Abstract: An irradiation chamber adapted to treat a blood stream infection by subjecting the stream to ultraviolet radiation. The chamber is provided with a window transparent to UV rays under which is an array of parallel baffle plates that define a series of interconnected channels forming a labyrinthine passage extending from the inlet to the outlet of the chamber. Each baffle plate includes a transverse protuberance which intercepts the flow of blood in the related channels to produce a Bernoulli distortion acting to agitate the blood stream. And each baffle plate is vertically tapered to induce blood from the lower regions of the stream within the channels to rise to the upper region adjacent the window. As a consequence of these internal displacements within the flow stream and the intermingling of blood regions in the course of its flow through the labyrinthine passage, all portions of the blood stream are adequately exposed to UV rays.

Abstract: A method of treating wounds includes the step of applying UVC radiation to the wound for a time and at a proximity and intensity sufficient to have a bacteriocidal effect. The method is particularly effective when carried out with a UVC lamp having an intensity of between 5 and 20 &mgr;W/cm2, with a duration of between about 5 seconds and 1 minute and a proximity to the wound of between about ¼ and 3 inches from the wound being preferred. It has been observed that such application of UVC radiation can kill up to 100 percent of the microorganisms present in a wound, thereby enabling the wound to heal free of infection.

Abstract: An accelerated method of orthokeratology includes the steps of softening of the cornea with a softening agent, applying a mold to reshape the cornea to a desired anterior curvature, and rapidly restabilizing or “fixing” the corneal tissues so that the cornea retains its new configuration. A chemical softening agent, such as glutaric anhydride is applied to the cornea to soften the cornea, after which a specially designed mold of predetermined curvature and configuration is applied to the cornea. Slight downward pressure is applied to the mold for a predetermined period of time to re-shape the cornea. The mold is maintained in position while a stabilizing agent, such as a UV light source, is positioned above the mold. The stabilizing agent, i.e. UV light, is applied to the cornea for a predetermined time, wherein the stabilizing agent immediately restabilizes the corneal tissue so that the cornea immediately retains its shape upon removal of the mold.

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 hand sanitizer generally includes an ozone producing, germicidal ultraviolet lamp for oxidizing organic debris and inactivating bacteria and viruses on the surface and subsurface of hands. In addition, a polychromatic light source is provided for destruction of residual ozone and photoreactivating, or photorepairing, ultraviolet induced effects on the skin. The lamps may be disposed in a free standing housing having a chamber for containing the produced ozone and receiving hands in a vertical orientation. Fans may be provided for circulating the ozone and atmospheric gas throughout the chamber and for evaporating residual moisture from the skin. A light source for destroying excess ozone is also provided which may be operated after the organic debris has been oxidized. Shields are provided within the chamber in order to protect a user's eyes from exposure to the ultraviolet light. The apparatus may be powered entirely by conventional solar panels.

Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions containing a pyrylium compound, a thiopyrylium compound, a selenopyrylium compound or a telluropyrylium compound or a salt of any of the aforesaid compounds as active ingredient. The compounds are selectively absorbed by cancer cells or similar growths in the human or animal body and can be used to bring about distruction of the unwanted growth an irradiation with light of wavelength 600 nm to 1000 nm. The invention also provides a method for the treatment of the human or animal body which comprises administering the compound to a human or animal and irradiating a locus in said animal where the compound is absorbed in order to kill cells at that locus. It further comprises the use of the aforesaid compound for the making of a medicament for use in the treatment of cancer in humans and animals.

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 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: The present invention provides an UV light-emitting source in or adjacent to the styling portion of a hair and/or animal fur care or styling appliance.The present invention incorporates an UV light emitting source into the hair styling appliance so that as the hair is being styled, the hair, the scalp as well as the appliance itself can be disinfected. Accordingly, while styling hair and/or fur, the present invention can facilitate the killing of micro-organisms including spores, virus, fungus, bacteria and lice residing on hair and/or fur as well as on the appliance itself.

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: The invention relates to a catheter comprising a tube-like basic catheter body with a distal and a proximal end, and a balloon member arranged at the distal end. The basic catheter body has been made so as to be at least partially light-conductive, and comprises a light receiving section at the proximal end and a light-emitting section at the distal end.

Abstract: The invention is a remote controlled tanning bed salon that controls the operation of a plurality of tanning beds from a centrally located transceiver. A person wishing to use a tanning bed in the system will input a card having magnetic information coded onto a magnetic strip into a central unit. The central unit will read the information on the strip and determine if such information as to whether the user has already used the tanning bed within a recent time period, how much credit on the account, etc. Once the information has been verified by the central unit one of the tanning beds will be made operable by sending a message by a radio frequency signal to one of the tanning beds. Information concerning which tanning bed is to be used and the length of time of the tanning session are included in the message that is sent from the central unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for projecting a concentrated beam of germicidal ultraviolet radiation onto a preselected target area on the body of a patient undergoing surgery, without substantial emanation of ultraviolet radiation outside the target.

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 tanning bed control system including a tanning bed safety device (10) for ensuring safe operation of a tanning bed (14) is disclosed. The tanning bed safety device (10) monitors the operation of the tanning bed (14) and the tanning bed controller (12) and activates an alarm if the tanning bed (14) is on when it should be off or off when it should be on.

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 fluorescent lamp having multiple discrete zones with different levels of radiation intensity along its length has a tube with a fluorescent coating on the interior of the tube adapted to produce ultraviolet radiation of substantially uniform intensity. A reflective coating is provided along a finite length of the tube adjacent one end thereof and about only a portion of the circumference thereof to provide an increased intensity of radiation emanating from the uncoated portion of the periphery of the lamp in the finite portion due to reflection of radiation from the reflective coating. This lamp is especially useful in an array for a tanning chamber to provide a higher intensity of ultraviolet radiation in the facial area.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp having multiple zones with different ultraviolet radiation characteristics along its length has a tube with a first fluorescent coating for producing ultraviolet radiation of substantially uniform intensity extending over a first finite length of the tube adjacent one end. A second fluorescent coating extending over a second finite length of the tube adjacent its other end thereof produces ultraviolet radiation of a substantially uniform intensity and having radiation characteristics which are different from those produced in the first finite length. Generally, the UVB intensity and UVB/UVA ratio will be increased. This lamp is ideally suited for use in tanning chambers to provide uniform tanning by providing a higher intensity and a higher UVB/UVA ratio for radiation in the area of the head.

Abstract: Levels of psoralen concentration in a biological detection target are determined so that an appropriate UVA light dose of PUVA therapy can be delivered to a biological treatment target. The appropriate therapy is determined by the product of the UVA light dose and psoralen concentration level. After determination of a baseline optical autofluoresence signal from the detection target, a first dosage of psoralen (preferably 8-methoxypsoralen [8-MOP]) is administered. Thereafter, the detection target is irradiated under the same conditions as the pre-psoralen irradiation. Then, the optical return from the psoralen-treated detection target is analyzed. A computer (86) compares the pre-psoralen optical return and psoralen-treated optical return to calculate a real time determination of the concentration level of psoralen in the treatment target.

Abstract: A foot ghost ender comprised of a rounded steel shell having a front, a back, a left sidewall, a right sidewall, an open top, a closed bottom, an inner surface, and an outer surface. An aperture is formed in the right sidewall. An extension is integral with the open top. The extension has an open circular top. A plurality of tanning lamps are secured to the inner surface of the rounded steel shell. An adjustable foot rest is secured to the inner surface of the rounded steel shell. The device also contains a retractable power cord having a first end, and a second end. The first end is received through the aperture formed within the right sidewall of the rounded steel shell. A three-prong polarized plug secured to the first end. A control panel with adjustable timer is secured to the right sidewall of the rounded steel wall. The adjustable timer functions to turn the tanning lamps on and off.

Abstract: An apparatus for irradiating cells with ultraviolet light including an ultraviolet light source and an outer cylinder that surrounds the ultraviolet light source. Hollow tubing is helically wrapped around the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylinder. The hollow tubing is adapted to transport suspended cells over the outer surface of the outer cylinder so that the cells can be irradiated by the ultraviolet light source. An inner cylinder can be positioned inside the outer cylinder, between the ultraviolet light source and the outer cylinder. The apparatus can include an arrangement for ventilating the apparatus during use in order to maintain a substantially constant temperature.

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: A support member for tanning beds or comparable devices is designed to have the various electrical components used in operating the tanning bed, or comparable device, on a removable cassette that can be readily removed and sent to be serviced independent of the tanning bed or comparable device. The support member comprises a housing which defines an open compartment in which the cassette is slidably disposed. The cassette has a rack for carrying the various electrical components attached to a front panel which closes over the compartment.

Abstract: A cutaneous pigmented lesion is treated by irradiation with laser light of between 345 and 600 nm and preferably about 500 nm wavelength. The fluence is between 1 and 10 J/Cm.sup.2 and preferably between 2 and 4 J/cm.sup.2 . The pulse duration is less than 1 .mu.sec and preferably less than 500 nsec. A 3 mm diameter spot is illuminated.

Abstract: Removal of body tissue with a long pulsed lasers is achieved such that sufficient energy to remove tissue is transmitted to the desired body without damaging an optical fiber transmitting the laser radiation. Pairs of pulses having the same or different wavelengths are coupled to more effectively remove tissue from the surgical site.

Abstract: Disclosed is a therapeutic device including an optical source including means for generating ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and a light delivery apparatus. The light delivery apparatus includes a body member and a plurality of optical fibers extending therefrom. Each of the optical fibers includes a proximal tip affixed to the body member, a distal tip at the end of the fiber opposite the proximal tip, and means for coupling the generated radiation from the proximal tips of the fibers through the fibers, and to the distal tips. The distal tips are characterized by a radius of curvature in the range 0.25 to 2.0 mm. The coupling means includes a flexible central core disposed within a flexible outer cladding. The central core has a diameter in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm, and the cladding has a refraction less than the index of refraction of the core.

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 mechanical apparatus to provide pulses of light for tanning. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises a light source radiating light; a hollow cylinder having an inner and an outer cylindrical surface and an axis, the hollow cylinder having at least one opening through the inner to the outer cylindrical surface, the light source being inside the hollow cylinder, at least some of the light radiating from the light source passing through the at least one opening in the hollow cylinder; an apparatus to axially rotate the hollow cylinder; and, a surface having an opening therethrough. As the hollow cylinder is axially rotated, at least some of the light radiating from the light source passing through the at least one opening in the hollow cylinder will come into light communication with the opening in the surface and pass therethrough, thereby creating a pulse of light. Another embodiment incorporates at least two counter rotating cylinders which are coaxially aligned around a light source.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of bone lesions or bone deficiencies in a living mammal comprising administering a composition comprising an inorganic phase and an organic phase wherein the inorganic phase comprises a porous particulate TCP ceramic or a nonporous or microporous particulate HAP ceramic or a mixture of porous particulate TCP ceramic and nonporous or microporous particulate HAP ceramic, wherein the organic phase comprises a purified hydrated collagen product which is mixed with and forms a continuous or substantially continuous surface coating over said inorganic phase(s) and a hydrated collagen-demineralized bone product which is mixed with and forms a substantially continuous surface coating over said purified hydrated collagen product surface coating or the organic phase comprises a hydrated collagen-demineralized bone product which is mixed with and forms a continuous or substantially continuous surface coating over said inorganic phase and a purified hydrated collagen product which is mixed with