Abstract:
A radiation device for therapeutic use in the human body allows the application of light waves to an affected area the body. A bulb, preferably a xenon bulb, produces light which is passed through a lens module having silicon and carbon granules therein. By applying different lenses to the device, a variation in the wavelength of light and radiation applied to an area is achieved. Each lens corresponds to a Shakra energy center. The device has a pistol-like housing to allow for controlled application of the radiation.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention concerns therapeutic radiation devices used in the treatment of the human body. More particularly, the present invention concerns therapeutic radiation devices which help effect the reduction of pain and swelling relating to physical trauma incurred by the human body.  
         DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART  
         [0002]    The use of therapeutic radiation devices to assist in treating physical trauma to the human body is well known. One therapeutic device, through the application of light rays, treats skin conditions. Examples of such devices are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,183,726 and 3,658,068. In U.S. Pat. No. 2,183,726, issued Dec. 19, 1939, to Sommer, et alia and entitled, “APPARATUS FOR THE TREATMENT OF THE SKIN OR THE LIKE”, the skin treating device thereof utilizes an electric lamp to provide heat and light rays to the skin. The heat and light rays condition the skin to receive skin food or cream which is massaged into the skin by the skin treating device. The light rays from the bulb are filtered through red or blue colored filters. This device is dedicated to skin treatment and does not treat or otherwise address the pain and swelling accompanying trauma to the human body.  
           [0003]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,658,068 issued Apr. 25, 1972 to McNall and is entitled, “METHOD OF TREATING HYPERBILIRUBINEMIA”. McNall teaches a therapeutic device for treating hyperbilirubinemia, also known as “bilirugin” in newborn infants. This device is a mercury vapor lamp dedicated to treating this one condition. The lamp does not treat any pain or swelling connected with trauma to the human body.  
           [0004]    Another type of therapeutic devices are the devices that have direct contact with the human body and use electric current to provide therapeutic benefit to body surfaces. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 785,366, issued Mar. 21, 1905 to Machlett and entitled “VACUUM ELECTRODE”, teaches a method of destroying germ organisms by direct contact of the therapeutic device upon the diseased area of the body or skin. This is accomplished by applying electric current through an electrode directly onto the surface of the body. The electrode focuses the current directly to that portion of the diseased skin tissue to be treated thereby destroying microorganisms and germs located at the treatment site. The electric current also aids healthy tissue growth. This electrode does not treat any deep seated traumas, swelling and deep pain, that are present at the site.  
           [0005]    Another example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,745,407, issued May 15, 1956 to Mueller et alia and entitled “OZONE THERAPEUTIC DEVICE”, is a device which uses a gas tube, charged by an electrode, to charge the environment at or near the diseased skin or tissue area. This device initiates an electric charge which produces a positive ozone environment which changes the oxygen environment surrounding the diseased tissue thereby facilitating healing. There is no teaching in this patent of any treatment of swelling or deep seated pain caused by trauma.  
           [0006]    In a further example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,266,287, issued May 14, 1918 TO Longoria and entitled “HIGH FREQUENCY APPARATUS”, teaches a high frequency device used for therapeutical treatment of the body. The device discloses an electrode which applies ultraviolet rays directly to the skin surface. Different electrodes are used depending on the area, internal or external, of the body to be treated. Again, the device treats the immediate area of the skin which it touches, but does not affect the deep-seated pain or swelling that may be caused by trauma.  
           [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,930,504 issued to Diamantopoulos et alia and is entitled “DEVICE FOR BIOSTIMULATION OF TISSUE AND METHOD FOR TREATMENT OF TISSUE”. Diamantopoulos et alia teaches a device of laser light technology to provide therapeutic radiation to treat portions of the body of a patient. The device uses multiple laser diodes to produce infrared and ultraviolet radiation to treat such injuries as inflammations, burns, wounds, ulcers, deficient circulation, pain, nerve degeneration, shingles infections, muscle and ligament damage, arthritis and other types of injuries. This device treats injuries with deep penetrating radiation, but the device must not touch the skin or it could cause surface tissue damage and the device is expensive.  
           [0008]    In U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,219, there is disclosed a relatively inexpensive frequency modulator which enables the heat to be directly applied to the skin of the user and which is adapted to emit different frequencies of light depending on the color of the lens module.  
           [0009]    Because of the different portions of the body to which light may be applied and the different frequencies applicable thereto for the treatment of that area of the body, it would be advantageous to provide a frequency modulator of the type disclosed in the &#39;219 patent but which enables interchangeability of the lens module.  
           [0010]    It is to this to which the present invention is directed.  
           [0011]    It would be desirable to provide a therapeutic device which filters the energy delivered by a radiating unit to provide treatment to reduce swelling and pain to traumatized portions of the body, which permits contact with the skin and which is relatively inexpensive.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0012]    The therapeutic radiation device of the present invention is used to overcome deep seated swelling and pain from diseases and traumas, as well as surface diseases and trauma of the body. The radiation device comprises:  
           [0013]    (a) a housing, the housing comprising:  
           [0014]    (1) a hollow body, the body having a first portion and a second portion; and  
           [0015]    (2) a handle, the handle integrally formed with the body proximate the first portion;  
           [0016]    (b) a resonator coil being disposed within the housing;  
           [0017]    (c) a radiation source, the radiation source being disposed within the housing, the radiation source having a first end and a second end, the first end of the radiation source being removably connected to the resonator coil, the second end of the radiation source extending beyond the housing, the resonator coil energizing the radiation source, the radiation source emitting a beam of radiation;  
           [0018]    (d) a plurality of interchangeable lens modules.  
           [0019]    (e) means for energizing the resonator coil, the means for energizing being electrically connected to the resonator coil; and  
           [0020]    (f) a transformer, the transformer being electrically connected to the means for energizing, the transformer having a means to regulate the power supplied to the means for energizing.  
           [0021]    The silicon dioxide and diamond granules cooperate to filter and diffuse the beam of radiation emitted by the radiation source.  
           [0022]    The radiation source produces light waves when charged by the resonator coil. The light waves are filtered and diffused by the lens module. The extent of the filtering and diffusion is dependent upon the selection and diffusion of the silicon dioxide and diamond granules, and the color of the lens body. The lens is envisioned as being of different colors. Also, the light rays may experience some limited filtering by a lens module not made with silicon dioxide and diamond granules.  
           [0023]    The amount of radiation to be filtered and diffused is controlled by the transformer. The transformer may have a means for adjustment which can manually or automatically regulate the amount of radiation emitted by the radiation source. Also, the transformer may provide for selection between continuous and remote operation. The transformer is connected to a standard 110 volt power source. When the transformer charges the therapeutic radiation device, radiation produced by the device is then used to treat swelling and pain within the human body.  
           [0024]    Various features and advantages and other uses of the present invention will become more apparent by referring to the following detailed description and the drawings in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0025]    [0025]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the preferred embodiment of the housing of the present invention;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of the lens module of the present invention; and  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view with schematics of the transformer of the present invention. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0029]    Referring to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is depicted therein a first embodiment of the therapeutic radiation device  10  of the present invention. The therapeutic radiation device  10  comprises a housing  20 , a radiation source  22  disposed within the housing  20 , means  24  for energizing the radiation source  22  and means  26  for engaging the means  24  for energizing the radiation source  22 .  
         [0030]    The housing  20  comprises a generally cylindrical first portion  30 . The first portion  30  has a forward end, a rearward end, a top and a bottom. Formed of plastic or a lightweight metallic alloy, the first portion  30  is sealed at its rearward end by a cap  36  threadingly engaged thereto. The cap  36  is formed of material similar to the first portion  30 .  
         [0031]    The housing  20  further comprises a second portion  32  formed materially similarly to the first portion  30 . The second portion  32 , as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, is formed in a truncated conical form, with the forward end having a smaller opening than the rearward end. The second portion  32  is connected, and preferably threadingly engaged, at the rearward end thereof to the forward end of the first portion  30 , in a manner commonly known. The extension of the second portion  32  is formed such that a radiation source  12  such as a bulb may be seated securely therein, as described herein further below.  
         [0032]    A handle  34 , comprising a generally cylindrical member formed of material similar to the first portion  30 , is threadingly attached to the bottom of the first portion  30 . An access slot  35  is formed at the base of the handle  34 , such that electrical connection means  72  may be fed therethrough, as shown in FIG. 1. In an alternate embodiment, the handle  34  may be unitarily formed to the first portion  30 .  
         [0033]    The radiation produced by the present device  10  is generated by the interaction of the radiation source  22 , the means  24  for energizing the radiation source  22 , and the means  26  for engaging the means  24  for energizing. All of the elements  22 ,  24 ,  26  are contained within the housing  20 , as set forth herein below.  
         [0034]    The radiation source  22  comprises, in the preferred embodiment, an elongated light emitting bulb. The bulb  23   22  has a rearward end  46  and a forward end  48 . The interior surface  33  of the second portion  32  is formed such that the rearward end  46  of the bulb  23  may be securely seated therein. The forward end of the bulb  23  extends beyond the forward end of the second portion  32  of the housing  20 .  
         [0035]    The bulb  23  is a gas-filled bulb, preferably filled with xenon gas. The xenon bulb, when charged, emits a white light that is both a continuous light source and approximates the color spectrum of daylight. Thus, the beam of light produced from a xenon bulb is of the radiation wavelengths of the visible color spectrum, exhibiting strong infrared and near infrared radiation between 800 and 1000 nanometers. While the therapeutic effects of light waves of the visible spectrum is undetermined, the therapeutic value of the waves from the infrared and ultraviolet light waves are amply demonstrated, as will be discussed herein further below.  
         [0036]    Alternately, other types of bulbs may be used. One such alternative is a vacuum bulb produced and sold by P. J. Supply Co. of Chicago, Ill. The vacuum is not a true vacuum electrode, but is essentially a near vacuum electrode. The clear glass bulb has all the gas removed except for some gas remaining to, when electrically charged, emits a blue light, as is known. The blue light is a narrower color spectrum of the band; thus, it emits a smaller band of infrared rays. Also, other inert or noble gases may be used within the bulb  22 . Like the vacuum electrode, the available treatment bands are narrower than xenon gas.  
         [0037]    The bulb  23  receives an electrical charge from the means  24  for energizing the radiation source. The means  24  for energizing is, in the preferred embodiment, a resonance coil  38 , which is well known. Alternately, the means  24  for energizing may comprise a resonator transformer of the variety known in the art and commonly available. The means  24  for energizing passes a charge into the bulb  23 . Resonance transformers are commercially available products.  
         [0038]    The means  26  for engaging the means  24  for energizing the radiation source is disposed within the handle  34 . The means  26  for engaging comprises, in the preferred embodiment an electrical switch. The switch comprises a push-button switch  50 , however other types of switches, such as a selector switch, may be elected. Such switches are well known and commercially available. The means  26  is connected to the means  24  for energizing and to electrical connection means  72  connected to a transformer, as set forth herein below.  
         [0039]    The device  10  is connected to a transformer  70  by electrical connection means  72  means such as an electrical line at the handle  34 . The transformer  70  controls the amount of energy received by the radiation device  10 . The transformer  70  is connected by a cord  74  having a plug  76  to an electrical outlet, such as a wall outlet, so as to draw a 110 volt current, as is well known. The transformer  70  has means  78  for regulating the power supplied to the device  10 , generally comprising a power adjustment switch  80 , a preposition selector switch  82 , a continuous use light  84  and a remote use light  86 . The preposition switch  82  is positioned either in the “off” position, “continuous-use” position, or the “remote-use” position. All of the elements of the transformer  78  are well known and commercially available.  
         [0040]    The power adjustment switch  80  permits the power to the radiation device  10  to be adjusted. Preferably, the transformer  78  should be able to provide power from a range of 0 volts to 50,000 volts. Settings between 60 to 70% of this full power have been found to be most effective for most treatments. Since each human being is different in need, the exact settings for treatment for an individual is adjustable to accommodate all needs.  
         [0041]    The device  10  further comprises a plurality of lens modules, each denoted by the number  52 . The lens module  52  is removably disposed at the forward end of the portion of the housing  20 . The module  52  comprises a mixture of silicon dioxide granules and carbon granules indicated at  54 , the silicon dioxide granules are, preferably, sand. The carbon granules are, preferably, diamond fragments. The carbon and silicon dioxide granules  54  are held together with a clear epoxy adhesive material, as is commonly known and commercially available.  
         [0042]    The lens module  52  is, preferably, formed in a conical shape, with the point thereof truncated. This conical shape is preferred as it increases the amount of surface  56  for the body treatments. However, other suitable shapes may be elected, if desired. A channel is formed axially within the module  52 , such that the forward end of the bulb  23  may be received therein.  
         [0043]    The lens module  52  modulates the wavelength of light being emitted from the radiation source  22 . The silicon dioxide and carbon granules  54  filter the light. The percentage of frequency modulation may also vary with the type of radiation source  22  used.  
         [0044]    As noted, the present invention contemplates a plurality of lens modules  52 . The lens modules  52  correspond, in color, to the energy centers which are denoted in the oriental healing arts as “Shakra”. Thus, the lens modules will have the following colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, indigo and white. Each of these colors are related to and directed to treating different areas of the body. Thus, for example, the crown of the head is treated with indigo, the brow is treated with purple, the throat is treated with blue, the heart area is treated with green, the solar plexus with yellow, the abdomen with orange, white is universal. Red or root Shakra is for genital area and so forth.  
         [0045]    Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown therein an embodiment of the lens module  52 , which is preferably made from a translucent plastic material, according to the various Shakra colors. It is seen that because of the recess  61  formed in the module that it easily slips onto and off of and surrounds the light bulb  46 . In this way, any one of the selected colors may be mounted over the bulb to provide interchangeability. Thus, it is contemplated that the present frequency modulator include a kit or plurality of interchangeable lens modules.  
         [0046]    It should be noted in this regard that in lieu of the projection of frictional inter-engagement that the modules could be rendered threadably attachable to the housing by enlarging it and providing the forward end of the housing with a complimentary threading.  
         [0047]    Also, it should be noted that the present modulator may be battery operated or the like.  
         [0048]    Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown another embodiment of the lens module  60  made from translucent plastic. However, a translucent glass may also be used. Also, the different colors may be used with the non-silicon lens body module in such a manner as to reduce the harmful effects of light from placing the radiating device  10  close to or upon the surface of the skin tissue of a human body.  
         [0049]    Tests have demonstrated that the frequency of the light wave energy emitted by the radiation source is altered by 10% to 30% by the lens module  52  as measured at one-half inch from the module  52 .  
                                                   MODULE COLOR   MODULATION                           No module    0%           White   14% less freq.           Blue   28% less freq.           Red   14% less freq.           Green   18% less freq.           Orange    9% less freq.           Yellow   19% less freq.           Purple    7% less freq.                      
 
         [0050]    Which lens module  52 ,  60  is used, or the color selected for that module, will be dictated by the nature of the injury to be treated. If the injury is on or near the surface of the skin, a lens module  52  that would provide for deep wavelength penetration would not be required. Also, a lens module  52  that would provide for surface absorption only would not be applicable.  
         [0051]    In use, the therapeutic radiation device  10  is positioned near the area of the body to receive therapeutic treatment. The lens module  52  is placed near the skin surface of the traumatized area. The transformer  80  is turned on to either continuous use or remote use. The power supply from the transformer  70  is set by the adjustable switch at the desired setting. When the operator is ready to operate the radiation device  10 , the operator pushes the push-button switch  50  on the handle  34  of the device  10 . This thereby releases energy through the means for energizing  24 , preferably a resonance coil  38  to the radiation source  22 . The radiation source  22  illuminates, causing light waves to be directed to the portion of the body which is to be treated. The device  10  hereof reduces swelling of human body parts caused by trauma and diseases and thereby facilitates healing.  
         [0052]    The emitted radiation does not penetrate very far into human tissue. Therefore, the effects of the radiation on a human body is generally limited to surface or near surfaces effects such as treating skin diseases; for example, psoriasis, pityriosis rosea, acne and bacteria related to infections.  
