Abstract:
A method and apparatus for applying a variable localized pressure to a selected portion of the human spine to modify human behavior or treat a human condition or ailment. A flexible and resilient pressure member is brought into engagement with the spine portion, and a mechanism is connected to the pressure member to support it in engagement with the spine portion and to create reciprocatory movement of the pressure member in a predetermined timed sequence to effect the variable localized pressure on the spine portion.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application No. 60/553,563, filed Mar. 17, 2004, and entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATING HUMAN CONDITIONS AND AILMENTS” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for applying variable localized pressure to the human body and, more particularly, to such apparatus and methods for applying pressure against a portion of the human spine to treat various human conditions and ailments, and modify human behavior.  
         [0004]     2. Prior Art  
         [0005]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,238 discloses methods and apparatus for applying controlled stress to animals by mounting an apparatus on a body part of an animal, such as the tail, and applying variable stress such as a tail pinch to modify animal behavior. This patent does not apply to the treatment of human conditions or ailments.  
         [0006]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,573, issued to the named inventors herein, discloses methods and apparatus for applying controlled stress in the form of variable localized pressure to a portion of the human spine to treat various types of human ailments and conditions, such as pain, Parkinson&#39;s disease, depressive disorders, stroke and other conditions. The use of such methods and apparatus has also been found to cause modifications in human behavior such as increase in appetite, a change in sexual behavior, increased blood flow to the brain, and/or an increase of neurotransmitters, including dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. The disclosure of Pat. No. 6,168,573 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.  
         [0007]     The present invention is directed to new and improved apparatus and methods for applying variable localized pressure to the human spine, in general accordance with the methods set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,573.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     The apparatus of the present invention comprises a flexible and resilient pressure member of any suitable external shape, such as curved, which is brought into contact with an appropriate portion of the human spine to apply pressure thereto in a predetermined timed sequence for the purpose of modifying human behavior or treating human conditions or ailments.  
         [0009]     The pressure member may be movably mounted on any suitable type of support or apparatus, such as a portable unit that can be removably mounted on a person so that the pressure member is in contact with the appropriate portion of the human spine, or a fixed unit that is mounted on a chair, bed or the like. Also, the pressure member may be moved in a predetermined timed sequence against the human spine by any suitable type of operating apparatus, such as mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electronic or a combination of same.  
         [0010]     The apparatus of the present invention can be used to modify human behavior and to treat various human conditions and ailments, some of which are set forth hereinafter.  
         [0000]     Iron Deficiency Anemia, General Anemia And Sickle Cell Anemia  
         [0011]     The use of the present apparatus increases the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood owing to an increase in hemoglobin.  
         [0000]     Asthma  
         [0012]     The use of the present apparatus may result in bronchial passage dilation due to activation of adrenergic (β2) receptors, which results in reduction of symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath.  
         [0000]     Angina  
         [0013]     The use of the present apparatus may increase coronary blood flow and oxygen to the heart to reduce pain.  
         [0000]     Hypertension  
         [0014]     The use of the present apparatus relaxes vascular smooth muscle to decrease peripheral resistance in the blood vessels and thereby decrease blood pressure.  
         [0000]     Cachexia (Wasting Disorder In Elderly) And Anorexia Nervosa  
         [0015]     The use of the present apparatus results in an increase in appetite by activating the hypothalamic feeding center in the brain and decreasing the activity of the satiety center.  
         [0000]     Bulimia Nervosa and Obesity  
         [0016]     The use of the present apparatus before eating reduces the volume of food intake because of an increase in serotonegic activity.  
         [0000]     Diabetes (Type II)  
         [0017]     The use of the present apparatus increases levels of insulin due to Beta 2 (Adrenergic) receptor activation to reduce symptoms such as frequent urination, dry mouth or the like.  
         [0000]     Muscle Tissue Growth And Growth Hormones  
         [0018]     The use of the present apparatus may elevate endogenous anabolic steroids, when used in combination with strength training, and may increase the number of unbound receptor sites resulting in greater muscle mass. It also may result in increased bone density, lean tissue, a decrease in fat, and an improvement in mood and motivation.  
         [0000]     Parkinson&#39;s Disease  
         [0019]     The use of the present apparatus increases the activity in the dopaminergic system to aid in slowing the degenerative course in Parkinson patients by reducing symptoms such as decreased tremors, decreased rigidity and decrease in gait abnormalities.  
         [0000]     Alzheimer&#39;s Disease  
         [0020]     The use of the present apparatus increases acetylcholine activity to slow the progression of the disease and improve cognitive functioning.  
         [0000]     Stroke  
         [0021]     The use of the present apparatus results in an increase in cerebral blood flow to prevent the spread of necrosis and therefore reduce the amount of neurological deficit. There is an increase in brain utilization of glucose and oxygen to the affected area to thereby reduce symptoms such as numbness, weakness or sudden severe headache.  
         [0000]     Back Pain, Headache and Post-Operative Pain  
         [0022]     The use of the present apparatus results in reduction of pain and anxiety associated with various conditions.  
         [0000]     Arthritis  
         [0023]     The use of the present apparatus results in partial relief from symptoms such as stiffness, redness along with anxiety reduction.  
         [0000]     Bipolar Disorder  
         [0024]     The use of the present apparatus produces hormonal balance, thereby reducing mood swings and stabilizing behavior.  
         [0000]     Depression  
         [0025]     The use of the present apparatus helps to restore the balance of the serotonergic and noradrenergic system, thereby reducing symptomatology.  
         [0000]     Obsessive/Compulsive Disorder  
         [0026]     The use of the present apparatus helps to restore the balance of serotonergic and dopaminergic systems, thereby reducing symptomatology.  
         [0000]     Schizophrenia  
         [0027]     The use of the present apparatus helps to decrease the dopaminergic activity through an increase in serotonin, thereby resulting in a decrease in positive (florid) symptoms.  
         [0000]     Anxiety Disorder  
         [0028]     The use of the present apparatus results in a reduction in anxiety and reduced symptoms such as trembling, twitching, or excessive startle reflex.  
         [0000]     Panic Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder  
         [0029]     The use of the present apparatus results in an increase in 5-HT (serotonin) activity to decrease anxiety and stress.  
         [0000]     Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder  
         [0030]     The use of the present apparatus results in an increase in activity of the noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems to result in increased focus and attention span.  
         [0000]     Anti-Social Personality Disorder  
         [0031]     Although there is no specific treatment for this disorder, the use of the present apparatus may reduce symptoms such as anxiety and stress.  
         [0000]     Absence Seizure, Generalized Seizure, Simple Partial Seizure and Complex Partial Seizure  
         [0032]     The use of the present apparatus reduces excess neuronal discharge to thereby reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures.  
         [0000]     Sexual Dysfunction  
         [0033]     The use of the present apparatus may increase libido owing to increased blood flow and norepinephrine activity to result in improved performance.  
         [0000]     Insomnia  
         [0034]     The use of the present apparatus may result in sleep promotion and less frequent awakening during the night.  
         [0000]     Alcohol and Cocaine Addiction  
         [0035]     The use of the present apparatus may make alcohol or drug ingestion unpleasant and thereby reduce its reinforcing qualities.  
         [0036]     The foregoing and other features, aspects and advantages of the apparatus of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0037]      FIG. 1  is a schematic side elevational view, with parts broken away, of a first embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;  
         [0038]      FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;  
         [0039]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view, with parts broken away, of a third embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;  
         [0040]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view, with parts broken away, of a fourth embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;  
         [0041]      FIG. 5  is a front elevational schematic view of a fifth embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;  
         [0042]      FIG. 6  is a side elevational view of apparatus like that shown in  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0043]      FIG. 7  is a front elevational view of a sixth embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention in a portable form;  
         [0044]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention mounted on a chair or other support;  
         [0045]      FIG. 9  is a schematic view of an eighth embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention with a hydraulic operating system; and  
         [0046]      FIG. 10  is a ninth embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention with a pneumatic operating system. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0047]      FIG. 1  illustrates schematically a first embodiment of the apparatus  10  of the present invention which comprises a housing  12  of any suitable construction having a front surface  14 . A plunger  16  of any suitable constructions is sidably mounted on the housing  12  and extends outwardly through the front surface  14 . A pressure member  18  formed of a flexible and resilient material and of any suitable shape is mounted on the outer end of the plunger  16 . As an illustrative example, the pressure member  18  may be in the form of a bulbous member having a curved outer surface for engagement with an appropriate portion of the human spine, and may have an outer diameter or width of approximately 2.5 inches and a thickness of approximately 1.25 inches. The pressure member  18  may be formed of rubber, synthetic rubber or any other suitable plastic or other material.  
         [0048]     A cam follower member  20  is secured to the plunger  16  and is in engagement with a cam member  22  eccentrically mounted on the shaft  24  of a suitable motor  26  which may be a DC high torque motor. A spring  28  of any suitable type, such as a coil spring, is mounted between the cam follower member  20  and a stop member such as a washer  30  mounted on the housing  12 . The spring  28  serves to urge the cam follower member  20  into slidable engagement with the outer surface of the cam member  22 .  
         [0049]     In operation, rotation of the shaft  24  by the motor  26  rotates the eccentric cam member  22  to move the cam follower member  20  laterally against the force of the spring  28  to effect reciprocating motion of the plunger  16  and the pressure member  18  on the outer end thereof. This reciprocating motion of the pressure member  18  applies variable localized pressure to the adjacent portion of the human spine (not shown) or a selected body portion.  
         [0050]     The motor  26  may be operated at any suitable or desired speed to effect a desired speed of reciprocation of the pressure member  18  and an appropriate variable localized pressure to the adjacent portion of the human spine (not shown) in engagement therewith. As an illustrative example, the plunger  16  and pressure member  18  may be reciprocated through a distance of approximately ¼ of an inch inwardly and outwardly relative to the front portion  14  of the housing  12  in a timed sequence of approximately 0.5 seconds in each position.  
         [0051]     It is noted that the housing  12  and the components of the apparatus of the present invention may be formed of any suitable materials.  
         [0052]      FIG. 2  illustrates a second embodiment of the apparatus  110  of the present invention wherein the pressure member  118  is mounted on a support  119  that is removably mounted on the housing  112 . In this manner, the pressure member  118  may be easily replaced by another suitable pressure member (not shown) having a different construction and/or shape for desired applications.  
         [0053]      FIG. 3  illustrates a third embodiment of the apparatus  210  of the present invention comprising a housing  212  with a motor  226  mounted therein and having a shaft  224  on which a cam member  222  is eccentrically mounted. In this embodiment, the cam member  22  is rotatable within an opening  223  in the plunger  216  having the pressure member  218  mounted on the outer end thereof. The plunger  216  is slidably mounted on elongated support members  217  secured to the housing  212 .  
         [0054]     In the operation of the apparatus  210 , the actuation of the motor  226  serves to rotate the shaft  224  and eccentric cam member  222  to cause a reciprocating motion of the plunger  216  relative to the supports  217  and a corresponding reciprocating motion of the pressure member  218  relative to the front portion  214  of the housing  212 .  
         [0055]     In accordance with the present invention, the housing  212  may be portable and may be provided with one or more handles (not shown) for facilitating its movement, and also may be provided with a suitable device such a belt or harness (not shown) for removably mounting the apparatus  210  on a person such that the pressure member  218  is in engagement with the appropriate spinal portion of that person, such as that illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,168,573.  
         [0056]      FIG. 4  illustrates a fourth embodiment of the apparatus  310  of the present invention that is similar to the apparatus  210  shown in  FIG. 3 . In the apparatus of  FIG. 4 , a support member  325  supports three pressure members  318  on the outer surface of the housing  312  and is connected to the plunger  316  for reciprocating motion that results from the operation of the motor  326 .  
         [0057]     In accordance with the present invention, any suitable number of pressure members  318  may be used and they may be of any suitable shape and/or construction.  
         [0058]      FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate a fifth embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention wherein the apparatus  410  having the pressure member  418  on the front thereof is movably mounted on a suitable support frame  432  or housing  432   a , so that it can be easily positioned for engagement of the pressure member  418  with an appropriate portion of the human spine (not shown).  
         [0059]     As an illustrative example, the frame  432  or housing  432   a  may be provided with aligned, elongated slots  433  or  433   a  on both sides thereof in which the ends of arms  434  connected to the apparatus  410  are slidably mounted. A suitable locking device  438  or  438   a  may be mounted on the outer end of each arm  434  for engagement with the adjacent portion of the frame  432  or housing  432   a  to removably lock the arms in a desired position relative to the frame  432  or housing  432   a.    
         [0060]      FIG. 7  illustrates a sixth embodiment of the present invention wherein the housing  512  of the apparatus  510  is portable and is provided with an elongated pressure member  518  on the outer surface thereof. The housing  512  is provided with a handle portion  513  and is movably mounted on a support frame  532 . The housing  512  may be of any suitable construction and the frame  532  may be provided with a belt  540  or any other suitable support for removably mounting the apparatus  510  on a person such that the pressure member  518  is in engagement with the appropriate portion of the spine of that person. The frame  532  may be provided with suitable locking members  533  for retaining the housing  512  in a desired position relative thereto.  
         [0061]      FIG. 8  illustrates a seventh embodiment of the present invention wherein the pressure applying apparatus  610  is mounted either fixedly or adjustably on the back portion of a chair C or other suitable support. The pressure apparatus  610  may be constructed such that it is operable by a remote control unit  650  of any suitable construction that may be held by the person sitting in the chair with his or her spinal portion in engagement with the pressure member or members  618  of the apparatus  610 .  
         [0062]      FIG. 9  illustrates schematically an eighth embodiment of the apparatus  710  of the present invention wherein the reciprocating motion of the pressure member  718  in engagement with the human spinal portion S is effected by a hydraulic operating system. In this embodiment, the pressure member  718  may be in the form of an inflatable, flexible and resilient bulb member, or alternatively, may be in the form of a pressure member that is slidably mounted for reciprocal movement on a housing (not shown) such as the pressure members  18  and  218  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , respectively.  
         [0063]     The apparatus  710  comprises a pump  750  that is connected by a fluid line  752  to a fluid reservoir  754 . The pump is also connected by a fluid line  756  to a fluid pressure sensor  758  that is electrically or otherwise connected to an electronic, computer or other timing control unit  760  for the control of forward or reverse movement of the pump  750 . A fluid line  757  connects the fluid line  756  with the pressure member  718 .  
         [0064]     In operation, the pump  750  is operated for forward motion by the control unit  760  to pressurize the fluid lines  756  and  757  to inflate or move outwardly the pressure member  718  in engagement with the spinal portion S. When a predetermined pressure is reached in the lines  756  and  757 , the fluid pressure sensor  758  sends an appropriate signal to the control unit  760  which, after a predetermined time period, effects reverse movement of the pump to reduce the pressure in the fluid lines  756  and  757  to cause deflation or inward movement of the pressure member  718  relative to the adjacent spinal portion S. After a further predetermined time period, the control unit again actuates forward movement of the pump  750  to repeat the cycle. In this manner, the pressure member  718  applies a variable localized pressure to the adjacent portion of the spinal column S of the person being treated.  
         [0065]      FIG. 10  illustrates a ninth embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention wherein the pressure apparatus  810  comprises a pressure member  818  of flexible and resilient material that may be inflated or moved against the adjacent spinal portion S of the person to be treated. In this embodiment, the movement of the pressure member  818  is effected pneumatically and the apparatus  810  comprises an inlet valve  870  that is connected by an air line  872  to a suitable pressurized air supply (not shown). The outlet end of the inlet valve  870  is connected to an air line  873  that is connected to the inlet of an exhaust valve  874  that has an outlet connected to an air line  876  that exhausts to the atmosphere. The pressure member  818  is connected by an air line  878  to the air line  873 . The inlet valve  870  and exhaust valve  874  are both operatively connected to an electronic, computer or other timing control unit  879  which, at predetermined sequences, opens the inlet valve  870  and closes the exhaust valve  874  to inflate or move outwardly the pressure member  818  against the adjacent spinal portion S and, thereafter, closes the inlet valve  870  and opens the exhaust valve  874  to cause inward movement of the pressure member  818  and reduce pressure on the adjacent spinal portion S. In the manner, the pressure member  818  is reciprocated to create a predetermined localized pressure on the adjacent portion of the spinal portion S of the person to be treated.  
         [0066]     From the foregoing description, it will be readily seen that the pressure member for engaging the appropriate spinal portion of a person to be treated may be of any suitable construction, such as those disclosed herein, and may be operated by any suitable type of actuating apparatus, such as those disclosed herein. As an illustrative example, the pressure member may be brought into engagement with a portion of the lower spine at the L5-S1 vertebral level.  
         [0067]     While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims,