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US 2015/0032184 A1Published application
Neuromuscular stimulation system
OwnerPhilip E. MUCCIOinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A wearable neuromuscular stimulation and neuroprosthetic system and device for treating spinal cord injury, stroke, and other neurological conditions; and for the management of chronic pain. This invention provides a system for transcutaneous neuromuscular stimulation and typically comprises a wearable item that further includes a flexible, non-conductive material; at least one flexible, generally flat electrode attachable to or embedded within the wearable item; and a programmable electrical stimulation device connectable to the electrode(s). Each electrode typically includes a silver-impregnated or silver-treated material.
Claims18
1) A transcutaneous neuromuscular stimulation system, comprising:
- (a) at least one wearable item, wherein the at least one wearable item is in the form of a collar, a vest, a sleeve, a shirt, a belt, shorts, briefs, trousers, socks, or a suit, and wherein the wearable item further includes:
- (i) an electrically non-conductive portion, wherein the electrically non-conductive portion further includes:
- a) a flexible fabric;
- and
- b) optionally, at least one substantially flat garment support member attached to or embedded in the flexible fabric;
- and
- (ii) an electrically conductive portion, wherein the electrically conductive portion further includes:
- a) a plurality of substantially flat electrodes of variable shapes and sizes attached to or embedded within the non-conductive portion, wherein each electrode delivers a predetermined amount of precisely controlled electrical energy transcutaneously to wearer of the item, wherein each electrode further includes an electrically conductive carbon material having a rubber-like consistency that allows the electrode to effectively flex and stretch while the item is being worn, and wherein the surfaces of each electrode have been treated with electrically-conductive silver;
- and
- b) at least one substantially flat conductor of variable length in electrical communication with at least one of the electrodes, wherein the conductor further includes an electrically conductive carbon material having a rubber-like consistency that allows the electrode to effectively flex and stretch to at least 100% of its original length while the item is being worn, and wherein the surfaces of each conductor have been treated with electrically-conductive silver;
- and
- (iii) a plurality of electrical connectors attached either to the electrodes or to the at least one conductor, or to both the electrodes and the at least one conductor;
- and
- (b) a programmable electrical stimulation device for providing electrical energy to the plurality of electrodes, wherein the programmable electrical stimulation device further includes a plurality of lead wires adapted to be connected to the plurality of electrical connectors.
11 more elements
10) An apparatus for providing transcutaneous neuromuscular stimulation, comprising:
- (a) at least one wearable item, wherein the at least one wearable item is in the form of a collar, a vest, a sleeve, a shirt, a belt, shorts, briefs, trousers, socks, or a suit, and wherein the wearable item further includes:
- (i) an electrically non-conductive portion, wherein the electrically non-conductive portion further includes:
- a) a flexible fabric;
- and
- b) optionally, at least one substantially flat garment support member attached to or embedded in the flexible fabric;
- and
- (ii) an electrically conductive portion, wherein the electrically conductive portion further includes:
- a) a plurality of substantially flat electrodes of variable shapes and sizes attached to or embedded within the non-conductive portion, wherein when connected to a power source, each electrode delivers a predetermined amount of precisely controlled electrical energy transcutaneously to wearer of the item, wherein each electrode further includes an electrically conductive carbon material having a rubber-like consistency that allows the electrode to effectively flex and stretch while the item is being worn, and wherein the surfaces of each electrode have been treated with electrically-conductive silver;
- and
- b) at least one substantially flat conductor of variable length in electrical communication with at least one of the electrodes, wherein the conductor further includes an electrically conductive carbon material having a rubber-like consistency that allows the electrode to effectively flex and stretch to at least 100% of its original length while the item is being worn, and wherein the surfaces of each conductor have been treated with electrically-conductive silver;
- and
- (iii) a plurality of electrical connectors attached either to the electrodes or to the at least one conductor, or to both the electrodes and the at least one conductor.
9 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.