IP Library › Granted Patent US 12,721,998
Granted Patent B2
US 12,721,998 · App. 18/715,075 · Granted Sep 1, 2026

Medical electrode

Inventors: Marshall T. Masko (Minnetonka, MN); John C. VeLure (Minnetonka, MN); Thu-Ha Duncan (Cleveland, TN)
Assignee: i-Lumen Scientific, Inc.
A61N1/0492A61N1/3603A61N1/36046
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,721,998
App. No.
18/715,075
Granted
Sep 1, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

A system that includes a first electrode substrate having a first end and a second end, wherein the first electrode substrate includes one or more electrodes on the first electrode substrate configured to apply electrical-stimulation therapy to a first eye of a patient, wherein the first electrode substrate is configured to locate the one or more electrodes on an outer surface of at least one of the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid of the patient's first eye, a first plurality of adhesive patches coupled to the first electrode substrate and configured to secure the first electrode substrate to the patient, wherein the first plurality of adhesive patches includes a first adhesive patch and a second adhesive patch; and a stimulation controller configured to control the electrical-stimulation therapy, wherein each of the one or more electrodes of the first electrode substrate is operatively coupled to the stimulation controller.

Claims (55)

1 . A system comprising:

a first electrode substrate having a first end and a second end, wherein the first electrode substrate includes one or more electrodes on the first electrode substrate, wherein the one or more electrodes are configured to apply electrical-stimulation therapy to a first eye of a patient, the first eye having an upper eyelid and a lower eyelid, wherein the first electrode substrate is configured to locate the one or more electrodes on an outer surface of at least one of the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid of the patient's first eye;

a first plurality of adhesive patches coupled to the first electrode substrate and configured to secure the first electrode substrate to the patient, wherein the first plurality of adhesive patches includes a first adhesive patch and a second adhesive patch, wherein the first adhesive patch is located at the first end of the first electrode substrate and is configured to couple to a side of a nose of the patient, wherein the second adhesive patch is located between the first end and the second end of the first electrode substrate and is configured to couple to a temple of the patient, and wherein the one or more electrodes are located on the first electrode substrate between the first adhesive patch and the second adhesive patch;

a flexible section of the first electrode substrate that is located between the one or more electrodes and the second adhesive patch, wherein the flexible section is stretchable such that a length of the flexible section between the one or more electrodes and the second adhesive patch can be varied to ensure that the system can fit varying patient face sizes; and

a stimulation controller configured to control the electrical-stimulation therapy, wherein each of the one or more electrodes of the first electrode substrate is operatively coupled to the stimulation controller.

2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the first plurality of adhesive patches further includes a third adhesive patch configured to secure the one or more electrodes to the outer surface of the at least one of the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid of the patient's first eye.

3 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the first electrode substrate further includes an electrical connector located at the second end of the first electrode substrate, and an electrical pathway on the first electrode substrate extending from the one or more electrodes across the flexible section to the electrical connector.

4 . The system of claim 1 , further comprising:

a ground electrode configured to provide a return pathway for electrical stimulation signals generated by the one or more electrodes on the first electrode substrate.

5 . The system of claim 1 , further comprising:

a second electrode substrate having a first end and a second end, wherein the second electrode substrate includes one or more electrodes on the second electrode substrate, wherein the one or more electrodes on the second electrode substrate are configured to apply electrical-stimulation therapy to a second eye of a patient, the second eye having an upper eyelid and a lower eyelid, wherein the second electrode substrate is configured to locate the one or more electrodes on an outer surface of at least one of the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid of the patient's second eye, wherein the second electrode substrate includes a flexible section of the second electrode substrate that is located between the one or more electrodes of the second electrode substrate and the second adhesive patch of the second electrode substrate, wherein the flexible section of the second electrode substrate is stretchable such that a length of the flexible section of the second electrode substrate between the one or more electrodes of the second electrode substrate and the second adhesive patch of the second electrode substrate can be varied; and

a second plurality of adhesive patches coupled to the second electrode substrate and configured to secure the second electrode substrate to the patient, wherein the second plurality of adhesive patches includes a first adhesive patch of the second electrode substrate and a second adhesive patch of the second electrode substrate, and wherein each of the one or more electrodes of the second electrode substrate is operatively coupled to the stimulation controller.

6 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the stimulation controller is operatively coupled to a remote computer device.

7 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the stimulation controller is a battery-operated unit configured to be located on the patient.

8 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the first electrode substrate has only a single electrode, and wherein the first plurality of adhesive patches further includes a third adhesive patch configured to secure the single electrode to the outer surface of the at least one of the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid of the patient's first eye.

9 . A method comprising:

providing a first electrode substrate having a first end, a second end, and a middle portion located between the first end and the second end, wherein the first electrode substrate includes a first plurality of adhesive patches coupled to the first electrode substrate and configured to secure the first electrode substrate to the patient, wherein the first plurality of adhesive patches includes a first adhesive patch and a second adhesive patch, wherein the first adhesive patch is located at the first end of the first electrode substrate, wherein the second adhesive patch is located between the first end and the second end of the first electrode substrate, wherein the first electrode substrate includes one or more electrodes on the first electrode substrate, wherein the middle portion includes a flexible section of the first electrode substrate that is located between the one or more electrodes and the second adhesive patch, wherein the flexible section is stretchable such that a length of the flexible section between the one or more electrodes and the second adhesive patch can be varied to ensure that the system can fit varying patient face sizes, and wherein the one or more electrodes are configured to apply electrical-stimulation therapy to a first eye of a patient, the first eye having an upper eyelid and a lower eyelid;

placing the first electrode substrate on the patient such that the one or more electrodes are located on an outer surface of at least one of the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid of the patient's first eye;

securing the first electrode substrate to the patient by adhering the first adhesive patch to a side of a nose of the patient and adhering the second adhesive patch to a temple of the patient;

providing a stimulation controller configured to control the electrical-stimulation therapy; and

operatively coupling each of the one or more electrodes of the first electrode substrate to the stimulation controller.

10 . The method of claim 9 , wherein the securing of the first electrode substrate to the patient includes:

adhering the one or more electrodes to the outer surface of the at least one of the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid of the patient's first eye.

11 . The method of claim 9 , wherein the first electrode substrate further includes an electrical connector located at the second end of the first electrode substrate, the method further comprising:

electrically coupling the one or more electrodes to the electrical connector.

12 . The method of claim 9 , further comprising:

providing a return pathway for electrical stimulation signals generated by the one or more electrodes on the first electrode substrate.

13 . The method of claim 9 , further comprising:

providing a second electrode substrate having a first end, a second end, and a middle portion located between the first end and the second end, wherein the second electrode substrate includes one or more electrodes on the second electrode substrate, wherein the second electrode substrate includes a flexible section of the second electrode substrate that is located between the one or more electrodes of the second electrode substrate and the second adhesive patch of the second electrode substrate, wherein the flexible section of the second electrode substrate is stretchable such that a length of the flexible section of the second electrode substrate between the one or more electrodes of the second electrode substrate and the second adhesive patch of the second electrode substrate can be varied, wherein the one or more electrodes of the second electrode substrate are configured to apply electrical-stimulation therapy to a second eye of a patient, the second eye having an upper eyelid and a lower eyelid;

placing the second electrode substrate on the patient such that the one or more electrodes of the second electrode substrate are located on an outer surface of at least one of the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid of the patient's second eye;

securing the second electrode substrate to the patient by adhering the first adhesive patch of the second electrode substrate to a side of a nose of the patient and adhering the second adhesive patch of the second electrode substrate to a temple of the patient; and

operatively coupling each of the one or more electrodes of the second electrode substrate to the stimulation controller.

14 . The method of claim 9 , the method further comprising:

adjusting a size of the first electrode substrate via the flexible section, wherein the securing of the first electrode substrate to the patient includes:

adhering the first end of the first electrode substrate to a side of a nose of the patient;

adhering the middle portion of the first electrode substrate to a temple of the patient; and

adhering the one or more electrodes to the outer surface of the at least one of the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid of the patient's first eye.

15 . A system comprising:

a first electrode substrate having a first end, a second end, and a middle portion located between the first end and the second end;

means for securing a first end of the first electrode substrate to a patient's nose, and means for securing the middle portion of the first electrode substrate to the patient's temple;

one or more electrodes on the first electrode substrate, wherein the one or more electrodes are configured to apply electrical-stimulation therapy to a first eye of a patient, the first eye having an upper eyelid and a lower eyelid, wherein the middle portion of the first electrode substrate includes a flexible section that is located between the one or more electrodes and the means for securing the first electrode substrate to the patient's temple, and wherein the flexible section is stretchable such that a length of the flexible section can be varied to ensure that the system can fit varying patient face sizes, and wherein the means for securing is configured such that the one or more electrodes are located on an outer surface of at least one of the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid of the patient's first eye;

means for controlling the electrical-stimulation therapy; and

means for operatively coupling each of the one or more electrodes of the first electrode substrate to the means for controlling.

16 . The system of claim 15 , further comprising:

means for securing the one or more electrodes to the outer surface of at least one of the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid.

