CA2066445A1 - Acupuncture locating device - Google Patents

Acupuncture locating device

Info

Publication number
CA2066445A1
CA2066445A1 CA002066445A CA2066445A CA2066445A1 CA 2066445 A1 CA2066445 A1 CA 2066445A1 CA 002066445 A CA002066445 A CA 002066445A CA 2066445 A CA2066445 A CA 2066445A CA 2066445 A1 CA2066445 A1 CA 2066445A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
terminal
box unit
cutinous
electrical circuit
transformer
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA002066445A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Keihachi Ishikawa
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from CA000595819A external-priority patent/CA1319737C/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to CA002066445A priority Critical patent/CA2066445A1/en
Publication of CA2066445A1 publication Critical patent/CA2066445A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61HPHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H39/00Devices for locating or stimulating specific reflex points of the body for physical therapy, e.g. acupuncture
    • A61H39/02Devices for locating such points

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Finger-Pressure Massage (AREA)

Abstract

Apparatus is described for determining cutinous points in an animal body, (for example a human body) where two metallic points (30, 40/64, 66) contact with the body. In use the body and metallic points (32, 40/64, 66) complete a circuit including resistors (6, 22), a transistor (10), transformer (14) and loudspeaker (28).
When a cutinous point on the body is located the sound through the loudspeaker (28) changes or some other indication is given.

Description

W~90/11751 f~ 3 ~ PCT/CA90/0~110 ACUPUNCTURE LOCATING DEVICE
: "
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to apparatus for determining cutinous points and capable of providing electrical treatment to parts of an animal body. The apparatus is particularly applicable for use with a human body.
- Acupuncture is becoming increasingly recognized in the western world for the treatment of certain problems which can occur in the human body. The word "acupuncture" refers to the introduction of needles into body tissue at certain points which have a very small - diameter. These points will be referred to herein as "cutinous points".
In acupuncture work it is particularly important .
to determine cutinous points on a patient's body so that treatment can be applied to the correct parts thereof.
PreYiously, apparatus has been provided to a doctor but ~; 20 this has been relatively large and cumbersome.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide apparatus for determining cutinous points which is not so cumbersome as apparatus previously known to the inventor.
According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for determining cutinous points in an animal body and for providing electrical treatment to said body if desired, comprising two metallic terminals for making contact with the skin of said body, said - terminals forming part of an electrical circuit, the first of said two terminals being connected through a first resistor to the first base electrode of a transistor, a second electrode of said transistor being connected to one end of the primary winding of a transformer, a third electrode of said transistor being connected to one side of a battery, the other side of - ~
':' ' ' ' ' :
:~ .. . . .
. , ~: , ,, - . . .

WO90/117~1 ~ 2 ~ ~ PCT/CA90/00110 ~ 2 --the battery being connected to an intermediary tapping point of said transformer, the second said terminal being connected directly or indirectly to the opposite end of said primary winding, a capacitor connected between said base electrode and said second terminal, and an indicator means connected across a secondary of said transformer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS ::
Some embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-Figure l is a diagrammatic representation of a circuit for use in apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a graphical representation of the voltage waveform at certain points in the circuit of .
Figure l, Figure 3 is a perspective view of apparatus constructed according to an embodiment of the invention, Figure 4 is an end view of the apparatus of Figure l, Figure 5 is a perspective view of apparatus constructed according to another embodiment of the .:
invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Referring to Figure l the circuit comprises two terminals 2, 4 for making contact with the skin of a human being, said terminals forming part of an electrical circuit. The first of said two terminals 2 ..
is connected through a first resistor 6 and through an intermediary point 8 to the base electrode of a transistor 10, another electrode of said transistor being connected to one end 12 of the primary winding of a transformer 14, and a third electrode being connected to one side of a battery 16. The other side of the battery 16 is connected to an intermediate tapping point 18 of the said transformer 14.

., - : . : ' .

,-. ., ' '- ,. ;: ::. ~ .
- `: ' ' : :' , .

WO90/11751 ~ PCT/CA90/00110 ' The second terminal 4 is connected through an intermediary point 20 and a second resistor 22 to the opposite end 24 of said primary winding.
A capacitor 26 is connected between said intermediary points 8 and 20.
A loudspeaker 28 is connected across a secondary of said transformer 14. The waveforms in Figure 2 are illustrated for the purpose of understanding the operation of the circuit of Figure l as described below.
The perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3 shows a unit capable of being held in the hand of the doctor or the patient for determining the relevant cutinous points of the patient's body or for applying electrical treatment to a part of the patient's body. If the device is held by the doctor, the free hand of the doctor or some other part of the doctor, should make contact with the skin of the patient to complete an electrical circuit.
Alternately a cord may be plugged into socket 31 (Figures 3 and 4). A metallic probe is connected to the other end of the cord and held by the patient.
The unit comprises a rectanguloid body 30 of insulating material, e.g. plastic, containing the components of the electrical circuit of Figure l. A
metallic U shaped plate member 32 is affixed over part of the body 30 and is connected to terminal 2 in the circuit of Figure l. Five holes 34 are provided through the top surface of body 30 and plate member 32 whereby sound ~rom loudspeaker 28 (Figure l) can be heard.
A metallic extendible arm 36 projects beyond the insulating body 30 and is movable longitudinally, lateral movement being restricted by guide members such as 38 (Figures 3 and 4). A contact terminal member 40, of semicircular cross-section is integrally and electrically attached to the end of arm 36, the arm 36 having an electrical connection to terminal ~ in the circuit of Figure l.

, . . ~ . , ., .. ..
,, ~

WO90/11751 ~ PCT/CA90/00110 The device of Figures 3 and 4 includes the circuit of Figure l, as stated above. The operation of the device will now be described with reference to Figures l through 4. It will be observed that Figure 2 is a graphical representation of the voltage waveforms at points A, B, C and D of Figure l. In use, terminals 2 and 4 are applied to the skin of a patient and capacitor 26 is charged up. Current then ceases to flow until terminal 4 contacts a cutinous point of the patient. Such cutinous points are substantially more conductive than other parts of the skin, appro~imately to lO0 kilohms in most cases. The normal skin surface has a resistivity of around lO to 20 megohms.
Due to the change in resistivity, capacitor 26 begins to -discharge and when its voltage is lower than the supply voltage across terminals 8 and 20 by 0.6 to 0.7 volts, base current of transistor lO starts to flow. This ;
completes the circuit through part of the primary winding of transistor 14 back to the negative terminal battery 16. However the base current of transistor lO
charges the capacitor 26 back above its threshold and in effect turns the transistor off, causing the collector current to decrease to zero whereby transformer 14 generates a negative pulse at point C, as shown in Figure 2. The winding of transformer 14 is such that an inverted signal, is induced at point D. Therefore a positive pulse is produced which charges capacitor 26 through resistor 22 to an even higher voltage. This ensures the off state of transistor lO is maintained.
However, the passage of electricity through the patient's skin allows capacitor 26 to discharge and as soon as the voltage is below the threshold level the whole sequence is repeated. This generates an audible signal through the secondary winding of transformer 14 and miniature loudspeaker 28. The audible signal produced depends on the conductivity of the various , . . , . : . .................. . , ,, ::, - . .

:, :: , : . . ..

WO90/11751 `~ ? PC~/CA90/00110 locations at which the terminals 2 and 4 are located, terminal 2 normally being electrically connected to a ;- metallic portion held in the hand of the patient whilst terminal 4 is connected to a metallic portion which is moved over the skin to determine a cutinous point. In ~ the apparatus of Figure 3 terminal 4 is connected to the ; contact terminal member 40.
It is important to observe that point B is negative in relation to point A and a negative potential is applied in order to stimulate the cutinous points.
When a cutinous point is detected and it is desired to stimulate that point, the metallic part corresponding to point B should be maintained in contact with the patient's skin at the respective cutinous point for a short period of time, normally lO to 15 seconds. This appears to have substantial advantage over the method of using mechanical stimulation by means of a needle or heat, etc. It will be understood that with a reverse polarity stimulation will not take place although detection of the cutinous point on the patient's skin is - still possible.
Referring to Figure 5, there is illustrated a further embodiment of the invention which comprises a - housing 50 having a sloping upper surface on which is located an indicating meter 52, holes 54 therein for the emergence of sound from loudspeaker 28 of Figure l, and plug-in terminal locations 56 and 58. The ends of wires and 62 are connected in the terminals 56 and 58 whilst at the end of said wires are metallic probe portions 64 and 66 as illustrated in Figure 5. Thus the metallic portions 64 and 66 may be placed at any two separate locations on a patient's skin so as to determine cutinous points. It will be understood that the embodiments shown in Figure 5 are more convenient for use in a doctor's office whilst the embodiment of Figure 3 is convenient for use either in a doctor's office or by the patient alone. In this way stimulation ., - , ~ .~ :

- ~ . . . ,: . . . : , -, ., . , :., . . . -, , . .. , . . .. ~ , .: ' : ~

;WO90/11751 PCT/CA90/00110 of the skin may be achieved or the cutinous points determined for further treatment.
;The embodiment of Figure 5 is also provided with an on-off switch 68, and adjustable current limiter 70 and a volume control 72.
The type and value of the different components can readily be selected by an expert skilled in the art. It will also be understood that instead of using loudspeaker 28 some other indicating means, such as a lamp or meter, may be used.
It will be understood that the component values in Figure l could readily be changed. If a battery of higher voltage was substituted for battery 16, then resistor 22 could be omitted and resistor 6 increased in value. Thus terminal 4 and transformer end 24 would be directly connected together instead of being indirectly -~connected through resister 22. A lower current of 30 to 40 micro-amps could be achieved.
In Figure 3 the end of arm 36 and/or at least one end of contact terminal member 40 could-be tapered to a point to facilitate use around parts of a patient's body, for e~ample the ears. Arm 36 could, if desired, be made non-extendable but fi~ed in position.
It will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the true spirit of the invention which will now be pointed out in the appended claims.

.

,.', - . ' .' '.: ' .', ' ' ' ' ' ~ -- '

Claims (7)

?? ? ?? ???????
AMENDED CLAIMS
[received by the International Bureau on 17 September 1990 (17.09.90);
original claims 1,2,4,6 amended other claims unchanged (2 pages)]
1. An apparatus for determining cutinous points in an animal body and for providing electrical treatment in the form of therapeutic pulse current to said body if desired, comprising:
(a) two metallic terminals (32,40/64,66) for making contact with the skin of said body, (b) said terminals (32,40/64,66) forming part of an electrical circuit, (c) (i) the first of said two terminals (32,40/64,66) being connected through a first resistor (6) to the first base electrode of a transistor (10), (ii) a second electrode of said transistor (10) being connected to one end (12) of the primary winding of a transformer (14), (iii) a third electrode of said transistor (10) being connected to one side of a battery (16), the other side of the battery (16) being connected to an intermediary tapping point of said transformer (14), (iv) the second said terminal being connected directly or indirectly to the opposite end (24) of said primary winding, (v) a capacitor (26) connected between said base electrode and said second terminal, and (vi) an indicator means (28) connected across a secondary of said transformer (14).
2. An apparatus for determining cutinous points in an animal body and for providing electrical treatment in the form of therapeutic pulse current to said body if desired, comprising:
3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said electrical circuit is contained within a box unit (50) with the two metallic terminals (64,66) external to the box unit (50) and connected in the electrical circuit by way of extension leads (60,62) connected to plug-in connectors said box unit (50) having corresponding sockets (56,58) for said plug-in connectors, said circuit including a series ammeter (52) and a variable resistor (70).
4. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said electrical circuit is contained within a box unit (30) capable of being held in the hand of a human being, said first terminal (32) being a positive terminal and being located on one or more sides of said box unit (30) and the second terminal (40) being a negative terminal at the end of an extendable arm (36).
5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said extendable arm (36) is adjustable in length.
6. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said electrical circuit is contained within a box unit (30) capable of being held in the hand of a human being, said first terminal (32) being a positive terminal and being located on one or more sides of said box unit (30) and the second terminal (40) being a negative terminal at the opposite side.
7. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said second terminal (40) is connected to the opposite end (24) of said primary winding through a second resistor (22).
CA002066445A 1989-04-05 1990-04-04 Acupuncture locating device Abandoned CA2066445A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002066445A CA2066445A1 (en) 1989-04-05 1990-04-04 Acupuncture locating device

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA000595819A CA1319737C (en) 1989-04-05 1989-04-05 Acupuncture locating device
CA595,819 1989-04-05
PCT/CA1990/000110 WO1990011751A1 (en) 1989-04-05 1990-04-04 Acupuncture locating device
CA002066445A CA2066445A1 (en) 1989-04-05 1990-04-04 Acupuncture locating device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2066445A1 true CA2066445A1 (en) 1990-10-06

Family

ID=28675928

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002066445A Abandoned CA2066445A1 (en) 1989-04-05 1990-04-04 Acupuncture locating device

Country Status (1)

Country Link
CA (1) CA2066445A1 (en)

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0483150B1 (en) Acupuncture locating device
US4112923A (en) Antonomic transcutaneous affect device
US4924880A (en) Dental anesthesia apparatus
US4324253A (en) Transcutaneous pain control and/or muscle stimulating apparatus
EP1131132B1 (en) Effective handheld skin treatment system and method
US4147171A (en) Transcutaneous pain control and/or muscle stimulating apparatus
US4759377A (en) Apparatus and method for mechanical stimulation of nerves
US3897789A (en) Acupuncture apparatus
AU564822B2 (en) Apparatus to detect electrically low resistance point of skin and apply stimulus the reto
DE2257189A1 (en) ELECTRODIAGNOSTIC APPARATUS
US4289136A (en) Percutaneous pain alleviator methods
CA2066445A1 (en) Acupuncture locating device
KR100213642B1 (en) Stimulating device by auto-probing acupuncture of ear
JP2920559B2 (en) Electrical transcutaneous nerve stimulator
CN1092971A (en) Channel medical instrument
JPS6488487A (en) Display device for character and symbol by stimulus current pulse
JP2003339819A (en) Composite wave generator to reaction point
DE69022993T2 (en) DEVICE FOR LOCATING ACUPUNCTURE POINTS.
CN1035154C (en) Electronic medicine permeation apparatus
RU1771739C (en) Device for electropunctury reflexotherapy
JPH0228343B2 (en)
JP2532163B2 (en) Low frequency therapy device
CN115607828A (en) Electrical stimulation instrument equipment convenient to install and capable of automatically identifying working mode
JPS595306B2 (en) biostimulator
JPS61220661A (en) Low frequency treatment devide

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
FZDE Discontinued