Locating Acupuncture Points Patents (Class 600/548)
  • Patent number: 10286212
    Abstract: Transcutaneous electrical and magnetic nerve stimulation devices are disclosed, along with methods of averting imminent medical attacks using energy that is delivered noninvasively by the devices. In particular, the devices and methods involve handheld devices designed to stimulate the vagus nerve of a patient with a signal sufficient to minimize or avert epileptic seizures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Electrocore, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce J. Simon, Joseph P. Errico, John T. Raffle
  • Patent number: 10213363
    Abstract: A sensing and monitoring system can use acupuncture needle-based electrodes for sensing signals from a person and/or delivering stimulation to the person. In various embodiments, the electrodes can include partially insulated acupuncture needles. In various embodiments, the electrodes can include partially insulated or non-insulated acupuncture needles and one or more electrodes incorporated into a needle stopper configured as a guiding tube for an acupuncture needle or integrated into an acupuncture needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Acumedical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiang Ding, Lei Chen, Jie Xia
  • Patent number: 9480836
    Abstract: Embodiments of medical treatment including skin treatment using electrical energy, especially with the primary purpose for skin treatment for aesthetics are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Jongju Na
  • Patent number: 9307935
    Abstract: Solutions for non-invasively monitoring blood metabolite levels of a patient are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes: repeatedly measuring a plurality of electromagnetic impedance readings with a sensor array from: an epidermis layer of a patient and one of a dermis layer or a subcutaneous layer of the patient, until a difference between the readings exceeds a threshold; calculating an impedance value representing the difference using an equivalent circuit model and individual adjustment factor data representative of a physiological characteristic of the patient; and determining a blood metabolite level of the patient from the impedance value and a blood metabolite level algorithm, the blood metabolite level algorithm including blood metabolite level data versus electromagnetic impedance data value correspondence of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: BioSensors, Inc.
    Inventors: Sarah E. Pluta, John W. Hewitt
  • Patent number: 9078801
    Abstract: An implantable electroacupuncture device (IEAD) treats an erectile dysfunction condition of a patient through application of stimulation pulses applied at a target tissue location underlying, or in the vicinity of, at least one of acupoints BL52, BL23 or GV4. The IEAD comprises an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless electroacupuncture device having at least two electrodes attached to an outside surface of its housing. The device generates stimulation pulses in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen. Power management circuitry within the device allows a primary battery, having a high internal impedance, to be used to power the device. The stimulation regimen generates stimulation pulses during a stimulation session of duration T3 minutes applied every T4 minutes. The duty cycle, or ratio T3/T4, is very low, no greater than 0.05. The low duty cycle and careful power management allow the IEAD to perform its intended function for several years.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Valencia Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Greiner, David K. L. Peterson, Chuladatta Thenuwara, Stacy O. Greiner
  • Publication number: 20140330158
    Abstract: A bioelectrical impedance measurement method is provided. A power signal and a frequency regulation signal for driving a measuring unit to perform bioelectrical impedance measurement are provided from a first sound channel output terminal and a second sound channel output terminal according to a measuring mode of a host device, and a signal measured and mixed is received by a microphone input terminal of the host device, and a bioelectrical impedance measurement result is analyzed and displayed by the host device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Shih-Jung Chang, Chao-Fa Lee
  • Patent number: 8825150
    Abstract: A bio-impedance measurement apparatus includes a flexible band member fastened around a body portion, two probe sets attached to the flexible band member, a measurement device, and a wireless device. One probe set includes a probe having a tip portion for piercing the skin of the body portion to be located adjacent to an acupuncture point. Another probe set, used as an electrical ground, includes a probe that contacts the reference skin. The measurement device is disposed on the flexible band member and electrically coupled to the two probe sets to provide an impulse current signal to the acupuncture point. The measurement device amplifies and measures the voltage response across the acupuncture points and the ground. The amplified signal is converted to a digital signal for Fourier transformation. The wireless device, coupled to the measurement device, transmits the acupuncture code and impedance information to a remote monitor station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Chung Hua University
    Inventor: Jium Ming Lin
  • Patent number: 8750956
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus, in several embodiments, for providing protection in workplaces in which workers can be exposed to diseases and other contaminations from skin abrasions or punctures by contaminated objects. In its primary application it provides such protection at skin surfaces of healthcare patients into which needle electrodes have been inserted and, under certain conditions, can emerge. This bio-hazard occurs most often during patient-positioning when patients are unconscious due to anesthesia or other reasons. Protection is supplied in the first embodiment by a puncture-resistant head-covering; in the second by a pad that covers and secures needle electrodes, and; in a third as a tissue-penetrating, less hazardous stick-on electrode. The latter two embodiments have pressure-sensitive-adhesive coatings for adhesion to a patient's skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventors: Edward Allen Riess, Carroll E. Weller
