110 results about "Stimulus current" patented technology

Apparatus is provided for treating a condition of a subject, including an electrode device, adapted to be coupled to an autonomic nerve of the subject, and a control unit. The control unit is adapted to drive the electrode device to apply to the nerve a stimulating current, which is capable of inducing action potentials in a therapeutic direction in a first set and a second set of nerve fibers of the nerve, and to drive the electrode device to apply to the nerve an inhibiting current, which is capable of inhibiting the induced action potentials traveling in the therapeutic direction in the second set of nerve fibers, the nerve fibers in the second set having generally larger diameters than the nerve fibers in the first set. Other embodiments are also described.

A method and associated stimulation device for ensuring firing of an action potential in an intended physiological target activated by a stimulus pulse generated by an electrode of a non-invasive surface based stimulation device irrespective of skin-to-electrode impedance by: (i) increasing internal impedance of the stimulation device so as to widen a Chronaxie time period thereby ensuring firing of the action potential of the intended physiological target irrespective of the skin-to-electrode impedance; and/or (ii) generating a stimulation waveform that optimizes a non-zero average current (e.g., non-zero slope of the envelope of the stimulation waveform) during preferably substantially the entire current decay of the stimulus pulse.

The present disclosure involves a method of setting stimulation parameters for neurostimulation. A plurality of stimulation parameters available for bracketing is displayed. The stimulation parameters are selected from the group consisting of: stimulation current amplitude, pulse width, frequency, and contact location. Thereafter, in response to an input from a user, at least a subset of the stimulation parameters is selected for bracketing. A respective initial value is then obtained for each of the stimulation parameters in the selected subset. Thereafter, a bracketing process is used to generate a plurality of bracketed values for each of the stimulation parameters in the selected subset. The bracketed values are generated as a function of the initial value. A plurality of stimulation pulses is then delivered to a patient through a neurostimulator that is automatically programmed with a different combination of the bracketed values for the stimulation parameters for each stimulation pulse.

A system and method for preserving temporal and spatial resolution in complex sounds for poor performing patients having high stimulation thresholds is described. The system and method employs two or more adjacent electrode contacts to deliver concurrent stimulation. This concurrent delivery of stimuli creates a high current field intensity that overlaps between individual current fields generated by the two or more adjacent electrodes and which individual fields are summed to create an overlapping field that has a higher current field intensity than a single current emanating from an individual electrode. The use of this method reduces or eliminates the need to increase either the stimulus current amplitude or to increase the pulse width, both of which may cause loss of system resolution, i.e., loss of fine structure information that is used to resolve complex sounds such as music.

A wearable device (100) for electric stimulation of a user's body, wherein the wearable device (100) is adapted to fit a portion of the user's body, the wearable device (100) comprising at least one electrode (104a-d) embedded in the wearable device (100) for transferring a stimulating current to the user's body; a connection point (106) being an intermediate connection between the at least one electrode (104a-d) and a control unit (110), the control unit (110) being adapted to generate the stimulating current; and means for detecting if a change in a physical relationship between the connection point (106) and the at least one electrode (104a-d) exceeds a predetermined threshold value, thereby enabling detection of misuse and tampering with the device (100). This ensures no harm is done to the user, for example, by placing the electrodes in such a way that a risk of stimulating the heart exists which may lead to a heart failure. Furthermore, tampering with the device can be detected, thereby enabling an anti-cheat functionality when the device is intended for use in a competitive computer game.

A method is provided for measuring D-Q impedance of a component of a polyphase power grid connected to a grid node, and evaluating the margin of stability at a node using Nyquist diagrams generated from the measured D-Q impedance data. A generator, coupled to the polyphase power grid, is controlled to induce suppressed-carrier stimulus current into the grid node. Circuitry measures response signals of suppressed-carrier form existing within a bus voltage at the grid node and a branch current of the component being measured. The method includes measuring complex voltage components of the response signals contained in the bus voltage and complex current components of the response signals contained in the branch current to form simultaneous equations that are resolved to determine the D-Q impedance parameters Zqq, Zqd, Zdq and Zdd of the measured component.

The protective relay for an induction motor includes a first program function which establishes a first thermal threshold value for a start condition of the motor, using a start condition thermal model. The thermal condition of the motor is determined by measuring the motor's thermal response to stimulus. A comparator compares the start condition thermal representation with the first thermal threshold value and monitors whether the first thermal threshold value is exceeded by the start condition thermal representation. A second thermal threshold value is established for a run condition of the motor, including a selected time constant which results in the time-current curves of the start and run conditions being substantially continuous. A representation of the thermal condition of the motor is then developed in response to stimulus current. A comparator then compares the run condition thermal representation with the second thermal threshold value.

A method for treating shoulder subluxation using an implantable device to stimulate the axillary nerve which in turn activates sensory fibers to relieve shoulder pain and activates deltoid muscle to treat disuse atrophy and possibly augment any weakened voluntary movements. Known stimulation devices are either (1) external requiring surface electrodes or (2) implantable located directly into the deltoid muscle allowing stimulation of the proximate motor-points; each requiring relatively large stimulus currents and neither directly dealing with the pain resulting from the shoulder subluxation. In the present invention, a device is implanted via injection or open surgery proximate to the axillary nerve. Advantageously, the nerve branches into portions that stimulate the deltoid muscle and pass sensory signals. By stimulating the axillary nerve (1) a lower stimulus signal level can be used and (2) pain may be blocked while treating the atrophied deltoid muscle and augmenting weakened voluntary movements.

The desensitizing device contains an electrical stimulation member optionally configured on a support member. The electrical stimulation member contains a control circuit, at least two electrodes, and an electricity supply element. The electricity supply element provides electricity to the control circuit, and the control circuit generates a stimulating current to the electrodes. By configuring a male genital with the support member so that the electrodes are in contact with the penis skin, the stimulating current produced by the control circuit is conducted to the electrodes and provides a low-strength subcutaneous nerve stimulation through the penis skin. The subcutaneous nerve is as such temporarily numbed and desensitized.

The invention relates to a multi-channel thermal stimulus current measuring device used for dielectric substances, and belongs to the technical field of insulation material performance testing. The multi-channel thermal stimulus current measuring device comprises a vacuum thermal insulation barrel and a measuring cavity body, wherein the measuring cavity body is placed in the vacuum thermal insulation barrel, and liquid nitrogen is filled between the measuring cavity body and the vacuum cavity body. A top cover is arranged on the measuring cavity body; a supporting column, a vacuumizing valve and a vacuum plug are arranged on the top cover; a cable guide core is arranged in the supporting column; a fixed column in the measuring cavity body is fixed to the top cover; an upper partition plate, a lower partition plate, an upper fixed plate and a lower fixed plate are fixed relative to the fixed column; a conductive column is fixed relative to the upper partition plate and the lower partition plate, and is communicated with the cable guide core; a round conducting plate is fixed to the upper fixed plate, and is communicated with the conductive column; after being installed axially, an upper electrode supporting column, an upper electrode, a lower electrode and a lower electrode supporting column are fixed between the upper fixed plate and the lower fixed plate. The multi-channel thermal stimulus current measuring device used for the dielectric substances greatly shortens measuring time required by the same sample number, the average liquid nitrogen consumption of samples is greatly reduced, testing efficiency is obviously improved and measuring cost is obviously reduced.

A method for in situ monitoring of a membrane of a membrane separation system comprises measuring a complex impedance of the membrane at a plurality of frequencies to provide an indication of the electrical conduction and electrical polarization properties of the membrane. The membrane based separation system for removing or reducing the concentration of materials carried in a fluid including a separation membrane has a first pair of electrodes separated by the membrane and arranged for measurement of the complex impedance of the membrane at a plurality of frequencies to provide the indication of the membrane properties. There may also be a second pair of electrodes separated by the membrane for injecting the stimulus current such that the injecting and monitoring functions are separated.

The invention discloses a solid-liquid universal type thermal stimulus current measuring device. The device comprises a vacuum insulation barrel, fixed pillars, a lower electrode, an insulation sleeve, an upper electrode, a glass ring, an upper partition board, a lower partition board and a spring, wherein a measurement cavity is formed in the vacuum insulation barrel, a top cover is arranged on the top of the measurement cavity to seal the measurement cavity, a heater is arranged on the measurement cavity, a nitrogen inlet is formed in the measurement cavity, an exhaust port is formed in the top cover, and a cooling medium is arranged between the measurement cavity and the vacuum insulation barrel; the upper end of the fixed pillar is connected with the top cover, the lower electrode is connected with the fixed pillars, and the lower electrode is provided with a groove and a temperature sensor; a metal conductive core penetrates through the insulation sleeve, the upper electrode is connected with the metal conductive core and opposite to the lower electrode in the vertical direction, and the glass ring is placed in the groove and can be taken out; the upper partition board and the lower partition board are arranged in a vertically alternating mode and located above the upper electrode, and the spring is arranged on the outer side of the metal conductive core in a sleeving mode and located between the upper electrode and the lower partition board. The device can be used for measurement of both solid dielectric and liquid dielectric.

An electronic weapon may be used with a unit for deployment to cause skeletal muscle contractions in a human or animal target. The unit for deployment when electrically coupled to the electronic weapon, may include at least two electrodes, an indicator, and a propellant for deploying the electrodes to enable delivery, through the target, of a stimulus current to incapacitate the target by causing contractions of the skeletal muscles of the target. The indicator indicates, to the electronic weapon, indicia of a first property of the unit for deployment prior to operating the propellant, and indicia of a second property of the unit for deployment after operating the propellant. Another unit for deployment includes at least two electrodes, an indicator, and a stimulus signal generator, coupled to the electrodes to enable delivery, through the target, of a stimulus current to incapacitate the target by causing contractions of the skeletal muscles of the target. The indicator indicates, to the electronic weapon, indicia of a first property of the unit for deployment prior to operating the stimulus signal generator, and indicia of a second property of the unit for deployment after operating the stimulus signal generator.

The invention aims at disclosing an electromyogram evoked potential instrument, which comprises a main controller, a signal processor and an auxiliary controller, wherein the main controller is used for performing various kinds of signal stimulus on the human body; the signal processor is used for collecting, amplifying and filtering on the human body signals; the main controller and the auxiliary controller are connected and perform data interaction; the signal processor is connected with the main controller; the main controller is also connected with a stimulus device and an isolation power supply; the stimulus device is used for regulating the stimulus current intensity, sound intensity and flash intensity through phase change of two groups of pulse signals and supplying the electricity for equipment; and the auxiliary controller is connected with an operator convenient for operating the equipment. Compared with the prior art, the electromyogram evoked potential instrument has the advantages that the electromyogram and the evoked potential are integrated; the industrial integration professional design is used; the dropping-resistant vibration-resistant and temperature-difference-tolerance degrees are high; the anti-electromagnetic interference capability is high; the fault rate is low; the stability is high; the safety is high; the service life is long; and the goal of the invention is achieved.

A device for the application of a transcutaneous electric stimulation stimulus onto the surface of a section of the human ear, includes at least two electrodes and a control device designed for input of a stimulation current via the electrodes. The stimulation device includes: a storage element that stores an allowed range of values for a contact resistance, which contact resistance is given between the at least two electrodes when the device is operated according to the intended use; a measuring device for measuring the contact resistance which is given between the at least two electrodes; a unit for changing the range of values for the contact resistance which range of values is stored in the storage element. The unit can change the stored range of values when a contact resistance measured by the measuring device lies outside of the stored allowed range of values.

The invention discloses a wearable medium-low-frequency rehabilitation therapeutic apparatus. The wearable medium-low-frequency rehabilitation therapeutic apparatus comprises a main control unit, a stimulated current amplifying unit, an internal storage, a solid-state magnetic conductor and a communication device; the rehabilitation therapeutic apparatus has wearable and medium-low-frequency current output therapy functions; and the scheme of current output can realize functions of inputting, editing, adjusting and the like through communication connection of the communication device. When therehabilitation therapeutic apparatus works through an external electrode plate, the resistance of a loop can be monitored, and the resistance value of the loop is too large once the electrode plate is dropped from a human body, and the main control unit instantly breaks off or stops output of current, so that the safety is ensured. The wearable medium-low-frequency rehabilitation therapeutic apparatus disclosed by the invention has the advantages of being compact in structure, small in size, light in weight, convenient in operation, low in cost, safe and reliable.