Bruxism method and apparatus using electrical signals
US4934378A · kind A · utility
37Cited by
8References
15Claims
0Family size
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 1989 |
| Grant date | Jun 19, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S128/905
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention measures the electrical signals at the microvolt level emitted from the masseteric (jaw) muscle when bruxism occurs. The apparatus detects electrical signal impulses from electrodes on a transducer probe located within one of the patient's ear channels and transmits the detected signals to an amplifier. in one embodiment, a circuit converts the signal information into an audible tone. The tone provides the immediate knowledge of the bruxism which leads to controlling of the action. The apparatus may be worn inconspicuously during the day and without discomfort while asleep for sleep interruption feedback.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.