements 902 to a surface area of the surface material 114 can range from 2:3 to 1 :4.
- the ratio of the surface area of the graphene heating elements 902 to the surface area of the surface material 114 can be 2:5.
- the provided ratio of the surface area of the graphene heating elements 902 to the surface area of the surface material 114 can allow for the graphene heating elements 902 to cover the therapeutic regions 142 and further provide a secure and comfortable fit to the user.
- the graphene heating elements 902 can have a thickness ranging from 5 pm to 50 pm. In some embodiments, the graphene heating elements can have a thickness of 25 pm. In some embodiments, the resistance of the graphene heating elements 902 can range from 4 ohms to 6 ohms. In some embodiments, the resistance of the graphene heating elements 902 can be 5 ohms.
- the use of graphene for the graphene heating elements 902 in the heating element assembly 140 can beneficially provide the user with a consistent temperature across the graphene heating element 902.
- the user of the graphene for the graphene heating elements 902 in the heating element assembly 140 beneficially enables the heating element 140 to be heated and cooled more quickly than a resistive heating element due to the low heat capacity of graphene.
- the ground lead 906-910 and positive lead 912-916 can be an electrically conductive material (e.g., copper).
- the ground lead 906-910 can comprise of a ground source lead 906, a ground bridge lead 908, and two ground contact leads 910, as described herein.
- the positive lead 912-916 can comprise of a first positive lead 914, a positive bridge lead 912, and a second positive lead 916, as described herein.
- the ground contact leads 910, the first positive lead 914, and the second positive lead 916 can be electrically coupled to the graphene heating elements 902 on the front surface 938 using any suitable method.
- the ground contact leads 910, the first positive lead 914, and the second positive lead 916 can be coupled to the front surface 938 of the graphene heating elements 902 using a conductive adhesive, solder, heat forming, etc.
- the positive lead 912- 916 can provide a voltage ranging from 4.5 volts to 5 volts.
- the positive lead 912-916 can provide a voltage of 5 volts.
- the power supplied by the electrical cord 202 can be adjusted by the user utilizing the controller 300.
- the controller 300 can provide four temperature settings. The temperature can be adjusted to suit the needs of the user. In some embodiments, the controller 300 can adjust the temperature of the heating elements by providing power at varying duty cycles (e.g., 50%, 66%, 75%, 100%). For example, a user can select a low temperature setting. Based on the selection, the controller 300 can provide 5 volts to the heating element assembly 140 via the electrical cord 202 with a duty cycle of 50% (e.g., one second on then one second off).
- duty cycles e.g. 50%, 66%, 75%, 100%. For example, a user can select a low temperature setting. Based on the selection, the controller 300 can provide 5 volts to the heating element assembly 140 via the electrical cord 202 with a duty cycle of 50% (e.g., one second on then one second off).
- the first positive lead 914 and the second positive lead 916 can connect with an outer edge of the graphene heating elements 902.
- the positive leads 914 and 916 can be electrically coupled to a majority of the circumference of the graphene heating elements 902.
- the majority of the circumference of the graphene heating elements 902 can be the circumference of the graphene heating elements excluding the gap 920 (e.g., approximately 95% of the total circumference).
- the first positive lead 914 and the second positive lead 916 can cover the circumference of the graphene heating elements 902 without covering an internal surface of the gap 920.
- This gap 920 and the break in the first positive lead 914 and the second positive lead can allow for the ground contact leads 910 to contact the center of the graphene heating element without causing a short between the ground lead 906-910 and the positive lead 912-916.
- the first positive lead 914 is connected to the second positive lead 916 by the positive bridge lead 912.
- the positive bridge lead 912 can be located in a central portion of the mask body 110 that extends over the bridge of the nose of the user.
- a positive wire 934 from the electrical cord 202 can be electrically coupled to a positive terminal 930.
- the positive terminal 930 is electrically coupled to the first positive lead 914. This connection provides the positive lead 912-916 with power supplied by the electrical cord 202.
- the positive wire 934 can be electrically connected to the positive terminal 930 by solder, conductive adhesive, mechanical coupling (e.g., clamp, screw socket terminal). The use of a mechanical coupling in the positive terminal 930 can be beneficial as it can allow for a simple reconnection if the positive wire 934 and the positive terminal 930 become disconnected.
- the ground contact leads 910 can be connected to the center of the graphene heating elements 902.
- the ground contact leads 910 can be of an elongated stadium shape with a height approximately 12.5% of the height 926 and a width approximately 50% of the width 924
- the ground contact leads 910 can be electrically connected to the first positive lead 914 and the second positive lead 916 through the graphene heating elements 902 such that an electrical current can pass through the graphene heating elements 902.
- the ground contact leads 910 can be shaped such that there is a constant lead distance 918 between the first positive lead 914 or second positive lead 916 and the ground contact leads 910 through the graphene heating elements 902.
- the distance between the ground lead 906-910 and the positive lead 912-916 is not constant at the gap 920 as the leads are not connected through the graphene heating elements 902 at the gap 920.
- the constant lead distance 918 can be beneficial as it provides uniform heating throughout the graphene heating elements 902.
- the ground contact leads 910 can be connected to a ground bridge lead 908 that connects the two ground contact leads 910 with the ground source lead 906.
- the ground bridge lead 908 can be located in a central portion of the mask body 110 that extends over the bridge of the nose of the user and can be configured to run in parallel with the positive bridge lead 912.
- a ground wire 932 from the electrical cord 202 can be electrically coupled to a ground terminal 928.
- the ground terminal 928 is electrically coupled to the ground source lead 906.
- This connection provides the ground lead 906-910 with a ground (e.g., earth ground) supplied by the electrical cord 202.
- the ground wire 932 can be electrically connected to the ground terminal 928 by solder, conductive adhesive, mechanical coupling (e.g., clamp, screw socket terminal).
- the use of a mechanical coupling in the ground terminal 928 can be beneficial as it can allow for a simple reconnection if the ground wire 932 and the ground terminal 928 become disconnected.
- the ground lead 906-910 can be an earth ground, common ground, etc. It should be appreciated that the ground lead 906-910 and the positive lead 912-916 can be switched such that the ground lead 906-910 is held at a positive voltage and the positive lead 912-916 is held at a ground voltage.
- the positive terminal 930 and the ground terminal 928 are located on the back side of the heating element assembly 140 away from the user’s face and eyes. This can be beneficial as it prevents any discomfort that may be caused by the terminals.
- the ground terminal 928, positive terminal 930, ground wire 932, and the positive wire 934 can be wrapped in an electrically insulating sheathing 936 (e.g., electrical tape) to insulate the exposed wires and terminals preventing the insulated components from shorting, causing a shock, or becoming disconnected.
- an electrically insulating sheathing 936 e.g., electrical tape
- the electrically insulating cover 904 can be of any electrically insulating material (e.g., polymide).
- the electrically insulating cover 904 mostly encapsulates and insulates the graphene heating elements 902, the positive lead 912-916 and the ground lead 906-910.
- the electrically insulating cover 904 can have an absence of material surrounding the positive terminal 930 and the ground terminal 928 allowing an electrical coupling between the ground lead 906-910 and the ground terminal 928 and the positive lead 912-916 and the positive terminal 930.
- the electrically insulating cover 904 can further prevent the positive lead 912- 916 and ground lead 906-910 from shorting, and hold the graphene heating elements 902, positive lead 912-916, and ground lead 906-910 in place.
- the electrically insulating cover 904 is stitched to one or more intermediate layers 144 that are positioned or attached (e.g., by stitching or adhesive) between the first layer of surface material 112 and the second layer of surface material 114.
- the electrically insulating cover 904 may be positioned and stitched in between two intermediate layers 144.
- the intermediate layer(s) 144 assist in maintaining the heating element assembly 140 in its desired shape and positioned in the therapeutic region 142.
- the system 10 includes a heated eye mask 100, a power source 200, and a controller 300.
- the heated eye mask 100 is configured to be worn by a user by positioning and securing the mask 100 over the user’s eye region.
- the power source 200 provides power to the eye mask 100 for heating the eye mask 100 during a treatment session.
- the controller 300 is coupled to the power source 200 to control the time of the treatment session and/or the temperature provided by the eye mask 100 during the treatment session. Based on the temperature setting as selected by the user via the controller 300, power is sent to the heating element assembly 140 with a particular duty cycle (e.g.,
- the heating element assembly 140 can then receive a positive voltage and a ground voltage from the controller 300 via the electrical cord 202.
- the graphene heating elements 902 can emit heat based on the voltage difference (e.g., 5 volts) between a positive lead 912-916 mostly surrounding the graphene heating elements 902 and ground contact leads 910 centered in the graphene heating elements 902.
- the heat generated by the graphene heating elements 902 can then be transferred through the thermally conductive material 146 of the mask body 110 and applied to the therapeutic regions 142 A and 142B which align with the Meibomian glands of the right and left eye, respectively.
- the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms generally mean +/- 10% of the disclosed values.
- the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are applied to a structural feature (e.g., to describe its shape, size, orientation, direction, etc.), these terms are meant to cover minor variations in structure that may result from, for example, the manufacturing or assembly process and are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains.
- Coupled means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members.
- Coupled or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled)
- the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above.
- Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.
- the hardware and data processing components used to implement the various processes, operations, illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose single- or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein.
- a general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or, any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine.
- a processor also may be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.
- particular processes and methods may be performed by circuitry that is specific to a given function.
- the memory e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device
- the memory may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory, and may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure.
- the memory is communicably connected to the processor via a processing circuit and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by the processing circuit or the processor) the one or more processes described herein.
- the present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing various operations.
- the embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system.
- Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon.
- Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor.
- machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media.
- Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
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Abstract
Description
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Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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EP22736995.6A EP4274526A1 (en) | 2021-01-06 | 2022-01-04 | Devices, systems, and methods for the treatment of clogged glands of the eye |
CN202280017423.7A CN116940316A (en) | 2021-01-06 | 2022-01-04 | Devices, systems, and methods for treating ocular gland blockage |
CA3204135A CA3204135A1 (en) | 2021-01-06 | 2022-01-04 | Devices, systems, and methods for the treatment of clogged glands of the eye |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US17/142,872 US11135087B2 (en) | 2019-06-26 | 2021-01-06 | Devices, systems, and methods for the treatment of clogged glands of the eye |
US17/142,872 | 2021-01-06 | ||
US17/388,975 US20210353453A1 (en) | 2019-06-26 | 2021-07-29 | Devices, systems, and methods for the treatment of clogged glands of the eye |
US17/388,975 | 2021-07-29 |
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WO2022150308A1 true WO2022150308A1 (en) | 2022-07-14 |
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PCT/US2022/011173 WO2022150308A1 (en) | 2021-01-06 | 2022-01-04 | Devices, systems, and methods for the treatment of clogged glands of the eye |
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EP (1) | EP4274526A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN116940316A (en) |
CA (1) | CA3204135A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2022150308A1 (en) |
Citations (6)
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KR101778114B1 (en) * | 2016-07-08 | 2017-09-26 | 울산과학기술원 | Portable electric heater apparatus |
US9795502B1 (en) * | 2016-09-08 | 2017-10-24 | Tiberiu Kopes | Controllable heated mask |
KR20190085531A (en) * | 2016-11-17 | 2019-07-18 | 라보라뚜와르 떼아 | Dry Eye Treatment Mask |
WO2019193000A1 (en) * | 2018-04-04 | 2019-10-10 | Alvalux Medical | A system for the treatment of dry eye syndrome |
US20200405532A1 (en) * | 2019-06-26 | 2020-12-31 | Please Me LLC | Devices, systems, and methods for the treatment of clogged glands of the eye |
US20210121320A1 (en) * | 2019-06-26 | 2021-04-29 | Please Me LLC | Devices, systems, and methods for the treatment of clogged glands of the eye |
-
2022
- 2022-01-04 CA CA3204135A patent/CA3204135A1/en active Pending
- 2022-01-04 WO PCT/US2022/011173 patent/WO2022150308A1/en active Application Filing
- 2022-01-04 EP EP22736995.6A patent/EP4274526A1/en active Pending
- 2022-01-04 CN CN202280017423.7A patent/CN116940316A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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KR101778114B1 (en) * | 2016-07-08 | 2017-09-26 | 울산과학기술원 | Portable electric heater apparatus |
US9795502B1 (en) * | 2016-09-08 | 2017-10-24 | Tiberiu Kopes | Controllable heated mask |
KR20190085531A (en) * | 2016-11-17 | 2019-07-18 | 라보라뚜와르 떼아 | Dry Eye Treatment Mask |
WO2019193000A1 (en) * | 2018-04-04 | 2019-10-10 | Alvalux Medical | A system for the treatment of dry eye syndrome |
US20200405532A1 (en) * | 2019-06-26 | 2020-12-31 | Please Me LLC | Devices, systems, and methods for the treatment of clogged glands of the eye |
US20210121320A1 (en) * | 2019-06-26 | 2021-04-29 | Please Me LLC | Devices, systems, and methods for the treatment of clogged glands of the eye |
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EP4274526A1 (en) | 2023-11-15 |
CN116940316A (en) | 2023-10-24 |
CA3204135A1 (en) | 2022-07-14 |
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