AU730998B2

AU730998B2 - Process and device for non-intrusive injection of fluids and for bodily cleaning

Info

Publication number: AU730998B2
Application number: AU18706/97A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Wiktor Brisker; Sarkis Manukow
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1995-12-29
Filing date: 1996-12-27
Publication date: 2001-03-22
Anticipated expiration: 2016-12-27
Also published as: CA2241930A1; EP0873104B1; ATE275373T1; CN1211914A; AU1870697A; WO1997024100A1; EP0873104A1

Abstract

The invention describes a process and devices by means of which the transport of fluid substances in or through the human skin can be improved over a defined period without any irreversible skin changes. According to the invention, heat and cold are alternately applied to closely adjacent and very small areas of the skin surfaces for equal periods in such a way that hot and cold regions border one another and are reversed in a predetermined time sequence. In addition to the alternating application of heat and cold, electric current and/or overpressure and/or underpressure may a lso be applied to the skin surface at defined time intervals. The devices described are intended for the non-invasive drawing off of body fluid and/or the injection of fluids and describe the application of thermo-contrast showers and cleaning devices.

Description

Process and device for non-intrusive injection of fluids and for bodily cleaning Description The inventions concerns a process and a device for non-intrusive injection of fluids through the skin and is especially applicable for the transport of fluid substances in or through the human skin during a timed intervention without doing irreversible damage to the skin.

In addition the invention describes a device for cleaning the human body and is applicable in both the home and in health care and old age facilities.

The task of the human skin is to control and coordinate a flow of information and materials in both directions, whereby it is subject to strict biophysical and biochemical barriers during the fulfillment of this task. In those cases in which it becomes necessary to transport either into or from the human body a defined flow of substances or information, these barriers must be overcome.

The specialized literature shows how special applications on the skin can make possible a transport of fluids in one of the directions. The range of these examples goes from the popular medicinal methods such as sauna, hot and cold compresses (temperature effect), use of vacuum cups (negative pressure) to modern methods and especially those from the physical therapy area which depend upon the electromagnetic fields (UHF fields, electrophoresis, infra-red radiation).

Since all of these methods involve only one physical factor, it is difficult to overcome the complex functional barriers of the bodily parts to be treated, or the processes to be carried are too difficult to control with respect to the duration or the area.

Another disadvantage of these known methods is that their application is limited to the solution of very special problems so that cross-applications for other purposes are scarcely possible.

To this group also belong those methods which, through the effect of a chosen physical factor, make possible a substance transport through the skin in a non-intrusive manner. A complex working together of several physical factors has thus far not been achieved or perhaps even proposed.

From EP 0 330 472 we know of a device which produces temperature patterns with different temperatures in neighboring areas on the outer skin surface of a patient by which the temperature patterns can be sequentially varied. An electric switch equipped with a programmed microchip determines the temperature patterns and their sequential change.

There is neither a pressure unit nor an electrical unit present. The withdrawal of bodily fluids or the injection of fluids is not provided for.

Furthermore, we know from DE 8 330 191 of a device for washing people, by which hot and cold water are mixed in a faucet to produce warm water which is applied to the skin by means of a tube and shower nozzle, whereby the water is then sucked away by a pressurized tube. There is no thermal contrast effect on the skin surface.

Finally, we know from WO 92/22276 of a device for cleaning the body which likewise sucks up the wash water applied to the body, whereby the exit for the wash water is located in a housing which is at a distance from the bodily part to be cleaned and whose outer edge is provided with a seal which fits over the bodily part to be cleaned, whereby the opening for the removal of the washwater by suction is included into the wall of the housing at its end which is near to the body.

The invention therefore has the task of developing a process and devices which simply, economically and reliably, without risk to health, permit to render the skin as biophysical and biochemical protective layer temporarily permeable and to support a controlled transport of liquid substances by which the desired amount of the substance in question can penetrate the skin without causing irreversible damage to the skin.

The invention has the further task of creating a device with which the human body can be effectively and reliably cleaned by means of a simple and economical hand shower head while keeping the wash water away from undesired bodily parts or from the surrounding environment.

In comparison to the known procedures the advantage of the procedure proposed according to the invention lies in that, departing from different physical factors, a contemporaneous complex effect of chosen factors is undertaken whereby all layers of the skin system from the beginning of the gas-fluid contours of the bodily fluid throughout the entire skin thickness are involved.

The procedure proposed according to the invention is, however, especially advantageous compared to traditional methods in that the effective mechanisms take place in principle without irreversible damage to the skin system because very small immediately neighboring areas of the skin surface are alternately heated and cooled at the same time so that the heated and cooled areas are contiguous and are changed over according to a pre-set time sequence whereby at the same time a defined alternating application of electric current and/or positive and negative pressure takes place.

A further advantage lies in the fact that different tasks (which have to do with the transport or the circulation of fluids in the human tissue, especially in those body areas near the skin surface) can be undertaken because of the number of the effective factors and the careful choice of their characteristics.

Another advantage of the invention lies in the cost-saving design of the equipment for carrying out the procedure, in that there is contained in one housing at least one heating unit and one ressure unit and/or at least one electrical unit, whereby the individual units can be activated by I application means of a programmed control unit.

This makes possible devices for both non-intrusive injection of fluids as well as for heatcontrast showers and bodily cleaning.

The particular advantage of the bodily cleaning device lies in the fact the wash water coming out of the shower head principally only comes in contact with the bodily part which is to be cleaned because the wash water exiting from the shower head, after having contacted the skin and thus done the cleaning, is immediately removed by a suction tube without being allowed to spread out on the body or into the surroundings. Hand-held shower versions are possible along with semi-automatic shower stalls in which shower heads are guided over the body or shower modules are brought into contact with the body.

The invention will be explained in greater detail by means of practical examples as shown in the following illustrations: Fig. 1 A general representation of the 3 units Fig. 2 A unit circuit diagram which illustrations how the 3 units work together.

Fig. 3 A detailed cross section view of the device for non-intrusive injection of fluids showing the or construction of the Peltier elements.

Fig. 4 A detailed cross section view of a heat contrast compress showing the m- and s-construction of the Peltier elements.

Fig. A flow chart for the water supply and drainage of the heat contrast shower.

I application Fig. 6 A general cross section view of the heat contrast shower.

Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 Detailed views of a module of the heat contrast shower showing the distribution of the duct system.

Fig. 9 A spatial representation of a module of a thermal contrast shower.

Fig. A general representation of a variation of the wash water supply in supply ducts.

Fig. 11 A general representation of a variation of the wash water supply in supply ducts and of the wash water removal in drainage ducts.

Fig. 12 A general representation of a further variation of the wash water supply in supply ducts and of the wash water removal in drainage ducts showing the intake and exit surfaces.

Fig. 13 A stylized detailed view of a module with superimposed supply and drainage ducts.

Fig. 14 A spatial partial representation of a module with mini-bath.

Fig. A cross section representation of the hand shower with movably mounted modules.

Fig. 16a A variation of the hand shower with additional part with sealing ring made of hollow fibers and valve control.

Fig. 16b A detailed representation of a hollow fiber.

Fig 16c Variations in the formation of the fibers or of the sleeves.

Fig. 16d Variations in the fastening and arrangement of fibers or lamellas.

Fig. 17 A unit circuit diagram for the preparation of the wash water with gas addition.

Fig. 18 A flow chart for the water supply and drainage of a thermal contrast shower.

Fig. 19 A general cross section representation of the thermal contrast shower.

Fig. and Fig. 21 Detailed views of a module of the thermal contrast shower showing the distribution of the duct system.

Fig. 22 A spatial representation of a module of a thermal contrast shower.

As shown in Fig. 1, the device according to the invention may consist of 3 units the heating unit 1, the electrical unit 2, and the pressure unit 3, whereby all 3 units can functionally coupled in a housing 4 and arranged so the thermal, electrical, and pressure effects can be applied to the contact surface of the body without hindrance.

Below a device for non-intrusive injection of fluids is described.

The essential fUnctional elements of the heating unit 1 are represented by the externally exposed temperature zones 5 and 6, as can be seen in figures 2 and 3.

The temperature zones 5 and 6 are formed by heat and/or electrically conducting platelets of a heating element, for example of an m-shaped or s-shaped Peltier element with intermediate nand p-semiconductor legs 5' and The shape and the dimensions of the platelets are chosen so that the temperature zones have the same external surface and alternate between hot and cold on one level ("chess board" arrangement) while the transition areas between the temperature zones 5 and 6 are filled with an insulating material 13. The outside, that is the active side of the heating unit, is covered with a heat and somewhat electrically conducting coating.

