CA2235365C - Apparatus and method for delivering electrical stimulus to tissue - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for delivering electrical stimulus to tissue Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2235365C CA2235365C CA002235365A CA2235365A CA2235365C CA 2235365 C CA2235365 C CA 2235365C CA 002235365 A CA002235365 A CA 002235365A CA 2235365 A CA2235365 A CA 2235365A CA 2235365 C CA2235365 C CA 2235365C
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- Prior art keywords
- housing
- electrodes
- electrical
- battery
- closure
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/02—Details
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
- A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
- A61N1/36—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
- A61N1/36014—External stimulators, e.g. with patch electrodes
- A61N1/36021—External stimulators, e.g. with patch electrodes for treatment of pain
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
- A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
- A61N1/326—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for promoting growth of cells, e.g. bone cells
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
- A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
- A61N1/36—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
- A61N1/372—Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators
- A61N1/375—Constructional arrangements, e.g. casings
- A61N1/3756—Casings with electrodes thereon, e.g. leadless stimulators
Abstract
This invention is an electrical stimulation apparatus (10) and method for applying an electrical stimulation to a lesion.
The apparatus includes a housing (12) having a battery and an electrical circuit mounted inside the housing (12). A pair of electrodes (16, 17) are removably mounted to the housing (12) and extend therefrom so as to accommodate being touched to the skin on opposite sides of the lesion. A switch (20) on the housing allows the user to selectively supply electrical energy to the electrodes (16, 17). A first light (40) on the housing is illuminated when the switch (20) is depressed thereby providing a visual indication that electrical energy is being supplied to the electrodes. A second light (41) on the housing provides a visual indication of a low battery condition. A closure (14) is mountable to the housing and encloses the electrodes, switch, and light within the closure. The size and shape of the apparatus are designed for portability.
The apparatus includes a housing (12) having a battery and an electrical circuit mounted inside the housing (12). A pair of electrodes (16, 17) are removably mounted to the housing (12) and extend therefrom so as to accommodate being touched to the skin on opposite sides of the lesion. A switch (20) on the housing allows the user to selectively supply electrical energy to the electrodes (16, 17). A first light (40) on the housing is illuminated when the switch (20) is depressed thereby providing a visual indication that electrical energy is being supplied to the electrodes. A second light (41) on the housing provides a visual indication of a low battery condition. A closure (14) is mountable to the housing and encloses the electrodes, switch, and light within the closure. The size and shape of the apparatus are designed for portability.
Description
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING
ELECTRICAL STIMULUS TO TISSUE
1 Background Field of the Invention This invention relates to the electrical 9. stimulation of living tissue and, more particularly, to a convenient, portable electrical stimulation apparatus E. and method for selectively delivering electrical T stimulation to living tissue.
9 The Prior Art 10~ The beneficial results from electrical stimulation 11 of living tissue are well known in the art and range 12 from devices for the combined nerve fiber and body 13 stimulation such as shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,117,826 14 to the method for. treating herpes simplex as shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,133,352. Other devices within this 16 general category include the small size, low frequency 17 curing apparatus shown in U.S. Patent 4,922,906; the 18 electrotherapeutic treatment apparatus shown in U.S.
19 Patent No. 5,107,835; the method for the treatment of :herpes simplex and herpes zoster shown in U.S. Patent 21 :No. 4,913,148: and the low frequency electrotherapeutic 22 device shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,133,351, to name a 23 few.
. 24 An examination of each of these known references :reveals a rather complex device which involves extensive 1 preparation for use or is otherwise too cumbersome to be 2 readily portable. However, I have found that the 3 development of a herpes-caused lesion is preceded by an 4 associated nerve sensation that signals to the patient that such a lesion is in the developmental stage. I
6 have also found that timing is critical in the 7 application of the electrical stimulus to the lesion 8 site. Specifically, it is important that the patient 9 have the ability to promptly apply electrical stimulation to the potential lesion site especially 11 before the lesion appears with the site selection being 12 based solely upon the pre-lesion nerve sensation. This, 13 in turn, requires that the electrical stimulation 14 apparatus should be readily accessible in a convenient, hand-portable configuration to thereby provide the user 16 with the capability to promptly and even discretely 17 apply electrical stimulation to any predetermined site 18 on the body. Such an apparatus and method is disclosed 19 and claimed herein.
21 Brief Summarv and Objects of the Invention 22 This invention involves a novel electrical 23 stimulation apparatus and method for delivering 24 electrical stimulation to a preselected area of the skin. The apparatus is a small, hand-held housing 26 containing a battery, an electrical circuit, a switch, 27 and a pair of electrodes removably mounted to the 28 device. A two color light system provides a visual 1 indication to show that the device is operational or if 2 there is a low-battery condition. A closure 3 telescopically engages the housing to encase both the 4 electrodes and the switch and to present a smooth profile to the apparatus. The apparatus is small enough 6 that it conveniently fits within the hand of the user 7 and is mountable on a key chain. The small size, 8 convenience of use, and pleasing visual appearance all 9 lend themselves to rendering the apparatus easy to carry 7.0 and simple use to further encourage its frequent use by 7.1 persons who would benefit from the application of 7.2 electrical stimulus with my novel apparatus and method.
