Abstract: Provided is a potential application apparatus capable of preventing hypertrophy of adipose cells, thereby securely preventing deposition of fat and controlling obesity effectively without any side effects. The potential application apparatus has an influence on adipose cells by applying, at a predetermined frequency, a superposed waveform potential consisted of a negative direct current potential plus an alternating current potential to a human body while insulating it.

Abstract: In the field of electrotherapy, there are currently known devices and methods, in which either the frequency or the amplitude of a therapeutic current is varied. According to a representation of the amplitude on a logarithmic frequency scale, said methods are designated correspondingly as methods of vertical or horizontal stimulation. Various advantages and disadvantages are associated with both methods. The invention relates to a device for carrying out an electrotherapeutic method, according to which the amplitude (A) and the frequency (f) of the therapeutic current (iB) are simultaneously varied within a therapeutic frequency band (fB), which lies in the medium frequency range, in such a way that the method is carried out in discrete frequency steps, either in the range of different frequencies lying just below a stimulation threshold (RS), or periodically between a stimulation that lies above the threshold and a stimulation that lies below said threshold.

Abstract: A portable device for applying therapeutic electrical signals and/or electromagnetic fields to a patient's knee for the treatment of osteoarthritis and other diseases, defects and injuries. The device is operable in several modes to deliver signals to the patients knee so as to cause an electric and/or electromagnetic field to be generated that selectively up-regulates gene expression of Aggrecan and Type II Collagen while simultaneously selectively down-regulating the gene expression of metalloproteases. The device includes a signal generator that generates compound electric signals including a 60 kHz sine wave having a peak to peak voltage of approximately 4.6 V to 7.6 V and a 100% duty cycle signal that is generated for approximately 30 minutes and a 50% duty cycle signal that is generated for approximately 1 hour after the 100% duty cycle signal.

Abstract: A beauty device is provided that offers conditions that are appropriate for electrical stimulation that is designed to resolve wrinkling, sagging and such of skin conditions. A pair of electrically conductive gloves and that include silver conductive material is worn on both hands that have been clad in insulated gloves. A combination of ultra-weak electrical currents that are comprised of a combination of multiple types of current wave forms made up of alternating current square-waves of differing patterns are provided from the electrical current control device and applied to the surface of the skin in areas such as the face through the electrically conductive gloves by having the gloves come into contact with the skin, thereby reducing the wrinkles, sagging and such of the skin.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for accessing the interior of an intervertebral disc to perform a function within the disc. One such apparatus comprises a catheter having a lumen; and a guide wire having a distal portion and a proximal portion, and configured to be positioned within and moved relative to the lumen of the catheter; wherein the guide wire is capable of navigating itself within an intradiscal section of the intervertebral disc to a selected section of the disc and the catheter is capable of being advanced relative to the guide wire such that the catheter follows a path of the guide wire within the intradiscal section of the disc to the selected section. These apparatus and methods may be used for the treatment of intervertebral disc disorders such as sealing fissures of the annulus fibrosus, which may or may not be accompanied with contained or escaped extrusions. These apparatus and methods may also be used, for example, for the removal or addition of material to the intervertebral disc.

Abstract: A skin cleansing device comprising includes two or more electrodes attached to the cleansing pad, a cleansing signal generator for generating an electric cleansing signal, and elements for conveying the cleansing signal from the cleansing signal generator to the electrodes. Electrode pairs include a positive electrode and a negative electrode located in the cleansing pad. The cleansing signal generator operates on low voltage direct current and generates a square wave alternating current cleansing signal with a voltage lower than 5V and frequency higher than 2000 Hz. The cleansing pad of the cleansing device has a sandwich construction, including at least a detachable absorbent layer receiving a cleansing solution to be arranged against the skin, a layer receiving the electrodes and an outer surface layer.

