Cover for electromagnetic treatment applicator

• US 20040119033A1
• Filed: 10/22/2003
• Published: 06/24/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 09/17/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Arthur A. Loya, Frank R. George, Mary C. Ritz, Michael F. Daly, Robert T. Bryant
• Original Assignee: Arthur A. Loya, Frank R. George, Mary C. Ritz, Michael F. Daly, Robert T. Bryant
• Inventors: Loya, Arthur A., Bryant, Robert T., Ritz, Mary C., George, Frank R., Daly, Michael F.
• Granted Patent: US 6,967,281 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 250/515.1
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/16 Screening or neutralising undesirable influences from or using, atmospheric or terrestrial radiation or fields using atmospheric electricity or earth currents H05F3/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/326 for promoting growth of cells, e.g. bone cells
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/40 Applying electric fields by inductive or capacitive coupling microwave apparatus A61N5/00; Applying radio-frequency signals
• CPC Class Codes: G21H 1/00 Arrangements for obtaining electrical energy from radioactive sources, e.g. from radioactive isotopes , nuclear or atomic batteries

Abstract

A disposable cover for electromagnetic treatment applicators prevents undesired exposure to potentially harmful radiation. The cover is a pouch-like structure having a back surface (which faces opposite, or away from, the treatment area) constructed from shielding material, such as metallized polyethylene. At least a portion of the cover which faces the treatment area is constructed solely from non-shielding material. Securing means, such as adhesive strips, ZIP-LOCK®, or other interlocking edges, secure the applicator inside the cover and close off any leaks. The electromagnetic properties of the cover are integrated into the circuitry for the treatment applicator, such that the applicator is not functional in the absence of the cover. In use, an electromagnetic treatment applicator is inserted into the cover and positioned over the area to be treated, with the non-shielding, or “window”, portion of the cover overlying the treatment area. Once assembled, the applicator/cover combination forms a closely matched and tuned network for effecting a highly efficient RF output. When activated, the generated electromagnetic energy only exits the cover through the opening or “window”, thereby preventing exposure of the patient or caregiver to potentially harmful radiation.

Claims

1. An apparatus for covering a treatment applicator comprising a cover having a front surface, a back surface, and at least one open end, wherein at least a portion of said cover is constructed of an RF shielding material.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said back surface of said cover is constructed of said RF shielding material.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein at least a portion of said front surface of said cover is constructed of said RF shielding material.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said RF shielding material is metallized polyethylene.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one adhesive strip located on said front surface.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for closing said open end of said cover.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said closing means further comprises a tab extending from said front surface and means for securing said tab to said back surface.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said securing means is selected from the group consisting of adhesive, mating fasteners and mating ZIP-LOCK®

strips.

9. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said tab has an opening located therein.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said opening is a semi-circular notch.

11. Apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising perforations located along said tab.

12. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said closing means further comprises a tab extending from said back surface and means for securing said tab to said front surface.

13. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said closing means further comprises a first tab extending from said front surface, a second tab extending from said back surface, and means for securing said first tab to said second tab.

14. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said cover is waterproof and bacterial resistant.

15. An apparatus for covering a treatment applicator comprising a cover having a front surface, a back surface, at least one open end, and at least one strip of RF shielding material removable connected to said cover.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said front surface is made of a non-shielding material, wherein said at least one strip overlies said front surface, and wherein said at least one strip further comprises a perforated strip.

17. Apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said at least one strip is removably adhered to the front surface.

18. Apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said at lest one strip further comprises multiple strips, each adhered to the front surface of the cover and separably removable therefrom.

19. An electromagnetic treatment apparatus comprising an RF generating system, a cover, and an applicator connected to said RF generating system and located within said cover, wherein said cover further comprises RF shielding that conveys a capacitance upon circuitry in said applicator.

20. Apparatus according to claim 19, wherein said applicator only enables said RF generating system when said applicator is located within said cover and a capacitance of said applicator and cover is within a predetermined range.