Disclosed is a device for relaxing, stimulating and/or driving brain wave form function in a human subject. The device comprises, in combination, an eye mask having independently controlled left and right eyepieces and a peripheral light array in each eyepiece, an audio headset having independently controlled left and right earpieces and a control panel which controls light and sound signals to the light arrays and earpieces, respectively. Various control functions allow simultaneous or alternating light and sound pulsations in the left and right light arrays and earpieces, as well as selective phasing between light and sound pulsations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
This invention relates to the art of learning and relaxation aids and more 
particularly to a device which releases psychological and physiological 
stress and tension primarily by stimulating the senses of hearing and 
sight. 
Various devices have been developed in recent years for use in both 
stimulating and patterning brain functions in both the fields of 
psychology and learning. Thus, the so-called bio-feedback devices utilize 
electrical signals from various sensors placed on the body of a subject 
which sense such variables as skin temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure 
and the like. From a summation of these various data, the subject is 
provided with some form of feedback which is indicative of these various 
conditions. By concentrating on particular symptoms, an alteration in one 
or more of the variables may be induced which in turn alters the feedback. 
Commonly, an audio tone is utilized to indicate a particular mental or 
physical state and variations in the tone indicate differing mental or 
physical states. Eventually, the subject "learns" how to induce changes in 
his physical state without feedback. A typical bio-feedback device is 
described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,942,516. 
Subliminal stimulation is also known to impart knowledge to a subject 
through subconscious mental functioning. A tachistoscopic visual image 
impressed upon the field of vision of a subject, such as on a motion 
picture or a television screen, can stimulate and be retained by a 
subject's subconsciousness even when the stimulus is of such short 
duration that the subject's conscious mind is totally unaware of its 
presence. Similarly, it is also known that audio subliminal stimulation is 
possible by overlaying an audio signal onto a normal pattern of audio 
input. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,060,795 and 3,278,676 are illustrative of these 
concepts. 
In the field of learning, sensory isolation, wherein distracting sensory 
inputs are suppressed, is well known. The common study carrel which limits 
peripheral vision and usually incorporates sound deadening panels is 
typical of such devices. Also known is a learning aid which incorporates a 
pair of eye goggles which act in a manner similar to blinders to limit a 
subject's peripheral vision, and, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,534,484, 
may also incorporate a source of an audio signal which acts to block out 
other distracting audio inputs. This combination affords the user a 
reduction in distracting sensory inputs and thereby assists in the 
development of concentration on a particular subject matter. 
Modern theories of psychology and learning have identified various 
functional areas in the physical structure of the brain and central 
nervous system. Thus, the so-called left hemisphere of the brain is 
thought to be the source of logical reasoning and rote functioning of the 
human consciousness. Conversely, the so-called right brain hemisphere is 
thought to be the source of artistic, creative and imaginative functioning 
within the brain. 
A similar division has been noted in front and rear brain functioning. The 
rear portion of the brain controlling the instinctual function of the body 
such as the central nervous system, the limbic system, etc. while human 
reasoning or social functioning is centered in the front portion of the 
brain. 
Often the functioning of one hemisphere or portion is emphasized to the 
point of suppression of or conflict with the functioning of the other. 
Ideally, "whole" brain functioning would be utilized through a balancing 
of left and right, and front to back brain functions. In order to 
accomplish this, it is necessary to reduce the over-emphasized functioning 
and increase the under emphasized functioning to a point where there is 
cooperative functioning of both brain hemispheres, side to side and front 
to back. 
It has been found that the brain utilizes wave patterns in order to 
function. It has also been found that light and sound stimuli can affect 
brain wave patterns and actually alter the flow of these brain wave 
patterns. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention provides an apparatus for stimulating and 
coordinating whole brain wave function, which apparatus comprises in 
combination a source of pulsating light in an eye-covering mask which 
locates the light sources adjacent the left and right eyes of a subject 
and an audio headset which applies sound signals to the left and right 
ears of the subject. 
In accordance with the invention, an eye mask generally in the form of 
goggles having left and right eyepieces includes a peripheral source of 
light for each eyepiece which may be independently controlled for 
pulsation frequency and light intensity. The mask incorporates a headband 
for securing the mask to the wearer's head and may also include integral 
air vents. 
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the eyepieces incorporate 
interchangeable lens and/or filter elements which may be colored lenses, 
prismatic lenses, mirrors and the like. Clear lenses may also be utilized. 
In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the eye mask 
as above described, may further include a secondary pulsating light source 
located generally above and between the left and right eyepieces. A source 
of extremely low frequency (1-30 Hz) electromagnetic force fields may also 
be provided adjacent each eyepiece and electrically connected to pulse at 
the frequency and intensity of its associated light source and/or audio 
source. 
The eye mask as above described is used in conjunction with an audio 
headset which is similar to a set of stereo headphones. Audio signals to 
left and right eyepieces are controlled independently along with light 
pulsations in the eye mask. 
The eye mask and headset are connected, preferably through a single 
umbilical connector, to a control panel. The control panel incorporates 
controls for the intensity of both the light source and the sound volume. 
A pulsation frequency control is also utilized. 
In the preferred embodiment, the control panel as above described may 
further include switching means which permits simultaneous left and right 
pulsations of both the light sources and sound outputs or may also permit 
alternating left and right pulsations in each mode. A second switching 
means may also be provided which alternates a light pulse with a sound 
pulse in one position and synchronizes light and sound pulses in a second 
position. Thus, in combination, the two switching means permit four 
possible combinations of alternating and synchronous pulsations between 
the left and right light and sound sources. Each of these switching modes 
stimulates a particular area of the brain to effect an alteration in brain 
wave form functioning. 
Further in accordance with the invention, a heartbeat sound output is 
provided by the control panel for overlaying a pulsating heartbeat sound 
on various other audio signals. A heart rate control is also provided for 
increasing or decreasing the heartbeat sound rate. 
In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, provision is 
made for input of audio signals from external sources, such as tape, 
phonograph, voice microphone or the like. The external audio inputs may 
also be independently controlled for volume.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS AND THE DRAWINGS 
Referring now to the drawings which are for the purposes of illustrating a 
preferred embodiment of the invention only and should not be construed as 
a limitation upon same, FIG. 1 illustrates the learning, relaxation and 
stress reduction device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the 
invention worn for use by a human subject 10. In order to achieve maximum 
effect from the device, the human subject 10 is preferably supported in a 
comfortable reclining or semi-reclining position on a table or, as shown 
in FIG. 1, on a comfortable reclining chair 12. The form of body support 
is unimportant to the invention but the subject 10 should preferably be in 
a comfortable position whether seated or fully reclined. Other reclining 
supports such as padded tables, water mattresses, air mattresses or the 
like are possible. Variable frequency vibrators or massagers may also be 
incorporated into the body support to effect greater subject relaxation 
and entrainment of brain wave forms. 
The learning-relaxation device generally comprises an audio headset 14 
having a pair of earpieces 16 connected by an adjustable headband 18. An 
eye mask 20 having eyepieces 22 is worn covering the eyes of the subject 
10 and is held in place by an elastic headband 24. A signal input 
umbilical cord 26 which divides to form headset umbilical cord 28 and eye 
mask umbilical cord 30 is connected to a signal output and control panel 
32 supported within easy reach of the subject 10. 
The control panel 32 contains various controls for light and sound signals 
which are provided to the headset 14 and the eye mask 20. As shown in FIG. 
1, umbilical 26 has a divided Y-form to connect to the headset 14 through 
headset umbilical 28 and to the eye mask 20 through eye mask umbilical 30. 
This is merely one preferred form of umbilical connection and other forms 
of connection are possible and contemplated within the scope of the 
present invention. For example, the eye mask umbilical 30 may be connected 
to an appropriate portion of the headset 14 and the umbilical 26 could 
connect directly with the headset 14 carrying both signals for the headset 
14 and the eye mask 20. 
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the eye mask 20 comprises a resilient, 
head-conforming body portion 34 and a generally rigid front panel 36 upon 
which the left and right eyepieces 22a and 22b, respectively, are mounted. 
The elastic headband 24 serves to secure the eye mask 20 over the 
subject's eye. 
The preferred form of the eye mask 20 preferably incorporates a number of 
vents 38 located on the body 34 so as to permit air circulation within the 
eye mask 20. Eye mask control umbilical 30 extends outwardly from the body 
34 of eye mask 20 and, as shown in FIG. 2, has a connector plug 40 located 
at the remote end thereof. The connector plug 40 may be connected to an 
appropriate socket located either on the headset 14 or on the control 
panel 32 as desired, or, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the umbilical 30 may be 
spliced directly into control umbilical 26 and therefore no plug is 
necessary. 
The eyepieces 22a, 22b each incorporate at least one lens element 42a, 42b 
which is retained in place on the front panel 36 by a pair of retainer 
rings 44. As more fully described hereinafter, the lens elements 42a, 42b 
may be clear glass, transparent or translucent color filters, prismatic 
lenses, mirrors, opaque lenses and the like or any combination of these 
forms. Also, it is possible to utilize the eye mask 20 without any lens 
elements 42a, 42b mounted so that there is merely an opening through the 
eyepieces 22a, 22b. 
As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, a circumferential peripheral light array 
50a, 50b is mounted behind each eyepiece 22a, 22b respectively, on the 
back or inside of front panel 36 within the body 34 of the eye mask 20. In 
the preferred embodiment, the light arrays 50a, 50b include a series of 
miniature lamps 52 disposed radially around an annular diffuser ring 54. 
The diffuser ring 54 acts to conduct light from the miniature lamps 52 
around its periphery so that a ring of light is produced around the 
periphery of each eyepiece 22a, 22b. It will be understood that other 
forms of light arrays 50a, 50b may be provided such as an annular 
fluorescent tube or the like, the only requirement being that the 
intensity of the light be variable and that instantaneous flashing of the 
light source be possible. 
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a central light source 56 is 
provided. The central light source 56 which includes a miniature lamp 58 
and diffuser 60 is provided to stimulate the wearer's pituitary and pineal 
glands which are located in the front of the brain above and between the 
eyes. It has been found that these glands contain tissue which responds to 
light input and the placement of a central light source 56 offers 
additional learning and relaxation advantages due to smooth flow of brain 
wave activity back and forth, left to right when included along with the 
peripheral light arrays 50a, 50b. 
Control umbilical 30 enters the interior of the body 34 of the mask 20 
through one of the vents 38 as shown in FIG. 3. Appropriate wires for the 
control of electrical input to each light array are attached to each light 
array 50a, 50b and to the central light source 56. In the operation of the 
learning device in accordance with the invention, the light arrays 50a, 
50b may be adjusted for light intensity and may be flashed either 
simultaneously or alternately with a varying flash or pulsation rate. 
As clearly seen in FIG. 4, peripheral light array 50b comprises a solid 
annular ring 54 which is constructed of a light-diffusing substance such 
as plexiglass or other transparent or translucent material. Openings 62 
are provided radially around the periphery of the annular ring 54 to 
receive miniature lamps 52 therewithin. The lamps 52 may be connected as 
by a conductor wire 64 in series to a peripheral electrical conductor 66 
which circumscribes the periphery of the light array 50b. To assist in the 
light diffusion function of the annular ring 54, a coating 68 may be 
provided on appropriate surfaces of the ring 54 to assist in reflection 
and diffusion of the light emanating from the miniature lamps 52. The 
coating may be of any type such as a white enamel, metal foil or any 
similar material which assists in the light diffusion function. 
Also shown in FIG. 4, the lens elements 42b are retained in the eyepiece 
22b by the threaded retaining ring 44. A plurality of lens elements 42a, 
42b may be provided in each of the eyepieces 22a, 22b to enhance various 
visual effects of the light arrays 50a, 50b. Thus, the lens elements 42b 
may include a clear lens, various colored lenses, reflectors, prismatic 
lenses, opaque lenses, or any similar form of lens element. When a 
plurality of such lens elements 42b are mounted, a resilient gasket 70 is 
preferably imposed therebetween to avoid possible breakage of the lens 
element should the retaining ring 44 be turned to an extremely tight 
position. 
It has been found that extremely low frequency (ELF) oscillating 
electromagnetic fields have a stimulating and driving effect on the 
electrical activity of the brain hemispheres of a human subject. It is 
therefore contemplated within the scope of this invention that a source of 
ELF electromagnetic energy be provided. As shown in FIG. 5, the eye mask 
20 may include a pair of left and right ELF electromagnetic oscillating 
coils 72a, 72b which are of a type known in the art and are located 
adjacent the respective eyepieces 22a, 22b on the body 34 of the eye mask 
20. 
The ELF electromagnetic oscillating coils 72a, 72b are positioned on the 
eye mask 20 so that when the eye mask is worn by the user, the ELF 
electromagnetic coils 72a, 72b are adjacent the temple areas of the 
subject. The coils may conveniently be mounted in place of one of the 
vents 38 in the body 34 of eye mask 20. 
The electromagnetic coils 72a, 72b are appropriately connected with a 
conductor wire to the associated left and right arrays 50a, 50b so that 
each coil 72a, 72b is activated simultaneously with its associated light 
array 50a, 50b. 
An alternative to the placement of electromagnetic oscillating coils 72a, 
72b on the eye mask 20 would be the placement of a pair of ELF 
electromagnetic radiators, such as Schuman coils, in the room in close 
proximity to the subject and connected to the control panels 32 for an 
alternating and pulsating output. 
FIG. 6 shows a preferred form of headset 14 having a pair of earpieces 16a, 
16b connected by a headband 18. The form of the headset 14 is unimportant 
to the present invention and the headset 14 may take the physical form of 
any common set of stereo headphones or ear plugs. The only requirement of 
the headset is that the speakers which are located within the earpieces 
16a, 16b must be independently controllable for on and off function in a 
manner similar to normal stereo headphones. Input umbilical 28 is provided 
to supply signals to each of the earpieces 16a, 16b and an appropriate 
connector 74 may be provided to connect the headset 14 for signal input 
from the signal source, such as control panel 32. Although not shown in 
the Figures, a receptacle may be provided on one of the earpieces 16a, 16b 
for attaching the light control umbilical 30 from the eye mask 20. In this 
manner, the plurality of umbilical cords may be avoided resulting in a 
neater appearance for the device. 
FIG. 7 illustrates one form of control panel 32 which may be utilized in 
accordance with the invention to control the operation of headset 14 and 
eye mask 20. At least one umbilical receptacle 92 is provided for 
connecting light and sound control umbilical 26 to the control panel 32. 
In the preferred embodiment, at least two receptacles 92 are provided for 
attaching at least two control umbilicals 26 to operate two 
learning-relaxation devices simultaneously. 
The control functions include a variable volume control 94 for controlling 
the volume of the audio signal provided to the headset 14. An audio mode 
control 96 is provided for selecting various audio output signals to the 
headset 14. A heartbeat sound, a tocking metronome sound, a variable pitch 
tone and a surf or "white noise" sound are among the preferred audio modes 
which are selectable by the mode control 96. 
In the preferred embodiment, a heartbeat sound is constantly provided and 
when other audio modes are selected, the heartbeat sound is overlayed onto 
the other selected sound. A variable heart rate control 98 is provided 
which varies the rate of pulsation from about 20 to about 220 heartbeats 
per minute. 
When a tone audio output mode is selected, variable pitch control 100 may 
be used to selectively alter the pitch of the tone from a very low 
frequency (about 70 Hz) to a high frequency (about 7 kHz). 
A variable light intensity control 102 is provided for selectively varying 
the intensity of the light signal transmitted to the light arrays 50a, 
50b, 56 of the eye mask 20. 
A variable pulse rate control 104 selectively varies the flashing and sound 
pulse rate in the signal output to the headset 14 and the eye mask 20. 
In the operation of the learning-relaxation device in accordance with the 
invention, the headset 14 and eye mask 20 are connected through their 
respective umbilicals to the control panel and umbilical receptacle 92. An 
on-off rocker switch 106 is moved to the "ON" position. At that point, the 
light arrays 50a, 50b, 56 will produce a pulsating light at an intensity 
which corresponds to the light intensity control 102 and at a pulsation 
rate according to the selected rate on pulse rate control 104. In a 
similar manner, a pulsating sound will be emitted by the headset 14 at a 
volume which is selected by volume control 94. The character of the sound 
will be that as selected by the audio mode selector 96 and the heartbeat 
sound will be at a rate which corresponds to that selected by heart rate 
control 98. 
A phase selector 108 is provided for selectively phasing the pulsating 
light and sound between the eye mask 20 and the headset 14. Thus, the 
phase selector may be positioned so that the light and audio signals are 
"IN" phase, that is that a sound is produced in one or both ears at the 
same time that the light arrays are pulsating on. Conversely, when the 
phase selector is moved to the "OUT" position, the light and sound pulses 
are out of phase, that is the lights are on when the sound is off and vice 
versa. 
A synchronizing control 110 is also provided which comprises a rocker 
switch which is selectable for simultaneous or alternate synchronization 
of the light and sound pulses. Thus, when synchronous control 110 is in 
the simultaneous position, both light arrays 50a, 50b pulsate 
simultaneously. Similarly, sound input into both earpieces 16a, 16b is 
simultaneous. Conversely, when synchronization selector is in the 
alternating position, the signals are divided to both the light arrays 50a 
and 50b and the earpieces 16a and 16b so that left side light array 50a 
and the left side earpiece 16a pulse simultaneously and alternate with 
simultaneous pulsation of right light array 50b and right earpiece 16b. 
Thus, by selectively positioning the phase and synchronizing controls 108, 
110, four combinations of pulsating light and sound and left and right 
inputs are possible. The four switching combinations stimulate for 
separate areas of brain wave functioning. 
Brain wave functioning and stimulation of various areas of the brain can be 
effected by the four combinations of phasing and synchronizing through 
controls 108 and 110 respectively. When left and right inputs are 
synchronized for simultaneous pulsation and the light and sound pulses are 
in phase, all areas of the brain are simultaneously stimulated. When the 
light and sound inputs are in phase but alternate from left to right in 
both modes, there is a cross communication of brain wave functioning 
between the left and right hemispheres resulting in lateral awareness and 
cooperation and communication between the hemispheres. When the light and 
sound inputs are out of phase and left and right light inputs and left and 
right sound inputs are synchronized, there is alternating front and back 
stimulation for both brain hemispheres. The light inputs stimulate the 
rear brain while the sound input affects the front portion of the brain. 
In the final switching mode, the light and sound inputs are out of phase 
and each alternate from left to right, thus, cross stimulating both the 
left and right hemispheres and the front and back cortical areas of the 
brain. This results in total external awareness and constant scanning of 
the various brain functional areas. 
With the other controls, the light intensity may be raised or lowered, the 
audio volume may be similarly raised or lowered, the pulse rate may raised 
or lowered and the overlying heartbeat rate may be raised or lowered. If 
the audio mode selector 96 is selected for tone input, the pitch of the 
tone is also selectively variable. These combinations of controls offer 
the user a broad range of control functions for the light arrays 50a, 50b 
and the sound emanating from the earpieces 16a, 16b to affect various 
states of awareness and brain wave function. 
Provision is also made for input from additional external sources of audio 
input which may be selected independently or impressed upon any of the 
other audio modes selected by mode selector 96. Thus, a pair of left and 
right stereo input jacks 112 are provided for connecting the output of 
various preprogrammed audio devices such as a radio, tape deck, record 
changer and the like. Further, a microphone input jack 114 is provided so 
that communication with the user or between simultaneous users is 
possible. 
A digital display 116 may optionally be provided in accordance with a 
preferred embodiment of this invention. The digital display may be 
connected to give a digital read out of one or more control panel 
functions such as heart rate or pulsation rate. 
As shown in the block circuit diagram of FIG. 8, a switch rate oscillator 
120 incorporates variable switch rate control 104. An astable oscillator 
serves as a clock source which is divided to generate a perfectly 
symmetrical squarewave, thus insuring exactly equal on-off commands at a 
rate ranging from 1 to 30 Hz. A phase control 122 controls the 
synchronization and phasing of the switch rate oscillator output through 
phase switch 108 and synchronization switch 110 as previously described. 
Several sound generators are provided. A squarewave generator 124 produces 
a perfectly symmetrical squarewave tone which may be varied by pitch 
control 100 through a range of about 70 Hz to 7 KHz. 
A tock sound generator 126 is provided to give a familiar metronome-type 
"tic-toc" sound which is synchronized with the switch rate oscillator 120. 
A noise generator 128 produces a surf sound or white noise which is 
generated by an emitter-base junction of a transistor. 
A standby position for audio mode control 96 is provided so that none of 
the sound generators 124, 126, 128 are effective. 
A variable heart rate sound is provided by heart rate oscillator 130 in 
conjunction with heart sound generator 132. The heart rate is varied by 
heart rate control 98 for a rate of 20 to 220 beats per minute. An 
internal ON/OFF switch 134 may also be provided. The variable heartbeat 
sound occurs when pulses are emitted from the heart rate oscillator. The 
pulses excite a twin-T oscillator within heart sound generator 132 to 
produce a damped sinusoid. A diode provides a slight accentuation of every 
other beat, simulating the snap of heart muscles. The heartbeat sound 
generator is not connected to audio mode control 96 and therefore a 
heartbeat sound is overlayed on all switch positions for audio mode 
control 96. 
External inputs, such as mike input 114 and stereo inputs 112 are similarly 
unswitched and feed directly into audio amplifiers 140. All audio inputs 
including the various sound generators and heartbeat generators as well as 
the mike and stereo inputs are amplified in audio amplifiers 140 and audio 
signals are transmitted to the speakers located within the earpieces 16a, 
16b of the headphones 14. Alternatively, inputs from external sources may 
be independently controlled for volume by separate amplifiers. 
A variable duty oscillator 142 is used to control the brightness of the 
light arrays 50a, 50b and incorporates variable light intensity control 
102. Lamp drivers 144 receive the light signal inputs from switch rate 
oscillator 120 and variable duty oscillator 142 to produce pulsating light 
flashes in the light arrays 50a, 50b. Preheat resistors are provided in 
the lamp drivers 144 to preheat the lamp filaments thereby improving lamp 
brightness response time. Further, the incandescent in-rush current is 
greatly reduced, thereby improving lamp driver reliability. When a central 
light source 56 is provided, it is preferably connected to only one of the 
light arrays 50a, 50b for pulsation with that light array. Similarly, when 
the ELF electromagnetic oscillating coils 72a, 72b are provided, they are 
connected for pulsation either with their respective associated left or 
right light array 50a, 50b or left or right earpiece 16a, 16b. 
The control panel 32 may be powered by any of various power sources such an 
internal batteries, an external battery pack, or other source of DC power 
such as an AC rectifier-transformer or other similar device. 
From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present invention provides an 
apparatus for stimulating brain function, which apparatus comprises in 
combination pulsating light arrays 50a, 50b in an eye covering mask 20 
which locates the light arrays 50a, 50b adjacent the left and right eyes 
and an audio headset 14 which applies sound signals to the left and right 
ears of the wearer. 
In accordance with the invention, an eye mask 14 generally in the form of 
goggles having left and right eyepieces 22a, 22b includes a light array 
50a, 50b for each eyepiece 22a, 22b which may be independently controlled 
for pulsation frequency and light intensity. The eye mask 20 incorporates 
a headband 24 for securing the mask to the wearer's head and may also 
include integral air vents 38. 
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the eyepieces 22a, 22b 
incorporate interchangeable lenses or filter elements 42a, 42b which may 
be colored lenses, prismatic lenses, mirrors and the like. 
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the eye mask 20 may further 
include a secondary pulsating light source 56 located generally above and 
between the left and right eyepieces 22a, 22b. A source of extremely low 
frequency electromagnetic force fields such as extremely low frequency 
electromagnetic oscillating coils 72a, 72b may also be provided adjacent 
each eyepiece 22a, 22b and electrically connected to pulse at a frequency 
and intensity of its associated light array 50a, 50b or earpiece 16a, 16b. 
The eye mask 20 and the headset 14 are connected through an umbilical 
connector wire 26 to a control panel 32. The control panel 32 incorporates 
controls 102, 94 for the intensity of both the light source and the sound 
volume, respectively. A pulsation frequency control 104 is also provided. 
The control panel 32 may further include a two-position synchronizing 
switch, which in a first position permits simultaneous left and right 
pulsations of light from both the light arrays 50a, 50b and the sound from 
earpieces 16a, 16b and, which in a second position permit alternating left 
and right pulsations in each of the light and sound devices. A second 
phase switch 108 may also be provided which alternates the light pulse 
with the sound pulse in a first position and synchronizes the light and 
sound pulses in a second position. Thus, in combination, the two switching 
means 108, 110 permit four possible combinations of alternating and 
synchronous pulsations between the left and right light and sound sources 
to affect brain wave functioning from areas of the brain. 
A heartbeat sound signal is also provided by the control panel 32 for 
overlaying a heartbeat sound on the various other audio signals. A heart 
rate control 98 is provided for increasing or decreasing the heartbeat 
sound rate. 
Provision is also made for the input of audio signals from an external 
source by the provision of stereo jacks 112 and a microphone input 114. 
In the operation of the above device, the subject places the eye mask 20 
and the headphones 14 in position on his head and with the control panel 
32 switched to the "ON" position by switch 106. The subject is able to 
control the intensity and pulse rate of the light and sound sources 
through the various control functions to produce stimulii which act to 
relax and/or stimulate brain functioning through the senses of hearing and 
sight. 
While the invention has been described in the more limited aspects of a 
preferred embodiment thereof, other embodiments of the invention have been 
suggested and still others will occur to those skilled in the art upon a 
reading and understanding of the foregoing specification. It is intended 
that all such embodiments be included within the scope of the invention as 
limited only by the appended claims.