Patent EP0584930A1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3834391A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and apparatus for photoepilation
Assignee: BLOCK CAROL Ltd
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Filing: 1973-01-19
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Granted: 1974-09-10
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Expires: 1993-01-19
Abstract
Abstract Photoepilation apparatus comprises a needle or probe carrying a single protected optical fiber which is supported throughout its length adapted to be connected into a photoepilation system including a gaseous discharge source of light energy. The free end of the probe is tapered with a gradual taper to a relatively fine diameter to enable said free end to be brought close to the follicle entrance of a hair shaft or body it is desired to remove. The method disclosed includes applying light energy in flashes through the use of the optical fiber at the entrance to a hair follicle.
Inventors
- 👤 C Block
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 12:38
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/18; A61B18/20; A61B18/203; H; H02; H02J; H02J7/00; H02J7/34; A61B2018/00315; A61B2018/00452; A61B2018/00476; A61B2018/2005; H02J2105/00; H02J2105/40; H02J2105/46
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
102 words
The method of photoepilation by means of light energy which comprises A. producing pulses of high energy light, B. positioning a fiberoptical conduit with one end in energy receiving relation to the light and the opposite end in energy transmitting relation to the exterior of and touching the entrance of a follicle containing a living hair shaft and root, C. transmitting sufficient pulses through said opposite end and by way of the follicle to the vicinity of said hair root to coagulate the tissues maintaining life in said hair shaft and root, and D. withdrawing the hair and root from said follicle.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
102 words
The method of photoepilation by means of light energy which comprises A. producing pulses of high energy light, B. positioning a fiberoptical conduit with one end in energy receiving relation to the light and the opposite end in energy transmitting relation to the exterior of and touching the entrance of a follicle containing a living hair shaft and root, C. transmitting sufficient pulses through said opposite end and by way of the follicle to the vicinity of said hair root to coagulate the tissues maintaining life in said hair shaft and root, and D. withdrawing the hair and root from said follicle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 in which a light transmissive liquid is applied to said follicle prior to transmitting said pulses.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 in which a light transmissive liquid comprising mineral oil is applied to the skin around said entrance prior to transmitting said pulses to add said oil to said follicle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
111 words
A probe for use in photoepilation apparatus and comprising a housing adapted to have one end thereof connected to a source of high energy light and having an optical fiber therein for transmitting light from said connected end to a free end, the fiber having opposite ends thereof substantially flush with the connected and free ends of said housing and supported at said connected and free ends, said housing having an outer configuration which tapers with a gradual taper to a diameter at said free end fine enough to enable accurate placement of said free end at the entrance of a follicle and great enough to provide support for said fiber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
111 words
A probe for use in photoepilation apparatus and comprising a housing adapted to have one end thereof connected to a source of high energy light and having an optical fiber therein for transmitting light from said connected end to a free end, the fiber having opposite ends thereof substantially flush with the connected and free ends of said housing and supported at said connected and free ends, said housing having an outer configuration which tapers with a gradual taper to a diameter at said free end fine enough to enable accurate placement of said free end at the entrance of a follicle and great enough to provide support for said fiber.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The probe as claimed in claim 4 in which said taper commences at a location closer to said connected end than to said free end.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The probe as claimed in claim 5 in which said tapered end is curved relative to the axis of said housing.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
187 words
A probe for use in photoepilation apparatus and comprising a housing adapted to have one end thereof connected to a source of high energy light such as produced by a xenon lamp and having a central member formed of optical fiber means therein for transmitting light from said connected end to a free end, the central member having one end thereof substantially flush with the end of the housing which is to be so connected and having its other end exposed to enable the placement of said exposed end adjacent the exterior of a hair follicle so that light emeRging from said exposed end will enter into the follicle, said housing having an outer configuration which includes a tapered end opposite the said connected end and at which said other end of said central member is mounted, said central member having a protective metal sheath surrounding the same along at least that portion which is exposed, the combined cross sectional area of the protective sheath and the central member at said exposed end being substantially greater than the available cross sectional area of a normal hair follicle.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
187 words
A probe for use in photoepilation apparatus and comprising a housing adapted to have one end thereof connected to a source of high energy light such as produced by a xenon lamp and having a central member formed of optical fiber means therein for transmitting light from said connected end to a free end, the central member having one end thereof substantially flush with the end of the housing which is to be so connected and having its other end exposed to enable the placement of said exposed end adjacent the exterior of a hair follicle so that light emeRging from said exposed end will enter into the follicle, said housing having an outer configuration which includes a tapered end opposite the said connected end and at which said other end of said central member is mounted, said central member having a protective metal sheath surrounding the same along at least that portion which is exposed, the combined cross sectional area of the protective sheath and the central member at said exposed end being substantially greater than the available cross sectional area of a normal hair follicle.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-09-09 | 1978-03-11 | 1978-09-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-09-09 | 1982-03-11 | 1982-09-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-09-09 | 1986-03-11 | 1986-09-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |