Abstract: A latch system includes a releasably secured latch or keeper and a solenoid assembly. The solenoid assembly has a solenoid driver coupled to a power supply, a switching circuit connected with the solenoid driver, and a function generator to selectively adjust a frequency of a pick current output from the power supply and provided to the solenoid driver. The frequency is adjusted until the pick current induces a resulting vibration of said latch system sufficient to free a preloaded latch or keeper. The adjusted frequency may be a target frequency or a range of frequencies. Also included may be a preload sensor. When a preload is sensed, the frequency may be adjusted by the function generator until the pick current induces a resulting vibration of said latch system sufficient to free a preloaded latch or keeper.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses are provided for the measurement of intraocular pressure. These systems, methods and apparatuses can include an imaging apparatus for capturing two- or three-dimensional images or video of a patient's eye. An image reconstruction based on the captured images or video can be performed, and measurements can be taken of blood vessel features, curvature metrics, or distances between point pairs. In some embodiments, blood pressure measurements can also be taken synchronously with the captured images or video. From these measurements, a relationship between certain medical condition (e.g., elevated intraocular pressure, heart arrhythmia) and the extracted metrics can be established.

Abstract: Vibration based stimulation or pressure based stimulation are commonly employed in a wide range of devices for medical, therapeutic, and recreational activities. These are designed to be applied against a predetermined region of a user's body. However, there are many instances where it would beneficial to provide the user with a “wearable” device where these one or more predetermined regions of the user's body may be inserted through or disposed within the device providing vibratory and/or pressure based stimulation. Further, such devices may be augmented with other therapeutic means such as light therapy or ultrasonic therapy. Accordingly, a range of wearable devices exploiting hollow shaft motors, electromagnetic actuators, and fluidics are presented.

Abstract: The invention relates to a massage device having a device housing, an electromechanical arrangement arranged in the device housing for generating mechanical vibrations, an electronic controller for controlling the electromechanical arrangement, and a power source, connected to the electromechanical arrangement and the electronic controller. the electromechanical arrangement includes at least one coil element and at least one ferromagnetic core arranged parallel or coaxial with the coil element and a cylindrical member, wherein the at least one coil element surrounds the cylindrical member such that the at least one ferromagnetic core is coaxially guided through the cylindrical member, wherein the core has a mass m1, the mass ratio m1:m2 where m2 represents a total mass m2 of the massage device, and the mass ratio is in the range from 1:100 to 1:3. In operation, the massage device as a whole vibrates in a direction substantially parallel to a cylinder axis of the cylindrical member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a massage device having a device housing, an electromechanical arrangement arranged in the device housing for generating mechanical vibrations, an electronic controller for controlling the electromechanical arrangement, and a power source, connected to the electromechanical arrangement and the electronic controller. the electromechanical arrangement includes at least one coil element and at least one ferromagnetic core arranged parallel or coaxial with the coil element and a cylindrical member, wherein the at least one coil element surrounds the cylindrical member such that the at least one ferromagnetic core is coaxially guided through the cylindrical member, wherein the core has a mass m1, the mass ratio m1:m2 where m2 represents a total mass m2 of the massage device, and the mass ratio is in the range from 1:100 to 1:3. In operation, the massage device as a whole vibrates in a direction substantially parallel to a cylinder axis of the cylindrical member.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting a transducer to a plumbing fixture is provided. The mounting assembly includes a bracket configured to be affixed to an exterior wall of the plumbing fixture. The mounting assembly further includes a shield defining an internal cavity and configured to be removably coupled to the bracket. The shield is configured to be coupled to the transducer and to enclose at least a portion of the transducer within the internal cavity.

Abstract: A wearable medical treatment system and method are provided for the treatment of tissue ailments and/or conditions including vascular disease, deep vein thrombosis, orthostatic intolerance, reduced blood flow, weak bone structure, orthostatic hypotension, or other conditions, using a vibrating plate. The wearable system and method use magnetic layers to generate magnetic fields to provide vertical and/or horizontal vibrational motion to a platform, thus allowing the system to have a low profile.

Abstract: The present invention is an electronically controlled wide band vibrating tampon (ECWVT) apparatus to provide relief from feminine menstrual cramps and comprises a controllable vibration generator with selectable wide band vibration sources, an electromechanical transducer aka a vibration transmitter, and a disposable vibration transmitting tampon head (VTTH) to be inserted into the user's vaginal canal for customized and maximized relief from a user's menstrual cramps. Since only the VTTH is disposable and all other parts are reusable, the disposable cost is minimized.

