WO1998032410A1

WO1998032410A1 - Apparatus for the application of vibration biomechanics

Info

Publication number: WO1998032410A1
Application number: PCT/YU1998/000002
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vlastimir Novakovic; K. V. Frolov; A. S. Mirkin; Milos^¿ JOVANOVIC; Dus^¿an MIHAJLOVIC
Original assignee: Vlastimir Novakovic
Priority date: 1997-01-27
Filing date: 1998-01-26
Publication date: 1998-07-30
Also published as: AU5828798A

Abstract

The apparatus for application of vibration biomechanics, is contained of a standard PC computer (I) with a corresponding programme, and is connected to a programming unit (II) through electric cables, which is further still connected to dotted mobile and immobile vibrators (III, III') built into anatomically shaped shoes (IV, IV') which are fastened to the feet of the patient and to the training unit (V), whilst the computer programme encompasses both activating and control of the treatment. This apparatus for the application of vibration biomechanics, through the programme entered into the PC computer (I) sends the corresponding signals to the programming unit (II), which carries out the therapy by stimulating specific reflex zones, so-called support zones on the soles of the patient's feet, through vibrations of dotted vibrators (III, III') which are arranged on the shoes (IV, IV'), and thus simulates the walk of the patient during the course of the treatment of various spinal disease, etc.

Description

APPARATUS FOR THE APPLICATION OF VIBRATION

BIOMECHANICS

The area of technology to which the invention is related

The invention belongs to the general field of medical therapy, more precisely it is concerned with the vibration stimulation of specific reflex regions contained on human skin, which successfully cures various spinal illnesses and peripheral paresis, polyneuropathy, endarteritis. hemiparesis etc.

According to the International Classification of Patents (ICP) the sign is: A 61 H 1/00; A 61H 23/02 and H 03B 5/00.

Technical Problem This discovery solves the problem of constructing an apparatus for the application of vibration biomechanics. which by the use of a PC computer with the proper program and a therapy control unit, carries out the therapy on the basis of the given parameters obtained from the PC computer, whilst the computer simultaneously controls the therapy and obtains data about the patient, regarding the results of the treatments, and possible change in the treatments in accordance with the success of the treatments.

Current Technical Situation

The medical properties of vibration are known and their use has been documented, an example of this can be traced back to medieval times where, through the use of vibrating chairs and alteration of the frequency, amplitude of vibrations and the duration of the treatment, according to the general state of the patient.

From non-patent literature devices called "Wave 1" and "Wave 2", which use the methods of vibration massage, are known. Through the use of these devices it has been proven that vibrations stimulate the diffusion processes characteristically associated with the reactions of the human organism, thus increasing the absoφtion power of the protoplasm. It is possible to create an increase or decrease in the activity of ferment, through the amplitude of the mechanical oscillation.

Furthermore, it is known, from non-patent literature, the use of vibration machines based on water massage for the healing of osteochondritis of the neck and the lower half of the back of the human body, the healing of the trauma of the peripheral nerve endings, polyarteritis. bronchial asthma, pneumonia, chronic gastritis, liver and gall channels along with other gynaecological and other illnesses.

From non-patent literature the construction of the "Vibroscanner", is known. This device was developed at the Institute of Machinovedenija at the Russian Academy of Science. This device is used to stimulate the local skin zones on the human body.

From patent literature, in the field of relative innovation, from the YU declaration of patent p-204/86 by Max J. Rudeirian from Los Angeles. USA. a vibrating therapeutic apparatus for massage, is shown in several versions. This apparatus contains one or more heads which massage, and are powered by vibrating electro-motors, the eccentricity being on the shafts of these electro-motors. A propeller and an electric heater are contained on each of these shafts, for the puφose of heating the air which is blown to the place which the vibratirg head stimulates. In the YU patent list No. 31 774, whose owner is the "Metal Industry" Ozalj, ''Therapeutic devices for vibrating and heating" are shown. These devices are contained in rubber, inside of which a vibrating apparatus consisting of an electro-magnet and a pin, and works on the principal of the electric bell. The puφose of the device is for massage of the human body, whilst heating the treated areas.

In the YU patent declaration P-437/89 by Milan Radakovic from Belgrade, the vibrating pillow used for the puφose of massaging various injured body parts, is shown. This pillow is made from sponge-like material, with built in electro-motor, whose eccentricity lies its shaft, and a small switch which works by touch. On the basis of the above stated, the conclusion is that in all the above devices, except the "Vibroscanner" from the Russian Academy of Science, the vibration is directed at the injured or ill body parts or the human body as a whole. However, when the vibration is used on larger parts of the body, the organs and particular systems which are stimulated by the vibration, are not necessarily just the ones which are ill or injured, which benefit from such stimulation, but others on which vibrating stimulation has a negative effect. The deficiencies of devices which carry out vibrating stimulation are based on this particular conclusion, when a relatively large area of the body is stimulated.

The apparatus which is described in non-patent literature by the name of ^■Nibroscanner" of the Russian Academy of Science, carries out the vibrating stimulation of just the specific reflex areas on the human skin, which, when stimulated, bring about the desired therapeutic effect on various systems and parts of the organism. However, the deficiencies of this particular device come from its inadequate technological and technical level. The basic concept of the invention

On the basis of the above stated, the puφose of the inventions to create an apparatus to carry out vibration biomechanics. which by the use of a PC computer with the proper program and a therapy control unit, carries out the therapy on the basis of the given parameters obtained from the PC computer, whilst the computer simultaneously controls the therapy and obtains data about the patient, regarding the results of the treatments, and possible change in the treatments in accordance with the healing progress.

The apparatus itself is based on the principals of biomechanics. This solution enables a choice of vibration frequencies, in a wide range, from 16 to 120 Hz. each of which is optimal for a particular illness or disease of the patient. The apparatus is connected to a standard PC computer which carries out the control functions, such as the flow of the treatment and possibility of changing the treatment.

The apparatus is made up of a PC computer, which is essential. 8-bit vibroaplikator card for the PC computer which is compatible to today's types of PC computer, with training units( which are not protected by this patent) and working and vibrating units, and a program which enables and follows the therapy, and collects data about the patient and stores it on disk.

The PC computer is a standard device of a wide use, organised on modular basis and easily adaptable to a wide range of tasks. The 8-bit vibroaplikator card is a specifically developed module, which carries out the control of also the working of the vibrating and training units. It contains a microprocessor which also controls the work of the vibrating and training units, along with sending information to the PC computer regarding the status of the system, the frequency and length of the treatment. This module is placed directly in the PC computer by simply connecting it to the 8-bit BUS of the PC computer. The work of this module is controlled by a specifically designed program which is activated through the PC computer. The microprocessor which is built into this module is the standard Siemens microcontroller 80C537. All the vibrators, vibrating units and the motor of the training unit are under the control of this microprocessor. Through the 8-BUS the microprocessor obtains the relevant information about the working frequency which is need on the vibrating units, the speed of the simulated walk, and the speed needed to be achieved by the training unit. Through this 8-BUS the microprocessor also receives from the PC computer the commands regarding the start and end of the work carried out by the vibrating units, training units, or the stopping of work of the whole system. Also contained in this module is the generator of the sound of walking. The control of the sound of walking is also carried out by this microprocessor. The module also has a connecting switch for the vibrating and training units.

The vibrating and training unit is the working part of this system. It is made up of an anatomically shaped chair in which the patient sits during the treatment. The most important part of the chair are the anatomically designed shoes placed on the training unit. The shoes contain four vibrators each, placed to cover the support zones of the sole of the feet. These zones are those on which it is possible to simulate walking, through vibration. The shoes are movable, so the patient is able to move their feet, in order to train and strengthen legs and feet. In case the patient is unable to move their feet, the training unit has a built in motor, under the control of the PC computer, and this motor moves the feet of the patient in accordance with the treatment thus carrying out further therapy on the patient.

The computer programme developed for this apparatus, according to the invention, allows control and carrying out of the treatment, along with the supplying and recording relevant data regarding the patient and the state of the patient. The programme is organised in two parts, which are shown on the screen of the PC computer, as two separate windows. The first window(on the left hand side) contains information about the patient. Here the person carrying out the treatment writes in the name of the patient, the patient's illness or disease, the current state of the patient(pulse. temperature, blood pressure, ailments etc.). This information is permanently stored, and are able to be printed out at any moment as additional documentation regarding the illness of the patient. The second window(on the left hand side) contains the relevant parameters for the therapy of the patient, these include: frequency of vibration, speed of walk, length of treatment and the option of the training unit(depending on the mobility of the patient. These parameters can be altered using the keyboard, by entering the relevant numbers and by moving through the menus using the keys "LEFT, RIGHT, UP, DOWN" and "ENTER".

The parameter FREQUENCY is entered numerically, and in the range of 32 to 120 Hz. This is the frequency with which the vibrators will work.

The parameter SPEED OF MOVEMENT is entered numerically, and in the range of 10 to 100 steps per minute, and it represents the imagined speed of walk of the patient, which is to be simulated.

The parameter LENGTH OF TREATMENT is entered by keyboard and represents the time limit of a particular treatment. The treatment lasts between 1 and 3 minutes.

The parameter WORK OF THE TRAINING UNIT shows whether or not the patient is able to move their feet on their own, or if the training unit is need for feet movement. If the patient is not able to follow the speed of walk simulated, the motor of the training unit is switched on to help the patient.

The treatment is started through the PC computer and the keyboard, and the relevant commands. The treatment ends automatically when the time set elapses, and this is when a report regarding the treatment is given. The treatment is also able to be stopped prematurely by pressing the ESC key on the keyboard.

Then programme is organised on the principal of falling menus, and is very comfortable for use after a short training period. The programme allows for the use of a 5 mouse, a standard part of any modern PC computer.

Through the above described way, the suggested apparatus for carrying out vibration biomechanics, according to the invention, represents a new solution to the set problem, and has an innovative level, which is completely acceptable. 0 Short description of the drawings

The invention is described in detail on an example of realisation and shown by the drawings, wherein:

Fig.l presents the programming unit, viewed from above, in partial cross-section,

Fig.2 presents the frontal view of the same programming unit from Fig.l, 5 Fig.3 presents the same programming unit from Fig.1 and 2, only viewed from behind,

Figs.4 and 5 present the electrical scheme of the vibroaplikator card of the programming unit, in its entirety,

Fig.6 presents the cross-section of the moveable vibrator of apparatus,

Fig.7 presents the cross-section of the immovable vibrator of apparatus, 0 Fig.8 presents the view at an angle, of the upper half of the shoe of the apparatus,

Fig.9 presents the view at an angle, of the bottom half of the shoe.

Detailed description of the invention

The apparatus for the application of vibration biomechanics according to the 5 invention, contains a PC computer I, which through electric cables is connected to the programming unit II, which is connected through belonging cables to the vibrators III and III', which are placed in the special footwear in the shape of the shoes IV and IV^* and the training unit V.

PC computer I is a standard personal computer with the corresponding programme,

30 which enables the carrying out of treatment and also the control of the treatment. The PC computer, in order to accomplish these tasks, by using the programme through the programming unit II gives the commands for the activating and work of the vibrators III and IIP built in the shoes IV and IV on the training unit V, which is not subject to this patent. In this way the programme controls the various parameters such as: amplitude, frequency, length

35 of work, the programmed speed of the simulated walk, and it also controls the movement and the control of work of the training unit V.

The programming unit II according to pictures 1, 2i. 3 encompasses the box with base 2. side plate 3 with lid 1, front plate 4 and back plate 5 which are joined together by screws 18 and 20.

40 On the bottom part of the base 2 a printed board 6 is built in. which contains a microprocessor plate, on which electronic components of the apparatus as well as the connector modules, for the joining of electric signals, with the driver unit 26 as well as vibrators III and III', shoes IV and IV, and the PC computer I. The driver unit 26 is built in towards the base 2. whilst the lid 1 along with the side plate 3 and the screw-held 12 speaker

45 11 are built away from the base 2. Transformer 7 is fastened by screw 8 and plate 9 towards the bottom part of the base 2, whilst on the front plate 4, fastened by screws 27, three switches 24 are placed, also a fuse 25 and three LED diodes 21 as well as a connection 22 held by screws 23. At the same time, on the back plate 5, a nest of connectors 13 is held by screws 14 as well as a nests of connectors 15 and 16 held by screws 17. The microprocessor plate of the vibroaplikator card of the programming unit, on pictures 4 and 5, which is on the printed board 6 encompasses, through mutually corresponding electric connections, a connected microcontroller U 101 8751-PLCC, a programmable circuit of U9 LATTICE connect by connector K3 DB25M. as well as two timer circuits U4 NE 555 and U5 NE 555 connected to the working circuits of the vibrators III and III' with transistors Ql to Q16 as well as sources of power +5, +15, -15 and +50V and to connectors Kl. K2 and K101.

The microprocessor plate on the printed board 6 functions through the programming unit II which is connected by connector K3 DB25M to the PC computer I, which generates signals need for work. These signals: Do-D7 as digital signals are signals used for the management of each single vibrator III.IH' on both the left and the right shoe IV,IV.

/CTP-signals of the rhythm of vibration. Through these signals vibrations of vibrators III. Ill' are able to be carried out. chosen through signals Do-D7,

/TNTI-signals which represent the new beginning of work of the apparatus, and SELECT- signals calling on the apparatus for work.

Signals Do-D7, in the programmable circuit U9PLD1016, are transformed into the shape which is convenient for inducement of the working circuits of the vibrators III and III'. The circuits consist of operational amplifiers U2A to U2C LM324 and U3A to U3C LM324, teamed up with four resistors each Rl to R24 thereby being configured as differential amplifiers for strengthening the voltage of the signal. The strengthening of the current is achieved through the exiting complementary transistors Ql to Q16 Bd 441 and Bd 442 with connecting bases and emitters, of which the emitting connection points are Yl l to Y24, for moving vibrators 111,111'. At the same time, signals Q0,/Q0 to Q7/Q7 for the inducement of the working cart of the vibrators 111,111' are given by the programmable circuit U9 PLD1016(LATTICE).

The exiting signals Yl l to Y24 for the movement of the vibrators 111.111' are divided into two groups, left and right, and go to two separate connectors(Kl-left and K2-right).

The logical combination of signals/INTI and SELECT from the PC computer enables the work of the programming unit II. Through the circuit U5NE555 which is configured as an independent multivibrator, the work of the apparatus is enabled, only if connected to the PC computer I. In the case of the signal SELECT/TNTI being left out of the exiting circuit U5NE555 it is not possible to turn on any of the vibrators 111,111^*. The circuit U4NE555 is configured as an oscillator which gives the carrying frequency of sound(signal OSC) which is created in the speaker 11. The programmable circuit U9PLD1016(LATTICE) controls the getting of sound through activating the signal SOUND at the corresponding moment. This signal further amplifies the electronic construction made up of resistors R31 and R32 and transistor Q17. The speaker 11 is connected to connector K4 and the sound switch is connected to connector K5.

The microcontroller U101 8751-PLCC for the control of work of the step motor with the entered programme, and is connected through connectors K3 as well as SI, S2 and K101. has a function of generating the signals which go to the control unit of the step motor( which is not subject to this patent).

For the puφose of power for the programming unit II of the apparatus, a transformer 7 is built in containing three secondary coils joined o the connectors RSI, RS2 and RS101. For the puφose of work of the microcontroller U101 8751-PLCC, the programmable circuit U9 PLD1016 and two timer circuits U4 NE 555 and U5 NE 555, current of 5V is needed, and is received through correcting the alternative current brought by the connector RS2, by a diode corrector in a Grecz connection GZ2 joined to a condenser C15 and current stabiliser U8. The current of +15V and -15V for powering the operational amplifiers U2A to U2C and U3A to U3C and exiting transistors Ql to Q16 is obtained through the connector RSI, diode corrector in a Grecz connection GZl teamed up with filtering condenser C13 and C14 as well as current stabilisers U6 and U7. The current of +50V for powering the step motor is obtained through the connector

RS101. Grecz corrector GZl 01 teamed with a condenser ClOl. In this circuit a safety fuse RFlOl is also placed as well as a diode DlOl and the current is taken out by the connector RSI 02.

In following programme is entered into the PC computer, and this programme controls the work of the apparatus:

Program Vibroaplikator; {$M 16000,0,120000} uses

Dos.Crt.Graph; Var grDriver: integer; grMode :integer; ErrCode :integer;

Ime :Char; procedure igradel; type TNota=record

Frek:integer; Trajanje:byte; end; TNizNota=array [1..800] of TNota; var

Nota:TNizNota; SkalaTrajanj a.N.i : integer; F:Text;

NazivSvirke:String[20]; procedure Sviraj(Nota:TNota; Skala: integer); begin Sound(Nota.Frek); Delay(Nota.Trajanje*Skala); NoSound end; begin

SkalaTrajanja:=23 ; NazivSvirke:='IGRADEL.NOT;

Assign(F.NazivSvirke);

Reset(F);

Read(F,N): For i:=l to N Do Begin

Read(F,Nota[i].Frek,Nota[i].Trajanje) end; close(F); For i:=l to N do Begin

S viraj (Nota[i] ,SkalaTraj aηj a) ; if Keypressed then halt; end end:

Procedure INTTSoftware; begin ClrScr; grDriver:=Detect; InitGraph(grDriver,grMode,");

ErrCode:=GraphResult; if ErrCode=grOk then begin SetColor(Yellow); SetBkColor(LightBlue);

SetUserCharSize( 1 ,20, 1 ,20); SetTextStyle(TriplexFont,HorizDir,4); OutTextXY(19,20,'INTT - Institut of new technology'); SetTextStyle(TriplexFont.HorizDir,8); OutTextXY(19,150,TNTT Software');

SetTextStyle(TriplexFont,HorizDir,5); OutTextXY(200,350.'Belgrade, YU'); { igradel; Delay(3000);} Readln;

CloseGraph; ClrScr: end else WriteLnC error'.GraphErrorMsg(ErrCode)); end;

Procedure Vibro; begin ClrScr; grDriver:=Detect; InitGraph(grDriver.grMode,") ; ErτCode:=GraphResult; if ErrCode=grOk then begin

SetColor(Yellow); SetBkColor(LightBlue); SetUserCharSize( 1 ,20.1 ,20); OutTextXY(20.450.'Press ENTER for continue...'); {

SetTextStyle(TriplexFont,HorizDir,2);

OutTextXY(100,20,'Program for vibroaplication');

} SetTextStyle(GothicFont,HorizDir,8);

OutTextXY(250.50,'intt');

SetTextStyle(TriplexFont.HorizDir,8);

OutTextXY( 19, 150." VIBROAPLIKATOR');

SetTextStyle(GothicFont,HorizDir,5); OutTextXY(200,250,'(Version 2.0)');

SetTextStyle(TriplexFont,HorizDir,3);

OutTextXY(250,350.'Belgrade, 1997.');

{ igradel;}

Readln; CloseGraph;

ClrScr; end else

WriteLnC error',GraphErrorMsg(ErrCode)); end; begin INTTSoftware; Vibro; ClrScr;

SwapVectors; Exec('v.exe',"); SwapVectors; end.

In figures 6 and 7 the constructions of the mobile and immobile parts of the vibrators III and III^* of the apparatus are shown.

The immobile vibrator III' according to figure 7 is identical to the description in the patent declaration of the "Apparatus for vibrating-induced analgesia method application^", made by the same person. This vibrator encompasses the casing 121, which contains an external groove 121a, where a coil of solenoid 123 is placed, and this is covered by insulating tape 127. In the middle cavity 130 of the casing 121 of the vibrator III' a hollow anchor 122 is placed, and in its inside opening a permanent magnet 124 is placed. The top of this anchor 122 contains a connection 128 with a curved tip 129. On the other side of the casing, its cavity 130 is closed of by a screw 126 screwed into the belonging hole. The screw 126 is able to be moved, by being screwed in or out when regulating the optimal amplitude of vibration. The screw contains a centred blind opening 126a in which a small permanent magnet 125 is placed in. In the casing 121 a lower outlet 121b is also made for the puφose of fitting in the vibrator III^" inside the parts of the shoes IV, IV.

The mobile vibrator III, according to figure 6, differs from the immobile vibrator III' from figure 7 in shape of the casing 221. This casing 221, instead of the lower outlet 121b from figure 7, has a longer quadratic extension 231, in which a lengthways opening 232 has been made for the puφose of passage of electric cable of the solenoid 123. At this point a crosswise hole 233 has been made for the screw of the shoes IV ,1V for the altering of the positions of the mobile vibrators III. All the other components as well as the function of the mobile vibrators III are identical to that of the immobile vibrators III' from figure 7, because of which they are marked with the same calling marks.

5 In figures 8 and 9 the shoes IV,IV are shown, and these shoes have been anatomically shaped for the left and the right foot of the patient respectively. In each of these shoes IV, IV four vibrators are placed, two being mobile III and two not III', and they are placed in order to cover the support zones of feet. These zones are those where it is possible to simulate natural walk through vibration. For this reason the shoes IV.IV have been made mobile so that the 0 patient can move their feet about the axis of the shaft of the training unit, which is not subject to this patent. Due to this reason the shoes IV, IV in figures 8 and 9 are not shown on the shaft of the training unit, where they normally are placed.

In accomplishing its function, the shoes IV,IV are composed of the upper front part 40 in which two long openings 41 have been made and also one round opening 42 for the

15 passage of the casings 121 and 221 of the vibrators III and III'. The shoes IV,IV contain a round opening 44 in the upper part of the heal 43. The casings 221 of the mobile vibrators III freely pass through their openings 41, whilst the casings 121 of the immobile vibrators are fixed by their bottom parts 121b in openings 44 and 42.

In accomplishing the task of adjusting the shoes to the feet size of the patient, ranging 0 from 35 to 47 European, the shoes IN, IV' have also a two part sole, which consists of the front bottom part 50 and the bottom part of the heel 51 , which as shown in figure 8, are joined together by screws(which aren't shown in the figure) to their top parts 40 and 43 forming one whole. At the same time the bottom front part 50 and the bottom heel 51 are joined together by sliding cylinders 52 and 53. Cylinder 53 is placed inside and down the middle of each shoe

25 IV,IV and is fastened at the bottom of the heel 51. The second sliding cylinder 52 is fastened in the front bottom part of the shoe 50. To adjust to desired length of foot, the front part(40 and 50) and the back part(43 and 51) of the shoes IV, IV, are moved apart by a screw 54, which is placed on the axis of symmetry of each shoe IV.IV, appropriately placed on its outlets on both sides of the included bottom front part 50. The thread of this screw 54 is in

30 this way fastened in a complementary thread of the tube 53 which through this is fastened in the bottom part of the heel 51. In this way, through turning the screw 54 an alteration of the distance between the front 40 and 50 and back parts 43 and 51 of each shoes IV.IV is made possible.

For altering the desired position of the movable vibrators III inside their long cavities

35 41, through their threaded opening 233 they are screwed down on the complementary thread on the two ends of the screws 55 which are also able to be manipulated by hand and are axially fastened to their outlets on both sides of the included bottom front part 50. Through turning these screws 55 the mobile vibrators III are brought to the desired position according to the so-called support zones, this is done by using a before set distance between the front

40 part, 40 and 50, and the heel part, 43 and 51, of the shoes IV,IV.

In fastening the feet of the patient to the shoes IV,IV during the course of the treatment, both on the front parts, 40 and 50, and the heel parts. 43 and 51, elements for fastening have been introduced, a cloth laced with sponge and velcro in the appropriate places. These elements, which are not shown in the accompanying figures, encompass the heel

45 holder, in the shape of the upper part of the heel 43. which is held by rivets, with belonging strapping for the fastening of feet. The left and right holders held by screws also belong to these elements, and are fastened to the upper front part 40 of each shoe IV, IV, along with belonging strapping for the fastening of feet. The apparatus for the application of vibration biomechanics by the invention is used by firstly connecting the programming unit II to the PC computer I with the appropriate cable. This connection is made to the printer connection on the PC computer, after this the shoes IV, IV are joined to the programming unit II, by connect the left shoe IV to the connection on the left and the right shoe IV to the connection on the right. After checking the position of the switch of the programming unit II, which should be on "0", the programming unit II is plugged into a power point using standard cable.

The whole system is put into normal working order through turning on the PC computer, and placing the switch on the programming unit into "1" position, at this point in time the red indicator(LED diode 21) on the left of the programming unit II will turn on. By pressing the switch 24 in upper left part of the programming unit II, the programming unit II will turn on, and the LED diode 21 on the right will turn on, signalling that the apparatus is ready for work.

Now the diskette with the appropriate programme is placed into the PC computer I and the command "VIBROAPL" is type out using the keyboard, which starts up the work programme. After the programme is read by the PC computer I a mask of the programme appears on the screen, and upon pressing the key "ENTER" a window to enter a patient's name appears. After entering the patient's name and pressing "ENTER" again, the shape of the shoes IV,IV are shown on the screen, with the vibrators 111.111' marked clearly for the puφose of the adjustment of work of each one. The adjustments are carried out using the keys "up'V'down", the "up" key increasing and the "down" decreasing the strength of each vibrator 111,111'. Moving from one vibrator to another is carried out through the keys "left","right", movement to the next vibrator 111,111' is made using "right", whilst movement back to the previous is made using "left". Once these settings have been completed, the "ENTER" key is pressed and the options for altering the procedure, fine tuning the work of the vibrator or beginning the procedure, arise. To chose one of these the keys "Tab" followed by "ENTER" are used. Fine tuning of the work of the vibrators III and III' is carried out in the same way as the previously mentioned alterations to the strength of their work.

The alterations to the parameters of the therapy are carried out by entering the option "Procedure" and pressing "ENTER". The computer gives the following parameters: frequency, amount of simulated steps per minute and the length of the treatment. The parameter frequency is adjust using the keys "Fl" to increase and "F2" to decrease. The parameter amount of simulated steps per minute is adjusted using the keys "F3" to increase and "F4" to decrease, whilst the length of treatment parameter is altered by "F5" increasing and "F6" decreasing. After adjusting all these parameters of therapy "ENTER", is pressed for the therapy to be ready to start. The screen changes to a picture of a simulated patient sitting, and a sand clock which measures the time.

After all this the shoes IV,IV are placed on the feet of the patient and strapped on. After the shoes IV.IV have been placed on the patient's feet, the key "ENTER" is pressed again and the therapy begins. The simulated patient on the screen begins to walk, and the time begins to run. If an audio effect of walking is needed, the key on the right hand side of the programming unit II is pressed which switches on or off the audio effect of the therapy.

Upon ending the treatment, the PC computer I stops all functions of the apparatus, and at this point in time the shoes IV, IV are taken of the patient's feet.

The manner of applying the invention

The manner of applying the invention, is achieved in an obvious way, and can be seen from the aforementioned text, and therefor is not necessary to mention. All the described characteristics of the invention have been verified by the inventors through use of the prototype of the apparatus.

Claims

Patent Claims

1. The apparatus for the application of vibration biomechanics, as well as the apparatus for the physical therapy, which stimulate specific reflex areas, for example the support zones on the sole the foot, through the use of programmed vibrations of the dotted vibrators(III,IH'), with blunt tips(129) of middle extensions(128) of the vibrating anchor(122), arranged on the belonging shoes(IV,IV) with supported soles, simulate the walk of the patient through the course of the treatment of various spinal diseases et. The apparatus consists of a standard PC computer(I) with a corresponding programme, and is electrically connected through cables to the programming unit(II) which is further still connected to the mobile and immobile dotted vibrators(III,IH') which are built into anatomically shaped shoes(IV,IV) which are fastened on the feet of the patient and training unit(V), the corresponding programme encompasses the carrying out and the control of the treatment and the programming unit(II) consist of the base(2) with a printed board(6) with a microprocessor card and built in the electronic components as well as connector modules which connect the programming unit(II) to the PC computer(I) as well as give signals to the driver unit(26) and the vibrators(III,IH') on the lid(l) to the box a board(3)is built in with a speaker (1 1) whilst on the bottom part of the base(2) a net transformer(7) is fastened whilst on the front board of the box three switches(24) are arranged, a fuse(25) and three LED diodes(21) and on the back board of the box a cluster of connectors(13.15,16) is built in.

2. The apparatus, according to claim 1. characterized by the fact that, the microprocessor card on the printed board(6) encompasses a microcontroller(UlOl) 8751-PLCC, a programmable circuit(U9) PLD1016 connected to the connector (K3) DB25M as well as two timer circuits (U4) NE555 and (U5) NE555 connected to the working circuit of the vibrators(III) and (IIP), which are made up of operational amplifiers(U2A to U2C) LM324 and (U3A to U3C) LM324 combined with three resistor each(Rl toR24) as well as differential current amplifiers which are further still connected to complementary existing transistors(Q0 to Q16) BD441 and BD442. with connecting bases and emitters, which have the emitting connections points(Yl l to Y24), and for the pu╧åose of amplifying the signal SOUND the electronic connection of the resistors(R31.R32) and transistors(Q17) BD441 is carried out with the Circuit (U9) PLD1016, whilst the speaker(l l) is connected to the connector (K4), whilst the switch(24) for the sound is connected to connector (K5), for receiving the voltage of +5V a secondary coil of the transformer (7) is joined to the connector (RS2) further connected to the diode corrector in the Grecz connection (GZl) further connected to the condensator(C15) and the current stabiliser (U8), whilst for receiving the current of +15V and -15V, another secondary coil of the transformer (7) is joined to the connector (RSI) further connected to a diode corrector in the Grecz connection (GZl) combined with condensators (C13,C14) as well as current stabilisers (U6. U7) and for receiving the voltage of +50V a third secondary coil of the transformer is joined to the connector (RSI 01) joined to a diode in a Grecz connection (GZ101) and joined to a condensator (ClOl) in the same circuit are also contained a fuse (RFlOl), a diode (DlOl) and connector (RSI 02).

3. The apparatus, according to Claims 1 and 2, characterised by the fact that, the immobile vibrator(III') is contained in a case (121) of which in the external hollow(121a) a solenoid(123) is placed and externally protected by insulating tape(127) whilst in the middle hollow (130) of the casing a movable hollow anchor(122) is placed and in its internal opening a permanent magnet(124) is fastened and the top of this anchor(122) is mad with a centered extension(128), with a blunt tip(129) for the transporting of vibrations of the skin of the patient, whilst the hollow(130) of the casing is closed of by a screw(126) for the pu╧åose of regulating the desired amplitude of vibration, and the screw contains a blind opening(126a) and in it a small permanent magnet(125), whilst on the casing(121) a lower extension(121b) is made for regulating the immobile vibrator in the corresponding parts of shoes (IV, IV).

4. The apparatus, according to claims 1 to 3, characterised by the fact that, the mobile vibrator(III) is constructed in the same way as the immobile vibrator (III¹) except the casing (221) which is made with a longer square shaped extension(231 ) with a vertical opening(232) where the cable is to pass, as well as a horizontal opening(233) in which a screw (55) is placed for the pu╧åose of fixing the position of the vibrator(III) on the shoes(IV,IV).

5. The apparatus according to claims 1 to 4, characterised by the fact that, the anatomically shaped shoes(IV,IV') for the left and right foot of the patient and contain two mobile vibrators(III) and two immobile vibrators(III') each and these are placed according the support zones of the feet, each shoe is made of the top front part(40) with two long openings(41) and one round opening(42), as well as screws connected to the bottom front part(50) of the shoes, and to the top part of the heel (43) which has a round opening (44) where the connection to the bottom part of the heel (51) is made, and trough this the front (40,50) and the heel part(43,51) are connected using tubes(52,53), of which tube (53) is fastened to the bottom heel part (51) a middle screw(54) is placed into this tube(53) for the p pose of regulating the distance between the front and back parts of the shoes(IV,I ), and in the bottom part of each of these vibrators(III) are placed in the hollows and their square- shaped extension(231) with the opening (233) placed on the screws(55) for the pu╧åose of moving the vibrators(III), in the upper front part of the shoes(IV,I ) in the opening (42) a immobile vibrator(III') is fastened whilst the second immobile vibrator is fastened in the same way in the opening(44) in the upper heel part(43).

6. The apparatus, according to claims 1 to 5, characterised by the fact that, the shoes(IV,IV) are fastened to the feet of the patient using cloth which is on both the front(40,50) and back parts(43,51) of the shoes(IV,IV) and are strapped on using velcro, also a heel holder is used to securely hold the foot of the patient.

7. The method of work of the apparatus for the application of vibration biomechanics, with the corresponding programme being entered into the PC computer(I), is characterised by the PC computer(I) generating signals (DO to D7) for the control of each vibrator(III,III') and these signals are transformed in the circuit(U9) into signals(Q0 to Q7/Q7) for the activating of the working circuit of the vibrators(III,IH') whose existing signals(Yl l to Y24), are divided into left and right groups and go to connectors(Kl,K2), and the computer (I) generates CTP signals which are transformed by the circuit(U9) into signals for achieving of vibrations of the vibrators (111,111') chosen through signals(D0 to D7) and the PC computer (I) generates INTL and SELECT signals of which the logical combination allows for the work of the programming unit (II), in other words without SELECT/INTL signals from the working circuit(U5) it is impossible to turn on vibrators(III,IH').