Phototherapy device and method of use

• US 7,081,128 B2
• Filed: 02/14/2003
• Issued: 07/25/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 03/04/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Barry M. Hart, Henryk Malak
• Original Assignee: Barry M. Hart, Henryk Malak
• Inventors: Malak, Henryk, Hart, Barry M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Gibson, Roy D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): JOHNSON III, HENRY M
• Application Number:
  US10/366,267
• Publication Number:
  US 20030167080A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,257 Days
• Field of Search: 606/9, 607 88- 94, 128/898
• US Class Current: 607/89
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2005/063 comprising light transmitting means, e.g. optical fibres
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2005/0645 Applicators worn by the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2005/0647 the applicator adapted to be worn on the head
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2005/0652 Arrays of diodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2005/0663 Coloured light
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/0616 Skin treatment other than tanning

Abstract

A device is provided, in direct skin contact, surrounding an injured area for the treatment, reduction of joint inflammation, edema and excitation of neural and muscular stimulation associated with human and mammal tissues. This therapeutic light source includes a multiplicity of light emitting diodes (LED'"'"'s) found in the ranges of 350 nm to 1000+ nm and fiber optic connections. A neoprene type material or other non-allergenic material is used to set the LED'"'"'s and fiber optics in layers consisting of contact with the skin to few centimeters from the skin tissue. Distance will vary from contact or near contact with devices to several millimeters of separation. Each LED array is independently controlled allowing for optimal modulation of light frequencies and wavelengths. Technology is integrated allowing for biomedical feedback of tissue temperature and other statistical information. A low voltage, portable power supply, is integrated into the device as well as an analog/digital, input/output connection device. The design will be created for continuous wear, flexibility and comfort.

Claims

1. A phototherapy device comprising:

an elastic, portable device configured to be worn surrounding an area or areas to be treated;

the device having integrated low voltage power;

electronic memory, medical sensor and communications;

multiple LED'"'"'s or laser diodes configured in multiple layers wherein said multiple layers being in a range of near contact with the skin and continuing to a distance further from the skin and wherein the LED'"'"'S or laser diodes are independently controllable using electronics and fiber optics via a microprocessor, said control including modulation, pulse rates and pulse duration.

2. The phototherapy device of claim 1 wherein the multiple layers of LED'"'"'s or laser diodes range from near contact with the skin to a few centimeters from the skin.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the device is constructed of multiple layer technology integrating the light emitting diodes (LED'"'"'s), or laser diodes with the fiber optics, and wherein the fiber optics are fiber optic strands and fiber optic bundles being connected to an integrated circuit to provide data and device control to integrated circuits for control of the LED'"'"'s and laser diodes.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the device is designed with LED'"'"'s or Laser Diodes having discrete wavelengths within ranges of 350 nm to 1000+nm.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the light generated by LED'"'"'s or Laser Diodes at modulated light frequencies allowing for varied pulse rate and durations ranging from less than (<

) 1 Hz to less than (<

) 1 GHz which is introduced to the subject allowing for muscular and or neural stimulation under low light conditions.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is configured with LED'"'"'s in multiple layers consisting from depths of contact near the skin and continuing to a distance that is farther from the skin and up to 3.5 cm or more.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the device has configured therewith arrayable holding devices in single, double-layer, tri-layer and quad-layer configurations allowing for plurality of LED'"'"'s or laser diodes to be connected to the fiber optics in contact with the skin of the subject at multiple points.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is designed and configured for the technology of evanescent waves in the wavelength of Ultraviolet, Blue, Green, Yellow and Red to Near-infrared.