It, Each platelet has in its middle a continuous hole 7 and 8 which is connected by means of the duct system 9 and 9' respectively, along with the collection reservoir 10, to one of the two double-function pumps 15 of the pressure unit 3. In the two temperature zones 5 and 6 there are laterally mounted heat sensors, for example the thermistors 11 and 11' which are connected with a measuring amplifier 16 and an electronic control unit 17 of the electrical unit 2.

All temperature zones 5 and 6 of the heating unit are provided on the rear side with a cooling system which is connected by the solenoid valves 24 and 25 to a pump 20 and assures a chronologically and spatially separate cooling of the currently heated areas by means of the porous cooling elements 21 and 21' which are integrated into the cooling system (compare fig.

3).

The working of the double-function pumps 15 is controlled by a clock generator from the clock generator unit 26 so that, according to need, a "positive" or "negative" pressure can be exercised in the duct system 9.

In essence, the electrical unit 2 consists of two directly functionally coupled profiles the direct current profile and the HF profile which basically consists of a HF generator, the heating unit, and currently connected human body k, as well as of further auxiliary profiles which are indirectly connected to each other and supply power to the electronic and electromechanical modules such as pumps, gauges, and so forth.

The function of(a) consists in the supply unit 28's supply of the heating element. In order to support the function of the heating unit, a pre-programmed cooling system 19, 20, 24, and is attached to it and whose program regulates the chronological switching of the contact zones by means of a clock generator equipped with a logic circuit and assembled in the clock generator unit 26. In order to indicate the output signal there is a digital display 29 connected to 16.

The function of(b) is basically limited to the generation of a HF alternating current 27 which is transmitted in the desired amount through the heating unit and then through a high ohm resistance and a current stabilizer to the body k.

In addition a thermal contrast compress will be described below. The device designed for this, in a manner analogous to that of the device for non-intrusive injection, consists of one heating unit 1 and one electrical unit 2 with power supply function without the pressure unit 3.

The heating unit 1 represents the assembled modules which in their constructive version are analogous to the device for non-intrusive injection and contain (warm and cold) temperature zones as shown in fig. 4. As opposed to the device for non-intrusive injection, this device does not explicitly have a duct system with corresponding holes in the middle of the warm zones along with a reservoir attached to this system The transport of heat and current over the contact zones are controlled by the electrical unit 2 according to the programmed tempo. The cooling of the heating unit 1 during operation takes place either passively alone through the contacting body or passive and with transpiration through the body and parallel to that through a closed transpiring cooling system 22. This system 22 consists of a duct tubing 8a' for vaporhumidity exchange, the two-layer diaphragms made of polymer film 22a covered by an attached absorbent layer 22a, and an anti-adhesive powder mixture 22c which takes care of cooling the temperature zones 5 or 6 (which have been heated according to the corresponding timed program) down to the desired temperature by means of the large surfaced cooling element 23 and the porous cooling elements 21 which are located at the rear of the temperature zones 5 and 6.

The electrical unit 2 contains, along with the HF generator, all of the elements indicated for the device for non-intrusive injection.

Below a thermal contrast shower with suction is described.

The device represented in figures 5 to 8 consists of a hollow body la with differently dimensioned inlets and outlets. At the outlet there are, at some distance from another, two superimposed attachments 2a and 8a which are connected among each other by means of connecting hoses 3a.

The attachment 2a is firmly connected to the inner wall of the hollow body la and contains inside of itself two separate duct systems for the transport of fluids. Each of the duct systems is equipped with the same number of the vertically (relative to the front of the attachment) continuous holes 4a, 4a', and 4a" of equal cross section whose outlet nozzles feed into one level of the front side of the attachment 2a. The opposing ends of the holes 4a, 4a', and 4a" of the respective duct partial systems lead through modular tubing into one of the two central tubing networks, while the entry surfaces lie in three different levels within the attachment 8a.

The rear face of the attachment 2a is provided with three large cross section holes 5a, 5a', and which are connected to the respective duct partial system through the central tubing networks. The entry nozzles of the holes 5a, 5a', and 5a" are connected by means of the flange 6 with the central hose 7 through which a corresponding supply with fluids can take place.

The attachment 8a consists of the fitted and moveable modules 9a (made from an insulating material) which are provided with the same number of equally cross-sectioned holes.

The freedom which the modules have to move among themselves is limited by two slots 16a on each side which contain a rolling ball.

Each of the modules 9a has a number of vertically (relative to its front side) placed holes and 10" which are offset in the middle and are connected (according to the responsible temperature area) through a duct system 1 la and 1 lb, two horizontal duct systems 12a' and 12a" to one of the two central holes 12 and 12' on the rear side of the module. In the lower area (front side) the offset holes 10' and 10" have a larger diameter than behind the offset which is formed by a flat gradation. Each of these holes is set off conically at an angle of about 450 at the outlet. In each hole a tube 13' is inserted all the way at the gradation and fastened where its dimensions are so chosen that the flow of the fluid up to the skin and the drainage of the fluid through the square drainage ducts is unhindered. Along the lateral surfaces of each module 9a there are square holes or drainage ducts 15' which lie beneath the upper limits of the modules and are connected to the inside through the cross ducts 14' and 14" with the holes 10' and 10". The height of the drainage ducts is chosen so that they form a common drainage network with the inlet into a central drainage duct 5a" so that the suction of the fluid can take place toward the outside.

Around the attachment 8a a sleeve 19' made of a heat and/or humidity insulating material can be attached.

Below the cleaning device is explained in greater detail.

As can be seen in the general representation in fig. 10, according to a first variation the wash water is fed to the shower head G2 through the supply ducts G4. In the present example the wash water is a specially gassed water. The profile of a hand shower is shown in a stylized manner, but of course round or curved versions are also possible. Likewise it is possible to create a shower stall instead of a hand shower in which shower heads are led over the body or shower modules which are brought into contact with the body.

In fig. 11 a possible variation of the order of the drainage ducts G3 in addition to the supply ducts G4 can be seen whereby the drainage ducts G3 are placed above and beside the supply ducts G4.

Fig. 12 shows a view of the intake and outlet surfaces G5 of a module G15 of the shower head G2 with the supply ducts G4 and the drainage ducts G3.

The drainage ducts G3 are located between the supply ducts G4 and are shaped like pockets at the inlet and outlet surfaces so that an effective pumping away of the wash water can take place.

It is likewise possible, although not represented in the figures, to shape the modules like a folding bellows so that several folding bellows can be fitted into each other and form through this the supply and drainage ducts.

From fig. 13 one can see in a stylized detailed view the superimposition of the drainage ducts G3 above the supply ducts G4. Fit. 14 is a spatial partial representation of a module G15 and shows the arrangement of a mini-bath G14.

In fig. 15 a version is shown of a traditional hand shower with an inserted attachment G2a which has the supply ducts G4 and the drainage ducts G3. The fastening of the attachment G2a to the hand shower takes place by means of the fastening ring G2b.

A special feature of this variation is that the modules G15 are moveable so that, depending on the position of the modules G15 in vertical direction, the wash water flow through the supply ducts G4 is either freed or blocked. In the present example the wash water flow through the mini-bath to the module G15 is freed, the flow at the neighboring module G15, however, is blocked. The drainage ducts G3 are opened with both modules G15. The lower side G15a of the modules G15 is conically formed.

However, it is also possible to mount valves on the supply ducts G4 and/or the drainage ducts G3 which control the flow of the wash water.

In this example the sealing ring G6 is shaped like a sleeve made of fibers of varying diameter whereby the fibers are hollow and connected with the drainage ducts G3 through the connecting ducts G3a.

Another variation of the hand shower is shown in fig. 16a. Here the attachment G2a is attached to the traditional hand shower by means of a height adjustment ring G20. Hollow fibers G6a are applied to the attachment G2a which are connected to the drainage ducts G2a and, on the one hand, provide a seal and, on the other hand, provide additional suction. A special feature of this variation is the valve G7 which controls the supply of the wash water through the supply ducts G4 depending upon the negative pressure in the drainage ducts G3. In case negative pressure is lacking in the drainage ducts G3, that is, there is no suction, then' the supply of the wash water to the skin surface is blocked. As negative pressure increases, the supply of wash water is enabled up to a pre-set maximum. For this the valve G7 works together with a spring G7a.

Fig. 16b shows a detailed view of a hollow fiber G6a during the suction. Fig. 16c and 16d show particulars of the shape and arrangement of the fibers G6a or lamellas whereby they may assume round and/or elliptical and/or square shapes.

In fig. 17 a block diagram shows a possible variation of the wash water preparation. The incoming hot and cold water is mixed in a faucet G18, brought to the desired temperature, and fed to the shower head G2. In addition, with the present example a gassing device G19 is assembled to the cold water line. The gassing device G19 is provided with a gassing pump G17. Furthermore, it is possible, through ways not shown in fig. 17, to add treatment substances to the wash water or to prepare the wash water directly by means of special devices.

Likewise it is possible to have openings for gassing in the supply ducts G4 shown in the other figures, through which gasses such as, for example, air can be injected into the wash water.

Below a modified variation of a thermal contrast shower with suction is described.

The stylized representation in the figures 18 to 22 show a hand shower which consists of a hollow body with supply ducts G4 and drainage ducts G3. In the hollow body there are two attachments G9 and G10 mounted one above the other and at a distance from each other which together are connected to the connection hoses G8.

The attachment G9 is fastened to the inner wall of the hollow body and has inside two separate supply duct systems G4 for the transport of fluids. Each of the supply duct systems G4 is equipped with the same number of vertically oriented (relative to the front face of the attachment) continuous holes of equal cross sections and whose outlet nozzles feed into a level of the front face of the attachment G9. The opposing ends of the holes of the respective duct partial system feed through module supply ducts into one of the two central supply ducts while the inlet surfaces lie in three different levels within the attachment G10. The rear face of the attachment G9 has 3 holes of larger cross section which are connected with the respective duct partial system through the central duct network. The inlet nozzles of the holes are connected through flanges with a central hose through a corresponding supply of fluids can take place.

The attachment G10 consists of fitted, moveable modules G15 made of a heat insulating material which are provided an equal number of continuous holes of equal cross section. The freedom to move of the modules G15 against each other is limited by the laterally placed slots into each of which a rolling ball is fitted.

Each of the modules G15 has a number of vertically (relative to its front side) placed holes which are offset in the middle and are connected to one of the two central connections G12a and G12b on the rear of the module G15, according to the responsible temperature area duct system In the lower area (front side) the offset holes have a larger diameter than behind the offset which is formed by a flat gradation. Each of these holes is set off conically at an angle of about 450 at the outlet. In each hole a tube is inserted all the way at the gradation and fastened, whereby its dimensions are so chosen that the flow of the fluid up to the skin and the drainage of the fluid through the drainage collection spaces G13 is unhindered. Along the lateral surfaces of each module G15 there are drainage holes which lie beneath the upper limits of the modules and are connected to the inside through the cross ducts with holes. The height of the drainage ducts G4 is chosen so that they form a common drainage network with the inlet into a central drainage duct so that the suction of the fluid can take place toward the outside.

Around the shower head G2 a sleeve in the shape of a sealing ring made of a flexible and/or of heat and/or humidity insulating material can be attached through which an at least partially closed hollow space is formed between the skin surface and the drainage ducts G4.

The drainage collection spaces G13 can be connected to each other and form a mini-bath G14.

In the present example the wash water should lie in a temperature range from -30'C to +60 0

C,

whereby hot wash water should have a temperature between +33 0.1 C and +60'C, and the cold wash water should have a temperature between -30 0. I°C and +33 0. 1IC.

The invention described here is not limited to the represented version examples. On the contrary, it is possible to created further versions by varying the named means and characteristics without leaving the framework of the invention.

Reference symbols 1 Heating unit 2 Electrical unit 3 Pressure unit 3a Connecting hose 4 Housing 4a Hole 4a' Hole 4a" Hole Temperature zone n-semiconductor Hole Hole Hole 6 Temperature zone 6' p-semiconductor 7 Hole 8 Hole 8a Attachment 8a' Duct tubing Duct system IN Duct system 9a Module Collection reservoir Hole Hole 11 Thermistor 11' Thermistor 1la Duct system 1 lb Duct system 12 Tubing 12' Tubing 12a Central hole 12a' Connecting duct 12b Central hole 12b' Connecting duct 13 Insulating material 13' Tube 14 Coating 14' Cross duct 14" Cross duct Double function pump Drainage duct 16 Measuring amplifier 16a Slots 17 Control unit 19 Cooling system 19' Sleeve Pump 21 Porous cooling element 21' Porous cooling element 22 Heat exchanger (transpiring cooling system) 22a Polymer film 22b Absorbent layer 22c Anti-adhesive powder 23 Cooling element 24 Solenoid valve Solenoid valve 26 Clock unit 27 HF DC generator 28 Supply unit 29 Digital display G1 Hand grip G2 Shower head G2a Attachment G3 Drainage ducts G4 Supply ducts Outlet surface G6 Sealing ring G7 Valve G7a Spring G8 Connecting hose G9 First attachment Second attachment 13 G11 Slot G12a Central connection G12b Central connection G13 Drainage collection space G14 Mini-bath Module Bottom side of module G17 Gassing (aeration) pump G18 Mixing faucet G19 Gassing (aeration) device Ring for fastening and height adjustment

