Surgery – Magnetic field applied to body for therapy – Electromagnetic coil
Reexamination Certificate
1998-08-28
2001-11-06
Lacyk, John P. (Department: 3736)
Surgery
Magnetic field applied to body for therapy
Electromagnetic coil
Reexamination Certificate
active
06312376
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to neuropsychology and in particular to a method and apparatus for generating electromagnetic waveforms to stimulate a subject.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Diverse studies have shown that the behavioral, cellular and physiological functions of animals can be affected by magnetic stimuli. Weak magnetic fields exert a variety of biological effects ranging from alterations in cellular ion flux to modifications of animal orientation and learning, and therapeutic actions in humans.
There are several theories addressing the mechanism of the effect that magnetic field exposure has on tissues. For example, low frequency magnetic field exposures have been proposed to exert their effect(s) through induction of electric currents. Although not widely believed, it has also been proposed that weak magnetic fields are detected by particles of magnetite in tissue and by virtue of this detection have a physiological effect.
Although the mechanism of the effects of magnetic field exposure on tissues is uncertain, it is clear that magnetic fields are a physical agent which have little attenuation in tissue and therefore, can be used to alter endogenous processes provided the magnetic fields can be detected and their detection coupled to a physiological process. In view of this, it is desired to expose subjects to magnetic fields to treat physiological, neurological and behavioral disorders and to determine the effect of a variety of magnetic stimuli on subjects.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a novel method and apparatus for generating electromagnetic waveforms to stimulate a subject.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for generating electromagnetic waveforms to stimulate a subject. The apparatus includes an electromagnetic signal generator generating analog signals corresponding to electromagnetic waveforms. A selector is responsive to channel select input and applies the analog signals output by the electromagnetic signal generator onto selected output channels thereof. Electromagnetic devices are coupled to the output channels of the selector and convert the analog signals into electromagnetic waveforms to expose a subject wearing the electromagnetic devices to the electromagnetic waveforms.
Preferably, the electromagnetic waveform signal generator is programmable. In a preferred embodiment, the electromagnetic waveform signal generator includes a processing unit to generate digital representations of the desired electromagnetic waveforms and an analog to digital converter coupled to the processing unit to convert the digital representations into corresponding analog signals. The processing unit preferably is coupled to the selector and provides the channel select input.
Preferably the processing unit is programmable to set a desired delay between successive digital samples of the digital representations output by the processing unit. It is also preferred that the processing unit is programmable to set a sequence of selected output channels on which the analog signals are to be applied. The processing unit is programmable to repeat the sequence a desired number of times, to set the duration the analog signals are output on each selected output channel in the sequence, to set a desired delay between repetition of the sequence, and to set a desired acceleration sequence. The acceleration sequence determines a change in the duration the analog signals are applied to each successive selected output channel in the sequence.
Preferably, the electromagnetic devices are arranged in pairs with each pair being coupled to a respective output channel of the selector. The electromagnetic devices are attached to head wear to be worn by the subject and are in the form of solenoid assemblies. Selected pairs of the solenoid assemblies are in phase and selected other pairs of the solenoid assemblies are out of phase.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for generating electromagnetic waveforms to stimulate a subject that comprises a processing unit having memory storing at least one digital representation of a desired electromagnetic waveform. A digital analog to converter is coupled to the processing unit to convert digital representations of electromagnetic waveforms received from the processing unit into corresponding analog signals. A selector is responsive to channel select input from the processing unit to apply the analog signals onto selected output channels of the selector. Electromagnetic devices are coupled to the output channels of the selector to convert analog signals into electromagnetic waveforms. The electromagnetic devices that are coupled to the selected output channels are driven by the analog signals to expose a subject wearing the electromagnetic devices to the electromagnetic waveforms. The processing unit is programmable to expose the subject to a desired sequence of tailored electromagnetic waveforms to provide a desired stimulus to the subject.
REFERENCES:
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patent: 5169380 (1992-12-01), Brennan
patent: 5330410 (1994-07-01), Baylink
patent: 5453072 (1995-09-01), Anninos et al.
patent: 5634939 (1997-06-01), Kuster et al.
patent: 5769778 (1998-06-01), Abrams et al.
Koren Stanley A.
Persinger Michael A.
Cadugan Joseph A.
Katten Muchin & Zavis
Lacyk John P.
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