Bruxism biofeedback apparatus and method including acoustic transducer coupled closely to user's head bones
US6270466A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 15, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 7, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 15, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P10/25
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for the treatment of bruxism thorough biofeedback is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus consists of electronics mounted in a light-weight headband which may be worn comfortably by a user during sleep or while awake. Electrodes within the headband pick up surface EMG voltage signals indicative of bruxism, and bio-feedback is provided to the user by a piezoelectric transducer in mechanical contact with the head of the user. One electrode of the piezoelectric transducer also serves as the reference sense electrode. The electrodes require no chemistry, allowing the apparatus to be worn for considerable periods without skin irritation. Information detailing the timing, quantity, and duration of bruxing events may be stored internally for later retrieval via display, computer interface, or voice synthesis interface. When EMG signals satisfy certain pre-determined time and amplitude conditions, an acoustical bio-feedback signal is generated. The bio-feedback signal may start small and build up until the cessation of bruxing, when it may be rapidly terminated, facilitating treatment without waking a sleeping user.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.