KR20150099715A - Large area body shaping applicator - Google Patents

Abstract

CLAIMS What is claimed is: 1. An apparatus comprising an array of skin treatment units that are attached to a skin segment and are individually controlled, each skin treatment unit comprising a housing defining a cavity in fluid communication with a vacuum pressure source, Is closed with a rim that promotes the sealing of the cavity when the skin treatment unit is exposed to the skin and the size of the cavity is sufficient to accommodate the volume of the skin segment aspirated into the cavity by the vacuum pressure source will be.

Description

[0001] LARGE AREA BODY SHAPING APPLICATOR [0002]

The present invention relates to an applicator for forming a large-area body part and a method of operating the applicator. Such devices are related to the field of equipment for non-invasive aesthetic treatments.

Skin massaging is one of the methods of manipulating the epidermal and endothelial and subcutaneous tissue layers of the skin. Massage involves manipulating the skin by applying pressure. The skin can be manipulated (usually kneaded) by hand or with the aid of an instrument. Whether the massage is on the hand or with the aid of a device, it applies to the segment of skin or tissue defined by the size of the hand or instrument of the practitioner. The remaining segment of the skin is treated by moving the hand over the larger skin area or repositioning the instrument. Target tissues can include muscle, tendons, adipose tissue and other segments of the skin and body. Because the pressure is applied to the skin (and then the operator's hand or instrument is moved to another area of the body) during treatment, and then the source of the pressure needs to be repositioned, the practitioner performing the massage should take considerable effort and care do.

Adipose tissue is often treated non-invasively by different energies that are coupled to the skin. Typical types of energy used for skin treatment include ultrasound energy, radio frequency (RF) energy, or radiation energy emitted from a light or heat source. The skin treatment energy is coupled to the skin by an applicator or skin treatment unit. The size of the applicator determines to some extent the skin or tissue segment to which the skin treatment energy is delivered. To treat another skin segment, the applicator is reset to position against the larger skin segment and is actuated to couple therapeutic energy to that skin segment.

Different types of energy are frequently used for other cosmetic procedures that may result in the desired beneficial therapeutic effect by reducing waist circumference, removing adipose tissue, and applying skin treatment energy.

Skin treatment systems typically include different units and applicators for massaging the skin, including subcutaneous tissue. There may be units or applicators that couple different energies to the skin, such as ultrasound energy, RF energy, or radiation energy emitted from a source of light or heat. In general, in the operation of existing known treatment systems and devices, the size of the skin treatment unit or device determines the size of the skin or tissue segment in which the treatment is performed. For example, the size of the skin treatment unit may be 20mm x 40mm or 40mm x 80mm. To treat another or additional skin segment, the skin treatment unit is repositioned across a large segment of skin and is activated to couple the skin treatment energy to this additional segment.

Re-positioning the skin treatment unit requires reasonable effort on behalf of the practitioner. It takes about 30 to 90 minutes for the massage service and / or the treatment service session to apply different energy to the skin, complicating the work of the practitioner, Reduce quality and efficiency.

In addition, skin treatment for large skin segments becomes nonuniform because it is difficult for an operator to maintain a correct and consistent skin treatment unit or applicator position repositioning and treatment timing for large skin segments.

What time is needed to reposition the skin treatment unit and it depends on the technician's skill. A faster repositioning of the applicator may improve the homogeneity of the skin treatment results to some extent and reduce treatment inefficiencies, but the rate at which the practitioner relocates the applicator by hand may be inefficient to achieve adequate skin treatment homogeneity have. In addition, the efficiency and precision of the practitioner can vary with time of day or during shifts and result in the emergence of additional therapeutic artifacts. As a result, some skin segments are treated differently from other skin segments.

Accordingly, there is a need to provide a skin treatment device that is suitable for large skin segments that at least partially improves skin treatment homogeneity.

The present invention describes a method and apparatus, and various aspects and aspects thereof, for treating vacuum pressure and skin and subcutaneous adipose tissue for massaging the volume of the skin and for treating the massed volume to produce the desired therapeutic effect Effective use of more than one type of skin treatment energy coupled.

In a first aspect, an apparatus for large area body shaping is described. The device includes individual controlled skin treatment units that are placed on the skin segment. Wherein each of the skin treatment units includes a housing defining a cavity in fluid communication with a vacuum pressure source and one side of the interior of the housing is configured to allow sealing of the cavity when the skin treatment unit is exposed to the skin Wherein the size of the compartmented cavity is sufficient to accommodate the volume of skin segment aspirated into the compartmented cavity by the vacuum pressure source to produce skin protrusion, The application and release of the vacuum pressure causes a back and forth massage movement of at least a portion of the skin volume relative to the rim, each of the skin treatment units of the array being capable of conforming to the topography of the skin segment So as to have a rotational motion of 2 degrees or more relative to the adjacent skin treatment unit.

In a second aspect, a vacuum pressure is applied to the cavities of the skin treatment units in a desired sequence. The suction force created by the vacuum pressure sucks skin volumes into the cavities and then ventilates the cavities to the atmosphere or releases air from the cavities. Also according to this aspect and due to the fact that each of the skin treatment units of the array has a rotational motion of more than two degrees relative to the adjacent skin treatment unit, the array will generally conform to the surface profile of the non- .

The way in which a vacuum is created to suck skin volume into the cavity and then how the cavity is vented to ambient air (or any other air delivery source) to release skin volumes from the cavities, (And thus its cavities) form an array in groups and each skin treatment unit of this array has a rotational motion of more than two degrees relative to an adjacent skin treatment unit.

In some embodiments, the valve is capable of switching between a vacuum and the atmosphere, or an air pressure source may facilitate venting air from the cavity to aspirate skin volume into the cavity and facilitate air entry into the cavity to release the skin volume do. The skin volumes to be aspirated and released are smaller than the treatment target skin segment to which the array is applied. The sequence of release or reduction of the vacuum pressure following the application of the vacuum pressure creates a pre- and post-massage movement of the skin segment tissue against the openings of the skin treatment units. The application of the vacuum pressure in the cavities with the application of skin treatment energy to the skin volume and the action sequence of releasing or reducing the vacuum pressure makes it possible to produce various patterns of skin treatment and subcutaneous movement.

In some embodiments, the apparatus and method are based on coupling an array or a plurality of arrays as an array of skin treatment units, each skin treatment unit receiving skin treatment energy from a source of such energy, Includes a number of different energy-skin applying elements and hollow cavities coupling or applying the energy received to the skin segment being treated.

In some of these embodiments, the method and apparatus couple skin treatment energy to the application / release of vacuum pressure during massage therapy. Thus, embodiments of the method and apparatus provide automatic massage of the skin segment, either alone or with the application of skin treatment energy. The skin treatment energy may be selected from the group of energy types including light, RF, ultrasound, electrolipophoresis, iontophoresis, and microwave, and is not limited to those listed above. In each of these energy types, in their combination and in some instances, perhaps even additional and / or alternative energy types may be delivered to the skin by energy-skin benefit factors. The energy-skin application elements may be located at one or more locations, including the cavities, the rims spread in the truncated form of the cavities, the discrete units used with the vacuum pressure device, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, each of the skin treatment units of the array may have at least two degrees of rotational motion relative to an adjacent unit and the array may be stretched or taut by skin treatment unit connection joints. For example, the joints allow movement of the element connecting the two treatment units to each other, and / or the coupling element may be made of an expandable material, such as a material having certain flexibility or elasticity, . ≪ / RTI >

In some embodiments, the array itself may have a fixed length or may have a variable length. In some embodiments, the array can include a variable length mount, which can have a shape and size that allows the array to be coupled (coupled) or fixed to the skin segment being treated have. In other embodiments, the skin treatment units may have a combination of at least one of the following motor functions: two-way rotation, three-way rotation, vertical motion (up and down as in telescoping motion), etc. . In addition, in some embodiments, the skin treatment units can be mounted on a flexible substrate, thereby enabling flared rims to settle on non-uniform surfaces of the skin treatment area.

In some embodiments, the skin treatment units are made of a thermally conductive material and can operate with a massage action to remove or reduce hot spots and to equalize the skin treatment energy distribution for the large skin segments being treated. The control unit controls the delivery of different types of skin therapy energy that can be delivered in pulse mode or continuous mode according to a skin treatment protocol. The control unit can synchronize the transfer of the skin treatment energy with the application of the vacuum pressure to create the skin mascara movement caused by alternating the vacuum. The control unit may be operable to control a sequence of alternately applying vacuum to the cavities of the skin treatment units as well as air pressure that may be applied to release the skin that has been aspirated into the cavity in one embodiment.

The possibility of providing a desired skin treatment protocol on a large skin segment can promote a homogeneous skin treatment energy distribution over large skin segments. The energy may be mechanical, such as a massage or skin stimulus, or may be thermal energy. Different skin massaging and skin treatment energy application patterns can enable selective treatment of large skin segments. They also free the practitioner from efforts related to the movement of the skin treatment device across the treated skin segment, the tracking of the previous skin treatment device location, and the subsequent determination of the location.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference will now be made, by way of non-limitative example, to the accompanying drawings, in which specific embodiments of the invention are described below:
1A is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus according to one embodiment,
1B shows a side view of an array of skin treatment units according to one embodiment,
2 is a schematic plan view of an array of skin treatment units according to one embodiment of the present invention,
Figures 3a-3g are diagrams illustrating a non-limiting example of the adaptability of the array of skin treatment units to the contour of the skin to be treated, collectively referred to Figure 3,
3A is a perspective view showing a stretching motion of skin treatment units according to an embodiment of the present invention,
Figures 3b and 3c schematically illustrate an array of skin treatment units, each of which is applied to concave and convex segments of the skin, according to one embodiment of the present invention,
Figures 3d and 3e schematically illustrate an array of skin treatment units imposed on uneven segments of skin according to an embodiment of the present invention,
Figures 3f and 3g schematically illustrate an array of skin treatment units imposed on uneven segments of skin according to one embodiment of the present invention,
4 is a schematic side view of a skin treatment unit according to an embodiment of the present invention,
Figure 5 is a schematic view of a skin treatment unit showing a unit cavity according to one embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the skin treatment unit of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention,
7 is a schematic view of a skin treatment unit showing a unit cavity according to an embodiment of the present invention,
8 is a schematic view of a skin treatment unit showing a unit cavity according to an embodiment of the present invention,
9A and 9B are views schematically showing the connection and operation of an RF electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention, collectively referred to as Fig. 9,
Figure 10 schematically illustrates a physician wearing an array according to an embodiment of the present invention,
11 schematically illustrates a subject who wears a plurality of arrays according to an embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 12 schematically shows the massage operation of the array according to the embodiment of the present invention,
13 schematically illustrates the massage operation of the array in conjunction with the application of skin treatment energy according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The term "skin" as used herein includes deeper subcutaneous layers such as the outer skin layer such as the stratum corneum, the endothelium, the epithelium, and the fat layer.

The term " skin treatment energy "as used herein refers to any one of the energies that enable the attainment of the desired skin treatment effect.

As used herein, the term " energy to skin applying element "refers to an element that receives skin treatment energy from a source of energy and couples or energizes that energy to the skin segment being treated it means. Electrodes for applying RF energy to the skin, ultrasonic transducers, mechanical elements, and light sources may be such components.

Referring now back to Fig. 1, a schematic top view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention can be seen. Apparatus 100 includes a control unit 104, an array 108 of skin treatment units 112 connected together and controlled individually by a joint 114 and an array 108 of skin therapy units 112 that are individually controlled by the array 108 and the control unit 104. [ And the joint 114 enables relative displacement and rotation of one skin treatment unit relative to an adjacent unit. It will be appreciated that the control unit 104 may be a processing unit attached to the array 108 as described or may be included in the array 108 itself, such as a processing unit, a hardware device, and the like. The control unit 104 may include one or more vacuum sources such as a vacuum pump 120 and optionally one or more air compression sources such as an air compression pump 124 and one or more skin treatment energy sources 128 . The skin treatment energy source 128 may be, for example, an RF power source, an ultrasonic driving power source or supply that drives an ultrasonic transducer, a light energy source and other types of sources, and a processing unit or processing unit 132 have. The processing unit (PU) 132 may be a personal computer (PC) or any other device including hardware, firmware or processing functions and may include a memory 134 and may be a vacuum pump 120 And the operation of the sources of the air compression pump 124 and the skin therapy energy source 128. Memory 134 may store a plurality of skin treatment protocols. The skin treatment protocols can be read by the practitioner when desired or automatically supplied for treatment. The PU 132 receives a temperature sensor 524 (see FIG. 5) read signal from each of the cavities 408 (see FIGS. 4-9) of the skin treatment units 112, And controls energy sources that supply skin treatment energy to each of the skin treatment units 112 in accordance with the reading. The display 136 may be a touch display and may include a number of soft keys for indicating the progress of the treatment process, setting a skin treatment protocol, or reading the skin treatment protocol from the memory 134. Alternatively, a keypad or keyboard can be used to set the skin treatment protocol. Both the control unit 104 and the array 108 can include a patient emergency button 140 and thus enable emergency stopping of the skin treatment procedure by the practitioner or the treating physician.

In addition, although control unit 104 is shown as an independent unit connected by cable 116, in some embodiments control functions and in particular control unit 132 may be an array with an interface to a vacuum source and an air source Or the entire control unit 104 may be contained within the array 108 with the vacuum source and air compression source, vacuum valve and air valve, etc., and other expected configurations Or any combination of the above. In addition, at least one of the vacuum source and the air compression source may be external and may be controlled / adjusted by the processing unit 132, which is mounted on the array and controls the amount of pressure applied to the cavities of the skin treatment units .

In one embodiment, the control unit 104 includes a vacuum pump 120, an air compression pump 124, and one or more skin treatment energy sources 112 for each of the individually controlled skin treatment units 112 of the array 108. In one embodiment, And a splitter card 144 for distributing and controlling operation of the apparatus. The splitter card 144 also receives temperature sensor readout signals from each of the cavities and controls energy sources that supply skin treatment energy to each of the skin treatment units 112 in accordance with temperature sensor readings. The distribution and operation of the vacuum, air pressure, and skin treatment energy may be in accordance with a desired skin treatment protocol, and as a non-limiting example, both skin treatment units 112, a group of skin treatment units 112, , Or the selected skin treatment units 112. Although shown as a single unit, each of the vacuum pump, air compression pump, and skin treatment energy sources may include a plurality of vacuum pumps, an air compression pump, and skin treatment energy sources. The emergency button 140 communicates with the splitter card 144 or the PU 132 and the operation of the emergency button 140 is controlled by the vacuum, air pressure, and pressure of the skin treatment units or applicators 112 of the array 108, And immediately stops the supply of skin treatment energy.

1B, each of the individually controlled skin treatment units 112 of the array 108 includes two RF electrodes 150 positioned within the cavity 154, an electrically controlled An electrically controlled RF switch 158 that couples the RF energy provided by the RF power source 128 to the RF electrode 150 and an electrically controlled RF switch 158 that couples the interior of the cavity 154 to a vacuum pump 154, And an electrically controlled vacuum valve 164 that connects to a vacuum source, such as the vacuum source 120. The control unit 104 may be configured to control the vacuum pump 120, the RF switch 158 and the RF power source 128 to supply or remove vacuum within the cavity 154. Alternatively, the control functions described above may be supported or operated by the splitter card 144. [ The RF energy is delivered to the RF electrode 150 by wires (not shown), one end of which is connected to the RF power source 128 and the RF switch 158 is connected in parallel to the other end of the wires. Similarly, one end of the vacuum tube 162 is connected to the vacuum pump 120 and all the vacuum valves 164 are connected in parallel to the other end of the vacuum tube 162.

Each of the individual controlled skin treatment units 112 of the array 108 may optionally include an electrically controlled air valve 166 configured to connect the interior of the cavity 154 to an air source. The air source may be free ambient air or an air compression feed pump 124. The ambient air ventilates the cavity. Air entry into the cavity returns the skin pulled into the cavity to its initial position by removing vacuum from the interior of the cavity. The pump 124 delivers air pressure to the interior of the cavity 154 to remove the vacuum and push the skin out of the interior of the cavity 154 and return the skin pulled into the cavity back to its initial position. The air pressure can be transmitted through the pipe 170. One end of the pipe 170 is connected to the air compression supply pump 124 and all the air valves 166 are connected to the other And connected in parallel at the end. Alternatively, and as will be described later, a single three-way valve 406 (see FIG. 4) may be used in place of the two valves 164, 166 which keep the rest of the device substantially identical. These alternatives are also independent of the degree of rotational motion of adjacent skin treatment units.

2, a splitter card 144 that distributes and controls the operation of vacuum, air pressure, and skin treatment energy to each of the skin treatment units 112 of the array 108 includes an array (not shown) 108 < / RTI > It controls vacuum valves 164 and vacuum pump 120, air valves 166 and air compression pump 124, receives a temperature sensor readout signal from each of the cavities, And controls the energy sources supplying skin treatment energy to each of them based on the temperature sensor reading. Associating the splitter card 144 with the array 108 may simplify the interconnect cable 116. The dispensing and operation of the vacuum, air pressure, and skin treatment energy may be according to the desired skin treatment protocol, which may be read from the memory 134 or entered with the aid of a keyboard or touch screen. The processing unit 132 and / or the splitter card 144 may operate both the skin treatment units 112, a group of skin treatment units 112, or the selected skin treatment units 112. In addition, a simpler control unit or controller can be attached to each individual skin treatment unit 112. The emergency button 140 is in communication with the splitter card 144 and the actuation of the emergency button 140 is a function of the vacuum, air pressure, and skin treatment energy for both the skin treatment units or applicators 112 of the array 108 It can be set to immediately stop the supply.

A treatment protocol stored in memory 134 or entered with the aid of a keyboard or touch screen may include one or more of the following actions:

Opening and closing a vacuum valve 164 associated with a particular cavity 154;

Switching ON and OFF the RF switch 158 that controls the supply of RF energy to the specific cavity 154;

Switching the RF power supply 128 on and off;

Switching on and off the air valve 166 to control the air supply to a particular cavity 154;

Switching the vacuum pump 120 on and off;

Switching on and off the air valve 166 to control the air supply to a particular cavity 154; And

The operation of switching the air compression feed pump 124 on and off.

The treatment protocol may also include a sequence of different operations and their duration. The treatment protocol may further include a switching sequence of individual cavities 154 of the array and a sequence of operations for each of the switched cavities 154. The sequence of operations may depend on the RF energy supply to a particular cavity. For example, the sequence defined by the treatment protocol may be as follows:

Selecting a first cavity to operate;

Switching on a vacuum valve in the first cavity;

Switching off the RF switch for the first cavity;

Switching off the vacuum valve in the first cavity;

Switching on the air valve for the first cavity;

- Select the second cavity and repeat the same sequence.

In another embodiment, the treatment protocol may comprise a sequence of ultrasonic powered power supplies as follows:

Selecting a first cavity to operate;

Switching on a vacuum valve in the first cavity;

Switching on a switch for controlling the ultrasonic driving power supply device for the first cavity;

Switching off a switch for controlling the ultrasonic driving power supply device for the first cavity;

Switching off the vacuum valve in the first cavity;

Switching on the air valve for the first cavity;

- Select the second cavity and repeat the same sequence.

The splitter card 144 includes additional PUs (not shown) and is capable of controlling treatment processes performed by the array 108. Such processes include switching between application of vacuum pressure or air pressure, switching on and off of a specific skin treatment energy supply, selection between various skin treatment energy supplies, or delivery between individual controlled skin treatment units Receiving a valve 604 (see FIG. 6) signal, receiving a temperature sensor read signal from each of the cavities, activating the emergency button, and detecting an array release signal, and the like.

As in FIG. 2, the mount 208 has a size and shape that can couple and secure the array 108 to the skin segment being treated. The mount 208 may be a belt-shaped mount, such that the subject can wear the array 108 when secured to a segment of skin. Although shown in belt form, mount 208 may be in the form of braces. In one embodiment both a belt-shaped mount and a brace can be implemented. In another embodiment, the array 108 may be incorporated into a massage table or chair so that the physician can lean back on the table. In such an embodiment, the array 108 may be adapted to the physician's body shape in response to the body's gravity against the array 108. In yet another embodiment, the array 108 may be weighted such that sufficient pressure is applied to the array 108 to simply place it across the subject and conform it to the subject's body. In yet another embodiment, the array 108 may be incorporated into a wearable device, such as a jacket shaped device, a sleeve that slides over the limb, and the like. There may be other embodiments and variations, and the embodiments described herein are merely non-limiting examples.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing stretching movements of skin treatment units according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. This figure shows skin treatment units 112 or array of applicators 108 on a flat surface 300. The number of skin treatment units 112 is given by way of example only and may be more or less than that shown. The skin treatment unit 112-3 has been displaced relative to the adjacent skin treatment unit 112-2 in the direction indicated by the arrow 304 The skin treatment unit 112-1 and the skin treatment unit 112-2, which is movable in the opposite direction to or from the skin treatment unit 112-1. The length and flexibility of the joint 114 as well as the size of the joint nest 312 determine the size of the displacement or extension. The joint 114 may be a dog-bone type joint that enables such movement. The spring 316 applies any tension or stretch to the array 108 during treatment to reduce the gap between the skin treatment units 112 and further attach the skin treatment units 112 to the skin, The skin treatment units 112 can be returned to the initial position. In one embodiment, the joint 114 may be made of an elastic material that magnifies the magnitude of the displacement. In such a joint implementation, the joint is stretched to support the desired magnitude of displacement expansion and return the skin treatment units to their initial position.

However, the skin has a complex surface shape and, in order to adapt to the surface shape of the skin segment being treated, each of the skin treatment units may have a plurality of rotational degrees of freedom, torsional degrees of freedom, and linear degrees of freedom of movement. Figures 3b and 3c schematically illustrate an array of skin treatment units imposed on a concave surface 328 and a convex surface 332, such as segments of skin, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Each of the skin treatment units 112-1 through 112-3 of the array 108 is positioned in the center of the skin 110 by an arrow 336,340 (see FIG. 3B) and arrows 342,344 (see FIG. Lt; / RTI > These rotational degrees of freedom facilitate compliance of the array 108 with respect to the surface shape of the skin segment being treated, particularly for the concave skin segment 328 and the convex skin segment 332. As described above, the displacement of the skin treatment units 112 along the joint 114 can further improve the compliance of the array 108 to the surface shape of the skin segment being treated.

Figures 3d and 3e schematically illustrate an array of skin treatment units applied to an uneven skin segment according to an embodiment of the present invention. Each of the skin treatment unit cuffs 112-1 through 112-3 of the array 108 includes an arrow 346 and 348 (see FIG. 3D) and arrows 352 and 354 (see FIG. 3E) And has translational movement degrees of freedom such as shown by FIG. These translational motions are in different planes, which are shown in vertical planes for simplicity of explanation. Although the translational motion indicated by arrows 346 and 352 may be at an angle to the translational motion 304 and within the plane 300, the planes are different from the plane 300 (see FIG. 3A).

Figures 3f and 3g schematically illustrate an array of skin treatment units imposed on uneven skin segments according to an embodiment of the present invention. Each of the skin treatment units 112-1 through 112-3 of the array 108 is rotated about the same as shown by arrow 356 (see FIG. 3F) and arrow 360 (see FIG. 3G) The rotational movement has degrees of freedom. These rotational movements are in different planes than the planes in which the rotational motion indicated by arrows 336, 340, 342, 344 occurs (see FIGS. 3B and 3C).

The joint 114 (see Figures 1 and 3) may be a dumbbell-shaped joint that enables the above-mentioned motions. The joint 114 is subjected to a stretch sufficient to support these translational and rotational movements between the skin treatment units 112. Other forms that allow at least two degrees of rotational movement, translational motion, and slight extension between adjacent units, such as Cardan joints, Hooke joints, elastic elements, and other similar elements May be used. Also, instead of using a joint to create the flexibility of the array, the discrete units may be mounted on a flexible substrate that allows at least some of the motions described above. The array may also be constructed in a single dimension, as shown, or expanded to include two or more individual units using any of the techniques described herein, other than the connections or techniques described herein.

In summary, the array 108 will be able to conform to the surface shape of the skin segment being treated, since each skin treatment unit 112 has two or more rotational motions. The additional translational or linear motion of each of the skin treatment units 112 further enables the ability of the array 108 to conform to the surface shape of the skin segment being treated. A dumbbell shaped joint or similar joint that supports spatial motion in almost all directions in space with respect to an adjacent skin treatment unit also helps the array 108 to conform to the surface shape of the skin segment being treated.

FIG. 4 shows a non-limiting example of a schematic side view of the skin treatment unit 112. The skin treatment unit 112 is shown as including a housing 404 in this embodiment, which includes a hollow interior or cavity 408 formed in the interior of the housing 404. The cavity 408 is provided with a negative pressure source, such as, for example, a vacuum pump 120, or a positive pressure source, such as a pneumatic pressure source, an aperture or outlet for the connecting nipple 428 is located in the wall of the skin treatment unit (e.g., first end 412 or elsewhere) for fluidly connection. A suitable valve, such as the three-way valve 406 controlled by the control unit 104 or the splitter card 144, will simplify the communication. Alternatively, two valves similar to the valves 164 and 166 (see FIG. 1) may be used in place of the valve 406. These two valves 164 and 166 may also be controlled by the control unit 104 or the splitter card 144. A flexible hose (not shown) may connect between the first end 412 of the skin treatment unit 112 and the negative pressure sources or between the vacuum pump 120 and the positive air pressure pump 124. The rim 416 ends the second end of the skin treatment unit 112. The rim 416 may have a width similar to the thickness of the wall 420 of the skin treatment unit housing 404; Or other material that has a surface 424 that is substantially the same size as rim 416 and that is substantially larger than at least one of wall 420 and rim 416. In one embodiment, Can be used. Connectors 432 and 436, shown schematically as rectangles to illustrate its presence, enable delivery of different skin treatment energies from the energy source 128 to the treated skin segment. It will be appreciated that any of a variety of connectors may be used for this interface.

The surface 424 of the rim 416 engages the treated skin segment so that the surface of the skin segment touching the surface 424 seals the hollow interior or cavity 408. The size of the cavity 408 may be 20 mm x 40 mm or 40 mm x 80 mm, but is not limited thereto. The surface 424 of the wall 420 may be widened outward to increase the contact area with the skin surface to provide a better seal between the surface 424 and the skin. Operating the skin treatment unit 112 may apply a vacuum or negative pressure to the cavity 408 of the skin treatment unit 112 via valve 406 (or using two valves 164, 166) And connecting the nipple or nozzle 428 with sources of either a vacuum pressure or a negative pressure, respectively, or an air compression source. Such an action sequence results in an anteroposterior mass movement of the treated skin volume with the surface 424 of the rim 416 of the cavity being depressed. The surface 424 of the rim 416 may be covered with a low-friction coating to enhance the massage of the treated skin.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the release of the vacuum pressure to the cavity 408 of the skin treatment unit 112 (which allows for a pre- and post-massage motion of the skin segment being treated against the rim of the cavity) Can be assisted by ventilation to the surrounding air. The ventilation may be effected through the outlet connection nipple 428. Alternatively, positive air pressure may be delivered through the outlet connection nipple 428 or through another conduit or nipple (not shown). Such action of the skin treatment unit 112 may further enhance the intensity of the massage movement. The control unit 104 (see FIG. 1) may set the application sequence, intensity and duration of the selected type of air pressure and vacuum for the cavities 408.

5, the energy-skin application elements are positioned above the interior of the hollow interior or wall 420 of the cavity 408. In one embodiment, The energy transfer elements include an RF electrode 508, an ultrasonic transducer 512 (see FIG. 5), an LED (Light Emitting Diodes) 516 or an illuminator such as a laser diode, an optical fiber conducting laser light to the cavity, And other factors that deliver different types of skin care energy. A skin temperature sensor 524, such as a thermistor, a thermocouple or a non-contact sensor such as, for example, an optical pyrometer, may be located within the hollow interior or cavity 408. The temperature sensing element 524 may additionally or alternatively be located in the cavity or other location on the rim to detect skin temperature at different locations. In yet another embodiment, the cavity or a portion of at least one of the cavity and energy transfer surfaces may be fabricated from a thermally conductive material. During the treatment procedure, these parts made of thermally conductive material are in thermal equilibrium with the skin. Temperature sensors can be inserted into these parts made of thermally conductive material and can provide an indication of the average skin temperature for these areas, useful for therapeutic control. 3) and the element 520 shown in FIG. 5 are positioned between the dumbbell shaped joints 114 or the individual skin treatment units 112 of the array 108 (see FIG. 1) And also allows for two translational motions and at least two degrees of rotational movement in different planes between the skin treatment units 112 so that their spatial position is such that the array 108 allows the skin Refers to a nest or receptacle that can be adapted to the surface shape of the segment.

Reference is made to Fig. 6 which shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line L-L of the skin treatment unit shown in Fig. Valve 604, which may be the same as the valve disclosed in PCT patent application WO2010 / 007619, which is incorporated herein by reference, includes a plate 620 having a spring 620 and a stopper disk 624 plate (608) and a plunger (612). Alternatively, valve 604 may be a solenoid valve or other valve mechanism. The plate 608 of the valve 604 and the plunger 612 have a linear motion freedom in the axial direction as indicated by the arrow 628. [ When the rim of the skin treatment unit is pressed against the surface of the skin as the source of sound pressure 120 is applied to the valve 604 a negative force or vacuum is created in the hollow interior or cavity 408, So as to form a skin protrusion as shown by the dashed line 632. The projection pushes plunger 612 and plate 604 into stopper disk 624 in the direction indicated by arrow 628A until the outlet connection nipple 428 is closed. As the level of the vacuum pressure in the cavity 408 drops, the protrusion weakens to restore the fluid / air connection with the vacuum pump 120 (see FIG. 1), thereby opening the valve 604 again to allow the application of negative pressure do. This repeated actuation of the valve 604 adjusts the level of vacuum pressure in the cavity and thus adjusts the size of the protrusion of the skin being drawn into the cavity. Other valve 604 structures, such as two mated cones or two mated spheres, are also conceivable.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the RF electrode 508 may be located on the outer surfaces of a skin treatment unit, such as surface 424, for example. 8, the RF electrode 808 may extend beyond the inner surface of the cavity wall 420 and its sealing edges 424 may extend through the extended RF energy transfer surface And to apply RF energy to the tissues within the cavity 408 as well as to adjacent skin tissues that are to be aspirated into the cavities. In some cases, the RF electrodes 508 may be positioned along substantially the entire peripheral surface 424.

9 schematically illustrates RF electrode connection and operation in accordance with one embodiment. The array 108 is secured against the large skin segment 900 to conform to the surface shape of the large skin segment 900. The vacuum pump 120 (see FIG. 1) produces a sound pressure of about -0.1 bar to -0.9 bar in the hollow interior of the skin treatment units 112 or in the cavity 408, but is not limited thereto. The negative pressure or vacuum sucks the individual skin volumes into the cavity 408 of the skin treatment units 112 of the array 108 to form a skin protrusion 632 within the cavity 408. The size of the skin protrusion 632 increases, occupying a larger volume of the cavity 408, and uniformly spreading inside the cavity. The control unit 104 or the splitter card 144 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) initiates supply of skin treatment energy to the RF electrodes only when a firm contact is made between the skin protrusion 632 and the RF electrode 508 do. Adjacent electrodes 508 located on the interior of the hollow of the adjacent skin treatment units 112 or on the interior surfaces of the cavity 408 are connected to each other by a connection 904 (see Figure 9b) Switching is done independently and symmetrically. The RF energy can be transmitted to the RF electrodes 508 by wires 906 and 908 which are connected at one end to an RF power source 128 and the RF switch 150 at the other end of the wires They are connected in parallel.

This connection of adjacent RF electrodes increases the effective surface of the electrode and promotes uniform heat distribution in the treated skin segment. The massaging movement of the skin (see FIG. 12) further contributes to uniform heat distribution in the skin and prevents the formation of hot spots. The control unit 104 or the splitter card 144 (see FIG. 1) may control the RF energy supply to the RF electrode and the RF electrode switching process. A hardware interlock of RF delivery to the RF electrode may be implemented to avoid erroneous or unintended supply of RF energy to the skin. The protruding signal generated by the valve 604 (see FIG. 6) operating in each of the cavities 408 can serve to start / stop the supply of RF energy and also improve the process safety.

One of the applications of the inventive array is the massaging of large skin segments. FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a subject who wears an array 1008 similar or identical to the array 108. FIG. The physician lays down on the massage bench 1004. The array 1008 is struck by a large skin segment, e. G., The abdomen of the treated recipient and is attached to the skin with the aid of the mount 208. The mount has a size and shape to secure the array 1008 to the skin segment being treated. Mount 208 may be a belt-type mount. Appropriate cables and tubing may be employed to connect the array to the control unit 104 and each of the skin treatment sources. Because the belt mount 208 engages and secures the array 1008 to the skin segment being treated, the practitioner remains mobile and hands are free. The practitioner can participate in additional activities at the same time without affecting the treatment process.

Although depicted as a one-dimensional array 112, the devices may include arrays that are two-dimensional arrays or matrix-type arrays, and may be arranged in various patterns.

11 schematically illustrates a subject who wears a similar array according to one embodiment. The array 1108 is similar to the array 108. It comprises a plurality of skin treatment units 112 and is adapted to be worn on the limbs of the treated patient, here the legs. In a similar manner, the array can be configured to treat or massage large skin segments, upper or lower back, chest, or other segments of the body being treated. Appropriate cables and tubing may be employed to connect each of the skin treatment units of the array to each of the control unit and skin treatment sources. Because the array 1108 is anchored to the skin segment being treated, the practitioner maintains mobility and hands are free. The practitioner can participate in additional activities at the same time without affecting the treatment process.

As further shown in FIG. 11, two or more arrays may be used to treat a plurality of large skin segments of a treated subject simultaneously or according to a predetermined protocol. For example, in Figure 11, while the array 1108 provides treatment to the upper portion of the subject's leg, the array 108 connected to the mount 208, including the skin treatment units 112, ≪ / RTI >

Figure 12 schematically illustrates the massage operation of the array according to one embodiment. The array 108 is secured against the large skin segment to conform to the surface shape or contour of the large skin segment 1200. The vacuum pump 120 (see FIG. 1) generates a negative pressure in the hollow interior of the skin treatment units 112 or in the cavity 408. As a non-limiting example, the sound pressure is -0.1 bar to -0.9 bar. Each of the cavities 408 is connected to and controlled individually by a vacuum pump 120 so that the vacuum pressure can be supplied to all of the cavities 408 simultaneously or supplied to the plurality of cavities 408 according to a selected treatment protocol. The negative pressure or vacuum sucks individual skin volumes into the cavity 408 of the array 112 and forms a skin protrusion 1204 in the appropriate cavity. As the skin protrusion 1204 grows, it takes up a larger volume of the cavity 408 and expands into the cavity to move the plunger 508 and finally push the valve 428 down. Adjacent or further away skin treatment units receive a sequential release and release of similar vacuums. This sequential application and release of this similar vacuum to the cavity 408 of the skin treatment units 112 causes suction to draw and release the skin volume into the cavity creating a skin protrusion 1204 in each cavity. The suction and release skin volumes are smaller than the treatment target skin segment 1200 where the array 108 is held in place. The sequential application and release of the vacuum pressure creates an anteroposterior mass movement of at least a portion of the large skin segment relative to the open rim 416 of the skin treatment units 112. Sequential application of vacuum pressure alone achieves or delivers skin massage movement to large skin segments. The additional positive pressure generated by the pump 124 (see FIG. 1) for the cavity when the vacuum stage is terminated can enhance skin motion out of the cavity and thus enhance the massage action. In these illustrated embodiments neither other mechanical actuators nor any moving parts are used. The massage movement of the skin can be applied simultaneously to the large skin segment or according to the selected skin massage protocol.

Skin massage transfers mechanical massage energy to the skin. According to one embodiment of the method, an additional type of skin treatment energy can be coupled to the large skin segment 1200 simultaneously with the application of the vacuum pressure and massage. Such skin treatment energy can be energy to heat the skin. By way of non-limiting example, the energy may be RF energy, ultrasonic driving power, microwave energy, and light energy. Different types of energy according to different skin treatment protocols can be applied simultaneously within each cavity and different cavities.

FIG. 13 refers to FIG. 13, which schematically illustrates the massage operation of the array combined with the application of skin treatment energy according to one embodiment. The safety of the skin treatment energy application to the skin of the recipient is the most important requirement in all energy-based cosmetic and medical treatments. The robust contact between the energy-skin application elements, which may be an RF electrode 508 or an ultrasonic transducer 512, and the protrusion 1204 allows for good energy transfer and allows for the formation of hot spots and other side effects on the RF electrode Avoid. Such contact conditions exist only when the skin protrusion 1204 fills the cavity 408 sufficiently. The sensing of the protrusion size (or condition) may be accomplished by a control unit 104 or a splitter card 144 (see Figures 1 and 2) that controls one or more skin therapy energy sources 124 that supply RF energy to electrode 508. [ See below). Valve 604 can send such a "protruding status signal" to control unit 104 (see FIG. 1) when the skin volume fills the cavity as much as is necessary for safe skin treatment energy or coupling have. Alternatively, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor, or other types of sensors suitable for direct or indirect detection of the protruding size may be implemented.

When hard contact is established between the skin protrusion 1204 and the electrode 508, the control unit turns on the skin treatment energy source 124 (see FIG. 1), which source is, as a non-limiting example, . The RF generator may be a single generator that supplies RF energy to the skin treatment unit according to a desired skin treatment protocol or may be a plurality of RF generators that each provide RF energy to a corresponding skin treatment unit. The RF energy is supplied to the skin volume or protrusion 1204 aspirated into the cavity 408. The RF induced current heats the skin volume 1204 to create or enhance the desired skin treatment effect, which effects include fat tissue reduction, body shaping, skin tightening and regeneration, collagen fiber shrinkage, and other skin cosmetic treatments . Rigid contact between the electrode 508 and the skin protrusion 1204 can be detected during RF energy therapy by monitoring the skin impedance between the electrodes 508. [ The lower the skin impedance at the beginning of the treatment, the better the contact between the RF electrodes and the skin formation protrusion 1204.

Typically, the RF frequency may range from 50 KHz to 200 MHz. Typically, the RF frequency is between 100 KHz and 10 MHz or between 100 KHz and 100 MHz, or alternatively between 300 KHz and 3 MHz. The RF power may be between 0.5W and 300W. Typically, the range of RF power is between 1 W and 200 W or between 10 W and 100 W and may be coupled into the skin in a pulsed or continuous mode or some other type of modulated mode. The RF induced current heats the individual skin volume 1204. The heating is not uniform and different skin volumes may be heated to different and sometimes undesired temperatures. The control unit controls the source or sources of skin treatment energy (in this embodiment one or more RF generators). The control unit establishes a skin treatment protocol and synchronizes the skin treatment protocol with the massage exercise, thereby equalizing the skin treatment energy distribution over a large skin segment. The housing 404 of the skin treatment units 112 may also be constructed of a thermally conductive material that further strengthens and homogenizes the heat distribution for the large skin segments.

In some embodiments, in addition to the RF electrode 508, the skin treatment units 112 may include energy-sensitive components that apply another or additional type of skin treatment energy. Such energies may be detected by, for example, ultrasound energy applied to the protrusion or volume of skin aspirated into cavity 408 by transducer 512 (see FIG. 5), or by LED 516 or other devices And may include an applied light.

Splitter 144 (see FIG. 1) can be used only when a robust contact is established between skin protrusion 1204 and transducer 512. In some embodiments, control unit 104 or selector / (128), where the source (128) may be an ultrasonic powered power supply. Ultrasonic energy may be supplied to the skin volume 1204 aspirated into the cavity 408. [ In one embodiment, the ultrasound can be used to pre-heat the treated skin volume 1204 to reduce skin resistance, so that the induced RF current will preferentially pass through the pre-heated skin volume 1204 segment, And the skin treatment effect may be an effect of reducing fat tissue, body molding, skin tightening and regeneration, collagen fiber shrinkage and other skin cosmetic treatments. Strong contact between the transducer 512 and the skin protrusion 1204 can be detected during ultrasonic energy therapy by placing a thin conductive layer on the transducer that does not attenuate ultrasonic energy and monitoring the skin impedance between the transducers.

In some embodiments, suitably focused ultrasound is used to deliver motion to adipose tissue cell components having different densities. Such movement can result in rupture of the cell wall and destruction of adipose tissue cells.

Typically, the range of the ultrasound drive power frequency is between 500 KHz and 5 MHz. Usually, the range of the ultrasonic power density is between 0.1 W / cm ² and 5 W / cm ² .

The devices and methods described above can be used for cosmetic treatment such as fat tissue reduction, body shaping, skin tightening and regeneration, collagen fiber shrinkage and other skin cosmetic treatments.

However, it will be appreciated that other or additional combinations of skin treatment energy and massage may be used for skin treatment. These other types of energy and massages are included in the scope of the present invention and claims.

For completeness, various aspects of the invention are set forth in the following numbered clauses:

Claims 1. An apparatus comprising an array of skin treatment units which are placed on a skin segment and are individually controlled, each skin treatment unit comprising:

A housing defining a cavity communicating fluidly with a vacuum pressure source; And

Skin-applying element that applies skin-treatment energy to the skin segment,

Wherein one side of the interior of the housing is closed with a rim that allows sealing of the cavity when the skin treatment unit is exposed to the skin, the size of the compartmented cavity being defined by the vacuum pressure source Wherein applying and releasing of vacuum pressure to the skin treatment unit is sufficient to receive a volume of the skin segment aspirated into the cavity to create a skin protrusion and cause a back and forth massaging motion of at least a portion of the skin volume relative to the rim,

Wherein each of the skin treatment units of the array has a rotational motion of greater than or equal to 2 degrees relative to an adjacent skin treatment unit such that the array can conform to a surface shape of the skin segment.

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the skin treatment units of the array allows two or more translational movements for the adjacent skin treatment unit, the translational movements being in different planes.

A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein adjacent skin treatment units of the array are connected by a joint which allows spatial movement of the skin treatment units in a plurality of directions in space with respect to each other, .

The apparatus of claim 3, wherein adjacent skin treatment units of the array are connected by an extendible joint, thereby allowing movement of the adjacent skin treatment units relative to each other.

The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the array of individually controlled skin treatment units is a variable length array.

The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the variable length array further comprises a mount having a size and shape capable of engaging and securing the variable length array to the skin segment being treated so that the array can be worn. .

The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the array is adapted to treat at least one of a group of skin segments consisting of a belly, a limb, a shoulder, a lower back and an upper back.

The device of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the rim of the partitioned cavity is coated with a low friction coating to enhance the massage movement of the treated skin segment.

[Claim 9] The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the skin treatment units adjust the pressure level of the vacuum in the partitioned cavity to affect the size of the projection sucked into the partitioned cavity And a valve for delivering the fluid.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the skin volume sucked into the compartmented cavity of the skin treatment unit comprises: releasing the vacuum pressure, decreasing the vacuum pressure, And venting of the confined cavity and application of positive air pressure to the confined cavity.

11. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a processing unit that controls at least the operation of the vacuum pressure source and one or more skin treatment energy sources according to a skin treatment protocol.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the skin treatment protocol is one or more of a group of protocols consisting of serial delivery of the skin treatment energy and pulse delivery of the skin treatment energy.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the control unit controls each of the skin treatment units to equalize the skin treatment energy distribution for a large skin segment and synchronizes the delivery of the skin treatment energy and the application of vacuum pressure .

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the housing of the skin treatment unit is made of a thermally conductive material to further promote the skin treatment energy distribution and homogenization with respect to the large skin segment.

The method of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the energy-skin application element comprises one or more of a group of skin treatment energies comprised of RF energy, ultrasound energy, microwave energy, To the skin protrusion.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the energy-sensitive element is at least one of a group of elements consisting of an RF electrode, an ultrasonic transducer, an LED, an incandescent lamp, a xenon lamp and a laser.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the RF electrodes of adjacent skin treatment units are operated simultaneously to increase the effective electrode surface.

18. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising a skin temperature sensor for detecting the skin temperature.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the skin temperature sensor is one of a group of sensors comprised of a thermistor, a thermocouple, and a non-contact optical sensor.

20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the skin temperature sensor is located in one of a group of locations configured above the rim of the partitioned cavity and the partitioned cavity.

21. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a processing unit, wherein the processing unit, based, in part or entirely, on the skin temperature sensor reading, Controlling device.

22. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the massaging motion of the large skin segment simplifies and reduces the effort of the practitioner by reducing the momentum of the array by the practitioner.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising: coupling a variable length array of individually controlled skin treatment units to a large skin segment to be treated; And

Comprising the steps of sucking skin volumes into the cavity and releasing the skin volumes to sequentially apply and release vacuum pressure to the compartmented cavities to create an anteroposterior movement of the skin volumes,

Each of the skin treatment units in the array comprising a housing defining a cavity in fluid communication with a vacuum pressure source and having a rotational motion of more than two degrees relative to an adjacent skin treatment unit,

Wherein rotational motion of the skin treatment units conforms the variable length array to the surface shape of the treated skin segment,

Wherein the back and forth movement of the skin volume provides a massage movement to a large skin segment.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising applying one or more skin treatment energies to the skin volumes according to a skin treatment protocol.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the skin treatment protocol is one or more of a group of protocols consisting of continuous delivery of the skin treatment energy and pulsed delivery of the skin treatment energy.

26. The method of claim 24, further comprising synchronizing the skin treatment protocol with the skin treatment protocol to equalize the skin treatment energy distribution for the large skin segment.

27. The method of any one of claims 23 to 26, further comprising facilitating adaptation of the array to a surface shape of the skin segment by providing an array having a variable length, Wherein each of the skin treatment units of the length array is movable in at least two translational directions and wherein the translational movements are in different planes.

28. The method of any one of claims 23-27, further comprising facilitating adaptation of the variable length array to a surface shape of the skin segment by providing an array, wherein the variable length array Wherein the skin treatment units of the skin treatment unit are connected by joints that support spatial motion in a plurality of directions in space with respect to an adjacent skin treatment unit.

29. The method of any one of claims 23-28, further comprising facilitating adaptation of the variable length array to a surface shape of the skin segment by providing an array, wherein the variable length array Wherein the skin treatment units are connected by a stretchable joint.

30. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 29, wherein the housing of the skin treatment unit is made of a thermally conductive material that further promotes the skin treatment energy distribution and uniformity for the large skin treatment segment .

32. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 30, further comprising applying skin treatment energy to the skin volumes via one or more energy-skin application elements, wherein the skin therapy energy Is one or more of a group of skin treatment energies consisting of RF energy, ultrasound energy, microwave energy and light energy.

32. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 31, wherein the skin volumes form protrusions, and the act of applying skin treatment energy to the protrusions through the at least one energy- And applying the skin treatment energy to the protrusion when a rigid contact is formed between the protrusion and the energy-skin application elements.

33. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 32, wherein the act of applying skin treatment energy to the skin volume through one or more energy-skin application elements, the temperature of the skin volumes via a temperature sensor And controlling the application of the skin therapy energy based in part or exclusively on the temperature of the skin volumes.

34. The method of any one of claims 23 to 33, wherein the massaging movement of the large skin segment simplifies and reduces the effort of the practitioner.

35. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 34, wherein the practitioner maintains mobility and can perform additional activities at the same time without affecting the current skin treatment process.

36. The method of any one of claims 23 to 35, further comprising the step of attaching two or more arrays to a subject to be treated and simultaneously treating a plurality of large skin segments.

37. An apparatus for providing automatic massage of a skin segment, the apparatus comprising: a housing defining a cavity; an interface to the skin segment; and a pressure source interface,

Wherein the interface to the skin segment comprises a rim,

Wherein the rim is configured such that a negative pressure applied to the pressure source interface draws a portion of the skin segment into the partitioned cavity and the release of the negative pressure causes the portion of the skin segment to partially or wholly emptied the compartmented cavity Wherein said seal substantially seals said compartmental cavity when pressed against said skin segment.

38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the apparatus further comprises an interface for connecting the apparatus to further similar devices, wherein the interface is configured to allow movement of the connected devices relative to each other, Apparatus for facilitating compliance of connected devices.

39. The method of claim 38, further comprising: an interface to a source of skin treatment energy; At least one surface on the housing contacting the skin segment; And a connection between the at least one surface and an interface to the source of skin treatment energy, wherein skin treatment energy is applied to the skin segment through the at least one surface.

While the foregoing has described a number of embodiments of the present invention by way of a specific example, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other alternative embodiments and / or uses of the present invention are possible and that obvious modifications and equivalents of the present invention are possible I will understand. The present invention also includes all possible combinations of the above-described specific embodiments. The reference numerals used in the drawings and used in the claims are merely intended to enhance the understanding of the claims and can not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments, but should be determined only by a fair interpretation of the appended claims.

Claims (17)

An apparatus comprising an array (108, 1008, 1108) of skin treatment units (112,
Each of the skin treatment units 112 comprises:
And a housing (404) defining a cavity (154, 408) in fluid communication with a vacuum pressure source,
One side of the interior of the housing 404 is closed with a rim 416 covered by a low friction coating promoting the sealing of the cavity 154, 408 when the skin treatment unit 112 is exposed to the skin , The size of the partitioned cavities 154,408 is adapted to receive the volume of the skin segment aspirated into the partitioned cavities 154,408 by the vacuum pressure source to create skin protrusions 632,1104, And the application and release of the vacuum pressure to the skin treatment unit 112 causes a back and forth massage movement of at least a portion of the skin volume relative to the rim 416 covered by the low friction coating,
Each of the skin treatment units 112 of the arrays 108,1008 and 1108 is configured to provide a plurality of skin treatment units 112 for the adjacent skin treatment unit such that the arrays 108,1008,1108 can conform to the topography of the skin segments. And a rotational motion (336, 340, 342, 344) of more than two degrees. The method according to claim 1,
Each of the cavities 154, 408 comprises:
One or more electrically controlled vacuum valves (164) associated with respective cavities (154, 408) and connecting said cavities (154, 408) to said vacuum pressure source;
A vacuum pipe (162) having one end connected to the vacuum pressure source; And
And one or more electrically controlled air valves (166) associated with respective cavities (154, 408) and connecting said cavities (154, 408) to an air delivery source,
The vacuum pressure source transfers a vacuum to the cavity (154, 408)
At least two vacuum valves 164 are connected in parallel to the second end of the vacuum pipe 162,
The vacuum pressure source sucks the skin into the cavity (154, 408) when the cavity (154, 408) is against the skin and the air transfer source returns the aspirated skin to the initial position . 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the air delivery source is selected from the group of sources consisting of ambient air and air pressure supply pumps (124). The method of claim 3,
The ambient air returns the skin aspirated into the cavities 154 and 408 to the initial position by releasing the vacuum in the cavities 154 and 408 and the air pressure is applied to the cavities 154 and 408, 154, 408 to return the skin to an initial position. The method according to claim 3 or 4,
The air pressure supply pump 124 provides air pressure to the cavities 154 and 408 through a conduit 170,
One end of the pipe 170 is connected to the air pressure supply pump 124 and two or more air valves 166 are connected to the other end of the pipe 170 which is not connected to the air pressure supply pump 124 Connected in parallel. The method according to claim 1,
Each of the cavities 154, 408 comprises:
The cavity (154, 408) is associated with a respective cavity (154, 408) and is connected to the vacuum pressure source when a vacuum is to be delivered to the cavity, One or more electrically controlled valves (406) connecting to the ambient air to ventilate the air (154, 408); And
And a vacuum pipe (162) having one end connected to the vacuum pressure source,
And at least two vacuum valves (406) are connected in parallel at the second end of the vacuum line (162). The method according to claim 1,
Each of the cavities 154, 408 comprises:
The cavity (154, 408) is associated with a respective cavity (154, 408) and is connected to the vacuum pressure source when a vacuum is to be delivered to the cavity, One or more electrically controlled valves (406) connecting to an air pressure supply pump (124) for delivering air pressure to the air pressure supply pumps (124, 154, 408); And
And a pipe connected at one end to the air pressure supply pump (124)
Wherein two or more valves (406) are connected in parallel at the second end of the pipe. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
Further comprising one or more energy-skin application elements for applying skin treatment energy to the skin segment. 9. The method of claim 8,
The energy-skin application element is two RF electrodes 150 and 508 located inside the cavities 154 and 408,
The apparatus comprises:
An electrically controlled RF switch 158 for coupling RF energy to the RF electrode 150, 508; And
Further comprising an RF power source (218) for delivering RF energy to the RF electrodes (150, 508)
The RF energy is transmitted to the RF electrodes 150 and 508 at one end by wires 906 and 908 connected to the RF power source 128. The RF switch 158 is connected to the wires 906 and 908, , 908). ≪ / RTI > 10. The method of claim 9,
An ultrasonic transducer 512 for irradiating the inside of the cavities 154 and 408;
An electric control type ultrasonic driving power supplier for transmitting electric power to the ultrasonic transducer 512; And
Further comprising an electrically controlled switch for connecting the ultrasonic power supply to the ultrasonic transducer (512)
Wherein the ultrasonic driving power is supplied to the ultrasonic transducer (512) by wires connected at one end to the ultrasonic driving power supply, and the electrically controlled switches are connected in parallel at the other end of the wires. 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
To control at least vacuum valves 164 and the vacuum pressure source to supply and release vacuum to and from the cavities 154 and 408, , Controlling at least the RF switches (158) and the RF power source (128), and controlling at least the ultrasound drive power supply and the electrically controlled switches in accordance with a predetermined treatment protocol And a control unit (104) for executing the control unit (104). 12. The method of claim 11,
The processor 132 of the control unit 104 includes a memory 134 that stores one or more skin treatment protocols and the unit that enables treatment protocol input and treatment protocol display is comprised of a keyboard or a keypad and a touch screen Group. ≪ / RTI > 13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
Each of the skin treatment units 112 of the array 108, 1008 and 1108 allows two or more translational movements 346 and 348, 352 and 354 for an adjacent skin treatment unit,
Wherein the translational motion is in different planes. 14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
Wherein adjacent skin treatment units of the array are connected by a joint that allows spatial motion (356, 360) of the skin treatment units in a plurality of directions in space with respect to each other. 15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
Said array of individually controlled skin treatment units is a variable length array,
Wherein the variable length array further comprises a mount (208) having a size and shape to engage and secure the variable length array to a skin segment to be treated so that it can be worn. 16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15,
Wherein the array treats one or more of the group of skin segments consisting of a stomach, limbs, shoulders, upper back and lower back. 10. A method of operating an apparatus according to claim 9,
Selecting a first cavity to operate;
Switching on a vacuum valve controlling a vacuum supply to the first cavity;
Switching on an RF switch for controlling RF power supply to the first cavity;
Switching off an RF switch for controlling RF power supply to the first cavity;
Switching off a vacuum valve controlling a vacuum supply to the first cavity;
Switching on an air valve for the first cavity; And
Selecting a second cavity and repeating the same sequence.

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