Electrical apparatus for medical treatment
First Claim
1. An electrical neuro-stimulation apparatus comprising:
- first pulse generation means for providing a first variable frequency and pulse width output;
second pulse generation means for providing a second variable frequency and pulse width output;
switching means for providing a series of successive pulse trains as a combination of said first and second pulse width outputs on at least one output channel, wherein for each of said series of successive pulse trains, the period of said pulse train duration and the interval between it and the next successive pulse train are substantially equivalent, and random pulses appear in said series of successive pulse trains in accordance with digital mixing of the output of said first and second pulse generation means;
means for modulating said series of successive pulse trains so as to provide a pulse waveform envelope having an increasing amplitude during a predetermined interval; and
current amplification means for providing said modulated series of successive pulse trains to at least one pair of electrodes with substantially constant current in relation to behavioral changes in tissue impedance for increased penetration, said amplified modulated series of pulse trains adapted to provide electrical stimulation of the large myelinated nerves, said stimulation having associated therewith the characteristics of significantly increased energy and relatively low skin irritation and pain levels.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electrical neuro-stimulator which operates using pulse generators for providing a master frequency, a carrier frequency, a first modulation frequency and a second modulation frequency. The pulse width and pulse rate are adjustable, and a pair of multivibrators produces a pulse train output with an adjustable number of impulses by adjustment of the carrier frequency, which also increases the average applied power and the penetration factor. The master and carrier oscillators of the pulse generator operate asynchronously, and a digital mixer is provided for combination of these frequencies with a slightly random appearance, thus avoiding accommodation or adaptation while maintaining a constant energy at any frequency. The first modulation frequency provides a triangular form of amplitude modulation of the pulse train waveform envelope. A 180 degree shift in this waveform is provided by a time lag introduced on the second channel, such that accommodation of the nerves is avoided. By combination of high and low-pass filters, the envelope of the pulse train waveform is given an increasing amplitude from its initial value during a predetermined interval. This avoids shock sensation on the skin when the pulses are first applied, since the initial tissue impedance is higher and the voltage applied must necessarily be higher to maintain constant current. A set of specially-designed pulse transformers is provided to maintain the optimal pulse waveform shape when the tissue impedance changes, providing compensation via a reactive componment.
154 Citations
15 Claims
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1. An electrical neuro-stimulation apparatus comprising:
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first pulse generation means for providing a first variable frequency and pulse width output; second pulse generation means for providing a second variable frequency and pulse width output; switching means for providing a series of successive pulse trains as a combination of said first and second pulse width outputs on at least one output channel, wherein for each of said series of successive pulse trains, the period of said pulse train duration and the interval between it and the next successive pulse train are substantially equivalent, and random pulses appear in said series of successive pulse trains in accordance with digital mixing of the output of said first and second pulse generation means; means for modulating said series of successive pulse trains so as to provide a pulse waveform envelope having an increasing amplitude during a predetermined interval; and current amplification means for providing said modulated series of successive pulse trains to at least one pair of electrodes with substantially constant current in relation to behavioral changes in tissue impedance for increased penetration, said amplified modulated series of pulse trains adapted to provide electrical stimulation of the large myelinated nerves, said stimulation having associated therewith the characteristics of significantly increased energy and relatively low skin irritation and pain levels. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of providing electrical stimulation comprising the steps of:
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generating a first variable frequency and pulse width output; generating a second variable frequency and pulse width output; combining said first and second pulse width outputs on at least one output channel to produce a series of successive pulse trains, wherein for each of said series of successive pulse trains, the period of said pulse train duration and the interval between it and the next successive pulse train are substantially equivalent, and random pulses appear in said series of successive pulse trains in accordance with digital mixing of the output of said first and second frequency generating steps; modulating said series of pulse trains so as to provide a pulse waveform envelope having an increasing amplitude during a predetermined interval; and amplifying said modulated series of pulse trains such that there is provided to at least one pair of electrodes an output with substantially constant current in relation to behavioral changes in tissue impedance for increased penetration, said amplified modulated series of pulse trains providing electrical stimulation of the large myelinated nerves, said stimulation having associated therewith the characteristics of significantly increased energy and relatively low skin irritation and pain levels. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification