Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods of treating pain comprising administering to a mammal in need of such treatment an effective analgesic amount of a peptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID. NO.:1 or SEQ ID NO: 2. The invention further provides a purified peptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1. The peptides of SEQ ID NO.: 1 and SEQ ID NO.: 2 can also be used in methods for identifying compounds having analgesia-inducing activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for administering sound waves and/or at least one magnetic field to a patient, including a housing in which are accommodated a source for generating low-frequency sound waves, at least one source for generating a magnetic field and means for adjusting the frequency of the sound waves. The source for generating the sound waves is preferably formed by a speaker and the source for generating a magnetic field by a coil. The housing includes for instance a tube open on one side for passage of the sound waves and/or the magnetic field, wherein the means for concentrating the sound waves and/or the magnetic field are formed by a cover of the open side of the tube, in which the cover is provided with an aperture.

Abstract: A photic stimulator for stimulating the central nervous system and the brain waves of a human subject having left and right eyes and left and right visual fields within each eye. The stimulator includes light assemblies providing pulsating light signals individually to the left and right visual fields of each of the left and right eyes of the subject and a control module for varying frequency and intensity of the light assemblies. The photic stimulator can stimulate the left and right visual fields of each eye independently of each other. This capability exploits the anatomical structure of the optic chiasm found within the human brain where stimuli of both eyes stimulates the side of the visual cortex opposite the side where the visual stimulation is seen in the visual field.

Abstract: An apparatus that promotes patient relaxation, reduces patient stress, and/or expedites patient recovery, in a health care facility or home-based convalescent environment. The apparatus includes a substantially glare-free visual display device with one or more open, natural, serene and, preferably, savanna-like landscape pictures. Such pictures, including large size high resolution photo-realistic images, are displayed by means of a substantially glare-free display device, such as a flexible panel of fabric material positioned near a hospital bed or a like item of furniture, in close proximity to the patient so as to give the patient the perception of being in a natural and biophilic setting. In certain embodiments of the invention, the biophilic picture is removably attached to a movable wall, partition or hospital curtain structure which forms at least part of an enclosure substantially around at least part of the hospital bed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that promotes patient relaxation, reduces patient stress, and/or expedites patient recovery, in a health care facility or home-based convalescent environment. The method includes providing a substantially glare-free visual display device with one or more open, natural, serene and, preferably, savanna-like landscape pictures. Such pictures, including large size high resolution photo-realistic images, are displayed by means of a substantially glare-free display device, such as a flexible panel of fabric material positioned near a hospital bed or a like item of furniture, in close proximity to the patient so as to give the patient the perception of being in a natural and biophilic setting. In certain embodiments of the invention, the biophilic picture is removably attached to a movable wall, partition or hospital curtain structure which forms at least part of an enclosure substantially around at least part of the hospital bed.

Abstract: A stress relief apparatus having a square wave generator that is powered by a 9 volt d.c. battery. It has two separate closed circuits for transmitting an electrical square wave from the square wave generator. Each of these circuits have a light emitting diode that radiates a light in the 400-800 nanometer range. The structure for supporting the respective LED's would be a predetermined length of flex tubing having sufficient rigidity so that it can be bent to direct the light at preselected acupuncture points on either the triple warmer, small intestine or large intestine meridians. A first human body ground member is electrically connected to the square wave generator and a second human body ground member is connected to a ground. In one embodiment the human body ground members are a pair of metal cylinders one of which is gripped in each hand of the user.

Abstract: A low energy emission therapy system which includes an emitter of low energy electromagnetic emissions and a probe for applying the emissions to a patient under treatment. The emitter emits a high frequency electromagnetic emission in the form of a carrier signal modulated by a plurality of modulation signals. The invention also includes an impedance transformer located intermediate the emitter and the probe in order to match the impedance of the patient with that of the output of the emitter. Particular modulation signal frequencies and application times and sequences are provided for the treatment of insomnia, and for the treatment of general anxiety disorder which may include panic attacks.

Abstract: A trophotropic response system which aids a user in achieving a relaxation response. In one embodiment the system includes a control unit and an audio-visual unit. The control unit includes a processor and associated hardware and software to control the audio-visual unit. The audio-visual unit includes a light producing unit having a pair of earphones coupled thereto. The light producing unit includes a plurality of light sources which direct light toward a diffuser screen disposed between the eyes of a user and the light sources. This arrangement permits the user to see light from the light sources diffused over a large visual angle. The light sources produce light and the earphones produce sound in response to audio and light control signals provided by the processor of the control unit. The signal characteristics of the light and sound control signals may be varied within predefined limits to aid the user in performing a relaxation exercise.

Abstract: Physiological stress in a human subject is treated by generating a weak electromagnetic field about a quartz crystal. The crystal is stimulated by applying electrical pulses of pulse widths between 0.1 and 50 microseconds each at a pulse repetition rate of between 0.5K and 10K pulses per second to a conductor positioned adjacent to the quartz crystal thereby generating a weak electromagnetic field. A subject is positioned within the weak electromagnetic field for a period of time sufficient to reduce stress.

Abstract: A device for enhancing lucidity in the dream state of an individual. The device includes electronic circuitry incorporated into a headband for the user to wear while sleeping. The circuitry includes a detector for fitting adjacent to the eye of the sleeping individual, for detecting Rapid Eye Movement (REM), which occurs during the dream state. The detector emits a signal that is evaluated by additional circuitry to determine whether or not REM sleep is occurring. If REM sleep is occurring, a signal is generated to operate a recorded, which typically plays prerecorded messages through the headphones engaging the ear of the sleeping individual.

Abstract: The treatment, control or prevention of medical, psychiatric or neurological disorders may be accomplished by application of modulating electric signals to one or both of a patient's trigeminal and glossopharyngeal nerves. The disorders treatable, controllable or preventable by such nerve stimulation include voluntary and involuntary disorders, migraine, epileptic seizure, motor disorders, Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy, spasticity, chronic nervous illnesses and involuntary movement; pancreatic endocrine disorders including diabetes and hypoglycemia; dementia including cortical, subcortical, multi-infarct, Alzheimer's disease and Pick's disease; sleep disorders including central sleep apnea, insomnia and hypersomnia; eating disorders including anorexia nervosa, bulimia and compulsive overeating; and neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, depression and borderline personality disorder.

Abstract: A trophotropic response system which aids a user in achieving a relaxation response. In one embodiment the system includes a control unit and an audio-visual unit. The control unit includes a processor and associated hardware and software to control the audio-visual unit. The audio-visual unit includes a light producing unit having a pair of earphones coupled thereto. The light producing unit includes a plurality of light sources which direct light toward a diffuser screen disposed between the eyes of a user and the light sources. This arrangement permits the user to see light from the light sources diffused over a large visual angle. The light sources produce light and the earphones produce sound in response to audio and light control signals provided by the processor of the control unit. The signal characteristics of the light and sound control signals may be varied within predefined limits to aid the user in performing a relaxation exercise.

Abstract: A low energy emission therapy system is provided which includes an emitter of low energy electromagnetic emissions and a probe for applying the emissions to a patient under treatment. The emitter emits a high frequency electromagnetic emission in the form of a carrier signal modulated by a plurality of modulation signals. The invention also includes an impedance transformer located intermediate the emitter and the probe in order to match the impedance of the patient with that of the output of the emitter. Particular modulation signal frequencies and application times and sequences are provided for the treatment of insomnia, and for the treatment of general anxiety disorder which may include panic attacks.

Abstract: Physiological stress in a human subject is treated by generating a weak electromagnetic field about a grounded electrode by the application of pulses of between 5 and 50 microseconds each at a pulse rate of between 0.5K and 10K pulses per second to a power electrode, the power electrode and grounded electrode being coupled to high voltage pulse generation means. A subject is positioned within the weak electromagnetic field for a period of time sufficient to cause an increase in his or her alpha or theta brain wave levels.

Abstract: A body temperature regulation system includes a discriminator which controls room temperature based on human body and room temperatures monitored by individual sensors. With this simple feedback system, the user can quickly fall asleep and reach a state of deep sleep.

Abstract: A method of modifying human behavior using automatically generated active signals to elicit post-hypnotic suggestions. When a patient is in a hypnotic state, a post-hypnotic suggestion is linked to the active signal. After the hypnotic state has been terminated, the active signal is automatically generated by an appropriate active device in the patient's environ. In this manner, the suggested behavior is reliably elicited without the need for patient intervention.

Abstract: A cranial electrotherapy stimulation ("CES") device which generates periodic electrical signals is connected between the forehead and wrist area of a human being in order to affect electrical activity in the brain and thereby decrease the individual's craving for controlled substances such as alcohol and drugs and reduce anxiety, insomnia and depression. A portable, cranial electrical stimulator is preferably mounted adjacent the arm area or worn about the waist of a patient. A first electrode is attached to the forehead of the patient, preferably above the bridge of the nose between the eyes, and a second electrode is attached to the wrist area of one am, preferably at the radial artery. Periodic electrical pulses having a waveform with a current amplitude in the range of 0.1 to 60 mA, a voltage of approximately 40-60 volts, a frequency of approximately 0.1 to 400 Hz, and a pulse width approximately 0.

Abstract: Apparatus for alleviating disruptions in the circadian rhythms of a mammal comprises a pair of electrodes 11 mountable on either side of the head 12. The apparatus further comprises a voltage generator for generating a voltage alternating at a rate of between 5 and 40 cycles per second with a peak to peak voltage value of at least 100V. The electrodes being connected to the generator so that an alternating electric field is generated between them. In a method of alleviating circadian disruptions in a mammal, the mammal's brain region is subjected to the aforementioned alternating electric field.

Abstract: A sleep inducing system is arranged to discriminate a proper time of falling asleep on the basis of respiration cycle detected as a biological signal, and to give to human body a sleep inducing stimulus in response to the discriminated proper time. Sleep induction can be thereby attained with respect to the human body organically and in a relatively short time.

Abstract: An electroacoustic device includes a sound generator as well as a system for producing synthetic human speech, connected to a modulation stage for superimposing the output signals thereof. The superimposed output signals are applied via an amplifier stage to one of a headphone system or loudspeaker system.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method of treating a patient by providing a signal that is exponential in character to the patient. The signal, includes a relatively low-frequency, constant amplitude, periodic-exponential first component. Further, the signal preferably includes a relatively high-frequency, periodic-exponential second component. The present invention also includes a method and apparatus for non-invasively applying an electrical signal to a structure associated with the eye of the patient. The signal is provided to the structure associated with the eye in the preferred embodiment of the invention by positioning a device for conducting the electrical signal at a point on the exterior of the patient that is substantially interior to the bone structure defining the eye socket. Preferably, the electrical signal is shaped such that an electrical charge is imparted to one or more structures associated with the eye.

Abstract: A system for discriminating sleep state of human body provides variation indexes representing variation of the biological signal on the basis of first variation amount denoting a tendency of increment in time series of measured biological signal from the starting time of the measurement and second variation amount denoting the temporal variation of the biological signal, and discriminates different sleep state on the basis of distribution density of the variation indexes exceeding a predetermined threshold, whereby NREM and REM sleep periods in particular can be reliably discriminated, to be sufficiently contributive to a transmission of sleep information that ensures a comfortable awakening.

Abstract: A portable unobtrusive device to be used in combination with an imagescope. The portable device features a pair of eyeglasses having a circuit for monitoring a physiological function of the eyeglass wearer corresponding to a predetermined stress level. The circuit contains an alarm which emits an auditory and/or visual signal in response to a change in said physiological function.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transmitting prosthetic information to the brain contains an array of sensory elements that receive energy from an external stimulus and process those signals via neural filters and neural waveforms to produce a pulse or `spike` train that is temporally encoded with information that is functionally related to the external stimulus. The simulated spike trains, when applied to an appropriate area of the brain, produce perceptions that are functionally related to the sensed external stimuli so that a subject can discriminate between different spike trains representative of different external stimuli.

Abstract: A stress dissolving refreshment system causes a relaxed state induction means actuated during a relaxing period, thereafter a refresh stimulus means actuated to generate a weak stimulation during a disillusion period in which the level of consciousness of the user is gradually elevated, and then the refresh stimulus means further actuated to generate a strong stimulation during a refreshing period in which the level of the user's consciousness is elevated to a level good enough for allowing the user to return to normal working, whereby the consciousness level of the user is quickly elevated after being relaxed, so as to effectively attain the refreshment.

Abstract: The apparatus and method produce visual sensations by applying low voltages through conductive electrodes to the outside of a person's head, for transmission by natural mechanisms to the nervous system--to entertain or inform a sighted person, or to help a blind person to locate nearby objects.As to entertainment, the apparatus generates various waveshapes, and an operator directs one or more to the electrodes. The operator also manually varies waveshape parameters such as frequency, amplitude, duty cycle and dc bias--or controls them with automatic sweep devices at selected sweep rates. Various wavetrains are combined at the electrodes or in the person's head for more-elaborate effects. The electrode wavetrains or necessary control signals are also received for playback.As to information, the apparatus produces coded patterns or even rough analogs of normal visual scenes.

Abstract: A therapeutic infant bed primarily intended for hospital use in the treatment and prevention of infant apnea. The bed comprises a hammock-forming sheet of material having one surface thereof covered with a soft tactile material. The hammock-forming sheet of material includes means for attaching a sonic device for generating audible sounds and mechanical vibrational impulses simulating a human heartbeat thereto and for causing the audible sounds and mechanical vibrational impulses to be transmitted through the sheet and the support structure to an infant disposed in the bed. A support structure is provided which has raised, spaced end members defining an open space therebetween. The hammock-forming sheet of material is horizontally suspended between the end members with the one surface facing up between the end members, within the open space, and above a surface upon which the support structure is sitting to form a hammock having spaced head and foot ends and spaced sides between which an infant can be placed.

Abstract: A bright light mask system for shining a high intensity light into a subject's eyes at preselected time periods to modify circadian rhyhyms. The system includes a mask adapted to be worn by the subject for covering the subject's eyes regardless of body position. The mask includes at least one light admitting aperture that is transparent to light energy. A light source is coupled to the aperture for generating and directing light into the subject's eyes. A light intensity of at least 2000 LUX of light having a wavelength in the range of 500 to 600 nanometers is delivered to each of the subject's eyes. A controller dictates the intensity of the light generated and the timing during which the light is on.