Abstract:
A device, for performing certain ancient yogic breathing practices of Pranayam without involving the use of hands, is controlled by a programmable controlling unit. The device is integrated onto the frame of a supporting base, worn on the nose, and uses battery-operated artificial fingers to block or unblock nostrils in programmable patterns, cycles and durations. This facilitates a precise and hands-free routine of alternate nostril breathing or single nostril breathing, in the most precise style, following techniques of ancient yogic Pranayam. The sensors of the device sense/measure the force and flow of the breath into and out of each nostril, and can automate and synchronize the artificial fingers to the normal breathing pattern of the user.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a National Phase entry of PCT International Application, Ser. No. PCT/IN2009/000323, filed Jun. 5, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY 
       [0002]    This disclosure relates generally to health equipment and more particularly to a device for facilitating the performance of certain Yogic breathing practices. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Yogic practices have been followed since ancient times because of their positive impact on human health and well being. The certain Yogic breathing practices; eg. anulom vilom pranayam; are performed with the assistance of one hand&#39;s fingers used to block or unblock nostrils while breathing. This means at least one hand is thus engaged, and one may be able to not do other tasks that require the use of either both hands, or the occupied hand, hi addition, one has to remain focused to keep track of the breathing patterns and count the number of cycles specific to the technique being practiced. Thus most other tasks that require focus and attention cannot be performed, since incorrect patterns or number of cycles during yogic breathing may not be very effective. 
         [0004]    In light of the foregoing discussion, there is a need for a device (and a manufacturing method thereof) that is suitable for facilitating the performance of certain yogic breathing practices without the use of hands, and which can be programmed or automated to perform specific patterns and cycles of certain yogic breathing techniques, while still achieving the desired outcome. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    An object of the present invention is to provide a device (and a manufacturing method thereof) that can be used to facilitate the performance of certain yogic breathing practices without the use of hands. 
         [0006]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a device that can facilitate the performance of these yogic practices correctly, without reducing their benefits. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a device that includes minimum components. 
         [0007]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a device that can be programmed for desired need. 
         [0008]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a device that can be integrated with a range of portable devices, medical equipment and other diagnostic hardware and software. 
         [0009]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a device that can generate data useful for diagnostic&#39; and research purposes. 
         [0010]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a device that is easy to install on a supporting base. 
         [0011]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a device that is easy to use. 
         [0012]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a device that can be used to perform certain yogic breathing practice using alternate nostrils, both nostrils or a single nostril. 
         [0013]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a device that automates and synchronizes the device with the patterns of human breathing. 
         [0014]    Still another object of the present invention is to measure the force of human breath, an important diagnostic input for yoga experts. 
         [0015]    In an embodiment of the present invention, the device includes one or more motion elements, one or more mechanical levers, and one or more pads. One or more attributes of the device is controlled by a controlling unit. The motion element is switched on and off based on the desired setting of the controlling unit. The motion element generates mechanical motion based on the signal from the controlling unit. The mechanical lever moves between the retracted position and the extended position with the state of the motion element. When the motion element is switched off, the mechanical lever is at rest at retracted position. When the motion element is switched on, the mechanical lever moves forward in the extended position, blocking the respective nostril. Thereafter the motion element is switched off, for a required duration; mechanical lever is locked in the extended position, still blocking the nostril. The motion element is switched on with reverse phase. Mechanical lever moves back and comes at rest in retracted position, unblocking the nostril. 
         [0016]    The features of the invention believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. However the invention itself, both as to organization and method of manufacturing, together with further objects and advantages thereof may be best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    Example embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  illustrates a blown up view of device  100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  illustrates how the mechanism of device  100  of  FIG. 1  works, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  illustrates devices  306  and  308 , integrated on supporting bases  302  and &#39; 304 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  illustrates how devices  306  and  308 , emulate one cycle of the artificial yogic practice, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  illustrates a blown up view of device  500 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  illustrates how the mechanism of device  500  of  FIG. 5  works, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  illustrates a device integrated on supporting base  302 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  illustrates how the mechanism of the device of  FIG. 7  works, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  illustrates diagrammatic view of controlling unit  900 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  illustrates arrangement of sensors  1002  and  1004  on supporting bases  302  and  304 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0028]    Other features of the present embodiments will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]    A Yoga device for performing certain yogic breathing practices onto the parts of the human body and a method for manufacturing the device are disclosed. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art, that the various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. It will be appreciated that the various embodiments discussed herein may/may not be the same embodiment, and may be grouped into various other embodiments not explicitly disclosed herein. 
         [0030]    The yoga device effectively helps in performing the certain ancient yogic breathing practices, such as anulom vilom pranayam, without involving the use of hands. The device may also be termed as a breath-a-healer. The device can be configured to get support from a supporting base. Examples of the supporting base include, but not limited to, the frames of a spectacle (shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  7 ,  8 , and  10 ). One or more attributes of the device; such as number of cycles to be performed; can be controlled by a controlling unit (shown in  FIG. 9 ). In an embodiment of the present invention, the device includes one or more motion elements, one or more mechanical levers, and one or more pads. The motion elements generate mechanical motion. Examples of the motion elements include, but not limited to, squiggle motors designed by New Scale Technologies USA (shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  5 , and  6 ), or muscle wire (shown in  FIGS. 7 , and  8 ). Examples of the mechanical motion include, but not limited to, a linear motion. The device is coupled to the supporting base through the motion elements. The motion elements are connected to the controlling unit through one or more first connecting elements. Examples of the first connecting elements include, but not limited to, a coaxial cable or other wires or wireless. 
         [0031]    The mechanical levers (shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 , and  8 ) are coupled to the motion elements. The mechanical levers carry the mechanical motion generated by the motion elements. The mechanical levers move with the mechanical motion of the motion elements. The mechanical levers may include one or more lever ends, such as a first lever end and a second lever end (not shown). The pads (shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 , and  8 ) are coupled to at least one of the lever ends of the mechanical levers. The pads work as artificial fingers. The pads interface with the parts of the human body. The device may further include one or more sensors (shown in  FIG. 10 ) for sensing the breathing behavior and patterns and measuring the force of human breath. The sensors are coupled to the supporting base through one or more flexible elements. Examples of the flexible elements include, but not limited to, PVC insulated single core wire. The sensors are connected to the controlling unit through one or more second connecting elements. The examples of the second connecting elements include, but not limited to, a coaxial cable or other wires or wireless. 
         [0032]    The controlling unit may include a control module, a data management module, and a power module. The control module may include one or more input buttons, and one or more output elements, such as a LCD panel. The input buttons may be used to input the required value of the attributes of the device. The output elements may display the output of the input. The control module, the data management module, and a power module are internally connected through one or more third connecting elements. Examples of the third connecting elements include, but not limited to, a coaxial cable or other wires or wireless. The power module may include one or more power source, such as a battery. The power source supplies power to each components of the device through one or more fourth connecting elements, such as an electrical wire. Data management module may collect, store, retrieve and disburse the data generated by the device. 
         [0033]    The device can be integrated with a supporting base, such as the frames of the common spectacle that rests on the nose. In an example, two devices, such as a first device and a second device, are integrated on the frame of a common spectacle through their respective motion elements. The first device is fixed on right side of the frame through the first motion element whereas the second device is fixed on left side of the frame through the second motion element. In an example of the working mechanism, when the motion elements of both devices are switched off, the mechanical levers of the devices are at retracted positions and thus both nostrils of the nose are open. When the motion element of first device is switched on and the motion element of the second device is still switched off, the mechanical lever of the first device moves forward and presses the right nostril by its pad, blocking the right nostril. 
         [0034]    Thereafter the motion element of first device is switched off for a required duration. The mechanical lever of the first device is locked in the extended position, blocking the right nostril. Thereafter the motion element of the first device is switched on with reverse phase. The mechanical lever of the first device moves back in retracted position, releasing the right nostril. The motion element of first device is switched off for a required duration. The mechanical lever of the first device is locked in the retracted position, unblocking the right nostril. Simultaneously the motion element of the second device is switched on. The mechanical lever of the second device moves forward and presses the left nostril by its pad, blocking the left nostril. Thereafter the motion element of the second device is switched off for a required duration. The mechanical lever of the second device is locked in the extended position, blocking the left nostril. Thereafter the motion element of the second device is switched on with reverse phase. The mechanical lever of the second device moves back in retracted position, releasing the left nostril. The motion element of the second device is switched off for a required duration. The mechanical lever of the second device is locked in the retracted position, unblocking the left nostril. These steps are repeated up to a desired number of cycles for the yogic breathing practice. 
         [0035]    The motion elements can be controlled separately, and one may program the controlling unit to selectively block one nostril only, as may be required by specific yogic breathing practice. 
         [0036]    The device can be manufactured in various methods in various embodiments, hi an embodiment of method of the present invention, the first step includes coupling the mechanical lever to the motion element. The second step includes coupling the pads to the mechanical lever. The method may further include coupling one or more sensors to the supporting base. Details of these applications have been provided in conjunction with drawings below. 
         [0037]      FIG. 1  illustrates a blown up view of device  100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Device  100  includes a motion element  102 , a mechanical lever  104 , and pad  106 . Mechanical lever  104  is coupled to motion element  102 . Device  100  further includes a first connecting element  108  for connecting motion element  102  to the controlling unit. Mechanical lever  104  includes one or more lever ends, such as a first lever end and a second lever end (not shown). Pad  106  is coupled to the second lever end of mechanical lever  104 . Mechanical lever  104  in the extended position presses the nostril of the human nose by pad  106 . Motion element  102  is connected to the controlling unit through first connecting element  108 .  FIG. 2  illustrates how the mechanism of device  100  of  FIG. 1  works, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Mechanical lever  104  moves between the retracted position and the extended position with the changes in the state (switched on or switched off) of motion element  102 . Pad  106  moves along with mechanical lever  104  between the, retracted position and the extended position. As in  FIG. 2A , when motion element  102  is switched off, mechanical lever  104  is at rest at the retracted position. In  FIG. 2B , when motion element  102  is switched on, mechanical lever  104  moves forward in the extended position. Thereafter motion element  102  is switched off, as in  FIG. 2C , for a required duration; mechanical lever  104  is locked in the extended position. Thereafter motion element  102  is switched on with reverse phase, as in  FIG. 2D . Mechanical lever  104  moves back and comes at rest in the retracted position. 
         [0038]      FIG. 3  illustrates the devices  306  and  308  integrated on supporting bases  302  and  304 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Devices  306  and  308  are integrated on supporting bases  302  and  304  respectively. Supporting bases  302  and  304  are the frames of a common spectacle that rests on the human nose. Device  306  is coupled to right frame  302  through its motion element whereas device  308  is coupled to left frame  304  through its motion element. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 4A ,  4 B,  4 C, and  4 D illustrate how devices  306  and  308  emulate one cycle of the artificial yogic practice, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Two motion elements, such as the motion element of device  306  and the motion element of device  308 , are used as micro-actuators for the yogic practice. The mechanical levers of the devices  306  and  308  move between the retracted position and the extended position with the change in the state (switched on or switched off) of their respective motion elements. As in  FIG. 4A , the motion element of device  306  and the motion element of device  308  are switched off. The mechanical lever of device  306  and the mechanical lever of device  308  are at the retracted position, keeping both nostrils open. 
         [0040]    In  FIG. 4B , the motion element of device  306  is switched on, the mechanical lever of device  306  moves in the extended position and presses the right nostril with its coupled pad. The right nostril is blocked while the left nostril is still open. The motion element of device  306  is switched off for a required duration; the motion element of device  306  is locked in the extended position, blocking the right nostril. Now in  FIG. 4C , the motion element of device  306  is switched on with reverse phase. The mechanical lever of device  306  moves back and releases the right nostril. Thereafter the motion element of device  306  is switched off again; now the mechanical lever of device  306  is locked in the retracted position, unblocking the right nostril. 
         [0041]    Simultaneously the motion element of device  308  is switched on; the mechanical lever of device  308  moves forward in the extended position and presses the left nostril with its coupled pad. The left nostril is now blocked while the right nostril is open. The motion element of device  308  is switched off for a required duration; the mechanical lever of device  308  is locked in the extended position, blocking the left nostril. In  FIG. 4D , the motion element of device  308  is switched on with reverse phase; the mechanical lever of device  308  moves back in the retracted position, releasing the left nostril. The motion element of device  308  is switched off again for a required duration; the mechanical lever of device  308  is locked in the retracted position, unblocking the left nostril. 
         [0042]    Simultaneously the motion element of device  306  is switched on; the mechanical lever of device  306  moves forward in the extended position and presses the right nostril with its coupled pad. The right nostril is now blocked while the left nostril is open. Thereafter the motion element of device  306  is switched off for a required duration; the mechanical lever of device  306  is locked in the extended position, blocking the right nostril. The steps of  FIG. 4A-4D  are repeated for a specified number of cycles for performing the yogic practice. 
         [0043]      FIG. 5  illustrates a blown up view of device  500 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Device  500  includes a motion element  502 , one or more mechanical levers, such as a mechanical lever  506  and a mechanical lever  506 , and one or more pads, such as a pad  512  and a pad  514 . Device further includes a first connecting element  516  for connecting motion element  502  to the controlling unit. Device may further include one or more motion supporting elements, such as a first motion supporting element  508  and a second motion supporting element  510 , for supporting the coupling of mechanical levers  504  and  506  to motion element  502 . Mechanical levers  504  and  506  are coupled to motion element  502  with motion supporting elements  508  and  510  respectively. Pads  512  and  514  are coupled to mechanical lever  504  and mechanical lever  506  respectively. 
         [0044]      FIGS. 6A ,  6 B, and  6 C illustrate how the mechanism of device  500  of  FIG. 5  works, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Mechanical levers  504  and  506  move among rest position, right position, and left position with the changes in the state (switched on and switched off) of motion element  502 . In the rest position of mechanical levers  504  and  506 , both of the nostrils, such as a right nostril and a left nostril, are open. In the right position of mechanical levers  504  and  506 , the right nostril is blocked while the left nostril is open. In the left position of mechanical levers  504  and  506 , the left nostril is blocked while the right nostril is open. As in  FIG. 6A , motion element  502  is switched off; mechanical levers  504  and  506  are in the rest position, unblocking the both nostrils. 
         [0045]    In  FIG. 6B , motion element  502  is switched on; mechanical levers  504  and  506  move in the right position; blocking the right nostril. The left nostril is still open. Thereafter motion element  502  is switched off for a required duration; mechanical levers  504  and  506  are locked in the right position, blocking the right nostril. As in  FIG. 6C , motion element  502  is switched on with reverse phase; mechanical levers  504  and  506  move in the left position, releasing the right nostril and simultaneously blocking the left nostril. Thereafter motion element  502  is switched off for a required duration; mechanical levers  504  and  506  are locked in the left position, blocking the left nostril. The steps of  FIG. 6A-6C  are repeated for a specified number of cycles for performing the yogic practice. 
         [0046]      FIG. 7  illustrates a device integrated on supporting base  302 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The device includes a motion element  702 , a mechanical lever  704 , a pad  706 , and an elastic element  712 . Motion element  702 , such as muscle wire or shape memory actuators, includes one or more motion ends, such as a first motion end and a second motion end (not shown). The first motion end is coupled to supporting base  302 . Motion element  702  generates mechanical motion by contracting and stretching when it is heated up or when a specific electrical current is passed through it. The device is supported on supporting base  302  through motion element  702 . Motion element  702  is connected to the controlling unit through one or more fifth connecting elements  708 . Examples of the fifth connecting elements include, but not limited to, a coaxial cable or other wires or wireless. The fifth connecting elements  708  are connected at both ends of motion element  702 . Mechanical lever  704  may include one or more lever ends, such as a first lever end and a second lever end (not shown). The first lever end of mechanical lever  704  is coupled to motion element  702  at the second motion end. 
         [0047]    Mechanical lever  704  carries the mechanical motion generated by motion element  702  to pad  706 . Mechanical lever  704  is further coupled to supporting base  302  through elastic element  712 . Elastic element  712  includes one or more ends, such as a first elastic end and a second elastic end (not shown). Elastic element  712  engages elastically mechanical lever  704  to supporting base  302 . Elastic element  712  stretches and contracts based on the movement of mechanical lever  704 . Elastic element  712  is coupled to supporting base  302  at first elastic end whereas it is coupled to mechanical lever  704  at second elastic end. The device may further include a pivoting element  710 , such as a pivot, for affirming the movement of mechanical lever  704 . Pad  706  is coupled to second lever end of mechanical lever  704 . 
         [0048]    Mechanical lever  704  moves between the retracted position and the extended position with the mechanical motion of motion element  702 . When the specific electrical current passes through motion element  702 , motion element  702  contracts and thus mechanical lever  704  moves in the extended position, and elastic element  712  is stretched. When the supply of the electrical current is removed, motion element  702  stretches to its original state, mechanical lever  704  moves in the retracted position with elastic element  712 . Mechanical lever  704  is pivoted onto supporting base  302  through pivoting element  710 . 
         [0049]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate how the mechanism of the device of  FIG. 7  works, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. When electrical current passes through motion element  702  onto supporting base  302 , motion element  702  contracts, as shown in  FIG. 8A . First lever end of mechanical lever  704  is pulled towards motion element  702 , mechanical lever  704  moves in the extended position, blocking the right nostril. Elastic element  712  is stretched as it is engaged to mechanical lever  704 . When the supply of the electrical current is removed, motion element  702  relaxes and stretches to its original state, stretched elastic element  712  pulls mechanical lever  704  by second lever end of mechanical lever  704  towards itself. Thus mechanical lever  704  moves in the retracted position, unblocking the right nostril. 
         [0050]    Simultaneously electrical current is passed through motion element  802  on supporting base  304 , motion element  802  contracts, as shown in  FIG. 8B . First lever end of mechanical lever  804  is pulled towards motion element  802 , mechanical lever  804  moves in the extended position, blocking the left nostril. Elastic element  810  is stretched as it is engaged to mechanical lever  804 . When the supply of the electrical current is removed, motion element  802  relaxes and stretches to its original state, stretched elastic element  810  pulls mechanical lever  804  by second lever end of mechanical lever  804  towards itself. Thus mechanical lever  804  moves in the retracted position, unblocking the left nostril. Pivoting elements  710  and  808  affirm the movement of mechanical levers  704  and  804  from the retracted position to the extended position on supporting bases  302  and  304  respectively. The steps of  FIG. 8A-8B  are repeated for a specified number of cycles for performing the yogic practice. 
         [0051]      FIG. 9  illustrates diagrammatic view of controlling unit  900 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Controlling unit  900  includes a control module  902 , a data management module  904 , and a power module  906 . Control module  902  may include one or more input buttons, and an output panel, such as a LCD panel. The input buttons may be used to input required values for controlling the one or more attributes of the device. For example, the input buttons may be used to enter the number of cycles to perform the desired yogic practice, switched on or switched off the motion element. The output panel may display the values of the input and/or output. Data management module  904  may collect, store, retrieve and disburse the data of the device. Data management module  904  may include one or more external data ports, such as IEE 1394. Power module  906  may include one or more power source, such as a battery. Power module  906  supplies power to each components of the device. Control module  902 , data management module  904 , and power module  906  may be internally connected with each other through one or more third connecting elements  908 ,  910 , and  912 . Examples of third connecting elements  908 ,  910 , and  912  include, but not limited to, wire or wireless. Controlling unit  900  may be programmed for desired need. 
         [0052]      FIG. 10  illustrates arrangement of sensors  1002  and  1004  on supporting bases  302  and  304 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Sensors  1002  and  1004  are coupled to supporting bases  302  and  304  through one or more flexible elements  1006  and  1008 . Sensor  1002  is adjusted under right nostril while sensor  1004  is adjusted under left nostril. Sensors  1002  and  1004  are connected to the controlling unit through one or more second connecting elements  1010 . Sensors  1002  and  1004  monitor the breathing behavior and/or the breathing position of the human nostrils. Sensors  1002  and  1004  may sense the force and flow of the breath into and out of each nostril and may automate and synchronize the movement of mechanical levers to the normal breathing of the human nostrils. The sensors also measure the force of breath. 
         [0053]    The device may be manufactured in various ways in various embodiments. In an embodiment of the present invention, the first step of the method includes connecting one or more motion elements to a controlling unit through one or more first connecting elements. The second step includes coupling one or more mechanical levers to the motion elements. The mechanical levers carry the mechanical motion. The mechanical levers may include one or more lever ends. The third step includes coupling one or more pads to at least one of the lever ends. The pads interface with the parts of the human body. 
         [0054]    The fourth step includes coupling one or more sensors to the supporting base. The sensors sense the breathing behavior and patterns while measuring the force of breath. The fifth step includes connecting the sensors to the controlling unit through one or more second connecting elements. 
         [0055]    In another embodiment of the present invention, the first step of the method includes connecting one or more motion elements to a controlling unit through one or more first connecting elements. The second step includes coupling one or more mechanical levers to the motion elements. The mechanical levers carry the mechanical motion, the mechanical levers may include one or more lever ends. The third step includes coupling one or more pads to at least one of the lever ends. The pads interface with the parts of the human body. The fourth step includes coupling one or more sensors to the supporting base. The sensors sense the breathing behavior and patterns while measuring the force of breath. The fifth step includes connecting the sensors to the controlling unit through one or more second connecting elements. The sixth step includes coupling at least on of one or more elastic ends of one or more elastic elements to the supporting base. The seventh step includes coupling at least one of remaining of elastic ends to the mechanical levers. The elastic elements engage the mechanical levers to the supporting base. The seventh step includes coupling one or more pivoting elements on the supporting base for affirming the movement of the mechanical levers from the retracted position to the extended position. The device may be integrated to the supporting base through the motion elements. 
         [0056]    In addition, it will be appreciated that the various operations, processes, and methods disclosed herein may be performed in any order. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.