(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2007/0150.004 A1
`Colloca et al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jun. 28, 2007
`
`US 2007 O1500.04A1
`
`(54) ELECTROMECHANICAL ADJUSTING
`INSTRUMENT
`
`(76) Inventors: Christopher J. Colloca, Phoenix, AZ
`(US); Jeffrey Keller, Burlington, VT
`(US)
`Correspondence Address:
`VENABLE, CAMPILLO, LOGAN & MEANEY,
`P.C.
`1938 E. OSBORN RD
`PHOENIX, AZ 85016-7234 (US)
`(21) Appl. No.:
`11/567,007
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Dec. 5, 2006
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 1 1/162,067,
`filed on Aug. 26, 2005, now Pat. No. 7,144,417.
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/779,785, filed on Mar.
`7, 2006. Provisional application No. 60/604,787, filed
`on Aug. 26, 2004. Provisional application No. 60/604,
`738, filed on Aug. 26, 2004.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`A6H. 23/00
`(52) U.S. Cl. ........................... 606/238; 606/237; 601/108
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A chiropractic adjusting instrument comprising a housing; a
`thrust nose piece and an impact head to contact a body; a
`preload Switch plunger, a dampening spring; a Solenoid
`having a core; a preload spring; a recoil spring; an electronic
`pulse system operatively connected to a power source to
`provide alternating current for energizing the Solenoid to
`impart impulse energy from the core to the thrust nose piece
`which is reproducible and independent of the power source:
`and a trigger system for triggering the electronic pulse
`system comprising an Switch activated by the preload Switch
`plunger. Preferably, the chiropractic adjusting instrument
`includes one or more of the following: an intelligent uni
`versal AC power converter, optimized force-time waveform:
`pulse mode operation; a sensing device having an sense
`output and a Suite of electromechanical components
`designed to promote reproducible dynamic force impulses
`and safe operation.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`310
`
`115
`
`110 105
`
`
`
`
`
`Sarassassistastressess
`sasayayanaaaaaaSNSSNN.
`
`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1009, 0001
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 28, 2007 Sheet 1 of 14
`
`US 2007/O150004 A1
`
`
`
`Fig. 2
`
`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1009, 0002
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 28, 2007 Sheet 2 of 14
`
`US 2007/O150004 A1
`
`
`
`285
`
`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1009, 0003
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 28, 2007 Sheet 3 of 14
`
`US 2007/O150004 A1
`
`
`
`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1009, 0004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 28, 2007 Sheet 4 of 14
`
`US 2007/015.0004 A1
`
`310
`
`110 105
`
`s Al
`V
`six yarrarar
`NasarassassissaraaaaaSas
`
`130
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`( I
`
`
`
`130
`
`120
`
`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1009, 0005
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 28, 2007 Sheet 5 of 14
`
`US 2007/0150.004 A1
`
`170
`190 °
`130
`152
`y
`186 (Šin t
`y NNVVS
`YN3& SN
`t I New N
`
`151
`
`
`
`Fig. 9
`
`130
`
`136
`
`1
`
`res. -
`NSc39
`N
`134 N
`Fig. 10
`
`131
`
`
`
`133
`
`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1009, 0006
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 28, 2007 Sheet 6 of 14
`
`US 2007/O150004 A1
`
`3
`
`Co
`
`w
`
`VN
`VN
`
`
`
`3
`
`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1009, 0007
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 28, 2007 Sheet 7 of 14
`
`US 2007/0150.004 A1
`
`
`
`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1009, 0008
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 28, 2007 Sheet 8 of 14
`
`US 2007/O150004 A1
`
`
`
`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1009, 0009
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 28, 2007 Sheet 9 of 14
`
`US 2007/015.0004 A1
`
`&quae
`
`sigwa
`
`invilMalod?NnivsilinºpsiH? ' ’?TNO 9 Dd EH101B
`
`ALLWTH SI
`
`
`
`CINE) OP.EDNEJŠIEHEHEH1
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ENIT
`
`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1009, 0010
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 28, 2007 Sheet 10 of 14
`
`US 2007/O150004 A1
`
`
`
`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1009, 0011
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 28, 2007 Sheet 11 of 14
`
`US 2007/015.0004 A1
`
`
`
`S
`
`N
`VN
`
`S.
`U
`
`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1009, 0012
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 28, 2007 Sheet 12 of 14
`
`US 2007/O150004 A1
`
`Initialize Sense data arrays
`Set sampling rate to 20 kHz (50 us/point)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Main Loop
`Pulse Rate = PR = 6 (pulse/s)
`Flag1 = 0, Count1 E O
`
`
`
`S
`
`
`
`Trigger
`
`yes
`
`S
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Read Accelerometer (ACC)
`Compute average ACC (aACC)
`500 samples (25 ms)
`
`
`
`GOOd
`Normal
`Red/Green
`Led
`indicator
`
`2 s E. 3.
`
`Fig 18-A
`
`
`
`RUr
`Default
`Program
`
`Fault
`Flash Red
`Led
`1X pause
`repeat
`
`
`
`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1009, 0013
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 28, 2007 Sheet 13 of 14
`
`US 2007/O150004 A1
`
`OO2
`
`Fig 18-B
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Read Accelerometer (Acc)
`Find neg. peak Acc (-Acc)
`Find pos. peak Acc (+Acc)
`Calculate +ACC-(-ACC) = ppACC(O)
`At At(+Acc) - At(-ACC)
`Trigger sits 25 ms}
`
`
`
`Set Multiple Pulse Rate (PR)
`PR = At(s) 10,000
`2 < PR s 10}
`
`
`
`Trigger On
`(multiple pulse)
`
`nO
`
`S
`
`Read Accelerometer (Acc)
`Count Count + 1
`Find -Acc, +ACC (-5ms prior to pulse)
`Calculate ppACC, AppACC
`AppACC = ppACC-ppACC(O)
`{-5 mss t is 25 ms.
`
`OO3
`
`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1009, 0014
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jun. 28, 2007 Sheet 14 of 14
`
`US 2007/O150004 A1
`
`Fig 18-C
`
`
`
`yeS
`
`y
`beep2-> 3
`
`DeCreased Stiff
`
`
`
`
`
`yes
`
`
`
`Store
`FlagleFlag 1-1
`
`AppAcc s 0
`
`Increased Stiff
`
`Store
`Flag1=Flag 1+1
`
`Reset Pse Rate
`lf Flag 1 >0
`PR-e-PR.E.1
`elseif Flag 130
`PR::PR ::1
`end
`
`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1009, 0015
`
`

`

`US 2007/015 0004 A1
`
`Jun. 28, 2007
`
`ELECTROMECHANICAL ADJUSTING
`INSTRUMENT
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`0001. The present invention relates to the field of adjust
`ing instruments and methods. Particularly, it involves the
`field of electromechanical manipulation/adjusting instru
`ments used to apply controlled dynamic forces to the human
`body. More particularly, the invention has an improved
`force-time waveform and a sensor-controlled pulse mode.
`BACKGROUND
`0002. It is well known in the chiropractic art that humans
`may suffer from musculoskeletal pain. Misalignment or
`other mis-adjusment or Subluxation of the spine and bones
`of the human body can lead to musculoskeletal discomfort
`and a variety of related symptoms. Adjustment of the spine
`to a healthy alignment may have substantial therapeutic
`effects.
`0003. There is a need to create electromechanical adjust
`ing instruments that apply a controlled and reproducible
`impulse energy regardless of the power source or Voltage
`fluctuation; to create electromechanical adjusting instru
`ments that have a waveform tuned to the nature of the body
`to allow more bone movement and broader neural receptor
`stimulation with less force; and to have an interlock so that
`the device cannot be triggered unless the appropriate preload
`is attained. There is also a need to use the electric impulses
`applied to the solenoid to calibrate the instrument and to
`diagnose the electric impulses applied to the Solenoid; to
`select pre-determined force settings quickly and easily; to be
`notified of the proper application of preload prior to thrust
`ing; to administer single or multiple thrusts by means of the
`device trigger, to provide a thrust nose piece to accept
`interchangeable impact heads; and to reduce vibrations to
`the operator to reduce stress and provide comfort.
`0004 Information relevant to hand held devices can be
`found in U.S. Pat. No. and Patent Publication Nos. 4116235;
`44.98464; 4682490; 47 16890: 484.1955; 4984.127; 5085207;
`5618315:5626615: 5656017; 5662122:5897510; 6165145;
`6379375; 6503211; 6792801; 6537236; 6539328; 6602211;
`6663657; 6682496; 6702836; 6805700; and 20020082532:
`20020177795: 200300114079; 20050131461; each of the
`foregoing in U.S. Pat. No. and Patent Publication Nos. is
`hereby incorporated herein by reference. Each one of these
`referenced items, however, Suffers from disadvantages
`including; for example, one or more of the following.
`0005 One disadvantage is that they are not able to use
`more than one electric power source to provide reproducible
`impulse energy to the body.
`0006 Another disadvantage is that they do not have
`trigger system and pulse system including an interlock Such
`that the device cannot be activated with an appropriate
`preload.
`0007 Another disadvantage is that they do not have a
`way to use the electric impulses applied to the Solenoid to
`calibrate the instrument and to diagnose the electric
`impulses applied to the Solenoid.
`0008 Another disadvantage is that they do not have an
`interlock so that the device cannot be triggered unless the
`appropriate preload is attained.
`
`0009. Another disadvantage is that they do not create
`adjusting instruments that have a waveform specifically
`tuned to the nature of the body to allow more bone move
`ment and more neural receptor stimulation with less force.
`0010 Another disadvantage is that they do not provide a
`thrust nose piece to accept interchangeable impact heads or
`reduce vibrations to the operator to provide comfort.
`0011) Another disadvantage is that they do not have a
`preload indication system.
`
`SUMMARY
`0012. It is an object of the present invention to provide a
`chiropractic adjusting instrument comprising a housing hav
`ing an opening; a thrust nose piece movably mounted in the
`housing and comprising a preload side and an outer end
`including an outer end shank for coupling to at least one
`impact head wherein the opening allows the coupled outer
`end shank impact head to contact a body; a preload Switch
`plunger coupled to the preload end of the thrust nose piece;
`a dampening spring interposed between the housing and the
`outer end of the thrust nose piece or a first inner housing stop
`having a first passage to accept the thrust nose piece; a
`Solenoid mounted in the housing and comprising: a longi
`tudinal axis and a core having a third passage to accept the
`preload Switch plunger so that the core is movable along the
`longitudinal axis and is in alignment with the thrust nose
`piece; a preload spring interposed between the preload side
`of the thrust nose piece and a second inner housing stop
`having a second passage Sufficient to accept the coupled
`preload Switch plunger preload side; a recoil spring inter
`posed between the core and the coupled preload switch
`plunger preload end; a third inner stop to prevent the normal
`urging of core away from the coupled preload Switch
`plunger preload end and having a fourth inner passage to
`accept the preload Switch plunger, a pulse system opera
`tively connected to a power source to provide alternating
`current for energizing the Solenoid to impart impulse energy
`from the core to the thrust nose piece which is reproducible
`independent of the power source; a trigger system for
`triggering the pulse system comprising an Switch activated
`by the preload switch plunger. Additionally, in a preferred
`embodiment, a sensing device may be used to provide
`control. More preferably, the sensing device may be coupled
`to the nose piece. Most preferably, the sensing device is an
`accelerometer, a load cell or an impedance head, wherein the
`impedance head may preferably comprise the combination
`of an accelerometer and a load cell.
`0013 The novel features that are considered characteris
`tic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the
`appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to
`its structure and its operation together with the additional
`object and advantages thereof will best be understood from
`the following description of the preferred embodiment of the
`present invention when read in conjunction with the accom
`panying drawings. Unless specifically noted, it is intended
`that the words and phrases in the specification and claims be
`given the ordinary and accustomed meaning to those of
`ordinary skill in the applicable art or arts. If any other
`meaning is intended, the specification will specifically state
`that a special meaning is being applied to a word or phrase.
`Likewise, the use of the words “function' or “means' in the
`Description of Preferred Embodiments is not intended to
`
`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1009, 0016
`
`

`

`US 2007/015 0004 A1
`
`Jun. 28, 2007
`
`indicate a desire to invoke the special provision of 35 U.S.C.
`S112, paragraph 6 to define the invention. To the contrary, if
`the provisions of 35 U.S.C. S 112, paragraph 6, are sought to
`be invoked to define the invention(s), the claims will spe
`cifically state the phrases “means for or “step for and a
`function, without also reciting in Such phrases any structure,
`material, or act in support of the function. Even when the
`claims recite a “means for or “step for performing a
`function, if they also recite any structure, material or acts in
`Support of that means of step, then the intention is not to
`invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. S 112, paragraph 6.
`Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. S 112, para
`graph 6, are invoked to define the inventions, it is intended
`that the inventions not be limited only to the specific
`structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred
`embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures,
`materials or acts that perform the claimed function, along
`with any and all known or later-developed equivalent struc
`tures, materials or acts for performing the claimed function.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0014 FIG. 1 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of
`the invention with one embodiment of an impact head
`depicted.
`0015 FIG. 2 is a side exploded view of a preferred
`embodiment of the invention with one embodiment of an
`impact head depicted.
`0016 FIG. 3 is a first end view of the preferred embodi
`ment of the invention.
`0017 FIG. 4 is a first end exploded view of the preferred
`embodiment of the invention.
`0018 FIG. 5 is a second end view of the preferred
`embodiment of the invention.
`0019 FIG. 6 is a top view of the preferred embodiment
`of the invention.
`0020 FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the preferred
`embodiment of the invention.
`0021 FIG. 8 is a side view of the preferred embodiment
`of the electromechanical drive mechanism without the hous
`ing.
`0022 FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the preferred
`embodiment of the electromechanical drive mechanism
`without the housing and related springs.
`0023 FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the preferred
`embodiment of a thrust nose piece.
`0024 FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the preferred
`embodiment of the electromechanical drive mechanism
`without the housing.
`0.025
`FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the preferred
`embodiment of the invention with the arrows showing the
`direction of movement along the thrust nose piece direction
`and the trigger direction.
`0026 FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the preferred
`embodiment of the invention with the arrows showing the
`direction of movement along the thrust nose piece direction
`and the trigger direction when returning to rest.
`
`0027 FIGS. 14A-D are views of three preferred embodi
`ments of the impact heads.
`0028 FIG. 15 is a schematic view of one preferred
`embodiment of a circuit for an electronic pulse system.
`0029 FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of one preferred
`embodiment of a sensing device and a thrust nose piece: (a)
`exploded view and (b) unexploded view.
`0030 FIG. 17 is a flow diagram for control using the
`sensing device.
`0031 FIGS, 18-A, 18-B, and 18-C are another flow
`diagram (program) for control using the sensing device.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`0032 Referring to the FIGS. 1-13 and 14A-D, there are
`depicted a preferred embodiments of the chiropractic adjust
`ing instrument invention and its components. The preferred
`embodiment of the invention, generally referenced by 10,
`are depicted in FIGS. 1-6 and include a housing 12 that, in
`this preferred embodiment, is gun shaped having an alter
`nating current power cord 40 and a shock absorbing grip 50.
`The chiropractic adjusting instrument 10 further includes an
`electromechanical drive mechanism 100, an electronic pulse
`system 200 and a trigger system.
`0033. In the preferred embodiment, the housing 12 of the
`chiropractic adjusting instrument 10 has an opening 20 and
`an inside cavity 30 for mounting the electromechanical drive
`mechanism 100. Preferably, the housing is made of a non
`conductive material Such as plastic. As shown in preferred
`embodiment of FIG. 7, the inside cavity consists of a
`housing inside 102, a first inner housing stop 105, a second
`inner housing stop 110 and a third inner housing stop 115
`and an interior cavity to place the electromechanical drive
`mechanism within the housing 10.
`0034 FIGS. 7-11 show numerous views a preferred
`embodiment of the components of the electromechanical
`drive mechanism 100. Specifically, FIG. 11 shows a damp
`ening spring 120, a thrust nose piece 130, a preload spring
`145, a preload switch plunger 150 (comprising a plunger rod
`151 and an plunger cap 152), a recoil spring 160, a coupler
`170, a solenoid 180 having a core 185 and a shock absorber
`190. In this preferred embodiment, the thrust nose piece 130
`is adapted to be movably mounted in the housing 10 and
`includes an outer end 136, an outer end shank 138 adapted
`to couple to at least one impact head 70, and a preload side
`131 adapted to couple to the preload switch plunger 145. In
`a more preferred embodiment, the thrust nose piece 130
`further comprises a preloadshank 133 and a preload end 134
`having a cavity 135 adapted to the plunger cap 151 and a
`bore 139 adapted to the at least one impact head 70. In more
`preferable embodiment, the outer end shank 138 extends
`through the opening 20. The thrust nose piece 130 may be
`made of metals, such as steel, or other hard materials. In a
`most preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 16 (a) and (b).
`the thrust nose piece 130 is modified so that it is coupled to
`a sensing device 400 such as an accelerometer having a
`sense output 410. While the preferred embodiment shows
`the sensing device 400 may be coupled to the impact head
`
`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1009, 0017
`
`

`

`US 2007/015 0004 A1
`
`Jun. 28, 2007
`
`70 using the thrust nose piece 130, the sensing device 400
`may be located in other places. In a preferred embodiment
`shown in FIG.16 (a) and (b), the thrust nose piece 130 may
`be separated in to a front nose piece 430 and a rear nose
`piece 420 such that the sensing device 400 may be coupled
`thereto. Preferably, the sense output 410 may be coupled to
`a sensing processing unit 440, and more preferably the sense
`output 410 is coupled to the sensing processing unit 440
`either by wire or by wireless transmission. Most preferably,
`the sensing processing unit 440 could then be used control
`the electronic pulse system by coupling the sensing process
`ing unit to the electronic pulse system so that the dosage
`could be controlled. In an additional preferred embodiment
`the sensing processing unit could be coupled to or made
`integral with the programmable microprocessor 220 So that
`the dosage could be controlled. Other sensing devices exist
`Such as analog peak detectors may be used.
`0035) In the preferred embodiments shown in FIGS. 7
`and 11, the dampening spring is adapted to be mounted in the
`housing and interposed between the housing inside 102 and
`the first inner housing stop 105 or the outer end 136 of the
`thrust nose piece 130 depending on the position of the thrust
`nose piece 130 (see FIGS. 12 and 13). In a more preferred
`embodiment as shown, the dampening spring is made of
`metal. Such as steel, or other material having Sufficient
`spring force.
`0036). In the preferred embodiments shown in FIGS. 7
`and 11, the preload spring 145 is interposed between the
`second inner housing stop 110 and the preload side 131 of
`the thrust nose piece 130. In a more preferred embodiment
`as shown, the preload spring is made of metal. Such as steel,
`or other material having Sufficient spring force.
`0037. In the preferred embodiments shown in FIGS. 7
`and 11, the preload switch plunger 150 couples to thrust nose
`piece 130. In one embodiment the preload switch plunger
`150 may be integral with the thrust nose piece 130. In
`another embodiment, the preload switch plunger 150 is a
`single piece and may couple with the thrust nose piece 130;
`more preferably coupling with the preload end 134. In yet
`another preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the
`preload switch plunger 150 comprises a plunger rod 151 and
`a plunger cap 152. The preload switch plunger 150 may be
`made of metal or plastic or combinations thereof Preferably,
`the preload switch plunger 150 is not conductive to the thrust
`nose piece 130. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG.
`12, when the thrust nose piece has compressed the preload
`spring Sufficiently to the preload position, the preload Switch
`plunger extends to close switch 310 and activate switch 330.
`0038. As depicted in the preferred embodiments of FIGS.
`7, 8, 9 and 11, the solenoid 180 has an core opening 181 and
`a core 185 that is movable and a longitudinal axis 184. The
`solenoid 180 is mounted inside the housing 12 in a stationary
`position Such that the core 182 is movable along the longi
`tudinal axis 184 and is in alignment with the thrust nose
`piece 130. Further, the core has a third passage 186 trans
`versing the entire length of the core 185 to accept the preload
`switch plunger 150. The core 182 is made of material that is
`electromagnetically coupled to the solenoid 180 when the
`solenoid 180 is energized by a current.
`0039. As depicted in the preferred embodiments of FIGS.
`7, 8 and 11, the recoil spring 160 is interposed between the
`core 182 and the coupled preload switch plunger preload end
`
`and is chosen to reduce the backward forces generated and
`to place the core in the proper position when the chiropractic
`adjusting instrument 10 is at rest. In a more preferred
`embodiment as shown, the recoil spring is made of metal,
`Such as Steel, or other material having Sufficient spring force.
`As shown in FIGS. 7, 9 and 11, a preferred embodiment of
`the chiropractic adjusting instrument 10 includes a coupler
`170 between the core 182 and the recoil spring 160. Further,
`in the more preferred embodiment the coupler 160 is made
`of a nonconductive material Such as plastic. In the preferred
`embodiment shown in FIGS. 7, 9 and 11, the recoil spring
`is interposed between the coupler 170 and the preload switch
`plunger 150.
`0040. As shown in FIG. 7, the housing 12 includes a first
`inner housing stop 105 having a first passage to accept the
`thrust nose piece 130, a second inner housing stop 110
`having a second passage Sufficient to accept the coupled
`preload Switch plunger preload end, and a third inner stop
`115 having a fourth inner passage to accept the preload
`plunger 150.
`0041. In a preferred embodiment, the chiropractic adjust
`ing instrument 10 also includes a shock absorber 190 having
`a shock absorber passage 192 between the core 182 and the
`third inner stop 115. The shock absorber 190 is made of an
`energy absorbing material Such as rubber.
`0042. The chiropractic adjusting instrument 10 also
`includes an electronic pulse system 200 operatively con
`nected to an electrical power source to provide alternating
`current for energizing the solenoid 180 to impart impulse
`energy from the core to thrust nose piece 130 that is
`reproducible independent of the power source. An example
`of one preferred embodiment of a circuit for an electronic
`pulse system is shown in FIG. 15. In the preferred embodi
`ment of the invention, the pulse system 200 includes at least
`a transformer 210, a programmable microprocessor 220, a
`field effect transistor 230 and two high voltage switches 240
`and 250 to turn the solenoid on and off In the preferred
`embodiment of the invention, the chiropractic adjusting
`instrument 10 can use any alternating current electric power
`source having a voltage between 90 and 265 volts and a
`frequency between 50 and 60 hertz. Specifically, the trans
`former 220 converts part of the alternating current electricity
`into direct current electricity to power the pulse circuitry
`including the programmable microprocessor 220. The pro
`grammable microprocessor 220 then diagnoses/analyzes the
`voltage and the current to control the on-off duration of the
`high voltage switch or switches (duration of the pulse to the
`Solenoid) to energize the Solenoid reproducibly so that a
`pulse system produces constant pulse duration or impulse,
`and more preferably an impulse that is substantially a half
`sine wave, and more preferably of between 2 to 5 millisec
`onds pulse width. Further, the programmable microproces
`sor 220 preferably may diagnose the device status; for
`example, whether or not preload is achieved. Table 1, below,
`lists one preferred operation of the programmable micro
`processor 220 control of the chiropractic adjusting instru
`ment:
`
`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1009, 0018
`
`

`

`US 2007/015 0004 A1
`
`Jun. 28, 2007
`
`TABLE 1.
`
`. After power is turned on, a red LED is energized to indicate power to the chiropractic
`adjusting instrument.
`2. The preload Switch is activated by depression of the preload Switch plunger causing
`he red LED to be de-energized and a green LED to be energized to indicate that the
`chiropractic adjusting instrument is armed and Successful preload has been achieved.
`3. Activating the trigger Switch using the trigger causes both the red and green LED to
`de-energize and causes the microprocessor the measure the line frequency and voltage,
`preferably twice.
`4. If the line voltage or frequency are outside the test limits, the red LED is energized to
`flash and the chiropractic adjusting instrument will not fire until the voltage and
`requency are retested and fall within the test limits.
`5. If the line voltage and frequency are within the test limits, the duration of the pulse to
`he solenoid is calculated by an equation or determined by one or more look-up tables
`and the green LED is energized to flash and the chiropractic adjusting instrument fires
`once or multiple times as selected. In the preferred embodiment, the duration of the
`pulse to the solenoid will be determined to produce a pulse duration and preferably the
`same amount of energy will be imparted for each user specified setting (e.g. the velocity
`of a solenoid core can be varied by varying the force with which it is accelerated into the
`solenoid which is proportional to the current flowing into the coils of the solenoid which
`can be controlled by the duration of the pulse to the solenoid).
`
`0043. In an even more preferred embodiment, the pro
`grammable microprocessor 220 is coupled to the sensing
`device 400 to evaluate the sense output signals. Most
`preferably, a transmission device (440) and sensing device
`(400) may be included so that data may be transmitted to a
`computing device (not shown) Such as general or specific
`purpose computer. In a preferred embodiment, the maximum
`spinal mobility is found using a procedure set forth in FIG.
`17, where the numbers refer to:
`0044) 510 Initialize the data, reset the peak maximum
`reading, and reset the detector circuit and storage device
`(preferably the microprocessor 220)
`0045 520 Recognize triggering system has been actu
`ated; if yes 501 proceed with at least two pulses;
`0046) 530 From the first impulse delivered, read the
`accelerometer peak signal from the received from the
`sensing device 400 contained within the front nose piece
`(430) and rear nose piece (420).
`0047 540 Store the first accelerometer peak signal for
`comparison with additional accelerometer peak signals
`0048 550 From each additional impulse delivered,
`read the accelerometer peak signal from the received from
`the sensing device 400 received
`0049) 560 Compare the peak signals of 550 to 530 to
`determine if the maximum spinal mobility has been
`obtained; ifyes 501 proceed to 580; else (no 502) proceed
`to 570;
`0050) 570 Count the number of pulses administered; if
`the number of pulses exceeds a predetermined amount is
`yes 501, proceed to 580; else (no 502) and continue with
`next pulse and proceed to 550;
`0051 580 Disarming the chiropractic adjusting device:
`Initialize the data, reset the peak maximum reading, and
`reset the detector circuit and storage device (preferably
`the microprocessor 220).
`0.052
`In yet another preferred embodiment, the maxi
`mum spinal mobility is found using a procedure (program)
`set forth in FIGS. 18-A, 18-B and 18-C as follows: the
`program has a main loop (entry point is 001), which initial
`
`izes the pulse rate (PR, initially 6 Hz), flags and counters,
`and is the starting point each time the trigger is pressed and
`released; after initializing the variables, the program waits
`for a trigger and polls the accelerometer signal, computing
`an average acceleration, which should be between 2 volts
`and 3 volts (nominally 2.5 volts) to be a good signal; if the
`signal is good, then the normal red/green LED indicator is
`in effect, otherwise the LED flashes red or Fault (this
`condition may arise if the instrument is banged against
`Something or accelerated while the trigger is not being
`pulled, but will reset once the instrument is stable; however,
`the accelerometer is a dynamic sensor and will not respond
`to low frequency disturbances such as waving the instrument
`around); continuous flashing indicates a serious problem
`with the accelerometer (for example, a loose sensor, a
`broken wire, etc.); once a trigger is initiated (FIG. 18-B), the
`peak-to-peak acceleration (pp.Acc) is calculated using the
`peak negative (-) and peak positive (+) signals obtained
`during a period of 25 ms following the trigger (since in this
`preferred embodiment the accelerometer is installed such
`that the negative acceleration precedes the positive accel
`eration); the program stores the initial pp.AccCO) and deter
`mines the time duration (dt) between the positive and
`negative peaks and sets the pulse rate using this time interval
`(in this preferred embodiment the allowable range is 2 Hz to
`10 Hz); if the trigger stays on (multiple pulse mode), then the
`program waits for the next pulse and once again determines
`ppAcc (preferably the program determines when to look for
`the next pulse based on the pulse rate and, more preferably
`the program looks 5 ms prior to the anticipated next pulse—
`as there may be some large signal changes following each
`pulse and therefore it would be best to “window” the peak
`detector); the pulse counter (Count1) is incremented and the
`change in acceleration (dppAcc) relative to the first pulse is
`determined; if the trigger is off (clinician has released the
`trigger), then the program returns to the main loop (entry
`point 001) and initializes all variables; The next portion of
`the program looks for several conditions: First, if the counter
`(Count1) is greater than 20, then the program beeps twice
`and returns to the main loop (entry point 001); second, if
`Count1 is less than 20, then the program increments/decre
`ments the stiffness flag (Flagl) based on the change in
`acceleration relative to the first pulse (that is when dippAcc
`
`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1009, 0019
`
`

`

`US 2007/015 0004 A1
`
`Jun. 28, 2007
`
`is less than or equal to Zero, this indicates a decreasing
`acceleration (stiffness) relative to the first pulse and Flag 1 is
`decremented, and when dippAcc is greater than Zero, this
`indicates an increasing acceleration (stiffness) relative to the
`first pulse and Flag 1 is incremented; for example, if there
`were 5 pulses greater than ppAcc(0) and 1 pulse less than
`pp.Acc(0), the flag would be Flag1 =+4); third, the program
`checks whether Flag 1 is greater than 5 or less than -5; if
`greater than 5, the program generates a long beep and returns
`to the main loop (entry point 001); if less than -5, then the
`program generates a short beep and returns to the main loop
`(entry point 001); the beeps indicate what conditions are
`occurring in the program and provide useful feedback (pref
`erably the “beeps' can be unobtrusive tones generated using
`a Small piezo speaker and can be disable the tones later if
`desired); fourth, if Flag 1 is not less than or equal to 5, then
`the program looks at the pulse counter (Count1) and if this
`is equal to 10, then the program may reset the Pulse Rate to
`1 Hz, higher or lower than the initial setting (again allowable
`range is 2 Hz to 10 Hz) based on the sign of the stiffness Flag
`(if Flagl=0, then the rate remains unchanged); for example,
`decreasing stiffness may decrease the pulse rate after 10
`cycles and vice versa (alternatively, the direction of the pul