Abstract:
A PEMF web using immersive, flux-guided, micro-coils to direct intense, deeply penetrating, magnetic flux into a subject from each micro-coil capable of pointing in an arbitrary direction. Micro-coils are spooled around iron cores, insulated properly, and soldered to connecting wires, all embedded in a polymeric resin, such as cold-cured silicone resin. Nodes protect, enclose, insulate electrically, and otherwise protect the micro-coils. Connectors between nodes provide mechanical stability against breaking of wires, while permitting folding, bending, buckling, and otherwise deflecting to position the nodes as desired with three degrees of freedom.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) and, more particularly, to novel systems and methods for configuring magnetic coils, a matrix for those coils, and flux guiding by using iron-core magnets. 
     2. Background Art 
     Bones represent a curious structure, often referred to in the prior art as “not well understood.” In space, such as during missions to the moon, extended orbits, work within a space station, normal loading (forces) is absent. Likewise, during healing of a broken arm or leg immobilized in a cast for typically six weeks or more, and the like, bone and soft tissue are lost. In these situations, people of science have studied the loss of cellular mass. The lack of exercise appears to relate to the loss of muscle and bone mass. For example, soft tissue, like muscle, atrophies without the stress of use. Mass loss is marked after a period of weightlessness, inactivity, non-weight bearing, immobility, or the like. Inactivity also exacerbates certain diseases, like arthritis. Moreover, bone mass may be lost at a greater rate in the absence of exercise then it can typically be regained upon resumption of exercise. 
     What is needed is an apparatus and method to apply exercise to a bone structure, soft tissues, or both that may be immobilized or subject to atrophy as a result of casting, traction, immobilization, malnourishment, diabetic or other circulation limitations, aging, or the like. Thus, what is needed is a system and method for applying this information into therapies and devices suitable for use in mammals, including persons, their pets, or both. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing, in accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, a method and apparatus are disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention as including a web that frees up a group of micro-coil, electromagnetic, devices to be positioned in a conformal shape suitable for surrounding an appendage, conforming to any part of the body, use in a bed, inclusion in a pad or blanket, or the like. 
     It has been found recently that application of PEMF systems in accordance with the invention are not only effective for maintaining bone density, assisting in non-joinder fracture recovery, and so forth with additional benefits. For example, it has been found that the use of PEMF systems in accordance with Applicants&#39; inventions, after extensive periods of immobility and non-weight-bearing conditions required for bone healing, renders the typical muscular atrophy absent. After being cast for over six weeks, soft tissue tone and mass has been indistinguishable from that of the opposite, unaffected appendage. 
     Many advantages have been found for a new configuration of matrix for holding coils, and the use of iron-cored micro-coils. For example, the system may be placed in any arbitrary shape, providing three degrees of freedom for arrangement of the direction and the position of various micro-coil based electromagnets. The web is made of nodes connected by various connectors. 
     The connectors provide mechanical connection between the nodes. They also embed therewithin electrical connections. Iron cores provide greater magnetic power to the micro-coil magnets. One benefit of the molded, flexible, sparse web is a prevention of damage to connecting wires, by several mechanisms. 
     For example, one method relies on open molding or casting the connectors. They may be from about half a centimeter to about one and one half centimeters in effective diameter. A target range is about one centimeter in effective diameter. The embedded wires therein are automatically radiused in bending to prevent kinking, high stress, and other factors that tend to break wires. Moreover, the wires are stranded, thus becoming much more flexible. Typically, stranded wires of about 22 gauge have been found suitable, and are used with conventional plastic insulation. 
     Likewise, the entire circuit is thereby embedded within the web in order to power a group of from about 15 to about 60 or more nodes containing electromagnetic micro-coils. Typically, a number of nodes on the order of from about 10 to about 60 micro-coils in a web has been found suitable. The web may be rolled, folded, or the like for storage. Connectors are very flexible. Meanwhile, the web may be wrapped, distorted, secured, positioned, or otherwise located such that the individual micro-coils are directed at a particular bodily member from several directions. 
     In certain presently contemplated embodiments, all the micro-coils are connected in a single, series circuit. In this way, a controller simply controls one circuit, and all magnets are cycled with pulsed electromagnetic forces being generated simultaneously. However, since they are at a significant distance from one another, and having iron cores as flux guides, their electromagnetic field or force tends to be concentrated and directed. It saturates through the bodily member at which the particular core and associated micro-coil are directed. 
     Interference of coils with one another is not a significant difficulty. This is in contrast to prior attempts where no iron cores are used, large flat “mats” or “race tracks” of coils are used, and so forth. Thus, in general, PEMF systems typically will rely on large expanses with the lines of magnetic flux passing through the coils and immediately distributing out and away from each other and the central region of the coil. 
     In contrast, apparatus and methods in accordance with the invention concentrate flux in iron cores (inside micro-coils) that are then able to direct and project those electromagnetic fields well into the treated tissues. 
     The several micro-coils within a web may be arranged in an arbitrary orientation in multiple directions, including all three degrees of freedom. Moreover, various micro-coils may be simultaneously and arbitrarily aimed by positioning the flux directors, which direct flux perpendicular to the flat face of a node (appearing something like a small hockey puck) at the junction of associated connectors. 
     Mechanically, the web has a certain selective stability. In one embodiment, the web may be formed of triangles in order to position the micro-coils inside a more-or-less hexagonal perimeter. Individual nodes may be connected to other nodes by connectors, which may be easily folded, distorted, or otherwise buckled in bending, compression, or both in order to move them about. 
     Meanwhile, the cross-section of each of the connectors is selected to support tension at a value sufficient that the wires are not stretched. Thus, a certain amount of selective stability is provided wherein the web may be concentrated, folded, bent, and wrapped, but not stretched appreciably. The result is an immersive, flux-guided, system of micro-coils suitable for pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is top perspective view of one embodiment of a PEMF web system in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a bottom perspective view thereof; 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view thereof; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom plan view thereof; 
         FIG. 5  is a front elevation view thereof; 
         FIG. 6  is a rear elevation view thereof; 
         FIG. 7  is a right side elevation view thereof; 
         FIG. 8  is a left side elevation view thereof; 
         FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of an extended embodiment thereof; 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom perspective view thereof; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a PEMF web system, in accordance with the invention, wrapped around an appendage of a user; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a spool and core for receiving wire turns to form a micro-coil electromagnet; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a completed micro-coil; 
         FIG. 14  is a partially-cut-away, detailed, perspective view of the embedment of a micro-coil within a node of one embodiment of a PEMF web in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 15  is an end, elevation, cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a connector connected to a node, and embedding a wire there within; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view thereof, representing a segment of a web; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of one embodiment of a mold for cold molding a web in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a controller with various connectors, lines, and switches in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a switch capable of detecting the presence of a user, and operating the system in response to that presence; 
         FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment thereof; 
         FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment thereof; 
         FIG. 22  is a cut away, cross-sectional, exploded view of a portion of a bedding system having a web in accordance with the invention incorporated there within; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of several components of a web PEMF system in accordance with the invention lying on a pet bed into which they may be embedded, thus showing their comparative sizes and configurations; and 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of a pet on the pet bed of  FIG. 21 , having the web system embedded there within. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the drawings herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the system and method of the present invention, as represented in the drawings, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of various embodiments of the invention. The illustrated embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , and to  FIGS. 1 through 24  generally, a system  10  in accordance with the invention may typically include a web  12 . The web  12  may be comprised of both mechanical components and electrical components. Typically, a power subsystem  14  or power system  14  will provide electrical energy to activate the web  12 . Also, a cover system  16  (see  FIGS. 22 through 24 ) as well as other padding, or the like may be used to render a user more comfortable, hide the web  12 , or the like. Nevertheless, the web  12  may be used directly, and without any type of cover system  16  as seen in  FIG. 1 . 
     In general, a web  12  is formed of nodes  20 . In the illustrated embodiments of  FIGS. 1 through 17 , the nodes  20  are comparatively short, right, circular cylinders appearing something like a puck  20 . Individual nodes  20  are connected by connectors  22  or links  22 , that operate as appendages, arms, legs  22  making both mechanical connections and electrical connections. As a practical matter, in certain presently contemplated embodiments, the nodes  20  and connectors  22 , as to their mechanical component, may be molded from a resin simultaneously. As discussed hereinbelow, molding at ambient conditions, using a room-temperature-vulcanizing, silicone rubber is one suitable manufacturing process. 
     Meanwhile, the power subsystem  14  includes, among other components, a cord system  24 . The cord system  24  may include a jack  26  or socket  26  in a node  20  of the web  12 . A plug  28  or plug portion  28  may be inserted therein to effect electrical connection. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 10 , one will note that the web  12  is constituted by nodes  20 , which may be in any suitable pattern. For example, the perimeter is typically hexagonal in the illustrated embodiments, with constituent triangles forming the overall matrix  12  or web  12 . On the other hand, a rectangular arrangement is also possible. For example, the entire grid may be based on rectangles, rendering the overall perimeter rectangular. Accordingly, a Cartesian grid of nodes  20  interconnected by intermediate links  22  or legs  22  may contain the electrical components all electrically interconnected, dielectrically insulated, and mechanically protected by the nodes  20  and connectors  22 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , a web  12  in accordance with the invention may be wrapped around an appendage, such as a leg, arm, or head. Likewise, a particular area such as a knee, ankle, foot, shoulder, or the like may be wrapped with the web  12 . Due to the mechanical connection of the nodes  20  by the links  22  or legs  22 , all formed of an elastomeric resin, the web  12  may be highly flexible, without damage to intervening or contained electrical connectors. Thus, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the nodes  20  may be placed flat against the surface of the appendage in order to direct electromagnetic flux through the faces (e.g. flat faces) of the cylindrical nodes  20 . One will note that the nodes  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c , in particular, actually are at approximately mutually orthogonal angles with respect to one another. 
     In this way, a region of a body or a bodily member may be bombarded by pulsed electromagnetic fields (sometimes referred to as electromagnetic forces) from several directions, and at varying intensities, based on the flux densities and the proximity of a node  20 . Nevertheless, as illustrated in the upper leg portion of the web  12  of  FIG. 11 , several nodes  20  (for example,  20   a ,  20   b , and others) are directing pulsed fields electromagnetic from different angles into the same region of space within the appendage. 
     Likewise, one will note that the various runners  22 , legs  22 , or connectors  22  are in various states of distortion. For example, on the one hand, certain of the connectors  22  wrap conformally around the appendage, effectively using the entire length of the connector  22 . Other connectors  22  are bent, buckled, folded, and the like, in order to effect the position and wrapping of the web  12  about the appendage. 
     Because of the lack of intervening material (mechanical uncoupling in two dimensions), of either electrical connection, mechanical connection, or both, the web  12 , in accordance with the invention, is well adapted to conformal shaping around the user. In contrast to prior art devices, such as chairs, mats, and the like, having mechanical structure incapable of such arbitrary, conformal shaping, are considerably more limited. 
     Moreover, due to the solid core construction of the nodes  20 , as discussed hereinbelow, flux intensities are greater, penetration distances are greater, and immersion is much more complete. Also, the multiplicity of the nodes  20  as well as their compactness and intensity provide substantially more directed, more intense, if desired, and more penetrating, pulsed, electromagnetic forces. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12 through 14 , each of the nodes  20  may form a source  30  of pulsed electromagnetic fields and corresponding force. U.S. Pat. No. 8,439,816 is incorporated herein by reference, and describes in detail various mechanisms for manufacturing, assembling, and using electromagnetic sources  30 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, each of the nodes  20  may include a spool  32  embedded therein. Prior to being embedded in the resin, such as the RTV silicone resin mentioned hereinabove, the spool  32  may have wrapped around its barrel  34  or drum  34  an electrical conductor to form an electromagnet. Meanwhile, the inside aperture  35 ; the drum  34  of the spool  32  may hold an iron core for such a magnet. A flange  36  on each end of the drum  34  provides containment of wire turns. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, wraps or turns of wire may be laid around the outer surface  27  of the barrel  34 , and be contained on each end thereof by the flanges  36 . Upon achieving the proper number of turns, wire may be passed through an aperture  38  or notch  38  that operates as a holder  38  to maintain tension and stability of the turns on the spool  32 . 
     A core  40  formed of suitable iron may fit within the aperture  35  through the drum  34 . This core  40  operates as a flux director  40  or a flux guide  40 . It concentrates flux lines preferentially, compared to air or other media. 
     For example, electromagnetic flux lines passing through a coil of wire immediately begin to repel one another, and typically wrap back out and around the coil that generated them. Thus, with distance, and particularly along a center line normal to such a coil (e.g., along the central axis running perpendicularly through such a coil), magnetic flux attenuates rapidly and disperses radially away therefrom. 
     In contrast, an iron core  40  attracts, collects, and concentrates all flux lines through it and provides them direction and intensity normal to the face (end face) of the spool  32  and core  40 . Thus, flux density is increased, penetration distance is increased, magnetic and the field from the source  30  is generally more intense, localized, and effective. 
     Typically, the drum  34  is wrapped with wire  42 , which will act as magnet wire  42 . In the illustrated embodiment, it has been found suitable to provide from about 20 to about 200 turns with a target of about 93 turns of wire  42  on each spool  32 . The spools  32  are approximately 2 to 3 centimeters in diameter across the flanges  36 . Meanwhile, the drum  34  is less than a centimeter long, and typically closer to half a centimeter long. Thus, wire gauges on the order of  40  have been found suitable for wrapping around the spools  32 . 
     At each end  44 , the wire  42  is stripped of insulation. Typically, the wire  42  will be coated with a specific, flexible, insulating coating that acts like a dielectric varnish or shellac. Thus, this insulating coating may be stripped from a portion of each end  44  in order to render each spool  32  a separate unit. This has been found more suitable than a process of making all the spools  32  interconnected by the magnet wire  42 , itself running between spools  32 . 
     Instead, the ends  44  are bonded to wires  46  formed in comparatively shorter lengths embedded within each of the connectors  22  of the web  12  and matching the lengths thereof. For example, each of the ends  48  of each segment  46  or leg of wire  46  will typically be stripped of insulation. In the illustrated embodiment, the wires  46  are coated with a standard plastic insulated coating. That insulated coating may be stripped from the wire  46  along a suitable distance in order to expose the bare ends  48 . 
     Accordingly, the ends  44 ,  48  may be soldered together. As noted above, the notches  38 , acting as holders  38 , may each receive an end  44  of the magnet wire  42 . Typically, these ends  44  may simply be drawn from the coil  50 , wrapped around the drum  34  of the spool  32 , and wedged into the appropriate notch  38 . Thereafter, the end  44  may be bent flat against the flange  36  in preparation for soldering to the end  48  of the respective wire  46  that will interconnect that particular node  20  to its adjacent nodes  20 . 
     Inasmuch as each node  20  may easily be connected in series in the currently contemplated embodiment illustrated, each coil  50  need only connect to two connecting wires  46 . In other embodiments, also possible, multiple wires  46  may pass along the connectors  22 . Thus, it is possible to make a parallel connection or even independent operation of each coil  50 . However, in the illustrated embodiment, it has been found completely suitable to connect each of the coils  50  of an entire web  12  in series. Thus, all of the coils  50  with their cores  40  are activated at once according to the programmed activation. Again, reference to the documents incorporated herein by reference will provide various ranges of power, duty cycles, and so forth. 
     One will note that a cover  52  operates as an insulating plate  52  to prevent electrical contact between any of the ends  44 ,  48  and the iron core  40 . In one presently contemplated embodiment, the cover plate  52  may simply be a paper or plastic layer provided with a suitable adhesive on one side. Thus, the cover  52  adheres to a flange  36  having the notches  38 . In certain embodiments, both flanges  36  on each spool  32  may be provided with a pair of notches  38 . Thus, there is no orientation requirement for the spool  32 . That is, the spools  32  may be laid with either flange  36  up, and still receive the ends  44  of the magnet wire  42 . 
     The cover  52 , having a suitable adhesive may also provide a temporary connector to secure the core  40  inside the drum  34 . The cover  52  prevents the drum  34  from passing beyond the cover  52 , and the adhesive on the cover  52  provides adhesion to keep the core  40  lodged against the cover  52 . Eventually, the casting of the web  12  embedding the spools  32  with their wires  42  and connectors  46  in the nodes  20  and connectors  22  of the web  12  will render unnecessary the adhesive nature of the cover  52 . However, the insulating nature of the cover  52  is still important. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , a cut-away view of a coil  50  wrapped about a spool  32  inside a node  20  demonstrates one reason for the sizing of the nodes  20 . However, another purpose in sizing the nodes  20 , in addition to containing and covering the spools  32  and coils  50  with their connections to the wires  42 ,  46  is to provide the proper aspect ratio between the height and diameter of each of the cylindrical nodes  20 . Thus, each of the “pucks”  20  becomes a medallion  20  that may be placed flat against the surface of a treated member. Also, the aspect ratio of height to diameter provides stability in such situations or when used in a mat, bedding, or the like. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , one may see the wire  46  with its central conductor  47  covered by an insulating layer  45 . In general, the connector  22  is substantially larger than the wire  46 . Thus, the connector  22  or the resin of the connector  22  that becomes a flexible, preferably elastomeric, polymeric jacket  22  provides a substantial radius any time the connector  22  is bent along its length. Thus, the wire  46  does not undergo significant risk of damage. 
     For example, if the conductor  47  were solid, then the wire  46  might break after several cycles of bending. However, if the conductor  47  is stranded, the more finely the better, as a bundle of comparatively thin strands together, then the wire  46  becomes much more flexible. It undergoes much less strain (i.e. engineering definition), and so can undertake numerous, hundreds, or even thousands of cycles of bending, without undue distortion, yielding, hardening, or breakage. 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , in one presently contemplated embodiment, the legs  22  or connectors  22  between nodes  20  have a flat upper surface  49 . This stands in contradistinction to the curved lower surface  51 . It has been found that molding is much more effective, rapid, and aesthetically pleasing if bubbles and other sources of inclusions are eliminated. 
     Thus, as will be described hereinbelow, a poured web  12  has been found suitable and results in the flat upper surface  49  in one presently contemplated process. That is, for example, by leaving the mold open, so that air bubbles and the like may freely exit the uncured resin, a better quality web  12  may be cast. Thus, it has been found preferable to pour into an open mold, rather than relying on closed mold technologies. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , in certain embodiments of apparatus and methods for fabricating the system  10  in accordance with the invention, a process  53  may include mounting on a substrate  57  a system forming a cavity  56  having an open top  57  and a floor  58 . The open top  57  is responsible for receiving the material that will fill the cavity  56  of the mold  60 . Likewise, the open top  57  is responsible to evacuate or carry away any bubbles, outgassing, and the like that may result from the molding process  53 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the substrate  54  or base  54  supporting the mold  60  may be fixed or movable. In certain embodiments, the base  54  or substrate  54  may actually be a table equipped to vibrate, shake, move, or otherwise provide vertical actuation  62 , horizontal actuation  64 , or both. 
     For example, vibrating will typically shift heavier materials downward in the presence of lighter materials. This means bubbles of gas will typically shift higher while molecules of resin shift lower in the cavity  56  of the mold  60 . Settling occurs for multiple reasons, but actuation  62 ,  64  assists by causing momentum transfers resulting in movement, promoting rising of gas bubbles or air bubbles from entrapment through the molded product  20 ,  20  into the surrounding air. 
     The upper surface  66  of the poured resin filling the cavity  56  of the mold  60  will typically be approximately flat. Some shrinkage or the like may cause a shape other than an exactly flat top surface  66  or upper surface  66 . However, as a practical matter, it has been found an improved process  53  to leave the open top  57 , allowing gases to escape. This provides a better result than does injection or other introduction of the resin into the cavity  56  with simultaneous or subsequent extraction of gas in the cavity  56 . 
     Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the floor  58  of the cavity  56  may be machined out, molded, or otherwise formed to have various depths  68   a ,  68   b . For example, the wire  46  needs comparatively little depth  68   b . It merely needs sufficient distance  68   d  between the upper surface  66 , and the floor  58  under the connector  22 . 
     In contrast, the depth  68   a  for the node  20  requires accommodation of an entire spool  32  with its coil  50  and the connections of the ends  44 ,  48  of the respective wires  42 ,  46 . Typically, the upper surface  66  will be at the same level for both the nodes  20  and the connectors  22  or runners  22  therebetween. In contrast, the particular level of the floor  58  may vary according to the designs of various components  20 ,  22 . 
     Ultimately, the full depth  68   c  of the mold  60  will include additional material to provide a thicker wall for purposes of mechanical strength, cooling, possibly, in cases of hot materials, or the like. However, in certain embodiments, the mold  60  need not tolerate a significant amount of heat either for cure or for the heat of reaction of a resin forming the nodes  20  and runners  22 . 
     Rather, certain polymers, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like may be suitable. Thus, not needing the mass of steel, the wear resistance of steel, nor the high heat transfer capability of aluminum, an operator of the process  53  may use various modest temperature (close to ambient conditions) and pressures (virtually no difference from the bias of ambient pressure) in order to cast or otherwise mold the webs  12 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , in one embodiment of an apparatus and method in accordance with the invention, a controller  70  may include tactile buttons  72  for interaction with a user. Whether the buttons  72  constitute an entire keyboard, a plurality of buttons  72 , or a single button  72 , some interaction with a user will typically be required. Accordingly, the controller  70  may be provided with computerized access, keyboard access, flash drive access, or the like. 
     However, in the illustrated embodiment, buttons  72  serve to actuate the processes of the controller  70 . A microprocessor, computer, or the like may be embedded within the controller  70 , resulting in inputs from a user by way of the buttons  72 , by another computer, or both. Any output or visible information may be presented in a window  74  or a display  74 . Other features  76  may include meters, read-outs, displays, logos, instructions, warnings, or the like. 
     Typically, within a housing  78  of a controller  70  will be contained electrical power equipment. It may power the electronic functions of the controller  70  as well as logic, a circuit board, micro processor chips, or the like. Microprocessor-based controllers  70  are known in the art and have been described in literature incorporated herein by reference. 
     Various mechanisms may constitute a switch  80 . It has been found suitable to use a snap switch that may also be referred to as a distributed switch  80 , ribbon switch  80 , or tape switch  80 . This will be described hereinbelow in somewhat more detail. Meanwhile, a cable  82 , constituting an electrical conductor  82  may pass from the controller  70  to the switch  80  providing for automatic on and off functionality for the system  10 , in the presence or absence of a subject (e.g., pet, person, etc.) lying on the switch  80 . Meanwhile, another cable  84  may be provided with a plug  85  that makes an electrical connection with the circuit within the web  12 . 
     Likewise, wall power (power from an electrical outlet) may be received by the controller  70  for distribution to the switch  80  and to the web  12  through the line  84 . Accordingly, a line  86  or electrical cord  86 , may be constituted by a common cable  86  carrying conductors from a plug  87  connected to standard wall current. In operation, the controller  76  may receive all power from the line  86 , and may include power supplies, power management circuitry, and the like as known in the art. Accordingly, power from the line  86  powers the controllers  70 , as well as the web  12  by way of the line  84  and plug  85 . 
     The switch  80  is a somewhat different matter in that the switch  80  consumes only trivial amounts of power, and only as losses. The functioning of the switch  80  is simply to determine occurrences of a displacement, distortion, deflection, or the like of the switch  80 . Deflection indicates the presence of the user. A resulting “snap” bend thereby closes the switch  80  or triggers the switch  80  to make a closed circuit which is indicated to the controller  70 . 
     In some embodiments, the switch  80  may actually carry the power that eventually is passed by the line  84  to the web  12 . In other embodiments, the switch  80  simply needs to provide a closed circuit, which may be detected by a voltage, current flow, or the like by some element within the controller  70 . Thus, the switch  80  need not carry any significant “power” on the order of actual power usage through the line  84  by the web  12 . 
     The switch  80  may be in the circuit of the line  84 , or may not be. However, in currently contemplated embodiments, the voltage across the plug  87 , and thus carried by the line  86  is that of wall power. Accordingly, a power supply embedded within the controller  70  modifies and manages the power, voltage, and current in order to provide a comparatively low voltage, on the order of single digits or tens of volts. 
     Typically, voltages above about 15 to 20 volts would be uncommon. This is in contrast to the 110 to 120 volts of wall power. Similarly, the switch  80  may be a comparatively low voltage (on the order of 5 to 15 volts, typical of electronics, and only milliamps of current or less. 
     Referring to  FIG. 19 , while referring generally to  FIGS. 19 through 21 , and more generally to  FIGS. 1 through 24 , in certain embodiments, a switch  80  may be embedded within a cover  88  or housing  88 . The housing  88  or cover  88  may be formed of plastic, bonded plastic components, or an extruded plastic tube. It may be a fabric sleeve, a sleeve formed of multiple pieces of fabric bonded together, sewn together, or otherwise connected. It may be a simple piece of fabric wrapped and sewn into a tubular cross-section suitable to enclose the operating components of the switch  80 . 
     In the illustrated embodiments of  FIGS. 19 through 21 , a cover encloses a first conductor  90  and a second conductor  92 . Between these two conductors  90 ,  92  is placed periodically an insulator  94 . The insulator  94  will typically be configured in segments. The insulator  94  or spacer  94  maintains apart the conductor  90  from the conductor  92 . Together, contact between the conductors  90 ,  92  will pass electrical current, however large or small. It will show a closed circuit, rather than an open circuit otherwise maintained by the spacer  94  or insulator  94 . 
     Typically, the insulator  94  is formed of a dielectric material, such as plastic, a tape, or the like. In certain embodiments, the insulator  94  may simply be a dielectric tape manufactured to match or exceed the width of each of the conductors  90 ,  92 . It may be cut into segments that provide anywhere from about 20 to about 80 percent open space between the conductors  90 ,  92 . 
     For example, in one currently contemplated embodiment, a width of about 13 millimeters for the conductors  90 ,  92  has been found suitable, with a spacer  94  acting as an insulator  94  of the same width. However, it has been found that making the insulator  94  in small squares, one may place the segments  94  at a distance of several lengths apart. Thus, the bending of the switch  80  results in a ready contact between the conductors  90 ,  92  at some point along the length thereof intermediate adjacent insulators  94 . 
     As a mechanical operation, the switch  80  may include the conductors  90 ,  92  formed of copper, or formed of a copper-coated metal, such as steel. Thus, the conductors  90 ,  92  may actually operate as springs, and specifically as “tape” springs that have a tendency to maintain a curvature, operating very much like the blade of a tape measure. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, in order to make the electrical contacts between the conductors  90 ,  92 , the conductors  90 ,  92  and the spacers  94  need to all be formed to be concave in the same direction. Thus, another equilibrator  96  may be formed and positioned to operate in an opposite direction. 
     For example, in the illustrated cross-sectional views ( FIG. 19  having an exploded view as well as the end, cross-sectional view thereof), the stackup of components  88 ,  90 ,  92 ,  94 ,  96  is illustrated. Each of the conductors  90 ,  92 , as well as the equilibrator  96 , will preferentially kink (in bending along their length as a beam) in one direction over the other. The equilibrator  96  provides a counteracting force, tending to return to, and keep the conductors  90 ,  92  and the equilibrator  96  in, an equilibrium position, which is straight with only the natural curvature across the width. 
     In contrast, pressure applied at some point along the beam  80  that is the switch  80  will cause distortion, flattening out the curvature illustrated. Eventually, a pronounced bend or kink is caused by the elasticity and deflection of those elements  90 ,  92 ,  94 ,  96 . The equilibrator  96  provides sufficient force that will bias the switch  80  back to an open position and a straight position. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 19 through 21 , the embodiment of  FIG. 19  shows a cover  88  formed of two pieces having some fastener  98  or fastening  98  extending lengthwise therealong. This may be a heat seal, a seam, a weld, a glue line, or the like. Thus, according to the material from which the cover  88  is made, a particular fastener  98  or fastening mechanism  98  may be employed. 
     In contrast, the embodiment of  FIG. 20  involves a single wrap of material that is then bonded  98  or fastened  98  at the extremity  99  or edges  99  only where they join. Since the cover  88  constitutes a wrap around the internal components  90 ,  92 ,  94 ,  96 , only one line long the length of the switch  80  is required to be closed. 
     Referring to  FIG. 21 , it has been found advisable to maintain sufficient space within the housing  88  or cover  88  to permit free motion by the conductors  90 ,  92  and the equilibrator  96 . Thus, in the embodiment of  FIG. 21 , the housing  88  may be formed of a material such as an extruded plastic, rubber, a woven continuous sleeve  88 , or the like. 
     However, it has also been found that heat-shrunk tubing does not serve well for the cover  88 . Part of the “heat shrink” function is to bind bundles of wires or cables together by applying compression, corresponding to tension within the tubing itself. That tension applies forces that distort, deflect, or override the bias forces within the conductors  90 ,  92  and the equilibrator  96  in the neutral position. Accordingly, it has been found that interference by the housing  88  or cover  88  is problematic. Some slack must be accommodated. 
     Referring to  FIG. 22 , a web  12  may be embodied as part of a pet bed  100 , or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of a cross-section of one embodiment of such a pet bed  100  has a cover  102  that may circumnavigate the entire structure  100 . Typically, a layer  104  of foam, batting, or the like, such as a flexible elastomeric foam, or the like may be used to conform to the comparatively flexible cover  102 . 
     A web  12  may be embedded in the bulk padding  106  in the bed  100 . Many pet beds  100  are formed with a padding  106  constituted by shredded urethane or other elastomeric foam. This elastomeric foam in pieces readily forms recesses  108  to accommodate the web  12  embedded therein. In other embodiments, the web  12  may be accommodated by recesses  108  actually formed in a monolithic or otherwise molded foam pad  106 . It has been found that chopped foam as the bulk padding  106  seems to work well, and accommodates readily the increased stress caused locally within the padding  106  by the presence of the nodes  20 , runners  22  or connectors  22 , and so forth. Thus, it has not been found necessary to pre-form the recesses  108 . Instead, those recesses  108  are naturally formed by the weight of a body on the top of the cover  102 . 
     The direction  110  of the electromagnetic flux lines propagated through the cores  40  by the coils  50  in each of the nodes  20  passes directly across a comparatively short distance required to reach a user. Meanwhile, forces opposite the direction  110  of weight will tend to press the web  12  into the mat  106  or padding  106 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 23 , a system  10  is illustrated having a pet bed  100  into which is embedded a web  12  such as that shown (for comparison) on top of the bed  100 . In certain embodiments, the web  12  and the overall system  10  may actually be placed under a blanket on top of a pet bed  100 . However, it has been found suitable to build the web  12  into the pet bed  100 , and particularly inside the cover  102  in order to provide additional comfort. Meanwhile, the switch  80  over the web  12  detects deflection caused by the weight of a body resting thereon. This activates the switch  80 , closing its circuit, and notifying the controller  70  to operate the pulsed electromagnetic field according to a pre-programmed regimen. 
     Referring to  FIG. 24 , while continuing to refer generally to  FIGS. 1 through 24 , a pet using a pet bed  100  need not be aware of the web  12  with its electromagnetic pulse system. The pulse is assisting with cell regeneration of both soft and hard tissues, as well as other healthy conditions. 
     One will note that prior art attempts at using electromagnetic force or pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) have focused on large loops, mats that appear like old fashioned braided rag rugs in which a large oval is formed by sewing together thick cords of braided fabric material. As a practical matter, such systems often necessarily required stabilization or support by chairs, tables, other large structures, and so forth. Each of such systems relied on several loops arranged in a large flat more-or-less planar “rug” of loops. 
     In contrast, a system and method in accordance with the invention produce substantial benefits in a focused approach. They also employ a more narrowly focused and directed PEMF generator  30  or source  30 . For example, micro-coils  50  in accordance with the invention have a diameter less than 2 inches, and may often have a diameter less than an inch. Moreover, their thickness may be less than a centimeter, and may be half a centimeter or less. Likewise, rather than applying a PEMF pulse over a long period of time, duty cycles may be on the order of about 10 percent. 
     In experiments it has been found that a PEMF treatment lasting more than a total of two hours per day of actual application of pulses is sufficient to meet the maximum benefit. Continued exposure over a cumulative time greater than two hours has not proven effective. Instead, two modes may be used for applying the suitable duty cycle or total exposure time. 
     First, a duty cycle that turns the controller  70  on or provides through the controller  70  a series of pulsed PEMF wave forms may have a duty cycle of from about one to about one hundred percent. Typically, during a day, the controller  70  may be programmed to provide pulses over a time period that represents a specific fraction of the time that a user will spend exposed to the web  12 . 
     For example, if a user is sitting in an arm chair or other comfortable seating, for example, watching a movie or the like at home, then the user may desire to have the entire treatment completed within one two-hour block of time. Accordingly, the duty cycle of the controller  70  may be set for one hundred percent. Timers may be set to control the pulses to occur or present a treatment over a total of two hours at one hundred percent duty cycle. Such treatments are favored by active people who have specific treatment needs. 
     On the other hand, if a subject is to be exposed to the web  12  as part of bedding, such as in the pet bed  100 , or in a mat suitable for human use, then one may set the duty cycle to accumulate a total of two hours of exposure during the entire time of use. A user may have a twenty percent duty cycle operating throughout an eight hour night of sleep. This provides the maximum effective dosage of two hours total during a period of the eight hours of sleeping. 
     Likewise, a pet or human user may rely on a pre-programmed regimen controlled by the controller  70  and timing the use over a twenty four hour day. In such an event, the switch  80  may be used to detect the presence of a user, such as a person or pet, lying above the web  12 , and actuating the switch  80 . Accordingly, the controller  70  may be programmed to apply the PEMF pulse sequence in a one hundred percent duty cycle or some other duty cycle appropriate to accumulate the total proper amount within each day. 
     In certain embodiments, the controller  70  includes clocks, timers, on and off actuators, delay selections, duration selections, and so forth. Thus, a user may program the controller  70  directly or indirectly through a computer or the buttons  72  and display  74  to select or prescribe a regimen. Thus, a system  10  in accordance with the invention is much more robust, flexible as to regimen, flexible as to control, and physically flexible as to its occasional user. Such characteristics have been unavailable in conventional prior art systems seeking to employ PEMF therapies. 
     One may think of the coils  50  embedded in each of the nodes  20  as sources  30  of PEMF pules establishing “shotgun points” around, and throughout a subject or even an appendage of a subject. For example, in the embodiment of  FIG. 23 , an entire subject may be exposed to an array of comparatively high intensity sources  30  in the nodes  20  all directed more or less upward into the subject “user.” 
     In contrast, in the application embodied in  FIG. 11 , the micro-coils  50  within the nodes  20  are each directed in their own direction, normal (perpendicular) to a surface to which each is applied or is in contact. Thus, PEMF pulses may be irradiating the member from many different directions, and many different locations simultaneously. 
     Such a bombarding of the member is done by intensified directed, electromagnetic flux. That flux is guided by the iron cores  40  within the coils  50 . This intensity and direction provide increased effectiveness, direction, control, and specificity. 
     For example, conventional mats or “rugs” of coils provide little guidance and no core as a guide for the lines of electromagnetic flux. Accordingly, such lines of flux immediately turn away from one another on each side or each face of the rug. 
     In contrast, the locations of cores  40 , the proximity to the surface of a member or of the body of a user, and the multiple directions from which such a member is immersed or may be immersed, all contribute to higher intensities, better direction, and a normalization or evening out of the exposure. 
     In contrast, consider flux lines from a conventional PEMF mat or rug. Having no iron core to direct them, they pass through the center of such an oval, flat rug, and proceed to return back along paths almost parallel to the surfaces of the mat. This is the typical performance. Penetration into the member affected is minimal, and the amount of electromagnetic field propagated normal (perpendicular) to the surface of such a mat is a small fraction of the overall magnetic flux generated and propagated thereby. 
     Moreover, with the availability of widespread distribution of the micro-coils  50  in individual nodes  20  of the web  12  more than one axis of symmetry (think center line of the core and coil in an axially direction) may become available. In a conventional system, a single large mat provides one axis of symmetry, and thus one central location of maximum penetration, small though it may be. In contrast, the distributed nature of the nodes  20 , each with its own micro-coil  50  and internal core  40  provides the same maximum direction and maximum strength for propagation as every other coil  50 . 
     It is notable that the system  10  in accordance with the invention has been applied to soft tissue with remarkable results. Originally applying the invention and others related thereto to cases of bone density remediation or fracture remediation, Applicants discovered that soft tissue responds very well to the magnetic flux generated by the micro-coils  50 . In fact, casting and otherwise immobilizing bodily members, such as feet and legs over a period of several weeks, such as the typical six to eight weeks required to heal a fracture, provided remediation of the atrophy in muscle tissues normally associated with immobilization and non-weight-bearing conditions. 
     In certain embodiments, pads may be formed as the pet bed  100 , with more or less liner  104 , padding  106 , or both. In certain embodiments, liner material  104  placed on both sides of the web  12  and then a cover  102  over the entire outside thereof provides a mat that is suitable for comfortable relaxation thereon by a user. Typical pads  106  or liners  104  may be formed of viscous foam (e.g., “memory foam”), comparatively higher density urethane foam, or the like. In certain embodiments, a comparatively higher density urethane foam may actually be configured to have cut outs or apertures for receiving the nodes  20 . 
     In other embodiments, such a comparatively stiffer foam and more dense foam may be configured in wedges to fit within the triangles formed by each of the runners  22  or connectors  22 . In other embodiments, space may be excavated, or molded into a pad  106  in order to render a pad  106  substantially equally thick with the nodes  20 . In such an embodiment, a comfortable layup of elastomeric foam liner material  104  may provide a system that is sufficiently and flexible, comfortable to be used as a pad under a user or over a user. In other embodiments, the cover  102 , liner  104 , and padding  106  may all be dispensed with, and the web  12  may simply be wrapped around a treatment location at will. 
     In certain embodiments, micro-coils  50  have been tested on users who are in conditions representing an effective twenty percent loss of mass in tissues per year. Upon exposure to micro-coils  50  in accordance with the invention, all users maintained their baseline cellular mass. This, in various experiments has been found to be the case in both bone cells and soft tissue cells. 
     Various sizes of webs  12  may be formed. Shapes may be configured somewhat arbitrarily for the individual direction, length, and so forth of each of the connectors  22  or runners  22  between the nodes  20 . A rectangular, circular, hexagonal, or other polygonal shape may be formed. It has been found particularly acceptable to use a hexagonal shape illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 11  in order to provide a suitable spacing, and a straightforward connection scheme. Cross-sections of runners  22  may similarly be circular, triangular, square, other polygonal, semi circular, or the like. 
     As far as connection schemes are considered, one may begin the electrical circuit within the web  12  at any particular node  20 . Accordingly, a corner node  20  of a polygon is a suitable place. Likewise, a node  22  intermediate two corners (vertices) of a polygon has also been found to be a suitable place. The circuit may then pass from that particular node  20  to an adjacent node  20 . The path becomes a zig-zag or back-and-forth pattern up and down adjacent, parallel rows or columns of nodes  20 . 
     However, in each row or drum of nodes  20 , the wire  46  of the connector  22  does not pass all the way to the outer perimeter or periphery. Eventually, the connectors  22  must carry the wires  46 , and specifically their conductors  47  along a pattern that will avoid back tracking through any particular leg  22  or connector  22 . 
     That is, it not advantageous to have one of the connectors  22  be more stiff than another. The addition of multiple paths or wires  46 , and particularly the metal conductors  47 , through a single connector  22  would provide an increased stiffness. This is due to increasing the section modulus (a term of art specific to structural engineering and known in the art). With the hexagonal pattern, one may always develop a path that does not require more than a single wire  46  to be embedded within any connector  22 , and thus no backtracking. 
     In a typical embodiment, the return path or the last legs of the electrical circuit may then pass through the unconnected peripheral nodes  20  to arrive back at the originating node  20  of the circuit. Thus, it is possible and it has been found suitable to connect all the nodes  20  into a single series connection in certain embodiments of an apparatus  10  in accordance with the invention. 
     In tests, pet owners have found that a web  12  embedded in a pet bed  100  as described hereinabove has provided relief for various ailments in dogs. Particularly, older, arthritic pets have been observed to become much more active, flexible, and able to increase movement and energy by sleeping on a pet bed  100  in accordance with the invention. 
     Soft tissue improvements in human patients have also been observed in experiments. For example, sprains, swelling, trauma, diabetic circulation issues, and the like often result in damage and subsequent inflammation in cells of soft tissue. In certain experiments, a user was observed to lose two inches of ankle diameter within two weeks. The swelling had originated in an ankle causing much pain, inflammation, and so forth. As a practical matter, Applicants have considered the potential for interference between PEMF sources  30  in prior art inventions of Applicants. In observing experiments, Applicants have determined that the multiple iron cores  40  associated with the micro-coils  50  provide a wave guide with greater penetration, higher flux density, and yet full coverage and from multiple directions for an appendage or body. Spacing the nodes  20  at the selected distance, in the illustration about nine to twelve inches apart, may range from about four to about eighteen inches apart. A target distance is about ten inches. 
     Interference has been minimized because flux density has been concentrated right along the central axis of the coils  50  in each of the nodes  20 . Thus, contrary to prior art attempts with coil mats, the flux density here is reversed, and is concentrated toward the central axis, rather than immediately concentrating around the surfaces of the flat coils of prior art systems. Meanwhile, since much less of the flux density is spread out away, there is less interference between the coils  50 , which with their cores  40  operate as electromagnets. 
     Exercise is an interesting phenomenon. In recent years, exercise physiology has recognized the value of exercising all bodily members in multiple directions. That is, in some decades past, it has been common to develop exercise machines for improving a specific motion of a specific muscle or muscle group. However, modern exercise physiology has determined that the body may often be aided by maintaining the entire bodily core engaged in exercise by such activities as maintaining balance, free standing during exercise with various resistance mechanisms or weights, and so forth. 
     Applicants have determined that the operation of a system  10  in accordance with the invention appears to accord with exercise. Likewise, the multi-directional flux densities or directions of propagated flux densities provides, effectively, exercise in multiple directions. By suitable arrangement of the web  12  around a bodily member, one may effectively “exercise” a member even while that member is unloaded and stationary from a macroscopic viewpoint. 
     On a microscopic viewpoint, the cells are being exercised by the PEMF generated and propagated by each of the micro-coils  50 . Thus, the observed conditioning of bone and muscle (in general, all tissues apparently) of a user occurs in response to the multi-directional nature of the bombardments from the nodes  20  of the web  12 . 
     Thus, in general, the observed users experienced non-depredation of bone density and muscle mass, and enjoyed improvement in general health of the bodily members treated by the system  10  in accordance with the invention. 
     In the illustrated embodiments, Applicants have determined that treatment for chronic conditions, rather than acute conditions alone, may be effected by application of PEMF regimens to members or bodies of subjects. Because of the non-conservation-of-mass (or the flexibility and arbitrary arrangement) possible by a user arranging the web  12 , various bodily members may be treated. Moreover, they may be treated from different angles on different occasions, different days, or different sessions. Meanwhile, chronic conditions, such as arthritis in pets appear to be remediated by use of the system  10 . 
     Similarly, plantar fasciitis is a condition that results in substantial swelling and sensitivity of the nerves in bodily members. Plantar fasciitis is extremely painful and largely unresponsive, particularly in diabetics. In experiments with the system  10  in accordance with the invention, eight subjects out of eight test subjects were successful in overcoming inflammation due to plantar fasciitis. 
     Likewise, this micro-scale exercising of cells within a member or body by the PEMF of the micro-coils  50  appears to improve the adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) levels in treated subjects. Such improved levels of ATP bode well for various health effects attributed to ATP, and reported in medical, scientific, nutritional, and other literature. 
     It has also noted that cancerous cells tend to be low in energy levels, and cells that are unhealthy tend to bunch up with one another. This results in a net decrease in surface area available for the transport processes of intake and outflow of materials (nutrients and wastes, oxygen, and so forth) across the surfaces of cells. That is, materials migrate through cell walls. To the extent that cells bunch up together, each covers a surface of another cell, thus denying each cell that much surface area available for the diffusion across the boundary of wastes, nutrients, and so forth. 
     In contrast, healthy cells tend to repel one another. The immersive, pulsed, magnetic flux from the micro-coils  50  appears to provide improved cell energy, less bunching, and thus improved cellular health. 
     The iron core  40  acting as a flux guide  40  for the micro-coil  50  permits point-controlled dosing. A particular joint may be positioned directly under one or more nodes  20  secured to the surface of a bodily member. Thus, point dosing at comparatively higher intensities than prior art systems is effected by the micro-coils  50  in the nodes  20  in web  12  in accordance with the invention. 
     The connection scheme of the nodes  20  in web  12  provides considerable dimensional stability in the hexagonal format. Enclosed triangular shapes are formed by adjacent connectors  22  or runners  22 . Likewise, with the hexagonal configuration, the electrical wire circuit may escape from closed corners while connecting between adjacent nodes  20  the various coils  50 . Applicants have tested various configurations and have not found anywhere that the hexagonal shape cannot access each node  20 . Access is by one wire from any and all necessary directions, and no duplicate or backtracking conductors  47  or wires  46  traveling through connectors  22 . 
     As a practical matter, the number of turns, voltage, current, and so forth passing through each coil  50  may be engineered to provide a suitable value of each. As a practical matter, the presence of iron cores  40  as flux guides has reduced the number of turns, the total voltage, and the amount of current required to provide the suitable amount of dosing of PEMF applied to a user. 
     As a matter of physical practicality, the tape switch  80  or contact switch  80  illustrated may be configured to be of any suitable length. However, it has been found that passing it completely across the center “diameter” of a web  12  assures that any body lying on top of the web  12  will properly engage the switch  80  and turn it on. 
     To accommodate movement of a pet, it has been found that a delay, such as from about five to about twenty seconds is appropriate before shutting off power to the web  12  upon the straightening (de-activation) of the switch  80 . It has not been found necessary or appropriate to have any delay in onset of power to the web  12  upon activation of the switch  80 . However, a range of from about five to about twenty seconds of delay, or more, may be useful, and ten seconds has been found suitable for most situations. This assures that a pet who moves about, will still be treated, yet the system  10  will shut off if the bed  100  is abandoned for movement to other locations or activities. 
     Likewise, the electrical connection suitable for the web  12  has been found easily handled by a plug  85  such as those commonly used in electronic and audio equipment. For example, a 2.5-millimeter-diameter standard plug on a cord  84  has been found suitable. A matching jack  26  embedded in a node  20  provides a suitable connection scheme. This provides for a minimum amount of tangling of cords  82 ,  84 ,  86  with the web  12 . This also provides for simple dismantling of the system  10  and rolling up the web  12  with or without a cover  102 . In fact, the web  12  may be folded in multiple directions, rolled, or the like. 
     As a matter of connection scheme, the switch  80 , which may be referred to as a tape switch, tac switch, ribbon switch, or the like. It may be connected so as not to override the handset  70  or controller  70 . Typically, the switch  80  operates as a communication device by opening and closing a circuit detected by the controller  70 . Thus, the controller  70  may be configured to work with or without the switch  80 . 
     In certain embodiments, tested in accordance with the invention, micro-coils  40  having approximately ninety three turns in twenty feet of wire  42  have been found suitable. Likewise, a connection of all the micro-coils  50  in series has been found suitable. In another embodiment, separate coils  50  individually constructed, and individually connected with individual wires may also serve. Typically, in construction, the wires  46  for the connectors  22  have been found to be suitable when formed of a copper, stranded wire of about twenty two gauge or less. 
     By pre-making the lengths of each, and the bare ends  48  of the conductors  47  therein, it has been found a straightforward matter to solder together the bare ends  44  of the magnet wires  42  with the bare ends  48  of the connector wires  46  in ready fashion. 
     The iron core  40  may be cast as an insert in each spool  32 , in order to avoid requiring any draft angle in molding. However, in other embodiments, the cores  40  may simply be inserted into the apertures  35  of the barrels  34  of the spools  32  and held there by the adhesive of a cover  52  or plate  52  serving as an insulator, securement, and electrical isolator for the bare ends  44 ,  48 . 
     The controller  70  may connect to a computer wirelessly, or with a port, such as a USB port. However, it has not been found necessary. Meanwhile, the web  12  has been found to provide sufficient comfort when placed in a pad  106  or mass  106  of padding formed of chopped elastomeric foam such as is common in informal seating, pet beds  100 , and the like. 
     In certain embodiments, a single hexagonal web  12  as illustrated in  FIG. 23  may be suitable. In other embodiments, such as those of  FIGS. 9 and 10 , an extended hexagonal pattern has been found suitable. Over the top, a cover  102  has been found sufficient in many embodiments. If the web  12  is placed under a sheet, it is typically best placed under a memory foam liner and under the mattress cover in order to provide sufficient amelioration of the difference in density, stiffness, and shape that the nodes  20  and connectors  22  present. 
     The switch  80  provides a minimization of duty cycle by allowing programming of the controller  70  to simply operate until the total cumulative hours of treatment have been reached. The only reason to stop is not really safety but simply that there is no benefit beyond two hours of treatment per day. Thus, automatic dosing is available even though there is not a danger or damage to the patient nor to the device. 
     Bedridden patients may thus be provided protection in dosing automatically without manual intervention. Meanwhile, an individual seated or in bed incapable of personal movement control may simply apply the web  12  in any manner suitable, including over or around a particular bodily member for which treatment is desired. 
     Typically, the mold  60  is a single piece mold with open cavities and the substrate  54  is a vibrating table. Thus, high-density polyethylene, nylon, or the like may be used in forming the mold  60 . Molds  60  do not need the complexities, costs, durability, heat-transfer capacity, etc. of metals, such as aluminum and steel. 
     The resin for the web  12  has been found to be robust. Strength, flexibility, dimension maintenance, and the like are all provided quite straightforwardly by a two-part, room-temperature-curing silicone composition. Meanwhile, such resins are available and may be specified with cure rates or times of from twenty minutes to about six hours. 
     The stranded wires  46  have been found to be sufficiently flexible powered by a voltage of about twenty four volts and three amps maximum on the power supply. A ten percent duty cycle is typical, but a user may control that duty cycle to be one hundred percent for a lesser time for the total amount. At current rates, a 72-Hertz system was originally developed but a 50 Hertz frequency has been found suitable in the web  12  in accordance with the invention. Ten percent of the wave form is “power on,” with ten percent of the wave form “power off.” Typically, at 50-Hertz, ten percent of each cycle is exposed to the application frequency, and the other ninety percent is simply idle. 
     It has been found that the efficacy of the system  10  in accordance with the invention is not improved above 5 Hertz. Although certain resonant frequencies may require other testing, and some argue that 7.2 Hertz is optimal, others argue that there is no optimum. Applicants have found that above the 50 Hertz frequency no additional benefit has been observed. 
     Thus, whereas laser therapy has been found useful, such devices cost thousands and tens of thousands of dollars. They require extensive training, protection for users and technicians, and so forth. In contrast, a system  10  in accordance with the invention is straightforward, simple to operate, provides no known negative side effects, and no inherent dangers to user or operator. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its purposes, functions, structures, or operational characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.