Abstract:
Sexual stimulation devices and methods that provide highly varied and dynamically controllable sensations, both directly under manual control of the user and indirect electronic control, and in such a way as to provide sensations to specific regions of the sexual organs.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of the Aug. 11, 2008 filing date of provisional application 61/087,821, of the same title. This prior application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to devices and methods to sexually stimulate the human body. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The prior art is replete with sexual devices that provide a suction to a penis or vibration to a penis. Both provide sensations that are diffuse and distributed over the length of the shaft in a consistent and unchanging manner. Except for amplitude, the character of the output does not change. Existing vacuum devices, for example, apply a fairly consistent stimulus along the length of the penis and vibratory devices provide a stimulus that emanates from the specific location at which the vibrator motor is disposed. In both cases the amplitude of the sensation can be modified, however the stimulus remains in the same place with respect to the device and therefore provides a relatively unchanging stimulus. The device must be moved relative to the person to create a changing sensation. Furthermore the character and range of sensations provided by existing devices are limited, and moreover the degree of dynamic and interactive control that may be imposed by the user is also limited. The sensations provide “gross” sensations, rather than focused, customized, or sensations limited within a region. 
     It is therefore desirable to provide stimuli that can change during a usage, not just in amplitude or frequency but in character and/or shape. It is desirable to provide devices capable of providing stimuli that are varied, controllable, and subtle. It is further desirable to have the variable sensation independent of any thrusting motion. It is further desirable to have the variable sensation dependent on the thrusting motion in a variety of predictable and semi-predictable and non-predictable ways. It is also desirable to have the sensation dynamically variable, and yet still further, under dynamic control, whether the user is co-located, or distant. It is yet further desirable to have the same sensations provided at different locations within the device at different times. It is yet further desirable to couple the above benefits to a sensed level of arousal. It is further desirable to provide an artificial vagina that provides a contractile output. It is yet further desirable to provide the stimulus of an undulating contractile output. It is also desirable to allow a device to provide a localized output sensation at a different location at which the control is input. 
     It is further desirable to provide this functionality concurrent with and integral to the action of grasping the device. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an axial sectional view of a male stimulation device with rotary sense variation. 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of an internal rotary shaft for a sexual pleasure device. 
         FIG. 3  is an end-wise cross sectional view of a device with multiple shafts as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is an axial sectional view of a sexual stimulation device incorporating magnets. 
         FIG. 5  is an axial sectional view of a sexual stimulation device incorporating magnets and electrically driven magnetic fields. 
         FIG. 6  is an axial sectional view of a sexual stimulation device incorporating solenoids. 
         FIG. 7  is an axial sectional view of a sexual stimulation device incorporating ferrofluids. 
         FIG. 8  is an axial sectional view of a sexual stimulation device incorporating passive tension elements. 
         FIG. 9  is an axial sectional view of a sexual stimulation device incorporating shape memory alloy. 
         FIG. 10  is an axial sectional view of a sexual stimulation device incorporating a mechanically driven stimulation zone. 
         FIG. 11  is a sectional view of an artificial vagina with a fluidic contraction. 
         FIGS. 12   a  and  12   b  are end-wise sectional views showing rotary constriction of a sexual stimulation device. 
         FIGS. 13   a  and  13   b  are end-wise sectional views showing linear constriction of a sexual stimulation device. 
         FIGS. 14   a  and  14   b  are sectional views of a dildo with two shape states, mechanically induced. 
         FIGS. 15   a  and  15   b  are sectional views of a dildo with two shape states, fluidically induced. 
         FIGS. 16   a  and  16   b  are sectional views of a dildo with two shape states, electromechanically induced. 
         FIG. 17  are sectional views of a dildo with a large mass, large stroke, linear actuators. 
         FIG. 18  are sectional views of a dildo with a control system for independent control of vibrator motors. 
         FIG. 19  is a schematic of input to the control system. 
         FIG. 20  shows an axial sectional view of a sexual stimulation device with pressure plate sensations. 
         FIG. 21  shows an axial sectional view of a sexual stimulation device with pressure plate sensations provided in a region different than the input region. 
     
    
    
     Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  shows an embodiment in which sleeve  10  manufactured of low durometer elastomeric material, such as styrene-ethylene propylene-styrene block copolymer (SEPS) or any material that approximates human flesh and molded to include cavity  12  designed to accommodate a human penis. It is known in the art that a suitable elastomeric gel may be formed from a mixture of plasticizing oil and a block copolymer comprising an admixture of a styrene ethylene butylene styrene block copolymer and a styrene ethylene propylene styrene block copolymer. A ratio of about 1:1 is desirable, but the two may be combined in ratios in the range from about 1:4 to 4:1. The contact surface  5  of cavity  12  may be smooth or have a texture as shown. A first end  13  of sleeve  10  is constrained by a first housing element  14 . A second end  15  of sleeve  10  is constrained by a second housing element  16 . Housing element  14  and second housing element  16  are rotatably engaged by rotary element  18 . Rotation of housing elements  14  and  16  cause torsion on sleeve  10 , thereby reducing the cross section of sleeve  10  and increasing pressure applied to a penis inserted therein. Stored bulk torsional forces within sleeve  10  also provide a rotational force to return second housing element  16  to a neutral state, a force that may be augmented by spring element  20 . Locking mechanism  22  may be used to maintain the position of the device (by opposing the return force(s) in varying rotational orientations and thereby a varying degrees of applied pressure. In a first mode a user may use the locking feature to permanently customize the device to provide a desired level of pressure during use. In a second mode a user may rotate the housings  14  and  16  and thereby vary the sensations dynamically during use. 
     General note: It is here understood that approximating the human body parts as idealized cylinders is an engineering approximation. The cavity  12  may be tapered, or have molded undulations, or irregularities and the like, and be well within the scope of this invention. In all cases, the topic at hand is the stimulation being applied to the human body, (i.e. relative changes in force and/or pressure) not the specific geometry of the contour of surface  5 . 
       FIG. 2  shows an embodiment in which rotary element  44  including at least one pressure element  46  are disposed intermittently along shaft  48 , including first end  56  and second end  58 . Pressure elements  46  are here shown as cylindrical elements offset with respect to shaft  48  in different directions, similar to the cam shaft of an internal combustion engine. Pressure elements  46  are disposed with pressure surfaces  50  located distal to shaft  48 . Rotary elements  44  are driven by one or more motors  60  through any of a variety of known transmission means, the simplest of which is to place a motor at one end of each rotary element  44 . Shaft  48  may be made of a flexible material, such as a coil spring or elastomeric equivalent if rotary element  44  used in a phallic-type device. 
       FIG. 3  shows an embodiment in which a plurality of rotary elements  44  are disposed along an approximately circular path around the circumference of sleeve  10 . Low friction surface  43  is disposed around sleeve  10  and allows rotation of pressure elements  44  against sleeve  10  without causing undue abrasion. Low friction surface  43  may be provided by a thin Teflon sheet, or a lubricant either applied to the surface of the sleeve or incorporated in to the material of sleeve  10  itself. Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a variety of sensations may be provided to a user at contact surface  5 : In a first mode, rotary elements  44  are oriented such that the pressure elements  46  (and pressure surfaces  50 ) disposed in a common plane apply pressure to sleeve  10  at the same time. Therefore, as rotary elements  44  rotate in unison (through an encoder  55  or common transmission  61 ), a wave of constriction moves along the length of sleeve  10 . In a second mode all rotary elements  44  are oriented in the same direction as each other, such that only one pressure surface  50  applies maximal pressure to sleeve  10  at a time, within a given plane. Therefore as rotary elements  44  rotate, a plurality of pressure waves traverse the length of sleeve  10  out of phase with each other, one wave for each rotary element  44 . In a third mode rotary elements  44  are randomly oriented and or rotated with respect to one another, thereby producing random undulations along the perimeter of sleeve  10 . In a fourth mode rotary elements  44  are driven alternately clockwise and anti clockwise, thereby providing a localized and varying pressure at any location along the length of sleeve  10 . This location may be modified by rotating each of rotary elements  44  such that a different set of pressure elements  46  (within a plane) are nominally oriented toward sleeve  10 . Pressure elements  46  may be nautilus shaped. 
     The position of first end  56  and second end  58  can vary radially to accommodate a variety of phallus diameters and/or to provide a varying degree of sensation according to the user&#39;s preference. In one embodiment first end  56  is constrained by both a radial channel  60  and slot  62 . Slot  62  is a slanted or curved opening in disk  64  that constrains first end  56  to a defined radial displacement as a function of its rotation. 
       FIG. 4  shows an embodiment in which magnets  70 , disposed on or near the outer surface of sleeve  10 , are used to apply pressure along contact surface  5  to a penis located within sleeve  10 , within housing  9 . Magnets  70  may be co-molded within sleeve  10 , as shown in the upper half of the figure, or adhered, as shown in the lower half of the figure. If adhered, it is desirable to use a carrier interface  74 , preferably molded from a plastic, to both distribute the force of the magnet and to allow an intermediate bonding surface, i.e. magnet to plastic and plastic to sleeve  10 . Carrier interface  74  also includes flange  76  to provide mechanical bonding. In one embodiment sensations are provided to a user by at least one drive magnet  72  brought into proximity to each fixed magnet  70  sequentially. Controls may be implemented with simple discrete electronics to drive in this embodiment a shuttle  78  is driven axially (as shown) by threaded shaft  80  driven by motor  60 . Shuttle  78  may have sliding engagement with housing  9 , or wheels  71 . Other drive mechanisms, such a belt drive are within the scope of the invention. In one embodiment ring  82  holds a plurality of drive magnets  72  disposed around the circumference of sleeve  10  such that a single motor can displace the shuttle and provide a constricting sensation in a plurality of distinct locations simultaneously. (In such embodiments one of the motors  60  shown in the figure would be omitted.) another embodiment magnets  70  are replaced by a pressure element  46  is fashioned from a rolling element and located on shuttle  78 . As is the case with other embodiments herein that include electronic operation, this embodiment may be operated remotely by phone or by the internet. 
       FIG. 5  shows an embodiment that uses the sleeve  10  and magnet  70  assembly described in  FIG. 4 , but provides actuation by means of a series of conductive coils  90  and/or solenoids  86 , as shown on the upper half of the figure, or printed within a printed circuit board  88 , as shown on the lower half of the figure. Coils  90  are in electrical communication with a control system  92  and a power source  105  such that one or more magnets  70  may be displaced individually or in sets to provide a wide variety of sensory outputs to a penis located within sleeve  10 . A partial list of the variety is provided in  FIG. 2 , however this embodiment may also actuate individual (i.e. specific) locations, as opposed to rings or lines, or relatively large areas, and may provide differing frequencies of stimulation at each coil  90 . For example, while all actuators provide a constant force (i.e. pure contracture) rhythmically altering force, or a force altering in sequence of waves along sleeve  10 , one or more coils  90  may provide a low or high frequency localized vibration, which may remain in one location, or may be superimposed onto the aforementioned output. The system may provide random (or pseudo-random) output, thereby massaging/tingling sensation to the body part over a range of frequencies, from very low (e.g. zero) to very high (e.g. 1000 Hertz). Including a sensor  230  (such as infrared or capacitive) to measure the presence and/or displacement of the penis within the device. 
       FIG. 6  shows embodiment with similar functionality described in  FIG. 5 . In this embodiment, the force is applied to sleeve  10  by a mechanical displacement of a post  93  within coil  90 , together forming solenoid  86 . Solenoids  86  are restrained to an approximately orthogonal orientation by form  95  and capped by pressure elements  46 . Alternately solenoids  86  may be capped by weights  120 . Ones of solenoids  86  may be disposed at an angle, thereby providing a stretching in sleeve  10 , thereby enhanced friction and sensation on the user. 
       FIG. 7  shows an embodiment with similar base functionality described in  FIG. 5 , although enhanced to provide a more continuously variable output. The regions of displacement are more continuously variable, providing more subtle variations. In this embodiment, the force is applied to sleeve  10  by ferrofluids (such as magnatite or hematite coated which may be coated with surfactant such as a soy lecithan or oleic acid) encased in a sealed bag  89  and under the influence of fields imposed by coils  90  and/or electrodes  91 . 
       FIG. 8  shows an embodiment in which sleeve  10  is constricted in at least one location along the major axis by a tensile member  98  disposed around at least a portion of the circumference of sleeve  10  at least at one cross section. Tensile member  98  is constrained by anchor point  99  at one and held by the post  93  of solenoid  86 , which serves as the actuator. In the embodiment shown, the orientation of the tension is redirected by pulley wheel element  101  (or low friction slide, or equivalent). The result, as the embodiments of  FIGS. 8-11  is a repeatable and local reduction of the cross sectional area of cavity  12 . Control system  92  enables one or more regions of sleeve  10  to undergo simultaneous, local and/or wavelike constrictions at contact surface  5 . Other actuators, such as rotary motors can be used. 
       FIG. 9  shows an embodiment in which the tensile member  98 , solenoid  86  and the associated mechanics of  FIG. 8  are replaced by a shape memory element  100  such as copper-zinc-aluminum-nickel, copper-aluminum-nickel, and nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloys. Control system  92  directs current flowing through each element  100  causes heating and expansion of memory element  100 , which in turn reduces the constriction upon sleeve  10 . Reducing or stopping the current flow allows memory elements  100  to return to a neutral and constricted state, thereby reducing the cross section of cavity  12 . One advantage is silent operation. Pads  101  are made of a thermally conductive material such as aluminum and serve to decrease the cooling time of memory elements  100  and also to distribute the load applied to sleeve  10 . 
       FIG. 10  shows a embodiment in which the magnets  70  of  FIG. 4  are replaced by a rolling constriction element  79  disposed on shuttle  78  that applies a force to sleeve  10 , and thereby any penis located within at contact surface  5 . Shuttle  78  may be displaced axially along sleeve  10  through displacement actuator  80  and motor  60 , which may be controlled by the user via controls  92 . Shuttle  78  may also be displaced axially along sleeve  10  with handle  75 , which protrudes through housing  9 . 
       FIG. 11  shows an embodiment in which a first part of fluid filled bag  123   a  is predominantly surrounding at least a portion of sleeve  10  and constrained on its other side by a portion of housing  9 . A second part of fluid filled bag  123   b  is disposed beneath pressure plate  118  that rotates about pivot  119 . Actuator element  120 , here shown as a sliding knob in a neutral position closest to pivot  119 , applies force to pressure plate  118  and thereby pressurizes second part of fluid filled bag  123   b  (as shown here when the sliding knob is displaced to the left). The fluid within the second part of the fluid filled bag  123   b  then flows into first part of fluid filled bag  123   a , and applies a constriction to sleeve  10 . In some constructions the first and second parts of the bag ( 123   a  and  123   b ) may be co-located. 
       FIG. 12   a  shows an embodiment in which sleeve  10  inside housing  9 . Sleeve  10  is constrained by first contour  106  and second contour  108 , which cannot be seen in this figure because it is aligned with first contour  106 . Regions of first contours  106  and second contours  108  alternate along at least a portion of the axis of sleeve  10 , like interlaced fingers, simultaneously supporting sleeve  10  and allowing the other contour to also interact with sleeve  10  by application of additional force at the same time. In this figure cavity  12  is shown in a neutral state. In  FIG. 12   b , the second contour  108  has been rotated (manually or under electrical power) to be oriented at a 90 degree angle from first contour  106 . Sleeve  10  is constricted by simultaneous pressure from the two contours, and cavity  12  is thereby in a constricted state, and subsequently applying an additional constrictive force to any penis located within at contact surface  5 . This is an example of an embodiment in which the user may vary the performance of the device without adjusting grip on the device. 
       FIG. 13   a  shows an embodiment in which housing  9  split to include two portions, upper housing  9   a  and lower housing  9   b , together enclosing sleeve  10  without compressing it, placing cavity  12  in a neutral state. In this embodiment, housings  9   a  and  9   b  are rotatably connected by pivot  119 . In another embodiment the housings are interlocking and in a third they mechanically engage with sleeve  10 .  FIG. 13   b  shows upper housing  9   a  and lower housing  9   b  displaced toward one another (manually or under electrical power) and thereby constricting sleeve  10 , applying a bulk pressure that places cavity  12  in a constricted state, and subsequently applies a constrictive force to any penis located within. Voids  17  decreases the force required to impose a specific constricted state. This is an example of an embodiment in which the user may vary the performance of the device without adjusting grip on the device. 
       FIG. 14   a  shows an embodiment in which sheath  11  formed of an low-durometer elastomeric material, such as silicon, including undulating features  132  on the interior. Core element  134  is made of a more rigid material, such as polyurethane (Shore A 65), and is slidingly engaged within sheath  11 . Core element  134  is mounted to handle  136 . Vent  136  traverses the length of sheath  11  allowing air located near the distal end  140  to escape as the device is activated to the state shown in  FIG. 14   b . In  FIG. 14   b  the core element  134  is displaced relative to sheath  11  and thereby altered the shape of the exterior of sheath  11 . Spring element  138  provides a force roughly equivalent to the force required to flex sheath  11 , thereby reducing the force needed to activate the device. By selecting the force level of spring element  138  at manufacture or by allowing the user to adjust the force applied by spring element  138 , the device may have three modes. In mode 1 the device is biased to have more surface texture upon motion toward distal end  140 . In mode 2 the devices is biased to have more surface texture upon motion away from distal end  140 . In mode 3, the device is nearly bi-stable and will readily change shape in either direction. Locking mechanism  22  may be used to maintain the position of the device (by opposing the return force(s) in varying rotational orientations and thereby a varying degrees of applied pressure. 
       FIG. 15   a  shows an embodiment in which sheath  11  formed of an low-durometer elastomeric material, such as silicon, including undulating features  132 . Body  142  provides rigidity to sheath  11  and provides an internal channel  144  into which handle  136  may slide. Piston surface  149  is disposed on body  142  and serves to pressurize internal channel  144  when handle  136  is pressed into sheath  11 . Body  142  is perforated, allowing fluid to transfer from the internal channel  44  outwards, thereby altering the shape of the exterior of sheath  11 .  FIG. 15   b  shows the device in an activated state, with added surface texture  147 . Locking mechanism  22  may be used to maintain the position of the device (by opposing the return force(s) in varying rotational orientations and thereby a varying degrees of applied pressure. 
       FIG. 16   a  is the same as  FIG. 14   a , except the spring element  138  has been replaced by linear displacement actuator  80 .  FIG. 16   b  is the same as  FIG. 14   b , except the spring element  138  has been replaced by displacement actuator  80 . Linear displacement actuators  80  include two types: the first is solenoids  86 , typically a metal core within a coil of wire (E.G. with a return spring) typically used for transient force application with a low degree of control; the second is a linear motor  87 , typically a magnet placed within a magnetic field and typically used for higher degrees of control. As a result, the transition between the two figures occurs electronically and can be performed by a remotely located person telephonically, or by the internet. 
       FIG. 17  shows a sexual pleasure device with a linear displacement actuator  80  oriented radially, and accelerating a mass  276   b  and a second linear displacement actuator  80  oriented axially, and accelerating a mass  276   a  within the body  137  of the device. The weight of mass  276  is selected according the desired performance dictated by MV=mv where: 
     m=mass of Mass  276   
     v=the velocity imposed by displacement actuator  80   
     M=the mass of the device, less m 
     V=the velocity of the device as it physically displaces along the axis of motion. 
     This is different than the vibration motors  152  currently built into vibrator products. Vendors today manufacture vibrators with a small mass (typically under 5 grams), with high frequency (typically 200 to 1000 RPM) and with the mass located off-center on a rotary motor. There are also phallus-shaped devices with externally motor driven operation. In the instant invention, the mass is substantially increased, the frequency is substantially decreased, the motion is linear and the drive mechanism is internal. The objective is to provide a sensation that is not vibratory, but rather a displacement of the device which is a subtle enhancement of self-directed hand motion. Unlike the prior art, this embodiment is capable of a single cycle providing a significant sensation to a user, as a degree of motions and hence friction is felt, as opposed to merely non-motile vibration. This additional motion may be along the major axis, as provided by mass  276   b  and its associated linear displacement actuator  80 , or may be along the a radial axis, as provided by mass  276   b  and its associated linear displacement actuator  80 . The user&#39;s hand is shielded from the motions of the device through an isolation mechanism such as spring element  138  disposed between handle  136  and body  137 . The device can vary the amplitude and acceleration curves as well as the frequency, thereby enabling a wide range of sensations to the user. For example, one embodiment provides multiple sequential stimuli in a single direction. By way of explanation, let us assume an overall travel distance of the linear displacement actuator  80  is 27 mm. The device could therefore provide three sequential 9 mm “thumps”, all in a first direction without recoiling. In one embodiment the controller  92  can provide a plurality of such sequential unidirectional fast “thumps” in a relatively short time before recoiling to the origin at a significantly slower rate and/or decelerating such that the recoil is NOT detected by the user, and then repeats the unidirectional motion, again in the first direction. By modifying the acceleration curves, displacements and sequences, a wide range of novel sensations may be provided. 
       FIG. 18  shows a device for sexual stimulation including a plurality of actuators  166  (including electromechanical devices such as solenoids  86  and vibratory motors  152 ) and a controller capable of activating and deactivating each vibratory element  152  independently and without human intervention. This architecture enables a variety of embodiments. In one embodiment, each motor is activated sequentially such that each actuator  166  is on for a brief period, thereby providing a “large-scale” wave-like progressive sensation, despite the absence of large scale wave. Here “large-scale” is used to differentiate between the small-scale waves that emanate from each vibratory motor independently. The result is a low cost means to provide a high degree of sensation variation. 
       FIG. 19  shows a telephonic network  170  and/or the internet  172  and/or arousal sensors  174  used as inputs to control and or augment the control imposed by control system  92 . This applies to any Figures here shown to include a control system  92 . The addition of arousal sensors  174  may enhance the experience, as disclosed in the inventor&#39;s co-pending application 20030073881, incorporated here by reference. 
       FIG. 20  shows housing  9 , made of a rigid material such as ABS encasing sleeve  10  made of a low durometer elastomer such as styrene-ethylene propylene-styrene block copolymer (SEPS) or other material that simulates human flesh. It is known in the art that a suitable elastomeric gel may be formed from a mixture of plasticizing oil and a block copolymer comprising an admixture of a styrene ethylene butylene styrene block copolymer and a styrene ethylene propylene styrene block copolymer. Cavity  12  is molded to accommodate a human penis. For descriptive purposes it is useful to define three regions: proximal region  210  which includes an opening  218  designed to insert a penis, distal region  214  located at the deepest end of cavity  12  and a central region  212 . Pressure plate  200  is disposed between housing  9  and sleeve  10 . In one embodiment (shown) pressure plate  200  extends parallel with the major axis of the sleeve  10 . In one embodiment (not shown) pressure plate  200  may be implemented in one or more discrete locations, allowing a plurality of independent pressure points along one edge of sleeve  10 . Control surface  202  is connected to pressure plate  200  by stanchions  204  that protrude through openings  206 . Pressure plate  200  is shown curved, however other shapes are possible, such as the flat contour shown in  FIG. 21 , and may further include protrusions  216  (or voids). In the embodiment shown, the device has two such independently operable mechanisms  220  (i.e. mechanism  220 = 200 ,  202 ,  204 ,  206 , in combination) each disposed to contact sleeve  10  along one lateral edge although any number of mechanisms may be implemented. The mechanisms may be coupled to operate dependently as indicated elsewhere in this document. By pressing the control surface  202  of each mechanism the user imposes a pressure to the surface of the sleeve material at a specific location along the length of sleeve  10 . When a penis is inserted at the specific location prior to activation this will be perceived as a localized pressure at that specific location and concentrated on the side of the sleeve  10  on which the mechanism  220  is located. The lower durometer of the sleeve material assures that the pressure and volume changes will be confined locally, to the side of the device at which the mechanism  220  is located, and to the length along the sleeve  10 . When the volume is reduced prior to introduction of the penis at the specific location, this will be perceived as a reduction of the cross sectional area (i.e. volume) at that specific location, with the volume reduction concentrated on the side of the sleeve  12  on which the mechanism  220  is located. The upper half of the figure shows the device in a non-activated state. The lower half shows mechanism  220  locally reducing the volume of cavity  12  in the distal region  214 . The users has complete control of the force level, timing and location of the localized volume reductions thereby providing a dynamically customizable sensation along the length of the cavity, including the ability to simulate vaginal constrictions by operating opposing mechanisms  220  at the same time. Furthermore, because the control surfaces mimic the gripping surface of the housing  9 , the user may simultaneously hold the device while activating it. Locking mechanism  232  provides means to offset pressure plate  200  to a desired preset, thereby altering the volume range of cavity  12 . In one embodiment, the actuation may be implemented by electromagnetic means, as elsewhere in this filing. 
     Four operational examples: 
     The user may apply force near central region  212  to displace pressure plate  200  without rotation and thereby apply pressure on sleeve  10  in the center region  212 , causing a pressure within the material of sleeve  10  and a local reduction of the volume of cavity  12  in the center region  212 . 
     The user may apply force near proximal region  210  to displace pressure plate  200  with (or potentially without) rotation and thereby apply pressure on sleeve  10  in the proximal region  210 , causing a pressure within the material of sleeve  10  and a local reduction of the volume of cavity  12  in the proximal region  210 . 
     The user may apply force near distal region  214  to displace pressure plate  200  with rotation (or potentially without) and thereby apply pressure on sleeve  10  in the distal region  214 , causing a pressure within the material of sleeve  10  and a local reduction of the volume of cavity  12  in the distal region  214 . 
     The user may apply force uniformly across multiple regions at once and thereby apply pressure on sleeve  10  along its length, causing a generalized reduction of the volume of cavity  12 . 
     The device therefore provides the user dynamic, interactive and spontaneous control: the ability to vary the degree of force applied along the length of control surface  202  and thereby provide a range of sensations under interactive user control, including the degree of force, location, and timing of localized volume reduction. Furthermore, this functionality is provided concurrent with, and integral to, the action of grasping the device. The variable sensation is independent of any thrusting motion. The same sensations are provided at different locations within the device at different times. The device provides a contractile sensation that can, by the user&#39;s input, provide an undulating contractile output. The device provides a localized output sensation at a different location at which the control is input. In this embodiment, as with some others in the application, the device may provide a variety of sensations without relative motion between the sexual organ and the device. 
       FIG. 21  shows an embodiment in which the cross sectional area of proximal region  210  is significantly larger than the cross sectional area of the combined region  222 . The upper half of the figure shows the device in a non-activated state. The lower half shows mechanism  220  locally reducing the volume of cavity  12  in the proximal region  210 . In cylindrical embodiments, such as intended in this figure, the diameter of proximal region  210  is significantly larger than the diameter of combined region  222 . In this embodiment, pressure plate  200  is disposed in combined region  222 , while pressure plate  200  extends into proximal region  210 , enabling the user to apply force in a first region and implement a volume reduction in the cavity  12  of a second region. For example, force applied near central region  212  or distal region  214 , displaces pressure plate  200  to apply pressure on sleeve  10  in the proximal region  210 , causing a pressure within the material of sleeve  10  and a local reduction of the volume of cavity  12  in the proximal region  210 . There is psychological and experiential benefit to providing stimulus in a different region to where the user&#39;s hand is located. One embodiment includes a pivot point  224 , shown located at the distal end of control surface  202  and disposed to provide a fulcrum about which mechanism  220  may rotate, as shown in the lower half of the figure. Pivot point  224  may be co-molded with control surface  202 , pressure plate  200 , or it may be independently molded and therefore detachable. The functionality described may be additive to the functionality described in  FIG. 20 . Volume reductions to the cavity  12  may be maintained with displacement locks  232 . 
     Some embodiments, such as described in  FIGS. 2 ,  4 ,  5 ,  6 , and  7 , may also be adapted for use in phallic-type (dildo) devices. The reader may see an example of the adaptation by treating the upper or lower half of  FIGS. 4-7  as half of the cross section of a dildo in which the mechanics are disposed within a sheath  11  rather than outside a sleeve  10 . 
     The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and descriptions. While several embodiments have been described, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art how the form, structure and arrangement of these embodiments may be varied (or combined with each other) and yet remain within the scope of the instant invention. The scope of the invention shall therefore be defined by the claims that follow.