DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF CLOGGED GLANDS OF THE EYE

BACKGROUND

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.

Many people experience dry eye syndrome. One of the causes of dry eyes is that the oil glands of the eyes, known as the Meibomian glands, become clogged. One condition that relates to a blockage or other abnormality of the Meibomian glands is referred to as Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). For a person with MGD, the Meibomian glands do not secrete enough oil into the eyes. When tears are inside the eye, they will quickly evaporate unless there is a layer of oil on top. The oil prevents evaporation of tears and also helps lubricate the eyes. Because the tears then evaporate too quickly, MGD is associated with dry eye syndrome. MGD also relates to an eyelid problem called blepharitis which causes inflammation of the eyelids.

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. There are two primary issues associated with this method. First, the heat very quickly dissipates and becomes ineffective. 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.

There is, therefore, a need for a more effective treatment of MGD, dry eye syndrome, blepharitis, and/or any other condition that involves clogged glands in the eye region.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system for treating clogged glands of the eye includes a heated eye mask and an electrical cord. The heated eye mask includes an outer layer of surface material, an inner layer of surface material, and a carbon fiber 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 carbon fiber 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. A thermally conductive material is in contact with the carbon fiber 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.

A system for treating clogged glands of the eye includes a heated eye mask, and an electrical cord. The heated eye mask includes an outer layer of surface material, an inner layer of surface material, and a microwire. 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 microwire 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. A thermally conductive material is in contact with the microwire 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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. 10 shows a view of internal elements of a heated eye mask.

FIG. 11 show a view of internal elements of a heated eye mask.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One cause of dry or irritated eyes is blockage of the Meibomian glands of the eyes. The Meibomian glands are depicted in FIG. 1. The Meibomian glands provide oils to the eyes for protection and moisture. FIG. 2 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.

As shown in FIG. 2, 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. In such embodiments, the USB interface 204 is configured to be coupled to any USB power device such as a 5V 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. In such embodiments, 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. In such embodiments, the DC plug is configured to be coupled to a DC port in the controller 300. In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, there is a disconnectable portion 210 along the electrical cord 202. Specifically, 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.

Referring to FIGS. 4-5, the heated eye mask 100 is shown in greater detail. 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. As shown, 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. In some embodiments, the adjustable strap 130 is elastic. In some embodiments, 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. As shown, 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. In the embodiments shown, 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). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A, the heating element 140 is arranged in a sinusoidal shape. It is to be understood, however, that 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 142A, 142B. In this way, 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.

In some embodiments, 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. In such embodiments, 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. In some embodiments, there is a piece of thermally conductive material 146 positioned between second layer of surface material 114 and the heating element 140 (i.e., towards the user's eye) in both therapeutic regions 142A, 142B. 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. In some embodiments, 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. To this end, in some embodiments, 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.

Still referring to FIG. 6A, in some embodiments, 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. Thus, providing an additional therapeutic benefit of maintaining heat and contact throughout the therapy session. In some embodiments, the pillow 148 is made of a polyester material. In some embodiments, 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. In some embodiments, 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. For example, the filler material may be flax seed. In addition to being non-synthetic, 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. In the embodiment shown, 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. In some embodiments, the display is a touch screen display, and in such cases the display 302 and the input mechanism 304 are a unitary element. In the embodiment shown, 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. For example, in some embodiments, 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.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, 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. In some embodiments, 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, and 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. For example, to achieve the high temperature, the power is maintained to the heating element 140 throughout the therapy session (e.g., 100% duty cycle). To achieve the medium high, medium, and low temperatures, 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.

In some embodiments, there may be fewer or more preset temperature settings, or a user may be able to select a specific temperature in degrees for the therapy session. In a preferred embodiment, 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. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, there is a power button, a temperature button, and a timer button. In other embodiments, 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. Or, in another example, there may be a single button and a user toggles through an array of menu options in order to select the settings for the therapy session. In yet another example, there are two input mechanisms 304, one for the time setting and the other for the temperature setting.

The battery 310 can be any suitable rechargeable battery. For example, 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. Advantageously, 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. In step 801, a user positions the heated eye mask 100 on the eye region. As described above, 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. In 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. In step 803, the heated eye mask 100 is connected to a power source 200, such as a standard wall outlet with a 5V plug adapter or to a battery pack. In step 804, 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.

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the heating element assembly 140 for use with an eye mask. FIG. 9A illustrates a front side of the heating element assembly 140 including a front surface 938 of a left graphene heating element 902A 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. In the embodiments shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, 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.

The graphene heating elements 902, as shown in FIG. 9B, can be a stadium shape (e.g., rectangle with rounded corners) 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. For example, in one embodiment, 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. In some embodiments, the height 926 of the graphene heating elements 902 can range from 20 mm to 40 mm. In some embodiments, the height 926 can be 30 mm. In some embodiments, 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 902A 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). In some embodiments, the separation distance 922 of the two graphene heating elements 902 can range from 10 mm to 50 mm. In some embodiments, the separation distance 922 can be 30 mm. In some embodiments, 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. In some embodiments, 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.

In some embodiments, the graphene heating elements 902 can have a thickness ranging from 5 μm to 50 μm. In some embodiments, the graphene heating elements can have a thickness of 25 μm. 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. For example, 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. In some embodiments, the positive lead 912-916 can provide a voltage ranging from 4.5 volts to 5 volts. In some embodiments, the positive lead 912-916 can provide a voltage of 5 volts. As described herein, the power supplied by the electrical cord 202 can be adjusted by the user utilizing the controller 300. In some embodiments, 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).

In some embodiments, the first positive lead 914 and the second positive lead 916 can connect with an outer edge of the graphene heating elements 902. In the illustrated embodiment, 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.

As shown in FIG. 9B, 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. In some embodiments, 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.

In some embodiments, 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. As such, 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.

As shown in FIG. 9B, 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. In some embodiments, 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.

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. In some embodiments, 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. In such embodiments, 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.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 6A, 6B, 9A, and 9B, 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., 50%, 75%, 100%). 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 142A and 142B which align with the Meibomian glands of the right and left eye, respectively.

FIG. 10 shows a rear view of a heated eye mask 1000, according to one embodiment. The heated eye mask 1000 includes a heating element assembly 1002 for using with an eye mask. The heating element assembly 1002 includes a rear surface 1004. The rear surface 1002 is configured to be positioned over a pair of eyes. The rear surface 1002 includes a carbon fiber heating element 1006. The carbon fiber heating element 1006 may be a single carbon fiber wire coupled to the rear surface 1002. The carbon fiber heating element 1006 may include a right carbon fiber heating element 1008 and a left carbon fiber heating element 1010. The heating element assembly 1002, as described herein, is positioned in a therapeutic region covering both sides (right and left eye) of a mask body 110. The heating element assembly 1002 is supplied with power by the electrical cord 202. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the heating element assembly 1004 includes a carbon fiber heating element 1006 (e.g., right carbon fiber heating element 1008 and left carbon fiber heating element 1010), a positive lead 1012 and a ground lead 1014.

The carbon fiber heating element 1006, as shown in FIG. 10, can be zigzag shape. For example, the carbon fiber heating element 1006 may extend across the entire mask body 110 and form a zigzag loop on each side of the mask body 110. The carbon fiber heating element 1006 can be shaped such that they imitate the shape of an eye and beneficially provide even heating of a right and left eye of a user. In some embodiments, the carbon fiber heating element 1006 is a single carbon fiber wire such that the positive lead 1012 and the ground lead 1014 is connected a side of the carbon fiber wire.

In some embodiments, the carbon fiber heating element 1006 is manufactured to be thin. For example, the carbon fiber heating element 1006 may have a thickness ranging from 5 μm to 20 μm. The use of carbon fiber for the carbon fiber heating element 1006 can beneficially provide the user with a consistent temperature across the carbon fiber heating element 1006 while providing flexibility of the heated eye mask 1002. For example, the shape and the structure of the carbon fiber heating element 1006 does not change even under consistent and constant force. This prevents the carbon fiber heating element 1006 from deteriorating over time, ensuring a longer life of the heated eye mask 1002. Moreover, the carbon fiber heating element 1006 provides a benefit in that the carbon fiber is not susceptible to corrosion or rust. Additionally, the carbon fiber heating element 1006 may have a tensile strength between 400 ksi and 600 ksi. The high tensile strength of the carbon fiber heating element 1006 prevents heated eye mask 1002 from becoming worn out from constant use. For example, the heated eye mask 100 could be machine washable without reducing the wear of the carbon fiber of the carbon fiber heating element. The carbon fiber heating element 1006 also provides the benefit of reducing the weight of the heated eye mask 1002. Specifically, carbon fiber used in the carbon fiber heating element 1006 is lighter than conventional metal alloys (e.g., aluminum, steel, etc.) which are used in traditional wires. For example, the carbon fiber used in the carbon fiber heating element 1006 is 2 times lighter than aluminum and 5 times lighter than steel. Thus, the carbon fiber with similar dimensions as conventional metal alloys would reduce the weight of the heated eye mask 1000.