  • Patent number: 8682425
    Abstract: An electroacupuncture system for measuring and treating meridian energy balance in a patient. The system can include a pressure sensitive probe and return path contact, both of which are connected to an electrical potential source. The probe and contact are meant to be applied to a patient to diagnose and treat meridian energy imbalances. The system also includes a processing apparatus connected to the electrical potential source capable of interpreting the readings taken by the electrical potential source and probe and affecting operation of the system based on the readings. The processing apparatus may also use measurements to calculate an overall meridian energy balance number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Miridia Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian Larsen, Michael Walters
  • Patent number: 8682450
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for use with an implantable cardiac rhythm management (CRMD) system equipped to deliver neurostimulation to acupuncture sites within anterior regions of the neck, thorax or abdomen of the patient. Parameters associated with the health of the patient are detected, such as parameters indicative of arrhythmia, heart failure and hypertension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoyi Min, Stuart Rosenberg, Taraneh Ghaffari Farazi, Timothy A. Fayram
  • Patent number: 8626283
    Abstract: A method for providing tactile stimulation is applied in an electronic device. The electronic device includes a touch-sensitive screen and a tactile stimulation multilayer connected to the touch-sensitive screen. The tactile stimulation multilayer includes a number of electrodes. The method includes the steps of: providing a first user interface on the touch-sensitive screen for a user to select one body part for massage, and providing a second user interface for the user to select at least one acupuncture point of the selected body part; displaying a model of the selected body part and the selected acupuncture point thereof; according to the detected outline, adjusting a position of the selected acupuncture point to match the outline of the body part actually touching the screen; and energizing at least one electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shang-Qing Zhou
  • Publication number: 20130261493
    Abstract: A bio-probe assembly comprises a flexible substrate, a probe array, and an adhesive. The flexible substrate has a surface. The probe array has a plurality of probes, which is disposed on the surface of the flexible substrate. The adhesive is disposed on the surface of the flexible substrate as well. Each probe has a protrusion length in a range from 100 to 300 micrometers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: CHUNG HUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Jium Ming LIN
  • Patent number: 8417327
    Abstract: When a defibrillator selects a dosage of energy or current to be delivered to a patient, the defibrillator selects an excitation current frequency and applies the excitation current at the selected frequency to the patient. The frequency of the excitation current is selected as a function of the dosage to be delivered. The patient's response to the excitation current at the selected frequency will accurately reflect the impedance that the defibrillator will “see” when delivering the selected dosage of energy or current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Physio-Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred W. Chapman, Joseph L. Sullivan, Scott O. Schweizer
  • Patent number: 8380298
    Abstract: A magnetic acupuncture needle combining the treatments of magnetic therapy and acupuncture by affecting the natural magnetic bio-field of energy of the patient's body and attracting it to the target point of treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Tom Chi
  • Patent number: 8374690
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining data relevant to the state of health of an individual by measuring the signal spectra at various points on the individual's body. Illustratively, the measurements are at points on the individual's hand, implemented with a glove that includes numerous electrical point contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: ARI Licensing
    Inventor: Z. Ming Ma
  • Publication number: 20120316457
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an acupuncture meridian measurement system. The acupuncture meridian measurement system comprises: a signal generator configured to generate an alternating current excitation signal; an impedance measurer coupled to the signal generator and configured to measure a biological impedance between a fixed point to be measured and at least one selected point of an object; an acupuncture point determiner coupled to the impedance measurer and configured to locate an acupuncture point based on the measured biological impedance, wherein, the determined acupuncture point is a selected point, the biological impedance between which and the fixed point is less than a threshold. A technical problem solved by an embodiment of the present disclosure is to realize an accurate location of the acupuncture meridian. A use of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to locate acupuncture meridian and Yuan acupuncture points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: ANALOG DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Hao Meng, Charles Lee
  • Patent number: 8332027
    Abstract: An electroacupuncture system for measuring and treating meridian energy balance in a patient. The system also includes a processing apparatus connected to the electrical potential source capable of calculating an overall meridian energy balance number. The processing apparatus may be programmed to carry out a method for determining a meridian energy balance number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: Adrian Larsen