7.3 The electrodes are releasably mounted to the device for 7.4 ease of replacement.
7.5 It is, therefore, a primary object of this J.6 invention to provide improvements in apparatus for 1.7 delivering electrical stimulation to living tissue.
1.8 Another object of this invention is to provide 1.9 improvements in the method of delivering electrical 20 stimulation to living tissue.
21 Another object of this invention is to provide a 22 small, hand-portable electrical stimulation apparatus.
23 Another object of this invention is to provide a 24 smooth-contoured, relatively small electrical 25 stimulation apparatus.
~26 Another object of this invention is to provide an .27 electrical stimulation apparatus having a pair of 28 removable electrodes.
1 Another object of this invention is to provide an 2 electrical stimulation apparatus having a closure for 3 enclosing the electrodes and the switch.
4 Another object of this invention is to provide a light system for visually indicating that the device is 6 operational.
7 Another object of this invention is to provide an 8 indicator system to indicate when there is a low battery 9 condition.
These and other objects arid features of the present 11 invention will become more readily apparent from the 12 following description and the appended claims.
14 Brief Description of the Drawincx Figure 1 is an exploded, perspective view of a 16 presently preferred embodiment of my novel electrical 17 stimulation apparatus and its closure;
18 Figure 2 is a perspective view of the electrical 19 stimulation apparatus of Figure 1 shown in the environment of a hand and an area of skin; and 21 Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment 22 of the electrical circuitry of my novel electrical 23 stimulation apparatus.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment 26 The invention is best understood by reference to 27 the drawing wherein like parts are designated by like 1 numerals throughout in conjunction with the following 2 description.
4 neneral Discussion I have invented a novel, hand-portable electrical 6 stimulation apparatus and method for enabling the user 7 to selectively apply electrical stimulation to the skin 8 at preselected locations and at any predetermined time 9 or time interval. This novel feature is made possible la by reason of the relatively small size and convenience 11 with which my novel electrical stimulation apparatus can 12 be used. Further, I have specifically designed my novel 13 device with a smooth, aesthetically pleasing external 14 profile so as to render it more amenable to being carried continually by the user. To facilitate its 16 being carried at all times by the user I have also 17 .included an attachment site for making it possible to 18 releasably attach the electrical stimulation apparatus 19 i.o a key chain or the like.
My electrical stimulation apparatus is configured 21 as a housing and a closure that releasably fits on the 22 Sand of the housing. The housing contains the battery 23 and the electronic circuitry as well as an externally .24 accessible switch. A pair of electrodes are releasably :25 attached to the housing and are adapted to being touched 26 t:o the skin to provide the electrical contact with the 27 .>kin. The electrodes are releasably attached to the z8 housing in order to allow them to be readily sterilized 1 or replaced in the event replacement is required for 2 medical reasons. The housing is configured with a 3 relatively small external profile so as to allow it to 4 be easily held in and, possibly, even concealed within the confines of the user's hand. This feature 6 contributes to the overall effectiveness of my 7 electrical stimulation apparatus in that it allows the 8 user to discretely apply electrical stimulation where 9 one would otherwise be intimidated into not using this l0 novel invention. For example, if a user were attending 11 a concert and felt the early stages of a herpes lesion 12 on the lip, the user will be able to discretely palm my 13 electrical stimulator and touch the electrodes to the 14 affected area on the lip and the thereby effectively inhibit the formation of a lesion thereon.
16 The switch is mounted on the housing at a location 17 where it is concealed by the closure when the closure is 18 mounted to the housing. This configuration precludes 19 inadvertent activation of the switch when the electrical stimulation apparatus is not in use and is being carried 21 in a pocket, purse, or the like.
22 A light system is mounted on the housing at a 23 position generally between the electrodes and provides 24 the user with a visual indication when adequate electrical energy is being supplied to the electrodes 26 upon activation of the switch. This is an important 27 feature since the electrical energy supplied to the 28 electrodes by the electrical stimulation apparatus is of 1 such a low power as to be tactilely undetectable by the 2 user. The light thereby assures the user that 3 sufficient electrical energy is being delivered to the 4 electrodes. The second light visually indicates to the user that the battery is in a low-battery condition and 6 is failing to deliver sufficient electrical energy to 7 supply the electrical stimulation of this invention. In 8 this instance, one light may be red for a low battery 9 condition, while the other light may be green when the 1.U switch is closed to indicate that the device is 11 functioning properly.
13 Detailed Description 14 Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, the novel electrical stimulation apparatus of my invention is 16 shown generally at 10 and includes a housing 12, a 17 ' c:losure 14, and a pair of replaceable electrodes 16 and 18 1'7 removably mounted to housing 12. An activation 19 switch 20 is nested within a recess 18 on one side of housing 12 and is adapted to be concealed beneath 21 closure 14 when closure 14 is secured to housing 12.
22 Housing 12 includes an undercut section 22 around the 23 vicinity of switch 20 so as to accommodate closure 14 24 telescopically receiving electrodes 16 and 17 along with switch 20 to thereby enclose all of these elements ~26 w:ithin the confines of closure 14. Undercut section 22 27 and closure 14 are both dimensionally configured so that 28 closure 14 is snugly engageable to housing 12 in a snap-1 fit relationship. Exteriorly, closure 14 cooperates 2 with housing 12 to provide a continuous, smooth external 3 profile to all of electrical stimulator apparatus 10 as 4 represented by the external surfaces of housing 12 and closure 14. A retainer 42 is formed on the end of 6 housing 12 and includes a hole 44 therethrough for the 7 purpose of attaching electrical stimulator apparatus to 8 a key chain, identity tag, or the like.
9 Housing 12 is configured to releasably engage each of electrodes 16 and 17 in a snap-fit relationship.
11 Specifically, with reference to electrode 16, a cutaway 12 section is shown in housing 12 in order to reveal the 13 snap-fit relationship between housing 12 and electrode 14 16. Electrode 16 is configured with a pointed end 24 having a circumferential groove 26 around the base of 16 pointed end 24. A hole 28 is formed in housing 12 to 17 enable pointed end 24 to be inserted therethrough into 18 engagement with spring clip 30. Spring clip 30 is 19 formed from a pair of resilient, metal strips 32 and 33 each of which are mirror images of the other and 21 respectively include sloped surfaces 34 and 35 which 22 terminate in inwardly directed detents 36 and 37.
23 Sloped surfaces 34 and 35 receive pointed end 24 which 24 forces apart metal strips 32 and 33 until groove 26 is engaged by detents 36 and 37. The resiliency of metal 26 strips 32 and 33 provides spring clip 30 with the 27 necessary retention force to releasably hold electrode 28 16 in housing 12. Removal of electrode 16 is readily 1 accomplished by the user (not shown) firmly grasping 2 electrode 16 and sharply pulling electrode 16 outwardly 3 to cause detents 36 and 37 to disengage from groove 26.
4 Electrode 16 may then be sterilized or even discarded and replaced with another electrode 16.
6 Housing 12 includes lights 40 and 41 mounted to the 7 end thereof at a position between electrodes 16 and 17.
8 Light 40 provides a visual indicator to the user (not 9 shown) when switch 20 is activated and that adequate electrical energy is available for electrodes 16 and 17.
11 The presence of light 40 is particularly important in 12 that the electrical current supplied to electrodes 16 13 and 17 is of such a low magnitude as to be undetectable 14 'when electrical stimulator apparatus 10 is applied to tissue. On the other hand, light 41 provides a visual 16 indication to the user that a low battery condition 17 exists in electrical stimulator apparatus 10 such that 18 insufficient electrical energy is available to 19 electrodes 16 and 17. Either light 40 or light 41 will ;become illuminated upon closure of switch 20 thereby 21 readily informing the user as to the operational status 22 ~of electrical stimulator apparatus l0. In one prototype 23 of electrical stimulator apparatus 10 light 40 was 24 .configured as a green light while light 41 was configured as a red light when illuminated. Clearly, of 26 .course, if the battery is completely dead neither light 27 ~40 nor light 41 will illuminate.
1 As shown in Figure 2 , housing 12 is configured to 2 be concealingly received within the confines of a hand 3 60 to thereby substantially conceal, if desired, the 4 main body of electrical stimulation apparatus 10 while allowing electrodes 16 and 17 to protrude therefrom.
6 This concealment is made possible by the relatively 7 small size of electrical stimulation apparatus 10, that 8 is, having a length overall of, say, 5 to 8 centimeters, 9 a width of about 2 to 3 centimeters, and a thickness around one centimeter. Clearly, these dimensions are 11 only approximate but they do emphasize the fact that 12 electrical stimulation apparatus 10, particularly 13 housing 12 portion thereof, is easily concealed, if 14 desired, within the confines of hand 60. Another advantageous feature of electrical stimulation apparatus 16 10 is that it is provided with rounded corners 17 ~ externally to thereby render it less obtrusive when 18 either handled by hand 60 or carried within a pocket or 19 purse (not shown). Importantly, electrical stimulation apparatus l0 is specifically configured to be easily 21 carried, easily concealed during use, and simple to 22 operate to thereby specifically encourage the user to 23 carry electrical stimulator apparatus 10 at all times 24 and to use it whenever necessary regardless of the specific circumstances or surroundings. This is 26 important since it enables the user to immediately apply 27 electrical stimulation whenever the initial tactile 28 sensation preceding a herpes lesion formation are felt 1 by the user. Specifically, skin 62 is shown 2 schematically as having a lesion 64 forming thereon.
3 Electrodes 16 and 17 are being brought into contact with 4 skin 62 to bracket lesion 64, the contact points for electrodes 16 and 17 on skin 62 being shown at 66 and 6 6~7, respectively. It should be noted that lesion 64 is 7 shown herein as a visible lesion for purposes of 8 illustration, it being the preferred intent of this 9 invention to apply electrical stimulation to skin 62 :LO with electrical stimulator apparatus 10 before lesion 64 :L1 becomes visible.
:L2 Referring now to Figure 3, one embodiment of the :L3 circuitry for electrical stimulator apparatus 10 is :l4 shown generally at 70 and includes a battery 50, an :L5 electrical circuit 52 , and electrical leads 56 and 57 :l6 interconnecting electrical circuit 52 to electrodes 16 :l7 a.nd 17 respectively. Switch 20 is interposed in a lead :l8 54 between battery 50 and electrical circuit 52 and is :l9 manually operable to control the flow of electrical 20 energy from battery 50 to electrical circuit 52 thence :?1 t.o electrodes 16 and 17. Lights 40 and 41 are connected 22 across electrical leads 56 and 57. Light 40 provides a :>.3 visual indication that electrical energy is being :'4 supplied to electrodes 16 and 17. Light 41 is a low :>.5 battery indicator. The presence of lights 40 and 41 is :?6 important since the electrical energy supplied to 27 electrodes 16 and 17 is too weak to be detected by the :>.8 sensory perception of the user. Correspondingly, there 1 would be no indication to the user that the battery was 2 low if light 41 were not provided.
4 The Method The novel method of this invention is practiced by 6 the user (not shown) grasping electrical stimulator 7 apparatus l0 in hand 60 and removing closure 14 to 8 expose switch 20. The ends of electrodes 16 and 17 are 9 touched to the surface of skin 62 to bracket lesion 64 as shown at 66 and 67, respectively. The user then 11 depresses switch 20 to initiate the flow of electrical 12 current from battery 50 through electrical circuit 52 to 13 electrodes 16 and 17. Specifically, the closure of 14 switch 20 sends electrical energy from battery 50 through lead 54 to the circuitry of electrical circuit 16 52 which produces the desired electrical impulse to be 17 delivered through leads 56 and 57 to electrodes 16 and 18 17, respectively. In the simplified schematic of 19 circuitry of electronic circuit 70 as shown in Figure 3 light 40 is shown connected directly across leads 56 and 21 57. This configuration provides a direct indication to 22 the user that electrical energy is being delivered to 23 electrodes 16 and 17. In the event insufficient 24 electrical energy is being supplied by battery 50, light 41 will be illuminated as a low-battery indicator.
26 Passage of the resultant electrical energy through 27 lesion 64 results in an alteration of its cellular 28 structure so as to promote healing of lesion 64. While 1 the precise mechanism for the prouotion of healing of 2 lesion 64 using electrical stimulator apparatus l0 is 3 . nut fully understood, I have been able to demonstrate 4 significant improvements in the heal ing rates for lesion 64.
i 6 The present invention may be embodied in other .7~ specific forms without departing from its spirit or 8 essential characteristics. The de~~saribed embodiments 9 are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the 11 invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended 12 cJ.aims rather than by the foregoin.~ description. All 13 changes which come within the meaning and range of 14 ~ eduivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
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;
ELECTRICAL STIMULUS TO TISSUE
1 Background Field of the Invention This invention relates to the electrical 9. stimulation of living tissue and, more particularly, to a convenient, portable electrical stimulation apparatus E. and method for selectively delivering electrical T stimulation to living tissue.
9 The Prior Art 10~ The beneficial results from electrical stimulation 11 of living tissue are well known in the art and range 12 from devices for the combined nerve fiber and body 13 stimulation such as shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,117,826 14 to the method for. treating herpes simplex as shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,133,352. Other devices within this 16 general category include the small size, low frequency 17 curing apparatus shown in U.S. Patent 4,922,906; the 18 electrotherapeutic treatment apparatus shown in U.S.
19 Patent No. 5,107,835; the method for the treatment of :herpes simplex and herpes zoster shown in U.S. Patent 21 :No. 4,913,148: and the low frequency electrotherapeutic 22 device shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,133,351, to name a 23 few.
. 24 An examination of each of these known references :reveals a rather complex device which involves extensive 1 preparation for use or is otherwise too cumbersome to be 2 readily portable. However, I have found that the 3 development of a herpes-caused lesion is preceded by an 4 associated nerve sensation that signals to the patient that such a lesion is in the developmental stage. I
6 have also found that timing is critical in the 7 application of the electrical stimulus to the lesion 8 site. Specifically, it is important that the patient 9 have the ability to promptly apply electrical stimulation to the potential lesion site especially 11 before the lesion appears with the site selection being 12 based solely upon the pre-lesion nerve sensation. This, 13 in turn, requires that the electrical stimulation 14 apparatus should be readily accessible in a convenient, hand-portable configuration to thereby provide the user 16 with the capability to promptly and even discretely 17 apply electrical stimulation to any predetermined site 18 on the body. Such an apparatus and method is disclosed 19 and claimed herein.
21 Brief Summarv and Objects of the Invention 22 This invention involves a novel electrical 23 stimulation apparatus and method for delivering 24 electrical stimulation to a preselected area of the skin. The apparatus is a small, hand-held housing 26 containing a battery, an electrical circuit, a switch, 27 and a pair of electrodes removably mounted to the 28 device. A two color light system provides a visual 1 indication to show that the device is operational or if 2 there is a low-battery condition. A closure 3 telescopically engages the housing to encase both the 4 electrodes and the switch and to present a smooth profile to the apparatus. The apparatus is small enough 6 that it conveniently fits within the hand of the user 7 and is mountable on a key chain. The small size, 8 convenience of use, and pleasing visual appearance all 9 lend themselves to rendering the apparatus easy to carry 7.0 and simple use to further encourage its frequent use by 7.1 persons who would benefit from the application of 7.2 electrical stimulus with my novel apparatus and method.
7.3 The electrodes are releasably mounted to the device for 7.4 ease of replacement.
7.5 It is, therefore, a primary object of this J.6 invention to provide improvements in apparatus for 1.7 delivering electrical stimulation to living tissue.
1.8 Another object of this invention is to provide 1.9 improvements in the method of delivering electrical 20 stimulation to living tissue.
21 Another object of this invention is to provide a 22 small, hand-portable electrical stimulation apparatus.
23 Another object of this invention is to provide a 24 smooth-contoured, relatively small electrical 25 stimulation apparatus.
~26 Another object of this invention is to provide an .27 electrical stimulation apparatus having a pair of 28 removable electrodes.
1 Another object of this invention is to provide an 2 electrical stimulation apparatus having a closure for 3 enclosing the electrodes and the switch.
4 Another object of this invention is to provide a light system for visually indicating that the device is 6 operational.
7 Another object of this invention is to provide an 8 indicator system to indicate when there is a low battery 9 condition.
These and other objects arid features of the present 11 invention will become more readily apparent from the 12 following description and the appended claims.
14 Brief Description of the Drawincx Figure 1 is an exploded, perspective view of a 16 presently preferred embodiment of my novel electrical 17 stimulation apparatus and its closure;
18 Figure 2 is a perspective view of the electrical 19 stimulation apparatus of Figure 1 shown in the environment of a hand and an area of skin; and 21 Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment 22 of the electrical circuitry of my novel electrical 23 stimulation apparatus.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment 26 The invention is best understood by reference to 27 the drawing wherein like parts are designated by like 1 numerals throughout in conjunction with the following 2 description.
4 neneral Discussion I have invented a novel, hand-portable electrical 6 stimulation apparatus and method for enabling the user 7 to selectively apply electrical stimulation to the skin 8 at preselected locations and at any predetermined time 9 or time interval. This novel feature is made possible la by reason of the relatively small size and convenience 11 with which my novel electrical stimulation apparatus can 12 be used. Further, I have specifically designed my novel 13 device with a smooth, aesthetically pleasing external 14 profile so as to render it more amenable to being carried continually by the user. To facilitate its 16 being carried at all times by the user I have also 17 .included an attachment site for making it possible to 18 releasably attach the electrical stimulation apparatus 19 i.o a key chain or the like.
My electrical stimulation apparatus is configured 21 as a housing and a closure that releasably fits on the 22 Sand of the housing. The housing contains the battery 23 and the electronic circuitry as well as an externally .24 accessible switch. A pair of electrodes are releasably :25 attached to the housing and are adapted to being touched 26 t:o the skin to provide the electrical contact with the 27 .>kin. The electrodes are releasably attached to the z8 housing in order to allow them to be readily sterilized 1 or replaced in the event replacement is required for 2 medical reasons. The housing is configured with a 3 relatively small external profile so as to allow it to 4 be easily held in and, possibly, even concealed within the confines of the user's hand. This feature 6 contributes to the overall effectiveness of my 7 electrical stimulation apparatus in that it allows the 8 user to discretely apply electrical stimulation where 9 one would otherwise be intimidated into not using this l0 novel invention. For example, if a user were attending 11 a concert and felt the early stages of a herpes lesion 12 on the lip, the user will be able to discretely palm my 13 electrical stimulator and touch the electrodes to the 14 affected area on the lip and the thereby effectively inhibit the formation of a lesion thereon.
16 The switch is mounted on the housing at a location 17 where it is concealed by the closure when the closure is 18 mounted to the housing. This configuration precludes 19 inadvertent activation of the switch when the electrical stimulation apparatus is not in use and is being carried 21 in a pocket, purse, or the like.
22 A light system is mounted on the housing at a 23 position generally between the electrodes and provides 24 the user with a visual indication when adequate electrical energy is being supplied to the electrodes 26 upon activation of the switch. This is an important 27 feature since the electrical energy supplied to the 28 electrodes by the electrical stimulation apparatus is of 1 such a low power as to be tactilely undetectable by the 2 user. The light thereby assures the user that 3 sufficient electrical energy is being delivered to the 4 electrodes. The second light visually indicates to the user that the battery is in a low-battery condition and 6 is failing to deliver sufficient electrical energy to 7 supply the electrical stimulation of this invention. In 8 this instance, one light may be red for a low battery 9 condition, while the other light may be green when the 1.U switch is closed to indicate that the device is 11 functioning properly.
13 Detailed Description 14 Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, the novel electrical stimulation apparatus of my invention is 16 shown generally at 10 and includes a housing 12, a 17 ' c:losure 14, and a pair of replaceable electrodes 16 and 18 1'7 removably mounted to housing 12. An activation 19 switch 20 is nested within a recess 18 on one side of housing 12 and is adapted to be concealed beneath 21 closure 14 when closure 14 is secured to housing 12.
22 Housing 12 includes an undercut section 22 around the 23 vicinity of switch 20 so as to accommodate closure 14 24 telescopically receiving electrodes 16 and 17 along with switch 20 to thereby enclose all of these elements ~26 w:ithin the confines of closure 14. Undercut section 22 27 and closure 14 are both dimensionally configured so that 28 closure 14 is snugly engageable to housing 12 in a snap-1 fit relationship. Exteriorly, closure 14 cooperates 2 with housing 12 to provide a continuous, smooth external 3 profile to all of electrical stimulator apparatus 10 as 4 represented by the external surfaces of housing 12 and closure 14. A retainer 42 is formed on the end of 6 housing 12 and includes a hole 44 therethrough for the 7 purpose of attaching electrical stimulator apparatus to 8 a key chain, identity tag, or the like.
9 Housing 12 is configured to releasably engage each of electrodes 16 and 17 in a snap-fit relationship.
11 Specifically, with reference to electrode 16, a cutaway 12 section is shown in housing 12 in order to reveal the 13 snap-fit relationship between housing 12 and electrode 14 16. Electrode 16 is configured with a pointed end 24 having a circumferential groove 26 around the base of 16 pointed end 24. A hole 28 is formed in housing 12 to 17 enable pointed end 24 to be inserted therethrough into 18 engagement with spring clip 30. Spring clip 30 is 19 formed from a pair of resilient, metal strips 32 and 33 each of which are mirror images of the other and 21 respectively include sloped surfaces 34 and 35 which 22 terminate in inwardly directed detents 36 and 37.
23 Sloped surfaces 34 and 35 receive pointed end 24 which 24 forces apart metal strips 32 and 33 until groove 26 is engaged by detents 36 and 37. The resiliency of metal 26 strips 32 and 33 provides spring clip 30 with the 27 necessary retention force to releasably hold electrode 28 16 in housing 12. Removal of electrode 16 is readily 1 accomplished by the user (not shown) firmly grasping 2 electrode 16 and sharply pulling electrode 16 outwardly 3 to cause detents 36 and 37 to disengage from groove 26.
4 Electrode 16 may then be sterilized or even discarded and replaced with another electrode 16.
6 Housing 12 includes lights 40 and 41 mounted to the 7 end thereof at a position between electrodes 16 and 17.
8 Light 40 provides a visual indicator to the user (not 9 shown) when switch 20 is activated and that adequate electrical energy is available for electrodes 16 and 17.
11 The presence of light 40 is particularly important in 12 that the electrical current supplied to electrodes 16 13 and 17 is of such a low magnitude as to be undetectable 14 'when electrical stimulator apparatus 10 is applied to tissue. On the other hand, light 41 provides a visual 16 indication to the user that a low battery condition 17 exists in electrical stimulator apparatus 10 such that 18 insufficient electrical energy is available to 19 electrodes 16 and 17. Either light 40 or light 41 will ;become illuminated upon closure of switch 20 thereby 21 readily informing the user as to the operational status 22 ~of electrical stimulator apparatus l0. In one prototype 23 of electrical stimulator apparatus 10 light 40 was 24 .configured as a green light while light 41 was configured as a red light when illuminated. Clearly, of 26 .course, if the battery is completely dead neither light 27 ~40 nor light 41 will illuminate.
1 As shown in Figure 2 , housing 12 is configured to 2 be concealingly received within the confines of a hand 3 60 to thereby substantially conceal, if desired, the 4 main body of electrical stimulation apparatus 10 while allowing electrodes 16 and 17 to protrude therefrom.
6 This concealment is made possible by the relatively 7 small size of electrical stimulation apparatus 10, that 8 is, having a length overall of, say, 5 to 8 centimeters, 9 a width of about 2 to 3 centimeters, and a thickness around one centimeter. Clearly, these dimensions are 11 only approximate but they do emphasize the fact that 12 electrical stimulation apparatus 10, particularly 13 housing 12 portion thereof, is easily concealed, if 14 desired, within the confines of hand 60. Another advantageous feature of electrical stimulation apparatus 16 10 is that it is provided with rounded corners 17 ~ externally to thereby render it less obtrusive when 18 either handled by hand 60 or carried within a pocket or 19 purse (not shown). Importantly, electrical stimulation apparatus l0 is specifically configured to be easily 21 carried, easily concealed during use, and simple to 22 operate to thereby specifically encourage the user to 23 carry electrical stimulator apparatus 10 at all times 24 and to use it whenever necessary regardless of the specific circumstances or surroundings. This is 26 important since it enables the user to immediately apply 27 electrical stimulation whenever the initial tactile 28 sensation preceding a herpes lesion formation are felt 1 by the user. Specifically, skin 62 is shown 2 schematically as having a lesion 64 forming thereon.
3 Electrodes 16 and 17 are being brought into contact with 4 skin 62 to bracket lesion 64, the contact points for electrodes 16 and 17 on skin 62 being shown at 66 and 6 6~7, respectively. It should be noted that lesion 64 is 7 shown herein as a visible lesion for purposes of 8 illustration, it being the preferred intent of this 9 invention to apply electrical stimulation to skin 62 :LO with electrical stimulator apparatus 10 before lesion 64 :L1 becomes visible.
:L2 Referring now to Figure 3, one embodiment of the :L3 circuitry for electrical stimulator apparatus 10 is :l4 shown generally at 70 and includes a battery 50, an :L5 electrical circuit 52 , and electrical leads 56 and 57 :l6 interconnecting electrical circuit 52 to electrodes 16 :l7 a.nd 17 respectively. Switch 20 is interposed in a lead :l8 54 between battery 50 and electrical circuit 52 and is :l9 manually operable to control the flow of electrical 20 energy from battery 50 to electrical circuit 52 thence :?1 t.o electrodes 16 and 17. Lights 40 and 41 are connected 22 across electrical leads 56 and 57. Light 40 provides a :>.3 visual indication that electrical energy is being :'4 supplied to electrodes 16 and 17. Light 41 is a low :>.5 battery indicator. The presence of lights 40 and 41 is :?6 important since the electrical energy supplied to 27 electrodes 16 and 17 is too weak to be detected by the :>.8 sensory perception of the user. Correspondingly, there 1 would be no indication to the user that the battery was 2 low if light 41 were not provided.
4 The Method The novel method of this invention is practiced by 6 the user (not shown) grasping electrical stimulator 7 apparatus l0 in hand 60 and removing closure 14 to 8 expose switch 20. The ends of electrodes 16 and 17 are 9 touched to the surface of skin 62 to bracket lesion 64 as shown at 66 and 67, respectively. The user then 11 depresses switch 20 to initiate the flow of electrical 12 current from battery 50 through electrical circuit 52 to 13 electrodes 16 and 17. Specifically, the closure of 14 switch 20 sends electrical energy from battery 50 through lead 54 to the circuitry of electrical circuit 16 52 which produces the desired electrical impulse to be 17 delivered through leads 56 and 57 to electrodes 16 and 18 17, respectively. In the simplified schematic of 19 circuitry of electronic circuit 70 as shown in Figure 3 light 40 is shown connected directly across leads 56 and 21 57. This configuration provides a direct indication to 22 the user that electrical energy is being delivered to 23 electrodes 16 and 17. In the event insufficient 24 electrical energy is being supplied by battery 50, light 41 will be illuminated as a low-battery indicator.
26 Passage of the resultant electrical energy through 27 lesion 64 results in an alteration of its cellular 28 structure so as to promote healing of lesion 64. While 1 the precise mechanism for the prouotion of healing of 2 lesion 64 using electrical stimulator apparatus l0 is 3 . nut fully understood, I have been able to demonstrate 4 significant improvements in the heal ing rates for lesion 64.
i 6 The present invention may be embodied in other .7~ specific forms without departing from its spirit or 8 essential characteristics. The de~~saribed embodiments 9 are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the 11 invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended 12 cJ.aims rather than by the foregoin.~ description. All 13 changes which come within the meaning and range of 14 ~ eduivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
.. . 2 'Y. ..
.:
;
Claims (13)
1. An apparatus for applying an electrical stimulus comprising:
a pair of electrodes extending from a housing, said pair of electrodes including a first electrode and a second electrode, each of said first electrode and said second electrode having an elongated body having a first end and a second end, said first end being configured with a smooth profile for contacting tissue, and second end including detent means for releasably engaging said elongated body to said housing;
a battery means in said housing for supplying electrical current to said electrodes; and switch means on said housing for controlling said electrical current to said electrodes;
wherein said housing includes a closure and an undercut section adjacent to said electrodes and to said switch means, said undercut section receiving said closure to enclose said electrodes and said switch means.
a pair of electrodes extending from a housing, said pair of electrodes including a first electrode and a second electrode, each of said first electrode and said second electrode having an elongated body having a first end and a second end, said first end being configured with a smooth profile for contacting tissue, and second end including detent means for releasably engaging said elongated body to said housing;
a battery means in said housing for supplying electrical current to said electrodes; and switch means on said housing for controlling said electrical current to said electrodes;
wherein said housing includes a closure and an undercut section adjacent to said electrodes and to said switch means, said undercut section receiving said closure to enclose said electrodes and said switch means.
2. The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein said housing includes clip means for releasably engaging said elongated body in said housing, said clip means also providing electrical contact with said elongated body.
3. The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein said housing includes a first indicator light, said first indicator light illuminating when said switch means is activated and said battery is providing a predetermined amount of electrical current to said electrodes.
4. The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein said housing includes a second indicator light, said second indicator light illuminating when said switch means is activated and said battery is not providing adequate electrical current to said electrodes.
5. The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein said undercut section includes a recess formed around said switch means.
6. The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein said closure is releasably mountable to said housing to provide a smooth external profile to said apparatus.
7. The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein said housing includes a tether means for receiving a lanyard to tether said housing.
8. An apparatus for the application of electrical stimulation to tissue comprising:
a housing, said housing having a smooth external profile between a first end and a second end and an undercut section adjacent said first end of said housing;
a switch recessed within said undercut section of said housing;
a pair of electrodes extending from said first end of said housing, said electrodes each being formed with a cylindrical profile having a first end and a second end with a rounded tip on said first end and a sharpened tip on said second end, said sharpened tip including a recessed detent adjacent said sharpened tip, said housing including a spring clip for releasably engaging said detent;
a closure for said housing, said closure being received in said undercut section thereby providing a continuation of said smooth external profile of said housing across said closure and enclosing said electrodes;
a battery in said housing; and an electrical circuit in said housing electrically coupled between said battery and said electrodes, said switch means controlling electrical energy from said battery to said electrodes and through said electrical circuit.
a housing, said housing having a smooth external profile between a first end and a second end and an undercut section adjacent said first end of said housing;
a switch recessed within said undercut section of said housing;
a pair of electrodes extending from said first end of said housing, said electrodes each being formed with a cylindrical profile having a first end and a second end with a rounded tip on said first end and a sharpened tip on said second end, said sharpened tip including a recessed detent adjacent said sharpened tip, said housing including a spring clip for releasably engaging said detent;
a closure for said housing, said closure being received in said undercut section thereby providing a continuation of said smooth external profile of said housing across said closure and enclosing said electrodes;
a battery in said housing; and an electrical circuit in said housing electrically coupled between said battery and said electrodes, said switch means controlling electrical energy from said battery to said electrodes and through said electrical circuit.
9. The apparatus defined in claim 8 wherein said electrodes are releasably mounted to said housing.
10. The apparatus defined in claim 9 wherein said electrodes are each formed with a cylindrical profile having a rounded tip on one end and a sharpened tip with a recessed detent adjacent said sharpened tip, said housing including a spring clip for releasably engaging said detent.
11. The apparatus defined in claim 8 wherein said housing includes a tether means for tethering said housing.
12. The apparatus defined in claim 8 wherein said housing includes a light means for providing a visual indication that electrical energy is being delivered to said electrodes.
13. The apparatus defined in claim 12 wherein said light means includes a low-battery indicator for providing a visual indication that said battery is not delivering sufficient electrical energy.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/545,945 US5607461A (en) | 1995-10-20 | 1995-10-20 | Apparatus and method for delivering electrical stimulus to tissue |
| US08/545,945 | 1995-10-20 | ||
| PCT/US1996/016659 WO1997014472A1 (en) | 1995-10-20 | 1996-10-17 | Apparatus and method for delivering electrical stimulus to tissue |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2235365A1 CA2235365A1 (en) | 1997-04-24 |
| CA2235365C true CA2235365C (en) | 2005-08-09 |
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|---|---|---|---|
| CA002235365A Expired - Fee Related CA2235365C (en) | 1995-10-20 | 1996-10-17 | Apparatus and method for delivering electrical stimulus to tissue |
Country Status (14)
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| US (1) | US5607461A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0874660B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2000511066A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR100476137B1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1104915C (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE268624T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU1073597A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2235365C (en) |
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| ES (1) | ES2219701T3 (en) |
| HK (1) | HK1017626A1 (en) |
| IL (1) | IL124121A (en) |
| MX (1) | MX9803088A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1997014472A1 (en) |
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- 1996-10-17 CN CN96198940A patent/CN1104915C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1996-10-17 ES ES96940756T patent/ES2219701T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-10-17 CA CA002235365A patent/CA2235365C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1998
- 1998-04-20 MX MX9803088A patent/MX9803088A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
1999
- 1999-07-06 HK HK99102875A patent/HK1017626A1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| KR19990066940A (en) | 1999-08-16 |
| DE69632692T2 (en) | 2005-06-09 |
| EP0874660A1 (en) | 1998-11-04 |
| EP0874660A4 (en) | 2000-11-15 |
| EP0874660B1 (en) | 2004-06-09 |
| AU1073597A (en) | 1997-05-07 |
| US5607461A (en) | 1997-03-04 |
| CA2235365A1 (en) | 1997-04-24 |
| IL124121A (en) | 2003-10-31 |
| CN1104915C (en) | 2003-04-09 |
| MX9803088A (en) | 1998-12-31 |
| ATE268624T1 (en) | 2004-06-15 |
| DE69632692D1 (en) | 2004-07-15 |
| JP2000511066A (en) | 2000-08-29 |
| HK1017626A1 (en) | 1999-11-26 |
| ES2219701T3 (en) | 2004-12-01 |
| CN1204268A (en) | 1999-01-06 |
| KR100476137B1 (en) | 2005-08-18 |
| WO1997014472A1 (en) | 1997-04-24 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |