Patent Description:
A nerve cell can be excited many different ways. A direct method is to increase the electrical charge within the nerve, thereby increasing the membrane potential inside the nerve with respect to the surrounding extracellular fluid. Devices that fall under the umbrella of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) achieves the excitation of the nerves by directly stimulating the nerves via electrodes which are either placed on a patient's skin or in vivo next to the targeted nerve group. The electric fields necessary for the charge transfer are generated via the wires of the electrodes. FES devices are known per se, e.g. from <CIT>. Said document falls short of teaching features (VI) and (VII) of claim <NUM>.

FES is accomplished through a mechanism which involves a half-cell reaction. Electrons flow in wires and ions flow in the body. At the electro-electrolytic interface, a half-cell reaction occurs to achieve the electron-ion interchange. Unless this half-cell reaction is maintained in the reversible regime, necrosis will result-partially because of the oxidation of the half-cell reaction and partially because of the chemical imbalance accompanied by it.

The advantage of FES is that the stimulation is accomplished from extremely small electrodes with very low current and voltage levels. The disadvantage is that it involves the above described half-cell reactions. Most rehabilitation regimen using FES place the electrodes directly on the skin. A conductive gel or buffering solution is used between the electrodes and the skin surface. Long term excitation of nerve or muscle tissue is generally accompanied by skin irritation due to the current concentration at the electrode/skin interface. This problem is aggravated when larger excitation levels are required for more comprehensive stimulation or recruitment of the nerve group.

Magnetic stimulation realizes the electric fields necessary for the charge transfer by induction without the disadvantages of FES. Rapidly changing magnetic fields induce electric fields in the biological tissue. When properly oriented, and when the proper magnitude is achieved, the magnetically induced electric field achieves the transfer of charge directly into the nerve to be excited. When the localized membrane potential inside the nerve rises with respect to its normal negative ambient level of approximately -<NUM> millivolts (this level being sensitive to the type of nerve and local pH of the surrounding tissue), the nerve "fires", sending a signal to the motor cortex of the brain which in turn sends a protein response back to the targeted muscle group to contract. This mechanism creates a true neuromuscular response between the muscle and brain.

The present invention is specifically designed for non-invasive external stimulation of selected nerve or nerve groups. Magnetic excitation has the attractive feature of not requiring electrode skin contact. Thus, stimulation can be achieved through clothing, bandages and even immobilizing splints or casts. This overcomes the problem of inconvenience and preserves a patient's modesty. Secondly, because there is no direct contact, stronger excitation levels can be realized without additional skin irritation. The present invention provides the ability to achieve higher levels of focusing of the magnetic field and thus stimulation within the patient. Commensurate with this greater level of focusing comes some flexibility in the number of possible applications that might be targeted. Also accompanying the focusing is a higher level of power efficiency.

Thus, there is clearly a need for a treatment and system for the activation of nerves by topical stimulators to control or influence muscles, tissues, organs, or sensation, including pain, in humans and mammals.

An apparatus for muscle stimulation as defined in claims <NUM> to <NUM> is provided herewith.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings a form that is presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter in the following detailed description of the invention, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are described. Indeed, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements.

As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims.

The instant invention as defined in claims <NUM> to <NUM> is an apparatus <NUM> used to treat patients, both human and animal, for a variety of ailments. Treatments include, but are not limited to, relaxation of muscle spasms, prevention of atrophy resulting from disuse, increasing blood circulation, muscle re-education, post-surgical muscle stimulation, venous thrombosis prevention, and maintenance and/or increasing range of motion. The treatments are carried out using a non-invasive magnetic induction system called Extracorporeal Magnetic Innervation (ExMI). The apparatus <NUM> can stimulate tissue up to <NUM> in depth with no skin contact required. In use, the hertz (Hz) effects the pulse rate (contraction) and the amount of power effects the depth. Once engaged, the magnetic pulse depolarized the potassium and sodium ions within the cell wall. The causes the muscle to contract at a rate set by the system. The contraction is completely involuntary and has been proven to create new neuropathways between the brain and the muscle group.

The use of the apparatus is most simply completed in three steps.

The instant invention as defined in claims <NUM> to <NUM> includes an apparatus <NUM> for muscle stimulation comprising a platform <NUM> with an upper surface <NUM> and a lower surface <NUM>, a pair of cross rails <NUM> are mounted under the lower surface <NUM> of the table <NUM> and a sled <NUM> slidably mounted to the cross rails <NUM>. The platform <NUM> can be a table <NUM> or a bed <NUM>. A pair of sled rails <NUM> are mounted to the sled <NUM> and a bracket <NUM> is slidably mounted to the sled rails <NUM>. A handle <NUM> secured to the bracket <NUM> and the handle <NUM> allows an operator or machine to adjust the location of the bracket <NUM> to any location desired under the platform <NUM>. A magnetic nerve/muscle stimulator <NUM> is mounted to the bracket <NUM> which includes one or more magnets <NUM> and one or more electrical coils <NUM>, and a control panel <NUM> is operationally associated with the magnetic nerve/muscle stimulator <NUM>. A control panel <NUM> controls the power supplied and the frequency (Hz) of the magnetic nerve/muscle stimulator <NUM> which generates and directs a magnetic field into the anatomy of a patient positioned on the upper surface of the platform <NUM>.

The instant invention as defined in claims <NUM> to <NUM> also includes an apparatus <NUM> for muscle stimulation comprising a platform <NUM> with an upper surface <NUM> and a lower surface <NUM>, one or more pairs of cross rails <NUM> mounted under the lower surface <NUM> of the platform <NUM> and one or more sleds <NUM> slidably mounted to each pair of cross rails <NUM>. The platform <NUM> can be a table <NUM> or a bed <NUM>. A pair of sled rails <NUM> are mounted to each sled and a bracket <NUM> is slidably mounted to each pair of sled rails <NUM>. A magnetic nerve/muscle stimulator <NUM> is mounted to each bracket <NUM> which includes one or more magnets <NUM> and one or more electrical coils <NUM> where the magnetic nerve/muscle stimulator <NUM> generates and directs a magnetic field into the anatomy of a patient positioned on the upper surface <NUM> of the platform <NUM>. One or more actuators operationally associated with each bracket <NUM> where the actuators move each bracket <NUM> along the x-axis and y-axis beneath the platform along the cross rails <NUM> and sled rails <NUM>. A control panel <NUM> is operationally associated with the magnetic nerve/muscle stimulator <NUM>, the control panel <NUM> controlling the power supplied to the magnetic nerve/muscle stimulator <NUM>. A CPU/processing computer <NUM> is operationally associated with the control panel <NUM> and the actuators and one or more processors, a computer readable memory, and a computer readable storage medium operatively associated with the CPU/processing computer. A treatment module which includes programming instructions to execute one or more treatment programs, directing each bracket <NUM> to specific coordinates beneath the platform <NUM> and supplying each coil <NUM> with an amount of power for a duration at a frequency.

The instant invention as defined in claims <NUM> to <NUM> also includes an apparatus <NUM> for muscle stimulation comprising a chair <NUM> including a seat <NUM> with an upper surface and a lower surface, a back <NUM> engaged to the seat <NUM>, the back <NUM> having an upper surface and a lower surface, one or more arm supports <NUM> engaged to the seat <NUM>, the arm supports <NUM> having an upper surface and a lower surface, and one or more leg supports <NUM> engaged to the seat <NUM>, the leg supports <NUM> having an upper surface and a lower surface. One or more pairs of cross rails <NUM> are mounted under the lower surface of the seat <NUM>, back <NUM>, arm supports <NUM>, and/or leg supports <NUM> with one or more sleds <NUM> slidably mounted to each pair of cross rails <NUM>. A pair of sled rails <NUM> are mounted to each sled <NUM> and a bracket <NUM> is slidably mounted to each pair of sled rails <NUM>. A magnetic nerve/muscle stimulator <NUM> is mounted to each bracket <NUM> which includes one or more magnets <NUM> and one or more electrical coils <NUM> where each magnetic nerve/muscle stimulator <NUM> generates and directs a magnetic field into the anatomy of a patient positioned on the upper surface of the seat <NUM>, back <NUM>, arm supports <NUM>, and/or leg supports <NUM>. One or more actuators are operationally associated with each bracket <NUM> where the actuators move each bracket <NUM> along the x-axis and y-axis beneath the surfaces of the chair along the cross rails <NUM> and sled rails <NUM>. A control panel <NUM> is operationally associated with the magnetic nerve/muscle stimulator <NUM>, the control panel <NUM> controlling the power supplied to the magnetic nerve/muscle stimulator <NUM>. A CPU/processing computer <NUM> is operationally associated with the control panel <NUM> and the actuators and one or more processors, a computer readable memory, and a computer readable storage medium operatively associated with the CPU/processing computer and a treatment module which includes programming instructions to execute one or more treatment programs, directing each bracket to specific coordinates beneath the chair elements and supplying each coil with an amount of power for a duration at a frequency.

The above apparatus <NUM> can further include one or more foot supports <NUM> engaged to the leg supports <NUM> or the chair <NUM>. One or more pairs of cross rails <NUM> are mounted under the lower surface of the foot supports <NUM> with one or more sleds <NUM> slidably mounted to each pair of cross rails <NUM>. A pair of sled rails <NUM> are mounted to each sled <NUM> and a bracket <NUM> is slidably mounted to each pair of sled rails <NUM>. A magnetic nerve/muscle stimulator <NUM> is mounted to each bracket <NUM> which includes one or more magnets <NUM> and one or more electrical coils <NUM> where each magnetic nerve/muscle stimulator <NUM> generates and directs a magnetic field into the anatomy of a patient positioned on the upper surface of the foot supports <NUM>. One or more actuators are operationally associated with each bracket <NUM> where the actuators move each bracket <NUM> along the x-axis and y-axis beneath the surfaces of the chair along the cross rails <NUM> and sled rails <NUM>. A control panel <NUM> is operationally associated with the magnetic nerve/muscle stimulator <NUM>, the control panel <NUM> controlling the power supplied to the magnetic nerve/muscle stimulator <NUM>. A CPU/processing computer <NUM> is operationally associated with the control panel <NUM> and the actuators and one or more processors, a computer readable memory, and a computer readable storage medium operatively associated with the CPU/processing computer and a treatment module which includes programming instructions to execute one or more treatment programs, directing each bracket to specific coordinates beneath the chair elements and supplying each coil with an amount of power for a duration at a frequency.

The apparatus <NUM> for muscle stimulation as defined in claims <NUM> to <NUM> can include a treatment module that includes programs with programming instructions which are selected for each individual patient based on factors such as selected treatment, prognosis, age, fitness level, treatment goals, physical limitations, and physiological limitations. The treatment module also includes treatment programs which operate multiple magnetic nerve/muscle stimulators simultaneously to generate cross patters of magnetic fields within a patient.

The apparatus <NUM> for muscle stimulation as defined in claims <NUM> to <NUM> can also include a letter diagram located on the handle <NUM> which corresponds to a location on the y-axis for the bracket <NUM> and a number diagram located on the platform <NUM> which corresponds to a location on the x-axis for the bracket <NUM>. One embodiment of this is shown in <FIG>. The apparatus <NUM> can also include a grid diagram printed on the upper surface of the platform <NUM> (<FIG>), where the grid diagram shows the corresponding letter diagram and number diagram locations allowing an operator to position the bracket <NUM> in an area under the platform to direct the magnetic field into the anatomy of a patient positioned on the upper surface of the platform <NUM>. The grid diagram also allows an operator to correctly position a patient on the platform <NUM> to ensure the proper muscle groups are treated.

The apparatus <NUM> can also include a cord cradle <NUM> (<FIG>), wherein wires for the electrical coils are routed through the cord cradle <NUM> to manage and protect the wires while the bracket <NUM> is moved. The magnetic nerve/muscle stimulator <NUM> within the apparatus <NUM> is adapted to stimulate nerves which cause contraction of muscles located within the generated magnetic field.

The lower surface of the platform <NUM> can be recessed, and the magnetic nerve/muscle stimulator <NUM> is located within the recessed area. This decreases the thickness of the platform <NUM>, allowing the magnetic nerve/muscle stimulator <NUM> to be located closer to the patient. The thickness of the platform <NUM> is in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, or any combination thereof.

The apparatus <NUM> for muscle stimulation also include one or more actuators operationally associated with the bracket <NUM> where the actuators move the bracket <NUM> along the x-axis and y-axis, locating the magnetic nerve/muscle stimulator <NUM> in any location desired beneath the platform <NUM>. A CPU/processing computer is operationally associated with the control panel <NUM> and the actuators and electronic storage is operationally associated with the CPU/processing computer. The CPU/processing computer is capable of executing one or more programs stored on the electronic storage, supplying the coils with a specific amount of power and adjusting the wavelength generated, directing the bracket <NUM> to specific coordinates on the platform <NUM> for a specific duration.

The apparatus <NUM> for muscle stimulation also include an optical scanner or pressure pad operationally associated with the control panel <NUM> and the CPU/processing computer <NUM> which are capable of detecting a patient and a sensor module which includes programming instructions to detect the location of the patient's torso, head, arms and legs and relay sensor data to the CPU/processing computer <NUM> where the sensor data is used by the treatment module to direct the one or more magnetic nerve/muscle stimulators <NUM> to carry out one or more treatment programs.

The instant invention also includes a portable version of the apparatus <NUM> for muscle stimulation as described above. The mobile unit <NUM> can include one magnetic nerve/muscle stimulator <NUM> which is located under the surface of a platform <NUM> and also include another magnetic nerve/muscle stimulator <NUM> secured to a manipulatable arm, allowing a user to locate the magnetic nerve/muscle stimulator <NUM> in any desired location on a patient. The portable version can also include a single magnetic nerve/muscle stimulator <NUM> secured to a manipulatable arm. The portable version may also be a seat/stool design with a fixed magnetic nerve/muscle stimulator <NUM> located under the seat.

The instant invention allows a single operator can control two or more apparatuses <NUM> from a single CPU/processing computer <NUM>. A CPU/processing computer can include any kind of computer known in the art including, but not limited to, desktops, laptops, tablets, smart devices, smart phones, or any combination thereof. The instant invention can also be controlled remotely using any device or technology known in the art including, but not limited to, through the internet (wired or wireless), Bluetooth, radio frequency, or any combination thereof.

The method for stimulating specific muscles and/or muscle groups not being according to the claimed invention comprising the steps of:.

The above methods not being according to the claimed invention may further include a grid diagram printed on the upper surface <NUM> of the table <NUM>, the grid diagram showing the corresponding letter diagram and number diagram locations allowing an operator to position the bracket <NUM> in an area under the table <NUM> to direct the magnetic field into the anatomy of a patient positioned on the upper surface <NUM> of the table <NUM>. The method as described where the magnetic nerve/muscle stimulator <NUM> is adapted to stimulate nerves which cause contraction of muscles located within the generated magnetic field.

The above methods not being according to the claimed invention may further include one or more actuators operationally associated with each bracket <NUM> where the actuators move the bracket <NUM> along the x-axis and y-axis, locating the magnetic nerve/muscle stimulator <NUM> in any location desired beneath the table. A CPU/processing computer is operationally associated with the control panel <NUM> and the actuators and electronic storage is operationally associated with the CPU/processing computer. The CPU/processing computer is capable of executing one or more programs stored on the electronic storage, supplying the coils with a specific amount of power and adjusting the wavelength generated, directing the bracket <NUM> to specific coordinates on the table for a specific duration.

The above methods not being according to the claimed invention further include an optical scanner or pressure pad operationally associated with the control panel <NUM> and the CPU/processing computer <NUM> which are capable of detecting a patient and a sensor module which includes programming instructions to detect the location of the patient's torso, head, arms and legs and relay sensor data to the CPU/processing computer <NUM> where the sensor data is used by the treatment module to direct the one or more magnetic nerve/muscle stimulators <NUM> to carry out one or more treatment programs.

The treatment module includes treatment programs which operate multiple magnetic nerve/muscle stimulators simultaneously to generate cross patters of magnetic fields within a patient.

Any method described herein may incorporate any design element contained within this application.

Claim 1:
An apparatus for muscle stimulation comprising:
(I) a platform with an upper surface and a lower surface;
(i) one or more pairs of cross rails mounted under the lower surface of the platform;
(ii) one or more sleds slidably mounted to each pair of cross rails;
(iii) a pair of sled rails mounted to each sled;
(iv) a bracket slidably mounted to each pair of sled rails;
(II) a magnetic nerve or muscle stimulator mounted to each bracket which includes one or more magnets and one or more electrical coils;
(v) wherein the magnetic nerve or muscle stimulator is capable of generating and directing a magnetic field into the anatomy of a patient positioned on the upper surface of the platform;
(vi) one or more actuators operationally associated with each bracket;
(vii) wherein the actuators are configured to move each bracket along the x-axis and y-axis beneath the platform along the cross rails and sled rails;
(III) a control panel operationally associated with the magnetic nerve or muscle stimulator, the control panel controlling the power supplied to the magnetic nerve or muscle stimulator;
(IV) a CPU or processing computer operationally associated with the control panel and the actuators; and one or more processors, a computer readable memory, and a computer readable storage medium operatively associated with the CPU or processing computer;
(V) a treatment module which includes programming instructions to execute one or more treatment programs, directing each bracket to specific coordinates beneath the platform and supplying each coil with an amount of power for a duration at a frequency,
(VI) an optical scanner or pressure pad operationally associated with the control panel and the CPU or processing computer which are capable of detecting a patient; and
(VII) a sensor module which includes programming instructions to detect the location of the patient's torso, head, arms and legs and relay sensor data to the CPU or processing computer; (viii) wherein the sensor data is usable by the treatment module to direct the one or more magnetic nerve/muscle stimulators to carry out one or more treatment programs.