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Patent US5014699A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5014699A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Electromagnetic method and apparatus for healing living tissue
Assignee: University of Pennsylvania
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Filing: 1989-11-30
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Granted: 1991-05-14
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Expires: 2009-11-30
Abstract
Abstract A non-invasive, portable electromagnetic therapeutic method and apparatus for promoting the healing of damaged or diseased living tissue including fractured bone and in particular nonunion or delayed union bone fractures are described. The method and apparatus involve generating a signal having a series of substantially symmetric voltage cycles of bursted pulses having narrow pulse widths on the order of 0.5 to 20 microseconds and converting the signal into an electromagnetic field which extends into an area for desired tissue healing. The portable noninvasive apparatus can be readily worn or carried by a patient and is capable of generating an energy-efficient symmetrical signal coacting with a coil for transducing the signal into electromagnetic pulses.
Inventors
- 👤 Solomon R. Pollack
- 👤 Carl T. Brighton
- 👤 David Pienkowski
- 👤 Neil J. Griffith
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 22:39
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61N; A61N2/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 90
Claim 1
Independent Claim
76 words
A non-invasive electromagnetic therapeutic method to promote healing of tissue, said method comprising the steps of: converting electrical potential into an electrical signal, said electrical signal comprising a series of substantially symmetric voltage cycles, each of said voltage cycles comprising a train of bursted pulses, each pulse having an average pulse width in the range of from 0.5 to 20 microseconds; and transducing said voltage cycles into an electromagnetic field in the vicinity of said tissue.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
76 words
A non-invasive electromagnetic therapeutic method to promote healing of tissue, said method comprising the steps of: converting electrical potential into an electrical signal, said electrical signal comprising a series of substantially symmetric voltage cycles, each of said voltage cycles comprising a train of bursted pulses, each pulse having an average pulse width in the range of from 0.5 to 20 microseconds; and transducing said voltage cycles into an electromagnetic field in the vicinity of said tissue.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
52 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein each of said cycles comprises first and second time periods, said first time period defined as a time period during which said signal comprises said train of pulses and said second time period being defined as a time period during which said signal is quiescent.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein said electrical signal is a symmetric square wave.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein said electrical signal is a symmetric sine wave.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein said electrical signal is a symmetric triangular wave.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim wherein said electrical signal is a symmetric rectangular wave.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein said average pulse width is within the range of from 2 to 10 microseconds.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein pulses in said train have an average amplitude in the range of from 25 to 200 millivolts.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 5, wherein pulses in said train have an average amplitude in the range of from 50 to 100 millivolts.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method according to claim 2, wherein said first time period is in the range of from 1 to 10 milliseconds and said second time period is in the range of from 60 to 65 milliseconds.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
77 words
A non-invasive, portable electromagnetic therapeutic method to promote healing of tissue, said method comprising the steps of: converting electrical potential into an electrical signal, said electrical signal comprising a series of substantially symmetric voltage cycles, each of said voltage cycles comprising a train of bursted pulses, each pulse having an average pulse width in the range of from 0.5 to 20 microseconds; and transducing said voltage cycles into an electromagnetic field in the vicinity of said tissue.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
77 words
A non-invasive, portable electromagnetic therapeutic method to promote healing of tissue, said method comprising the steps of: converting electrical potential into an electrical signal, said electrical signal comprising a series of substantially symmetric voltage cycles, each of said voltage cycles comprising a train of bursted pulses, each pulse having an average pulse width in the range of from 0.5 to 20 microseconds; and transducing said voltage cycles into an electromagnetic field in the vicinity of said tissue.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
52 words
A method according to claim 11, wherein each of said cycles comprises first and second time periods, said first time period defined as a time period during which said signal comprises said train of pulses and said second time period being defined as a time period during which said signal is quiescent.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method according to claim 12, wherein said first time period is in the range of from 1 to 10 milliseconds and said second time period is in the range of from 60 to 65 milliseconds.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 11, wherein said electrical signal is a symmetric square wave.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 11, wherein said electrical signal is a symmetric sine wave.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 11, wherein said electrical signal is a symmetric triangular wave.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim wherein said electrical signal is a symmetric rectangular wave.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 11, wherein said average pulse width is within the range of from 2 to 10 microseconds.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 11, wherein pulses in said train have an average amplitude in the range of from 25 to 200 millivolts.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 19, wherein pulses in said train have an average amplitude in the range of from 50 to 100 millivolts.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
116 words
A non-invasive, portable electrotherapeutic method to promote healing of tissue or bone comprising the steps of: connecting an electrical potential storage device to a means for converting electrical potential from said device into an electrical signal, said electrical signal comprising a series of substantially symmetric voltage cycles, said voltage cycles comprising a train of bursted pulses each having a pulse width in the range of about 0.5-20 microseconds; connecting said means for converting said electrical power to a transducer means for transducing said voltage cycles into an electromagnetic field; and positioning said transducer means adjacent to said tissue or bone for a time sufficient for said electromagnetic field to stimulate healing of said tissue or bone.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
116 words
A non-invasive, portable electrotherapeutic method to promote healing of tissue or bone comprising the steps of: connecting an electrical potential storage device to a means for converting electrical potential from said device into an electrical signal, said electrical signal comprising a series of substantially symmetric voltage cycles, said voltage cycles comprising a train of bursted pulses each having a pulse width in the range of about 0.5-20 microseconds; connecting said means for converting said electrical power to a transducer means for transducing said voltage cycles into an electromagnetic field; and positioning said transducer means adjacent to said tissue or bone for a time sufficient for said electromagnetic field to stimulate healing of said tissue or bone.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
51 words
A method as in claim 21 wherein each of said cycles comprises a first and a second time period, said first time period being a time period during which said signal comprises said train of pulses, and said second time period being a time period during which said signal is quiescent.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as in claim 22 wherein said first time period is on the order of 1-10 milliseconds and said second time period is on the order of 60-65 milliseconds.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method as in claim 21 wherein said signal is at least one of a symmetric square, sine, triangular and rectangular wave.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as in claim 24 wherein said signal is a symmetric square wave.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method as in claim 21 wherein said signal is applied adjacent said tissue or bone during an on time period and said application is terminated during an off time period, wherein said on time period continues for the number of voltage cycles of said electric signal.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as in claim 21 wherein said pulse width is on the order of 2-10 microseconds.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as in claim 21 wherein each pulse in said train has an amplitude in the range of 25-200 millivolts.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as in claim 28 wherein each pulse in said train has an amplitude in the range of 50-100 millivolts.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
144 words
A non-invasive electrotherapeutic method for healing a nonunion bone fracture in a patient comprising: producing by means of a signal generating device an electrical signal comprising a series of substantially amplitude-symmetric cycles, each of said cycles comprising a train of bursted voltage pulses having a pulse width t in the range of about 1-200 microseconds and continuing for a time period T 1 followed by a period T 2 during which no pulses are present; transducing the voltage pulses of said cycles by means of a transducer into an electromagnetic field; applying said electromagnetic field to the point of said fracture by positioning said transducer in contact with the body of said patient at a point proximate to the location in said patient's body of said fracture, said application of said field being continued for a time effective to stimulate healing of said fracture.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
144 words
A non-invasive electrotherapeutic method for healing a nonunion bone fracture in a patient comprising: producing by means of a signal generating device an electrical signal comprising a series of substantially amplitude-symmetric cycles, each of said cycles comprising a train of bursted voltage pulses having a pulse width t in the range of about 1-200 microseconds and continuing for a time period T 1 followed by a period T 2 during which no pulses are present; transducing the voltage pulses of said cycles by means of a transducer into an electromagnetic field; applying said electromagnetic field to the point of said fracture by positioning said transducer in contact with the body of said patient at a point proximate to the location in said patient's body of said fracture, said application of said field being continued for a time effective to stimulate healing of said fracture.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method as in claim 30 wherein said train of voltage pulses forms a symmetric wave having at least one of a square, rectangular, triangular and sinusoidal shape.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as in claim 31 wherein said pulse train in said cycle has the form of a symmetric sinusoidal wave.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as in claim 31 wherein said pulse train in said cycle has the form of a symmetric rectangular wave.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as in claim 31 wherein said pulse train in said cycle has the form of a symmetric square wave.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as in claim 31 wherein said pulse train in said cycle has the form of a symmetric triangular wave.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method as in claim 30 wherein said pulse width t is in the range of 1-20 microseconds.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method as in claim 36 wherein said pulse width t is in the range of 3-7 microseconds.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as in claim 30 wherein T 1 is in the range of 1-5 milliseconds and T 2 is in the range of about sixty to several hundred milliseconds.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as in claim 38 wherein T 1 is approximately 5 milliseconds and T 2 is approximately 62 milliseconds.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method as in claim 30 wherein said time periods T 1 and T 2 added together comprise a duty cycle T 3 during which said cycle continues, and said duty cycle is separated from the next adjacent duty cycle by an off-duty time period T 4 .
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as in claim 40 wherein T 3 is in the range of 12-24 hours and T 4 is from 10 seconds to 12 hours.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as in claim 30 wherein each of said pulses has an amplitude in the range of 50-200 millivolts.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as in claim 42 wherein said amplitude is in the range of 50-100 millivolts.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as in claim 43 wherein said fracture is of a bone of the arm or leg, and said transducer is positioned in contact with said arm or leg.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method as in claim 44 wherein said fracture is a fracture deep within said patient's leg and said electromagnetic field is applied to said fracture by penetration through a substantial depth of soft tissue.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
71 words
An apparatus for electromagnetic therapy to promote healing of tissue, said apparatus comprising: means for converting an electrical potential into a series of substantially symmetric voltage cycles, each of said voltage cycles comprising a train of bursted pulses, each of said pulses having an average pulse width of from 0.5 to 20 microseconds; and transducer means for transducing said voltage cycles into an electromagnetic field in the region of said tissue.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
71 words
An apparatus for electromagnetic therapy to promote healing of tissue, said apparatus comprising: means for converting an electrical potential into a series of substantially symmetric voltage cycles, each of said voltage cycles comprising a train of bursted pulses, each of said pulses having an average pulse width of from 0.5 to 20 microseconds; and transducer means for transducing said voltage cycles into an electromagnetic field in the region of said tissue.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 46, further including portable means for providing said electric potential.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus according to claim 47, wherein said portable means for providing said electrical potential comprises a battery.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus according to claim 46, wherein said tissue comprises damaged bone tissue.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus according to claim 49, wherein said transducer means is combined with a cast means for maintaining the structural integrity of said damaged bone tissue.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 46, wherein said means for converting is a portable structure.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus according to claim 46, wherein said voltage cycles have a burst frequency within the range of from 5 to 25 Hz and a burst width within the range of from 1 to 10 milliseconds.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 46, wherein said transducer means comprises a coil of wire.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
33 words
An apparatus according to claim 46, wherein said means for converting includes means for providing a voltage cycle having a peak to peak amplitude in the range of from 25 to 200 millivolts.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 46, wherein said bursted pulses comprises a rectangular wave.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
103 words
A portable apparatus for electromagnetically stimulating bone growth, said apparatus comprising: an electrical potential source; means, connected to said source, for converting said electric potential to a series of substantially symmetric voltage cycles, each of said voltage cycles comprising a train of bursted pulses, each pulse having an average pulse width of from 2 to 10 microseconds and an average peak to peak amplitude of from 50 to 150 millivolts; and transducer means, in combination with a cast positioned about said desired region of bone growth, for transducing said voltage cycles into an electromagnetic field extending into said desired region of bone growth.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
103 words
A portable apparatus for electromagnetically stimulating bone growth, said apparatus comprising: an electrical potential source; means, connected to said source, for converting said electric potential to a series of substantially symmetric voltage cycles, each of said voltage cycles comprising a train of bursted pulses, each pulse having an average pulse width of from 2 to 10 microseconds and an average peak to peak amplitude of from 50 to 150 millivolts; and transducer means, in combination with a cast positioned about said desired region of bone growth, for transducing said voltage cycles into an electromagnetic field extending into said desired region of bone growth.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus according to claim 56, wherein said electrical potential source comprises a battery.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus according to claim 57, wherein said transducer means comprises a coil.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
75 words
A portable apparatus for electromagnetic therapy to promote healing of bone, said apparatus comprising: means for converting an electrical potential into a series of substantially symmetric voltage cycles, each of said voltage cycles comprising a train of bursted pulses, each of said pulses having an average pulse width of from 0.5 to 20 microseconds; and transducer means for transducing said voltage cycles into an electromagnetic field in the region of the bone to be healed.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
75 words
A portable apparatus for electromagnetic therapy to promote healing of bone, said apparatus comprising: means for converting an electrical potential into a series of substantially symmetric voltage cycles, each of said voltage cycles comprising a train of bursted pulses, each of said pulses having an average pulse width of from 0.5 to 20 microseconds; and transducer means for transducing said voltage cycles into an electromagnetic field in the region of the bone to be healed.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 59, further including portable means for providing said electric potential.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus according to claim 59, wherein said transducer means is combined with a cast means for maintaining the structural integrity of the bone to be healed.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