The positive lead 1012 and ground lead 1014 can be an electrically conductive material (e.g., copper). The positive lead 1012 is electrically coupled to a first end of the carbon fiber heating element 1006 and the ground lead is electrically coupled to a second end of the carbon fiber heating element 1006. In some embodiments, the positive lead 1012 and the ground lead 1014 include a conductor 1016. The conductor 1016 facilitates the electrically connection between the positive lead 1012 and the carbon fiber heating element 1006 and between the ground lead 1014 and the carbon fiber heating element 1006. The conductor 1016 may be formed of molybdenum. In some embodiments, the positive lead 1012 can provide a voltage ranging from 4.5 volts to 5 volts. In some embodiments, the positive lead 1012 can provide a voltage of 5 volts. As described herein, the power supplied by the electrical cord 202 can be adjusted by the user utilizing the controller 300. In some embodiments, 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 carbon fiber heating element 1006 via the electrical cord 202 with a duty cycle of 50% (e.g., one second on then one second off). As the carbon content of the carbon fiber heating element 1006 is approximately in a range between 90% and 99%, as the controller provides voltage to the carbon fiber heating element 1006, the carbon fiber heating element 1006 provides the benefit of being a large power reserve, high temperature resistance, and having a high heat capacity.

Thereby, the carbon fiber heating element 1006 may save up to 30% more energy than traditional metal electric materials while heating in 30% of the time thereby reducing the heating time. In some embodiments, the carbon fiber utilized within the carbon fiber heating element 1006 is a pure black body heating material in which there is no visible light during the electro-thermal conversion process. As a current is supplied through the positive lead 1012, an electric current thermal effect occurs in which on an atomic level, the carbon atoms within the carbon fiber of the carbon fiber heating element 1006 begin to collide and the friction between the atoms during the collision cause a generation of heat released in the form of far-infrared radiant energy. The far-infrared radiation energy produced by the carbon fiber heating element 1006 not only warms the top layer of the body but penetrates the body in a range approximately between 1 cm and 5 cm.

This facilitates a rapid temperature rise, a small thermal hysteresis, a fast heat exchange speed and a long heat radiation transmission distance while providing uniform heating with very little heat loss between the heated eye mask 1000 and the user's body. The luminous flux of the carbon fiber heating element 1006 is smaller than that of metal based heating elements and provide an electric to heat conversion efficiency approximately in a range between 90% to 97%. Further, the thermal efficiency is increased in approximately a range between 25% and 50% from the thermal efficiency of a metal heating element of the same power tungsten molybdenum material.

As a user uses the heating eye mask 1002 with the carbon fiber heating element 1006, the carbon fiber heating element 1006 may provide certain benefits to the user, For example, the carbon fiber heating element 1006 may absorb water molecules in the air to produce a resonance frictional heat effect, which increases the temperature of the carbon fiber heating element 1006. By this way, the users human tissue cells may be activated and blood circulation may be promoted. The metabolism of the user may also be accelerated and the immunity of the user may be enhanced. Due to the increase in heat, the heated eye mask 1002 may also be anti-odor, dehumidified, and have antibacterial effects.

FIG. 11 shows an arrangement of internal elements of a mask body 2002 of a heated eye mask 2000 with the first layer of surface material 2004 (the outer facing layer) (not shown) removed. The mask body 2002 is substantially similar to the mask body 110 as shown in FIG. 6, and therefore not described in further detail. As shown, the mask body 2002 includes a heating element 2006, positioned between the first layer of surface material 2002 and the second layer of surface material 2008. In the embodiments shown, the heating element 2004 is a flexible microwire. The microwire is formed through coupling a plurality of Teflon-coated stainless steel wires. Each Teflon-coated stainless steel wire has a thickness approximately in a range of 0.0004 in to 0.0005 in. (e.g., 0.000472 in., etc.). The plurality of Teflon-coated stainless steel wires are coupled together to form the flexible microwire which may have a thickness of approximately 0.020 in. to 0.030 in. (e.g., 0.025 in., etc.). The microwire may be arranged in any number of horizontal lines, any number of vertical lines, in a zig-zag pattern, etc. It is to be understood, however, that the heating element can be arranged in any shape or form in order to provide heat to a target area of the mask body 2000. The use of microwire beneficially enables the heating element 2004 to more quickly, while also being lighter, stronger, and more flexible than traditional heated wire.

As utilized herein with respect to numerical ranges, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms generally mean+/−10% of the disclosed values. When 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. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, 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. If “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.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

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. In some embodiments, 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) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage) for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in the present disclosure. 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. According to an exemplary embodiment, 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. By way of example, such 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.

Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the assembly as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. For example, the heating element assembly 140 of the exemplary embodiment described in at least paragraphs [0031]-[0041] may be incorporated in the mask body 110 of the exemplary embodiment described in at least paragraphs [0023]-[0025]. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	17142872	Jan 2021	US
Child	17388975		US

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	17388975	Jul 2021	US
Child	17944952		US
Parent	16913870	Jun 2020	US
Child	17142872		US

DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF CLOGGED GLANDS OF THE EYE

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

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