Abstract: A manual depilatory device has handles attached to opposite ends of a length of resilient coiled wire. Body hair, such as facial hair, is removed by grasping the handles and bending the coiled wire into a generally U-shaped configuration or semi-circle. The handles are manually twisted and the coiled wire moved along the skin surface of the body area from which hair is to be removed, causing hair to become lodged within the coiled wire and removed from the skin.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an appliance for the epilation of the human skin, having a housing to accommodate a motor and a drive mechanism for driving at least one clamping device (43) by means of which the user's hairs can be extracted. Moreover, means are provided to reduce the sense of pain during epilation. These means include at least one element (55) that is movable toward and away from the skin when the appliance is placed in epilating position on the user's skin. According to the present invention, the at least one element (55) has a free end (56) and is arranged adjacent to the side of the rotary clamping device (43). In consequence, the user perceives at least subjectively a reduced sense of pain during epilation. Still further, a method for epilation and a method for the use of the appliance of the present invention are described.

Abstract: A depilation device is provided with a housing which has a handle portion extending parallel to a longitudinal housing direction, which handle portion can be held in one hand, and a head portion connected to the handle portion, and with depilation means which are provided in the region of the head portion and which can be applied to a body region to be depilated transversely to the longitudinal housing direction, wherein, the housing being of angled design, so that the head portion extends transversely to the handle portion, while the depilation means are formed by depilation discs which are provided at the free end of the head portion facing away from the handle portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hair removing device (1) comprising a hair removing member (3) for removing hairs from human skin and an auxiliary member for generating a change of the temperature of the skin present near the hair removing member. According to the invention, the auxiliary member comprises a heating member (13) for generating a rise in temperature of the skin present near the hair removing member. Said temperature rise has a pain masking effect, which can be attributed to the fact that the heat receptors present in the heated skin generate heat signals in the nervous system which block the pain signals generated by the adjacent pain receptors when the hairs are being removed. Thus, the user experiences less pain during the removal of the hairs.

Abstract: A device for removing unwanted hair, including a hair-plucking assembly, a vibration assembly, a driving assembly, and a housing. The hair-plucking assembly includes at least two groups of disc assemblies that remove hairs as they rotate. In an alternative embodiment, disc assemblies are arranged in at least two rows, where disc assemblies arranged in one row rotate in an opposite direction to disc assemblies arranged in another row. As the hair-plucking assembly removes hair, the vibration assembly vibrates to massage the area of hair removal to minimize discomfort associated with the hair removal. In addition, an illumination mechanism may be added to the hair removal device to illuminate the hair removal area so as to help the user see the progress of hair removal.

Abstract: A depilation system (1) with a depilation device (2) and a cooling device (3). The housing (4) of the depilation device (2) is of angled design and is provided with a front outer wall (18) and a rear outer wall (19) in accordance with its angled shape, while a head portion (7) of the housing (4) extends transversely to a handle portion (6) of the housing (4), and depilation discs are provided at the tree end of the head portion (7). The cooling device (3) is provided for the major part in the region of the front outer wall (18) of the housing (4) of the depilation device (2).

Abstract: The invention is directed to an appliance for the epilation of the human skin, having a housing to accommodate a motor and a drive mechanism for driving at least one clamping device (43) by means of which the user's hairs can be extracted. Moreover, means are provided to reduce the sense of pain during epilation. These means include at least one element (55) that is movable toward and away from the skin when the appliance is placed in epilating position on the user's skin. According to the present invention, the at least one element (55) has a free end (56) and is arranged adjacent to the side of the rotary clamping device (43). In consequence, the user perceives at least subjectively a reduced sense of pain during epilation. Still further, a method for epilation and a method for the use of the appliance of the present invention are described.

Abstract: A device for extricating ingrown hairs comprising a housing and a blade member disposed in the housing. The blade member has a proximal portion and a distal portion with the distal portion terminating in a hook member and the proximal portion attached to the housing via an attachment means. The attachment means provides the hook member with an adjustable tension for rotatable hair removal.

Abstract: A depilating device including a housing, a depilation head detachably attached to the housing and including a hair removing device configured to remove hairs, a driving unit provided in the housing and configured to drive the hair removing device, and at least one overload clutch provided in the housing to transmit driving output by the driving unit to the hair removing device and configured to interrupt transmission of the driving when a torque required to operate the hair removing device is beyond a predetermined value.

Abstract: A device for extricating ingrown hairs comprising a housing and a blade member disposed in the housing. The blade member has a proximal portion and a distal portion with the distal portion terminating in a hook member and the proximal portion attached to the housing via an attachment means.

Abstract: An epilating device has a rotary cylinder carrying a plurality of pinching row units arranged around the cylinder. An actuator bar is connected to movable blades in each row unit and is caused by a driven mechanism to move the movable blades towards the adjacent blades for pinching body hairs therebetween and plucking the hairs as the cylinder rotates. After the actuator bar is released from the driven mechanism, the bar is urged by a return spring to move the blades away from the adjacent blade to be ready for subsequent hair pinching. All the actuator bars spaced circumferentially around the cylinder and provided respectively for the row units are coupled commonly to the one return spring so that the epilating device can have an increased number of the row units around the cylinder only at a minimum number of the springs.

Abstract: A method too permanently remove unwanted hair using a diode or other laser source in a post-treatment mode is disclosed. The method is not limited by skin pigmentation, causes no pain, and minimizes damage to surrounding tissue. The hair in the treatment area is first removed using conventional stripping techniques leaving the hair follicles substantially empty. While the follicles are still open, a special photosensitizing lotion is rubbed into the skin and then penetrates in the depth of the follicle. A solvent is then used to clean the surface of the skin from excess photosensitizer, while the photosensitizer remains in the follicles. In this way, the follicular ducts are selectively sensitized. An area containing the follicles is then irradiated by a diode laser in the near IR range and the follicles are thereby killed. There is no waiting time necessary in between different steps of treatment and generally only one application of laser radiation is required.

Abstract: A motor-powered depilatory device employing a hair-plucking assembly containing a right hand actuator element and a left hand actuator element, identical in construction, each carrying opposing tweezer elements, which fit together in interleaved fashion, arranged to define hair-traps, with the hair-plucking assembly being rotatable about a central shaft and operable to close and open the hair-traps by a system of cams and springs. The device is designed to allow for self-alignment of the tweezer elements, ensuring that all tweezer elements close simultaneously during a revolution of the hair-plucking assembly, with no excessive applied force being required, thus enabling uniform distribution of gripping force among all hair-traps, despite inaccuracies in manufacture. Quality of hair plucking is thereby improved, where quality of plucking is defined as the percentage of hairs plucked versus percentage of hairs cut.

Abstract: An epilating device including a plurality of blades, a blade moving member, and an actuator. The plurality of blades are configured to pluck hairs and includes at least one movable blade which is configured to oscillate to grip and release the hairs. The blade moving member is configured to be reciprocally and linearly moved to oscillate the at least one movable blade. The actuator is configured to move the blade moving member reciprocally and linearly without contacting the blade moving member.

Abstract: The depilation system comprises an electric depilation apparatus and a cartridge. The depilation apparatus comprises a depilation head, a drive unit, and a chamber adapted to accommodate the cartridge. The cartridge comprises a reservoir for holding a substance, a discharge channel, and a pump. The chamber extends between the depilation head and the drive unit. The depilation head is movable with respect to the depilation apparatus in such a manner that the chamber is accessible. In order to enable the pump to be actuated, the depilation apparatus comprises an actuator which extends into the chamber. A mechanism couples the actuator to a button at the exterior of the depilation apparatus in such a manner that the actuator can be driven by moving the button.

