Abstract: A delivery guide frame attachment for a laser scanner mechanism for a laser treatment operation, to permit proper spacing and dimensional stability of the laser scanner with respect to the skin of a patient being treated. The delivery guide frame attachment includes a housing having an upper end and a lower end. The lower end is applyable to the skin of a patient. The upper end is attached to the laser scanner. A chilled fluid supply conduit is arranged in communication with the housing for delivering a chilled fluid onto the skin of a patient when the housing is applied thereto. A chilled fluid containment arrangement in the housing retains and delays escape of chilled fluid from the housing placed on the patient, for a short period during the laser treatment operation.

Abstract: A thermotherapy treatment apparatus includes a human body mounting portion, a cover portion for covering a human body corresponding site on the human body mounting portion, a far infrared ray radiation source for radiating far infrared rays onto the human body corresponding site, a ventilation hole for ventilating the human body corresponding site, and a ventilation duct which is in communication with the ventilation hole.

Abstract: A device is disclosed which is therapeutically beneficial to the well-being of living organisms such as humans, animals, and/or plant life, using photon or light waves. The device is intended to lie against the skin or surface, near the skin/surface, and/or from a distance ranging up to several feet from the skin/surface. The device is intended to be used for: general relaxation and detoxification of an organism; stimulating the healing process in an organism which is ill, diseased or injured; aiding in the elimination of pain and inflammation in an organism; stimulating/sedating the acupressure meridian system of an organism and rebalancing the electromagnetic energy-field surrounding the organism.

Abstract: A phototherapy garment contains a flexible backing material, a transparent liner, and a flexible printed circuit sheet containing surface-mounted light-emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned between the backing material and the liner. An infant is placed inside the garment so that the LEDs illuminate a large portion of the infant's skin for phototherapy. The LEDs preferably emit high-intensity blue light, suitable for treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia or Crigler-Najjar syndrome. The LEDs are arranged in a densely packed array facing the liner and emit uniform, high intensity light. A power supply, which may be portable, supplies adjustable power to the LEDs, preferably pulsed with a duty cycle of approximately 10%, and preferably to overdrive the LEDs to maximize light output. A two-way communications device incorporated into the garment allows a physician or computer to control the garment remotely and gather relevant information periodically or continuously.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to cause the cessation of hair growth on a specific area of the body and for the treatment of unwanted dermatological conditions. The area of treatment is exposed to a particular pattern and wavelength of light generated by multiple flashlamps, which allow simultaneous, overlap, or consecutive firing. Controlling the intensity of light, the output wavelength and the delay between pulses allow treatment to be adjusted to different skin conditions and hair types. Skin damage is virtually eliminated by the length and characteristic shape of the individual pulse of light.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tanning apparatus, particularly a full body tanning apparatus which, for reducing the enery consumption and for improving a homogeneous tanning, has lamps embodied in a defined manner. The lamps are rod-like and are given an elongated-circular cross-section and are located in the tanning apparatus in such a way that the main axes are located roughly parallel to the lying surface or to a cover of the tanning apparatus in relation to the cross-section.

Abstract: A system and method for the light activation of healing processes uses a light source that is directed onto the body of a subject. The light source may generate monochromatic light and/or coherent light. The subject is positioned within a chamber having interior reflective surfaces that permit the reflection of photonic energy emitted from the body of the subject to be reflected back to the subject. The light source activates the photonic emission process. In an alternative embodiment, reflective surfaces may be brought into proximity or into direct contact with the subject and the light source directed onto the subject. The light source may be held in fixed position with respect to the subject or moved so as to be directed to an area of the subject. The light source may have a fixed intensity or varying intensity, such as by pulsing or modulating light source.

Abstract: A device for irradiating a limited, defined area where uniform and intense irradiation is obtained of a sharply defined light field (7) of variable size, the light from a halogen lamp (1) or similar incoherent light source being directed by means of an elliptical mirror (2) towards one end surface (3) of a transparent rod (4) whose opposite end surface (6) is thereby uniformly irradiated and is imaged by a lens (7) in the area (9) which has to be irradiated.

Abstract: A far infrared radiation health appliance which can effectively stimulate sebaceous glands together with perspiratory glands for dioxins egestion. The appliance includes a plurality of semicylindrical members to be axially coupled to each other in a bush-like manner, and carbon-black-containing planar heating elements arranged over the general entire inner surfaces thereof. The planar heating elements are energized and heated to a temperature of 55-70° C.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and a kit, for the treatment of a selected area of the skin and/or subcutaneous tissue, and in particular for the cosmetic treatment of skin conditions such as regional fat deposits including cellulite. The method comprises heating the selected area to a sustained skin temperature of about 32 to about 50° C. for a desired period of time, using a device comprising either a heat source capable of conductively heating the selected area or, alternatively, an infra-red source for emitting infra-red with a wavelength from about 700 nm to about 15000 nm.

Abstract: A tanning bed has an array of closely spaced ultraviolet-emitting, fluorescent lamps in which each lamp is longitudinally offset from an adjacent lamp to allow space for grasping of one end to rotate the lamp for removal of the lamp from its sockets.

Abstract: A laser depilation apparatus for performing depilation on a skin by irradiating the skin with a laser beam is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first irradiation unit including a laser source (21) for emitting a laser beam for depilation and a light delivery optical system (22, 23, 28, 2, 3) for forming the depilation laser beam emitted from the laser source into a small spot and delivering the beam into a first predetermined range (30) to irradiate the range; a first detection unit (6, 25) for detecting a position of a portion to be depilated within at least the first range; and a controller (20) for controlling the first irradiation unit to selectively irradiate the position of the portion to be depilated with the depilation laser beam based on detection result of the first detection unit.

Abstract: Aging or damaged skin is treated by irradiating affected skin areas with an effective amount of blue and/or violet visible light having a wavelength of about 400 nm to about 500 nm. The light may be sunlight or artificial light, coherent or noncoherent, pulsed or continuous, of high or low energy, exposed generally or directed to target areas, or any combination of these. A variety of irradiation methods may be employed. In one embodiment, filtered sun or artificial light is used. This can be widely exposed to skin areas, or directed to discrete skin regions, particularly to areas especially susceptible to aging, e.g., the backs of hands and the periorbital and perioral areas of the face. In an alternate embodiment, light-emitting diodes are applied directly to discrete skin areas as needed as patches or thin sheets such as pliable masks. Green light (about 500 to about 590 nm) may be used as adjunct therapy with blue/violet light in some embodiments.

Abstract: The invention relates to an irradiation device (1) and a method for the treatment of acne and acne scars, comprising at least one source of radiation (2), the source of radiation emitting at least one broadband spectrum in the wavelength range of 320-at least 540 nm and the radiation source (2) being pulse-operable and/or movable relatively to the area to be irradiated, the pulse energy being between 0.05-10 J/cM2 and the peak irradiation intensity being between 0.5 W/cm2 and 100 kW/cm2.

Abstract: A device is disclosed which is therapeutically beneficial to the well-being of living organisms such as humans, animals, and/or plant life, using photon or light waves. The device is intended to lie against the skin or surface, near the skin/surface, and/or from a distance ranging up to several feet from the skin/surface. The device is intended to be used for: general relaxation and detoxification of an organism; stimulating the healing process in an organism which is ill, diseased or injured; aiding in the elimination of pain and inflammation in an organism; stimulating/sedating the acupressure meridian system of an organism and rebalancing the electromagnetic energy-field surrounding the organism.

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: A portable light unit for treatment of seasonal affective disorders. The portable device is carried in a small case having four bulbs capable of emitting full spectrum light at 10,000 lux intensity for each therapy session. Therefore, the device can be carried by the patient or the physician to the patient.

Abstract: A hair removal device (22) includes a cooling surface (34) which is used to contact the skin (6) prior to exposure to hair tissue-damaging laser light (74) passing from a radiation source (36) through a recessed window (46). The window is laterally offset from the cooling surface and is spaced apart from the cooling surface in a direction away from the patient's skin to create a gap between the window and the skin. The window preferably includes both an inner window (46) and an outer, user-replaceable window (48). The laser-pulse duration is preferably selected according to the general diameter of the hair.

Abstract: A tanning booth has a tanning bed and a horizontally pivotable irradiation cover pivotable into an irradiation position above the tanning bed and pivotable into an access position allowing access to the tanning bed, wherein in the irradiation position the irradiation cover surrounds the tanning bed at least partially. The irradiation cover is shaped as a spherical segment or a cylindrical segment and has a curved inner wall facing the tanning bed, wherein the inner wall has a reflective layer. Irradiation light sources emit light beams onto the reflective layer of the inner wall.

Abstract: Disclosed is a phototherapy device for treating icterus in new-born patients, comprising a light box with at least one light source arranged in the box for illuminating the patient and a support for the patient to be placed upon which is at least partially transparent or tinted as to allow the light from the light box to expose the patient from below with respect to its direction of gravity, making it possible to expose areas having a high bilirubin concentration which tend to follow the direction of gravity.

Abstract: A tanning apparatus with first and second tanning units movable between an open position to provide access to an interior and a closed position to enclose the interior and define a tanning chamber. Ultraviolet lamps are supported on one of the tanning units, and a control switch operates to generate ultraviolet radiation within the tanning chamber for a selected time interval. At least one handle projects away from a mounting surface for one of the units, and includes at least one mount and a grasping member connected to the mount so that the individual's arms can be elevated to promote exposure to radiation on a first region of the individual's body between the arm and torso during a tanning session. A method of promoting exposure to ultraviolet radiation is also provided, as well as a handle for use by the individual during a tanning session and a tanning apparatus.

Abstract: A therapeutic device system provides therapeutic application of energy to a living body. The energy is applied by the action of photon-emitting diodes, and photon emitting diodes in combination with transcutaneous electrical stimulators. A power grid is adapted to provide electrical current for operation of the energy sources. A shapable housing contains the energy sources and the power grid. The shapable housing is selectively moldable with memory retention to retain a shape configuration, and may be cast or adapted conformably as a custom or generically sized device over a treatment area and placed on the living body. Program instructions provide for implementation of a plurality of therapeutic modalities.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device, a system, and associated methods for advantageously treating bodily tissues containing collagen, such as the cornea. The device is a topical device that, when placed over the target tissue, defines a space between an inner surface of the device and the tissue. The radiation-transparent device allows radiation to pass therethrough to the tissue during the radiation treatment. The device is believed to reduce heat loss, such as evaporative heat loss, from the tissue, thereby improving the tissue-heating efficiency of the radiation treatment. Typical radiation treatment parameters may thus be adjusted to provide a more gentle, yet highly efficient treatment using the inventive device. The gentle treatment reduces the likelihood of thermally traumatizing the treated tissue. While the invention has particular application in the area of corneal treatment, it may be used to prepare other tissues or substrates.

Abstract: A device for the physiotherapeutic irradiation of spatially extensive pathologies by light with the help of a matrix of the sources of optical radiation such as lasers or light diodes placed on the surface of a substrate whose shape is adequate to the shape of the zone of pathology is disclosed. In addition, the device contains stops and a holder to fix the substrate against the bioobject. Additional modules are provided to adjust the temperature, pressure, gas composition over the pathological area. As a source of radiation, chemical reactions accompanied by the luminescence of the products of reaction are suggested. The power supply unit can be autonomous with remote feeding through pulse magnetic field. A supplementary hood optically transparent is provided to localize the pathology as well as the strips that scatter the radiation to get a more uniform bioobject's exposure.

Abstract: A tanning cushion is adapted to be used by a sunbather in a tanning bed. The tanning cushion comprises at least one inflatable panel. Each inflatable panel has a plurality of support chambers. The inflatable panel inflates up to three inches, and is made of a substantially transparent material adapted to permit ultra-violet radiation to pass therethrough. The inflatable panel has a sufficient number of support chambers to provide comfort during a tanning session and to prevent pressure points from forming on the sunbather. The tanning cushion further comprises inflation means for inflating the plurality of support chambers.

Abstract: A device for heating a biotissue employing a strong light, characterized in that, in thermotherapy comprising leading a biotissue to necrosis by heating the biotissue by a strong light from a light source, in order to lead a predetermined biotissue to necrosis in a temperature region before reaching tissue transpiration during the raising of the temperature of said biotissue, temperature measurement is performed by a temperature meter measuring the spatial temperature distribution of the biotissue at real time, and that the light output of the light source, the on-time of intermittent irradiation and the off-time of intermittent irradiation are controlled on the basis of the information at real time to accomplish remedial conditions.

Abstract: An infant warmer has a bed assembly for supporting a baby born prematurely and a heat source with controls capable of maintaining the infant's body temperature within a desired range. The bed assembly is suitably supported to hold the infant at a convenient elevation. A light shield rests on the bed assembly and is adapted to block light from directly entering the eyes of the infant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamic exposure to ultraviolet rays; a person is radiated by means of ultraviolet ray sources, at high and/or low UV pressure, emitted by radiation units peripherally arranged around a footboard on which the person to be radiated is standing upright on a rotary platform of the footboard which it is allowed to slowly rotate. Reflecting panels, opposite to the UV radiation units, allow the UV rays to be radiated directly and by reflection, to reduce energy consumption.

Abstract: A hair removal device (22) includes a cooling surface (34) which is used to contact the skin (6) prior to exposure to hair tissue-damaging laser light (74) passing from a radiation source (36) through a recessed window (46). The window is laterally offset from the cooling surface and is spaced apart from the cooling surface in a direction away from the patient's skin to create a gap between the window and the skin. The window preferably includes both an inner window (46) and an outer, user-replaceable window (48). The laser-pulse duration is preferably selected according to the general diameter of the hair.

Abstract: A device is provided for treating a circadian rhythm disorder in a subject. The device includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED's), preferably blue to green; a mounting to which the LED's are connected: a material for positioning the LED's within 3 cm of the subject, with an orientation toward the subject; a portable power supply electrically connected to the LED's; and a control connected to the LED's for altering the operation of the LED's. The device is sufficiently light and compact to be comfortably worn by the subject. One or more such devices are used to deliver light to a subject's retinas, to the subject's vascular tissue, or simultaneously to both the retinas and the vascular tissue. For illumination of the retina, small chip-type LED's are integrated into the frames of eyeglasses and positioned to direct light into the eyes of the subject.

Abstract: A microprocessor to control and to prevent failure in mechanisms, particularly those that perform timed intervals of work. The microprocessor controls the length of each interval of work, and limits the mechanism to perform only a predetermined number of work intervals, after which it deactivates the device, allowing the mechanism to reactivate only after entry of a coded number or operation of a key switch. The microprocessor monitors all functions of the mechanism and includes a first failsafe circuit that shuts down the mechanism in the event of malfunction. A second failsafe circuit monitors the first failsafe circuit, and bypasses it to shut down the mechanism in the event of malfunction in the first failsafe circuit.

Abstract: A plasma tube is provided in which water vapor, carbon dioxide, molecular nitrogen and a simple hydrocarbon are excited to ionization to emit electromagnetic frequency spectra for exciting electron orbitals of biological tissue. The anode end of the tube is shielded by a cylindrical shield electrically connected to the anode, while a reflector and a transversely polarized magnetic piece direct the spectral emissions adjacent the cathode towards the skin of a person. The tube is pulsed to ionization in a pulse waveform that comprises the frequency domain of biological electrochemistry. In this manner the molecular architecture of a cell is excited to promote the cell growth process.

Abstract: An far infrared ray irradiation apparatus having a human body mounting portion, an operable cover portion, and a plurality of infrared ray irradiation sources for achieving an improved performance in medical treatment. The infrared ray irradiation sources irradiate far infrared rays not containing near infrared rays of wavelength less than 4 &mgr;m, and each of the far infrared irradiation sources is provided at a position close to the portion of the human body to be irradiated so that a whole human body accommodated in a space formed by the human body mounting portion and the operable cover portion can be uniformly heated to a desired temperature without causing any low temperature burns in the human body.

Abstract: Flexible illuminators for external phototherapy are disclosed each having at least one light generating source, preferably a plurality of light-generating sources, on a flexible substrate. The flexible substrate may be a circuit board, and the light-generating source may be surface mount LEDs. Structures for diffusing light emitted from the discrete light-generating sources and/or for transferring heat away from a skin contact surface are provided. The illuminators may be formed so as to be wrapped around an infant or a limb of an adult, or may be provided in larger configurations, such as a mat. The illuminators may be passively or actively cooled so that the skin contact surface remains below a desired temperature.

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 device for tanning the feet of athletes who develop tanned legs while wearing shorts to participate in outdoor activities. The tanning device also includes a fungicidal mechanism for killing foot funguses as well as a foot massaging mechanism for providing soothing vibrations to the feet while the user is receiving a tanning treatment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a male for impotence, i.e., for enabling, or improving the ability of, the male to achieve or maintain a penile erection of adequate rigidity for sexual intercourse, by applying monochromatic light radiation, preferably low-power laser radiation of a wavelength of 440 nm, to the penis of the male, sufficient to induce relaxation of the walls of the blood vessels supplying blood to the corpora cavernosa of the penis.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a male for impotence, i.e., for enabling, or improving the ability of, the male to achieve or maintain a penile erection of adequate rigidity for sexual intercourse, by applying monochromatic light radiation, preferably low-power laser radiation of a wavelength of 440 nm, to the penis of the male, sufficient to induce relaxation of the walls of the blood vessels supplying blood to the corpora cavernosa of the penis.

Abstract: Progress of photodynamic therapy (PDT) administered over an extended period of time is monitored using an ultrasonic probe, which produces ultrasound images of an internal treatment site in real time. The ultrasound images indicate the extent and volume of an infarction zone within a tumor or other diseased tissue at the internal treatment site within a patient's body. Light is administered to the internal treatment site from either an internal or external light source that produces light in a waveband corresponding to the characteristic absorption waveband a photoreactive agent that is administered to a patient. Prior to or shortly after initiating administration of the light therapy, a baseline ultrasound image is produced for comparison to subsequent ultrasound images made after the effects of the PDT on the diseased tissue have occurred.

Abstract: A device for the application of artificial light to a user's retina is disclosed. A light source leads to a light focusing member that generates a light stream at, at least one transmission angle, to the user's retina, preventing the light from coming in contact with the user's fovea. In one embodiment, the light focusing member is a light ring containing a plurality of apertures around an outer periphery with light exiting through the apertures in a plurality of streams at a transmission angle. A vision aperture within the light ring has a periphery less than the outer periphery and is on a direct axis with the user's fovea to enable the user to maintain vision during chronotherapy. The light source can be distanced from the light focusing member and connect by a light transfer member, such as a optic fiber. In another embodiment, the light focusing member can be the frame of a pair of eyeglasses having lenses to enable user vision.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for photodynamic therapy or photodynamic diagnosis using an illuminator comprising a plurality of light sources generally conforming to a contoured surface and irradiating the contoured surface with substantially uniform intensity visible light. The light sources may comprise generally U-shaped fluorescent tubes that are driven by electronic ballasts. Adjustment of the ballast voltage controls the output power of the tubes. The tubes are supported by a sheet-metal or plastic housing and are covered by a polycarbonate shield which directs cooling airflow within the unit and prevents glass-patient contact in the event of tube breakage. An aluminum reflector located behind the tubes increases both the output irradiance and the uniformity of the output distribution. The spacing of the U-shaped tubes is varied to increase the output at the edges of the illuminator to make the output more uniform. Also, different portions of the tubes are cooled at different amounts, to improve uniformity.

Abstract: An improved photo-thermal treatment device is disclosed which is ergonomically shaped to facilitate photo-thermal treatment of a wide variety of surface portions of the human anatomy. The device incorporates a plurality of spaced infrared diodes which are actuated sequentially so as to inhibit body adaptation which may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. Additionally, a single point diode is provided at one end of the device which is specifically designed for localized point treatment of other body surface areas.

Abstract: A laser insole having one or many vertical cavity surface emitting lasers embedded therein may be worn by a patient and applied to an area of the foot. The device supplies the patient with a preprogrammed laser therapy regimen. A physician programs the device and inserts the device in a patient's shoe. The device is small enough to allow the patient's normal activities. The laser therapy regimen promotes healing of a wound on the foot. Alternatively, the device may adapted as a flexible device applied to the skin, or implanted into the body, or provided in a catheter that is inserted into a body region.

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: A method for the delivery of laser light for therapeutic purposes, and, more specifically, for the treatment of buried tumors wherein multiple lasers are used to treat a deeply buried tumorous mass. In more particular, multiple lasers in a spatial array are used to simultaneous irradiate a tumor from a multiplicity of different directions. Tumors treated in this way are heated more homogeneously than those treated via conventional single-laser treatments. Additionally, a multiple source laser treatment scheme puts the enclosing normal tissue at lesser risk than it would be exposed to if the treatment were conducted using via a single laser source.

Abstract: A flexible patch provided with a plurality of light sources mounted in spaced-apart array on its undersurface and covered with an optically transparent polymer material. The light sources are energized with an electrical current supplied by a flexible polymer battery, which is preferably rechargeable. Electrical current is conveyed through a lead that extends from the flexible battery to the flexible patch and then through an electrical circuit that includes a plurality of conductive traces formed using a conductive ink applied to the surface of a flexible substrate that supports the light sources. The thickness of the flexible patch at its maximum is less than 1.0 millimeters. The light sources can be separately grouped, and the electrical current supplied to each group individually controlled to achieve a desired light intensity and/or duration exposure to the light therapy over different portions of the undersurface of the flexible patch and different portions of the treatment site.

Abstract: A device for delivering phototherapeutic light to the nipple and surrounding tissue of a breast. Many mastectomy procedures for patients with breast cancer require removal of the nipple. Thus, for the best aesthetic result, post-operative augmentation or reconstruction of the breast includes the implantation of an artificial nipple. The present device and method permits a more conservative mastectomy to be performed while reducing the risk of recurrence wherein cancerous and pre-cancerous tissue in the nipple and surrounding aureole tissue are treated by illuminating the tissue with phototherapeutic light. The tissue is first perfused with a photosensitizer which accumulates therewithin. An embodiment of the device, which includes a rigid or semi-rigid hemispherical shell for structural stability, is attached to the breast. The device includes a transparent flexible aperture which is designed to fit snugly against the outer surface of the nipple and surrounding tissue.

Abstract: An infrared irradiation source of an infrared irradiation apparatus is provided. The infrared irradiation source is comprised of a heat generator and an infrared ray irradiation member for being heated by the heat generator and emitting far infrared rays not containing near infrared rays of wavelength less than 4 .mu.m, wherein the heat generation rate by the heat generator is designed to be greater at the circumferential portion than at the central portion of the far infrared irradiation member. Preferably, the infrared irradiation source should be provided in a plurality of numbers so as to emit far infrared rays of wavelength ranging from 5 to 20 .mu.m to the periphery of the human body accommodated in a space formed by the human body mounting portion and the operable cover portion of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus to contain a closed ecological system, wherein the apparatus includes a closed, air-tight chamber to contain an atmosphere. The chamber includes at least one access opening designed to allow plants, animals, raw materials, and other items to be placed within the chamber. The chamber includes a system for introducing oxygen and/or carbon dioxide into the chamber and for maintaining the oxygen and/or carbon dioxide at a predetermined concentration percentage of the atmosphere. Preferably, the closed ecological system of the present invention also includes a system for establishing a magnetic field within the chamber of a predetermined strength and orientation. The chamber may also include systems for elevating the atmospheric pressure within the chamber and for maintaining the atmosphere within the chamber at a predetermined temperature and humidity level.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for supplying beneficial light to organic tissue including a carrier for placement proximate the surface of organic issue, a plurality of light emitting diodes carried by the carrier for substantially uniformly flooding the entire surface of the organic tissue surrounded by the carrier with beneficial light, and a power source, coupled to the carrier, for providing power to the carrier for actuating the light emitting diodes.