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

Method and device for stimulating the organs associated with the human scalp Download PDF

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Publication number
US3872859A
US3872859A US347899A US34789973A US3872859A US 3872859 A US3872859 A US 3872859A US 347899 A US347899 A US 347899A US 34789973 A US34789973 A US 34789973A US 3872859 A US3872859 A US 3872859A
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Prior art keywords
scalp
electrode
electrodes
hair
galea
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US347899A
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Sylvester A Pitzen
Jacques P Drabier
Dale H Liljegren
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Sono Therapy Inst Inc
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Sono Therapy Inst Inc
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Priority to US347899A priority Critical patent/US3872859A/en
Priority to FR7411231A priority patent/FR2224177B1/fr
Priority to NL7404569A priority patent/NL7404569A/xx
Priority to GB1500274A priority patent/GB1467398A/en
Priority to DE2416401A priority patent/DE2416401C2/de
Priority to JP3871674A priority patent/JPS5418871B2/ja
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Priority to CA289,502A priority patent/CA1051522A/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
    • A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
    • A61N1/322—Electromedical brushes, combs, massage devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
    • A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
    • A61N1/328—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for improving the appearance of the skin, e.g. facial toning or wrinkle treatment

Definitions

  • 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.
  • 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
  • the papilla is a finger-like projection called the papilla from which the hair develops.
  • the hair bulb At the extreme end of the hair root is a thickened portion called the hair bulb which has a socket encasing the papilla.
  • the hair 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • each hair follicle 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • the teachings of the present invention are accomplished by a method of stimulation and excitation of the human organs associated with the human scalp.
  • 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 occipital branch which nourishes the back of the head
  • the anterior temporal branch whoch nourishes the frontal portion of the scalp
  • 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 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 show a male head generally designated by the reference character 20 and displaying typical male pattern alopecia.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the galea 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 6 graphically depicts the network of arteries within the human head 20.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • FIG. 8 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.
  • 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.
  • each of the waveform generators 60-68 may be operated ineither a continuous output mode or a pulsating mode.
  • the nominal output frequencies of the sawtooth waveform generators 60-68 are:
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the emitter voltage reaches the valley voltage of the UJT 90, the emitter ceases to conduct, and the cycle is repeated.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the transistor 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-
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the switch 91 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.
  • 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.
  • 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,
  • 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.
  • FIG. 11 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.
  • 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.
  • the cloth l50 is 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.
  • the electrode 142 is maintained in a disinfectant solution, again for sanitary reasons.
  • the liquid provides an adequate conductor for transferring the current from the electrically conductive mesh 148 to the human head.
  • twoelectrodes 142 are employed, the first electrode being designated the driven electrode, and the second electrode being maintained at ground potential.
  • FIG. 13 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 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • a device for the stimulation and excitation of the human organs associated with hair follicles comprising:
  • switch means for selectively and in combination coupling each of said generators to said amplifier
  • the device of claim 5 including means associated with each said generator for selectively operating said generator in continuous and pulsating modes.
  • each said electrode includes:

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US347899A 1973-04-04 1973-04-04 Method and device for stimulating the organs associated with the human scalp Expired - Lifetime US3872859A (en)

Priority Applications (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US347899A US3872859A (en) 1973-04-04 1973-04-04 Method and device for stimulating the organs associated with the human scalp
FR7411231A FR2224177B1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1973-04-04 1974-03-29
NL7404569A NL7404569A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1973-04-04 1974-04-03
GB1500274A GB1467398A (en) 1973-04-04 1974-04-04 Method and apparatus for innervation and neogenesis of hair follicles
DE2416401A DE2416401C2 (de) 1973-04-04 1974-04-04 Vorrichtung zur Massage der Kopfhaut
JP3871674A JPS5418871B2 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1973-04-04 1974-04-04
CA289,502A CA1051522A (en) 1973-04-04 1977-10-26 Method for innervation and neogenesis of hair follicles

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US347899A US3872859A (en) 1973-04-04 1973-04-04 Method and device for stimulating the organs associated with the human scalp

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US3872859A true US3872859A (en) 1975-03-25

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US347899A Expired - Lifetime US3872859A (en) 1973-04-04 1973-04-04 Method and device for stimulating the organs associated with the human scalp

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US (1) US3872859A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
JP (1) JPS5418871B2 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
DE (1) DE2416401C2 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
FR (1) FR2224177B1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
GB (1) GB1467398A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
NL (1) NL7404569A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)

Cited By (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD264243S (en) 1979-12-05 1982-05-04 Sono-Therapy Institute, Inc. Cabinet for electrical wave generator and monitor for physical theraphy
DE3300947A1 (de) * 1983-01-10 1985-05-09 Hayashibara, Ken, Okayama Verfahren und vorrichtung zur stimulierung des wachstums und der regenerierung des haares
WO1986003401A1 (en) * 1984-12-07 1986-06-19 Henry Pearl Hair treatment method
WO1991011980A1 (en) * 1990-02-11 1991-08-22 Sono Therapy Institute, Inc. Method and device for loosening skin tissue
US5251623A (en) * 1988-04-12 1993-10-12 314613 B.C. Ltd. Hair regrowth method and apparatus
US5336247A (en) * 1988-04-12 1994-08-09 314613 B.C. Ltd. Hair regrowth method and apparatus
WO1995009671A1 (en) * 1993-10-01 1995-04-13 314613 B.C. Ltd. Hair regrowth method and apparatus
US5484387A (en) * 1990-02-11 1996-01-16 Sono Therapy Institute, Inc. Method and device for loosening connective tissue and stimulating blood circulation
US5569166A (en) * 1991-11-27 1996-10-29 Stone; Ross G. Headache tension reliever
US5800477A (en) * 1997-02-20 1998-09-01 Allied Health Association, Inc. Hair growth method and apparatus
US5913836A (en) * 1996-02-20 1999-06-22 Allied Health Association, Inc. Body toning method and apparatus
WO1999065562A1 (en) * 1998-06-18 1999-12-23 Zygmunt Bohdanowicz Comb for electrical stimulation
US6041262A (en) * 1996-04-01 2000-03-21 314613 B.C. Ltd. Hair regrowth method and apparatus
US6132392A (en) * 1991-11-27 2000-10-17 Stone; Ross G. Tension headache reliever with multiple pain relieving modalities
US6393326B1 (en) 2000-06-01 2002-05-21 Lifecare Ltd. Bedsore treatment using electrical impulses
US20040098066A1 (en) * 2002-11-15 2004-05-20 Pitzen Sylvester A. Apparatus for the electrical stimulation of human tissue
US6834206B1 (en) 2003-12-23 2004-12-21 Sono-Therapy Institute, Inc. Method for the electrical stimulation of human tissue to encourage hair growth
WO2010073054A1 (en) * 2008-12-23 2010-07-01 Cesare Ragazzi Company S.P.A. Electrotrichogenesis apparatus, system and method
US20140236052A1 (en) * 2007-04-13 2014-08-21 Alejandro Covalin Method and apparatus for the treatment of headache
US20180008823A1 (en) * 2015-01-28 2018-01-11 The General Hospital Corporation System and method for stimulating hair growth
US10092752B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2018-10-09 Novintum Medical Technology Gmbh Venous electrical stimulation apparatus and methods and uses thereof
US10967179B2 (en) 2015-02-02 2021-04-06 Novintum Medical Technology Gmbh Venous electrical stimulation apparatus and methods and uses thereof
US20220160576A1 (en) * 2020-11-23 2022-05-26 L'oreal Portable hair and scalp treatment device with conductive bristles
USD985136S1 (en) * 2021-04-26 2023-05-02 Shenzhen Breo Technology Co., Ltd. Massage device

Families Citing this family (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS52136550U (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) * 1976-04-12 1977-10-17
US4545799A (en) * 1983-09-06 1985-10-08 Gte Laboratories Incorporated Method of making direct seal between niobium and ceramics
JPS60256469A (ja) * 1984-06-01 1985-12-18 林原　健 電子治療器
ES8703745A1 (es) * 1984-06-05 1987-03-01 Codman & Shurtleff Un metodo para producir una secuencia o serie de pulsacionesde tratamiento en un dispositivo de estimulacion nerviosa transcutanea
JPH0538753Y2 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) * 1984-10-20 1993-09-30
FR2590488B1 (fr) * 1985-11-22 1989-04-28 Robert Herve Appareil generateur d'impulsions electriques pour application therapeutique
CH669118A5 (de) * 1985-11-27 1989-02-28 Bodywell Ag Vorrichtung zur pflege und behandlung der menschlichen kopfhaut.
FR2706131B1 (fr) * 1993-06-08 1995-09-01 Ponce Eric Casque stimulant la repousse des cheveux.
DE19934985A1 (de) * 1999-07-26 2001-02-01 Heike Reichenbach Vorrichtung zum Massieren der Kopfhaut

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US649917A (en) * 1899-10-11 1900-05-22 Henry C Doersch Electric shampoo apparatus.
US861349A (en) * 1906-04-09 1907-07-30 Herbert F Hanson Apparatus for treating the scalp.
US954083A (en) * 1909-08-07 1910-04-05 Richard H Gay Massage apparatus.

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE275538C (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) *
DE363381C (de) * 1919-10-10 1922-11-07 Hugo Hoschke Elektrischer Taschenapparat mit einer die Elektrizitaet auf den menschlichen Koerper uebertragenden Elektrode
US1706583A (en) * 1926-01-02 1929-03-26 Meyer William Scalp-treatment device
US1728080A (en) * 1927-03-08 1929-09-10 Roberts Joseph Harriso Thomson Electrotherapeutic apparatus
CH164673A (fr) * 1932-04-23 1933-10-15 Junod Edouard Appareil pour le traitement électrique du cuir chevelu.

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US649917A (en) * 1899-10-11 1900-05-22 Henry C Doersch Electric shampoo apparatus.
US861349A (en) * 1906-04-09 1907-07-30 Herbert F Hanson Apparatus for treating the scalp.
US954083A (en) * 1909-08-07 1910-04-05 Richard H Gay Massage apparatus.

Cited By (29)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD264243S (en) 1979-12-05 1982-05-04 Sono-Therapy Institute, Inc. Cabinet for electrical wave generator and monitor for physical theraphy
DE3300947A1 (de) * 1983-01-10 1985-05-09 Hayashibara, Ken, Okayama Verfahren und vorrichtung zur stimulierung des wachstums und der regenerierung des haares
WO1986003401A1 (en) * 1984-12-07 1986-06-19 Henry Pearl Hair treatment method
US5336247A (en) * 1988-04-12 1994-08-09 314613 B.C. Ltd. Hair regrowth method and apparatus
US5251623A (en) * 1988-04-12 1993-10-12 314613 B.C. Ltd. Hair regrowth method and apparatus
US5484387A (en) * 1990-02-11 1996-01-16 Sono Therapy Institute, Inc. Method and device for loosening connective tissue and stimulating blood circulation
AU649434B2 (en) * 1990-02-11 1994-05-26 Sono Therapy Institute, Inc. Method and device for loosening skin tissue
WO1991011980A1 (en) * 1990-02-11 1991-08-22 Sono Therapy Institute, Inc. Method and device for loosening skin tissue
US6132392A (en) * 1991-11-27 2000-10-17 Stone; Ross G. Tension headache reliever with multiple pain relieving modalities
US5569166A (en) * 1991-11-27 1996-10-29 Stone; Ross G. Headache tension reliever
WO1995009671A1 (en) * 1993-10-01 1995-04-13 314613 B.C. Ltd. Hair regrowth method and apparatus
GB2297262A (en) * 1993-10-01 1996-07-31 314613 B C Ltd Hair regrowth method and apparatus
GB2297262B (en) * 1993-10-01 1997-11-19 314613 B C Ltd Hair regrowth method and apparatus
US5913836A (en) * 1996-02-20 1999-06-22 Allied Health Association, Inc. Body toning method and apparatus
US6041262A (en) * 1996-04-01 2000-03-21 314613 B.C. Ltd. Hair regrowth method and apparatus
US5800477A (en) * 1997-02-20 1998-09-01 Allied Health Association, Inc. Hair growth method and apparatus
WO1999065562A1 (en) * 1998-06-18 1999-12-23 Zygmunt Bohdanowicz Comb for electrical stimulation
US6393326B1 (en) 2000-06-01 2002-05-21 Lifecare Ltd. Bedsore treatment using electrical impulses
US20040098066A1 (en) * 2002-11-15 2004-05-20 Pitzen Sylvester A. Apparatus for the electrical stimulation of human tissue
US6842646B2 (en) 2002-11-15 2005-01-11 Sono-Therapy Institute, Inc. Apparatus for the electrical stimulation of human tissue
US6834206B1 (en) 2003-12-23 2004-12-21 Sono-Therapy Institute, Inc. Method for the electrical stimulation of human tissue to encourage hair growth
US20140236052A1 (en) * 2007-04-13 2014-08-21 Alejandro Covalin Method and apparatus for the treatment of headache
WO2010073054A1 (en) * 2008-12-23 2010-07-01 Cesare Ragazzi Company S.P.A. Electrotrichogenesis apparatus, system and method
US10092752B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2018-10-09 Novintum Medical Technology Gmbh Venous electrical stimulation apparatus and methods and uses thereof
US10406357B2 (en) 2013-09-17 2019-09-10 Novintum Medical Technology Gmbh Venous electrical stimulation apparatus and methods and uses thereof
US20180008823A1 (en) * 2015-01-28 2018-01-11 The General Hospital Corporation System and method for stimulating hair growth
US10967179B2 (en) 2015-02-02 2021-04-06 Novintum Medical Technology Gmbh Venous electrical stimulation apparatus and methods and uses thereof
US20220160576A1 (en) * 2020-11-23 2022-05-26 L'oreal Portable hair and scalp treatment device with conductive bristles
USD985136S1 (en) * 2021-04-26 2023-05-02 Shenzhen Breo Technology Co., Ltd. Massage device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE2416401A1 (de) 1974-10-24
FR2224177B1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1978-01-13
FR2224177A1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1974-10-31
JPS5418871B2 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1979-07-11
GB1467398A (en) 1977-03-16
DE2416401C2 (de) 1983-12-01
JPS5030383A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1975-03-26
NL7404569A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 1974-10-08

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