Abstract: A therapeutic shoe includes a main body, a sole located at one side of the main body, a vibration layer, and a power generating module. The vibration layer is located between the main body and the sole. The power generating module includes a power generating unit, a rectifying circuit and a vibration device, which are electrically connected in series. The power generating unit generates and induces induced current. The rectifying circuit receives, rectifies, amplifies and processes the induced current from the power generating unit. The vibration device is located at the vibration layer and receives the processed induced current from the rectifying circuit to vibrate according to a predetermined vibration frequency in the vibration layer.

Abstract: The current disclosure is directed to personal vibration appliances, operated either by battery power or wall power, that incorporate a linear-vibration module to generate vibration with frequencies below 40 Hz, between 40 Hz and 110 Hz, and above 110 Hz with forces up to and beyond 15 g. In certain implementations, the frequency and force of vibration may be independently controlled. In certain implementations, the vibrational frequency and/or vibrational power may be correlated to various additional signals, both internal and external, including audio sound signals, light signals, and audiovisual signals. In certain implementations, the vibration appliance features an interchangeable massage piston with interchangeable massage tips and other accessories. Finally, operational characteristics of the personal vibration appliances may be modified by various types of sensor and other feedback signals.

Abstract: A hand held tool 10 has a handle 14, a contact member 16, and an electric motor 12. The contact member has a contact surface portion 17 lying in a first plane. The motor 12 has a stator 23 and an armature 19. The armature 19 is able to move with non-rotary translational motion relative to the stator 23 in a second plane which is parallel to the first plane. One of the stator 23 and the armature 19 is attached to the handle 14, while the other is attached to the contact member 16. Relative motion of the stator 23 and armature 19 imparts relative motion between the handle 14 and the contact member 16. A resilient coupling 18 is coupled between the handle 14 and the contact member 16 and applies a bias against the relative motion between the handle 14 and contact member 16.

Abstract: An apparatus to stimulate a vestibular system. The apparatus comprises an actuator configured to mechanically stimulate the vestibular system, and a control module coupled to the actuator, the control module being configured to provide a control signal that causes the actuator to stimulate the generation of a stationary nerve signal by the vestibular system.

Abstract: A magnetic levitation vibration system comprising a top plate, a base plate, at least one first magnet, at least one second magnet, at least one electromagnetic actuator comprising an upper half and a lower half, a controller, a sensor, and a control circuit. A method for the treatment or prevention of musculoskeletal indications comprising providing a top plate, providing a base plate, generating a first magnetic field to levitate the top plate, generating a second magnetic field to drive the top plate into vibration, adjusting frequency of vibration of the top plate; and adjusting magnitude of vibration of the top plate.

Abstract: Plumbing fixtures are disclosed having acoustic electromagnetic transducers mounted thereon to transmit music or other vibrations to the fixture interior. The mounting assembly provides for a shield that reduces exposure of those in the fixture to a magnetic field generated by the transducers. In one form there is a post extending from the transducer, through the shield, to a bracket on the housing. Other structures are provided to facilitate removability of the shield and transducer for maintenance purposes.

Abstract: An inductive charging personal massager, in general, is provided that is capable of recharging its internal energy storage system both during operation, and when in a standby mode. One method of recharging will be through electromagnetic induction, and may include a coil of conductive material and a magnet with magnetic properties. The inductive charging personal massager preferably uses at least one of each of the following systems to effectively perform its designed task; a vibration system, an internal energy storage system, an internal electromagnetic induction charging system consisting of a coil and magnet, a charge protection system, a charge controlling system/charge rectifying system, and an external coil attachment for use with the internal induction charging system.

Abstract: A multifunction device for selective application to the body of a vertebrate is disclosed. The device includes an electromagnetic generator supported by an bobbin like member which has a bore therethrough for reciprocally receiving an elongated magnetizable member. A permanent magnet is disposed near one end of the bore. The magnetic poles of the permanent magnet are arranged to magnetically attract the elongated magnetizable member. When energized, the electromagnetic generator produces a magnetic field magnetically polarizing the elongated magnetizable member establishing a repelling magnetic force with the permanent magnet which is additive to the electromagnetic force caused by the electromagnetic generator moving the elongated magnetizable member away from the permanent magnet.

