Mastoid ear cuff and system

• US 7,204,815 B2
• Filed: 08/11/2004
• Issued: 04/17/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/11/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Georgia K. Connor
• Original Assignee: Georgia K. Connor
• Inventors: Connor, Georgia K.
• Primary Examiner(s): Brown; Michael A.
• Application Number:
  US10/915,788
• Publication Number:
  US 20060036200A1
• Time in Patent Office: 979 Days
• Field of Search: 128864-868, 601/46, 601/47, 601/76
• US Class Current: 601/46
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2021/0027 by the hearing sense
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 21/00 Other devices or methods to cause a change in the state of consciousness; Devices for producing or ending sleep by mechanical, optical, or acoustical means, e.g. for hypnosis
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/50 with microprocessors or computers
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/583 by visual feedback

Abstract

A system for treating brain function including a signal generator and an ear cuff. Various modalities of treatment are possible including approaches for enhancing learning, and stimulating alertness and clearing emotions.

Claims

1. A system for treating brain function of a patient, comprising:

a microprocessor, the microprocessor capable of generating selected frequencies of energy; and

at least one mastoid ear cuff, the mastoid ear cuff in communication with the microprocessor and including an ear engaging portion, a mastoid process portion, and an energy transmitter;

wherein the selected frequency of energy is transmitted at least through a mastoid process of a patient;

wherein the system lacks structure configured within a body of the patient.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the energy is sound.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the microprocessor is contained in a portable device and further comprising a lead connecting the mastoid ear cuff with the portable device.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein there are two mastoid ear cuffs in communication with the microprocessor.

5. The system of claim 4, further comprising a headband removably attachable to each of the ear cuffs.

6. The system of claim 4, further comprising a lead extending from each of the mastoid ear cuffs.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the mastoid process portion is configured to engage a patient'"'"'s skull in an area of a mastoid process.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the mastoid ear cuff lacks a structure covering an opening leading to a patient'"'"'s tympanic membrane.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the mastoid ear cuff transmits sound and vibration to a patient.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the mastoid ear cuff further comprises a wire extending from a foam-like portion.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the foam-like portion is configured to mate with a Darwin'"'"'s tubercle of a patient'"'"'s ear.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the wire is configured to extend along a helix of a patient'"'"'s ear.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the microprocessor generates energy at frequencies selected to treat sleepiness.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the microprocessor generates energy at frequencies selected to enhance learning.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the microprocessor generates energy at frequencies selected to enhance concentration.

16. The system of claim 1, further comprising a portable device having a power supply in communication with the microprocessor.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the portable device further comprises an LED indicating use.

18. The system of claim 16, further comprising an adapter that connects the portable device to the mastoid ear cuffs.

19. The system of claim 1, further comprising means for synchronizing left and right hemispheres of a patient'"'"'s brain.

20. The system of claim 1, wherein the system lacks structure for enhancing or testing a hearing function of the patient.