U.S. patent application number 11/960361 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-31 for method and apparatus for aesthetic skin treatments.
This patent application is currently assigned to Skincare Technology, Inc.. Invention is credited to Tami L. Brennan-McClure, James H. Santee, Charles T. Walneck.
Application Number | 20080183161 11/960361 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32868901 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080183161 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walneck; Charles T. ; et
al. |
July 31, 2008 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AESTHETIC SKIN TREATMENTS
Abstract
An apparatus for aesthetic manipulation of the skin having a
large pulsator with plurality of light emitting diodes of at least
two different wavelengths and a small pulsator with one light
emitting diode. A frequency modulating means automatically
modulates the emitting frequency of the light emitting diodes to a
plurality of different frequencies. A power output modulating means
modulates the power output of the light emitting diodes. A phase
switching means allows selection between a plurality of operating
phases, each operating phase operating the frequency modulating
means and power output modulating means in a different
predetermined manner. Calibration means connected in circuit with
the light emitting diodes calibrates the power output of the light
emitting diodes. A vibration means vibrates the large pulsator. A
vibration switching means selectively activates the vibration
means.
Inventors: |
Walneck; Charles T.; (Cary,
IL) ; Brennan-McClure; Tami L.; (Cary, IL) ;
Santee; James H.; (Cary, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BELL, BOYD & LLOYD, LLP
P.O. Box 1135
CHICAGO
IL
60690
US
|
Assignee: |
Skincare Technology, Inc.
Chicago
IL
|
Family ID: |
32868901 |
Appl. No.: |
11/960361 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11013002 |
Dec 14, 2004 |
7331952 |
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11960361 |
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10374564 |
Feb 25, 2003 |
7014639 |
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11013002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
606/9 ;
607/88 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N 2005/0644 20130101;
A61H 23/02 20130101; A61B 18/203 20130101; A61N 5/0616 20130101;
A61N 2005/0652 20130101; A61B 2018/00452 20130101; A61B 2018/0047
20130101; A61N 2005/0659 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/9 ;
607/88 |
International
Class: |
A61B 18/18 20060101
A61B018/18; A61N 5/06 20060101 A61N005/06 |
Claims
1-41. (canceled)
42: An apparatus for exposing human tissue to an electrical light
source emitting light with at least two different wavelengths, the
apparatus comprising: a modulator for modulating an emitting
frequency and a power output of the electrical light source to
aesthetically manipulate human tissue, the modulator automatically
modulating the emitting frequency of the electrical light source to
a first emitting frequency and to a second emitting frequency, the
modulator modulating the first emitting frequency for a first
interval of time and modulating the second emitting frequency for
second interval of time, wherein the first emitting frequency is
different than the second emitting frequency, and wherein a first
operating phase includes the first time interval and the second
time interval, and the modulator automatically modulating the
emitting frequency of the electrical light source to a third
emitting frequency and to a fourth emitting frequency, the
modulator modulating the third emitting frequency for a third
interval of time and modulating the fourth emitting frequency for
fourth interval of time, wherein the third emitting frequency is
different than the fourth emitting frequency, and wherein a second
operating phase includes the third time interval and the fourth
time interval; and a phase switcher for selecting between the first
operating phase and the second operating phase, wherein the first
operating phase is different than the second operating phase.
43: The apparatus of claim 42, further comprising a mobile hand
held probe, wherein electrical light source is located in the
mobile hand held probe.
44: The apparatus of claim 42, further comprising a non-mobile
panel, wherein electrical light source is located in the non-mobile
panel.
45: The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the non-mobile panel
comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.
46: The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the first emitting frequency
is in a range of about 50 Hz to about 100 Hz, and the second
emitting frequency is in a range of about 550 Hz to about 650
Hz.
47: The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the modulator modulates the
power output to a first power output ranging from about 55 mW/cm2
to about 65 mW/cm2 and to a second power output ranging from about
65 mW/cm2 to about 75 mW/cm2.
48: The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the modulator modulates the
power output to a first power output ranging from about 55 mW/cm2
to about 65 mW/cm2 and to a second power output ranging from about
65 mW/cm2 to about 75 mW/cm2.
49: The apparatus of claim 45, further comprising a calibrator
connected in circuit with the plurality of light emitting diodes
for calibrating the power output of the light emitting diodes.
50: The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the first emitting frequency
is in a range of about 50 Hz to about 100 Hz, and the second
emitting frequency is in a range of about 550 Hz to about 650
Hz.
51: The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the modulator modulates the
power output to a first power output ranging from about 55 mW/cm2
to about 65 mW/cm2 and to a second power output ranging from about
65 mW/cm2 to about 75 mW/cm2.
52: The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the modulator modulates the
power output to a first power output ranging from about 55 mW/cm2
to about 65 mW/cm2 and to a second power output ranging from about
65 mW/cm2 to about 75 mW/cm2.
53: The apparatus of claim 42, further comprising a wireless
transmitter at the modulator for transmitting modulated light
signals to a wireless receiver at the electrical light source.
54: The apparatus of claim 53, wherein the phase switcher is
located at the electrical light source.
55: The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the electrical light source
emits light at least one wavelength producing ultraviolet
light.
56: The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the electrical light source
emits light at least one wavelength producing infrared light.
57: The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the first interval of time
is equal to the second interval of time.
58: The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the first emitting frequency
is equal to the third emitting frequency.
59: The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the first operating phase
and the second operating phase provide an equal power output,
wherein the equal power output is delivered via at least one of
different emitting frequencies and different emitting frequency
intervals.
60: The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the phase switcher
automatically cycles through the first operating phase and the
second operating phase.
61: The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the phase switcher
automatically cycles through the first operating phase, the second
operating phase, and a third operating phase.
62: A method of exposing human tissue to light of at least two
different wavelengths, the method comprising: modulating a first
emitting frequency of the light for a first time interval;
modulating a second emitting frequency of the light for a second
time interval, wherein the first emitting frequency is different
than the second emitting frequency, wherein the second time
interval occurs subsequent to the first time interval, and wherein
a first operating phase includes the first time interval and the
second time interval; modulating a third emitting frequency of the
light for a third time interval; modulating a fourth emitting
frequency of the light for a fourth time interval, wherein the
third emitting frequency is different than the fourth emitting
frequency, wherein the fourth time interval occurs subsequent to
the third time interval, and wherein a second operating phase
includes the third time interval and the fourth time interval;
modulating a power output of the light; and switching between the
first operating phase and the second operating phase.
63: The method of claim 62, wherein the first time interval is
equal to the second time interval.
64: The method of claim 62, wherein the third time interval is
equal to the fourth time interval.
65: The method of claim 62, wherein the first emitting frequency is
equal to the third emitting frequency.
66: The method of claim 62, wherein the second emitting frequency
is equal to the fourth emitting frequency.
67: The method of claim 62, wherein the second emitting frequency
is equal to the third emitting frequency.
68: The method of claim 62, further comprising modulating a fifth
emitting frequency of the light for a fifth time interval, wherein
the first operating phase further includes the fifth time
interval.
69: The method of claim 62, wherein the switching between the first
operating phase and the second operating phase occurs
automatically.
70: The method of claim 62, further comprising switching between a
third operating phase and at least one of the first operating phase
and the second operating phase.
71: The method of claim 62, wherein the first emitting frequency is
in a range of about 50 Hz to about 100 Hz, and the second emitting
frequency is in a range of about 550 Hz to about 650 Hz.
72: The method of claim 71, wherein the power output is modulated
to a first power output ranging from about 55 mW/cm2 to about 65
mW/cm2 and to a second power output ranging from about 65 mW/cm2 to
about 75 mW/cm2.
73: The method of claim 62, wherein the power output is modulated
to a first power output ranging from about 55 mW/cm2 to about 65
mW/cm2 and to a second power output ranging from about 65 mW/cm2 to
about 75 mW/cm2.
74: The method of claim 62, wherein the power output is modulated
to a first power output in the first operating phase and to a
second power output in the second operating phase.
75: The method of claim 74, wherein the first power output is equal
to the second power output.
76: The method of claim 74, wherein the first power output has a
different duty cycle than the second power output.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The claimed invention generally relates to devices for
aesthetic manipulation of the skin. More specifically, the claimed
invention relates to a method and apparatus for aesthetic
manipulation of the skin accomplished by modulation of the
frequency, wavelength and output of light emitting diodes.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] As segments of the population, such as the "baby boomer"
generation, get older, the market for products that help reduce the
signs of aging has drastically increased. One of the major areas of
concern for many people is the reduction of wrinkles in facial
skin. Many different types of facial creams have been developed
over the years that claim to reduce wrinkling of the skin, but
people have still sought better ways of addressing the problem. One
of the newer approaches even includes injecting a form of botulism
under the skin to smooth out wrinkles. However, people still seek
new products that provide improved results with as little cost,
time and pain involved as possible.
[0005] There also have been several different devices developed to
address the problem of reducing wrinkles in the skin. The following
brief descriptions of previously issued United States Patents
provide a representation of the devices in the prior art that have
been created to address the problem of reducing wrinkles in the
skin.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,787,373 issued to Vogel discloses a facial
ironer for heating a subject's skin after an emollient has been
previously applied. A heating element transfers heat to a soleplate
that is manipulated over the skin providing a facial treatment.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,551,949 issued to Kim discloses a heated
massage therapy device having a hand-held housing, a mechanical
vibration generator disposed within the housing and at least one
source of infrared radiation disposed within the housing. The
heated massage therapy device provides a thermally efficient and
effective means of applying infrared radiation in combination with
mechanical vibration to selected portions of a user's anatomy.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,482 issued to Everett discloses a
hand-held, self contained irradiator powered by batteries. The
applicator end provides many diodes that emit electromagnetic
radiation in the visible and/or infrared portions of the spectrum.
A series of switches are provided so that the user may select which
one or ones of the diodes to activate to provide particular
wavelengths or colors of radiation to be emitted from the
applicator end to be used to treat particular body surface areas
for the relief of pain or other problems.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,497 issued to Anderson discloses a
method for treating wrinkles in skin involving the use of a beam of
pulsed, scanned or gated continuous wave laser or incoherent
radiation. The method comprises generating a beam of radiation,
directing the beam of radiation to a targeted dermal region between
100 microns and 1.2 millimeters below a wrinkle in the skin, and
thermally injuring collagen in the targeted dermal region.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,397 issued to Gebhard discloses a facial
iron comprising a heating element and separate charging base. The
facial iron heating element has a spoon shaped heating surface for
applying heat to a users skin.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,443,915 issued to Hwang discloses a control
method and device of a portable beautifying apparatus. The method
and device use galvanic ion current, far infrared ray, and
vibration to beautify the human skin.
[0012] While some of these devices discussed may provide a certain
amount of noticeable results in reduction of wrinkles of the skin,
there still remains a need for a non-invasive apparatus that
produces improved wrinkle reduction in the skin. To answer this
need, the claimed invention provides a method for aesthetic skin
treatments.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] To satisfy the need for an apparatus that reduces the
appearance of wrinkles in the skin, the claimed invention provides
a method for aesthetic skin treatments. It has been previously
known that placing LEDs emitting light of differing wavelengths
adjacent the skin of a subject can provide beneficial results to
the subject. However, varying the wavelength of the light alone and
maintaining other characteristics of the light emitted by the LEDs
unchanged produces minimal results. The wavelengths of the LEDs
employed in the claimed invention are used as carriers to transfer
modulation of the emitting frequency and power output of the LEDs
to provide an aesthetic skin treatment to the skin.
[0014] A primary object of the claimed invention is to provide a
new method for aesthetic skin treatments that provides improved
results over previous devices.
[0015] Another object of the claimed invention is to provide a new
method of aesthetically treating the skin that does not require a
medical professional to perform the method.
[0016] A further object of the claimed invention is to provide an
apparatus that modulates the emitting frequency of an electrical
light source during an aesthetic skin treatment.
[0017] An even further object of the claimed invention is to
provide a method that modulates the power output of an electrical
light source during an aesthetic skin treatment.
[0018] To accomplish these objects as well as others that will
become apparent after reading this specification and viewing the
appended drawings, a new method for aesthetic skin treatments is
provided. The preferred method generally involves the use of a
device comprising a control console, a large pulsator having a
plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a small pulsator
having a single LED. The term pulsator is being used to denote a
probe or applicator that conveys pulsated light from the LEDs
within the large pulsator and small pulsator.
[0019] The control console generally comprises a session timer
display with controls, a massage control, a small pulsator control,
a pause control, a large pulsator control, a Phase I control, a
Phase II control and a Phase III control. The session timer has a
two digit LED timer display controlled by two timer select controls
that are provided for an operator to set the number of minutes that
a particular session will last. The massage control 70 allows an
operator to activate a vibration means within the large pulsator to
provide a massaging action to the subject's skin when the large
pulsator is being used.
[0020] The small pulsator has a single 625 nm wavelength LED at 40
mW centrally located at the tip that is powered by a power supply
cord removably connected to the control console. The small pulsator
is used in applications where the area of skin that is targeted for
aesthetic skin treatment is small. The tip of the small pulsator is
preferably covered with a sanitary cover.
[0021] The large pulsator and vibration means are supplied power by
a power supply cord that is removably connected to the control
console. The large pulsator has a head with 12 radially spaced 940
nm wavelength LEDs at 20 mW about the head and a 625 nm wavelength
LED at 160 mW is located at the center of the head. The large
pulsator is used in application where a general area of skin is
targeted for aesthetic skin treatment. The head of the large
pulsator is preferably covered with a sanitary cover.
[0022] The circuitry within the control console provides a
frequency modulating means and a power output modulating means that
control the emitting frequency and power output of the LEDs within
the large pulsator and small pulsator. An operator of the apparatus
can choose among three phases where the emitting frequency and
power output of the LEDs are varied for different periods of time
to achieve certain desired results. The modulation of the emitting
frequency and power output of the LEDs provide a pulsating effect
that manipulates the skin of a subject being treated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the apparatus for
aesthetic skin treatments.
[0024] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the large pulsator and
sanitary cover.
[0025] FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the head of the large
pulsator.
[0026] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the small pulsator and
sanitary cover.
[0027] FIG. 5 shows a plan view of the control console of the
apparatus.
[0028] FIG. 6 shows how the large pulsator is used.
[0029] FIG. 7 shows how the small pulsator is used.
[0030] FIG. 8 shows a diagram of the control circuitry of the
apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0031] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows the preferred
embodiment of the apparatus 10 for aesthetic skin treatments. The
preferred embodiment of the apparatus 10 generally comprises a
control console 20, a large pulsator 30 having a plurality of light
emitting diodes (LEDs) and a small pulsator 40 having a single
LED.
[0032] FIG. 5 shows that the control console 20 generally comprises
a session timer display 50 with controls 60, a massage control 70,
a small pulsator control 80, a pause control 90, a large pulsator
control 100, a Phase I control 110, a Phase II control 120, a Phase
III control 130 and a power switch control (not shown). Each
control has an LED adjacent the control that provides a visual
indication as to the status of the particular control. The control
console 20 may optionally have a unit lock key switch (not shown)
to prevent unauthorized use of the apparatus 10. FIG. 8 shows a
block diagram of the circuitry 135 that is contained within the
control console housing 140 and is controlled by a microcontroller
150. Power is supplied to the circuitry 135 as unregulated 12 volts
DC derived from either a battery or from a conventional unregulated
AC/DC power supply.
[0033] The session timer has a two digit LED timer display 50
controlled by two timer select controls 60 that are provided for an
operator to set the number of minutes that a particular session
will last. An audible alarm 160 is also provided that can be
programmed to notify the operator of a predetermined time interval,
signaling that the operator should reposition the pulsator to a
different portion of the skin targeted for aesthetic treatment to
assist the operator in applying an even aesthetic skin treatment to
a subject. Preferably, the audible alarm is programmed to beep
every 10 seconds during use of the large pulsator and every 18
seconds during the use of the small pulsator. However, the
microcontroller can be programmed to allow an operator of the
apparatus 10 to change the audible alarm time intervals to meet
particular needs. FIG. 8 shows how the session timer 50 and audible
alarm 160 are connected in the circuitry 135 contained within the
control console housing 140.
[0034] The massage control 70 allows an operator to selectively
activate a vibration means 170 within the large pulsator 30 to
provide a massaging action to the subject's skin when the large
pulsator 30 is being used. FIG. 8 shows how the massage control 70
is connected in the circuitry 135 contained within the control
console housing 140 and to the vibration means 170 in the large
pulsator 30.
[0035] The small pulsator 40 shown in FIGS. 4 and 7 is controlled
by the small pulsator control 80 that allows an operator to
selectively activate the small pulsator 40 for use during a
session. The small pulsator 40 has a single 625 nm wavelength LED
at 40 mW 180 centrally located at the tip 190 that is powered by a
power supply cord 195 removably connected to the control console 20
as shown in FIG. 1. The circuitry 135 within the control console
housing 140 provides a calibration driver 200 that works with a
calibration resistor 210 within the small pulsator 40 to calibrate
the output of the small pulsator 40 to compensate for variation in
LEDs used in the small pulsator 40 from unit to unit to ensure
consistent operation of the apparatus 10. FIG. 8 shows how the
small pulsator 40, small pulsator control 80 and calibration driver
200 are connected in the circuitry 135 contained within the control
console housing 140.
[0036] The pause control 90 allows an operator to selectively
temporarily pause a session, stopping the session timer 50 and
turning off the large pulsator 30 and small pulsator 40. FIG. 8
shows how the pause control 90 is connected in the circuitry 135
contained within the control console housing 140.
[0037] The large pulsator 30 shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 is controlled
by the large pulsator control 100 that allows an operator to
selectively activate the large pulsator 30 for use during a
session. The large pulsator 30 and vibration means 170 are supplied
power by a power supply cord 220 that is removably connected to the
control console 20 as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows that the large
pulsator 30 has a head 230 with 12 radially spaced 940 nm
wavelength LEDs at 20 mW 240 about the head and a 625 nm wavelength
LED at 160 mW 250 is located at the center of the head 230. The
head is designed as a heat sink to dissipate heat away from the
LEDs 240 and 250. The large pulsator 30 employs culminating and
diffusing lens 255 with the center LED 250 to direct the light
emitted from the center LED 250. The circuitry 135 within the
control console housing 140 provides a calibration driver 260 that
works with a calibration resistor 270 within the large pulsator 30
to calibrate the output of the large pulsator 30 to compensate for
variation in LEDs used in the large pulsator 30 from unit to unit
to ensure consistent operation of the apparatus 10. FIG. 8 shows
how the large pulsator 30, large pulsator control 100 and
calibration driver 260 are connected in the circuitry 135 contained
within the control console housing 140.
[0038] The circuitry 135 within the control console housing 140
provides a frequency modulating means and a power output modulating
means that control the emitting frequency and power output of the
LEDs within the large pulsator 30 and small pulsator 40. The Phase
controls 110-130 modulate the emitting frequency of the LEDs in the
small pulsator 40 and large pulsator 30 for different time
intervals at the following frequencies:
Phase I 73 Hertz for 1 second, 292 Hertz for 1 second, and 584
Hertz for one second. Phase II 73 Hertz for 2 seconds, and 584
Hertz for 1 second. Phase III 73 Hertz for 4 seconds, and 584 Hertz
for 1 second.
[0039] The Phase controls 110-130 also modulate the power output of
the LEDs in the large pulsator 30 and small pulsator 40 to the
following radiant light levels at the surface of the skin:
TABLE-US-00001 Large Pulsator Small Pulsator Phase I 60 mW/cm.sup.2
6 mW/cm.sup.2 Phase II 70 mW/cm.sup.2 7 mW/cm.sup.2 Phase III 80
mW/cm.sup.2 8 mW/cm.sup.2
[0040] The apparatus 10 is used by first switching on the power
switch to the apparatus 10. When power is initially provided to the
apparatus 10, the microcontroller 150 sets the apparatus 10 to
Pause mode, the phase controls to phase I operation, the massage
control 70 to off, and resets the session timer 50 to zero minutes.
An operator then sets the various controls on the control console
20 to their desired settings in order to complete an aesthetic skin
treatment session by first setting the session timer 50 to a
desired session time interval. Next, the operator will select the
phase control 110-130 desired for the particular session. The Phase
controls can be changed at any time during a session by pressing
the appropriate control. The associated LED indicator will
illuminate reflecting the phase status within the microcontroller
150 with only one of the LED indicators being illuminated at a
time. During operation of the apparatus 10, the microcontroller 150
continuously cycles through the emitting frequencies based upon the
phase control selection.
[0041] The operator then selects the desired pulsator control 80,
100 for the particular session. If the large pulsator 30 is
selected for a session, the operator has the option of selecting
the massage control 70 to activate the vibration means 170 within
the large pulsator 30. When either the large pulsator or the small
pulsator is selected, the pause LED will go out indicating that the
pause control has been deactivated.
[0042] The small pulsator 40 is used as shown in FIG. 7 in
applications where the area of skin that is targeted for aesthetic
skin treatment is small. The tip 190 of the small pulsator 40 is
preferably covered with a sanitary cover 280 as shown in FIGS. 4
and 7 made of translucent plastic that is disposed of after each
treatment. The 625 nm wavelength of the LED is used as a carrier to
deliver the modulated emitting frequency and power output of the
LED created by the frequency modulating means and the power output
modulating means. The modulation of the emitting frequency and the
power output of the LED works together to produce an aesthetic skin
treatment when the small pulsator 40 is placed adjacent a wrinkle
in the skin of a subject.
[0043] The large pulsator 30 is used as shown in FIG. 6 in
applications where a general area of skin is targeted for aesthetic
skin treatment. The head 230 of the large pulsator 30 is preferably
covered with a sanitary cover 290 as shown in FIG. 2 and 6 made of
translucent plastic that is disposed of after each treatment. The
940 nm wavelength of the radially spaced LEDs and the 625 nm
wavelength of the centrally located LED are used as carriers to
deliver the modulated emitting frequency an power output of the
LEDs created by the frequency modulating means and the power output
modulating means. The modulation of the emitting frequency and
power output of the LEDs work together to produce an aesthetic skin
treatment when the large pulsator 30 is placed adjacent a wrinkle
in the skin of a subject.
[0044] Although the invention has been described by reference to
some embodiments it is not intended that the novel apparatus be
limited thereby, but that modifications thereof are intended to be
included as falling within the broad scope and spirit of the
foregoing disclosure, the following claims and the appended
drawings.
* * * * *