  • Publication number: 20120209137
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methods for using alternating current to assess acupuncture points. Embodiments of the system of the present invention include a first probe, a second probe, a power source, a control component, a signal generator, an indicator including a gauge and display, wherein the gauge is configured to identify a relationship between active resistance and reactive resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventor: Igor Raykhman
  • Publication number: 20120123291
    Abstract: A bio-impedance measurement apparatus includes a flexible band member fastened around a body portion, two probe sets attached to the flexible band member, a measurement device, and a wireless device. One probe set includes a probe having a tip portion for piercing the skin of the body portion to be located adjacent to an acupuncture point. Another probe set, used as an electrical ground, includes a probe that contacts the reference skin. The measurement device is disposed on the flexible band member and electrically coupled to the two probe sets to provide an impulse current signal to the acupuncture point. The measurement device amplifies and measures the voltage response across the acupuncture points and the ground. The amplified signal is converted to a digital signal for Fourier transformation. The wireless device, coupled to the measurement device, transmits the acupuncture code and impedance information to a remote monitor station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: Chung Hua University
    Inventor: Jium Ming Lin
  • Publication number: 20120041332
    Abstract: Devices and methods for measuring and monitoring electrical properties related to acupuncture points in real time. Devices include a plurality of electrodes; a regulated voltage supply adapted to provide a voltage to one or more of the plurality of electrodes; and an output device adapted to output information based on measurements taken from each of the plurality of electrodes in approximately real time, wherein the information is adapted for use in oriental medicine diagnosis or treatment. Methods include affixing electrodes to a plurality of acupuncture points; measuring the current or resistance at each of the electrodes under regulated voltage; and outputting the measurements in real time. Additional methods include approximately simultaneously measuring the current or resistance at a plurality of acupuncture points under regulated voltage; and outputting the measurements in real time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Georgiy Lifshits, Yosef Lifshits
  • Patent number: 8057783
    Abstract: Provided are a method of injecting a visualizing material into a point in the vicinity of the Jung-Wan and a method of visualizing arrival of liquid agent in order to verify that the visualizing material injected arrives at internal organs. A point having the lowest electric resistance is found in the vicinity of Jung-Wan of the subject by using an electro acupuncture point detector. The visualizing material is injected into the point by means of an injecting instrument and then verified at least one point of the pancreas and the threadlike structures on top of the surface of the pancreas. The visualizing material is an alcian blue solution or a nanoparticle-containing solution labeled with fluorescent organic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignees: Seoul National University Industry Foundation, Mobase Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwang Sup Soh, Cheon Joo Choi, Min Soo Kim, Baeck Kyoung Sung, Vyacheslav Ogay
  • Patent number: 7937139
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for determining treatment options from at least two electrical readings. The electrical readings are conductivity measurements of a particular region on the human body. The system utilizes a correlation algorithm to determine the diagnosis which can easily be correlated with appropriate treatments. The correlation algorithm may include the analysis of multiple electrical readings in determining the diagnosis. The system may also utilize a database of clinical data to further assist in determining the diagnosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: BioMeridian International, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas S. Horne, Phillip Dietz, Harold E. Swift, Valentine C. Krzyzaniak, Jacob L. Carter, Bruce R. Shelton
  • Publication number: 20110077675
    Abstract: A bio-medical unit includes a power harvesting module, a processing module, and a pain management functional module. The power harvesting module converts an electromagnetic signal into a supply voltage, wherein the bio-medical unit is operable within a host body. The processing module determines an acupuncture point of the host body and a treatment duration. The processing module then generates a control signal based on the acupuncture point and the treatment duration. The pain management functional module receives the control signal and actuates a needling of the acupuncture point in accordance with the control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: BROADCOM CORPORATION
    Inventor: AHMADREZA (REZA) ROFOUGARAN
  • Publication number: 20100298863
    Abstract: A method, system and device for electronic acupuncture and controls therefor, in which the device includes a main electronics unit having a display thereon and intelligence therein for providing one of diagnosis and/or treatment of a patient. A pressure sensitive search probe is operatively connected to the main unit. The search probe has a self-moistening probe tip adapted to apply pressure against the skin of a patient and to receive a current from the patient. The probe tip is subject to moisture control so that the probe tip has consistent moisture and the search probe is subject to pressure control so that the probe tip is applied with a constant pressure to a patient's skin. A grip probe is operatively connected via an electrical connector to the main unit. A patient grasps the grip probe and the search probe is applied to the patient's skin to complete an electrical circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: John R. Hindinger, Ramon Nunez
  • Patent number: 7818054
    Abstract: An acupuncture point position evaluating apparatus in which a current generated in a current generating section is applied to measurement points of skin of a subject through current application electrodes. The applied current and a voltage generated in the skin by the current application are measured in a measuring section. In a frequency analyzing section, the measured current and the measured voltage are provided with frequency analysis, and skin impedance Z(jf) in the respective measurement points is calculated. In a characteristics amount generating section, based on the frequency response of the skin impedance Z(jf) in the measurement points, frequency response K(f)=XZ(f)/RZ(f) as a ratio between real part RZ(f) and imaginary part XZ(f) of the skin impedance Z(jf) are calculated. In a determining section, based on the difference of the frequency response K(f), an acupuncture point position is determined from among the respective measurement points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takenori Fukumoto, Hisashi Akiyama
  • Publication number: 20100222697
    Abstract: An electroacupuncture system for measuring and treating meridian energy balance in a patient. The system also includes a processing apparatus connected to the electrical potential source capable of calculating an overall meridian energy balance number. The processing apparatus may be programmed to carry out a method for determining a meridian energy balance number.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: MIRIDIA TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: Adrian Larsen
  • Patent number: 7781486
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a sterile aqueous solution of a substance inhibiting the enzymatic decomposition of endogenous opioide neuropeptides, especially enkephalins, for producing a preparation provided for intravenous infusion, in order to intensify the action of punctual stimulation therapy carried out with an electrical current. One such substance is e.g. D-phenylalanine. In cases that are difficult to treat, pain can be effectively reduced or stopped by infusion of the preparation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventor: Josef Constantin Szeles
  • Patent number: 7676271
    Abstract: A process is described for non-invasively screening a patient to select a stimulation site for treatment of head, neck or facial pain and tension symptoms caused by disorders such as occipital neuralgia. The screening process involves application of a transcutaneous stimulation screening device, a percutaneous micro-electrode screening device, and a temporary implantable screening device to the patient to select a site for chronic implantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl D. Wahlstrand, Robert M. Skime
  • Patent number: 7664552
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a process for non-invasively screening a patient to select a stimulation site for treatment of head, neck or facial pain and tension symptoms caused by disorders such as occipital neuralgia. The screening process involves application of a transcutaneous stimulation screening device, a percutaneous micro-electrode screening device, and a temporary implantable screening device to the patient to select a site for chronic implantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl D. Wahlstrand, Robert M. Skime
  • Patent number: 7645968
    Abstract: A method is provided for securing a fluid meter to a fluid collection bag. The method includes the steps of providing a meter ha6 ving a housing defining a fluid receptacle and at least one drain opening, providing a collection bag defining a fluid reservoir and having at least one inlet opening and securing the meter to the bag using an RF welding device to allow fluid communication between the fluid receptacle and the fluid reservoir. In one embodiment, the housing includes a raised surface positioned about the at least one drain opening to which the collection bag is welded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventors: Lawrence Salvadori, Dennis Schreuer
  • Patent number: 7634315
    Abstract: An exemplary method includes implementing a nerve stimulation therapy that includes delivering stimulation energy to a target nerve, periodically acquiring compound action potentials responsive to the delivered stimulation energy and assessing condition of the target nerve based at least in part on the periodically acquired compound action potentials. Various other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Cholette
  • Patent number: 7613510
    Abstract: Biofeedback information is measured at a body part of a user. The information is communicated to a cellular telephone device and used to produce a display on a display screen of the cellular telephone device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventors: Razvan Rentea, Christopher J. P. Dawes
  • Publication number: 20090192406
    Abstract: An electroacupuncture system for measuring and treating meridian energy balance in a patient. The system can include a pressure sensitive probe and return path contact, both of which are connected to an electrical potential source. The probe and contact are meant to be applied to a patient to diagnose and treat meridian energy imbalances. The system also includes a processing apparatus connected to the electrical potential source capable of interpreting the readings taken by the electrical potential source and probe and affecting operation of the system based on the readings. The processing apparatus may also use measurements to calculate an overall meridian energy balance number.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: MIRIDIA TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: Adrian Larsen, Michael Walters
  • Patent number: 7542796
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for obtaining an electrical signal from a patient that corresponds to a meridian. The present method contemplates locating a dermal area of a patient proximate a meridian. One embodiment of the present invention comprises locating a dermal area by iteratively measuring and comparing the conductivity of a patient's skin until a significant level of conductance is indicated. A probe may then be placed in contact with the dermal area, and actuated to obtain an electrical signal therefrom. The probe tip may be specially designed to apply an appropriate amount of pressure to the dermal area to directly sense a meridian, and configured to avoid erroneous measurements resulting from misalignment of the probe or probe tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: BioMeridian International, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas S. Horne, Phillip Dietz, Harold E. Swift
  • Patent number: 7536220
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for obtaining an electrical signal from a patient that corresponds to a meridian. The present method contemplates locating a dermal area of a patient proximate a meridian. One embodiment of the present invention comprises locating a dermal area by iteratively measuring and comparing the conductivity of a patient's skin until a significant level of conductance is indicated. A probe may then be placed in contact with the dermal area, and actuated to obtain an electrical signal therefrom. The probe tip may be specially designed to apply an appropriate amount of pressure to the dermal area to directly sense a meridian, and configured to avoid erroneous measurements resulting from misalignment of the probe or probe tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: BioMeridian International, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas S. Horne, Phillip Dietz, Harold E. Swift
  • Patent number: 7403816
    Abstract: A method for analyzing skin response waveform information obtained by measuring skin impedance with a voltage of a predetermined frequency. A current value at the start of polarization caused by the application of the voltage is determined, followed by determining a current value after a predetermined amount of time from the start of the polarization. A current value after termination of the polarization (value NT) is then determined and the difference between the current value at the start of the polarization and after the predetermined amount of time from the start of the polarization (value A) is determined. The difference between the current value after the predetermined amount of time from the start of the polarization and the value NT (value B) is determined, followed by analyzing the skin response waveform information using the ratios A/B, B/A and the value NT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventor: Tamiko Ohkura
  • Patent number: 7231256
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a process for non-invasively screening a patient to select a stimulation site for treatment of head, neck or facial pain and tension symptoms caused by disorders such as occipital neuralgia. The screening process involves application of a transcutaneous stimulation screening device, a percutaneous micro-electrode screening device, and a temporary implantable screening device to the patient to select a site for chronic implantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl D. Wahlstrand, Robert M. Skime
  • Patent number: 7167752
    Abstract: An electronic acupressure aide and stimulating device implemented using a hand-held or palm-held electronic computing device or another computing device which may be a designated unit. The electronic acupressure aide and stimulating device allows a practitioner to apply a pulse sequence to a set of predetermined acu-points such as those related to acupressure, acupuncture, trigger points or Jin-Shin Jyutsu, to name a few. A displayed chart related to the acu-points identifies the health condition and the pulse sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventor: Catherine Lin-Hendel
  • Patent number: 7092752
    Abstract: A skin acupoint/meridian nitric oxide collection kit comprises a nitric oxide collecting solution; a collecting system comprising a guiding body having a collecting cavity and a skin window. When the nitric oxide collecting solution is received inside the collecting cavity of the guiding body and the collection kit is applied to the skin surface, the nitric oxide collecting solution is exposed to the skin surface through the skin window; an adhesive element made of adhesive material for attaching and positioning said guiding body on the skin surface such that said guiding body is provided on a predetermined position of the skin surface and the nitric oxide collecting solution is retained inside said collecting cavity on the predetermined position of the skin surface; means for injecting said nitric oxide collecting solution; and means for collecting said nitric oxide collecting solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Sheng-Xing Ma
  • Patent number: 6821255
    Abstract: A meridian point-probing device includes a pulse wave-detecting unit for detecting pulse waves, a stimulation unit having an end that stimulates a position of skin of a trial subject, a memory unit for storing pulse waveforms detected by the pulse wave-detecting unit before and after the stimulation of the position by the stimulation unit, and a meridian point determination unit for determining whether the stimulation position is a meridian point, according to the pulse waveforms stored in the memory unit. The position of the meridian point can be objectively determined with high reproducibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Amano
  • Publication number: 20040133121
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing response waveform information that are capable of being applied to uses such as a diagnosis on a body, and an apparatus for performing a diagnosis on a body are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Tamiko Ohkura
  • Patent number: 6735469
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining data for diagnosing the condition of a living body without harming living tissue using an ultrahigh frequency (UHF) signal includes a signal transmitter, a signal receiver, and a signal processor. Signal transmitter generates a UHF signal and radiates the UHF signal at a first of two acupuncture points of a living body. The signal receiver receives a UHF signal emitted from a second acupuncture point, detects and outputs the magnitude of the received UHF signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-min Lee, Wan-taek Han, Mickail Anatolievich Krevsky, Yury Ivanovich Kashurinov, Ekaterina Sergeevna Zinina, Eugebi Yurievich Marov, Aleksey Mikhailovich Ovechkin, Yury Alekzandrovich Tkachenko
  • Patent number: 6714814
    Abstract: Disclosed is a impedance measuring apparatus which is easy to use, and which is guaranteed to be free of incorrect measurement caused by some joints appearing in the current flowing passage intervening between two selected body parts and by the indefinite length between two selected body parts. The measuring apparatus of the present invention limits the place of the body under measurement to “one body region”, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Tanita Corporation
    Inventors: Yasushi Yamada, Yoshinori Fukuda, Katsumi Takehara, Maki Ishigooka, Tsutomu Miyoshi
  • Patent number: 6714813
    Abstract: Disclosed is an edema measuring method comprising the steps of: putting at least two pairs of electrodes on different locations selected in the body; making an alternating current to flow in the body via one pair of electrodes; measuring voltage appearing between the other pair of electrodes; calculating impedance on the basis of the supplied alternating current and the measured voltage; and calculating an index value representing the degree of edema on the basis of the impedance. Also, an apparatus using the method is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Tanita Corporation
    Inventors: Maki Ishigooka, Yoshinori Fukuda
  • Patent number: 6567540
    Abstract: System and method for organizing information relating to polymer probe array chips including oligonucleotide array chips. A database model is provided which organizes information relating to sample preparation, chip layout, application of samples to chips, scanning of chips, expression analysis of chip results, etc. The model is readily translatable into database languages such as SQL. The database model scales to permit mass processing of probe array chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Balaban, Arun Aggarwal
  • Publication number: 20030055357
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring an electrical property of human skin, the apparatus includes a first metallic electrode and an aluminum electrode. The aluminum electrode is made of an aluminum material. The first metallic electrode is made of another conductor such as copper, brass, silver chloride, etc. The apparatus and the electrodes provide improved reliability convenience when measuring skin properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Razvan Rentea
  • Patent number: 6450945
    Abstract: A method of treatment for infertility includes hypnotic suggestions of relaxation and feelings of being pregnant. Also included are acupressure applied to specific selected body sites, and application of a large area magnet to the body surface over the uterus. The acupressure may be applied by acupuncture needles, pressure applied by small blunt sticks, laser light, electro-stimulation, or small strong magnets. The method may be applied by a practitioner. In another embodiment of the invention, the materials are supplied in a kit form including audio and video recordings and implements for application of acupressure by the patient herself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Sherwin G. Mendell
  • Patent number: 6421560
    Abstract: A device for guiding spots for acupuncture including: a CPU controlling storage or output of data according to a control signal by a user; the 1st storage printing stored image data according to a control signal of the CPU; a character data producer printing character data according to a control of the CPU; a RGB data producer transforming data stored in the 1st storage unit to image data according to a control of the CPU; and a video signal transformation transforming output shape of output signal of the character data producer or RGB data producer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Tae Woo Yoo
  • Patent number: 6347238
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for detecting and recording a specific type of electric pulse induced in metal electrodes by the living tissue of humans, other animals or plants, and by certain organic and inorganic models of such living tissue. The purely passive system detects the electric energy produced by the living source as it interacts with the crystalline lattice of conductive metal electrodes to produce a train of oscillating pulses, the amplitude of whose envelope decays as a linear function of log-time. Specific aspects of these pulses can be used to study the state of the living, or non-living, source and to detect changes in this state over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventors: William C. Levengood, John L. Gedye
  • Patent number: 6306100
    Abstract: An intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring system includes an adaptive threshold detection circuit adapted for use in monitoring with a plurality of electrodes placed in muscles which are innervated by a selected nerve and muscles not innervated by the nerve. Nerve monitoring controller algorithms permit the rapid and reliable discrimination between non-repetitive electromyographic (EMG) events repetitive EMG events, thus allowing the surgeon to evaluate whether nerve fatigue is rendering the monitoring results less reliable and whether anesthesia is wearing off. The intraoperative monitoring system is designed as a “surgeon's monitor,” and does not require a neurophysiologist or technician to be in attendance during surgery. The advanced features of the intraoperative monitoring system will greatly assist neurophysiological research toward the general advancement of the field intraoperative EMG monitoring through post-surgical analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Richard L. Prass