Abstract: An epilation appliance for the removal of hairs from the skin of a human body includes a rotary cylinder equipped with clamping elements operable to execute a closing movement within a zone of the rotary movement of the rotary cylinder. A mechanism of the epilation device is pivotable for adjusting the zone of the closing movement in dependence upon the angle at which the epilation appliance is placed against the skin, with the pivot axis being disposed in offset relation to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an appliance for the epilation of the human skin, having a housing to accommodate a motor and a drive mechanism for driving at least one clamping device (43) by which the user's hairs can be extracted. Moreover, a stimulus mechanism is provided to reduce the sense of pain during epilation. This mechanism includes at least one element (55) that is movable toward and away from the skin when the appliance is placed in epilating position on the user's skin. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the at least one element (55) has a free end (56) and is arranged adjacent to the side of the rotary clamping device (43). In consequence, the user perceives at least subjectively a reduced sense of pain during epilation. Still further, a method for epilation and a method for the use of the appliance of the present invention are described.

Abstract: A hand-held epilating device capable of increasing plucking efficiency. The epilating device has a housing to be grasped by a hand of a user, and a plucking cylinder carrying at least one set of pinching elements for catching and pinching body hairs therebetween. The plucking cylinder has a longitudinal axis and is driven to rotate about the longitudinal axis to pluck the body hairs from the user's skin. The plucking cylinder is supported to the housing so as to effect a periodical movement relative to the housing within a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis. Thus, the area of the skin covered by the plucking cylinder can have increased chances of being in contact with the pinching elements as the pinching elements move periodically relative to the skin together with the plucking cylinder, thereby improving the plucking efficiency.

Abstract: A system for producing preferential damage to hair exiting mammalian skin. A agent having an average diameter for enabling the agent to penetrate the hair duct is selected. The agent is designed to attach to, or become physically incorporated into, the hair shaft, the hair follicle, the hair bulb or the hair duct. The agent has an electromagnetic radiation absorption characteristic which enables the agent to absorb a first wavelength of electromagnetic radiation from a skin-penetrating electromagnetic radiation source, such as a laser. The agent is applied to the skin so that the agent penetrates the skin and attaches to or becomes physically incorporated into the hair shaft, the hair follicle, the hair bulb or the hair duct. The agent is exposed to the first wavelength of electromagnetic radiation and absorbs the first wavelength of electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A nozzle with an abrasion chamber for removal of the outermost layer of skin and the skin treatment system for use therewith. The abrasive material flows across a slot formed in the abrasion chamber. The path of the abrasive material may be generally helical. In the preferred helical embodiments, the paths are either vertically or horizontally oriented within the abrasion nozzle. To promote the spiral path of the material, some embodiments feed the abrasive material into the abrasion chamber at an angle causing the material to flow down the curved sidewall of a generally cylindrical abrasion chamber, thereby encouraging the spiral path.

Abstract: A dual ended hair remover which includes a casing having a motor, an epilating head for plucking hairs from the skin of a user attached to one end of the casing, a depilating head for cutting the hairs from the skin of the user attached to the other end of the casing, and a handle which covers one of the epilating and depilating heads while providing power to the other one of the epilating and depilating heads. The handle fits over one or the other end of the casing and provides power to the head which is not covered. The handle may also simultaneously provide power to the head which is covered. The handle protects the user and the unused head by covering the unused head and provides power to at least the head which is in use. Further, by incorporating the epilating and depilating heads on the casing at the same time and at opposite ends, ease of use is obtained. Still further, in the instances that only the head which is in use is being driven, power conservation is achieved.

Abstract: A device for removing unwanted hair, including a hair-plucking assembly, a vibration assembly, a driving assembly, and a housing. The hair-plucking assembly includes at least two groups of disc assemblies that remove hairs as they rotate. In an alternative embodiment, disc assemblies are arranged in at least two rows, where disc assemblies arranged in one row rotate in an opposite direction to disc assemblies arranged in another row. As the hair-plucking assembly removes hair, the vibration assembly vibrates to massage the area of hair removal to minimize discomfort associated with the hair removal. In addition, an illumination mechanism may be added to the hair removal device to illuminate the hair removal area so as to help the user see the progress of hair removal.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an epilation appliance and a method for using the appliance, in particular for epilation of the human skin, with a hand-holdable housing which accommodates a motor for driving a clamping device (14), particularly a rotary clamping device, which is provided in the appliance and equipped with clamping elements (16) to grip and pluck the hairs, and with a component for reducing the sense of pain during the extraction of hairs, the component including at least one electrode. With the component an electric spark (76) is producible on the skin prior to the extraction of the hairs, the spark (76) provoking an additional pain corresponding in its pain characteristic to the pain of epilation, but preferably having a lower pain intensity.

