U.S. patent application number 16/300500 was filed with the patent office on 2019-06-13 for internal ultraviolet therapy.
This patent application is currently assigned to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The applicant listed for this patent is Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Invention is credited to Gil Y. MELMED, Mark PIMENTEL, Ali REZAIE.
Application Number | 20190175938 16/300500 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60479030 |
Filed Date | 2019-06-13 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190175938 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
REZAIE; Ali ; et
al. |
June 13, 2019 |
INTERNAL ULTRAVIOLET THERAPY
Abstract
The disclosed technology relates to a system for delivering
UV-A/B light with a catheter to treat infectious or inflammatory
disorders in a patient. While UV light in the UV-C range has
traditionally been used to treat skin disorders and for focused
ablation of plaques in the arteries and other targeted internal
uses, it has not been developed for broader infection, inflammation
or neoplasia treatment inside the human body. Here, the inventor(s)
developed a system for emission of therapeutic doses of UV light
via a catheter, capsule, endoscope, tube or port that can be used
to manage internal infections and inflammatory conditions inside a
patient
Inventors: |
REZAIE; Ali; (West
Hollywood, CA) ; PIMENTEL; Mark; (Los Angeles,
CA) ; MELMED; Gil Y.; (Los Angeles, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center |
Los Angeles |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles
CA
|
Family ID: |
60479030 |
Appl. No.: |
16/300500 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
May 31, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US17/35316 |
371 Date: |
November 9, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62343710 |
May 31, 2016 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N 2005/0608 20130101;
A61N 2005/0611 20130101; A61B 1/0684 20130101; A61N 2005/0609
20130101; A61N 5/0624 20130101; A61N 2005/0602 20130101; A61N
2005/0652 20130101; A61B 1/0638 20130101; A61N 2005/061 20130101;
A61N 2005/0667 20130101; A61B 1/06 20130101; A61N 5/0603 20130101;
A61N 2005/0661 20130101; A61N 5/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61N 5/06 20060101
A61N005/06 |
Claims
1. A system for performing intra-corporeal ultraviolet therapy, the
system comprising: a delivery tube, wherein the delivery tube
comprises an electrical connecting means; at least one UV light
source inside the delivery tube that is configured to emit
wavelengths, wherein the at least one UV light source is positioned
to deliver radiation directed outwardly around the circumference of
the delivery tube for a substantial length of the delivery tube;
and a power supply connected to the UV light source via the
electrical connecting means inside the delivery tube.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the delivery tube is at least
partially transparent.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the light source is a string of
LEDs.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the light source is a cold
cathode tube.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the light source is a neon filled
tube.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the delivery tube is an
endoscope.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the delivery tube is a
catheter.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the wavelengths comprise at least
one of UV-A, UV-B, or any combination thereof.
9. A system for performing intra-corporeal ultraviolet therapy, the
system comprising: a delivery tube, wherein the delivery tube
comprises an electrical connecting means; a UV light source inside
the delivery tube positioned to emit UV wavelengths outward from
the tube and around the circumference of the tube; and a power
supply connected to the UV light source by the electrical
connection means inside the delivery tube.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the delivery tube is a catheter
that comprises a lumen that is configured to pass over a guide
wire.
11. A capsule for performing intra-corporeal ultraviolet therapy,
the capsule comprising: a battery; a UV light source connected to
the battery inside the capsule positioned to emit UV wavelengths
outward from the capsule and in all directions outside of the
capsule; and a biocompatible and non-biodegradable casing covering
the battery and UV light source.
12. The capsule of claim 11, wherein the UV light source is
configured to radiate UV-A and UV-B radiation and filter UV-C
radiation.
13. The capsule of claim 11, wherein the UV light source is at
least one LED.
14. The capsule of claim 11, wherein capsule is a suppository.
15. The capsule of claim 11, wherein the casing is configured for
swallowing.
16. A system for performing intra-corporeal ultraviolet therapy,
the system comprising: a delivery rod, wherein the delivery rod
comprises a borosilicate segment and a silica segment; a UV light
source, wherein the UV light source is configured to emit
wavelengths comprising at least one of: UV-A and UV-B; and a light
source attachment, wherein the light source attachment is
configured to be placed between the delivery rod and the UV light
source.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the system further comprises a
power source that is connected to the UV light source.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the light source attachment
comprises: a body, wherein the body comprises a front-end aperture
that is configured to connect to the light source, and a back-end
aperture, wherein the back-end aperture is configured to connect to
a rod; and a fastening mechanism, wherein the fastening mechanism
comprises at least one of: a screw, flat-ended stopper screw, and a
nail, wherein the fastening mechanism is configured to connect the
body to the rod and stabilize position of the rod in relation to
the light source.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the light source attachment
further comprises a convex lens that is configured to be placed
between the front-end aperture and the back-end aperture in order
to decrease light loss from the UV light source.
20. The system of claim 17, wherein the silica segment is pure
silica.
21. The system of claim 17, wherein the silica segment is abraded
on its surface along its length.
22. The system of claim 17, wherein the borosilicate segment is
closer to the UV light source than the silica segment.
23. A method of treating a patient for an inflammatory or
infectious condition inside the patient's body, the method
comprising: providing the UV treatment system of claim 1, claim 8,
or claim 17; inserting the delivery tube inside a patient cavity;
and turning on the power supply to emit an amount of UV-A and/or
UV-B radiation effective for treatment of the infectious or
inflammatory condition.
24. A system for performing intra-corporeal ultraviolet therapy,
the system comprising: a delivery rod comprising a UV-C filtering
segment and a UV transmission segment; and at least one UV light
source directed towards the filtering segment.
25. The system of claim 24, wherein the filtering segment comprises
borosilicate.
26. The system of claim 24, wherein the delivery rod is
flexible.
27. The system of claim 24, wherein the delivery rod is configured
to transmit UV-A and UV-B light.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present invention is directed to a device, a method, and
a system for ultraviolet therapy. More particularly, the present
disclosure relates to a device, a method, and a system for
intra-corporeal ultraviolet therapy.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The following description includes information that may be
useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an
admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art
or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any
publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Twenty-first century is considered the era of superbugs.
