Abstract:
The present invention is directed to signing up at a single site to receive both credit and business information, and the combining of personal credit information for an individual and business credit information of a business with which the individual is associated. For example, the invention can provide a website where a user can lrequest to view an individual&#39;s personal credit information and the business credit information of a business that the individual owns. In this manner, the user can quickly and easily obtain a more complete view of the financial status of an individual or a business in a single location.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    This disclosure generally relates to the use of electrodes with human and animal subjects. More particularly, this disclosure relates to electrical contacts which are applied to the surface of a subject for the purpose of delivering transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS). 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Application of electrical currents to modify brain function has been practiced for a very long time. Systematic animal studies in anesthetized rats demonstrated that weak direct currents, delivered by intracerebral or epidural electrodes, induce cortical activity and excitability diminutions or enhancements, which can be stable long after the end of stimulation. The long-lasting effects can be used to alter neural activity and behavior. Initial studies in humans aimed at treating or modifying psychiatric diseases, particularly depression, suggested diminished depressive symptoms, and reduced manic symptoms. In the last few decades, TDCS was re-evaluated and shown to reliably modulate human cerebral cortical function inducing focal, prolonged but yet reversible shifts of cortical excitability. 
         [0003]    Studies combining TDCS with other brain imaging and neurophysiologic mapping methods (such as MRI, PET, EEG) promise to provide invaluable insights on the correlation between modification of behavior and its underlying neurophysiologic underpinnings. Depending on where the anode and cathode electrodes are placed on the head of a patient, studies show that various disorders and behaviors can be treated using TDCS by stimulating different parts of the brain. In some instances, the polarity of the electrodes, along with the placement, can affect the type of condition and area of the brain to be treated. 
         [0004]    Current electrodes used with TDCS often use a carbon or steel mesh electrode with a sponge and saline or other medium to achieve an electrical connection between the electrodes through skin (and/or hair). However, the electrodes used tend to cause skin irritation because the current tends to achieve some degree of hydrolysis in the saline resulting in a pH change in the saline solution (or other conductive medium), which tends to irritate the skin causing discomfort to the patient. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0005]    Methods, systems, and electrode patches for transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS) are disclosed. Systems for transdermal direct current stimulation system for applying a current to pass through the tissues of a patient may include, an electric current generator, and at least two electrode patches configured to be electrically connected to the current generator and affixed to a patient such that current passes through the tissues of the patient when the at least two electrode patches are affixed to the patient. At least one of the at least two electrode patches may include a flexible, planar biocompatible substrate, a planar solution matrix having on respective opposite sides thereof a skin contact surface and a securement surface, a portion of the securement surface being retained against the substrate, the skin contact surface of the solution matrix being configured to effect an electrically conductive engagement with skin of a patient, and an electrode configured to transmist current from the current generator to the solution matrix. 
         [0006]    The electrode may include, a planar electrically conductive backing layer having a driving face, a planar pH-control layer formed on the driving face of the backing layer, the pH-control layer comprising Ag and AgCl, the backing layer and the pH-control layer being located between the substrate and the solution matrix, the pH-control layer being entirely covered by the solution matrix, and an electrical contact extending from the pH-control layer through an opening in the substrate, the electrical contact being configured to be selectively coupled to the current generator. 
         [0007]    In some embodiments, systems may also include a saline solution (including water) within the solution matrix. At least a portion of the electrical contact may comprise Ag and Ag/Cl. The pH-control layer may be formed by printing or depositing the Ag and AgCl directly onto the backing layer. The backing layer may comprise carbon or copper. The backing layer may also be printed or deposited directly onto the substrate. The pH-control layer may also form a repeating pattern having apertures in the pH-control layer. 
         [0008]    Some embodiments of methods of treating a patient using transdermal direct current stimulation may include, providing a current generator, connecting an anode to the patient, connecting a cathode to the patient such, wherein at least one of the anode and cathode is a pH-controlling electrode comprising a pH-control layer comprising Ag and AgCl and a solution matrix comprising water, and connecting the current generator to each of the anode and cathode. Exemplary methods may further include, applying between about 0.5 and 3 mA of current through the patient. The current may be applied for between 10 and 40 minutes, and may be applied between 1 and 20 times each week for at least two weeks. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, the connecting the anode or connecting the cathode comprising snapping a wire having a snap connector onto the electrical contact. The anode and the cathode may be connected to the head of the patient. Attaching the anode and the attaching the cathode may be performed using a device extending around at least a portion of the head of the patient. The location of the anode and cathode on the patient may be based on a desired portion of the brain to be treated. 
