APPARATUS FOR ELECTROMEDICAL THERAPY

Abstract: An apparatus, for providing therapeutic electrical signals has a plurality of sets of electrodes, each set of electrodes comprising at least two electrodes for applying the therapeutic electrical signal to a user. The electrodes (60) are arranged on a flexible platform (50) which can substantially conform to surfaces of the user. In one embodiment, the sets of electrodes (60) comprise at least three electrodes arranged in a substantially chevron pattern with a centre electrode having the opposite potential to the side electrode. Different types of therapeutic electric signals are generated by a signal generator (24) applying a base wave within a frequency of about 150 KHz to 180 KHz at different frequencies between about 2 to 100 times in a second. A switch selectively switches the different types of therapeutic electrical signals in the predetermined pattern and can decrease the therapeutic electrical signals from its maximum to its minimum within about 0.1 to 0.01 microseconds.

Description: APPARATUS FOR ELECTROMEDICAL THERAPY FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a method and apparatus for use in electromedical therapy. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for applying a therapeutic electrical signal to regions of a user's body. The therapeutic signal could be used for any type of therapy, including to relieve pain, to relieve stress, to apply electronic acupuncture and for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) . BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the past, several types of methods and apparatuses to apply an electrical signal in electromedical therapy have been used. However, the prior art methods and apparatuses generally provide a small number of electrodes to which the therapeutic electrical signal can be applied. This limits the area of the user's body to which the therapeutic signals can be applied at any one time. As a result, the duration of therapy and use of the apparatus by the user increase. Furthermore, use of a small number of electrodes results in the electrical signal being applied to the same area for an extended period of time. This has been shown to create habituation effects. Habituation effects generally result from the body filtering out the therapeutic electrical signals being applied, thereby eliminating the positive effects of the therapeutic electrical signal. In addition, any benefit from the prior art device is usually limited to the time the therapeutic signals are applied, and does not provide any lingering effects . Use of a small number of electrodes, such as in prior art devices, requires the prior art devices to be periodically moved over the user's body. In fact, some prior art . devices have electrodes which can rotate to facilitate movement over the user's body. However, these prior art devices are generally difficult for users to use on themselves and require a therapist or assistant to apply the treatment. This is especially the case where the treatment is being applied to the user' s back, and particularly the lower back, which is not easily accessible by the user. Furthermore, the prior art devices by and large generate an electrical signal which could itself harm the user and/or cause pain. This results from the electrical signal having characteristics that damage the skin surface and otherwise hurt the patient or cause the patient discomfort. While the beneficial effects of the electrical signal often outweigh the temporary discomfort of the patient, this discomfort sometimes causes patients not to use the prior art electromedical apparatuses, or not use them as frequently as required in order to provide effective long-term therapy. Accordingly, the prior art devices suffer from several disadvantages. One of these disadvantages include that the prior art devices generally only apply the electrical signal to a small region of the body at one time. Another disadvantage is that the prior art devices often require an assistant to apply the therapy. Another disadvantage is that the therapeutic effects of the prior art devices are limited by the corresponding habituative effects caused by the patient's own body. A further disadvantage is that the electrical signals applied by the prior art devices often cause pain, burns and/or other discomfort to the patient because of the nature and the shape of the electrical signal being applied. A still further disadvantage of the prior art devices is that their beneficial effects are limited to the duration of the procedure, and do not provide any lingering beneficial effects which continue after the procedure is completed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to at least partially overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. Also, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved apparatus and method for providing therapeutic electrical signals. Accordingly, in one of its objects, this invention resides in an apparatus for providing therapeutic electrical signals, said apparatus comprising: a signal generator for generating the therapeutic electrical signal; a plurality of sets of electrodes, each set of electrodes comprising at least two electrodes for applying the therapeutic electrical signal to a user; and a switching unit for selectively switching the therapeutic electrical signal to each set of electrodes in a predetermined pattern. In a further aspect, the present invention resides in a method for providing therapeutic electrical signals, said method comprising the steps of: (a) generating a therapeutic electrical signal; (b) providing a plurality of sets of electrodes, each set of electrodes comprising at least two electrodes for applying the therapeutic electrical signal to a user; and (c) selectively switching the therapeutic electrical signal to each set of electrodes of the plurality of sets of electrodes in a predetermined pattern. Accordingly, one advantage of the present invention is that a plurality of sets of electrodes are used to apply the therapeutic electrical signal. In this way, a large surface of the user can be treated at any one time without the need to move the apparatus over the user's body. This makes it easier to apply the therapeutic electrical signal to the user. Furthermore, this makes it easier for the user to use the apparatus on themselves without an assistant. In a preferred embodiment, the electrodes are arranged on a platform which permits electrodes to substantially conform to the surface of the user. This facilitates application of the therapeutic electrical signal to surfaces of regions of the user's body which are not generally flat. For example, this permits the platform to conform to variations in the user's back, such as around the spine. This also facilitates application of the therapeutic electrical signal to the lower back of the patient, such as along the acupuncture meridian, which may result in release of enkefalins by the body to relieve stress. In a still further preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a flexible platform upon which the electrodes are contained. In this way, the entire platform, including the electrodes, can substantially conform to the surface of the user for improving the contact of the electrodes to the surface or skin of the user. In one embodiment, the flexible platform is separate and remote from the control unit to decrease the mass of the flexible platform and make it easier to apply and/or strap to the body. A further advantage of the present invention is that it comprises a plurality of sets of electrodes to which the therapeutic electrical signal is applied in a predetermined pattern. Accordingly, while a large number of electrodes are available to be used in order to cover a large surface area of the user, the therapeutic electrical signal is only applied to a set of electrodes at any one time. In this way, the therapeutic electrical signal may be applied to electrodes proximate each other, permitting the therapeutic electrical signal to have a smaller electrical potential than would be required if the electrodes were distant from each other. Furthermore, this permits the switch to apply the therapeutic electrical signals in a predetermined pattern to achieve the best coverage and therapeutic benefit to the user. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the switch will apply the therapeutic electrical signal to a next set of electrodes in the plurality of electrodes every 0.5 to 2 seconds in order to avoid habituative effects . A still further advantage of the present invention is that the therapeutic electrical signals can be applied to the sets of electrodes in a predetermined pattern. In this way, the user can control how the therapeutic electrical signals are applied, including the area, duration and type of therapeutic signal. Preferably, the predetermined pattern will be selected so as to decrease the habituation effect. The predetermined pattern can also be selected to provide lingering beneficial effects that continue after the procedure is completed. This can result, for example, by selecting a predetermined pattern that promotes generation of endorphins that are retained in the body. Furthermore, when the therapeutic electrical signal is applied to the acupuncture meridian, the body may generate enkefalins which will relieve stress. In addition, by applying the therapeutic electrical signal in a predetermined pattern as opposed to a random pattern, the user can be ensured that the therapeutic electrical signal will not be applied to the same set of electrodes consecutively. Applying the therapeutic electrical signal to the same set of electrodes consecutively could result in overexposure of the therapeutic electrical signals to a particular region of the user's body that may cause discomfort to the patient and/or promote habituation effects. A further advantage of the present invention is that the therapeutic electrical signal can have characteristics which may decrease or eliminate pain while maintaining an effective therapeutic level. This is accomplished, in part, by the therapeutic electrical signal comprising a base wave having a relatively high frequency of about 150 KHz to 180 KHz and more preferably 160 to 170 KHz and the base wave is preferably applied about 2 to 100 times per second. To further decrease pain that may be associated with the therapeutic electrical signals, the base wave of the therapeutic electrical signal preferably decreases from its maximum to its minimum in about 0.2 to 0.01 microseconds. In a further preferred embodiment, the integral of the base wave over a cycle is zero. A still further advantage of the present invention is that the predetermined pattern may comprise different types of therapeutic electrical signals. In other words, the switching unit will selectively switch between different types of therapeutic electrical signals to each set of electrodes in a predetermined pattern. In this way, the patient will be exposed to different types of therapeutic electrical signals that may have different beneficial effects. In addition, by changing the types of therapeutic electrical signals being applied, the habituation effects may also decrease. In this way, changing the types of therapeutic electrical signals, as well as limiting the duration that the switch may apply the therapeutic electrical signal to each set of electrodes to about 0.5 to 2 seconds, reduces the effects of the brain filters thereby reducing habituation effects, and may cause lingering beneficial effects which continue after the therapy is completed. A further advantage of the present invention is that an electroconductive substance can be applied to the electrodes to increase electroconductivity . Because the electrodes tend to be stationary, the electroconductive substance will remain between the skin or surface of the user and the electrodes. Further, such electroconductive substance generally have the consistency of a gel which gives them an adhesive quality. In this way, the electroconductive substance can assist in keeping the electrodes in contact with the skin. Furthermore, in the case when the platform does not have a great deal of mass, such as when a flexible platform is used, the adhesive qualities of the electroconductive substance may be sufficient to maintain the flexible platform in place, especially flexible platform embodiment. Further aspects of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and drawings which illustrate the invention and preferred embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the invention: Figures 1A and IB are bottom and side views, respectively, of a device according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the components of the apparatus for applying the therapeutic electrical signal; Figure 3 is a bottom elevation view of the device according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a timing diagram showing the base wave according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figures 5A, 5B and 5C are timing diagrams showing different types of therapeutic electrical signals that may be applied in a predetermined pattern according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a device according to a further embodiment of the present invention having a housing separated from the platform; Figure 7A is a top view of an upper part of the flexible platform; Figure 7B is a bottom view of the lower part of the flexible platform; and Figure 8 is a diagram of an assembled flexible platform showing the wiring for the electrodes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Figure 1A is a bottom elevation view and Figure IB is a side elevation view of an apparatus, shown generally by reference numeral 10, for providing therapeutic electrical signals according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figures 1A and IB, the apparatus 10 comprises a housing 12 which, in this embodiment, houses the plurality of electrodes 60. The housing 12 also houses other components, including input/output devices, such as a keypad and LEDs 16, as well as a power source, such as battery pack 8. The housing 12 preferably has an opening 112 for straps 114. In this way, the apparatus 10 can be strapped or fastened to a part of the user, such as the lower back or a leg, with straps 11 . In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of electrodes 60 are mounted on a platform 50 that permits relative movement of the electrodes 60. In this way, the platform 50 and/or the plurality of electrodes 60 on the platform 50 will be able to substantially conform to a surface of the user so that each of the plurality of electrodes 60 is in contact with a surface of the user, even if the surface of the user is not a flat surface. For example, the platform 50 may be flexible to permit the electrodes to substantially conform to the surface of the body. In one preferred embodiment, shown in Figures 7A, 7B and 8 and discussed more fully below, the platform 50 is made from a flexible, non-conductive material, such as rubber or mylar, which permits the plurality of electrodes 60 to substantially conform to a surface of the user and also electrically insulates the plurality of electrodes 60 from each other. In the alternative, the plurality of electrodes 60 could move relative to .the platform 50, but be biased outwards so as to substantially conform to the surface of the patient. In either case, it is apparent that the platform 50 would permit the plurality of electrodes 60 to substantially conform to a surface of the user. As also shown in Figure 1A, the plurality of electrodes 60 preferably comprise nipples 61. The plurality of electrodes 60 may comprise at least one, and preferably more, nipples 61 to assist in decreasing the electrical contact resistance between the plurality of electrodes 60 and the surface of the user. In the preferred embodiment, shown in Figure 1A, each electrode 60 has nine nipples 61. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram symbolically showing ' the components of the apparatus 10 for applying the therapeutic electrical signal according to one embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the apparatus 10 comprises input/output devices, such as a keypad and LEDs 16, as well as a power source, such as a battery pack 8, which are also illustrated in Figures 1A and IB. As illustrated in Figure 2, the apparatus 10 can also comprise a wall mount adapter 18 and a power supply and trickle charger 20, which together form a power unit to both supply power to the apparatus 10 and charge the battery pack 8 for later use. The power supply and trickle charger 20 is connected to the keypad and LED 16 to supply power to this component. The keypad and LED 16, together with the power supply and trickle charger 20, are connected to the signal timing generator 22 to both supply power to the signal timing generator 22 and also send and receive input/output signals from the keypad and LED 16. Preferably, the keypad and LED 16 can send and receive input/output signals to the signal timing generator 22 which specify predetermined patterns and types of therapeutic electrical signals which should be applied to the plurality of electrodes 60 and which predetermined patterns are being applied. In a preferred embodiment, the signal timing generator 22 comprises a microcontroller, such as a microprocessor. The signal timing generator 22 is connected to a plurality of switches 26. The signal timing generator 22 actuates the plurality of switches 26 to selectively switch the therapeutic electrical signal to the plurality of electrodes 60. The plurality of electrodes 60 are grouped into a plurality of sets of electrodes 60a to 60t. The switches 26 selectively switch the therapeutic electrical signal to each of the sets of electrodes 60a to 60t in a predetermined pattern. As shown in Figure 2 , the first group of switches 26a switch the therapeutic electrical signal to the first set 60a of the plurality of sets of electrodes 60a to 60t. The first set of electrodes 60a, in this embodiment, comprises the outer electrode pair no. 1 and the common electrode no. 1. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the first set of electrodes 60a comprises three electrodes, namely a common electrode in the centre and a pair of outer electrodes. As also shown in Figure 2, the apparatus 10 comprises a 20th set of electrodes 60t comprising outer electrode pair no. 20 and common electrode no. 20. Therefore, the 20th set of electrodes 60t also comprises three electrodes with a common electrode in the centre and a pair of outer electrodes. The signal timing generator 22 switches the therapeutic electrical signal to the 20th set of electrodes 60t by actuating the 20th group of switches 26t. While not shown in Figure 2, it is apparent that the plurality of switches 26 would comprise switches 26b to 26s to switch the therapeutic electrical signal to each set of electrodes 60b to 60s. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, there are 20 sets of electrodes comprising three electrodes for a total of 60 electrodes. However, it is understood that different sets of electrodes and different numbers of electrodes in each set can be used. Together, the signal timing generator 22 and the plurality of switches 26 form the switching unit, shown generally by reference numeral 25. The switching unit 25 is used to send the therapeutic electrical signals selectively to each of the plurality of sets of electrodes 60a to 60t in a predetermined pattern. The therapeutic electrical signal is generated by the signal generator 24. The signal generator 24 will generate a base signal or base wave b w that is then selectively switched by the switching unit 25 to each one of the plurality of sets of electrodes 60a to 60t. The signal generator 24 is connected to the signal timing generator 22 to control the base wave b w so as to produce the predetermined pattern and control the type of therapeutic electrical signal being generated. The signal generator 24 is also connected to a power source, which in this embodiment is the battery pack 8, to draw sufficient power to generate the therapeutic electrical signal and the base wave b w that forms the therapeutic electrical signal. In a preferred embodiment, the base wave b w will have a wave form shown in Figure 4 by reference numeral b w . In a preferred embodiment, the base wave b w will have a frequency of between 150 KHz to 180 KHz, and more preferably 160 KHz to 170 KHz. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 4, the base wave b w has a frequency of about 166 KHz. At a frequency of 166 KHz, the period of the base wave b w will be about 6 microseconds . Preferably, the base wave b w will decrease quickly from its maximum to its minimum. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the base wave b w will decrease from its maximum value b max of about positive 50V to its minimum value b mιn of about negative 17V in a time t which preferably is within about 0.2 to 0.01 microseconds and still more preferably within about 0.1 to 0.01 microseconds. In a preferred embodiment, the time t is most preferable about 0.05 microseconds. By having the base wave b w decrease from the maximum b max to its minimum b mιn within this relatively short time period, it has been found that the pain, burns, and other discomfort felt by the patient is greatly decreased. From analysis of the base wave b w shown in Figure 4, it is also apparent that the integral of the base wave b w over time will be zero. This is apparent from Figure 4 which illustrates that the Area A between b max and zero is approximately equal to the Area B between b m i π and zero. This is the case because the value b max is about positive 50V and lasts for a duration of 1.5 microseconds while the voltage b m j .n is about a third of that, namely negative 17V, but lasts for three times as long, namely about 4.5 microseconds. Accordingly, Area A is substantially equal to Area B, which illustrates that the integral of the base wave b w over time will be zero. This also illustrates that the net charge imposed on the user by each electrode over a period of the base wave b w will always be zero. As the therapeutic electrical signal comprises the base wave b w , the integral over time of the therapeutic electrical signal will also be zero. It has been found that by having a base wave b w , and therefore a therapeutic electrical signal, with an integral over time of about zero, the overall pain, burns and discomfort suffered by the patient greatly decreases . As stated above, the therapeutic electrical signal comprises the base wave b w . However, / it is preferred that the therapeutic electrical signal is not identical to the base wave b w . Rather, it is preferred that the therapeutic electrical signal comprises bursts of the base wave b w . In other words, the therapeutic electrical signal preferably comprises bursts of the base wave b w at specific frequencies, such as 2 to 100 times in a second, and the base wave b w would be quiet or not applied at other times. Figure 5A shows a first therapeutic electrical signal tes a where the base wave b w is applied four times in a second. Therefore, the first therapeutic electrical signal tes a has a period of about 250 milliseconds and a frequency of 4 Hz. During the period of 250 milliseconds, the base wave b w is applied for about half that time, or 125 milliseconds. For the remaining period, namely 125 milliseconds, the base wave b w is not applied. Figure 5B shows a second therapeutic electrical signal tesb where the base wave b w is applied two times in a second. The second therapeutic electrical signal tes b is applied in a burst of about 250 milliseconds and then is quiet or not applied for about 250 milliseconds. Accordingly, the second therapeutic electrical signal tes b has a period of about 500 milliseconds and a frequency of about 2 Hz. Figure 5C shows a third therapeutic electrical signal tes c that has a period of about 13 milliseconds, and therefore a frequency of about 77' Hz. In this embodiment, the base wave b w is applied for a burst of about 3 milliseconds followed by a quiet period where the base wave b w is not applied for about 10 milliseconds. In this way, the third electrical signal tes c applies the base wave b w 77 times in a second, but for only about 3 milliseconds each time. The apparatus 10 can apply any of the therapeutic electrical signal tes a , tesb, tes c , or any other type of therapeutic electrical signal. In a preferred embodiment, the therapeutic electrical signal will comprise a base wave b w applied at a frequency of about 2 to 100 times per second. As shown in Figures 5A, 5B and 5C, the duration or burst during which the base wave b w is applied can vary and may not correspond to half of the period, as illustrated by the third therapeutic electrical signal tes c in Figure 5C. Furthermore, the predetermined pattern of the apparatus 10 may comprise different types of therapeutic electrical signals, as described more fully below. Figure 3 shows the bottom elevation of the apparatus 10, similar to the view shown in Figure 1A. In a preferred embodiment as illustrated in Figure 3, each of the plurality of sets of electrodes 60a to 60t comprise at least three electrodes 60 arranged in a substantially chevron pattern. For example, the first set of electrodes 60a shown in Figure 3 comprise electrodes 1, 2 and 3. Likewise, the last set of electrodes 60t comprise electrodes 4, 5 and 6. It is apparent that the twenty chevron patterns between the first set of electrodes 60a and the last set of electrode-s 60t illustrate each set of the plurality of sets of electrodes 60a to 60t of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3. It is preferable that the centre electrode, such as electrodes 2 and 5, of the plurality of sets of electrodes 60a to 60t, have a potential that is opposite to the potential of the side electrodes 1, 3 and 4, 6. To accomplish this, centre electrodes 2, 5 may have different electrical switches 26 from the side electrodes. This is illustrated in Figure 2 where the first group of switches 26a comprise switches 26ao and 26ac. Switch 26ao actuates the outer electrode pair no. 1 corresponding to electrodes 1 and 3 and switch 26ac actuates the common electrode no. 1 corresponding to electrode 2. Likewise, the 20th group of switches 26 comprise switches 26tc and 26to. Switch 26th actuates the outer electrode pair no. 20 corresponding to electrodes 4 and 6 and switch 26tc actuates the common electrode no. 20 corresponding to electrode 5. It is understood that the chevron pattern of electrodes illustrated in Figure 3 is a preferred embodiment and is selected to permit a relatively large area to be effected by the therapeutic electrical signal, while at the same time having the electrodes fairly near each other so that the voltage may not be too large to overcome the natural resistance of the body. Nevertheless, it is understood that other arrangements of electrodes, other than a chevron pattern, including a square pattern, a circular or semi-circular pattern or even a straight line, could be used provided each set of electrodes 60a to 60t have at least two electrodes through which the therapeutic electrical signal may pass. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3 where a chevron pattern is used, it is apparent that not all of the plurality of electrodes 60 will have an electrical signal passing through them. For example, electrodes a, b, c, d, e, f do not form a chevron pattern with other electrodes, and therefore would not be used in the embodiment shown in Figure 3. However, if another pattern, such as a straight line is used, then electrodes a, b, c, d, e, f may have electrical signal passing through them. As stated above, the switching unit 25 will apply the therapeutic electrical signal to the plurality of sets of electrodes 60a to 60t in the predetermined pattern. The predetermined pattern may be any pattern that switches the therapeutic electrical signal to each set of electrodes 60a to 60t in a controlled manner without causing the therapeutic electrical signal to be switched to the same set of electrodes twice, thereby causing habituation effects. In a preferred embodiment, the switching unit 25 will send the therapeutic electrical signal sequentially to each set of electrodes 60a to βOt. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the switching unit 25 will send the therapeutic electrical signal sequentially in a consecutive order commencing with the first set of electrodes 60a at a first end 30 of the apparatus 10 and platform 50 and ending at the last set of electrodes 60t at the second end 32 of the apparatus 10 and platform 50. The switching unit 25 may have a predetermined pattern which continuously and repeatedly sends the therapeutic electrical signal sequentially in this consecutive order from the first set of electrodes 60a to the last set of electrodes 60t. Alternatively, the switching unit 25 may have a predetermined pattern which sends the therapeutic electrical signal in alternate directions "sweeping" across the platform 50. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the switching unit 25 may first apply the therapeutic electrical signals in a first direction, shown generally by the arrows marked with reference numeral 41, from the first end 30 to the second end 32. The switching unit 25 may then apply the therapeutic electrical signal in a second direction, shown generally by the arrows marked with reference numeral 42, from the second end 32 to the first end 30. For present purposes, a sweep is considered to be an application of therapeutic electrical signals once across each of the sets of electrodes 60a to 60t in either direction 41, 42 "sweeping" across the platform 50. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the sets of electrodes 60a to 60t in the first direction 41 will be the same as the sets of electrodes 60t to 60a in the second direction 42. In other words, the therapeutic electrical signal will be applied to the same three electrodes in each set of electrodes 60a to 60t in both directions 41, 42. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Rather, the sets of electrodes 60a to 60t in the first direction 41 may differ from the sets of electrodes 60a to 60t in the second direction 42, provided there are at least two electrodes 60 in each set of electrodes 60a to 60t. In addition, the therapeutic electrical signal need not be the same in each direction. Rather, in a preferred embodiment, the therapeutic electrical signal will change with each "sweep". For example, as set out in Table A below, in sweep 1, which preferably is in a first direction 41, the therapeutic electrical signal will correspond to the first therapeutic electrical signal tes a shown in Figure 5A and will be sequentially and consecutively applied to each of the plurality of sets of electrodes 60a to 60t. In sweep 2, which is preferably in the second direction 42, the therapeutic electrical signal will correspond to the second therapeutic electrical signal tes b illustrated in Figure 5B. Likewise, in sweep 3, which is preferably in the first direction 41, the therapeutic electrical signal will correspond to the third therapeutic electrical signal tes c illustrated in Figure 5C. Table A One advantage of the above is that the application of the base wave b w at the different frequencies, namely 4 Hz, 2 Hz and 77 Hz, will have different beneficial effects to the patient. For example, a frequency of about 77 Hz has been found to generate endorphins, and enkefalins which tend to relieve stress, and therefore it is preferred for a pain killing effect. Generation of enkefalins have been found to be most pronounced when the apparatus 10 is applied to the acupuncture meridians along the lower back region. The frequencies of 2 Hz and 4 Hz have been found to generate endorphins . Accordingly, the apparatus 10 can apply the therapeutic electrical signals to the sets of electrodes 60a to 60t in a predetermined pattern. In addition, the predetermined pattern of the apparatus 10 can comprise different types of therapeutic electrical signals tes a , tes b , tes c at different stages. It has been found that, preferably, the therapeutic electrical signal is applied to a set of electrodes 60a to 60t for about 0.5 to 2 seconds. For example, as illustrated in Table A above, the therapeutic electrical signals are applied to each set of electrodes 60a to 60t for a duration of about 1 second. In this way, as there are about 20 sets of electrodes in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, each sweep from one end 30 or 32 to the other end 32 or 30 will take about 20 seconds. The predetermined pattern shown in Table A which comprises three sweeps and three types of therapeutic electrical signals tes a , tes b , tes c will therefore take about one minute. Preferably, the switch to a next set of electrodes 60a to 60t will occur during a quiet period when the base wave b w is not being applied. The duration of 0.5 to 2 seconds is preferable because it is sufficient to generate endorphins and enkefalins. However, in addition, a duration of 0.5 to 2 seconds is generally insufficient to permit the body to generate hormones that counteract the beneficial effects of endorphins and enkefalins. Accordingly, by having in a predetermined pattern where the switching unit 25 switches the therapeutic electrical signal to a next set of electrodes within 0.5 to 2 seconds, habituation effects may decrease and the user may experience a build-up of endorphins and enkefalins. In this way, the user may experience a lingering effect from use of the apparatus 10, at least in part because of the build-up of endorphins and enkefalins caused by the use of the apparatus 10. Likewise, it has been found that by having a predetermined pattern that comprises different types of therapeutic electrical signals tes a , te≤ b , tes c , habituation effects may be further decreased because use of different types of therapeutic electrical signals tes a , tesb, tes c may bypass the brain filters which cause the habituation effects. Habituation effects have been found to be further decreased by applying the different types of therapeutic electrical signals tes a , tes b , tes c to the user for a duration of not more than 0.5 to 2 seconds per set of electrodes 60a to 60t. Moreover, applying different types of therapeutic electrical signals tes a , tes b , tes c will also produce different types of beneficial effects, such as generation of endorphins, as well as generation of enkefalins. Accordingly, generating and applying different types of therapeutic electrical signals, tes a , tes b , tes c across a plurality of electrodes 60 not only helps to decrease habituation effects, but also provides more than one type of benefit to the user, and, the benefit the user may experience is more likely to linger after use of the apparatus 10 has ceased. Figure 6 shows an apparatus, shown generally by reference numeral 300, accordingly a further embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 6, the apparatus 300 has a platform which is separate from a housing 310 which houses other components of the apparatus 300, such as the signal generator 24 and switching unit 26. As illustrated in Figure 6, the housing 310 may also include input/output such as the keypad and LED 306. The housing 310 will also preferably contain a power supply and trickle charger 20 to supply a battery pack 8 and/or receive power from a wall mount adapter 18, similar to the apparatus 10 described above. As also illustrated in Figure 6, the housing 310 is connected to the platform 50 by an electrical connection, shown generally by reference numeral 313. The electrical connection in this embodiment comprises a first fixed electrical cable 312 from the housing 310 to a connector, such as an oyster connector 316. The first cable 312 is generally fixed to both the housing 310 at one end 311 and fixed to the connector 316 at the second end 318. In this way, the connector 315 is electrically connected to the components of the apparatus 300, including the signal generator 24. The connector 316 shown in Figure 6 is commonly referred to as an "oyster" connector, but it is understood that any type of connector can be used. The connector 316 also comprises an input/output slot 319 which can releasably receive a first end 419 (shown in Figures 7A, 7B and 8) of a second removable cable 314. The second end 420 (shown in Figure 7A, 7B and 8) of the second cable 314 is connected, generally permanently to the platform 50 providing an electrical connection from the first end 419 of the second cable 314 to the electrodes 60 on the platform 50. In this way, the first end 419 of the second cable 314 may be releasably mated or received into the input/output slot 319 of the connector 316 to thereby releasably electively connect the components contained within the housing 310, and in particular, the signal generator 24, to the electrodes 60 on the platform 50. In another embodiment, the connector 316 is integrally formed as part of the housing 310 such that the first fixed cable 312 is not needed, but rather the first end 419 of the second cable 314 would be releasably received in an input/output slot 319 in the housing 310. The advantages of the apparatus 300 shown in Figure 6 include that the platform 50 can be removed from the connector 316 for maintenance and/or servicing. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, different types of platforms 50, either having different size or different arrangements of electrodes 60 thereon, may be interchangeably releasably received into the slot 319 of the connector 316. This gives the apparatus 300 shown in Figure 6 increased versatility. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the platform 50 may be a flexible platform 350, shown in Figure 6, but illustrated and discussed below in more detail with respect to Figures 7A, 7B and 8. In the case of flexible platforms 350, they are generally disposable such that after a number of uses, the first end 419 of the second cable 314 may be releasably removed from the slot 319 of the connector 316 and replaced with the first end 419 of another second cable 314 connected to another flexible platform (not shown) . In this way, flexible platforms 350, which are generally less resilient, may be replaced periodically and either disposed of or recycled. Figures 7A and 7B show a flexible platform 350 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7A shows the top view of the upper part of the flexible platform 350U. The upper part of the flexible platform 350U includes silver inking connectors 370 extending along the second cable 314 to the first end 419. The silver inking connectors 370 are electrically conductive and can conduct the therapeutic electrical signals received from the signal generator 24 through the switches 26, the first cable 312, the connector 316 and the second cable 314. In this preferred embodiment, illustrated in Figure 6, the second cable 314 is integrally formed with the flexible platform 350 such that the silver inking connectors 370 will extend past the second end 420 to connections 340. However, it is understood that the second cable 314 may be separate from the flexible platform 350 so that a further connector (not shown) would be present to connect the second end 420 of the second cable 314 to the flexible platform 350. The connections 340 are electrically connected to the centre electrodes 60c shown as the middle row of the three rows of electrodes 60 in Figure 7B. The centre electrodes 60c are actuated by the centre switches 26ac to 26at as discussed above with respect to Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5. In this way, the therapeutic electrical signals can be transmitted from the signal generator 24 to the centre electrodes 60c. Figure 7B, which shows the lower part of the flexible platform 350L, likewise has silver inking connectors 371 extending along the second cable 314 to the first end 419 to receive the electrical therapeutic signal from the signal generator 24, similar to the silver inking connectors 370. However, the silver inking connectors 371 in the lower part of the flexible platform 350L extend to the outer electrodes 60a shown at the two external rows in Figure 7B. The outer electrodes 60o are actuated by the outer switches 26ao to 26to discussed above with respect to Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5. It is apparent from Figures 7A and 7B that the silver inking connectors 370 on the upper part of the flexible platform 350U will be electrically insulated from the silver inking connectors 371 on the lower part of the flexible platform 350L. It is also apparent that while electrodes 60 are all present on the lower part of the flexible platform 350L, the middle row will be electrically insulated from the outer two rows, except for electrical contact through the surface of the user through which therapeutic electrical signals will flow. Preferably, the upper and lower parts of the flexible platform 350U and 350L, respectively, are manufactured from an insulated material upon which the silver inking connectors 370, 371 may be applied. In a preferred embodiment, the upper and lower parts of the flexible platforms 350U and 350L, respectively, are manufactured from portions of mylar, but other substances, such as rubber, plastics, or other electrically insulated materials, could also be used. As shown in Figure 7B, the electrodes 60 will have an orientation such as a chevron, shown generally by reference numeral 364. In this way, the therapeutic electrical signal 60 will be applied along a chevron pattern, similar to that as discussed above with respect to the apparatus 10. In other words, the electrodes 60 on the flexible platform 350 can be used in the same manner as the electrodes 60 on the apparatus 10 discussed above. Figure 8 shows the flexible platform 350 in the assembled position with the upper part 350U connected to the lower part 350L such as by gluing, laminating or otherwise connecting the upper part 350U to the lower part 350L. As illustrated in Figure 8, the silver inking connectors 370, 371 overlap, but are electrically insulated. For instance, if the silver inking connectors 370 are on the upper surface 361 of the upper part of the flexible platform 350L and the silver inking connectors 371 are on the lower surface 362 of the lower part of the flexible platform 350L, then the upper and lower parts 350U, 350L, respectively, of the flexible platform 350 will act as the electrical insulation. This is the case because the silver inking connectors 370 are on the upper surface 361 of the flexible platform 350 and the silver inking connectors 371 are on the lower surface 362 of the flexible platform 350 when the parts 350U, 350L are assembled. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the same effect could be obtained by having a flexible platform 350 manufactured from a single layer of mylar, or other electrically insulative substance with the silver inking connectors 370 on the upper surface 361 and the silver inking connectors 371 on the lower surface 362, rather than having two parts 350U, 350L connected together. As shown in Figure 8, the flexible platform 350 may also comprise a strap 410. The strap 410 can be integrally formed with the flexible platform 350. The strap 410 can be used to strap the flexible platform 350 to a region of the user, such as an arm or leg. The strap 410 may also be wrapped around the connector 316 to assist in holding the first end 419 of the second cable 314 to the cable 316. It is also understood that the flexible platform 350, with the present construction, will be relatively light. An advantage of this is that the flexible platform 350 can be easily held in place to a region of the user, such as the user's lower back, with or without a strap 410. In a further preferred embodiment, the electrodes 60 have an electroconductive substance, shown generally by reference numeral 400 in Figure 8, which increases the electroconductivity of the electrodes 60 to the skin of the user. The electroconductive substance 400 can be any substance which performs this function, but in a preferred embodiment, the electroconductive substance 400 also has adhesive qualities which can assist in keeping the flexible platform 350, which may have relatively little mass, in place on a surface of the user. The electroconductive substance 400 can also assist in keeping individual electrodes 60 in contact with the surface of the user. It is understood that while the electroconductive substance 400 is shown as covering only four electrodes 60 in Figure 8, preferably, the electroconductive substance 400 would be applied to all of the electrodes 60. While there are a number of electroconductive substances 400 which may be used, it has been found that Hydragel (trade mark) manufactured by Hydramar has worked well in experiments. In particular, the Hydragel electroconductive substance 400 increases the electric conductivity of the electrical therapeutic signals from the electrodes 60 to the skin of the user, and also, has sufficient adhesive quality to maintain the flexible platform 350 to the surface of the user. After a number of uses, however, the electroconductive substance 400 will lose its electroconductive qualities, and may also lose its adhesive qualities. In this case, the flexible platform 3-50 may simply be replaced with a new electroconductive substance 400 having the electroconductive substance 400 applied thereon. In the alternative, the flexible platform 350 may be recycled, such as by being cleaned and a fresh electroconductive substance 400 being applied onto the electrodes 60. It is clear that the therapeutic electrical signals will have any type of voltage or current required to produce a therapeutic effect as persons skilled in the art may select. More particularly, while the present invention has been described with respect to therapeutic electrical signals having a base wave b w of a particular voltage, it is understood that the present invention is not limited to therapeutic electrical signals having this particular voltage, but rather would include any voltage that would produce therapeutic effects . In addition, the present invention may be used for different types of therapies, including relief of pain, relief of stress, electronic acupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) , and, the precise voltage and current of the base wave b w of the therapeutic electrical signals for each of these therapies may differ. Preferably, an electroconductive cream, as is known in the art, should preferably be applied to the surface of the user to improve the electrical contact between the plurality of electrodes 60 and the user, thereby decreasing contact resistance. In addition, while the present invention has been described with respect to three types of therapeutic electrical signals, tes a , tes t ,, tes c , it is understood that the invention is not restricted to these particular three types of therapeutic electrical signals. While these three types of therapeutic electrical signals tes a , tes , tes c have been found to be preferred therapeutic electrical signals, other types of therapeutic electrical signals may also be used in the predetermined pattern of this invention. It will be understood that, although various features of the invention have been described with respect to one or another of the embodiments of the invention, the various features and embodiments of the invention may be combined or used in conjunction with other features and embodiments of the invention as described and illustrated herein. Although this disclosure has described and illustrated certain preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not restricted to these particular embodiments. Rather, the invention includes all embodiments which are functional, mechanical or electrical equivalents of the specific embodiments and features that have been described and illustrated herein.

Claims: The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows : 1. An apparatus for providing therapeutic electrical signals, said apparatus comprising: a signal generator for generating the therapeutic electrical signal; a plurality of sets of electrodes, each set of electrodes comprising at least two electrodes for applying the therapeutic electrical signal to a user; and a switching unit for selectively switching the therapeutic electrical signal to each set of electrodes in a predetermined pattern. 2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 further comprising: a platform upon which the plurality of sets of electrodes is arranged; and wherein the platform permits the electrodes to substantially conform to a surface of the user, such that the electrodes of the plurality of sets of electrodes are in substantial electrical contact with a surface of the user. 3. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the predetermined pattern sequentially sends the therapeutic electrical signal in a first direction consecutively to each set of electrodes. 4. The apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein the predetermined pattern sends the therapeutic electrical signal consecutively to each set of electrodes commencing with a first set of electrodes near a first end of the apparatus and ending at a last set of electrodes near a second end of the apparatus; and wherein the switch will switch the therapeutic electrical signal to a next set of electrodes in the predetermined pattern within 0.5 to 2 seconds. 5. The apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein the signal generator generates more than one type of therapeutic electrical signal; and wherein the switching unit selectively switches different types of therapeutic electrical signals to each set of electrodes in a predetermined pattern. 6. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the predetermined pattern sequentially sends the electrical therapeutic signal consecutively commencing with a first set of electrodes near a first end of the apparatus and ending at a second set of electrodes near a second end of the apparatus and then consecutively commencing with a third set of electrodes at the second end to a fourth set of electrodes at the first end; and wherein the sets of electrodes in the first direction differ from the sets of electrodes in the second direction. 7. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the sets of electrodes comprise at least three electrodes arranged in a substantially chevron pattern with at least a centre electrode and at least two side electrodes; and wherein the centre electrode has a potential opposite to the side electrodes when the therapeutic electrical signal is applied. 8. The apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein the predetermined pattern comprises a first type of therapeutic electrical signal and a second type of therapeutic electrical signal, said first type of therapeutic electrical signal comprising a base wave applied at a first frequency and said second type of therapeutic electrical signal comprising the base wave applied at a second frequency where the first frequency differs from the second frequency. 9. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the therapeutic electrical signals are used in therapy selected from a group of therapies consisting of relief of pain, relief of stress, electronic acupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) . 10. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the therapeutic electrical signals comprise a base wave having a frequency between 150 KHz to 180 KHz, said base wave being applied at a frequency of between about 2 to 100 times in a second. 11. The apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein the switching unit will switch the therapeutic electrical signal to a next set of electrodes within 0.5 to 2 seconds . 12. The apparatus as defined in claim 11 wherein the base wave of the therapeutic electrical signals decreases from a maximum to a minimum within about 0.2 to 0.01 microseconds; and wherein an integral against time of the base wave of the therapeutic electric signals over a complete cycle is substantially zero. 13. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the signal generator generates different types of therapeutic electrical signals by applying a base wave having a frequency between 150 KHz to 180 KHz at differing durations and at differing frequencies between 2 Hz to 100 Hz; and wherein the switching unit selectively switches different types of therapeutic electrical signals to each set of electrodes in a predetermined pattern. 14. A method for providing therapeutic electrical signals, said method comprising the steps of: a) generating a therapeutic electrical signal; b) providing a plurality of sets of electrodes, each set of electrodes comprising at least two electrodes for applying the therapeutic electrical signal to a user; and c) selectively switching the therapeutic electrical signal to each set of electrodes of the plurality of sets of electrodes in a predetermined pattern. 15. The method as defined in claim 14 further comprising the step of: bl) providing the plurality of sets of electrodes on a platform that permits the electrodes to substantially conform to a surface of the user so that substantially all of the electrodes of the plurality of electrodes is in electrical contact with the surface of the user. 16. The method as defined in claim 15 further comprising the step of: cl) selectively switching the therapeutic electrical signal to each set of electrodes consecutively commencing with a first set of electrodes near a first end of the platform and ending at a last set of electrodes at a second end of the platform. 17. The method as defined in claim 14 further comprising the step of: b3) providing each set of electrodes with at least three electrodes arranged in a substantially chevron pattern having a centre electrode and at least two side electrodes. 18. The method as defined in claim 14 wherein the therapeutic electrical signals comprise a base wave having a frequency between 150 KHz to 180 KHz, said base wave being applied at a frequency of between about 2 to 100 times in a second. 19. The method as defined in claim 18, further comprising the step of: c2) selectively switching the therapeutic electrical signal to each set of electrodes in intervals of between 0.5 and 2 seconds. 20. The method as defined in claim 19 wherein the base wave of the therapeutic electrical signal decreases from a maximum to a minimum within about 0.1 to 0.01 microseconds . 21. The method as defined in claim 20 wherein an integral against time of the base wave of the therapeutic electric signals over a complete cycle is substantially zero. 22. The method as defined in claim 14 further comprising the steps of: al) generating different types of therapeutic electrical signals by generating a base wave having a frequency between 150 KHz and 180 KHz and applying the base wave for differing durations and at different frequencies between 2 Hz to 100 Hz; and cl) selectively switching different types of therapeutic electrical signals to each set of electrodes in a predetermined pattern. 23. An apparatus for providing therapeutic electrical signals, said apparatus comprising: signal generation means for generating the therapeutic electrical signal; a plurality of sets of electrodes, each set of electrodes comprising at least two electrodes for applying the therapeutic electrical signal to a user; switching means for selectively switching the therapeutic electrical signals to each set of electrodes of the plurality of sets of electrodes in a predetermined pattern. 24 . The apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein the platform upon which the electrodes are arranged is flexible; and wherein the flexible platform can substantially conform to the region of the user such that the electrodes of the plurality of sets of electrodes are in substantial electrical contact with the surface of the user. 25. The apparatus as defined in claim 24 further comprising: a housing for containing the signal generator and switching unit; an electrical connection from the housing to the flexible platform for sending the therapeutic electrical signal from the housing to the flexible platform located on the surface of the user. 26. The apparatus as defined in claim 25 wherein the electrical connection comprises a connector capable of releasably electrically connecting the signal generator in the housing with the electrodes on the flexible platform. 27. The apparatus as defined in claim 26 wherein the connector is electrically connected to the signal generator in the housing and can interchangeably releasably connect other electrodes of other flexible platforms to the signal generator. 28. The apparatus as defined in claim 26 wherein the connector is electrically connected to the signal generator in the housing; and wherein the flexible platform is disposable such that, after a number of uses, the flexible platform can be electrically disconnected from the connector and the connector is capable of releasably electrically connecting the signal generator to the electrodes of another flexible platform. 29. The apparatus as defined in claims 24 to 28 wherein an electroconductive substance having an adhesive quality can be applied to the electrodes to improve electrical contact between the electrodes and the surface of the user and assists in maintaining the flexible platform in place on the surface of the user. 30. The apparatus as defined in claim 24 wherein the flexible platform comprises a first surface containing first electrical conductors connected to a first group of the plurality of electrodes and a second surface containing second electrical conductors electrically connected to a second group of the plurality of electrodes; and wherein the first electrical conductors and the first group of electrodes are electrically insulated from the second electrical conductors and the second group of electrodes.

Inventors: SHLOZNIKOV BORIS, SHLOZNIKOV, BORIS
Applicants: REFILAMA LTD, SHLOZNIKOV BORIS, REFILAMA LIMITED, SHLOZNIKOV, BORIS
Application year: 2001
Main classification: A61N1
IPC codes: A61H39, A61N1