Abstract: A system having a plurality of light sources that emit light focused to treat an internal treatment site at a location determined using an imaging device that is integrally mounted in a housing with the plurality of light sources. The imaging device may include, for example, either an ultrasonic transducer or a gamma probe that produces a signal suitable for displaying an image of the internal treatment site. The image thus displayed enables the location, shape, extent, and depth of the internal treatment site to be determined so that an operator can correctly position the housing in which the imaging device and light sources are disposed. Each light source is provided with either a conventional refractive lens or a totally internally reflective (TIR) lens that directs and focuses the light at the appropriate depth within a patient's body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing and treating septicemia in patient blood. The extracorporeal system includes an anti-microbial device to kill at least 99% of bloodborne microorganisms, a hemoconcentrator/filtration unit to remove approximately 90% of target molecules from the patient blood and a filter unit to remove target molecules from patient blood from the sieved plasma filtrate. Target molecules are produced by microorganisms as well as the patient's cells and include endotoxins from gram negative bacteria, exotoxins from gram negative and gram positive bacteria, as well as RAP protein mediator from Staphylococcus aureus, and cell mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin 1-beta, complement proteins C3a and C5a, and brandykinin.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the cosmetic treatment of acne vulgaris utilize irradiation of the affected skin areas with light characterized by a combination of two emission spectra, one in a blue region and the other in a red region.

Abstract: A therapeutic treatment device is disclosed and includes a housing and an incoherent light source such as a flashlamp disposed in the housing. The flashlamp provides a pulsed light output for treatment of external skin disorders. To provide light to the treatment area the housing has an opening that is disposed adjacent a skin treatment area. A reflector is mounted within the housing near proximate the light source to reflect the light to the treatment area. At least one optical filter and an iris are mounted near the opening in the housing. Power to the lamp is provided by a pulse forming circuit that can provide a variable pulse width.

Abstract: A cosmetic method of treatment of dermatological conditions, particularly portwine stains, tattoos or psoriasis, which includes irradiating the affected area with an incoherent high intensity non-laser light beam having an intensity greater than 0.075 watts per square centimeter, the light beam having only a bandwidth in the range 0 to 30 nm. The method can include delivery of the light beam by optic fiber bundle by pulsed or non-pulsed light. The method can also include the introduction of a drug into the body undergoing the treatment, wherein the drug is activated by light of a particular wavelength.

Abstract: Tanning bed apparatus is provided for providing a person with an artificial sun tan. The apparatus includes a lower tanning unit and an upper tanning unit that is moveable between an open and a closed position where the units together form a tanning chamber. A first longitudinally extending edge of the lower tanning unit is positioned lower than the vertical center of the tanning chamber to ease the task of entering and exiting the chamber. A second longitudinally extending edge of the lower tanning unit includes at least one tanning bulb that is positioned at or above the vertical center of the chamber to eliminate uneven tanning along one longitudinally extending edge of the user. At least one tanning bulb in the first longitudinally extending edge of the upper tanning unit is positioned at or below the vertical center of the chamber to eliminate uneven tanning along the opposite longitudinally extending edges of the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing immunosurveillance capacity, particularly NK cell activity, without administration of medicines or immunological therapy. The apparatus comprises a light source, arranged to apply pulsed light to a user's forehead while preventing light produced by the light source from impinging on the user's eyes. The frequency of the pulsed light preferably is in the range of 0.5-13 Hz.

Abstract: To heat horizontal surfaces on which patients are placed after surgery, an irradiation apparatus with halogen lamps is provided, the radiation of which is directed toward the horizontal surface to heat it. The surface temperature prevailing in the irradiated area of the horizontal resting surface is detected by a pyrometric sensor as long-wave infrared radiation. This temperature value is used as the controlled variable and is compared with a predetermined nominal value, such as 37.degree. C. In the event of a deviation, a control signal corrects the irradiation intensity by adjusting the power supply to the halogen lamps.

Abstract: A laser apparatus and method is described for laser acupuncture therapy. A plurality of diode laser modules, a self-adhesive holder for each of the modules, and a timer-controlled power supply are implemented.

Abstract: A laser lancet tip and method for controlling laser incisions for the purpose of taking blood samples from patients in a variety of body locations and age groups. A removable tip on a laser is used to mask a laser pulse and modify the length and width of an incision made by the laser by only allowing a portion of the laser beam to contact the target surface. The depth of the incision may be controlled by either a lens or filter which is optically aligned with the laser beam.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for the inhibition of inflammatory diseases in biological tissue and a body part of user. The therapeutic device includes a body member having a work surface and a leading edge. A leading edge is positioned adjacent to the user so that the user extends at least a portion of the body part across the leading edge when working at repetitive motion task on the work surface. The therapeutic device further includes a plurality of lights for generating at least one beam of light positionable on the body part of the user when the user extends the body part across the leading edge. The light beam has a wave length and an intensity sufficient to inhibit the inflammation of the biological tissue in the body part of the user on which the beam of light is positioned.

Abstract: A diode laser irradiation system for treating biological tissue of a subject without exposing the tissue to damaging thermal effects. The system includes a manipulable wand for contact with the tissue, a diode laser disposed in the wand for irradiating the tissue with coherent optical energy at a power output level of less than one thousand milliwatts, and laser setting controls for operating the diode laser to achieve a rate of absorption and conversion to heat in the irradiated tissue in a range between a minimum rate sufficient to elevate the average temperature of the irradiated tissue to a level above the basal body temperature of the subject, and a maximum rate which is less than the rate at which the irradiated tissue is converted into a collagenous.

Abstract: Process and apparatus (170) for reducing adipose tissue in the human body (195), in certain areas by stimulating lipolysis through the presence of heat, provided by generators (185) of infrared rays (196) associated to muscular activity of an aerobic type, the generators (185) being fixed to specially made supports or mounted on gymnastic apparatus (170) and equipped so as to be directed onto the required areas of the body of the user (195) carrying out gymnastic exercises or muscular activity generally, either freely or with the aid of gymnastic apparatuses (170).

Abstract: A bright-light portable phototherapy unit to modify biological rhythms has a housing in which there is a source for producing light energy having a major portion in the visible light range. The housing is to be placed adjacent to the body of a user for positioning and directing the light from the source through an opening in the housing to be applied to the eyes of the user. The light source can be one or more fluorescent lamps and the light incident on the eyes preferably is at least 2,000 lux and, more preferably, at least 8,000 lux.

Abstract: An assembly for tanning in which a canopy containing both a source of fluorescent tanning lamps and electronic ballasts is attached to and able to rotate about the upper end of a pivoting arm. The lower end of the pivoting arm is inserted within and able to rotate about a leg of a base which is in the shape of a dog leg, the bend being in the plane of rotation of the pivoting arm. A counterbalancing member is attached to both the base and to the pivoting arm near the dog leg bend. The planes of rotation of both the pivoting arm and the counterbalancing member lie on the closed side of the "U" shape of the base. The pivoting arm may be rotated about its connection to the base, such that the entire assembly is placed in a compressed condition. In this compressed condition, a strap attached to either the canopy or pivoting arm can be attached to the base to maintain the assembly in the compressed condition during transport and storage.

Abstract: A tumor treatment apparatus is provided including a light source which emits a bundle of light including ultraviolet radiation, visible radiation and infrared radiation. Also provided are an infrared radiation filter which filters infrared radiation, a visible radiation filter which filters visible radiation, and an optical fiber which transmits a bundle of light transmitted through the infrared radiation filter and the visible radiation filter toward an affected part of a patient to be treated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiation generating apparatus for physical therapy and a process for its manufacture. The apparatus generates a characteristic radiation spectrum to treat and effectively treat or cure diseases of the blood circulating system, skin diseases, surgical wounds, arthritis, bronchitis, asthma, functional disorders of the stomach and/or intestines, gynecological and obstetric disorders such as dysmenorrhoea, hypertension, stress and for promoting the healing of wounds. The apparatus employs a radiation generator comprising a substrate, a transducing layer and a radiation generating layer. A dual purpose radiation treatment and lighting lamp is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for biological treatment comprises a body, a light source inside the body, a concave mirror mounted in an axial guide on a side of the body, an optical filter on the opposite side in an opening, a fan between the source and the concave mirror, two reflector cylinders positioned symmetrically between the source and the optical filter and rotating in opposite directions, and a rotary shalter disc at the same location as the optical filter and with orifices positioned coaxially with respect to the optical filter creating the effect of a light flux made up of the rays reflected by the mirror and the fan blades after the latter have received them from the source and the reflector cylinders. The apparatus is used for various biological treatment such as the treatment of viral diseases, rheumatic states, and the like.

Abstract: An improved non-coherent pulsed and colored light stimulation device used for therapeutic effects in living creatures. Pulsed/colored light is applied to local areas, or acupuncture macro or micro systems, by means of a small diameter optic fiber (10) housed in a pen-like handpiece (18) which makes application comfortable and precise. The light source is an adjustable rate strobe (4) with a housing attached to the front (6) which allows color gel slides (12) to be interchanged. The light passes through the slides (12) and through a length of jacketed flexible optic fiber (10) where it becomes visible again at the radiant tip (20) of the handpiece (18).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating psoriasis includes a source of incoherent electromagnetic energy. The energy is directed to a region of tissue to be treated. The pulse duration and the number of pulses may be selected to control treatment parameters such as the heating of healthy tissue and the penetration depth of the energy to optimize the treatment. Also, the radiation may be filtered to control the radiation spectrum and penetration depth. The filtering may include attenuating an UV portion of the radiation spectrum and portions of the spectrum below a desired treatment bandwidth. A light guide for large or small spot sizes may be used to direct the light to the skin. A cooling gel is applied to the skin to be treated in another embodiment. The gel may be cooled either before or after it is applied to the skin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus utilizing the action of simulated bio-frequency spectrum signals generated upon human beings, animals, plants, and micro-organisms to regulate and improve the status of growth and survival of said organisms. The simulated bio-frequency spectrum signals are generated through the excitation of one or a plurality of chemical elements and their compounds contained in the simulated bio-frequency spectrum signal generator by certain form of energy. Said simulated bio-frequency spectrum signals are broad band signals with wavelengths ranging from micrometers to centimeters. Said signals act upon certain sites of the organisms, elicit transition of the atoms, molecules, and electrons in the body of the organism, and cause resonances, thereby the aim of regulating and improving the status of growth of the organism is achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus for irradiating an infant includes a frame for supporting the infant, and a source of radiation positioned below the frame and the infant. The frame includes a fully transparent section for allowing the radiation to pass therethrough to the infant.

Abstract: This apparatus can generate simulated bio-frequency spectrum signals from 0.2 .mu.m-10 mm. The signals are produced by a simulated bio-spectrum generating component when monomer or compounds of one or more chemical elements in the apparatus are excited by a certain form of energy source (such as thermal energy or magnetic energy ). The simulated bio-spectrum signals are broad signals from .mu.m to mm. Through direct exposure to the affected parts of the body, the transiting of energy levels of the molecules, atoms and electrons, is a cause of the regulating and improving of the status of development and survival of living organisms.

Abstract: An illuminator for photodynamic therapy includes a bulb, a condenser lens assembly and a filter assembly. The filter assembly includes the following components in an optical path: (1) a high-pass filter to filter out light having wavelengths below a first wavelength value; (2) a low-pass dichroic filter to filter out light having wavelengths above a second wavelength value; and (3) a dichroic mirror which reflects light having wavelengths between the first wavelength value and the second wavelength value and which transmits infrared light. An exit lens assembly directs light transmitted through the high-pass filter and the low-pass dichroic filter and reflected by the dichroic mirror onto a patient for photodynamic therapy. The condenser lens assembly and the exit lens assembly scramble the beam to ensure that the patient is illuminated with light which is highly uniform in both intensity and spectral characteristics (color) throughout the illuminated area.

Abstract: The invention includes a method for the hyperthermic treatment of tumors including the steps of providing a pulsed radiation output from a radiation source; and directing said pulsed radiation output toward a tumor. The invention further includes an apparatus for the treatment of tumors having a radiation source adapted to produce broad-band pulsed radiation output at least in the visible and near-infrared range of wavelengths, a delivery system proximal to the radiation source and adapted to focus and direct the pulsed radiation output to a dermal treatment site, and a filtering system adapted to restrict the pulsed radiation output to bands in the visible and near-infrared range of wavelengths.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for enhancing immunosurveillance capacity, particularly, NK cell activity, without administration of medicines or immunological therapy, through a noninvasive and simple method. The invention also provides a method for enhancing power of concentration of users in intellectual activities. The method according to the invention is carried out by applying to the forehead, with foreign lights being excluded, a pulsed light in the frequency range of from 0.5 to 13 Hz, preferably in a frequency of a representative value in alpha wave band obtained by measuring brain waves of users or any frequencies near that representative value. NK cell activity is surely enhanced by the pulsed-light application with the eyes of users being shielded.

Abstract: A diode laser irradiation system for treating biological tissue of a subject without exposing the tissue to damaging thermal effects. The system includes a manipulable wand for contact with the tissue, a diode laser disposed in the wand for irradiating the tissue with coherent optical energy at a power output level of less than one thousand milliwatts, and laser setting controls for operating the diode laser to achieve a rate of absorption and conversion to heat in the irradiated tissue in a range between a minimum rate sufficient to elevate the average temperature of the irradiated tissue to a level above the basal body temperature of the subject, and a maximum rate which is less than the rate at which the irradiated tissue is converted into a collagenous substance.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating rhinitis by illumination including at least one light emitting diode (LED) pack, each having a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), suitable for insertion into at least one, respective, rhinitis affected nostril and operative for illuminating a rhinitis affected zone of the interior surface of the at least one nostril with non-coherent light radiation, the light radiation having a narrow bandwidth centered at a wavelength suitable for rhinitis treatment. Preferably, the rhinitis affected zone is illuminated continuously for a prescribed treatment duration.

Abstract: Tanning bed apparatus is provided for providing a person with an artificial sun tan. The apparatus includes a lower tanning unit and an upper tanning unit that is moveable between an open and a closed position where the units together form a tanning chamber. A first longitudinally extending edge of the lower tanning unit is positioned lower than the vertical center of the tanning chamber to ease the task of entering and exiting the chamber. A second longitudinally extending edge of the lower tanning unit includes at least one tanning bulb that is positioned at or above the vertical center of the chamber to eliminate uneven tanning along one longitudinally extending edge of the user. At least one tanning bulb in the first longitudinally extending edge of the upper tanning unit is positioned at or below the vertical center of the chamber to eliminate uneven tanning along the opposite longitudinally extending edges of the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to projection of biological energy on living things. The biological energy projector of the present invention comprises a photon producing means which produces an original photon from an outside power source, an energy changing means which changes the produced photon and an energy adjusting means which adjusts the changed energy to energy which is projected on a living thing but penetrates a lifeless thing.

Abstract: A radiation device for therapeutic use in the human body allows the application of light waves to an affected area of the body. A bulb, preferrably a xenon bulb, produces light which is passed through a lens module having silicon and carbon granules therein. By applying different lenses to the device, a variation in the wavelengths of light and radiation applied to an area is achieved. The device has a pistol-like housing to allow for controlled application of the radiation.

Abstract: A photochemotherapy dosimeter for monitoring cumulative photochemotherapy radiation dosage. The photochemotherapy dosimeter includes an optical fiber having a chemical cell attached at one end thereof. The chemical cell contains a photobleachable chemical which can be in a solution or incorporated into a matrix material. Changes in the absorption of the photobleachable chemical are used to monitor the cumulative photochemotherapy radiation dosage. In use, the chemical cell of the photochemotherapy dosimeter is positioned near an abnormal tissue which is subjected to photochemotherapy treatment.

Abstract: An article of manufacture for photodynamic therapy of a dermal lesion located at a dermal treatment site on skin including the stratum corneum, transparent hydrogel for covering the dermal treatment site and containing hydration agent and photopharmaceutical, the transparent hydrogel couples the hydration agent to the stratum corneum to hydrate and soften the stratum corneum to enhance its optical transmissiveness to facilitate the transmission of light therethrough and to enhance its chemical transmissiveness to facilitate the transmission therethrough of the photopharmaceutical for treatment of the dermal lesion; and light delivery means are included for delivering light through the transparent hydrogel and the hydrated stratum corneum to photoactivate the photopharmaceutical to treat the dermal lesion.

Abstract: Combination controller and patch for photodynamic therapy of a dermal lesion located at a dermal treatment site on skin including stratum corneum, the controller is optically connected to the patch and the patch includes hydrogel containing hydration agent and photopharmaceutical, the patch covers the site and the hydrogel engages and couples the hydration agent to the stratum corneum to hydrate and soften the stratum corneum to enhance its optical transmissiveness to facilitate the transmission of light therethrough and to enhance its chemical transmissiveness to facilitate the transmission therethrough of the photopharmaceutical for treatment of the dermal lesion, light delivery apparatus are included in the patch for receiving light from the controller and for delivering light through the hydrogel and the hydrated stratum corneum to the site to photoactivate the photopharmaceutical at the site to treat the dermal lesion.

Abstract: In an operating lamp device comprising a light source a guiding apparatus for the light source is provided which has a stationary position relative to the operating table or treatment chair for directing a light beam towards a certain treatment area and keeping it there. The guiding apparatus offers the light source a spherical cap-shaped area of movement of which the center of curvature coincides with the respective treatment area of a patient. The guiding apparatus might be attached to a movable back support or neck support, but might also be attached to a carrier not mechanically coupled to the operating table or treatment chair. In the latter case control signals generate a motion of the carrier in correspondence with a motion of the operating table or treatment chair.

Abstract: An illuminator for photodynamic therapy includes a bulb, a condenser lens assembly and a filter assembly. The filter assembly includes the following components in an optical path: (1) a high-pass filter to filter out light having wavelengths below a first wavelength value; (2) a low-pass dichroic filter to filter out light having wavelengths above a second wavelength value; and (3) a dichroic mirror which reflects light having wavelengths between the first wavelength value and the second wavelength value and which transmits infrared light. An exit lens assembly directs light transmitted through the high-pass filter and the low-pass dichroic filter and reflected by the dichroic mirror onto a patient for photodynamic therapy. The condenser lens assembly and the exit lens assembly scramble the beam to ensure that the patient is illuminated with light which is highly uniform in both intensity and spectral characteristics (color) throughout the illuminated area.

Abstract: The probe for biomodulation is disclosed. The probe includes a semiconductor laser and a drive circuit which causes the laser to generate pulses in bursts. The pulses themselves are of nanosecond or picosecond duration, while the bursts are of millisecond, microsecond, or nanosecond duration. The pulses can be delivered at rates up to 3 GHz. The probe also includes a heat sink as the body contacting portion.

Abstract: A therapeutic treatment device includes a housing and an incoherent light source such as a flashlamp disposed in the housing. The flashlamp provides a pulsed light output for treatment of external skin disorders. To provide light to the treatment area the housing has an opening that is disposed adjacent a skin treatment area. A reflector is mounted within the housing near proximate the light source to reflect the light to the treatment area. At least one optical filter and an iris are mounted near the opening in the housing. Power to the lamp is provided by a pulse forming circuit that can provide a variable pulse width.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for counter-balancing a tanning unit pivotally mounted to a base and having a radiation energy source for artificially tanning a person. The apparatus comprises a base, a tanning unit pivotally mounted to said base, and a device for variably applying torque to said tanning unit so that, throughout the range of rotational motion of said tanning unit, the instantaneous applied torque produced by said device for applying torque to said tanning unit approximately counter-balances the instantaneous torque produced by gravitational forces acting on said tanning unit. Therefore, said tanning unit may be retained in any instantaneous position between a raised position and a lowered position. Said device for variably applying torque to said tanning unit comprises an urging device connected between said tanning unit and said base which provides a variable force vector having a force magnitude, proportional to the deformation of said urging device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the treatment of or the inhibition of retinopathy of prematurity and to a method for treating or for inhibiting retinopathy of prematurity. The apparatus provided in accordance with the present invention includes a component or system for providing substantially only red light. Thus, light is provided having a wave band of approximately 612 nm or more. Furthermore, at least the patient's head is received in a device that limits the light which reaches the patient's eyes to the aforementioned red light. Thus, the patient is allowed to see substantially only red light.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to effect tanning in humans. The method utilizes very short discrete pulses, with a dark period of low to zero energization between discrete pulses, of ultraviolet or visible light irradiation of selected wave length to effect the tanning. Different apparati are disclosed to carry out the invention. One type of apparatus continuously generates irradiation of the selected wave length and projects that irradiation through mechanical pathblockers to create the discrete pulses. Another type of apparatus intermittently generates irradiation in the desired discrete pulse and of the desired wave length to create the desired effect.

Abstract: A disposable fiber diverter probe is provided that eliminates many of the typical problems associated with conventional fiber diverter probes that are designed to be used multiple times and must be sterilized between each use. The present invention utilizes thermoplastic materials in many of the components that traditional designs require to be made of metal in order to perform the required functions of a fiber diverter probe. The improved design of the present invention enables less complex, low cost parts to be used in a fiber diverter probe, wherein the probe still provides expanded capabilities over conventional, more expensive fiber diverter probes, such as more accessible and user-friendly controls for the surgeon. Moreover, the reduced cost of the fiber diverter probe provided by the present invention enables a medical facility or a private physician to make disposable fiber diverter probes economically feasible, thus eliminating the risk of exposing patients to a contaminated probe.