Surgery – Diagnostic testing – Measuring anatomical characteristic or force applied to or...
Utility Patent
1999-08-20
2001-01-02
Hindenburg, Max (Department: 3736)
Surgery
Diagnostic testing
Measuring anatomical characteristic or force applied to or...
Utility Patent
active
06168573
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a human analog to the tail pinch effect utilized in animals and, more particularly, to methods, apparatus, systems and techniques for modifying human behavior, for treating certain diseases and affecting other human conditions.
2. Prior Art
The tail-pinch effect is know from the prior art and its impact on animals is discussed in the literature.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,238 to Harry E. Boyce, which issued on Apr. 27, 1993 is entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INDUCING CONTROLLED STRESS BEHAVIOR IN ANIMALS, SUCH AS ENHANCED EATING, DRINKING, MATING, MATERNAL OR THE LIKE BEHAVIOR. That patent discloses methods and apparatus for applying controlled stress to animals by mounting an apparatus on a body part of an animal and applying variable stress such as a tail pinch. Devices of the type shown in that patent are sometimes referred to as “ABM™” devices. That patent is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
However, the prior art does not deal with applying tail-pinch techniques or an ABM type device to humans.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention extends that which has been done in the prior art to demonstrate an analogous tail-pinch effect in humans. As discussed more hereinafter, the invention permits treatment of Parkinson's disease, depressive disorders and stroke, in addition to a variety of other human conditions.
The invention is directed to apparatus for applying controlled stress by applying variable localized pressure to a human body, including a pressure actuator to apply pressure against a portion of a human body, and a length of flexible material holding said pressure actuator against human body even when pressure is applied.
The invention is also directed to a system for applying variable localized pressure to a human body, including a pressure actuator to apply pressure against a portion of a human body, and a remote control for sending one or more control signals to said pressure actuator over a communications link.
The invention is also directed to a method of applying variable localized pressure to a human body, by positioning a pressure actuator against a portion of the human spine; and selectively applying pressure to the spine using said actuator.
The invention is also directed to a method of causing an increase in appetite, a change in sexual behavior, increased blood flow to brain, and/or an increase of neurotransmitters in the brain in the body of a human being, by positioning a pressure actuator against a portion of the human spine; and selectively applying pressure to the spine using said actuator. The neurotransmitters can be one or more of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine.
The invention is also directed to treating Parkinson's disease, depressive disorders and stroke by positioning a pressure actuator against a portion of the human spine; and selectively applying pressure to the spine using the actuator.
The foregoing and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4022189 (1977-05-01), Boxer
patent: 4590939 (1986-05-01), Sakowski
patent: 4686968 (1987-08-01), Scherger
patent: 5205238 (1993-04-01), Boice
patent: 5224469 (1993-07-01), Mocny
patent: 5245989 (1993-09-01), Simon
patent: 5254087 (1993-10-01), McEwen
patent: 5290307 (1994-03-01), Choy
patent: 90/14128 (1990-11-01), None
patent: 96/15755 (1996-05-01), None
Fielding Stuart
Stein John W
Hindenburg Max
Nixon & Vanderhye P.C.
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