Patricia M Murphy

US Patent:

6669627, Dec 30, 2003

Filed:

Sep 20, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/937324

Inventors:

Scott S. Campbell - Chappaqua NY
Patricia J. Murphy - Chappaqua NY

Assignee:

Cornell Research Foundation Inc. - Ithaca NY

International Classification:

A61M 2100

US Classification:

600 27

Abstract:

The invention provides for exposing an extraocular (i. e. , non-ocular) region of a human to light during sleep which enhances REM sleep. Also provided are devices to carry out the methods. Key timing parameters ensure effective REM enhancement without adversely impacting a subjects circadian clock. The invention provides for improving cognitive function and performance in healthy individuals, and in individuals suffering from a disease or disorder in which mental status is compromised. One embodiment of the invention ( ) includes a fiber optics pad ( ) attached to a power source, and lamp housing ( ) by a fiber optics cable ( ).

US Patent:

20040020496, Feb 5, 2004

Filed:

May 12, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/435944

Inventors:

Scott Campbell - Chappaqua NY, US
Patricia Murphy - Ossining NY, US

International Classification:

A61B019/00

US Classification:

128/898000

Abstract:

A method for resetting the phase of the human circadian clock and for enhancing alertness and performance in humans is disclosed. The method involves the application of non-solar photic stimulation, in the range of 15 to 150,000 lux, to any non-ocular region of the human body during wakefulness or during sleep. Preferably, the photic stimulation has a wavelength within the visible spectrum (400-750 nm). The method can be used to both delay and advance the circadian clock according to a phase response curve (PRC). The method may also be used for acute/immediate enhancement of alertness and performance. The method is applicable to alleviation of problems associated with “jet-lag”, shift work sleep disturbance, and other sleep disturbances involving misalignment of circadian rhythms. The method provides a novel technique for shifting the phase of the circadian clock, and enhancing alertness and performance, using existing, or newly-developed devices.

US Patent:

20040249237, Dec 9, 2004

Filed:

Oct 20, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/690483

Inventors:

Scott Campbell - Chappaqua NY, US
Patricia Murphy - Chappaqua NY, US

Assignee:

Cornell University Research Foundation

International Classification:

A61M021/00

US Classification:

600/027000

Abstract:

The invention provides for exposing an extraocular (i.e., non-ocular) region of a human to light during sleep, which enhances REM sleep. Also provided are devices to carry out the methods. Key timing parameters ensure effective REM enhancement without adversely impacting a subject's circadian clock. The invention provides for improving cognitive function and performance in healthy individuals and in individuals suffering from a disease or disorder in which mental status is compromised.

US Patent:

61351172, Oct 24, 2000

Filed:

May 7, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/074455

Inventors:

Scott S. Campbell - Chappaqua NY
Patricia J. Murphy - Ossining NY

Assignee:

Cornell Research Foundation, Inc. - Ithaca NY

International Classification:

A61B 1900

US Classification:

128898

Abstract:

A method for resetting the phase of the human circadian clock and for enhancing alertness and performance in humans. The method involves the application of non-solar photic stimulation, in the range of 15 to 150,000 lux, to any non-ocular region of the human body during wakefulness or during sleep. Preferably, the photic stimulation has a wavelength within the visible spectrum (. about. 400-750 nm). The method can be used to both delay and advance the circadian clock according to a phase response curve (PRC). The method may also be used for acute/immediate enhancement of alertness and performance. The method is applicable to alleviation of problems associated with "jet-lag", shift work sleep disturbance, and other sleep disturbances involving misalignment of circadian rhythms. The method provides a novel technique for shifting the phase of the circadian clock, and enhancing alertness and performance, using existing, or newly-developed devices.