APPARATUS FOR EXTERNAL ACTIVATION OF PARALYZED BODY PARTS BY STIMULATION OF PERIPHERAL NERVES

• US 20120310303A1
• Filed: 12/30/2009
• Published: 12/06/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 12/30/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Fundacion Tecnalia Research & Innovation (Fundación Tecnalia Corporación Tecnológica)
• Original Assignee: Fundacion Tecnalia Research & Innovation (Fundación Tecnalia Corporación Tecnológica)
• Inventors: Popovic, Dejan, Malesevic, Nebojsa, Keller, Thierry
• Granted Patent: US 9,878,153 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/48
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/10 with further special therapeutic means, e.g. electrotherapy, magneto therapy or radiation therapy, chromo therapy, infrared or ultraviolet therapy
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/165 Wearable interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/501 connected to external computer devices or networks
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5035 Several programs selectable
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5046 Touch screens
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5061 Force sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5071 Pressure sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5084 Acceleration sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0456 Specially adapted for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [TENS]
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0476 Array electrodes (including any electrode arrangement with more than one electrode for at least one of the polarities)
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0484 Garment electrodes worn by the patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0492 Patch electrodes A61N1/0412, A61N1/0428 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/22 Electromedical belts , e.g. neck chains, armbands
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/321 Electromedical belts
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36003 of motor muscles, e.g. for walking assistance
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36031 using physiological parameters for adjustment

Abstract

Apparatus for external activation of paralyzed body parts by stimulation of peripheral nerves which comprises a soft apparel provided with multi-pad electrodes on one side and activating means on the other side, wherein the activating means are adapted to allow activation and control of a delivered electrical pulse to each multi-pad electrode separately.

Claims

1. An apparatus for external activation of paralyzed body parts by stimulation of peripheral nerves or muscles, which comprises a soft apparel (8) provided with multi-pad electrodes on one side (31) and an activating means on the other side (32), wherein the activating means are adapted to allow activation and control of a delivered electrical pulse to each multi-pad electrode separately characterized in that each multi-pad electrode is provided with a corresponding activator in a position facing the electrode with the material of the apparel there between, the activators being pressure driven.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a controller means adapted to control all the activators.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the controller is adapted to be connected to a personal computer.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the activators are pressure driven.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising movement and/or position sensors (22) connected to the controller.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the sensors are independently force sensors, accelerometers, inertial sensors, gyroscopes, or length or bend sensors.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one ASIC on the electrode substrate layer carrying stimulation pads (31) and wherein the multi-pad electrodes are grouped, the ASIC being adapted to control the voltage and/or amplitude delivered to the group.

9. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the activators are pressure driven.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9 further comprising movement and/or position sensors (22) connected to the controller.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising at least one ASIC on the electrode substrate layer carrying stimulation pads (31) and wherein the multi-pad electrodes are grouped, the ASIC being adapted to control the voltage and/or amplitude delivered to the group.

8. (canceled)