Abstract: A depilatory device comprises a body with an integral, deformable finger hold on the top, an abrasive surface on the bottom, and contours having generally pointed projections and corners to facilitate the removal of hair from confined or difficult to reach parts of the body.

Abstract: A new method and apparatus for the long-term removal of hair are provided. Ultrasonic energy is transmitted to a needle passed through the skin into an individual hair follicle. The resulting cavitation of the area surrounding the hair follicle causes the hair follicle to be disrupted. The process is repeated for individual hair follicles over the selected region of the body.

Abstract: A hair-removing device composed of a hair-removal roller driven in rotation by a motor around an axis of rotation arranged behind a housing window, a control mechanism for successively leading tweezing blades to close against one another in order to tweeze hairs to be plucked and then to separate from one another and a pain-soothing device composed of elements mounted on the roller. The elements are mounted in a fixed position on the roller and each element has at least one protuberance extending beyond a virtual cylinder coaxial with said roller and in which are inscribed said tweezing edges of said tweezing blades, and each protuberance has an outer end that is inclined or rounded along a plane that is transverse to the axis of rotation of the roller and that passes through the element from which the protuberance extends.

Abstract: An epilatory wax container or a device, for example an applicator, for use in conjunction therewith includes a thermochromic material. The color change of the thermochromic material provides an indication that the wax in the container is at an appropriate temperature for application to the body.

Abstract: Depilation apparatus with a housing and a depilation member for gripping hairs on human skin and pulling the hairs from the skin comprises a vibration member for exerting mechanical vibrations on the skin. Such mechanical vibrations have an anaesthetizing effect on the skin so that pain sensations caused by the process of pulling hairs from the skin are relieved. The vibration member comprises flexible protrusions which have been disposed on a carrier. In this way, the mechanical vibrations are introduced into the skin in distinct concentrated positions on the skin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a depilatory device having a compressible coil spring positioned between two arms which may be used to grasp and pluck hair for temporary hair removal or to radiate radio waves to permanently destroy hairs that are either proximal to the coil spring or held between the coils of the coil spring.

Abstract: A device for inhibiting growth of unwanted hair. A light-absorbing contaminant applied to the surface of a section of skin so that some of the contaminant infiltrates hair ducts is placed in spaced apart relationship to an illumination source that provides light absorbed by the contaminant. When the light penetrates the section of skin and is absorbed by the contaminant in the hair ducts, the follicles and/or skin tissue surrounding the follicles is heated so as to inhibit hair growth.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for removing hair from a selected skin area comprising the steps of (a) applying a liposome composition comprising a photosensitizer to the selected skin area so that the composition is introduced into hair follicle ducts of the skin area, wherein the photosensitizer is present in the composition in an amount effective to undergo a reaction and damage the hair follicles upon application to the skin area of light at an appropriate wavelength, energy and duration to penetrate the skin and activate the photosensitizer; (b) removing from the skin area substantially all of the liposome composition which is not introduced into the hair follicle ducts; and (c) applying light to the skin area at an appropriate wavelength, energy and duration to penetrate the skin and cause the photosensitizer to undergo a reaction to damage the hair follicles. The present invention also provides a composition useful for hair removal.

Abstract: A device for removing unwanted hair, including a hair-plucking assembly and a vibrating assembly adjacent the hair-plucking assembly, wherein the device removes hair by uprooting it while vibrating the skin to minimize discomfort.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an appliance for the epilation of the human skin, having a housing to accommodate a motor and a drive mechanism for driving at least one clamping device (43) by which the user's hairs can be extracted. Moreover, a stimulus mechanism is provided to reduce the sense of pain during epilation. This mechanism includes at least one element (55) that is movable toward and away from the skin when the appliance is placed in epilating position on the user's skin. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the at least one element (55) has a free end (56) and is arranged adjacent to the side of the rotary clamping device (43). In consequence, the user perceives at least subjectively a reduced sense of pain during epilation. Still further, a method for epilation and a method for the use of the appliance of the present invention are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a depilation apparatus, comprising a housing which accommodates a pinching member for consecutively pinching hairs growing from human skin and twisting the pinched hairs about their longitudinal axes.According to the invention, the pinching member holds the pinched hairs in a substantially constant position relative to the housing while twisting the hairs. In this manner, the pinching member does not pull at the hairs and, therefore, does not cause any pain while twisting the hairs. The hairs are twisted by the pinching member until the adhesion between the hairs and the skin tissue is broken or until the hairs are broken beneath the skin surface. After having been twisted in this manner, the hairs can be removed from the skin substantially without pain.

Abstract: A device and process for the permanent removal of unwanted human hair. Hair on a section of skin is contaminated with a substance having high absorption of a frequency band of light. The skin is illuminated with light at this frequency band at sufficient intensity and duration to kill the follicles or the skin tissue feeding the hair. One embodiment to produce death of the follicles or the skin tissues feeding the hair is by photochemical reaction.

Abstract: A method of treating a sphincter provides a catheter means and an energy delivery device means coupled to the catheter means. The energy delivery device means has a tissue piercing distal end. The catheter means is introduced into an esophagus. A sphincter exterior surface is pierced with the energy delivery device means tissue piercing distal. The energy delivery device means tissue piercing distal end is advanced a sufficient distance in an interior of the sphincter to a tissue site. Energy is controllably delivered to the tissue site. Controlled cell necrosis is created in the sphincter to reduce a frequency of sphincter relaxation.

Abstract: An improved epilating device is capable of effectively removing the hairs at different skin portions of the human body. The epilating device includes a single housing which is shaped to be grasped by the hand of a user and which includes a drive source. The housing carries a first epilation module provided at its top with a first plucking head which is driven by the drive source to effect the plucking of the body hairs. The first plucking head has a length defining therealong a first epilation zone. Also carried on the housing is a second epilation module provided at its top with a second plucking head which is driven commonly by the drive source to effect plucking of the body hairs. The second plucking head has a length defining therealong a second epilation zone.

Abstract: An electrolysis system comprises one or more patches that are secured to a skin surface. Electric current generated by an electrolysis machine directs electric current between the one or more patches and the underlying skin area. This electric current is effective to be transmitted along hair follicles underlying the patches so as to perform an electrolysis operation on the underlying hair. After a selected time period of decomposition, the hairs underlying the patch can be easily removed from the patient's skin.

Abstract: A depilatory device having a manually grippable casing and enclosing a motor for driving a rotary roller (1) around a central shaft (10) disposed behind a window provided in the casing. The roller has one or several rows of tweezers, each row being formed by a first series of side-by-side, parallel movable blades (20) interposed with a second series of fixed disks or equally movable blades (40), as well as control elements (56-85) for moving the movable blades in translation in the longitudinal direction of the shaft so as to press them against the others in order to grasp the hairs to be extracted, then separate them. The blades (20, 40) of at least one series are cross-shaped, one pair of opposite arms (23) being at least partly curved in one longitudinal direction, the other orthogonal pair of opposite arms (23') being at least partly curved in the other direction, these blades being held by their respective support (10, 30) in their base (21, 41) at the junction point of the arms.

Abstract: A depilator has a casing, a row of tweezers, and a skin tensioner which is driven independently from the skin tensioner. When using the depilator, the user grips the casing of the depilator. The skin tensioner swings back and forth between a home position and a tensioning position, thereby applying an appropriate tension to the skin during the depilation.The pain caused by plucking hair is reduced. The driving load of the skin tensioner can also be reduced.

Abstract: Grafts containing intact hair follicles are transected into smaller grafts containing transected follicles. Each smaller graft is then implanted individually into incisions within a recipient area.

