Multi-frequency ultrasound therapy systems and methods
First Claim
1. A multi-frequency ultrasound therapy device, comprising:
- a generator/control unit, comprising;
means for generating a wave-form at multiple frequencies;
means for controlling and monitoring a generation and output of said wave-form at any one selected frequency of said multiple frequencies, said controlling and monitoring means operably interfacing with said generating means; and
means for amplifying the generated wave-form;
an applicator sound head operably coupled to the generator/control unit;
means associated with said amplifying means for supplying the amplified wave-form to the applicator sound head as electrical signals; and
means associated with the applicator sound head for converting said electrical signals into multi-frequency ultrasound waves, said converting means in association with said applicator sound head for operating at a first desired resonant frequency, a second desired resonant frequency and a third desired resonant frequency.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An ultrasound therapy system and method for providing therapeutic treatment to tissues using multiple, user-selectable frequencies generated from a single applicator sound head. The multi-frequency ultrasound therapy system and method includes a generator/control unit having a microprocessor for controlling and monitoring the generation and output of ultrasonic energy. A precision oscillator is connected to the microprocessor, and wave shaping circuitry is also provided to generate a wave-form for amplification by an output amplifier. The amplified high frequency wave-form is supplied to and drives an applicator sound head at an appropriate frequency for producing the desired therapeutic ultrasonic waves for treatment. Bonded to a cup member and positioned within the applicator sound head is a transducer crystal which converts high frequency wave-forms into mechanical (acoustic) vibrations, thus producing thermal energy in the form of heat for penetration into tissues under treatment. Both the transducer crystal and the applicator cup are designed with the capability of providing at least three different output frequencies from a single applicator sound head, while supplying three different penetration depths for treating a patient'"'"'s tissues.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A multi-frequency ultrasound therapy device, comprising:
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a generator/control unit, comprising; means for generating a wave-form at multiple frequencies; means for controlling and monitoring a generation and output of said wave-form at any one selected frequency of said multiple frequencies, said controlling and monitoring means operably interfacing with said generating means; and means for amplifying the generated wave-form; an applicator sound head operably coupled to the generator/control unit; means associated with said amplifying means for supplying the amplified wave-form to the applicator sound head as electrical signals; and means associated with the applicator sound head for converting said electrical signals into multi-frequency ultrasound waves, said converting means in association with said applicator sound head for operating at a first desired resonant frequency, a second desired resonant frequency and a third desired resonant frequency. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A multi-frequency ultrasound therapy device comprising:
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a generator/control unit, comprising; a precision oscillator having wave shaping circuitry for generating a wave-form at multiple frequencies; a microprocessor for controlling and monitoring a generation and output of said wave-form at any one selected frequency of said multiple frequencies, said microprocessor operably interfacing with said precision oscillator; and at least one output amplifier for amplifying the generated wave-form; an applicator sound head operably coupled to said generator/control unit; means associated with said output amplifier for supplying the amplified wave-form to the applicator sound head as electrical signals; a thermistor interfaced with the microprocessor for monitoring an operating temperature of the applicator sound head and disabling the precision oscillator when the operating temperature of the applicator sound head exceeds a safety level; at least two electrodes having an electrical connection leading from the generator/control unit; an aluminum alloy applicator member; a crystal transducer formed of a ceramic and bonded to said applicator member, the crystal transducer being operably coupled to said electrodes for converting said electrical signals into multi-frequency ultrasound waves, the crystal transducer and the applicator member in association with the applicator sound head for operating at a first desired resonant frequency, a second desired resonant frequency and a third desired resonant frequency. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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20. A method for calibrating a multi-frequency sound head, the method comprising the steps of:
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obtaining an applicator sound head having a transducer providing a natural resonance at a first desired frequency, with additional resonances at a second desired frequency and a third desired frequency; scanning the applicator sound head at a first temperature through at least three output frequencies; determining a specific driving frequency of maximum efficiency at each of said output frequencies; calculating an impedance of the applicator sound head from detected output voltage and current at each of said output frequencies; scanning the applicator sound head at a second temperature being higher than the first temperature; detecting a change in said driving frequency of maximum efficiency at each of said scanned output frequencies; storing for each of said three output frequencies the head impedance and the driving frequency change; generating a multi-frequency wave-form; amplifying said multi-frequency wave-form; delivering the amplified multi-frequency wave-form to the applicator sound head as high-frequency electrical signals; converting the high-frequency electrical signals into ultrasonic waves; monitoring the temperature and output current of the applicator sound head; and calibrating the driving frequency to maintain a level of optimum ultrasonic output.
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Specification