US3219029A - Remote control medical therapy instrument - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 23, 1965 J RICHARDS T 3,219,029

REMOTE CONTROL MEDICAL THERAPY INSTRUMENT Filed March 25, 1963 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS JOSEPH M. RICHARDS MARK E. De GEOFF MZMJMW A T TORNE Y Nov. 23, 1965 J. M. RICHARDS ETAL 3,219,029

REMOTE CONTROL MEDICAL THERAPY INSTRUMENT 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 25, 1963 INVENTORS JOSEPH M. RICHARDS MARK E. DQGRUFF ATTORNEY Nov. 23, 1965 J. M. RICHARDS ETAL 3,219,029

REMOTE CONTROL MEDICAL THERAPY INSTRUMENT 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed March 25, 1963 1% mumaom PZmmmDU FUNK-Q WQ NQ s 06 6 04 Q QMZEEOU 9 vv a l vm wk uwmokubmzou um kfiub u INVENTORS JOSEPH M. RICHARDS BYMARK E. DGGROFF ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,219,029 REMOTE CONTROL MEDICAL THERAPY INSTRUMENT Joseph M. Richards, Tulsa, and Mark E. De Grad, 3601 E. Admiral Place, Tulsa, 0kla.; said Richards assignor to said De Groif Filed Mar. 25, 1963, Ser. No. 267,574 7 Claims. (Cl. 128-245) This invention relates to improvements in medical therapy apparatus and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a device for simultaneously transmitting a plurality of electrically signals of various frequencies and voltages, and particularly designed and constructed for remote control of one or more of these signals, either simultaneously or independently.

In recent years medical science has found the utilization of simultaneous and synchronized electrical and mechanical stimulation to be of benefit to therapeutic treatments. A simultaneous synchronized electrical and mechanical or ultra-sound stimulation may be provided to a patients tissues and muscles through a single instrument or by the use of an apparatus, such as disclosed in the Mark E. DeGrotf, Patent No. 2,830,578, issued April 15, 1958 and entitled Electro-Sonic Apparatus. This electro-sonic apparatus comprises a low voltage generator co-ordinated with an ultra-sonic generator whereby an electrode pad member, operably coupled to the low voltage generator, and a sound head applicator device, operably coupled to the ultra-sound generator, provide a combined electrotherapy and ultra-sonic therapy for simultaneous use to produce a superimposed synergistic action in patient treatment. This type of therapeutic treatment has proven successful and normally utilizes one or more pads which may be disposed on predetermined portions of a patients body and a movable probe or applicator which may be directed to various other portions of the body for muscle stimulation or treatment of the body tissues. The amplitude of the electrical stimulation is controlled by a variable resistor located in the main housing of the apparatus and as a practical matter, during utilization of the apparatus it has been found that the operator of the device must often divide his attention between the patient and the instrument housing controls therefor to attain the desired variations for the muscle or tissue stimulation. For example, When it is desired to adjust the current frequencies of the impulses or signals being transmitted to or from the sound head the appropriate controls on the instrument housing must be manipulated by the operator of the device, and since the control housing is usually remotely disposed with respect to the portable and movable sound head applicator a certain amount of inconvenience is encountered.

The present invention contemplates a sound head applicator particularly designed and constructed for remote control of the output voltage with respect to the instrument housing at the same time that the probe or applicator is moved over the body whereby the operator of the instrument may more effectively and efficiently treat the patient without dividing his attention between the patient and the instrument. A relatively simple cable means, such as normally utilized for transmitting only ultra-sonic signals, has been designed and developed for conducting A.C. current, D.C. current and ultra-sonic signals or frequencies, either independently or simultaneously to the sound head applicator. The complete unit or medical therapy apparatus generally comprises an ultra-sonic oscillator, a low voltage oscillator, and a direct current source, similar to that set forth in the aforementioned DeGroif Patent No. 2,830,578. The output from the ultra-sound oscillator is connected to a transducer provided in the sound head applicator through a novel three ICC conductor cable similar to that known as a triaxial cable. The intensity of this voltage is preferably adjusted by means of a control device provided within the ultra-sound oscillator of the unit, and this particular signal is preferably not remotely controlled. However, since it is frequently desirable to simultaneously apply low voltage A.C. electrical current or signals to the patient under treatment in combination with the ultra-sound as hereinbefore set forth, means have been provided on the sound head applicator itself for controlling this low voltage from a position remote with respect to the unit or medical therapy apparatus. Of course, means are also provided on the unit itself for controlling this low voltage in the event such is desirable. A D.C. electrical current may be simultaneously applied to the transducer of the sound head applicator and the amplitude of the combined signal is controllable by the remote control means provided on the sound head applicator. Either direct current or low voltage A.C. current or a combination of both may be independently employed through the ultra-sound head applicator by reducing the ultra-sound output to zero by means of the ultra-sound intensity control or by turning the ultra-sound generator off.

The remote control feature of the sound head applicator greatly facilities the utilization thereof in patient treatment in that the operator of the device may direct his attention to the patient and control the stimulus during the therapeutic treatment in a manner substantially precluding distraction from the treatment process. In addition, the improved triaxial cable greatly improves the overall operating efiiciency of the sound head applicator.

It is an important object of the invention to provide a novel medical therapy apparatus for producing a superimposed synergistic action of combined ultra-sonic and electrotherapy wherein the stimulation produced for patient treatment may be regulated by remote control as the movable probe is moved over the body of a patient.

It is another object of this invention to transmit through a single electrode both a low voltage current and an ultrasonic frequency for improved therapeutic treatment wherein the voltage may be regulated by remote control for facilitating the operation thereof and increasing the efficiency of the operator of the apparatus during the treatment period.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a novel sound head applicator operably connected for receiving ultra-sonic voltage and both A.C. and D.C. voltage through a single triaxial cable.

And still another object of this invention is to provide a novel triaxial cable particularly designed and constructed for improving the operating qualities thereof.

A further object of this invention is to provide a novel triaxial cable for transmitting ultra-sonic signals and both A.C. and D.C. signals or electrical current either independently or simultaneously.

Other and further objects and advantageous features of the present invention will hereinafter more fully appear in connection with a detailed description of the drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a sectional elevational view of a sound head applicator embodying the invention.

FIGURE 2 is a broken perspective view of a triaxial cable embodying the invention.

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the sound head applicator shown in an operating position in the hand of an operator.

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of an electrode pad, such as may be used in conjunction with the invention.

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a portion of a medical therapy apparatus for producing combined ultrasonic and electrotherapy patient treatment.

FIGURE 6 is a schematic circuit drawing of the electrical portions of the invention.

Referring to the drawings in detail,reference character 10 generally indicates a sound head applicator operably connected by a suitabletriaxial cable 12 to a combined low voltage generator and ultra-sonicradio frequency apparatus 14 of any suitable type and preferably of the general type disclosed in the aforementioned DeGroff Patent No. 2,830,578. The unit orapparatus 14 preferably comprises a suitable outer housing orchassis portion 16 for encasing the electrical components for the entire unit and is adapted for connection to any alternating current line with voltage preferably ranging from one hundred ten to one hundred twenty-five volts, and with a frequency between fifty and sixty cycles. Thetriaxial cable 12 is operably connected with the electrical portions of the apparatus orunit 14 in any suitable manner such as a plug and removable jack connection (not shown) whereby thesound head applicator 10 may be utilized for medical therapy treatments. Asuitable electrode pad 18 may also be used in conjunction with thesound head applicator 10 and is operably connected to the electrical portions of theunit 14 in a manner as will be hereinafter set forth.

Thetriaxial cable 12 may be of any suitable or well known type, but the type depicted herein is of a unique construction to provide improved shielding with respect to more conventional types of triaxial cables. It is to be understood that substantially any triaxial type cable may be utilized but that set forth herein has been found to be exceedingly efiicient. As shown in FIGURES l and 2, a central lead orconductor 20 extends longitudinally through asuitable sleeve 22 which may be constructed of polyethylene, or the like. Asecond conductor portion 24 preferably comprising woven or braided strands of copper wires, or the like, encases thesleeve 22 and provide shielding for theconductor 20. In the usual triaxial cable of this type it has been found that the woven nature of this second conductor 24- contains many voids and as a result the shielding qualities are not sufficient for the purpose of the present invention. Thus, a second shielding sleeve 26 generally similar to theconductor 24 is provided for thecable 12 and encases theconductor 24. It has been found that this additional layer 26 increases the shielding qualities to provide a more efficient function for thecable 12. The second shielding portion 26 may be encased in a sleeve or covering ofsuitable material 28, such as polyethylene and athird conductor portion 30 of a similar woven type construction to that of theconductor 24 and shield 26 surrounds thesleeve 28, thus providing for conducting of three voltages through thesingle cable 12. Of course, thethird conductor 30 is covered by a suitable insulating material or sleeve 32 which may be rubber, or the like, as is well known. It has been found that a triaxial cable of this novel construction may be utilized for transmiting the ultra-sound signals in addition to DC. and A.C. current, either independently or simultaneously, whereas hereinbefore this type of cable has been utilized for transmitting only the ultra-sound signal.

Thesound head applicator 10 may be of any suitable type adaptable for manipulation by a human hand for movement over the body of a patient to be treated and as shown herein comprises an outer housing 34 providing a gripping or handle portion for the device. The housing 34 is constructed from a suitable shielding material, such as aluminum, and is coated with a suitable non-conductive material, such as rubber, or the like, but not limited thereto. Thecable 12 extends substantially throughout the length of the housing 34-, as clearly shown in FIGURE 1 and for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth. Acap member 36 may be readily secured at 38 to one end of the housing 34 for receiving thecable 12 therethrough and facilitating retention of thetriaxial cable 12 within the housing portion 34. A head member orapplicator portion 40 may be threadily secured at 42 to the opposite end of the housing 34 and is suitably constructed for retaining a transducer orcrystal member 44 therein. Asealing ring 46 may be interposed between the housing 34 and an inwardly directed shoulder 48 provided in thehead portion 40 to provide a seal therebetween.

Aplate member 50 is disposed in an annular groove 52 provided in the housing 34 in the proximity of thehead member 40 and is retained therein in any suitable manner, such as alock washer 54, or the like. A centrally disposedscrew 56 extends through theplate 50 for retaining acup member 58 thereon which extends in a direction toward thecrystal 44. A suitablehelical spring 60 is disposed within the cup and around astem member 62 provided on anelectrode member 64. The pressure of thespring 60 acting against theelectrode 64 constantly urges the electrode in a direction toward thecrystal 44 and maintains continual contact therebetween.

Theinnermost conductor 20 of thecable 12 is connected to thescrew 56 in the usual manner whereby the ultra-sound frequency is transmitted to theelectrode 64 through thespring 60. Theelectrode 64 being disposed adjacent thecrystal member 44 transmits radio frequency energy to the crystal whereupon the crystal is resonated or vibrates at its natural frequency. In the present instance, thecrystal 44 is preferably polished or ground in such a manner that it will vibrate only at a frequency of one megacycle per second.

Aremote control rheostat 66 is suitably mounted on the housing 34 and is provided with the usual knob member 68 for manual control or regulation thereof. Therheostat 66 is electrically connected with aconductor 30 and is also operably connected with acapacitor 72. The conductor or shield 26 is electrically connected to a suitable ground or lug member 76, or the like, and therheostat 66 andcapacitor 72 are similarly electrically connected to the ground or lug 76. Thus, when thesound head applicator 10 is manually grasped, as shown in FIGURE 3, the thumb or other fingers may be utilized for rotating the knob 68 in the desired direction for varying the output of the electrical current passing through or carried by thecable 12.

Referring to FIGURE 6, a general schematic circuit is shown wherein the ultra-sound oscillator portion of theunit 14 is indicated generally by theblock 78, the low voltage oscillator as indicated by the block and the direct current source as indicated by theblock 82. As hereinbefore set forth, thetriaxial cable 12, comprisingconductors 20, 24-26, and 30 may be plugged into theunit 14 by any suitable connection means such as a plug and movable jack (not shown) and theconductor 20 transmits ultra-sonic frequency to the transducer orcrystal member 44 through theelectrode member 64. The conductor 24-26 is electrically connected with the movable probe orapplicator 10 or the ground lug 76 through a lead 84, and therheostat 66 andcapacitor 72 are electrically connected between the conductors 24-26 and 30, as clearly shown in FIGURE 6. In addition, a second capacitor 86 is connected between the conductors 24-26 and 30 and to the ultra-sound oscillator 76. Thecapacitors 72 and 86 are provided to bypass any induced ultrasound voltage inconductor 30 to the grounded conductor 24-26.

Thelow voltage oscillator 80 is electrically connected with asuitable gang switch 88A-88B, preferably of a three position type wherein one position is 01f, a second position is on, and a third position connects direct current only with therheostat 66, as will be hereinafter set forth. Aresistor 90 is provided in the circuit to prevent overload and consequent stopping of the low voltage oscillator 86. The switch 88A88B is electrically connected to theconductor 30 through a lead 92 whereby in the off position no electric current from either thelow voltage oscillator 80 or the DC.source 82 is passed to therheostat 66; and in the on position of the switch, both the DC.source 82 and the low voltage oscillator orA.C. source 80 are electrically connected with therheostat 66; and in the third position of the switch only the DC.source 82 is connected with therheostat 66. Aresistor 93 andcapacitors 94 and 95 are included in the circuit and thecapacitors 94 and 95 are provided to prevent partial short-circuiting of the DC. by theresistors 90 and 93.

Thepad 18 is in electrical connection with therheostat 66 through theswitch 88A, and ameter 96 and switch 97 are interposed between thepad 18 and theswitch 88A. Themeter 96 is connected in series with thepad 18 and provides a means for measuring either the low voltage A.C. current or the direct current provided from the DC. source. Theswitch 97 is included for selection of the proper mode of operation of themeter 96 and is preferably of a three position type wherein one position selects only A.C. or low voltage current, a second position selects only direct current, and a third position selects combined A.C. and DC. current. Of course, a second pad 18A may also be included if desired, and is preferably directly connected with thelow voltage oscillator 80 through alead 98.

The directcurrent source 82 is connected with theswitch 88A through alead 100, and aninductor 102 andcapacitor 104 are interposed therebetween, as clearly shown in FIGURE 6. In addition, a directcurrent control 106 and an on-01f switch 108 are provided for the direct current circuit. Theinductor 102 prevents partial short-circuiting of the low voltage signal by the directcurrent control 106 and thecapacitor 104 is included to eliminate low voltage A.C. or ultra-sound voltage from being fed back into the DC.source 82. The DC. to A.C. ratio of the simultaneously applied electrical signal is adjusted by means of the directcurrent control 106. The amplitude of the combined signal is controllable by theremote control rheostat 66. It is to be noted that the directcurrent source 82,low voltage oscillator 80, andultra-sound oscillator 78 are electrically connected to acommon lead 110.

Operation In using electrotherapy and ultra-sonic therapy simultaneously to produce a superimposed synergistic action in patient treatment it is usually preferable to use only one of the pad members such as 18 and thesound head applicator 10. The sound head and pad 18A are electrically grounded at a common ground in theunit 14, as set forth in the previously mentioned De Groflf Patent No. 2,830,578, thereby combining the low voltage current and ultra-sonic radio frequency through a single electrode to produce a combined action for the electrical therapy treatment.

Means for controlling the low voltage is usually provided in the instrument orapparatus 14 itself, but as a practical matter, it is found to be more convenient and eificient to control this low voltage remotely in the vicinity of the transducer orcrystal 44 through use of therheostat 66, which is provided in the head orprobe member 10 for this remote control. To achieve this remote control operation theswitch 88A-88B is positioned in the on position. It will thus be seen that the low voltage signal is applied between thepad 18 and the transducer orcrystal 44. As hereinbefore set forth, theresistor 90 is provided in the circuit to prevent overload and consequent stopping of the low voltage oscillator.

When the control knob 68 of theremote control rheostat 66 is rotated in one direction to the maximum counter clockwise position therefor, the resistance of therheostat 66 is essentially zero and thus the voltage appearing between thetransducer 44 and thepad 18 will be at a minimum. Conversely, when the remote control knob 68 of therheostat 66 is rotated in an opposite direction to the maximum clockwise position therefor the resistance of therheostat 66 is at a maximum and most of the low voltage oscillator signal appears across thesound head 10 6 and thepad 18. Thecapacitors 72 and 86 are included to bypass any induced ultra-sound voltage in theconductor 30 to the grounded conductor 24-26.

Thepad 18 and the sound head applicator or probe 10 are both movable, and may be manually adjusted or moved on the skin or area of the patient to be treated as desired for the most effective treatment. The nerve controlling the painful area is often remotely located with respect to the actual pain. Thus, theelectrode pad 18 may be disposed on the skin adjacent the remote nerve area and retained thereon in any suitable manner while the sound head orapplicator 10 is moved along the surface of the skin of the proximity of the actual painful area, readily stimulating both the controlling nerve area and the painful area. For example, an arm muscle, or the like, may be treated by placing thepad 18 against one portion, such as the under portion of the arm, and theprobe 10 may be movable adjacent the opposed portion, or upper surface of the arm, in this manner the electrical stimulation from thepad 18 and the sound head orprobe 10 and the sound waves emitting from thesound head 10 co-act for producing mechanical stimulation in the tissue cells of the arm muscle in a synchronized manner with the electrical stimulation of the muscle, thereby providing a patient treatment result not possible with either type of stimulation form taken singly. Of course, it is to be noted that when desired thesound head applicator 10 may be utilized independently for ultra-sonic treatment and similarly theelectrode pads 18 and 18A may be utilized independently to provide electrical stimulation.

As hereinbefore set forth, theelectrode 64 is disposed adjacent thecrystal 44 and transmits radio waves to the crystal whereupon the crystal is resonated or vibrates at its natural frequency. The vibratory motion of thecrystal 44 produces ultra-sonic Waves which are mechanical energy. The ultra-sonic Waves or vibrations emitted from thecrystal 44 produce mechanical compressions and rarifications which are much the same as those produced by the vibrating strings of the violin or a piano. As has been determined by many medical associations, the energy produced for ultra-sound therapy is the tremendous number of vibrations of the crystal per second, which produce vibrations of an ultra-sonic nature so close together that they produce a disturbance of cell size in the tissues of the patient being treated. This cell size disturbance is often called cell massage or micro-massage. The mechanical effect of the ultra-sonic vibrations on the cell molecules of the human or animal tissues causes an agitation of the molecules, which has proven to be very beneficial in the therapeutic treatment of patients.

When theswitch 88A-88B is moved to the off position, thecontrol resistor 93 may then be used to adjust the low voltage signal as applied between thesound head 10 and thepad 18. It will be apparent from the schematic showing in FIGURE 6, that with theswitch 88A- 8813 in the off position it will not be necessary to use thesound head 10 for the application of low voltage alone, but both of thepads 18 and 18A may be used. For the application of ultra-sound alone, neitherpad 18 or 18A is used.

A direct current may be simultaneously applied through thesound head 10 andpad 18 when theswitch 88A- 88B and theswitch 108 are both in the on position. As hereinbefore set forth, thecapacitors 94 and 95 prevent partial short-circuiting of the DC. by therheostat 66 and resistors and 93. In addition, theinductor 102 prevents partial short-circuiting of the low voltage signal by the directcurrent control 106. Thecapacitor 104 is provided to eliminate low voltage A.C. or ultra-sound voltage from being fed back into the DC.source 82. The DC. to A.C. ratio of this simultaneously applied signal is adjusted by means of the directcurrent control 106. The amplitude of the combined signal is controllable by theremote control rheostat 66, as hereinbefore set forth.

Direct current only may be employed by reducing the ultra-sound output to zero. In order to do this theultra sound oscillator 78 may be turned off at theunit 14 in the usual manner (not shown) or the output control for the ultra-sound oscillator may be used for reducing the ultra-sound output to zero. With the ultra-sound output at zero and theswitch 88A-88B moved to the straight D.C. position, the D.C. is applied directly to theprobe 10. With the switch SSA-88B in this straight D.C. position the applied D.C. is remotely controllable at the second head by means of theremote control rheostat 66. In addition, of course, the D.C. may be controlled internally by means of thecontrol resistor 106. This D.C. signal is applied to the patient by means of thesound head 10" andpad 18 in a manner similar to that hereinbefore set forth. With the switch 83A-88B in the off position, the direct current is applied through thepads 18 and 18A and may be controlled by thecontrol resistor 106.

As hereinbefore set forth, themeter 96 is included in series with thepad 18 to provide a means for measuring either the low voltage A.C. sensitivity or the D.C. provided from the directcurrent source 82. Theswitch 97 is included for selection of the proper mode of operation of the meter, whether AC. or D.C., and when the combined low voltage AC. and direct current are used, theswitch 97 is positioned in the combined AC. and D.C. position whereby themeter 96 is switched out of the circuit to eliminate erroneous readings on the meter.

By way of summary, theprobe 16 may be utilized in conjunction with thepad 18 to provide a simultaneous and synchronized electrical and mechanical stimulation for therapeutic treatment. A three conductor cable is utilized for transmitting ultra-sonic frequency and AC. and D.C. to the transducer in a sound head applicator. The amplitude of both the low voltage AC. and the D.C. signals may be remotely controlled by manipulation of therheostat 66 provided on the sound head applicator, thus greatly improving the overall efliciency of the medical therapy treatment for the patient. In addition, the three conductor cable may be of a unique type wherein a double shield is interposed between the inner and outer conductors for improving the operating qualities of the cable.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the present invention contemplates a novel medical therapy apparatus providing for utilization of a combined electrical and mechanical stimulation for. the treatment of a variety of muscular disorders, and the like. The sound head apparatus is provided with a remote control means whereby both the low voltage AC. and D.C. signals may be remotely controlled at the sound head, thus greatly reducing the necessity of diverting the attention of the operator of the device from his patient, such as is usually necessary when this electrical energy must be controlled from the unit itself.

Changes may be made in the combination and arrange ment of parts as heretofore set forth in the specification and shown in the drawings, it being understood that any modification in the precise embodiment of the invention may be made within the scope of the following claims without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A medical therapy apparatus comprising in combination an ultra-sound oscillator, means for producing electrical impulses for electrical therapy stimulation, an electrode pad member, a probe member having an electrically conductive head, a transducer mounted on said head within said probe member for transforming ultra sound energy into ultra-sound mechanical vibrations, a triaxial cable having a first conductor connected to said transducer, a second conductor connected to said head and a third conductor connected to said pad, the output from said ultra-sound oscillator being connected with said first and second conductors of said triaxial cable, said means for producing electrical impulses being connected between said second and third conductors of said triaxial cable, and means mounted on said probe and connected between said second and third conductors of said triaxial cable for varying the amplitude of the electrical impulses.

2. In combination with a medical therapy apparatus including an ultra-sound oscillator, a low voltage oscillator and a direct current source, a movable probe member having an electrically conductive head, a triaxial cable connecting said probe member with said medical therapy apparatus, an electrode pad member, a transducer mounted on said head within said probe member for transforming ultra-sound energy into ultra-sound mechanical vibrations, said triaxial cable having a first conductor connected to said transducer, a second conductor connected to said head and a third conductor connected to said pad, the output from said ultra-sound oscillator being connected with said first and second conductors of said triaxial cable, the output of said low voltage oscillator being connected between said second and third conductors of said triaxial cable, said direct current source being connected between said second and third conductors of said triaxial cable, and rheostat means mounted on said probe member and connected between said second and third conductors of said triaxial cable to provide remote control for the amplitude of the electrical impulses carried thereby. 3. In combination with a medical therapy apparatus including an ultra-sound oscillator, a low voltage oscillator, and a direct current source, a movable probe member having an electrically conductive head, a cable con necting said probe member with said medical therapy apparatus, an electrode pad member, a transducer mounted on said head within said probe member for transforming ultra-sound energy into ultra-sound mechanical vibrations, said cable having a first central conductor connected to said transducer, said cable having a second conductor co-axial with said first conductor and connected to said head, said cable having a third conductor co-axial with said first and second conductors and connected to said pad, the output from said ultra-sound oscillator being connected with said first and second conductors, a first switch means for selectively connecting the output of said low voltage oscillator with said second and third Conductors, a second switch means for selectively connecting the output of said direct current source with said second and third conductors and variable resistance means mounted on said probe and connected between said second and third conductors for varying the amplitude of the electrical impulses carried thereby.

4. In combination with a medical therapy apparatus having an ultra-sound oscillator, a low voltage oscillator, and a direct current source, a movable sound applicator, a cable connecting said sound head applicator with said medical therapy apparatus, a transducer provided in the sound head applicator for transforming ultra-sound energy from the ultra-sound oscillator into ultra-sound mechanical vibrations, electrode means in said applicator disposed adjacent the transducer, an electrode pad member, said cable having a first central conductor connected to said transducer, said cable having a second conductor co-axial with said first conductor and connected to said electrode means, said cable having a third conductor co-axial with said first and second conductors and connected to said electrode pad member, the output of said ultra-sound oscillator being connected to said first and second conductors, the output of said low voltage oscillator being connected with said second and third conductors, the output of said direct current source being connected with said second and third conductors, a variable resistor means mounted on the sound head applicator and connected with said second and third conductors whereby the electrical impulses provided by said low voltage oscillator and said direct current source may be varied by remote control independently of the ultrasound mechanical vibrations.

5. The combination set forth in claim 4 wherein switching means are included between said low voltage oscillator and said direct current source and the conductors therefor to provide for selection of either straight alternating current electrical signals, straight direct current electrical signals or combined direct current and alternating current electrical signals to be transmitted to the variable resistor.

6. In combination with a medical therapy apparatus having an ultra-sound oscillator, a low voltage oscillator, a direct current source and an electrode pad member, a movable sound head applicator, a cable connecting said medical therapy apparatus with one end of said applicator, said applicator comprising an outer housing encasing at least a portion of said cable and providing a handle for facilitating manipulation of the sound head applicator, transducer means provided in the proximity of the other end of said housing for transforming ultra sound energy received from said ultra-sound oscillator into ultra-sound mechanical vibrations, an electrode member disposed at said other end of said housing adjacent to said transducer, said cable having a first central conductor connected to said transducer, said cable having a second conductor co-axial with said first conductor and connected to said electrode member, said cable having a third conductor co-axial with said first and second conductors and connected to said electrode pad member, the

output of said ultra-sound oscillator being connected to said first and second conductors, the output of said low voltage oscillator being connected to said second and third conductors, the output of said direct current source being connected to said second and third conductors, variable resistor means mounted in the housing adjacent said other end and connected with said second and third conductors whereby the amplitude of the electrical impulses carried by said second and third conductors may be varied independently with respect to the ultra-sound energy.

7. The combination set forth in claim 6 wherein switching means are included between said low voltage oscillator and said direct current source and the conductors therefor to provide for selection of either straight alternating current electrical signals, straight direct current electrical signals or combined direct current and alternating current electrical signals to be transmitted to the variable resistor.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,376,101 5/1945 Tyzzer. 2,447,127 8/ 1948 Landauer 12840S 2,830,578 4/1958 De Groff.

RICHARD A. GAUDET, Primary Examinen

Claims (1)

1. A MEDICAL THERAPY APPARATUS COMPRISING IN COMBINATION AN ULTRA-SOUND OSCILLATOR, MEANS FOR PRODUCING ELECTRICAL IMPULSES FOR ELECTRICAL THERAPY STIMULATION, AN ELECTRODE PAD MEMBER, A PROBE MEMBER HAVING AN ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE HEAD, A TRANSDUCER MOUNTED ON SAID HEAD WITHIN SAID PROBE MEMBER FOR TRANSFORMING ULTRASOUND ENERGY INTO ULTRA-SOUND MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS, A TRIAXIAL CABLE HAVING A FIRST CONDUCTOR CONNECTED TO SAID HEAD TRANSDUCER, A SECOND CONDUCTOR CONNECTED TO SAID HEAD AND A THIRD CONDUCTOR CONNECTED TO SAID PAD, THE OUTPUT FROM SAID ULTRA-SOUND OSCILLATOR BEING CONNECTED WITH SAID FIRST AND SECOND CONDUCTORS OF SAID TRIAXIAL CABLE, SAID MEANS FOR PRODUCING ELECTRICAL IMPULSES BEING CONNECTED BETWEEN SAID SECOND AND THIRD CONDUCTORS OF SAID TRIAXIAL CABLE, AND MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID PROBE AND CONNECTED BETWEEN SAID SECOND AND THIRD CONDUCTORS OF SAID TRIAXIAL CABLE FOR VARYING THE AMPLITUDE TO THE ELECTRICAL IMPULSES.

Images