Thermal pattern generator for pain relief
AssigneeThermapeutics, Inc.
InventorsAnthony A. Chiurco, Michael G. Littman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An array of Peltier-effect thermoelectric tiles are controlled by a microprocessor so as to produce a repeatable series of temperature patterns or sequences on the skin adjacent to the area of pain. The series can be modified by selecting between one and m different pre-programmed thermal patterns or sequences by the appropriate setting of a m-toggle switch bank. The hot intensity, cold intensity and time delay between sequences can also be selected. The period between temperature changes is greater than one minute. A variety of different pain soothing sequences can be generated including checkerboard patterns, hot and cold waves, alternating left and right side temperature changes, etc.
Claims18
An apparatus for treating pain by creating a series of temperature patterns in a sequence on the kin adjacent the pain, said apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of spatially separated, thermoelectric means for producing a temperature change in said skin adjacent to the pain in response to an electrical input;
- electronic controller means connected to said plurality of thermoelectric means for independently controlling each of said thermoelectric means so that said plurality of thermoelectric means creates changeable temperature patterns in a sequence on said adjacent skin;
- and,
- delay time control means for producing a delay of at least sixty seconds between temperature patterns in a given sequence before a reversal of temperature gradient for said thermoelectric means,
- wherein said temperature patterns in a sequence and said delay of at least sixty seconds reduce the sensation of pain by minimizing adaptation.
An apparatus for treating pain by creating a series of changeable temperature patterns in a sequence on the skin adjacent to the pain, said apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of spatially separated, thermoelectric means for producing a temperature change in said skin adjacent to said pain in response to an electrical input, said plurality of thermoelectric means comprising at least four (4) Peltier-effect thermoelectric devices;
- electronic controller means connected to said Peltier-effect thermoelectric devices for independently controlling each of said Peltier-effect thermoelectric devices so that said Peltier-effect thermoelectric devices create changeable patterns of temperature in a sequence on said skin adjacent said pain;
- and,
- delay time control means for producing a delay of at least sixty seconds between temperature patterns in a given sequence before a reversal of temperature gradient for any of said Peltier-effect thermoelectric means,
- wherein said changeable temperature patterns in a sequence and said delay of at least sixty seconds reduce the sensation of pain by minimizing adaptation.
A method of treating pain by creating a series of temperature patterns in a sequence on the skin adjacent to the pain, said method comprising the steps of:
- (a) placing a plurality of temperature changeable, spatially separated, thermoelectric means on said skin adjacent to said pain;
- (b) independently varying the temperature of each thermoelectric means to produce changeable temperature patterns in a sequence on said skin adjacent the pain;
- (c) introducing a delay of at least sixty seconds between temperature patterns in a given sequence before a reversal of temperature gradient for any given thermoelectric means;
- and,
- (d) repeating steps (b) and (c) above,
- wherein said changeable temperature patterns in a sequence and said delay of at least sixty seconds reduce the sensation of pain by minimizing adaptation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.