17 . The system of claim 15 , wherein the first electrode substrate further includes an electrical connector located at the second end of the first electrode substrate, and an electrical pathway on the first electrode substrate extending from the one or more electrodes across the flexible section to the electrical connector.

18 . The system of claim 15 , further comprising:

means for returning electrical stimulation signals generated by the one or more electrodes on the first electrode substrate.

19 . The system of claim 15 , further comprising:

a second electrode substrate having a first end, a second end, and a middle portion located between the first end and the second end;

means for securing a first end of the second electrode substrate to a patient's nose, and means for securing the second electrode substrate to the patient's temple, wherein the second electrode substrate includes one or more electrodes on the second electrode substrate, wherein the second electrode substrate includes a flexible section of the second electrode substrate that is located between the one or more electrodes of the second electrode substrate and the means for securing the second electrode substrate to the patient's temple, wherein the flexible section of the second electrode substrate is stretchable such that a length of the flexible section of the second electrode substrate can be varied, and wherein the one or more electrodes of the second electrode substrate are configured to apply electrical-stimulation therapy to a second eye of a patient, the second eye having an upper eyelid and a lower eyelid; and

means for operatively coupling each of the one or more electrodes of the second electrode substrate to the means for controlling.

20 . The system of claim 15 , wherein the stimulation controller is operatively coupled to a remote computer device.

21 . The system of claim 15 , wherein the stimulation controller is a battery-operated unit configured to be located on the patient.

22 . The system of claim 15 , wherein the first electrode substrate has only a single electrode, and wherein the first electrode substrate further includes means for securing the single electrode to the outer surface of the at least one of the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid of the patient's first eye.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jan 6, 2025
From: MASKO, MARSHALL T.; VELURE, JOHN C.; DUNCAN, THU-HA
To: I-LUMEN SCIENTIFIC, INC.
Reel/Frame 069750/0550 →
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20250177730A1 · Jun 5, 2025
References Cited (36)
US 3669119A · Symmes · 1972 [cited by applicant]
US 6298255B1 · Cordero et al. · 2001 [cited by applicant]
US 6792314B2 · Byers et al. · 2004 [cited by applicant]
US D633621S · Yuen et al. · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 8188433B2 · Gonopolskiy et al. · 2012 [cited by applicant]
US D779432S · Wong et al. · 2017 [cited by applicant]
US D790069S · Wong et al. · 2017 [cited by applicant]
US D854697S · Yang · 2019 [cited by applicant]
US D860465S · Lovell et al. · 2019 [cited by applicant]
US D880701S · Oz et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]
US D905858S · Lovell et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]
US D927005S · Hauser-Raspe et al. · 2021 [cited by applicant]
US 11116973B1 · Masko et al. · 2021 [cited by applicant]
US D936843S · Besko et al. · 2021 [cited by applicant]
US D970018S · Soosalu et al. · 2022 [cited by applicant]
US D971415S · Treen et al. · 2022 [cited by applicant]
US D1010832S · Masko et al. · 2024 [cited by applicant]
US D1029275S · Huang et al. · 2024 [cited by applicant]
US D1030071S · Huang et al. · 2024 [cited by applicant]
US 20050085741A1 · Hoskonen · 2005 [cited by examiner]
US 20110160639A1 · Yanaki · 2011 [cited by applicant]
US 20140073895A1 · Freeman et al. · 2014 [cited by applicant]
US 20150190629A1 · Mohn et al. · 2015 [cited by applicant]
US 20160089534A1 · Mohammadi et al. · 2016 [cited by applicant]
US 20170246446A1 · Lee et al. · 2017 [cited by applicant]
US 20170290525A1 · Waites et al. · 2017 [cited by applicant]
US 20190143116A1 · Mowery et al. · 2019 [cited by applicant]
US 20200324114A1 · Chiapetta et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]
US 20200391029A1 · Mullins et al. · 2020 [cited by applicant]
US 20220296899A1 · Rockley · 2022 [cited by examiner]
JP D20195831 · 2019 [cited by applicant]
WO 2020210471A1 · 2020 [cited by applicant]
WO 2021011255A1 · 2021 [cited by applicant]
WO 2021185423A1 · 2021 [cited by applicant]
I-Lumen Scientific, Inc.—Virtual Rocket Pitch presentation at CONNECTpreneur. Online, published date Oct. 14, 2021. Retrieved on Jul. 21, 2023 from URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iv6vA7D _ngo. [cited by applicant]
Extended European Search Report for European Application No. 22902051.6, filed Jun. 5, 2024 mailed Dec. 12, 2025. [cited by applicant]