More and more resistant strains of bacteria, fungi and viruses are
being detected. Current research in development of antibiotics has
lagged behind the adaptation capabilities of microorganisms that
continue to mutate and cause a rise in infectious diseases. A safe
alternative to antibiotics can prove to be extremely valuable and
can potentially save millions of lives per year.
[0004] In addition to infectious diseases, immune-mediated and
inflammatory diseases continue to pose a global challenge. Despite
significant strides that have been made in past several decades,
treatment of these diseases remain suboptimal. For example, many of
patients with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and
ulcerative colitis), continue to suffer with inadequate subjective
and objective control of their disease despite treatments which are
extremely expensive and have significant side effects. An intrusive
surgical intervention remains the only viable option when medical
therapy fails. A safe and effective low-cost alternative to such
therapies would save billions of dollars in health care cost and
improve the quality of life for millions of patients. Moreover,
given the direct interplay of microbiome and inflammation, a
treatment options which can target both entities simultaneously is
of utmost importance.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] Ultraviolet light is invisible and non-ionizing segment of
light spectrum that is divided into three spectrums: (1) UV-A (320
to 400 nm), (2) UV-B (280 to 320 nm), and (3) UV-C (110 to 280 nm).
All these components are present in sunlight but UV-C is almost
fully absorbed by ozone layer and does not reach the earth surface.
UV-A and UV-B are involved in the formation of Vitamin D in human
skin. Although UV-C light is traditionally used for disinfection of
non-organic surfaces (e.g. hospital rooms, aquariums, air vents,
and the like), UV-A and UV-B light have significant
anti-inflammatory and antibiotic effects as well. The antibiotic
effects of UV-A and UV-B light is induced via damage to haploid
DNA/RNA of microorganisms such as bacteria, archaea, fungi, yeast
and viruses within minutes. UV light is even capable of stopping
the disease process in prion-related diseases that currently has no
cure.
[0006] However, mammalian diploid DNA is significantly more
resistant to such damage. For example, it takes decades of direct
sun exposure for select individuals with relevant gene
susceptibility and skin type to develop precancerous skin lesions.
UV phototherapy is widely being used in management of skin
diseases, such as, for example, psoriasis, vitiligo, atopic
dermatitis, eczema, Kaposi sarcoma, lichen planus, skin lymphoma,
neonatal jaundice, and the like. Such process has been proposed and
used as adenomatous polyp detection tool on colonoscopy and also
has been proposed in conjunction with a super glue for closing
patent foramen ovale.
[0007] Considering the anti-inflammatory and antibiotic effects of
UV-A and UV-B light, it has the potential to revolutionize the
management of non-dermatologic (i.e., internal organs) infections
and inflammatory diseases. While UV light has traditionally been
used to treat skin disorders, it has not yet been developed for
broader infection or inflammation treatment in vivo.
[0008] Accordingly, a system has been developed as described herein
for emission of therapeutic doses of UV light using vehicles, such
as, for example, a catheter, capsule, endoscope, tube or port, for
treating or managing internal infections and/or inflammatory
conditions inside a patient. For instance, in some examples, the
inventors developed devices that can deliver therapeutic doses of
UV light in the UV-AB range from a catheter, endoscope, capsule, or
other device to treat infections and inflammatory conditions inside
the patient.
[0009] In another instance, a system utilizing LEDs or a cold
cathode emission that can emit light to cover a broad area inside
the body has been developed. Accordingly, these systems may emit
UV-A and/or UV-B light emitted from a catheter, endoscope, or other
device inside the body to treat or manage infections or
inflammatory conditions.
EMBODIMENTS
Embodiment 1
[0010] A system for performing intra-corporeal ultraviolet therapy,
the system including: a delivery tube, wherein the delivery tube
includes an electrical connecting means; at least one UV light
source inside the delivery tube that is configured to emit
wavelengths, wherein the at least one UV light source is positioned
to deliver radiation directed outwardly around the circumference of
the delivery tube for a substantial length of the delivery tube;
and a power supply connected to the UV light source via the
electrical connecting means inside the delivery tube.
Embodiment 2
[0011] The system of Embodiment 1, wherein the delivery tube is at
least partially transparent.
Embodiment 3
[0012] The system of Embodiment 1, wherein the light source is a
string of LEDs.
Embodiment 4
[0013] The system of Embodiment 1, wherein the light source is a
cold cathode tube.
Embodiment 5
[0014] The system of Embodiment 1, wherein the light source is a
neon filled tube.
Embodiment 6
[0015] The system of Embodiment 1, wherein the delivery tube is an
endoscope.
Embodiment 7
[0016] The system of Embodiment 1, wherein the delivery tube is a
catheter.
Embodiment 8
[0017] The system of Embodiment 1, wherein the wavelengths include
at least one of UV-A, UV-B, or any combination thereof.
Embodiment 9
[0018] A system for performing intra-corporeal ultraviolet therapy,
the system including:
[0019] a delivery tube, wherein the delivery tube includes an
electrical connecting means;
[0020] a UV light source inside the delivery tube positioned to
emit UV wavelengths outward from the tube and around the
circumference of the tube; and
[0021] a power supply connected to the UV light source by the
electrical connection means inside the delivery tube.
Embodiment 10
[0022] The system of Embodiment 9, wherein the delivery tube is a
catheter that includes a lumen that is configured to pass over a
guide wire.
Embodiment 11
[0023] A capsule for performing intra-corporeal ultraviolet
therapy, the capsule including:
[0024] a battery;
[0025] a UV light source connected to the battery inside the
capsule positioned to emit UV wavelengths outward from the capsule
and in all directions outside of the capsule; and
[0026] a biocompatible and non-biodegradable casing covering the
battery and UV light source.
Embodiment 12
[0027] The capsule of Embodiment 11, wherein the UV light source is
configured to radiate UV-A and UV-B radiation and filter UV-C
radiation.
Embodiment 13
[0028] The capsule of Embodiment 11, wherein the UV light source is
at least one LED.
Embodiment 14
[0029] The capsule of Embodiment 11, wherein capsule is a
suppository.
Embodiment 15
[0030] The capsule of Embodiment 11, wherein the casing is
configured for swallowing.
