Variable alternating current output nerve locator/stimulator

• US 4,616,660 A
• Filed: 12/10/1984
• Issued: 10/14/1986
• Est. Priority Date: 12/10/1984
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Suncoast Medical Manufacturing Company
• Original Assignee: Suncoast Medical Manufacturing Company
• Inventors: Johns, David L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Howell, Kyle L.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Shay, David
• Application Number:
  US06/680,007
• Time in Patent Office: 673 Days
• Field of Search: 128/741, 128/303.1, 128/303.18, 128/362
• US Class Current: 600/554
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/24 Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/40 Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the nervous system A61B5/4806, A61B5/4821, A61B5/4824 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4893 Nerves
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/32 alternating or intermittent currents applying electric fields by inductive or capacitive coupling A61N1/40; microwave apparatus A61N5/02
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36014 External stimulators, e.g. with patch electrodes external pacemakers A61N1/3625
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36017 with leads or electrodes penetrating the skin

Abstract

A variable alternating current output nerve locator/stimulator comprising a hollow substantially cylindrical enclosure configured to operatively house a direct current power source electrically coupled to a current power convertor including circuitry to convert the direct current to alternating current electrically coupled to a current regulator, a nerve probe electrically coupled to the current regulator and a ground electrically coupled to the direct current power source, a removable nerve probe cover and a removable ground cover removably attached to opposite ends of the hollow substantially cylindrical enclosure to permit selective withdrawal of the ground from the hollow substantially cylindrical enclosure and application of the nerve probe to the patient after adjustment of the current regulator to control the alternating current from the direct current power source.

Claims

1. A variable alternating current output nerve locator/stimulator comprising a hollow enclosure which houses a direct current power source electrically coupled to a current power convertor, said current power convertor including circuit means to convert direct current to alternating current electrically coupled to a current regulator, a nerve probe electrically coupled to said current regulator and a ground electrically coupled to said direct current power source, said ground comprising a ground element partially encased within an insulating element and a retainer element extending from said ground element operatively receivable including an aperture disposed within said hollow enclosure said aperture receiving said retainer element therein selectively retaining said ground within said hollow enclosure, a removable nerve probe cover and a removable ground cover removably attached to opposite ends of said hollow enclosure, said ground element being electrically coupled to a flexible insulated conductor electrically connected to said voltage source, said conductor permitting selective withdrawal of said ground element and a desired portion of said flexible insulated conductor from said hollow enclosure when said removable ground cover is removed from said hollow enclosure and application of said nerve probe to the patient after adjustment of said current regulator to control the alternating current output from said direct current power source when said removable nerve probe cover is removed from said hollow enclosure.