US5824024A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Illumination devices and methods for treating light deficiency and mood disorders
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1996-05-03
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Granted: 1998-10-20
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Expires: 2016-05-03
Abstract
Abstract Illumination fixtures for use in treating light deficiency and mood disorders, as well as color therapy, are disclosed. The fixtures employ an illumination gas having a high neon gas content. Fixtures in which the glass tubing is bent and convoluted in a three dimensional arrangement provide a high level of illumination in a compact device and substantially reduce glare. Fixtures employing multiple color tubing, dimmer(s) and/or timer(s) may be used to simulate natural lighting conditions, such as sunrise, neon illumination sources may also be used in combination with an as a source for fiber optic cables.
Inventors
- 👤 Daniel Christoper Dial
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 00:51
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61N; A61N5/00; A61N5/06; A61N5/0613; A61N5/0618; A61N2005/065; A61N2005/0655; A61N2005/0658; A61N2005/0662; A61N2005/0663
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
78 words
A method for treating light deficiency and mood disorders, including exposing a patient to a fixture comprising a length of glass tubing terminating in an electrode at each end and enclosing an illumination gas comprising mercury vapor and at least about 50% neon, the electrodes being electrically connectable to a transformer, and the transformer being electrically connectable to a power source, the fixture having an illumination output of at least 2,500 lux at a distance of 18 inches.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
78 words
A method for treating light deficiency and mood disorders, including exposing a patient to a fixture comprising a length of glass tubing terminating in an electrode at each end and enclosing an illumination gas comprising mercury vapor and at least about 50% neon, the electrodes being electrically connectable to a transformer, and the transformer being electrically connectable to a power source, the fixture having an illumination output of at least 2,500 lux at a distance of 18 inches.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as described in claim 1, wherein the fixture comprises glass tubing having a phosphor coating that produces broad spectrum white light.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as described in claim 2, wherein the fixture comprises a three dimensional arrangement of bent and convoluted glass tubing.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the glass tubing has a diameter of from about 7 mm to about 18 mm.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the glass tubing is provided in a three dimensional convoluted arrangement.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 5, wherein the tubing axis is continuously variable and scatters light randomly.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the fixture comprises at least about 12 feet of glass tubing in a volumetric space of about 1.5 cubic feet.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
43 words
A method for treating light deficiency and mood disorders, including exposing a patient to a light fixture confining an illumination gas comprising at least about 50% neon gas with mercury vapor, the illumination gas capable of illuminating when activated by an electric current.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
43 words
A method for treating light deficiency and mood disorders, including exposing a patient to a light fixture confining an illumination gas comprising at least about 50% neon gas with mercury vapor, the illumination gas capable of illuminating when activated by an electric current.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
45 words
A method according to claim 8 for treating a light deficiency or mood disorder selected from the group consisting of: depression, seasonal affective disorder, stress, learning disabilities, pre-menstrual syndrome, sexual dysfunctions, visual disorders, immune and nervous system disorders and sleep and other natural rhythm disorders.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 8, wherein the illumination gas comprises at least about 80% neon gas.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 8, wherein the light fixture produces broad spectrum white light.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 8, wherein the light fixture produces light in one or more selected wavelength bands.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 8, wherein the light fixture comprises a three-dimensional arrangement of bent and convoluted glass tubing confining the neon-containing illumination gas.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US5047006A
Cited
US5046494A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-10-19 | 2002-04-20 | 2002-10-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-10-19 | 2006-04-20 | 2006-10-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-10-19 | 2010-04-20 | 2010-10-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |