With Drive Means Patents (Class 601/69)
  • Publication number: 20140316311
    Abstract: A sleeve that provides mechanical stimulation to the arm to prevent bone density loss. A primary goal of this product is to prevent bone density loss that occurs during extended space travel. For one embodiment, only the predefined frequency specifications had to be met (between 40 Hz and 60 Hz). By meeting these frequencies for a duration of 30 minutes the product will theoretically prevent the loss of bone density. Additionally, clinical trials will need to be conducted before this product can be marketed. The product includes of several mechanical vibrators attached to a sleeve. The vibrators are small unbalanced-mass motors which are similar to those found in cell phones. The motors are encased in dome shaped housings designed to reduce lateral vibrations along the arm. The product is controlled using an Arduino board attached to the sleeve that actuates the motors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Eric A. Nauman, Jonathan M. Childress, Anne Dye Zakrajsek, James A. Isca, Daniel J. Rawson, Andrew J. Zakrajsek
  • Patent number: 8814813
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved cranial device with a rotary inclination detector, including a container box which can be secured to the cranium of sleeping person and which contains an electric motor and an eccentric counterweight coupled thereto, forming a vibrator. The device also includes a battery or a battery holder for at least one battery, which is provided with two axially opposed projecting contacts or studs. The container box is provided with inclined formations with dielectric properties, on which the battery or battery holder can roll by means of the studs thereof, and two electric contacts on which the inclined formations terminate, such that, when the battery holder is placed on the electric contacts, the motor circuit is closed, thereby activating the vibrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignees: Sibel, S.A., Administracion General de la Comunidad Autonoma de Euskadi
    Inventors: Daniel Oreja Puerto, Jordi Rigau Rigau, Joaquin Jose Duran Cantolla
  • Publication number: 20140024981
    Abstract: The wearable vibratory stimulation device includes: a measuring instrument for obtaining data relating to a body motion of a user who wears the vibratory stimulation device; a walking pattern database for storing normal walking pattern data collected by measuring general persons having normal walking patterns and information about an inherent walking pattern analysis result of a specific user; a controller for analyzing the body motion information of the user, transmitted from the measuring instrument, by comparing with the walking pattern data stored in the walking pattern database, and generating a stimulation signal to be applied to a specific body portion of the user; and an exciting unit for applying a vibratory stimulation to the specific body portion in response to the stimulation signal transmitted from the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Chang Mook CHUN, Choong Hyun KIM, Jun Ho CHOI, Seung Jong KIM
  • Patent number: 8500663
    Abstract: The present invention is a vibrational roller utilizing a motorized vibrational drive using a plurality of eccentric weights and associated supports. The weights are positioned along the axis of rotation in a manner to synchronize them and minimize vibrational dissipation throughout the roller. Each weight has at least one associated support. The supports then transmit vibrational forces to the surface of the roller in an evenly distributed manner. A second co-operational motor may be used to extend motor life and aid in initiating vibrations. A control panel and associated circuitry are utilized to alter vibrational characteristics. The roller may be battery powered or powered through a standard wall outlet. The roller itself is manufactured of a durable yet deformable material, such as foam rubber, and may be inserted into selectable sleeves of varying physical properties for desired effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Health e Company
    Inventors: Brian P. Godfrey, Vince Warner
  • Patent number: 8273038
    Abstract: In combination, vertically percussive vibration and non-symmetrical forces are applied to a patient. The non-symmetrical forces may be generated by a variety of unevenly applied weights that are supported at appropriate body locations in a manner that upsets normal body load symmetry. The non-symmetrical forces in combination with vertically percussive vibrations induce neuromusculoskeletal proprioceptive re-education and development within a living body to correct musculo-skeletal disorders including but not limited to scoliosis. A special posture modifying chair and head-orienting glasses may be used instead of or in addition to unevenly applied weights. An additional force concentrating treatment apparatus is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventors: Dennis A. Woggon, A. Joshua Woggon, John D. Carlson, Donald D. Winkels
  • Patent number: 8262631
    Abstract: A therapeutic device includes an elastomeric outer shell configured as a human hand and defining an interior area, the outer shell having a finger end opposite a wrist end. The device includes a pocket in the interior area, the pocket being defined by an inner wall. An endplate is coupled to the outer shell and coupled to the inner wall to define a closed area between the outer shell and pocket, the endplate having an opening for allowing access to the pocket. A fill material is positioned in the closed area. The device includes a vibrating unit removably positioned in the pocket through the endplate opening, the vibrating unit having a lock complementary to a catch to couple the vibrating unit to the endplate, the vibrating unit having a vibrating motor in electrical communication with a power source and a switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Rebecca Wilson Macsovits
  • Publication number: 20100198119
    Abstract: A method for resurfacing the skin includes imparting sufficient energy to a motorized device to cause a mass of less than 4 grams to move in an eccentric orbit, thereby urging an abrasive coupled to said device to vibrate; and contacting said skin with said vibrating abrasive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: David Gubernick, Raymond J. Hull, JR., James Menke, John F. Rytel
  • Publication number: 20100179460
    Abstract: A massage device includes a housing, a driving unit and two massage units driven by the driving unit. Each massage unit includes a planetary gear disc assembled with a universal joint, an inner gear engaged with the planetary gear disc, and a massage disc assembly disposed on a top of the inner gear and driven by the universal joint. The driving unit drives the planet gear disc to rotate and the universal joint drives the massage disc assembly to rotate, thereby providing kneading massage. The inner gear has an incline top surface. When the planet gear disc drives the inner gear to rotate, the incline top surface makes the massage balls on the massage disc assembly to move up and down, thereby providing patting massage. Thus, the massage device can produce kneading and patting massage actions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Ming-Wei TSAI
  • Patent number: 7686773
    Abstract: A system for mitigating pain in a patient associated with needle penetration in the administration of medication, and in particular to a vibratory device configured to be utilized with a variety of existing hand-held intra-oral dental drills or like devices. The preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches a disposable or non-disposable vibratory tip formed to engage an off-the-shelf intra-oral dental drill, the vibratory tip utilizing an off-axis weight associated with a shaft drive engaging the dental drill, to provide a vibratory sensation to an application tip, the application tip configured to engage an area of a patient's mouth targeted for the subsequent needled administration of local anesthetic, or other medication. In use, the application tip is applied to the patient, the dental drill is engaged to rotate the shaft drive of the vibratory tip, vibrating same for period of time, so as to decrease the sensation of pain associated with the subsequent needle penetration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Raintree Essix, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Sherrill F Lindquist
  • Publication number: 20090086569
    Abstract: An amplitude change-over device for a body vibration machine includes two eccentric units respectively fixed on the opposite ends of a rotating shaft driven by a motor. Each eccentric unit contains an eccentric driving plate secured with the rotating shaft for rotating together and an eccentric driven plate movably fitted on the rotating shaft at one side of the driving plate. Either one of the driving plate or the driven plate has a surface bored with a slide groove with the rotating shaft acting as a pivot, and another one has a surface provided with a projecting stud inserted in the slide groove. The motor is a right-handed and left-handed one. When the motor is chosen to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise, the included angle of the driving plate and the driven plate is changeable and hence amplitude power is adjustable by using a single motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: Tonic Fitness Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mu-Chuan Wu, Vince Wu, Ts Lang Wang
  • Publication number: 20070270726
    Abstract: The vibrating device for fitness equipment includes a control unit mounted onto a preset location of the fitness equipment; and a vibrating body assembled into a space within the fitness equipment. The vibrating body allows signal transmission with the control unit. The vibrating body has a vibrating source, vibrating seat and massager, the vibrating seat with an exposed part being mounted over the vibrating source. The massager is mounted onto the vibrating seat for human contact. When the control unit transmits an active signal to the vibrating body, the vibrating source is activated, and the vibrating seat is driven synchronously to generate vibration for the desired massage effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventor: Hsien-Nan Chou
  • Patent number: 7108668
    Abstract: Provided is a cylindrical vibrator for sex toy. The vibrator has two halves coupled together by snapping. The vibrator comprises a top cavity for receiving a sliding switch, a plurality of compartments wherein any two adjacent compartments are communicated through an groove, an conductive, flexible interconnection fastened on an inner wall and comprising an upper recess having its mouth urged against an inclined portion on a bottom of the switch in a non-operating position, one or more cells coupled in series, and a motor electrically coupled to both the interconnection and the cell. Sliding the switch from the non-operating position to an operating position will press the recess to contact a negative terminal of the below cell for forming a circuit to energize the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Chia-Feng Fang
  • Publication number: 20040176710
    Abstract: A massage device for creating a massaging action. The massage device may include at least two massaging projections mounted in relation to a flexible fluid supply conduit, such as a shower hose. The device may include a chamber for containing an impeller, and the fluid supply conduit may include an outlet for fluid to contact the impeller and cause the impeller to rotate. At least one weight is disposed in the head and is coupled to the impeller eccentric to a rotational axis of the impeller for moving the projection in an oscillatory motion, which creates the massaging action. The head may be supplied on a handle, or along the fluid supply conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicants: Kennedy/Matsumoto Design LLC, Longoria Design LLC, Spectrum Associates LLC, Chininis Product Development Group LLC
    Inventors: Melvin R. Kennedy, Jose Longoria, Robert G. Robbins, Steve Chininis
  • Patent number: 6645128
    Abstract: An exercise belt which includes resilient connectors which connect a back panel with overlapping front panels, said overlapping front panels containing compressible hemispherical protruding elements which apply localized pressure to the abdomen of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Kyung Man Hur
  • Patent number: 6632188
    Abstract: An air foot massaging apparatus for massaging and stimulating tired feet, and thereby creating beneficial physiological effects throughout the body and including a pair of boot shaped structures for adapting to the user's feet or a unitary fluid-tight container for retaining fluid therein and adapting to a user's feet. Each boot shaped structure has a plurality of interior compressible and expandable air nodes which engage with the user's foot, a compressor to inflate or deflate the compressible and expandable air nodes for providing an effective massaging pattern to massage the user's feet, a vibration motor for providing a vibrational massage to further provide an effective massaging pattern to massage the user's feet, and a control mechanism for controlling the inflating and deflating of the plurality of compressible and expandable air nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: D2RM Corp.
    Inventors: Paul B. Thomas, Robert D. Leventhal
  • Patent number: 6575923
    Abstract: The head-massaging apparatus comprises a headband for engaging over the head. A yoke on each end of the headband carries a vibrator assembly. Each vibrator assembly carries resilient applicator fingers which engage the side of the user's head in an arc around the ear. An exterior power supply is provided. The resilient applicator fingers vibrate the skin around the ear to activate the nerves and circulation as well as massage the muscles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Jon B. Burras
  • Patent number: 6572569
    Abstract: A sexual aid device comprising a battery powered electric vibrator which attaches to the user's tongue. The first embodiment attaches to the tongue using a post (18) which is inserted through a hole previously pierced in the tongue. The assembled device is shaped roughly like a dumbbell consisting of a post (18) with retainers mounted at either end. Post (18) has a diameter narrow enough to fit through the tongue hole, but the retainers have larger diameter and cannot slip through the hole. An electric vibrator motor (14) is incorporated into one of the retainers. At least one of the retainers must be removable to allow device insertion. An electric battery (13) may be mounted in the same retainer as the vibrator motor (14) or in the other retainer. The second embodiment attaches to the tongue using suction, constriction, and friction. The front end of the device houses a vibrator mechanism comprising a vibrator motor (14), battery (13), and switch (38) in a moisture resistant housing (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Eric A. Klein
  • Patent number: 6478755
    Abstract: A hand held massage unit used for therapeutic purposes such as to loosen and mobilize bronchial secretions in patients, to improve blood circulation, and to relax muscles. The massage unit includes a vibration-free motor unit having a rotating output shaft directly connected to a vibratory head assembly. The rotational motion of the output shaft is transformed into oscillating orbital motion about the shaft centerline in the adapter portion of the vibratory head assembly through an offset cam integrally formed as part of a counterbalanced eccentric. Counterweights within the eccentric reduce the vibrations transmitted to the user's hand and isolate the oscillating vibration of the vibratory head assembly. Undesired rotation of the vibratory head assembly is prevented by a mounting construction between the oscillating adapter components and a stationary portion of the vibratory head assembly secured to the motor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: General Physiotheraphy
    Inventor: James V. Young
  • Patent number: 6419649
    Abstract: A sexual aid device comprising a battery powered electric vibrator which attaches to the user's tongue. The first embodiment attaches to the tongue using a post (18) which is inserted through a hole previously pierced in the tongue. The assembled device is shaped roughly like a dumbbell consisting of a post (18) with retainers mounted at either end. Post (18) has a diameter narrow enough to fit through the tongue hole, but the retainers have larger diameter and cannot slip through the hole. An electric vibrator motor (14) is incorporated into one of the retainers. At least one of the retainers must be removable to allow device insertion. An electric battery (13) may be mounted in the same retainer as the vibrator motor (14) or in the other retainer. The second embodiment attaches to the tongue using suction, constriction, and friction. The front end of the device houses a vibrator mechanism comprising a vibrator motor (14), battery (13), and switch (38) in a moisture resistant housing (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Eric A. Klein
  • Patent number: 6338721
    Abstract: The vibrator includes a selectively powered vibrating casing, on which an arch is mounted, the combination of the arch with the casing forming a closed loop. A resilient and flexible strap extends through the loop thus created, the strap being bored at its two end portions and being engaged by the two arms of the arcuate arch. The strap is slidable along the two arms of the arch, so that its position be adjustable relative to both the vibrating casing and the upper web of the arch itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Maurice Lebecque
  • Patent number: 6332873
    Abstract: A massaging apparatus including a head unit, a pair of housings and a pair of arms. The head unit is configured to massage a body of a user. The pair of housings are connected to opposite sides of the head unit respectively and extend in opposite directions from the head unit. The pair of arms are configured to be held by the user and provided to the pair of housings respectively. The pair of arms are flexible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruhiko Naruse, Koichi Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 6283930
    Abstract: The disclosed travel massage brush is an ultra-compact vibrating hair brush that comfortably fits an average woman's or man's hand in the hair brushing or massage modes. It is light in weight and portable permitting grooming and/or soothing scalp or body massage anywhere, at any time. Pivotally connected vibratory brush-head and handle subassemblies provide maximum space saving portability, making the travel massage brush ideal for taking along to the gym, to work, or while traveling. The vibratory brush-head subassembly includes a bristle carrier that is removably attached to a base member thereof and preferably slides on and off the base member to allow for convenient bristle cleaning and to access the battery compartment. Gentle ball-tipped bristles stimulate circulation to hair follicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Headwaters Research & Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Grant David Purvis, David M. Raffo, Troy Gene Anderson, Rudy Anthony Vandenbelt
  • Patent number: 6280403
    Abstract: A massage device includes an inner housing containing a vibrational element for generating vibrations to be transmitted to the inner housing and an outer housing to be disposed around the inner housing and so as to define a closed sealed chamber therebetween. The outer housing is releasably sealingly mounted relative to the inner housing so as to be removable therefrom for receipt of a fluid substance therein. The outer housing can advantageously be detached in a quick and ready manner and which then presents an aperture through which the appropriate fluid can be evacuated from, and subsequently replaced, in a quick, clean and easy fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Nanma Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventor: Lau Lok
  • Patent number: 6196982
    Abstract: The invention is a vacuum massage apparatus comprising a housing and a rotor. The housing includes a flexible portion defining a chamber having an open side and a flow path communicating with the chamber. The flexible portion is arcuate in shape and has a plurality of nodules projecting perpendicularly from its inner surface into the chamber. The rotor is supported by the housing in a flow path from the port. The rotor is rotatable about a rotor axis and has a center of gravity eccentric to the rotor axis. In preferred form, the flow path is coupled to a vacuum source such as the hose of a vacuum cleaner to provide suction in the chamber and a pressure difference across the rotor. One object of the invention to provide a massage apparatus which stimulates circulation as well as vibrating the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Terry A. Ball
  • Patent number: 6183427
    Abstract: A dozing preventive device and its method are disclosed, in which the user does not have to move to a specific place for dozing prevention, and neighboring people are not disturbed. The dozing preventive device is small and is simple in its construction so that the user does not have to use his hand for supporting the device. The dozing preventive device comprises: a contacting portion directly contacting with the teeth of a user; a vibration mechanism for vibrating the contacting portion; a power supply for driving the vibration mechanism; and a housing case for accommodating the vibration mechanism and the power supply as well as for supporting the contacting portion. The dozing preventive device is brought into contact with the teeth of a user so that the vibration is transmitted to the user's brain, thereby preventing the user from sleeping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Thinky Corp.
    Inventor: Shigeharu Ishii
  • Patent number: 6022328
    Abstract: An electric multi-positional massage apparatus adapted to accommodate selected regions of the human anatomy. The massage apparatus employs conventional contractor's wire as the basic foundation for construction. Plural electric motors, having offset weights, are utilized to induce opposed distorted-harmonic vibrations in the apparatus. The apparatus is designed with flexible arm and leg portions which have hook and loop fasteners attached thereto. Incorporation of electric motor control switches on the flexible arm and leg portions allow for hands free operation during the massage process. An electric heating tape is provided to, optionally, supply heat to the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: Scott M. Hailey
  • Patent number: 6001073
    Abstract: A device for inducing alternating tactile stimulations in a human subject is disclosed. The device includes a first vibrating element and a second vibrating element connected to a controller. The subject holds the first vibrating element in one hand and the second vibrating element in the other hand. When the device is activated the following occurs in sequence: the first vibrating element vibrates, pauses, the second vibrating element vibrates, pauses, the first vibrating element vibrates, pauses, the second vibrating element vibrates, pauses, and so forth, until the device is deactivated. The first and second vibrating elements are preferably of a hand-held size and shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventors: Jurgen G. Schmidt, Shirley Jean Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5893836
    Abstract: A water powered vibrating device has a self-propelled eccentric mass that rotates about a shaft in a casing. A pad is supported on the casing, making contact with the casing along a plane substantially parallel to the axis of rotation. A vibration is generated when the self-propelled eccentric mass rotates on the shaft, which vibration is transmitted to the casing providing a strong kneading and rubbing action on the pad with substantially no component of force parallel to the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Imagineered Products L.L.C.
    Inventor: William A. Raines
  • Patent number: 5772615
    Abstract: An improved motorized foot massager having three pairs of massaging modules. Each pair of massaging modules is comprised of a centrally located motor and gear reduction assembly and a left and right set of massaging cams. Each cam set is comprised of a plurality of horizontally disposed shafts, each shaft having a plurality of off set cams. The front pair of massaging modules is intended for the toes and ball of the foot. The middle section is intended for the arch area and the Rear section is intended for the heal portion of the foot. The front and rear section are slidable and lockable so that the unit can be adjusted to a particular persons foot. A cloth housing covers the rotating cams to prevent a users toes from being pinched by the rotating cams. The center, arch massaging modules are able to be raised or lowered to accommodate for an individuals arch height. A heal guide attached to the rear massage modules helps a person place his or her foot in the proper location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventors: Bill M. Elder, Kenneth Tarlow
  • Patent number: 5704902
    Abstract: A handholdable massager having a combination massaging and dual function two speed actuator pad is disclosed which provides both automatic and manual modes of operation enabling a user to enjoy either a hands-free or user-applied massage to almost any body part at user-selectable speeds. The combination massaging and actuator pad, mounted in the presently preferred embodiment for rotation and translation with a handholdable housing body, both vibrates as well as provides the control action to select the manual and the automatic modes of operation at different speeds, simply by rotating and translating it about its axis of rotation. An actuation mechanism having two (2) switches and actuator cams integrally formed with the combination massaging and actuator pad cooperate in the presently preferred embodiment to provide user-selection of the mode and of the speed of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Headwaters Research & Development Inc
    Inventors: Rudy Anthony Vandenbelt, Troy Gene Anderson
  • Patent number: 5393297
    Abstract: A neck pillow with internal vibrational mechanisms comprising a pillow positionable over a curved indentation at the edge of a shampooing sink, the pillow having a curved central extent to conform with the indentation of the sink and downwardly extending legs positionable interiorly and exteriorly of the sink, the pillow being of a waterproof external material configured to seal the interior of the pillow; and a plurality of vibrational balls secured together in a planar array beneath the foam, the balls being configured in a plurality of rows with the balls of each of the rows coupled by laterally extending wires with springs at the opposite ends thereof coupled to the lateral ends of the pillow, the central balls of the rows being hollow with a rotatable rod extending therethrough and with an eccentric within each central ball coupled for rotation with the rotation of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventor: Beverly A. Kristoff