Abstract: A circuit (51) for applying heat and electrical stimulation comprises a substrate (500). The substrate (500) comprises an electrode (514) for applying electrical stimulation and a heating element (502). At least one of the electrode (514) and the heating element (502) comprises an electrically conducting region patterned on a surface of the substrate (500). The substrate (500) can be flexible.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for applying stimulation to a body has a distributed control system comprising a first CPU (7) in a main unit (24), a second CPU (30) in a display and control unit (2) and a further CPU 5 in each of one or more interface cards (3, 4). The second CPU (30) is configured to control the operation of the first CPU (7), while the first CPU (7) is configured to control and coordinate the operation of the CPUs (5) in each interface card (3, 4).

Abstract: A pad (1) for applying stimulation to a human or animal body comprises an electrically conducting member (6a, 6b) comprising a surface (9) and a groove (7) adjacent the surface (9). The pad further comprises a first portion (2) moulded upon said surface (9) of the electrically conducting member (6a, 6b). The electrically conducting member (6a, 6b) can have an elliptical shape.

Abstract: A method (100) of moulding an article comprises: forming (104) a first portion (2) of the article by injecting a first material (50) into a first mould (61), the first mould being shaped so as to define a flange (8) on the first portion of the article; placing (106) the first portion of the article into a second mould (91), the second mould having a first plate (90) and a second plate (92); compressing (108) the flange between the first and second plates of the second mould; and forming (110) a second portion (4) of the article by injecting a second material (55) into the second mould whilst the flange is compressed between the first and second plates of the second mould.

Abstract: An apparatus (40) comprises means (402) for applying electrical stimulation to a human or animal body via a pair of electrodes (50). The apparatus further comprises means (406, 410) for measuring impedance of the body between the pair of electrodes (50).

Abstract: A method for configuring an apparatus (1) to apply stimulation to a body comprises identifying (52) one or more stimulation pads (40) connected to the apparatus. The method further comprises receiving (56) a user selection of a stimulation pad (40) and activating (58) a visual indicator (42) on the stimulation pad (40) selected by the user. This method can assist a user to position stimulation pads on the body correctly.

Abstract: A circuit (51) for applying heat and electrical stimulation comprises a substrate (500). The substrate (500) comprises an electrode (514) for applying electrical stimulation and a heating element (502). At least one of the electrode (514) and the heating element (502) comprises an electrically conducting region patterned on a surface of the substrate (500). The substrate (500) can be flexible.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for applying stimulation to a body has a distributed control system comprising a first CPU (7) in a main unit (24), a second CPU (30) in a display and control unit (2) and a further CPU 5 in each of one or more interface cards (3, 4). The second CPU (30) is configured to control the operation of the first CPU (7), whilst the first CPU (7) is configured to control and coordinate the operation of the CPUs (5) in each interface card (3, 4).

Abstract: A thermostimulation apparatus is disclosed that includes heating and cooling means, and in various embodiments the heating and cooling means are heating and cooling pads, or at least one pad capable of both heating and cooling, the latter possibly being one or more Peltier elements. Certain embodiments also include heat sink means and heat exchanger means, and/or electrical stimulation, and the cooling means can include a refrigerant.

Abstract: A controller for use in a therapeutic system having a console disposed in a first housing and a physically separate pad. The controller includes a second housing physically separate from the console and the pad; a processor disposed within the housing and electrically coupled to the console and the pad; a storage medium accessible by the processor and mounted within the second housing; software stored on the storage medium for execution by the processor; a switch coupled to the processor; and a display coupled to the processor. In the illustrative embodiment, the invention further includes a second processor disposed within the housing and electrically coupled to the console and the pad. In a specific implementation, the controller includes software for applying stimulation current to the pad and for regulating heat current applied to the pad.