         [0010]    Additional features and advantages are provided in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the described embodiments. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the embodiments as described. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be provided by reference to specific embodiments which are illustrated in the appended drawings. The drawings depict only typical and exemplary embodiments and are not, therefore, to be considered to be limiting of its scope. Aspects of the disclosed embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary TDCS system; 
           [0013]      FIGS. 2-4   a , and  5   a  illustrate various projections exemplary electrode patches; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4   b  illustrates an exploded view of the exemplary electrode patches of  FIGS. 2-4   a;    
           [0015]      FIG. 5   b  illustrates an exploded view of the exemplary electrode patch of  FIG. 5   a;    
           [0016]      FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary embodiments of an electrode patch receiving a solution; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 7   a - 7   f  illustrate various embodiments of layer design and positioning of exemplary electrode patches; and 
           [0018]      FIGS. 8   a - 8   d  illustrate various embodiments of layer design for pH-control layers and backing layers of exemplary electrode patches. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0019]    The following description supplies specific details of TDCS systems and electrodes for use in TDCS, including methods of making and using the systems and electrodes, in order to provide a thorough understanding. Nevertheless, the skilled artisan would understand that the electrodes and associated methods of using them can be implemented and used without employing these specific details. Indeed, the electrodes and associated methods can be placed into practice by modifying the embodiments shown in the figures and associated methods of using those embodiments, and can be used in conjunction with any apparatus and techniques conventionally used in the industry. 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  shows a patient  10  receiving TDCS therapy. For that purpose, patient  10  may be wearing components of an embodiment of an TDCS system  17  with exemplary electrode patches  18 ,  20 . The active electrode patches  18 ,  20  may be held in place on patient  10  with headband  4 . These components of delivery system  17  include a active electrode patches  18 ,  20  attached to the head of patient  10 . Electrode patches  18 ,  20  may be removably adhered to the skin of patient  10  at these respective locations, or other locations as desired to treat a particular condition, and a current may be made to flow between electrode patches  18 ,  20  through the skin, tissue, and brain of patient  10  along current path I S  by appropriately coupling to each of electrode patch  18 ,  20  an external power source  24  shown schematically in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0021]    Power source  24  may be powered from a wall outlet, or may be battery powered. Power source  24  may include a positive pole P + , an associated positive lead  28 , a negative pole P − , and an associated negative lead  30 . In  FIG. 1 , positive lead  28  and negative lead  30  of power source  24  are connected to electrode patches  18 ,  20 , respectively. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, electrode patches  18 ,  20  may be structurally the same, or may be different according to various embodiments described below. Similarly, one of the electrode patches may be a simple auxiliary patch if there is no need to provide a solution with the electrode based on the placement of the electrode. For the purposes of this disclosure, electrode patch  18  will be discussed in detail. 
         [0023]    Electrode patch  18  may be attached to positive pole P +  of power source  24  by way of positive lead  28 . Similarly, negative lead  30  may be used to electrically couple negative pole P −  of power source  24  to electrode patch  20 . Electrode patch  20  carries a return electrode by which the electrical potential at the other pole of power source  24  may be communicated to the skin of patient  10  at a contact location remote from electrode patch  18  to provide a pathway for current flow I S . The placement of electrode patches  18 ,  20  may be provided based on the areas of the brain that are desired to be stimulated by current flow I S . 
         [0024]    In electrical circuits, the flow of current is conventionally indicated as a flow of electrons through the circuit from the positive to the negative pole of the power source employed therewith. Therefore, current I S  is schematically indicated by an arrow to flow through patient  10  from electrode patch  18 , which may be associated with positive pole P +  of power source  24  in  FIG. 1 , to electrode patch  20 , which may be associated with negative pole P −  of power source  24 . 
         [0025]    The negative pole P −  of power source  24  of  FIG. 1  may be coupled by way of negative lead  30  to stud  60  (shown in  FIGS. 2-5   b ) of electrode patch  20  to patient  10  at a first contact location. The positive pole P +  of power source  24  may be correspondingly coupled to electrode patch  18  and therefrom through solution matrix  46  (shown in  FIGS. 2-5   b ) to skin at a second contact location remote from electrode patch  18 . Aside from the conductivity of the patient  10 , the first contact location and the second contact location are electrically isolated from each other. 
         [0026]    Power source  24  may be a current generator that provides a therapeutically sufficient current to treat patient  10 . For example, in some embodiments, power source  24  may provide between 0.1 mA and 100 mA current flow. In an example of a treatment regimen, a patient may undergo a treatment of 1-2 mA for 20 minutes 5-10 times each week, as desired. Of course, the amount of current, placement of electrodes, duration and frequency of treatment, will all be determined based on the understood best practices by those of ordinary skill for treatment using TDCS. 
         [0027]      FIGS. 2-5  taken together afford an overview of the structure of embodiments of electrode patch  18 , and, if desired electrode patch  20 .  FIG. 2  is a top view of electrode patch  18  showing the surface of electrode patch  18  that may be exposed when electrode patch  18  may be worn by patient  10  in the manner illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Similarly,  FIG. 3  is a perspective view of electrode patch  18 . Electrode patch  18  may include a flexible, planar biocompatible, non-electrically conductive, substrate  32  that has an upper face  34  that may be visible when worn by patient  10 . Formed though substrate  32  at a location convenient to the overall construction and functioning of electrode patch  18  may be an electrical access aperture  36  through which projects an electrical contact  38  of the type to which electrical leads, such as positive lead  28  and negative lead  30  of power source  24 , can be readily secured and non-destructively disengaged as needed, such as stud  60  as illustrated. 
         [0028]      FIG. 4   a  is a perspective view of electrode patch  18  taken from the side of electrode patch  18  opposite from upper face  34  shown in  FIG. 2 . Revealed thusly may be a therapeutic face  40  of substrate  32  that may be intended to be disposed in contact with the skin or hair of a patient, such as patient  10  in  FIG. 1 . Solution matrix  46  may be visible on therapeutic face  40 . Solution matrix  46  can take the form of a gel suspension or of an absorbent pad of gauze or cotton that may be saturated at some time prior to use with a fluid solution to facilitate electrical conductivity between electrical contact  38  and the skin, or the skin through the hair as a fluid solution may provide an electrical pathway from electrical contact  38  and the skin. When permeated by a solution, solution matrix  46  functions as a conductive pathway and reservoir of solution during treatment. In some embodiments, the fluid solution may be simple water or a saline solution, or any other solution that creates the desired pathway. 
         [0029]    In some embodiments, electrode patches  18 ,  20  may be held in place with a adhesive tape, a harness, mask, cap, or other external mechanism, such as the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4   a - 4   b , or it may be held in place using adhesive integral to the electrode patch, such as is shown in  FIGS. 5   a - 5   b . In such embodiments, therapeutic face  40  may be at least partially coated with a biocompatible adhesive to a sufficient extent as will enable therapeutic face  40  to be removably secured to the person of patient  10 . 
         [0030]    As is shown in  FIG. 5   a , the adhesive on therapeutic face  40  may be shielded by a removable release liner  41 , which may be peeled from therapeutic face  40 . Release liner  41  may have on the opposite sides thereof, respectively, first an exposed face  42  and second a contact face  43  that actually engages the adhesive on therapeutic face  40  of substrate  32 . Release liner  41  may include opening  44  for solution matrix  46  in such embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 5   a , opening  44  may be substantially filled by a generally planar solution matrix  46  that exhibits a generally rectangular periphery  48 . Solution matrix  46  may project through opening  44  in such a manner that the surface, while oriented generally parallel to the plane of release liner  41  and the plane of therapeutic face  40  of substrate  32 , extends away from the adhesive surface a distance that is approximately equal to the thickness of solution matrix  46 . 
         [0031]    The side of solution matrix  46  visible in  FIGS. 4   a  and  5   a  may form a corresponding skin contact surface  50 . By way of skin contact surface  50 , solution matrix  46  may be intended to electrically conductively engage the skin of a patient, when therapeutic face  40  of substrate  32  may be disposed against and removably adhered to the person of the patient. 
         [0032]    As shown in  FIG. 5   a - 5   b , opening  44  in release liner  41  and solution matrix  46  on therapeutic face  40  of substrate  32  may be closely similar in size and shape. As a result, the edges of opening  44  may be in close proximity to periphery  48  of solution matrix  46 , when contact face  43  of release liner  41  may be disposed covering the adhesive on the portion of therapeutic face  40  located between periphery  48  of solution matrix  46  and periphery of therapeutic face  40 . Consequently, release liner  41  may cover the entirety of that defined above as being the exposed adhesive portion of therapeutic face  40 . 
         [0033]    Opening  44  in release liner  41  may afford unimpeded access by medical personnel to the entirety of skin contact surface  50  of solution matrix  46  prior to the removal of release liner  41  from therapeutic face  40 . Additionally, the near congruency of periphery  48  of skin contact surface  50  of solution matrix  46  with opening  44  in release liner  41  advantageously allows release liner  41  to protect the adhesive on the exposed portion of therapeutic face  40  from any solution that might overflow from solution matrix  46  during the process of wetting solution matrix  46  in anticipation of use. 
         [0034]      FIGS. 4   b  and  5   b  are exploded views of electrode patch  18  taken from the perspective of electrode patch  18  shown in  FIGS. 4   a  and  5   a , respectively. Shown accordingly in are upper face  34  of substrate  32 , and in  FIG. 5   b , contact face  43  of release liner  41 . Newly revealed on the side of solution matrix  46  opposite from skin contact surface  50 , which does not appear in  FIGS. 4   b ,  5   b , may be a securement surface  52  of solution matrix  46  by which solution matrix  46  may be retained on therapeutic face  40  of substrate  32 . 
         [0035]    Also revealed in the exploded views are the components of an active electrode  54 . While not visible in the assembled condition of electrode patch  18  illustrated in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 ,  4   a  and  5   a , in the assembled condition of electrode patch  18  active electrode  54  may be sandwiched between solution matrix  46  and the portion of therapeutic face  40  of substrate  32  concealed by solution matrix  46 . Active electrode  54  may include a backing layer  56 , a pH-control layer  58 , and electrical contact  38 , which may be itself a two-piece assembly. One component of electrical contact  38  may be a hollow stud  60  having a periphery  61  and an open end that is not visible in  FIGS. 4   a  and  5   a . In addition, electrical contact  38  may include a cooperating eyelet  62  that may have a shaft  64  configured for press fit insertion through the open end of stud  60  and a generally planar flange  66  secured to an end of shaft  64 . 
         [0036]    The side of backing layer  56  shown in  FIG. 5  functions as a securement surface  68  of backing layer  56  by which backing layer  56  engages and may be attached to therapeutic face  40  of substrate  32 . In so doing, backing layer  56  may be positioned across electrical access aperture  36 . Thus, in  FIG. 2 , a small portion of securement surface  68  of backing layer  56  may be visible from upper face  34  of substrate  32  through electrical access aperture  36  between substrate  32  and periphery  61  of stud  60 . The opposite side of backing layer  56 , which is not shown in  FIGS. 4   b ,  5   b , defines a driving face of backing layer  56  that at least in part contacts securement surface  52  of solution matrix  46  in the assembled condition of electrode patch  18  shown in  FIGS. 2-4   a ,  5   a . Backing layer  56  has a periphery  71  that appears to be generally rectangular as illustrated, but that may assume many other configurations, such as circular, hexagonal, square, trapezoidal, oblong, ovoid, or any other suitable shape. 
         [0037]    Correspondingly, the side of pH-control layer  58  presented to view in  FIG. 5  may be a securement surface  72  of pH-control layer  58 . All or some of securement surface  72  abuts a portion only of the driving face of backing layer  56  in the assembled condition of active electrode  54 . Any portion of securement surface  72  of pH-control layer  58  that does not abut the driving face of backing layer  56  may eventually become attached to therapeutic face  40  of substrate  32  in the assembled condition of electrode patch  18 . The opposite side of pH-control layer  58 , which is also not visible in  FIG. 5 , defines a driving face of pH-control layer  58 . Driving face of pH control layer  58  may engage securement surface  52  of solution matrix  46  in the assembled condition of electrode patch  18 . Finally, pH-control layer  58  may have a periphery  75  that may be similar to periphery  71  of backing layer  56 . Nonetheless, periphery  75  of pH-control layer  58  may assume many other configurations and need not echo the configuration of periphery  71  of backing layer  56  in any manner whatsoever. 
         [0038]    One method for making a electrode patch, such as electrode patch  18 , will be described. In that method, the manufacture of active electrode  54  precedes the assembly of active electrode  54  with the other elements of electrode patch  18  shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0039]    In active electrode  54 , pH-control layer  56  may be made of an electrically conductive material that is, under conditions of current flow through electrode patch  18 , capable of moderating changes in the hydrogen-ion concentration, or the pH, in solution matrix  46 . Moderating changes in the hydrogen-ion concentration in solution matrix  46  may be equivalent to moderating the hydroxyl-radical concentration in solution matrix  46 . Current arises when electrode patch  18  may be adhered to the skin of a patient, and an electrical potential may be imposed between active electrode  54  and the skin of the patient at a contact location remote from solution matrix  46 . 
         [0040]    The ability of pH-control layer  58  to moderate changes in the hydrogen-ion concentration in solution matrix  46  can be achieved in a number of different ways through the use of various materials to construct pH-control layer  58 . For example, the material of which pH-control layer  58  may be formed can be a material that may be capable of precluding the electrolysis of the water (H 2 O) in solution matrix  46  by competing to be electrolyzed instead of that water during iontophoretic current flow. Examples of such materials include a mixture of silver (Ag) and silver-chloride (AgCl) or a mixture of potassium (K) and potassium-chloride (KCl). These materials electrolyze before water and when so doing produce constituent chemical components that do not change the pH in solution matrix  46 . Alternatively, the material of which pH-control layer  58  may be formed may be capable of neutralizing the chemical products created by the electrolysis of water in solution matrix  46  during current flow. An example of such a material is potassium phosphate (K 3 PO 4 ). 
         [0041]    Backing layer  56  may be made from a film of a more common electrically conductive material, such as carbon (C), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), or rubberized carbon. Backing layer  56  may have a thickness in a range from about 1.0 millimeter to about 5.0 millimeters. The material of pH-control layer  58  may be applied to the driving face of backing layer  56 , by printing or by deposition through a mask shaped to correspond to that intended in pH-control layer  58 . In other embodiments, backing layer may be provided as a sheet and then cut to the desired shape. In some embodiments, pH-control layer  58  covers less than all of the driving face of backing layer  56 . As a result, all of pH-control layer  58 , but only the portion of the driving face of backing layer  56  that may be free of pH-control layer  58 , may be able to electrically engage securement surface  68  of solution matrix  46 , when active electrode  54  is assembled with the other elements of electrode patch  18 . Similar to backing layer  56 , pH control layer  58  may be printed, deposited directly onto, or otherwise formed on backing layer  56 . In some embodiments, a film of pH control layer may be cut and adhered to backing layer  56 . 
         [0042]    To complete the manufacture of active electrode  54 , the components of electrical contact  38  may fitted together with pH-control layer  58  and backing layer  56  sandwiched therebetween. The free end of shaft  64  of eyelet  62  may be forced through pH-control layer  58  at a generally central location and then through backing layer  56  at a generally central location. Alternatively, apertures through which to advance shaft  64  may be formed in advance through an appropriate location in one or both of pH-control layer  58  and backing layer  56 . Finally, the free end of shaft  64  of eyelet  62  may be inserted into the open end of stud  60 . By press fitting or by other appropriate arrangements, eyelet  62  becomes permanently secured thereto. Backing layer  56  and pH-control layer  58  are thereby clamped between stud  60  and flange  66  of eyelet  62 , and the assembly of active electrode  54  is complete. 
         [0043]    Stud  60  may be made of an electrically conductive material. Therefore, once the assembly of active electrode  54  is complete, stud  60  may be correspondingly electrically coupled to backing layer  56 . As mentioned earlier, backing layer  56  and pH-control layer  58  are both made of electrically conductive materials. Accordingly, in the assembled condition of active electrode  54 , stud  60  becomes electrically coupled to the entirety of backing layer  56 , including in particular driving face of backing layer  56 . Stud  60  may be also electrically coupled to the entirety of pH-control layer  58 . Active electrode  54  may be thus a single, electrically conductive structure that communicates through solution matrix  46  the electrical potential that may be applied to stud  60  from power source  24  shown in  FIG. 1 . The electrical potential may be, either a positive electrical polarity that may be provided through positive lead  28 , or a negative electrical polarity that may be provided through negative lead  30 . The types of material that may be used as eyelet  62  warrant discussion. 
         [0044]    Eyelet  62  can be made of an electrically conductive material, possibly even the same type of electrically conductive material as that from which stud  60  may be manufactured. Then, with shaft  64  of eyelet  62  engaged in stud  60  in the assembled condition of electrical contact  38 , any electrical potential applied to stud  60  from power source  24  may be directly communicated to the entirety of electrical contact  38 , including in particular to flange  66  of eyelet  62 . In the assembled condition of electrode patch  18 , flange  66  of eyelet  62  may directly engage securement surface  52  of solution matrix  46 . 
         [0045]    In the assembled condition of electrode patch  18 , the presence of flange  66  on driving face  74  of pH-control layer  58  may impede the migration of the chemical constituents of pH-control layer  58  into the region of solution matrix  46  that may be located on the opposite side of flange  66  from pH-control layer  58 . These are the material that are intended to moderate changes in the hydrogen-ion concentration, or the pH, in solution matrix  46  during iontophoretic current flow. Regions of solution matrix  46  are thus eclipsed by flange  66  from the full beneficial pH moderating effects that are intended to be exercised upon solution matrix  46  by pH-control layer  58 . As a result, these eclipsed regions of solution matrix  46  are more likely to become caustic during the course of iontophoretic current flow than may be the balance of solution matrix  46 . The regions of solution matrix  46  thusly eclipsed by flange  66  may be inclined to exhibit pH instability, and the portion of skin contact surface  50  of solution matrix  46  adjacent to those regions may be correspondingly inclined to irritate the skin against which electrode patch  18  is disposed. 
         [0046]    This problem of localized regions of pH instability in skin contact surface  50  of solution matrix  46  may be exacerbated when eyelet  62  of electrical contact  38  may be constructed from an electrically conductive material. 
         [0047]    Then, the electrical potential applied to stud  60  from power source  24  may be directly communicated to flange  66 , which may be in turn in an abutting relationship to securement surface  52  of solution matrix  46 . The electric field associated with flange  66  may be imposed on the region of solution matrix  46  opposite thereto with an intensity that may be greater than the intensity imposed on solution matrix  46  by active electrode  54  as a whole. This unevenness in the intensity of the electric field throughout solution matrix  46  causes a corresponding disparity in the rate of electrolysis of the water at locations in solution matrix  46 . In particular, the rate of electrolysis of water may be accelerated in the region of solution matrix  46  that may be directly opposite from flange  66  of electrical contact  38 . This is, however, the very region of solution matrix  46  in which pH instability is most likely, due to the eclipsing of a portion of the driving face of pH-control layer  58  by flange  66  in the manner discussed above. To ameliorate these conditions, flange  66 , or at least the surface thereof that engages securement surface  52  of solution matrix  46 , may be coated with a material of the types disclosed above (such as Ag/AgCl) by which pH-control layer  58  may be rendered capable of moderating changes in the hydrogen-ion concentration in solution matrix  46 . 
         [0048]    According to another embodiment of an active electrode, active electrode  54 , eyelet  62 , or at least flange  66  thereof, may be comprised of an electrically insulative material. Then coating flange  66  with a material that moderates changes in the hydrogen-ion concentration in solution matrix  46  may not be warranted. When eyelet  62 , or at least flange  66  thereof, is comprised of an electrically insulative material, the electrical potential applied to stud  60  may not be communicated to flange  66 , and no unusual acceleration of the electrolysis of water should then result in regions of solution matrix  46  that are directly opposite from flange  66 . 
         [0049]    An assembled active electrode  54  may be combined in the following manner with the other elements of electrode patch  18  shown in  FIGS. 4   b ,  5   a . Sheeting of a flexible biocompatible material may be cut into the shape of substrate  32 , electrical access aperture  36  may be formed therethrough, and an adhesive may be applied to the side that is intended to function as therapeutic face  40 . These steps can be performed in any order that is most convenient and economical. Active electrode  54  may be then disposed against the adhesive on therapeutic face  40  of substrate  32  in such a manner that stud  60  of electrical contact  38  projects through electrical access aperture  36  in substrate  32  in the manner shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0050]    An absorbent material, such as gauze or cotton, may be cut or otherwise configured into the shape desired in solution matrix  46 . Solution matrix  46  can alternatively be formed from a medical grade gel, such as a hydro gel, or any substance that will adequately form a conductive relationship. In any case, solution matrix  46  may be then attached by securement surface  52  thereof to therapeutic face  40  of substrate  32 , by the adhesive on therapeutic face  40 , or through any other arrangement. In the process, that solution matrix  46  should generally completely cover active electrode  54 . 
         [0051]    The portion of therapeutic face  40  thereby obscured by solution matrix  46  defines a concealed portion of therapeutic face  40 , while the portion of therapeutic face  40  other than the concealed portion thereof defines an exposed portion of therapeutic face  40 . It should be noted that all of therapeutic face  40 , or the portion of therapeutic face  40  contacted by active electrode  54  may also be covered, and therefore obscured, by solution matrix  46 . Therefore, the portions of therapeutic face  40  contacted by active electrode  54  directly, as well as that contacted by solution matrix  46  directly may be included in the concealed portion of therapeutic face  40  as defined above. 
         [0052]    Finally, thin nonabsorbent sheeting of a flexible biocompatible material may be cut into the shape of release liner  41 , opening  44  may be formed therethrough, and contact face  43  of release liner  41  may be disposed on the adhesive on the exposed portion of therapeutic face  40  with solution matrix  46  projecting in close conformity through opening  44 . To the extent practicable, no portion of solution matrix  46  should generally be obscured by release liner  41  in embodiments where release liner  41  is used. As a result, the full extent of skin contact surface  50  of solution matrix  46  will remain accessible to medical personnel, even while release liner  41  remains in covering engagement with therapeutic face  40 . The portions of contact face  43  of release liner  41  immediately adjacent to opening  44  are then, temporarily adhered to the adhesive on therapeutic face  40  immediately adjacent to periphery  48  of solution matrix  46 . In this manner, a fluid tight seal may be effected on behalf to the entirety of the exposed portion of therapeutic face  40  between from any fluid in or intended for solution matrix  46 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of the side of electrode patch  18  from which solution matrix  46  may be visible projecting through opening  44  in release liner  41 . Also shown is a syringe  80  containing a solution  82  that is being used to saturate solution matrix  46  in anticipation of the use of electrode patch  18 . Drops of solution  82  may be deposited on skin contact surface  50  of solution matrix  46  and permitted to soak thereinto. 
         [0054]    As this process progresses, a saturated portion  84  may develop in solution matrix  46  and grow laterally as additional drops of solution  82  are added to solution matrix  46 . Saturated portion  84  of solution matrix  46  may be visually distinguishable by a medical practitioner from the unsaturated portions of solution matrix  46 . As solution matrix  46  may be generally uncovered by release liner  41 , a medical practitioner may thereby be able to observe the enlargement of saturated portion  84  of solution matrix  46  as drops of solution  82  are added thereto, eventually verifying by visual inspection when the entirety of solution matrix  46  becomes adequately wetted. 
         [0055]    It is not uncommon that solution matrix  46  may become locally oversaturated in some areas during this wetting process. Then, solution  82  may overflow solution matrix  46 . This overflow of solution  82  may be prevented from coming into contact with the adhesive on substrate  32  because the overflow may be deposited on exposed face  42  of release liner  41 . 
         [0056]    In the alternative to using a syringe of solution, the wetting of solution matrix  46  can be accomplished through the bursting onto the medicament matrix of a capsule or blister of solution that constitutes an integral component of the electrode patch, an element of the packaging for the electrode patch, or a article distinct from both. 
         [0057]    As shown in the Figures, active electrode  54  may be sandwiched between solution matrix  46  and therapeutic face  40  of substrate  32  interior of periphery  48  of solution matrix  46 . Stud  60  of electrical contact  38  of active electrode  54  may project through electrical access aperture  36  in substrate  32  and away from skin, thereby being easily accessible for electrical connection to a lead from a source of electrical power. To maintain this desired position of active electrode  54  relative to the other elements of electrode patch  18 , securement surface  68  of backing layer  56  of active electrode  54  may be adhered to therapeutic face  40  of substrate  32  in the vicinity of electrical access aperture  36 . Solution matrix  46  may be then adhered to at least a portion of therapeutic face  40  of substrate  32  surrounding active electrode  54 . Active electrode  54  may be thereby precluded from effecting direct electrical contact with skin against which electrode patch  18  is disposed. 
         [0058]    Among the elements of active electrode  54 , pH-control layer  58  may cover less than all of the driving face of backing layer  56 , the portions not overlaid by pH-control layer  58  remain capable of effecting direct electrical contact with solution matrix  46 . The role of backing layer  56  in active electrode  54  may be that of communicating to solution matrix  46  the electrical potential that may be applied to stud  60  of electrical contact  38 . As backing layer  56  may be constructed from an electrically conductive material, that electrical potential may be communicated to solution matrix  46  directly through the portions of backing layer  56  uncovered by pH-control layer  58  and through the driving face of backing layer  56 . As pH-control layer  58  may be also made of an electrically conductive material, the portion of the driving face of backing layer  56  that may be covered by pH-control layer  58  participates in this function indirectly through pH-control layer  58 . 
         [0059]    The role of pH-control layer  58  in active electrode  54  may be that of moderating changes in the hydrogen-ion concentration, or the pH, developed in solution matrix  46  during the flow of skin current I S . The entry of a second constituent current into pH-control layer  58  from solution matrix  46  causes some of the material of which pH-control layer  58  may be comprised to migrate out of pH-control layer  58  and into solution matrix  46  as an ionic flow. Depending on the material composition chosen for pH-control layer  58  as described earlier, this ionic flow may serve in various ways to moderate changes in the hydrogen-ion concentration in solution matrix  46 . For example, the materials in the ionic flow could preclude the electrolysis of the water in solution matrix  46  by competing to be electrolyzed instead of that water during iontophoretic current flow. Alternatively, the material in the ionic flow could neutralize the electrolysis products of water caused by iontophoretic current flow. 
         [0060]    In this process, the material of which pH-control layer  58  may be comprised may gradually become depleted. Should pH-control layer  58  thereby become completely consumed, pH-control layer  58  will no longer be reliably conductive, and may even completely block the passage of current therethrough into backing layer  56 . Skin current I S  correspondingly may become irregular or cease entirely. In other terms, the electrical resistance of active electrode  54  may increase, possibly to an extent that current flow will terminate. 
         [0061]    Against this possibility, pH-control layer  58  and backing layer  56  may be so sized and positioned relative to each other that pH-control layer  58  covers less than all of the driving face of backing layer  56 . Then, regardless of the conditions of electrical conductivity in pH-control layer  58 , the portion of the driving face of backing layer  56  not obscured by pH-control layer  58  may offer a conductive pathway for at least a portion of the current, and the continuity of at least some current flow may be insured. The electrically conductive pathway taken by first constituent current may be a relative low resistance pathway as compared to the conductive pathway taken through pH-control layer  58  even when the material of pH-control layer  58  has not been depleted by iontophoretic current flow to any significant degree. 
         [0062]    Therefore, the design of active electrode  54  in such a manner that a portion of the driving face of backing layer  56  is covered by pH-control layer  58  may reduce the overall electrical resistance to current flow presented by active electrode  54 . Indeed, the overall resistance of active electrode  54  can be adjusted appropriately in anticipation of specific therapy conditions by varying a pair of active electrode design criteria. The first criterion may be the ratio of the area of pH-control layer  58  to the total area of backing layer  56 . The second criterion may be the ratio of the area of the exposed portion of backing layer  56  that is not covered by pH-control layer  58  to the area of pH-control layer  58 . Examples of these ratios will be disclosed subsequently for a number of embodiments of active electrodes. 
         [0063]    Before doing so, however, it should be recalled that the rate of electrolysis of water is accelerated in a region  104  of solution matrix  46  that is directly opposite from flange  66  of electrical contact  38 , and that in region  104  there may be an increased likelihood of pH-instability due to the eclipsing of the driving face of pH-control layer  58  by flange  66  if flange  66  is electrically conductive or uncoated with a material of the types from which pH-control layer  58  is comprised. In some embodiments, where an amelioration of the effects of electrolysis and pH variation is a primary goal, it may be advantageous to cover the entire driving face of backing layer  56  to reduce the possibility of irritation to the skin of a user when pH-control layer  58  is consumed. As such, the amount and thickness of the pH-control layer  58  may be selected based on the expected time for a session of therapy. 
         [0064]      FIGS. 7   a - 7   f  are plan views of individual embodiments of active electrodes taken from the side of each respective active electrode that engages solution matrix  46  in an active electrode patch. In each case, the active electrode depicted may be resting against or secured to the underlying therapeutic face  40  of a substrate of a electrode patch. 
         [0065]      FIG. 7   a  is such a plan view of active electrode  54 . Superimposed by way of reference in phantom on therapeutic face  40  is periphery  48  of solution matrix  46 , which in the assembled condition of the electrode patch depicted would entirely obscure active electrode  54 . This is borne out in  FIG. 7   a , as flange  66  of eyelet  62  of electrical contact  38 , pH-control layer  58 , and backing layer  56  of active electrode  54  are shown superimposed on one another in that order, with all of each of these components of active electrode  54  located interior of periphery  48  of solution matrix  46 . 
         [0066]    Periphery  71  of backing layer  56 , periphery  75  of pH-control layer  58 , and periphery  48  of solution matrix  46  may be generally rectangular in configuration. Nonetheless, periphery  71 , periphery  75 , and periphery  48  are not, and need not be, disposed in any concentric relationship to each other, or to flange  66  of eyelet  62  of electrical contact  38 . The total area of backing layer  56  may be greater than the area of pH-control layer  58 . Periphery  75  of pH-control layer  58  may be disposed entirely within periphery  71  of backing layer  56 , and backing layer  56  may have an exposed annular area between periphery  75  of pH-control layer  58  and periphery  71  that is not covered by pH-control layer  58 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 7   b  is a plan view of an embodiment of an active electrode  54 . Superimposed by way of reference in phantom may be periphery  48  of solution matrix  46 , which in the assembled condition of the electrode patch depicted would entirely obscure active electrode  54 . Active electrode  54  may be made up of the same elements, namely flange  66  of eyelet  62 , pH-control layer  58 , and backing layer  56 , as were employed in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7   a . In contrast thereto, however, these elements are more pronouncedly eccentrically positioned relative to each other and to periphery  48  of solution matrix  46  than was the case relative to active electrode  54  in  FIG. 7   a.    
         [0068]    In  FIG. 7   b , periphery  75  of pH-control layer  58  may tangentially engage periphery  71  of backing layer  56 , and periphery  71  of backing layer  56  may tangentially engage periphery  48  of solution matrix  46 . As thusly arranged, solution matrix  46  may nonetheless entirely obscure active electrode  54 . The total area of backing layer  56  may then remain greater than the area of pH-control layer  58 , and backing layer  56  may have an exposed area not covered by pH-control layer  58  between periphery  75  of pH-control layer  58  and periphery  71  of backing layer  56 , although such need not be the case. 
         [0069]      FIG. 7   c  is a plan view of another embodiment of active electrode  54 . Active electrode  54  may be made up of the same elements as were employed in active electrode  54  in  FIG. 7   a . In contrast thereto, however, while backing layer  56  continues to be covered in part only by pH-control layer  58 , periphery  75  of pH-control layer  58  extends to the exterior of periphery  71  of backing layer  56 . These are nonetheless acceptable relationships among components in an active electrode. 
         [0070]      FIG. 7   d  is a plan view of another embodiment of active electrode  54 . Active electrode  54  may be made up of the same elements as were employed in active electrode  54  in  FIG. 7   a . In  FIG. 7   d  by contrast, a pH-control layer  58  may be included in active electrode  130  that may be of approximately the same size and shape as backing layer  56 . Thus, pH-control layer  58  may have a periphery  75  approximately congruent with periphery  71  of backing layer  56 . These nonetheless are acceptable relationships among components in an active electrode. Indeed, in some embodiments, pH-control layer  58  may entirely cover backing layer  56  or even exceed it in size. The total area of backing layer  56  may be approximately equal to the area of pH-control layer  58 . Backing layer  56  may have an exposed area that is not covered by pH-control layer  58  between periphery  75  of pH-control layer  58  and periphery  71  of backing layer  56 , or backing layer  56  may be entirely covered by pH-control layer  58 . 
         [0071]      FIG. 7   e  is a plan view of another embodiment of an active electrode  54 . Active electrode  54  may be made up of the same elements as were employed in active electrode  54  in  FIG. 7   a , in addition to a backing layer  56  may have a generally triangular shape with a periphery  71  having three vertices, and pH-control layer  58  having a generally hexagonal shape along periphery  75 . The periphery  48  of solution matrix  46  is shown has forming a generally circular shape. 
         [0072]      FIG. 7   f  is a plan view of another embodiment of an active electrode  54 . Active electrode  54  of the same elements as were employed in active electrode  54  in  FIG. 7   a , in addition to a backing layer  56  having a generally squarish shape about periphery  71  with rounded corners and a pH-control layer  58  having a star-shaped, polygonal shape about periphery  75  with seven points. The periphery  48  of solution matrix  46  is shown has forming a generally circular shape. 
         [0073]    Of course, in other embodiments, backing layer  56 , pH-control layer  58 , and solution matrix  46  may have any desirable shape relative to each other. Additionally, pH-control layer  58  may be provided with any number of a variety of patterns. Such patterns may allow for targeted and shaped current flow I S  to a desired portion of the brain for treatment. In some embodiments, a crescent shape, or other shape may also be provided. Similarly, if a particular portion of the brain targeted for treatment has a particular shape, the pH-control layer and overall size of the electrode may be formed to effectively treat the targeted portion. 
         [0074]      FIGS. 8   a - 8   d  are plan views of individual embodiments of various designs of pH control layers of active electrodes in an active electrode patch. In each case, the active electrode may be shown resting against, and possibly secured to, the underlying therapeutic face of a substrate, such as those discussed above. In the assembled condition of the electrode patch in which the active electrode may be employed, a medicament matrix would be superimposed over the active electrode and pH control layer and secured about the periphery of the active electrode to therapeutic face  180  entirely obscuring the active electrode. 
         [0075]      FIG. 8   a  is such a plan view of another embodiment of an active electrode  54 . Active electrode  54  may include a backing layer  56  having a generally oval periphery  71 . Superimposed on backing layer  56  may be a pH-control layer  58  that has a generally rhomboidal periphery  75 . Formed through pH-control layer  58  may be a plurality of apertures  90  at which the surface of backing layer  56  against which pH-control layer  258  may be disposed may be nonetheless free of pH-control layer  258 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 8   b  is a plan view of another embodiment of an active electrode  54  incorporating teachings of the present invention. Active electrode  54  may include backing layer  56  having a generally rectangular periphery  71  with beveled corners. A pH-control layer  58  of overall, generally rectangular extent may be formed in a lattice with apertures  90 . 
         [0077]    Similarly,  FIG. 8   c  is a plan view of another embodiment of active electrode  84  include a backing layer  56  having a generally circular periphery  71 , and a pH-control layer  58  of an overall, generally circular extent with a periphery  75  that may be congruent to and coincident with periphery  71  of backing layer  56 . In detail, however, pH-control layer  276  may be made up of a plurality of discrete components that cover a plurality of complex shapes. 
         [0078]      FIG. 8   d  is a plan view of another embodiment of an active electrode  54  including a backing layer  56  having a generally square-shaped periphery  71  with rounded corners. Superimposed on backing layer  56  may be pH-control layer  58  formed in a series of smaller, unconnected squares. 
         [0079]    In some embodiments, therapeutic agents and medicaments may be employed in an iontophoretic medicament delivery process along with the TDCS process. U.S. Pat. No. 8,197,844 discusses iontophoretic transfer of medicament and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the addition of medicament delivery may enhanced the effectiveness or efficiency of the TDCS process. In other embodiments, more than one cathode or anode or both may be applied to the head of a patient to alter or expand the current flow through the head of the patient to treat particular areas during a TDCS treatment. 
         [0080]    Finally, methods of manufacture necessary to provide the inventive embodiments described above, as well as methods associated with the effective therapeutic use of any of those inventive embodiments are anticipated by this disclosure. 
         [0081]    In addition to any previously indicated modification, numerous other variations and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this description, and appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the information has been described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred aspects, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, form, function, manner of operation, and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein. Also, as used herein, the examples and embodiments, in all respects, are meant to be illustrative only and should not be construed to be limiting in any manner.