WO2022018631A1

WO2022018631A1 - Device for treating coronavirus-induced diseases via application of electric fields to the human body

Info

Publication number: WO2022018631A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/056542
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrea RIBA
Original assignee: Riba Andrea
Priority date: 2020-07-21
Filing date: 2021-07-20
Publication date: 2022-01-27
Also published as: IT202000017644A1

Abstract

A device (1) is described for treating Coronavirus-induced diseases via application of electric fields to the human body, said device comprising a microprocessor (3) configured for generating a pattern of waveforms at a constant current intensity, comprising:- a first train of substantially square waveforms at a first voltage value, wherein both the frequency of the waveforms, comprised between a first frequency value and a second frequency value, and their duty cycle, comprised between a first duty cycle value and a second duty cycle value, increase at discrete intervals over time;- a second train of substantially square waveforms at a second voltage value greater than said first voltage value, wherein said second train of waveforms comprises waveforms in a reversed time sequence compared with said first train of waveforms;- a third train of substantially square waveforms at a third voltage value greater than said second voltage value, wherein said third train of waveforms comprises waveforms whose frequency value increases at discrete intervals over time and is comprised between said first and second frequency values, and whose duty cycle increases at discrete intervals over time and is comprised between said first and second duty cycle values;wherein between said first and second trains of waveforms and between said second and third trains of waveforms said device is configured for generating no waveform for a predefined idle time period.

Description

DEVICE FOR TREATING CORONA VIRUS-INDUCED DISEASES VIA APPLICATION OF ELECTRIC FIELDS TO THE HUMAN BODY

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a device for treating Coronavirus-induced diseases via application of electric fields to the human body.

More specifically, the device according to the invention is particularly suitable for treating the Coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2, which has already caused hundreds of deaths and is still spreading worldwide, so much so that on March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization declared that the novel SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus infection outbreak can be considered as a global pandemic.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses known to cause diseases ranging from a common cold to more severe diseases, such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

They are positive-strand RNA viruses, with a crown-like shape when viewed through an electron microscope. The Orthocoronavirinae sub-family of the Coronaviridae family is classified into four genera of coronavirus (CoV): Alpha-, Beta-, Delta- and Gamma- coronavirus. The Betacoronavirus genus is further divided into five sub-genera (including Sarbecovirus).

Coronaviruses were identified in the mid ’60s and are known to infect humans and some animals (including birds and mammals). Its primary target cells are the epithelial cells of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.

Until now, seven Coronaviruses have proven to be able to infect humans:

- common human Coronaviruses: HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-HKUl (Betacoronavirus) and HCoV-229E and HCoV-NL63 (Alphacoronavirus); they can cause common colds, but also severe infections of the lower respiratory tract;

- other human Coronaviruses (Betacoronavirus): SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and 2019- nCoV (now called SARS-CoV-2).

The virus that is causing the current Coronavirus epidemic, never identified in humans before, has been named SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - Coronavirus - 2) by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV), which has been entrusted with designating and naming viruses (i.e. species, genus, family, etc.). The use of electromagnetic fields for treating virus-induced diseases is per se already known in the art. United States patent US 7,280,874 describes methods for determining resonant frequencies having therapeutic uses in a variety of settings, in particular for efficiently determining therapeutic resonant frequencies for complete genomes or partial genomic materials, for use in various media having different refractivities.

The article entitled “Efficient Structure Resonance Energy Transfer from Microwaves to Confined Acoustic Vibrations in Viruses” by Szu-Chi Yang et al., published on December 9, 2015 and available from https://www.nature.com/articles/srepl803Q.pdf holds that irradiating an influenza A virus with microwaves at different frequencies and power levels contributes to abating its viral effect.

The article entitled “Emerging novel Coronavirus: a review of three potential candidates that probably debilitate the proliferation of the virus” by Abir Chakravorty, published on https://osf.io/pagmf/, propose the use of audio frequencies, in particular the 171.160 Hz, 174.989 Hz and 1185.131 Hz frequencies, which, when diffused in public environments, should contribute to fighting SARS-CoV-2, also called Covid-19.

Lastly, Israeli company Novocure has stated that electric fields can treat tumor diseases, as described on the web page https://www.novocure.com/mechanism-of-action/. In this regard, see also the article entitled “Electric Fields Kill Tumors” published on August 8, 2007 and available from

However, none of the methods proposed in the literature can effectively treat the Coronavirus infection, and in particular the SARS-CoV-2 infection, whereas tests conducted by the Applicant with the device of the invention have led to particularly encouraging results.

It is therefore one object of the present invention to provide a device for treating Coronavirus-induced diseases via application of electric fields to the human body which can effectively reduce, and ultimately eliminate, the harmful effects of Coronavirus.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device for treating Coronavirus- induced diseases via application of electric fields to the human body which has no dangerous effects on the same.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a device for treating Coronavirus-induced diseases via application of electric fields to the human body which has a low cost.

In brief, the present invention concerns an easy-to-manufacture electronic device that comprises at least one electrode to be applied to the skin of a person affected by a Coronavirus-induced disease.

The electronic device comprises means for generating a particular pattern of waveforms adapted to generate an electric field that, as it propagates through the skin of the subject, fights the Coronavirus by destroying the cells responsible for the infection in his/her body.

This treatment is absolutely painless, because the electronic device emits waveforms at a voltage in the 8-10V range with a maximum current of 5 mA, which are definitely not annoying for the treated subject.

The waveforms applied to the subject follow a precise pattern comprising three different waveform cycles with two pauses in between.

The whole treatment lasts about 70 minutes and can be repeated several times: the subject will already feel better after the first treatment.

More in detail, the pattern of waveforms at a constant current intensity comprises:

- a first train of substantially square waveforms at a first voltage value, wherein both the frequency of the waveforms, comprised between a first frequency value and a second frequency value, and their duty cycle, comprised between a first duty cycle value and a second duty cycle value, increase at discrete intervals over time;

- a second train of substantially square waveforms at a second voltage value greater than said first voltage value, wherein said second train of waveforms comprises waveforms in a reversed time sequence compared with said first train of waveforms;

- a third train of substantially square waveforms at a third voltage value greater than said second voltage value, wherein said third train of waveforms comprises waveforms whose frequency value increases at discrete intervals over time and is comprised between said first and second frequency values, and whose duty cycle increases at discrete intervals over time and is comprised between said first and second duty cycle values; wherein between said first and second trains of waveforms and between said second and third trains of waveforms said device is configured for generating no waveform for a predefined idle time period.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the duration of the waveforms of said first train of waveforms increases at discrete intervals from a first time value to a second time value greater than the first time value, settles on a third time value greater than the second time value, and then decreases from a fourth time value, comprised between said second time value and said third time value, down to said first time value; and wherein the duration of the waveforms of said third train of waveforms is constant and takes a fifth time value greater than said third time value.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the first time value amounts to 10 seconds.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the second time value amounts to 30 seconds. In a further embodiment of the invention, the third time value amounts to 120 seconds.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the fourth time value amounts to 90 seconds.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the fifth time value amounts to 180 seconds.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the constant current intensity has a value of 5 mA.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the first voltage value amounts to 8 V.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the second voltage value amounts to 9 V.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the third voltage value amounts to 10 V.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the first and second frequency values amount to, respectively, 20 kHz and 42 kHz.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the first and second duty cycle values amount to, respectively, 10% and 80%.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the predefined idle time period has a value of 21 minutes.

Further advantageous features of the present invention will be set out in the appended claims.

Such further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of an embodiment thereof as shown in the annexed drawings, which are supplied merely by way of non-limiting example, wherein:

- Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a device for treating Coronavirus-induced diseases via application of electric fields to the human body according to the invention;

- Figure 2 shows a pattern of waveforms generated by the device of Figure 1.

With reference to Figure 1, the following will describe a device 1 for treating Coronavirus-induced diseases via application of electric fields to the human body.

The device 1 comprises a microprocessor 3, a power module 5 controlled by the microprocessor 3, a connection module 7 for connecting to means for applying an electric field 9, an interface module 11 and a power supply module 13.

The microprocessor 3 is configured for generating a pattern of waveforms that will be described below and is configured for programming the voltage and current values to be supplied to the power module 5.

The power module 5 is configured for regulating the voltage values of the waveform generated by the microprocessor 3, as well as its current intensity.

As will be clarified below, the voltage values of the waveform vary according to the position of the same within the pattern used for treating the subject affected by Coronavirus.

The waveform generated by the microprocessor 3 and regulated by the power module 5 is transmitted to means for applying an electric field 9 via a connection module 7.

The means for applying an electric field 9 comprise at least one electrode configured in such a way as to be easily applicable to the subject’s skin.

More preferably, the means for applying an electric field 9 comprise two electrodes adapted to be arranged in symmetric positions on the subject under treatment, e.g. the backs of both hands, right hand and left foot or vice versa.

The interface module 11 is adapted to allow the exchange of signals between the device 1 and an external device 15, e.g. a mobile phone, a tablet, a smartphone, etc., which comprises portions of software code, in particular intended for creating an app, which allow for remote programming of the microprocessor 3 and possibly updating its firmware.

The device 1 comprises a power supply module 13 adapted to supply power to all components of the device. Such power supply module 13 comprises a battery, in particular of the LiPo type, and optionally a port (not shown) in which a suitable cable can be plugged for recharging the device 1 when connected to a power outlet.

Lastly, the device 1 comprises a switch (not shown) for turning it on/off, the device being turned off automatically at the end of the treatment.

With reference to Figures 2, 3 and 4, there is shown a pattern of waveforms generated by the device 1 used for treating the subject affected by Coronavirus.

Such pattern comprises three phases of application of a respective train of substantially square waveforms, with two pauses in between, during which no waveform is applied to the subject.

A first application phase comprises a first train of waveforms at a first voltage value, preferably 8 V, wherein both the frequency of the waveforms that make up the first train of waveforms and the duty cycle of the waveform increase at discrete intervals over time. The frequency of the waveforms is comprised between a first and a second frequency value, e.g. between 20 kHz and 42 kHz, and their duty cycle varies between a first and a second duty cycle value, e.g. from 10 to 80%.

The duration of the waveforms initially increases at discrete intervals from a first time value, e.g. 10 s, to a second time value greater than the first time value, e.g. 30 s, then settles on a third time value greater than the second time value, e.g. 120 s, and then decreases at discrete intervals from a fourth time value comprised between said second time value and said third time value, e.g. 90 s, down to said first time value.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the parameters of the first train of waveforms, i.e. the voltage, frequency, duty cycle and duration values, are represented in a first table shown in Figure 2.

A second application phase comprises a second train of substantially square waveforms at a second voltage value greater than the first voltage value, preferably 9 V, wherein both the frequency of the waveforms that make up the first train of waveforms and the duty cycle of the waveform decrease at discrete intervals overtime. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the parameters of the second train of waveforms follow a reversed scheme compared with the parameters of the first train of waveforms.

For example, if the parameters of the last waveform of the first phase are 42 kHz, 80% Duty Cycle and 10 s duration, then the parameters of the first waveform of the second phase will be 42 kHz, 80% Duty Cycle and 10 s duration.

Likewise, if the parameters of the penultimate waveform of the first phase are 39 kHz, 70% Duty Cycle and 20 s duration, then the parameters of the second waveform of the second phase will be 39 kHz, 70% Duty Cycle and 20 s duration, and so forth.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the parameters of the second train of waveforms, i.e. the voltage, frequency, duty cycle and duration values, are represented in a second table shown in Figure 3.

A third phase comprises a third train of substantially square waveforms at a third voltage value greater than the second voltage value, preferably 10 V, wherein both the frequency of the waveforms that make up the third train of waveforms and the duty cycle of the waveform increase at discrete intervals overtime and are respectively comprised between the first and second frequency values and between the first and second duty cycle values. The duration of the waveforms of the third train of waveforms is longer than the duration of any waveform of the first and second trains of waveforms, e.g. 120 s.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the parameters of the third train of waveforms, i.e. the voltage, frequency, duty cycle and duration values, are represented in a third table shown in Figure 4.

During all three phases of application of waveforms, the intensity of the applied current is always the same, preferably 5 mA. Between the phases of the pattern, the device 1 generates no waveform for a predefined time period set by an internal timer of the device 1.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, such interval is 21 minutes.

The method for treating a subject affected by Coronavirus is as follows.

Means for applying an electric field 9 are applied on the body of the subject under treatment, in particular an electrode or, more preferably, two electrodes in symmetric body positions, e.g. the backs of both hands, right hand and left foot or vice versa.

The device 1 is turned on by means of the switch and, via the means for applying an electric field 9, transmits a pattern of waveforms as previously described, comprising a first train of waveforms, a second train of waveforms and a third train of waveforms, with respective pauses between the first train of waveforms and the second train of waveforms and between the second train of waveforms and the third train of waveforms, during which the device 1 supplies no waveform to the subject.

At the end of the treatment, the device will go off automatically.

The advantages of the device for treating Coronavirus-induced diseases are apparent in the light of the above description.

The device 1 is advantageously effective in reducing, and ultimately eliminating, the harmful effects of Coronavirus.

Advantageously, the device 1 has no dangerous effects on the human body, because it uses low-voltage and low-current electric fields.

Lastly, the device 1 advantageously has a low cost because it uses electric components that are readily available on the market.

The device for treating Coronavirus-induced diseases via application of electric fields to the human body described herein by way of example may be subject to many possible variations without departing from the novelty spirit of the inventive idea; it is also clear that in the practical implementation of the invention the illustrated details may have different shapes or be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.

It can therefore be easily understood that the present invention is not limited to a device for treating Coronavirus-induced diseases via application of electric fields to the human body as described herein by way of example, but may be subject to many modifications, improvements or replacements of equivalent parts and elements without however departing from the inventive idea, as clearly specified in the following claims.

Claims

1. Device (1) for treating Coronavirus-induced diseases via application of electric fields to the human body, said device comprising a microprocessor (3), a power module (5) controlled by said microprocessor (3), a connection module (7) for connecting to means for applying an electric field (9) to the skin of a subject to be treated, and a power supply module (13), wherein said microprocessor (3) is configured for generating a pattern of waveforms at a constant current intensity, comprising:

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the duration of the waveforms of said first train of waveforms increases at discrete intervals from a first time value to a second time value greater than the first time value, settles on a third time value greater than the second time value, and then decreases from a fourth time value, comprised between said second time value and said third time value, down to said first time value; and wherein the duration of the waveforms of said third train of waveforms is constant and takes a fifth time value greater than said third time value.

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein said first, second, third, fourth and fifth time values amount to, respectively, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 120 seconds, 90 seconds and 180 seconds.

4. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said constant current intensity has a value of 5 mA.

5. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said first, second and third voltage values amount to, respectively, 8 V, 9 V and 10 V.

6. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said first and second frequency values amount to, respectively, 20 kHz and 42 kHz.

7. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said first and second duty cycle values amount to, respectively, 10% and 80%.

8. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said predefined idle time period has a value of 21 minutes.

9. Pattern of waveforms at a constant current intensity generated by a device (1) for treating Coronavirus-induced diseases via application of electric fields to the human body, said pattern comprising:

10. Pattern of waveforms according to claim 9, wherein the duration of the waveforms of said first train of waveforms increases at discrete intervals from a first time value to a second time value greater than the first time value, settles on a third time value greater than the second time value, and then decreases from a fourth time value, comprised between said second time value and said third time value, down to said first time value; and wherein the duration of the waveforms of said third train of waveforms is constant and takes a fifth time value greater than said third time value.

11. Pattern of waveforms according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the voltage, frequency, duty cycle and duration values of the first, second and third trains of waveforms are represented in Figures 2, 3 and 4, respectively.