US3782006A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Means and methods to assist people in building up an aversion to undesirable habits
Assignee: American Clinic Inc
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Filing: 1972-05-26
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Granted: 1974-01-01
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Expires: 1992-05-26
Abstract
Abstract Methods and means for assisting persons in breaking undesirable habits include means for projecting first and second images onto a screen. The first image is a fixation image to induce a person to concentrate in a small limited area. The second image relates to an object or message relating to the habits to be broken. Various additional sensory messages, such as electrical or audio signals, are communicated to the person while one or both of the images are being projected on the screen.
Inventors
- 👤 E Symmes
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 20:38
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61N; A61N1/00; A61N1/18; A61N1/32; A61N1/38; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/16; A61B5/165; A61M; A61M21/00; A61M2021/0005; A61M2021/0011
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
Apparatus for clinically treating a person to assist him in averting a habit comprising means for displaying images projected thereon, first means for projecting a first stationary image on said means for displaying to provide a relatively small fixation area, second means for projecting a second stationary image superimposed over said first image on said means for displaying, said second image being associated with an object or message relating to said habit, a source of signals capable of affecting the senses of said person, means for selectively operating said source of signals independently of the operations of said first and second means for projecting, and means for selectively coupling said signals to the senses of said person being treated simultaneously with the projections of said first and second images.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
129 words
Apparatus for clinically treating a person to assist him in averting a habit comprising means for displaying images projected thereon, first means for projecting a first stationary image on said means for displaying to provide a relatively small fixation area, second means for projecting a second stationary image superimposed over said first image on said means for displaying, said second image being associated with an object or message relating to said habit, a source of signals capable of affecting the senses of said person, means for selectively operating said source of signals independently of the operations of said first and second means for projecting, and means for selectively coupling said signals to the senses of said person being treated simultaneously with the projections of said first and second images.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said source of signals capable of affecting the senses of said person comprises a recorder for generating an audible message to said person, said message being capable of inducing a hypnotic state in said person.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein said source of signals capable of affecting the senses of said person further comprises a microphone to permit an individual administering treatment to communicate with said person.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said source of signals capable of affecting the senses of said person comprises means for selectively generating and transmitting electrical shock signals to said person.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said source of signals capable of affecting the senses of said person comprises means for generating and transmitting tone signals to said person.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein said source of signals capable of affecting the senses of said person further comprises means for selectively generating and transmitting electrical shock signals to said person.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein said source of signals capable of affecting the senses of said person further comprises means for generating and transmitting tone signals to said person.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 6, wherein said source of signals capable of affecting the senses of said person further comprises means for generating and transmitting tone signals to said person.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
40 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said second means for projecting comprises a slide including a plurality of frames thereon depicting pictures and messages relating to said habit, said frames being sequentially dIsplayed on said means for display.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 9, wherein said first means for projecting includes means for continuously displaying said small fixation area when said plurality of frames is sequentially displayed.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-12-31 | 1977-07-02 | 1978-01-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-31 | 1981-07-02 | 1982-01-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-31 | 1985-07-02 | 1986-01-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |