Nerve stimulating device

• US 4,019,519 A
• Filed: 07/08/1975
• Issued: 04/26/1977
• Est. Priority Date: 07/08/1975
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Neuvex Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Neuvex Incorporated
• Inventors: Geerling, Leonardus Johannes
• Primary Examiner(s): Kamm, William E.
• Application Number:
  US05/594,024
• Time in Patent Office: 658 Days
• Field of Search: 128/419 R, 128/421, 128/422, 128/423
• US Class Current: 607/72
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36034 specified by the stimulation parameters
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 3/3381 using a single commutation path
• CPC Class Codes: H02M 5/44 using discharge tubes or semiconductor devices to convert the intermediate dc into ac
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 17/661 connected to both load terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 17/667 using complementary bipolar transistors
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 3/027 by the use of logic circuits, with internal or external positive feedback

Abstract

A pulse generator for providing timed pulses of adjustable amplitude and constant width for nerve stimulation at selected portions of a body. The timed pulses of positive and negative amplitude are generated alternatinely and the period can be precisely set.

Claims

1. A pulse generator circuit for generating timed pulses of regulated amplitude and constant width comprising:

oscillator means for providing timing pulses;

trigger circuit means for receiving said timing pulses and for generating trigger signals of predetermined pulse width;

driver circuit means for receiving said trigger signals and for generating driving signals;

voltage conversion means for providing adjustable regulated voltages; and

switching means for receiving said driving signals and said adjustable regulated voltages and producing output timed pulses of amplitude equal to said regulated voltages and of constant width.

2. A pulse generator circuit according to claim 1 wherein said trigger circuit means includes delay means and feed back means.

3. A pulse generator circuit according to claim 1 wherein said voltage conversion means comprises adjustable regulated high voltage supply means and a fixed unregulated low voltage supply means.

4. A pulse generator circuit according to claim 1 said voltage conversion means includes over voltage-limiting means.

5. A pulse generator circuit according to claim 4 wherein said over voltage-limiting means defines a feedback circuit.

6. A pulse generator circuit according to claim 4 wherein said over voltage-limiting means defines shunt regulating means.

7. A pulse generator circuit according to claim 1 further including power supply means defining rechargeable battery means for supplying a predetermined voltage and said voltage conversion means includes means for preventing discharge failure modes of said rechargeable battery means.

8. A pulse generator circuit according to claim 1 wherein said oscillator means and trigger circuit means comprise complementary metal oxide silicon (CMOS) devices.

9. A nerve stimulating device for stimulating nerves of a body comprising:

oscillator means for producing variable rate timing pulses;

trigger circuit means for receiving said timing pulses and for generating trigger signals of predetermined pulse width;

driver circuit means for receiving said trigger signals and for generating driving signals in response thereto;

voltage conversion means for providing adjustable regulated voltages; and

switching means for receiving said driving signals and said adjustable regulated voltages and producting output timed pulses of amplitude equal to said regulated voltages and of constant width; and

electrode means connected to said switching means and adapted to be secured to a selected area of a body so that said timed pulses stimulate the nerves at said selected area.

10. A nerve stimulating device according to claim 9 wherein said adjustable regulated voltages are of substantially equal amplitude and of opposite polarity.

11. A nerve stimulating device according to claim 9 wherein said voltage conversion means includes over voltage-limiting means for preventing the regulated voltages from exceeding a predetermined level.

12. A nerve stimulating device according to claim 9 further including power supply means defining rechargeable battery means.