Ambulatory stimulator

• US 3,941,137 A
• Filed: 02/24/1972
• Issued: 03/02/1976
• Est. Priority Date: 02/27/1971
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Honeywell BV (Honeywell International Inc.)
• Original Assignee: US Philips Corporation (Koninklijke Philips N.V.)
• Inventors: Vredenbregt, Jakob, Hurkmans, Adrianus Cornelis Maria, Klomp, Antonius Maria
• Primary Examiner(s): Kamm, William E.
• Application Number:
  US05/228,912
• Time in Patent Office: 1,468 Days
• Field of Search: 128/419 C, 128/419 E, 128/419 P, 128/419 R, 128/421, 128/422, 128/423, 128/404, 128/411, 128/416, 128/417, 128/418, 200/86.5, 200/DIG. 35, 200/61.89, 200/81 R, 200/81 H, 200/83 R, 200/83 Z, 340/279, 340/272, 340/273, 340/278, 340/240
• US Class Current: 607/49
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36003 of motor muscles, e.g. for walking assistance
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 3/14 adapted for operation by a part of the human body other than the hand, e.g. by foot
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 17/964 Piezoelectric touch switches
• CPC Class Codes: H10N 30/308 Membrane type

Abstract

An electro-therapeutic apparatus for stimulation of the locomotive nerves enables activation of both legs in a locomotive cycle by means of pressure impulses originating from a pressure-sensitive medium provided underneath the ball of one of the feet. A pressure-cell which is closed by a bimorph plate of piezoelectric material is used as the switching element for converting pressure impulses into electric pulses.

Claims

1. An electro-therapeutic apparatus for the stimulation of locomotive organisms which normally function inadequately comprising a pressure-sensitive mechanism located underneath the ball of a foot of one of the legs of the patient for producing periodic pressure pulses, a switching element connected with said mechanism being activated by said pressure pulses from said mechanism for producing electric pulses, stimulator means connected to said switching element having a stimulatory electrode carried on each leg of the patient each being periodically activated by said electric pulses in response to said pressure pulses originating from said pressure sensitive mechanism, said electrodes comprising a central electrode element, a second electrode surrounding said central electrode, insulating means provided between said central and second electrodes, said second electrode being made of an electrically conducting gauze, and an electrically conducting rubber element for providing contact between said second electrode and the skin of the patient.