Embodiment 16
[0031] A system for performing intra-corporeal ultraviolet therapy,
the system including:
[0032] a delivery rod, wherein the delivery rod includes a
borosilicate segment and a silica segment;
[0033] a UV light source, wherein the UV light source is configured
to emit wavelengths including at least one of: UV-A and UV-B;
and
[0034] a light source attachment, wherein the light source
attachment is configured to be placed between the delivery rod and
the UV light source.
Embodiment 17
[0035] The system of Embodiment 16, wherein the system further
includes a power source that is connected to the UV light
source.
Embodiment 18
[0036] The system of Embodiment 17, wherein the light source
attachment includes:
[0037] a body, wherein the body includes a front-end aperture that
is configured to connect to the light source, and a back-end
aperture, wherein the back-end aperture is configured to connect to
a rod; and a fastening mechanism, wherein the fastening mechanism
includes at least one of: a screw, flat-ended stopper screw, and a
nail, wherein the fastening mechanism is configured to connect the
body to the rod and stabilize position of the rod in relation to
the light source.
Embodiment 19
[0038] The system of Embodiment 18, wherein the light source
attachment further includes a convex lens that is configured to be
placed between the front-end aperture and the back-end aperture in
order to decrease light loss from the UV light source.
Embodiment 20
[0039] The system of Embodiment 17, wherein the silica segment is
pure silica.
Embodiment 21
[0040] The system of Embodiment 17, wherein the silica segment is
abraded on its surface along its length.
Embodiment 22
[0041] The system of Embodiment 17, wherein the borosilicate
segment is closer to the UV light source than the silica
segment.
Embodiment 23
[0042] A method of treating a patient for an inflammatory or
infectious condition inside the patient's body, the method
including:
[0043] providing the UV treatment system of claim 1, claim 8, and
claim 17;
[0044] inserting the delivery tube inside a patient cavity; and
[0045] turning on the power supply to emit an amount of UV-A and/or
UV-B radiation effective for treatment of the infectious or
inflammatory condition.
Embodiment 24
[0046] A system for performing intra-corporeal ultraviolet therapy,
the system including:
[0047] a delivery rod including a UV-C filtering segment and a UV
transmission segment;
[0048] and at least one UV light source directed towards the
filtering segment;
Embodiment 24
[0049] The system of Embodiment 24, wherein the filtering segment
includes borosilicate.
Embodiment 25
[0050] The system of Embodiment 24, wherein the delivery rod is
flexible.
Embodiment 26
[0051] The system of Embodiment 24, wherein the delivery rod is
configured to transmit UV-A and UV-B light.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0052] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, exemplify the embodiments
of the present invention and, together with the description, serve
to explain and illustrate principles of the invention. The drawings
are intended to illustrate major features of the exemplary
embodiments in a diagrammatic manner. The drawings are not intended
to depict every feature of actual embodiments nor relative
dimensions of the depicted elements, and are not drawn to
scale.
[0053] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross sectional view of UV emitting
device inserted into the rectum of a patient that is constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
[0054] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of UV emitting device
that incorporate LEDs that is constructed in accordance with the
principles of the present disclosure;
[0055] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of UV emitting device
that incorporates a cold cathode that is constructed in accordance
with the principles of the present disclosure;
[0056] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a schematic of the UV
spectrum;
[0057] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross sectional view of UV emitting
device inserted into the rectum of a patient that is constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
[0058] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross sectional view of UV emitting
device inserted into the colon of a patient that is constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
[0059] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross sectional view of UV emitting
device inserted in the esophagus and stomach of a patient that is
constructed in accordance with the principles of the present
disclosure;
[0060] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross sectional view of UV emitting
devices swallowed and traveling through the digestive system of a
patient that is constructed in accordance with the principles of
the present disclosure;
[0061] FIG. 9A illustrates a side view of an example of a light
source attachment that is constructed in accordance with the
principles of the present disclosure;
[0062] FIG. 9B illustrates a bottom view of an example of a light
source attachment that is constructed in accordance with the
principles of the present disclosure;
[0063] FIG. 9C illustrates a top view of an example of a light
source attachment that is constructed in accordance with the
principles of the present disclosure;
[0064] FIG. 9D illustrates a side view of an example of a light
source attachment that is constructed in accordance with the
principles of the present disclosure;
[0065] FIG. 9E illustrates a side view of an example of a light
source attachment being uses in accordance with the principles of
the present disclosure.
[0066] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a UV emitting device that
is constructed in accordance with the principles of the present
disclosure;
[0067] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of method for using the UV
emitting device on foley catheter in accordance with the principles
of the present disclosure.
[0068] FIG. 12 illustrates an experimental data showing an example
of a UV emitting device of the present disclosure being used to
prevent of E. coli from proliferating.
[0069] FIG. 13 illustrates another experimental data showing an
example of a UV emitting device of the present disclosure being
used to prevent of E. coli from proliferating.
[0070] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a UV emitting device of
the present disclosure being used on a colonoscopy on a mouse.
[0071] FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate an example of a UV emitting
device of the present disclosure being used on a vaginal treatment
on a mouse.
[0072] FIG. 16A illustrates an experimental data showing a use of
an example of a UV emitting device of the present disclosure on a
liquid culture containing E. coli.
[0073] FIG. 16B illustrates an example of a UV emitting device of
the present disclosure being used on a liquid culture containing E.
coli.
[0074] FIG. 17 illustrates an experimental data showing a use of an
example of a UV emitting device of the present disclosure on a
liquid culture containing E. coli.
[0075] FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate an experimental data showing a
use of an example of a UV emitting device of the present disclosure
on a liquid culture containing E. coli.
[0076] FIG. 19 illustrates an experimental data showing a use of an
example of a UV emitting device of the present disclosure on a
liquid culture containing E. coli.
[0077] FIG. 20 illustrates an experimental data showing a use of an
example of a UV emitting device of the present disclosure on a
liquid culture containing E. coli.
[0078] FIG. 21 illustrates an experimental data showing a use of an
example of a UV emitting device of the present disclosure on a
liquid culture containing E. coli.
[0079] FIG. 22 illustrates an experimental data showing a use of an
example of a UV emitting device of the present disclosure on a
liquid culture containing E. coli.
[0080] In the drawings, the same reference numbers and any acronyms
identify elements or acts with the same or similar structure or
functionality for ease of understanding and convenience. To easily
identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most
significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the
Figure number in which that element is first introduced.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0081] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.
Szycher's Dictionary of Medical Devices CRC Press, 1995, may
provide useful guidance to many of the terms and phrases used
herein. One skilled in the art will recognize many methods and
materials similar or equivalent to those described herein, which
could be used in the practice of the present invention. Indeed, the
present invention is in no way limited to the methods and materials
specifically described. For example, the Figures primarily
illustrate the present invention in the gastrointestinal tract, but
as indicated throughout, the disclosed systems and methods can be
used for other applications.
[0082] In some embodiments, properties such as dimensions, shapes,
relative positions, and so forth, used to describe and claim
certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being
modified by the term "about."
[0083] Various examples of the invention will now be described. The
following description provides specific details for a thorough
understanding and enabling description of these examples. One
skilled in the relevant art will understand, however, that the
invention may be practiced without many of these details. Likewise,
one skilled in the relevant art will also understand that the
invention can include many other obvious features not described in
detail herein. Additionally, some well-known structures or
functions may not be shown or described in detail below, so as to
avoid unnecessarily obscuring the relevant description.
[0084] The terminology used below is to be interpreted in its
broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in
conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific
examples of the invention. Indeed, certain terms may even be
emphasized below; however, any terminology intended to be
interpreted in any restricted manner will be overtly and
specifically defined as such in this Detailed Description
section.
[0085] While this specification contains many specific
implementation details, these should not be construed as
limitations on the scope of any inventions or of what may be
claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to
particular implementations of particular inventions. Certain
features that are described in this specification in the context of
separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in
a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are
described in the context of a single implementation can also be
implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any
suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be
described above as acting in certain combinations and even
initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed
combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and
the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or
variation of a subcombination.
[0086] Similarly while operations may be depicted in the drawings
in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring
that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or
in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be
performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances,
multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover,
the separation of various system components in the implementations
described above should not be understood as requiring such
separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that
the described program components and systems can generally be
integrated together in a single software product or packaged into
multiple software products.
Overview
[0087] While UV light in the UV-A and UV-B range has traditionally
been used to treat dermatologic disorders and for focused ablation
of plaques in the arteries and other targeted internal uses, it has
not been developed for broader infection or inflammation treatment
inside the human body. The present disclosure describes a system
for emission of therapeutic doses of UV light via a catheter,
capsule, endoscope, tube, or port that can be used to manage
internal infections and inflammatory conditions inside a patient.
Delivery of the UV light can be with or without a concomitant
photosensitizer.
[0088] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a UV light administrative
system that includes a delivery tube 100 and several UV light
sources 150, and a power source 120 to power the system.
Accordingly, as illustrated, a caregiver (e.g., physician) has
navigated the delivery tube 100 to the colon and turned on the
power source 120 to emit therapeutic light (e.g., UV light) into
the colon region.
[0089] FIGS. 9A-9E illustrates an example of a UV light
administrative system that includes a light source attachment 900,
wherein the light source attachment 900 is configured to be
attached between the UV light source 950 and the delivery rod
940.
Delivery Vehicles
[0090] Various delivery tubes 100 or other delivery vehicles may be
utilized to delivery therapeutic UV light to various portions of
the inside of the body. For instance, the delivery tube 100 may be
a suitable catheter, endoscope, capsule (for swallowing or
suppository), or other device capable of housing one or more UV
light sources 150.
[0091] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the UV delivery
tube 100 may include various scopes such as endoscopes that may be
inserted rectally or orally and navigated to the appropriate
regions to deliver effective amounts of anti-inflammatory or other
therapeutic doses of UV light. In another embodiment of the present
disclosure, the UV delivery tube 100 may include a catheter that is
suitable for insertion into the arteries, urethra, vagina and
urinary tract, ear canal, etc. In yet another embodiment of the
present disclosure, the UV delivery tube 100 may include an
indwelling urinary catheter that can be inserted into a patient's
bladder. Similarly UV light can be emitted via a light source
inside an inflatable balloon catheter to internal organs such as,
e.g., vagina, rectum, gastroesophageal junction, stomach, biliary
tract, or the like. In yet another embodiment of the present
disclosure, the UV light can be emitted via a light source inside a
glove or cot that can be worn by a patient or a doctor. The UV
light can be inserted digitally and into a patient's orifice, e.g.,
a mouth, a rectum, a vagina, and the like.
[0092] The delivery tube 100 may be configured to include features
that accommodate the light sources 150 that are placed inside the
tube 100. For instance, the LED light sources 150 may be placed
inside a hollow canal inside the tube 100 and wired together in the
middle. In other examples, the delivery tube 100 may include a
hollow canal for a guide wire to be inserted through and the light
sources 150 and associated wiring may instead be embedded in the
shell.
[0093] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the light
sources 150 may be distributed along the entire portion of the
delivery tube 100, an end portion of the delivery tube 100 or other
suitable layouts so a broader application of the light sources 150
can be achieved.
[0094] In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the
delivery tube (or rod) 100 may be constructed in a way that the
entire delivery tube glow and transmit UV light homogenously
throughout the entirety of the delivery tube as shown in, e.g.,
FIG. 10. The delivery tube 100 may be configured to conduct lights
in UV-A and/or UV-B ranges only, and not in UV-C range.
Furthermore, the delivery tube 100 may be configured to limit
thermoconduction to 10 mm. In another embodiment of the present
disclosure, the delivery tube may be configured to carry out
thermoconduction beyond 10 mm. The light may be incorporated in
continuous and pulse therapy depending on efficacy and treatment
variables as determined by a physician.
[0095] The delivery tube (or rod) 100 may be made of any suitable
construction (e.g., rigid or flexible), including various polymers
that are biocompatible or have a biocompatible coating. In an
embodiment of the present disclosure, the delivery tube 100 may
include at least an outer layer of transparent material to allow
the UV light from the light sources 150 to radiate out to the
internal cavities. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the
delivery tube 100 may be made from, e.g., silicon, silica,
borosilicate, polyurethane, polyethylene, Teflon/PTFE,
borosilicate, or other suitable materials.
[0096] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the
delivery vehicle may include a capsule instead of a delivery tube
100. In such scenario, the capsule may be inserted orally or anally
and the capsule may emit light for a certain period of time. For
instance, a capsule may include a clear or semi-transparent polymer
or other biocompatible coating that may be smooth to allow for
passage of the capsule. In some examples, the capsule may include
the light source 150 and a power supple 120 such as a small
battery. The capsule may be deployed and pinned to an internal
organ for prolonged light exposure.
[0097] For instance, the capsule a smooth coating, internal
batteries that power UV lights 150 such as LEDs that are positioned
to emit light in all direction from the capsule. Accordingly, as
the capsule passes through the digestive system it may deliver the
therapeutic light until it is excreted.
Light Sources
[0098] Depending on the delivery tube 100 or other delivery device,
various light sources 150 may be utilized that are capable of
emitting UV light. For instance, FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiments
of a flexible delivery tube 100 (e.g., catheter, endoscope, or the
like) that includes a string of LED light sources 150 that are
distributed along the tube 100. Each of the light sources 150 are
attached together with electrical connections and connected to a
power supply 120. The light sources 150 may be advantageous, since
their small size and low power requirements enable them to be
placed along the delivery tube 100.
[0099] Accordingly, if the light sources 150 are placed along the
delivery tube 100, the light sources 150 may deliver a UV light to
a large delivery area inside the patient. Accordingly, the
therapeutic target area may be relatively large, to treat
inflammatory diseases that may affect a large portion of the
colon.
[0100] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of where a delivery tube 100
includes a light source 150 that is a cold cathode powered by a
power supply 120. In this embodiment, the cold cathode light source
150 delivers light through a transparent, flexible delivery tube
100. This embodiment may include an inert gas that fills the
delivery tube (or a vacuum tube) 100. The delivery tube 100 may
include, e.g., a cold cathode tube. The delivery tube 100 may
include any cathode light emitter that is not electrically heated
by a filament. For instance, a cold cathode fluorescent lamp may
utilize a discharge in mercury vapor to emit ultra violet
light.
[0101] However, in most embodiments, the gases utilized in the tube
should be inert for safety. For instance, neon gas vapor may be
energized with a 12 volt power supply 120 to generate sufficient UV
light. In other examples, other power supplies with various
voltages and/or currents will be utilized to develop sufficiently
intense light at the current wavelength.
[0102] In some embodiments, the light sources 150 may emit x-rays.
For these embodiments, the system may include vacuum tubes or x-ray
tubes.
[0103] The power supply 120 may include an on/off switch or other
controls to turn on and off the light sources 150. In some
examples, the power supply will include the ability to turn on the
UV light source at various intensities, or to modulate the
intensity over time depending on the therapeutic application. The
power supply may be different for different types of UV light
sources 150. For instance, the power requirements for an LED
implementation may be less than for a cold cathode
implementation.
[0104] In another embodiment of the present disclosure and as shown
in, e.g., FIGS. 9A-9E, a UV light administrative system may include
a delivery rod 900, UV light source 950, and a light source
attachment 920, wherein the light source attachment 920 is
configured to be attached between the UV light source 950 and the
delivery rod 900. The delivery rod 900 may include a borosilicate
segment 950 which omits UVC from the light spectrum followed by a
segment made out of pure silica (quartz) 900 to extent transmission
distance of UV AB with minimal loss. For example, using only a pure
quartz segment has shown to result in detection of significant UV-C
light emission (e.g., 4,300 microWatt/cm.sup.2 UV-C), whereas using
pure quartz rod with a short segment of borosilicate in between the
UV light source 950 and the delivery rod 900 (e.g., borosilicate
filter) results in above level of detection of UV-A and UV-B (e.g.,
over 30 cm) and only 10 microwatt/cm.sup.2 of UVC light at the tip
of the delivery rod 900, which means that the UV light is reflected
back to the body of the delivery rod 900 for a uniform delivery of
the UV light throughout the delivery rod 900. The UV light source
950 may be configured to be connected to a power source (not shown)
that powers the UV light source 950.
[0105] Referring to FIGS. 9A-E and 10 concurrently, the delivery
rod 940 may be made by scoring using industrial diamond, whereby
the glass cutter oil is used and bilateral pressure to snap clearly
(rather than opaque) is applied. The tip of the delivery rod 940
may be rounded by a drill (e.g., 500 RPM drill) wherein the drill
uses a premium diamond polish pad (e.g., 120-200 grit premium
diamond polish pad) and sandpaper (e.g., 400 sandpaper).
Afterwards, a body of the delivery rod 900 may be sanded with a
120-200 grit premium diamond polish pad so that the UV-C free light
(e.g., UV-A and UV-B) can emit throughout the body of the delivery
rod 900.
Light Source Attachment
[0106] Referring to FIGS. 1, 9A-9E, and 10, each of the UV light
administrative device may include a light source attachment 900
that is placed between a delivery rod 940 (or delivery tube 100)
and a light source 950 (or a power source 120). The light source
attachment 900 may include a body 920 and a fastening mechanism 910
(e.g., a screw, a stopper screw, a fastener, a nail, and the like)
that attaches the body 920 to an enclosure (e.g., a rod, a
catheter, a handle, or the like). The body 920 may include a
front-end aperture 970 that is configured to connect to a light
source (or power supply) and a back-end aperture 980 that is
configured to connect to a rod (or catheter). A diameter of the
front-end aperture 970 may be around 10.1 mm and a diameter of the
back-end aperture 980 may be around 5 mm. The fastening mechanism
910 may be around 3 mm in length. The light source attachment 900
may be made of aluminum for heat conduction and for decreasing
light intensity deterioration. The diameter of both the front-end
aperture 970 and the back-end aperture 980 may vary in order to
fit, e.g., a particular catheter, tube, rod, or the like. The light
source attachment 900 may also include a convex lens 930 between
the front-end aperture 970 and the back-end aperture 980 that is
configured to decrease the light loss. The convex lens may include
semi-convex heat resistant lens that decreases light loss and
focuses the light.
UV Ranges
[0107] FIG. 4 illustrates UV ranges that may be implemented by the
disclosed devices and methods. For instance, the light sources may
deliver light only the UV-A and UV-B ranges, and not in the UV-C
ranges. In other examples, the systems and methods may deliver
light in all three UV ranges, or also deliver light in the visible
spectrum. In some examples, only UV-A light or only UV-B light may
be emitted for certain indications and treatments.
Other Electromagnetic Ranges
[0108] In some examples, for the treatment of end stage intestinal
GVHD or neoplasia, the ranges that may be emitted also includes
x-ray wavelengths. X-ray wavelengths have wavelengths that are just
shorter than UV-C range light.
EXAMPLES
[0109] The following examples are provided to better illustrate the
claimed invention and are not intended to be interpreted as
limiting the scope of the invention. To the extent that specific
materials or steps are mentioned, it is merely for purposes of
illustration and is not intended to limit the invention. One
skilled in the art may develop equivalent means or reactants
without the exercise of inventive capacity and without departing
from the scope of the invention.
GI Tract Treatments
[0110] FIGS. 5-6 illustrate example applications to treat disorders
in the colon and/or rectum. For instance, FIG. 5 illustrates a
delivery tube 100 that includes light sources 150 may be inserted
by the caregiver into the colon through the anus. Then, the
delivery tube 100 may be navigated to the therapeutic site for
instance the colon, a portion or most of the intestines (see, e.g.,
FIG. 6), or the stomach via mouth (see, e.g., FIG. 7). Then, the
power supply (or light source) 120 may be turned on to illuminate
the therapeutic site with UV light 150.
[0111] In some examples, this may be utilized to treat various
inflammatory diseases including ulcerative and Crohn's colitis,
IBD, infectious diseases and others as more fully described herein.
As illustrated, depending on the size, location and type of
disease, the delivery tube 100 may include varying amounts of light
sources 150 that may be embedded or contained in certain portions
or lengths of the delivery tub 100.
[0112] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment where an endoscope or other
delivery tube 100 is inserted through the oral cavity through the
esophagus into the stomach. In this example, an infection or
inflammatory disease in the stomach may be treated with the UV
light sources 150.
Capsule
[0113] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a system that utilized a
capsule 800 for a delivery device that may be swallowed by the
patient. The capsule 800 may contain a light source 150 and a power
supply 120 for powering the light source 150. In some examples the
capsule will be made, or portions of it will be made of transparent
material to allow the light to radiate through the capsule. Capsule
may contain a tracking device to assess the location of the capsule
inside the gastrointestinal tract. Capsule delivery system may be
clipped in a hollow organ for continuous or intermittent controlled
delivery.
[0114] In some examples, the capsule may be the size of a pill or
smaller, and may be orally ingestible. The capsule may include a
timer for turning on and off the UV light source when the capsule
reaches or is most likely to reach a certain portion of the
digestive tract. For instance, the capsule may contain a simple
timer to turn on the capsule after 30 minutes, an hour or two
hours. For example, the capsule may not turn on the light source
150 until the capsule has reached the digestive tract to treat IBS
or other infectious or inflammatory conditions.
Catheter
[0115] In some examples, the delivery device may be a catheter tube
100 that may be insertable into the arteries, urethra or other
parts of a patient's body. For instance, the catheter tube 100 may
include a hollow portion that allows for a guide wire to pass
through. Accordingly, a caregiver may navigate a guide wire to the
treatment site and then pass the catheter over the guide wire to
navigate the catheter to or beyond the treatment site.
[0116] The catheter tube 100, like the endoscope implementation,
may then contain any variety of light sources 150 suitable for
administering UV treatment to the inside of an artery. In some
examples, this implementation may use smaller light sources 150
such as LEDs.
[0117] In another example of the present disclosure, the delivery
device may be a catheter tube 100 that may be inserted into a
bladder as an indwelling urinary catheter (as shown in, e.g., FIG.
11), so that it disinfects the urinary tract infection with UV
lights. In another example, the delivery device may be a part of a
balloon inserted into a rectum to treat the rectum with UV lights.
In yet another example, the delivery device may be incorporated
into a vaginal rod to treat infection in a patient's vagina.
Extracorporeal
[0118] In other examples, the blood from the patient (e.g., with a
dialysis machine) may be routed extracorporeal and the blood
radiated with UV light (e.g., UV-A and UV-B). In these examples,
the blood may be passed through a machine that radiates the blood
with UV light before routing the blood back to the patient. In this
example, a much stronger or higher powered UV-A and UV-B light may
be utilized because there would be less risk to the bodily tissues
other than the cells inside the blood.
Treatment Regimens
[0119] The procedures herein may be utilized to treat a number of
different inflammatory and infectious diseases. Accordingly,
different amounts or time period dosages of UV radiation may be
administered depending on the following: (1) type of disease, (2)
type of light source, (3) light source power, (4) light source UV
range, and (5) severity of the infection or inflammation. For
instance, in some embodiments, the time of administration will be
determined by the capsule digestion rate, and other factors (e.g.,
light source power, UV range, and the like) can be manipulated to
vary the dosage. In other examples, the endoscope may be delivered
by the physician/surgeon for an hour, 30 minutes, two hours, or
other suitable times.
[0120] Following are examples of treatment regimens and their
applications. Accordingly, the devices and methods disclosed herein
may be adapted to treat these different conditions.
GI Tract:
[0121] 1. Treatment of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease and
acute/chronic pouchitis and other chronic inflammatory bowel
diseases (IBD) 2. Treatment of non-IBD related proctitis 3.
Treatment of IBD or non-IBD related fistula 4. Treatment of
inflammatory strictures 5. Treatment of microscopic colitis 6.
Treating infectious diarrhea using UV light emitting capsules 7.
Treating refractory Helicobacter pylori and MALT lymphoma 8.
Treatment of esophageal lichen planus and pemphigus vulgaris 9.
Treatment of refractory Clostridium Difficile 10. Treatment of
colonic inertia, tropical sprue, celiac disease, small intestinal
bacterial overgrowth, typhlitis post-bone marrow transplant
infections, pseudopolyps (similar to nasal polyps) and radiation
enteritis 11. Treatment of Barrett's esophagus with or without
dysplasia 12. Treatment of hepatic encephlopathy with daily UV
light capsule 13. Treatment of blind loop syndrome in Roux en Y
patients by placing an ILT (Internal light therapy) catheter
through a PEG in the remnant stomach 14. Treating perianal fistulas
with transparent setons which can emit UV light 15. Decreasing the
rate of infection associated with percutaneous feeding or suction
tubes 16. Treatment of gastrointestinal cancers limited to mucosa
and submucosa 17. Treatment of hepatobiliary infections,
inflammation and cancers limited to mucosa and submucosa
Urology and Nephrology:
[0122] 1. Sterilizing blood in patients with known bacteremia,
fungemia or viremia during dialysis to eradicated or to decrease
the microorganism load. Alternative a light needle can be placed in
fistula to be turned on even outside of dialysis window. Ex vivo
sensitivity analysis will be done for narrower wavelength but more
intense ILT. 2. Sterilizing indwelling urinary catheters in
catheter dependent patients 3. Treatment of bladder and urethral
cancer limited to mucosa and submucosa 4. Treatment of refractory
cystitis/urinary tract infection 5. Adding UV phototherapy to
peritoneal dialysis catheter to decrease the risk of peritonitis
and even long term peritoneal sclerosis.
Cardiology
[0123] 1. Sterilizing blood in patients with known bacteremia,
fungemia or viremia with LVAD to eradicated or to decrease the
microorganism load. Alternative a light needle can be placed in
fistula to be turned on even outside of dialysis window. Ex vivo
sensitivity analysis can be done for narrower wavelength but more
intense UV therapy. 2. Refractory bacterial and fungal endocarditis
being treated with direct UVlight exposure of valves. A
photosensitizer may be given intravenously in this case.
Dentistry
[0124] 1. Treatment of gingivitis. 2. Treatment leukoplakia and
oral lichen planus. 3. Treatment of cancers limited to mucosa and
submucosa
Respirology
[0125] 1. Placing an ILT tube while suctioning ET tube to eliminate
the bacteria in the tube and also the bacteria accumulating around
the larynx to prevent pneumonia. 2. Build ET tube with ILT
capability with intermittent emission. 3. Improving the treatment
of empyema by equipping chest tubes with ILT.
Hematology/Oncology
[0126] 1. Treatment of intestinal Graft-versus-host disease. Xray
wavelength will be emitted in this case, leading to death of
lymphocytes. This can be used in patients with endstage Crohn's
disease awaiting small bowel transplant or palliative care.
ENT
[0127] 1. Treatment of chronic sinusitis. 2. Treatment of chronic
otitis. 3. Treatment of acute otitis media in patients requiring
tympanostomy. 4. Treatment of nasal polyps (there is evidence that
UV light shrinks them, see attached paper). 5. Treatment of
halitosis. 6. Treatment of recurrent tonsillitis/pharyngitis. 7.
Treatment of cancers limited to mucosa and submucosa
Surgery
[0128] 1. Improving the treatment of abscesses by equipping the
drains with UV light technology. 2. use with surgical drains to
avoid superimposed infection. 3. Accelerating anastomosis healing
process. 4. Aid in preventing adhesions.
Neurosurgery
[0129] 1. Intrathecal fibro-optic delivery of UV light in treatment
of refractory meningitis. 2. Treatment of refractory shunt
infections. 3. Treatment of prion diseases with intrathecal or
subarachnoid UV therapy. 4--Treating JC virus related Progressive
multifocal leukoencephalopathy by decreasing viral load.
Gynecology
[0130] 1. Treatment of bacterial or fungal vaginosis. 2. Treatment
of rectovaginal/colovesical fistula. 3. Treatment of cancers
limited to mucosa and submucosa
Rheumatology
[0131] 1. Intraarticular ILT for treatment of inflammatory and
infectious large joint arthritis.
Colonoscopy
[0132] 1. FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a UV emitting device
being used on a colonoscopy on a mouse. The colonoscopy has been
carried out safely. The parameters have included a normal
colonoscopy 72 hours after 10 minutes and 30 minutes of UV exposure
with 1,100 micoWatt/cm.sup.2 intensity.
Vaginal Therapy
[0133] 1. FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate an example of a UV emitting
device being used on a vaginal treatment of a mouse.
EXPERIMENTS
[0134] The following set of experimental data is provided to better
illustrate the claimed invention and is not intended to be
interpreted as limiting the scope.
[0135] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate an experimental data showing an
example of a UV emitting device of the present disclosure being
used to prevent of E. coli from proliferating. As shown, the
control group where the UV light was not applied continued to grow,
whereas the test group that had UV light applied through the UV
emitting device showed continuous decrease in E. coli over time.
The UV light is shown to both prevent E. coli from proliferating
and also kill the bacteria over time.
[0136] FIG. 16B illustrates an example of a UV emitting device of
the present disclosure being used on a liquid culture containing E.
coli. The results of the experiment are shown in, e.g., FIGS. 16A,
and 17-22. All of the results illustrate a significant reduction in
the growth of E. coli in liquid samples where UV-A and UV-B lights
were emitted by the UV emitting device of the present disclosure
onto the liquid samples.
[0137] FIG. 16A illustrates results of an experiment carried out in
accordance with conditions as shown in Table 1 below.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Results Mar. 23, 2017 Intensity UVA: 13 W/m2
sides Liquid culture Intensity UVC: n/s 2 ml tubes Time of
exposure: 2400 seconds blocked tip Cumulative dose: 31.2 KJ/m.sup.2
sides 0 h Median 40 min Median Control 2.04E+07 2.41E+07 2.59E+07
2.41E+07 3.87E+07 3.57E+07 3.72E+07 Test 2.04E+07 2.41E+07 2.59E+07
2.41E+07 6.00E+06 4.50E+06 6.06E+06 5.31E+06 5.66E+06 0 h 40 min
Control 2.59E+07 3.72E+07 Test 2.59E+07 5.66E+06
[0138] FIG. 17 illustrates results of an experiment carried out in
accordance with conditions as shown in Table 2 below.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Results Feb. 20, 2017 Cumulative dose Liquid
culture - big tube (5 ml) UVA = 6 mW/cm UVC = 10 uW/cm2 0 1 h 20
min 2 h 40 min 1 h 20 min 288 KJ/m2 480 J/m2 test 1.55E+08 2.60E+08
2.35E+08 2 h 40 min 576 KJ/m2 860 J/m2
[0139] FIG. 18A illustrates results of an experiment carried out in
accordance with conditions as shown in Table 3 below.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Results Feb. 22, 2017 Liquid culture - 2 ml
lube UVA = 6 mW/cm2 UVC = 10 uW/cm2 Cumulative dose 288 KJ/m2 480
J/m2 Sides UVA = 80 uW/cm2 Cumulative dose 3.8 KJ/m2 Filter 360 nm
0 1 h 20 min Control 6.85E+07 1.45E+08 Test 6.85E+07 1.60E+08
[0140] FIG. 18B illustrates results of an experiment carried out in
accordance with conditions as shown in Table 4 below.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Results Liquid culture - 2 ml tube UVA = 18
mW/cm2 UVC = 180 uM/cm2 864 KJ/m2 8640 J/m2 UVA = 220 uW/cm2 10.56
KJ/m2 Without filter 0 1 h 20 min Control 1.45E+08 2.09E+08 Test
1.60E+08 3.35E+06
[0141] FIG. 19 illustrates results of an experiment carried out in
accordance with conditions as shown in Table 5 below.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Results Feb. 28, 2017 Intensity UVA: 15 W/m2
tip 1.98 W/m2 sides Liquid culture - 2 ml tube Intensity UVC: n/s
n/s tip blocked Time of exposure: 4800 seconds Cumulative dose: 72
KJ/m2 tip 9.5 KJ/m2 sides 0 h 1 h 20 min Control 2.43E+07 6.59E+07
Test 2.43E+07 2.63E+07
[0142] FIG. 20 illustrates results of an experiment carried out in
accordance with conditions as shown in Table 6 below.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Results Mar. 9, 2017 Intensity UVA: 13 W/m2
sides Liquid culture Intensity UVC: n/s 2 ml tubes Time of
exposure: 1200 seconds tip blocked Cumulative dose: 15.6 KJ/m.sup.2
sides 0 h 20 min Control 8.45E+08 9.00E+08 Test 8.45E+08
1.13E+09
[0143] FIG. 21 illustrates results of an experiment carried out in
accordance with conditions as shown in Table 7 below.
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Results Mar. 14, 2017 Intensity UVA: 13 W/m2
sides wax paper Intensity UVC: n/s tip blocked Time of exposure:
2400 seconds Cumulative dose: 31.2 KJ/m.sup.2 sides 0 h 40 min
Control 3.50E+06 5.20E+07 Test 3.50E+06 2.30E+07
[0144] FIG. 22 illustrates results of an experiment carried out in
accordance with conditions as shown in Table 8 below.
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Results Mar. 20, 2017 Intensity UVA: 13 W/m2
sides wax paper Intensity UVC: n/s tip blocked Time of exposure:
2400 seconds Cumulative dose: 31.2 KJ/m.sup.2 sides 0 h 40 min 0 h
40 min Control 3.88E+06 2.50E+06 4.06E+06 2.73E+06 Control 3.19E+06
3.40E+06 Test 3.88E+06 2.50E+06 4.07E+06 3.37E+06 Test 3.19E+06
3.72E+06
CONCLUSION
[0145] The various methods and techniques described above provide a
number of ways to carry out the invention. Of course, it is to be
understood that not necessarily all objectives or advantages
described can be achieved in accordance with any particular
embodiment described herein. Thus, for example, those skilled in
the art will recognize that the methods can be performed in a
manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of
advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other
objectives or advantages as taught or suggested herein. A variety
of alternatives are mentioned herein. It is to be understood that
some embodiments specifically include one, another, or several
features, while others specifically exclude one, another, or
several features, while still others mitigate a particular feature
by inclusion of one, another, or several advantageous features.
[0146] Furthermore, the skilled artisan will recognize the
applicability of various features from different embodiments.
Similarly, the various elements, features and steps discussed
above, as well as other known equivalents for each such element,
feature or step, can be employed in various combinations by one of
ordinary skill in this art to perform methods in accordance with
the principles described herein. Among the various elements,
features, and steps some will be specifically included and others
specifically excluded in diverse embodiments.
[0147] Although the application has been disclosed in the context
of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that the embodiments of the application extend
beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative
embodiments and/or uses and modifications and equivalents
thereof.
[0148] In some embodiments, the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and
similar references used in the context of describing a particular
embodiment of the application (especially in the context of certain
of the following claims) can be construed to cover both the
singular and the plural. The recitation of ranges of values herein
is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring
individually to each separate value falling within the range.
Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is
incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (for example, "such as") provided with
respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better
illuminate the application and does not pose a limitation on the
scope of the application otherwise claimed. No language in the
specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed
element essential to the practice of the application.
[0149] Certain embodiments of this application are described
herein. Variations on those embodiments will become apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing
description. It is contemplated that skilled artisans can employ
such variations as appropriate, and the application can be
practiced otherwise than specifically described herein.
Accordingly, many embodiments of this application include all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the application unless
otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by
context.
[0150] Particular implementations of the subject matter have been
described. Other implementations are within the scope of the
following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims
can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable
results. In addition, the processes depicted in the accompanying
figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or
sequential order, to achieve desirable results.
[0151] All patents, patent applications, publications of patent
applications, and other material, such as articles, books,
specifications, publications, documents, things, and/or the like,
referenced herein are hereby incorporated herein by this reference
in their entirety for all purposes, excepting any prosecution file
history associated with same, any of same that is inconsistent with
or in conflict with the present document, or any of same that may
have a limiting affect as to the broadest scope of the claims now
or later associated with the present document. By way of example,
should there be any inconsistency or conflict between the
description, definition, and/or the use of a term associated with
any of the incorporated material and that associated with the
present document, the description, definition, and/or the use of
the term in the present document shall prevail.
[0152] In closing, it is to be understood that the embodiments of
the application disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles
of the embodiments of the application. Other modifications that can
be employed can be within the scope of the application. Thus, by
way of example, but not of limitation, alternative configurations
of the embodiments of the application can be utilized in accordance
with the teachings herein. Accordingly, embodiments of the present
application are not limited to that precisely as shown and
described.
* * * * *