Abstract: A method and apparatus for selective long term and/or permanent hair removal from a biological subject by iontophoretic delivery of a chemical depilatory agent and a substance for increasing skin permeability, e.g. sodium salicylate, deeply into a hair removal site for effecting varying degrees of damage to hair roots.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying iontophoretic treatment to a biological subject wherein electrical treatment current between a pair of electrodes is periodically reversed at very low frequencies, substantially in the range of approximately 0.0027 Hz to approximately 10 Hz, to mitigate tissue damage, enable long term dosimetry with single and multiple drugs of any polarity and at higher concentrations, and eliminate the need for buffering agents and the like, all in a relatively simple, economical and compact physical packaging configuration. The system delivers treatment substances with large, e.g. insulin, and/or small molecular size and weight and can be adjusted to control pH at the delivery site. A method of lowering resistance and enhancing permeability at the delivery site, as well as increasing drug concentrations and delivery rates. A method for anti-aging, healing and hair regeneration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selective long term and/or permanent hair removal from a biological subject by iontophoretic delivery of a chemical depilatory agent deeply into a hair removal site for effecting varying degrees of damage to hair roots.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-invasively withdrawing and accurately evaluating analytes quickly, painlessly and reliably from a biological subject automatically and controlling subsequent administration of therapeutic agents in response to such analyte sample analysis. Improvements are provided in electro-osmotic sample withdrawal, dosimetry and iontophoretic delivery subsystems, biosensors electrode construction and arrangement, intervenors, mediators, bolus delivery, and related subsystems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying iontophoretic treatment to a biological subject wherein electrical treatment current between a pair of electrodes is periodically reversed at very low frequencies, substantially in the range of approximately 0.0027 Hz to approximately 10 Hz, to mitigate tissue damage, enable long term dosimetry with single and multiple drugs of any polarity and at higher concentrations, and eliminate the need for buffering agents and the like, all in a relatively simple, economical and compact physical packaging configuration. The system delivers treatment substances with large and/or small molecular size and weight and can be adjusted to control pH at the delivery site. A method of lowering resistance and enhancing permeability at the delivery site is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrical dosimetry control in the application of electric currents to the human body, dosage being determined by the product of time and electrical current, wherein electrical current magnitude and/or time may be selectively varied by the patient or therapist during an administration procedure, for the comfort or convenience of the patient, without altering the total predetermined dosage to be administered, the system typically including means for setting the desired total dosage to be administered, means for selectively varying the magnitude of electrical current applied to the patient, means for integrating the applied current over time to obtain an electrical current-time product providing a running measure of dosage during the administration procedure, means for comparing the running measure with the total dosage desired, and means for terminating the administration procedure once the desired total dosage has been delivered to the patient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying iontophoretic treatment to a living body is provided by which a unidirectional treatment current is periodically interrupted by a relatively short pulse of current in the opposite direction in order to prevent the formation of undesirable vesicles and bulla in the skin being treated. The apparatus and method are arranged to impose the treatment current gradually at the beginning of each treatment.

Abstract: A self-contained iontophoretic treatment apparatus is provided which includes a support structure on which is mounted a pair of electrodes in generally close proximity to one another as well as a source of electrical power and appropriate controls for delivering electrical power to the electrodes. The electrodes are arranged so that, for example, the palm of a single human hand can be placed on the device and simultaneously contact both electrodes, thereby confining the iontophoretic treatment to the palm surface of the hand. Alternative embodiments of the invention specially adapted for treating the plantar surfaces of the feet and the axillae are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying iontophoretic treatment to a living body is provided by which a unidirectional treatment current is periodically interrupted by a relatively short pulse of current in the opposite direction in order to prevent the formation of undesirable vesicles and bulla in the skin being treated. The apparatus and method are arranged to impose the treatment current gradually at the beginning of each treatment.

Abstract: A method, and typically a pair of treatment electrodes energized at opposite electrical polarity, is provided for applying electricity to the human body. At least the area of the negative electrode in contact with the skin is covered with felt-like material, preferably moistened, and having a thickness in excess of three millimeters. Compliance with a current-time limitation according to the method essentially avoids iontophoretic burns. Electively, this negative electrode structure allows increasing the size of the positive electrode, permitting a larger treatment current with reduced discomfort. Intermingled positive and negative electrodes may be used.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for recording sweat gland activity which provides a pictorial representation thereof by physical contact of an iodide treated skin area with a dry sensitized substrate. In one preferred embodiment, the sensitized substrate comprises a sheet material which has been coated with an aqueous solution containing from 1 to 10 percent by weight of starch and from 2 to 10 percent by weight of a suitable oxidizing agent such as potassium persulfate. Alternately, the dry sensitized substrate comprises a starch-oxidizing agent mixture which has been impregnated into an absorbent base layer. With slight modification of the foregoing embodiment, the present invention also provides a method and apparatus for obtaining inkless fingerprints by forming a sensitized coating in situ on a substrate. For fingerprinting purposes, the sensitized coating is preferably formed from a quick drying starch-oxidizing agent solution including alcohol as a solvent.

Abstract: A method, and typically a pair of treatment electrodes energized at opposite electrical polarity, for applying electricity to the human body. At least the area of the negative electrode in contact with the skin is covered with felt-like material, preferably moistened, and having a thickness in excess of three millimeters. Compliance with a current-time limitation according to the method essentially avoids iontophoretic burns. Electively, this negative electrode structure allows increasing the size of the positive electrode, permitting a larger treatment current with reduced discomfort. Intermingled positive and negative electrodes may be used.