U.S. patent application number 11/516178 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-06 for light conductor and treatment for ailments involving the throat.
Invention is credited to Robert D. Morgan.
Application Number | 20080058903 11/516178 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39157982 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080058903 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Morgan; Robert D. |
March 6, 2008 |
Light conductor and treatment for ailments involving the throat
Abstract
A light conductor device comprises an elongated structure
suitable for insertion into the mouth, having a distal end for
gathering sunlight and a proximal end for distributing collected
sunlight to the interior of the throat. The light conductor device,
when used as described, permits the use of natural sunlight for
irradiating harmful germs and bacteria in the throat. Alternative
embodiments may include a battery and LED light source.
Inventors: |
Morgan; Robert D.; (Parma,
ID) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MAYBACK & HOFFMAN, P.A.
5722 S. FLAMINGO ROAD #232
FORT LAUDERDALE
FL
33330
US
|
Family ID: |
39157982 |
Appl. No.: |
11/516178 |
Filed: |
September 5, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
607/88 ;
607/95 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N 5/0603 20130101;
A61N 5/06 20130101; A61N 2005/0606 20130101; A61N 2005/0652
20130101; A61N 2005/0661 20130101; A61N 2005/0647 20130101; A61N
2005/063 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
607/88 ;
607/95 |
International
Class: |
A61N 5/06 20060101
A61N005/06 |
Claims
1. A throat-treating light conductor devices, comprising: an
elongated body that includes: a proximal end shaped to insert into
a human mouth; and a distal end shaped to extend outside the mouth
and receive natural sunlight when the proximal end is inside the
mouth, wherein the elongated body includes optically-dear plastic
extending between the distal end and the proximal end to transmit
the natural sunlight received by the distal end to said proximal
end and radiate the transmitted sunlight out from the light
conductor into the throat of a user and radiate bacteria or other
micro-organisms.
2. The light conductor device of claim 1, wherein the light
conductor is powered solely by the sunlight received on said distal
end.
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. The light conductor device of claim 1, wherein the elongated
body comprises light fibers of said optically-clear plastic and
carrying said natural sunlight from said distal end to said
proximal end.
6. The light conductor device of claim 1, wherein said proximal end
is shaped to radiate sunlight in a pattern that scans greater than
180 degrees around the proximal end.
7. The light conductor device of claim 1 wherein said proximal end
comprises a generally semi-spherical surface adapted to radiate
sunlight to the throat.
8. The light conductor device of claim 1, wherein said proximal end
includes a generally cylindrical surface adapted to radiate
sunlight to the throat.
9. The light conductor device of claim 1, wherein said proxmal end
is adapted to radiate sunlight 360 degrees around the proximal end
so that the sunlight reaches substantially an entire upper area of
the throat.
10. The light conductor device of claim 1, wherein an overall
length of the device is in the range of 5-12 inches and is curved
on a radius between said proximal end and said distal end.
11. The light conductor device of claim 10, wherein the overall
length is curved on a 4-6 inch radius.
12. The light conductor device of claim 10. wherein the distal end
protrudes between about 1-4 inches from the mouth.
13. The light conductor device of claim 1, wherein the device is
supported while in use solely by the user's teeth.
14 (canceled)
15. A light conductor device for treating sore throat and other
ailments from harmful bacteria or other micro-organisms in the
throat, the light conductor having an elongated body having a
distal end adapted for being held by the teeth and lips and a
proximal end adapted to extend to the rear of the mouth and the
upper throat, the elongated body comprising a battery and an
light-emitting diode (LED), and wherein the proximal end radiates
light from said LED into the mouth and throat.
16. The light conductor device of claim 15, wherein the device is
powered solely by at least one.
17. The light conductor device of claim 15, wherein the elongated
body comprises optically-clear plastic adapted to carry light from
said LED to said proximal end.
18. The light conductor device of claim 15, wherein the elongated
body includes light fibers which are optically-clear plastic
adapted to carry light from the LED to the said proximal end.
19. The light conductor device of claim 15, wherein the proximal
end is adapted to radiate light from the LED in a pattern that
spans greater than 180 degrees around the proximal end.
20. The light conductor device of claim 15, wherein said proximal
end comprises a generally a semi-spherical surface adapted to
radiate light from said LED to the throat
21. The light conductor device of claim 15, wherein the proximal
end includes a generally cylindrical surface adapted to radiate
light from the LED to the throat.
22. The light conductor device of claim 15, wherein the proximal
end is adapted to radiate light from the LED in a pattern 360
degrees around the proximal end so that the LED light reaches
substantially the entire upper throat.
23. The light conductor device of claim 16. wherein an overall
length of the device is in the range of 5-12 inches and is curved
on a radius between the proximal end and the distal end.
24. The light conductor device of claim 23, wherein the overall
length is curved on a 4-6 inch radius.
25. The light conductor device of claim 23, wherein the distal end
protrudes only 0.5-2 inches from the mouth.
26. The light conductor device of claim 15, wherein the device is
supported while in use solely by the user's teeth.
27. (canceled)
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a device used to irradiate
and reduce or eliminate harmful bacteria and other "germs" that may
reside in the rear mouth and throat area. More specifically, the
invention relates to a self-contained device, capable of being used
by one individual without assistance, wherein natural sunlight is
transmitted to the throat area to accomplish the desired result.
Upon viewing this disclosure, the invented device will be
recognized as extremely useful by those persons wishing to
accomplish self-healing methods for afflictions such as a sore
throat without resorting to the typical drugs and antibiotics
consumed for such purposes.
[0003] 2. Related Art
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,979,900, Okamoto, et al., addresses a root
canal sterilization method, wherein a hand-held light guide
attached to a counter-top UV generating means is used. This device
is designed to be used by a dentist and does not permit use of
natural sunlight.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,030,090, Maeda, et al., addresses a
toothbrush connected to a power source by a power supply cord,
which toothbrush uses optic fibers to admit irradiating light to
the teeth. This device is designed to be used to cleanse the teeth
and does not permit of use of natural sunlight.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,608, Chen, et al., addresses an
implantable probe comprising LED's or LD's used to emit irradiating
light to various tissues of the body for extended periods of time.
This device is designed to be used on a long-term basis within the
body and does not permit of use of natural sunlight.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention relates generally to devices used to
irradiate harmful bacteria and other "germs" within the human mouth
and throat. The invented device, called a "light conductor" or
"light conductor device" utilizes light to treat infections and
eliminate harmful germs and bacteria within the human body, with
natural sunlight being the especially-preferred light source and
other sources of UV-spectrum light being alternative sources.
[0008] The invented device may be used safely by an individual,
without assistance, to treat infections by reducing or eliminating
bacteria or other microorganisms that are susceptible to sunlight,
specifically within the rear mouth and upper throat areas. The
invented device may be used as a supplement to, or instead of,
conventional and/or homeopathic treatments and medicines. The
inventor believes that treatment at home, using the invented
device, may help prevent or at least postpone the need for doctor
visits, emergency room visits, and antibiotics. The invented device
may help those who are traveling or are far away from medical care,
for example, those who are hiking, sailing, or traveling or living
in remote regions. Further, the inventor believes that some
embodiments may be effective in treating, reducing or eliminating
the bacteria in the mouth that cause many cases of "bad
breath."
[0009] The invented device is held in the mouth so that an
elongated portion of the device extends at least to the rear of the
mouth and preferably into the upper region of the throat. The
device is adapted to receive natural sunlight at its outer, distal
end and to carry it to its proximal end inside the user's throat.
The distal end extending outside the mouth is placed in the
sunlight, and the sunlight travels through the device to the
proximal end inside the rear of the mouth or throat, from which the
sunlight radiates. The proximal end is preferably designed to
radiate light in many directions at the same time, so that the
natural sunlight reaches much of the surface of the rear mouth and
upper throat. By virtue of sunlight's natural tendency to kill or
otherwise inactivate micro-organisms, the sunlight reduces or
eliminates the micro-organisms causing the sore throat and
illness.
[0010] The preferred embodiments are larger at the distal,
sunlight-collecting end, thence tapering along the length of the
device to the proximal, sunlight-emitting end. The preferred
embodiments are preferably constructed of optically clear plastic
and are also preferably at least somewhat flexible, permitting
comfortable insertion within the mouth and at least some conforming
to the interior contours of same. The optically clear plastic may
be in the form, for example, of a single piece that forms the
entire or substantially the entire body of the light conductor, or
a bundle or group of light fibers extending along the length of the
body, as will be understood by one of skill in the fiber
optics.
[0011] Preferably, the preferred light conductor has no power
source except that it receives and transmits sunlight, for example,
the preferred light conductor has no battery and no electrical
connection. The preferred sunlight conductor has no light-bulbs, no
light-emitting diodes, and no other devices that create or emit UV
or other radiation except for structure and material from which
sunlight may radiate.
[0012] The elongated light conductor structure is adapted to extend
through the user's mouth and to the upper throat area, preferably
with minimal, or at least comfortable, contact with the tongue and
the throat, by means of the light conductor having a slightly
curved shape and a size, shape, and thickness that fit well over
the tongue and into the throat. Preferably, the light conductor is
long enough to extend past all or a substantial portion of the
tongue, and is of proportions, shape, and flexibility or texture
preferably do not trigger a gag reflex in most people. The light
conductor may be shorter than that shown in the drawings for users
that may comfortably place a device in their mouth but feel they
must keep it slightly forward of the throat. Also, the light
conductor may optionally be rigid or substantially rigid, but this
may tend to cause discomfort or gag reflex in more people.
[0013] The distal, light-collecting end need not be large or have a
large surface area, as the preferred optically-clear plastic, once
hit by sunlight, will carry the light to the proximal end. The
distal end may be a small member, plate, or other protrusion that
extends only 1-4 inches from the mouth, for example. The
optically-clear plastic of the distal end is uncovered and
unsheathed, so that all of it, or a substantial portion of it, is
exposed to light when the user stands in the sunlight.
[0014] The middle portion of the tubular structure, between the
distal and proximal ends, may be covered with a thin layer of
opaque material, preventing sunlight captured at the distal end
from exiting the device until said sunlight reaches and exits the
proximal end of the tube.
[0015] The device may comprise some structure for helping the user
position the light conductor in his/her mouth, for example, a
positioner for placement at the outside of the lips and/or a
positioner for being bitten or clenched between the teeth. In the
embodiments shown, a ring is placed around and affixed to the light
conductor, in close proximity to the distal end, wherein said
structure is comprised of soft, pliable and flexible material upon
which the teeth are closed or clenched to aid in keeping the light
conductor at the proper attitude within the mouth and allowing
hands-free use of the device. This positioner structure, and the
other portions of the light conductor, should be waterproof, easily
cleaned, and resistant to available cleaning aids such as soaps and
detergents.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a light conductor,
according to one embodiment of the present invention, in use in a
user's mouth and throat.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the light conductor of FIG.
1.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the light conductor of
FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the light
conductor of FIGS. 1-3, taken along the lines 4-4 in FIG. 3.
[0020] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional elevation view of the light
conductor of FIGS. 1-3, taken along the lines 5-5 in FIG. 3,
wherein the body of the light conductor is a solid piece of
optically-clear plastic.
[0021] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional elevation view according to a
second embodiment of the present invention, wherein a cross-section
as at line 5-5 in FIG. 3 would reveal a bundle of light fibers
rather than a solid piece of optically-clear plastic.
[0022] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional elevation view of the light
conductor in FIGS. 1-4, and 5A, viewed along the line 6-6 in FIG.
3.
[0023] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional elevation view according to the
second embodiment, wherein a cross-section as at line 6-6 would
reveal the light fibers (see also FIG. 5B).
[0024] FIG. 7 is a partial side elevation view of the
sunlight-emitting end of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a partial plan view of the distal end of the
embodiment of FIGS. 1-7.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a side elevation view according to a third
embodiment of the present invention, which comprises a battery and
an LED.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG.
9, viewed along the line 10-10 in FIG. 9.
[0028] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIGS.
9 and 10, viewed along the line 11-11 in FIG. 9.
[0029] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the
embodiment of FIGS. 9-11, viewed along the line 12-12 in FIG.
9.
[0030] FIG. 13 is a partial side view of the proximal end of the
embodiment of FIGS. 9-12.
[0031] FIG. 14 is a partial plan view of the distal end of the
embodiment of FIGS. 9-13.
[0032] FIG. 15 is a top view of an alternative embodiment that
tapers significantly in its side-to-side dimension and the
top-to-bottom dimensions.
[0033] FIG. 16 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 15.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] Referring to the Figures, there are shown several, but not
the only, embodiments of the invented light conductor device used
to kill, weaken, or otherwise reduce the effects of harmful
bacteria or other germs in the throat. It is understood that the
invented light conductor may also eliminate or reduce bacteria in
the mouth or throat that are considered "good" bacteria or at least
are considered not harmful. The preferred light conductor provides
mild enough treatment that the "good" bacteria are not all
destroyed as the harmful bacteria are reduced, and a more healthy
balance of "good" bacteria and "bad" bacteria is reestablished.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 1, it may be observed that, in use,
the light conductor assembly 10 is inserted into the mouth M such
that the distal end 14 of light conductor body 12 remains outside
the lips so that it may collect sunlight S. The proximal end 16 is
located at the upper throat area T. Sunlight S travels the length
of conductor body 12 and exits through proximal end 16 to irradiate
the interior of the throat.
[0036] While the light conductor assembly 10 is portrayed in FIGS.
1-8 as a device that is fairly substantial in size relative to the
mouth and throat, but many embodiments will be much smaller in
diameter, for example, smaller in width and thickness all the way
along the portion of the body adapted to be inside the mouth and
throat. See, for example, FIGS. 15 and 16.
[0037] The teeth 30 of the person P are closed or clenched upon
ring 20 to aid in keeping the light conductor 10 in the proper
position within the mouth M, thereby permitting the user to have
his or her hands free for other tasks.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 2, it will be seen that conductor body
12 is larger at the distal end 14 than at proximal end 16 and
generally makes a more or less tapered transition in shape along
its length from oval at the distal end 14 to round at the proximal
end 16. This shape allows for a requisite amount of sunlight to be
collected at distal end 14 and to be concentrated along the
generally tapering length of light conductor body 12 to provide the
necessary amount of sunlight exiting conductor body 12 at proximal
end 16 to eliminate or reduce germs in the throat. FIG. 2
illustrates one, but not the only, shape with which light conductor
10 may be constructed, for example, the light conductor 10 may be
generally square, triangular, round, or other shapes in
cross-section. Further, for embodiments that are used to reduce or
eliminate "bad breath," it may be beneficial to produce a light
conductor that is slightly shorter in length, and has a proximal
end that is flattened and relatively broad so that it emits light
preferably all the way across the width of the tongue and
preferably over the entire or substantially the entire surface of
the tongue.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 3, 7 and 8, it will be observed that
conductor body 12 is designed, in a side profile, with a
generally-curved shape to accommodate the curvature of the mouth
and throat. Conductor body 12 is comprised of optically-clear
plastic as will be understood by those in the fiber optics field
after reading and viewing this application. The greater portion of
conductor body 12, between distal end 14, at which sunlight is
collected, and proximal end 16, at which sunlight is distributed
into the throat, has disposed upon its outer surface cover 18,
comprised of an opaque, preferably resilient and pliable material
through which sunlight cannot penetrate. Cover 18 prevents sunlight
from radiating out of conductor body 12 until said light reaches
proximal end 16.
[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4 and 8, it may be seen that
positioner ring 20, comprised of, but not limited to, a relatively
soft pliable material such as rubber, is preferably adhesively
attached to and surrounds body 12 and cover 18. A user may gently
clench the upper and lower front teeth 30 upon positioner ring 20
(see FIG. 1), to aid in keeping the light conductor 10 at the
proper attitude within the mouth, and as aforementioned, allow
hands-free use of the device.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 5, it will be observed that the
cross-sectional shape of conductor body 12 may be constructed so as
to permit of easier insertion of the light tube 10 within the
mouth. In this case, a depression 22 integrally molded within the
lower portion of conductor body 12 may aid in the insertion, and/or
comfortable resting, of the device over the top of the user's
tongue. Other shapes and contours, including a thinner,
smaller-diameter conductor, may be provided; many users may feel
that a very thin conductor, such as less than 1/2 inch from top to
bottom surface and/or less than 1/2 inch in diameter, is easier to
tolerate in the mouth for the preferred several minutes of
treatment time. See, for example, FIGS. 15 and 16. Also, the distal
end and/or positioner for being gripped between the teeth, for
example, may be smaller, thinner, and/or other shapes and sizes as
desired and as effective for light conduction and/or comfortable
use.
[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 5B and 6B, an alternate embodiment of
the invented device is shown wherein light transmitting light
fibers 24, also constructed of optically clear plastic, are used to
carry light from distal end 14 of body 12 to proximal end 16. The
light fibers 24 may be received in a hollow casing that forms the
conductor body, or otherwise contained inside the conductor body.
The light transmitting tubes 24 fulfill all the functions of the
solid or continuous optically-clear plastic body of the first
embodiment described in the preceding narrative. Having a bundle of
light fibers, which are themselves somewhat flexible, inside a
generally flexible casing, may provide more comfort for many
users.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 9 through 13, illustrated therein is
a third embodiment of the present invention wherein a conductor 10'
includes a storage battery power source 26 and light emitting diode
source 16 are installed within body 12, wherein electrical
connections 28 are provided to connect said power source with the
light emitting diode or diodes 16. The diode(s) may be UV-LED's or
other diodes that emit light of a spectrum that damages or kills
the bacteria and micro-organisms that are the target of the
invention. Alternatively, other light sources may be used in
embodiments of the invention, including various sources that emit
light in a spectrum or part of a spectrum that are effective in
damaging, reducing, and/or killing the bacteria or other
micro-organisms that are the target of the invention. Also, as an
alternative to the embodiments shown in the drawings, the invention
may include embodiments using a "passive" light conductor such as
that shown in FIGS. 1-8 (which typically relies on gathering of
natural sunlight rather than light from a man-made source) combined
with a separate but easily-attachable and easily-detachable
"active" light source. Examples of such a light source might be a
battery-powered or electrical-grid-powered light source that
clips-on or is otherwise attachable to and removable from the
passive light conductor, for example, attachable to the distal end
so that it need not reach into the mouth of the user.
[0044] Alternatively, the battery and LED(s) may be combined
together in a unit generally in the central portion of the body of
the device, and fiber optic tubes or a larger member of
optically-clear plastic may be interposed between the battery/LED
unit and the light-emitting proximal end. Such light fibers, or
other optically-clear member(s) would transmit light generated by
the battery and LED unit to the proximal end, which end would
preferably be an unsheathed, optically-clear plastic member adapted
to radiate light out to the mouth and throat.
[0045] In these battery-powered embodiments, the general shape and
principle of operation may remain the same as in the preferred
embodiments, however, the light conductor body may be comprised of
an opaque material, with the exception of proximal end 16, as there
is no sunlight being gathered at the distal end 14' for
transmission through the body of the conductor. Light in these
battery-powered embodiments is being transmitted from an LED in the
proximal end or inside the body, so light only needs to travel from
the LED out of the proximal end to the mouth and throat. If the LED
is provided at the distal end, the light will only have to travel
through the LED cover/casing. If light travels from an LED(s)
located away from the end of the conductor body, light fibers or a
larger light-transmitting member may be provided to carry the
light, and the body itself will not necessarily need to be
optically-clear.
[0046] The distal end 14' of such embodiments, not being used to
collect sunlight, may be of a different shape, for example, a
flared or slightly enlarged end, preferably sufficient only to
prevent swallowing or choking on the device by the user.
[0047] FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate an especially-preferred
substantially-tapered light conductor 10'' according to another
embodiment of the invention, which better illustrates how the
dimensions may be reduced to be quite small, in order to be more
comfortable and less intimidating to many users. The size of the
preferred embodiments, especially the portion extending to the
throat, may be reduced to be quite thin both in the side-to-side
dimension and in the top-to-bottom dimension, as long as the light
still travels efficiently from the distal end to the proximal end,
as will be understood after viewing this disclosure by those in the
field of fiber optics.
[0048] The main body of the light conductor may have alternative
shapes and contours, and also the distal end and proximal end may
have alternative shapes and contours. For example, while the
proximal end shown in FIGS. 7 and 13 may be called generally
semi-spherical or a portion of a sphere, other shapes may be used
with a goal of emitting/radiating light in many directions from the
proximal end. For example, emitting/radiating at least 180 degrees
around the proximal end, and, more preferably, 180-340 degrees
around the proximal end. An oval, elongated, cylindrical, or other
proximal end shape may be used to provide surface area that does
not focus the light in one direction but substantially all around
the rear mouth and/or the upper throat.
[0049] In summary, many light conductors according to embodiments
of the invention may be described as: A light conductor device for
treating sore throat and other ailments caused by bacteria or other
micro-organisms in the throat, the light conductor having an
elongated body having a proximal end adapted for insertion into the
human mouth and a distal end adapted for being outside the mouth
and receiving natural sunlight, the elongated body comprising
optically-clear plastic extending between the distal end and the
proximal end so that said natural sunlight received by the distal
end is transmitted to said proximal end from which it radiates out
from the light conductor into the throat of the user to radiate
said bacteria or other micro-organisms. The light conductor device
may have no power source other than the sunlight being received on
said distal end, and, preferably, the conductor device has no
battery and no connection to any electrical power source.
[0050] The light conductor device may have an elongated body made
substantially of optically-clear plastic, or an elongated body
comprising light fibers which are said optically-clear plastic,
both the plastic body or the body holding light fibers being
adapted to carry said natural sunlight from said distal end to said
proximal end. Said proximal end preferably is adapted to radiate
sunlight in greater than 180 degrees around the proximal end, for
example, by means of being shaped generally as a part-spherical or
semi-spherical surface, or a generally cylindrical surface, adapted
to radiate sunlight to the throat. Most preferably, the proximal
end is adapted to radiate sunlight almost 360 degrees (typically
about 340 degrees, leaving room for the body of the device
connecting to the proximal end) around the proximal end so that the
sunlight reaches substantially the entire upper throat.
[0051] The device may be made in different sizes and lengths for
children, teens, and adults, for example, ranging from about 4 to
12 inches long, and more typically, from about 5 to 8 inches long.
The device may be curved on a radius between said proximal end and
said distal end, so that the proximal end may curve down into the
throat. Many of the embodiments will be curved on about a 4-6 inch
radius.
[0052] The light conductor distal end typically only needs to
protrude from the mouth (beyond the lips) about 1-4 inches, as
sunlight will hit the distal end and, due to the natural properties
of sunlight and the preferred materials of the device, will travel
efficiently through the device to the proximal end. The user may
want to tilt his/her head back slightly to allow the sun to hit a
substantial portion of the distal end, as shown in FIG. 1.
Alternatively, a larger plate or sun-collecting member may be
integral with or attached to the distal end.
[0053] The user may find the invented device an easy-to-use
self-treatment tool, and may find that even a few minutes of
self-treatment will help. Use of the device does not require a
doctor or nurse or other assistant, but users are encouraged to
monitor their health and seek medical advice if the sore throat
persists more than a few days. Typically, the inventor recommends
2-15 minutes of use per treatment, and more preferably, 3-5 minutes
of use per treatment, with multiple treatments separated by 1/2-4
hours. The user should be careful not to overuse the device, due to
possible concerns about over-exposure to sunlight. The invented
device is not intended for sterilization during root canals, or
other dental work, and the invented device preferably does not
include any tooth brushing member.
[0054] In the embodiments including a battery and one or more
LED's, features similar to those of the sunlight-powered device may
be included, for example, the part-spherical, semi-spherical,
cylindrical, or semi-cylindrical proximal end, the curvature and/or
contours and/or preferred (but not required) flexibility for making
the device more comfortable in the mouth. One would expect that
battery-powered embodiments would also be in the range of 4-12
(more preferably 5-8) inches long and curved on a 4-6 inch radius.
The distal end of such embodiments could be smaller/shorter as it
need not collect sunlight; for example, such distal ends may
protrude about 0.5-2 (more preferably -0.5-1 inch) from the
mouth.
[0055] Embodiments of the invention may include methods of using a
light conductor to help cure sore throats or other illness. The
methods may include not connecting the device to any external power
source (except the sun). The preferred methods may include not
treating the teeth, root canals, or sinuses, but, preferably,
treating the throat.
[0056] Although this invention has been described above with
reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, it is to
be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed
particulars, but extends instead to all equivalents within the
scope of the following claims.
* * * * *