Apparatus and method for intra-oral stimulation of the trigeminal nerve
First Claim
1. An apparatus for intra-oral stimulation of the trigeminal nerve, said apparatus comprising:
- a transducer that imparts energy to a tooth to stimulate the trigeminal nerve;
a time-varying signal source coupled to said transducer to provide a time-varying electrical signal to said transducer;
an attachment portion to secure said transducer in a mouth in proximity to the tooth; and
a timer that automatically discontinues provision of said electrical signal to said transducer following a selected interval of provision of said electrical signal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus for intra-oral stimulation of the trigeminal nerve includes an energy source that imparts energy to a tooth to stimulate the trigeminal nerve and an attachment portion to secure the energy source in a mouth in proximity to the tooth. Stimulating the trigeminal nerve in this manner has been experimentally shown to induce and/or enhance relaxation and/or sleep without the adverse side effects associated with traditional drug therapies. In one embodiment, the apparatus can be realized as a “cap” having two legs that engage opposing sides of a tooth and a bridge portion spanning the occlusal surface of the tooth to link the legs.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. An apparatus for intra-oral stimulation of the trigeminal nerve, said apparatus comprising:
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a transducer that imparts energy to a tooth to stimulate the trigeminal nerve; a time-varying signal source coupled to said transducer to provide a time-varying electrical signal to said transducer; an attachment portion to secure said transducer in a mouth in proximity to the tooth; and a timer that automatically discontinues provision of said electrical signal to said transducer following a selected interval of provision of said electrical signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method of stimulating the trigeminal nerve, said method comprising:
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within a mouth, removably securing an energy source it proximity to a tooth; imparting energy to enamel of the tooth to stimulate the trigeminal nerve utilizing energy source; and thereafter, automatically discontinuing impartation of energy to said enamel after a selected interval. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10)
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11. An apparatus for intra-oral stimulation of the trigeminal nerve, said apparatus comprising:
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a transducer that imparts energy to an oral tissue to stimulate the trigeminal nerve; an oral appliance supporting said transducer; a time-varying signal source coupled to said transducer to provide a time-varying electrical signal to said transducer; and a metering device that automatically discontinues provision of said electrical signal to said transducer following provision of a selected quantum of said electrical signal. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification