Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an epilator that comprises a housing, an epilation cylinder mounted at a head region of the housing for plucking hairs from the skin during operation, and an attachment detachably connected with the housing, which attachment comprises at least a shaving blade defining a use direction along which the shaving blade is to be drawn over the skin to shave off hairs. In the attached state the shaving blade is disposed behind the epilation cylinder with respect to the use direction so that during operation the epilation cylinder plucks hairs from the skin and the shaving blade contacts the skin to shave off hairs from the skin in successive order during a single stroke of the epilator over a skin area, wherein the attachment is connected with the housing in the head region such that the epilation cylinder is partially covered by the attachment and a non-covered part of the epilation cylinder extends into an aperture of the attachment.

Abstract: Device and method for harvesting and implanting hair follicular units is provided. A combined harvesting and implanting tool or tool assembly provides a harvesting cannula portion detachably coupled to an implanting cannula portion. The harvesting and implanting cannula portions may be coupled by a connector that could be designed to allow for multiple uses of the tool assembly, or alternatively may be designed for single use and rendered non-functional when the implanting cannula portion of the tool is separated from the harvesting cannula portion of the tool.

Abstract: The present invention is a hybrid epilator device comprising an epilation unit for gripping and plucking hairs from a skin surface and at least one razor blade edge to shave off hairs growing on the skin surface. The blade edge defines a use direction along which it is effectuated that hairs are shaved off when the razor blade is drawn over the skin surface during operation. The razor blade is arranged behind the epilation unit with respect to the use direction. The epilation unit and the razor blade are mounted for simultaneous contact with the skin surface, where during operation the epilation unit grips and plucks out hairs from the skin surface and subsequently the razor blade shaves off remaining hairs growing on the same skin surface in a single stroke.

Abstract: Tools and methods are provided for dissecting and/or removing biological units, such as hair follicles, from the body surface based on the images both above and below a body surface to reduce potential damage to the removed biological unit. The invention may be used in fully automated systems and also in a hand-held devices and systems. A system may produce a series of three-dimensional images of the body surface indicating follicular unit size, shape, position, and orientation both above and below the skin surface. The images may be utilized by an automated follicular unit harvesting tool, or maybe stored for later use. Imaging techniques include devices that sense light in the visible or infrared spectrums, optical coherence tomography, and ultrahigh frequency ultrasound.

Abstract: The invention relates to an epilator (10) comprising tweezers elements (12). In accordance with the invention at least the surfaces of the tweezers elements (12) are at least in part made of a basic material reinforced with a filling material for at least 30%, the filling material comprising a hardness of at least 3 on Moh's hardness scale.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed which provide for harvesting hair follicular units, including severing any remaining connective tissue strands during the harvesting process, so that the harvested follicular units are retained in the harvesting tool without being damaged. The devices and methods of the present invention are especially useful with the partially or substantially automated systems and methods for hair harvesting and transplantation. The follicular unit harvesting tools may comprise a harvesting cannula and a grasping device moveable relative to each other.

Abstract: A set of clips, with finger placement for the use of fingers of both hands, and thread tied in a loop, slipped at a groove/notch/slot of each clip and then twisted, for the purpose of self threading (removing) hairs. The set of clips allows for a pain free experience when self threading using just a loop of thread around the fingers. The opening of the arms of the clips as well as the opening of the loop is comparable to the opening of the fingers when used with thread alone. Thus resulting in the exact duplication of threading done by a trained practitioner or self threading performed with a loop of thread.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new epilatory device and its application to hair removal, said device comprising a flat elongate body having an adhesive paste medium applied to a first side of the body, characterised in that the device further includes a grab member having at least one aperture therein, arranged so that a users finger can be inserted into the aperture during use to aid removal of the device from a users body part, together with epilated hair.

Abstract: A depilating device (14) for depilating hair (12) from a surface (10) of a skin (11) comprises a housing (16) and a depilating member (18) arranged in said housing. In operation, said depilating member has an effective depilating action when positioned within a predetermined range of angular positions (5) relative to the surface of the skin. The depilating device further comprises a detector for detecting an actual angular position (28) of the depilating member relative to the surface of the skin, and feedback means cooperating with said detector for providing a feedback signal when said actual angular position exceeds said predetermined range of angular positions. According to a specific embodiment, the detector comprises a skin contact member (34) arranged adjacent to the depilating member (18) and being pivotable relative to the housing (16) about a pivot axis (54) extending parallel to a skin contact surface of the depilating member.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided useful in various procedures, including hair harvesting and implantation, and further including computer-implemented and/or robotic hair transplantation. Methodologies are provided which enable selection of follicular unit harvesting or implanting sites. In various cases, such selection may be made using a lowest and closest method, overlap-based methods, position-based methods, pattern-based methods, and/or a combination of these methods. In various combinations of the methods, the output selection from one of the methods may be used as an input for one of the other methods.

Abstract: A device and method for applying tension to an area of skin, in particular for follicular unit removal and/or implantation in a hair transplantation procedure, is provided. The tensioning device comprises at least one body surface grabber capable of engaging the body surface, and the tensioning device is configured to be able to create tension on a body or skin surface by simply displacing the tensioning device as a whole in one general direction. The tensioning device may be secured, for example, to a patient chair.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an epilatory strip by providing a first laminate of a pressure-sensitive, hot-melt adhesive sandwiched between a support layer and a first release liner that in combination provide a width to the first laminate; delaminating the width of the first laminate by unwinding the first release liner and exposing an area of pressure-sensitive, hot-melt adhesive; applying at least one mask or cover material onto the pressure-sensitive, hot-melt adhesive on at least one edge area of the delaminated first laminate to provide a second laminate presenting an exposed area of pressure-sensitive, hot-melt adhesive; and providing a second release liner to cover at least a portion of exposed area of pressure-sensitive, hot-melt adhesive to provide a width of epilatory strip material. Thus, hypoallergenic, non-irritant epilatory strips are obtained using the method according to the invention.

Abstract: Devices and methods for applying tension to an area of skin are provided, for example, for follicular unit removal and implant in a hair transplantation procedure. The devices may include a frame with at least two skin contact members that hold to the skin. Also disclosed are various ways to apply a force displacing the skin contact members apart, thus creating tension in the skin. The devices and methods may incorporate suction, and/or barbs or microbarbs. The frame may surround the skin area with tensile forces applied outward in multiple directions or substantially uni-directionally. Adjusting members and indicators may be provided to control and display the tensile force applied to skin. The tensioning devices and methods may be incorporated into a robotic hair transplantation system.

Abstract: An apparatus enabling a casual user in a residential set-up to perform himself almost every skin treatment procedure by using a variety of modules that may be inserted into an infrastructure frame. The apparatus presents a docking station and an applicator. The applicator simultaneously receives only two types of skin treatment modules, these may be replaced after use for modules providing a different type of skin treatment. Such skin treatment modules like epilator, shaver, exfoliation or abrasive module, suction head, and massage head apply a mechanical action to the skin. Ultrasound module applies ultrasound waves to the skin. Intense pulsed light and RF apply electromagnetic radiation to the skin. A combination of these modules may be used to provide a variety of skin treatments such as hair removal, skin rejuvenation, skin exfoliation, acne treatment, circumference reduction, and other skin treatments.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining the need to change and/or changing orientation of a tool relative to an object on a body in at least partially automated procedure. Also, systems and methods are provided for orienting a hair harvesting tool relative to a follicular unit to be harvested. Further, systems and methods of implanting follicular units are provided, which are based on the orientation of the existing follicular units or based on pre-determined insertion angle. The provided systems and methods use image processing and image-generated topological skin models. In some embodiments surface fit is performed using, for example, a planar fit, quadric fit, cubic fit, mesh fit and parametric fit.

Abstract: Tools and methods are provided for removing biological units from a body surface utilizing a removal tool. The tool is of a concentric tube configuration comprising first and second elongated bodies, in which the second elongated body can be retracted into the first elongated body. The tool may incorporate retention members and mechanisms configured to impede movement of the biological unit in the direction of a distal end of the tool and to improve retention of the biological unit in the tool. Distal fluid or gas delivery may supplement a vacuum in a luminal space to help extract biological units from surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A docking station for a skin treatment device has a cooling member including an evacuator for lowering a pressure inside the cooling member, and a connector for connecting an interior of the cooling member to a sorbent. The sorbent may include a zeolite. Further, a skin treatment device such as an epilator includes a cooling member for containing the cooling agent.

Abstract: Hair tweeters have a bend section from which a pair of opposing plate-shaped gripping sections extend in the longitudinal direction, and opposing gripping surfaces are respectively formed on the ends of the gripping sections which are located on the side facing the bend section. The hair tweezers do not cause a problem in that, when the hair tweezers are in use, the ends on the side on which the gripping surfaces are formed are displaced relative to each other in the vertical direction, which intersects the longitudinal direction, to make it difficult for the user to grip a targeted unwanted hair. The thickness of a bend portion is equal to or greater than the thickness of the portions of a pair of gripping sections which are not included in the bend section. The pair of gripping sections are respectively provided with thin sections, which have a small thickness, located between the bend section and the ends having the gripping surfaces formed thereon.

Abstract: This invention provides both a method and an apparatus for hair removal using thread. Using the concept of rotational motion, this method improves upon the ancient art of threading by using a rotational mechanism that allows for threading with only one manipulation point instead of the conventional tour manipulation points as well as one or more threads to be used as a guide lo help identity and/or isolate hair to be removed. With these enhancements, a self-threading apparatus is invented that is more precise and less unwieldy than existing self-threading apparatuses. It minimizes the amount of manual labour and skills required in such a way that a person not skilled in the art can easily use this apparatus to thread with precision.

Abstract: A hand held device generates a predetermined number of pulses of electromagnetic radiation having a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum, a predetermined duration, a predetermined inter-pulse interval, and a predetermined total energy. The pulse sequence is delivered to a skin surface to reduce or eliminate Xray or ultraviolet radiation damage to the skin surface.

Abstract: Devices and methods for applying tension to an area of skin are provided, for example, for follicular unit removal and implant in a hair transplantation procedure. The devices may include a frame with at least two skin contact members that hold to the skin. Also disclosed are various ways to apply a force displacing the skin contact members apart, thus creating tension in the skin. The devices and methods may incorporate suction, and/or barbs or microbarbs. The frame may surround the skin area with tensile forces applied outward in multiple directions or substantially uni-directionally. Adjusting members and indicators may be provided to control and display the tensile force applied to skin. The tensioning devices and methods may be incorporated into a robotic hair transplantation system.

Abstract: A hair removal system configured to destroy germinative cells at a base of at least one hair follicle is provided. The system comprises a casing and at least one pluck-head configured to trap at least one hair, and at least one oscillator mechanically coupled to the pluck-head and to the casing. The oscillator is configured to vibrate the pluck-head such that when the hair is trapped by the pluck-head, vibrations transmitted to the base are sufficient to destroy the germinative cells. A method of using the same is also disclosed.

Abstract: A depilatory article comprising a substrate and a depilatory composition disposed on said substrate forming a coated region of the substrate, wherein at least a portion of the surface of the coated region of the substrate has an average surface free energy measured by the method herein of at least 30 mJ/m2, preferably from 31 mJ/m2 to 72 mJ/m2, more preferably from 32 mJ/m2 to 55 mJ/m2, even more preferably from 33 mJ/m2 to 46 mJ/m2 and even more preferably still from 34 mJ/m2 to 38 mJ/m2.

Abstract: An epilator having at least two interchangeable attachments each having a different skin contact surface which defines the position of the skin relative to the epilating member when the attachment is mounted onto the epilator. According to the present system, each attachment has a coupling by which the attachment can be coupled to a driver of the epilator for vibrating the attachment.

Abstract: The stabilization of the dermal area around a follicular unit of hair for harvesting comprises the introduction of a small volume of fluid into the dermal area around a target follicular unit in order to stabilize the dermal area and initiate a limited time period during which the harvesting of the target follicular unit can occur.

Abstract: A device for removing hair includes a housing and a shaving head fixedly positioned in the housing. The shaving head includes generally disk-like depilator assemblies mounted on a shaft. Each of the assemblies includes a disk includes sloping regions on faces of the disk between lobes of the disk, pressure-transferring protrusions, and a rotation-transferring protrusion elements on the faces, a spacer disposed on the faces to prevent an accumulation of debris and/or to allow for periodic tilting of the disk so as to force the pressure transferring portion to press a pincer of an adjacent disc. A recess in one of the faces accommodates a one rotation-transferring protrusion of another adjacent disk to transfer a rotational force therebetween. Pincers are disposed between the lobes at the sloping portions and tilt about an axis according to contact with the pressure-transferring protrusions of the adjacent disk.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for orienting a hair harvesting tool relative to a follicular unit to be harvested. Further, systems and methods of implanting follicular units are provided, which are based on the orientation of the existing follicular units or based on predetermined insertion angle. The provided systems and methods use image processing and image-generated topological skin models. In some embodiments surface fit is performed using, for example, a planar fit, quadric fit, cubic fit, mesh fit and parametric fit.

Abstract: Tools and methods are provided for removing follicular units from a body surface while improving retention of the follicular units in the removal tool. The removal tool is configured to accommodate a retention member. The retention member may comprise pivotally movable elements which retain the follicular unit in the removal tool. The described tools and methods are especially useful for harvesting follicular units from a body surface in a hair transplantation process.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a skin treatment device for professional and private use. In particular the present invention concerns a skin treatment device comprising a drive unit and a first attachment and a second attachment, the first attachment comprising a brush, the second attachment comprising an epilation or a depilation unit, wherein the first attachment comprises a gear box and the second attachment comprises a gear box and the gear box comprises by the second attachment provides a gear reduction of at least 1.25 to 4.

Abstract: A hair removal apparatus adapted to remove hair from various parts of the body utilizing a threading member. The hair removal apparatus can be manually, electrically, or battery operated, and is configured to fit comfortably within the palm of a user's hand such that the user may accurately guide the hair removal apparatus over the desired hair-removal region.

Abstract: A hair removal appliance includes a hand-held part and interchangeable tool attachments. The hand-held part includes a housing on which various tool attachments are mountable, as well as a drive mechanism which is arranged in the housing and includes a driving element to which a respective tool attachment is adapted to be coupled with its attachment-side driving element. The tool attachments each have a coupling portion of identical construction and are connectable to a complementary coupling portion on the hand-held part of the hair removal appliance. Each of the tool attachments includes a driving element adapted to be coupled to a driving element on the side of the hand-held part.

Abstract: A system and method for harvesting, storing, and implanting biological units, in particular hair follicular units (FUs). The system is particularly useful to facilitate hair transplant procedures. FUs are harvested from a body surface, either attached to a patient or in a strip of removed tissue, and shuttled into a cartridge having a plurality of receptacles. The receptacles are open in a distal direction toward a removal tool, but a cover over the proximal ends of the receptacles prevents the FUs from continuing out of the cartridge. One way to shuttle the FUs is to provide a pressure differential, such as by applying suction to the proximal end of a receptacle. The shuttle subsystem may be incorporated within an overall automated or robotic system, or the shuttle subsystem may form part of a semi-automated or even manual apparatus.

Abstract: The extraction of a hair graft from a harvesting area of a scalp employs a hollow punch fitted with an auxiliary instrumentation for separating a target graft from collagen fibrils which resist extraction. A water jet which follows the annular path of the punch as it rotates into the scalp is described as well as a vibrating punch alternative embodiment for achieving the desired separation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selecting follicular units in a distribution of follicular units are provided. A selection parameter, such as a distance-related parameter separating the follicular units to be selected, may be used to determine a desired quantity of follicular units to be selected, such as a desired percentage of follicular units to be selected, and to help provide a substantially uniform distribution of selected follicular units. In addition, a characteristic parameter, such as a characteristic distance or characteristic density, may be determined. The characteristic parameter may be used in determining the desired quantity of follicular units to be selected and or may be used for treatment purposes.

Abstract: Provided herein is an instrument and method useful to incise in to the skin to a precise depth and at a specific angle with respect to the surface of the skin of a patient, for the extraction of individual follicular groups or individual follicular units. An instrument according to the invention precisely limits the depth of incision, and creates a circular incision around a hair, follicular unit, or follicular cluster in a manner such that no damage occurs to any of the hair shafts.

Abstract: A clamping device for a motor-driven epilation apparatus. The clamping device has a first clamping element with a first contact surface, in the region of which a three-dimensional clamping structure is provided. The clamping device has a second clamping element with a second contact surface. The contact surfaces of the clamping elements are intermittently brought in mutual clamping contact during the operation of the epilation apparatus. The hardness of the second clamping element in the region of the second contact surface is lower than that of the first clamping element in the region of the first contact surface.

Abstract: Tools and methods are provided for removing follicular units from a body surface while improving retention of the follicular units in the removal tool. The removal tool is configured to accommodate a retention member. The retention member may comprise pivotally movable elements which retain the follicular unit in the removal tool. The described tools and methods are especially useful for harvesting follicular units from a body surface in a hair transplantation process.

Abstract: We describe devices, methods, and systems used for hair removal. In particular, we describe hair removal devices, particularly epilation devices, methods of using those devices, and systems including those hair removal devices. Our hair removal devices include, in combination, a.) at least one primary energy source that applies that energy, e.g., radio-frequency (RF), high intensity focused ultrasonic (HIFU) energy, or high intensity light, e.g., intense-pulsed light (IPL) or light from flash lamps or lasers, to the skin or to hair in a continuous, semi-continuous, or pulsed mode and b.) a hair removal component or components, such as rotary mechanical hair removal structures or epilators, that perform a mechanical hair removal step. Auxiliary treatment or control components such as comparatively lower power heaters, ultrasound devices, coolers, impedance measurement devices, etc. may also be included in the combination or used in conjunction with our combination device.

Abstract: A hand held device generates a predetermined number of pulses of electromagnetic radiation having a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum, a predetermined duration, a predetermined inter-pulse interval, and a predetermined total energy. The pulse sequence is delivered to a skin surface to reduce or eliminate Xray or ultraviolet radiation damage to the skin surface.

Abstract: Provided herein is an instrument and method useful to incise in to the skin to a precise depth and at a specific angle with respect to the surface of the skin of a patient, for the extraction of individual follicular groups or individual follicular units. An instrument according to the invention precisely limits the depth of incision, and creates a circular incision around a hair, follicular unit, or follicular cluster in a manner such that no damage occurs to any of the hair shafts.

Abstract: Tools and methods of use for removing biological units from a body surface utilizing a removal tool are disclosed. The tool incorporates a retention member configured to impede movement of the biological unit in the direction of a distal end of the tool and to improve retention of the biological unit in the tool. The retention member is radially movable within the lumen of the biological unit removal tool. The distal tips of the tools are desirably configured to reduce the chance of transection of a biological unit.

Abstract: An electrical depilator includes a main body (1) and a head (2) mounted on the main body. The head includes a hair-plucking assembly (20) mounted on a frame (7), and with a shell (16) covering thereon. The hair-plucking assembly includes a plurality of discs (11) and discs carriers (10), a transmission gear (9), and a bearing cover being fitted over an arcuate shaft (5) and rotating in sync. Each discs carrier bears one disc. Each disc has a substantially circular and continuous circumference (115), and an undulating surface (112). Upper portions (110) and lower portions (111) for grasping and removing hair are radially and alternately arrayed to configurate such undulating surface of the disc. The electrical depilator can steadily and smoothly removing hair at a speed increased at least 3 times.

Abstract: A method for the extraction of follicular units from a donor area on a patient. The method includes scoring the outer skin layers with a sharp punch, and then inserting a blunt punch into the incision to separate the hair follicle from the surrounding tissue and fatty layer. The method will significantly decrease the amount of follicular transection and increase the rate at which follicular units can be extracted.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes an elongated member (1), a dissection module (10), and an extraction module (701). The dissection module is removably attachable to a first end of the elongated member and includes a tissue separating device (10). The extraction module is removably attachable to the first end of the elongated member and includes a suction port and a tissue removal implement (13,14) disposed within the suction port.

Abstract: We describe devices, methods, and systems used for hair removal. In particular, we describe hair removal devices, particularly epilation devices, methods of using those devices, and systems including those hair removal devices. Our hair removal devices include, in combination, a.) at least one primary energy source that applies that energy, e.g., radio-frequency (RF), high intensity focused ultrasonic (HIFU) energy, or high intensity light, e.g., intense-pulsed light (IPL) or light from flash lamps or lasers, to the skin or to hair in a continuous, semi-continuous, or pulsed mode and b.) a hair removal component or components, such as rotary mechanical hair removal structures or epilators, that perform a mechanical hair removal step. Auxiliary treatment or control components such as comparatively lower power heaters, ultrasound devices, coolers, impedance measurement devices, etc. may also be included in the combination or used in conjunction with our combination device.

Abstract: Tools and methods of use for removing biological units from a body surface utilizing a removal tool are disclosed. The tool incorporates a retention member configured to impede movement of the biological unit in the direction of a distal end of the tool and to improve retention of the biological unit in the tool. The retention member is radially movable within the lumen of the biological unit removal tool. The distal tips of the tools are desirably configured to reduce the chance of transection of a biological unit.

Abstract: The present application is directed to apparatus, systems and methods for automated delivery of fluids. According to one aspect, it is especially useful in providing a restricted flow of fluid to a tool, for example, a cannula or a needle used in hair transplantation. According to another aspect, the systems and methods provided herein enable the hair harvesting or a hair implantation tool to be cleaned, flushed or lubricated.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for physically dislodging, extricating, and manipulating ingrown body and facial hair so as to prevent and correct pseudofolliculitis barbae, pseudofolliculitis pubis, and pseudofolliculitis nuchae. The device comprises a rasp, an insert, a handle, and a cap. The rasp is the primary component of the device. The rasp extricates ingrown hair from hair follicles; dislodges imbedded hair from underneath the epidermal layer of the skin thereby allowing the hair to fully emerge from the follicle. The rasp also prevents extrafollicular and transfollicular penetration of the follicle wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an epilator comprising a holder and a deformable unitary epilating element prestressed into a curved configuration and mounted rotatably on said holder, said unitary element being made up of a plurality of adjacent discs connected together by spacers and hinge elements arranged in such a way as to form a pivot line for two adjacent discs which, when said unitary element is being used by being rotated, each pivot with their neighbor and form a diverging region where certain discs are parted from each other leaving open spaces, and a converging compression region where certain discs are pressed against each other, forming tweezers which pinch and remove the hairs from the skin.

Abstract: Tools and methods are provided for removing biological units from a body surface utilizing a removal tool. The tools may incorporate retention members and mechanisms configured to impede movement of the biological unit in the direction of a distal end of the tool and to improve retention of the biological unit in the tool. Some of the retention members are stationary and some are movable within the lumen of the biological unit removal tools. The distal tips of the tools are desirably configured to reduce the chance of transection of a biological unit, such as by including both cutting segments and blunt relief segments. A number of dual concentric tube embodiments permit a division of removal functions. Distal fluid or gas delivery may supplement a vacuum in a luminal space to help extract biological units from surrounding tissue.