Apparatus and method for generating a magnetic field

An apparatus for use with a first inductor for generating a magnetic field for application to body tissue, the apparatus comprising:

• an electric storage device for storing electrical energy;
• a terminal for connection to the first inductor for generating the magnetic field for application to the body tissue;
• connecting circuitry between the electric storage device and said terminal, wherein the connecting circuitry comprises at least a first branch and a second branch;
• a switch, wherein the switch forms part of the first branch, wherein the switch is configured to electrically connect the electric storage device to said terminal in a manner enabling electrical current to flow through the first branch and through the first inductor via said terminal while the first inductor is connected to the apparatus via said terminal, due to the electrical energy stored by the electric storage device, and configured to cause the first inductor to generate the magnetic field, wherein the electrical current flowing through the first branch represents a first current direction of current flow between the electric storage device and said terminal;
• an electric component or assembly of electric components, that conducts, or is arranged to conduct, electrical current in a forward direction, wherein said electric component or assembly of electric components forms part of the second branch in a manner enabling electrical current to flow between the electric storage device and the first inductor through the second branch via said terminal while the first inductor is connected to the apparatus via said terminal, wherein the current flow in the forward direction represents a second current direction of current flow between the electric storage device and the first inductor, the second current direction being opposite the first current direction;
• and
• wherein the connecting circuitry further comprises a second inductor connected in series with the first inductor while the first inductor is connected to the apparatus via said terminal, wherein:
• the second inductor has a variable inductance;
• or
• the connecting circuitry further comprises bypass circuitry for selectively bypassing or short-circuiting the second inductor;
• or
• the second inductor has a variable inductance and the connecting circuitry further comprises bypass circuitry for bypassing or short-circuiting the second inductor;
• in a manner that electrical current flowing through the first inductor and through the connecting circuitry will also flow through the second inductor or the bypass circuitry, regardless of whether said electrical current flows through the first or the second branch.