         [0053]    Any infrared radiation from the bulb, is absorbed by the human body near the surface of the tissue and, in some spectrum ranges (780 to 1400 nm) will penetrate as far as the blood vessels. The deep penetrating infrared radiations are used to therapeutically treat such injuries as sprains, strains, bursitis, peripheral vascular diseases, arthritis, muscle pain and other aches and pains for which the infrared heat can give relief.  
         [0054]    The application of heat to the human body skin surface produces effects in the deeper portions of the body, such as muscle relaxation, increased blood supply, and stimulated metabolic activity. Relaxation of the muscle tissue results in relief of pain, improved blood supply and reduced swelling, which all contribute to facilitating the healing process.  
         [0055]    As noted, the radiation device  10  may also be used to treat surface or near surface injuries and diseases.  
         [0056]    The present invention has been used to treat various conditions in clinical settings. The results of those clinical treatments have been reported by several chiropractic practitioners who have agreed to test the present invention. The results are summarized in the following examples.  
       EXAMPLE I  
       [0057]    A female patient, age 55, complained of swelling in her knee. She demonstrated the swelling by attempting to place her hands around her knee, in an effort to touch her fingers, with no success. The patient was treated with a blue lens module for three minutes. The patient experienced immediate reduction in swelling and was able to grip her knee with her hands and touch her fingers.  
       EXAMPLE II  
       [0058]    A male patient, age 28, suffered constant pain from swelling of a broken arm that was confined in a cast. The patient was treated for two minutes with a blue lens according to the present invention. The patient experienced reduction of the swelling and pain was relieved.  
       EXAMPLE III  
       [0059]    A male patient, age 38, complained of sinus swelling which interfered with his sleeping. A single treatment with a green lens for one minute relieved the sinus swelling and the accompanying sinus headache.  
       EXAMPLE IV  
       [0060]    A male patient, age 35, complained of an unusual pressure or swelling with pain in his ear. The patient was treated with a blue lens module for thirty seconds and experienced immediate relief from the pressure and pain.  
       EXAMPLE V  
       [0061]    A female patient, age 52, complained of pain and swelling in her back and left wrist. She also had some apparent skin lacerations. The patient was treated with a blue lens for thirty seconds. The patient experienced a reduction of the swelling, relief from pain and reported significant healing of the skin lacerations the next morning.  
       EXAMPLE VI  
       [0062]    A female patient, age greater than 60, suffered from a skin lesion on her ear. The patient received eight treatments of twenty to thirty seconds with a green lens which resulted in the lesion disappearing.  
       EXAMPLE VII  
       [0063]    A patient complained of severe sinus headaches. The patient experienced relief after one treatment with a green lens for thirty seconds.  
       EXAMPLE VIII  
       [0064]    A patient experienced severe joint pain for approximately eight years. The patient received two treatments of thirty-second duration with the present device, using a blue lens, resulting in relief of the pain.  
       EXAMPLE IX  
       [0065]    A lymphectomy performed on a patient induced arm swelling and pain after the operation. Two treatments with a blue lens, within one week of each other, relieved the pain and swelling.  
       EXAMPLE X  
       [0066]    A stroke victim was unable to open and close a hand. The patient received one treatment with a yellow lens for 90 seconds, immediately followed with a treatment with a red lens for 90 seconds, which resulted in resolution of the problem.  
         [0067]    The early indications are that the present invention may be used for various therapeutic purposes. Also, the treatments demonstrate that shorter and fewer treatment periods using the radiation device  10  produce more immediate and greater relief than the longer and greater number of treatment periods demonstrated by the prior art devices.  
         [0068]    The instant invention has been described as being used for treatment of swelling and pain as a result of trauma in the human body and skin diseases and lesions. This description is not in any way intended to limit the therapeutic uses for the invention. A person trained in the art of healing may find many therapeutic uses for the radiation device. For example, topical ointments may be exposed to both and/or the green or blue lenses using the present invention for a period of 3 to 13 minutes to accelerate their healing effects. The Shakra energy center lens modules, in association with the present device, may, also, be used in other environments, such as skin ointments and creams, water, motor oils, etc.  
         [0069]    Having thus described the present invention, what is claimed is: