Abstract
A device that treats items containing chromophores with multiple wavelengths of light to provide a beneficial effect when the treated items are applied onto or within a user's body. The device may emit at least three different wavelengths that are selected from specific wavelength combinations that have been found to have synergistic and positive effects. Treating items with these wavelengths may increase the energy content of the items since the wavelengths may be absorbed by the chromophores, and specific types and levels of energy corresponding to the treatment wavelengths and chromophores may be radiated into a person's body when the items are used. Illustrative items that may be treated with light may include, for example, creams such as cosmetics, moisturizers, hair treatments, or pain treatments; pills such as pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, vitamins, or supplements; or drops such as eyedrops or ear drops.
Claims
1. A device that treats items containing chromophores with multiple wavelengths of light, comprising: a transparent container configured to contain one or more items to be treated, wherein: each item of said one or more items contains one or more chromophores; and each item of said one or more items is configured to be applied onto or within a body of a person; one or more light panels located around said transparent container, wherein: each light panel of said one or more light panels comprises a plurality of light sources configured to emit light of three different wavelengths that is directed towards said one or more items in said transparent container; said three different wavelengths are selected from a wavelength set selected from a plurality of wavelength set options comprising: a first wavelength set option comprising wavelength one options comprising 315 nm, 630 nm, and 1260 nm; wavelength two options comprising 276 nm, 511 nm, and 1102 nm; and wavelength three options comprising 349 nm, 698 nm, and 1396 nm; a second wavelength set option comprising said wavelength one options comprising 281 nm, 561 nm, and 1122 nm; said wavelength two options comprising 246 nm, 491 nm, and 982 nm; and said wavelength three options comprising 310 nm, 619 nm, and 1238 nm; a third wavelength set option comprising said wavelength one options comprising 266 nm, 532 nm, and 1064 nm; said wavelength two options comprising 233 nm, 466 nm, and 932 nm; and said wavelength three options comprising 294 nm, 587 nm, and 1174 nm; a fourth wavelength set option comprising said wavelength one options comprising 237 nm, 473 nm, and 946 nm; said wavelength two options comprising 207 nm, 414 nm, and 828 nm; and said wavelength three options comprising 261 nm, 522 nm, and 1044 nm; a fifth wavelength set option comprising said wavelength one options comprising 211 nm, 421 nm, and 842 nm; said wavelength two options comprising 185 nm, 369 nm, and 738 nm; and said wavelength three options comprising 233 nm, 465 nm, and 930 nm; and, a sixth wavelength set option comprising said wavelength one options comprising 374 nm, 748 nm, and 1496 nm; said wavelength two options comprising 214 nm, 427 nm, and 855 nm; and said wavelength three options comprising 339 nm, 677 nm, and 1354 nm; and, a seventh wavelength set option comprising said wavelength one options comprising 280 nm, 560 nm, and 1120 nm; said wavelength two options comprising 245 nm, 490 nm, and 980 nm; and said wavelength three options comprising 309 nm, 618 nm, and 1239 nm; and, said three different wavelengths comprise a first wavelength substantially equal to one of said wavelength one options associated with said wavelength set; a second wavelength substantially equal to one of said wavelength two options associated with said wavelength set; and a third wavelength substantially equal to one of said wavelength three options associated with said wavelength set.
2. The device that treats items containing chromophores with multiple wavelengths of light of claim 1, wherein said one or more chromophores absorb light of one or more of said three different wavelengths.
3. The device that treats items containing chromophores with multiple wavelengths of light of claim 1, wherein: amounts of light emitted from each light panel in each of said three different wavelengths are substantially equal.
4. The device that treats items containing chromophores with multiple wavelengths of light of claim 1, wherein: said one or more light panels comprise a first light panel located on a first side of said transparent container; and a second light panel located on a second side of said transparent container.
5. The device that treats items containing chromophores with multiple wavelengths of light of claim 4, wherein said second side of said transparent container is opposite said first side of said transparent container.
6. The device that treats items containing chromophores with multiple wavelengths of light of claim 5, wherein said first light panel is above said transparent container; and, said second light panel is below said transparent container.
7. The device that treats items containing chromophores with multiple wavelengths of light of claim 4, wherein said three different wavelengths of light associated with said first light panel are all different from said three different wavelengths of light associated with said second light panel.
8. The device that treats items containing chromophores with multiple wavelengths of light of claim 1, wherein said one or more items comprise a cosmetic configured to be applied to skin of said person after treatment with said three different wavelengths of light.
9. The device that treats items containing chromophores with multiple wavelengths of light of claim 1, wherein said one or more items comprise a pharmaceutical, a nutraceutical, a vitamin, or a supplement configured to be consumed by said person after treatment with said three different wavelengths of light.
10. The device that treats items containing chromophores with multiple wavelengths of light of claim 1, wherein said one or more items comprise drops configured to be applied to eyes of said person after treatment with said three different wavelengths of light.
11. The device that treats items containing chromophores with multiple wavelengths of light of claim 1, wherein said one or more items comprise a mask containing a cream that contains said one or more chromophores, wherein said mask is configured to be applied to a face of said person after treatment with said three different wavelengths of light.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent from the following more particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings wherein:
[0031] FIG. 1 shows a schematic of an illustrative embodiment of the invention that treats water using light of three different wavelengths emitted from each of two light panels.
[0032] FIG. 2 shows illustrative options for wavelengths of light that may be used in one or more embodiments of the invention.
[0033] FIG. 3 shows an illustrative selection of 6 wavelengths from the options of FIG. 2 that may be used in one or more embodiments of the invention.
[0034] FIG. 4 shows images of results of an experiment that treated water using an embodiment of the invention; the crystal forms of the treated water when it was frozen demonstrate that the water had a novel structure.
[0035] FIG. 5 shows results of an experiment in which a test subject drank water treated using an embodiment of the invention.
[0036] FIG. 6 shows an illustrative water treatment device that treats water with light and then dispenses treated water on demand into a container for drinking, such as a cup or water bottle.
[0037] FIG. 7 shows an architectural diagram of selected components of the treatment and dispensing device of FIG. 6.
[0038] FIG. 8 shows a more detailed architectural diagram of components of the treatment and dispensing device of FIG. 6.
[0039] FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of treatment steps performed by the device of FIG. 6.
[0040] FIG. 10 continues the flowchart of FIG. 9 to show dispensing of treated water followed by another cycle of water treatment to prepare for a next dispensing cycle.
[0041] FIG. 11 shows an illustrative light therapy device similar to a tanning bed that treats a person with multiple wavelengths of light that may be similar to those used in a water treatment device.
[0042] FIG. 12 shows an illustrative light therapy device integrated into a sauna.
[0043] FIG. 13 shows an illustrative light therapy device in a handheld unit.
[0044] FIG. 14 shows an illustrative light therapy device used as a facial treatment.
[0045] FIG. 15 shows an illustrative light device integrated into a hat to treat the scalp or hair.
[0046] FIG. 16 shows an illustrative light device used for agricultural treatment.
[0047] FIG. 17 shows a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 1 that is configured to treat food instead of or in addition to water.
[0048] FIG. 18 shows an architectural block diagram for an illustrative device that treats food with selected wavelengths of light.
[0049] FIG. 19 shows a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 17 that is configured to treat any items containing chromophores that may be applied onto or within a person's body, such as for example, without limitation, creams, pills, or eyedrops.
[0050] FIG. 20 shows a flowchart of treating cream, pills, and eyedrops with light using a device similar to that shown in FIG. 18 and then applying or consuming the treated items to release the energy stored within them that was absorbed by the chromophores during light treatment.
[0051] FIG. 21 shows an illustrative facemask that may be filled with a cream containing chromophores; the filled facemask may be treated by the device shown in FIG. 20 and then applied to the face of a user to release the stored energy absorbed during light treatment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0052] A device that treats items containing chromophores with multiple wavelengths of light will now be described. In the following exemplary description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to an artisan of ordinary skill that the present invention may be practiced without incorporating all aspects of the specific details described herein. In other instances, specific features, quantities, or measurements well known to those of ordinary skill in the art have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. Readers should note that although examples of the invention are set forth herein, the claims, and the full scope of any equivalents, are what define the metes and bounds of the invention.
[0053] Experiments conducted by the inventor have explored the use of specific wavelengths of light to create oscillations in the water which could progressively add energy to the water. Results appear to be optimal when water is treated with 6 different wavelengths of light. This type of treatment results in a novel water structure which may have additional energy in the water. FIG. 4 below shows illustrative results of an experiment that demonstrates this novel structure.
[0054] FIG. 1 shows an illustrative device 100 that may be used to generate the desired structure of water. The device has a transparent container 103 that may hold water 104 to be treated. Container 103 may be of any shape and size. Two light panels 110 and 120 are located outside the container in different locations; for example, these panels may be on opposite sides of the container. In device 100, light panel 110 is located above the container 103, and light panel 120 is located below the container 103. The light panels may each contain multiple light sources, such as LEDs or lasers for example. Each light source may emit a specific wavelength or range of wavelengths of light that is directed towards the water 104 in container 103. The light emitted from the light sources interacts with water 104 and modifies its structure, as described below. In one or more embodiments of the invention, each of the light panels 110 and 120 may emit three different wavelengths of light, and the wavelengths from one panel may all be different from the wavelengths from the other panel; thus, the water may be treated with 6 different wavelengths. The different wavelengths may be emitted from different types of light sources, or from light sources that are controlled to emit these different types of wavelengths. In FIG. 1, the different light sources on panels 110 and 120 are indicated schematically by different shapes corresponding to different wavelengths; these icons do not necessarily indicate the actual shape of the light sources. Light panel 110 has 18 light sources, and light panel 120 has 18 light sources; these numbers are illustrative and embodiments may have any number of light sources on any light panel. Light source 115 emits light of wavelength 111; light source 116 emits light of wavelength 112; light source 117 emits light of wavelength 113; light source 125 emits light of wavelength 121; light source 126 emits light of wavelength 122; and light source 127 emits light of wavelength 123. The wavelengths 111, 112, 113, 121, 122, and 123 may all be different. In one or more embodiments the amount of light emitted in each wavelength may be substantially equal for each of the different wavelengths. For example, in panel 110 there are 6 light sources associated with each of the wavelengths 111, 112, and 113, and in panel 120 there are 6 light sources associated with each of the wavelengths 121, 122, and 123; each of these light sources may have similar or equal power or intensity. In one or more embodiments the light panels do not substantially output other wavelengths of light beyond the three different wavelengths emitted. For example, the light emitted may have a peak with fall off around a central frequency so that other frequencies are not emitted with an amplitude near the amplitude of the central frequency.
[0055] One or more embodiments of the invention may also provide a mechanism to add either or both of hydrogen 105 and oxygen 106 to water 104 before or during treatment by the light from panels 110 and 120. In one or more embodiments the hydrogen and oxygen may be generated by electrolysis of water, with the resulting hydrogen gas and oxygen gas bubbled through the water during treatment. An electrolyzer may be integrated into device 100. The hydrogen and oxygen generated during electrolysis may be kept in the same vessel 104. The hydrogen and oxygen may recombine into water when they are exposed to the light from the light panels. Instead of or in addition to electrolysis, any other source of hydrogen and/or oxygen gas may be used, and the gas may be bubbled through the water during treatment. Another source of hydrogen and/or oxygen that may be used in one or more embodiments is the introduction of compounds into the water that bear hydrogen and/or oxygen, such as hydrogen bound to a mineral or other complex.
[0056] An illustrative embodiment of device 100 may use for example a container 103 that is approximately 4 inches in diameter and 4 inches high and that holds approximately 500 ml of water, and panels 110 and 120 that are each be approximately 4 inches in diameter and may each consume approximately 20 watts of power. An illustrative treatment time for the water is 45 minutes. Additional sources of hydrogen and/or oxygen may or may not be used during treatment.
[0057] FIG. 2 shows illustrative wavelengths of light that may be used in one or more embodiments of device 100. In one or more embodiments, for each light panel a selection 201 may be made to select one of the 7 wavelength set options of table 200. Each light panel should be associated with a different wavelength set option. Then for each light panel, selection 202 may be made to choose one wavelength from each of the three columns of table 200. These wavelength selection steps 201 and 202 ensure that all wavelengths are different, and the specific wavelengths in the rows and columns of table 200 have been found experimentally to provide the desired results. The actual wavelengths used in an embodiment may differ from the ideal wavelengths shown in table 200, for example by approximately 10 nm for each wavelength.
[0058] FIG. 3 shows an illustrative selection of wavelengths from table 200 for the light panels 110 and 120 and the wavelengths 111, 112, 113, 121, 122, 123 of device 100 of FIG. 1. In this example, light panel 110 is associated with wavelength option set 301, and light panel 120 is associated with wavelength option set 302. Any two wavelength option sets may be used. For panel 110, the first wavelength 111 is the second wavelength of the first column; the second wavelength 112 is the second wavelength of the second column, and the third wavelength 113 is the second wavelength of the third column. For panel 120, the first wavelength 121 is the first wavelength of the first column; the second wavelength 122 is the third wavelength of the second column, and the third wavelength 123 is the second wavelength of the third column. The illustrative selections are embodied in a device that treats water with 6 different wavelengths approximately equal to 630 nm, 551 nm, 698 nm, 374 nm, 855 nm, and 677 nm.
