Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a phototherapeutic apparatus for focused UVB radiation and vitamin D synthesis and associated systems methods. In one embodiment a phototherapeutic apparatus can include a housing at least partially defining an irradiation zone, and an ultraviolet (UV) radiation source carried by the housing. The irradiation zone can be configured to accommodate at least a portion of a human patient. The phototherapeutic apparatus can further include a filter between the UV radiation source and the irradiation zone. The filter can be configured to at least substantially remove UV radiation outside of a predetermined spectrum centered at about 297 nm and having a bandwidth of at most 10 nm.

Abstract: Minimally invasive delivery with intercellular and/or intracellular localization of nano- and micro-particle solar cells within and among excitable biological cells to controllably regulate membrane polarization and enhance function of such cells. The cells include retinal and other excitable cells.

Abstract: The use of humic acids, zeolites, magnesium oxide beads and other mineral-containing materials in the activation of ethanol, alcoholic beverages and water is disclosed. Consumption of the energized liquids can have therapeutic benefits. The activated ethanol can be further used with neutral red dye and ultraviolet (UV) light illumination to indirectly enhance the environmental energy absorption properties of other liquids, including drinking water and of mineral containing materials. Mineral activated ethanol can similarly be used with neutral red dye and UV illumination to enhance the alternative cellular energy (ACE) pathway of an individual.

Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided a system for light therapy. The system includes a light guide transmission device having at least one UV bulb for dispersing UV light a light guide cable to a light guide terminating end, an optical capturing device operable to receive an image from a lens positioned at an optical cable terminating end, and a fluid delivery/suction device along a flexible hose. Each of the cables being inserted into a probe cable having a tip adapted for use internally or externally with a patient. Further the system includes a single controller in communication with and for controlling the functionality of the light guide transmission device, the optical capturing device, and the fluid delivery/suction device.

Abstract: The invention pertains to methods and compositions for treating medical disorders characterized by elevated levels or abnormal expression of TNF? by administering a TNF? antagonist, such as recombinant TNFR:Fc.

Abstract: Minimally invasive delivery with intercellular and/or intracellular localization of nano- and micro-particle solar cells within and among excitable biological cells to controllably regulate membrane polarization of such cells. The cells include retinal and other sensory cells, muscle cells, and nerve cells.

Abstract: This present invention provides methods of and apparatus for, treating skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis and dermatitis. The methods employ a combination of two anti-phased electromagnetic radiation wavebands having a first peak wavelength of between 1050 to 1085 nm and a second peak wavelength of between 405 to 425 nm, the two specified wavelengths act synergistically to provide improved treatments for chronic and acute skin conditions.

Abstract: Minimally invasive delivery with intercellular and/or intracellular localization of nano- and micro-particle solar cells within and among excitable biological cells to controllably regulate membrane polarization of such cells. The cells include retinal and other sensory cells, muscle cells, and nerve cells.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus capable of selectively damaging and killing tumor cells includes a step of irradiating tumor cells with a UV pulse flash having continuous emission spectra ranging at least from 230 to 270 nm, outside a living body of a human or a living body of a non-human animal or in a living body of a non-human animal. The UV pulse flash may have an accumulated irradiation amount per unit area that is achieved at a distance of 8 cm from a light source having an integrated output of, for example, 90, 180-7100 or 14200 J.

Abstract: Skin disorders such as, for example, atopic dermatitis, dyshidrosis, eczema, lichen planus, psoriasis, and vitiligo, are treated by applying high doses of ultraviolet light to diseased regions of a patient's skin. The dosage exceeds 1 MED as determined for the particular patient and may range from about 1 MED to about 20 MED or higher. The ultraviolet light has a wavelength within the range of about 295 nanometers to about 320 nanometers. High doses of ultraviolet light are preferably restricted to diseased tissue areas. A specialized handpiece provides a beam profile especially suitable for application of controlled doses. A specialized delivery device is useful for UV treatment of tissue within the mouth.

Abstract: Skin disorders such as, for example, atopic dermatitis, dyshidrosis, eczema, lichen planus, psoriasis, and vitiligo, are treated by applying high doses of ultraviolet light to diseased regions of a patients skin. The dosage employed exceeds 1 MED, an MED being determined for the particular patient being treated, and may range from about 1 MED to about 20 MED or higher. The ultraviolet light has a wavelength within the range of between about 295 nanometers to about 320 nanometers and preferably is between about 300 nanometers and about 310 nanometers. High doses of ultraviolet light are restricted to diseased tissue areas so as to avoid risk of detrimental side affects in healthy skin, which is more susceptible to damage from UV light. Cooling the skin prior to and/or while exposing the skin to the UV light can be used to minimize tissue damage resulting from exposure to the UV light. Higher doses of UV light can therefore be employed without injurious affects.

Abstract: A method of mitigating the effect of bodily pathogens including providing a light applicator including a housing, a power supply, and at least one light source wherein the light source is configured to emit light in the ultraviolet range when energized by the power supply, and directing the applicator toward a bodily orifice so as to directly irradiate the orifice for a period of time.

Abstract: Disclosed are a germicidal system and method for deactivating pathogens on the surface of a bodily extremity protected by a prophylactic covering substantially opaque to UV-C radiation. The device includes an enclosure having one or more openings through which the extremity can be inserted. The enclosure contains a radiation source configured to produce germicidal radiation having a wavelength of about 253.7 nm. The openings are configured relative to the radiation source such that the inserted extremity is in close proximity to the radiation source. The prophylactic covered extremity is preferably a gloved hand thereby sanitizing the surface of the glove. The extremity inserted is preferably exposed for a predetermined period of time to ensure a desired level of sanitization. Optionally, the device can include detectors to determine the position of the hand, the spread of the fingers, and whether the hand is covered by a glove.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing light therapy traction to a patient. A light therapy device and a traction mechanism provide concurrent, alternating and/or repetitive treatment to a patient. The light therapy device includes one or more light sources configured to deliver light to a patient. The traction mechanism is configured to provide selective separation to a particular location the patient's body, such as a location of the patient's vertebrae. In some embodiments, the light therapy and traction are performed simultaneously. In other embodiments, the light therapy and lumbar traction are performed in treatment cycles to the patient. Embodiments of the present invention embrace the application of light therapy prior to, during, and/or after a cervical and/or lumbar traction treatment.

Abstract: A system 30 and method(s) 100 for thermal treatment of a selected target within a subject is disclosed. System 30 includes RF source 10, phase shifter 14, impedance matching network 11 and resonator 13. Stationary water molecules 1, such as those in fat cells, are heated. The invention is useful in selective heating of cellulite bodies as a means of treating cellulite.

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of therapeutic devices and methods for applying therapy. In one exemplary embodiment, a therapeutic device generally includes one or more light sources for emitting therapeutic light. In some embodiments, the therapeutic device can also include means for applying hot therapy and/or cold therapy to a user's body when the therapeutic device is applied to the user's body. As other examples, various embodiments of therapeutic devices can include massagers and/or adhesive bandage strips for attaching the lighted therapeutic device to the user's body.

Abstract: A shoe sole sanitizing device preferably includes a portable platform including a pair of shoe sole-receiving sections including open bottom surfaces respectively. Each of the shoe sole-receiving sections may be adapted to receive the exterior sole of the shoe thereon. The portable platform may further include a plurality of disposable transparent stratums removably positioned on the open bottom surfaces respectively. A plurality of ultraviolet light emitting sources are aligned beneath the shoe sole-receiving sections respectively. Notably, a mechanism is also provided for independently toggling each of the ultraviolet light emitting sources between on and off modes upon detecting a corresponding triggering event respectively.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus capable of selectively damaging and killing tumor cells includes a step of irradiating tumor cells with a UV pulse flash having continuous emission spectra ranging at least from 230 to 270 nm, outside a living body of a human or a living body of a non-human animal or in a living body of a non-human animal. The UV pulse flash may have an accumulated irradiation amount per unit area that is achieved at a distance of 8 cm from a light source having an integrated output of, for example, 90, 180-7100 or 14200 J.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light treatment system (10, 12). The light treatment system comprises a light source (20, 22) for emitting light (100) for illuminating a part of a human or animal body (30) for light treatment. The light treatment system further comprises a housing (40, 42) for emitting light towards the part of the human or animal body, and for at least partially covering the illuminated part of the human or animal body from view. The housing further comprises a window (50, 52, 54, 56) for emitting light from an inner part of the housing away from the housing. An effect of the light treatment system according to the invention is that the window in the housing may be used as indicator whether the light treatment system is operating and/or functioning well. Furthermore, the presence of a luminescent material, for example, on the window, may be used as indicator for, for example, ultraviolet light as part of the ultraviolet light may be converted by the luminescent material into visible light.

Abstract: An image system comprises a light valve and an image capturing unit. The light valve comprises an array of individually addressable pixels capable of generating an image. The image capturing unit comprises a detector having an array of detector pixels capable of capturing images. The detector pixels are correlated with the light valve pixels.

Abstract: A phototherapy apparatus is disclosed including: a handpiece including a body member and a grip; a plurality of elongated light transmitting elements, each of the elements extending between a proximal end enclosed within the body member and a distal end located outside of and distal to the body member; an ultraviolet light source; a light collection element; and one or more optical coupling elements. The proximal ends of the light transmitting elements are located in close proximity to each other The light collection element is configured to collect at least a portion of the light emitted from the light source. The one or more optical coupling elements are configured to direct at least a portion of the collected light to the proximal ends of the light transmitting elements to couple at least portion of the collected light into the light transmitting elements The light coupled into each of the light transmitting elements is transmitted along the element and emitted from the distal end.

Abstract: A treatment apparatus (10) is used for treatment of parts of a skin (5). The apparatus comprises a radiation source (1) emitting radiation, and a radiator (2) for guiding the emitted radiation to the parts of the skin (5). The parts of the skin (5) comprise skin cells affected by psoriasis. The radiation source (1) emits radiation in a first wavelength range of 400-460 nm, in a second wavelength range of 600-700 nm, or in a first wavelength range of 400-460 nm and a second wavelength range of 600-700 nm.

Abstract: An eye surgical instrument, comprising at least one optical fiber for lighting of the interior of the eye, which at least one optical fiber, at a free end thereof, is provided with a light exit and with a stop situated at a distance from the free end, which stop defines an insertion part situated between the end and the stop, and at an other end is connectable to a light source, while the stop forms a separate element which is arranged so as to be slidable along the at least one fiber.

Abstract: A germicidal system and method for deactivating pathogens on the surface of a bodily extremity protected by a prophylactic covering substantially opaque to UV-C radiation. The device includes an enclosure having one or more openings through which the extremity can be inserted. The enclosure contains a radiation source configured to produce germicidal radiation having a wavelength of about 253.7 nm. The openings are configured relative to the radiation source such that the inserted extremity is in close proximity to the radiation source. The prophylactic covered extremity is preferably a gloved hand thereby sanitizing the surface of the glove. The extremity inserted is preferably exposed for a predetermined period of time to ensure a desired level of sanitization. Optionally, the device can include an orientation detector to determine the position of the user's hand and the spread of the user's fingers, and a surface detector to determine whether the user's hand is covered by a glove.

Abstract: Phototherapeutic systems with an integral, or adapted for use with an, optical calibration system. A dynamic programmable phototherapeutic treatment system, wherein the treatment device is responsive to a stored treatment plan to generate a predetermined therapeutic UV light signal for application to a treatment surface region of a patient/user.

Abstract: Corneal collagen crosslinking is used to alter a characteristic of the cornea, such as thickness or refractive index, to correct wavefront aberrations, including higher-order aberrations. A scanning laser or the like is used to perform the corneal collagen crosslinking by locally altering the optical path length (thickness, refractive index, or both).

Abstract: The invention pertains to methods and compositions for treating medical disorders characterized by elevated levels or abnormal expression of TNF? by administering a TNF? antagonist, such as recombinant TNFR:Fc.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing the ability of an individual, exposed to sunlight, to produce vitamin D via the skin. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising provitamin D and at least one of lumisterol and tachysterol and analogs and derivatives thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a skin tanning chamber, the improvement comprising at least one light emitting diode emitting a UVA light, such as a UVA LED that emits essentially only UVA. Additionally, multiple LEDs of varying types with various characteristic wavelengths are controlled independently to produce an arbitrary light pattern in an arbitrary sequence over time. The chamber can be rigid or flexible. It can be a bed, booth or incorporated into a flexible form, such as a garment or cloth. In one embodiment, the chamber further comprises at least one LED emitting a UVC light, whereby the UVC light sanitizes the chamber surface. Preferably the LED emitting the UVA light is under independent control from the LED emitting UVC light.

Abstract: The invention relates to an irradiation-cooling combination for application in photodynamic therapy having an irradiation element (120), a cooling element (130) permeable by the emitted radiation in an irradiation pass-through direction, wherein said cooling element is designed for attachment between the irradiation element (120) and a treatment surface (160) of a patient. The cooling element (130) has an optical pass-through surface that can be cooled as an attachment to the treatment surface (160). Additional components of the invention are a first fastening device (150) for defined positioning of the irradiation-cooling combination opposite the treatment surface (160), a second fastening device (140) for attaching the irradiation element (120) on the cooling element (130), a control unit (110) and a power supply (100). The invention provides effective pain management during photodynamic therapy in connection with a mobile treatment system and larger treatment areas by means of a uniform radiation field.

Abstract: Light therapy in the visible spectral region, for which radiation sources emitting UV radiation are provided, uses fluorescent films that age during operation such that the intensity of the light irradiated by the fluorescent films gradually decreases. In order to solve this problem, the invention relates to a radiation converter located in a treatment device and comprising a fluorescent layer (2) for emitting the visible light. Said radiation converter comprises a housing (1) that can be penetrated by radiation emitted by the radiation source (11). The housing (1) comprises a front wall (3) consisting of a UV-permeable material and a rear wall (4) consisting of a UV-impermeable material, on the side of the housing (1) opposing the front wall (3). A liquid chamber (5) is formed between the front wall (3) and the rear wall (4), and the fluorescent layer (2) is arranged between the front wall (3) and the rear wall (4).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device which includes a first panel, a second panel, a center panel, an upright support (pillar), and a base. The first and second panels each include one or more ultraviolet lamps. The center panel may optionally include one or more ultraviolet lamps. The panels are mounted to a swivel plate, which is in turn mounted to the upright support. The swivel plate allows the panels to be rotated by approximately 90 degrees. The upright support has a track that allows the swivel plate to move up and down the upright support.

Abstract: A cardiac ablation instrument includes a catheter body and a tear-shaped balloon that is connected to the catheter body. The instrument further includes a radiant energy emitter that is axially movable within a central lumen of the catheter body. A radiant energy transparent body surrounds the energy emitter and includes a plurality of illumination fibers disposed circumferentially about the energy emitter. A detector communicates with a contact sensing element and is configured to determine an amount of at least one color component of the reflected light The amount of the at least one color component being indicative of contact between the balloon and a target tissue site.

Abstract: A system and method for phototherapy, including skin tanning, lupus phototherapy, teeth whitening, hair growth and psoriasis therapies, are provided. The system includes a chamber adapted for at least one type of phototherapy and at least one UV LED, at least one nanostructure UV light emitting device or a combination of UV LEDs and nanostructure UV light emitting devices.

Abstract: A fluorescence concentrator system that provides for high brightness light source. The system can include a host doped with fluorescent material, which is optically pumped by an adjacent illumination source. The fluorescence concentrator captures a portion of the isotropically emitted fluorescent light and guides it to an output surface. The fluorescent energy emerging the output surface provides a high brightness light source suitable for a number of applications. For example, the fluorescence concentrator system can be used as the light source in a medical apparatus suitable for various aesthetic procedures. Further aspects of the fluorescent concentrator system can include providing for controlling the illumination source to output pumping energy suitable for high energy applications.

Abstract: A system and method for interactive interstitial photo-dynamic tumour therapy and/or photothermal tumour therapy of a human or animal, said system comprising at least one radiation distributor, which is arranged for distribution of optical radiation from at least one radiation source to a reaction site, or from the reaction site to at least one radiation sensor. The radiation distributor comprises at least one translatory displacement element being translatory movable relatively to another element. First ends of first radiation conductors are fixed to the first translatory displacement element and first ends of second radiation conductors are fixed to the other element, wherein the first and the second radiation conductors are connectable to each other in different constellations through translatory movement of the translatory displacement element and the other element relative each other in order to obtain different operation modes of said system.

Abstract: A UV lamp comprises: a bulb (2) containing a mixture of an inert gas and metallic halides; at least one first electrode (4) and one second (4) electrode associated with the bulb (2); a connector (6), coupled to the bulb (2) and having two thin metal plates (12a) protruding from a portion of said connector (6). Each flat thin plate (12a) is electrically connected to an electrode (4) and is spaced apart from the other thin plate (12a) by at least 20 mm.

Abstract: An instrument for ultraviolet irradiation includes a plurality of light-shielding filters each having different transmittances for ultraviolet radiation emitted from a light source for irradiating the skin of a patient with ultraviolet radiation, and a support member for supporting the light-shielding filters.

Abstract: Tanning lamp arrangement, especially for suntanning the skin surface of the human body, having at least one UV light source (2) irradiating UV light with an appropriate intensity also in the UV-A and/or UV-B spectral ranges, and having optical elements reflecting the light of the light source(s), placed upon the side of the human body opponent to the light source(s). The tanning lamp arrangement, according to the invention has at least one light source arranged for the exposure of one side of the body, placed along a particular line, essentially parallel with the vertical axis of the body, and further the light reflecting optical elements are designed as a first light reflecting surface (1) producing an uniformly scattered light for the exposure of the body.

Abstract: A system and method for phototherapy, including skin tanning, lupus phototherapy, teeth whitening, hair growth and psoriasis phototherapies are provided. The system (1) includes a chamber adapted for at least one type of phototherapy and at least one UV LED, at least one nanostructure UV light emitting device or a combination of UV LEDs and nanostructure light emitting devices.

Abstract: A process and system are disclosed for the biofiltration of volatile organic compounds. The process involved recirculating contaminated effluent gas through a biofilter (1), the biofilter (1) having an inlet (20), outlet (15) and micro-organism laden filter media bed (3). The filter media bed additionally having moisture retaining properties. This process has been effective in removing high levels of VOCs from effluent gas streams and also in removing VOCs from an effluent gas stream where the VOC levels and/or volumes of effluent gas vary over time.

Abstract: The invention pertains to methods and compositions for treating medical disorders characterized by elevated levels or abnormal expression of TNF? by administering a TNF? antagonist, such as recombinant TNFR:Fc.

Abstract: A solid-state laser emitting material for use in conjunction with a light source includes a polymer matrix functioning as host materials, containing laser dye of rhodamine 590 or rhodamine 610 as gain materials and nano-submicron particles as scatters therein. The lowest lasing threshold of the laser emitting material is approximately 5 mJ/cm2 for 585 nm emission and 2 mJ/cm2 for 630 nm emission.

Abstract: A tanning device is described that includes semiconductor light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as a light source, which LEDs are preferably composed of (InGa)N, (AlGa)N, (AlInGa)N or (AlInGa)P as their semiconductor material.

Abstract: An ultraviolet sterilizer for use during surgery is mounted in a base cabinet. The UV light source can be a laser, or an LED. An optical frequency multiplier can be used that outputs UV of less than 280 nm, or greater than 320 nm, to avoid burning the patient. A visible LED aiming light directs the UV light toward the surgery. A crosshair image can be projected to position the light. One lamp has a housing, a cavity, a handle, and an ocular plate to pass the UV and the aiming light. An articulated arm allows selective positioning of the lamp. Another lamp has a stylus, a handle, and a tip small enough for easy insertion into a small incision for arthroscopy. A fiber optic cable connects the UV and the aiming light to the lamp. Lenses or filters can be used with the fiber optic cable. An electronic power supply and a CPU connect to the UV and the aiming light sources. A keyboard inputs commands to the CPU. A sensor provides feedback. Another UV sterilizer is mounted on a ceiling of the operating room.

Abstract: A light therapy appliance comprises an electronic circuit including Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) configured to emit light at one or more different wavelengths. A hand held enclosure containing the electronic circuit includes a front lens that directs the multiple different colored lights to a top surface of skin. The light therapy appliance can be programmed for different skin conditions and may be used in conjunction with different topical ointments.

Abstract: Skin disorders such as, for example, atopic dermatitis, dyshidrosis, eczema, lichen planus, psoriasis, and vitiligo, are treated by applying high doses of ultraviolet light to diseased regions of a patient's skin. The dosage exceeds 1 MED as determined for the particular patient and may range from about 1 MED to about 20 MED or higher. The ultraviolet light has a wavelength within the range of about 295 nanometers to about 320 nanometers. High doses of ultraviolet light are preferably restricted to diseased tissue areas. A specialized handpiece provides a beam profile especially suitable for application of controlled doses. A specialized delivery device is useful for UV treatment of tissue within the mouth.

Abstract: Skin disorders such as, for example, atopic dermatitis, dyshidrosis, eczema, lichen planus, psoriasis, and vitiligo, are treated by applying high doses of ultraviolet light to diseased regions of a patients skin. The dosage employed exceeds 1 MED, an MED being determined for the particular patient being treated, and may range from about 1 MED to about 20 MED or higher. The ultraviolet light has a wavelength within the range of between about 295 nanometers to about 320 nanometers and preferably is between about 300 nanometers and about 310 nanometers. High doses of ultraviolet light are restricted to diseased tissue areas so as to avoid risk of detrimental side affects in healthy skin, which is more susceptible to damage from UV light. Cooling the skin prior to and/or while exposing the skin to the UV light can be used to minimize tissue damage resulting from exposure to the UV light. Higher doses of TV light can therefore be employed without injurious affects.

Abstract: A low-pressure gas discharge lamp includes a gas discharge vessel having a gas filling with a discharge-maintaining composition. At least part of a wall of the discharge vessel is provided with a luminescent material including a first UV-B phosphor containing, in a host lattice, gadolinium(III) as an activator and praseodymium(III) as a sensitizer.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, for sanitizing feet of persons entering a particular area, such as a residential area, having a platform for transmitting sanitizing ultraviolet light to feet of persons standing upon upper portions of the platform, a germicidal light source for directing sanitizing UV-C ultraviolet light through upper portions of the platform, a power supply for energizing the germicidal light source, a switching device coupled between the power supply and the germicidal light source for energizing the germicidal light source and wherein the switching device energizes the germicidal light source in response to the presence of the person positioned upon upper portions of the platform. The germicidal ultraviolet light source includes one or more elongated bulbs, or one or more elongated linear arrays of solid state devices and a central light reflective wall portion is positioned to enhance support of the upper portions of said platform.