Neuromuscular stimulator
US4392496A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 13, 1981 |
| Grant date | Jul 12, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 13, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/025
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A dual channel neuromuscular stimulator. Pulses developed by a pulse generator are transmitted alternately on both channels to involuntarily contract muscles. The stimulator has variable on/off cycling capability to provide flexibility in meeting the stimulation needs of patients and has output current adjustments and other variable parameter settings to achieve optimum neuromuscular stimulation. To enhance patient comfort, the stimulation output of the stimulator can be slowly "ramped up" to its full stimulation power to allow the increase in stimulation to occur at various rates to accommodate the differing characteristics of different muscle groups. A jack is provided to permit the stimulation to be controlled by an external switch operated by a clinician to coordinate stimulation of various muscle groups with voluntary muscle contraction by the patient. The jack can also be connected to a heel operated switch to stimulate muscle groups to allow certain disabled persons to walk normally. The balanced biphasic output waveform of the stimulator has a zero net DC component to minimize the possibility of skin rash developing from stimulation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.