Abstract: A therapeutic system for massage comprises a massage device having an activation cell comprising a hollow pocket at least partially filled with a ferro-magnetic fluid, a permanent magnet suspended in the ferro-magnetic fluid, a coil of electrically-conductive material in proximity to the pocket, and a connection interface to connect the coil to a source of varying voltage and current, and a power source of varying voltage for connecting to the connection interface to drive the activation cell.

Abstract: A method and device for improving the detection of a vibrotactile stimulus. Such method may include the steps of temporarily altering the threshold of vibrational detection prior to the onset of a vibrotactile stimulus. This allows the vibrotactile system to achieve improved detection of the intended vibrotactile alert or communication stimulus without necessarily increasing the vibratory displacement amplitude of the stimulus. A corresponding enhanced vibrotactile transducer device is able to produce, over a wide frequency range, or at multiple frequencies, a vibrational stimulus against the body of a user.

Abstract: A device and a method for recognizing electromagnetic fields, specifically those fields that occur in image-guided nuclear spin tomography examinations (hereinafter MRT or MRI). In particular, it relates to an implantable medical device (IMD) containing a unit for detecting MRT activity, whereby the unit for the detection of MRT activity consists of at least one vibration transducer that transforms vibrations and/or oscillations caused by an MRT device into an electrical or optical signal and the unit for detecting MRT activity recognizes an MRT activity because of this signal.

Abstract: A vibrotactile transducer provides a point-like vibrational stimulus to the body of a user in response to an electrical input. The apparatus includes a housing held in contact with the skin and a moving mechanical contactor protruding through in an opening in said housing and preloaded into skin. The contactor is attached to a torroidal moving magnet assembly suspended by springs in a magnetic circuit assembly consisting of a housing containing a pair of electrical coils. The mass of the magnet/contactor assembly and the compliance of the spring are chosen so that the electromechanical resonance of the motional masses, when loaded by a typical skin site on the human body, are in a frequency band where the human body is most sensitive to vibrational stimuli.

Abstract: Method affecting the interior of human flesh, providing modulated power signal to at least one solenoid to create a modulated solenoid action delivered through a mechanical interface to the human flesh to create a modulated audio effect into the interior. Providing the modulated power signal may include receiving an audio signal to create the modulated power signal, which may include fetching a down-converted audio signal and the audio signal from a memory device and/or frequency-down-converting the audio signal to create the down-converted audio signal. Receiving the audio signal may further include solenoid amplifying the down-converted signal to create the modulated power signal. The modulated audio effect into the interior of the human flesh, the modulated power signal and the down-converted audio signal are products of this method. Apparatus implementing the solenoid amplifying, receiving the audio signal, frequency-down-converting the audio signal in a variety of configurations.

Abstract: A vertical movement vibrator of a magnetic gap type is provided. The vibrator can provide a sufficient vertical movement force by a structure that a bobbin coil connected to a vibration plate is disposed in a magnetic gap of a magnetic circuit. The vibrator includes a magnetic circuit which forms an annular magnetic gap, and forms a DC magnetic field in the magnetic gap, a driving coil which is movably inserted into the magnetic gap, the driving coil being vibrated up and down when a driving signal is applied, a driving signal supply unit for supplying the driving signal, a vibration plate to the lower side of which the bobbin is attached to accomplish vibration up and down, a vertical movement guide unit for guiding the vibration plate to perform vertical movement, and a unit which limits a movement range of the vibration plate, and simultaneously absorbs an impact.

Abstract: A functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) compatible magnetomechanical vibrotactile device (MVD) uses wire coils having small oscillatory currents to interact with the large static magnetic field inherent to MRI scanners. The resulting Lorentz forces which are exerted on the MVD can be oriented to generate large vibrations that may be easily converted to translational motions as large as several centimetres. Representative data demonstrate the flexibility of MVDs to generate different well-controlled vibratory and tactile stimuli to activate special proprioceptive and cutaneous somatosensory afferent pathways.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a vibratory transducer has an armature suspended in a magnetic field. The armature has a plurality of electrical conductive paths to provide electrical current flow in said armature to react with said magnetic field and cause movement in the armature controlled by variation in the electrical current flow. A contact surface is secured to the armature, with a surface area for frictionally coupling to a corresponding surface area of a patient for example. Movement of the vibratory transducer induces movement in the patient, and the transducer can produce movement in the contact surface in at least two dimensions simultaneously. In one embodiment the contact surface is flat, while in alternative embodiments the contact surface is incorporated in a toroidal structure so as to surround part of the patient. Medical application can include treatment of bone fractures, oedema, and in elastography, amongst other applications.

