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Light therapy apparatus and methodsRelated Patent Categories: Dentistry, ApparatusLight therapy apparatus and methods description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070248930, Light therapy apparatus and methods. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/355,583 which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 60/705,753, filed on Aug. 5, 2005 and U.S. provisional application No. 60/653,828, filed on Feb. 17, 2005. TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] This invention relates to light therapy. Apparatus and methods according to the invention may be applied to the treatment of bone disorders and the biostimulation of bone and soft tissue. Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus for irradiating tissues of the face and jaw with biologically effective doses of light. BACKGROUND [0003] Light therapy involves irradiating tissues with light. Light can stimulate a variety of biological activities in cells and tissues that are compromised in function. Light therapy treatment is typically administered by a physician or therapist who directs light from a hand-held light emitting device at an affected area. Light emitting devices can be difficult to position consistently over the affected area. Sometimes a tattoo is used to identify the affected area. However, even with a tattoo or other reference mark it is difficult to consistently deliver light therapy treatments to an affected area. [0004] Light therapy typically involves repeated treatments over at least several days. Thus, patients undergoing light therapy may be required to make multiple visits to a practitioner's office or clinic in order to complete a therapy regimen. Such repeated visits may be time consuming and/or expensive. [0005] LEDs and other light sources suitable for generating light for light therapy can get hot when they operate. Such light sources can be inefficient at higher temperatures. Hot apparatus can also be uncomfortable or even dangerous to patients. [0006] The inventor has identified a need or desire for light therapy apparatus which can deliver consistent treatments, particularly to tissues in the dental and maxillofacial areas. There is a particular need or desire for such apparatus that is sufficiently cost-effective and foolproof to be used at home by patients. There is also a need for such apparatus that can be operated without exposing a patient to high temperature surfaces. SUMMARY [0007] One aspect of this invention provides apparatus for delivering light to tissues of a patient's dental and maxillofacial areas. The apparatus comprises a support that registers against one or more anatomical features of a patient's head and one or more light sources mounted to the support. The light sources illuminate selected tissues of a patient's dental and maxillofacial areas from outside of the patient's mouth. The light sources comprise arrays of LEDs in some embodiments. [0008] In some embodiments the support comprises an intra-oral tray connected to an extra-oral bridge. A light source, such as a light emitting diode ("LED") array, is mounted to the extra-oral bridge. [0009] In some embodiments, the support comprises a head-set that registers on the bridge of a patient's nose and the patient's ears. A light source, such as a light emitting diode ("LED") array, is mounted to the head-set. [0010] Other aspects of the invention provide methods for preparing light therapy apparatus and methods for delivering light therapy. [0011] Further aspects of the invention and features of various example embodiments of the invention are described below and/or shown in the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0012] The appended drawings illustrate non-limiting example embodiments of the invention. [0013] FIG. 1 is a view from the front side of an extra-oral light therapy device having an intra-oral tray, an extra-oral bridge, and left and right side extra-oral LED arrays. [0014] FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are respectively a cross-section, a front side elevation and a rear elevation of a light source having a cooling fan, a heat sink and two arrays of light emitters. [0015] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the device of FIG. 1 with the end of the extra-oral bridge attached to the extra-oral LED array. [0016] FIG. 3 is a view from the front-left side of the extra-oral bridge, intra-oral tray and extra-oral LED array of FIG. 1. [0017] FIG. 4 is a view from the rear right side of the extra-oral bridge, intra-oral tray and extra-oral LED array of FIG. 1. [0018] FIG. 5 is a view from the left rear side of the extra-oral bridge, intra-oral tray and extra-oral LED array of FIG. 1 with the intra-oral tray detached. [0019] FIG. 6 is a top view of a programmable controller for use with light therapy apparatus. Continue reading about Light therapy apparatus and methods... Full patent description for Light therapy apparatus and methods Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Light therapy apparatus and methods patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Light therapy apparatus and methods or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Device for scanning a tooth model Next Patent Application: Optical detection of dental caries Industry Class: Dentistry ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Light therapy apparatus and methods patent info. 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