Abstract: A percutaneous electrode array is disclosed for applying therapeutic electrical energy to a treatment site in the body of a patient. The array comprises a plurality of electrode microstructures which are inserted into the epidermis, thereby overcoming the inherent electrical impedance of the outer skin layers and obviating the need to prepare the skin surface prior to an electro-therapy treatment. The array preferably includes an adhesion layer to help keep the electrode microstructures inserted into the epidermis during the duration of the therapeutic treatment, and temperature and condition monitoring devices to ensure proper treatment and enhance patient safety.

Abstract: A method for treating a soft tissue wound is provided and includes the steps of providing a signal generator in electrical communication with first and second electrodes, disposing the first and second electrodes on a skin surface on opposing sides of the soft tissue wound and applying an electric field in the soft tissue wound by generating a voltage at a frequency within a range of 20 to 100 kHz and having a symmetrical waveform with an amplitude within a range of 0.1 to 20 volts peak to peak through said first and second electrodes. In accordance with a first preferred embodiment the signal generator is an AC generator generating a sine wave voltage and in accordance with second and third preferred embodiments, the signal generator is a bipolar DC generator, all generating a symmetrical waveform at a frequency of 60 kHz, with an amplitude of about 5 volts peak to peak.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for selectively destroying dividing cells in living tissue formed of dividing cells and non-dividing cells. The dividing cells contain polarizable intracellular members and during late anaphase or telophase, the dividing cells are connected to one another by a cleavage furrow. The apparatus includes insulated electrodes to be coupled to a generator for subjecting the living tissue to electric field conditions sufficient to cause movement of the polarizable intracellular members toward the cleavage furrow in response to a non-homogeneous electric field being induced in the dividing cells. The movement of the polarizable intracellular intracellular members towards the cleavage furrow causes the breakdown thereof which adversely impacts the multiplication of the dividing cells.

Abstract: A pulse generating apparatus has two like output channels that apply generated pulse signals of selected characteristics to two electrodes attached to a strap, each electrode receiving a different signal. The strap is attached to the foot so that the electrodes are positioned to stimulate with an electrical signal the abductor hallucis muscle of the foot to correct an imbalance due to overpowering by the adductor hallucis muscle. The signal strengthens the abductor hallucis muscle so that eventually it regains strength sufficient to counter balance the imbalance effect of the stronger adductor hallucis muscle and alleviate the bunion condition. The electrical signal generator generates signals that are pulses that are adjustable in frequency, modulation, pulse width and amplitude with modified square waves.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing therapeutic electric current to a treatment site of a patient is disclosed, which provides two oscillating or pulsing electric alternating currents, of frequencies which differ from each other by as little as 1 Hz and up to about 250 Hz, but each being of frequency at least about 1 KHz. The apparatus requires only one feed electrode adapted to feed the electric currents to selected feed sites on or beneath the epidermal or mucous surface of the patient, and only one return electrode adapted to be positioned on or beneath the epidermal or mucous surface of the patient, locally to the treatment site. The apparatus includes a feedback subsystem to detect impedance changes in the patient and accordingly adjust the output of the apparatus.

Abstract: A tissue tensioning electrostimulator device. The device includes a plurality of laterally separable electrodes for placement against bodily tissue and for discharging electric current thereon. The device also includes a power circuit in electrical communication with the electrodes and electrically connectable to a power supply for energizing the electrodes. The device also includes stored electrotherapy regimens based on user characteristics. The device also includes a microprocessor having logic for selecting an electrotherapy regimen for a user of the tissue tensioning electrostimulator device based on characteristics of the user of the tissue tensioning electrostimulator device.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing therapeutic electric current to a treatment site of a patient is disclosed, which provides two oscillating or pulsing electric alternating currents, of frequencies which differ from each other by as little as 1 Hz and up to about 250 Hz, but each being of frequency at least about 1 KHz. The apparatus requires only one feed electrode adapted to feed the electric currents to selected feed sites on or beneath the epidermal or mucous surface of the patient, and only one return electrode adapted to be positioned on or beneath the epidermal or mucous surface of the patient, locally to the treatment site. The apparatus includes a feedback subsystem to detect impedance changes in the patient and accordingly adjust the output of the apparatus.

Abstract: An electro-therapy apparatus and method for providing therapeutic electric current to a treatment site of a patient, having means for providing two oscillating or pulsing electric alternating currents, of frequencies which differ from each other by as little as 1 Hz and up to about 250 Hz, but each being of frequency at least about 1 KHz. The apparatus and method requires only one feed electrode adapted to feed the electric currents to selected feed sites on or beneath the epidermal or mucous surface of the patient, and only one return electrode adapted to be positioned on or beneath the epidermal or mucous surface of the patient, locally to the treatment site. The apparatus includes a feedback subsystem to detect impedance changes in the patient and accordingly adjust the output of the apparatus.

Abstract: This invention is an improved acupuncture device comprising of several cartridges (including a control circuit, a power supply unit, and a power switch in each cartridge) and leads among cartridges. Each cartridge has a conductive clip, which can lock a picking onto the cartridge. Open the power switch to power on the control circuit, and the current will flow to the picking through the clip. Stamp the picking onto an acupoint to excite it with the low frequency current generated by the control circuit. In this way, the device can result in the same effect as needle therapy. Furthermore, due to the flexibility of the leads, the device can be applied on multi acupoints.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating viral infections delivers electrical stimulation to the skin or mucosa of a patient. The electrical stimulation is applied as a series of electrical pulses having different electrical characteristics. The apparatus may include a housing having at least two electrodes supplied with both AC and DC voltage, and powered by a battery. The electrodes are designed so as to maximize contact with the patient.

Abstract: A system for treating neurological conditions by low-frequency time varying electrical stimulation includes an electrical device for applying such low-frequency energy, in a range below approximately 10 Hz, to the patient's brain tissue. An implantable embodiment applies direct electrical stimulation to electrodes implanted in or on the patient's brain, while a non-invasive embodiment causes a magnetic field to induce electrical currents in the patient's brain.

Abstract: A beauty device is provided that offers conditions that are appropriate for electrical stimulation that is designed to resolve wrinkling, sagging and such of skin conditions. A pair of electrically conductive gloves and that include silver conductive material is worn on both hands that have been clad in insulated gloves. A combination of ultra-weak electrical currents that are comprised of a combination of multiple types of current wave forms made up of alternating current square-waves of differing patterns are provided from the electrical current control device and applied to the surface of the skin in areas such as the face through the electrically conductive gloves by having the gloves come into contact with the skin, thereby reducing the wrinkles, sagging and such of the skin.

Abstract: An electro-therapy apparatus and method for providing therapeutic electric current to a treatment site of a patient, having means for providing two oscillating or pulsing electric alternating currents, of frequencies which differ from each other by as little as 1 Hz and up to about 250 Hz, but each being of frequency at least about 1 KHz. The apparatus and method requires only one feed electrode adapted to feed the electric currents to selected feed sites on or beneath the epidermal or mucous surface of the patient, and only one return electrode adapted to be positioned on or beneath the epidermal or mucous surface of the patient, locally to the treatment site. The apparatus includes a feedback subsystem to detect impedance changes in the patient and accordingly adjust the output of the apparatus.

Abstract: An oscillator (12) of a low-frequency therapeutic apparatus (10) is controlled by a frequency control device (18) to generate a plurality of frequencies selected according to the kind of a disease and these frequencies are delivered from the lowest in an ascending order at intervals of a specified time, and are injected into a human body at the same time or separately as low-frequency electric currents from a therapeutic electrode (14) and an inactive electrode (16), as electromagnetic waves from oscillating coils (14) and (14A), and as acoustic waves from an acoustic wave oscillator (62) and a body sonic apparatus (64).

Abstract: Data defining electrical waveforms for physical therapy is created on a computer and stored in a removable machine-readable medium such as a CD-ROM or semiconductor memory module. The data is played back, for example on a portable CD-ROM player, to produce the physical therapy waveforms at any time and location convenient or desired by the patient. An interface circuit amplifies and conditions the resulting waveforms for applying them to the skin of the patient via leads and electrodes. Since most therapies use waveforms within the audio frequency range, ubiquitous low-cost audio playback equipment can be used. Advantages of the invention are providing physical therapy at any location and at low cost, without requiring presence of a clinician or other health care professional on location.

Abstract: A tissue tensioning electrostimulator device. The device includes a plurality of laterally separable electrodes for placement against bodily tissue and for discharging electric current thereon. The device also includes a power circuit in electrical communication with the electrodes and electrically connectable to a power supply for energizing the electrodes.

Abstract: A method for treating hyperhidrosis by applying an oscillating electric field to the stellate ganglion. The method includes the steps of inserting an electrode into the vacinity of the sympathetic ganglion, for example the stellate ganglion, such that the necessary electric field may be applied to the ganglion. The necessary field oscillation frequency and strength, as well as other characteristics of the signal are determined individually for each patient. Continued driving of the pathological activity of the ganglion into the normal function is the long-term, reversible palatative remedy for the condition.

Abstract: Viral induced physiological stress is reduced by electronic diagnosis and treatment. A patient is slowly scanned with a sinusoidal signal over a frequency range within some 2,000 Hz to 6,000 Hz while stress level is monitored by fingertip thermal sensors. A 5 VAC source is used with a source impedance of between 8,000 and 12,000 ohms that is ungrounded. A fingertip temperature rise and peak is correlated with a therapeutic frequency. The patient is treated with a signal at the therapeutic frequency applied to the torso for a period of time sufficient to treat substantially all of the circulating blood in the patient. It is believed that the electrotherapy causes the viruses that induce the stress to resonate mechanically and become inactivated. By associating diagnosed frequencies with a prior diagnosed frequency, a diagnostic method is thus also provided.

Abstract: A two-way medical treatment apparatus includes a housing containing an electronic, oscillation generator capable of generating an oscillating current, and an electrode unit capable of being plugged into the housing to receive the oscillating current. The electrode unit includes a probe and a conducting body. The conducting body is shaped to fit within the ear of a patient, and the probe is arranged to touch inductive reflecting zones in the palm or foot of the patient, as well as any possible curing points other than the vital points, to form a closed circuit. The probe includes magnetic elements that transform the oscillating current into an electromagnetic wave in order to simultaneously stimulate the ear, palm, or bottom of the foot and thereby simulate the effect of acupuncture needles in order to diagnose diseased organs, and further to perform treatment.

Abstract: An oscillating unit (12) of a low-frequency therapeutic apparatus (10) is controlled by a frequency control device (18) to generate plural frequencies chosen from the frequencies determined in advance according to the disease of interest, and these frequencies are delivered from the lowest in an ascending order at specified time intervals.

Abstract: A medical device for treating the hemorrhoid or airway obstructions by reducing the mass of cellular tissues, wherein an elongate tubular shaft includes at least one ultrasonic transducer means disposed at its distal section of the shaft and facing one side of the shaft, an ultrasonic energy generating means, and a means for generating vibration at the distal section of the tubular element to effect the ablation having an additional vibrational massage therapy for the tissues.

Abstract: Briefly, a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a low-voltage power supply, hardware including a microprocessor, a signal generator controlled by the microrpocessor, and a pair of probes for making electrical contact to the body. In addition, suitable software is provided for enabling the microprocessor to control operation of the system. In accordance with this embodiment, voltages at a predetermined level are applied to the probes at oscillating frequencies which periodically change from a frequency of approximately 70 kHz at the low end to approximately 880 kHz at the high end in steps of approximately 1 kHz. Preferably, this system is programmed to repeat the cycle several times with brief respites between each cycle.

Abstract: A skin-contact type medical treatment apparatus has a first conductive member having a contact surface made of single metal or alloy and a second conductive member having a contact surface made of semiconductor. The standard single-electrode potential of the semiconductor constituting the contact surface of the second conductive member is lower than a standard single-electrode potential of the metal constituting the contact surface of the first conductive member. The apparatus further includes a parallel circuit of a diode and a capacitor electrically connected to the first and second conductive members. The apparatus is used by making both the contact surfaces of the first and second conductive members in contact with skin.

Abstract: An electrical oscillator circuit delivers high frequency oscillating current to a pair of hand-held electrodes for the purpose of killing harmful viruses, parasites and micro-organisms in the person's body. In a preferred form of the invention, the oscillator circuit is powered by a D.C. power source that includes a conventional one hundred twenty volt A.C. outlet and an A.C.-D.C. convertor plugged into the outlet.The device could also be solar powered.

Abstract: A therapeutic device including a voltage adjustment for outputting an adjusted AC signal to a load. The adjusted AC signal has an amplitude between 0 and 100 volts and a low commercial frequency. To create and output this signal, the device accepts an input voltage from a commercially available power supply and uses a pair of contact electrodes attached to two arbitrarily selected points on the load. The device has an electrical current setting circuit which assigns a prescribed current set value between the selected points. The actual therapeutic electric current applied between these points is a function of the setting of the voltage adjustment and of the load resistance between these points. A comparing circuit in the therapeutic device compares the therapeutic electric current flowing between the two points with the prescribed current set value.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for growing hair on a subject's scalp are disclosed. The method includes pinching an area of a subject's scalp having hair bulbs for at least 2 seconds with a pair of electrodes. The electrodes are energized so that they pass a low voltage, low current and low frequency signal through the pinched area of the subject's scalp. The frequency of the signal is preferably less than about 6 Hz and the current thereof is preferably between about 50 and 800 microamps. The foregoing process is periodically repeated over several weeks, preferably months, to regrow or enhance the growth of hair on the treated area. The frequency and current of the signal are also preferably altered or varied each treatment for optimum results.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) with an oligodynamic metallic coating on its peripheral portion to substantially inhibit the migration of microorganisms towards the optical axis of the lens, where said coating is either an oligodynamic metal, or the combination of an oligodynamic metal and one or more noble metals which are more electronegative than said oligodynamic metal for substantially reducing the formation of secondary cataracts in the central posterior region of the optic in the capsular bag.

Abstract: Direct electrical myostimulation using acupuncture needles as electrodes leads to improvements in the treatment of human muscular ptosis. Pairs of needles are introduced at least as far as the muscular aponeurosis of the ptotic area and a microcurrent is passed between them in line with the muscular fasciculus. The method may advantageously be combined with electrical stimulation of the adipocyte-containing hypoderm to effect lipolysis.

Abstract: A system (10) is disclosed for facilitating the healing of traumatized tissue and broken or fractured bone. The system (10) establishes an electric field between a pair of electrodes (14) positioned on opposite sides of the patient site (12), resulting in the production of an alternating current having the desired frequency and amplitude characteristics in the tissue or bone. Specifically, the system (10) includes a resonator (32) formed by an inductor (36) coupled in series with the resistor (R1) and capacitor (C1) of an equivalent circuit (34) representing the patient site (12), the electrodes (14), and any gaps (30) therebetween. This resonator (32) also includes a capacitor (C2) designed to prevent spurious, high-frequency oscillations. The resonator (32) is operated by a free-running oscillator (16), which maintains the operation of the resonator (32) at its resonant frequency.

Abstract: An electro-therapy apparatus includes at least two electrodes adapted to feed oscillating current to selected sites on or beneath the epidermal or mucous surface remote from a treatment site. A common return electrode is provided at the treatment site which is subjected to the sum of the currents from the two feed electrodes. The feed electrodes may be contact feed electrodes or capacitative feed electrodes. The feed electrodes may operate at different frequencies so that the treatment site is stimulated by the beat frequency. This may be at or about 80 or 130 Hz, if an anaesthetizing effect is required.