US3872859A

US3872859A - Method and device for stimulating the organs associated with the human scalp

Info

Publication number: US3872859A
Application number: US347899A
Authority: US
Inventors: Sylvester A Pitzen; Jacques P Drabier; Dale H Liljegren
Original assignee: Sono Therapy Inst Inc
Current assignee: Sono Therapy Inst Inc
Priority date: 1973-04-04
Filing date: 1973-04-04
Publication date: 1975-03-25
Anticipated expiration: 1992-03-25
Also published as: NL7404569A; DE2416401A1; FR2224177B1; DE2416401C2; FR2224177A1; GB1467398A; JPS5418871B2; JPS5030383A

Abstract

A method for stimulating and exciting the organs associated with the human scalp. A device utilized in performing the method produces modulated waveforms within a specified frequency range to amplify the stimulation and excitation effect to achieve practical results.

Description

nite States atent [191 lPitzen et al- 1 Mar. 25, 1975 METHOD AND DEVICE FOR STIMULATING THE DRGANS ASSOCIATED WITH THE HUMAN SEAL? [75] Inventors: Sylvester A. Pitzen; Jacques P.

Drabier, both of Phoenix; Dale H. Liljegren, Goodyear, all of Ariz.

[73] Assignee: Sena-Therapy Institute, Inc., I

Phoenix, Ariz.

[22] Filed: Apr. 4, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 347,899

[52] US. Cl. 128/245 [51] Int. Cl A61h 29/00 [58] Field of Search 128/245, 410, 24.1, 24.2, 128/244 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 649,917 5/1900 Doersch et a1 128/245 a a a a M G. H

7/1907 Beaubien ..128/24.5 4/1910 Gay ..128/24.5

Primary Examiner-Lawrence W. Trapp Attorney, Agent, or Firm--William H. Drummond; Don .I. Flickinger [5 7] ABSTRACT A method for stimulating and exciting the organs associated with the human scalp. A device utilized in performing the method produces modulated waveforms within a specified frequency range to amplify the stimulation and excitation effect to achieve practical results.

8 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures PATENTED 3.872.859

sum 1 o 7 a a a aa '8 PATENTEB MAR 2 5 I975 smear II Edy- S METHOD AND DEVICE FOR STIMULATING THE ORGANS ASSOCIATED WITH THE HUMAN SCALP In another aspect, the invention concerns a device I useful in the above method and particularly adapted to amplify the stimulation and excitation of specific human organs.

The human scalp has an average of 1,000 hair folli- -cles to the square inch. In the bottom of the follicle, or

pocket, is a finger-like projection called the papilla from which the hair develops. At the extreme end of the hair root is a thickened portion called the hair bulb which has a socket encasing the papilla. Within the hair papilla is a rich blood and nerve supply which contributes to the growth and regeneration of the hair.

The hair follicle is supported in a layer of tissue called the reticular layer. Overlaying the superficial fascia is the outer layer of the skin, or the epidermis. The undersurface of the reticular layer, below the hair follicle, rests on a layer of fatty tissue termed the adipose tissue. The skull bone is encased in a membrane known as the subaponeurotic. Between the subaponeurotic layer and the adipose tissue is the galea, or tendinous membrane. The galea covers approximately 40 square inches of the head extending from the hairline at the top of the forehead rearwardly generally to the posterior division and substantially covering that portion of the head known as the ophthalmic area. The galea, a sheet-like, paper-thin'membrane, is approximately 0.2 millimeters in thickness. This membrane is exceedingly elastic and permits the scalp to move upon the skull with as much as one inch displacement.

Life support for the hair is the papilla which is oxygenated and nurtured by an ample blood flow. The carotid" arteries are the main sources of blood supply to the scalp. The external carotid artery extends upwardly along the neck immediately forward of the ear. A first branch, the occipital," leaves the external carotid artery below the ear and travels rearwardly to supply blood to the posterior division. Above the ear, the external carotid artery forms two branches the parietal branch and the frontal branch which extend into the rearward and frontal portions, respectively, of the ophthalmic area. A network of veins approximately paralleling the arteries returns the blood flow from the scalp through the internal jugular vein and the externaljugular vein to the heart.

Associated with each hair follicle is a sebaceous gland which secretes an oily substance known as sebum through the sebaceous duct to the base of the hair shaft. The sebum lubricates the hair and contributes to its luster and pliability while keeping the skin soft and supple. The sebaceous gland is influenced by several factors, including blood circulation.

It is estimated that the average human head sheds I 50-80 hairs per day. As each hair sheds, it separates from the papilla and the root gradually works upwardly through the follicle until it falls from the scalp. While the hair is moving upwardly through the follicle, the papilla gives life to a new hair which replaces the one being lost. The healthy functioning hair follicle, as explained above, is in the anagen or growing stage.

Current research indicates that at the age of l6 to 18 years, the normally thin resilient galea begins to thicken and loses its elasticity. This occurrence is extremely common among males and occurs to a lesser degree in females. The scalp skin is exceedingly resistant to stretching. The skull is bone and, therefore, has no general resilience. As the galea thickens, it expands outwardly from the skull, exerting pressure upwardly upon the adipose, or fatty tissue, thereby compressing the arteries and veins to retard the blood flow to the papilla. This pressure also foreshortens the hair follicle and induces the catagen or transition stage.

The fully enlarged galea exerts extreme pressure upon the skin. Also, due to the thickening and hardening of the galea, the scalp is exceedingly tight. Tight" is defined herein as the degree of movement of the scalp upon the skull wherein the epidermis may still move freely but the entire scalp will not displace more than one-half of an inch. Empirical observation of scalp 'movement and irregular baldness indicates that tightness does not develop uniformly within the area underlaid by the galea. It is important to note, however, during this advanced stage that the hair follicle has not died but has simply become inactive or telogenic. I

It has now been discovered that, if pressure could be relieved from the hair follicle and from the veins and arteries such that the follicle is free to expand to its normal length and ample blood is allowed to circulate into the papilla, the follicle will return to the anagen stage and againproduce a hair. The galea will relax and the scalp will become loose. The loose" scalp is defined as one which can be displaced in the range of one inch or more. greatly amplified beyond the stimulation produced by simple hand massage or hand massage in connection with a mechanical vibrator.

The teachings of the present invention are accomplished by a method of stimulation and excitation of the human organs associated with the human scalp. Briefly, the method embraces the continuous and progressive stimulation of the head in accordance with an established sequence. It has been discovered that the most satisfactory results are accomplished by sequentially massaging the human head beginning at the neck and working upwardly therefrom into the scalp area in approximately the pattern of the veins.

The main source of blood supply to the neck and face is delivered from the heart through a main artery termed the external carotid artery which subdivides into three primary branches called the occipital branch, which nourishes the back of the head, the anterior temporal branch, whoch nourishes the frontal portion of the scalp, and the posterior temporal branch, which supplies the rearward portion of the scalp.

The method generally begins by progressively massaging each of the aforementioned arteries beginning at its confluence with the external carotid artery and substantially working in the general direction of the blood flow of the artery. Most satisfactory results are obtained by tracing each artery in turn, beginning with the artery branching from the external carotid artery at the lowest point and working to the artery which branches from the terminus of the external carotid artery. In this manner, the method involves first massaging the back of the head, then the frontal portion of the scalp and terminating with the rearward portion of the scalp. In order that the massage achieve practical results, it is necessary to intensify the stimulation andexcitation of the human organs associated with the hair follicles by passing a low-frequency electrical current through the area being massaged. To achieve this practical result,

a device is employed which produces an electrical current in the form of a low-frequency wave of not more than 3,000 cycles per second, with an energy potential not exceeding one-half watt of power in the range of 3-lO volts. The electrical current in the form of sawtooth or other suitable waveforms, of selective frequencies, is summed at a power amplifier which is provided with adjustable gain control to drive an electrode. A second electrode is maintained at ground potential to which the various signals are referred.

In practicing the method, the ground potential electrode is placed against the head generally not more than six inches from the exact area to be massaged. The second electrode is placed in contact with the head and the massaging is accomplished in the immediate area of the driven electrode. The massage, in combination with the passing of electrical current between the electrodes, intensifies the effect thereof to stimulate the flow of oxygenated and nutritive blood to the papilla while relaxing the galea. The electrical device is so constructed that various frequencies may be selectively utilized and each waveform may be operated in either a continuous output mode or a pulsating mode.

The objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description thereof taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a male head for purposes of illustrating the device'of the present invention as utilized in the method of stimulation and excitation of the human organs associated with the hair follicles within the scalp;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a male head displaying typical male pattern alopecia;

FIG. 3 is a cross section of the upper portion ofa typical male scalp especially displaying the hair follicle during the anagen stage;

FIG. 4 is 'a cross section of the upper portion of a typical male' scalp especially displaying the hair follicle during the transition stage;

FIG. 5 is a cross section of the upper portion of a typical male scalp especially displaying the hair follicle during the telogen stage;

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the human head displaying the main arteries which supply blood from the heart to the head, face and neck area;

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of the human head displaying the veins which return the blood from the head, face and neck area to the heart;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the apparatus for practicing the method of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram exemplary of one of the waveform generators of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a power amplifier as used in connection with the wave generator of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a power supply suitable for energizing the electrical apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view, partially broken, specifically illustrating a preferred electrode useful in massaging the human head in accordance with the method of the present invention; and

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a pair of electrodes formed into the shape of a comb for use in connection with the device of the present invention.

Turning now to the drawings, in which the same reference character indicates corresponding elements throughout the several views, attention is first directed to FIGS. 1 and 2 which show a male head generally designated by the reference character 20 and displaying typical male pattern alopecia. As particularly seen in FIG. 2, the alopecia is prevalent in the area designated by the reference character A encircled by the dashed line 21. The epicranial aponeurosis, commonly called the galea, underlies the area A. It is particularly noted that the alopecia is-confined to the area within the dashed line 21, while that portion ofthe head below the dashed line 21 displays normal hair growth. The particular device 22 and the method as graphically represented in FIG. 1 will be explained hereinafter in substantial detail.

FIG. 3 illustrates the human organs of the scalp in a normally healthy male wherein the hair follicle is in the anagen or growing stage. Illustrated is a hair follicle 23 supporting a normal hair growth having a root section 24 below the skin surface 27 and a hair shaft 28 extending above the skin surface. At the lower end of the hair root 24 is an enlarged end called the bulb 29 having a socket 30 therein which encases the papilla 31, a finger-like projection extending upwardly from the bottom of the follicle 23. The papilla 31, being the life support for the hair, is oxygenated and nurtured by an ample blood flow entering the papilla from the heart through the artery 32 and returning to the heart through the vein 33. The sebaceous gland 34 secretes an oily substance known as sebum which passes through the sebaceous duct 37 to lubricate the hair and contribute to its luster and pliability.

The hair follicle 23, sebaceous gland 34, and the blood vessels 32 and 33 are located in the dermis or true skin layer for the scalp, as indicated by the bracket B. The epidermis or scarf skin, as designated by the bracket C, is superimposed over the dermis and forms the outer or exposed layer of scalp skin. The dermis layer generally contains those organs associated with hair growth, while the epidermis layer forms a protective layer thereover. The adipose tissue, indicated by bracket D, is a fatty layer which forms a cushion to protect the skull from injury and to allow normal expansion and contraction of the blood vessels and to the organs within the dermis. The skull bone 34 encased in the areolar tissue designated by bracket E forms a rigid base upon which the scalp, including the adipose tissue, dermis and epidermis are carried. Interposed between the adipose tissue and the areolar tissue is the epicranial aponeurosis or galea 37. The galea approximately 0.2 millimeters in thickness and covering approximately 40 square inches of the head permits the scalp to move in relation to the skull. Separation of the scalp from the skull is readily achieved due to the resiliency of the galea. This explains the ease with which the human scalp is torn away in accidents and, quite incidentally, which permitted the Indians to provide themselves with trophies of war. The normal scalp can be readily displaced one inch or more without any accompanying pain upon the galea.

In the anagen stage, the follicle supports a fully developed hair which grows an average of about one-half inch per month. The hair has a life cycle of 2 to 6 years and as'the hair sheds, the papilla gives life to a new hair which emerges shortly after the dead hair sheds or emerges from the follicle. As noted herein, the fat cells within the adipose tissue are expanded and soft, exerting no pressure either upon the blood vessels or upon the lower end of the follicle. If the hair, as shown in FIG. 3, were plucked from the head, the follicle and the other related organs would be undamaged and a new hair growth would begin.

The transition stage as shown in FIG. 4 begins at approximately 16-18 years of age for men and considerably later, if at all, in women. During the transition stage,

the galea 37 gradually loses its resiliency and begins to thicken. Since the skull 34 is fixed and immovable, the galea is forced to expand outwardly as it thickens. The expansion of the galea exerts pressure upon the adipose tissue D, graphically depicted here by the slightly compacted fatty layer. The epidermis C is resistant to stretching; therefore, the pressure from the expanding galea 37 and compacting adipose tissue D is exerted upon the blood vessels 32 and 33 and the lower end of the follicle 23. The papilla 31, receiving a decreased supply of oxygenated and nutritive blood through the partially constricted artery 32 is impaired in its ability to function normally. The pressure also foreshortens the follicle.

FIG. 5 represents the galea 37 in the telogen stage.

In this terminal stage, the galea has expanded to approximately ten times its normal thickness and has lost substantially all resiliency. The extreme pressure, as graphically represented by the compact adipose tissue D and dermis B, has constricted the artery 32 and vein. 33 to completely diminish the blood flow to the papilla 31. As shown herein, the hair follicle responsive to the pressure has shortened to approximately one-half its original length and without nutrient flow into the papilla, has ceased to function. It is important to note that the hair follicle 23 is not'dead, but has reached the telogen or resting stage. In the telogen stage, the scalp cannot generally be displaced more than one-eighth inch upon the skull.

During the anagen stage wherein the scalp moves freely upon the skull, the scalp is termed to be loose. The loose scalp obviously denotes that the galea is thin and resilient and that no pressure is exerted upon the blood vessels or the lower end of the hair follicle and, therefore, the organs are free to function properly. In the telogen stage, wherein the galea is greatly thickened and hardened and exerts sufficient pressure upon the organs to prohibit normal functioning, the scalp is termed as being tight." Since the galea does not thicken and harden consistently throughout its approximately 40 in. a given scalp may have both tight spots and loose spots.

In order to clarify the preferred practice of the method of the invention, the following description of FIG. 6 graphically depicts the network of arteries within the human head 20. Superimposed upon this view are the spatial divisions of the human head. The posterior division F includes the back of the neck and extends upwardly behind the ear, as encompassed by the dashed lines 40 and 41. The ophthalmic area G, lying above the dashed lines 41 and 42, includes the top and frontal area of the scalp and head. The superficial cervical plexus H, defined by the dashed line 40 at the rear and the dashed line 43 at the front, includes the the dashed line 44, generally includes the lower jaw and the temple area and extends upwardly to the ophthalmic area G. The maxillary area .I, lying between the mandibular area I and the ophthalmic area G as defined by the dashed

lines

44 and 42, respectively, generally includes the upper jaw and a narrow upward extension lying between the temple and'the eye.

The carotid arteries are the main source of the blood supply to the head, neck and face. The internal carotid arteries, not herein shown, supply the.brain, eye sockets, eyelids and internal organs. The external carotid artery 47 supplies the superficial parts of the head, face and neck. The occipital artery 48 is the first branch of the external carotid artery 47 as it delivers blood in the direction of the arrow K from the heart to the head.

The occipital artery 48 supplies the scalp and the back of the head within the lower portion of the posterior division F. The. sterno-cleido mastoid artery 49 branches from the occipital artery to deliverblood within the superficial cervical plexus H below and behind the ear. The superficial temporal artery 50 is an extension of the external carotid-artery 47 which extends upwardly immediately in front of the ear. Immediately above the ear, the superficial temporal artery 50 subdivides into two primary branches: a first branch, the posterior temporal branch 51, which supplies the rearward portion of the ophthalmic area G and the upper portion of the posterior division F, and the anterior temporal branch 52 which supplies blood to the upper frontal portion of the ophthalmic area G. The superficial temporal artery 50 and the lower portion of the posterior temporal 51 and the lower portion of the anterior temporal 52 also supply blood to the upper portion of the mandibular area I and the maxillary area .I. v I

A network of veins approximately paralleling the aforedescribed arteries and assuming the same names thereof return the blood to the heart through the external jugular vein 53 and the internal jugular vein 57, as

graphically represented in FIG. 7.

To further clarify the method of the invention, the presently preferred apparatus used in practicing the method will now be described.

A block diagram of apparatus for practicing the method of the present invention isset forth in FIG. 8. It will be observed that a plurality of

sawtooth waveform generators

60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67 and 68 have their respective outputs summed at the input to a power amplifier 69. Power amplifier 69, which is provided with adjustable gain control 70, directly drives a first electrode 71. A second electrode 72 is maintained at ground potential, to which the various signals in the apparatus are referred, as will become more apparent in the detailed description thereof to follow. The

electrodes

71 and 72 may take various forms to accommodate particular applications as previously indicated.

Output signals from each of the sawtooth waveform generators 60-68 may be selectively switched into or out of the summing point by means of switches -88, respectively. Thus, it will be understood that the summed signal observed at the input to the power amplifier 69 may be any selected combination of the outputs from the waveform generators 60-68. Additionally, as will be explained more fully below, each of the waveform generators 60-68 may be operated ineither a continuous output mode or a pulsating mode. By way of example, and as utilized in a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the nominal output frequencies of the sawtooth waveform generators 60-68 are:

v 7 230 hz, 270 hz, 325 hz, 550 hz, 1,000 hz, 1,550 hz, 1,800 hz, 2,300 hz, and 2,650 hz, respectively. When operating in the pulsating mode, the same waveform generators 60-68 pulsate at repetition rates of three times per second, four times per second, five times per second, 8.5 times per second, 10 times per second, 12 times per second, 17 times per second, 20 times per second, and 26 times per second, respectively.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 9 which illustrates an exemplary one of the waveform generators 60-68. The basic sawtooth generating circuit comprises a unijunction transistor relaxation oscillator of the classical type well known in the art. Unijunction transistor 90, when the oscillator is operating, has its base 2 electrode connected directly to ground either through continuous/pulsating switch 91 or through transistor 92 which functions as an alternative switch. Assuming initially that base 1 of the UJT 90 is grounded; at the beginning of an operating cycle, the emitter electrode thereof is reverse-biased and hence non-conducting. As capacitor 93 charges through the resistance comprising fixed resistor 94 and variable resistor 95 in series, the emitter voltage rises exponentially toward the supply voltage, 10 volts d-c regulated, to which the resistor 95 is connected. When the emitter voltage reaches the peak point voltage of the UJT 90, the emitter becomes forward-biased, and the dynamic resistance between the emitter and'base 1 drops to a low value. Capacitor 93 then discharges through the emitter. When the emitter voltage reaches the valley voltage of the UJT 90, the emitter ceases to conduct, and the cycle is repeated. Thus, the signal observed at the emitter electrode of the UJT 90 closely resembles a sawtooth, and the frequency of oscillation of the circuit depends principally upon the values selected and adjusted for the capacitor 93 and the charging resistance comprising the resistors 94 and 95. Resistor 96 is utilized as a compensator to stabilize operation at diverse temperatures. For a more complete discussion of UJT relaxation oscillators, one may refer to Chapter 13 of Transistor Manual (7th Edition), published by The General Electric Company.

As previously noted, each of the sawtooth waveform generators 60-68 may be operated in either continuous mode or a pulsating mode. If the switch 91 is closed to ground base 1 of the UJT 90, the waveform generator operates continuously as described. However, if switch 91 is open, the waveform generator can only operate when transistor 92 is switched on to provide an alternate ground for base 1 of the UJT 90. By switching the transistor 92 on and off at a predetermined rate, the relaxation oscillator including the UJT 90 will operate for a few cycles and then be off for a few cycles to provide a pulsating output.

The pulse rate of the waveform generator is determined by another unijunction transistor relaxation oscillator circuit which includes UJT 100. The charge rate of capacitor 101 is controlled by its value and by a frequency one-half that of the relaxation oscillator which includes the UJT 100. The UJT 100 is provided with the usual compensating resistor 106, and resistor 107 is connected between the regulated 10 volt d-c power supply and the power input to the integrated circuit flip-flop 104 in order to drop the voltage into the operating range of the flip-flop.

When the signal appearing at the base electrode-of the transistor 92 goes positive, the transistor is forwardbiased and switches into the conducting mode to clamp its collector electrode to ground. Since the base 1 of UJT 90 is connected to the collector electrode of the transistor 92, the relaxation oscillator including the UJT 90 commences to function. Additionally, when the collector electrode of the transistor 92 is grounded, ei-

ther because the transistor is switched on or because.

the switch 91 is closed, an incandescent lamp 108, connected between the 10 volt d-c power supply and the collector electrode of transistor 92, is energized to provide an indication that the relaxation oscillator is operating. When the'switch 91 is open and the signal appearing at the base electrode of the transistor 92 is below the potential necessary to hold the transistor 92 on, it will switch off to isolate the collector electrode, and hence base 1 of the UJT 90, from ground such that the relaxation oscillator ceases to operate, and the incandescent lamp 108 is de-energized. Thus, by appropriately selecting the values of the resistor 94, the capacitor 93, and the capacitor 101 and by proper adjustment of the variable resistors 95 and 102, the oscillation rates and pulsation rates given above, or any others that might be desired, can readily be achieved.

The output signal observed at the emitter of the UJT 90 is a-c coupled through capacitor 109, isolating resistor 110, and switch 80, to the power amplifier 69 as shown in FIG. 8. As a practical matter, the switches 80 and 91 may be incorporated into a single three-position actuator having pulsating, off, and continuous operatmg positions.

The power amplifier 69 is shown schematically in FIG. 10 and will be observed to constitute a straightforward audio amplifier and therefore is only exemplary as utilized in the presently preferred embodiment of apparatus for practicing the invention. An input stage includes transistor 111 of which the base electrode is biased by resistor 112, connected between a 40 volt d-c power supply and the base electrode, and by a resistor 113 connected between the base electrode and ground. A fixed resistor 114 and a variable resistor 115 are connected between the 40 volt d-c supply and ground, and the collector electrode of the transistor 112 is connected to the junction of the resistors 114 and such that a signal of variable amplitude is picked up at the tap of variable resistor 70 to feed,

through coupling capacitor 116, the power output 9 transistor 118 to achieve low impedance output characteristics.

A load comprising shunt resistor 120, incandescent lamp 121 and an impedance 122 is driven by a power output stage through a diode 123 which serves to insure a unidirectional output waveform consisting of one or more mixed sawtooth signals. The impedance 122, which is shown in FIG. 10 .to be disposed across

electrodes

71 and 72, represents the impedance of the current path between the electrodes when they are applied to the skin. This impedance is typically in the megohm region such that it will be apparent to those skilled in the electronics arts that the preponderance of the current delivered by the output stage passes through the resistor 120 and the incandescent lamp 121. It has been found that the R.M.S. voltage appearing across the load varies between approximately 3 volts and approximately 10 volts with the component values and semiconductor types tabulated below.

Power delivered to the totalload is less than one-half watt with the portion dissipated by the impedance 122 being a very small fraction thereof. Thus, the deliberate limitation of voltage output utilized in conjunction with a relatively low impedance shunt load insures that the apparatus is completely safe while nonetheless applying adequate electrical stimulus to excite the muscles in the desired manner.

A suitable power supply for energizing the apparatus is shown schematically in FIG. 11. Primary windings of

transformers

124 and 125 are connected to a conventional line source with an on/off switch 126 and a fuse 127 placed into one side of the input pair to afford conventional selective energization of the apparatus and current overload safely. The secondary winding of transformer 124, which is disposed in a stepdown configuration, has a full-wave bridge rectifier 128 connected in the usual manner with a filter capacitor 129 and bleeder resistor 130 completing the 40 volt d-c power supply section by which the power amplifier is energized.

Transformer 125, also connected in the stepdown configuration, has a full-wave bridge 131 connected across the secondary winding thereof and a filter capacitor 132 and bleeder resistor 133 to provide unregulated d-c. Another filter section, consisting of series resistor 134 and shunt capacitor 135, affords additional smoothing into a series/shunt regulator circuit.

The regulator circuit includes series regulator transistor 136, controller transistor 137, zener diode 138, fixed

resistors

139 and 140, and variable resistor 141, all connected in the classical feedback configuration. The series regulator transistor 136 absorbs the voltage changes as in the ordinary series and shunt regulator. The action of this regulator can be shown by assuming a given input voltage which, in conjunction with load current through the source impedance, sets a voltage at the collector electrode 136. The collector-base voltage of transistor 136 is set by the control current flowig through resistor 139. This control current is determined by the base-emitter voltage and the transconductance of transistor 137. If the input voltage increases, the control voltage (IzenerRlgg) increases, and the output voltage will tend to be constant. The opposite effect is observed if the input voltage decreases. The output voltage can be selected by adjusting variable resistor 141 which is, in effect, a voltage divider coupled to the base electrode of control resistor 137.

For a more comprehensive discussion of this type of regulator circuit, one may refer to Chapter 3 of Silicon Zener Diode and Rectifier Handbook, Second Edition, published by Motorola, Inc., Phoenix, Ariz., and other standard handbooks.

The following tabulation is provided to set forth in specific detail a currently preferred embodiment of up paratus for practicing the invention. However, those skilled in the electronics arts will fully appreciate that the various elements presented in the block diagram of FIG. 8 can be substituted with a wide variety of equivalent circuits to achieve corresponding results.

Capacitors:

93 .01-.1 MFD depending on oscillator frequency 101 2-10 MFD depending on oscillator frequency I09 .01 MFD 1 16 50 MFD 129 100 MFD 132 100 MFD 135 1000 MFD Diodes:

128 (Bridge) 4 1A 131 (Bridge) 4X1A 138 8.2V zener Integrated Circuit Flip-Flop: HEP C 2503 [P Resistors 10 K ad 94 13 K 3 9K depending on oscillator frequency 95 10 K adj 96 330 102 10 K ad 103 330 105 470 106 220 107 220 1 10 47K 1 12 220K 1 13 1 1K 1 14 1,8K 1 19 100K 350 1.5K 133 1K 134 139 150 140 220 141 10K adj Transformers:

124 115v/25.2 vct 125 115v/12.6 vct Transistors:

92 2N 2219 100 2N 2647 111 2N 3506 1 17 MJE 3055 118 MJE 3055 136 MJE 3055 137 2N 3506 FIG. 12 graphically illustrates an electrode, generally designated by the reference character 142, which may be connected to either of the

electrodes

71 or 72 hereinbefore described in connection with the detailed description of FIG. 10. The electrode 142 consists of an insulated conductor 143 fitted at one end thereof with a conventional male phonejack-type connector 144 engageable with a female receptacle, herein not shown, integral with either of the

electrode terminals

71 or 72. A portion of the conductor 143 has the insulation stripped therefrom to bare a length of wire 147. An electrically conductive mesh, such as a fine wire mesh 148, preferably of stainless steel to prevent corrosion. is encased about the bared wire 1-47 to permit the electrical current transmitted through the wire 147 to be dissipated into the electrically conductive mesh 148 to provide a cushion between the electrically conductive mesh and the human scalp. Cloth stripping 150 is wrapped about the cotton batting 149 to maintain the shape of the electrode 142. For sanitary reasons, the cloth l50is in two separate strips-a first strip which permanently encases the electrode, and a second outer strip which is changed between applications of the method to various persons. When not in use, the electrode 142 is maintained in a disinfectant solution, again for sanitary reasons. However, the liquid provides an adequate conductor for transferring the current from the electrically conductive mesh 148 to the human head. In actual practice, twoelectrodes 142 are employed, the first electrode being designated the driven electrode, and the second electrode being maintained at ground potential.

An alternate electrode 157 useful in specific steps of the method of the present invention is shown in FIG. 13. A pair of

identical electrodes

158 and 159 are each found in the general shape of a comb having a substantially straight upper edge 16 and depending tooth members 161 and having tang portions 162 extending from one end of each of said. comb-

like electrodes

158 and 159. An insulator strip 163 maintains the

electrodes

158 and 159 in a spaced relationship approximately 0.25 inches. A handle I64 encircling the tangs 162 and the intermediate spacer 163 is sized and shaped for grasping by the human hand. A shielded electrical conductor 167 is mechanically and electrically secured at one end thereof to each of the tangs 162 while the free ends of the conductors 167 are each fitted with a male conductor 144 as hereinbefore described in connection with FIG. 12.

The method'of the present invention, in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, begins by applying the operative electrodes, as alternately described in FIGS. 12 andl3, to the superficial cervical plexus I-l generally at the branching of the occipital artery 48 from the external carotid artery 47. The method is best understood with reference to FIG. 6. This area is massaged generally upward in the direction of the flow of blood of the occipital artery,48, as designated by the arrow K, and proceeds upwardly through theposterior division F to approximate its union with the posterior temporal 51 as designated by the dashed line 41. It has been discovered that for best results the electrode 157 is most effectively utilized for localized electrical impulse in the lower portion of the posterior division. In the central portion of the posterior division, approximately even with the ear line, the comb-like electrode 157 is discarded in favor of the pod-like electrodes 142. While one of the electrodes 142, designated as the ground potential electrode, is maintained in stationary contact with the head, the other electrode 142, designated as the driven electrode, is utilized as a massaging device and progressively worked upward through the posterior division substantially tracing the pattern and blood flow of the occipital artery 48.

Following the above procedure, the electrodes are moved forwardly to the upper mandibular area I at approximately the terminus of the middle temporal artery 50 and the massage procedure is repeated generally over the area of the scalp serviced by the anterior temporal artery 52 as it traverses through the middle portion of the opthalmic area G.. Subsequently, the method 12' continues in the rearward portion of the opthalmic area G by massaging that portion of the scalp serviced by the posterior temporal artery 51.

Generally, the driven electrode 142 is not moved over the scalp but is maintained firmly against the scalp and the movement thereof in a general fore-and-aft motion is limited to the movement of the scalp collectively, including the epidermis C, the dermis B and the adipose tissue D upon the galea 37. As hereinbefore described, the thickening and hardening of the galea 37 is not uniform throughout the scalp, thereby producing tight spots and loose spots. Since it is an object of the present invention to loosen the entire scalp, slightly varying methods are employed upon the loose areas and the tight areas. In the loose areas, the massaging is accomplished with quickened movement of the electrode with reduced pressure. Conversely,- the tight spots require substantially greater pressure with slower movement of the electrode and are manipulated for a substantially greater time. In either case, the driven electrode is maintained in contact with the scalp to be moved no greater than that permitted by the particular area of the scalp.

The primary object of the present invention is the stimulation and excitation of the human organs associated with hair follicles to permit blood circulation and to soften and relax the galea. Simple hand massage could accomplish the desired results except that the duration of the required massage exceeds the physical limits of time available in any given day.

The present method and apparatus clearly bring the massage within practical time limits by the use of an electronic device which amplifies and intensifies the desired stimulation. The device employed in the present method alternately contracts and relaxes the human organs associated with the hair follicles at a rate not obtainable by hand'massage or mechanical vibrators or other prior art devices.

While the preferred embodiment hereinbefore described utilizes a sawtooth or triangular wave, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that other waveforms such as square waves or sine waves will also desirably affect the human organs, and the scope of the invention is not meant to be limited to triangular waves. As a commercial expediency, to construct the device at a reasonable price, thetriangular wave is believed to be most practical. Similarly, the head and scalp area may be massaged in alternately varying patterns. The preferred sequential pattern as hereinbefore described appears to produce the most desirable results.

Having fully described and disclosed the invention and the preferred embodiment thereof in such clear and concise terms as to enable those skilled in the art to understand and practice the same.

The invention claimed is:

1. A method for stimulating and exciting the organs associated with the human scalp, said scalp having tight areas and loose areas, said method comprising the steps of:

a. successively positioning a pair of electrodes in a spaced relationship against predetermined areas of that portion of the scalp overlaying the galea;

b. passing electrical current between said electrodes wherein said current is in the form of a lowfrequency wave in the range 200 to 3,000 cycles per second, with an electrical potential sufficient to stimulate said organs; and

c. massaging said scalp in the area of at least one of said electrodes.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the positioning step further includes the partial steps of:

a. positioning at least one of said electrodes proximately over the external carotid artery near the base of one of the branches thereof; and

b. successively and progressively repositioning said electrode along said branch from the base to the end thereof to stimulate the flow of blood therethrough in the direction of the natural flow pattern.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said massaging step is accomplished with a generally fore and aft motion with one of said electrodes in stationary contact with said scalp and said motion limited to the displacement of said scalp.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein said tight spots are massaged for a greater time with more pressure and less speed of motion than said loose spots.

5. A device for the stimulation and excitation of the human organs associated with hair follicles, said device comprising:

a. a plurality of waveform generators, each said generator operating at a different frequency within the range of 200 to 3,000 cycles per second;

b. a selectively variable power amplifier;

c. switch means for selectively and in combination coupling each of said generators to said amplifier;

d. a first electrode driven by said amplifier; and

e. a second electrode maintained at ground potential from which the signals from the first electrode are referred.

6. The device of claim 5 including means associated with each said generator for selectively operating said generator in continuous and pulsating modes.

7. The device of claim 5 wherein each said electrode includes:

a. an electrical conductor:

b. an electrically conductive mesh communicating with said conductor; and

c. a resilient covering encasing said mesh.

8. The device of claim 5, including:

a. a pair of spaced comb-like electrodes; and

b. a non-conductive intermediate spacer member disposed between said comb-like electrodes.

Claims

1. A method for stimulating and exciting the organs associated with the human scalp, said scalp having tight areas and loose areas, said method comprising the steps of: a. successively positioning a pair of electrodes in a spaced relationship against predetermined areas of that portion of the scalp overlaying the galea; b. passing electrical current between said electrodes wherein said current is in the form of a low-frequency wave in the range 200 to 3,000 cycles per second, with an electrical potential sufficient to stimulate said organs; and c. massaging said scalp in the area of at least one of said electrodes.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the positioning step further includes the partial steps of: a. positioning at least one of said electrodes proximately over the external carotid artery near the base of one of the branches thereof; and b. successively and progressively repositioning said electrode along said branch from the base to the end thereof to stimulate the flow of blood therethrough in the direction of the natural flow pattern.

5. A device for the stimulation and excitation of the human organs associated with hair follicles, said device comprising: a. a plurality of waveform generators, each said generator operating at a different frequency within the range of 200 to 3,000 cycles per second; b. a selectively variable power amplifier; c. switch means for selectively and in combination coupling each of said generators to said amplifier; d. a first electrode driven by said amplifier; and e. a second electrode maintained at ground potential from which the signals from the first electrode are referred.

7. The device of claim 5 wherein each said electrode includes: a. an electrical conductor: b. an electrically conductive mesh communicating with said conductor; and c. a resilient covering encasing said mesh.

8. The device of claim 5, including: a. a pair of spaced comb-like electrodes; and b. a non-conductive intermediate spacer member disposed between said comb-like electrodes.