Jay, M.D. v. Spectrum Brands Holdings Et. Al.

Case 1:13-cv-08137-LTS Document 1
Filed 11/14/13 Page 1 of 93
3.
On information and belief, Spectrum Brands, Inc. (Spectrum Brands) is a
Delaware corporation having its principal place of business at 601 Rayovac Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53711 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of SB Holdings. On information and belief, Spectrum Brands is in the business of manufacturing and selling branded consumer products, including the Remington i-LIGHT Pro line of hair treatment products that it markets, distributes, and sells in concert with SB Holdings and Shaser, Inc. 4. On information and belief, Shaser, Inc. (Shaser) is a Delaware corporation
having its principal place of business at 130 New Boston Street, Suite 201, Woburn MA 01801 and doing business under the name Shaser BioScience, Inc. On information and belief, SB Holdings acquired an approximately 56% interest in Shaser in November 2012 and holds an option to purchase the remaining approximately 44% interest in Shaser in 2017. On information and belief, Shaser is engaged in development of light-based medical devices, including the Remington i-LIGHT Pro line of hair treatment products, that it markets, distributes, and sells in concert with SB Holdings. and Spectrum Brands. 5. On information and belief, Defendants SPECTRUM act in concert to develop,
manufacture, import, market, distribute, and sell the Remington i-LIGHT Pro line of hair treatment products and to instruct and induce consumers to use those products to treat hair. NATURE OF THE ACTION 6. This is an action arising under the patent laws of the United States (Title 35, United
States Code, 100 et seq.) based upon SPECTRUMs infringement of one or more of several U.S. patents owned by Dr. Jay. Designation of this case for inclusion in the Pilot Project Regarding Case Management Techniques for Complex Civil Cases in the Southern District of New York (Standing Order M10-468) is believed to be appropriate and is requested by Dr. Jay.
11404643_2 -- Page 2 of 20 --
7.
On information and belief, SPECTRUM develops, manufactures, imports, uses,
offers for sale, and/or sells light-based hair treatment appliances branded as Remington i-LIGHT Pro products, including at least the following product designations (individually and collectively, Accused Products): 8. Remington i-LIGHT Pro Intense Pulsed Light Hair Removal System, Remington i-LIGHT Pro PLUS Intense Pulsed Light Hair Removal System, Remington i-LIGHT Pro PLUS Quartz Intense Pulsed Light Hair Removal System, Remington i-LIGHT Pro Intense Pulsed Light Hair Removal System Spa Kit, and Remington i-LIGHT Pro Premier Intense Pulsed Light Hair Removal System. On information and belief, these Accused Products have been and are developed,
used, manufactured, imported, offered for sale, and/or sold by SPECTRUM in the State of New York and elsewhere in the United States, and SPECTRUM actively promotes the Accused Products to consumers as products useful for treatment of undesired body hair. JURISDICTION AND VENUE 9. This Court has subject matter jurisdiction over Dr. Jay's patent infringement claims
pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1331 and 1338(a). 10. Plaintiff Dr. Jay is a citizen of the State of New York. Each of Defendants SB
Holdings and Spectrum Brands is a corporation incorporated under the laws of Delaware having its principal place of business in Wisconsin. Defendant Shaser is a corporation incorporated under the laws of Delaware having its principal place of business in Massachusetts. The amount in controversy, without interest and costs, exceeds the sum or value specified by 28 U.S.C. 1332.
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11.
This Court has personal jurisdiction over each of the Defendants by virtue of the
fact that, on information and belief, each Defendant: regularly solicits business from, does business with, and derives value from goods and services provided to customers in this judicial district; has committed and continues to commit acts of patent infringement in this judicial district, including selling and offering to sell the Accused Products and/or inducing others to use the Accused Products to commit acts of patent infringement in this judicial district; has engaged in substantial and persistent contacts with this judicial district; and has availed itself of the rights and benefits of New York law. Venue is proper in this Court pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1391(b), 1391(c), and
12.
1400(b) because, on information and belief, SPECTRUM have committed and are continuing to commit acts of patent infringement in this judicial district and have induced and are continuing to induce others to do the same in this judicial district, provide a substantial volume of goods to and do a substantial amount of business within this judicial district, and thus have purposefully availed themselves of the privilege of conducting business within the State of New York and this judicial district. SUMMARY 13. Dr. Jay is a dermatologist who began studying use of light-based devices in
dermatology for purposes such as reducing the visibility of blood vessels by at least about 1985. He began experimenting with and improving upon devices that deliver intense pulsed light (IPL) to skin surfaces by at least about 1995. 14. Not later than about 2001, Dr. Jay recognized drawbacks in previously-developed
light-based permanent hair removal methods that destroy the follicles from which hair grows.
11404643_2 -- Page 4 of 20 --
Around that time, Dr. Jay began developing methods and devices for using IPL to temporarily retard and permanently reduce body hair growth without necessarily killing hair follicles. 15. Beginning on November 8, 2002, Dr. Jay filed a series of patent applications
describing his technological developments in this field. Those applications were examined by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), which has issued to Dr. Jay at least ten U.S. Patents to date. Several of those issued patents (collectively, the Patents-in-Suit) are asserted in this action, including: A. B. C. D. E. 16. U.S. Patent No. 6,824,542 (the 542 Patent), U.S. Patent No. 6,916,316 (the 316 Patent), U.S. Patent No. 7,175,617 (the 617 Patent), U.S. Patent No. 7,553,308 (the 308 Patent), and U.S. Patent No. 8,393,330 (the 330 Patent).
Beginning not later than about 2003, Dr. Jay contacted and repeatedly met
confidentially with persons and/or entities associated with SPECTRUM regarding technology he had developed and corresponding patent applications he had filed. Those contacts and meetings were conducted for the purpose of considering joint development of a commercial product for reducing undesired body hair based on Dr. Jays technology. The SPECTRUM-associated
persons and/or entities expressed interest in Dr. Jays technology, but declined to pursue joint development of a commercial product with Dr. Jay. 17. On August 26, 2008, an attorney who is believed by Dr. Jay to have acted on behalf
of one or more of Defendants SPECTRUM, requested reexamination by the USPTO of each of Dr. Jays 316 and 617 Patents.
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18.
On March 23, 2010, the USPTO confirmed the patentability of claims 18-21 and 31
of the 617 Patent, canceled claim 32, awarded four additional claims to Dr. Jay, and left the remainder of the patented claims undisturbed. 19. On March 30, 2010, the USPTO confirmed the patentability of claims 29, 30, 32,
and 33 of the 316 Patent and left the remainder of the patented claims undisturbed. 20. Subsequent to March 2010, Dr. Jay learned that SPECTRUM had developed the
Accused Products and that the Accused Products appear to embody the technology that Dr. Jay had previously invented, patented, and disclosed to SPECTRUM. 21. 22. The only substantial use of the Accused Products is to reduce hair at skin locations. Use of the Accused Products to reduce hair at skin locations is covered by each of
the Patents-in-Suit. 23. On information and belief, SPECTRUM has used the Accused Products to reduce
hair at skin locations on the bodies of individual humans. 24. SPECTRUM has acted in concert with others to use the Accused Products to reduce
hair at skin locations on the bodies of individual humans. 25. SPECTRUM has actively and deliberately promoted use of the Accused Products
by others for the purpose of reducing hair at skin locations on the bodies of individual humans. 26. SPECTRUM has actively and deliberately induced others to offer for sale and to
sell Accused Products for the purpose of reducing hair at skin locations on the bodies of end-users of the Accused Products.
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27.
After learning of SPECTRUMs Accused Products, Dr. Jay contacted SPECTRUM
not later than 2012 to communicate, inter alia, the apparent relevance of the Patents-in-Suit and their potential availability for licensing in connection with SPECTRUMs Accused Products. 28. Despite repeated requests from Dr. Jay, SPECTRUM has declined to discuss
licensing the Patents-in-Suit with Dr. Jay. 29. Despite SPECTRUMs knowledge of the Patents-in-Suit and that SPECTRUM
lacks a license to practice the subject matter claimed in the Patents-in-Suit, SPECTRUM continues, and on information and belief will continue, to make, use, offer for sale, sell, and/or import the Accused Products alone or in concert with others and to actively induce others to do the same. THE PATENTS-IN-SUIT 30. The 542 Patent, entitled Temporary Hair Removal Method, was issued to Dr.
Jay by the USPTO on November 30, 2004. A true and correct copy of the 542 patent is attached to this Complaint as Exhibit A. 31. The 316 Patent, entitled Hair Treatment Method, was issued to Dr. Jay by the
USPTO on July 12, 2005. A true and correct copy of the 316 patent is attached to this Complaint as Exhibit B. 32. The 617 Patent, entitled Hair Treatment Method, was issued to Dr. Jay by the
USPTO on February 13, 2007. A true and correct copy of the 617 patent is attached to this Complaint as Exhibit C. 33. The 308 Patent, entitled Hair Treatment Method, was issued to Dr. Jay by the
USPTO on June 30, 2009. A true and correct copy of the 308 Patent is attached to this Complaint as Exhibit D.
11404643_2 -- Page 7 of 20 --
34.
The 330 Patent, entitled Hair Treatment System and Method, was issued to Dr.
Jay by the USPTO on March 12, 2013. A true and correct copy of the 330 Patent is attached to this Complaint as Exhibit E. 35. Dr. Jay has owned each of the Patents-in-Suit throughout the period for which
infringement by SPECTRUM is alleged in this Complaint, and he continues to own each of the Patents-in-Suit. 36. 37. Dr. Jay has the right to enforce each of the Patents-in-Suit. SPECTRUM does not have, and has never had, a license to practice any of the
Patents-in-Suit. 38. No party with whom SPECTRUM has acted in concert to make, use, offer for sale,
sell, and/or import the Accused Products has, or has ever had, a license to practice any of the Patents-in-Suit. 39. No party which SPECTRUM has induced to make, use, offer for sale, sell, and/or
import the Accused Products has, or has ever had, a license to practice any of the Patents-in-Suit. FIRST COUNT FOR RELIEF (INFRINGEMENT OF THE 542 PATENT) 40. by reference. 41. Notwithstanding the existence of the 542 Patent and SPECTRUMs knowledge The allegations of every preceding item in this Complaint are incorporated herein
regarding the 542 Patent, SPECTRUM has made, used, offered for sale, and/or sold the Accused Products in the U.S., and/or imported the Accused Products into the U.S., all without the authority of the owner of the 542 Patent, Dr. Jay. SPECTRUM has thereby infringed the 542 Patent in violation of 35 U.S.C. 271(a).
11404643_2 -- Page 8 of 20 --
42.
Notwithstanding the existence of the 542 Patent and SPECTRUMs knowledge
regarding the 542 Patent, SPECTRUM has actively induced others to make, use, offer for sale, and/or sell the Accused Products in the U.S. and/or to import the Accused Products into the U.S., all without the authority of the owner of the 542 Patent, Dr. Jay. SPECTRUM has thereby induced infringement of the 542 Patent in violation of 35 U.S.C. 271(b). 43. Notwithstanding the existence of the 542 Patent and SPECTRUMs knowledge
regarding the 542 Patent, SPECTRUM has acted in concert with others to make, use, offer for sale, and/or sell the Accused Products in the U.S. and/or to import the Accused Products into the U.S., all without the authority of the owner of the 542 Patent, Dr. Jay. SPECTRUM has thereby contributorily infringed the 542 Patent in violation of 35 U.S.C. 271(c). 44. SPECTRUM was aware and/or should have been aware of the existence of the 542
Patent prior to the filing of this Complaint and at all times relevant to this Complaint. SPECTRUMs infringement, inducement of infringement, and/or contributory infringement (collectively, SPECTRUMs Infringement) of the 542 Patent has therefore been willful, active, intentional, and deliberate. 45. On information and belief, SPECTRUM knew, prior to the filing of this Complaint
and at all times relevant to this Complaint, that the Accused Products are made and intended especially for use in the methods claimed in the 542 Patent. 46. On information and belief, SPECTRUM knew, prior to the filing of this Complaint
and at all times relevant to this Complaint, that the Accused Products are not suitable for substantial uses other than those claimed in the 542 Patent.
11404643_2 -- Page 9 of 20 --
Filed 11/14/13 Page 10 of 93
47.
Dr. Jay has sustained, is sustaining, and will continue to sustain damages owing to
SPECTRUMs Infringement of the 542 Patent. Dr. Jay is entitled to compensation for these damages, as well as corresponding interest and costs. 48. On information and belief, SPECTRUMs Infringement of the 542 Patent has been
willful and deliberate, and justifies an enhancement of his recovery for damages in an amount up to three times his actual damages, in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 284. 49. SPECTRUMs Infringement of the 542 Patent is continuing and is expected to
continue unless enjoined by this Court. Dr. Jay does not have an adequate remedy at law and will be irreparably harmed if SPECTRUMs Infringement of the 542 Patent is permitted to continue. Dr. Jay is therefore entitled to an injunction against further Infringement by SPECTRUM pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 283. 50. On information and belief, SPECTRUMs Infringement of the 542 Patent is
exceptional and Dr. Jay is therefore entitled to recover his reasonable attorneys fees incurred in prosecuting this action in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 285. SECOND COUNT FOR RELIEF (INFRINGEMENT OF THE 316 PATENT) 51. by reference. 52. Notwithstanding the existence of the 316 Patent and SPECTRUMs knowledge The allegations of every preceding item in this Complaint are incorporated herein
11404643_2 -- Page 10 of 20 --
Filed 11/14/13 Page 11 of 93
53.
Patent prior to the filing of this Complaint and at all times relevant to this Complaint. SPECTRUMs Infringement of the 316 Patent has therefore been willful, active, intentional, and deliberate. 56. On information and belief, SPECTRUM knew, prior to the filing of this Complaint
11404643_2 -- Page 11 of 20 --
Filed 11/14/13 Page 12 of 93
58.
exceptional and Dr. Jay is therefore entitled to recover his reasonable attorneys fees incurred in prosecuting this action in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 285. THIRD COUNT FOR RELIEF (INFRINGEMENT OF THE 617 PATENT) 62. by reference. 63. Notwithstanding the existence of the 617 Patent and SPECTRUMs knowledge The allegations of every preceding item in this Complaint are incorporated herein
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Filed 11/14/13 Page 13 of 93
64.
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Filed 11/14/13 Page 14 of 93
69.
exceptional and Dr. Jay is therefore entitled to recover his reasonable attorneys fees incurred in prosecuting this action in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 285. FOURTH COUNT FOR RELIEF (INFRINGEMENT OF THE 308 PATENT) 73. by reference. 74. Notwithstanding the existence of the 308 Patent and SPECTRUMs knowledge The allegations of every preceding item in this Complaint are incorporated herein
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Filed 11/14/13 Page 15 of 93
75.
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Filed 11/14/13 Page 16 of 93
80.
exceptional and Dr. Jay is therefore entitled to recover his reasonable attorneys fees incurred in prosecuting this action in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 285. FIFTH COUNT FOR RELIEF (INFRINGEMENT OF THE 330 PATENT) 84. by reference. 85. Notwithstanding the existence of the 330 Patent and SPECTRUMs knowledge The allegations of every preceding item in this Complaint are incorporated herein
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Filed 11/14/13 Page 17 of 93
86.
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Filed 11/14/13 Page 18 of 93
91.
exceptional and Dr. Jay is therefore entitled to recover his reasonable attorneys fees incurred in prosecuting this action in accordance with 35 U.S.C. 285. PRAYER FOR RELIEF WHEREFORE, Dr. Jay respectfully requests this Court to enter judgment in his favor against each of Defendants SPECTRUM and to grant the following relief: A. an adjudication that each of Defendants SPECTRUM has infringed one or more
claims of the Patents-in-Suit pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 271(a), 271(b), and/or 271(c), by manufacture, use, offer for sale, or sale in the United States, and/or importation into the United States, of the Accused Products before the expiration of the corresponding patent(s);
11404643_2 -- Page 18 of 20 --
Filed 11/14/13 Page 19 of 93
B.
a judgment declaring that continuing manufacture, use, offer for sale, or sale in the
United States, and/or importation into the United States, of the Accused Products, or inducing or contributing to such conduct by any of Defendants SPECTRUM, would constitute infringement of one or more claims of the Patents-in-Suit pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 271(a), 271(b), and/or 271(c); C. an order enjoining each of Defendants SPECTRUM and its corresponding officers,
agents, servants, employees, attorneys, affiliates, divisions, subsidiaries, and those persons in active concert or participation with any of them, from infringing each of the Patents-in-Suit, and/or contributing to or inducing anyone to do the same, including manufacture, use, offer to sell, sale, or importation of the Accused Products, while the litigation corresponding to this Complaint is pending; D. a permanent injunction enjoining each of Defendants SPECTRUM and its
corresponding officers, agents, servants, employees, attorneys, affiliates, divisions, subsidiaries, and all persons in active concert or participation with any of them, from infringing each of the Patents-in-Suit, and/or contributing to or inducing anyone to do the same, including manufacture, use, offer to sell, sale, or importation of the Accused Products before the expiration of each of the Patents-in-Suit; E. an award of damages sustained by Dr. Jay as a result of SPECTRUMs
Infringement of the Patents-in-Suit, in an amount to be ascertained at trial, including at least a reasonable royalty on sales of the Accused Products; F. a determination that SPECTRUMs Infringement of the Patents-in-Suit is and has
been willful and a corresponding enhancement of damages by trebling awarded damages pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 284;
11404643_2 -- Page 19 of 20 --
Filed 11/14/13 Page 20 of 93
Filed 11/14/13 Page 21 of 93
Exhibit A U.S. PATENT 6,824,542 (The 542 Patent)
Filed 11/14/13 Page 22 of 93

US006824542B2
(12> Ulllted States Patent

Jay
(16) Patent N6.=

(45) Date of Patent:
US 6,824,542 B2
Nov. 30, 2004
(54)
TEMPORARY HAIR REMOVAL METHOD
6,162,211 A
6,162,212 A
12/2000 Tankovich et 211.

12/2000 Kreindel et al.
(76) Inventor:
* N ot1ce: '
Harvey H. Jay, 14 Cayuga Rd.,

Scarsdale, NY (Us) 10583
S u b' ' h e term 0 f t h' Ject to any d' isc l a1mer,t is
6,174,325 B1
6,228,074 B1 *
1/2001 Eckhouse
5/2001 Almeida ...................... .. 606/9
patent is extended or adjusted under 35
U.S.C. 154(b) by 62 days.
6,267,771 6,280,438 6,383,176 6,387,089
B1 B1 B1 B1
7/2001 8/2001 5/2002 5/2002
Tankovich et 211. Eckhouse et 211. Connors et 211. Kreindel et al.
6,406,474 B1
2004/0034319 A1 *
6/2002 Neuberger et a1.

2/2004 Anderson et al. ........... .. 604/20
(21) Appl. No.: 10/291,086

(22) Filed:
(65)
(51) (52)
* cited by examiner
NOV. 8, 2002
Prior Publication Data
US 2004/0092916 A1 May 13,2004

Int. C1.7 .............................................. .. A61B 18/18
Primary ExaminerAhmed M Farah (74) Attorney, Agent, or FirmR. Neil Sudol; Henry D. Coleman; W?ham J Sapone
(57) ABSTRACT A hand held device generates a predetermined number Of
US. Cl. ............................... .. 606/9; 606/3; 606/10;
607/88;128/898
(58) Field of Search .................... .. 606/3, 913, 1620,
pulses of light having a predetermined electromagnetic

spectrum, a predetermined duration, a predetermined inter
606/2226; 607/8891; 128/898

(56) References Cited
pulse interval, and a predetermined total energy. The pulse

sequence is delivered to a skin surface to temporarily remove hair. Aperiod of time for reappearance of hair on the selected skin surface after the using of the device to remove hair from the selected skin surface is determined by counting the days to hair reappearance after a test light application.
Subsequently, the device is used periodically to apply the
U'S' PATENT DOCUMENTS 5,425,728 A 6/1995 Tankovich

5,595,568 A 1/1997 Anderson et a1- --------- -- 382/122
5,683,380 A
, ,
11/1997 Eckhouse et a1~

c ousee a.
pulses of light to the selected skin surface at intervals of
2 * gnlggrson 6: ai' """""" " 606/9 5,885,273 A 3/1999 Eckhouse

6,050,990 A 4/2000 Tankovich et a1.
shorter length than the determined period of hair rilgeneraftiomftheretgyteinpotrarily maintaining the selected
~ ~ -
n Sur ace fee 0 V151
an
6,063,076 A
5/2000 Mehl, Sr. et 211.
6,152,917 A
11/2000 Tankovich
28 Claims, 1 Drawing Sheet
SELECTOR
SETTING
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UNIT
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ELEMENTS OPTICAL 22 18
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GENERATOR 16 PULSE
;
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2'0
..................... 2 ..............................
APPLICATOR \ INTERFACE 26
28
Filed 11/14/13 Page 23 of 93
U.S. Patent
Nov. 30, 2004
US 6,824,542 B2
5 ;2
SETTING SELECTOR > M EM O RY
!ii
5
g5
/
10
12
14 \ CONTROL UNIT
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OPTICAL 22
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APPLICATOR INTERFACE \ 26 28
36 38
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..................... I. ............................... ._i
30 \._ 32
34
i i
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INTER-PULSE INTERVAL
SELECTOR
PULSE NUMBER SELECTOR
POWER SELECTOR
PULSE DURATION SELECTOR
i ; 5
g
g
42 SOURCE LIGHT
46
'
44
GENERATOR PULSE '

RESERVOIR CQOLANT
Ii CONTROL UNIT 4" g

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\ ELEMENTS
OPTICAL
58
so
APPLICATOR
56/
'VALVE 4
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..................................... NOZZLE 54
\ INTERFACE
Filed 11/14/13 Page 24 of 93
US 6,824,542 B2
1
TEMPORARY HAIR REMOVAL METHOD
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
2
It is a related object of the invention to provide a method
for hair removal, Which may replace current home-based
methods, for instance, of shaving, Waxing, plucking, tWeeZing, or using depilatories.

Afurther object of the present invention is to provide such
a method that can result in a smooth cleaner hair removal
This invention relates generally to hair removal. More particularly, this invention relates to a method for the temporary removal of hair. As discussed in US. Pat. No. 6,280,438, hair may be
than is possible With raZors and shavers.
removed from selected skin surfaces by the application of
intense, Wide area, pulsed electromagnetic (light) energy.

According to the methodology of Us. Pat. No. 6,280,438, the energy heats the hair and coagulates the tissue around the hair and follicle Without damaging the healthy skin. Pursu ant to that prior art disclosure, it is preferable to provide an optically transparent Water based gel on the skin prior to treatment With the electromagnetic energy. The gel cools the
epidermis but is applied so as not to enter the cavity around the hair follicle, and thus does not cool the hair and the hair
These and other objects of the present invention Will be apparent from the draWings and descriptions herein. It is to be understood that each object of the invention is achieved
by at least one embodiment of the invention. It is not necessarily the case that any embodiment achieves all of the
objects of the invention.

15
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A hair removal method comprises, in accordance With the
present invention, generating a predetermined number of
pulses of light each having a predetermined electromagnetic

20
follicle. The applied energy then coagulates the hair Without damaging the skin.
US. Pat. No. 6,280,438 teaches the use of incoherent
spectrum, and directing the pulses of light toWards a skin surface. The light pulses having at least one pulse duration, at least one inter-pulse interval (if the number of pulses is
greater than one), and a total energy all predetermined to temporarily prevent a groWth of hair through the skin
surface for a period of time. Prior to a lapse of the period of
polychromatic radiation in a Wavelength range that pen etrates into the skin Without being highly attenuated. It is indicated in the patent that Wavelengths shorter than 550 nm are not useful because they Will be highly attenuated before reaching the loWer parts of the hair follicles. Instead, Wave lengths in the range of 550 to 630 nm are heavily absorbed by blood and can therefore be used to coagulate the vessels
25
time after the directing of the pulses toWards the skin surface, the predetermined number of pulses of light are again generated and directed toWards the skin surface.
that feed the hairs. Additionally, longer Wavelengths, in the

range of 600 to 100 nm have a very good penetration into non-pigmented skin and can be used to couple to the melanin of the hair. US. Pat. No. 5,885,273 discloses a method of removing
30
The pulse parameters, namely, the pulse number, the pulse duration(s), the inter-pulse interval(s), the total energy and
the spectral distribution(s), are selected in concert to only temporarily prevent the appearance of hair on the treated skin surface. Thus, in contrast to prior methods, Which are
hair that includes producing a plurality of pulses of inco

herent electromagnetic energy, Which is ?ltered in accor
aimed at completely destroying the hair follicle, the present method contemplates only a partial destruction of the fol
35
dance With the color of the hair being removed. A ?ashlamp produces pulses having delays on the order of 0.1 msec to
100 msec, and an energy ?uence on the order of 10 to 100
licles or, alternatively, a destruction of the hair inside the follicles. In either case, the hair Will groW and again appear on the treated surface in the absence of additional controlled
light application.
The light used in a hair removal method in accordance With the present invention may be incoherent and produced
by a ?ashlamp or other source of incoherent electromagnetic
J/cm2. Energy that has a Wavelength of less than 500 nm or 600 nm and greater than 1300 nm is preferably ?ltered out. Light is applied to the treated area in either a long pulse or
in a sequence of pulses separated by a delay. The delay
radiation. Alternatively, the light may be coherent and

produced by a laser source. In the former case the electro
and/or pulse length is preferably controlled by the operator

to provide enough heat to remove the hair but not enough
heat to damage the skin. For example, the pulse length or delay betWeen the pulses should be more than the cooling time of the gel covered epidermis and less than the cooling time of the hair and follicle. Speci?cally, a pulse length of
50 msec if a single pulse is used or a delay of 50 msec betWeen the pulses if a pulse sequence is used are appro
magnetic spectrum of the light pulses is a band of Wavelengths, While in the latter case, the electromagnetic
45
spectrum of a light pulse delivered at one time is a single Wavelength. In the former case ?lters may be used to limit the band of transmitted Wavelengths, While in the latter case the laser source may be adjustable or tunable for producing
Wavelengths of different frequencies.

50
priate values.
In brief, the art using electromagnetic radiation such as pulses of incoherent light is intended to permanently remove hair from selected skin surfaces. The light pulses have
In accordance With the present invention, a user deter mines the time it takes for the hair to regenerate and reappear
on the treated skin surface and reapplies the light pulses prior to the eXpected time of hair groWth through the treated
55
parameters such as spectral dispersion, pulse duration and

total energy that are selected to destroy the hair follicles in the selected skin area. Understandably, such methods carry a certain amount of risk that the skin may be damaged.
skin surface. More speci?cally, a hair removal method in accordance With the present invention includes generating a
predetermined number of pulses of light each having a
predetermined electromagnetic spectrum and applying the

pulses of light to a given skin surface, the pulses having at
least one predetermined pulse duration, at least one prede
Accordingly, the prior art methods of hair depilation are typically intended for use by trained cosmetologists and
other professionals. The consuming public is left With feW options in removing undesired hair.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
termined inter-pulse interval (if the number of pulses is

60
greater than one), and a predetermined total energy. The various pulse parameters are predetermined insofar as they are set or selected prior to the application of the light
energy to the selected skin surface. The determination of the
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for temporary hair removal. A more particular object of the present invention is to provide such a method that is safe for home use.
different pulse parameters is generally made partially at the

65
time of manufacture of the light-generating device and partially by the selection or selections made by the user. At least in part oWing to the application of the pulses to the skin
Filed 11/14/13 Page 25 of 93
US 6,824,542 B2
3
surface, an appearance of visible hair ?bers on the skin
4
200 msec and about 500 msec. An inter-pulse interval of 300
msec is effective.
surface is temporarily prevented. Passing days are then

counted betWeen the applying of the pulses to the skin
surface and a subsequent reappearance of hair ?bers on the
The total energy applied may be anyWhere from 1 Joule

per square centimeter of treated skin surface to about 200
skin surface, thereby determining an expected hair regen eration period. After determination of this hair regeneration period, the same pulse sequence is generated, having the same pulse number, the same electromagnetic spectrum(s), the same pulse duration(s), the same inter-pulse interval(s) (if applicable), and the same total energy. This pulse
sequence is directed toWards the given skin surface. Thereafter, prior to a lapse of the determined hair regenera
J/cm2. Generally, the higher energies entail greater risk to skin integrity and should be used only by skilled profes
sionals. For home use, the total energy applied should be
loWer, betWeen approximately 5 J/cm2 and approximately 40

J/cm2 of the skin surface. This energy range is appropriate
10
for persons of light skin color. Where the skin color is on the dark side, the upper limit of the total energy applied to a unit
tion period, the light application is repeated With pulses of

light having (if desired) the same spectrum, the same number, the same duration, the same inter-pulse interval (if
applicable), and the same total energy. It is to be noted that
15
of skin surface should be less, for instance, approximately 20 J/cm2.

Generally, it is contemplated that devices used in a method pursuant to the present invention Will require a
selection of a maximum or total energy to be applied to a
the hair regeneration period may change With time, in part

as a result of the light treatments. In recognition of that
potentiality, the regeneration time may be recalculated after any given number of treatments. And if the regeneration time does change, the interval betWeen successive light treatments may be adjusted accordingly.
The present invention is thus directed to a method for the
temporary removal of hair Wherein light application is

long as the light application is repeated in due course prior
to the expected time of hair reappearance. The method of the present invention may be applied to
skin surface. This requirement typically entails some restric tion on the users freedom in selecting the magnitudes of other pulse parameters. In a simple device, the user may be able to select only one pulse parameter, namely the total energy. Such a device might, for instance, have high, medium and loW settings. In a more complex device, setting of the total energy applied by a pulse sequence Will limit the range of options available to the user in setting the other
repeated prior to hair reappearance. This method serves to parameters. For instance, once the user selects the total maintain a smooth and hair free skin surface continuously as 25 energy and the pulse duration, the number of pulses is
determined, provided that the rate of energy production or
intensity is not adjustable. If the intensity is adjustable, the

user Will have some leeWay in selecting both the pulse duration and the number of pulses. In that case, the intensity
facial hair, leg hair, underarm hair, chest hair, etc., using
hand held devices of prior art designs, for instance, With a
light source such as a ?ashlamp, a re?ector, one or more
may be automatically controlled by the light-generating

device so that the total energy does not exceed the set value.
lenses, and an application interface such as a skin-contacting crystal. The crystal may function as a cooling element. Alternatively, a separate cooling medium such as a gel may
The duration of the light bursts or pulses may be as little

as 1 millisecond or as great as tWo seconds. The shortest
35
be applied to the skin surface prior to the light application. Accordingly, the present invention contemplates the use
of a hand held device for generating a predetermined num
durations and higher energies are recommended for profes sionally supervised light treatments only. For ordinary con
sumers or unskilled users, the pulse duration should be
ber of pulses of light having a predetermined electromag

netic spectrum and for applying the pulses of light to a skin surface, the pulses having one or more predetermined durations, one or more predetermined inter-pulse intervals
40
longer, preferably above approximately 6 msec and more preferably betWeen approximately 6 msec and approxi
mately 20 msec. A pulse duration of 7 msec is effective. Pursuant to one embodiment of the present invention, the
(if number of pulses is greater than one), and a predeter

mined total energy. The device is used to temporarily
light of the pulses is incoherent and the spectrum includes

Wavelengths betWeen about 300 nm and 1200 nm. Longer
remove hair from a selected skin surface. A period of time deeper removal. In some embodiments of the invention, the for reappearance of hair on the selected skin surface after the spectrum of the pulses may be limited to Wavelengths using of the device to remove hair from the selected skin 45 betWeen about 300 nm and 550 nm. These embodiments Will
Wavelengths are used for darker skin, for deeper hairs and
surface is determined, for instance, by simply counting the

days to hair reappearance after a test light application.

pulses of light to the selected skin surface at intervals of shorter length than the determined period of hair
regeneration, thereby temporarily maintaining the selected

skin surface free of visible hair. The regeneration time after any number of treatments may be measured again after any number of light treatment sessions. If the regeneration time changes, the interval betWeen successive light treatments
require a more frequent application of the light energy to effectuate temporary hair removal. The number of pulses in each pulse sequence or treatment session (as applied to a given skin area) may be betWeen one and ten, While the total duration of a pulse sequence ranges betWeen 1 millisecond and 38 seconds.
As indicated above, the present invention contemplates

that some adjustment may be made by the user in the
55
particular operational parameters of the light application

device. For instance, a simple hand-held device may have a
may be adjusted accordingly. The inter-pulse interval (Where the number of pulses is greater than one) may, in different applications of the
invention, be anyWhere from 1 millisecond to 2 seconds.
plurality of settings, for instance, high, medium, and loW,

Where one or more of the operational parameters have
Generally, the smaller the inter-pulse interval, the greater the risk of damage to the skin. Thus, the smaller inter-pulse intervals should be used only in professional settings. In home-based embodiments of the invention, the inter-pulse
interval of a light treatment is preferably greater than 200 msec. An inter-pulse interval of such a magnitude alloWs partial cooling of the hair follicles and reduces the chances of complete follicle destruction and inadvertent damage to
65
different pre-established values depending on the setting. Thus, high, medium, and loW settings may vary in the
number of applied pulses, the pulse duration, the inter-pulse

interval, and/or the total energy applied. A user could start
With a loW setting to see Whether the hair falls out and if not,
try the next higher setting. Usually, it is preferable to use the loWest setting Which accomplishes the desired result.
It is to be noted that consumer devices may be prepro
grammed With automatically operating safety controls

Which inhibit the user from inadvertently exposing himself
the epidermis. Preferably, the inter-pulse interval is between
Filed 11/14/13 Page 26 of 93
US 6,824,542 B2
5
or herself to dangerous quantities of light energy. Thus, in a
6
Light 20 generated by source 18 is directed through an
array of optical elements 22 that may include one or more
relatively complex consumer product, the users setting of

one parameter at a potentially dangerous value Will cause the
device either to limit the selectable ranges of one or more
re?ectors, lenses, and ?lters (not separately shoWn). Where

an adjustable ?lter is included, control unit 14 may be connected to the ?lter for operatively modifying the action
thereof. For instance, in the case of an adjustable neutral
other pulse parameters or to automatically adjust pulse

parameters to prevent an excessive rate of energy delivery. For instance, the selection of a small inter-pulse interval may
prevent the user from selecting a long pulse duration and/or

a small number of pulses or, alternatively, may result in an
automatic diminution of the intensity (e.g., via engagement of an intensity-reducing ?lter).

The present invention provides a method for the tempo
rary removal of hair. The method is safe for home use. The
10
density ?lter, control unit 14 may induce a change in the ?lter density to control the intensity, and therefore the poWer, of the light applied to a selected skin surface. In the case of multiple Wavelengths of light being produced, an adjustable ?lter may be included in the optical elements 22 and/or the applicator interface 26. These ?lters
can block undesired Wavelengths and alloW desired Wave lengths to pass. LoW end ?lters that block loWer or shorter
energies used are sufficiently loW to avoid skin damage. Because the light is applied prior to the appearance of hair
hairless condition continuously. If the individual Wishes to
Wavelengths, high end ?lters that block higher or longer

some loW end Wavelengths may be utiliZed.
on a skin surface, the skin surface may be maintained in a 15 Wavelengths or band pass ?lters that block some high or
groW hair at any location, this is possible by merely refrain ing from light application. The present invention contem plates the use of a light applicator periodically, say, at
intervals of a Week to a feW months. In some cases, the light
20
Light 24 leaving the optical array 22 is delivered or

applied to a skin surface via an applicator or interface
application may be daily, as a substitute for daily shaving

With a raZor or shaver.
In contrast to shaving, Which cuts hairs at or above the
element 26 exemplarily taking the form of a crystal. US. Pat. No. 6,280,438 and US. Pat. No. 5,885,273 disclose kinds of applicators or interfaces utiliZable in the device of FIG. 1 (or 2). Applicator or interface element 26 may function in part to cool the skin surface prior to, during,
skin surface, the method of present invention severs the hairs
beloW the skin surface, thereby presenting a smoother,

cleaner, more complete hair removal. In contrast, all con
25
and/or after a light application procedure. Cooling may be accomplished by using a crystal-type applicator or interface
26, With or Without a layer of gel, as described in US. Pat.
ventional methods of hair removal, including shaving,
No. 6,280,438 and US. Pat. No. 5,885,273.

The elements of FIG. 1 are encased in or mounted to a
30
Waxing, plucking, tWeeZing, electrolysis, laser light

application, incoherent light application, or the use of depilatories, require the protrusion of the hairs at the skin surface.
housing 28 of a siZe and con?guration enabling the pulse generation device to be hand held and easily manipulated for purposes of optically treating different skin surfaces of the
individual user.
It should be understood that the present methodology may be used in professional settings, in spas or salons, by
professional cosmetic service providers. Higher energies

may be used in such settings. Even higher energies and more
complex settings may be used by licensed medical profes

sionals in medical of?ces.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
35
The device of FIG. 1 is preprogrammed to produce light pulses in any of several settings, each setting being de?ned by a respective combination of particular operational param
eters including pulse duration, inter-pulse interval, pulse

number, and intensity or total energy. For instance, the device may have a plurality of settings, for instance, high, medium, and loW, Which vary in the number of applied
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a light-pulse generating

device for use in a method in accordance With the present
40
invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of another light-pulse generat ing device for use in a method in accordance With the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
45
pulses (e.g., 3, 2, 1), the pulse duration (9 msec, 7 msec, 5 msec), the inter-pulse interval (250 msec, 300 msec, 350 msec), and/or the total energy applied (35 J/cm2, 20 J/cm2,
10 J/cm2). A user could start With a loW setting to see
Whether the hair falls out and if not, try the next higher
setting. Usually, it is preferable to use the loWest setting Which accomplishes the desired result.
A more advanced or complex device is illustrated in FIG.
As depicted in FIG. 1, a device for generating light pulses

for application to a skin surface in a hair removal process
2. This device includes a housing 30 having manually actuatable input elements 32, 34, 36, and 38, such as rotary
knobs or a solid-state touch screen, Which enable a user to
50
includes a manually operable setting selector 10 connected

at an output to a memory 12 in turn connected at an output
individually select multiple operating parameters. Input ele

ments or selectors 32, 34, 36, and 38 are an inter-pulse interval selector, a pulse number selector, a poWer or energy
to a control unit 14. Memory 12 stores pre-established
combinations of light pulse parameters including pulse

Width or duration, inter-pulse interval or delay time, pulse number, light intensity, and total treatment energy. Control
unit 14 may be a microprocessor or a special logic circuit
selector, and a pulse duration selection, respectively. Another selector (not shoWn) could be for intensity
adjustment, While a further selector may be provided for
adjusting a light source 42 or a ?lter in optical elements 48
connected to a pulse generator 16 for inducing the generator

to produce a sequence of electrical control pulses fed to a
and/or an applicator 52 for modifying the Wavelength band delivered to the target skin surface. Selectors 32, 34, 36, and
38 are operatively tied to a control unit 40 such as a
source 18 of incoherent light energy. Source 18 produces
light With a spectral distribution including Wavelengths

betWeen 500 nm and 1200 nm. Control unit 14 may be connected directly to source 18 Where the source incorpo
60
microprocessor or hard-Wired log circuit. Control unit 40

regulates the operation of light source 42 such as a conven
rates means for varying pulse parameters pursuant to encoded instructions.
Light source 18 (as Well as the entire light pulse

applicator) may take any knoWn form such as those dis closed in US. Pat. No. 6,280,438 and US. Pat. No. 5,885, 273. Thus, light source 18 may be a Xenon ?ashlamp.
65
tional ?ashlamp, either directly or indirectly via a pulse generator 44. Light 46 from source 42 is transmitted along a path through optical elements 48 optionally including one or more re?ectors, lenses, and ?lters (not separately shoWn).
Light 50 at an output of the optical array 48 is applied to a skin surface via applicator or interface element 52. Appli
cator or interface element 52 may take the form of a crystal
Filed 11/14/13 Page 27 of 93
US 6,824,542 B2
7
block or a transparent or translucent pouch ?lled With a transparent or translucent ?uid such as a gel or a liquid. In
8
pulse duration selector 38 enables a selection of pulses
lasting 1 msec to 10 msec. The various pulse sequence parameters may be selectable from sets of discrete values or,
the case of a gel, the pouch (52) may be provided With perforations on a skin-contacting surface for exuding the gel of cooling purposes. Alternatively, as shoWn in FIG. 2, the light pulse device may be provided With a ?uid dispenser
such as a spray noZZle 54 connected to a valve 56 doWn
alternatively, from continuous ranges.

Aperson uses the device of FIG. 1 or 2 to apply pulses of light to a skin surface for purposes of effectively severing or destroying hair ?bers beloW the surface of the skin to
stream of a pressuriZed coolant reservoir 58. In response to

an operation of a manual actuator 60 or in response to
temporarily prevent hairs from groWing through and thus

10
signals from control unit 40, valve 56 enables a ?oW of coolant from reservoir 58 to noZZle 54 for application to a selected skin surface. In the event that applicator or interface element 52 is a bag or pouch, reservoir 58 and valve 56 may be connected to the applicator or interface element for supplying a gel or ?uid coolant thereto. In one embodiment of the device of FIG. 2, suitable for professional but not home use, inter-pulse interval selector
32 provides for intervals in a range from 1 msec and 2
becoming visible on the skin. The user ?rst performs a calibration or initialiZation procedure to determine an appro
priate pulse setting and a hair-regeneration period for that

setting. The term hair-regeneration period is used herein to
denote the time it takes for hair to reappear on the skin
15
seconds, Whereas pulse number selector 34 is enabled for

pulse sequences of one to ten pulses. In addition, poWer selector 36 permits treatment energies betWeen 1 Joule per square centimeter of skin surface and 200 Joules per square
surface after a pulse sequence has been applied to that surface at a selected setting. During the calibration or initialiZation stage, the user should ?rst select a loW-energy pulse sequence to determine Whether that sequence is effective in removing the hair of a selected skin region. The individual may ?nd that a given setting does not adequately remove the hair (e.g., some hairs do not fall out) or requires a too frequent treatment. In such cases, the individual should retry the calibration or initial
centimeter, While pulse duration selector 38 enables pulses

of 1 msec to 2 seconds in length. Total pulse sequence
iZation procedure using a higher-energy setting.

Using the device of FIG. 1, an individual Will ?rst select a loW setting to determine Whether that loW setting is
25
duration, from the beginning of the ?rst pulse to the termi

nation of the ?nal pulse, ranges from 1 msec to 38 seconds.
effective in hair removal. If not, a neXt higher or medium
The various pulse sequence parameters may be selectable from sets of discrete values or, alternatively, from continu
ous ranges.
setting may be tried. Generally, higher settings Will be used

only as the circumstances Warrant, for instance, if the hair ?bers are thick and the skin is light.
In the device of FIG. 2, the various parameters are
In determining optimal settings With the device of FIG. 2,

a user should choose initial parameter values Which in
typically not completely independent inasmuch as the total

energy selected Will function as a constraint on the ranges
available for the other parameters, that is, the total energy
selected Will serve to regulate or circumscribe the ranges
combination result in the application of small amounts of energy. Thus, Where one or more selected pulse parameters
are associated With high treatment energies, other pulse

parameters should be selected that are associated With loW
available to the user for the other pulse sequence parameters. Where the device of FIG. 2 has no intensity adjustment capability, a selection of the total energy and the pulse duration may determine the number of pulses. Similarly, a selection of the total energy and the number of pulses may
determine the pulse duration. If the intensity is an adjustable

parameter, once the total energy has been chosen, the user Will be able to select the magnitudes of tWo of the three
40
treatment energies. Where all the pulse parameters are independently adjustable, loWer treatment energies Will generally result from settings involving feW pulses (say, 13 instead of 810 pulses), long inter-pulse intervals (300 msec or more), short
parameters, pulse duration, intensity and number of pulses.

The inter-pulse interval is related to the rate at Which radiant energy is applied to a skin surface and may accordingly be
pulse durations (20 msec or less), loW light intensity (if selectable, for example, via an adjustable neutral density ?lter), and loW total energies (less than 40 Joules per square
centimeter of skin surface). If a given setting proves to be ineffective, the user might adjust selector 32 or 38 to
subjected to some programmed control. Longer pulse dura

tions and/or delays Will deliver energy at a sloWer rate (total energy is distributed over longer time) and therefore be safer to use With higher energy levels. Preferably, the total energy is alWays a selectable parameter and is best selected prior to
45
the setting of the other parameters. HoWever, the device of

FIG. 2 may be preprogrammed to limit the rate at Which radiant energy is applied to a skin surface, Which Will force restrictions on the users ability to select pulse parameter values. In an alternative embodiment of the device of FIG. 2, suitable for home use, inter-pulse interval selector 32 enables a selection of intervals ranging from 200 msec to 2
decrease the inter-pulse interval or increase the pulse length, thereby effectively increasing the poWer or rate at Which the radiant energy is delivered to the target skin surface. Alter natively or additionally, the user might increase the number of pulses via selector 34 or increase the applied energy via selector 36. These adjustments Will result in an increase in the rate of applied energy if the total time of the pulse
sequence is limited. If the light intensity is separately

adjustable, one may increase the poWer or rate of energy
delivery by simply selecting a higher intensity value.

55
Where the various pulse parameters are not independently selectable, for instance, Where the total energy applied is a
seconds, While poWer selector 36 enables treatment energies
controlling factor, adjustments made in the parameters for purposes of incrementally enhancing the hair removal effec
tiveness of the device of FIG. 2 Will be different from the
betWeen 1 J/cm2 and 40 J/cm2. Preferably, the pulse duration

and the number of pulses available for selection are
restricted so as to prevent the user from delivering energy at
too high a rate. If the user selects a large pulse number, the
pulse duration is necessarily short, Whereas a small number of pulses forces a longer pulse duration in order to achieve
the selected total energy. It is preferable to use a larger number of pulses and a smaller pulse duration in order to limit the rate at Which light energy is applied to a skin
surface. Pulse number selector 34 may therefore enable a
65
case of completely independent parameter values. For instance, once the total applied energy and total pulse sequence time have been selected, decreasing the number of pulses Will require an increase in pulse length and/or an increase in pulse intensity in order to deliver the same amount of total energy in the ?Xed time. These changes Will increase the effectiveness of the light application inasmuch
as the rate of energy delivery is increased. In contrast, once
selection of three to ten pulses per pulse sequence, While
the total applied energy and total pulse sequence time have been selected, increasing the pulse duration Will decrease the
Filed 11/14/13 Page 28 of 93
US 6,824,542 B2
9
instantaneous rate at Which energy is applied to the target
10
having pre-established settings or parameter combinations
or the device of FIG. 2 Where the various pulse sequence
skin surface by decreasing the light intensity,.

During the calibration or initialization stage of a hair
parameters may be individually adjusted independently of

the other parameters. In these examples, the total times of the pulse sequences are determined by the selected numbers of pulses, the selected pulse durations and the selected
removal method using the device of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, light is used on skin surfaces With visible and protruding hair. Light is applied to the skin surface and the hair and is
directed doWnWard toWards the base or bulb of the hair. Immediate damage to the hair may be noted but is not essential. Hairs may fall out during the course of the
inter-pulse intervals. The light intensity may be automati cally adjusted by the light generating device if necessary to
ensure consistency among the listed parameter settings. Home Use Example 1. In a preferred setting or combi
nation of operational parameters suitable for home use, an
folloWing month. Hair loss may be gradual or abrupt. No assistance is usually needed in this process.
Since hair groWth rates vary from person to person and for
different body locations on the same person, each user
incoherent light applicator device for temporary hair

removal generates pulses With a pulse number of tWo, a pulse duration of 7 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 300 msec, a total pulse energy of 20 J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, including Wave lengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. Home Use Example 2. A slightly higher setting or com
should note the interval betWeen the ?rst treatment and the
reappearance of neW hair on each skin area.
15
Because different skin areas have different grades of hair
(different colors, different ?ber diameters, different hair densities) and different skin pigmentation, etc., different
pulse parameter settings are recommended for different skin areas. For example, different settings Will be necessary for the underarms and the legs in order to optimiZe results. In addition, depilation schedules may also vary from one skin
area to another.
bination of operational parameters for an incoherent light

applicator device suitable for home use involves a pulse sequence With a pulse number of tWo, a pulse duration of 7 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 250 msec, a total pulse energy of 20 J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a com
After the user has determined appropriate settings of the
mercially available ?ashlamp, including Wavelengths

25
pulse sequence parameters and expected hair-regeneration

periods for different skin areas, the user then treats each skin
surface With pulsed light at the respective setting and at a
betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. Although the total amount of energy is the same as in the ?rst example, the shorter interpulse interval means that the rate of energy transmission
periodicity set by the respective hair-regeneration period.

Successive applications of pulsed light folloW at intervals smaller than the detected hair-regeneration period. For
instance, if it is determined that hair reappears on a leg at
to the target skin surface is higher. Home Use Example 3. Ahigher setting or combination of
operational parameters for an incoherent light applicator

device involves pulses With a pulse number of tWo, a pulse
duration of 5 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 250 msec, a
three Weeks after treatment With light at a given pulse
sequence setting, then light energy at that setting is applied

to the leg at, say, tWo Week intervals to maintain the leg free of visible hair. The regeneration period may be measured
again after any number of treatments. And if the user ?nds
35
total pulse energy of 25 J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, including Wavelengths
betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. In this example, not only is the total energy larger than in the second example, but the rate
that the regeneration time has changed, the interval betWeen successive treatment sessions may be adjusted accordingly. This hair removal method contemplates, therefore, the periodic application to a selected skin surface of a pulse sequence having a predetermined number of pulses of light of a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum, a predeter mined duration, a predetermined inter-pulse interval, and a predetermined total energy. These pulse sequence param eters are determined in part by the design of the light generating device used and in part by the selections made by the user. The light treatment temporarily prevents a groWth of hair through the selected skin surface for the respective
of energy application is higher oWing to the shorter pulse

duration. Home Use Example 4. An even higher setting or combi
40
nation of operational parameters for an incoherent light applicator device involves pulses With a pulse number of
tWo, a pulse duration of 5 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 210 msec, a total pulse energy of 37 J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, includ ing Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. The pulse sequence of this example delivers radiant energy at a higher rate than in the third example because of the shorter inter
45
pulse interval and the slightly higher energy delivered per
hair-regeneration period.
The light of the pulses is generally incoherent and the
spectrum includes Wavelengths betWeen about 300 nm and 1200 nm. HoWever, single Wavelengths of laser or coherent light may be delivered at one time, When desired. Higher Wavelengths are used for darker skin, for deeper hairs and
pulse.
Home Use Example 5. In a loW setting or combination of
operational parameters, an incoherent light applicator device produces pulses With a pulse number of tWo, a pulse duration
of 5 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 350 msec, a total pulse energy of 15 J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a com
deeper removal. In order to limit the depth of penetration of

betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. The pulse sequence of this
55 example delivers a small amount of energy, at a loW rate
the light, and accordingly the length of the hair-regeneration

or hair-regroWth period, the spectrum of the pulses may be limited to shorter Wavelengths and may include Wavelengths, for instance, beloW 550 nm. In other embodiments of a light generation and applica
tion device, one or more of the pulse parameters may vary
(e.g., long inter-pulse interval).

Home Use Example 6. A slightly higher setting or com bination of operational parameters for an incoherent light applicator device involves pulses With a pulse number of
tWo, a pulse duration of 5 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 300 msec, a total pulse energy of 20 J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, includ ing Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. Home. Use Example 7. A loWer setting or combination of
during a single treatment session. For instance, the inter pulse interval or the pulse duration may increase or decrease from the beginning of a pulse sequence to the end of the pulse sequence. The resulting instantaneous rate of energy
application may therefore vary during the pulse sequence.
Listed beloW are a number of exemplary settings or 65 operational parameters for an incoherent light applicator
combinations of operational parameters particularly suitable

for home-use and attainable With either the device of FIG. 1
device involves pulses With a pulse number of three, a pulse

Filed 11/14/13 Page 29 of 93
US 6,824,542 B2
11
total pulse energy of 20 J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of
12
Professional Use Example 5. In a relatively loW setting or
a commercially available ?ashlamp, including Wavelengths

betWeen 500 and 1200 nm.
combination of operational parameters for professional use, an incoherent light applicator device produces pulses With a
pulse number of tWo, a pulse duration of 9 msec, an inter- ulse interval of 200 msec, a total pulse energy of 40 J/cm , and a spectral distribution of a commercially avail
Home Use Example 8. Another setting or combination of

able ?ashlamp, including Wavelengths betWeen 500 and

1200 nm.

10
Professional Use Example 6. A slightly higher setting or

combination of operational parameters for an incoherent
light applicator device involves pulses With a pulse number

of tWo, a pulse duration of 5 msec, an inter- ulse interval of 150 msec, a total pulse energy of 40 J/cm , and a spectral
The devices of FIGS. 1 and 2 may be provided With a
band-pass ?lter for limiting the spectral distribution of the generated light pulses to Wavelengths in a given band, for
instance, betWeen 700 nm and 900 nm. Alternatively, a
loW-pass ?lter may be used for transmitting to a skin surface
only Wavelengths less than a predetermined maximum, such

as 900 nm, 750 nm, or 550 nm. The loWer the Wavelength
15
distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, includ ing Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. Professional Use Example 7. Another higher setting or combination of operational parameters for an incoherent

of tWo, a pulse duration of 5 msec, an inter- ulse interval of 150 msec, a total pulse energy of 50 J/cm , and a spectral
the less likely the light Will penetrate deeply and damage
cellular and histological elements as deep as the bulb parts
of the hair follicles. Shorter Wavelengths, for instance,

beloW 550 nm are useful for limiting the depth of penetra tion. It is to be understood, hoWever, that the less the depth of penetration, the shorter the time betWeen successive applications of light energy necessary to maintain a hair free
skin surface. Thus, instead of a month or a Week, the time
betWeen successive hair removal procedures might be as

little as one or tWo days.
25
distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, includ ing Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. An incoherent light applicator device for professional use may also be provided With a band-pass ?lter for limiting the spectral distribution of the generated light pulses to Wave lengths in a given band, for instance, betWeen 700 nm and 900 nm. Again, a loW-pass ?lter may be used for transmit ting to a skin surface only Wavelengths less than a prede
termined maximum, such as 900 nm, 750 mn, or 550 mn.
Depth of penetration may also be limited by using loWer

light intensities. Neutral density or gray ?lters may be used to reduce the intensity of the light applied to the
selected skin surfaces. Listed beloW are a number of exemplary settings or
Although the invention has been described in terms of

for professional devices. In these examples, the total times of the pulse sequences are determined by the selected numbers of pulses, the selected pulse durations and the selected inter-pulse intervals. The light intensity may be
35
particular embodiments and applications, one of ordinary skill in the art, in light of this teaching, can generate additional embodiments and modi?cations Without depart ing from the spirit of or exceeding the scope of the claimed
invention. For example, light sources 18 and 42 may take the form of laser sources. In that case, if optical elements 22 and 48 include any ?lters, those ?lters are neutral density ?lters
for reducing the intensity of the transmitted radiation. Where

light sources 18 and 42 are tunable laser sources, then an
automatically adjusted by the light generating device if

necessary to ensure consistency among the listed parameter
settings.
Professional Use Example 1. In a setting or combination
40
additional actuator may be provided for frequency selection purposes. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the draW
ings and descriptions herein are proffered by Way of example

to facilitate comprehension of the invention and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof. What is claimed:
of operational parameters suitable for professional use, an

removal generates pulses With a pulse number of tWo, a pulse duration of 7 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 150 msec, a total pulse energy of 60 J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, including Wave lengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm.
45
1. A method for hair removal and temporarily preventing hair reappearance, comprising: generating a predetermined number of pulses of light each
having a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum;

directing said pulses of light toWards a skin surface, said pulses having at least one pulse duration, and a total energy all predetermined to temporarily prevent a groWth of hair through said skin surface for a period of


of tWo, a pulse duration of 7 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 100 msec, a total pulse energy of 60 J/cm2, and a spectral
time;
by virtue of the directing of said pulses of light toWards said skin surface, effectuating a removal of projecting
hair ?bers from said skin surface; and after the removal of projecting hair from said skin surface, and prior to a lapse of said period of time after the directing of said pulses toWards said skin surface, and
prior to a visible reappearance of hairs on said skin
distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, includ ing Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. Professional Use Example 3. A loWer setting or combi nation of operational parameters for an incoherent light applicator device involves pulses With a pulse number of tWo, a pulse duration of 9 msec, an inter-pulse interval of
100 msec, a total pulse energy of 60 J/cm , and a spectral
distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, includ ing Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. Professional Use Example 4. A higher setting or combi nation of operational parameters for an incoherent light applicator device involves pulses With a pulse number of
tWo, a pulse duration of 9 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 100 msec, a total pulse energy of 100 J/cm2, and a spectral
65
surface, again generating pulses of light and directing

the pulses toWards said skin surface to temporarily prevent hair reappearance.
2. The method de?ned in claim 1 Wherein said number of
pulses is greater than one, said pulses having an inter-pulse

interval greater than 200 msec.
distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, includ ing Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm.
3. The method de?ned in claim 2 Wherein said inter-pulse interval is betWeen approximately 200 msec and approxi
mately 2 seconds.
Filed 11/14/13 Page 30 of 93
US 6,824,542 B2
13
4. The method de?ned in claim 3 Wherein said inter-pulse interval is approximately 300 msec. 5. The method de?ned in claim 2 Wherein said total energy is betWeen approximately 1 Joule and approximately 200 Joules of energy per square centimeter of said skin surface. 6. The method de?ned in claim 5 Wherein said total energy is betWeen approximately 5 Joules and approxi mately 40 Joules of energy per square centimeter of said skin surface. 7. The method de?ned in claim 5 Wherein said duration is betWeen approximately 1 msec and approximately 2 sec onds. 8. The method de?ned in claim 7 Wherein the light of said pulses is incoherent and Wherein said spectrum includes
Wavelengths betWeen about 300 nm and 1200 nm.
14
directing said additional pulses of light toWards said skin surface, said additional pulses having said duration, and
said total energy;
prior to a lapse of said period of time after the directing of said additional pulses toWards said skin surface,
generating further pulses of light of said predetermined

number and having said spectrum; and directing said further pulses of light toWards said skin
surface to temporarily prevent a reappearance of hair
10
on said skin surface, said further pulses having said duration, and said total energy.
16. The method de?ned in claim 15 Wherein said number
of pulses is greater than one, said pulses having an inter

15
9. The method de?ned in claim 8 Wherein said spectrum includes only Wavelengths betWeen about 300 nm and about
550 nm.
pulse interval betWeen 1 msec and 2 seconds. 17. The method de?ned in claim 16 Wherein said inter pulse interval is greater than 200 msec. 18. The method de?ned in claim 17 Wherein said inter pulse interval is betWeen about 200 msec and about 500
msec.
10. The method de?ned in claim 7 Wherein said duration is betWeen approximately 1 msec and approximately 20
msec.
19. The method de?ned in claim 15 Wherein said total
energy is betWeen approximately 1 Joule and approximately

200 Joules of energy per square centimeter of said skin surface. 20. The method de?ned in claim 19 Wherein said total
25
11. The method de?ned in claim 10 Wherein said duration

is betWeen about 6 msec and about 20 msec.
12. The method de?ned in claim 1 Wherein said period of time has a length betWeen a day and three months. 13. The method de?ned in claim 12 Wherein said period of time has a length betWeen approximately one Week and
one month.
energy is betWeen approximately 5 Joules and approxi

mately 40 Joules of energy per square centimeter of said skin surface. 21. The method de?ned in claim 20 Wherein said total
14. The method de?ned in claim 1, further comprising determining said period of time by counting a number of days betWeen an application of said pulses to said skin
surface and a subsequent appearance of hair on said skin surface.
energy is betWeen approximately 5 Joules and approxi mately 20 Joules per square centimeter of said skin surface.
22. The method de?ned in claim 15 Wherein said duration is betWeen approximately 1 msec and approximately 2 seconds. 23. The method de?ned in claim 22 Wherein said duration is betWeen approximately 5 msec and approximately 50
35 msec.

applying said pulses of light to a skin surface, said pulses having at least one predetermined pulse duration, and a predetermined total energy; at least in part oWing to the applying of said pulses to said skin surface, temporarily preventing an appearance of
hair ?bers on said skin surface;
24. The method de?ned in claim 23 Wherein said duration is betWeen approximately 6 msec and approximately 20
msec.
40
25. The method de?ned in claim 15 Wherein the light of said pulses is incoherent and Wherein said spectrum includes
counting days betWeen the applying of said pulses to said

skin surface and a subsequent reappearance of hair ?bers on said skin surface to determine a lapsed period
45
26. The method de?ned in claim 25 Wherein said spec trum includes Wavelengths betWeen about 300 nm and about 550 nm only.
of time; after determining of said period of time, generating addi tional pulses of light of said predetermined number and having said spectrum;
27. The method de?ned in claim 15 Wherein said period of time has a length betWeen a day and three months. 28. The method de?ned in claim 27 Wherein said period of time has a length betWeen approximately one Week and
one month.
Filed 11/14/13 Page 31 of 93
Exhibit B U.S. PATENT 6,916,316 (The 316 Patent)
Filed 11/14/13 Page 32 of 93

US006916316B2
(12) United States Patent

Jay
(16) Patent N6.=

US 6,916,316 B2
*Jul. 12, 2005
(54)
HAIR TREATMENT METHOD
6,152,917 A
6,162,211 A
11/2000 Tankovich
12/2000 TankOViCh et al.
(76)
*
Inventor:
N otice: '
Harvey H. Jay, 14 Cayuga Rd., Searsdaie NY (Us) 10583
6,162,212 A 6,174,325 B1
6,228,074 B1 *
12/2000 Kfeindel 6t a1~ 1/2001 Eckhouse

5/2001 Almeida ...................... .. 606/9
s u bj ect to an yd' ' isc 1 aimer, t h e term 0 r t h' 15
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U-S-C- 154(k)) bYO daysThis patent is subject to a terminal disClalmer'
6,267,771 B1 6,280,438 B1 6,383,176 B1
7/2001 Tankovich et al. 8/2001 Eckhouse et al. 5/2002 Connors et al.
6,387,089 B1
6,406,474 B1 6,676,665 B2
5/2002 Kreindel et al.

6/2002 Neuberger et al. 1/2004 Foley et 31
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
(21) Appl. No; 10/464,186
US. Appl. No. 60/363,871, ?led Mar. 12, 2002, Anderson et

al.
*
(22) Filed:
(65)
Jun. 18, 2003

C1 6
't d b
y exammer
'
US 2004/0092918 A1 May 13, 2004
Primary ExmieA~ Fmfh
Related US. Application Data

(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 10/418,604, ?led on
Apr. 18, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of application
(74) Attorney, Agent, or FirmR. Neil Sudol; Henry D. Coleman; Wlnlam J- Sapone
(57)
-
ABSTRACT
-
NO 100917086 ?led on NOV 8 2002 now Pat NO
A hand held device generates a predetermined number of
6 824 542
(51) Int. Cl.7 .............................................. .. A61B 18/ 18
U-S. Cl. ............................... ..
pulses of light having a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum, a predetermined duration, a predetermined inter
pulse interval, and a predetermined total energy The pulse
Sequence is delivered to a Skin Surface to temporarily
607/88; 607/89
(58) Field of Search .................... .. 606/3, 913, 1620,
remove hair through the absorption of light energy only by

endogenous chromophores of the hair. Exogenous chro
606/2226; 607/8891; 128/898

mophores for light absorpotion are not applied to the skin

surface at any time. Aperiod of time for reappearance of hair on the selected skin surface after the using of the device to
Us PATENT DOCUMENTS
5,425,728 A 5,595,568 A 6/1995 Tankovich 1/1997 Anderson et @1-
remove hair from the selected skin surface 15 determined by
57683380 A * 11/1997 Eckhouse ct a1~
counting the days to hair reappearance after a test light application. Subsequently, the device is used periodically to apply the pulses of light to the selected skin surface at intervals of shorter length than the determined period of hair
-
2
, ,
1421;
gnlggrson 6: a1 """""" " 606/9

c ouse e a.

skin surface free of visible hair.
5,885,273 A
6,050,990 A
3/1999 Eckhouse
4/2000 Tankovich et al.
6,063,076 A
5/2000 Mehl, Sr. et al.
SETTING
MEMORY
;
i
SELECTOR
:
|
i
5
/
10
12
v
:
I
14
CONTROL
\
22 18
, LIGHT
UNIT
1e
PULSE
5
3
i
OPTICAL
{s
z
L.-.
ELEMENTS
24
20 SOURCE
GENERATOR
i
E
APPLICATOR I \ ..................... _; ~.\ ______________________________
INTERFACE
26
28
Filed 11/14/13 Page 33 of 93
U.S. Patent
Jul. 12,2005
US 6,916,316 B2
'
SETTING
-_> MEMORY
'
SELECTOR
z
:
/
1
12
14
\
=
:
g
5
CONTROL
UNIT
5
5
I
1
OPTICAL 22
ELEMENTS
"HI.
18 \ LIGHT
SOURCE '
1e PULSE
GENERATOR
I
:
:
I. -
2'0
28
36 38
..................... _._ .............................. _..i
APPLICATOR INTERFACE \ 26
30 ~ 32 34
i
I ;
INTER-PULSE
INTERVAL SELECTOR
PULSE
NUMBER SELECTOR POWER SELECTOR
PULSE
DURATION SELECTOR
i
; ;
:=
;
l
42 T LIGHT PULSE
i l/ 2
CONTROL 2
;
5
i
SOURCE
46
' / GENERATOR '

44 RESERVOIR COOLANT
UNIT
g
5
5
g
48
\ ELEMENTS
50 -
OPTICAL
58
56/
'vALvE <-
l
NOZZLE
ACTUATOR
I /
60 i
L ..................... 52\ _. APPLICATOR iv
_54 ..............................
INTERFACE
Filed 11/14/13 Page 34 of 93
US 6,916,316 B2
1
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
2
a certain amount of risk that the skin may be damaged.
Accordingly, the prior art methods of hair depilation are typically intended for use by trained cosmetologists and
This application is a continuation-in-part of application

Ser. No. 10/418,604 ?led Apr. 18, 2003, Which in turn is a
other professionals. The consuming public is left With feW options in removing undesired hair.
continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/291,086 ?led

Nov. 8, 2002, now US. Pat. No. 6,824,542. This application is also a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/291,
086. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to a hair treatment pro cess. More particularly, this invention relates to a method for
10
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for treating hair to at least retard hair groWth. It is a related object of the present invention to provide a method for temporary hair removal. A more particular object of the present invention is to
provide such a method of hair treatment or removal that is
the temporary removal of hair and for the retardation of hair
15 safe for home use.
groWth.
As discussed in US. Pat. No. 6,280,438, hair may be
It is a related object of the invention to provide a method for hair treatment, Which may replace current home-based

methods, for instance, of shaving, Waxing, plucking, tWeeZing, or using depilatories.

20
Afurther object of the present invention is to provide such

a treatment method that can result in a smooth cleaner hair
removal than is possible With raZors and shavers.
25
US. Pat. No. 6,280,438 teaches the use of incoherent

30
polychromatic radiation in a Wavelength range that pen etrates into the skin Without being highly attenuated. It is indicated in the patent that Wavelengths shorter than 550 nm are not useful because they Will be highly attenuated before reaching the loWer parts of the hair follicles. Instead, Wave
lengths in the range of 550 to 630 nm are heavily absorbed by blood and can therefore be used to coagulate the vessels
A hair treatment method comprises, in accordance With the present invention, generating a predetermined number of

35
spectrum including at least one Wavelength absorbable by an
endogenous chromophore in a persons hair. The pulses of

light are directed toWards a skin surface having hair con
taining the endogenous chromophore. The hair of the skin

surface and the associated hair follicles are free of eXog
40

range of 600 to 1100 nm have a very good penetration into non-pigmented skin and can be used to couple to the melanin of the hair. US. Pat. No. 5,885,273 discloses a method of removing

45
enous chromophores. The light pulses having at least one pulse duration, at least one inter-pulse interval (if the num ber of pulses is greater than one), and a total energy all predetermined to at least temporarily retard groWth of hair along the skin surface and preferably to temporarily remove hair along the skin surface. After lapse of a period of time after the directing of the pulses toWards the skin surface, the
predetermined number of pulses of light are again generated

and directed toWards the skin surface. This subsequent
50

to provide enough heat to remove the hair but not enough
application of light pulses is also conducted in the absence of eXogenous chromophores. The present invention thus contemplates the temporary retardation of hair groWth and/or temporary hair removal effectuated Without the application of eXogenous chro mophores for light absorption. The contemplated results are
heat to damage the skin. For example, the pulse length or delay betWeen the pulses should be more than the cooling time of the gel-covered epidermis and less than the cooling time of the hair and follicle. Speci?cally, a pulse length of
50 msec if a single pulse is used or a delay of 50 msec betWeen the pulses if a pulse sequence is used are appro
55
attained via light absorption solely by endogenous chro

mophores particularly including melanin in its various natu
rally occurring forms. The pulse parameters, namely, the pulse number, the pulse
duration(s), the inter-pulse interval(s), the total energy and
60
priate values.
In brief, the art using electromagnetic radiation such as pulses of incoherent light is intended to permanently remove hair from selected skin surfaces. The light pulses have parameters such as spectral dispersion, pulse duration and
total energy that are selected to destroy the hair follicles in the selected skin area. Understandably, such methods carry
the spectral distribution(s), are selected in concert to only retard the groWth of hair and/or to temporarily prevent the
appearance of hair on the treated skin surface. Thus, in contrast to prior methods, Which are aimed at completely
65
destroying the hair follicle and terminating hair groWth (and Which require the application of eXogenous chromophores to the target skin surface), the present method contemplates
only a partial destruction of the follicles or, alternatively, a
Filed 11/14/13 Page 35 of 93
US 6,916,316 B2
3
destruction of the hair inside the follicles. In either case, the hair Will grow and again appear on the treated surface in the
4

repeated prior to hair reappearance. This method serves to maintain a smooth and hair free skin surface continuously as
absence of additional controlled light application. HoWever,

the rate at Which the hair groWs Will be reduced by virtue of
the application of electromagnetic radiation pursuant to the present invention.

The light used in a hair treatment method in accordance

to the expected time of hair reappearance. The method of the present invention contemplates a
With the present invention may be incoherent and produced

gradual reduction in the frequency of light treatment, oWing

to a diminution in the hair groWth rate. In an example, a user

may initially be required to apply the pulsed light energy at

intervals of one Week in order to prevent the reappearance of hair on the treated hair surface. After several Weeks or
magnetic spectrum of the light pulses is a band of Wavelengths, While in the latter case, the electromagnetic
spectrum of a light pulse delivered at one time is a single Wavelength. In the former case ?lters may be used to limit the band of transmitted Wavelengths, While in the latter case the laser source may be adjustable or tunable for producing
15
months of periodic light treatment, this rate of light energy application may be reduced to biWeekly or monthly appli
cations. The initial period of hair reappearance, as Well as
Wavelengths of different frequencies. In any event, the light

energy applied includes at least one Wavelength absorbable by an endogenous chromophore in the hair such as eumela nin or pheomelanin.
the rate of hair groWth retardation, Will be determined by the individuals genetics as to skin color, hair color, hair thickness, hair density, etc., and by the selected treatment parameters such as total energy, pulse rate, pulse duration,
light spectrum, etc., as Well as by the particular area on the
users body. In any given individual, the groWth rates of hair on the face, underarms, legs, etc., vary. In addition, the
change in hair groWth rate using the present methodology

25
on the treated skin surface and reapplies the light pulses prior to the expected time of hair groWth through the treated
skin surface. OWing to a hair groWth rate that may decrease
With continuing application of light energy, the user need reapply the light pulses at an increasing interval. More
speci?cally, a hair removal method in accordance With the
may differ from body area to body area. The light treatment method of the present invention also affects hair parameters other than groWth rate. Again depending on the individuals genetics, the location of the hair treated, and the selected treatment parameters, the users hair may experience
changes in thickness, density, and color. More speci?cally,

in many individuals, hair is likely to become ?ner, less dense, and lighter in color. The method of the present invention may be applied to
present invention includes (a) generating a predetermined number of pulses of light each having a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum including at least one Wavelength absorbable by an endogenous chromophore in a persons hair and (b) applying the pulses of light to a given skin surface that is free of exogenous chromophores, the pulses
having at least one predetermined pulse duration, at least one
35 light source such as a ?ashlamp, a re?ector, one or more
predetermined inter-pulse interval (if the number of pulses is

greater than one), and a predetermined total energy. The various pulse parameters are predetermined insofar as they are set or selected prior to the application of the light energy to the selected skin surface. The determination of the
40
different pulse parameters is generally made partially at the

time of manufacture of the light-generating device and partially by the selection or selections made by the user. At least in part oWing to the application of the pulses to the skin
surface, an appearance of visible hair ?bers on the skin
45

netic spectrum including at least one Wavelength absorbable by an endogenous chromophore in a persons hair and for applying the pulses of light to a skin surface free of
exogenous chromophores and having hair containing the

endogenous chromophore, the pulses having one or more
predetermined durations, one or more predetermined inter
surface is temporarily prevented. Passing days are then

counted betWeen the applying of the pulses to the skin
surface and a subsequent reappearance of hair ?bers on the
pulse intervals (if number of pulses is greater than one), and

a predetermined total energy. The device is used to tempo rarily remove hair from a selected skin surface and Will in many cases retard the rate of hair groWth. Aperiod of time for reappearance of hair on the selected skin surface after the using of the device to remove hair from the selected skin
55
skin surface, thereby determining an expected hair regen eration period. After determination of this hair regeneration period, the same pulse sequence is generated, having the same pulse number, the same electromagnetic spectrum(s), the same pulse duration(s), the same inter-pulse interval(s) (if applicable), and the same total energy. This pulse
sequence is directed toWards the given skin surface. Thereafter, prior to a lapse of the determined hair regenera
surface is determined, for instance, by simply counting the

days to hair reappearance after a test light application.

tion period, the light application is repeated With pulses of

light having (if desired) the same spectrum, the same number, the same duration, the same inter-pulse interval (if
applicable), and the same total energy. It is to be noted that

skin surface free of visible hair. The regeneration time after any number of treatments may be measured again after any number of light treatment sessions. If the regeneration time
the hair regeneration period may lengthen With time, in part

as a result of the light treatments. In recognition of that
potentiality, the regeneration time may be recalculated after any given number of treatments. And if the regeneration time does increase, the interval betWeen successive light treatments may be increased accordingly.
is increased (oWning to hair groWth retardation), the interval

65
betWeen successive light treatments may be increased accordingly. The light treatments are all performed Without
application of exogenous chromophores for light absorption
Filed 11/14/13 Page 36 of 93
US 6,916,316 B2
5
purposes. The temporary removal of hair and the retardation
6
The number of pulses in each pulse sequence or treatment session (as applied to a given skin area) may be betWeen one and ten, While the total duration of a pulse sequence ranges betWeen 1 millisecond and 38 seconds.
of hair groWth are effectuated through light absorption solely by endogenous chromophores such as melanin. The inter-pulse interval (Where the number of pulses is greater than one) may, in different applications of the
invention, be anyWhere from 1 millisecond to 2 seconds.

Generally, the smaller the inter-pulse interval, the greater the risk of damage to the skin. Thus, the smaller inter-pulse intervals should be used only in professional settings. In home-based embodiments of the invention, the inter-pulse interval of a light treatment is preferably greater than 200
msec. An inter-pulse interval of such a magnitude alloWs


10
partial cooling of the hair follicles and reduces the chances of complete follicle destruction and inadvertent damage to

interval, and/or the total energy applied. A user could start
15
the epidermis. Preferably, the inter-pulse interval is betWeen

msec is effective.
With a loW setting to see Whether the hair falls out and if not,


Which inhibit the user from inadvertently exposing himself or herself to dangerous quantities of light energy. Thus, in a

J/cm2 of the skin surface. This energy range is appropriate
for persons of light skin color. Where the skin color is on the dark side, the upper limit of the total energy applied to a unit
25


parameters to prevent an excessive rate of energy delivery. For instance, the selection of a small inter-pulse interval may
of skin surface should be less, for instance, approximately 20 J/cm2.

Generally, it is contemplated that devices used in a method pursuant to the present invention Will require a
prevent the user from selecting a long pulse duration and/or

a small number of pulses or, alternatively, may result in an
skin surface. This requirement typically entails some restric tion on the users freedom in selecting the magnitudes of other pulse parameters. In a simple device, the user may be able to select only one pulse parameter, namely the total energy. Such a device might, for instance, have high, medium and loW settings. In a more complex device, setting of the total energy applied by a pulse sequence Will limit the
range of options available to the user in setting the other parameters. For instance, once the user selects the total

A device for hair treatment comprises, in accordance With a feature of the present invention, a hand-holdable casing, a
35
light generator mounted to said casing, and an applicator mounted to the casing for applying light from the generator
to the skin surface. The applicator includes a ?exible mem
ber at least partially conformable to the topography of the

skin surface. The ?exible member may take the form of a
40
energy and the pulse duration, the number of pulses is determined, provided that the rate of energy production or
?uid-?lled pouch or a piece of resilient plastic material. In either event, the applicator is at least partially transparent to
the light produced by the generator for application to the

skin surface. The present invention provides a method for the tempo rary removal of hair. The method is safe for home use. The energies used are sufficiently loW to avoid skin damage.

45

Because the light is applied prior to the appearance of hair

on a skin surface, the skin surface may be maintained in a

groW hair at any location, this is possible by merely refrain ing from light application. The present invention contem plates the use of a light applicator periodically, say, at
longer, preferably above approximately 6 msec and more preferably betWeen approximately 6 msec and approxi

55 With a raZor or shaver.


Wavelengths are used for darker skin, for deeper hairs and deeper removal. In some embodiments of the invention, the spectrum of the pulses may be limited to Wavelengths
betWeen about 300 nm and 550 nm. These embodiments Will
ventional methods of hair removal, including shaving,
Waxing, plucking, tWeeZing, electrolysis, laser light

application, incoherent light application, or the use of depilatories, require the protrusion of the hairs at the skin
65
require a more frequent application of the light energy to effectuate temporary hair removal. HoWever, because of the
retardation of hair groWth, the frequency of light application

required to maintain a hair free skin surface Will generally
decrease With use.
surface. It should be understood that the present methodology may
be used in professional settings, in spas or salons, by
Filed 11/14/13 Page 37 of 93
US 6,916,316 B2
7
8
the skin surface. In the former case, the light application
device is provided With a reservoir of coolant ?uid, an ejection mechanism or pump and a noZZle. In the latter case, the device is provided With a pump or compressor and a

noZZle for directing a jet of air at the skin surface being

treated. The elements of FIG. 1 are encased in or mounted to a housing or casing 28 of a siZe and con?guration

device for use in a method in accordance With the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of another light-pulse generat ing device for use in a method in accordance With the present invention.
enabling the pulse generation device to be hand held and
easily manipulated for purposes of optically treating differ

10
ent skin surfaces of the individual user.

15

for application to a skin surface in a hair treatment process
number, and intensity or total energy. For instance, the device may have a plurality of settings, for instance, high, medium, and loW, Which vary in the number of applied

20
pulses (e.g., 3, 2, 1), the pulse duration (9 msec, 7 msec, 5 msec), the inter-pulse interval (250 msec, 300 msec, 350 msec), and/or the total energy applied (35 J/cm2, 20 J/cm2,
10 J/cm2). A user could start With a loW setting to see

25

A more advanced or complex device is illustrated in FIG.
2. This device includes a housing or casing 30 having
manually actuatable input elements 32, 34, 36, and 38, such
as rotary knobs or a solid-state touch screen, Which enable
30

betWeen 500 nm and 1200 nm. Control unit 14 may be connected directly to source 18 Where the source incorpo
a user to individually select multiple operating parameters. Input elements or selectors 32, 34, 36, and 28 are an
rates means for varying pulse parameters pursuant to encoded instructions. Light source 18 (as Well as the entire light pulse applicator) may take any knoWn form such as those dis closed in US. Pat. No. 6,280,438 and US. Pat. No. 5,885, 273. Thus, light source 18 may be a Xenon ?ashlamp. Light 20 generated by source 18 is directed through an
inter-pulse interval selector, a pulse number selector, a poWer or energy selector, and a pulse duration selection,
respectively. Another selector (not shoWn) could be for

intensity adjustment, While a further selector may be pro
35
vided for adjusting a light source 42 or a ?lter in optical
elements 48 and/or an applicator 52 for modifying the Wavelength band delivered to the target skin surface. Selec tors 32, 34, 36, and 38 are operatively tied to a control unit
40 such as a microprocessor or hard-Wired log circuit.
40

an adjustable ?lter is included, control unit 14 may be connected to the ?lter for operatively modifying the action thereof. For instance, in the case of an adjustable neutral density ?lter, control unit 14 may induce a change in the ?lter density to control the intensity, and therefore the poWer, of the light applied to a selected skin surface.
Control unit 40 regulates the operation of light source 42

such as a conventional ?ashlamp, either directly or indi
rectly via a pulse generator 44. Light 46 from source 42 is
transmitted along a path through optical elements 48 option

45
ally including one or more re?ectors, lenses, and ?lters (not separately shoWn). Light 50 at an output of the optical array
48 is applied to a skin surface via applicator or interface element 52. Applicator or interface element 52 may take the form of a crystal block, a ?exible plastic element, and/or a transparent or translucent pouch ?lled With a transparent or
In the case of multiple Wavelengths of light being produced, an adjustable ?lter may be included in the optical elements 22 and/or the applicator interface 26. These ?lters
50 translucent ?uid such as a gel or a liquid. In the case of the
?exible applicator element or the ?uid-?lled pouch, appli

cator or interface element 52 conforms at least partially to

Wavelengths or band pass ?lters that block some high or some loW end Wavelengths may be utiliZed.
the changing topography of the skin surface under treatment,
thereby facilitating the retention of gel betWeen the appli

55

cator or interface 52 and the skin surface. This result decreases the likelihood of overexposed or burned skin and
element 26 exemplarily taking the form of a crystal. US. Pat. No. 6,280,438 and US. Pat. No. 5,885,273 disclose
kinds of applicators or interfaces utiliZable in the device of
generally provides a more uniform application of light With a uniformity of cooling. Safety is enhanced, While the outcomes to successive procedures become increasingly
60
FIG. 1 (or 2). Applicator or interface element 26 may function in part to cool the skin surface prior to, during, and/or after a light application procedure. Cooling may be accomplished by using a crystal-type applicator or interface
26, With or Without a layer of gel, as described in US. Pat. No. 6,280,438 and US. Pat. No. 5,885,273. Alternatively or
standardiZed.
As an alternative to the ?exible applicator or ?uid-?lled
pouch, applicator or interface element 52 may include a
plurality of independently movable substantially rigid trans parent or translucent members (not shoWn) that collectively
65
de?ne a tissue-engaging surface. These independently mov
additionally, cooling may be accomplished by spraying a

coolant on the skin surface or by bloWing air or other gas on
able members may take the form of closely packed pins or plates that are each independently spring biased to an
Filed 11/14/13 Page 38 of 93
US 6,916,316 B2
10
extended position. Pressure of topographical dermal features against the independently movable pins or plates during use of the light-pulse generating device causes the pins or plates to move in opposition to the respective spring bias, to thereby conform the tissue engaging surface of the light pulse generating device to the skin surface under treatment. The independently movable pins or plates may be disposed
in a holder or bracket attached to the housing or casing 30
betWeen 1 J/cm2 and 40 J/cm2. Preferably, the pulse duration

the selected total energy. It is preferable to use a larger number of pulses and a smaller pulse duration in order to limit the rate at Which light energy is applied to a skin surface. Pulse number selector 34 may therefore enable a
and retained there by friction forces.
Where applicator 52 (or 26) includes a gel-?lled pouch,

the pouch (52) may be provided With perforations on a
10
skin-contacting surface for exuding the gel for cooling

purposes. Alternatively, as shoWn in FIG. 2, the light pulse
selection of three to ten pulses per pulse sequence, While pulse duration selector 38 enables a selection of pulses
lasting 1 msec to 10 msec. The various pulse sequence device may be provided With a ?uid dispenser such as a parameters may be selectable from sets of discrete values or, spray noZZle 54 connected to a valve 56 doWnstream of a 15 alternatively, from continuous ranges. pressuriZed coolant reservoir 58. In response to an operation Aperson uses the device of FIG. 1 or 2 to apply pulses of of a manual actuator 60 or in response to signals from light to a skin surface for purposes of effectively severing or control unit 40, valve 56 enables a How of coolant from destroying hair ?bers beloW the surface of the skin to reservoir 58 to noZZle 54 for application to a selected skin temporarily prevent hairs from groWing through and thus surface. In the event that applicator or interface element 52 becoming visible on the skin. The user ?rst performs a is a bag or pouch, reservoir 58 and valve 56 may be calibration or initialiZation procedure to determine an appro
connected to the applicator or interface element for supply ing a gel or ?uid coolant thereto. In one embodiment of the device of FIG. 2, suitable for professional but not home use, inter-pulse interval selector

25
seconds, Whereas pulse number selector 34 is enabled for

pulse sequences of one to ten pulses. In addition, poWer selector 36 permits treatment energies betWeen 1 Joule per square centimeter of skin surface and 200 Joules per square

of 1 msec to 2 seconds in length. Total pulse sequence duration, from the beginning of the ?rst pulse to the termi
ous ranges.
35

effective in hair removal. If not, a next higher or medium


?bers are thick and the skin is light.
energy selected Will function as a constraint on the ranges 40 only as the circumstances Warrant, for instance, if the hair

available to the user for the other pulse sequence parameters. Where the device of FIG. 2 has no intensity adjustment capability, a selection of the total energy and the pulse duration may determine the number of pulses. Similarly, a selection of the total energy and the number of pulses may
combination result in the application of small amounts of

45
energy. Thus, Where one or more selected pulse parameters
are associated With high treatment energies, other pulse

parameters should be selected that are associated With loW
determine the pulse duration. If the intensity is an adjustable


treatment energies. Where all the pulse parameters are independently adjustable, loWer treatment energies Will generally result from settings involving feW pulses (say, 13 instead of 810 pulses), long inter-pulse intervals (300 msec or more), short
55

tions and/or delays Will deliver energy at a sloWer rate (total energy is distributed over longer time) and therefore be safer to use With higher energy levels. Preferably, the total energy is alWays a selectable parameter and is best selected prior to the setting of the other parameters. HoWever, the device of
FIG. 2 may be preprogrammed to limit the rate at Which radiant energy is applied to a skin surface, Which Will force restrictions on the users ability to select pulse parameter values. In an alternative embodiment of the device of FIG. 2, suitable for home use, inter-pulse interval selector 32
enables a selection of intervals ranging from 200 msec to 2
pulse durations (20 msec or less), loW light intensity (if selectable, for example, via an adjustable neutral density ?lter), and loW total energies (less than 40 Joules per square
centimeter of skin surface). If a given setting proves to be ineffective, the user might adjust selector 32 or 38 to
65

seconds, While poWer selector 36 enables treatment energies
Filed 11/14/13 Page 39 of 93
US 6,916,316 B2
11
12
1200 nm. HoWever, single Wavelengths of laser or coherent light may be delivered at one time, When desired. Higher Wavelengths are used for darker skin, for deeper hairs and

or hair-regroWth period, the spectrum of the pulses may be
limited to shorter Wavelengths and may include Wavelengths, for instance, beloW 550 nm. The light applied to a skin surface by the devices of FIGS. 1 and 2 includes at least one Wavelength absorbable by an
case of completely independent parameter values. For instance, once the total applied energy and total pulse sequence time have been selected, decreasing the number of pulses Will require an increase in pulse length and/or an increase in pulse intensity in order to deliver the same amount of total energy in the ?xed time. These changes Will increase the effectiveness of the light application inasmuch
10
endogenous chromophore in a persons hair. The endog

enous chromophore may be a form of melanin such as pheomelanin or eumelanin. In a more advanced embodiment
15
skin surface by decreasing the light intensity.

During the calibration or initialiZation stage of a hair
the light application device may include a setting or control (not shoWn) for selecting a spectrum or range of Wave lengths appropriate to the users hair color. For instance, for lighter hair, the Wavelengths selected encompass one or
more natural absorption Wavelengths of pheomelanin. For

20
darker hair, the Wavelengths selected encompass one or more natural absorption Wavelengths of eumelanin. In any event, the devices of FIGS. 1 and 2 are used Without the application of an exogenous chromophore to a target skin
surface for light absorption purposes. Hair removal and
groWth retardation are accomplished by light absorption

25
solely by one or more endogenous chromophores. In other embodiments of a light generation and applica
tion device for hair treatment, one or more of the pulse
30
area to another.
35
parameters may vary during a single treatment session. For instance, the inter-pulse interval or the pulse duration may increase or decrease from the beginning of a pulse sequence to the end of the pulse sequence. The resulting instantaneous rate of energy application may therefore vary during the
pulse sequence.
Listed beloW are a number of exemplary settings or


40



45

to the leg at, say, tWo Week intervals to maintain the leg free of visible hair. The regeneration period may be measured again after any number of treatments. And if the user ?nds
50

removal generates pulses With a pulse number of tWo, a pulse duration of 7 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 300 msec, a total pulse energy of 20 J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, including Wave lengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. Home Use Example 2. A slightly higher setting or com
that the regeneration time has changed, the interval betWeen successive treatment sessions may be adjusted accordingly. This hair removal method contemplates, therefore, the periodic application to a selected skin surface of a pulse sequence having a predetermined number of pulses of light of a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum, a predeter mined duration, a predetermined inter-pulse interval, and a predetermined total energy. These pulse sequence param eters are determined in part by the design of the light generating device used and in part by the selections made by the user. The light treatment temporarily prevents a groWth of hair through the selected skin surface for the respective
55
bination of operational parameters for an incoherent light

applicator device suitable for home use involves a pulse sequence With a pulse number of tWo, a pulse duration of 7 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 250 msec, a total pulse energy of 20 J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a com
60

65
hair-regeneration period.
spectrum includes Wavelengths betWeen about 300 nm and
to the target skin surface is higher. Home Use Example 3. Ahigher setting or combination of
Filed 11/14/13 Page 40 of 93
US 6,916,316 B2
13
14


for professional devices. In these examples, the total times of the pulse sequences are determined by the selected numbers of pulses, the selected pulse durations and the
10

tWo, a pulse duration of 5 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 210 msec, a total pulse energy of 37 J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, includ
selected inter-pulse intervals. The light intensity may be

settings.
15
ing Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. The pulse

sequence of this example delivers radiant energy at a higher rate than in the third example because of the shorter inter

pulse.
20
of 5 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 350 msec, a total pulse energy of 15 J/cm2 and a spectral distribution of a commer


25
cially available ?ashlamp, including Wavelengths betWeen

500 and 1200 nm. The pulse sequence of this example
delivers a small amount of energy, at a loW rate (e.g., long
inter-pulse interval).
tWo, a pulse duration of 5 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 300 msec, a total pulse energy of 20 J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, includ ing Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. Home Use Example 7. A loWer setting or combination of
30
35

40

distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, includ ing Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. Professional Use Example 3. A loWer setting or combi nation of operational parameters for an incoherent light applicator device involves pulses With a pulse number of tWo, a pulse duration of 9 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 100 msec, a total pulse energy of 60 J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, includ ing Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. Professional Use Example 4. A higher setting or combi nation of operational parameters for an incoherent light applicator device involves pulses With a pulse number of tWo, a pulse duration of 9 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 100 msec, a total pulse energy of 100 J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, includ ing Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. Professional Use Example 5. In a relatively loW setting or

45
pulse number of tWo, a pulse duration of 9 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 200 msec, a total pulse energy of 40

50
J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a commercially avail

1200 nm.


55

of tWo, a pulse duration of 5 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 150 msec, a total pulse energy of 40 J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, includ ing Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm.

60
Professional Use Example 7. Another higher setting or combination of operational parameters for an incoherent

of tWo, a pulse duration of 5 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 150 msec, a total pulse energy of 50 J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, includ ing Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm.
skin surface. Thus, instead of a month or a Week, the time 65

An incoherent light applicator device for professional use may also be provided With a band-pass ?lter for limiting the
Filed 11/14/13 Page 41 of 93
US 6,916,316 B2
15
spectral distribution of the generated light pulses to Wave lengths in a given band, for instance, betWeen 700 nm and
900 nm. Again, a loW-pass ?lter may be used for transmit ting to a skin surface only Wavelengths less than a prede
termined maximum, such as 900 nm, 750 nm, or 550 nm.
16
by virtue of an absorption of the light of said pulses by said endogenous chromophores in the hair of said skin surface, effectuating a removal of projecting hair ?bers from said skin surface; and
after the removal of projecting hair from said skin surface
and prior to a visible reappearance of hairs on said skin
The hair treatment method described above With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 results not only in a temporary hair removal at an optically treated skin surface, but also retards the

the pulses toWards said skin surface to maintain said
groWth of hair ?bers located at or along that skin surface. By counting the days to hair reappearance after several hair
depilation procedures over a course of a feW months, it is
skin surface temporarily free of projecting hair ?bers.

10
2. The method de?ned in claim 1 Wherein said number of

interval greater than 200 msec. 3. The method de?ned in claim 2 Wherein said total
possible to determine a reduction in hair groWth rate oWing to the application of electromagnetic radiation. A user Who starts using the light application process at one inter application interval may subsequently use a longer inter
application interval and still maintain a hair-free skin sur

15
face. Of course, the degree of hair groWth rate reduction Will

vary from person to person and even from skin location to skin location on the same person. For example, tWo users
200 Joules of energy per square centimeter of said skin surface. 4. The method de?ned in claim 3 Wherein said duration is betWeen approximately 1 msec and approximately 2 sec onds. 5. The method de?ned in claim 4 Wherein the light of said
initially required to apply the pulsed light energy at intervals

of one Week in order to prevent the reappearance of hair on
pulses is incoherent and Wherein said spectrum includes

the treated hair surface may ?nd that after several months one user need reapply light energy only every tWo Weeks and
550 nm.
25
the other user need reapply light energy only every month.
It is to be noted that the hair treatment method described
herein contemplates multiple passes over any particular skin surface. The selected light treatment parameters may be the
same for each pass or may vary from pass to pass. In
7. The method de?ned in claim 4 Wherein said duration is betWeen approximately 1 msec and approximately 20 msec. 8. The method de?ned in claim 3 Wherein said total

mately 40 Joules of energy per square centimeter of said skin surface. 9. The method de?ned in claim 1 Wherein said at least one pulse duration and said total energy are predetermined to
35
addition, the passes may folloW immediately after one another or may be spaced by an interval during Which, for
instance, the light treatment device is used to apply light

pulses to another area of the users skin. An advantage of multiple passes is that the total poWer applied to a given skin
surface may be reduced relative to that needed for accom
plishing the desired hair removal by a single pass or light treatment. For example, instead of a single pass of 50
temporarily prevent a groWth of hair through said skin surface for said period of time. 10. The method de?ned in claim 9 Wherein said period of
time has a length betWeen a day and nine months. 11. The method de?ned in claim 1 Wherein said endog enous chromophore is melanin. 12. A hair treatment method comprising:
Joules/cm2, hair could be effectively removed temporarily by tWo passes of 20 Joules/cm2 apiece.
45
generating a predetermined number of pulses of light each having a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum
including at least one Wavelength absorbable by an
endogenous chromophore in a persons hair;

applying said pulses of light to a skin surface having hair
containing said endogenous chromophore, the hair of

said skin surface and the associated hair follicles being

free of exogenous chromophores, said pulses having at least one predetermined pulse duration, and a prede
termined total energy;

to facilitate comprehension of the invention and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof. What is claimed: 1. A hair treatment method comprising:
at least in part oWing to the applying of said pulses to said skin surface, temporarily preventing an appearance of

55
skin surface and a subsequent reappearance of hair ?bers on said skin surface to determine a ?rst lapsed
generating a number of pulses of light each having a

electromagnetic spectrum including at least one Wave
length absorbable by an endogenous chromophore in a
persons hair;
directing said pulses of light toWards a skin surface
period of time; after determining of said period of time, generating addi tional pulses of light of said predetermined number and having said spectrum; directing said additional pulses of light toWards said skin
surface, the hair of said skin surface and the associated
having hair containing said endogenous chromophore,

the hair of said skin surface and the associated hair
hair follicles again being free of exogenous
follicles being free of exogenous chromophores, said pulses having at least one pulse duration, and a total energy all predetermined to at least temporarily retard groWth of hair along said skin surface;
chromophores, said additional pulses having said

65
duration, and said total energy;
counting days betWeen the directing of said additional

pulses toWards said skin surface and a subsequent
Filed 11/14/13 Page 42 of 93
US 6,916,316 B2
17
reappearance of hair ?bers on said skin surface to
18
directing said further pulses of light toWards said skin
determine a second lapsed period of time longer than
said ?rst lapsed period of time; after determining of said period of time, generating supplemental pulses of light of said number and having
said spectrum;
chromophores, said further pulses having said duration,

and said total energy. 19. The method de?ned in claim 18 Wherein said number
directing said supplemental pulses of light toWards said

skin surface, the hair of said skin surface and the associated hair follicles again being free of exogenous

pulse interval betWeen 1 msec and 2 seconds. 20. The method de?ned in claim 19 Wherein said inter pulse interval is greater than 200 msec. 21. The method de?ned in claim 18 Wherein said total
chromophores, said supplemental pulses having said

duration, and said total energy; prior to a lapse of said second lapsed period of time after

200 Joules of energy per square centimeter of said skin surface. 22. The method de?ned in claim 18 Wherein said duration is betWeen approximately 1 msec and approximately 2 seconds. 23. The method de?ned in claim 18 Wherein the light of
the directing of said supplemental pulses toWards said skin surface, generating further pulses of light of said predetermined number and having said spectrum; and directing said further pulses of light toWards said skin
15
said pulses is incoherent and Wherein said spectrum includes

chromophores, said further pulses having said duration,

and said total energy. 13. The method de?ned in claim 12 Wherein said number
24. The method de?ned in claim 18 Wherein said period of time has a length betWeen a day and three months.

pulse 14. pulse 15. interval betWeen 1 msec and 2 seconds. The method de?ned in claim 13 Wherein said inter interval is greater than 200 msec. The method de?ned in claim 12 Wherein said total
25
25. A hair removal method comprising: providing a device for generating pulses of light each having an electromagnetic spectrum including at least
one Wavelength absorbable by an endogenous chro mophore in a persons hair and for applying said pulses
of light to a skin surface, said pulses having at least one

200 Joules of energy per square centimeter of said skin surface. 16. The method de?ned in claim 12 Wherein said duration
predetermined pulse duration, and a predetermined

total energy; Without the application of an exogenous chromophore to
is betWeen approximately 1 msec and approximately 2

seconds. 17. The method de?ned in claim 12 Wherein said second lapsed period of time has a length betWeen a day and nine months. 18. A hair removal method comprising:
a selected skin surface, using said device to temporarily remove hair from said skin surface, absorption of light
35
of said predetermined electromagnetic spectrum by said endogenous chromophore resulting the temporary
removal of hair from said skin surface; and after the removal of hair from said skin surface and prior
to a reappearance of hair on said skin surface, using
generating a number of pulses of light each having a
predetermined electromagnetic spectrum including at

least one Wavelength absorbable by an endogenous
40
said device to apply pulses of light to said skin surface

to temporarily prevent a reappearance of hair on said skin surface. 26. The method de?ned in claim 25 Wherein said number
chromophore in a persons hair; applying said pulses of light to a skin surface having hair containing said endogenous chromophore, the hair of
said skin surface and the associated hair follicles being

45
free of exogenous chromophores, said pulses having at least one predetermined pulse duration, and a prede
termined total energy;
pulse interval betWeen 1 msec and 2 seconds. 27. The method de?ned in claim 25 Wherein said total

200 Joules of energy per square centimeter of said skin surface. 28. The method de?ned in claim 25 Wherein said duration is betWeen approximately 1 msec and approximately 2 seconds. 29. A hair treatment method comprising: providing a device for generating a number of pulses of
at least in part oWing to the applying of said pulses to said skin surface, temporarily preventing an appearance of

skin surface and a subsequent reappearance of hair ?bers on said skin surface to determine a lapsed period
of time; after determining of said period of time, generating addi tional pulses of light of said predetermined number and having said spectrum; directing said additional pulses of light toWards said skin
light each having an electromagnetic spectrum includ

55
ing at least one Wavelength absorbable by an endog enous chromophore in a persons hair and for applying
said pulses of light to a skin surface, said pulses having

at least one pulse duration and a total energy; and
Without the application of an exogenous chromophore to a selected skin surface, using said device to at least
chromophores, said additional pulses having said

duration, and said total energy; prior to a lapse of said period of time after the directing of said additional pulses toWards said skin surface,
65
temporarily retard hair groWth along said skin surface, absorption of light of said predetermined electromag netic spectrum by said endogenous chromophore resulting in the temporary retardation of hair groWth
along said skin surface. 30. The method de?ned in claim 29, further comprising
generating further pulses of light of said predetermined

number and having said spectrum; and
subsequently periodically using said device to apply said
Filed 11/14/13 Page 43 of 93
US 6,916,316 B2
19
pulses of light to said selected skin surface at intervals of increasing length owing to a diminution in a groWth rate of
20
generating pulses of light each having an electromagnetic spectrum;
directing said pulses of light toWards a skin surface in a ?rst treatment session, said pulses having at least one pulse duration and a total energy predetermined to effectively sever or destroy hair ?bers beloW said skin surface and to temporarily prevent a groWth of hair
hair along said skin surface, each application of said pulses of light being performed in the absence of exogenous
chromophores.
31. The method de?ned in claim 30 Wherein said number

through said skin surface;

10

effectuating a removal of projecting hair ?bers from said skin surface; and

the pulses toWards said skin surface in a second treat
15

Wavelengths betWeen about 300 nm and 550 nm only. 35. A method for at least temporary hair removal, com
ment session, to temporarily prevent hair reappearance. 40. A method for temporarily preventing hair reappearance, comprising: removing hair along a skin surface; and
prising:
providing a device for generating pulses of light having an
subsequently, in temporally spaced light treatment sessions, applying and reapplying pulses of light to said
skin surface prior to hair reappearance on said skin surface to maintain said skin surface smooth and hair
electromagnetic spectrum and for applying said pulses

of light to a skin surface; and using said device in multiple passes over a selected skin surface to remove hair from said selected skin surface. the multiple passes over said selected skin surface includ ing application of at least a ?rst set of light pulses in one pass and a second set of light pulses in another pass,
25
free continuously as long as light application is

repeated in due course prior to hair reappearance.
41. Amethod for hair removal and temporarily preventing hair reappearance, comprising:
irradiating a skin surface containing hair to remove pro
each of the sets of light pulses being de?ned by a
plurality of parameters including pulse number, pulse

duration, and electromagnetic spectrum, the parameters
de?ning said ?rst set being different from the param eters de?ning said second set. 36. The method de?ned in claim 35, further comprising
jecting hair ?bers for a period of time; determining the period of time for hair reappearance and
groWth along said skin surface; and

after the removal of projecting hair ?bers by irradiation and prior to a lapse of the period for hair reappearance
subsequently periodically using said device in multiple

passes over said selected skin surface to apply pulses of light
to said selected skin surface prior to a visible reappearance of hair on said selected skin surface, to at least temporarily maintain said selected skin surface free of visible hair. 37. The method de?ned in claim 36 Wherein each of said passes includes application of a number of pulses to said selected skin surface. 38. The method de?ned in claim 35 Wherein said device
and groWth along said skin surface, again irradiating

the skin surface to prevent hair reappearance. 42. A method for maintaining a skin surface free of
projecting hair, comprising:

removing all projecting hair ?bers from the skin surface;
40
after the removal of projecting hair ?bers and prior to a
reappearance of hair ?bers along said skin surface,

irradiating the skin surface in a ?rst treatment session to prevent hair reappearance; and thereafter and prior to a reappearance of hair ?bers along said skin surface, irradiating the skin surface in a second treatment session to prevent hair reappearance.
* * * * *
is a hand-held device, using said device in multiple passes including moving said device multiple times over said selected skin surface. 39. A method for temporarily maintaining a skin surface
45
free of projecting hair, comprising:
Filed 11/14/13 Page 44 of 93

US006916316C1
(12) EX PARTE REEXAMINATION CERTIFICATE (7438th) United States Patent (10) Number: US 6,916,316 C1 (45) Certi?cate Issued: *Mar. 30, 2010 Jay
(54) HAIR TREATMENT METHOD
(56)
References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
5,683,380 A 11/1997 Eckhouse et a1. ............ .. 606/9
(76) Inventor:
Harvey H. Jay, 14 Cayuga Rd., Scarsdale, NY (US) 10583
Reexamination Request: No. 90/010,253, Aug. 26, 2008

Reexamination Certi?cate for:
7,044,959 B2
5/2006 Anderson et al.
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Effects of Fluence and Pulse Duration for Flashlamp Expo

sure on Hair Follicles, presented at the 21 st Annual Meeting
Patent No.: Issued:
6,916,316 Jul. 12, 2005
App1.No.:
Filed:
Notice:
10/464,186
Jun. 18, 2003
This patent is subject to a terminal dis claimer.
for the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery,
Apr. 2001 (Manstein).

Primary ExamineriDavid O. Reip (57) ABSTRACT

(63) Continuation-in-paIt of application No. 10/418,604, ?led on
Apr. 18, 2003, now Pat. No. 7,175,617, and a continuation

in-part of application No. 10/291,086, ?led on Nov. 8, 2002,
now Pat. No. 6,824,542.
spectrum, a predetermined duration, a predetermined inter pulse interval, and a predetermined total energy. The pulse
sequence is delivered to a skin surface to temporarily remove
hair through the absorption of light energy only by endog

enous chromophores of the hair. Exogenous chromophores
(51)
Int. Cl. F04C 18/08 F04C 18/16 A61B 18/20 A61B 17/00 A61B 18/18
(2006.01) (2006.01) (2006.01) (2006.01) (2006.01)

607/89
for light absorption are not applied to the skin surface at any time. A period of time for reappearance of hair on the selected skin surface after the using of the device to remove
(52)
US. Cl. .................. .. 606/9; 606/11; 606/3; 607/88;

Field of Classi?cation Search ...................... .. None
hair from the selected skin surface is determined by counting the days to hair reappearance after a test light application. Subsequently, the device is used periodically to apply the pulses of light to the selected skin surface at intervals of shorter length than the determined period of hair
(58)

See application ?le for complete search history.
g
g E i
SELECTOR
/ 10
14
SETTING
?o
12
M RY
CONTROL \ UNIT
: 5 ; 1
i
;
OPTICAL 22\
ELEMENTS
_ 1aW\ LIGHT
SOURCE
/16 PULSE
GENERATOR
i
:
5
z
i..-
1
24
Y
20
2a
I
e
..... -.-...-.........._,-.-.-.-.. ..................... _..'
APPLICATOR \ INTERFACE 26
Filed 11/14/13 Page 45 of 93
US 6,916,316 C1
1
EX
2
AS A RESULT OF REEXAMINATION, IT HAS BEEN
REEXAMINATION CERTIFICATE
ISSUED UNDER 35
5
DETERMINED THAT:
The patentability ofclaims 29, 30, 32 and 33 is con?rmed.
Claims 1*28, 31 and 34*42 Were not reexamined.
* * * * *
NO AMENDMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO

THE PATENT
Filed 11/14/13 Page 46 of 93
Exhibit C U.S. PATENT 7,175,617 (The 617 Patent)
Filed 11/14/13 Page 47 of 93

US007175617B2
(12) United States Patent

Jay
(10) Patent N0.:

5,895,568 A
6,050,990 A
US 7,175,617 B2
Feb. 13, 2007
4/1999 Koltunov
4/2000 Tankovich et a1.
(76) Inventor:
(*) Notice:
Harvey H. Jay, 14 Cayuga Rd., Scarsdale, NY (Us) 10583

Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
. .
6,063,076 A 6,152,917 A
6,162,211 A
5/2000 Mehl, $_r~ et al 11/2000 Tankovich

12/2000 Tankovlch et a1.
6l62212 A
6,174,325 B1
12/2000 Kremdel et a1
1/2001 Eckhouse
patent 1s extended or adjusted under 35
6 228 074 B1,,
50001 Almeida
606/9
U50 1549) by 33 days(21) APP1- NO-I 10/418,604

_
6,267,771 B1
6,280,438 B1
7/2001 Tankovich et a1.

8/2001 Eckhouse et a1.
6,383,176 B1
6,387,089 B1
5/2002 Connors et a1.

5/2002 Kreindel et a1.
(22)
(65)
Flledi
Apr- 18, 2003

Prior Publication Data _
6,406,474 B1
6,676,655 B2
_
6/2002 Neuberger et :11.

1/2004 McDaniel
* c1ted by exammer
US 2004/0092917 A1
May 13, 2004
Related US, Application Data

(63) Continuation of application No. 10/291,086, ?led on
Primary ExamineriA. Farah (74) Attorney, Agent, or FirmiR. Neil Sudol; Henry D.
C l
O eman
' W'll'
1 mm
J. S
apone
(51)
NOV. Int Cl 8,
110W P211. NO.
A61B 18/18
US. Cl- ................. ..
(2006-01)
128/898

Spectrum a predetermined duration 21 predetennined inter
pulse interval, and a predetermined total energy. The pulse

sequence is delivered to a skin surface to temporarily
(58)
Field of Classi?cation Search .................. .. 606/3,
(56)
606/ 9e13, 16*20, 22*26; 607/ 88*91; 128/898 See application ?le for complete search history. _ References c1ted U_S_ PATENT DOCUMENTS
_
remove hair. Aperiod of time for reappearance of hair on the selected skin surface after the using of the device to remove hair from the selected skin surface is determined by counting the days to hair reappearance after a test light application. Subsequently, the device is used periodically to apply the
pulses of light to the selected skin surface at intervals of
i
4/1998
lirfovlch a1
erson et ' 11/1997 Eckhouse et 31.
Anderson et a1. ............ .. 606/9
shorter length than the determined period of hair regenera

tion, thereby temporarily maintaining the selected skin sur f f f . .bl h .
ace fee 0 V151 6 all
5,683,380 A
5,735,844 A *
5,849,029 A
12/1998 Eckhouse et 31.
5,885,273 A
3/1999 Eckhouse
r _________________________________________________________________________________ _|
3 1
l
a i
.
a ,
1
'
, ING SELECTOR
SETT
_> MEMORY
! ,
I
l ~
/
10
14
12
CONTROL
. I
g
5
5
u l
g
l .
i
.
\\
22
OPTICAL
ELEMENTS ,
UNIT
16
5
.
5
.
18
i
I
l
I
1
4 PULSE
GENERATOR
Z
I
g
i|
mom
SOURCE
;
1
g
1
20
24 Y
E
.
i L.-.
...................................................... .i
28
Filed 11/14/13 Page 48 of 93
U.S. Patent
Feb. 13, 2007
US 7,175,617 B2
SETTING
SELECTOR
~__> MEMORY
g
5
10
/
14
12
CONTROL UNIT
5
5
ELEMENTS OPTICAL 22 4 18 \ SOURCE LIGHT
GENERATOR 16 PULSE
5
2 24
20
APPLICATOR INTERFACE v
i
s
i__
..................... 26 T .............................. 28 FIG. 1
30
32
34
36
38
i
i
5
INTER-PULSE
INTERVAL
SELECTOR
PULSE
NUMBER
SELECTOR
\
POWER
SELECTOR
PULSE
DURATION
SELECTOR
i
;
;
1
42 " LIGHT PULSE 4
1 I v i 40 5
CONTROL 5
g
5
i
SOURCE
46 44
GENERATOR
RESERVOIR COOLANT
UNIT
5
5
g
60 i
48
50
OPTICAL
\ ELEMENTS
I
56/t
..... _.
58
' ' / ACTUATOR
54 ..............................
;
g
E
VALVE <-_-
i ;
a ;
i _____________________ 52\ APPLICATOR
NOZZLE v
INTERFACE
Filed 11/14/13 Page 49 of 93
US 7,175,617 B2
1
HAIR TREATMENT METHOD CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
2
typically intended for use by trained cosmetologists and other professionals. The consuming public is left With feW options in removing undesired hair.
This application is a continuation-in-part of application

Ser. No. 10/291,086 ?led Nov. 8, 2002, noW U.S. Pat. No.
6,824,542.
This invention relates generally to a hair treatment pro cess. More particularly, this invention relates to a method for
provide such a method of hair treatment or removal that is safe for home use. It is a related object of the invention to provide a method
the temporary removal of hair and for the retardation of hair
growth.
As discussed in Us. Pat. No. 6,280,438, hair may be
for hair treatment, Which may replace current home-based
methods, for instance, of shaving, Waxing, plucking, tWeeZ ing, or using depilatories.
A further object of the present invention is to provide such
20

25

30
U.S. Pat. No. 6,280,438 teaches the use of incoherent
polychromatic radiation in a Wavelength range that pen etrates into the skin Without being highly attenuated. It is indicated in the patent that Wavelengths shorter than 550 nm are not useful because they Will be highly attenuated before reaching the loWer parts of the hair follicles. Instead, Wave
lengths in the range of 550 to 630 nm are heavily absorbed by blood and can therefore be used to coagulate the vessels
A hair treatment method comprises, in accordance With
the present invention, generating a predetermined number of

35
spectrum, and directing the pulses of light toWards a skin surface. The light pulses having at least one pulse duration, at least one inter-pulse interval (if the number of pulses is
greater than one), and a total energy all predetermined to at least temporarily retard groWth of hair along the skin sur face. After lapse of a period of time after the directing of the pulses toWards the skin surface, the predetermined number of pulses of light are again generated and directed toWards
the skin surface.

range of 600 to 1100 nm have a very good penetration into non-pigmented skin and can be used to couple to the melanin of the hair. U.S. Pat. No. 5,885,273 discloses a method of removing
40

The pulse parameters, namely, the pulse number, the pulse

45
the spectral distribution(s), are selected in concert to only retard the groWth of hair and/or to temporarily prevent the
appearance of hair on the treated skin surface. Thus, in contrast to prior methods, Which are aimed at completely
destroying the hair follicle and terminating hair groWth, the present method contemplates only a partial destruction of
50

to provide enough heat to remove the hair but not enough heat to damage the skin. For example, the pulse length or delay betWeen the pulses should be more than the cooling time of the gel covered epidermis and less than the cooling time of the hair and follicle. Speci?cally, a pulse length of
50 msec if a single pulse is used or a delay of 50 msec
the follicles or, alternatively, a destruction of the hair inside the follicles. In either case, the hair Will groW and again appear on the treated surface in the absence of additional controlled light application. HoWever, the rate at Which the hair groWs Will be reduced by virtue of the application of
55
electromagnetic radiation pursuant to the present invention.


betWeen the pulses if a pulse sequence is used are appro
priate values.
In brief, the art using electromagnetic radiation such as pulses of incoherent light is intended to permanently remove hair from selected skin surfaces. The light pulses have
60

magnetic spectrum of the light pulses is a band of Wave lengths, While in the latter case, the electromagnetic spec
trum of a light pulse delivered at one time is a single Wavelength. In the former case ?lters may be used to limit the band of transmitted Wavelengths, While in the latter case the laser source may be adjustable or tunable for producing
parameters such as spectral dispersion, pulse duration and

total energy that are selected to destroy the hair follicles in the selected skin area. Understandably, such methods carry a certain amount of risk that the skin may be damaged.
65
Accordingly, the prior art methods of hair depilation are
Wavelengths of different frequencies.
Filed 11/14/13 Page 50 of 93
US 7,175,6l7 B2
3
4
the present invention also affects hair parameters other than
groWth rate. Again depending on the individuals genetics,

the location of the hair treated, and the selected treatment
on the treated skin surface and reapplies the light pulses prior to the expected time of hair growth through the treated
skin surface. OWing to a hair groWth rate that may decrease
With continuing application of light energy, the user need reapply the light pulses at an increasing interval. More
speci?cally, a hair removal method in accordance With the present invention includes generating a predetermined num
parameters, the users hair may experience changes in thickness, density, and color. More speci?cally, in many individuals, hair is likely to become ?ner, less dense, and lighter in color.
The method of the present invention may be applied to
ber of pulses of light each having a predetermined electro magnetic spectrum and applying the pulses of light to a given skin surface, the pulses having at least one predeter mined pulse duration, at least one predetermined inter-pulse interval (if the number of pulses is greater than one), and a predetermined total energy. The various pulse parameters
are predetermined insofar as they are set or selected prior
to the application of the light energy to the selected skin surface. The determination of the different pulse parameters is generally made partially at the time of manufacture of the light-generating device and partially by the selection or selections made by the user. At least in part oWing to the application of the pulses to the skin surface, an appearance of visible hair ?bers on the skin surface is temporarily

20
netic spectrum and for applying the pulses of light to a skin surface, the pulses having one or more predetermined dura tions, one or more predetermined inter-pulse intervals (if number of pulses is greater than one), and a predetermined
total energy. The device is used to temporarily remove hair from a selected skin surface and Will in many cases retard
prevented. Passing days are then counted betWeen the apply

ing of the pulses to the skin surface and a subsequent reappearance of hair ?bers on the skin surface, thereby
25
the rate of hair groWth. A period of time for reappearance of hair on the selected skin surface after the using of the device
to remove hair from the selected skin surface is determined,
determining an expected hair regeneration period. After

determination of this hair regeneration period, the same
for instance, by simply counting the days to hair reappear

ance after a test light application. Subsequently, the device
30
pulse sequence is generated, having the same pulse number,

the same electromagnetic spectrum(s), the same pulse dura
is used periodically to apply the pulses of light to the

selected skin surface at intervals of shorter length than the
tion(s), the same inter-pulse interval(s) (if applicable), and

the same total energy. This pulse sequence is directed toWards the given skin surface. Thereafter, prior to a lapse of
determined period of hair regeneration, thereby temporarily

35
the determined hair regeneration period, the light application is repeated With pulses of light having (if desired) the same
spectrum, the same number, the same duration, the same
inter-pulse interval (if applicable), and the same total energy. It is to be noted that the hair regeneration period may lengthen With time, in part as a result of the light treatments.
maintaining the selected skin surface free of visible hair. The regeneration time after any number of treatments may be measured again after any number of light treatment sessions. If the regeneration time is increased (oWning to hair groWth retardation), the interval betWeen successive light treatments may be increased accordingly.
In recognition of that potentiality, the regeneration time may

be recalculated after any given number of treatments. And if
40
the regeneration time does increase, the interval betWeen successive light treatments may be increased accordingly.

repeated prior to hair reappearance. This method serves to maintain a smooth and hair free skin surface continuously as
45
The inter-pulse interval (Where the number of pulses is greater than one) may, in different applications of the invention, be anyWhere from 1 millisecond to 2 seconds. Generally, the smaller the inter-pulse interval, the greater the risk of damage to the skin. Thus, the smaller inter-pulse intervals should be used only in professional settings. In home-based embodiments of the invention, the inter-pulse
interval of a light treatment is preferably greater than 200 msec. An inter-pulse interval of such a magnitude alloWs

to the expected time of hair reappearance. The method of the present invention contemplates a
50
partial cooling of the hair follicles and reduces the chances of complete follicle destruction and inadvertent damage to
the epidermis. Preferably, the inter-pulse interval is betWeen

msec is effective.
gradual reduction in the frequency of light treatment, oWing

to a diminution in the hair groWth rate. In an example, a user
may initially be required to apply the pulsed light energy at

intervals of one Week in order to prevent the reappearance of hair on the treated hair surface. After several Weeks or
55

months of periodic light treatment, this rate of light energy application may be reduced to biWeekly or monthly appli
cations. The initial period of hair reappearance, as Well as

60
the rate of hair groWth retardation, Will be determined by the individuals genetics as to skin color, hair color, hair thick ness, hair density, etc., and by the selected treatment param eters such as total energy, pulse rate, pulse duration, light
spectrum, etc., as Well as by the particular area on the users
J/cm2 of the skin surface. This energy range is appropriate for persons of light skin color. Where the skin color is on the dark side, the upper limit of the total energy applied to a unit
body. In any given individual, the groWth rates of hair on the
face, underarms, legs, etc., vary. In addition, the change in hair groWth rate using the present methodology may differ
from body area to body area. The light treatment method of
65
of skin surface should be less, for instance, approximately 20 J/cm2. Generally, it is contemplated that devices used in a method pursuant to the present invention Will require a
skin surface. This requirement typically entails some restric
Filed 11/14/13 Page 51 of 93
US 7,175,617 B2
5
tion on the users freedom in selecting the magnitudes of other pulse parameters. In a simple device, the user may be able to select only one pulse parameter, namely the total energy. Such a device might, for instance, have high, medium and loW settings. In a more complex device, setting of the total energy applied by a pulse sequence Will limit the range of options available to the user in setting the other
parameters. For instance, once the user selects the total
6
The present invention provides a method for the tempo
rary removal of hair. The method is safe for home use. The
energies used are suf?ciently loW to avoid skin damage. Because the light is applied prior to the appearance of hair
on a skin surface, the skin surface may be maintained in a
groW hair at any location, this is possible by merely refrain ing from light application. The present invention contem
plates the use of a light applicator periodically, say, at
energy and the pulse duration, the number of pulses is determined, provided that the rate of energy production or


With a raZor or shaver.



ventional methods of hair removal, including shaving, Wax
20
ing, plucking, tWeeZing, electrolysis, laser light application,

incoherent light application, or the use of depilatories, require the protrusion of the hairs at the skin surface. It should be understood that the present methodology may be used in professional settings, in spas or salons, by
longer, preferably above approximately 6 msec and more
preferably betWeen approximately 6 msec and approxi






decrease With use.
35
invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of another light-pulse generat

ing device for use in a method in accordance With the present invention.
40
The number of pulses in each pulse sequence or treatment session (as applied to a given skin area) may be betWeen one and ten, While the total duration of a pulse sequence ranges betWeen 1 millisecond and 38 seconds.





45



interval, and/or the total energy applied. A user could start With a loW setting to see Whether the hair falls out and if not,
50


betWeen 500 nm and 1200 nm. Control unit 14 may be
connected directly to source 18 Where the source incorpo

55

Which inhibit the user from inadvertently exposing himself or herself to dangerous quantities of light energy. Thus, in a

rates means for varying pulse parameters pursuant to encoded instructions. Light source 18 (as Well as the entire light pulse appli cator) may take any knoWn form such as those disclosed in US. Pat. No. 6,280,438 and US. Pat. No. 5,885,273. Thus,
device either to limit the selectable ranges of one or more 60 light source 18 may be a Xenon ?ashlamp.

parameters to prevent an excessive rate of energy delivery. For instance, the selection of a small inter-pulse interval may prevent the user from selecting a long pulse duration and/or a small number of pulses or, alternatively, may result in an


65
an ad justable ?lter is included, control unit 14 may be connected to the ?lter for operatively modifying the action
thereof. For instance, in the case of an adjustable neutral
density ?lter, control unit 14 may induce a change in the
Filed 11/14/13 Page 52 of 93
US 7,175,617 B2
7
?lter density to control the intensity, and therefore the poWer, of the light applied to a selected skin surface. In the case of multiple Wavelengths of light being pro duced, an adjustable ?lter may be included in the optical elements 22 and/or the applicator interface 26. These ?lters
8
of cooling purposes. Alternatively, as shoWn in FIG. 2, the light pulse device may be provided With a ?uid dispenser
such as a spray noZZle 54 connected to a valve 56 doWn
stream of a pressuriZed coolant reservoir 58. In response to

an operation of a manual actuator 60 or in response to
signals from control unit 40, valve 56 enables a ?oW of

coolant from reservoir 58 to noZZle 54 for application to a selected skin surface. In the event that applicator or interface element 52 is a bag or pouch, reservoir 58 and valve 56 may be connected to the applicator or interface element for supplying a gel or ?uid coolant thereto. In one embodiment of the device of FIG. 2, suitable for

Wavelengths or band pass ?lters that block some high or some loW end Wavelengths may be utiliZed.

element 26 exemplarily taking the form of a crystal. U.S. Pat. No. 6,280,438 and Us. Pat. No. 5,885,273 disclose
kinds of applicators or interfaces utiliZable in the device of FIG. 1 (or 2). Applicator or interface element 26 may
professional but not home use, inter-pulse interval selector

function in part to cool the skin surface prior to, during, and/or after a light application procedure. Cooling may be accomplished by using a crystal-type applicator or interface
26, With or Without a layer of gel, as described in Us. Pat.
20
seconds, Whereas pulse number selector 34 is enabled for pulse sequences of one to ten pulses. In addition, poWer selector 36 permits treatment energies between 1 Joule per square centimeter of skin surface and 200 Joules per square

of l msec to 2 seconds in length. Total pulse sequence
No. 6,280,438 and Us. Pat. No. 5,885,273.

duration, from the beginning of the ?rst pulse to the termi

individual user.
25 ous ranges.

energy selected Will function as a constraint on the ranges
30

number, and intensity or total energy. For instance, the
available to the user for the other pulse sequence parameters.
device may have a plurality of settings, for instance, high, medium, and loW, Which vary in the number of applied pulses (e.g., 3, 2, l), the pulse duration (9 msec, 7 msec, 5 msec), the inter-pulse interval (250 msec, 300 msec, 350
35
msec), and/or the total energy applied (35 J/cm2, 20 J/cm2,

l0 J/cm2). A user could start With a loW setting to see
Where the device of FIG. 2 has no intensity adjustment capability, a selection of the total energy and the pulse duration may determine the number of pulses. Similarly, a selection of the total energy and the number of pulses may determine the pulse duration. If the intensity is an adjustable
Amore advanced or complex device is illustrated in FIG.

40
2. This device includes a housing 30 having manually actuatable input elements 32, 34, 36, and 38, such as rotary
knobs or a solid-state touch screen, Which enable a user to

tions and/or delays Will deliver energy at a sloWer rate (total energy is distributed over longer time) and therefore be safer to use With higher energy levels. Preferably, the total energy is alWays a selectable parameter and is best selected prior to

ments or selectors 32, 34, 36, and 28 are an inter-pulse interval selector, a pulse number selector, a poWer or energy
45
the setting of the other parameters. HoWever, the device of

FIG. 2 may be preprogrammed to limit the rate at Which radiant energy is applied to a skin surface, Which Will force restrictions on the users ability to select pulse parameter values. In an alternative embodiment of the device of FIG. 2, suitable for home use, inter-pulse interval selector 32
enables a selection of intervals ranging from 200 msec to 2
55
selector, and a pulse duration selection, respectively. Another selector (not shoWn) could be for intensity adjust
ment, While a further selector may be provided for adjusting
a light source 42 or a ?lter in optical elements 48 and/or an
50
applicator 52 for modifying the Wavelength band delivered

to the target skin surface. Selectors 32, 34, 36, and 38 are
operatively tied to a control unit 40 such as a microprocessor
or hard-Wired log circuit. Control unit 40 regulates the

operation of light source 42 such as a conventional
seconds, While poWer selector 36 enables treatment energies between 1 J/cm2 and 40 J/cm2. Preferably, the pulse duration
?ashlamp, either directly or indirectly via a pulse generator

44. Light 46 from source 42 is transmitted along a path
through optical elements 48 optionally including one or
60
more re?ectors, lenses, and ?lters (not separately shoWn).

Light 50 at an output of the optical array 48 is applied to a skin surface via applicator or interface element 52. Appli cator or interface element 52 may take the form of a crystal
block or a transparent or translucent pouch ?lled With a transparent or translucent ?uid such as a gel or a liquid. In
the selected total energy. It is preferable to use a larger number of pulses and a smaller pulse duration in order to limit the rate at Which light energy is applied to a skin surface. Pulse number selector 34 may therefore enable a
65
the case of a gel, the pouch (52) may be provided With perforations on a skin-contacting surface for exuding the gel
selection of three to ten pulses per pulse sequence, While pulse duration selector 38 enables a selection of pulses
Filed 11/14/13 Page 53 of 93
US 7,175,617 B2
9
lasting 1 msec to 10 msec. The various pulse sequence parameters may be selectable from sets of discrete values or,
10
alternatively, from continuous ranges.

Aperson uses the device of FIG. 1 or 2 to apply pulses of light to a skin surface for purposes of effectively severing or destroying hair ?bers beloW the surface of the skin to
skin surface by decreasing the light intensity,.

temporarily prevent hairs from groWing through and thus

becoming visible on the skin. The user ?rst performs a calibration or initialiZation procedure to determine an appro


20

effective in hair removal. If not, a next higher or medium
25 area to another.

only as the circumstances Warrant, for instance, if the hair ?bers are thick and the skin is light.


30

combination result in the application of small amounts of energy. Thus, Where one or more selected pulse parameters are associated With high treatment energies, other pulse parameters should be selected that are associated With loW

35
treatment energies. Where all the pulse parameters are independently adjust able, loWer treatment energies Will generally result from settings involving feW pulses (say, 1*3 instead of 8*10 pulses), long inter-pulse intervals (300 msec or more), short pulse durations (20 msec or less), loW light intensity (if selectable, for example, via an adjustable neutral density ?lter), and loW total energies (less than 40 Joules per square centimeter of skin surface). If a given setting proves to be
ineffective, the user might adjust selector 32 or 38 to

to the leg at, say, tWo Week intervals to maintain the leg free of visible hair. The regeneration period may be measured again after any number of treatments. And if the user ?nds
40
that the regeneration time has changed, the interval betWeen successive treatment sessions may be adjusted accordingly. This hair removal method contemplates, therefore, the
periodic application to a selected skin surface of a pulse
45
50
sequence having a predetermined number of pulses of light of a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum, a predeter mined duration, a predetermined inter-pulse interval, and a predetermined total energy. These pulse sequence param eters are determined in part by the design of the light generating device used and in part by the selections made by the user. The light treatment temporarily prevents a groWth of hair through the selected skin surface for the respective
hair-regeneration period. The delay in the reappearance of

hair on the selected skin surface after a ?rst application of

light pulses may be extended simply by applying light pulses

55

again to the skin surface prior to hair reappearance on the skin surface.

case of completely independent parameter values. For instance, once the total applied energy and total pulse sequence time have been selected, decreasing the number of pulses Will require an increase in pulse length and/or an increase in pulse intensity in order to deliver the same amount of total energy in the ?xed time. These changes Will increase the effectiveness of the light application inasmuch
60

or hair-regroWth period, the spectrum of the pulses may be
limited to shorter Wavelengths and may include Wave
65
lengths, for instance, beloW 550 nm. In other embodiments of a light generation and applica
tion device, one or more of the pulse parameters may vary
Filed 11/14/13 Page 54 of 93
US 7,175,617 B2
11
during a single treatment session. For instance, the inter pulse interval or the pulse duration may increase or decrease from the beginning of a pulse sequence to the end of the pulse sequence. The resulting instantaneous rate of energy
12

Listed beloW are a number of exemplary settings or

distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, includ ing Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. Home Use Example 7. A loWer setting or combination of






20

removal generates pulses With a pulse number of tWo, a pulse duration of 7 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 300 msec, a total pulse energy of 20 J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, including Wave lengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. Home Use Example 2. A slightly higher setting or com bination of operational parameters for an incoherent light applicator device suitable for home use involves a pulse sequence With a pulse number of tWo, a pulse duration of 7 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 250 msec, a total pulse energy of 20 J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a com


25

30

skin surface. Thus, instead of a month or a Week, the time

35
to the target skin surface is higher. Home Use Example 3. A higher setting or combination of

40




for professional devices. In these examples, the total times of the pulse sequences are determined by the selected numbers of pulses, the selected pulse durations and the

selected inter-pulse intervals. The light intensity may be

50

settings.
distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, includ ing Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. The pulse sequence of this example delivers radiant energy at a higher rate than in the third example because of the shorter inter

55

pulse.
of 5 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 350 msec, a total pulse energy of 15 J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a com
60


65

betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. The pulse sequence of this
example delivers a small amount of energy, at a loW rate
(e.g., long inter-pulse interval).
distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, includ ing Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm.
Filed 11/14/13 Page 55 of 93
US 7,175,617 B2
13
Professional Use Example 3. A lower setting or combi nation of operational parameters for an incoherent light applicator device involves pulses With a pulse number of tWo, a pulse duration of 9 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 100 msec, a total pulse energy of 60 J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, includ ing Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. Professional Use Example 4. A higher setting or combi nation of operational parameters for an incoherent light applicator device involves pulses With a pulse number of tWo, a pulse duration of 9 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 100 msec, a total pulse energy of 100 J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, includ ing Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. Professional Use Example 5. In a relatively loW setting or
14
another or may be spaced by an interval during Which, for instance, the light treatment device is used to apply light pulses to another area of the users skin. An advantage of multiple passes is that the total poWer applied to a given skin
surface may be reduced relative to that needed for accom
plishing the desired hair removal by a single pass or light treatment. For example, instead of a single pass of 50
Joules/cm2, hair could be effectively removed temporarily

by tWo passes of 20 Joules/cm2 apiece.
pulse number of tWo, a pulse duration of 9 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 200 msec, a total pulse energy of 40

20
J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a commercially avail

1200 nm.

to facilitate comprehension of the invention and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof.
25


What is claimed: 1. A hair treatment method for at least temporarily sloW
distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, includ ing Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. Professional Use Example 7. Another higher setting or combination of operational parameters for an incoherent
30
ing hair groWth along a skin surface, comprising: generating a predetermined number of pulses of light each having a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum;
directing said pulses of light toWards a skin surface, said pulses having at least one pulse duration, and a total energy all predetermined to at least temporarily retard groWth of hair along said skin surface, the directing of said pulses toWards said skin surface being undertaken
in the absence of visible hair on said skin surface to delay an appearance of hair on said skin surface; and after lapse of a substantial period of time after the

distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, includ ing Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. An incoherent light applicator device for professional use may also be provided With a band-pass ?lter for limiting the
35
spectral distribution of the generated light pulses to Wave lengths in a given band, for instance, betWeen 700 nm and
900 nm. Again, a loW-pass ?lter may be used for transmit ting to a skin surface only Wavelengths less than a prede
termined maximum, such as 900 nm, 750 nm, or 550 nm.
directing of said pulses toWards said skin surface and

40
prior to a visible appearance of hair on said skin

the pulses toWards said skin surface to further delay an
appearance of hair on said skin surface. 2. The method de?ned in claim 1 Wherein said number of
The hair treatment method described above With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 results not only in a temporary hair removal at an optically treated skin surface, but also retards the
45

interval greater than 200 msec. 3. The method de?ned in claim 2 Wherein said total
groWth of hair ?bers located at or along that skin surface. By counting the days to hair reappearance after several hair
depilation procedures over a course of a feW months, it is

50
possible to determine a reduction in hair groWth rate oWing to the application of electromagnetic radiation. A user Who starts using the light application process at one inter-appli cation interval may subsequently use a longer inter-appli
cation interval and still maintain a hair-free skin surface. Of
200 Joules of energy per square centimeter of said skin surface. 4. The method de?ned in claim 3 Wherein said duration is betWeen approximately 1 msec and approximately 2 sec onds. 5. The method de?ned in claim 4 Wherein the light of said
course, the degree of hair groWth rate reduction Will vary

from person to person and even from skin location to skin location on the same person. For example, tWo users initially
55
pulses is incoherent and Wherein said spectrum includes

required to apply the pulsed light energy at intervals of one

Week in order to prevent the reappearance of hair on the treated hair surface may ?nd that after several months one
60
550 nm.
user need reapply light energy only every tWo Weeks and the other user need reapply light energy only every month.
7. The method de?ned in claim 4 Wherein said duration is betWeen approximately 1 msec and approximately 20 msec. 8. The method de?ned in claim 3 Wherein said total

65
same for each pass or may vary from pass to pass. In
addition, the passes may folloW immediately after one
mately 40 Joules of energy per square centimeter of said skin surface. 9. The method de?ned in claim 1 Wherein said period of time has a length betWeen a day and nine months.
Filed 11/14/13 Page 56 of 93
US 7,175,617 B2
15
10. A hair treatment method comprising:
16
by virtue of an absorption of light of said pulses by hair ?bers beloW said skin surface, at least temporarily retarding hair groWth along said skin surface; and
generating a predetermined number of pulses of light each having a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum; applying said pulses of light to a skin surface, said pulses
having at least one predetermined pulse duration, and a
5
subsequently repeatedly applying pulses of light to said

selected skin surface at intervals of increasing length
oWing to a diminution in a groWth rate of hair along said skin surface. 19. The method de?ned in claim 18 Wherein said number
predetermined total energy; at least in part oWing to the applying of said pulses to said skin surface, temporarily preventing an appearance of


skin surface and a subsequent reappearance of hair ?bers on said skin surface to determine a ?rst lapsed

period of time; after determining of said period of time, generating addi

tional pulses of light of said predetermined number and having said spectrum; directing said additional pulses of light toWards said skin surface, said additional pulses having said duration, and
said total energy;

Wavelengths betWeen about 300 nm and 550 nm only. 23. A hair treatment method comprising:
counting days betWeen the directing of said additional

pulses toWards said skin surface and a subsequent
reappearance of hair ?bers on said skin surface to
determine a second lapsed period of time longer than
said ?rst lapsed period of time; after determining of said period of time, generating supplemental pulses of light of said predetermined number and having said spectrum; directing said supplemental pulses of light toWards said skin surface, said supplemental pulses having said
duration, and said total energy; prior to a lapse of said second lapsed period of time after
25
generating a predetermined number of ?rst pulses of light each having a predetermined electromagnetic spec trum; directing said ?rst pulses of light toWards a skin surface, after lapse of a period of time after the directing of said ?rst pulses toWards said skin surface, generating a predetermined number of second pulses of light each having a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum; and directing said second pulses of light toWards said skin
30
the directing of said supplemental pulses toWards said skin surface, generating further pulses of light of said predetermined number and having said spectrum; and directing said further pulses of light toWards said skin surface, said further pulses having said duration, and
said total energy. 11. The method de?ned in claim 10 Wherein said number
surface,
said ?rst pulses having at least one pulse duration and a total energy and said second pulses having at least one pulse duration and a total energy, all predetermined to
35

pulse 12. pulse 13. interval betWeen 1 msec and 2 seconds. The method de?ned in claim 11 Wherein said inter interval is greater than 200 msec. The method de?ned in claim 10 Wherein said total
40
reduce hair appearance along said skin surface, said period of time being su?iciently small so that the directing of said ?rst pulses and the directing of said second pulses constitute respective passes over said skin surface in a single light treatment sessions,
Wherein said skin surface is on an individual user, further
comprising applying light pulses to another skin sur

face of said individual user during said period. 24. The method de?ned in claim 23 Wherein said ?rst

45
pulses of light and said second pulses of light are de?ned by respective sets of parameters including pulse duration and total energy, the parameters of said ?rst pulses of light being
the same as the parameters of said second pulses of light.
50

Wavelengths betWeen about 300 nm and 1200 nm. 16. The method de?ned in claim 15 Wherein said spec trum includes Wavelengths betWeen about 300 nm and about 550 nm only.

directing said pulses of light toWards a skin surface, said pulses having at least one pulse duration, and a total energy all predetermined to temporarily prevent a groWth of hair through said skin surface for a period of
17. The method de?ned in claim 10 Wherein said second
55
time;
elfectuating a removal of projecting hair ?bers from said
lapsed period of time has a length betWeen a day and nine months. 18. A hair treatment method comprising:
skin surface;
determining said period of time for hair to reappear on
60
including one or more Wavelengths absorbable by hair
?bers;
applying said pulses of light to a skin surface, said pulses having at least one predetermined pulse duration, and a predetermined total energy all predetermined to effec
tively sever or destroy hair ?bers beloW said skin
65
said skin surface after the directing of said pulses of light to said skin surface; and prior to a lapse of said period of time after the directing of said pulses toWards said skin surface, after the removal of projecting hair from said skin surface, and

the pulses toWards said skin surface. 26. A method for hair removal and temporarily preventing hair reappearance, comprising:
surface;
Filed 11/14/13 Page 57 of 93
US 7,175,617 B2
17
providing a device for generating a predetermined number
18
also by virtue of the directing of said pulses of light toWards said skin surface and absorption of light of said pulses by hair ?bers beloW said skin surface, retarding the groWth of hair along said skin surface, While permitting the hair to continue groWing; and
after lapse of a period of time after the directing of said
of pulses of light each having a predetermined electro magnetic spectrum and for applying said pulses of light
to a skin surface, said pulses having at least one
predetermined pulse duration, and a predetermined

total energy; using said device to temporarily remove hair from a
selected skin surface;

determining a period of time for reappearance of hair on
pulses toWards said skin surface, again generating pulses of light and directing the pulses toWards said
skin surface to thereby further retard but not terminate
said selected skin surface after the using of said device;

and
the groWth of the hair along said skin surface.

subsequently repeatedly using said device to apply pulses

of light to said selected skin surface at intervals of
shorter length than said period of time, each such use of said device to apply pulses of light to said selected skin surface being performed prior to a visible reap pearance of hair on said selected skin surface, thereby temporarily maintaining said selected skin surface free
of visible hair.
generating a predetermined number of pulses of light each having an electromagnetic spectrum; directing said pulses of light toWards a skin surface during
a ?rst treatment session so that light of said pulses is
absorbed by hair ?bers at points beloW said skin surface and change a characteristic of the absorbing ?bers While permitting the absorbing hair ?bers to continue
groWing;
20
removing, from said skin surface, projecting portions of

the hair ?bers that absorb light of said pulses; after lapse of a substantial period of time after the directing of said pulses toWards said skin surface and after removal of the projecting portions of the hair

directing said pulses of light toWards a skin surface, said pulses having at least one pulse duration, and a total
energy all predetermined to effectively sever or destroy hair ?bers beloW said skin surface, thereby enabling a removal of projecting hair ?bers from said skin surface, and to temporarily prevent a groWth of hair through said skin surface for a period of time; determining said period of time for hair to reappear on said skin surface after the directing of said pulses of light to effectively sever or destroy hair ?bers beloW said skin surface; and prior to a lapse of said period of time and concomitantly
prior to a visible appearance of hairs on said skin
25
?bers, generating additional pulses of light and direct

ing the additional pulses toWards said skin surface in a second treatment session so that light of said additional pulses is absorbed by hair ?bers at points beloW said skin surface and change a characteristic of the absorb
30
ing ?bers While permitting the absorbing hair ?bers to continue groWing; and
after regroWth of the hair ?bers Whose projecting portions

Were removed from said skin surface, the regroWn hair
?bers again having projecting portions above said skin

35
surface after the directing of said pulses toWards said
skin surface, again generating pulses of light and directing the pulses toWards said skin surface, thereby
temporarily maintaining said skin surface free of vis
ible hair. 28. A hair treatment method comprising:
40
surface, removing, from said skin surface, such pro jecting portions of the hair ?bers absorbing the light of said additional pulses.
31. A method for hair treatment, comprising:
including one or more Wavelengths absorbable by hair
generating a predetermined number of pulses of light each having a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum; directing said pulses of light toWards a skin surface, said
pulses having at least one pulse duration, and a total energy all predetermined to change at least one hair characteristic taken from the group consisting of thick
45
?bers;
directing said pulses of light toWards a skin surface, said
pulses having at least one pulse duration and a total energy all predetermined to effectively sever or destroy hair ?bers beloW said skin surface; and
ness, density and color, the directing of said pulses

toWards said skin surface being undertaken in the absence of visible hair on said skin surface; and after lapse of a substantial period of time after the directing of said pulses toWards said skin surface and
prior to a visible appearance of hair on said skin
by virtue of the directing of said pulses of light toWards said skin surface and absorption of light of said pulses
50

the pulses toWards said skin surface to further change
at least one hair characteristic taken from the group
by hair ?bers beloW said skin surface, severing or damaging the hair ?bers beloW said skin surface to delay a groWth of hair through said skin surface. 32. A method for hair treatment, comprising: generating a predetermined number of pulses of light each
having a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum With

55
consisting of thickness, density and color.

one or more Wavelengths absorbable by hair;
directing said pulses of light toWards a skin surface, said

pulses having at least one pulse duration and a total energy all predetermined to effectively vary a charac teristic of hair ?bers along said skin surface oWing to
60
generating a predetermined number of pulses of light each

having an electromagnetic spectrum including one or
more Wavelengths absorbable by hair ?bers; directing said pulses of light toWards a skin surface, said pulses having at least one pulse duration, and a total energy all predetermined to at least temporarily retard groWth of hair along said skin surface; by virtue of the directing of said pulses of light toWards said skin surface and absorption of light of said pulses by hair ?bers beloW said skin surface, elfectuating a removal of proj ecting hair ?bers from said skin surface;
absorption of light of said pulses by the hair ?bers; and by virtue of the directing of said pulses of light toWards said skin surface and absorption of light of said pulses by hair ?bers along and beloW said skin surface,
changing a characteristic of hair ?bers along said skin surface.
65
Filed 11/14/13 Page 58 of 93

US007175617C1
(12) EX PARTE REEXAMINATION CERTIFICATE (7422nd) United States Patent (10) Number: US 7,175,617 C1
Jay
(45) Certi?cate Issued:

7,044,959 B2
2004/0034319 A1
Mar. 23, 2010
5/2006 Anderson et a1.

2/2004 Anderson et a1.
(76) Inventor:
Harvey H. Jay, 14 Cayuga Rd.,

Scarsdale, NY (Us) 10583 OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Reexamination Request: No. 90/010,254, Aug. 26, 2008

ReeXaIIliIlatiOIl Certi?cate fOI:
U.S. Appl. No. 60/363,871, ?led Mar. 12, 2002, Anderson et al Effects of Fluence and Pulse Duration for Flashlamp Expo
sure on Hair Follicles, presented at the 21 st Annual Meeting
Patent NOJ Issued:
7,175,617 Feb. 13, 2007
for the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery, Apr, 2001 (Manstein),
Appl. No.: Filedi
10/418,604 APR 18, 2003
Primary ExamineriDavid O. Reip

(57) ABSTRACT

Continuation-in-part of application No. 10/291,086, ?led on NOV. 8, 2002, HOW Pat N0~ 6,824,542 (51) Int- ClA 613 18/18 (200601)
(52) us. Cl. .................. .. 606/9; 606/10; 606/3; 607/88;
(63)
A hand held device generates a predetermined number of pulses of light having a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum, a predetermined duration, a predetermined inter pulse interval, and a predetermined total energy. The pulse
hair A Period of time fer reappearance of hair en the
128/898
(58) Field of Classi?cation Search None
'
selected skin surface after the using of the device to remove

hair from the selected skin surface is determined by counting
See application ?le for complete

the days to half reappearance after a.tes.t hght apphcanon'

U'S' PATENT DOCUMENTS

5,683,380 A 11/1997 Eckhouse et a1. ............ .. 606/9

sELEc'roR
SETTING
MEMORY
/
10
/
14 CONTROL
UNIT
22\
OPTICAL
18\
______ LIGHT
16
PULSE
ELEMENTS
SOURCE
GENERATOR
2o
_ APPLICATOR INTERFACE 24 v ................... 26 -._._ .............................. 28
Filed 11/14/13 Page 59 of 93
US 7,175,617 C1
1 EX PARTE REEXAMINATION CERTIFICATE ISSUED UNDER 35 U.S.C. 307
THE PATENT IS HEREBY AMENDED AS INDICATED BELOW.
2
determined electromagnetic spectrum including one or more
wavelengths absorbable by hair ?bers; directing said pulses

oflight towards a skin surface, said pulses having at least
one pulse duration and a total energy all predetermined to efectively sever or destroy hair ?bers below said skin sur
face without partially or completely destroying follicles

associated with said hair fibers; and by virtue of the direct
Matter enclosed in heavy brackets [ ] appeared in the

patent, but has been deleted and is no longer a part of the patent; matter printed in italics indicates additions made to the patent.
ing of said pulses of light towards said skin surface and
absorption oflight ofsaid pulses by hair?bers below said

skin surface, severing or damaging the hair?bers below said skin surface, without partially or completely destroyingfol
licles associated with such hair fibers, to delay a reappear
AS A RESULT OF REEXAMINATION, IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT:
ance ofhair through said skin surface.

35. A hair treatment method comprising: generating a
predetermined number ofpulses of light each having a pre

The patentability of claims 18*21 and 31 is con?rmed.

Claim 32 is cancelled.
NeW claims 33*36 are added and determined to be patent able.
Claims 1*17 and 22*30 Were not reexamined.
20
wavelengths absorbable by hair ?bers; applying said pulses

predetermined pulse duration, and a predetermined total

energy all predetermined to @fectively sever or destroy hair
?bers below said skin surface; by virtue of an absorption of light ofsaidpulses by hair?bers below said skin surface, at least temporarily retarding hair growth along said skin sur
face; and subsequently repeatedly applying pulses of l ight to

25
33. A hair treatment method comprising: generating a
said selected skin surface at intervals of increasing length

owing to a diminution in a growth rate of hair along said

skin surface, the reapplying ofpulses of light being under

taken prior to reappearance of hair on said skin surface. 36. A methodfor hair treatment, comprising: generating a
30
wavelengths absorbable by hair ?bers; applying said pulses

predetermined pulse duration, and a predetermined total

energy all predetermined to eM/fectively sever or destroy hair ?bers below said skin surface without partially or com

wavelengths absorbable by hair ?bers; directing said pulses

oflight towards a skin surface, said pulses having at least
35
pletely destroying follicles associated with such hair fibers; by virtue of an absorption of light ofsaid pulses by hair
?bers below said skin surface so as to sever such hair ?bers
one pulse duration and a total energy all predetermined to efectively sever or destroy hair ?bers below said skin sur
below said skin surface without partially or completely destroying follicles associated with such hair fibers, at least temporarily retarding hair appearance along said skin sur
face; and by virtue of the directing of said pulses of light towards said skin surface and absorption of light of said
pulses by hair ?bers below said skin surface, severing or damaging the hair?bers below said skin surface, to delay a
40
face; and subsequently repeatedly applying pulses ofl ight to

said selected skin surface at intervals of increasing length
owing to diminution in a reappearance rate of hair along
growth of hair through said skin surface, further comprising subsequently redirecting pulses of light to said skin surface
prior to reappearance of hair on or regrowth of hair through
said skin surface.

34. A methodfor hair treatment, comprising: generating a
said skin surface.
Filed 11/14/13 Page 60 of 93
Exhibit D U.S. PATENT 7,553,308 (The 308 Patent)
Filed 11/14/13 Page 61 of 93

US007553308B2
(12) Ulllted States Patent

Ja
(54)
(76)
(10) Patent N0.:

45 Date of Patent:
5,885,273 A
5,895,568 A 6,050,990 A
6,063,076 A
US 7,553,308 B2
*Jun. 30 a 2009

I
nventor:
3/1999 Eckhouse
4/1999 Koltunov . 4/2000 Tankovlch et a1.
5/2000 Mehl, Sr. et a1.
H H J 14 C Rd arvey . ay, ayuga ., Scarsdale, NY (Us) 10583
(*)
Notice:
Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this patent is extended or adjusted under 35
6,152,917 A 6,162,211 A
11/2000 Tankovich 12/2000 Tankovich et a1,
U.S.C. 154(b) by 58 days.

This patent is subject to a terminal dis
clalmer'
(21) Appl. No.: 11/358,172
(22)
(65)
(Continued)
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Cooperative Phenomena in Two-pulse, Two color Laser
Photocoagulation of Cutaneous Blood Vessels - By Jennifer Kehlet Barton e131, - Mar, 19, 2001,
Filed:
Feb. 21, 2006

US 2006/0142741 A1
_ _ _ _
Jun. 29, 2006
Primary Examiner* 1
ed M Farah
Related US Application Data

(74) Attorney, Agent, or FirmiR. Neil Sudol; Henry D.

Coleman; William J. Sapone
Mar.' 3, '2005, noW abandoned, Which is a division of

application No. 10/464,186, ?led on Jun. 18, 2003,
noW Pat. No. 6,916,316, Which is a continuation-in
(57)
ABSTRACT
gggfflgglpleia?loonylosl
2002 now Pat NO 6 82 542 s
glsgoonlii?art'ioljj
i

pulses of light having a predetermined electromagnetic spec
trum, a predetermined duration, a predetermined inter-pulse interval, and a predetermined total energy. The pulse
in_pan of appl'i C an OI; N0 10/291 086 ?led on N0V 8

(51) Int_ CL
A61B 18/18
(52) (58)
(200601)
hair through the absorption of light energy only by endog

6110115 Chromophores Of the hair- Exogenous ChrOmOPhOreS for light abSOIPOtiOH are not applied to the Skin Surface at any
us. Cl. .......................... .. 606/9; 606/131; 128/898 Field of Classi?cation Search ................... .. 606/3,
(56)
606/943; 607/88i91; 128/898 See application ?le for complete Search history, _ References Cited
time. A period of time for reappearance of hair on the selected skin surface after the using of the device to remove hair from the selected skin surface is determined by counting the days to hair reappearance after a test light application. Subsequently,
the device is used periodically to apply the pulses of light to

the selected skin surface at intervals of shorter length than the determined period of hair regeneration, thereby temporarily
maintainin the selected skin surface free of visible hair
g
............ .. 606/9
5 425 728 A
5595568 A
5,683,380 A
5,735,844 A *
6/1995 Tankovlch
V1997 Anderson et a1
ll/l997 Eckhouse et a1.
4/1998 Anderson et al.
'
5,849,029 A
so
.
a2
a4
\
36
as
1
INTER-PULSE
INTERVAL
NUMBER
SELECTOR
PULSE
POWER
SELECTOR
DglgALglEON
SELECTOR
SELECTOR
40
PULSE CONTROL
UNIT
42 44 4B 4e OPTICAL
GENERATOR
COOLANT
RESERVO 1R 58
ELEMENTS
VALVE so
56
ACTUATOR
I
52
APPLICATOR I'NTERF ACE
NOZZLE ' 54
Filed 11/14/13 Page 62 of 93
US 7,553,308 B2
Page 2
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 6,162,212 A
6,174,325 B1
6,228,074 B1*
12/2000 Kreindelet a1.

1/2001 Eckhouse
5/2001 Almeida ...................... .. 606/9
6,387,089 B1 6,406,474 B1 6,676,655 B2

6,824,542 B2*
6,916,316 132*
5/2002 Kreindel et :11. 6/2002 Neuberger et a1. 1/2004 McDaniel

11/2004 Jay ............................. .. 606/9
7/2005 Jay - 606/9
6,267,771 B1 6280 438 B1
7/2001 Tankovich et 31 8/2001 Eckhouse et a1
7,175,617 B2* 2006/0173447 Al*
2/2007 Jay ............................. .. 606/9 8/2006 Jay ............................. .. 606/9
6,383,176 B1
5/2002 Connors et a1.
* cited by examiner
Filed 11/14/13 Page 63 of 93
US. Patent
Jun. 30, 2009
US 7,553,308 B2
SETTING
SELECTOR
____> MEMORY
i
5
10
12
14 \ CONTROL UNIT
E ELEMENTS OPTICAL 22
1s
SOURCE LIGHT
GENERATOR 16 PULSE
g
a
a. _
2'0
24
v
5
a
..................... _._ ............................... ..5
30 \.__ 32 34 36
2a
3B
FlG. 1
i
E
SELECTOR
NUMBER PULSE
SELECTOR
\POWER
SELECTOR
DURATION PULSE
SELECTOR
I
5
i
g
l
42 LIGHT I PULSE
1 1 i
CONTROL
40 5
i
SOURCE
GENERATOR
UNIT
46
44
RESERVOlR COOLANT
i
i
48
\ ELEMENTS
50 5e
QPTICAL
58
I /
g
ACTUATOR
E
i
VALVE <
60 5
;
i ..................... 52\ -. APPLICATOR INTERFACE LNOZZLE I
............................. 54
Filed 11/14/13 Page 64 of 93
US 7,553,308 B2
1
HAIR TREATMENT METHOD CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
2
certain amount of risk that the skin may be damaged. Accord
ingly, the prior art methods of hair depilation are typically intended for use by trained cosmetologists and other profes sionals. The consuming public is left With feW options in removing undesired hair.
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 11/071 ,697 ?led Mar. 3, 2005 as a division ofapplication Ser. No. 10/464,186, now US. Pat. No. 6,916,316, ?led Jun. 18, 2003 as a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/418,
604, now US. Pat. No. 7,175,617, ?ledApr. 18, 2003, Which
in turn is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/291,086, now US. Pat. No. 6,824,542, ?led Nov. 8, 2002.
This invention relates generally to a hair treatment process. More particularly, this invention relates to a method for the
provide such a method of hair treatment or removal that is safe
for home use.
It is a related obj ect of the invention to provide a method for
temporary removal of hair and for the retardation of hair
hair treatment, Which may replace current home-based meth
growth.
As discussed in US. Pat. No. 6,280,438, hair may be
20
ods, for instance, of shaving, Waxing, plucking, tWeeZing, or
using depilatories.
A further object of the present invention is to provide such

According to the methodology of US. Pat. No. 6,280,438, the energy heats the hair and coagulates the tissue around the hair and follicle Without damaging the healthy skin. Pursuant to that prior art disclosure, it is preferable to provide an optically
transparent Water based gel on the skin prior to treatment With
25
These and other objects of the present invention Will be apparent from the draWings and descriptions herein. It is to be understood that each object of the invention is achieved by at
least one embodiment of the invention. It is not necessarily the case that any embodiment achieves all of the objects of the invention.
the electromagnetic energy. The gel cools the epidermis but is

applied so as not to enter the cavity around the hair follicle, and thus does not cool the hair and the hair follicle. The
30
applied energy then coagulates the hair Without damaging the

skin. US. Pat. No. 6,280,438 teaches the use of incoherent poly chromatic radiation in a Wavelength range that penetrates into the skin Without being highly attenuated. It is indicated in the
patent that Wavelengths shorter than 550 nm are not useful
A hair treatment method utiliZes, in accordance With the

35
present invention, a device for generating pulses of light each having a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum and for applying the pulses of light to a skin surface, the pulses having
at least one predetermined pulse duration, and a predeter mined total energy. The method comprises operating the
device to apply a ?rst sequence of light pulses to a selected
because they Will be highly attenuated before reaching the loWer parts of the hair follicles. Instead, Wavelengths in the
range of 550 to 630 nm are heavily absorbed by blood and can
therefore be used to coagulate the vessels that feed the hairs. Additionally, longer Wavelengths, in the range of 600 to 1 100 nm have a very good penetration into non-pigmented skin and can be used to couple to the melanin of the hair. US. Pat. No. 5,885,273 discloses a method of removing hair that includes producing a plurality of pulses of incoher ent electromagnetic energy, Which is ?ltered in accordance With the color of the hair being removed. A ?ashlamp pro duces pulses having delays on the order of 0.1 msec to 100
msec, and an energy ?uence on the order of 10 to 100 J/cm2. Energy that has a Wavelength of less than 500 nm or 600 nm
50
skin surface having groWing hair, Where the ?rst sequence comprises a ?rst predetermined number of ?rst pulses of light having a ?rst electromagnetic spectrum, a ?rst pulse duration,
a ?rst total energy, and in the case of at least tWo pulses, a ?rst
inter-pulse interval. The applying of the light pulses to the

selected skin surface serves to delay an appearance of hair on
the selected skin surface after protruding hair has been removed from the skin surface. The method additionally com prises subsequently operating the device to apply a second sequence of light pulses to the selected skin surface, Where the second sequence comprises a second predetermined num
and greater than 1300 nm is preferably ?ltered out. Light is

applied to the treated area in either a long pulse or in a
ber of second pulses of light having a second electromagnetic

spectrum, a second pulse duration, a second total energy, and in the case of at least tWo pulses, a second inter-pulse interval.
sequence of pulses separated by a delay. The delay and/or pulse length is preferably controlled by the operator to pro
vide enough heat to remove the hair but not enough heat to
The method also comprises determining a period of time to apply light to the selected skin surface prior to reappearance
of hair on the selected skin surface after the using of the device and after protruding hair has been removed from the
damage the skin. For example, the pulse length or delay

betWeen the pulses should be more than the cooling time of
the gel-covered epidermis and less than the cooling time of

the hair and follicle. Speci?cally, a pulse length of 50 msec if a single pulse is used or a delay of 50 msec betWeen the pulses if a pulse sequence is used are appropriate values. In brief, the art using electromagnetic radiation such as pulses of incoherent light is intended to permanently remove hair from selected skin surfaces. The light pulses have param eters such as spectral dispersion, pulse duration and total energy that are selected to destroy the hair follicles in the
selected skin area. Understandably, such methods carry a
selected skin surface. Subsequently the device is periodically used to apply the pulses of light to the selected skin surface at
intervals of shorter length than the period of time, thereby temporarily maintaining the selected skin surface free of vis
ible hair. At least one of the second electromagnetic spectrum,
the second predetermined number, the second pulse duration,

65
the second total energy, and the second inter-pulse interval may be different from the ?rst electromagnetic spectrum, the
?rst predetermined number, the ?rst pulse duration, the ?rst total energy, and the ?rst inter-pulse interval, respectively.
Filed 11/14/13 Page 65 of 93
US 7,553,308 B2
3
Pursuant to a particular feature of the present invention, at least one of the ?rst number of pulses and the second number of pulses is greater than one, and at least one of the ?rst
4
incoherent, and the electromagnetic spectrum of at least one of the pulses includes Wavelengths betWeen about 300 nm and 550 nm only.
inter-pulse interval and the second inter-pulse interval is

between 1 msec and 2 seconds. Pursuant to further particular features of the present invention, at least one of the inter-pulse
Where the skin surface has groWing hair, the applying of

the light pulses to the selected skin surface may serve to delay
an appearance of hair on the selected skin surface after pro
interval and the second inter-pulse interval is greater than 200

msec, at least one of the ?rst total energy and the second total
energy is betWeen approximately 0.01 Joule and approxi

mately 200 Joules of energy per square centimeter of the skin surface, and at least one of the ?rst pulse duration and the second pulse duration is betWeen approximately 1 msec and
truding hair has been removed from the selected skin surface. The skin treatment method then further comprises removing protruding hair from the skin surface, determining a period of
time for reapplication of light pulses to the skin surface prior

to a reappearance of hair on the skin surface after the using of
the device and after protruding hair has been removed from
approximately 2 seconds. The light of the ?rst pulses and the

second pulses is preferably incoherent and at least one of the
the selected skin surface, and subsequently periodically using

the device to apply the pulses of light to the skin surface,
?rst electromagnetic spectrum and the second electromag

netic spectrum may include Wavelengths betWeen about 300
nm and 550 nm only.
thereby temporarily maintaining the selected skin surface

free of visible hair.
A hair treatment method in accordance With an embodi
Pursuant to another feature of the present invention, at least one of the ?rst pulses and the second pulses has a varying
ment of the present invention utiliZes a device for generating

20
individual electromagnetic spectrum, that is, the spectral composition of the light changes during the emission of the pulse. The respective ?rst electromagnetic spectrum or the
second electromagnetic spectrum is a total or composite elec
spectrum and for applying the pulses of light to a skin surface, the pulses having at least one predetermined pulse duration,
and a predetermined total energy. The device is operated to apply a ?rst sequence of light pulses to a selected skin surface
tromagnetic spectrum including the varying individual elec

tromagnetic spectrum. Also, it is to be appreciated that the spectral composition of the pulses in any one pulse sequence may vary from pulse to pulse. The ?rst and the second spectral
compositions are each a total or composite of the individual
having groWing hair, the applying of the light pulses to the

selected skin surface serving to delay an appearance of hair on
pulse spectra.
A method for hair removal and temporarily preventing hair reappearance comprises, in accordance With the present invention, applying pulses of light to a skin surface, the pulses
having at least one pulse duration, and a total energy all
30
predetermined to temporarily prevent a groWth of hair

through the skin surface. Hair is removed from the skin sur face. In addition, one determines a period of time for reappli cation of light pulses to the skin surface prior to a reappear ance of hair on the skin surface. One reapplies pulses of light to the skin surface prior to a lapse of the period of time after
35
the selected skin surface after protruding hair has been removed from the skin surface. Subsequently, the device is operated to apply a second sequence of light pulses to the selected skin surface. A determination is made of a period of time to apply light to the selected skin surface prior to reap pearance of hair on the selected skin surface after the using of the device and after protruding hair has been removed from the selected skin surface. Subsequently, the device is used periodically to apply the pulses of light to the selected skin surface at intervals of shorter length than the period of time,
thereby temporarily maintaining the selected skin surface

free of visible hair. An embodiment of a hair treatment method, in accordance With the present invention, utiliZes a device for generating
40
an application of pulses of light to the skin surface and prior

to a reappearance of hair on the skin surface.

spectrum and for applying the pulses of light to a skin surface, the pulses having at least one predetermined pulse duration,
and a predetermined total energy. The method of this embodi ment comprises operating the device to apply a ?rst sequence
A personal skin treatment method in accordance With the
present invention, utiliZes a device for generating pulses of
light each having a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum

and for applying the pulses of light to a skin surface, the pulses having at least one predetermined pulse duration, and
a predetermined total energy. This skin treatment method
45
of light pulses to a selected skin surface having groWing hair, the applying of the light pulses to the selected skin surface
serving to delay an appearance of hair on the selected skin
surface after protruding hair has been removed from the skin
comprises operating the device in a single instance of light

treatment to apply a sequence of light pulses to a skin surface,
50
surface. The method further comprises subsequently operat

ing the device to apply a second sequence of light pulses to the selected skin surface, determining a period of time to apply light to the selected skin surface prior to reappearance of hair on the selected skin surface after the using of the device and after protruding hair has been removed from the selected skin
the sequence comprising a plurality of pulses of light each characterized by a plurality of predetermined parameters
including electromagnetic spectrum, pulse duration and

intensity and, in the case of at least tWo pulses, an inter-pulse interval With respect to an adjacent pulse. The device is fur ther operated so that a given one of the parameters of at least one of the pulses may differ from a corresponding parameter of another one of the pulses. In particular aspects of this skin treatment method, the
inter-pulse interval betWeen at least tWo successive ones of
55
surface, and subsequently periodically using the device to

apply the pulses of light to the selected skin surface at inter
vals of shorter length than the period of time, thereby tempo rarily maintaining the selected skin surface free of visible
hair.
60
Another embodiment of a hair treatment method com
the pulses is between 1 msec and 2 seconds, the inter-pulse

interval betWeen the tWo successive ones of the pulses is greater than 200 msec, the pulses have a total energy betWeen
prises, in accordance With the present invention, (i) generat ing a predetermined number of pulses of light each having a
predetermined electromagnetic spectrum, (ii) directing the

pulses of light toWards a skin surface, the pulses having at
65
approximately 0.01 Joule and approximately 200 Joules of energy per square centimeter of the skin surface, the pulse
duration of at least one of the pulses is betWeen approximately 1 msec and approximately 2 seconds, the light of the pulses is
least one pulse duration, and a total energy all predetermined to change at least one hair characteristic taken from the group
consisting of thickness, density and color, and (iii) after lapse
Filed 11/14/13 Page 66 of 93
US 7,553,308 B2
5
of a substantial period of time after the directing of the pulses
6
hair from the selected skin surface. At least one of the param eters for one of the pulses of the pass or pulse sequence is
towards the skin surface, again generating pulses of light and

directing the pulses towards the skin surface to further change
at least one hair characteristic taken from the group consisting
different from the parameters for another of the pulses of the pass or pulse sequence. This method may further comprise
of thickness, density and color.

A further embodiment of a hair treatment method com
subsequently periodically using the device to apply pulses of

light to the selected skin surface prior to a visible reappear ance of hair on the selected skin surface, to at least tempo rarily maintain the selected skin surface free of visible hair. One hair treatment method as discussed herein comprises
prises, in accordance With the present invention, (a) generat ing a predetermined number of pulses of light each having an
electromagnetic spectrum, (b) directing the pulses of light

toWards a skin surface during a ?rst treatment session so that
generating a predetermined number of pulses of light each
light of the pulses changes at least one characteristic of hair on the skin surface While permitting the hair to continue groW
having a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum including

at least one Wavelength absorbable by an endogenous chro mophore in a persons hair. The pulses of light are directed toWards a skin surface having hair containing the endogenous chromophore. The hair of the skin surface and the associated hair follicles are free of exogenous chromophores. The light pulses having at least one pulse duration, at least one inter
ing, (c) removing, from the skin surface, projecting portions

of the hair, (d) after lapse of a substantial period of time after the directing of the pulses toWards the skin surface and after
removal of the projecting portions of the hair, generating additional pulses of light and directing the additional pulses
toWards the skin surface in a second treatment session so that
pulse interval (if the number of pulses is greater than one), and
a total energy all predetermined to at least temporarily retard
20
light of the additional pulses changes at least one character istic of the hair While permitting the hair to continue groWing,
and (e) after regroWth of the hair Whose projecting portions

Were removed from the skin surface, the regroWn hair again
groWth of hair along the skin surface and preferably to tem porarily remove hair along the skin surface. After lapse of a
having projecting portions above the skin surface, removing

the regroWn hair from the skin surface.
Yet another embodiment of a hair treatment method com
25
prises, in accordance With the present invention, (1) generat ing a predetermined number of pulses of light each having a
predetermined electromagnetic spectrum With one or more
Wavelengths absorbable by hair, (2) directing the pulses of

light toWards a skin surface, the pulses having at least one pulse duration and a total energy all predetermined to effec tively vary at least one characteristic of hair along the skin
30
period of time after the directing of the pulses toWards the skin surface, the predetermined number of pulses of li ght are again generated and directed toWards the skin surface. This subse quent application of light pulses is also conducted in the absence of exogenous chromophores. The present invention thus contemplates the temporary retardation of hair groWth and/or temporary hair removal effectuated Without the application of exogenous chro mophores for light absorption. The contemplated results are
attained via light absorption solely by endogenous chro

mophores particularly including melanin in its various natu
surface, and (3) by virtue of the directing of the pulses of light

toWards the skin surface and the hair on the surface, changing at least one characteristic of the hair groWing along the skin surface. A method for temporary hair removal, in accordance With
35
rally occurring forms.

In a temporary hair removal method as contemplated
herein, the pulse parameters, namely, the pulse number, the pulse duration(s), the inter-pulse interval(s), the total energy
and the spectral distribution(s), are selected in concert to only retard the groWth of hair and/ or to temporarily prevent the
appearance of hair on the treated skin surface. Thus, in con
the present invention, utiliZes a device for generating pulses of light having an electromagnetic spectrum and for applying the pulses of light to a skin surface. The method comprises
removing hair from a selected skin surface, and prior to a reappearance of hair on the selected skin surface, using the device to apply pulses of light in a pass or pulse sequence to the selected skin surface to temporarily retard or delay a reappearance of hair on the selected skin surface. Each of the pulses of light in the pass or pulse sequence is de?ned by a
40
trast to prior methods, Which are aimed at completely destroy
ing the hair follicle and terminating hair groWth (and Which may require the application of exogenous chromophores to the target skin surface), the present method contemplates only
45
a partial destruction of the follicles or, alternatively, a destruc tion of the hair inside the follicles. In either case, the hair Will groW and again appear on the treated surface in the absence of
plurality of parameters including pulse duration, light inten

sity, and electromagnetic spectrum. At least one of the param
eters for one of the pulses of the pass or pulse sequence is
different from the parameters for another of the pulses of the

pass or pulse sequence. This method may additionally com
50
additional controlled light application. HoWever, the rate at Which the hair groWs Will be reduced by virtue of the appli cation of electromagnetic radiation pursuant to the present invention.
prise subsequently periodically using the device to apply

pulses of light to the selected skin surface prior to a visible
reappearance of hair on the selected skin surface, to at least

radiation. Alternatively, the light may be coherent and pro

55
temporarily maintain the selected skin surface free of visible hair. Another method for temporary hair removal, in accordance With the present invention, utiliZes a device for generating
duced by a laser source. In the former case the electromag
netic spectrum of the light pulses is a band of Wavelengths,

While in the latter case, the electromagnetic spectrum of a light pulse delivered at one time is a single Wavelength. In the former case ?lters may be used to limit the band of transmit ted Wavelengths, While in the latter case the laser source may
pulses of light having an electromagnetic spectrum and for

applying the pulses of light to a skin surface. The method comprises using the device to apply pulses of light in a pass or pulse sequence to the selected skin surface to temporarily remove hair from the selected skin surface, each of the pulses of light in the pass or pulse sequence being de?ned by a
60
be adjustable or tunable for producing Wavelengths of differ ent frequencies. In any event, the light energy applied
includes at least one Wavelength absorbable by an endog
enous chromophore in the hair such as eumelanin or
65
plurality of parameters including pulse duration, light inten

sity, and electromagnetic spectrum so selected that the pass or light results in a temporary and only a temporary removal of
pheomelanin.
A user may himself or herself determine the time it takes for the hair to regenerate and reappear on the treated skin
Filed 11/14/13 Page 67 of 93
US 7,553,308 B2
7
surface and reapply the light pulses prior to the expected time
of hair growth through the treated skin surface. OWing to a hair growth rate that may decrease With continuing applica
tion of light energy, the user need reapply the light pulses at an increasing interval. More speci?cally, a hair removal method
8
the location of the hair treated, and the selected treatment
parameters, the users hair may experience changes in thick ness, density, and color. More speci?cally, in many individu als, hair is likely to become ?ner, less dense, and lighter in
color. The hair treatment method desbribed herein may be
may include (a) generating a predetermined number of pulses of light each having a predetermined electromagnetic spec
trum including at least one Wavelength absorbable by an
applied to facial hair, leg hair, underarm hair, chest hair, etc., using hand held devices of prior art designs, for instance, With
a light source such as a ?ashlamp, a re?ector, one or more
endogenous chromophore in a person s hair and (b) applying the pulses of light to a given skin surface that is free of exogenous chromophores, the pulses having at least one pre determined pulse duration, at least one predetermined inter
lenses, and an application interface such as a skin-contacting crystal. The crystal may function as a cooling element. Alter natively, a separate cooling medium such as a gel may be
pulse interval (if the number of pulses is greater than one), and
a predetermined total energy. The various pulse parameters
are predetermined insofar as they are set or selected prior to
applied to the skin surface prior to the light application. Accordingly, the present invention contemplates the use of
a hand held device for generating a predetermined number of
the application of the light energy to the selected skin surface. The determination of the different pulse parameters is gener ally made partially at the time of manufacture of the light generating device and partially by the selection or selections made by the user. At least in part oWing to the application of the pulses to the skin surface, an appearance of visible hair ?bers on the skin surface is temporarily prevented. Passing days are then counted betWeen the applying of the pulses to the skin surface and a subsequent reappearance of hair ?bers on the skin surface, thereby determining an expected hair regeneration period. After determination of this hair regen
pulses of light having a predetermined electromagnetic spec

trum including at least one Wavelength absorbable by an
endogenous chromophore in a persons hair and for applying

the pulses of light to a skin surface free of exogenous chro
20
mophores and having hair containing the endogenous chro

mophore, the pulses having one or more predetermined dura tions, one or more predetermined inter-pulse intervals (if
number of pulses is greater than one), and a predetermined

25
total energy. The device is used to temporarily remove hair from a selected skin surface and Will in many cases retard the
eration period, the same pulse sequence is generated, having

the same pulse number, the same electromagnetic spectrum (s), the same pulse duration(s), the same inter-pulse interval (s) (if applicable), and the same total energy. This pulse sequence is directed toWards the given skin surface. Thereaf
30
rate of hair groWth. A period of time for reappearance of hair on the selected skin surface after the using of the device to
remove hair from the selected skin surface may be deter
mined, if desired, by simply counting the days to hair reap

pearance after a test light application. Subsequently, the device is used periodically to apply the pulses of light to the selected skin surface at intervals of shorter length than the
ter, prior to a lapse of the determined hair regeneration period,
the light application is repeated With pulses of light having (if

desired) the same spectrum, the same number, the same dura
determined period of hair regeneration, thereby temporarily

35
tion, the same inter-pulse interval (if applicable), and the

same total energy. It is to be noted that the hair regeneration
period may lengthen With time, in part as a result of the light treatments. In recognition of that potentiality, the regenera tion time may be recalculated after any given number of treatments. And if the regeneration time does increase, the interval betWeen successive light treatments may be
maintaining the selected skin surface free of visible hair. The regeneration time after any number of treatments may be measured again after any number of light treatment sessions. If the regeneration time is increased (oWning to hair groWth retardation), the interval betWeen successive light treatments may be increased accordingly. The light treatments are all
40
performed Without application of exogenous chromophores

for light absorption purposes. The temporary removal of hair and the retardation of hair groWth are effectuated through
increased accordingly.
The present invention is thus directed in signi?cant part to a method for the temporary removal of hair Wherein light
light absorption solely by endogenous chromophores such as

melanin.
45
application is repeated prior to hair reappearance. This

method serves to maintain a smooth and hair free skin surface
continuously as long as the light application is repeated in due

course prior to the expected time of hair reappearance.
A gradual reduction in the frequency of light treatment is contemplated, oWing to a diminution in the hair groWth rate. In an example, a user may initially be required to apply the pulsed light energy at intervals of one Week in order to prevent
the reappearance of hair on the treated hair surface. After
50
The inter-pulse interval (Where the number of pulses is greater than one) may, in different applications of the inven tion, be anyWhere from 1 millisecond to 2 seconds. Generally, the smaller the inter-pulse interval, the greater the risk of damage to the skin. Thus, the smaller inter-pulse intervals should be used only in professional settings. In home-based embodiments of the invention, the inter-pulse interval of a
light treatment is preferably greater than 200 msec. An inter
pulse interval of such a magnitude alloWs partial cooling of

55
several Weeks or months of periodic light treatment, this rate of light energy application may be reduced to biWeekly or
monthly applications. The initial period of hair reappearance,

as Well as the rate of hair groWth retardation, Will be deter
the hair follicles and reduces the chances of complete follicle destruction and inadvertent damage to the epidermis. Prefer ably, the inter-pulse interval is betWeen 200 msec and about
500 msec. An inter-pulse interval of 300 msec is effective.
mined by the individuals genetics as to skin color, hair color,

hair thickness, hair density, etc ., and by the selected treatment
The total energy applied may be anyWhere from 0.01 Joule

60
parameters such as total energy, pulse rate, pulse duration,

light spectrum, etc., as Well as by the particular area on the
J/cm2. Generally, the higher energies entail greater risk to skin integrity and should be used only by skilled profession
als. For home use, the total energy applied should be loWer,
users body. In any given individual, the groWth rates of hair on the face, underarms, legs, etc., vary. In addition, the change in hair groWth rate using the present methodology may differ
from body area to body area. The light treatment method of the present invention also affects hair parameters other than
65
betWeen approximately 5 J/cm2 and approximately 40 J/cm2

of the skin surface. This energy range is appropriate for per sons of light skin color. Where the skin color is on the dark side, the upper limit of the total energy applied to a unit of skin
groWth rate. Again depending on the individuals genetics,
surface should be less, for instance, approximately 20 J/cm2.
Filed 11/14/13 Page 68 of 93
US 7,553,308 B2
10
Generally, it is contemplated that devices used in a method pursuant to the present invention Will require a selection of a
maximum or total energy to be applied to a skin surface. This requirement typically entails some restriction on the users
small number of pulses or, alternatively, may result in an
automatic diminution of the intensity (e. g., via engagement of an intensity-reducing ?lter).
A device for hair treatment as described herein may com
freedom in selecting the magnitudes of other pulse param

eters. In a simple device, the user may be able to select only one pulse parameter, namely the total energy. Such a device
prise a hand-holdable casing, a light generator mounted to the casing, and an applicator mounted to the casing for applying light from the generator to the skin surface. The applicator
includes a ?exible member at least partially conformable to
might, for instance, have high, medium and loW settings. In a more complex device, setting of the total energy applied by a pulse sequence Will limit the range of options available to the
user in setting the other parameters. For instance, once the user selects the total energy and the pulse duration, the num
the topography of the skin surface. The ?exible member may

take the form of a ?uid-?lled pouch or a piece of resilient
plastic material. In either event, the applicator is at least
partially transparent to the light produced by the generator for

application to the skin surface. The present invention provides a method for the temporary
removal of hair. The method is safe for home use. The ener
ber of pulses is determined, provided that the rate of energy production or intensity is not adjustable. If the intensity is adjustable, the user Will have some leeWay in selecting both the pulse duration and the number of pulses. In that case, the
intensity may be automatically controlled by the light-gener

ating device so that the total energy does not exceed the set value. The duration of the light bursts or pulses may be as little as
l millisecond or as great as tWo seconds. The shortest dura
20
gies used are suf?ciently loW to avoid skin damage. Because the light is applied prior to the appearance of hair on a skin surface, the skin surface may be maintained in a hairless condition continuously. If the individual Wishes to groW hair
at any location, this is possible by merely refraining from light application. The present invention contemplates the use
of a light applicator periodically, say, at intervals of a Week to a feW months. In some cases, the light application may be daily, as a substitute for daily shaving With a raZor or shaver. In contrast to shaving, Which cuts hairs at or above the skin surface, the method of present invention severs the hairs
tions and higher energies are recommended for profession ally supervised light treatments only. For ordinary consumers or unskilled users, the pulse duration should be longer, pref erably above approximately 6 msec and more preferably
betWeen approximately 6 msec and approximately 20 msec. A pulse duration of 7 msec is effective. Pursuant to one embodiment of the present invention, the
25

cleaner, more complete hair removal. In contrast, all conven

30
tional methods of hair removal, including shaving, Waxing,
plucking, tWeeZing, electrolysis, laser light application, inco

herent light application, or the use of depilatories, require the protrusion of the hairs at the skin surface. It should be understood that the present methodology may be used in professional settings, in spas or salons, by profes
35

decrease With use.
sional cosmetic service providers. Higher energies may be used in such settings. Even higher energies and more complex settings may be used by licensed medical professionals in
medical of?ces.
The number of pulses in each pulse sequence or treatment session (as applied to a given skin area) may be betWeen one and ten, While the total duration of a pulse sequence ranges between 1 millisecond and 38 seconds.
40
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a light-pulse generating device

for use in a method in accordance With the present invention.
45

that some adjustment may be made by the user in the particu
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of another light-pulse generating

lar operational parameters of the light application device. For

instance, a simple hand-held device may have a plurality of settings, for instance, high, medium, and loW, Where one or more of the operational parameters have different pre-estab
invention.
lished values depending on the setting. Thus, high, medium, and loW settings may vary in the number of applied pulses, the pulse duration, the inter-pulse interval, and/ or the total energy
applied. A user could start With a loW setting to see Whether
50

the hair falls out and if not, try the next higher setting. Usually, it is preferable to use the loWest setting Which accomplishes
the desired result.
includes a manually operable setting selector 10 connected at

55 an output to a memory 12 in turn connected at an output to a
control unit 14. Memory 12 stores pre-established combina
tions of light pulse parameters including pulse Width or dura
grammed With automatically operating safety controls Which

inhibit the user from inadvertently exposing himself or her
tion, inter-pulse interval or delay time, pulse number, light

intensity, and total treatment energy. Control unit 14 may be
60
self to dangerous quantities of light energy. Thus, in a rela tively complex consumer product, the users setting of one
parameter at a potentially dangerous value Will cause the
a microprocessor or a special logic circuit connected to a
pulse generator 16 for inducing the generator to produce a

sequence of electrical control pulses fed to a source 18 of

parameters to prevent an excessive rate of energy delivery. For instance, the selection of a small inter-pulse interval may prevent the user from selecting a long pulse duration and/or a
65
incoherent light energy. Source 18 produces light With a spec tral distribution including Wavelengths betWeen 500 nm and
1200 nm. Control unit 14 may be connected directly to source
18 Where the source incorporates means for varying pulse parameters pursuant to encoded instructions.
Filed 11/14/13 Page 69 of 93
US 7,553,308 B2
11
Light source 18 (as Well as the entire light pulse applicator)
may take any known form such as those disclosed in Us. Pat.
12
modifying the Wavelength band delivered to the target skin
surface. Selectors 32, 34, 36, and 38 are operatively tied to a control unit 40 such as a microprocessor or hard-Wired log
No. 6,280,438 andU.S. Pat. No. 5,885,273. Thus, light source

18 may be a Xenon ?ashlamp.
circuit. Control unit 40 regulates the operation of light source

42 such as a conventional ?ashlamp, either directly or indi

rectly via a pulse generator 44. Light 46 from source 42 is
re?ectors, lenses, and ?lters (not separately shoWn). Where an

adjustable ?lter is included, control unit 14 may be connected to the ?lter for operatively modifying the action thereof. For instance, in the case of an adjustable neutral density ?lter, control unit 14 may induce a change in the ?lter density to control the intensity, and therefore the poWer, of the light
applied to a selected skin surface.
transmitted along a path through optical elements 48 option

ally including one or more re?ectors, lenses, and ?lters (not separately shoWn). Light 50 at an output of the optical array
48 is applied to a skin surface via applicator or interface element 52. Applicator or interface element 52 may take the form of a crystal block, a ?exible plastic element, and/or a transparent or translucent pouch ?lled With a transparent or
translucent ?uid such as a gel or a liquid. In the case of the
In the case of multiple Wavelengths of light being pro duced, an adjustable ?lter may be included in the optical elements 22 and/or the applicator interface 26. These ?lters
?exible applicator element or the ?uid-?lled pouch, applica

tor or interface element 52 conforms at least partially to the
changing topography of the skin surface under treatment, thereby facilitating the retention of gel betWeen the applicator
or interface 52 and the skin surface. This result decreases the
20

Wavelengths orband pass ?lters that block some high or some
loW end Wavelengths may be utiliZed. Light 24 leaving the optical array 22 is delivered or applied
to a skin surface via an applicator or interface element 26
likelihood of overexposed or burned skin and generally pro vides a more uniform application of light With a uniformity of cooling. Safety is enhanced, While the outcomes to successive
procedures become increasingly standardized.

As an alternative to the ?exible applicator or ?uid-?lled
25
exemplarily taking the form of a crystal. U.S. Pat. No. 6,280, 438 and Us. Pat. No. 5,885,273 disclose kinds ofapplicators or interfaces utiliZable in the device of FIG. 1 (or 2). Appli
cator or interface element 26 may function in part to cool the
pouch, applicator or interface element 52 may include a plu
rality of independently movable substantially rigid transpar

ent or translucent members (not shoWn) that collectively
de?ne a tissue-engaging surface. These independently mov
30
skin surface prior to, during, and/or after a light application
procedure. Cooling may be accomplished by using a crystal

type applicator or interface 26, With or Without a layer of gel,
as described in Us. Pat. No. 6,280,438 and Us. Pat. No.
able members may take the form of closely packed pins or plates that are each independently spring biased to an extended position. Pres sure of topographical dermal features
5,885,273. Alternatively or additionally, cooling may be

accomplished by spraying a coolant on the skin surface or by
bloWing air or other gas on the skin surface. In the former
against the independently movable pins or plates during use

35
case, the light application device is provided With a reservoir

of coolant ?uid, an ejection mechanism or pump and a noZZle. In the latter case, the device is provided With a pump or compressor and a noZZle for directing a jet of air at the skin surface being treated. The elements of FIG. 1 are encased in or mounted to a housing or casing 28 of a siZe and con?gu
of the light-pulse generating device causes the pins or plates to move in opposition to the respective spring bias, to thereby conform the tissue engaging surface of the light-pulse gener ating device to the skin surface under treatment. The indepen dently movable pins or plates may be disposed in a holder or bracket attached to the housing or casing 3 0 and retained there by friction forces.
40
Where applicator 52 (or 26) includes a gel-?lled pouch, the

pouch (52) may be provided With perforations on a skin
ration enabling the pulse generation device to be hand held
and easily manipulated for purposes of optically treating dif

ferent skin surfaces of the individual user.
contacting surface for exuding the gel for cooling purposes.

Alternatively, as shoWn in FIG. 2, the light pulse device may
45
The device of FIG. 1 is preprogrammed to produce light
pulses in any of several settings, each setting being de?ned by a respective combination of particular operational parameters
including pulse duration, inter-pulse interval, pulse number,

and intensity or total energy. For instance, the device may
have a plurality of settings, for instance, high, medium, and loW, Which vary in the number of applied pulses (e. g., 3, 2, l), the pulse duration (9 msec, 7 msec, 5 msec), the inter-pulse
interval (250 msec, 300 msec, 350 msec), and/or the total
50
energy applied (35 J/cm2, 20 J/cm2, l0 J/cm2). A user could

start With a loW setting to see Whether the hair falls out and if
be provided With a ?uid dispenser such as a spray noZZle 54 connected to a valve 56 doWnstream of a pressuriZed coolant reservoir 58. In response to an operation of a manual actuator 60 or in response to signals from control unit 40, valve 56 enables a ?oW of coolant from reservoir 58 to noZZle 54 for application to a selected skin surface. In the event that appli cator or interface element 52 is a bag or pouch, reservoir 58 and valve 56 may be connected to the applicator or interface element for supplying a gel or ?uid coolant thereto. In one embodiment of the device of FIG. 2, suitable for
professional but not home use, inter-pulse interval selector 32

55
not, try the next higher setting. Usually, it is preferable to use the loWest setting Which accomplishes the desired result.
Amore advanced or complex device is illustrated in FIG. 2.
provides for intervals in a range from 1 msec and 2 seconds,
Whereas pulse number selector 34 is enabled for pulse

sequences of one to ten pulses. In addition, poWer selector 36
This device includes a housing or casing 30 having manually actuatable input elements 32, 34, 36, and 38, such as rotary
knobs or a solid-state touch screen, Which enable a user to 60
permits treatment energies betWeen 0.01 Joule per square

centimeter of skin surface and 200 Joules per square centi

ments or selectors 32, 34, 36, and 28 are an inter-pulse inter val selector, a pulse number selector, a poWer or energy selec
meter, While pulse duration selector 38 enables pulses of l msec to 2 seconds in length. Total pulse sequence duration, from the beginning of the ?rst pulse to the termination of the
?nal pulse, ranges from 1 msec to 38 seconds. The various
tor, and a pulse duration selection, respectively. Another
selector (not shoWn) could be for intensity adjustment, While

a further selector may be provided for adjusting a light source 42 or a ?lter in optical elements 48 and/ or an applicator 52 for
65
pulse sequence parameters may be selectable from sets of discrete values or, alternatively, from continuous ranges. In the device of FIG. 2, the various parameters are typically not completely independent inasmuch as the total energy
Filed 11/14/13 Page 70 of 93
US 7,553,308 B2
13
selected Will function as a constraint on the ranges available
14
a user should choose initial parameter values Which in com
for the other parameters, that is, the total energy selected Will
serve to regulate or circumscribe the ranges available to the
bination result in the application of small amounts of energy.

Thus, Where one or more selected pulse parameters are asso
user for the other pulse sequence parameters. Where the device of FIG. 2 has no intensity adjustment capability, a selection of the total energy and the pulse duration may deter mine the number of pulses. Similarly, a selection of the total energy and the number of pulses may determine the pulse duration. If the intensity is an adjustable parameter, once the total energy has been chosen, the user Will be able to select the
ciated With high treatment energies, other pulse parameters

should be selected that are associated With loW treatment
energies.
Where all the pulse parameters are independently adjust able, loWer treatment energies Will generally result from set
magnitudes of tWo of the three parameters, pulse duration, intensity and number of pulses. The inter-pulse interval is
related to the rate at Which radiant energy is applied to a skin
tings involving feW pulses (say, 1-3 instead of 8-10 pulses), long inter-pulse intervals (300 msec or more), short pulse durations (20 msec or less), loW light intensity (if selectable,
for example, via an adjustable neutral density ?lter), and loW total energies (less than 40 Joules per square centimeter of skin surface). If a given setting proves to be ineffective, the user might adjust selector 32 or 38 to decrease the inter-pulse
surface and may accordingly be subjected to some pro
grammed control. Longer pulse durations and/ or delays Will

deliver energy at a sloWer rate (total energy is distributed over
longer time) and therefore be safer to use With higher energy levels. Preferably, the total energy is alWays a selectable parameter and is best selected prior to the setting of the other parameters. HoWever, the device of FIG. 2 may be prepro grammed to limit the rate at Which radiant energy is applied to
a skin surface, Which Will force restrictions on the users
interval or increase the pulse length, thereby effectively

increasing the poWer or rate at Which the radiant energy is delivered to the target skin surface. Alternatively or addition
20
ally, the user might increase the number of pulses via selector
34 or increase the applied energy via selector 36. These adjustments Will result in an increase in the rate of applied energy if the total time of the pulse sequence is limited. If the
ability to select pulse parameter values.

In an alternative embodiment of the device of FIG. 2, suitable for home use, inter-pulse interval selector 32 enables
a selection of intervals ranging from 200 msec to 2 seconds, While poWer selector 36 enables treatment energies betWeen
25
light intensity is separately adjustable, one may increase the poWer or rate of energy delivery by simply selecting a higher
intensity value.
0.01 J/cm2 and 40 J/cm2. Preferably, the pulse duration and

the number of pulses available for selection are restricted so as to prevent the user from delivering energy at too high a rate.
tiveness of the device of FIG. 2 Will be different from the case
If the user selects a large pulse number, the pulse duration is necessarily short, Whereas a small number of pulses forces a longer pulse duration in order to achieve the selected total
energy. It is preferable to use a larger number of pulses and a smaller pulse duration in order to limit the rate at Which light energy is applied to a skin surface. Pulse number selector 34 may therefore enable a selection of three to ten pulses per pulse sequence, While pulse duration selector 38 enables a selection of pulses lasting 1 msec to 10 msec. The various
of completely independent parameter values. For instance,

once the total applied energy and total pulse sequence time
have been selected, decreasing the number of pulses Will

require an increase in pulse length and/ or an increase in pulse intensity in order to deliver the same amount of total energy in the ?xed time. These changes Will increase the effectiveness of the light application inasmuch as the rate of energy delivery is increased. In contrast, once the total applied energy and
40
pulse sequence parameters may be selectable from sets of discrete values or, alternatively, from continuous ranges.
A person uses the device of FIG. 1 or 2 to apply pulses of light to a skin surface for purposes of effectively severing or
total pulse sequence time have been selected, increasing the

pulse duration Will decrease the instantaneous rate at Which
energy is applied to the target skin surface by decreasing the
light intensity.
destroying hair ?bers beloW the surface of the skin to tempo
rarily prevent hairs from groWing through and thus becoming

visible on the skin. The user ?rst performs a calibration or
initialiZation procedure to determine an appropriate pulse setting and a hair-regeneration period for that setting. The term hair-regeneration period is used herein to denote the
time it takes for hair to reappear on the skin surface after a
removal method using the device of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, light is used on skin surfaces With visible and protruding hair. Light is applied to the skin surface and the hair and is directed
doWnWard toWards the base or bulb of the hair. Immediate damage to the hair may be noted but is not essential. Hairs may fall out during the course of the folloWing month. Hair loss may be gradual or abrupt. No assistance is usually needed in this process. Since hair groWth rates vary from person to person and for
different body locations on the same person, each user should note the interval betWeen the ?rst treatment and the reappear
ance of neW hair on each skin area.
50
pulse sequence has been applied to that surface at a selected
setting.
During the calibration or initialiZation stage, the user should ?rst select a loW-energy pulse sequence to determine Whether that sequence is effective in removing the hair of a selected skin region. The individual may ?nd that a given setting does not adequately remove the hair (e.g., some hairs do not fall out) or requires a too frequent treatment. In such cases, the individual should retry the calibration or initialiZa
55
(different colors, different ?ber diameters, different hair den sities) and different skin pigmentation, etc., different pulse
60
parameter settings are recommended for different skin areas.
tion procedure using a higher-energy setting.

Using the device of FIG. 1, an individual Will ?rst select a
For example, different settings Will be necessary for the underarms and the legs in order to optimiZe results. In addi
tion, depilation schedules may also vary from one skin area to another.
65
loW setting to determine Whether that loW setting is effective

in hair removal. If not, a next higher or medium setting may be
tried. Generally, higher settings Will be used only as the

circumstances Warrant, for instance, if the hair ?bers are thick

and the skin is light.
Filed 11/14/13 Page 71 of 93
US 7,553,308 B2
15
16
eters may be individually adjusted independently of the other parameters. In these examples, the total times of the pulse
sequences are determined by the selected numbers of pulses, the selected pulse durations and the selected inter-pulse inter

instance, if it is determined that hair reappears on a leg at three Weeks after treatment With light at a given pulse sequence
vals. The light intensity may be automatically adjusted by the

light generating device if necessary to ensure consistency among the listed parameter settings.
HOME USE EXAMPLE 1
setting, then light energy at that setting is applied to the leg at,
say, tWo Week intervals to maintain the leg free of visible hair.
The regeneration period may be measured again after any

number of treatments. And if the user ?nds that the regenera
tion time has changed, the interval betWeen successive treat
ment sessions may be adjusted accordingly. This hair removal method contemplates, therefore, the
periodic application to a selected skin surface of a pulse
sequence having a predetermined number of pulses of light of a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum, a predetermined duration, a predetermined inter-pulse interval, and a prede
termined total energy. These pulse sequence parameters are
In a preferred setting or combination of operational param eters suitable for home use, an incoherent light applicator device for temporary hair removal generates pulses With a pulse number of tWo, a pulse duration of 7 msec, an inter pulse interval of 300 msec, a total pulse energy of 20 J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a commercially available
?ashlamp, including Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm.

HOME USE EXAMPLE 2
20
determined in part by the design of the light generating device

used and in part by the selections made by the user. The light treatment temporarily prevents a groWth of hair through the selected skin surface for the respective hair-regeneration
A slightly higher setting or combination of operational

parameters for an incoherent light applicator device suitable
for home use involves a pulse sequence With a pulse number of tWo, a pulse duration of 7 msec, an inter-pulse interval of
25
period.
250 msec, a total pulse energy of 20 J/cm2, and a spectral
distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, including

Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. Although the total
amount of energy is the same as in the ?rst example, the shorter interpulse interval means that the rate of energy trans
30

or hair-regroWth period, the spectrum of the pulses may be limited to shorter Wavelengths and may include Wavelengths,
for instance, beloW 550 nm.
mission to the target skin surface is higher.

HOME USE EXAMPLE 3
The light applied to a skin surface by the devices of FIGS.

1 and 2 includes at least one Wavelength absorbable by an
35
endogenous chromophore in a persons hair. The endogenous

chromophore may be a form of melanin such as pheomelanin
or eumelanin. In a more advanced embodiment the light
A higher setting or combination of operational parameters for an incoherent light applicator device involves pulses With
a pulse number of tWo, a pulse duration of 5 msec, an inter
application device may include a setting or control (not shoWn) for selecting a spectrum or range of Wavelengths appropriate to the users hair color. For instance, for lighter
hair, the Wavelengths selected encompass one or more natural
40
absorption Wavelengths of pheomelanin. For darker hair, the

Wavelengths selected encompass one or more natural absorp
pulse interval of 250 msec, a total pulse energy of 25 J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, including Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. In this example, not only is the total energy larger than in the second example, but the rate of energy application is higher oWing to the shorter pulse duration.
HOME USE EXAMPLE 4
tion Wavelengths of eumelanin. In any event, the devices of

FIGS. 1 and 2 are used Without the application of an exog
45
enous chromophore to a target skin surface for light absorp tion purposes. Hair removal and groWth retardation are
accomplished by light absorption solely by one or more
An even higher setting or combination of operational parameters for an incoherent light applicator device involves pulses With a pulse number of tWo, a pulse duration of 5 msec,
50
endogenous chromophores.
In other embodiments of a light generation and application
device for hair treatment, one or more of the pulse parameters
an inter-pulse interval of 210 msec, a total pulse energy of 37
may vary during a single treatment session. For instance, the inter-pulse interval or the pulse duration may increase or decrease from the beginning of a pulse sequence to the end of the pulse sequence (i.e., Within a single pass or light pulse
J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, including Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. The pulse sequence of this example delivers radiant energy at a higher rate than in the third example because of the shorter
55
inter-pulse interval and the slightly higher energy delivered per pulse.
HOME USE EXAMPLE 5
sequence). The resulting instantaneous rate of energy appli cation may therefore vary during the pulse sequence. As
another example, the Wavelength or spectral composition

may vary from pulse to pulse Within a single pulse sequence
or pass. It is even possible to vary the specral composition of
60
In a loW setting or combination of operational parameters,
an incoherent light applicator device produces pulses With a

pulse number of tWo, a pulse duration of 5 msec, an inter pulse interval of 350 msec, a total pulse energy of 15 J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a commercially available
65
the light Within a single pulse of a pulse sequence.

Listed beloW are a number of exemplary settings or com
binations of operational parameters particularly suitable for

home-use and attainable With either the device of FIG. 1

The pulse sequence of this example delivers a small amount of energy, at a loW rate (e. g., long inter-pulse interval).
having pre-established settings or parameter combinations or the device of FIG. 2 Where the various pulse sequence param
Filed 11/14/13 Page 72 of 93
US 7,553,308 B2
17
HOME UsE EXAMPLE 6
18
pulses With a pulse number of tWo, a pulse duration of 7 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 100 msec, a total pulse energy of 60 J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a commercially available

parameters for an incoherent light applicator device involves pulses With a pulse number of tWo, a pulse duration of 5 msec,

PROFESSIONAL USE EXAMPLE 3
J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, including Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm.
HOME USE EXAMPLE 7
A loWer setting or combination of operational parameters for an incoherent light applicator device involves pulses With
a pulse number of three, a pulse duration of 5 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 300 msec, a total pulse energy of 20
pulse interval of 100 msec, a total pulse energy of 60 J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, including Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm.
HOME USE EXAMPLE 8
20
Another setting or combination of operational parameters for an incoherent light applicator device involves pulses With
pulse interval of 250 msec, a total pulse energy of 20 J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, including Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. The devices of FIGS. 1 and 2 may be provided With a
25
In a relatively loW setting or combination of operational
instance, betWeen 700 nm and 900 nm. Alternatively, a loW
parameters for professional use, an incoherent light applica tor device produces pulses With a pulse number of tWo, a pulse
duration of 9 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 200 msec, a total
30
pass ?lter may be used for transmitting to a skin surface only Wavelengths less than a predetermined maximum, such as 900 nm, 750 nm, or 550 run. The loWer the Wavelength the
pulse energy of 40 J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a
commercially available ?ashlamp, including Wavelengths

less likely the light Will penetrate deeply and damage cellular
and histological elements as deep as the bulb parts of the hair follicles. Shorter Wavelengths, for instance, beloW 550 nm are
35
useful for limiting the depth of penetration. It is to be under stood, hoWever, that the less the depth of penetration, the shorter the time betWeen successive applications of light
energy necessary to maintain a hair free skin surface. Thus, instead of a month or a Week, the time betWeen successive hair removal procedures might be as little as one or tWo days.
40


light intensities. Neutral density or gray ?lters may be used to reduce the intensity of the light applied to the selected skin surfaces.
45
binations of operational parameters particularly suitable for professional devices. In these examples, the total times of the pulse sequences are determined by the selected numbers of pulses, the selected pulse durations and the selected inter
Another higher setting or combination of operational parameters for an incoherent light applicator device involves pulses With a pulse number of tWo, a pulse duration of 5 msec,
50
pulse intervals. The light intensity may be automatically

adjusted by the light generating device if necessary to ensure consistency among the listed parameter settings.
55
J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, including Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. An incoherent light applicator device for professional use may also be provided With a band-pass ?lter for limiting the spectral distribution of the generated light pulses to Wave lengths in a givenband, for instance, betWeen 700 nm and 900
nm. Again, a loW-pass ?lter may be used for transmitting to a
In a setting or combination of operational parameters suit
skin surface only Wavelengths less than a predetermined

maximum, such as 900 nm, 750 nm, or 550 nm.
able for professional use, an incoherent light applicator device for temporary hair removal generates pulses With a
pulse number of tWo, a pulse duration of 7 msec, an inter
The hair treatment method described above With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 results not only in a temporary hair removal
60
at an optically treated skin surface, but also retards the groWth of hair ?bers located at or along that skin surface. By counting the days to hair reappearance after several hair depilation
procedures over a course of a feW months, it is possible to
65

parameters for an incoherent light applicator device involves
determine a reduction in hair groWth rate oWing to the appli cation of electromagnetic radiation. A user Who starts using the light application process at one inter-application interval may subsequently use a longer inter-application interval and
Filed 11/14/13 Page 73 of 93
US 7,553,308 B2
19
still maintain a hair-free skin surface. Of course, the degree of hair growth rate reduction Will vary from person to person and
even from skin location to skin location on the same person.
20
determining a period of time for reapplication of light
pulses to said skin surface prior to a reappearance of hair on said skin surface; and
For example, tWo users initially required to apply the pulsed

light energy at intervals of one Week in order to prevent the reappearance of hair on the treated hair surface may ?nd that after several months one user need reapply light energy only every tWo Weeks and the other user need reapply light energy
reapplying pulses of light to said skin surface prior to a lapse of said period of time after an application of pulses
of light to said skin surface and prior to a reappearance of
hair on said skin surface.
only every month.

same for all passes or may vary from pass to pass (or even
Within the same pass, as indicated above). In addition, the passes may folloW immediately after one another or may be
spaced by an interval during Which, for instance, the light

treatment device is used to apply light pulses to another area of the users skin. An advantage of multiple passes is that the total poWer applied to a given skin surface may be reduced relative to that needed for accomplishing the desired hair removal by a single pass or light treatment. For example, instead of a single pass of 50 Joules/cm2, hair could be effec
providing a device for generating pulses of light each hav ing a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum and for applying said pulses of light to a skin surface, said pulses having at least one predetermined pulse duration, and a predetermined total energy; operating said device to apply a ?rst sequence of light pulses to a selected skin surface having groWing hair, the applying of said light pulses to said selected skin surface
serving to delay an appearance of hair on said selected
20
skin surface after protruding hair has been removed from said skin surface; subsequently operating said device to apply a second sequence of light pulses to said selected skin surface; determining a period of time to apply light to said selected
skin surface prior to reappearance of hair on said
tively removed temporarily by tWo passes of 20 Joules/cm2
apiece.
25
particular embodiments and applications, one of ordinary skill in the art, in light of this teaching, can generate additional embodiments and modi?cations Without departing from the
spirit of or exceeding the scope of the claimed invention. For example, light sources 18 and 42 may take the form of laser sources. In that case, if optical elements 22 and 48 include any
30
selected skin surface after the using of said device and after protruding hair has been removed from said selected skin surface; and
subsequently periodically using said device to apply said

pulses of light to said selected skin surface at intervals of
shorter length than said period of time, thereby tempo

rarily maintaining said selected skin surface free of vis
ible hair.
?lters, those ?lters are neutral density ?lters for reducing the
intensity of the transmitted radiation. Where light sources 18
and 42 are tunable laser sources, then an additional actuator
may be provided for frequency selection purposes. Accord ingly, it is to be understood that the draWings and descriptions herein are proffered by Way of example to facilitate compre
hension of the invention and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof.
35
3. A personal treatment method comprising: providing a device for generating pulses of light each hav ing a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum and for applying said pulses of light to a skin surface, said pulses
having at least one predetermined pulse duration, and a predetermined total energy; and operating said device in a single instance of light treatment
to apply a sequence of light pulses to a skin surface, said
40
What is claimed is:
sequence comprising a plurality of pulses of light each characteriZed by a plurality of predetermined param
1. A method for hair removal and temporarily preventing hair reappearance, comprising: applying pulses of light to a skin surface, saidpulses having
at least one pulse duration, and a total energy all prede
eters including electromagnetic spectrum, pulse dura

tion and intensity and, in the case of at least tWo pulses, an inter-pulse interval With respect to an adjacent pulse, at least one of said pulses having an individual electromag netic spectrum that varies from the beginning of such pulse to the end of such pulse.
* * * * *
termined to temporarily prevent a groWth of hair through said skin surface; removing hair from said skin surface;
Filed 11/14/13 Page 74 of 93
Exhibit E U.S. PATENT 8,393,330 (The 330 Patent)
Filed 11/14/13 Page 75 of 93

US008393330B2
(12) Ulllted States Patent

Jay
(54) HAIR TREATMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD
(10) Patent N0.:

5,606,798 A
5,683,380 A
US 8,393,330 B2
*Mar. 12, 2013
3/1997 Kelman
11/1997 Eckhouse et al.
(76)
Inventor.
Harvey H. Jay, Scarsdale, NY (US)
5,735,844 A
5,707,403 A
4/l998 Anderson et a1
l/l998 Grove et a1.
( * ) Notice:
Subject' to any disclaimer, the term of this

patent is extended or adjusted under 35
2 4
5,885,273 A
$311322: 2: :11" 606/9

U_S_C_ 154(1)) by () days_

_ _ _ _ _
5,895,568 A
5,916,211 A
4/1999 Koltunov
6/1999 Quon 6181.
This patent is subject to a terminal d1sC1aimer_
5,993,440 A 6,017,360 A 6,027,495 A

6,050,990 A
6,152,917 A
11/1999 Ghassemi 1/2000 Chubb 6181. 2/2000 Miller

4/2000 Tankovich et al.
(21)
(22)
(65)
Appl' NO" 13/531982

_
6,063,076 A
5/2000 Mehl, Sr. et a1.
ll/2000 Tankovich
Flledi
Jun-25,2012
6,162,211 A
6,162,212 A
12/2000 Tankovich 6181.

l2/2000 Kreindel et al.
6,171,302 B1
6,174,325 B1
1/2001 Talpalriu et al.

1/2001 Eckhouse et al.
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Oct. 18, 2012
6,187,001 B1 6,228,074 B1
2/2001 Azar et a1. 5/2001 Almeida

Apr. 25, 2011, noW Pat. No. 8,286,641, Which is a continuation of application No. 10/647,948, ?led on
JP
6235016 B1
5/2001 Stewart
(Continued)
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS 2001029124 20001
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Aug. 26, 2003, noW Pat. No. 7,931,028.

(51)
(52)
Int Cl A61B 19/00
(2006.01)
Philips Lumea, Model SC2001/01, Product Manual, pp. 1-65, date unknown,
C _ d
US. Cl. ............. .. 128/898; 606/9; 606/133; 607/88
(58)
Field ofClassi?cation Search .......... .. 606/3, 9413,
( Ommue )
S
(56)
1. t. ?l6og/l3l 1313i 607/81811191t; 128/898

ee app 1021 Ion e or Comp e e seam 15 Cry
Primary Examineri Ahmed Farah

(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm * Uradnik LaW Firm PC
References Cited
3,713,453 A 1/1973 Chiaro e181.
(57)
ABSTRACT
pulses of electromagnetic radiation having a predetermined _ _ _

electromagnetic spectrum, a predetermined duration, a pre determined inter-pulse interval, and a predetermined total
re uce ore1m1nae
4,608,978 A 4,8l9,669 A
4,882,598 A 5,282,842 A
5,374,825 A
9/1986 Rohr 4/1989 PolitZer

12/1994 Doty et a1
11/1989 Wulf _ 2/l994 Changarls
energy. The pulse sequence is delivered to a skin surface to d 1. . t X It . 1 t d. t. d t

ray oru rav1o e ra 1a 1on
amage 0
5,425,728 A 5,533,266 A 5,595,568 A
6/1995 Tankovich 7/l996 Kelman 1/1997 Anderson et al.

30 32
INTER-PULSE INTERVAL SELECTOR
the sklnsul'face
13 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets

34
PULSE NUMBER SELECTOR
36
as
1
POWER SELECTOR
PULSE DURATION SELECTOR
J, l
42LIGHT SOURCE PULSE GENERATOR CONTROL UNIT
40
,. .
46
44
COOLANT
RESERVOIR
62
T
SKIN mm +
48
VALVE
58
'
EXPOSURE SELECTOR
64
50 ............
56
6O
6.. ................................................ >1
52 \ APPLICATOR INTERFACE
NOZZLE |
54
Filed 11/14/13 Page 76 of 93
US 8,393,330 B2
Page 2
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6,267,771 B1 6,273,883 B1 6,280,438 B1 7/2001 Tankovich et a1. 8/2001 Furumoto 8/2001 Eckhouse et al.
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Shen, et al., Modulation of IL-10, IL-12, and IFN-gamma in the epidermis of hairless mice by UVA (320-400 nm) and UVB (280-320 nm) radiation, Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 1999, vol. 113,
No. 6, pp. 1059-1064 (Abstract). Reeve, et al., Ultraviolet A Radiation (320-400 nm) Protects Hairless Mice from Immunosuppression Induced by Ultraviolet B Radiation (280-320 nm) or Cis-Urocanic Acid, International Archives of Allergy and Immunology, 1998, vol. 115, Issue 4, p. 316 (Abstract). Reeve, et al., Interferon-gamma is involved in photoimmunoprotec tion by UVA (3 20 -400 nm) radiation in mice, Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 1999, vol. 112, No. 6, pp. 945-950 (Abstract). Bech-Thomsen, et al., Pretreatment with long-wave ultraviolet light inhibits ultraviolet-induced skin tumor development in hairless mice, Archives ofDermatology, 1988, vol. 124, pp. 1215-1218 (Abstract). Forbes, et al., Experimental ultraviolet photocarcinogenesis: wave length interactions and time-dose relationships, National Cancer Institute Monogram, 1978, vol. 50, pp. 31-38 (Abstract). Courtois, et al., Early Ultraviolet B-Induced G1 Arrest and Suppres
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7/2005 Jay .................................. .. 606/9
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7,175,617 B2*
5/2006 Anderson et al. 9/2006 Le?<iet al.

2/2007 Jay .................................. .. 606/9
sion of the Malignant Phenotype by Wild-Type p53 in Human Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells, Experimental Cell Research, 1997,
vol. 233, Issue 1, pp. 135-144 (Abstract).
Garssen, et al., UVA exposure affects UVB and cis-urocanic acid
7,201,764 B2
4/2007 Pearl et al.
7,217,267 B2
7,291,141 B2* 7,553,308 B2*
5/2007 Jay
11/2007 Jay .................................. .. 606/9 6/2009 Jay .................................. .. 606/9
induced systemic suppression of immune resposnes in Lissteria
monocytogenes-infected Balb/c mice, Photochemistry Photobiology, 2001, vol. 73, No. 4, pp. 432-438 (Abstract).
and
7,699,058 B1 7,931,028 B2
2002/0016587 2003/0011786 2003/0055414 2003/0065314 2003/0167033 2003/0216795 2004/0024390 2004/0034319 2004/0147985 2004/0230258 2004/0230260 2005/0177139 A1 A1 A1 A1 A1 A1 A1 A1 A1 A1 A1 A1
4/2010 Jay 4/2011 Jay

2/ 2002 Furumoto
Deland, et al., Treatment of Radiation-Induced Dermatitis With
1/2003 Levy et al.

3/ 2003 4/ 2003 9/ 2003 11/2003 2/ 2004 2/ 2004 7/ 2004 1 1/ 2004 1 1/ 2004 8/ 2005 Altshuler et a1. Altshuler et a1. Chen et al. Harth et al. Furumoto Anderson et al. MacFarland et al. Altshuler et a1. MacFarland et al. YamaZaki et al.
Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Photomodulation, Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 2007, vol. 39, pp. 164-168, Wiley-Liss, Inc. Latonen, et al., UV-radiation induces dose-dependent regulation of p53 response and modulates p53-HDM2 interaction in human ?bro blasts, Oncogene, 2001, vol. 20, pp. 6784-6793, Nature Publishing
Group.
Verschooten, et al., Invited Review: New Strategies of Photoprotec tion, Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2006, vol. 82, pp. 1016
1023, American Society for Photobiology. Li, et al., p53-Dependent DNA repair and apoptosis respond differ
ently to high- and low-dose ultraviolet radiation, British Journal of Dermatology, 1998, vol. 139, pp. 3-10, British Association of Der
2006/0142741 A1 2006/0173447 A1
2006/0178659 A1
6/2006 Jay 8/2006 Jay

8/2006 Van Hal et al.
matologists.
MeneZes, et al., Non-Coherent Near Infrared Radiation Protects Nor mal Human Dermal Fibrolasts from Solar Ultraviolet Toxicity, The
2011/0208272 A1
8/2011 Jay
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Remington iLight Pro, Model IPL6000, Use and Care Guide, pp.
1-44, 201 1. TRIA, Instructions for Use, pp. 1-60, 2007. ESPIL BSL-10, User Guide, pp. 1-24, date unknown.
Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 1998, vol. 111, pp. 629-633, The Society for Investigative Dermatology, Inc. Frank, et al., Infrared radiation induces the p53 signaling pathway: role in infrared prevention of ultraviolet B toxicity, Experimental Dermatology, 2005, vol. 15, pp. 130-137. Barton, et al., Cooperative Phenomena in Two-pulse, Two-color
Laser Photocoagulation of Cutaneous Blood Vessels, Photochemis try and Photobiology, 2001, vol. 73, No. 6, pp. 642-650, American
Philips SatinLux photo-epilator with IPL technology, Model SC2000/00, product lea?et, 2 pages, Feb. 12, 2011.
TOWN, iPulse Applications Training Manual, Cyden Limited, Mar.

2008, pp. 1-43. Home Skinovations User Manual, Silkn Instructions for Use, Home Skinovations Ltd., Feb. 2008, pp. 1-24.
Society for Photobiology.

Maeda, et al., Nucleotide Excision Repair Genes are Upregulated by
Low-Dose Arti?cial Ultraviolet B: Evidence of a Photoprotective
BellaLite by Silkn, Instructions for Use, Home Skinovations Ltd., Apr. 2009, pp. 1-24.
Kist, et al., Effects on Markers of Apoptosis After Intense Pulsed
SOS Response?, Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2001, vol. 117, pp. 1490-1497, The Society for Investigative Dermatology, Inc. Anderson, et al., US. Appl. No. 60/363,871, ?led Mar. 12, 2002.
File History for US. Appl. No. 10/291,086, now US Patent No.
Light Treatment of Photo Damaged Skin, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery Abstracts, Apr. 12, 2006, Abstract No. 26.
Decraene, et al., A Low UVB Dose, with the Potential to Trigger a
6,824,542 (Jay).
Notice of Allowance and Fees Due, including the Examiners State ment ofReasons for Allowance, for US. Appl. No. 10/291,086, now
Protective p53 -Dependent Gene Program, Increases the Resilience of Keratinocytes against Future UVB Insults, The Journal of Investiga tive Dermatology, Nov. 2005, vol. 125, No. 5, pp. 1026-1031. Halliday, Activation of Molecular Adaptation to SunlightiA New Approach to Photoprotection, The Society for Investigative Derma tology, Inc., No. 125, pp. xviii-xix, Nov. 5, 2005.
US Patent No. 6,824,542 (Jay). Effects of Fluence and Pulse Duration for Flashlamp Exposure on Hair Follicles, presented at the 21st Annual Meeting for the Ameri can Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery, Apr. 2001 (Manstein).
* cited by examiner
Filed 11/14/13 Page 77 of 93
US. Patent
Mar. 12, 2013
Sheet 1 0f 3
US 8,393,330 B2
SETTING
__> MEMORY
29
ii
5
SELECTOR
10
12
14
DISPLAY
16
g
3
CONTROL 5 \ UNIT
22\
OPTICAL
1s
_________ " LIGHT
3
3.
PULSE
ELEMENTS
SOURCE
'
GENERATOR
5
i 24 -v
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36 38
5
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FIG . 1
- ................... I, ............................... .i
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32
34
i5
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SELECTOR
NUMBER PULSE
SELECTOR
\POWER
SELECTOR
DURATION PULSE
SELECTOR
g
;
I42 g
SOURCE LIGHT '
/ GENERATOR PULSE
44 RESERVOIR COOLANT
CONTROL UNIT 4o g
62 SKIN \ TONE T +
EXPOSURE
546 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
i I48
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i
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...............
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i -----52\
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INTERFACE
Filed 11/14/13 Page 78 of 93
US. Patent
Mar. 12, 2013
Sheet 2 of3
US 8,393,330 B2
76 L
/ ULTRASONIC
FREQUENCY
LIGHT SOURCE
\ 42
/
CONTROL
UNIT
40
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46
OPTICAL
ELEMENTS
_ GENERATOR
AC VOLTAGE
\48
Filed 11/14/13 Page 79 of 93
US. Patent
Mar. 12, 2013

40
Sheet 3 of3
US 8,393,330 B2
TINT/COLOR SELECTOR
1 08
\ +
CONTROL
UNIT __
__->
30
\ RESERVOIR
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., APPLICATOR \
SENSOR
/
110
\
104
//
106
FIG. 4
Filed 11/14/13 Page 80 of 93
US 8,393,330 B2
1
HAIR TREATMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
2
for treating precancerous and cancerous skin. The agent accu mulates more in cancer cells than it does in normal cells. When the treated cancer cells are exposed to light, the pho
tosensitiZing agent absorbs the light and produces an active

form of oxygen that destroys the treated cancer cells. Light
exposure must be timed carefully so that it occurs When most
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 13/066,788 ?led Apr. 25, 2011 as a continuation of applica tion Ser. No. 10/647,948 ?led Aug. 26, 2003, now US. Pat.
of the photosensitiZing agent has left healthy cells but is still

present in the cancer cells. The light may have a Wavelength betWeen 650-800 nm for tissue penetration purposes.
No. 7,931,028.
The photosensitiZer used in photodynamic therapy should be partially hydrophilic for injection and delivery purposes and partially lipophilic for cell uptake purposes. Porphyrins
are typically used as photosensitiZers. Polarity and partition coe?icient of these compounds can be altered by attaching polar residues (such as amino acids, sugars, nucleosides) onto
This invention relates generally to a process for treating the
skin With light, i.e., electromagnetic radiation in the visible and infrared portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Exposure to Xrays and/or Ultraviolet (UV) light can pro duce damage to skin and body tissues. This damage can produce immediate, short term or long term changes. These changes can be temporary or permanent. Benign skin changes
dermatitis or chronic sun damage (poikiloderma). Malignant changes can include pre-cancerous lesions such
the fundamentally hydrophobic porphyrin ring.

In December 1995, the US. Food and DrugAdministration
(FDA) approved a photosensitiZing agent called por?mer

sodium, or Photofrin, to relieve symptoms of esophageal
can range from temporary irritation such as seen in radiation 20 cancer that is causing an obstruction and for esophageal can burns or sun burns, or can be more delayed such as radiation cer that cannot be satisfactorily treated With lasers alone. In
January 1998, the FDA approved por?mer sodium for the

treatment of early nonsmall cell lung cancer in patients for
as Actinic Keratoses or leukoplakia or cancerous changes Whom the usual treatments for lung cancer are not appropri such as squamous cell carcinoma, or basal cell carcinoma, or 25 ate. The National Cancer Institute and other institutions are
malignant melanoma. These changes frequently occur in the exposed tissue, but they also occur in non-exposed areas.
Among the three most common skin cancers (basal cell car
cinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma), mela

exposed areas, While it is the least common overall of the
three skin cancers.
supporting clinical trials (research studies) to evaluate the use of photodynamic therapy for several types of cancer, includ ing cancers of the bladder, brain, larynx, and oral cavity. Researchers are also looking at different laser light types,
?cial skin cancers, and neW photosensitiZing agents that may increase the effectiveness of PDT against cancers that are
located further beloW the skin or inside an organ.
noma has been reported to be the most common in non-sun 30 photosensitiZers that can be applied to the skin to treat super
Procedures for preventing damage from Xrays and UV light include: avoiding exposure, and using mechanical or
chemical screens to block the energy Waves, as Well as oral or 35
topical products such as antioxidants, or retinoids to prevent or repair the damage before or after damage has occurred.
Topical or oral chemotherapy has also been used to reverse or
Researchers have investigated the effect of visible light treatments on sun-damaged skin. The investigation applied light in tWo periorbital treatments six Weeks apart. In each
session, the light had a Wavelength of 590-1200 nm and Was applied in tWo pulses each of 4.5 msec duration, With an interpulse interval of 10 msec and a total applied energy of 42 J/cm2. The researchers found an increase in cancer-destroy
prevent progressive damage, precancerous or cancerous
changes. Surgery With scalpels, surgical instruments or With

cutting lasers has been used to remove or ameliorate dam
aged, precancerous or cancerous areas.
40
ing enzymes MMP-I, MMP-II, TIMP-II, Caspase III. The

investigation uncovered a localiZed increased expression of protein in the ?broblasts after the treatment. The researchers
Xrays have also been used to selectively target cancers. By delivering Xray energy to speci?c sites, those sites may selec
suggested that the application of electromagnetic radiation to

45
tively be damaged or destroyed. Even though the long-term

side effects may include scarring and/ or precancer and/or cancer, the bene?cial shorter term clearing of the undesirable tissue may outWeigh the longer-term risks. These bene?ts are
sun-damaged skin might reduce the chances of skin cancer formation and theorized that the light treatment stimulates dermal ?broblasts to increases the production of matrix meta
loproteases, their inhibitors, and markers of apoptosis.

50
especially valuable in the elderly patient.

Light in the visible and/or infrared spectrum has been applied to skin surfaces for purposes of treating blood vessels,
pigmentary changes, and irregular surface topography of the skin (elevations and/or depressions and/ or scarring). The light
is applied either alone or in combination With photosensitiZ
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for treating skin to promote and/or protect the health of the skin and underlying tissues.
55
ing agents and speci?cally targets chromophores such as the hemoglobin in blood, melanin in skin, or porphyrin photo
sensitiZers that accumulate in target tissue.
Photodynamic therapy (also called PDT, photoradiation

therapy, phototherapy, or photochemotherapy) is a treatment
for some types of cancer. It is based on the discovery that certain chemicals knoWn as photosensitiZing agents can kill
60
It is a more speci?c object of the present invention to provide a method for treating skin as a prophylactic measure. An even more speci?c object of the present invention is to provide such a treatment method that reduces or inhibits skin
tissue damage that might otherWise accrue oWing to Xray or
ultraviolet light exposure. It is further object of the present invention to provide such
a treatment method that is safe for home use.
one-celled organisms When the organisms are exposed to a
particular type of light. PDT destroys cancer cells through the

use of light in combination With a photosensitiZing agent.
It is a related object of the invention to provide such a

treatment method that is easy to use.
65
In PDT, the photosensitiZing agent is injected into the

bloodstream and absorbed by cells all over the body. Alter
A further related object of the present invention is to pro

vide such a treatment method that can result in smooth
natively, the photosensitiZing agent may be applied topically
healthy skin and underlying tissue layers.
Filed 11/14/13 Page 81 of 93
US 8,393,330 B2
3
These and other objects of the present invention Will be apparent from the drawings and descriptions herein. It is to be understood that each object of the invention is achieved by at
least one embodiment of the invention. It is not necessarily the case that any embodiment achieves all of the objects of the invention.
4
at any timeibefore, during, or after the undesired energy is
delivered or in various combinations thereof. Where an individuals skin is exposed to deleterious energy at a beach or a tanning salon, it is possible to deliver
the prophylactic light energy to the individuals entire skin

surface in a small chamber containing the user. The user
The present invention contemplates the use of electromag

netic energy to prevent, or treat damage from Xray or UV light. The light treatment of a skin surface is effectuated in the
preferably Wears goggles to protect the eyes and may stand in a small enclosed spaceia light chamber4during the appli cation of light to the entire skin surface. The light may be applied via a contact device, as described speci?cally herein
With reference to the draWings, and/or via a non-contact appa ratus, as discussed beloW.
absence of vi sually detecting any Xray or ultraviolet radiation damage to the skin surface. Thus, the present invention is
directed to the preclinical treatment of skin as a prophylactic
Bene?cial energy may be delivered in varying combina
tions and strengths. The protocols for delivering bene?cial

energy may be standardized based on experience or may be
measure against potential Xray or ultraviolet radiation dam

age. Visible and/or infrared light energy applied to a skin sur
individualized based on analysis of speci?c exposures and changes induced or produced by undesirable energy expo
sures.
face pursuant to the present invention is absorbed by melanin in the epidermis and hemoglobin in the capillaries and blood vessels of the dermis. The absorption of light (visible and/or infrared) increases the local temperature in the tissues con taining the chromophores, such as the blood vessel cell Walls and keratinocytes in the skin. The rise in heat of these struc
tures above a certain level stimulates a healing response and
20
Means for delivering the desirable energy may include hand-held or larger sized devices. These devices may be
located in residential and/or commercial, public and/or pri

vate, indoor and/ or outdoor settingsiand may be used on a
prescribed regimen or individualized regimen With or Without

knoWn exposure to undesirable energy.
25
a release of groWth factors and other tissue substances. This is
done Without permanently damaging these structures. The increase in the temperature of the target tissues is effectuated in addition by energy transfer oWing to light scat tering. Energy transfer in this case does not arise from light interaction With a chromophore but rather by random light interaction With undetermined other molecular species. The present invention further contemplates that the light application to a skin surface is undertaken in anticipation of,
or during or shortly after, an exposure of the individual to the sun or other source of Xray and ultraviolet radiation. If the
In accordance With another feature of the present invention, it is possible to provide the skin With an exogenous chro mophore that is absorbed into essentially all the dermal or
epidermal cells for purposes of enhancing light absorption.

This option is particularly desirable for individuals With skin
30
of loW natural melanin content. One such chromophore is
porphyrin, that may be applied topically, to facilitate selective absorption by the target skin tissues. It is noted that melanin
or precursors of melanin are not generally absorbable into the
35
skin. As indicated above, bene?cial effects of light treatment may be achieved by a scattering mechanism instead of
absorption, in Which case an exogenous chromophore is not necessary. A skin treatment method in accordance With the present
application of light precedes potentially dangerous exposure,

it is preferred, but not required, that the treatment is as close as possible to the time of exposure. Similarly, if the applica tion of light occurs after potentially dangerous exposure, the delay before skin treatment is preferably, but not necessarily,
minimized. The invention ?nds that intervals of minutes or hours betWeen light treatment and exposure are optimal. The
40
invention comprises applying an effective amount of electro magnetic radiation to a target skin surface to at least partially prevent, reverse, or inhibit damage to the skin caused by
exposure of the individual (and not necessarily the target skin

surface) to Xray or ultraviolet radiation, such as from the sun. The electromagnetic radiation is applied to the skin surface on at least one occasion prior to, during or after the exposure of
the individual to Xray or ultraviolet radiation. It is contem
invention recognizes, hoWever, that bene?ts may be attained

even if the intervals betWeen the exposure and the light treat
ment are on the order of days.
45
Nevertheless, Where several treatment sessions are used,

some or all of those treatments may be scheduled at times
plated that the radiation is applied to the skin surface in the absence of any visible Xray or ultraviolet radiation damage
50
substantially removed from the time of exposure to Xray or

UV radiation. For individuals Who are exposed to the sun
on the skin surface. The radiation is applied as a prophylactic or preventitive measure to obviate any possible Xray or ultra
regularly, it is possible for the light treatments to be done regularly as Well. For instance, daily or Weekly treatments
may be optimal for some individuals.
violet radiation damage that might otherWise occur because

of exposure to the sun or other source of Xray or UV radia
More speci?cally, the present invention contemplates

delivering, to a skin surface, visible light and/or infrared light
With a Wavelength of about 400 to about 1200 nm, in particu lar, either alone or in combination With sound Waves, ultra
sound Waves and/ or magnetic Waves. A method pursuant to
55
tion. It is to be noted that the present invention contemplates in part the treatment of skin areas that are not exposed directly to
the sun or other source of Xray or UV radiation. Accordingly,
the present invention serves to prevent, reduce, improve, or
skin surfaces that are covered by clothing during an individu als exposure to the sun may be subject to the light treatment of the present invention. Such treatment is based on the fact
60
clear the potential, immediate, chronic and/or long term changes resulting from non-bene?cial energy. Selection of complementary energy settings Which may offset the physical, biochemical, or any negative change pro duced by the undesirable energyiWill bene?t the patient.
This bene?cial energy may be delivered to any areai
that melanomas are knoWn to occur in non-exposed areas of an individual s skin. The mechanism for this is not knoWn and may possibly rest on a blood factor.
Pursuant to another feature of the present invention, the

65
Whether including or excluding the original target area of the

undesirable energy. This bene?cial energy may be delivered
applying of the electromagnetic radiation includes (a) gener ating a predetermined number of pulses of electromagnetic radiation each having a predetermined electromagnetic spec trum, and (b) directing the pulses of electromagnetic radiation
Filed 11/14/13 Page 82 of 93
US 8,393,330 B2
5
towards the skin surface of the individual, Who is exposed to
Xray or ultraviolet radiation. The pulses have at least one pulse duration and a total energy all predetermined to reduce direct or indirect Xray or ultraviolet radiation damage to the tissues of the skin surface. Direct radiation damage refers to skin areas that are exposed to Xray or ultraviolet radiation, Whereas indirect radiation damage refers to skin areas that
6
absorbed by melanin, hemoglobin, and other lights-sensitive
molecules causes a conformational or chemical change in
those molecules that renders the molecules more receptive to
additional light absorption, perhaps of light of different Wave lengths. Accordingly, broadband light treatment is desirable in the absence of knoWing exactly Which Wavelengths are
absorbed at Which times by Which molecules.
are shielded, for instance, by clothing during exposure of the

individual to Xray or ultraviolet radiation.
The present invention contemplates that the electromag

netic radiation may applied to the skin surface in different treatment sessions on multiple occasions each in conjunction With a respective exposure of the individual to Xray or ultra violet radiation. Thus, an individual may apply the radiation to his or her skin prior to, during, and/or after each exposure
of the individual to the sun. Where the individual has a regular
Pursuant to more speci?c features of the present invention, the number of pulses is greater than one, the pulses have an inter-pulse interval betWeen approximately 1 msec and 500 msec, the total energy is betWeen approximately 0.01 Joule and approximately 200 Joules of energy per square centime ter of the skin surface, and the pulse duration is betWeen about
1 msec and 2 sec.
Even more speci?cally, the pulse duration is betWeen about

1 msec and 100 msec, Whereas the total energy is betWeen
and continuing exposure to Xray or ultraviolet radiation, the individual may apply the electromagnetic energy to his or her skin With a periodicity corresponding to that of the individu als exposure.
20
approximately 1 Joule and approximately 90 Joules of energy

per square centimeter of the skin surface. In one particular embodiment of the method in accordance
Pursuant to the present invention, each application of the electromagnetic radiation to the skin surface is effectuated
Within a certain interval of a respective exposure of the indi vidual to Xray or ultraviolet radiation. Preferably, but not
With the present invention, the number of pulses is tWo, the pulse duration is about 5.8 msec, the interpulse interval is approximately 20 msec, and the total energy applied is
betWeen about 20 Joules per square centimeter of the skin surface and about 90 Joules per square centimeter of the skin surface. In another particular embodiment of the method in accor
25
necessarily, the application of electromagnetic radiation to a

skin surface is Within one day or tWenty-four hours of the exposure of the individual to Xray or ultraviolet radiation.
More preferably, the application of electromagnetic radiation

to a skin surface is Within tWelve hours of the exposure of the individual to Xray or ultraviolet radiation. Most preferably,
dance With the present invention, the number of pulses is one,

the pulse duration is betWeen about 18 msec and 25 msec, and the total energy applied is betWeen about 20 Joules per square centimeter of the skin surface and about 90 Joules per square centimeter of the skin surface.
30
the application of electromagnetic radiation to a skin surface

is Within one hour of the exposure of the individual to Xray or
ultraviolet radiation. These intervals apply regardless of Whether the application of electromagnetic radiation to a skin
surface is prior to or after the exposure of the individual to Xray or ultraviolet radiation. In any event, the present inven
35
Preferably, the electromagnetic radiation of the pulses is incoherent and Wherein the spectrum includes Wavelengths
betWeen about 400 nm and 1200 nm. It is furthermore pref
tion contemplates the application of light in the visible and/or infrared spectrum to skin that is visibly undamaged by Xray
or UV radiation exposure, Whether solar or otherWise. The
erable to apply the light during any given treatment session in pulse packets that are separated by a period that is great in
comparison to the interpulse duration(s) of the pulse packets. This inter-packet period may be anyWhere from one-tenth of
a second to several minutes. Where a hand treatment device is
40
light treatment is therefore a preclinical or prophylactic method. The electromagnetic radiation applied to the skin surface may have a Wavelength absorbable by an endogenous chro
being used, it is convenient to treat an entire skin surface With a ?rst pulse packet during a ?rst pass and then treat the same skin surface With a second pulse packet during a second pass. Where a light chamber is used, the individual may Wait as long as a feW minutes betWeen successive pulse packets, Without incurring any fatigue or boredom. The use of multiple passes enables each pulse packet to deliver a smaller amount of energy, thus loWering the inten sity or the rate that the light energy is applied to the skin surface. Instead of 50 Joules/cm2 delivered in one pass, 20-25 J oules/cm2 are delivered in each of tWo passes. Further reduc tion in the applied energy to l Joule/cm2 or less is possible,
mophore in tissues along the skin surface. The endogenous

chromophore may be melanin and/ or hemoglobin. In the case of melanin, the natural melanin content of the skin may be
45
enhanced by topical application of a composition containing,

for instance, porphyrin or other chromophore absorbable
through the epidermis.

Where the applying of the electromagnetic radiation to the
50
skin surface is carried out on multiple occasions or sessions, at least one of the occasions may be further removed in time than at least another of the occasions from the exposure of the individual to Xray or ultraviolet radiation. This is particularly
the case Where the multiple applications of electromagnetic

radiation are all before or all after the exposure to Xray or
55
Without adversely impacting the effectiveness of the treat ment, provided that the number of passes is increased to enable su?icient application of energy. This multiple pass
treatment is not only effective to treat the target skin surface but is safer and results in feWer side effects. There is a reduced risk of burning or irritation. The treated individual cannot even sense that the light treatment has occurred. The multiple
ultraviolet radiation. Where there are but tWo applications of electromagnetic radiation, one before and one after the Xray or UV radiation exposure, those applications may possibly
occur at the same time interval before and after the exposure.
The occasions or sessions of electromagnetic radiation

60
pass method is particularly effective in treating skin that is tanned or otherWise heavily pigmented. Further advantages of using multiple passes include the manufacture of safer
machines at less expense.
application may be regularly spaced in time from one another, for instance, daily or Weekly. Successive sessions are typi
cally spaced by at least about a half hour from one another. Preferably, successive sessions are spaced by an inter-session interval of at least several hours. In accordance With another feature of the present invention, the method comprises the transmission of ultrasound energy
It is hypothesiZed that the effectiveness of multiple passes

stems in part from chemical reactions that are induced from
65
the light applied during the ?rst pass. It is possible that light
into biological tissues along the target skin surface prior to,
Filed 11/14/13 Page 83 of 93
US 8,393,330 B2
7
during, after, or in lieu of applying the electromagnetic radia
tion to the skin surface. Alternatively or additionally, the
8
The pulse parameters, namely, the pulse number, the pulse
the spectral distribution(s), are selected in concert to reduce
method also comprises applying a magnetic ?eld to biologi cal tissues along the skin surface prior to, during, after or in lieu of the applying of the electromagnetic radiation to the
skin surface. Accordingly, a skin treatment method in accordance With the present invention comprises applying an effective amount
of mechanical pressure Waves to a skin surface to at least
or prevent Xray- and/or UV-light-induced damage to the

treated skin surface. This selection may be made in accor
dance With (1) a chromophore concentration Within the target skin tissues and/or (2) the expected amount (frequency, dura tion, intensity) of Xray and/ or UV light exposure. A consumer
device for the application of electromagnetic radiation pulses

in accordance With the present invention may be prepro
partially prevent, reverse, or inhibit damage to the skin caused by exposure to Xray or ultraviolet radiation. The mechanical
pressure Waves are applied to the skin surface on at least one
grammed to select the pulse parameters in accordance With

user input as to the darkness of the users skin and the amount of exposure to the sun or other source of Xray and UV radia
occasion prior to, during or after the exposure of the indi vidual to Xray or ultraviolet radiation. The application of the
mechanical pressure Waves to the skin surface is effectuated
tion. Alternatively, a light applicator device may provide for

user selection of pulse parameters. The input of skin tone and exposure levels and/or the selection of pulse parameters may
be effectuated via separate actuators such as knobs or via a
in the absence of any visible Xray or ultraviolet radiation damage to the skin surface. The mechanical pressure Waves may have a sonic or ultrasonic frequency. Concomitantly, a skin treatment method in accordance
20
With the present invention comprises applying an effective

amount of magnetic energy to a skin surface to at least par
tially prevent, reverse, or inhibit damage to the skin caused by exposure to Xray or ultraviolet radiation. The magnetic
energy is applied to the skin surface on at least one occasion
25
keyboard or keypad. In the latter case, the user input or selec tion process may be directed by prompts shoWn on a display under the control of a microprocessor. The electromagnetic radiation used in a skin treatment method in accordance With the present invention may be incoherent and produced by a ?ashlamp or other source of
incoherent electromagnetic radiation. Alternatively, the

applied radiation may be coherent and produced by a laser
source. In the former case the electromagnetic spectrum of
prior to, during or after the exposure of the individual to Xray or ultraviolet radiation. The magnetic energy is applied to the skin surface in the absence of any visible Xray or ultraviolet radiation damage to the skin surface. The magnetic energy may be applied in the form of an alternating magnetic ?eld. The frequency of ?eld oscillation may be anyWhere from several HZ to several million HZ. A prophylactic skin treatment method particularly directed to the treatment of ostensibly undamaged or preclinically
the light pulses is a band of Wavelengths, While in the latter case, the electromagnetic spectrum of a light pulse delivered
at one time is a single Wavelength or a set of single Wave
30
lengths. In the former case ?lters may be used to limit the band of transmitted Wavelengths, While in the latter case the laser source may be adjustable or tunable for producing Wave
lengths of different frequencies. The light energy applied may

35
damaged skin preferably comprises, in accordance With the present invention, (i) generating a predetermined number of pulses of electromagnetic radiation each having a predeter mined electromagnetic spectrum, (ii) applying the pulses of
electromagnetic radiation to an individuals skin surface, the
include at least one Wavelength absorbable by an endogenous chromophore in skin tissues such as melanin or hemoglobin. In accordance With the present invention, a user determines
the tone or melanin content of a selected skin surface, as Well as the quantity and nature of exposure to the sun or other
pulses having at least one predetermined pulse duration, and

a predetermined total energy, (iii) exposing the individual to Xray or ultraviolet radiation, and (iv) at least in part oWing to the applying of the pulses to the skin surface, reducing or preventing damage to the tissues of the skin surface arising from the exposing of the individual to Xray or ultraviolet radiation. The electromagnetic spectrum may include at least one Wavelength absorbable by an endogenous chromophore (e. g., melanin and hemoglobin) in the persons skin tissues. A device for skin treatment comprises, in accordance With the present invention, a hand-holdable casing, a generator of
electromagnetic radiation mounted to the casing, means on
40
source of Xray and UV radiation. The pulse parameters of the light application are then automatically or partially automati cally selected in accordance With the determined skin tone
andradiation exposure. Where the user is alloWed to select
pulse parameter values, there Will be an automatically imple

mented limitation on the selection of parameter values so that
45
the light energy applied Will not be dangerous to the health of the target skin. The method of the present invention contemplates a fre quency of light treatment that is consistent With the frequency
and intensity of the individuals exposure to the sun or other source of dangerous radiation. For example, a user may apply
50
the pulsed light energy daily Where the individual has daily
sun exposure. Where the individual goes outdoors only once
the casing for directing radiation from the generator to a skin surface, and an ancillary energy generator mounted to the casing for producing another form of energy for application to the skin surface. The ancillary energy generator may be an ultrasonic pres
sure Wave device including an electromechanical transducer and an ultrasonic-frequency electrical Wave generator.
a Week (for example, to shop), the user may apply the pulsed
light energy Weekly.

55
Where the means for directing electromagnetic radiation to

a skin surface includes a ?exible applicator member at least
60
Pursuant to the present method, light energy may be applied to an exposed or unexposed skin surface prior to the exposure of the individual to Xray or ultraviolet radiation. If the individual fails to apply light prior to radiation exposure, he or she may apply the light energy after the exposure. For
instance, if a user goes to the beach serendipitously, the user
partially conformable to a topography of the skin surface, the ultrasonic transducer is in operative contact With the ?exible
member for transmitting ultrasonic pressure Waves to the skin
surface through the ?exible member. The ?exible member may take the form of a ?uid-?lled pouch.
may apply light pulses in the evening, after the user returns to his or her place of abode. The effect of light treatment in accordance With the present invention Will depend in part on the individuals genetics as to
65
skin color and on the selected treatment parameters such as
The ancillary energy generator may include an electromag net for the application of a magnetic ?eld to the skin tissues.
total energy, pulse rate, pulse duration, light spectrum, etc., as

Well as by the particular area on the user s body. The effect of
Filed 11/14/13 Page 84 of 93
US 8,393,330 B2
10
the light treatment Will depend in part on the quality and
quantity of exposure to the sun or other source of potentially
damage to the epidermis. Preferably, the inter-pulse interval

is betWeen 200 msec and about 500 msec. An inter-pulse interval of 300 msec is effective.
harmful radiation. In any given individual, the amounts of melanin and hemoglobin in facial, underarm, leg tissues, etc .,
vary.
The total energy applied may be anyWhere from 0.01 Joule

The method of the present invention may be applied to
facial skin, leg skin, arm skin, neck and chest skin, etc., using
J/cm2. Generally, the higher energies entail greater risk to skin integrity and should be used only by skilled profession
als. For home use, the total energy applied should be loWer,
preferably betWeen approximately 1 J/cm2 and approxi

mately 100 J/cm2 of the skin surface and more preferably
lenses, and an application interface such as a skin-contacting crystal. The crystal may function as a cooling element. Alter natively, a separate cooling medium such as a gel may be
betWeen approximately 5 J/cm2 and approximately 90 J/cm2

of the skin surface. The higher portion of this energy range is appropriate for persons of light skin color. Where the skin
color is on the dark side, the upper limit of the total energy applied to a unit of skin surface should be less, for instance,
applied to the skin surface prior to the light application. It is hypothesiZed that light administered in accordance With the present invention including Wavelengths that are
multiples of the 200-400 nm Wavelength range of ultraviolet radiation. It is considered that the prophylactic effect of light treatment is largely oWing to those Wavelengths that bear a harmonic relationship to the Wavelengths of the damaging radiation. Thus, light at Wavelengths of 800 nm, and 1200 nm are particularly bene?cial to obviating the adverse effects of
ultraviolet light having a Wavelength of 200 or 400 nm. Pur suant to this theory, light is best administered over a range of Wavelengths Where the ultraviolet radiation occurs in a range
approximately 20 J/cm2.
Generally, it is contemplated that devices used in a method pursuant to the present invention Will require a selection of a maximum or total energy to be applied to a skin surface. This requirement typically entails some restriction on the users
20
freedom in selecting the magnitudes of other pulse param

eters. In a simple device, the user may be able to select only one pulse parameter, namely the total energy. Such a device
25
of Wavelengths including 200-400 nm. Accordingly, the present invention contemplates the use of
a hand held device for generating a predetermined number of
might, for instance, have high, medium and loW settings, alternatively designated as light skin, medium tone skin, and
dark skin settings. In a more complex device, setting of the total energy applied by a pulse sequence Will limit the range of options available to the user in setting the other parameters.
For instance, once the user selects the total energy and the
pulses of light having a predetermined electromagnetic spec trum and for applying the pulses of light to skin, the pulses
having one or more predetermined durations, one or more 30
pulse duration, the number of pulses is determined, provided

that the rate of energy production or intensity is not adjust able. If the intensity is adjustable, the user Will have some
predetermined inter-pulse intervals (if number of pulses is

greater than one), and a predetermined total energy. The device is used to temporarily provide healing impetus to skin.
Light pulses applied to a skin surface are expected to have an
optimal prophylactic affect up to about tWenty-four hours
35
leeWay in selecting both the pulse duration and the number of pulses. In that case, the intensity may be automatically con trolled by the light-generating device so that the total energy
does not exceed the set value. The duration of the light bursts or pulses may be as little as l millisecond or as great as tWo seconds. The shortest dura
after the application of the light pulses. HoWever, light pulses

applied more than tWenty-four hours prior to sun (or other) exposure Will still have a bene?t, although reduced. Where the interval betWeen a light application and a subsequent
radiation exposure is more than tWenty-four hours, it is rec ommended that at least one other light application be carried
40
out Within tWenty four hours after the exposure. Regular treatment of the skin With light pulses Will have a bene?cial effect even if undertaken Without attention to the frequency, times, and nature of potentially harmful radiation exposure.
tions and higher energies are recommended for profession ally supervised light treatments only. For ordinary consumers or unskilled users, the pulse duration should be longer, pref erably above approximately 5 msec and more preferably
betWeen approximately 5 msec and approximately 30 msec. Pursuant to one embodiment of the present invention, the
45

Thus, light treatment may be used generally to promote skin

health.
The light treatments may be performed Without application of exogenous chromophores for light absorption purposes. Skin treatment is then effectuated through light absorption solely by endogenous chromophores such as melanin and/or via light scattering in the epidermal, dermal and subdermal tissues. Exogenous chromophores may be added for purposes
Wavelengths are used for darker skin, for deeper skins and deeper removal. In some embodiments of the invention, the spectrum of the pulses may be limited to Wavelengths
50
require a more frequent application of the light energy to

effectuate skin treatment.
of enhancing the light absorption. This option is particularly

appropriate for persons of light skin tone. Porphyrin may be used as an endogenous chromophore, preferably applied via a topical cream or gel.
55
The number of pulses in each pulse sequence or treatment session (as applied to a given skin area) may be betWeen one and ten, While the total duration of a pulse sequence ranges between 1 millisecond and 38 seconds.

that some adjustment may be made by the user in the particu
The inter-pulse interval (Where the number of pulses is greater than one) may, in different applications of the inven tion, be anyWhere from 1 millisecond to 2 seconds. Generally, the smaller the inter-pulse interval, the greater the risk of damage to the skin. Thus, the smaller inter-pulse intervals should be used only in professional settings. In home-based
embodiments of the invention, the inter-pulse interval of a light treatment is preferably greater than about 20 msec and more preferably greater than 200 msec. An inter-pulse inter val of such a magnitude reduces the chances of inadvertent
lar operational parameters of the light application device. For

60
instance, a simple hand-held device may have a plurality of
settings, for instance, high, medium, and loW (light skin,

medium skin, dark skin), Where one or more of the opera
65
tional parameters have different pre-established values depending on the setting. Thus, high, medium, and loW set tings may vary in the number of applied pulses, the pulse duration, the inter-pulse interval, and/or the total energy
applied. A user could start With a loW setting to see Whether
Filed 11/14/13 Page 85 of 93
US 8,393,330 B2
11
the skin is adversely affected in any Way and if not, try the next higher setting. Usually, it is preferable to use a loWer
12
A hair treatment device in accordance With another feature
setting.
of the present invention the present invention comprises a hand-holdable casing, a generator of electromagnetic radia
tion mounted to the casing, and at least one optical element mounted to the casing so as to direct electromagnetic radia
grammed With automatically operating safety controls that

inhibit the user from inadvertently exposing himself or her
tion produced by the generator in a direction substantially

parallel to a skin surface, to impinge on hair ?bers protruding from the skin surface. The optical element may take the form of a partially re?ective and partially transmissive mirror. A light treatment device comprises, in accordance With a further feature of the present invention, a hand-holdable cas ing, and an applicator interface attached to the casing, the interface including a liquid-?lled chamber having a ?exible
self to dangerous quantities of light energy. Thus, in a rela tively complex consumer product, the users setting of one
parameter at a potentially dangerous value Will cause the

parameters to prevent an excessive rate of energy delivery.
For instance, the selection of a small inter-pulse interval (With a ?xed total energy value) may prevent the user from selecting a short pulse duration and/or a small number of pulses (that Would result in a high intensity) or, alternatively, may result in an automatic diminution of the intensity (e.g., via engage ment of an intensity-reducing ?lter). A device for skin treatment comprises, in accordance With
a feature of the present invention, a hand-holdable casing, a
20
skin-contacting surface or panel. A generator of electromag

netic radiation is mounted to the casing, While at least one
optical element mounted to the casing directs light from the generator through the liquid in the chamber toWards a skin
surface in contact With the ?exible skin-contacting surface or
light generator mounted to said casing, and an applicator mounted to the casing for applying light from the generator to
the skin surface. The applicator includes a ?exible member at
panel. Preferably, the ?exible skin-contacting surface or panel is transparent to the light from the generator.
A light treatment method in accordance With an additional
least partially conformable to the topography of the skin

surface. The ?exible member may take the form of a ?uid
25
feature of the present invention comprises generating light of a selected spectral composition, dividing the light into at least tWo bundles of light rays of substantially mutually exclusive
Wavelength ranges, and directing at least one of the bundles of light rays toWards a skin surface. Where the one bundle of light rays is directed into the skin surface, the other bundle may be directed substantially par allel to the skin surface to impinge on hairs protruding from the skin surface. The one bundle may include Wavelengths in a range beloW approximately 750 nm, While the other bundle includes Wavelengths in a range above approximately 750 nm. Goggles for Wear during light treatment in accordance With this feature of the invention may be provided With lenses
?lled pouch or a piece of resilient plastic material. In either
event, the applicator is at least partially transparent to the light produced by the generator for application to the skin surface.
The hand-held light treatment device may incorporate a generator of ultrasonic vibrations and/or an electromagnet for enabling the application of ultrasound energy or a magnetic
30
?eld (preferably oscillating) to a skin surface before, during

or after the application of light energy. In the case of ultra sound energy, one or more piezoelectric crystals are disposed in contact With the applicator interface, e. g., a ?exible ?uid ?lled pouch. A Wave generator transmits an ultrasonic-fre
35
quency electrical signal to the pieZoelectric crystal(s) for producing ultrasonic vibrations in skin tissues.
Pursuant to another feature of the present invention, a marker ?lm is applied to a light-treated skin surface to indi cate that electromagnetic radiation has been applied to the skin surface. The marker ?lm may include a visually detect able pigment, for instance, Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or a tinted transparent Wash or dye. Where multiple passes are to be made to a skin surface, the ?rst and other non-?nal passes may leave a transparent or partially transparent ?lm, While the ?nal pass deposits an opaque coating (e.g., Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) that is re?ective so as to protect the skin
40
substantially opaque to light rays of the infrared bundle (750 nm and above) and at most partially transparent to light rays of the other bundle. For example, the goggles may be opaque
to all visible Wavelengths except a narroW band of Wave
lengths that are not included in the bundle of Wavelengths beloW 750 nm. If the goggles are completely transparent to this narroW Wavelength band, the band is ?ltered out of the visible light bundle. An indicator light such as an LED may be provided that emits light in the narroW band to provide a
45
signal to the user that dangerous radiation is being produced. Alternatively, the goggles may be at most partially transpar
ent to the narroW Wavelength band. In this case, the goggles transmit enough light of the narroW band to enable visual detection but not enough to damage the eye. A hair treatment method comprises, in accordance With yet
against further inadvertent light exposure. The initial ?lm

deposits may be partially re?ective to provide some measure
50
of protection against inadvertent overexposure. Alternatively,

the marker ?lm may be a visually undetectable composition, exemplarily microniZed or micro?ne Zinc oxide. In that case, the light application device is provided With a sensor that detects the marker ?lm and disables or blocks light applica tion to any skin surface already treated With an effective amount of light. The marker ?lm is preferably applied by the same device that generates the light and directs the light to a skin surface. In that case, the device is provided With a reservoir of the marker composition and an applicator such as a roller, noZZle,
or atomiZer.
another feature of the present invention, generating light of a selected spectral composition, applying a dye to hair along a
skin surface, and thereafter directing the generated light

55
toWards the dyed hair along the skin surface. This method is of particular for the removal of hair that is White or very light colored. Preferably, the dye is applied to a selected section of
the individual hairs, at the skin surface or at a predetermined distance above the skin surface. Pursuant to another feature of the present invention, a marker ?lm is applied to a light-treated skin surface to indi
60
Where several passes of light application are to be made to the skin surface, each may be marked by an indicator com position of a respective tint or color. The marker compositions should be both biocompatible and Water soluble for easy removal.
65
cate that electromagnetic radiation has been applied to the skin surface. The marker ?lm may include a visually detect able pigment, for instance, Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or a tinted transparent Wash or dye. Alternatively, the marker ?lm may be a visually undetectable, exemplarily microniZed or micro?ne Zinc oxide. In that case, the light application device
is provided With a sensor that detects the marker ?lm and
Filed 11/14/13 Page 86 of 93
US 8,393,330 B2
13
disables orblocks light application to any skin surface already
treated With an effective amount of light.
14
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of another light-pulse generating
The marker ?lm is preferably applied by the same device that generates the light and directs the light to a skin surface.
In that case, the device is provided With a reservoir of the marker composition and an applicator such as a roller, noZZle,
or atomiZer.
invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of possible modi?cations to
the light-pulse generating device of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of possible additional or
alternative modi?cations to the light-pulse generating device

of FIG. 2.
Where several passes of light application are to be made to the skin surface, each may be marked by an indicator com position of a respective tint or color. The marker compositions should be both biocompatible and Water soluble for easy removal. A hair treatment device in accordance With another feature of the present invention the present invention comprises a
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram shoWing optics that may be incorporated into a light treatment device in accordance With the present invention.
As described herein, a method for treating skin as a pro
hand-holdable casing, a generator of electromagnetic radia

tion mounted to the casing, and at least one optical element mounted to the casing so as to direct electromagnetic radia
tion produced by the generator in a direction substantially

parallel to a skin surface, to impinge on hair ?bers protruding from the skin surface. The optical element may take the form of a partially re?ective and partially transmissive mirror. A light treatment device comprises, in accordance With a further feature of the present invention, a hand-holdable cas ing, and an applicator interface attached to the casing, the interface including a liquid-?lled chamber having a ?exible
20
phylactic to Xray or ultraviolet radiation damage includes the application, to a skin surface, of electromagnetic energy in the visible and/ or infrared portions of the electromagnetic spec trum. The applied energy is alternatively referred to herein as electromagnetic radiation or light. The skin surface is generally in a preclinical condition, that is, there is either no
Xray or ultraviolet radiation damage or it is so slight as to be
25
undetectable upon visual inspection. As depicted in FIG. 1, a device for generating light pulses
for application to a skin surface in a skin treatment process
skin-contacting surface or panel. A generator of electromag

netic radiation is mounted to the casing, While at least one
includes a manually operable setting selector 10 connected at

an output to a memory 12 in turn connected at an output to a
optical element mounted to the casing directs light from the generator through the liquid in the chamber toWards a skin
surface in contact With the ?exible skin-contacting surface or
control unit 14. Memory 12 stores pre-established combina

30
tions of light pulse parameters including pulse Width or dura
tion, inter-pulse interval or delay time, pulse number, light

intensity, and total treatment energy. Control unit 14 may be
a microprocessor or a special logic circuit connected to a
panel. Preferably, the ?exible skin-contacting surface or panel is transparent to the light from the generator.
A light treatment method in accordance With an additional
pulse generator 16 for inducing the generator to produce a

35
feature of the present invention comprises generating light of a selected spectral composition, dividing the light into at least tWo bundles of light rays of substantially mutually exclusive
Wavelength ranges, and directing at least one of the bundles of light rays toWards a skin surface. Where the one bundle of light rays is directed into the skin surface, the other bundle may be directed substantially par allel to the skin surface to impinge on hairs protruding from the skin surface. The one bundle may include (visible) Wave lengths in a range beloW approximately 750 nm, While the other bundle includes (infrared) Wavelengths in a range above approximately 750 nm. Goggles for Wear during light treat ment in accordance With this feature of the invention may be
sequence of electrical control pulses fed to a source 18 of
incoherent light energy. Source 18 produces light With a spec tral distribution including Wavelengths betWeen 400 nm and
1200 nm. Control unit 14 may be connected directly to source
40
18 Where the source incorporates means for varying pulse parameters pursuant to encoded instructions.
Light source 18 (as Well as the entire light pulse applicator)

may take any knoWn form such as those disclosed in US. Pat.
No. 6,280,438 andU.S. Pat. No. 5,885,273. Thus, light source

18 may be a Xenon ?ashlamp.
45

re?ectors, lenses, and ?lters (not separately shoWn). Where an

50
provided With lenses substantially opaque to light rays of the

infrared bundle and at mo st partially transparent to a selected
band of light rays of the visible bundle, as discussed above. A hair treatment method comprises, in accordance With yet
another feature of the present invention, generating light of a selected spectral composition, applying a dye to hair along a
adjustable ?lter is included, control unit 14 may be connected to the ?lter for operatively modifying the action thereof. For instance, in the case of an adjustable neutral density ?lter, control unit 14 may induce a change in the ?lter density to control the intensity, and therefore the poWer, of the light
applied to a selected skin surface.
skin surface, and thereafter directing the generated light

toWards the dyed hair along the skin surface. This method is of particular for the removal of hair that is White or very light colored. It should be understood that the present methodology may be used in professional settings, in spas or salons, by
55
In the case of multiple Wavelengths of light being pro duced, an adjustable ?lter may be included in the optical elements 22 and/or the applicator interface 26. These ?lters
professional cosmetic service providers. Higher energies may

be used in such settings. Licensed medical professionals in
medical o?ices may use even higher energies and more com
60
wavelengths, high end ?ltcrs that block higher or longer

Wavelengths or band pass ?lters that block some high or some
plex settings.
65
loW end Wavelengths may be utiliZed. Light 24 leaving the optical array 22 is delivered or applied
to a skin surface via an applicator or interface element 26
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a light-pulse generating device

for use in a method in accordance With the present invention.
exemplarily taking the form of a crystal. US. Pat. No. 6,280, 438 and US. Pat. No. 5,885,273 disclose kinds ofapplicators or interfaces utiliZable in the device of FIG. 1 (or 2). Appli
cator or interface element 26 may function in part to cool the
Filed 11/14/13 Page 87 of 93
US 8,393,330 B2
15
skin surface prior to, during, and/or after a light application
16
plastic element, and/ or a transparent or translucent pouch
?lled With a transparent or translucent ?uid such as a gel or a
procedure. Cooling may be accomplished by using a crystal

type applicator or interface 26, With or Without a layer of gel,
as described in US. Pat. No. 6,280,438 and US. Pat. No.
liquid. In the case of the ?exible element or the ?uid-?lled pouch, applicator or interface element 52 conforms at least
5,885,273.
partially to the changing topography of the skin surface under treatment, thereby facilitating the retention of gel betWeen the
applicator or interface 52 and the skin surface. This result decreases the likelihood of overexposed or burned skin and generally provides a more uniform application of light With a
individual user.
uniformity of cooling. Safety is enhanced, While the out

comes to successive procedures become increasingly stan dardiZed.
The device of FIG. 1 is preprogrammed to produce light
pulses in any of several settings, each setting being de?ned by a respective combination of particular operational parameters
Where applicator 52 (or 26) includes a gel-?lled pouch, the

pouch (52) may be provided With perforations on a skin
including pulse duration, inter-pulse interval, pulse number,

and intensity or total energy. For instance, the device may
contacting surface for exuding the gel for cooling purposes.

Alternatively, as shoWn in FIG. 2, the light pulse device may
be provided With a ?uid dispenser such as a spray noZZle 54 connected to a valve 56 doWnstream of a pressurized coolant reservoir 58. In response to an operation of a manual actuator 60 or in response to signals from control unit 40, valve 56 enables a ?oW of coolant from reservoir 58 to noZZle 54 for application to a selected skin surface. In the event that appli cator or interface element 52 is a bag or pouch, reservoir 58 and valve 56 may be connected to the applicator or interface element for supplying a gel or ?uid coolant thereto. In one embodiment of the device of FIG. 2, suitable for
have a plurality of settings, for instance, high, medium, and loW, Which vary in the number of applied pulses (e. g., 3, 2, l), the pulse duration (9 msec, 7 msec, 5 msec), the inter-pulse
interval (250 msec, 300 msec, 350 msec), and/or the total
energy applied (35 J/cm2, 20 J/cm2, l0 J/cm2). Usually, it is

preferable to use the loWest setting Which accomplishes the desired result. Generally, dark skin is more effective at light absorption that light skin and should be treated With loWer
20
settings (e.g., less overall energy) than light skin.

Setting selector 10 has a plurality of discrete settings dif
ferentiated at least on the basis of skin tone. Different skin
25
settings may include, for instance, dark skin, medium-tone skin, and light skin, or black, coffee, broWn, tan, cream, and
White. Setting selector 10 may also include a separate group of exposure settings for users to identify the degree of sun exposure they have or expect to have. Exposure settings may
30
professional but not home use, inter-pulse interval selector 32

provides for intervals in a range from 1 msec and 2 seconds,
Whereas pulse number selector 34 is enabled for pulse

sequences of one to ten pulses. In addition, poWer selector 36
include, for example, singular, occasional, frequent, and con

stant.
Control unit 14 may be connected to an LCD or other readable display 29 for communicating to the user a recom mended treatment schedule or program in response to the
35
permits treatment energies betWeen 0.01 Joule per square centimeter of skin surface and 200 Joules per square centi meter, While pulse duration selector 38 enables pulses of l msec to 2 seconds in length. Total pulse sequence duration, from the beginning of the ?rst pulse to the termination of the
?nal pulse, ranges from 1 msec to 38 seconds. The various
entries made by the user via selector 10. Depending on the user input, the read-out on display 29 may indicate such schedules as tWice daily, once a day, once every other day, Weekly, once on each of 3 days before sun exposure, just before exposure to sun, immediately before and after expo sure to sun. The operational parameters, including pulse dura
40
pulse sequence parameters may be selectable from sets of discrete values or, alternatively, from continuous ranges. In the device of FIG. 2, the various parameters are typically not completely independent inasmuch as the total energy
selected Will function as a constraint on the ranges available
for the other parameters, that is, the total energy selected Will
serve to regulate or circumscribe the ranges available to the
45
tion, inter-pulse interval, pulse number, and intensity or total

energy, are selected by control unit 14 to conform to the recommended treatment schedule. Amore advanced or complex device is illustrated in FIG. 2.
This device includes a housing 30 having manually actuatable input elements 32, 34, 36, and 38, such as rotary knobs or a
solid-state touch screen, Which enable a user to individually
select multiple operating parameters. Input elements or selec

tors 32, 34, 36, and 38 are an inter-pulse interval selector, a pulse number selector, a poWer or energy selector, and a pulse
50
user for the other pulse sequence parameters. Where the device of FIG. 2 has no intensity adjustment capability, a selection of the total energy and the pulse duration may deter mine the number of pulses. Similarly, a selection of the total energy and the number of pulses may determine the pulse duration. If the intensity is an adjustable parameter, once the total energy has been chosen, the user Will be able to select the
magnitudes of tWo of the three parameters, pulse duration, intensity and number of pulses. The inter-pulse interval is
related to the rate at Which radiant energy is applied to a skin
duration selection, respectively. Another selector (not shoWn)

could be for intensity adjustment, While a further selector may be provided for adjusting a light source 42 or a ?lter in optical
elements 48 and/ or an applicator 52 for modifying the Wave
55
surface and may accordingly be subjected to some pro
grammed control. Longer pulse durations and/or delays Will

deliver energy at a sloWer rate (total energy is distributed over
length band delivered to the target skin surface. Selectors 32,

34, 36, and 38 are operatively tied to a control unit 40 such as a microprocessor or hard-Wired log circuit. Control unit 40 regulates the operation of light source 42 such as a conven
60
tional ?ashlamp, either directly or indirectly via a pulse gen

erator 44. Light 46 from source 42 is transmitted along a path through optical elements 48 optionally including one or more
longer time) and therefore be safer to use With higher energy levels. Preferably, the total energy is alWays a selectable parameter and is best selected prior to the setting of the other parameters. HoWever, the device of FIG. 2 may be prepro grammed to limit the rate at Which radiant energy is applied to
a skin surface, Which Will force restrictions on the users
ability to select pulse parameter values.

65
re?ectors, lenses, and ?lters (not separately shoWn). Light 50

at an output of the optical array 48 is applied to a skin surface via applicator or interface element 52. Applicator or interface element 52 may take the form of a crystal block, a ?exible
In an alternative embodiment of the device of FIG. 2, suitable for home use, inter-pulse interval selector 32 enables
a selection of intervals ranging from 200 msec to 2 seconds, While poWer selector 36 enables treatment energies between 1
Filed 11/14/13 Page 88 of 93
US 8,393,330 B2
17
J/cm2 and 40 J/cm2. Preferably, the pulse duration and the
number of pulses available for selection are restricted so as to prevent the user from delivering energy at too high a rate. If
18
In response to user input of skin tone and sun exposure
the user selects a large pulse number, the pulse duration is necessarily short, Whereas a small number of pulses forces a longer pulse duration in order to achieve the selected total energy. Delivering the same energy over long pulse periods is safer. It is preferable to use a largest possible total pulse duration, assuming that none of the individual pulse durations
are shorter than a critical threshold level. Pulse number selec tor 34 may therefore enable a selection of three to ten pulses
levels, control unit 40 may indicate on display 29 a plurality of possible light treatment schedules. The user may actuate selector 62 to choose a preferred treatment schedule. This
choice is preferably made prior to the selection of one or more
light pulse parameters via selectors 32, 34, 36, and 38. The
available ranges of the remaining parameters Will be limited
in accordance With the users selection of treatment schedule. Generally, light treatment schedules are determined auto matically in accordance With a users input to the light treat ment device. To the extent that the user is alloWed leeWay in
per pulse sequence, While pulse duration selector 38 enables

a selection of pulses lasting 1 msec to 10 msec. The various
selecting individual pulse parameters, the device may impose

limitations in accordance With the selected skin tone and sun
exposure characteristics, as Well as one or more pulse param
pulse sequence parameters may be selectable from sets of discrete values or, alternatively, from continuous ranges.
A person uses the device of FIG. 1 or 2 to apply pulses of light to a skin surface for purposes of effectively preventing or
repairing damage done by ultraviolet light to the cells of the

skin and/or beloW the surface of the skin. The absorption of
20
eters initially selected by the user. The devices of FIGS. 1 and 2 may be used alternatively in the temporary removal of hair and/or the retardation of hair groWth. The light treatment may be undertaken as an after shave after the visible or protruding hair has been removed
by a conventional process such as by raZor or shaver.
the light pulses by melanin and other chromophores in the

users epidermal, dermal and subdermal tissues is believed in part to promote the production of chemicals that reduce the incidence of Xray or ultraviolet radiation damage and inhibit the groWth of cancerous cells. In addition, the light energy
The devices of FIGS. 1 and 2 are optionally provided With
photocells and light-emitting LEDs (none illustrated) for pur poses of measuring skin tone. The light pulses parameters
may then be automatically selected in accordance With the
25
measured skin tone. The LEDs and photocells are connected
may increase skin temperature slightly, through absorption

and/ or light scattering, for purposes of advancing tissue
regenerative processes. As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the light pulse applicator of

that draWing ?gure may include an additional selector 62 for
enabling the user to load a skin tone value and an expected sun
30
to the respective control unit 14, 40 for taking measurements in response to signals from that unit. In another optional modi?cation, the devices of FIGS. 1 and 2 may be provided With infrared sensors (not shoWn) for generally sensing a degree of sun exposure. This option is
useful principally for light-pulse application immediately

after sun exposure. The infrared sensor is operatively con
exposure level into control unit 40. Setting selector 62 may

take the form of a knob, a keypad, or manual sWitch enabling
the user to enter a skin tone value from a plurality of possible
values. The possible selections may be qualitative descrip tions: black, coffee, broWn, tan, cream, White, etc. Alterna tively, the possible skin tone selections may be quantitative
Where the integer 1 corresponds to the Whitest skin tone While the numeral 10 represents the darkest possible skin tone. Setting selector 62 may also include a separate group of exposure settings for users to identify the degree of sun expo sure they have or expect to have. Exposure settings may
35
nected to the respective control unit 14, 40 to inform units selection of pulse parameters. Where there is a marked degree of sun exposure (resulting in a high skin temperature and a
greater-than-usual emission of infrared radiation), control

unit 14, 40 may select pulse parameters for a maximum possible energy application. For a single session, the treat
40
ment may have the longest possible duration (30-40 seconds). Alternatively, particularly With the device of FIG. 2, control
unit 40 may recommend to the user a series of treatment
include qualitative descriptors: singular, occasional, fre

quent, and constant. Alternatively, the possible exposure level
selections may be any rational number along a continuum betWeen 0 and 10, Where the loWer boundary represents no sun exposure and the higher limit corresponds to continuous
sun exposure.
45
sessions spread out over several days. In yet another optional modi?cation, the user of a skin
treatment device as described With reference to FIG. 1 or 2
may be provided With a UV sensor (not illustrated) for sens ing the degree of sun exposure. If the sensor is on the light treatment device, the sensor may be connected to control unit 14, 40. The sensor and the control unit 14, 40 may cooperate
to measure a total amount of UV exposure. The control unit is
Other possible input into control unit 40 via selector 62

may encode the climate and season. For this parameter, a loW
50
programmed to select light treatment parameters and possibly

a treatment schedule in accordance With the detected instan taneous or cumulative amount of UV radiation. The light treatment may be during or after the UV exposure.
value such as 0 might represent Winter in a polar region While

10 or 100 represents summer in an equatorial region.
Control unit 40 may be connected to an LCD or other
readable display 64 for prompting the user as to information
As depicted in FIG. 3, the light treatment devices of FIGS.

55
to be input via selectors 32, 34, 36, 38 and 62 and for com
municating to the user a recommended treatment schedule or
program in response to the entries made by the user via selector 62. Control unit 40 may also use display 64 to alert the user as to impermissible parameter combinations. Depending on the skin tone and sun exposure input received
60
1 and 2 may incorporate a generator 66 of ultrasonic vibra tions and/ or an electromagnet 68 for enabling the application of ultrasound energy or a magnetic ?eld (preferably oscillat ing) to a skin surface before, during or after the application of light energy. Permissible and recommended variations in the relevant parameters are Well knoWn in the skin treatment arts.
In the case of ultrasound energy, one or more pieZoelectric
via selector 62, control unit 40 may reject certain light param
eter selections made by the user. The reason for rejecting the
users selection of light pulse parameters may be communi cated to the user via display 64. Ranges of permissible values
may be displayed to facilitate the users selection. The per
65
crystals 70 are disposed in or in contact With an applicator interface 72, e.g., a ?uid-?lled member having a ?exible
panel 74 for contacting and conforming to the skin surface.

A Waveform generator 76 transmits an ultrasonic-fre
missible ranges for outstanding parameters Will vary depend

ing on the users prior selections as discussed above.
quency electrical signal to the pieZoelectric crystal(s) 70 for producing ultrasonic vibrations in skin tissues. AnAC voltage
Filed 11/14/13 Page 89 of 93
US 8,393,330 B2
19
generator 78 is operatively connected to an electromagnetic coil 80 for generating an alternating magnetic ?eld in the skin tissues. The applicator interface 72 of FIG. 3 includes an enlarged contact member or head 82 connected to the housing 28, 30
by a stem 84. Head 82 and optionally stem 84 are ?lled With
a coolant ?uid such as Water or a gel. Prior to the use of the
20
surface alone. In that case, mirror 88 may be completely
re?ective so as to direct all the light of vertical beam 50 to form horizontal beam 90.
As depicted in FIG. 4, the light treatment devices of FIGS.

1, 2 and 3 may incorporate a reservoir 102 of a composition to be applied as a marker ?lm to a light-treated skin surface to
light-generating instrument, head 82 and optionally stem 84

may be stored in a refrigeration unit for purposes of reducing
the temperature the Water or gel. In that event, head 82 or stem
indicate that electromagnetic radiation has been applied to the skin surface. The marker ?lm composition in reservoir 102 may include a visually detectable pigment, for instance, Zinc
oxide, titanium dioxide, or a tinted transparent Wash or dye. Where multiple passes are to be made to a skin surface, the ?rst and other non-?nal passes may leave a transparent or
84 is provided With a connector (not shoWn) for detachably

coupling the head or the stem to housing 28, 30. The connec
tor includes electrical contacts (not shoWn) for the transmis sion of ultrasonic electrical Waves from frequency generator 76 and another signal from AC voltage generator 78. In an alternative, more expensive embodiment of a light generating
apparatus, the ?uid in interface 72 may be circulated from a
partially transparent ?lm, While the ?nal pass deposits an opaque coating (e.g., Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) that is
re?ective so as to protect the skin against further inadvertent
light exposure. The initial ?lm deposits may be partially

re?ective to provide some measure of protection against inad vertent overexposure. Alternatively, the marker ?lm compo sition in reservoir 102 may be a visually undetectable sub
20
heat exchange unit (not shoWn) by a pump (not shoWn).

Applicator interface 72 has an opaque outer surface (not separately designated) except along an area 86 of skin-con tacting panel 74 opposite stem 84. Light 50 at an output of the optical array 48 is transmitted through stem 84, head 82, and
transparent area 86.
stance, such as microniZed or micro?ne Zinc oxide. In any
case, the marker composition(s) in reservoir 102 are prefer ably both biocompatible and Water soluble for easy removal. As further depicted in FIG. 4, the light treatment devices of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 may also incorporate an applicator 104
25
As illustrated in FIG. 3, pieZoelectric crystals 70 and coil

80 may be disposed inside head 82. Where the ?uid is elec
communicating With reservoir 102 and disposable in proxim

ity to a skin surface applying metered amounts of the marker ?lm composition to the skin surface upon an administration of light to the skin surface pursuant to the disclosure herein above. Applicator 104 exemplarily takes the form of a roller,
trically conductive, crystals 70 and coil 80 are provided With

appropriate electrical insulation such as a coating of a ther
moplastic resin material. Alternatively, crystals 70 and coil 80

may be disposed inside housing 28 or 30. In that case, crystals
70 are in mechanical contact With stem 84 so as to enable the
30 a brush, a noZZle, or an atomiZer.
Where the marker ?lm composition in reservoir 102 is a
transmission of ultrasonic pressure Waves through stem 84 and head 82 to panel 74. Electromagnetic coil 80 is of such as
visually undetectable substance, the light application device

35
siZe that the magnetic ?eld generated inside the dermal tis sues is suf?ciently large to effectively treat the skin tissues, in conjunction With the light treatment and optionally ultra sound. As depicted in FIG. 3, head 82 is further provided With
is provided With a sensor 106 that detects Whether the marker ?lm composition is present on a skin surface. In the event sensor 106 detects the presence of the marker ?lm composi tion, the sensor disables or blocks light application to the respective skin surface. Sensor 106 may be connected to microprocessor or control unit 14 or 40 for inducing that unit
to interrupt, or terminate the generation of light by generator

40
optics (e.g., a partially silvered mirror 88) for transmitting

light 90 in a direction parallel to a skin surface. The light exits head 82 at a WindoW 92 provided along a leading edge of the
head for purposes of applying the light to hair protruding from the skin surface. The light 90 singes the hair Which is then broken off by a bumper element 94 protruding slightly from a loWer surface of panel 74. The removal of the hair enhances the effectiveness of the light penetration into the dermal tis
sues. A shield 96 may extend from the leading end of head 82 to block the escape of light 90 from a hair-treatment space
45
16, 44, or 66. Where a light treatment procedure involves several passes along a target skin surface, each pass may be marked by an indicator composition of a respective tint or color. In that case, reservoir 102 includes a plurality of sub-reservoirs each containing a composition of a respective tint or color. A button, knob or other input element 108 may be operatively
connected to the microprocessor or control unit 14 or 40 for
immediately in advance of WindoW 92.

Mirror 88 is tilted at an approximately 45 angle to the
50
selecting the color or tint of the marker ?lm composition to be applied to the skin. Microprocessor or control unit 14, 40 may implement the color or tint selection by operating a valve 110
direction of transmission of light 50, i.e., at an approximately

450 angle to a perpendicular or normal to the skin surface. In a variation on the hair removal feature implemented via mir ror 88, the mirror is tilted at a 90 angle to the orientation
disposed betWeen reservoir 102 and applicator 104. Where the marker ?lm composition in reservoir 102 includes a dye that is absorbed into hair, the applicator 104
55
shoWn in FIG. 3, for re?ecting, in the direction of transmis sion of light 90 (generally parallel to the skin surface), that portion oflight beam 50 that has been re?ected from the target skin surface. Thus, re?ected light is used to shave hair, the singing and breaking of the hairs occurring generally at the
point of emergence thereof from the skin surface. This
embodiment of the device of FIG. 3 tends to conserve energy
may be used to apply a dye to light colored or White hair prior to an application of light to the hair. The dye is applied to the hair along a selected skin surface, and thereafter light is directed toWards the dyed hair. This method is of particular for the removal of hair that is White or very light colored. A
button or other input element (not shoWn) may be provided

60
for disabling the light application during the application of

the dye to the hair. As shoWn in FIG. 5, optical elements 22 or 48 of the light treatment devices of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 may incorporate a primary prism 112, tWo mirrored surfaces 114 and 116, and a
relative to the illustrated embodiment. Thus, the light treat

ment device can be made With a less poWerful light source,
reducing the cost of the device.

The embodiment of FIG. 3 may be modi?ed to produce a
65
pair of secondary prisms 118 and 120 for splitting light from
source 18 or 42 into at least tWo bundles 122 and 124 oflight
light treatment device solely for hair removal at the skin
rays of substantially mutually exclusive Wavelength ranges.
Filed 11/14/13 Page 90 of 93
US 8,393,330 B2
21
At least one of the bundles of light rays 122 is directed towards a skin surface. The other bundle 124 may be directed substantially parallel to the skin surface to impinge on hairs protruding from the skin surface, as discussed above With reference to FIG. 3. Bundles 122 and 124 each typically
22
the effectiveness of the light application inasmuch as the rate of energy delivery is increased. In contrast, once the total applied energy and total pulse sequence time have been
selected, increasing the pulse duration Will decrease the

instantaneous rate at Which energy is applied to the target skin
include visible Wavelengths.

The user of the light treatment device of FIG. 5 may be
surface by decreasing the light intensity.

Because different skin areas have different skin pigmenta
provided With goggles (not shoWn) having lenses that are

substantially opaque to light rays of bundle 122 and at most only partially transparent to a selected band of light rays of
bundle 124. The goggles are effectively opaque to Wave lengths outside of the selected band. If the goggles are com
tion, different vasculariZation, etc., different pulse parameter

settings are recommended for different skin areas. For
example, different settings Will be necessary for the loWer

surfaces of the arms, the backs of the knees, and the upper surfaces of the feet in order to optimiZe results.
pletely transparent to this narroW Wavelength band, the band

is ?ltered out of bundle 124.An indicator light such as an LED
The present skin treatment method contemplates the appli

cation to a selected skin surface of a pulse sequence having a
(not shoWn) may be provided that emits light in the narroW

band to provide a signal to the user that dangerous radiation is
predetermined number of pulses of light of a predetermined

electromagnetic spectrum, a predetermined duration, a pre determined inter-pulse interval, and a predetermined total
energy. These pulse sequence parameters are determined in
being produced. Alternatively, the goggles may be at most

partially transparent to the narroW Wavelength band. In this case, the goggles transmit enough light of the narroW band to enable visual detection but not enough to damage the eye. It is possible to generate a vertical bundle of essentially
20
part by the design of the light-generating device used and in

part by the selections as to skin tone and, optionally, sun exposure level made by the user.
only visible Wavelengths (shorter than about 750 nm) and a horizontal bundle of only infrared Wavelengths (longer
than about 750 nm). This kind of Wavelength distribution over

25
the bundles may be implemented by having separate radiation generators and at least partially separate transmission paths. Alternatively, if a single generator produces both visible and infrared radiation, optics may be provided for splitting out the visible Wavelengths from the infrared Wavelengths. In determining optimal settings With the device of FIG. 2,
a user should choose initial parameter values Which in com
30
spectrum includes Wavelengths betWeen about 400 nm and 1200 nm. HoWever, single Wavelengths of laser or coherent light may be delivered at one time, When desired. Higher Wavelengths are used for darker skin and/ or for deeper pen etration into dermal tissues. The light applied to a skin surface by the devices of FIGS. 1 and 2 includes at least one Wavelength absorbable by an endogenous chromophore in a person s skin. The endogenous chromophore may be a form of melanin. Alternatively or
bination result in the application of small amounts of energy.

Thus, Where one or more selected pulse parameters tend to
additionally, the endogenous chromophore is hemoglobin. In

35
produce higher treatment energies, other pulse parameters

should be selected that that tend to produce loWer treatment
energies.
Where all the pulse parameters are independently adjust able, loWer treatment energies Will generally result from set
tings involving feW pulses (say, l-3 instead of 8-10 pulses), long inter-pulse intervals (300 msec or more), short pulse durations (20 msec or less), loW light intensity (if selectable,
for example, via an adjustable neutral density ?lter), and loW total energies (less than 40 Joules per square centimeter of skin surface). If a given setting proves to be ineffective in
improving skin appearance after sun exposure, the user might adjust selector 32 or 38 to decrease the inter-pulse interval or
40
a more advanced embodiment the light application device may include a setting or control (not shoWn) for selecting a spectrum or range of Wavelengths appropriate to the users skin color. In any event, the devices of FIGS. 1 and 2 are generally used Without the application of an exogenous chro mophore to a target skin surface for light absorption purposes. HoWever, it is possible for an individual to apply an exog enous chromophore such as porphyrin that is absorbed by the skin cells. Of course, the user should vary the light treatment
to accord With the resulting light absorption. In other embodiments of a light generation and application
device for hair treatment, one or more of the pulse parameters
45
decrease the pulse length, thereby effectively increasing the

poWer or rate at Which the radiant energy is delivered to the
may vary during a single treatment session. For instance, the inter-pulse interval or the pulse duration may increase or decrease from the beginning of a pulse sequence to the end of the pulse sequence. The resulting instantaneous rate of energy
target skin surface. Alternatively or additionally, the user might increase the number of pulses via selector 34 or increase the applied energy via selector 36. These adjust
ments Will result in an increase in the rate of applied energy if

50
binations of operational parameters particularly suitable for

home-use and attainable With either the device of FIG. 1
the total time of the pulse sequence is limited. If the light intensity is separately adjustable, one may increase the poWer or rate of energy delivery by simply selecting a higher inten
55
sity value.
having pre-established settings or parameter combinations or the device of FIG. 2 Where the various pulse sequence param eters may be individually adjusted independently of the other parameters. In these examples, the total times of the pulse sequences are determined by the selected numbers of pulses, the selected pulse durations and the selected inter-pulse inter
controlling factor, adjustments made in the parameters for

purposes of incrementally enhancing the skin treatment
effectiveness of the device of FIG. 2 Will be different from the
60
vals. The light intensity may be automatically adjusted by the

light generating device if necessary to ensure consistency among the listed parameter settings. Home Use Example 1
65
case of completely independent parameter values. For instance, once the total applied energy and total pulse sequence time have been selected, decreasing the number of pulses Will require an increase in pulse length and/or an
increase in pulse intensity in order to deliver the same amount of total energy in the ?xed time. These changes Will increase
In a preferred setting or combination of operational param eters suitable for home use, an incoherent light applicator device for skin treatment generates pulses With a pulse num
Filed 11/14/13 Page 91 of 93
US 8,393,330 B2
23
ber of tWo, a pulse duration of 7 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 300 msec, a total pulse energy of 20 J/cm2, and a spectral
24
a pulse number of three, a pulse duration of 5 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 300 msec, a total pulse energy of 20

Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm.
Home Use Example 2
Home Use Example 8
A slightly higher setting or combination of operational parameters for an incoherent light applicator device suitable
for home use involves a pulse sequence With a pulse number of tWo, a pulse duration of 7 msec, an inter-pulse interval of
Another setting or combination of operational parameters for an incoherent light applicator device involves pulses With
250 msec, a total pulse energy of 20 J/cm2, and a spectral

Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. Although the total
amount of energy is the same as in the ?rst example, the shorter interpulse interval means that the rate of energy trans
instance, betWeen 700 nm and 900 nm. Alternatively, a loW
mission to the target skin surface is higher.
pass ?lter may be used for transmitting to a skin surface only Wavelengths less than a predetermined maximum, such as
900 nm, 750 nm, or 550 nm. The loWer the Wavelength the
20
Home Use Example 3
less likely the light Will penetrate deeply and damage cellular
and histological elements as deep as the bulb parts of the hair follicles. Shorter Wavelengths, for instance, beloW 550 nm are
pulse interval of 250 msec, a total pulse energy of 25 J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, including Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. In this example, not only is the total energy larger than in the second example, but the rate of energy application is higher oWing to the shorter pulse duration.
30
useful for limiting the depth of penetration. Depth of penetration may also be limited by using loWer
light intensities. Neutral density or gray ?lters may be used to reduce the intensity of the light applied to the selected skin surfaces.
Home Use Example 4

An even higher setting or combination of operational parameters for an incoherent light applicator device involves pulses With a pulse number of tWo, a pulse duration of 5 msec,
an inter-pulse interval of 2 l 0 msec, a total pulse energy of 37
binations of operational parameters particularly suitable for professional devices. In these examples, the selected numbers of pulses, the selected pulse durations and the selected inter pulse intervals determine the total times of the pulse
sequences. The li ght- generating device, if neces sary to ensure
consistency among the listed parameter settings, may auto

35
matically adjust the light intensity.

Professional Use Example 1
In a setting or combination of operational parameters suit
J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, including Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. The pulse sequence of this example delivers radiant energy at a higher rate than in the third example because of the shorter
able for professional use, an incoherent light applicator

40
inter-pulse interval and the slightly higher energy delivered per pulse.
Home Use Example 5
45
device for skin treatment generates pulses With a pulse num ber of tWo, a pulse duration of 7 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 150 msec, a total pulse energy of 60 J/cm2, and a spectral

Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm.
In a loW setting or combination of operational parameters,
an incoherent light applicator device produces pulses With a

pulse number of tWo, a pulse duration of 5 msec, an inter

50
pulse interval of 350 msec, a total pulse energy of 15 J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, including Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm. The pulse sequence of this example delivers a small amount of energy, at a loW rate (e.g., long inter-pulse interval).
55
Home Use Example 6


60
Home Use Example 7

65
Filed 11/14/13 Page 92 of 93
US 8,393,330 B2
25
26
structures, and others such as collagen and Langerhans cells, may release factors that stimulate collagen synthesis and/or
remodeling.
It is to be noted that the skin treatment method described

In a relatively loW setting or combination of operational
herein alloWs for multiple passes over any particular skin surface. The selected light treatment parameters may be the
same for each pass or may vary from pass to pass. In addition, the passes may folloW immediately after one another or may
parameters for professional use, an incoherent light applica tor device produces pulses With a pulse number of tWo, a pulse
duration of 9 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 200 msec, a total
be spaced by an interval during Which, for instance, the light

treatment device is used to apply light pulses to another area of the user s skin. An advantage of multiple passes is that the total poWer applied to a given skin surface may be reduced relative to that needed for accomplishing the desired prophy lactic treatment by a single pass. For example, instead of a
pulse energy of 40 J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a
commercially available ?ashlamp, including Wavelengths

single pass of 50 Joules/cm2, skin could be effectively treated by tWo passes of 20 Joules/cm2 apiece. If the number of passes is increased further, the total poWer may be reduced
even more. For instance, tWenty passes may require a poWer
20
A slightly higher setting or combination of operational parameters for an incoherent light applicator device involves
pulses With a pulse number of tWo, a pulse duration of 5 msec, an inter-pulse interval of 150 msec, a total pulse energy of 40 J/cm2, and a spectral distribution of a commercially available

25
Another higher setting or combination of operational parameters for an incoherent light applicator device involves pulses With a pulse number of tWo, a pulse duration of 5 msec,
no greater than 0.01 Joule/cm2. Multiple passes canbe used to treat tanned skin Without any undesirable effects. Thus, it is safer to use multiple passes than a single pass. Also, it is more e?icient to use multiple passes rather than a single pass. Light application devices for multiple-pass treatments are less expensive and easier to build that devices for single-pass treatments. A scanner may be provided for rapidly imple menting a high number of passes Without undue exertion by the operator. Where a skin treatment session comprises mul tiple passes over any particular area of skin, each pass is constituted by one or more light pulses. Where each pass
30
includes multiple pulses in a respective pulse packet, the

pulse packets are separated by a period that is great in com
J/cmz, and a spectral distribution of a commercially available ?ashlamp, including Wavelengths betWeen 500 and 1200 nm.
A further combination of operational parameters for an
35
parison to the interpulse duration(s) of the pulse packets. This

inter-packet period may be anyWhere from one-tenth of a
second to ten or tWenty minutes. Where a hand treatment
device as disclosed above With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 is being used, it is convenient to treat an entire skin surface With a ?rst pulse packet during a ?rst pass and then treat the same
incoherent light applicator device involves pulses With a pulse

number of tWo, a pulse duration of about 5.8 msec, an inter
skin surface With a second pulse packet during a second pass. Where a light chamber or box is used, the individual need not
40
pulse interval of approximately 20 msec, and a total applied

energy of betWeen about 20 Joules per square centimeter of said skin surface and about 90 Joules per square centimeter of said skin surface.
Wait for longer than a feW seconds betWeen successive pulse
packets, thereby obviating any fatigue or boredom. A prophy

lactic light treatment as described hereinabove is useful to counteract the deleterious effects of tanning salons as Well as of sun expo sure, for example, at a beach or sWimming pool. In
45

Yet another setting or combination of operational param eters for an incoherent light applicator device involves pulses
With a pulse number of one a pulse duration of betWeen about 18 msec and 25 msec, and a total applied energy of betWeen about 20 Joules per square centimeter of said skin surface and about 90 Joules per square centimeter of said skin surface.
these cases, it is advantageous to the customers of the tanning

salon or the users of the beach or pool to provide a light chamber or box Where the customers and users may be sub jected to a light treatment over large areas of the skin simul
50
taneously. The same chamber that is used for the tanning treatment may be used for prophylactic light treatment. In that case, the visible and/or infrared radiation emitters (bulbs) may be disposed in place of, or in addition to, the tanning
radiation sources. The user preferably Wears goggles to pro tect the eyes and may stand or sit in a small enclosure (light
An incoherent light applicator device for professional use may also be provided With a band-pass ?lter for limiting the spectral distribution of the generated light pulses to Wave lengths in a given band, for instance, betWeen 700 nm and 900
nm. Again, a loW-pass ?lter may be used for transmitting to a
55
chamber or box, not shoWn) While light energy With appro
priate parameters is applied to the entire exposed skin surface. In a light chamber, light may be applied via a contact device,
60
skin surface only Wavelengths less than a predetermined

maximum, such as 900 nm, 750 nm, or 550 nm.
In the skin treatment method described above With refer ence to FIGS. 1 and 2, visible and/or infrared light energy is applied to a skin surface for absorption by melanin in the
as described speci?cally hereinabove With reference to FIGS. 1-3, or via a non-contact apparatus, as Where the Walls of the chamber are provided With diffuse light sources that bathe the
individual uniformly in light energy. It is possible also for the light application to be effectuated in a liquid-containing
enclosure such as a pool, Where a liquid such as an aqueous
epidermis and hemoglobin in the capillaries and blood ves sels of the dermis. The absorption of light (visible and/or infrared) increases the local temperature in the tissues con taining the chromophores, particularly the blood vessel cell Walls and keratinocytes in the skin. The rise in heat of these
solution serves in part to conduct light to the skin surfaces of

65
the individual user and to remove excess heat generated in the
skin tissues by the absorption or scattering of the light. It is

noted in addition that Water is a more ef?cient medium for
Filed 11/14/13 Page 93 of 93
US 8,393,330 B2
27
light transmission than is air. Light may be conveyed to the
individual s skin in part via a crystal or pouch-type applicator, as discussed above With reference to FIGS. 1-3, in part via liquid in a pool in Which at least a portion of the individual is situated, and/or in part via the ambient air in a light chamber
or box, as discussed above.
28
(i) a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum, and
(ii) a predetermined total energy, selected to temporarily prevent hair groWth through a skin
5
surface. 4. The method of claim 3, Wherein the skin area has had
protruding hair removed by shaving.

5. A method for temporarily preventing hair groWth at a
particular embodiments and applications, one of ordinary skill in the art, in light of this teaching, can generate additional embodiments and modi?cations Without departing from the
spirit of or exceeding the scope of the claimed invention. For example, light sources 18 and 42 may take the form of laser sources. In that case, if optical elements 22 and 48 include any ?lters, those ?lters are neutral density ?lters for reducing the intensity of the transmitted radiation. Where light sources 18
and 42 are tunable laser sources, then an additional actuator
skin surface comprising: (a) applying a ?rst predetermined number of pulses of light
10
to a skin area that has had protruding hair removed; and
(b) applying a second predetermined number of pulses of

light to the skin area after step (a) and before the skin area has had visible hair regroWth;
Wherein the ?rst predetermined number of pulses of light and the second predetermined number of pulses of light
each include:
may be provided for frequency selection purposes. Accord ingly, it is to be understood that the draWings and descriptions herein are proffered by Way of example to facilitate compre
hension of the invention and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof. What is claimed is: 1. A hair treatment method comprising:
20
(i) a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum, and

(ii) a predetermined total energy,
selected to temporarily prevent hair groWth.

6. The method of claim 5, Wherein the skin area has had
protruding hair removed by shaving.

7. A method of retarding hair groWth comprising:
providing to a skin area a plurality of light applications at
removing protruding hair ?bers from a skin surface by
an applications frequency, each light application includ

25
shaving;
generating a ?rst predetermined number of pulses of light, each pulse having a predetermined electromagnetic
mg:
(a) a plurality of light pulses; and

(b) a predetermined total energy for the temporary removal
spectrum; directing said ?rst predetermined number of pulses of light

toWard said skin surface folloWing said shaving, said pulses having a total energy predetermined to tempo rarily prevent a groWth of hair through said skin surface for a period of time; prior to a lapse of said period of time after the directing of said ?rst predetermined number of pulses of light toWard
said skin surface, and prior to a visible reappearance of hairs on said skin surface, generating a second predeter
30
of hair; Wherein the plurality of light applications includes a ?rst
light application and a second light application, Wherein the ?rst light application and the second light application are separated by a time period that is less than the amount of time required for protruding hair
groWth in the skin area folloWing a hair removal treat ment in the skin area and absent any light application folloWing said hair removal treatment. 8. The method of claim 7, Wherein the hair removal treat ment includes shaving. 9. The method of claim 7, Wherein the hair removal treat
35
mined number of pulses of light and directing the second predetermined number of pulses of light toWard said
skin surface to temporarily prevent hair reappearance. 2. The method of claim 1, Wherein directing the second
40
ment includes the ?rst light application.

10. The method of claim 7, Wherein the hair removal treat
ment includes:
predetermined number of pulses of light toWard said skin

surface to temporarily prevent hair reappearance results in
partial damage to one or more hair follicles.
(i) shaving, and (ii) the ?rst light application.

45
11. The method of claim 7, Wherein the frequency varies

over time.
(a) applying a ?rst predetermined number of pulses of light

to a skin area that has had protruding hair removed; and
12. The method of claim 11, Wherein the predetermined

total energy varies over time.
(b) after step (a), applying a second predetermined number

of pulses of light to the skin area before the skin area has
13. The method of claim 11, Wherein the predetermined

50
had protruding hair regroWth; Wherein the ?rst predetermined number of pulses of light and the second predetermined number of pulses of light
each include:
total energy varies over time due to variation in the number of
light pulses in said light applications.

* * * * *

Jay, M.D. v. Spectrum Brands Holdings Et. Al.

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Case 1:13-cv-08137-LTS Document 1

Filed 11/14/13 Page 1 of 93

Case 1:13-cv-08137-LTS Document 1

Filed 11/14/13 Page 2 of 93

On information and belief, Spectrum Brands, Inc. (Spectrum Brands) is a

Case 1:13-cv-08137-LTS Document 1

Filed 11/14/13 Page 3 of 93

On information and belief, SPECTRUM develops, manufactures, imports, uses,

Case 1:13-cv-08137-LTS Document 1

Filed 11/14/13 Page 4 of 93

Case 1:13-cv-08137-LTS Document 1

Filed 11/14/13 Page 5 of 93

Case 1:13-cv-08137-LTS Document 1

Filed 11/14/13 Page 6 of 93

Case 1:13-cv-08137-LTS Document 1

Filed 11/14/13 Page 7 of 93

After learning of SPECTRUMs Accused Products, Dr. Jay contacted SPECTRUM

Case 1:13-cv-08137-LTS Document 1

Filed 11/14/13 Page 8 of 93

Case 1:13-cv-08137-LTS Document 1

Filed 11/14/13 Page 9 of 93

Notwithstanding the existence of the 542 Patent and SPECTRUMs knowledge

Case 1:13-cv-08137-LTS Document 1

Filed 11/14/13 Page 10 of 93

Case 1:13-cv-08137-LTS Document 1

Filed 11/14/13 Page 11 of 93

Notwithstanding the existence of the 316 Patent and SPECTRUMs knowledge

Case 1:13-cv-08137-LTS Document 1

Filed 11/14/13 Page 12 of 93

Case 1:13-cv-08137-LTS Document 1

Filed 11/14/13 Page 13 of 93

Notwithstanding the existence of the 617 Patent and SPECTRUMs knowledge

Case 1:13-cv-08137-LTS Document 1

Filed 11/14/13 Page 14 of 93

Case 1:13-cv-08137-LTS Document 1

Filed 11/14/13 Page 15 of 93

Notwithstanding the existence of the 308 Patent and SPECTRUMs knowledge

Case 1:13-cv-08137-LTS Document 1

Filed 11/14/13 Page 16 of 93

Case 1:13-cv-08137-LTS Document 1

Filed 11/14/13 Page 17 of 93

Notwithstanding the existence of the 330 Patent and SPECTRUMs knowledge

Case 1:13-cv-08137-LTS Document 1

Filed 11/14/13 Page 18 of 93

Case 1:13-cv-08137-LTS Document 1

Filed 11/14/13 Page 19 of 93

Case 1:13-cv-08137-LTS Document 1

Filed 11/14/13 Page 20 of 93

Case 1:13-cv-08137-LTS Document 1

Filed 11/14/13 Page 21 of 93

Exhibit A U.S. PATENT 6,824,542 (The 542 Patent)

Case 1:13-cv-08137-LTS Document 1

Filed 11/14/13 Page 22 of 93

(12> Ulllted States Patent

(16) Patent N6.=

TEMPORARY HAIR REMOVAL METHOD

12/2000 Tankovich et 211.

Harvey H. Jay, 14 Cayuga Rd.,

patent is extended or adjusted under 35

U.S.C. 154(b) by 62 days.

6,267,771 6,280,438 6,383,176 6,387,089

7/2001 8/2001 5/2002 5/2002

Tankovich et 211. Eckhouse et 211. Connors et 211. Kreindel et al.