Claims

1. Process for the non-intrusive injection of fluids through the skin surface where contiguous areas of the skin surface are simultaneously subjected to different temperatures and, in addition, to timed periods of overpressure and suction.

2. Process according to claim 1, wherein the areas of the skin surface are subjected to timed periods of electrical alternating current.

3. Process according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the application of the contiguous areas of the skin surface with temperature and/or pressure is switched over in a programmed time sequence with periods of between 2 and 1800 seconds but preferably at 10 seconds. o 4. Process according to claim 2, wherein the electrical application lies in the high frequency range. Process according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the contiguous areas amount to between 1 mm 2 and 30 mm 2 oo o

6. Process according to claim 5, wherein the contiguous areas amount to 4 mm 2 S 7. Process according to any one of the claims 3 to 6, wherein the periods lie between 2 and 1800 seconds.

8. Process according to claim 7, wherein the duration of the phases is seconds.

9. Process according to claim 4, wherein the power of the high frequency alternating current is small in comparison to the critical power which defines the pain threshold of human sensation. Process according to any one of the claims 1 to 9, wherein the temperature application includes an application of heat and cold whereby the heat application lies in the range from +200C to +500C and the cold application lies in the range of to +200C.

11. Process according to claim 10, wherein heat application is at about +440C and the cold application is at about

12. Process according to any one of the claims 1 to 11, wherein the pressure application is a suction in the range up to 1.0*101 Pa or an overpressure in the range up to 1.0*106 Pa.

13. Device for the non-intrusive extraction of fluids through the skin surface which includes a heating unit for simultaneous production of different temperatures in contiguous temperature zones of a device surface which can be brought into contact e:'i with the skin surface, and a pressure unit for the production of equal or differing pressures in the temperature zones which are connected with openings at the surface of the device through a fluid transporting duct system with the pressure unit.

14. Device according to claim 13, wherein an electrical unit for applying alternating current to the skin surface which has a control unit. Device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the heating unit, the electrical unit, and the pressure unit are arranged in a housing, whereby the individual units are functionally coupled by means of the control unit according to a preset program.

16. Device according to any one of the claims 13 to 15, wherein a first duct system for transporting warm fluids and a second duct system for transporting cold fluids is provided, and that drainage ducts are placed at openings of both duct systems directed toward the skin surface whereby the first duct system and the second duct system are subjected to overpressure, and the drainage ducts are subjected to a AIuction. 16

17. Device according to any one of the claims 14 or 15, wherein the heating unit has m-shaped Peltier elements with intermediately folded n- and p- conducting semiconductor legs, whereby the Peltier elements are either serially or parallel supplied with current by the control unit.

18. Device according to claim 17, wherein the Peltier elements lie in a contact level with their contact surfaces facing toward the skin.

19. Device according to claim 18, wherein the heat conducting parts of the Peltier elements are shaped and/or controlled so that their contact surfaces are equally large and in the contact level are alternately cold/warm.

20. Device according to any one of the claims 17 to 19, wherein the Peltier elements are equipped with temperature sensors for regulating the set temperature S° limit value levels.

21. Device according to claim 20, wherein the temperature sensors are thermistors. S 22. Device according to any one ofthe claims 13 to21, wherein the pressure unit •°go is connected to a collection reservoir for the supply of fluid mixtures, the collection *°°.reservoir has connections to the duct openings in the contact surfaces on the one hand and to a pump on the other hand, and that an additional separate entrance to the collection reservoir is present for control purposes.

23. Device according to any one of the claims 17 to 22, wherein the temperature zones formed by the Peltier elements and turned toward the skin surface are arranged like a chess board so that warm and cold areas are contiguous.

24. Device according to any one of the claims 13 to 23, wherein the transition areas between the warm and cold temperature zones are filled with an insulating Device according to any one of the claims 17 to 23, wherein each Peltier element has a hole which is connected with the pressure unit through a duct system and a pump.

26. Device according to at least on of the claims 17 to 25, wherein the Peltier elements are provided with a cooling system on the side turned away from the skin surface which is connected to a pump through solenoid valves and assures a chronologically and spatially separate cooling of the currently warmed areas by means of the cooling elements integrated into it.

27. Device according to claim 25, wherein the working of the suction and positive pressure pump can be controlled by the control unit through a clock generator so that, according to need, an overpressure or a vacuum can be produced in the duct coo• system.

28. Device according to any one of the claims 17 to 27, wherein the cooling of the Peltier elements on the side turned toward the skin surface takes place by means of a closed "sweating" cooling system or heat exchanger. •i 29. Device for the non-intrusive injection of fluids through the skin surface which includes a heating unit for simultaneous production of different temperatures in contiguous temperature zones of a device surface which can be brought into contact with the skin surface, and a pressure unit for the production of equal or differing pressures in the temperature zones which are connected with openings at the surface of the device through a fluid transporting duct system with the pressure unit. Device according to claim 29, wherein an electrical unit for applying alternating current to the skin surface which has a control unit.

31. Device according to claim 30, wherein the heating unit, the electrical unit, and the pressure unit are arranged in a housing, whereby the individual units are ,nctionally coupled by means of the control unit according to a preset program. 18

32. Device according to any one of the claims 29 to 31, wherein a first duct system for transporting warm fluids and a second duct system for transporting cold fluids is provided, and that drainage ducts are placed at openings of both duct systems directed toward the skin surface whereby the first duct system and the second duct system are subjected to overpressure, and the drainage ducts are subjected to a suction.

33. Device according to any one of the claims 30 or 31, wherein the heating unit has m-shaped Peltier elements with intermediately folded n- and p- conducting semiconductor legs, whereby the Peltier elements are either serially or parallel supplied with current by the control unit.

34. Device according to claim 33, wherein the Peltier elements lie in a contact level with their contact surfaces facing toward the skin.

35. Device according to claim 34, wherein the heat conducting parts of the Peltier elements are shaped and/or controlled so that their contact surfaces are equally large and in the contact level are alternately cold/warm. ooo.oi

36. Device according to any one of the claims 33 to 35, wherein the Peltier 0:0*0: elements are equipped with temperature sensors for regulating the set temperature 0 t, limit value levels. i i l'l" o~oo

37. Device according to claim 36, wherein the temperature sensors are thermistors.

38. Device according to any one of the claims 29 to 37, wherein the pressure unit is connected to a collection reservoir for the supply of fluid mixtures, the collection reservoir has connections to the duct openings in the contact surfaces on the one hand and to a pump on the other hand, and that an additional separate entrance to the collection reservoir is present for control purposes. Device according to any one of the claims 33 to 38, wherein the temperature 19 zones formed by the Peltier elements and turned toward the skin surface are arranged like a chess board so that warm and cold areas are contiguous. Device according to any one of the claims 29 to 39, wherein the transition areas between the warm and cold temperature zones are filled with an insulating material.

41. Device according to any one of the claims 33 to 39, wherein each Peltier element has a hole which is connected with the pressure unit through a duct system and a pump.

42. Device according to at least one of the claims 33 to 41, wherein the Peltier elements are provided with a cooling system on the side turned away from the skin surface which is connected to a pump through solenoid valves and assures a chronologically and spatially separate cooling of the currently warmed areas by S means of the cooling elements integrated into it.

43. Device according to claim 41, wherein the working of the suction and positive pressure pump can be controlled by the control unit through a clock generator so that, according to need, an overpressure or a vacuum can be produced in the duct system.

44. Device according to any one of the claims 33 to 43, wherein the cooling of the Peltier elements on the side turned toward the skin surface takes place by means of a closed "sweating" cooling system or heat exchanger. Device for cleaning the human body with at least one shower head, whereby the shower head has the means for the transport of wash water and, in addition to the means for applying wash water, drainage ducts are mounted, and the means for transport are subjected to overpressure and the drainage ducts are subject to a suction, wherein the shower head for creating a thermal contrast shower has a first duct system for transporting warm fluids and a second duct system for transporting -RA, cold fluids directly to the skin surface, and the drainage ducts are mounted at the openings of both duct systems.

46. Device according to claim 45, wherein the shower head consists of two attachments superimposed at some distance from each other and which are coupled to each other with connection hoses.

47. Device according to claim 46, wherein the attachment consists of fitted and moveable modules which are made of a heat insulating material and have an equal number of continuous holes of equal cross section, whereby the freedom of movement of the modules against each other is limited laterally by two mounted slots in each of which there is a rolling ball.

48. Device according to claim 47, wherein each of the modules has a number of vertically (with respect to its front side) mounted and about in the middle offset holes which, according to the responsible temperature area, is attached to one of the two central holes on the rear side of the module by means of one of the duct systems.

49. Device according to claim 47 or 48, wherein along the lateral sides of each module there are square holes or drainage ducts which lie below the upper limit of the modules and are connected toward the inside with the holes by means of the cross ducts, whereby the height of the drainage ducts is arranged so that it forms a common drainage network with the infeed into a central drainage duct, through which the suction of the fluid toward the outside can take place. Device according to claim 45, wherein the means for transporting the wash water are supply ducts which form a duct system in a hand grip and/or in the shower head and the drainage ducts are located in the immediate vicinity of the supply ducts.

51. Device according to claim 50, wherein at least one pocket or ring shaped drainage duct is located at the inlet and outlet surfaces of the shower head and, in the case of a ring arrangement of several drainage ducts, said ducts have different /diameters.

52. Device according to claim 50, wherein a separate attachment is fastened in the traditional shower head which has the supply ducts and/or the drainage ducts.

53. Device according to claim 50, wherein at the shower head or at the separate attachment a sleeve shaped sealing ring is fastened made of flexible material which forms a hollow space between the skin surface and the inlet and outlet surface of the shower head which at least partially functions as a mini-bath.

54. Device according to claim 53, wherein the sealing ring is made of individual fibers or lamellas.

55. Device according to claim 54, wherein the fibers or lamellas are shaped :00 differently with round and/or elliptical and/or square cross sections. 0 56. Device according to claim 54 or 55, wherein the fibers or lamellas form a 0.. hollow and the hollow space is connected through a connecting duct with the drainage duct for the removal of wash water. ol lS gi00

57. Device according to at least one of the claims 50 to 56 as above, wherein the supply ducts have valves which open upon contact with the skin and release the wash water. 00

58. Device according to at Ilast one of the claims 50 to 57 as above, wherein the transport of the wash water through the supply ducts is released or blocked by at least one valve, whereby the control of the valves takes place by means of the suction in the drainage ducts.

59. Device according to at least one of the claims 50 to 58 as above, wherein the supply ducts and/or the drainage ducts are released or closed by means of the movement of the modules. Device according to at least one of the claims 50 to 59 as above, wherein a control device which produces the suction discontinuously and/or with interruptions.

61. Device according to at least one of the claims 50 to 60 as above, wherein the lower side of the module is conically shaped.

62. Device according to claim 15 or 30, wherein the means for transport of the wash water has a first partial duct system with supply ducts for supplying warm fluids and a second partial duct system with supply ducts for supply cold fluids and drainage ducts are placed at the openings of both partial ducts systems whereby the first partial duct system and the second partial duct system are subjected to overpressure and the drainage ducts are subjected to suction.

63. Device according to claim 62, wherein along the lateral surfaces of each :..module there are drainage holes which lie below the upper limits of the modules and are connected by means of cross ducts with holes toward the inside, whereby the g S height of the drainage ducts is arranged so that they form a common drainage network through the removal of the fluid toward the outside can take place. S

64. Device according to claim 45, wherein the wash water has a temperature in the range from -30°C to +600C, whereby warm materials or means have a temperature between +33±0.10C and +600C and cold materials or means have a temperature between -300C and +33+±0.1 C. Device according to claim 45, wherein the cleaning of the human body is carried out with a hand shower which consists of a hand grip and at least one shower head or in a shower stall with at least one automatically controlled shower head.

66. Device according to claim 45 or 59, wherein the modules are formed as folding bellows so that several folding bellow constructions are fitted into each other and thus form supply and drainage ducts. 23

67. Process for cleaning the human body by means of wash water whereby the wash water is removed from the skin surface through drainage ducts under negative pressure, wherein contiguous areas of the skin surface are simultaneously subjected to hot and cold wash water through separate ducts under the production of overpressure on the skin surface. DATED THIS TWELFTH DAY OF JANUARY 2001. SARKIS MANUKOW BY PIZZEYS PATENT TRADE MARK ATTORNEYS *o S See