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Publication Number
US-11344707-B2
Publication Date
2022-05-31
Expiration Date
Abstract
A device comprising a housing having a handle end and a treatment end. The treatment end is configured to provide an antimicrobial treatment and a heat treatment. The treatment end comprises an applicator having an applicator surface for providing at least the heat treatment. The device includes a heat generation unit configured to heat the applicator surface in use, a source of antimicrobial agent, and a control unit operatively connected to at least the heat generation unit for controlling the heat generation unit. The device can be a hand-held device and used to apply topical treatment to a treatment area of a subject.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a handheld device for a topical antimicrobial treatment and a heat treatment, where a treatment end includes an applicator having an applicator body and an applicator surface disposed on the applicator body. The applicator surface is configured to provide both the heat treatment and the antimicrobial treatment, and the applicator body includes a metal material different from the applicator surface.
The applicator surface comprises copper or silver to provide heat conductivity and a source of antimicrobial agent. An applicator connector connects the applicator to a housing and the applicator is detachably attached to the applicator connector, while a heat generation unit is thermally connected to the applicator through the applicator connector to transfer heat and heat the applicator surface in use.
A control unit operatively connected to at least the heat generation unit controls the heating such that the applicator surface is heated to between 45 to 60°C for a treatment time of between 5 to 45 seconds. The device further includes a light source operatively connected to the control unit and arranged to emit light from the treatment end.
The disclosure addresses using the combination of heat and antimicrobial agent associated with copper or silver, and describes a synergistic effect for antimicrobial and antiviral use, including Zika virus and West Nile virus. It also describes treatment control and user selection through stored treatment programs, pre-programmed treatment options, sensors, and connectivity features supporting program selection and safety-related operation.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim combines four inventive features: a detachable copper or silver applicator surface, thermally connected heat generation through an applicator connector, controlled heating to a defined temperature/time range, and an integrated light source emitting from the treatment end.
Copper or silver applicator surface providing heat conductivity and antimicrobial agent source
The treatment end includes an applicator having an applicator body and an applicator surface disposed on the applicator body, where the applicator surface comprises copper or silver to provide heat conductivity and a source of antimicrobial agent.
Detachable applicator connector thermally linking heat generation unit to applicator surface
An applicator connector is connected to the housing, the applicator being detachably attached to the applicator connector, and a heat generation unit is thermally connected to the applicator through the applicator connector to transfer heat thereto for heating of the applicator surface in use.
Controlled heating to a defined temperature and treatment time range
A control unit operatively connected to at least the heat generation unit controls heating of the applicator surface to between 45 to 60°C for a treatment time of between 5 to 45 seconds.
Integrated light source emitting from the treatment end
A light source operatively connected to the control unit emits light from the treatment end.
Overall, the independent claim is directed to a handheld topical treatment device that couples a copper or silver applicator surface with controlled heat generation via a detachable connector, and includes a light source emitting from the treatment end.
Stated Advantages
Provides an antimicrobial treatment and a heat treatment using an applicator surface comprising copper or silver.
Enables a synergistic effect of simultaneous heat and antimicrobial agent (silver ions/particles) for antimicrobial and antiviral use, including Zika virus and West Nile virus.
Supports cosmetic treatments such as redness and wrinkles.
Documented Applications
Topical antimicrobial and antiviral treatments, including use against Zika virus and West Nile virus.
Cosmetic treatments, including reducing redness and wrinkles.
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