18 words
An apparatus according to claim 60, wherein said potable means for providing said electrical potential comprises a battery.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus according to claim 59, wherein said voltage cycles have a burst frequency within the range of from 5 to 25 Hz and a burst width within the range of from 1 to 10 milliseconds.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus according to claim 59, wherein said transducer means comprises a coil of wire.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
33 words
An apparatus according to claim 59, wherein said means for converting includes means for providing a voltage cycle having a peak to peak amplitude in the range of from 25 to 200 millivolts.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
78 words
A portable apparatus for electrotherapy of damaged bone comprising: a source of electrical potential connected to a means for converting said electric potential into a series of substantially symmetric voltage cycles, said voltage cycles comprising a train of bursted pulses each having a pulse width of 0.5-20 microseconds, and a transducer means in association with a cast adapted to be positioned about said damaged bone for transducing said voltage cycles into an electromagnetic field into said damage bone.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
78 words
A portable apparatus for electrotherapy of damaged bone comprising: a source of electrical potential connected to a means for converting said electric potential into a series of substantially symmetric voltage cycles, said voltage cycles comprising a train of bursted pulses each having a pulse width of 0.5-20 microseconds, and a transducer means in association with a cast adapted to be positioned about said damaged bone for transducing said voltage cycles into an electromagnetic field into said damage bone.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
30 words
An apparatus as in claim 66 wherein said source of electrical potential is a battery having a voltage of about 6-40 volts and a volume of about 2-6 cubic centimeters.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
30 words
An apparatus as in claim 66 wherein said voltage cycle comprises a symmetric electric signal having a frequency of about 5-25 Hz and a burst width of about 1-10 milliseconds.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus as in claim 68 wherein said signal generated is at least one of a square, sine, triangular and rectangular wave.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus as in claim 69 wherein said signal generated is a square wave.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus as in claim 66 wherein said transducer means is a coil transducer selected from the group consisting of a conformal solenoid, conformal magnetic dipole, oblique coil and simple coil.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
14 words
An apparatus as in claim 71 wherein said transducer means is a conformal solenoid.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus as in claim 71 wherein said transducer means is a conformal magnetic dipole.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
23 words
An apparatus as in claim 66 further comprising a voltage cycle having a peak to peak amplitude in the range of 25-200 millivolts.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus as in claim 66 wherein said association of said transducer means with said cast comprises integrating said transducer means into said cast causing it to be closely proximal to said damaged tissue or bone.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
94 words
A portable apparatus for stimulating tissue or bone healing comprising an electric potential source connected to a means for converting said potential to a series of substantially symmetric voltage cycles, said voltage cycles comprising a train of bursted pulses each having a pulse width of about 2-10 microseconds and a peak to peak amplitude of about 50-150 millivolts, and a transducer means in association with a cast adapted to be positioned about damaged tissue or bone for transducing said voltage cycles into an electromagnetic field into said damaged tissue or bone to stimulate healing.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
94 words
A portable apparatus for stimulating tissue or bone healing comprising an electric potential source connected to a means for converting said potential to a series of substantially symmetric voltage cycles, said voltage cycles comprising a train of bursted pulses each having a pulse width of about 2-10 microseconds and a peak to peak amplitude of about 50-150 millivolts, and a transducer means in association with a cast adapted to be positioned about damaged tissue or bone for transducing said voltage cycles into an electromagnetic field into said damaged tissue or bone to stimulate healing.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus as in claim 76 wherein said source of potential is a 6-40 volt battery having a volume of about 2-60 cubic centimeters.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus as described in claim 76 wherein said transducer means is a coil transducer selected from the group consisting of a conformal solenoid, conformal magnetic dipole, oblique coil and simple coil.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
15 words
An apparatus as described in claim 78 wherein said transducer means is a conformal solenoid.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus as described in claim 78 wherein said transducer means is a conformal magnetic dipole.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
38 words
An apparatus as described in claim 76 wherein said association of said transducer means with said cast comprises integrating said transducer means into said cast causing it to be in close proximity to said damaged tissue or bone.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-05-13 | 1994-11-12 | 1995-05-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-05-13 | 1998-11-12 | 1999-05-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-05-13 | 2002-11-12 | 2003-05-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |