US 11419787

US Patent 11419787: Dynamic Sauna

Title: Dynamic sauna

Assignee: Sunlighten LLC

Inventors: James T. O'Keeffe, Aaron Michael Zack, Martin C. Ku, Ian Richard Kuklenski, Steven J. Murray

Filing Date: December 23, 2020

Issue Date: August 23, 2022

Abstract:
Systems and methods are provided for controlling infrared radiation (IR) sources of a sauna including tuning IR wavelength-ranges and radiated power-levels of IR sources, and directing IR to locations on a user's body. In one illustrative embodiment, a sauna may be provided having adjustable IR emitters to emit IR at any wavelength resulting in a desirable radiation treatment for the sauna user. In another illustrative embodiment, a method is provided for tuning IR emitters in a sauna.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

This patent focuses on infrared (IR) saunas that offer dynamic and customizable heating experiences. The independent claims generally cover systems and methods for precisely controlling IR emitters within a sauna.

• Independent Claim 1 (System Claim): This claim describes a sauna system that includes multiple infrared (IR) emitters. These emitters are capable of outputting IR across specific wavelength ranges. The system also features at least one driver module that controls the operation of these emitters and a heat control module that facilitates this control. The essence is a sauna with independently controllable IR emitters for varied therapeutic effects.

• Independent Claim 13 (Method Claim): This claim outlines a method for using a sauna. It involves receiving information about desired IR wavelength ranges. This information is then conveyed to one or more driver modules. Subsequently, one or more IR emitters, connected to these driver modules, emit IR according to the received wavelength range information. This claim emphasizes the user's ability to customize their sauna experience by selecting specific IR wavelengths.

• Independent Claim 14 (Method Claim): This claim presents a method for tuning IR heating in a sauna. It involves receiving information related to one or more IR wavelength ranges and corresponding information about the desired radiated output power levels. Based on this received information, one or more IR emitters or heating elements then emit IR with the specified wavelength ranges and power levels. This claim highlights the dual control over both the type of IR light (wavelength) and its intensity (power).

• Independent Claim 15 (System Claim): This claim describes an infrared heater that has at least two distinct portions. These portions are designed to operate at different temperatures, allowing them to produce multiple peak IR wavelengths simultaneously. This means a single heater can provide different types of infrared radiation.

• Independent Claim 17 (System Claim): This claim specifies an infrared heating element comprising a polyimide substrate. This substrate includes at least two portions that can operate at different temperatures, thereby emitting different peak IR wavelengths. The claim further specifies that a high emissivity coating is applied to the surface of the polyimide substrate that faces the user. This claim focuses on the construction of a specific type of heating element that enables multi-wavelength emission.

CAFC 2026 Dockets:
As of April 26, 2026, a search of the CAFC 2026 dockets for patent number 11419787 did not yield any direct results within the provided snippets, indicating no readily available information regarding legal challenges in these dockets for this specific patent.