Abstract: A magnetic levitation vibration system comprising a top plate, a base plate, at least one first magnet, at least one second magnet, at least one electromagnetic actuator comprising an upper half and a lower half, a controller, a sensor, and a control circuit. A method for the treatment or prevention of musculoskeletal indications comprising providing a top plate, providing a base plate, generating a first magnetic field to levitate the top plate, generating a second magnetic field to drive the top plate into vibration, adjusting frequency of vibration of the top plate; and adjusting magnitude of vibration of the top plate.

Abstract: This invention includes embodiments which combined the application or simultaneous application of magnetism, light waves and sound for a therapeutic effect, all through one applicator. The controller may be programmed or configured to provide relative timing of the application of the magnetism, light waves and sound relative to one another and in an intermittent way for a desired therapeutic effect. The applicator may also provide embodiments wherein one or more of magnetism, light waves and sound may be utilized to prepare the recipient to be a better recipient of one or more applications of magnetism, light waves and sound.

Abstract: A vibrating mechanism of a body vibration machine includes a step, a bottom board and a driving mechanism that has upper linking bars and lower linking bars connected with the step and the bottom board, and plural direction-restricting sets installed between the step and the bottom board. Each position-restricting set has a cylinder and a guiding bar inserted in the cylinder to enable the step moved vertically. A crank is connected with the upper linking bar and the lower linking bar via a pivotal shaft so that it can spontaneously drive the pivotal shaft to move circularly, enabling the step to move vertically. Moreover, a small motor is powerful enough as the step is driven to move by the upper and the lower linking bar instead of the driving motor directly.

Abstract: A device for transmitting vibrations to a person has a supporting element for receiving a human body and at least one vibration generator situated on the back side of the supporting element, which generates vibrations using an electromagnet. A shield made of a material that shields magnetic fields is situated between the supporting element and the electromagnet, and at least one electrical conductor is situated between the shield and the supporting element or on the supporting element for generating a magnetic field.

Abstract: A compact enclosed type vibrator capable of ensuring a large amount of vibration has a casing (5), a coil (10) and a magnetic circuit unit (11) provided in the casing, and a suspension (3) supporting the magnetic circuit unit. The magnetic circuit unit has an extent in the radial direction and has an outer peripheral surface set adjacent to the inner peripheral surface of the casing across an annular gap. At least one of the casing and the magnetic circuit unit is provided with a vent passage (13a and 13b) that additionally communicates between a first space (17) and a second space (18) formed at the upper and lower sides of the magnetic circuit unit.

Abstract: A massaging device to be mounted in a hole of an inner wall of a bath, having a casing mountable in a watertight manner in the hole, a flexible member mounted in a watertight manner on the casing, the flexible member having a surface accessible to a user in the bath when the massaging device is mounted in the bath and an electrically operated vibrator mounted inside the casing, for vibrating the flexible member. A bath massaging system having massaging devices as described above.

Abstract: A therapeutic system for massage comprises a massage device having an activation cell comprising a hollow pocket at least partially filled with a ferro-magnetic fluid, a permanent magnet suspended in the ferro-magnetic fluid, a coil of electrically-conductive material in proximity to the pocket, and a connection interface to connect the coil to a source of varying voltage and current, and a power source of varying voltage for connecting to the connection interface to drive the activation cell.

Abstract: A vibratory exercise apparatus capable of providing sufficient vertical movement force is provided that adopts a structure of a bobbin coil connected with a vibration plate employed in a magnetic gap of a magnetic circuit using a permanent magnet that can generate a strong magnetic force, thereby providing sufficient vertical movement force to the vibration plate for vibratory exercise.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a method for use in treating glaucoma of a patient's eye which includes a step of vibrating the eye.

Abstract: A massaging device includes a massaging member having a number of upper rods for engaging with and for massaging users, and a number of reinforcing ribs for reinforcing purposes. A peripheral handle device has two hand grips, a motor is secured on the handle device and coupled to an eccentric member for rotating the eccentric member to generate a vibration. A casing may be secured to the motor with one or more cushioning members. One or more further massaging members may be detachably secured onto the casing and each has a tip, or a cap for massaging different portions of the users.

Abstract: A new skin vibrator converts simple or complex electrical waveforms into simple or complex mechanical waveforms or vibrations that are applied to the skin and underlying tissues for therapy or pleasure. The complex waveforms may be completely random in response to the output of a random electrical noise generator, or non-random but complex in response to music or speech. In effect, random acoustic vibrations or speech or musical vibrations are induced in the skin and underlying tissues. The vibrator comprises an oblong hollow body having a solenoidal motor mounted inside. The solenoid is partially damped at both extremes of its stroke to buffer the impact within the vibrator and thereby soften the vibration. Wires extend from the vibrator for connection with a signal generator, audio amplifier or other source of the electrical waveforms.

Abstract: Apparatus for massaging the body by subjecting the body to impacts from reciprocating plungers. The plungers are secured in a flat array within a flexible pad. Each plunger has an associated solenoid device which alternately causes the plunger to project from the pad and to retract within the pad. An electrical circuit includes a power cord and plug assembly, manual controls disposed serially on the cord and plug assembly, and a controller generating operating signals randomly to the solenoids. A heating element is optionally included in the flexible pad, with a suitable controller provided among the controls.

Abstract: A vibrator comprising an engagement face (11) which is adapted to engage a part of a body, and which is driven by an electric motor (18). The vibrator moreover comprises a housing (1) comprising a shaft (9) connected with the motor, and the vibrator has a frequency regulating device and an amplitude regulating device (2) for regulating the frequency and the amplitude, respectively, of the upward and downward movement of the engagement face. The vibrator is characterized in that the amplitude regulating device (2) comprises an inclined shaft (15) in extension of the shaft (9) connected with the motor, said inclined shaft being slidably mounted in a conversion element (14) having a through hole.

Abstract: A foot massager having massaging applicators and capable of holding the feet of a user stably thereon to avoid an accidental actuation of a control section by the feet. A massager housing has an inclined top wall. The applicators are supported to the inclined top wall and are movable in a massage direction perpendicular to a general outer surface of the inclined top wall. Mounted within the housing are a pair of solenoids each having a plunger of which longitudinal axis is aligned with the massage direction. The plunger is connected at its upper end with the applicator and is attracted by repetitive energization of the solenoid to periodically move the applicator upward along the massage direction from a depressed position where the applicator is depressed by the foot of the user, thereby giving a tapping massage action to the foot. The control section is provided on a lower portion of the top wall adjacent to a front lower end of the housing and includes a switch for actuating the solenoid.

Abstract: A low profile vibrating floor mat includes a magnetic gap elastomer placed between vibrating magnetic laminates. The elastomer controls the magnetic gap and prevents the magnetic gap from physically collapsing due to the body weight. Upper and lower protective materials insulate the vibrating magnetic laminates from the environment while effectively transfering vibrating energy to the surface of the floor mat. The floor mat is able to withstand body weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beauty unit for applying an absorbing action and a pressing action to the skin. The beauty unit comprises an electromagnet excited by a commercial power supply, an air pump having an absorbing opening portion for guiding negative pressure air and a discharge opening portion for guiding a pressing opening portion, operating members associated with the exciting action of the electromagnet to apply amplitude motion to diaphragms of the air pump, a control circuit for controlling the exciting action of the electromagnet, a main body having an inserting opening portion connected to the absorbing opening portion and the discharge opening portion, respectively, and a manipulating member comprised of a flexible introducing tube provided at one end with a rear connector capable of being inserted into the inserting opening portion and at the other end with a skin contact appliance.

Abstract: A soft cushion having a mechanism mounted therein for imparting electromagnetic hammering mode massage to its user, the device including an electromagnetic hammering mechanism, a clamping plate frame, and an electric control unit. The device is portable and may be used either as a soft cushion or as a hammering mode massage unit in which selection of the massage frequency, intensity and massage status is possible. The device may be held by hand, or put on a sofa, chair, bed, or car seat.

Abstract: A vibratory exercise apparatus capable of providing sufficient vertical movement force is provided that adopts a structure of a bobbin coil connected with a vibration plate employed in a magnetic gap of a magnetic circuit using a permanent magnet that can generate a strong magnetic force, thereby providing sufficient vertical movement force to the vibration plate for vibratory exercise.