United States Patent (19)
`Parker
`
`54 APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TONING
`TISSUE WITH A FOCUSED, COHERENT
`ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD
`
`76 Inventor: Lloyd S. Parker, 10993 Bluffside Dr.,
`Apt. 2304, Studio City, Calif. 91604
`
`21 Appl. No.: 09/193,472
`22 Filed:
`Nov. 17, 1998
`(51) Int. Cl. .................................................. A61B 5/00
`52 U.S. Cl. ................................................................ 600/13
`58 Field of Search .......................................... 600/13, 14
`
`56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5,017,185 5/1991 Baermann ................................. 600/15
`5,030,196
`7/1991 Inoue ........................................ 600/14
`5,527,259 6/1996 Grace et al. .............................. 600/14
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`25 78 428A 9/1986 France.
`2510173 9/1976 Germany.
`31 06060 9/1992 Germany.
`40 4096767 3/1992 Japan.
`40 4197272 7/1992 Japan.
`2014 852 C1 6/1994 Russian Federation.
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Jacobs, H. Barry, MD; Critical Analysis of Medical Papers
`Concerning Pulsed electromagnetic Energy (Diapulse).
`Niemeyer, Henry J., MD; Wound Healing Stimulation.
`Li, Jack and Neurath, Peter W.; Electric and Magnetic Fields
`Near a Circular Loop at 27 MHz; IEEE Transactions on
`Bio-Medical Engineering, Jan. 1969.
`Wilson, D.H. and Jagadeesh, P.; The Effects of Pulsed
`Electromagnetic Energy on Peripheral Nerve Regeneration;
`Annals of the New York Acadmeny of Sciences, vol. 238,
`pp. 575-580, Oct., 1974.
`Raji, A.R.M. and Bowden, R.E.M.; Effects of High-Peak
`Pulsed Electromagnetic Field on the Degeneration and
`Regeneration of the Common Peroneal Nerve in Rats; The
`Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery; vol. 65B, No. 4, Aug.,
`1983.
`
`
`
`USOO6155966A
`Patent Number:
`11
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`6,155,966
`Dec. 5, 2000
`
`Fenn, J.E., MD; Effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Energy
`(Diapulse) of Experimental Hematomas; The Canadian
`Medical Association Journal; vol. 100, pp. 251-254; Feb. 1,
`1969.
`Nadasdi, Miklos, MD; Inhibition of Experimental Arthritis
`by Athermic Pulsating Short Waves in Rats; Arthritis.
`Goldin, J.H., et al.; The Effects of Daipulse on the Healing
`of Wounds; a Double-blind Randomised Controlled Trial in
`Man; British Journal of Plastic Surgery.
`Bentall, R.H.C. and Edestein, H.B.; A Trial Involving the
`Use of Pulsed Electro-magnetic Therapy on Children
`Undergoing OrchidopeXy; Originalarbeiten; Vol. 17, No. 4,
`Nov., 1975.
`Barclay, V. et al.; Treatment of Various Hand Injuries by
`Pulsed Electromagnetic Energy (Diapulse) Physiotherapy,
`vol. 60, No. 6, pp. 186-189 1983.
`Itoh, Masayoshi, MD, et al.; Accelerated Wound Healing of
`Pressure Ulcers by Pulsed High Peak Power Electromag
`netic Energy (Diapulse); Decubitus, Feb., 1991.
`Silver, Harold, MD; Reduction of Capsular Contracture with
`Two-Stage Augmentation Mammaplasty and Pulsed Elec
`tromagnetic Energy (Diapulse Therapy); Plastic and Recon
`structive Surgery, vol. 69, No. 5, May, 1982.
`(List continued on next page.)
`Primary Examiner Max Hindenburg
`ASSistant Examiner Brian Szmal
`57
`ABSTRACT
`An apparatus and method for toning tissue and particularly
`skin with a focused, coherent electromagnetic field employ
`a housing, a user-accessible Switch positioned on the
`housing, and electronicS and an electromagnet assembly
`positioned within the housing. The electromagnet assembly
`includes a Static magnet and an electromagnet which are
`assembled relative to each other and positioned within the
`housing Such that negative magnetic poles of the Static
`magnet and the electromagnet both face outwardly from an
`end portion of the housing. The electronics provide a peri
`odic current depending upon a Setting of the Switch. The
`electromagnet assembly generates a focused, coherent elec
`tromagnetic field in response to the periodic current.
`
`20 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets
`
`LUMENIS EX1026
`Page 1
`
`

`

`6,155,966
`Page 2
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Cuocolo, R. et al.; Diapulse Therapy in the Treatment of
`Vertebral Column Neoplastic Pain; Paper presented at joint
`meeting of the European Chapters of the International
`Association for the Study of Pain, May, 1983.
`Ionescu, Prof. Agrippa, MD, et al.; Study of Efficiency of
`Diapulse Therapy on the Dynamics of Enzymes in Burned
`Wound; Presented at the Sixth International Congress on
`Burns, Aug. 31, 1982, San Francisco, California.
`Rhodes, Lord Cecil, DDS; The Adjunctive Utilization of
`Diapulse Therapy (Pulsed High Peak Power Electromag
`netic Energy) in Accelerating Tissue Healing in Oral Sur
`gery; Datapulse Therapy, vol.39, No. 4, Jul., 1981 continued
`in vol. 40, No. 1, Oct., 1981.
`Aronofsky, David H., DDS; Reduction of dental postSurgi
`cal Symptoms using nonthermal pulsed high-peak-power
`electromagnetic energy; Oral Surgery; Vol. 32, No. 5, Nov.,
`1971.
`Erdman II, William James, MD; Peripheral Blood Flow
`Measurements. During application of Pulsed High Fre
`quency currents, General Orthopedics.
`Valtonen, Erkki J., et al.; Effects of three modes of appli
`cation of short wave diathermy on the cutaneous tempera
`ture of the legs, Europa Medicophysica.
`Hedenius, Per, MD, et al.; Some Preliminary Investigations
`on the Therapeutic Effect of Pulsed Short Waves in Inter
`mittent Claudication; Current Therapeutic Research, vol. 8,
`No. 7, Jul., 1966.
`Bornstein, Leo A., MD; Acceleration of Transfer of Tube
`Pedicles and Flaps.
`Wilson, David H., FRCS; Tenosynovitis, Tendovaginitis and
`Trigger Finger; Physiotherapy, vol. 69, No. 10, Oct., 1983.
`Fenn, John E., MD; The Therapeutic Value of Pulsed Elec
`tromagentic Energy (Diapulse) in the Treatment of the Post
`Partum Patient; Paper presented at Regional Meeting of the
`American Academy of ObstetricS and Gynecology, India
`napolis, Indiana, Sep. 22, 1967.
`Kaplan, Earl G. and Weinstock, R.E.; Clinical Evaluation of
`Diapulse as Adjunctive Therapy Following Foot Surgery;
`Journal Of The American Podiatry Association; vol. 58, No.
`5.
`Hersh, Bernard J.; The Adjunctive Application of Diapulse
`Therapy for Foot Traumas; Current Podiatry, Feb., 1972.
`Rubik, Beverly; Bioelectromagnetics and the Future of
`Medicine; Administrative Radiology; Aug., 1997.
`Minck, Robert H.; The Ultimate Facial.
`Kreguel, Louis, MD; Skin Deep; Dermascope Magazine,
`Sep./Oct. 1988.
`Abstract-Tardy effect of neurogenic muscular atrophy by
`magnetic stimulation; Am J Phys Med Rehabil 1994
`Juli-Aug.; 73(4):275–9.
`Abstract-Skin symptoms after ther eduction of electric
`fields from visual display units; Scand J Work Environ
`Healath 1995 Oct.; 21 (5):335-44.
`Abstract-Movement of dissolved oxygen in a constant
`magnetic field; Biofizika 1978 Jan.-Feb.:23(1):159-61.
`Abstract-Experimental Study using a direct current elec
`trical field to promote peripheral nerve regeneration; J
`Reconstr Microsurg 1995 May;11(3):189-93.
`Abstract-Factors influencing the repair and adaptation of
`muscles in aged individuals: Satellite cells and innervation;
`J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 1995 Nov.;50 Spec
`No():96–100.
`
`Abstract-Depth-target efficient gene delivery and expres
`Sion in the skin by pulsed electric fields: an approach to gene
`therapy of skin aging and other diseases, Biochem BiophyS
`Res Commun 1996 Mar. 27; 220(3): 633–6.
`Abstract-Measurement of the activating function of mag
`netic Stimulation using combined electrical and magnetic
`stimuli; J Med Eng Technol 1995 Mar.-Jun., 19(2-3): 57-61.
`Abstract-Magnetically induced muscle contraction is
`caused by motor nerve Stimulation and not be direct muscle
`activation; Muscle Nerve 1994 Oct.;17(10): 1170–5.
`Abstract-Patino, O., et al.; Pulsed electromagnetic fields in
`experimental cutaneous wound healing in rats, Journal of
`Burn Care & Rehabilitation, 1996 Nov.-Dec.; 17 (6 part 1):
`528-31.
`Abstract-Isakov, E., et al., Electromagnetic Stimulation of
`Stump wounds in diabetic amputees; Journal of Rehabilita
`tion Sciences 1996; 9(2): 46–8.
`Abstract-Markov MS and Pilla AA; Review: electromag
`netic field Stimulation of Soft tissues: pulsed radio fre
`quencey treatment of post-operative pain and edema,
`Wounds: A Compendium of Clinical Research and Practice;
`1995 Jul-Aug.; 7(4): 143-51.
`Abstract-Mayrovitz, HN and Larsen, PB; A preliminary
`Study to evaluate the effect of pulsed peri-ulcer Skin micro
`circulation of diabetic patients, Wounds: A compendium of
`clinical Research and Practice 1995 May–Jun.; 7(3):90–3.
`Abstract-McLeod KJ and Rubin CT, Clinical use of elec
`trical Stimulation in fracture healing, Physical Medicine and
`Rehabilitation: State of the Art Reviews, 1995 Feb.; 9
`(1):67–76.
`Abstract-Stetkarova I, et al., Characteristics of the silent
`period after transcranial magnetic Stimulation; American
`Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation 1994 Apr. ; 73
`(2): 98-102.
`Abstract-Engebretson J. and Wardell D; A contemporary
`view of alternative healing modalities; Nurse Practitioner:
`American Journal of Primary Health Care 193 Sep.; 18(9):
`51-5.
`Abstract-Currier, DP, et al.; Effects of electrical and elec
`tromagnetic Stimulation after anterior cruciate ligament
`reconstruction; Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical
`Therapy; 1993 Apr.; 17(4): 177-84.
`Abstract-Martin CJ, et al.; Electromagnetic fields from
`therapeutic diathermy equipment: a review of hazards and
`precautions; Physiotherapy; 1991 Jan., 77(1):3-7.
`Abstract-Frank R.; Treatment of the perineum by pulsed
`electro magnetic therapy . . . obstetric and cynacological
`patients; Midwives Chronical; 1985 Nov.;98 (1174): 297-8.
`Safety Guide for Experiments at CERN 1995 (Excerpt).
`Advertisement: M-- Flexible Magnetic Pads; MTT Inc.;
`Internet Web page at http://www.nutrimed.com/Magnet
`ic.htm.
`Advertisement: Bio-Pulse(tm) 3000 Cordless Magnetic
`Therapy; Internet
`at http://www.nmia.com/~pegasuS/
`bio3000.html.
`Internet Article: Your Health, Jim Townsend's Magnets at
`http://206.171.105.130:80/magnets/heapow/.
`LA Times Article: The BuZZ. Over Electric Wrinkle
`Remover; Feb. 2, 1988, Part V.
`Article from Internet: How magnetic Fields Affect the
`Living Body; at http://www.nutrimed.com./Biomag.htm.
`Article from Internet: Magnetic Therapy at http://ww
`W.lonet.ca/comm/.../history/history.htm.
`
`LUMENIS EX1026
`Page 2
`
`

`

`6,155,966
`Page 3
`
`Advertisement: The Electric Facelift; Allied Health Digest.
`Advertising: Various Magnetic products from Internet at
`http://www.lonet.ca/comm/magna-pak/tens/tens.htm.
`
`Advertising: Exerpt from brochure Anti-Aging Interna
`tional, Inc.
`Magnetic Field Therapy; Alternative Therapies, pp.
`330-338.
`
`LUMENIS EX1026
`Page 3
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 5, 2000
`
`Sheet 1 of 2
`
`6,155,966
`
`DIAMETER
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`HEIGHT
`
`PERMEABILITY
`
`MATERIAL?
`
`50
`
`52
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`LUMENIS EX1026
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 5, 2000
`
`Sheet 2 of 2
`
`6,155,966
`
`20 PPM
`
`POWER & RATE
`SWITCH
`
`
`
`(A)
`
`(A)
`
`time
`
`time
`
`FIG, .5
`
`FIG, 6
`
`LUMENIS EX1026
`Page 5
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`

`

`1
`APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TONING
`TISSUE WITH A FOCUSED, COHERENT
`ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD
`
`6,155,966
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`15
`
`25
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates to an apparatus and method
`for toning tissue and, more particularly, pertains to an
`apparatus and method for toning skin with a focused,
`coherent electromagnetic field.
`2. Description of the Related Art
`Since the dawn of the mirror, man has Sought ways to
`conceal, slow, and even reverse the Signs of aging. AS a
`result of the aging process, the tone and other characteristics
`of the skin change. Wrinkles in the skin, Sagging and dryneSS
`are but a few symptoms and, unfortunately, these imperfec
`tions are particularly visible on the face which is almost
`always exposed.
`Prior attempts to eliminate the Signs of aging having
`involved a variety of products and procedures including
`makeup and face creams, chemical peels, and, more
`drastically, facial Surgery. While makeup and creams may
`conceal or temporarily Soften skin defects and, in Some
`instances, provide nutrients to the Skin, they do not address
`the fundamental problem of a deterioration in the tone of the
`skin. Chemical peels and facial Surgery do nothing to
`directly address the problem of skin tone deterioration with
`age. Furthermore, these procedures are expensive, undesir
`able to many people, and Sometimes accompanied with
`negative Side effects. Clearly, there is a need for a Safe,
`affordable and nonevasive method for improving the tone of
`skin.
`Magnets and devices adapted to generate controlled mag
`35
`netic fields have been used in many different medical
`applications. For example, magnetic resonance imaging
`(MRI) is replacing X-ray diagnosis because it is safer and
`more accurate, and magnetoencephalography is now replac
`ing electoencephalography as the technique of choice for
`recording electrical activity of the brain. Magnetic field
`therapy has also been used in the treatment of cancer,
`rheumatoid disease, infections and inflammations, head
`aches and migraines, insomnia and Sleep disorders, and
`other ailments. However, there is no known apparatus or
`method for toning skin with a focused, coherent electromag
`netic field.
`
`40
`
`45
`
`OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE
`INVENTION
`Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide an
`apparatus or method for toning tissue with a focused,
`coherent electromagnetic field.
`In accordance with a Specific illustrative embodiment of
`the present invention, an apparatus for toning tissue with a
`focused, coherent electromagnetic field includes a housing,
`a user-accessible Switch positioned on the housing, electron
`ics Secured within the housing, and an electromagnet assem
`bly. The housing is shaped to be hand-held and includes an
`end portion. The Switch is manipulable into a plurality of
`Switch Settings. The electronics are adapted to provide a
`Source of periodic current pulses at one of a plurality of
`pulse rates depending upon which of the Switch Settings is
`Selected. The electromagnet assembly is electrically con
`nected to the electronics and fitted within the housing. The
`electromagnet assembly includes an electromagnet posi
`tioned adjacent to the end portion and oriented Such that a
`
`50
`
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`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`negative magnetic pole of the electromagnet faces outwardly
`from the housing. The electromagnet assembly includes a
`Static magnet oriented Such that a negative magnetic pole of
`the Static magnet is directed toward the end portion. The
`electromagnet assembly generates a focused, coherent elec
`tromagnetic field in response to the current pulses.
`In another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus
`for toning tissue with a focused, coherent electromagnetic
`field includes: a housing, electronics Secured within the
`housing and adapted to provide a current; and an electro
`magnet assembly electrically connected to the electronics
`and fitted within the housing, the electromagnet assembly
`including a Static magnet and an electromagnet oriented
`Such that negative magnetic poles of the Static magnet and
`the electromagnet face a common direction, the electromag
`net assembly generating a focused, coherent electromagnetic
`field in response to the current.
`In another aspect of the present invention, a method for
`toning tissue with a focused, coherent electromagnetic field
`includes the Steps of employing an electromagnet assembly
`to generate a focused, coherent electromagnetic field, the
`electromagnetic assembly including a Static magnet and an
`electromagnet oriented Such that negative magnetic poles of
`the Static magnet and the electromagnet face a common
`direction; and positioning the electromagnet assembly rela
`tive to a Surface of a tissue Such that a current is induced in
`the tissue. Furthermore, the positioning of the electromagnet
`assembly may include moving the electromagnetic assembly
`over an area of the tissue to be treated.
`The electromagnet assembly employed in the method for
`toning tissue is adapted in a further aspect of the present
`invention to generate one of a plurality of pulsed magnetic
`fields each with a different pulse rate, and the Step of
`positioning the electromagnet assembly further includes
`positioning the electromagnet assembly relative to the Sur
`face of the tissue for a predetermined length of time depend
`ing upon which of the pulsed magnetic fields is being
`generated by the electromagnet assembly.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`Other objects, features and advantages of the invention
`will become readily apparent upon reference to the follow
`ing detailed description when considered in conjunction
`with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference
`numerals designate like parts throughout the figures thereof,
`and wherein:
`FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary preferred embodi
`ment of an apparatus for toning tissue with a focused,
`coherent electromagnetic field according to the present
`invention;
`FIG. 2 is a Side view of the apparatus for toning tissue of
`FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an electromagnetic assem
`bly of the apparatus for toning tissue of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 4 is an electrical schematic of electronics of the
`apparatus for toning tissue of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 5 is a timeline showing a Square pulse train provided
`to the electromagnetic assembly of FIG. 3; and
`FIG. 6 is a timeline showing a Spiked pulse train provided
`to the electromagnetic assembly of FIG. 3.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`AS shown in FIG. 1, an exemplary, preferred apparatus 20
`for toning tissue with a focused, coherent electromagnetic
`
`LUMENIS EX1026
`Page 6
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`3
`field includes a housing 22 with an end portion 24. An
`electromagnetic assembly is fitted within the end portion 24.
`Preferably, the housing 22 and the end portion 24 are formed
`of a moldable, plastic material.
`Generally, the electromagnetic assembly produces a
`focused, coherent electromagnetic field which, in conjunc
`tion with movement of the apparatus 20 acroSS the tissue,
`e.g., Skin, induces a flow of microcurrent through the tissue
`from the surface. Therefore, the housing 22 is preferably
`sized and shaped in View of ergonomic considerations Such
`as a desire to provide an apparatus that is comfortable to
`hold in the hand of a typical intended user. To this end, the
`illustrated exemplary housing 22 includes an indented por
`tion 26 sized and positioned to receive a finger or fingers of
`the user to facilitate better gripping of the toning apparatus
`20. A sliding, multi-position switch 28 is positioned on the
`outside of the housing 22 So that it is easily manipulated by
`the thumb. The Switch 28 is electrically connected to elec
`tronics within the housing which provide an input current to
`the electromagnetic assembly as discussed in greater detail
`with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. A removable panel 30, e.g.,
`a plastic Snap-fit panel, provides access to a battery within
`the housing 22 that provides power to the electronics.
`Referring to FIG. 2, the preferred toning apparatus 20 also
`includes a pad 32 attached to the housing 22 and positioned
`as shown. An exemplary pad 32 comprises a rubber pad
`formed with a textured Surface which makes it easier to grip
`the apparatus 20 particularly when the hands of the user are
`wet. A preferred housing 22 is waterproof to prevent damage
`to the electronics positioned therein and any possibility of
`electrical shock to the user. It should be understood that the
`Scope of the present invention additionally encompasses a
`toning apparatus 20 that includes an electric Shaver
`mechanism, vibration unit, and/or a heating element in or
`adjacent to the end portion 24.
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an electromagnetic assem
`bly 40 of the toning apparatus 20. The electromagnetic
`assembly 40 is electrically connected to the electronics
`within the housing 22 and includes a Static magnet 42 and an
`electromagnet 44. The electromagnet 44 is positioned adja
`cent to the end portion 24 and oriented Such that a negative
`pole of the electromagnet 44 faces outwardly from the
`housing 22. The Static magnet 42 provides a baseline field
`and is oriented Such that a negative pole of the Static magnet
`42 is also directed toward the end portion 24 of the housing
`22. Preferably, the static magnet 42 and the electromagnet 44
`are oriented Such that their negative poles face a common
`direction, directed outwardly from the end portion 24 of the
`housing 22, along a common axis.
`An exemplary electromagnet 44 includes a core with a
`conventional Solid center 46 and a Surrounding high
`permeability material 48 to maximize inductance and reduce
`size. Inductance is preferably no less than 3.5 Henry. The
`center 46 has a cylindrically-shaped outer Surface about
`which a coil is wrapped. The high-permeability material 48
`is shaped as a cylinder with its inner Surface circumferen
`tially positioned relative to the outer Surface of the core
`center 46. The electromagnet 44 also includes electrical
`leads 50, 52 which are part of the coil. The electronics
`provide a current to the electromagnet 44 via the electrical
`leads 50, 52. The current should not exceed 50 mA with
`peaks of 100 mA. The electromagnet 44 also includes field
`directorS 54, 56 attached at opposing Sides of the core as
`shown. Exemplary field directors 54, 56 are comprised of
`iron or steel. Preferably, the outside diameter of the high
`permeability material 48 is approximately equal to the
`height of the field directors 54, 56. The static magnet 42
`
`15
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`6,155,966
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`4
`comprises, for example, a toroid permanent magnet or
`ceramic round or bar magnet which is slightly larger than the
`outer diameter of the core. The electromagnetic assembly 40
`also includes a cover (not shown) Secured over the core.
`In order to direct the negative poles of the Static magnet
`42 and the electromagnet 44 outwardly from the end portion
`24, the electromagnetic assembly 40 is positioned within the
`housing 22 adjacent to the end portion 24 and oriented Such
`that an outer surface 58 of the electromagnet 44 faces
`outwardly from the end portion 24.
`A key aspect of the present invention is that the toning
`apparatuS20 generates a “focused field. The field generated
`by the toning apparatus 20 is “focused' because the inductor
`coil is positioned in front of the Static magnet 42. Although
`this configuration is preferred, it is contemplated that the
`Static magnet 42 could alternatively be positioned in front of
`the inductor coil.
`Another key aspect of the present invention is that the
`toning apparatus 20 generates a “coherent field. More
`Specifically, the preferred toning apparatus 20 generates a
`unipolar, negative polarity only field.
`FIG. 4 shows electronics 60 of the toning apparatus 20
`which are Secured within the housing 22 and adapted to
`provide a current to the electromagnet assembly 40 via leads
`50, 52. The electronics 60 are designed to control the current
`Such that the electromagnetic assembly 40 generates a
`unipolar, negative polarity only field in response to the
`current. The unipolar, negative polarity nature of the field is
`important because it has been observed that microcurrents
`induced in the tissue have a different effect depending upon
`the polarity of the inducing field. The amount of flux
`employed and pulse rate also influence how the tissue reacts
`to the microcurrents induced therein. At higher pulse rates
`(above 50 pulses per Second), muscle fatigue can result
`when the nerves in the tissue are pulsed.
`A positive pole tends to increase blood flow in tissue,
`particularly skin. So does a negative pole, but to a lesser
`extent. However, a negative pole also repels water molecules
`which are charged negatively and attracts oxygen,
`hemoglobin, and antioxidants which are charged positively.
`Since oxygen reduction causes wrinkles, as is evidenced by
`the fact that the skin of Smokers often appears to age faster
`than non-Smokers, a negative pole configuration improves
`the tone of the skin by counteracting oxygen reduction.
`Furthermore, the attraction of blood to the skin adds color to
`the complexion.
`When a lower pulse rate (below 50 pulses per second) and
`a negative pole are used, toning results after a few minutes
`of use, while avoiding the muscle fatigue caused by higher
`pulse rates. It has been observed that a slight Swelling may
`result if the apparatus 20 is used for more than approxi
`mately 10 minutes even with a lower pulse rate.
`Another key aspect of the present invention is that the
`induced microcurrents Stimulate the muscles in the effected
`area by Stimulating the nerves leading to these muscles. In
`fact, application of the toning apparatus 20 increases muscle
`tone in the effected area, improves connection of the nerves
`to these muscles (which often deteriorate with age), and
`improves nerve conduction. Other observed benefits pro
`Vided by the present invention include: accelerated turnover
`of skin cells resulting in younger appearing skin, reduction
`in pore size, increased oil Secretions resulting in reduced
`skin dryness, increased protein Synthesis, and accelerated
`healing of the skin.
`Referring again to FIG. 4, the illustrated exemplary
`electronics 60 include resistors 62, 64, 66, a capacitor 68, a
`
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`6,155,966
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`S
`silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) 70, a power source 72, and
`the power and rate Switch 28 configured as shown. The
`electronicS 60 provide a Source of periodic current Spikes or
`pulses at one of a plurality of rates depending upon the
`position of the Switch 28. The resistors 62 and 64 are
`Selected depending upon the pulse rates desired for each
`Switch setting. FIGS. 5 and 6 respectively show spiked and
`Square pulse trains of current which are provided by the
`electronics 60 to the electromagnet assembly 40 depending
`upon the Selection of circuit elements and the particular
`configuration of the electronics 60. It should be understood
`that the electronics 60 in FIG. 4 can be modified in a variety
`of ways Such as by providing a pulse generator for gener
`ating the Square pulse train, providing for pulse width
`adjustability, etc. Alternating current (AC) can also be
`provided.
`In an exemplary preferred embodiment, the toning appa
`ratus 20 is configured to operate in at least two different
`modes. An exemplary “immediate toning” mode of opera
`tion employs a pulse rate between 6 and 25 pulses per
`Second and can be performed daily for approximately 2
`minutes. This mode of operation causes the muscles to
`contract by Stimulating the nerves and repels water which
`reduces puffiness. A "long-term toning” mode of operation
`employs a pulse rate of up to 150 pulses per Second and, for
`example, is performed for 10-20 minutes, every 3 days, for
`3-6 weeks, and then for 10 minutes, 1 or 2 times per week
`thereafter. This mode of operation increases blood flow and
`results in a longer-term toning of the skin.
`For both modes of operation, the toning apparatus 20 is
`moved against the tissue Surface covering the entire area to
`be effected at a rate of movement approximately 1-3 times
`the rate of movement of a razor during shaving. The Static
`magnet 42, which focuses the field generated by the elec
`tromagnet 44, itself induces current in the tissue as a result
`of its movement throughout the earth's magnetic field. Thus,
`the Static magnet 42 provides a Substantially continuous
`current corresponding to a Substantially continuous, e.g.,
`circular, movement of the toning apparatus 20 over the tissue
`by the user. Preferably, the flux intensity of the field incident
`upon the area being effected does not exceed 500 milli
`GauSS.
`It is also noted that better results may be obtained by
`increasing skin nourishment (Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin
`E, Magnesium, Selenium, grape seed extract) and further
`increasing skin turnover with alpha hydroxy acids and with
`retinol, which increases elasticity, or collagen. Aliquid toner
`or Salicylic acid can also be used as an adjunct between
`applications.
`Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various
`adaptations and modifications of the just described preferred
`embodiment can be configured without departing from the
`Scope and Spirit of the invention. For example, the electron
`ics 60 can be modified to provide a “burst mode”, e.g., ten
`bursts in a row with a pulse width of 250 microseconds.
`Furthermore, it is contemplated that the housing 22 of the
`toning apparatus 20 can take many forms. For example, the
`housing 22 can comprise of pair of eyeglasses with two
`electromagnet assemblies 40 positioned respectively in the
`arms of the eyeglasses adjacent the skin near the corners of
`the eyes, a regional mask to cover the face, neck, hands or
`stomach, or a bed to affect the entire body. Furthermore, the
`issues effected by the toning apparatus 20 are not limited to
`skin on the face. For example, the toning apparatus 20 is also
`Suitable for toning muscles of the vagina. Therefore, it is to
`be understood that, within the Scope of the appended claims,
`the invention may be practiced other than as Specifically
`described herein.
`
`6
`
`I claim:
`1. An apparatus for toning tissue with a focused, coherent
`electromagnetic field, the apparatus comprising:
`a housing shaped to be hand-held and including an end
`portion;
`a user-accessible Switch positioned on Said housing, Said
`Switch being manipulable into a plurality of Switch
`Settings,
`electronics Secured within Said housing and adapted to
`provide a Source of periodic current pulses at one of a
`plurality of pulse rates depending upon which of Said
`Switch Settings is Selected; and
`an electromagnet assembly electrically connected to Said
`electronicS and fitted within Said housing, Said electro
`magnet assembly including an electromagnet posi
`tioned adjacent to Said end portion and oriented Such
`that a negative magnetic pole of Said electromagnet
`faces outwardly from Said housing, Said electromagnet
`assembly including a Static magnet oriented Such that a
`negative magnetic pole of Said Static magnet is directed
`toward Said end portion, Said electromagnet assembly
`generating a focused, coherent electromagnetic field in
`response to the current pulses, the field having an
`intensity no greater than 500 milliCauss.
`2. An apparatus for toning tissue with a focused, coherent
`electromagnetic field, the apparatus comprising:
`a housing:
`electronics Secured within Said housing and adapted to
`provide a current; and
`an electromagnet assembly electrically connected to Said
`electronicS and fitted within Said housing, Said electro
`magnet assembly includes a Static magnet and an
`electromagnet oriented Such that negative magnetic
`poles of Said static magnet and Said electromagnet face
`a common direction, Said electromagnet assembly gen
`erating a focused, coherent electromagnetic field in
`response to the current, the field having an intensity no
`greater than 500 milliCauss.
`3. The apparatus for toning tissue with a focused, coherent
`electromagnetic field of claim 2 wherein:
`Said negative magnetic poles of Said Static magnet and
`Said electromagnet are aligned along a common axis.
`4. The apparatus for toning tissue with a focused, coherent
`electromagnetic field of claim 2 wherein:
`Said housing includes an end portion; and
`Said electromagnet is positioned adjacent to Said end
`portion and oriented Such that a negative magnetic pole
`of Said electromagnet faces outwardly from Said hous
`ing.
`5. The apparatus for toning tissue with a focused, coherent
`electromagnetic field of claim 2 wherein:
`Said housing includes an end portion; and
`Said Static magnet is oriented Such that a negative mag
`netic pole of Said Static magnet is directed toward Said
`end portion.
`6. The apparatus for toning tissue with a focused, coherent
`electromagnetic field of claim 2 wherein the current is a
`Spiked pulse train.
`7. The apparatus for toning tissue with a focused, coherent
`electromagnetic field of claim 2 wherein the current is a
`Square pulse train.
`8. The apparatus for toning tissue with a focused, coherent
`electromagnetic field of claim 2 wherein the current is
`unipolar.
`9. The apparatus for toning tissue with a focused, coherent
`electromagnetic field of claim 2 wherein the current is
`periodic.
`
`1O
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`LUMENIS EX1026
`Page 8
`
`

`

`6,155,966
`
`7
`10. The apparatus for toning tissue with a focused, coher
`ent electromagnetic field of claim 9 wherein:
`Said electronics are adapted to generate the current at a
`plurality of pulse rates.
`11. The apparatus fo