[0059] FIG. 4 shows results of an illustrative experiment performed by the inventor using an embodiment of the invention to treat water. In treatment step 401, 500 ml of water was placed into a glass container, with the glass container being about 4 in diameter and about 4 in height. One of the LED panels as described above was placed below the glass container, and the other was placed on top of the glass container so that both LED panels simultaneously treated the water in the glass container. The water was treated for 45 minutes.
[0060] After treatment in step 401, in step 402 the treated water was placed into a glass beaker which was then placed into a freezer. The water in the freezer was observed over the period of the next few hours as it froze. Image 410 shows the water at time 403 after 90 minutes, and image 420 shows the water at time 404 after 16 hours. What was noticed is that an implosion bubble 411 appears in image 410, and the resulting frozen ice has a water vortex 421 frozen inside in image 420. These unusual structures, which have not been previously observed in water, indicate that the structure of the water was altered by the treatment.
[0061] FIG. 5 shows the results of an experiment in which a test subject drank 500 ml of water that had been treated using an embodiment of the invention. Graphs 501 show a portion of a Biopulsar recording of the subject, with the blue line 502 indicating the time at which the subject drank the treated water. The result was immediate (under 10 seconds) as well as systemic; the subject's readings became much more stable across multiple organ systems after drinking the treated water.
[0062] In one or more embodiments, the invention may be incorporated into a device that treats and dispenses water. The device may for example maintain a stock of treated water that can be dispensed on demand, and dispensing may trigger treatment of additional water to be ready for a subsequent dispensing cycle. FIG. 6 shows an illustrative treatment and dispensing device 600. This device has a reservoir 601 that is filled by a user with untreated water. Lights and other components are contained within the housing 602. When a user wants to obtain treated water, the user may place a container such as a cup or water bottle into dispensing area 603 and use the control panel 605 to initiate dispensing of treated water from output 604. Control panel 605 may also include indicators of the device status, showing for example when components need to be replaced or refilled. Because treating water may take considerable time (such as 45 minutes, for example), the device may treat water in advance and hold treated water in one or more tanks to be ready for dispensing.
[0063] FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of selected illustrative components of device 600. Tank 601 that a user fills with untreated water may be for example 2L in capacity. (This is illustrative; the device and the capacity of its tanks and reservoirs may be of any size.) This illustrative device treats 500 mL of water per cycle. In the initial treatment step, 500 mL is pumped from the tank 601 through a filter to tank 701, and minerals are added to the water from cartridge 702. After infusing the water with the minerals, subsequent steps treat the mixture with light (as shown in FIG. 8). Control panel 605 may provide indicators that the water filter or mineral cartridge 702 need to be replaced, and it may indicate that the tank 601 needs to be refilled. Panel 605 may also indicate when water is ready to be dispensed (after treatment), and how long a user may need to wait until the next dispensing cycle. When water is ready to be dispensed, the user may press button 703 to dispense 500 ml of treated water from output 604.
[0064] FIG. 8 shows a more detailed block diagram of components of device 600. The device has 4 tanks: reservoir 601 that holds untreated water, tank 701 where minerals are added to the water, and two light treatment tanks 801 and 802 with associated LED panels 811 and 812, respectively. Water is pumped from reservoir 601 to tank 701 where minerals are added, and then into tanks 801 and 802 where the water/mineral mixture is treated with light. Treated water can be dispensed from either tank 801 or 802. In one or more embodiments, LED panels 811 or 812 or both include at least one filter situated between the first light panel and the water that allows primarily only the wavelengths of the first wavelength set option or the second wavelength set option through while substantially blocking other wavelengths. In other embodiments, the filters may optionally be separate from the panels, i.e., not coupled to them but situated in proximity to them.
[0065] FIGS. 9 and 10 show flowcharts of illustrative steps performed by device 600 to treat and dispense water. FIG. 9 shows treatment steps that prepare water for initial dispensing. FIG. 10 shows an additional treatment cycle that occurs after dispensing, to prepare for the next dispensing cycle. In step 901, the user fills the reservoir 601 with untreated water. In step 902, a quantity of mineral (such as 0.5 mL) is injected into tank 701, and in step 903, 500 mL of water is added to tank 701. (Quantities are illustrative.) In step 904a, the water/mineral mixture is pumped to light treatment tank 802. Steps 902 and 903 are then repeated, and step 904b pumps the water/mineral mixture to light treatment tank 801. Step 905 then applies light to both tanks 801 and 802, for example for 45 minutes. If there is remaining water in reservoir 601, steps 902a and 903b repeat filling of tank 701 and adding mineral, to prepare for the next light treatment cycle. Event 910 then indicates (for example on the display panel) that the device is ready to dispense treated water. The system may also maintain counters of the number of uses of the water filter and mineral cartridge and may modify these counters in steps 911 and 912 when water flows through the filter and when mineral is injected from the mineral cartridge; these counters enable the device to indicate when the filter or mineral cartridge needs to be replaced.
[0066] Continuing in FIG. 10, when the user presses the button in step 1001 to dispense treated water, the device dispenses water in step 1002 from either tank 801 or 802 (depending on which was treated first). Steps 904c, 905c, 905d, 902c, 903c, 911c, and 912c then repeat mineral mixing and light treatment to refill the tank that was emptied in step 1002. These steps enable the device to have treated water available on demand, as long as the user does not dispense more rapidly than the system can treat.
[0067] The inventor has discovered that the wavelengths used in a water treatment device may be beneficial in a light therapy device that treats a subject such as a person or an animal. Since human bodies are primarily water, directing the wavelengths described above at the skin of a person may have effects on the water in the body, or on other tissues. FIG. 11 shows an illustrative light therapy device 1101 that treats a subject 1102 using the multiple wavelengths described above. This illustrative embodiment resembles a tanning bed. One or more embodiments of the invention may incorporate lights that emit multiple wavelengths into any type of light therapy device that directs light at a subject. Illustrative examples of light therapy devices may include for example, without limitation, handheld light therapy devices, light therapy incorporated into a hat (for example for treating the scalp or as a treatment for hair loss), light therapy beds a subject is on or within for treatment, light therapy facial treatment devices (which direct light towards the face), and light therapy saunas a subject is within for treatment. Any device that directs light at a subject for therapy may incorporate any of the wavelengths described in this specification. A light therapy device enabled by the invention may direct light at any part or parts of a subject's body. Light may be shine directly onto the subject's skin, or light may affect the skin indirectly such as through clothing.
[0068] Light therapy device 1101 has multiple lights on the inner surface of the top lid of the device. The lights may be integrated into or attached to the device. Lights may be placed in any locations and may emit light in any directions. In this illustrative embodiment, light from the lights in the top lid is directed downward towards the skin of subject 1102 who lies on the lower part of the light therapy bed. The lights in device 1101 may be similar for example to those of panel 110 in water treatment device 100 of FIG. 1. These lights may emit light of three or more wavelengths 111, 112, and 113. These wavelengths may be selected for example from the wavelength set options described above in Table 1. Device 1101 may have any number of lights for each wavelength, of any size and power. In one or more embodiments the amounts of light emitted in each wavelength may be substantially equal. Other embodiments may utilize one light source that outputs three different frequencies of light.
[0069] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the light therapy device may have additional light panels with other wavelengths. For example, light therapy device 1101 may have lights incorporated into a panel 120a located below the subject 1102. Light therapy devices may have any number of light panels that emit light in any desired directions. Each may have any number of lights. In one or more embodiments a second light panel may emit light in wavelengths selected from the wavelength set options described above in Table 2; in one or more embodiments these wavelengths of a second light panel may differ from the wavelengths of other lights in the device. In other embodiments, the wavelengths from two or more lights may be the same.
[0070] Light therapy devices may have any size, shape, and form factor and may be used to treat any part or parts of a subject. They may be integrated into or attached to any other therapy devices or systems. FIG. 12, FIG. 13, FIG. 14, FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 show other illustrative embodiments of a light therapy device that uses multiple wavelengths of light. FIG. 12 shows a light therapy device 1201 that is similar to a sauna, or that is integrated into a sauna. This device has lights that direct three wavelengths 111, 112, and 113 at a subject 1202 who may sit, stand, or lie in the sauna. FIG. 13 shows an illustrative handheld light therapy device 1301 that may be held by subject 1302 or by another person treating subject 1302; device 1301 also emits three wavelengths 111, 112, and 113. FIG. 14 shows an illustrative facial treatment light therapy device 1401 that directs light of wavelengths 111, 112, and 113 at the face of subject 1302. FIG. 15 shows an illustrative light therapy device 1501 integrated into a hat, for example on the inside, that directs wavelengths 111, 112, and 113 at the scalp or hair of a subject 1502, for example as a treatment for hair loss. FIG. 16 shows an illustrative plant treatment light therapy device 1601 that directs light of wavelengths 111, 112, and 113 at a plant 1602.
[0071] In one or more embodiments, filters maybe coupled with or situated in front light therapy device 1101, 1201, 1301, 1401, 1501, 1601 that allows primarily only the wavelengths of the first wavelength set option or the second wavelength set option through while substantially blocking other wavelengths. In other embodiments, the filters may optionally be separate from the panels, i.e., not coupled to them but situated in proximity to them, as previously described with respect to LED panels 811 and 812.
[0072] The inventor has also discovered that the wavelengths of light used to treat water may also be beneficial in treatment of food. FIG. 17 shows a variation 100a of the device 100 of FIG. 1 (a water treatment device) configured to treat food instead of (or in addition to) water. The light panels 110 and 120 may be similar to or identical to those of a water treatment device, with LEDs that emit light of similar or identical wavelengths to those described above for a water treatment device. Transparent container 103 may be configured to contain or support any food item or items, such as illustrative strawberries 1701a, raspberries 1701b, and carrots 1701c. Any types of food, of any phase or consistency (including solids, liquids, pastes, or mixtures) may be placed into container 103 for treatment with light. Container 103 is preferably transparent to the wavelengths of light used in treatment. In one or more embodiments of the invention, container 103 may contain holes or gaps, and may only partially enclose or support the food items. In one or more embodiments the sides of the container 103 may be entirely omitted, and the food items may be simply placed on a transparent base 1702 that is placed between light panels 110 and 120. As described with respect to FIG. 1, the container, light panels, and LEDs may be of any size, shape, and orientation. Any number of light panels may be used, in any orientation relative to the food item or items. For example, in one or more embodiments, only a single light panel may be used (for example, panel 110 or 120 but not both), and this single panel may for example emit three different wavelengths of light.
[0073] Food may be treated with wavelengths of light such as those described with respect to FIG. 2, and as illustrated for example in FIG. 3 with the six illustrative different wavelengths 111, 112, 113, 121, 122, and 123. Any wavelength or combination of wavelengths described above for water treatment may be used for food treatment as well.
[0074] The food treatment components shown in FIG. 17 may be incorporated into any type of food treatment device. Such a device may, for example, provide an area into which food can be loaded for treatment and unloaded after treatment; it may also provide a control panel similar to the control panel 605 of water treatment device 600 illustrated in FIG. 6. FIG. 18 shows a block diagram of an illustrative food treatment device. A user first performs loading 1811 of one or more food items 1701 into container 103. The food container 103 may be integrated into the device (as a zone within the device that receives food), or it may be loaded into the device. The food may be treated by light treatment module 1801 within the device that contains, for example, LEDs and LED drivers 110a and 120a. Treatment may begin for example when a user presses a start button 1802 or similar control on control panel 605a of the device. Panel 605a may also provide one or more options 1803 or similar controls, which may for example affect the intensity or duration of the light treatment of the food. A status area 1804 on control panel 605a may show the progress of treatment. When status 1804 indicates that treatment is done, the user may perform unloading 1812 of the treated food 1701t.
[0075] Treated food 1701t may contain energy that has been added to the food by the light treatment. When a person (or animal) 1820 consumes the treated food 1701t, energy 1821 may be radiated into the consumer's body, providing potentially beneficial effects. The specific wavelengths of light used for treatment may affect the types and levels of energy 1821 radiated into the consumer's body.
[0076] In addition to water and food, any item containing chromophores may be treated with multiple wavelengths of light and applied to or within (by being consumed for example) a user's body, providing potentially beneficial effects. The chromophores may absorb energy from the wavelengths of light, and store some of this energy until the item is applied or used; then the energy may be released into the user's body. The item may be applied to any part of the user's body, for example as a topical skin treatment, or placed inside the body through the mouth (consuming the item) or through any other point of entry such as the eyes or nose.
[0077] FIG. 19 shows a variation 100b of the device 100 of FIG. 1 (a water treatment device) or the device 100a of FIG. 17 (a food treatment device) configured to treat other illustrative items containing chromophores instead of (or in addition to) water or food. The light panels 110 and 120 may be similar to or identical to those of a water treatment device, with LEDs that emit light of similar or identical wavelengths to those described above for a water treatment device. Transparent container 103 may be configured to contain or support any item or items, such as illustrative cream 1901a (which may be for example, without limitation, a cosmetic, moisturizer, pain relief cream, hair growth treatment, hair conditioner, acne treatment, or treatment for any other skin condition), pills 1901b (which may be for example, without limitation, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, vitamins, or supplements), and drops 1901c (which may be applied afterwards to the eyes, ears, nose, or anywhere in or on the body). Any items, of any phase or consistency (including solids, liquids, pastes, or mixtures) may be placed into container 103 for treatment with light. The items may contain one or more chromophores that may for example be sensitive to one or more of the wavelengths of light such as 111, 112, 113, 121, 122, 123 emitted by device 100b. Container 103 is preferably transparent to the wavelengths of light used in treatment. The items to be treated may be placed in additional transparent containers such as jars or bottles, or placed directly into container 103. In one or more embodiments of the invention, container 103 may contain holes or gaps, and may only partially enclose or support the food items. In one or more embodiments the sides of the container 103 may be entirely omitted, and the items may be simply placed on a transparent base 1702 that is placed between light panels 110 and 120. As described with respect to FIG. 1, the container, light panels, and LEDs may be of any size, shape, and orientation. Any number of light panels may be used, in any orientation relative to the item or items treated. For example, in one or more embodiments, only a single light panel may be used (for example, panel 110 or 120 but not both), and this single panel may for example emit three different wavelengths of light.
[0078] Items such as 1901a, 1901b, and 1901c may be treated with wavelengths of light such as those described with respect to FIG. 2, and as illustrated for example in FIG. 3 with the six illustrative different wavelengths 111, 112, 113, 121, 122, and 123. Any wavelength or combination of wavelengths described above for water or food treatment may be used for treatment of any items containing chromophores.
[0079] The items containing chromophores may be treated with light using a device similar to that shown in FIG. 18 for food treatment. FIG. 20 illustrates a flowchart of treating the illustrative items cream 1901a, pills 1901b, and drops 1901c with this device, which contains light treatment module 1801 that contains, for example, LEDs and LED drivers. The device may have a control panel such as that of FIG. 18, not shown in FIG. 20 for simplicity. Container 103 may be loaded into light treatment module 1801, and the items in the container may be treated with the desired wavelengths. When treatment is done, container 103 may be removed and the treated items 2001a, 2001b, and 2001c may contain energy imparted by the light wavelengths during treatment. The item or items treated may then be applied onto or within the user's body. For example, treated cream 2001a may be applied to the face 2002a of a user, for example as a cosmetic, and the energy stored in the chromophores within the cream may be released into the skin. One or more treated pills 2001b may be consumed by mouth 2002b of the user, and the energy stored in the chromophores within the pills may be released inside the user's body. Treated drops 2001c may be applied for example to the eye 2002c of the user, and the energy stored in the chromophores within the drops may be released into the user's eye or into surrounding tissues. These examples are illustrative; any type of item containing chromophores may be treated with the desired wavelengths and subsequently applied to or within the user's body where the energy may be released. The specific wavelengths of light used for treatment and the types and amounts of chromophores in the items may affect the types and levels of energy radiated into the consumer's body.
[0080] The illustrative items 1901a, 1901b, and 1901c shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 are enclosed in generic containers such as jars or bottles. In one or more embodiments, specialized containers may be used to enclose items containing chromophores, and these specialized containers may for example facilitate application of treated items to a person's body. FIG. 21 shows an illustrative example of a customized facemask configured to contain cream with chromophores. The facemask has a base 2101b and a top 2101t; the base for example may have female receivers that match male features on the top, so that the top may be securely attached to the base, sealing the cream between the top and the base. FIG. 21 shows illustrative steps to use the customized facemask. In step 2111, the base 2101b is filled with cream 1901a that contains chromophores. In step 2112 the top 2101t is attached to base 2101b to seal the cream within the mask. In step 2113, the mask containing the cream is treated with light. After treatment, step 2114 applies the treated mask 2102 to the skin of a user, where the stored energy is released into the skin.
[0081] While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments and applications thereof, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention set forth in the claims.
