U.S. patent application number 14/722721 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-15 for ultraviolet light applicator system and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is UV Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to Kevin McGuire.
Application Number | 20150290471 14/722721 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44060371 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150290471 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McGuire; Kevin |
October 15, 2015 |
ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT APPLICATOR SYSTEM AND METHOD
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.
Inventors: |
McGuire; Kevin; (Rochester,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
UV Technologies, LLC |
Fort Myers |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
44060371 |
Appl. No.: |
14/722721 |
Filed: |
May 27, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13577357 |
Aug 6, 2012 |
9095704 |
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PCT/US2010/057460 |
Nov 19, 2010 |
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14722721 |
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61262570 |
Nov 19, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
607/93 ;
607/94 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N 2005/0644 20130101;
A61N 5/0624 20130101; A61N 2005/0606 20130101; A61N 2005/063
20130101; A61N 5/0603 20130101; A61N 2005/0661 20130101; A61N
2005/0607 20130101; A61N 2005/0651 20130101; A61B 2017/00115
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61N 5/06 20060101
A61N005/06 |
Claims
1.-20. (canceled)
21. A method comprising: (a) providing a light applicator including
a housing, a power supply, an optical light guide, and at least one
light source, wherein the at least one light source is configured
to emit UVA light when energized by the power supply, and wherein
the optical light guide comprises at least one termination operable
to focus light from the at least one light source to a particular
location and evenly distribute the light; and (b) passing UVA light
from the at least one light source through the optical light guide
to illuminate a cell, wherein the UVA light is (i) sufficient to
stimulate photo-oxidation by the cell to mitigate pathogens and
(ii) insufficient to adversely affect the cell.
22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the optical light
guide diffuses a portion of the UVA light passing out through the
optical light guide.
23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the light applicator
further comprises a user interface configured to communicate with
the power supply and the at least one light source to selectively
energize the at least one light source.
24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the optical light
guide comprises at least one pipe, lumen or cannula for directing
light emitted by the light source.
25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the light applicator
has a peak intensity within a UVA spectrum.
26. The method according to claim 25, wherein the at least one
light source emits UVA light for a predetermined period of time
upon activation of the user interface.
27. The method according to claim 23, wherein the user interface
comprises a finger pressure switch.
28. An apparatus comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a power supply; (c)
at least one light source comprising at least one light emitting
diode configured to emit UVA light when energized by the power
supply; and (d) an optical light guide, wherein the at least one
light source, the at least one light emitting diode and the optical
light guide are configured to pass UVA light from the at least one
light source through the optical light guide to illuminate a living
cell, wherein the UVA light is (i) sufficient to stimulate a
production of hydrogen peroxide by the living cell through
photo-oxidation to mitigate pathogens and (ii) insufficient to
adversely affect the cell.
29. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the optical light
guide diffuses a portion of the UVA light passing out through the
optical light guide.
30. The apparatus according to claim 29, the apparatus further
comprising a user interface configured to communicate with the
power supply and the at least one light source to selectively
energize the at least one light source.
31. The apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the optical light
guide comprises at least one pipe, lumen or cannula for directing
light emitted by the light source.
32. The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the light
applicator has a peak intensity within a UVA spectrum.
33. The apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the at least one
light source emits UVA light for a predetermined period of time
upon activation of the user interface.
34. The apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the user interface
comprises a finger pressure switch.
35. An apparatus comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a power supply
operably maintained in the housing; (c) at least one light source
operably coupled to the power supply, the at least one light source
comprising at least one light emitting diode configured to emit
only UVA light when energized by the power supply; and (d) an
optical light guide, wherein the at least one light source, the at
least one light emitting diode and the optical light guide are
configured to pass only UVA light from the at least one light
source through the optical light guide to illuminate melanin in a
cell, wherein the UVA light is (i) sufficient to stimulate
photo-oxidation of the melanin and superoxide scavengers in the
cell to mitigate pathogens and (ii) insufficient to adversely
affect the cell and surrounding cells.
36. The apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the optical light
guide diffuses a portion of the UVA light passing out through the
optical light guide.
37. The apparatus according to claim 36, the apparatus further
comprising a user interface configured to communicate with the
power supply and the at least one light source to selectively
energize the at least one light source.
38. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the at least one
light source emits UVA light for a predetermined period of time
upon activation of the user interface.
39. The apparatus according to claim 38, wherein the predetermined
period of time is sufficient to stimulate photo-oxidation by the
cell.
40. The apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the user interface
comprises a finger pressure switch.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to the use of light as a
treatment or supplement to destroy pathogens such as bacteria and
viruses, for example, and, more particularly, to a system and
method of treating and mitigating the effects of disease by
applying ultraviolet light to bodily orifices such as the nasal
passages, oral cavities, and ear canals.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0002] Light in the ultraviolet (UV) range (about 10 nanometers
(nm) to about 400 nm) has been used to cure diseases since the
1870's. A Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Niels Ryberg Finsen for
his treatment of 300 people suffering from Lupus in Denmark. Kurt
Naswitis irradiated blood with UV light through a shunt in 1922. In
1943, Emmett Knott, D.Sc was awarded U.S. Pat. No. 2,308,516,
entitled "Method and Means for Irradiating Blood" which disclosed
exposing blood particles to light in the ultraviolet range during
transfusion therapy. These physicians, along with others over a 50
year span, performed over 300,000 clinical tests with no one dying
from this treatment modality.
[0003] More recently, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer
Center published a study entitled, "Molecular response of nasal
mucosa to therapeutic exposure to broad-band ultraviolet
radiation." In this study, human nasal mucosa and skin tissue
samples were exposed to UVA (about 315 nm to about 400 nm) 23.8 mw,
UVB (about 280 nm to about 315 nm) 8.2 mw, and UVC (about 100 mu to
about 280 nm) 2.4 mw light at 100 and 1000 microjoules/mm 2,
approximately 20 to 200 times the required dose needed to kill most
viruses with 254 nm wavelength light. The study concluded, " . . .
the UV induced DNA damage response of respiratory epithelia is very
similar to that of the human epidermis and the nasal mucosa is able
to efficiently repair UV induced DNA damage."
[0004] Another study relating to irradiation of the nasal passage,
was sponsored by New York Head & Neck Institute and Valam
Corporation, is entitled "Laser Assited Treatment of Chronic
Sinusitis With and Without Light Activated Agents," and can be
found at ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT00948519. This study
used NIR range laser light, to treat Rhinosinusitis, at levels 1000
to 10,000 times higher than is proposed by the present invention:
[0005] "Device: Laser+ICG [0006] ICG arm--will be defined as local
application on a pledget soaked with ICG with a concentration of
200 .mu.g, upon removal of the pledget a NIR diode laser set at 6 W
with light emittance introduced intranasally with a 30 mm diffuser
fiber capable of radiating light circumferentially allowing the
light energy to reach all treatable areas. Laser will be activated
for 180 seconds. Assuming an approximate radius of the nasal cavity
is 3 mm, energy density will be around 200 J/cm.sup.2. Treatment
will be repeated twice, 5-7 day apart. Cultures will be collected
at the end of all treatments."
[0007] According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the
World Health Organization, as available at
"http://www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/RadiationEmittingProductsa-
ndProcedures/Tanning/ucm116425.htm", " . . . brief exposure to UV
radiation, about 5-15 minutes twice a week, is beneficial in
helping the body produce vitamin D. However, the amount of exposure
needed depends on several factors, including [ ] skin type,
[location], the time of day, and the time of year." FIG. 1 shows
dark areas indicating high annual levels of UV exposure and
relatively lighter areas indicating lower annual atmospheric levels
of UV exposure. With large portions of the population spending
increasing amount of time indoors, especially in the North and
Northeast portions of the United States, and with increasing
societal concerns about direct exposure to daylight, it is evident
that a substantial number of Americans do not receive an equivalent
amount of UV light as the rest of the world.
[0008] The amount of UV radiation emitted from the sun varies based
on the time of year, time of day, location on earth, and weather
conditions, among other factors. The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency publishes a UV index scale from 1-11 with one unit
equivalent to 0.025 microwatts/mm 2. Considering the mean UV Index
value is 5.5 or 0.1375 microwatts/mm 2, five minutes of exposure
equates to 41.25 microjoules/mm 2 and fifteen minutes of exposure
equates to 123.75 microjoules/mm 2.
[0009] In 2006, The World Health Organization published "Solar
Ultraviolet Radiation," Environmental Burden of Disease Series, No.
13, Lucas, et al. which discloses that "Ultraviolet radiation is
ubiquitous. Almost everyone has some exposure to ultraviolet
radiation on a daily basis. It is an exposure we cannot entirely
avoid and, anyway, to strive for zero exposure would create a huge
burden of skeletal disease from vitamin D deficiency." Further, in
"Sunlight `D`ilemma: risk of skin cancer or bone disease and muscle
weakness," Lancet, 2001; 357:4-6, Holick et al. estimate that
exposure of the whole body in a bathing suit to one minimal
erythemal dose ("MED") is equivalent to ingesting 10,000 IU of
vitamin D wherein one MED is the dose of ultraviolet radiation
("UVR") required to produce a barely perceptible erythema in people
with skin type 1, fair-skinned Caucasians who burn very easily and
never tan (approximately 200 J/m 2 or 200 microjoules/mm 2 of
biologically effective UVR). The MED for skin type V, Asian or
Indian skin, is approximately 458 microjoules/mm 2.
[0010] In addition to known health benefits, in some instances, UV
light may be able to kill and/or at least partially disable
pathogens, germs, molds, bacteria, and/or viruses. The human immune
system is well-suited to identify damaged, sterilized, and/or dead
cells and remove them. However, certain viruses have the ability to
cloak their presence making it difficult for the immune system to
attack them. One such class of viruses may be those responsible for
the common cold. Research has failed to conclusively demonstrate
that products such as Airborne.TM. or high-dose zinc prevent or
treat adult colds. Further, vaccines for the common cold are
generally not practical because over 200 viruses cause the common
cold and decongestants such as nasal or oral pseudoephedrine only
treat symptoms, not the disease.
[0011] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a safe system
and method for treating various diseases and allergies that plague
the human population, in particular diseases and allergies that
enter through various bodily orifices such as the nasal, oral,
and/or aural cavities.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The present invention is disclosed with reference to the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the world showing ultraviolet light
distribution based on location;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a graph showing resulting light based on incident
angle and reflectivity;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a graph showing an exemplary solar radiation
spectrum;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a UV light applicator according to
one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a calibration graph of a light source according to
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a UV light applicator according to
one exemplary embodiment of the present invention in use proximate
the nasal cavity of a human body; and
[0019] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a UV light applicator according to
one exemplary embodiment of the present invention in use proximate
the oral cavity of a human body;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a light guide according to one
exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and
[0021] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a reflector according to one
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] It will be appreciated that for purposes of clarity and
where deemed appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated in
the figures to indicate corresponding features.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] The most likely area to contain the germs or viruses that
cause the common cold are located on the nasal concha or turbinate.
The turbinates compose most of the mucosal tissue of the nose and
are required for functional respiration. The turbinates are
enriched with airflow pressure and temperature sensing nerve
receptors (linked to the "trigeminal" nerve route, the fifth
cranial nerve), allowing for erectile capabilities of nasal
congestion and decongestion, in response to climatic conditions and
changing needs of the body, for example.
[0024] The turbinates are also responsible for filtration, heating,
and humidification of air inhaled through the nose. Of these three,
filtration is the most important reason to breathe through the
nose. As air passes over the turbinate tissues, it is heated to
body temperature, humidified (up to 98% water saturation), and
filtered.
[0025] The respiratory epithelium which covers the erectile tissue
(or lamina propria) of the turbinates plays a major role in the
body's first line of immunological defense. The respiratory
epithelium is partially composed of mucus-producing goblet cells.
This secreted mucus covers the nasal cavities and serves as a
filter by trapping air-borne particles larger than two to three
micrometers. The respiratory epithelium also serves as a means of
access for the lymphatic system which protects the body from
infection by viruses or bacteria.
[0026] In addition, another area where diseases often forms is in
the throat which manifests itself as a sore throat (pharyngitis).
Common viruses, and even the viruses that cause mononucleosis
(mono) and the flu, can cause a sore throat. Some viruses also
produce blisters in the mouth and throat ("aphthous stomatitis"). A
sore throat can also be caused by bacteria. The two most common
bacteria to cause a sore throat are Streptococcus (which causes
strep throat) and Arcanobacterium haemolyticum. Arcanobacterium
causes sore throat symptoms mainly in young adults. Ear infections
are also typically caused by bacteria.
[0027] Accordingly, the present invention effectively directs UV
light to expose pathogens in the respiratory epithelium region,
throat, and/or ear(s) and other locations where disease often
forms, utilizing wavelengths and amounts preferably at or below
amounts found to be safe and, preferably, commonly found in
nature.
[0028] The safety and effectiveness of light in the ultraviolet
range for treating infections, and mitigating the effects of
pathogens, has been demonstrated previously but the present
invention provides an unexpected advantage due to its emittance of
wavelengths preferably at about 380 nm with a full width half
maximum intensity of about 20 nanometers of light which stimulate
the production of hydrogen peroxide through the process of
photo-oxidation which, in turn, kills germs and other pathogens.
The photo-oxidation process kills invading bacteria and viruses and
generally does not effect surrounding cells. Researchers from
Harvard University recently discovered the hydrogen peroxide also
acts to signal white blood cells to the area to further fight
pathogens and help prevent the onset of disease.
[0029] The production of Hydrogen Peroxide from the skin's exposure
to UV light, Photo-Oxidation, has been studied for over 20 years. A
landmark study was done by Setlow and Timmons et al UV Causation of
melanoma in Xiphophororous is dominated by melanin synthesized
oxidant production. demonstrates the rapid production of hydrogen
peroxide of human skin cells when exposed to light and studies the
wavelengths of UV light that cause photo-oxidation. Yet another
study, is by W. Korytowski, B Pilas, et al. is entitled,
"Photoinduced Generation of Hydrogen Peroxide and Hydroxyl Radicals
in Melanins." In a healthy animal, the internal tissues, e.g.
blood, brain, muscle, etc., are normally free of microorganisms.
However, the surface tissues, i.e., skin and mucous membranes, are
constantly in contact with environmental organisms and become
readily colonized by various microbial species.
[0030] Some of the potentially harmful bacteria found in the nose
and throat are: Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus,
Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus
mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pneumoniae,
Streptococcus pyogenes, Neisseria sp., Neisseria meningitides,
Enterobacteriaceae, Proteus sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
Haemophilus influenzae, Lactobacillus sp., Clostridium sp.,
Corynebacteria Mycobacteria, Actinomycetes, Spirochetes, and
Mycoplasmas. The challenge with using antibiotics to kill these
germs is that along with the bad germs, the antibiotics also kill
good germs. Also, each time a germ is exposed to an antibiotic the
chance exists for a new strain of germ to grow that is resistant to
the antibiotic. The number of documented viruses is about 5000. The
estimated number of undocumented viruses is in the millions.
Antibiotics do not work on viruses, vaccines are required, and a
single vaccine works only on one virus. The common cold is caused
by hundreds of different viruses. The costs associated with
developing even a single vaccine are staggering and if the virus
mutates the vaccine is ineffective. On the other hand, daylight is
known to kill or disable most viruses.
[0031] It is no coincidence that studies have found hospital with
an abundance of windows have a lower infection rate than darkened
hospitals. Hospitals with windows let the sun shine in and it has
been proven that even a small dose of sunlight kill germs. In fact,
hospitals with an abundance of windows have been shown to have less
bacteria than a darkened forest. Moreover, history points to
outbreaks of deadly pandemics after volcanic eruptions and
prolonged cold spells. It is also no coincidence that people are
more healthy in the summer when they are more exposed to the
sun.
[0032] According to the American Accreditation Health Care
Commission, Adventist Health Care, Pro Health Care, Wake Forest
University, Georgetown Department of Medicine: "We call it the
common cold for good reason. There are over one billion colds in
the United States each year. Colds can occur year-round, but they
occur mostly in the winter, even in areas with mild winters. In
areas where there is no winter, colds are most common during the
rainy season. The relationship between sunlight and flu/colds and
other airborne illnesses is clear; with less available sunshine,
there is less of an opportunity for sunlight to kill the germs that
cause sicknesses, and consequently more illness occurs.
[0033] Further, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
published a study entitled, "Molecular response of nasal mucosa to
therapeutic exposure to broad-band ultraviolet radiation." In this
study both human subjects and EpiAirway or nasal tissues were
exposed to UV light. The study concluded, "Response of respiratory
epithelia is very similar to that of the human epidermis." In other
words, the skin in your nose is the same as the skin on your arms
and has the same resistance and response to UV light.
[0034] With my invention the light is directed with precision to
areas with high risk of infection. Exposures based on the quantity
and delivery method of UV light can be recommended to maximize the
amount of invading species that will be neutralized while
minimizing the damage to the surrounding nasal cells. For example,
studies have shown that as low as five microjoules or five
microwatt*sec are required to destroy M13 bacteriophages and
additionally only 6.6 microwatts*sec per mm 2 is required to kill
99% of the Influenza and Polio Virus at 254 nm wavelength
light.
[0035] Although 254 nm falls in the UVC range, there are no
measurable amounts of UVC on the Earth's surface. In order for
natural daylight and its UV component(s) to enter the nasal
passages, some reflection needs to occur, the level of which is
shown in FIG. 2. Typically, this reflection results from water,
snow, and sand. For example, a person being outdoors for eight
hours on the water, beach, or ski slopes, for example, on a day in
which the UV index day is 5.5, experiences an average reflection of
10%, 15%, and 80% respectively, based on EPA estimates. Two percent
of the reflected light from water, for example, entering the nasal
passage, equates to a total of 57.6 microjoules/mm 2 of combined
UVA and UVB light. This amount is less than one-third the level the
World Health Organization states is necessary for the most
fair-skinned person to show a change in skin color, less than
1/10.sup.th the amount of UVC the MD Anderson study showed is safe,
and on a lower level than the FDA considers beneficial, on average.
Intuitively this result makes sense as even on the sunniest day,
reports of sunburn in the nasal cavity are exceedingly rare.
[0036] Most published exposures of UV light on bacteria and viruses
are at 254 nm wavelength, however, such a wavelength is shorter
than what is typically found in nature. Wavelengths from about 280
to about 400 nm are typically found in nature and may be safer.
FIG. 3 shows a solar radiation spectrum indicating an exemplary
ultraviolet range.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 4, a UV light applicator 400 according to
one exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown as
including a housing 410, a power supply 420, such as a 3V lithium
battery, at least one light source 430, such as a light emitting
diode (LED), configured to emit light when energized, and a user
interface 430, such as a button or finger pressure switch.
Exemplary wavelengths of UV light emitted by the light applicator
400 range from about 250 nm to about 400 nm.
[0038] Still referring to FIG. 4, the UV light applicator 400
according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention
includes an optional light guide, such as a wishbone shaped light
guide 450. The light guide 450 can be attached to the light
applicator 400 proximate the light source 530, for example, or can
be removably attached to the applicator 400 such as by snap, clip,
press fit, or any other means of attachment. The light guide 450
can include reusable and/or disposable piping, lumen, and/or
cannula and optionally includes one or more diffuse 460 or focusing
450 terminations to focus the light to a particular location and/or
evenly distribute the light inside the bodily passage,
respectively. In another embodiment, the applicator can include two
or more light sources (not shown) separated such as by
approximately one centimeter.
[0039] In yet another embodiment, the light applicator 400 can
include circuitry for supplying power to the light source 430 for
only a predetermined/prescribed amount of time. In another
embodiment, the light applicator 400 can include a sound interface
and device (not shown) for providing an audible sound indicating
that the light source 430 has been energized for a predetermined
amount of time. In yet another embodiment, a mirror (not shown) is
disposed proximate, or attached to, the applicator 400 to allow the
user to accurately direct the UV light.
[0040] In one exemplary embodiment, the UV light applicator 400 has
a peak intensity of about 395 nanometers, a full-width half maximum
of about 20 nanometers, and an output of 30 microwatts/mm 2. During
a two second exposure, a bodily passage is exposed to about 60
microjoules/mm 2 which is on the order of a natural exposure and
still less than 1/10.sup.th the amount previously determined as
safe.
[0041] In another exemplary embodiment, UV light is emitted by the
applicator 400 so as to provide exposures of 10 to 100
microjoules/mm 2, which is less than 1/10.sup.th the magnitude used
in the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center study, without
the use of UVC light, laser(s), or a filtered light source. Other
embodiments include exposures from 100 to 1000 microjoules/mm 2.
Further embodiments include exposures of 1000 or more
microjoules/mm 2. To ensure substantially equal exposure of UVA and
UVB across devices, the spectrum of each device should be measured
and the appropriate exposure time determined and indicated. For
example, if one LED device had a peak spectrum shifted toward
longer wavelengths, the required exposure time would be greater
compared to another LED device centered on, for example, 380 nm
with the same peak intensity. An exemplary calibration graph is
shown in FIG. 6.
[0042] In one exemplary operation of the present invention, as
shown in FIG. 6, UV light is emitted from a UV applicator 600 into
one or more nasal passages 610 in order to mitigate the effects of
the common cold and other air-born diseases and allergies. In this
embodiment, the UV light applicator 600 is directed up each
individual nostril for a prescribed exposure interval. Viruses and
bacteria present on the respiratory epithelium will be exposed to
the UV light and subsequently killed and/or disabled.
[0043] In another exemplary operation, as shown in FIG. 7, a UV
light applicator 700 can be directed into the throat area 710 for a
prescribed exposure interval. In yet another exemplary operation,
light emitted by a UV light applicator is directed into the ear
(not shown) or any other bodily orifice and/or passage. The UV
light, as described above, damages, sterilizes, and/or kills
infecting cells directly or indirectly through photo-oxidation.
[0044] In yet another exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 8, a
light guide 800 is configured to be disposed proximate a bodily
orifice at a first outlet end 808. Sunlight is received at an inlet
end 810 and the light guide 800 redirects light toward bodily areas
though the first outlet end 808. In the exemplary embodiment shown
in FIG. 8, a photodetector 814 is disposed proximate a second
outlet end 812 of the light guide 800. The photodetector 814 is
configured so as to measure the amount of light directed toward the
desired bodily area. The photodetector 814 is in electrical
communication with at least one of an exposure meter 806 and/or an
alarm 804 wherein the alarm 804 is in electrical communication with
at least one of the photodetector 814 and/or the exposure meter 806
and can provide an audible visual, and/or tactile output, for
example, based on the information electrically communicated by the
photodetector 814 and/or exposure meter 806. Optionally, the alarm
804 can be configured to engage a shutter 802, such as by
mechanical interaction, electrical communication with an actuator,
or other means for converting an electrical signal into a
mechanical force, for example, attached to the light guide 800 at a
hinge 818 so as to substantially cover the inlet end 810 upon an
alarm condition. The alarm condition can be communicated based on a
predetermined level or, alternatively, based on user input. The
predetermined level can be specified upon manufacture and stored in
a data storage means or other electronic circuitry, or,
alternatively, can be determined by the user through a user input
device 816 disposed on one of the alarm 804 and/or the exposure
meter 806. The exposure meter 806 can provide data representative
of the amount of light indicated by the photodetector 814 such as
by mechanical needle or other display. The alarm 804 and exposure
meter 806 can be contained in the same or a separate housing.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 9, one exemplary embodiment of the present
invention is shown as including a reflecting surface 900 configured
to be disposed proximate a bodily orifice. Sunlight is received by
the reflecting surface 900 and reflected toward the bodily orifice.
A photodetector 908 is disposed proximate the reflecting surface
and in electrical communication with at least one of an exposure
meter 906 and/or an alarm 904 wherein the alarm 904 is in
electrical communication with at least one of the photodetector 908
and/or the exposure meter 906 and can provide an audible visual,
and/or tactile output, for example, based on the information
electrically communicated by the photodetector 908 and/or exposure
meter 906. Optionally, the alarm 904 can be configured to engage a
shutter 902, such as by mechanical interaction, electrical
communication with an actuator, or other means for converting an
electrical signal into a mechanical force, for example, attached to
the reflecting surface 900 at a hinge 910 so as to substantially
cover the reflecting surface 900 upon an alarm condition. The alarm
condition can be communicated based on a predetermined level or,
alternatively, based on user input. The predetermined level can be
specified upon manufacture and stored in a data storage means or
other electronic circuitry, or, alternatively, can be determined by
the user through a user input device 912 disposed on one of the
alarm 904 and/or the exposure meter 906. The exposure meter 906 can
provide data representative of the amount of light indicated by the
photodetector 908 such as by mechanical needle or other display.
The alarm 904 and exposure meter 906 can be contained in the same
or a separate housing.
[0046] The embodiments described above can address allergic
reactions, resulting from a suppression of T cell activity, for
example, which I uniquely assert is due to the body's mobilization
of pathogen-fighting agents, otherwise suppressed by the body, when
an area has been irradiated by daylight. The mechanism by which the
targeted bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens are mitigated can
be by DNA destruction and photooxidation which produces
pathogen-killing hydrogen peroxide.
[0047] The present invention has been tested as outlined below:
While suffering from a cold that had been going on for over three
weeks, I decided to take a rest by lying down on a dock in the sun.
Almost immediately after lying down, my nasal passages started to
clear. I knew that something was different because I had been
congested for several nights after lying in the same position. I
was lying so that my feet were facing the sun which was low on the
horizon. I positioned my head so that a maximum amount of sunlight
could enter my nasal passage. I rested for about 15 minutes in this
position. Afterwards, I still had nasal discharge for the rest of
the day, but by two days later my cold was gone I was no longer
experiencing the discharge. To rule out the possibility that this
was just chance, and my cold was about to end regardless of
irradiating my nasal passages, I tested my hypothesis by using UV
LEDs with the wavelengths and power, as described above, to provide
equivalent amounts of UV to the nasal passages in a reasonable and
convenient amount of time. Six days after the initial experience, I
directed light emitted by a UV LED up both of my nasal passages for
two seconds each. Prior to exposing my nose to the light, I had no
discharge. After thirty seconds my nose started running. I blew my
nose just once to clear the discharge (clear) and then about five
minutes later felt a small amount of pressure in my sinus area that
lasted for a minute. No other side effects were detected. Seven
days after the initial experience, I directed light emitted by a UV
LED up both my nasal passages for two seconds each. Prior to
exposing my nose to the light, I had no discharge. After twenty
seconds my nose started running. I blew my nose only once to clear
the discharge (clear) and then about 3 minutes later felt a small
amount of pressure in my sinus area that lasted for about three
minutes. No other side effects were detected. Eight days after the
initial experience I directed light emitted by a UV LED up both my
nasal passages for two seconds each. Prior to exposing my nose to
the light, I had no discharge. There was not enough discharge to
require my clearing my nose, however, ten minutes later I felt a
small amount of pressure in my sinus area that lasted for about
five minutes. Fifteen minutes after treatment, I had enough
discharge that required me to blow my nose. The discharge was
clear. No other side effects were detected. On all days, the only
time I needed to blow my nose was after irradiating it with UV
light. On all four occasions when light was directed up my nasal
passages, I experienced a reaction. Further, three other subjects
have exposed their nasal passages with UV light and all have
reported a profound feeling in their nasal passages immediately
after exposure with no other side effects. Nearly a month after the
first exposure to UV in my nasal passages, I exposed my throat to
light emitted by a UV LED when I woke up with a sore throat. I
exposed the throat for about four seconds waving the beam around in
my throat. The relief to my throat was almost instantaneous with a
faint aftertaste lasting for about ten minutes.
[0048] Accordingly, based on my observations and knowledge that UV
light can be used kill bacteria and viruses, I have developed the
light applicator system and methods of the present invention. In
exemplary operations, the applicator system is used to direct light
in the UV range up the nasal passage(s), oral cavities, and/or
ear(s) in order to supplement naturally occurring light and cure,
treat, curtail, and/or prevent the common cold and other air-born
illnesses/diseases/pathogens that reside in the nose/throat/ear
passage(s).
[0049] While the principles of the invention have been described
herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that
this description is made only by way of example and not as a
limitation as to the scope of the invention. Other embodiments are
contemplated within the scope of the present invention in addition
to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein.
Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art
are considered to be within the scope of the present invention,
which is not to be limited except by the following claims.
* * * * *
References