Abstract: The invention features a method of removing a hair, involving mechanically or chemically removing the hair to expose the follicle of the hair, and then treating the follicle to inhibit its ability to regenerate a hair. Removing the hair facilitates the uptake of a follicle-inactivating compound and thus allows for long-term inhibition of hair growth.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for producing hair transplantation donor strips for use in hair transplantation procedures. According to one exemplary method, a surgical instrument is provided having at least two planar blades, with each blade having a sharpened edge, and with the blades being substantially parallel to each other. The blades are translated along and through an area of the scalp having hair to form at least two parallel incisions in the scalp. The orientation of the blades relative to the hair is adjusted such that the blades are generally aligned at all times with the direction of hair growth for the hair between the blades when the surgeon is making the incisions. A graft of skin having hair is then removed from between the incisions formed by the blades. At least a portion of the graft of skin having at least one hair is then placed into another area of the scalp.

Abstract: A device for removing unwanted hair, including a housing and a hair-plucking assembly, rotatably mounted to the housing, wherein the hair-plucking assembly comprises at least one disc assembly, wherein the disc assembly comprises an insert disc having at least one arm and two outer discs having at least one arm apiece, wherein the arms of the outer discs may be pressed against the arm of the insert disc to form two traps for hair.

Abstract: The invention provides an exemplary dermal punch and methods for its use. The dermal punch comprises a handle and a tubular shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is operably attached to the handle and the distal end is sharpened and has a generally hourglass shape.

Abstract: A device and method are set forth for performing hair grafts which includes a housing, plunger with a needle, and a carriage containing an inventory of hair grafts to be placed. The plunger is placed at an extended position where the needle extends from the catheter and the needle and catheter are inserted into the tissue. The plunger and needle are withdrawn and the carriage is indexed to position a graft. The plunger is moved to urge the graft from the carriage through the catheter into the tissue for transplantation.

Abstract: A depilatory device includes a pair of base members pivotally connected to one another and which support, at opposite ends of each base member, a pair of anchors that extend generally perpendicularly from the base members. A pair of string-like elongated elements arranged in mutually twisted engagement are attached to the anchors in such a manner such that the coils formed by the elongate elements travel linearly along the length of the depilatory device as the base members pivot with respect to one another. The result in an effective hair engagement and removal assembly.

Abstract: A process for the permanent destruction of unwanted human hair. Hair duct in a section of skin in which the unwanted hair is growing is contaminated with a contaminant having a very large number of small particles having a high absorption at at least one frequency band of light. The skin section is then illuminated with a series of short pulses of light at the frequency band of high absorption, the first of the short pulses having sufficient energy to cause a large number of the particles to explode into two or more fragments so as to spread said contaminant in the hair ducts and subsequent pulses having sufficient energy to cause a large number of the fragments to further explode into additional fragments to further spread the contaminant in the hair duct. The explosions and energy is transferred to and from the particles and fragments causing damage to skin tissue surrounding said hair ducts so as to cause death to the hairs growing in the ducts.

Abstract: A hand-held depilating device capable of masking the pain of plucking the hairs. A plucking head has a plurality of pinching elements which arrange along a horizontal axis in a closely adjacent relation and are driven to close and open gaps between the pinching elements for pinching the hairs between the adjacent elements and release the hairs therefrom. A cycler or turning mechanism is included to cyclically move the plucking head in a direction crossing with the horizontal axis so as to define, in combination with the movement of closing and opening the pinching elements, repeated depilating cycles of introducing the hairs between the adjacent pinching elements, pinching the hairs therebetween, plucking the hairs from the skin, and releasing the hairs from between the pinching elements. Mounted to the top of the housing adjacent to the plucking head is a simulator which applies stimuli to the skin independently of the plucking head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for hair removal are provided. A hand held, manually operated depilatory device removes hairs located along a length of a linear axis. A string-like, elongate element is positioned within a frame and may be removed for cleaning or replacement. Hair is engaged with and captured by a moving twisted engagement of an elongate, string-like element and pulled away and removed from the skin of a subject. The elongate element is removable and replaceable which improves hygienic maintenance and performance adjustment of the apparatus. The length of the twisted engagement and the number of its twists are adjustable by a user.