Abstract: Apparatus for the treatment of human or animal tissue by light includes a light source for directing light towards the tissue in use, an applicator having a tissue-facing surface, a detector for detecting in use proximity of the tissue-facing surface to the tissue, and a control element responsive to the detector for controlling the light source to direct light to be incident on the tissue in use only when the tissue-facing surface is spaced from the tissue.

Abstract: In an intense pulsed light optical radiation is directed from a lamp 9 to a skin treatment surface to provide cosmetic and/or therapeutic treatment. The condition of the lamp is determined on the basis of a variation of electrical characteristic as it ages, rather then by measuring the light output. The electrical energy applied to the lamp 9 is controlled to compensate for varying electrical characteristics of the bulb as it ages. Furthermore, the device includes an end of life assessment which is based on the electrical characteristic of the bulb 9 rather than simply a cycle count.

Abstract: A hair coloring apparatus comprises upper and lower hinged body parts closable about a lock of hair (58). Within the body parts is contained a drive mechanism and a color applicator (32) so that, when applied to a user's hair and closed, the apparatus moves progressively down a lock of hair (58) applying hair treatment material as it moves.

Abstract: An electrode generally comprises a body, which makes up the electrode and which is formed as a thin flexible polymeric substance such as urethane foam. The electrode body includes a central inner conductive area, which is associated with a first electrode connector. Around the inner conductive area is a non-conductive area formed as a ring around the inner conductive area and there is also an outer conductive area provided as a ring, concentrically arranged around the non-conductive area. Electrode connector (6B) is connected to the outer conductive ring. The electrode body, which has a release tag and is supported on a backing sheet and body can be peeled off the backing sheet using the release tag. The condition of the electrode can be evaluated using a test device, which can for example measure electrical impedance across the electrode via electrodes (6A) and (6B).

Abstract: A portable hair treatment device 1 includes a hand held portion or wand 2 containing a laser and associated optics for effecting skin treatment. The device includes a main base unit 3 including a recess shaped to receive the hand held unit 2 when not in use. At least one of the base unit 3 and the wand 2 includes a portable power source, e.g. a battery, to enable self-powered use.

Abstract: A hair treatment device for the treatment of the human or animal skin by laser radiation to prevent or reduce hair growth, which device includes a laser radiation source for emitting a laser radiation beam; beam deflecting elements for deflecting the radiation beam across the skin, the deflecting elements including a lens through which the beam of laser radiation passes, and elements for moving the lens to effect deflection of the beam.

Abstract: A laser hair removal device 10 has a base unit 12 and a hand held laser wand 14. Laser 18 generates light pulses of sufficient energy and duration to damage papilla of each hair follicle in the path of the beam. The device 10 includes one or more safety features to prevent accidental misuse of the device. In particular, the device incorporates a high intensity LED 24 which makes looking at the potential path of the laser uncomfortable, thus promoting a blinking reflex. Additionally the device may incorporate a skin contact/proximity sensor 26 to prevent use of the laser away from the skin, and/or one or more locking element to prevent accidental powering of the laser.

Abstract: A hair colouring apparatus comprises upper and lower hinged body parts closable about a lock of hair (58). Within the body parts is contained a drive mechanism and a colour applicator (32) so that, when applied to a user's hair and closed, the apparatus moves progressively down a lock of hair (58) applying hair treatment material as it moves.