Surgery – Magnetic field applied to body for therapy
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-16
2001-05-15
Lacyk, John P. (Department: 3736)
Surgery
Magnetic field applied to body for therapy
Reexamination Certificate
active
06231497
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to therapeutic devices, and more particularly to such therapeutic devices which utilize dynamic magnetic fields.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The beneficial effects of applying a magnetic field to an area of human and animal anatomy such as the back, legs, arms and the like, are widely known and well documented. Magnetic fields are commonly used for therapeutic purposes such as reduction of inflammation in tissues and pain relief. Magnetic fields are known to improve the blood flow to tissues to which the magnetic field is applied. Additionally, the application of magnetic fields to plants is likewise believed to have a beneficial effect on plant growth.
To enhance such beneficial effects, a dynamic magnetic field may be applied to the anatomical area to be treated. The relative movement of magnetic fields through treatment area acts on charged particles such as ions and electrons in the treatment area, displacing the positively and negatively charged particles in opposite directions. The movement of ions and charges influences the distribution of ions on cell membranes, thereby affecting the electrical potential on such cell membranes. The movement of electrons results in locally generated eddy currents which affect the cellular functions of muscles, nerves and other tissues. Such eddy currents have been associated with the activation of capillary blood flow, the relaxation of muscle and connective tissue, and the blocking of propagation of pain impulses as well as other nerve functions.
To maximize the displacement of charged particles (maximize electromotive force product), three variables may be manipulated; the intensity of the magnetic field at the treatment site, the rate of change of the magnetic field at the treatment site, and the amplitude of the net change in magnetic flux (or waveform) to which the treatment site is subjected. The intensity of the magnetic field may be varied by varying the strength of the permanent magnet utilized. The rate of change of the magnetic field may be varied by varying the speed at which the permanent magnet is moved relative to the treatment area.
The last listed variable, the amplitude of the net change in magnetic flux, is believed by some practitioners to be the most important variable in the application of magnetic therapy. Permanent magnets have a north pole and south pole, with north pole magnetic flux emanating from the north pole, and south pole magnetic flux emanating from the south pole. An object moving through the magnetic field generated by a permanent magnet from the north pole of the magnet to the south pole of the magnet is subjected first to a full north pole field. As the object moves toward the south pole, the strength of the north pole field decreases until a neutral field is encountered, approximately at the midpoint of the magnet. As the object continues to move toward the south pole, the object is subjected to a south pole field of increasing intensity until the object reaches the south pole of the magnet where it is subjected to a full south pole field. By moving in this fashion, the object is subjected to a “full waveform.” Likewise, an object moved from the south pole to the north pole is also subjected to a full waveform. A maximum displacement of the electrical and ionic equilibrium is achieved when the treatment area is subjected to a full waveform, the treatment area experiencing a complete reversal of magnetic flux. An object may be subjected to a “half waveform” by moving the object from a full north pole field to neutral or full south pole field to neutral. Many practitioners believe that subjecting a treatment area to magnetic flux fields consisting of primarily north pole flux (e.g., half waveforms of north pole flux) enhances the therapeutic effect of the treatment on the anatomical area. The amplitude of the change in magnetic flux may be manipulated to provide preferred configurations of magnetic fields to treatment areas.
A wide variety of devices have been used to expose an anatomical area to a moving magnetic field. Unfortunately, none of the prior art devices permit the magnetic field to be particularly configured to meet particular therapeutic needs, such as the application of a magnetic field having substantially all north pole flux to a treatment area.
Another commonly used therapy for treatment of pain and enhancement of muscular relaxation is vibrational massage. The therapeutic effect of vibrational massage on body tissue is well documented. Many therapeutic devices are available which apply vibration to an anatomical area such as the muscles of the lower back to enhance circulation and relax such muscle.
While various prior art devices apply dynamic magnetic fields to various anatomical areas, none of the prior art devices apply a dynamic magnetic field in conjunction with vibratory massage. While each procedure has been utilized to increase blood flow to an effected area, the combination of procedures increases the beneficial effects to the user as the treated area receives both mechanical massage and magnetic stimulation to enhance blood flow.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes disadvantages of the prior art by providing a magnetic therapeutic device which subjects a treatment area such as an animal or human target area or plant structure to a dynamic magnetic field having an amplitude of at least a half waveform. In selected embodiments, the dynamic magnetic field is utilized in conjunction with vibratory massage.
To subject the treatment area to a dynamic magnetic field as described above, the magnetic source may be rotated, oscillated, moved through a particular pattern, or otherwise moved relative to the treatment area. Thus, embodiments of the present invention include rotational embodiments wherein the magnetic source is rotated about an axis, oscillatory embodiments wherein the magnetic source is oscillated with respect to the anatomical or other area to be treated, embodiments characterized by free movement of the magnetic source within a container, and patterned movement of the magnetic source contained within a container.
Regardless of the pattern of movement of the magnetic source, each embodiment of the present invention includes at least one permanent magnet preferably contained within a housing having an application surface which is adapted to engage a treatment area such as an anatomical area of a user's body. The application surface is positioned relative to the magnet so that the magnetic field extends around and/or through the application surface to the anatomical area to be treated. Each magnet has a north and south magnetic pole and a pole width equal to the width of the magnet at the poles. Means for moving the permanent magnet are provided in each embodiment, and are preferably positioned within the housing.
The various rotational embodiments of the invention comprise a permanent magnet mounted on a shaft which is rotated by a motor. The motor, shaft and magnet are enclosed in the housing, the motor being mounted to the housing. In the preferred rotational embodiment, a ferromagnetic metal block is attached to either the north or south pole face of the magnet. The ferromagnetic block acts as a magnetic shunt channeling the flux directly into the covered pole, thereby altering the distribution of flux traveling through air or space directly above either pole. All magnets are bi-polar devices with a north and south pole face 180° out of phase. Normally a symmetrical flux pattern extends into space equidistant from both poles. A paramagnetic shunt provides a less resistive pathway for flux lines than air, and as a result can be used to shape the geometry of a magnetic field in space. Flux emanating from a north pole will project out into space beyond the north pole by nominally five inches in a typical embodiment from whence the flux must complete a magnetic circuit and return via the south pole, actually returning to its point of origin within the magnet. A sufficiently massiv
Gifford, Krass, Groh Sprinkle, Anderson & Citkowski, P.C.
Lacyk John P.
LandOfFree
Magnetic therapy device does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Magnetic therapy device, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Magnetic therapy device will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2553847