WO1996034554A1

WO1996034554A1 - Light testing and stimulating device employing variable frequency interrupted light source and color filters

Info

Publication number: WO1996034554A1
Application number: PCT/US1995/005684
Authority: WO
Inventors: Melvin T. Magliocco
Original assignee: Magliocco Melvin T
Priority date: 1995-05-01
Filing date: 1995-05-01
Publication date: 1996-11-07
Also published as: AU2474595A

Abstract

A housing apparatus for a light testing and stimulating device such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,940,323 consists of two separate enclosures: a larger base unit enclosure (12) which contains the electronics to power and control the flash lamp; and a smaller flash head enclosure (18) which contains a flash tube, parabolic reflector, filter slide, iris diaphragm, and collimator lens set. The base unit and flash head are connected by a counterbalanced support arm (14).

Description

LIGHT TESTING AND STIMULATING DEVICE EMPLOYING VARIABLE FREQUENCY INTERRUPTED LIGHT SOURCE AND COLOR FILTERS

DESCRIPTION TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to optical instrumentation, and more specifically to an improved housing apparatus for a light testing and stimulating device which tests and therapeutically stimulates the neurovisual system by visible light. BACKGROUND ART

There have been many devices used to shine visible light into the eyes for therapeutic purposes. These devices have been used to treat amblyopia, photophobia, learning disabilities, dyslexia, headaches, hyperactivity, fatigue, and many other problems. These devices have consisted of a housing which contains a light source, color filters, and a viewing area. As a person looks into the viewing area, the light source emits light which passes through the color filters into the viewer's eyes. The object is to be able to produce specific wave bands of colored light which will act as a stimulus to the neurovisual system.

U.S. Patent No. 4,940,323 describes a light testing and stimulating device employing variable frequency interrupted light source and color filters. However, the components and configuration of that prior art device were problematic, and did not always enable efficient use of the system.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved housing and enclosure apparatus for a light testing and stimulating device such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,940,323. The inventive apparatus consists of two separate enclosures: a larger (base unit) enclosure which contains the electronics to power and control the flash lamp; and a smaller (flash head) enclosure which contains a flash tube and its associated components such as a parabolic reflector, filter slide, iris diaphragm, and collimator lens set. The base unit and flash head are connected together by a counterbalanced support arm, which enables the two enclosures to folded into a closed configuration for transport and storage, and unfolded into an open configuration for use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the improved housing apparatus for a light testing and stimulating device of this invention in its closed (transport and storage) configuration;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation view in partial cross-section of the housing apparatus of Fig. 1 in its open configuration and in use;

Fig. 3 is a front elevational view of the front panel of the base unit; and

Fig. 4 is a front elevational view of the rear panel of the base unit.

DRAWING REFERENCE NUMERALS 10 housing

12 desktop electronics enclosure (base unit) 14 counter balanced support arm 16 counter balance extension spring

18 flash lamp enclosure (flash head) 20 "U" shaped gas discharge lamp 22 parabolic reflector 24 iris diaphragm (adjustable) 26 carrier slide, diffuser and color filter

(removable) 28 collimator lens 30 observer (client) 32 session timer 34 flashrate adjust

36 flashrate display 38 front panel (base unit) 40 suitcase latches 42 elapsed time meter 44 tension knob

45 line cord

46 rear panel (base unit)

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved housing apparatus for a light testing and stimulating device such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,940,323. The inventive apparatus includes a more portable configuration consisting of two separate enclosures. The larger (base unit) enclosure 12 contains the electronics to power the flash lamp and control and display the flash rate, preferably in a range from 1 to 60 hertz in .1 hertz increments. The controls preferably also include a session timer 32 calibrated from zero to thirty minutes, and which also acts as an on/off switch. On the rear of the enclosure there is a visible, total elapsed time meter 42 that displays the accumulated "on time" and which is preferably not resettable, as well as a power cord 46 that stores in the base.

The top and back end of the base unit have bracketry that supports and counterbalances the arm 14 and flash head enclosure 18. These brackets provide the pivot point and a counterbalance spring 16 to negate the weight of the flash lamp enclosure and arm, as well as a friction adjustment knob 44. Shielded multi-conductor cable exits the base unit 12 from the circuit board, enters the hollow arm 14 and runs up the arm interior, and exits the arm at the flash lamp enclosure 18 where it enters the lamp enclosure.

The smaller enclosure (flash head) 14 contains the "U" shaped xenon flash tube 20 mounted at the focal point of a spun aluminum parabolic reflector 22. From the flash tube the optical path consists of an interchangeable filter slide 26 that mounts both a diffuser and one of eleven color filters used in treatment. The color filter is accessible from the outside of the flash head and can be changed by removing the slide. An externally adjustable iris diaphragm 24 acts as a light stop of varying opening diameters. Last in the optical path is the collimator lens set 28 which serves to make the light rays parallel.

The rear of the flash head mounts bracketry to attach the flash head to the upper end of the arm. The arm can tilt through approximately thirty degrees. A friction joint, at the end of the arm, allows the head to tilt through one hundred eighty degrees, thus allowing adjustment to the most comfortable viewing position possible. The enclosure 18 can be tilted down to mate with the base unit 12 and is secured with two suitcase type clasps 40 making a safe connection. In the closed or stored position, the arm 14 rests almost one inch from the base top thus forming a carrying handle for the entire unit.

Claims

LIGHT TESTING AND STIMULATING DEVICE EMPLOYING VARIABLE FREQUENCY INTERRUPTED LIGHT SOURCE AND COLOR FILTERS CLAIMS

What is claimed as invention is: 1. A housing apparatus for a light testing and stimulating device, said housing apparatus comprising: a base unit enclosure containing electronics to power a flash lamp and control and display a flash rate; a flash head enclosure containing a flash lamp; and a counterbalanced support arm connecting said base unit enclosure and said flash head enclosure.

2. The housing apparatus for a light testing and stimulating device of claim 1 wherein said flash lamp is mounted at the focal point of a parabolic reflector.

3. The housing apparatus for a light testing and stimulating device of claim 1 wherein said flash head enclosure includes an interchangeable filter slide that mounts both a diffuser and one of a plurality of color filters used in treatment.

4. The housing apparatus for a light testing and stimulating device of claim 1 wherein said flash head enclosure includes an externally adjustable iris diaphragm.

5. The housing apparatus for a light testing and stimulating device of claim 1 wherein said flash head enclosure includes a collimator lens set.

6. The housing apparatus for a light testing and stimulating device of claim 1 wherein said base unit enclosure includes a session timer.

7. The housing apparatus for a light testing and stimulating device of claim 1 wherein said base unit enclosure includes a total elapsed time meter.