An apparatus and a method for delivering ultraviolet, visible and infrared radiation for enhancing health or comfort

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus, a method using said apparatus and use of said apparatus in enhancing health and / or comfort. Said apparatus comprises a first ramp (3) having one or more lamps, a second ramp (5) having one or more LEDs, a third ramp (6) having one or more LEDs, and a filter (8) placed over and thus protecting either of said first and second ramps.

Description

[0001] AN APPARATUS, METHOD INVOLVING SAID APPARATUS AND USAGE THEREOF

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to an apparatus, a method using said apparatus and use of said apparatus in enhancing health and / or comfort.

[0004] Background

[0005] Lamps for creating artificial sun light are known through ON 108553764 and EP4067729. Through US2003035301 A1 there is disclosed illuminators and systems are provided that permit the production of a beam of electromagnetic radiation having selected peak wavelength, bandwidth, intensity, pulse frequency and pulse duration for a variety of analytical and therapeutic applications.

[0006] Further through US2009143842 A1 there is disclosed a device to treat infections, diseases, and disorders. The device can be used to treat part of a larger organism such as using the device to kill cancerous cells in humans or animals or to kill parasites. The invention can also may be used to treat fungal and bacterial nail infections of the hands and feet which are difficult to treat with oral and topical drugs.

[0007] Through US2020030626 A1 a radiation device is disclosed for the radiation of human skin, preferably the face of a user, in particular at least with radiation in the red light range, with a source of radiation and a filtering device for filtering the radiation emitted by the source of radiation. The filtering device is configured in such a way that the radiation device emits radiation in a wavelength range from 280 to 400 nm and beyond that radiation in a wavelength range of 600 to 700 nm, and that the radiation device emits at least zonally radiation in a wavelength range of a visible color shade of the visible light spectrum and filters further radiation of the visible light spectrum.

[0008] Further through US2006106435 A1 there is disclosed a photodynamic therapy light source for treating skin conditions of a patient is disclosed which has a light source, a filter wheel, a light guide, and a control unit, for controlling the source. A spectral analyser is included for analysing the spectrum received from a patient, and a camera is also provided for taking images of the patient so that before and after treatment images can be taken for comparison purposes and for further diagnosis. A filter wheel is provided which includes a number of filter elements for selectively enabling a particular bandwidth of illumination to be provided. Theillumination from the unit can be modulated so that a cyclic treatment of a period in which illumination is applied, followed by a period in which illumination is not applied is provided. There is also through US2016303395 A1 disclosed systems and methods for increased vitamin D3 production during phototherapy treatments, in one embodiment, a phototherapeutic system can include an ultraviolet (UV) source directed toward an irradiation zone and a filter between the UV source and the irradiation zone. The UV source can be configured to deliver a predetermined energy ieve! during a phototherapy session. The filter can at least substantially remove UV radiation outside of a predetermined wavelength spectrum. The predetermined spectrum can have a bandwidth of at most 10 nm and can be focused at a wavelength corresponding to a maximum on a vitamin D3 phototherapy action spectrum for the predetermined energy level.

[0009] However there is still a need for apparatuses for enhancing health and / or comfort in e.g. individuals.

[0010] Still there is e.g. a problem how to optimize levels for health and / or comfort benefits. E.g. unregulated UV exposure carries risks such as skin damage and an increased likelihood of skin cancer. Further there is a need for reducing the risk of vitamin D deficiency.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus, which preferably may be used indoors, that delivers e.g. UV light, visible light and IR within safe, effective, and measurable limits.

[0012] Thus, there is a need for an apparatus that delivers e.g. UV light, visible light and IR within safe, effective, and measurable limits. In addition, the UV radiation may be optimized according to the absorption spectrum of 7-dehydrocholesterol which is key to safe synthesis of vitamin D.

[0013] Summary of the invention

[0014] The present invention solves / alleviates one or more of the above problems by providing according to a first aspect an apparatus (1) for enhancing health and / or comfort comprising the following:

[0015] a) a first ramp (3) having one or more lamps (30, 31 , 32) emitting a full spectrum of light, UV, visible and IR wavelengths, having a peak spectral radiance above 700 nm,

[0016] b) a second ramp (5) having one or more LEDs (50, 51,52) providing visible light, c) a third ramp (6) having one or more LEDs (7) emitting UV wavelengths,d) a filter (8) placed over and thus protecting either of said first and second ramps, whereby said filter is capable of filtering (and thus preferably removing all) unwanted wavelengths, thereby providing an apparatus whereby said filter cover only the first or second ramp (3) or (5), thus capable of providing unfiltered light from ramp (6).

[0017] Thus the present apparatus according to the first aspect utilizes multiple radiation ranges whereas from the cited documents mentioned above, it is evident that none of them employs more than two different radiation ranges (in which potential medical effects have been studied). The apparatus according to the first aspect may also be used to optimize irraditaion.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method wherein the apparatus according to the first aspect is involved comprising the following steps:

[0019] i) providing through said first ramp (3) having one or more lamps emitting IR wavelengths (30, 31, 32), or through said second ramp (5) having one or more LEDs (50, 51 , 52), light that is filtered using a filter whereby said filter (8) is capable of filtering (and thus preferably removing all) unwanted wavelengths, and ii) providing through a third ramp (6) having one or more lamps emitting UV wavelengths (7), light that is unfiltered.

[0020] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided use of the apparatus according to the first aspect for enhancing health and / or comfort. Preferably said apparatus according to the first aspect is to be used indoors. Said apparatus may be used at different distances between the radiation source and the animals (such as individuals or persons) to be irradiated, and has its focus on longer range. Distances ranging from one centimeter up to 10 meters are possible.

[0021] Said apparatus according to the first aspect provides a perception of sunlight within an indoor environment using ultraviolet (UV), visible and infrared (IR) radiation to optimize levels of health and / or comfort benefits. Exposure to UV light at controlled levels has been shown to confer various health and / or comfort benefits, including the synthesis of vitamin D, as aid above.

[0022] Detailed description of the invention

[0023] As illustrated in the appended figures, an apparatus 1 for enhancing health and / or comfort is provided. The apparatus 1 comprises a first ramp 3, which includes one or more lamps 30,31 , 32 capable of emitting a full spectrum of light, including UV, visible, and IR wavelengths, with a peak spectral radiance above 700 nm. The apparatus 1 further includes a second ramp 5, which consists of one or more LEDs 50, 51, 52 designed to provide visible light. Additionally, the apparatus 1 features a third ramp 6 with one or more LEDs 7 that emit UV wavelengths. A filter 8 is positioned to protect either the first ramp 3 or the second ramp 5, with the capability of filtering and thereby removing unwanted wavelengths. This arrangement ensures that light from ramp 6 remains unfiltered.

[0024] It is intended throughout the present description that the expression “for enhancing health and / or comfort” embraces that the apparatus, method and use as set out in the above aspects, preferably means that said apparatus, method and use may be used involving an animal such as an individual that is not suffering essentially of a certain indication but said apparatus, method and use increases the wellbeing of said animal (such as an individual). This may be compared with a dietary or food supplement but in the present situation not involving any chemical substances or similar.

[0025] It is intended throughout the present description that the expression “unwanted wavelengths” embraces wavelengths that have no or essentially no benefit nor have negative health and / or comfort effect for said animal (such as an individual). This applies mutatis mutandis also to the expression “unhealthy light” accordingly.

[0026] In some examples, the one or more lamps 30, 31 , 32 of the first ramp 3 operate at a temperature range between from about 2000 to about 3000 K (Kelvin) i.e. from about 1726.85 to about 2726.85 °C, preferably within from about 2300 to about 2800 K i.e. from about 2026.85 to about 2526.85 °C, more preferably from about 2400 to about 2600 K, i.e. from about 2126.85 to about 2326.85 °C. In a most preferred example, the lamps 30, 31, 32 are halogen lamps.

[0027] In another example, the filter 8 may be placed over both the first ramp 3 and the second ramp 5, thereby filtering and removing unwanted wavelengths, preferably filtering essentially all light below approximately 300 nm.

[0028] In certain examples, the filter (8) removes more than about 50% all wave lengths of from about 100 to about 280 nm.

[0029] In certain examples, the filter (8) removes less than about 95% of all UV-light, preferably less than about 90% of all UV-light.In certain examples, the filter 8 removes less than 95% of all UV light, preferably less than 90% of all UV light.

[0030] The apparatus 1 may also include a housing 9 that contains a ventilation device 15, which provides a cooling airflow through the housing 9. In some implementations, this airflow is arranged to first cool the second ramp 5 before cooling the first ramp 3.

[0031] Additionally, the apparatus 1 can include a protection shield 14 positioned between the first ramp 3 and the second ramp 5 to minimize heat transfer from the first ramp 3 to the second ramp 5. In some examples, the protection shield 14 may have a reflective surface. More preferably, the reflecting surface forms an angle with respect to the reflecting background surface of the first ramp 3 that is larger than 90°.

[0032] In some variations, both unhealthy light in the IR range and sunlight are removed while allowing the UV lamps 7 to provide healthy light.

[0033] In some implementations, the filter 8 may be composed of glass, such as borosilicate glass, quartz glass, or glass ceramic, with or without a coating. A preferred example of such glass is capable of filtering and removing non essentially or harmful wave lengths, which may essentially be all light below 400 nm.

[0034] In another example, the lamps 7 of the third ramp 6 may be capable of emitting within a limited range of light frequency of within ± 5 nm, preferably within a range from about 292 to about 302 nm. Optionally, an additional filter may be included to remove unnecessary wavelengths.

[0035] In some examples, the third ramp 6 with UV lamps 7 emits a specific light frequency of approximately 297 nm, which simultaneously has a vitamin D boosting effect.

[0036] The apparatus 1 may also be configured such that each of the first ramp 3 and the second ramp 5 comprises one or more modular units 4, preferably at least three units.

[0037] Each modular unit 4 may include a reflector surface 40, 41, 42 designed to focus light. Preferably, the base plane of two neighbouring reflector surfaces 40, 41 , 42 is positioned to form an angle [3 ranging from approximately 95° to about 130° relative to each other. In a more preferred example, the reflector surfaces 40, 41, 42 may be composed of aluminium or any other highly reflective material.Additionally, the apparatus 1 may include cords or cables that provide power and interconnect the light-emitting devices of the first ramp 3, second ramp 5, and third ramp 6. Optionally, these cords or cables may be connected to one or more batteries or a power plug that can be inserted into a power outlet, providing a current such as AC / DC. In a most preferred example, the apparatus 1 may include a steering system that enables variations in intensity and duration of emission for each respective wavelength. In some configurations, at least some cords are externally connected and positioned within a mounting device 12 (which may be a beam or a hollow tube) that also serves as a support device for attaching the apparatus 1.

[0038] The apparatus 1 may further include a housing 9 with a central plane H arranged to be positioned horizontally. The face surface of the apparatus, including the filter 8, forms an angle a within a range of 30 - 90° with respect to the central plane H. Preferably, the angle a is acute, more preferably in the range of 40 - 70°.

[0039] In some implementations, the apparatus 1 may also comprise a fourth ramp with one or more lamps capable of emitting NIR wavelengths in a range from about 800 to about 2500 nm and / or. a fifth ramp which may be included, featuring one or more lamps such as LEDs that emit red light wavelengths in the range of about 600 to about 850 nm.

[0040] As illustrated in the figures, a method for enhancing health and / or comfort using the apparatus 1 involves providing light through the first ramp 2, which includes one or more lamps emitting I R wavelengths 3, or through the second ramp 4, which contains one or more LEDs 5, wherein the light is filtered using a filter capable of removing unwanted wavelengths. Additionally, the method involves providing unfiltered light through a third ramp 6, which has one or more lamps emitting UV wavelengths 7.

[0041] In some implementations, the method may also involve the use of the apparatus 1 wherein the first ramp 3 emits a full spectrum of light, including UV, visible, and IR wavelengths, with a focus on IR wavelengths. Light is also provided through the second ramp 5, where the light from ramp 3 or 5 is filtered by a filter capable of removing unwanted wavelengths, preferably all essential or harmful light below approximately 400 nm.

[0042] In some implementations, said method for enhancing health involving using the apparatus 1 , said apparatus is placed at a distance from an individual (which may be an animal or a human being) ranging from about 1 m to about 10 m, preferably from about 2 m to about 5 m.The apparatus 1 may also be used for enhancing health and / or comfort in an individual as set out in the third aspect of the present invention.As mentioned earlier the present invention according to the first aspect relates to a luminaire (an apparatus) intended to expose animals (e.g. humans) to health and / or comfort -promoting radiation within the UV, visible light, and IR ranges.

[0043] The equipment (i.e. the apparatus according to the first aspect) comprises three or more light sources configured to cover at least the wavelength range from about 250 to about 2500 nm. The light sources may be optimized to be particularly active in the wavelength ranges mentioned above. The light sources may as said be of LED type or halogen lamps, but preferably not discharge lamps, in combination with a filter medium (e.g. special glass or coated glass), and a reflector system for focusing radiation toward the area where animals such as individuals are seated or otherwise present.

[0044] The light sources may be controlled by a control system with respect to intensity and exposure time, individually or in combination. It is thus possible to focus on a specific health and / or comfort effect while excluding others (e.g. UVB in combination with light without IR), or to focus solely on thermal effects, i.e. IR (in particular near-infrared, NIR), or solely on light therapy (from about 400 to about 760 nm).

[0045] The equipment (i.e. the apparatus according to the first aspect) may therefore also be used at different distances between the radiation source and the individuals to be irradiated, and is not limited to close-range use as in other known devices. Distances ranging from a few centimeters up to several meters are as said possible.

[0046] The equipment comprises:

[0047] • three or more light sources (LED or halogen type), e.g. UV LEDs, visible-light LEDs, NIR halogen lamps, red-light LEDs;

[0048] • a reflector for focusing the light, e.g. made of aluminum;

[0049] • filters positioned in front of one or more light sources, e.g. made of borosilicate glass, quartz glass, or glass-ceramic, with or without coatings;

[0050] • preferably a control system for controlling the time and intensity of each light source;

[0051] and

[0052] • preferably a housing accommodating all of the above components.

[0053] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments and examples illustrated in the drawings and described herein; instead, it encompasses all modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims.Preferred features of each aspect of the invention are as for each of the other aspects mutatis mutandis. The prior art document (s) mentioned herein are incorporated to the fullest extent permitted by law. The invention is further described in the following example and figures, which do not limit the scope of the invention in any way. Embodiments of the present invention are described as mentioned in more detail with the aid of examples of embodiments and figures, the only purpose of which is to illustrate the invention and are in no way intended to limit its extent.

[0054] Figures

[0055] Figure 1 shows the apparatus according to the first aspect from a view of an individual when in use. The following numbering can be seen in the drawing:

[0056] 1 - the apparatus according to the first aspect

[0057] 3 - first ramp

[0058] 4 - modular unit

[0059] 5 - second ramp

[0060] 6 - third ramp

[0061] 7 - LED

[0062] 8 - filter

[0063] 9 - housing

[0064] 10 - reflector surface

[0065] 12 - hollow tube

[0066] 13 - reflector surface

[0067] 14 - protection shield

[0068] 30, 31 , 32 - lamps (preferably halogen lamps)

[0069] 40, 41 ,42 - reflector surface

[0070] 50, 51, 52 - LEDs

[0071] 80 - edge of filter

[0072] 151 - cooling outlet152 - cooling outlet

[0073] Figure 2 shows the apparatus according to the first aspect from a side position.

[0074] The following numbering can be seen in the drawing - Fig.2:

[0075] 1 - the apparatus according to the first aspect

[0076] 6 - third ramp

[0077] 7 - LED

[0078] 8 - filter

[0079] 9 - housing

[0080] 10 - reflector surface

[0081] 12 - hollow tube

[0082] 13 - reflector surface

[0083] 14 - protection shield

[0084] 15 - ventilation device

[0085] 30, 31 - lamps (preferably halogen lamps)

[0086] 150 - cooling inlet

[0087] Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect from a view of an individual when in use. Said embodiment makes use of a beam instead of a hollow tube as set out for the embodiment mentioned above.

[0088] The following numbering can be seen in the drawing:

[0089] 1 - second embodiment the apparatus according to the first aspect

[0090] 3 - first ramp

[0091] 4 - modular unit

[0092] 5 - second ramp

[0093] 6 - third ramp8 - filter

[0094] 9 - housing

[0095] 10 - reflector surface

[0096] 12 - beam

[0097] 13 - reflector surface

[0098] 14 - protection shield

[0099] 30, 31 , 32 - lamps (preferably halogen lamps)

[0100] 40, 41 ,42 - reflector surface

[0101] 50, 51, 52 - LEDs

[0102] 80 - edge of filter

[0103] 151 - cooling outlet

[0104] 152 - cooling outlet

[0105] Fig. 4 shows said second embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect from a side position.

[0106] The following numbering can be seen in the drawing:

[0107] 1 - the second embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect

[0108] 6 - third ramp

[0109] 7 - LED

[0110] 8 - filter

[0111] 9 - housing

[0112] 10 - reflector surface

[0113] 12 - beam

[0114] 13 - reflector surface

[0115] 14 - protection shield

[0116] 15 - ventilation device30, 31 - lamps (preferably halogen lamps)

[0117] 150 - cooling inlet

[0118] Example

[0119] This present invention, which comprises the apparatus according to the first aspect and the method of the second aspect, thus relates to a method and apparatus designed to deliver safe and effective levels of UV light from a light source that promotes health and / or comfort -related benefits. The system consists of IR lamps combined with a filtering medium to ensure a controlled filtering of the UV and IR radiation (reducing or blocking harmful UV wavelengths as well as securing the spectrum and transmission of beneficial UV and IR wavelengths within predefined limits), LED-light that produces color temperatures above the melting point of tungsten and UV light with wavelengths in the beneficial spectrum and transmission. The combination of these components creates a safe and efficient system for controlled UV light, visible light and IR exposure tailored for health and / or comfort benefits. The filtered light is then directed toward the target area, delivering benefits. The apparatus according to the first aspect is preferably placed at a suitable distance from an animal (such as an individual, a human being) to provide healthy and / or comforting radiation on an animal (such as an individual, a human being).

[0120] It has been shown by using the apparatus according to the first aspect that:

[0121] 1. LED UV light (297 nm), UVB, stimulates the production of vitamin D in the skin, with effects related to cardiovascular health, osteoporosis, etc.

[0122] 2. Visible light in the range of 400 - 760 nm, light therapy (LT) at 6,000 - 8,000 lux, influences, inter alia, depression. The visible light is generated by LEDs ( 5500 K, i.e.

[0123] 5227 °C) and near-infrared (NIR) sources ( 2700 K, i.e. 2426.85 °C), the NIR providing high output over a broad spectral range.

[0124] 3. Surface-level effects arise, including skin sensation, collagen production, and wound healing.

[0125] 4. NIR lamps (808 and 850 nm) provide deep-penetrating effects on muscles and joints, pain relief, and neurological effects.

[0126] 5. NIR lamps (300 - 2500 nm) ( 2700 K , i.e. 2426.85 °C) provide thermal effects in tissue, having a positive effect on well-being as well as on muscles and joints.The application ensures e.g. regulated UV exposure in personal health and / or comfort devices and to reduce the risk of vitamin D deficiency. The apparatus according to the first aspect is further highlighted in Fig.1 and Fig.2.

[0127] Various embodiments of the present invention have been described above but a person skilled in the art realizes further minor alterations that would fall into the scope of the present invention. The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. For example, any of the above-noted apparatuses or methods may be combined with other known methods. Other aspects, advantages and modifications within the scope of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.

Claims

Claims1. An apparatus (1 ) for enhancing health and / or comfort comprising the following:a) a first ramp (3) having one or more lamps (30, 31 , 32) emitting a full spectrum of light, UV, visible and IR wavelengths, having a peak spectral radiance above 700 nm,b) a second ramp (5) having one or more LEDs (50, 51,52) providing visible light, c) a third ramp (6) having one or more LEDs (7) emitting UV wavelengths, d) a filter (8) placed over and thus protecting either of said first and second ramps, whereby said filter is capable of filtering unwanted wavelengths, thereby providing an apparatus whereby said filter cover only the first or second ramp (3) or (5), thus capable of providing unfiltered light from ramp (6).

2. An apparatus (1 ) for enhancing health and / or comfort according to claim 1 , wherein said one or more lamps (30, 31, 32) of said first ramp (3) operate at a temperature range of from about 2000 to about 3000 K, preferably within a range of from about 2300 to about 2800 K, more preferred from about 2400 to about 2600 K, wherein most preferred said one or more lamps (30, 31, 32) are halogen lamps.

3. An apparatus (1 ) for enhancing health and / or comfort according to claim 1 , wherein said filter (8) is placed over and thus protecting both said first and second ramps (3, 5), whereby said filter (8) is capable of filtering unwanted wavelengths, preferably essentially all light below about 300 nm, thereby providing an apparatus whereby said filter covers both the first and second ramp (3) and (5).

4. An apparatus (1 ) for enhancing health and / or comfort according to any of claims 1 - 3, wherein said filter (8) removes more than about 50% all wave lengths of from about 100 to about 280 nm..

5. An apparatus (1 ) for enhancing health and / or comfort according to any of claims 1 - 3 wherein said filter (8) removes less than about 95% of all UV-light, preferably less than about 90% of all UV-light.

6. An apparatus (1 ) for enhancing health and / or comfort according to any of claims 1 - 3, comprising a housing (9) containing a ventilation device (15) providing a cooling air flow through said housing (9), wherein said airflow is arranged to firstly cool said second ramp (5) and thereafter cool said first ramp (3).

7. An apparatus (1 ) for enhancing health and / or comfort according to any of claims 1 - 3, comprising a protection shield (14) between said first (3) and second ramps (5) arranged to minimize heat transfer from said first ramp (3) to said second ramp (5), wherein_preferably said protection shield (14) is arranged with a reflecting surface, wherein more preferred said reflecting surface forms an angle in relation to a reflecting background surface of said first ramp (3) that is larger than 90°.

8. An apparatus (1 ) for enhancing health and / or comfort according to claim 2, whereby both unhealthy light in the IR range and sun light, respectively are removed, whereby at the same time UV-lamps (7) are capable of providing healthy light.

9. An apparatus (1 ) for enhancing health and / or comfort according to claim 1 , 2 or 3, whereby said filter (8) comprises glass, preferably a glass capable of filtering essentially and all harmful light below about 400 nm, most preferred a glass selected from the group: borosilicate glass, quartz glass or glass ceramic, all with or without coating.

10. An apparatus (1) for enhancing health and / or comfort according to any of claims 1 - 4, whereby the lamp(s) (7) of said third ramp (6) is capable of emitting at a limited range of light frequency of within a range of +- 5 nm, preferably within a range from about 292 to about 302 nm, whereby optionally an additional filter is in place and capable of filtering and thus removing unnecessary wavelengths.

11. An apparatus (1 ) for enhancing health and / or comfort according to claim 6, whereby said third ramp (6) with UV lamps (7) emit a specific light frequency which is about 297 nm and which at the same time has a vitamin-D boosting effect.

12. An apparatus (1) for enhancing health and / or comfort according to any preceding claim, wherein each of said first and second ramps (3) and (5) comprises one (4) or more modular units, preferably at least 3 units.

13. An apparatus (1) for enhancing health and / or comfort according to claim 8, wherein each modular unit (4) comprising a reflector surface (40, 41, 42) provided for focusing said light, whereby preferably the base plane of two neighboring reflector surfaces (40, 41, 42) are positioned to provide an angle ([3) of from about 95° to about 130° relative each other, most preferred whereby said reflector surfaces (40, 41 , 42) comprises aluminum or any other highly reflective surface.

14. An apparatus (1 ) for enhancing health and / or comfort according to claim 1 , also comprising cords or cables capable of providing power and connecting said light emitting devices (3), (5) and (6) together, preferably also whereby said cords or cables are connected with one or more batteries, or connected with a power plug, capable of being inserted into a power outlet, for providing a current, such as an AC / DC current, most preferred also comprising a steering system for enabling variations in intensity and time for emission, respectively, for each respective wavelength, wherein at least some of said cords are externally connected and positioned within a mounting device (12) also forming a support device for attachment of said apparatus (1).

15. An apparatus (1) for enhancing health and / or comfort according to any preceding claim, wherein said apparatus comprises a housing (9) having a central plane (H) arranged to be positioned horizontally and wherein a face surface of said apparatus including said filter (8) forms an angle (a) in the range of 30 - 90° with said central plane (H), wherein preferably said angle (a) is acute, more preferred in the range of 40-70°.

16. An apparatus (1) for enhancing health and / or comfort according to claim 1 further comprising:e) a fourth ramp having one or more lamps emitting NIR wavelengths capable of emitting in a range from about 800 to about 2500 nm, and / orf) a fifth ramp having one or more lamps, such as LEDs, emitting red light wavelengths capable of emitting in a range from about 600 to about 850 nm.

17. A method for enhancing health and / or comfort involving using an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 16, comprising the following steps:i) providing through said first ramp (3) having one or more lamps emitting IR wavelengths (30, 31 , 32), or through said second ramp (5) having one or more LEDs (50, 51 , 52), light that is filtered using a filter whereby said filter (8) is capable of filtering unwanted wavelengths, andii) providing through a third ramp (6) having one or more lamps emitting UV wavelengths (7), light that is unfiltered.

18. A method for enhancing health and / or comfort involving using an apparatus according to claim 17, providing through said first ramp (3) having one or more lamps emitting a full spectrum of light, UV, visible and IR wavelengths, preferably with a focus on IRwavelengths, (30, 31, 32), and also through said second ramp (5) having one or more LEDs (50, 51, 52), light that is filtered using a filter whereby said filter is capable of filtering unwanted wavelengths, preferably essentially and all harmful light below about 400 nm.

19. A method for enhancing health and / or comfort involving using an apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, wherein said apparatus is placed at a distance from an individual ranging from about 1 m to about 10 m, preferably from about 2 m to about 5 m, 20. Use of an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 16, in enhancing health and / or comfort in an individual.

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