Magnetic field applicator with ramp-shaped coil current signal curves

Abstract

A magnetic field applicator (1, 55) that has a ramped signal curve for the coil currents (10, 37, 44, 49) that are used, comprised of low frequency base pulses (10, 37) of the coil current with ramp-shaped rising amplitudes, which are active during a defined treatment period (1), which are a component of the pulse packets (44) composed of the base pulses (10, 37), the envelopes (17, 17a, 17b) of which, described by the amplitudes of the base pulses (10, 37) are likewise ramp-shaped, wherein the envelopes (17a, 17b, 17c) of which form the amplitudes of the base pulses (10, 37) of a rising curve segment (57) starting from close to zero, which rises until approximately the midpoint of a treatment period (11) and subsequently forms a constant curve segment (58) corresponding to a maximum current strength, until the end of the treatment period (11) (FIGS. 13-15).

Claims

1. A treatment device with a magnetic field applicator, the magnetic field applicator comprising a signal generator for generating an electric coil current, and at least one treatment coil for generating a magnetic field when supplied with the coil current, the magnetic field applicator producing a ramped signal curve for the coil current comprised of a plurality of low frequency base pulses of the coil current with ramp-shaped rising amplitudes, which are active during a defined treatment period, which are a component of a plurality of pulse packets composed of the base pulses, the pulse packets having a plurality of envelopes, the envelopes, described by the amplitudes of the base pulses are likewise ramp-shaped, wherein the envelopes of which form the amplitudes of the base pulses of a rising curve segment of the base pulses starting from close to zero, which rises until approximately a midpoint of the treatment period and subsequently forms a constant curve segment corresponding to a maximum current strength, until an end of the treatment period, the treatment device further comprising a device for strength measurement of a patient, wherein a measured value of strength is stored and displayed on a display of the treatment device, the treatment device further comprising a device for at least one of light therapy and oxygen therapy.

2. The treatment device of claim 1, wherein the current amplitudes of the pulse packets follow a rising pulse packet envelope.

3. The treatment device of claim 2, wherein the rising pulse packet envelope comprises a first rising curve segment, which extends over a plurality of treatment and pauses, and continues in a constant further curve segment corresponding to the maximum current strength, which likewise extends over a further plurality of treatment and pauses.

4. The treatment device of claim 1, wherein the current amplitudes of the pulse packets follow a rectangular function.

5. The treatment device of claim 1, wherein the frequencies of the base pulses are at least one frequency of a Fibonacci series, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, etc. when applied in a region of a patient heart.

6. The treatment device of claim 1, wherein the frequencies of the pulse packets formed by the base pulses, comprises a plurality of treatment periods and pauses, and follow at least one frequency of a Fibonacci series, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, etc.

7. The treatment device of claim 6, wherein the frequencies of a plurality of larger pulse packets of the plurality of pulse packets, comprises a plurality of treatment periods and pauses and correspond to a least one frequency of a Fibonacci series 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, etc.

8. The treatment device of claim 1, wherein a frequency of a plurality of successive base pulses of the plurality of base pulses and/or the frequencies of a plurality of successive pulse packets of the plurality of pulse packets and/or the frequencies of a plurality of the larger pulse packets formed by the pulse packets can vary over an entire period of use of the magnetic field applicator, and correspond to at least one or more of the frequencies of a Fibonacci series 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, etc.

9. The treatment device of claim 1, characterized in that a frequency of each of a plurality of successive treatment periods separated by a plurality of pauses can vary over an entire period of use of the magnetic field applicator, and correspond to one or more of the frequencies of a Fibonacci series 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, etc.

10. The treatment device of claim 1, wherein the coil current is active in a plurality of active periods of up to 360 microseconds each, and there is a pause between each of the active periods.

11. The treatment device of claim 1, wherein the treatment coil comprises a magnetic core, which is built into the treatment device, and generates a magnetic field emitted from a plane of the treatment device.

12. The treatment device of claim 11, wherein the magnetic field emitted from the plane of the treatment device has a spatial volume and fills a plateau surface in x and y directions of the plane with a homogenous magnetic flux density.

13. The treatment device according to claim 1, wherein a personalized chip card is provided for activating and controlling the treatment device, on which individual data, settings and parameters of a patient are stored for an activation and individualized control of the treatment device.

14. A treatment device with a magnetic field applicator, the magnetic field applicator comprising a signal generator for generating an electric coil current, and at least one treatment coil for generating a magnetic field when supplied with the coil current, the magnetic field applicator producing a ramped signal curve for the coil current comprised of a plurality of low frequency base pulses of the coil current with ramp-shaped rising amplitudes, which are active during a defined treatment period, which are a component of a plurality of pulse packets composed of the base pulses, the pulse packets having a plurality of envelopes, the envelopes, described by the amplitudes of the base pulses are likewise ramp-shaped, wherein the envelopes of which form the amplitudes of the base pulses of a rising curve segment of the base pulses starting from close to zero, which rises until approximately a midpoint of the treatment period and subsequently forms a constant curve segment corresponding to a maximum current strength, until an end of the treatment period, the treatment device further comprising a device for strength measurement of a patient, wherein a measured value of strength is stored and displayed on a display of the treatment device, the treatment device further comprising a device for at least one of light therapy and oxygen therapy, wherein the at least one magnetic field applicator is located in a backrest, a seat or a footrest such that it can be displaced, and wherein a position of the magnetic field applicator is indicated on a scale or displayed on a display of the treatment device.

Description

(1) The invention shall be explained in greater detail below, based on drawings showing just one method of execution. Further features and advantages of the invention that are substantial to the invention can be derived from the drawings and the descriptions thereof.

(2) Therein:

(3) FIG. 1: shows the relationship of the storage capacities (blood volumes) C of the venous and arterial systems

(4) FIG. 2: shows a distribution of blood volumes and blood flow resistance in the vascular system

(5) FIG. 3: shows resting blood pressure values in relation to the age of the subject, as well as the standard range for the ratio RPW.sub.1 derived therefrom

(6) FIG. 4: shows a blood pressure profile as a function of the time of day

(7) FIG. 5: shows the ratio RPW.sub.1 derived from FIG. 4 and the hourly mean value for the systolic and diastolic blood pressure

(8) FIG. 6: shows the number of branchings in the corresponding branching levels

(9) FIG. 7: shows the spectrum of natural signals of a vertical electrical field, including the characteristic Schumann resonances

(10) FIG. 8: shows a schematic illustration of a preferred treatment device

(11) FIG. 9: shows an illustration of the coil current according to the prior art

(12) FIG. 10: shows an illustration of the current pulses obtained from the individual coil currents according to the prior art

(13) FIG. 11: shows an illustration of the treatment blocks formed from the individual base pulses according to the prior art

(14) FIG. 12: shows an illustration of the invention in comparison with FIG. 3, with data from various ramp functions in a first embodiment

(15) FIG. 13: shows the same illustration as FIG. 12, with a different ramp function in a second embodiment

(16) FIG. 14: shows an illustration of the individual treatment blocks according to the invention, with base pulses in each case, which follow a ramp function

(17) FIG. 15: shows another embodiment of the depiction according to FIG. 14, in which the treatment blocks also follow a ramp function

(18) FIG. 16: shows an illustration of a thyristor/diode control, with a circuit according to FIG. 17

(19) FIG. 17: shows an illustration of the thyristor/diode control

(20) FIG. 18: shows the tables belonging to the drawings in FIGS. 16 and 17

(21) FIG. 19: shows a schematic block diagram of a treatment device with a depiction of the individual functional blocks

(22) FIG. 20: shows a depiction of that in FIG. 12, in a modified embodiment, in which a ramp function that increases and decreases in the manner of an exponential function within a treatment period is selected

(23) FIG. 21: shows a variation of FIG. 20, in which the ramp function corresponds only to a rising exponential function in the treatment period

(24) FIG. 22: shows the function of an envelope, which is later used to form the current pulse

(25) FIG. 23: shows a depiction of the trigger pulse, placed between the envelopes in FIG. 22

(26) FIG. 24: illustrates how a number of base pulses are accommodated in the range of the envelope

(27) FIG. 25: shows how a number of treatment blocks with an envelope according to FIG. 24 are successively arranged in a specific frequency pattern

(28) FIG. 26: shows how this frequency patterns can be grouped together to generate a superimposed frequency

(29) FIG. 27: shows how the Fibonacci frequencies are distributed

(30) FIG. 28: shows a schematic illustration of how the treatment blocks formed by individual base pulses are combined to form large treatment blocks, and these in turn are combined to form further treatment blocks, which then follow a specific frequency pattern

(31) FIG. 29: shows the measurement point distribution in the x-y plane

(32) FIG. 30: shows the measured coil current at intensity settings of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%

(33) FIG. 31: shows the spatial distribution of the magnetic flux density in the seat plane (z=0)

(34) FIG. 32: shows the spatial distribution of the magnetic flux density in the pelvic floor plane (z=12 cm)

(35) FIG. 33: shows the spatial distribution of the magnetic flux density in the heart plane (z=35 cm)

(36) FIG. 34: shows the magnetic flux density (over time) in the seat plane (z=0) along the positive x axis at five measurement points

(37) FIG. 35: shows the magnetic flux density (over time) in the pelvic floor plane (z=12 cm) along the positive x axis at five measurement points

(38) FIG. 36: shows the magnetic flux density (over time) in the heart plane (z=35 cm) along the positive x axis at five measurement points

(39) FIG. 37: shows the magnetic flux density in the seat plane (z=0) along the positive x axis at five measurement points with different intensity settings

(40) FIG. 38: shows the magnetic flux density in the pelvic floor plane (z=12 cm) along the positive x axis at five measurement points with different intensity settings

(41) FIG. 39: shows the magnetic flux density in the heart plane (z=35 cm) along the positive x axis at five measurement points with different intensity settings

(42) FIG. 40: shows a schematic illustration of a modified design of a preferred treatment device.

(43) The treatment device 1 shown in FIG. 8 is composed in the preferred exemplary embodiment of a treatment chair comprising on the whole a backrest 2, a seat 3 and a footrest 4.

(44) The backrest 2 can be folded down, toward the back, from the seat 3, and the footrest 4 can be folded down or up, depending on which body part is to be treated on the treatment device 1.

(45) The person being treated sits on the treatment device 1, which is in the form of a chair, and is irradiated with additional light sources from above that are generated by an applicator 35 in the upper surface of the backrest 2.

(46) The illustration in FIG. 8 shows the location of a first possible treatment coil 5, which is located, by way of example, in the seat 3, and a suitable magnetic field 6, generating a maximum field strength of 1.6 tesla, for example, wherein the magnetic field 6 passes through the body part of the person sitting on the treatment device 1 that is to be treated, and triggers corresponding electrical potentials in the muscle fibers, in order to thus generate a periodic or aperiodic muscular contraction.

(47) The muscle contractions take place through the nerves that enervate the muscle fibers, which are subjected to a stimulating voltage generated by the alternating magnetic field. This comprises a magnetic stimulation based on the Faraday principle, that an alternating magnetic field (temporally or spatially) generates a current flux in tissues. A depolarization of motor nerves and muscles occurs in the rhythm of the frequency switching, e.g. between 10-50 Hz in the effective field, resulting in consecutive strong contractions in the fasciated musculature. This is a result of releasing neurotransmitters at the motoric end plate.

(48) The stimulation of afferent fibers of the stimulated nerves is regarded as an additive active principle.

(49) In another embodiment of the treatment device 1, an additional treatment coil 5a can be placed in the backrest 2, additionally or in and of itself, or that, alternatively and optionally, an additional or single further treatment coil 5b can be placed in the footrest 4.

(50) The treatment coils 5, 5a, 5b can also be designed such that they can be adjusted longitudinally in the treatment device 1, and can be displaced, and one or more treatment coils can also be eliminated, such that, e.g., just one treatment coil 5 is present in the seat, or just one treatment coil 5a is present in the backrest, or just one treatment coil 5b is located in the footrest.

(51) One or more treatment coils 5, 5a, 5b can also be used as handheld treatment coils, i.e. they are held in the hand, and placed on a specific body part of the person being treated. Such applicators are disclosed in EP 0 594 655 B1.

(52) The treatment device 1 is in the form of a chair in the drawing, although the invention is not limited thereto. The treatment device 1 can also be in the form of a bed, stool, or suchlike, and can have one or more coils.

(53) It has also been shown that an additional light treatment also works well on the treatment device 1 with a suitable applicator 35.

(54) As long as the magnetic fields 6 are functioning in one of the treatment coils 5, 5a, 5b, the light field generated by the applicator 5 also functions much more strongly, and the effects of the light field also increase the success of the therapy.

(55) It has been shown that the effects of light at, e.g. 10,000 lux, used only for a light therapy, result in a treatment period of at least one hour. Tests have shown that when the light therapy is combined with magnetic field therapy with magnetic fields 6, treatment periods of just 10 minutes are sufficient for obtaining the same desired level of success.

(56) Tests have also shown that the special effect of the positive effects of light therapy via the applicator 35 only result in success when the magnetic fields that are used follow a ramp function, as shall be explained in reference to FIGS. 12, 13, and 14.

(57) Based on FIGS. 9 to 11, the fundamental function for generating the magnetic fields 6 shall be explained, as can be derived, for example, from the patent application EP 0 594 644 B1 by the same author.

(58) It is shown in FIG. 9 that the coil current can be generated in two different stages, e.g. stage 1 and stage 2.

(59) The two different stages correspond to the two different current strengths that can be set on the control device 55 for magnetic fields of two different strengths. The two different current strengths are also indicated in FIGS. 14 and 15.

(60) The coil current 8 in stage 1 is just approx. 20% of the maximum coil current, while the coil current 7 in stage 2 corresponds to 100% of the coil current.

(61) Accordingly, the intensity in FIG. 9 can be set with the treatment device shown in FIG. 19, wherein the coil current in the exemplary embodiment is active in periods 9 of 360 microseconds, and a pause is incorporated between each of the periods.

(62) FIG. 10 shows that individual successive base pulses 10, lasting, e.g., 20 milliseconds, are generated from the base pulses 10 generated in FIG. 9 as the further prior art, and a total treatment time 11 of, e.g., 8 seconds, is obtained. After completion of the treatment period 11, there is then a pause 12 of, e.g., 4 seconds, followed by another treatment period 11 of 8 seconds.

(63) The times given herein are to be understood as entirely exemplary, and do not limit the invention at all. It is also shown that the base pulses 10 occur successively, lasting 20 milliseconds. The invention is based, however, on the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 9 to 11, and decisively improves the functions shown there.

(64) It can be seen from FIG. 11 (prior art) that numerous base pulses 10 are formed from the individual base pulses 10 within the treatment period 11, which collectively form a treatment block 14, which takes place within the treatment period 11.

(65) Numerous, e.g. 40 to 60, base pulses 10 are contained in such a treatment block 14.

(66) This is the starting point for the invention, which provides in a first exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 12, that the individual base pulses 10 follow a specific envelope curve 17 as ramp-shaped rising base pulses 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d and 10e within a treatment period 11, which is a parabolic curve in the exemplary embodiment therein. The amplitudes of these successive base pulses 10a-e thus follow a parabolic curve.

(67) In another embodiment, instead of a parabolic curve, the amplitudes can follow a straight line or an exponential curve, as shall be explained below in reference to FIGS. 20 and 21.

(68) The important thing is that, starting from an initial value 16, which is relatively low, close to zero, the current strength and the magnetic field increase slowly, in accordance with the envelope 17, until reaching a higher end value 15. 1. The frequency of the base pulses generated during a treatment period (dwell time) are in a range of 1 Hz to 50 Hz. 2. The initial value of the first pulse of the base pulses that are used is in a range of 1% to 30% of the maximum amplitude. 3. The amplitude of the base pulses generated in the treatment period is approx. 90%-100% of the maximum amplitude. 4. The treatment period (dwell time) lies in a range of 1 second to 12 seconds, and the pauses therebetween lie in a range of 4 seconds to 12 seconds.

(69) FIG. 13 shows a second preferred exemplary embodiment in comparison with FIG. 12, in which it can be seen that the envelope 17a only extends over a portion of the treatment period 11 as a rising curve segment 57, e.g. for only half of the treatment period 11, and that upon passing the midway point t1 in the treatment period, the maximum coil current is generated until the end of the treatment period 11 in the form of the constant curve segment 58.

(70) As a result, only one rising starting ramp 18 in the form of the rising curve segment 57 is used, in which the envelope 17 is used, which can either be a parabolic curve—corresponding to the preceding description, or a straight line or an exponential function.

(71) The advantage of this is that starting at time t1, until time t2—in the region of the constant curve segment 58—the entire coil current, and thus the maximum magnetic field are available, while in the time 0 to t1, a rising starting ramp 18 is used, in order to obtain a gradual increase in the magnetic field in the tissue. As a result, unpleasant tissue reactions no longer occur, and nervous disruption pulses no longer occur, that have a strong negative impact on the success of the treatment.

(72) FIG. 14 shows that the numerous base pulses 10 form a treatment block 14 with their respective envelopes, corresponding to the curve segments 57, 58, and numerous treatment blocks 14 form a packet in FIG. 14, and these packets take place successively at the same amplitude in the embodiment according to FIG. 14. All of the base pulses shown in FIG. 13 thus form pulse packets with constant amplitudes, in which the base pulses 10, however, are obtained with increasing amplitudes, either according to FIG. 12 or 13.

(73) Numerous treatment blocks 14, each of which comprises numerous base pulses 10, are combined accordingly to form pulse packets 44 according to FIG. 14. The temporal spacing 13 between the individual base pulses 10 is thus shrunken, and depicted as numerous successive pulse packets 44 in FIGS. 14 and 15. Both the pause 12 as well as the treatment period 11 can be set with the control device 55 shown in FIG. 19. The treatment period 11 extends with the pulse packets 44 over a period of 8 seconds in the exemplary embodiment shown therein, followed in each case by a pause of, e.g., 4 seconds.

(74) In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 14, the envelope of the current amplitudes is a rectangular curve. With numerous ramp-shaped rising base pulses contained in each pulse packet 44, however, therapeutic success is achieved.

(75) The base pulses 10, 10a, 10b that are used preferably have the following properties:

(76) Envelope pulse shape (rectangular, exponential function, or sawtooth)

(77) TABLE-US-00003 Repetition frequency (1 Hz-50 Hz) Starting value first pulse (1%-100%) End value last pulse (1%-100%) Dwell time (1 second-12 seconds) Pause time (4 seconds-12 seconds)

(78) The success of the therapy can be further increased when, instead of a rectangular envelope according to FIG. 15, a ramp-shaped rising envelope 20 is used.

(79) This envelope 20 is comprised of a rising curve segment 67, the incline of which starts close to zero and extends over numerous treatment and pauses 11, 12. The rising curve segment 67 is also referred to as a “therapy ramp.”

(80) In a variation on FIG. 14, it is also shown in FIG. 15 that the individual amplitudes of the successive treatment packets 14 can follow an envelope 17 such that the individual successive treatment blocks 14a-14e follow a specific amplitude function, specifically a therapy ramp 19, formed by a rising envelope 20.

(81) This envelope 20 can also be either a straight line or a parabolic or exponential function.

(82) A gradual introduction of the individual treatment blocks 14 composed of base pulses is obtained, wherein numerous base current pulses 10 are contained in each treatment block 14, corresponding in each case to the envelope function according to FIG. 13.

(83) FIGS. 16 and 17 show the technical execution of the current control according to the aforementioned FIGS. 13, 14, and 15.

(84) It can be derived from FIG. 17 that a thyristor 23 is activated at its gate with a gate signal 21 according to FIG. 16, and an opposing polarized free-wheeling diode 22 is connected in parallel thereto.

(85) Starting at the time 0, there is therefore a positive peak current of, e.g., 1500 amperes, which reaches the zero crossing at a specific time, after which a compensating current passes through the free-wheeling diode as a negative current of 1500 amperes.

(86) The voltage curves in the coil are also indicated, as well as the preferred time periods that are in effect therein.

(87) The various parameters are listed individually by their numerical values in FIG. 18 (table).

(88) It should be emphasized that the numerical values represent only a preferred exemplary embodiment, and that the invention is not limited thereto.

(89) The functional structure of such a control device 55 is shown in FIG. 19, wherein a signal generator 32 activates a digital central processing unit 24, with which the amplitude window and the envelopes 17, 20 are generated.

(90) There is an input for a program selector 31 in the central processing unit 24, with which the light effect can be generated via the applicator 35. This is activated in turn by keyboard 25.

(91) The keyboard 25 likewise activates a program selector 26, with which the various programs in the magnetic field therapy can be initiated.

(92) In addition to the base program, there is also a relax program, a vitality program, and a Fibonacci program, in which a specific frequency distribution of the magnetic pulses is used according to the invention.

(93) The keyboard 25 also activates an intensity selector 27, with which the intensity of the magnetic pulses can be controlled. There are various programs therein.

(94) The keyboard 25 also activates a timer 28, and a power output stage 33 for the light therapy is activated at the applicator 35 in the output of the central processing unit 24, as well as a power output stage 34 for the magnetic field therapy, which is then sent to the applicator 36, which can be formed in the exemplary embodiment as a treatment device 1 with its coils 5, 5a, 5b.

(95) There is also a power supply 30, and a display 29 for displaying the various functional states.

(96) FIG. 20 shows a variation on the ramp function according to the invention in comparison with FIG. 12, in which another ramp function can also be obtained for the treatment blocks 14.

(97) The amplitudes of the treatment blocks 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d increase therein in the manner of an exponentially rising curve segment 41 until reaching a midway point in the treatment, and decrease exponentially at the midpoint of the treatment period 11 in the form of another curve segment 42, until reaching the time t3. This is followed by the pause 12.

(98) Instead of a starting ramp 18 with a slowly rising envelope 17, 17a, an exponential function can also therefore be used, which is comprised of a rising curve segment 41 and a falling curve segment 42.

(99) In a variation on the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 20, FIG. 21 shows that instead of rising and falling curve segments 41, 42, there can also be only a rising curve segment, and the envelope 50 formed by this can correspond to an exponential function.

(100) FIGS. 22 to 27 show that all of the base pulses and the treatment blocks 14 formed by them follow a specific frequency pattern, which is referred to a Fibonacci frequency distribution.

(101) There are numerous embodiments thereby, which shall now be explained below based on an exemplary embodiment.

(102) The use of frequencies from the Fibonacci series allows for the following embodiments, wherein each exemplary embodiment can be combined with each of the other exemplary embodiments, or with numerous exemplary embodiments: 1. The use of one or more Fibonacci frequencies for forming the base pulses 10, 37 during the entire period of use or for a portion of the period of use. 2. The use of one or more Fibonacci frequencies for forming the pulse packets 44 formed by the base pulses 10, 37 during the entire period of use or for a portion of the period of use. 3. The use of one or more Fibonacci frequencies for forming the pulse packets 45, 49 formed by the pulse packets 44 during the period of use period or for a portion of the period of use. 4. The use of one or more Fibonacci frequencies for forming the frequencies of the successive pauses 39, 43, 47, 47 during the entire period of use or for a portion of the period of use. 5. The use of one or more Fibonacci frequencies for forming the frequencies of he successive treatment periods 10, 11, 44, 45, 49 during the entire period of use or for a portion of the period of use.

(103) In this regard, FIG. 22 shows the ramp-shaped rising individual pulses 37 by way of example, which then are interrupted by trigger pulses lying therebetween according to FIG. 23. The individual pulses 37 correspond to the base pulses above.

(104) The length of the individual pulse 37 in conjunction with the pause of the first pause lying between 4.5 and 5 seconds (packet spacing 46) and the pauses of 9.5 to 10 seconds in the second pause thus form a specific frequency sequence, which corresponds to a Fibonacci frequency.

(105) It is shown in FIG. 24 that pulse packets 38 formed by the individual pulses 37 and the pauses from FIG. 22, in conjunction with the pauses lying therebetween, are formed with a specific successive frequency, specifically a frequency from the Fibonacci series, and the pulse packets 38 have a pause spacing 39, and are repeated periodically with a specific frequency from the Fibonacci series.

(106) Concentrated pulse packets 44 are thus formed from the pulse packets 38 in FIG. 24, which also contain pauses lying therebetween (packet spacings 46, 47), and the even larger pulse packets 44 are formed therefrom, which in turn form even larger pulse packets 45 with pauses lying therebetween.

(107) These form specific frequency patterns with the pauses, such as those shown in FIG. 25. The packet spacing 46 indicated therein corresponds to a specific pause. FIG. 26 shows the frequency distribution of the larger pulse packet 45 shown in FIG. 25, in an even denser concentration in the form of densely concentrated pulse packets 49.

(108) The larger pulse packets 49 are formed therefrom accordingly, which in turn take place successively in accordance with at least one frequency of the Fibonacci series.

(109) The pauses 4.5-5 and 9.5-10 seconds of the individual pulses 10, 37 shown in FIG. 22 are pauses corresponding to a Fibonacci distribution.

(110) The pauses 0-136.5; 333.5 to XX shown in FIG. 25 are in turn pauses of a Fibonacci distribution

(111) FIG. 27 shows that the frequencies of the base pulses 10, 37 assume certain values, specifically in the time from 0 to t1, a frequency of 8.225 hertz, in the time t1 to t2, a frequency of 13.31 hertz, and in the time t4 to t5, a frequency of 21.53 hertz, etc.

(112) FIG. 28 shows the nesting of the various pulse packets 38 to form larger pulse packets 44, and even larger pulse packets 49 in turn from these, which are formed in a specific Fibonacci frequency pattern.

(113) The succession of this frequency pattern is explained in the general description.

(114) FIG. 28 discloses numerous different embodiments using the frequency distribution according to Fibonacci (FB) for the frequencies that are used:

(115) The base pulses 10, 37 correspond to a first FB distribution A

(116) The pulse packets 44 formed by the base pulses 10, 37 correspond to a second FB distribution B

(117) The pulse packets 49 formed by the pulse packets correspond to a third FB distribution.

(118) For these embodiments, the various possible frequency distributions and combinations thereof according to FB apply:

(119) FB (A) and/or FB (B) and/or FB (C).

(120) (1) This means that only the frequency of the base pulses 10, 37 can correspond to an FB distribution, but that the frequencies of the pulse packets 44 and 49 remains constant.

(121) (2) This means that the frequencies of the base pulses 10, 37 can correspond to an FB distribution, that the frequency of the pulse packet 44 likewise corresponds to an FB distribution, but the frequency of the pulse packet 49 remains constant.

(122) (3) This means that the frequencies of the base pulses 10, 37 can correspond to an FB distribution, but that the frequencies of the pulse packets 44 and 49 likewise corresponds to an FB distribution.

(123) (4) Further embodiments can be derived from the further mutations of the aforementioned selection possibilities A and/or B and/or C

(124) The frequency distribution (A) can be the same as or different than the frequency distribution (B), which can be the same as or different than the frequency distribution (C).

(125) It is thus clear that the specific frequency distribution of the base pule over time follows the Fibonacci frequency distribution, and that the success of the treatment with magnetic fields 6 in the treatment device 1 can be substantially increased.

(126) The term, Fibonacci frequency distribution, refers in general to the frequencies listed in Table 1. Each of these frequencies can be used in and of itself for the frequency distributions (A) and/or (B) and/or (C). This means that each of the Fibonacci frequencies specified in Table 1 can be used as the frequency for the base pulses 10, 37 (distribution A) and/or for the frequency of the pulse packet 44 formed by the base pulses 10, 37, and/or for the pulse packets 49 formed by the pulse packets 44.

(127) As a matter of course, it is also possible to use a first Fibonacci frequency (A) for the base pulses 10, 37, a second Fibonacci frequency (B) for the pulse packet 44, and a third Fibonacci frequency (C) for the pulse packet 49.

(128) The term, “frequency distribution,” therefore means that each arbitrary frequency (A and/or B and/or C) from the Fibonacci frequency series can be used in each arbitrary distribution (size) for the base pulses 10, 37 and/or the pulse packets 44 and/or the pulse packets 49 formed therefrom.

(129) These frequencies can also correspond to the Fibonacci frequency scaling: 8.225 13.31 21.53 Hz.

(130) It is advantageous when all of the pulses 10, 37 used herein and the pulse packets 44 and 49 formed therefrom have a ramp-shaped incline, as is depicted in FIGS. 13 to 15. Reference is made to the description therein.

(131) As a result, the advantage is obtained, that the Fibonacci pulses (i.e. pulses 10, 37, and pulse packets 44 and 49, with the respective selected Fibonacci frequency A, B, C) that are particularly physiologically compatible and effective, will result in an improved therapeutic effect with shorter treatment times.

(132) It has already been stated in the general description—in conjunction with Table 1—that the distribution of the intensities of the magnetic fields corresponding to the Fibonacci frequency scaling has major effects on the heart rate.

(133) As a result, when the Fibonacci frequency scaling is used, both the heart rate, the efficiency of the blood circulation, the filling volume of the pericardium, and other physiological parameters of the circulatory system can be positively effected, as well as the effects of currents in the other bodily organs.

(134) The Zentralinstitut für Medizintechnik [Central Institute for Medical Technology] of the Technischen Universität München [Technological University of Munich] has measured magnetic flux densities at various coordinates for the treatment chair 1 shown in FIG. 8.

(135) This is a treatment chair 1 that is used, e.g., for incontinence treatments. The principle of the treatment substantially comprises repetitive, magnetic stimulation of the pelvic floor muscles. The methodology substantially corresponds to the established transcranial magnetic stimulation.

(136) The measuring comprised measuring the magnetic flux density|B| in teslas at various coordinates, and measuring the time dependent coil current of the excitation coil.

(137) The following measurement planes were established: 400 measurement points at the level of the seat (z=0) at an intensity of 60% 400 measurement points at the level of the pelvic floor (z=12 cm) at an intensity of 60% 400 measurement points at the level of the heart (z=35 cm) at an intensity of 60% 1 measurement point at the level of the brain (x=0, y=0, z=65 cm) at an intensity of 60% measurement of the coil current over time at intensities of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% measurement of the magnetic flux density over time at an intensity of 60% at the 5 measurement points where y=0 and z=0, z=12 cm, and z=65 cm

(138) All of the measurements were carried out at a stimulation frequency of 5 Hz. Coordinate System

(139) FIG. 29 shows the distribution of 400 measurement points in the x-y plane, e.g. at the level of the seat 3 of the treatment chair 1 in FIG. 8. The broken lines show the position of the excitation coil, corresponding to the treatment coil 5 of the treatment chair 1, and the horizontal leg of the four U-shaped magnetic cores 51, 52, 53, 54. The solid lines indicate the positions of the frontal pole surfaces of the magnetic cores 51-54. The grid is selected irregularly on the basis of the geometry of the existing magnetic cores in the x and y directions.

(140) The treatment coil 5 has an annular geometry, and is connected to an electrical power supply unit, e.g. the control device 55 described above, by means of which a suitable current signal can be applied to the coil 5 to generate transient magnetic fields.

(141) The treatment coil 5 is preferably in the shape of a torus. There are four U-shaped magnetic cores 51-54 distributed over the circumference of the treatment coil 5, offset at 90°, or rotated 90° in relation to one another. Each of these magnetic cores 51-54 has a square or rectangular cross section. All of the magnetic cores 51-54 have a substantially planar pole surface on their upward extending legs.

(142) The planar pole surfaces of the individual cores 51-54 all lie in a plane in the exemplary embodiment that can coincide with the plane of the treatment coil 5. Because one of the upward extending end sections of the magnetic cores 51-54 lies within the treatment coil 5 in each case, each magnetic core 51-54 forms a magnetic north pole or south pole at its end sections, following the flux direction, while the end sections lying outside the treatment coil 5 form a magnetic south pole or north pole, respectively. Accordingly, there are curved magnetic field lines running between the planar end sections.

(143) The assembly, comprising the treatment coil 5 and the magnetic cores 51-54, is located beneath the seat 3 of the treatment chair 1, by way of example. As a result, the magnetic fields at the exposed end sections of the magnetic cores 51-54 penetrate relatively deeply into the biological tissue of a patient that is to be treated.

(144) Measurement Equipment

(145) The following measurement instruments are used for measuring the magnetic flux densities: current probe i3000s, Fluke, Germany Oscilloscope Wave Surfer 44 MXs, Le Croy, USA DSP Gaussmeter 455, LakeShore, USA Axial probe HMNA-1904-VR, LakeShore, USA Transversal probe HMNT-4E04-VR, LakeShore, USA Pick-up coil, IND-001, TUM, Germany

(146) The measurement equipment is calibrated in accordance with the directions of the manufacturers. In particular, the probes for measuring the magnetic fields were also calibrated thermally.

(147) Executing the Measurements

(148) First, the leather cushion is removed from the treatment chair 1, and the cover on the stimulation unit is detached. The current in the treatment chair 1 is subsequently measured with a current probe at intensities of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%, with a repetition frequency of 5 Hz.

(149) Subsequently, the cushion is replaced, and the magnetic flux density is measured three dimensionally at each coordinate (FIG. 29) in each plane (z=0 cm, z=12 cm, z=35 cm). The flux density is calculated from the contributions of the individual directional components:
|B|=√{square root over (B.sub.x.sup.2+B.sub.y.sup.2+B.sub.z.sup.2)}  (13)

(150) Over 100 stimulation pulses of the maximum magnetic flux density were established in order to determine the amplitudes of the magnetic flux densities B at each coordinate.

(151) The error occurring in the positioning of the probes and through the measurement process was determined with all of the probes over a period of 20 seconds (this corresponds to 100 stimulation pulses at a repetition frequency of 5 Hz). The mean error was approx. 2% of the maximum. The error distribution was tested on a standard distribution using the Shapiro-Wilk test (S. S. Shapiro, M. B. Wilk, “An Analysis of Variance Test for Normality (Complete Samples),” Biometrica, Vol. 52, Nos. 3-4, pp. 591-611). Errors in the measurement results were eliminated on the basis of the standard distribution of this error.

(152) Measuring the Coil Current

(153) FIG. 30 shows the measured coil current of the treatment coil 5 at the intensities of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%. The coil current has a damped sinusoidal curve over time.

(154) The current curve over time is defined by the function
I(t)∝ sin(2πf.Math.t)e.sup.−δt  (14)

(155) In order to determine the lengths of the stimulation pulse, the oscillation frequency and the system damping, the measurement values are fitted to formula 14. The least squares method is used for this. Accordingly, the length of a stimulation pulse can be ca. 360 μs. This pulse length corresponds to an oscillation frequency f=2777 Hz. The system damping δ is 499. The system damping is obtained substantially from the ohmic losses in the coil lines. These parameters are not dependent on the intensity.

(156) Three Dimensional Distribution of the Flux Density

(157) FIGS. 31 to 33 show the spatial distribution of the magnetic flux densities in milliteslas, at an intensity of 60% in various planes.

(158) FIG. 31 shows the spatial distribution of the magnetic flux densities in the seat plane (z=0). FIG. 32 shows the spatial distribution of the magnetic flux densities in the pelvic floor plane (z=12 cm). FIG. 33 shows the spatial distribution of the magnetic flux densities in the heart plane (z=35 cm). It is clear that the magnetic flux densities increase relatively steeply, and form a large effective surface with a relatively constant flux density at the maximum.

(159) As a result of the U-shaped magnetic cores 51-54 of the treatment coil 5, the magnetic field has a pronounced spatial volume, i.e. it is in the shape of a pyramid, and fills a plateau surface (69) in the x and y directions with a relatively homogenous flux density. As a result, the magnetic field can penetrate deeply, and over a large area, into the tissue of the patient with a uniform flux density. The magnetic flux density in this plateau surface 69 is at least 85% of the current peak value 70 of the magnetic flux density.

(160) The distribution of the flux densities over the surface is nearly identical in the measurement planes that were tested according to FIGS. 31 to 33, wherein only the maximum intensity decreases when the distance along the z axis to the seat 3 is increased.

(161) Flux Density at the Level of the Head

(162) The magnetic flux density at the level of the head was measured directly in the center at (x/y/z)=(0/0/65 cm). The maximum flux density is determined at a stimulation intensity of 60% for 0.11 microteslas.

(163) Dynamic Measurement of the Magnetic Flux Densities

(164) FIGS. 34 to 36 show the course of the magnetic flux densities over time along the positive x-axis at five exemplary coordinates where y=0, and which an intensity of 60%. The curves likewise follow the relationship according to Formula 14. The recording time window, however, is offset 90° to the depiction in FIG. 31. The damping and the oscillation frequency correspond to that of the current.

(165) FIG. 34 illustrates the magnetic flux densities (over time) in the seat plane (z=0) along the positive x-axis at five measurement points. FIG. 35 illustrates the magnetic flux densities (over time) in the pelvic floor plane (z=12 cm) along the positive x-axis at five measurement points. FIG. 36 illustrates the magnetic flux densities (over time) in the heart plane (z=35 cm) along the positive x-axis at five measurement points.

(166) Relationship Between Intensity and Magnetic Flux Density

(167) FIGS. 37 to 39 show the measured values for the magnetic flux densities at five exemplary measurement points along the positive x-axis where y=0, for the seat, pelvic floor, and heart planes, at various intensities (20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%).

(168) FIG. 37 illustrates the magnetic flux densities in the seat plane (z=0) along the positive x-axis at five measurement points at different intensities. FIG. 38 illustrates the magnetic flux densities in the pelvic floor plane (z=12 cm) along the positive x-axis at five measurement points at different intensities. FIG. 39 illustrates the magnetic flux densities in the heart plane (z=35 cm) along the positive x-axis at five measurement points at different intensities.

(169) Relationship Between Coil Current and Repetition Rate

(170) Table 2 shows the measured maximum coil currents at intensities of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% with repetition frequencies of 5 Hz, 10 Hz and 30 Hz.

(171) Table 3 compares the deviations in the current at 10 Hz and 30 Hz with the frequency 5 Hz (just the deviations of the means). As a result, the magnetic flux densities can be calculated for other intensities and frequencies.

(172) TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 2 Maximum coil current at various intensities and at various frequencies. Intensity (%) 5 Hz (90 pulses) 10 Hz (120 pulses) 30 Hz (360 pulses) 20% 600 A ± 3.2 A 610 A ± 18 A 610 A ± 17.7 A 40% 730 A ± 3.3 A  740 A ± 20.2 A 700 A ± 19.7 A 60% 880 A ± 8.9 A  830 A ± 17.9 A 800 A ± 19.8 A 80% 1180 A ± 20.7 A 1180 A ± 31.6 A 1060 A ± 20.7 A  100% 1250 A ± 16.9 A 1220 A ± 17.4 A 1220 A ± 29.4 A 

(173) TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 3 Deviation of the maximum current at 10 Hz and 30 Hz from the current at 5 Hz. Intensity (%) 10 Hz 30 Hz 20% +2% +2% 40% +1% −4% 60% −6% −9% 80% ±0% −10%  100% −2% −2%

(174) FIG. 40 shows a schematic illustration of a modified embodiment of a preferred treatment device 1. The functions of the treatment device 1 can be tailored to the patients, wherein the corresponding treatment data for controlling the treatment coils 5, 5a for the magnetic field therapy, the applicators 35 for the light therapy (cf. FIG. 8), and, optionally, an additional oxygen generator for oxygen therapy can be stored on a personalized chip card 74 or similar element. The light therapy is used in particular for treating depression and the oxygen therapy is implemented for an additional promotion of muscle development. The treatment data, parameter settings, and measurement values stored on the chip card 74 can be displayed to the user, or the therapist, on the display 29 of the device at any time.

(175) In contrast to FIG. 8, there is only one treatment coil 5 in the region of the seat 3 and the footrest 4, which can be displaced, however, along the seat 3 and the footrest 4 in the direction of the arrow 71. As a result, the treatment coil 5 can be moved to the region of the body that is to be treated in a targeted manner, e.g. into the region of the pelvic floor, the thigh, or the calf.

(176) In order to be able to reproduce the optimal position of the treatment coil 5 after it has been set once, there is a scale 72 running along the seat 3 and the footrest 4, which comprises corresponding numerical values. The position of the treatment coil 5 is indicated on the scale 72 after it has been set, e.g. by means of an indicator light. Alternatively or additionally, the position of the treatment coil 5 can be displayed on the display of the treatment device after it has been set, e.g. through a numerical value or a graphical display.

(177) Accordingly, the treatment coil 5a in the backrest 2 can likewise be displaced along the direction of the arrow, wherein the position is either indicated on a scale 72 along the backrest 2 and/or on the display 29, after it has been set.

(178) The desired position(s) of the treatment coils 5 and 5a are preferably saved on the personalized chip card 74 of the patient. When the patient is identified with his chip card 74 on the treatment device 1, the personalized settings of the treatment device 1 are registered, and the treatment coils 5, 5a move automatically to the individual positions stored on the chip card 74. These positions can, of course, be changed at any time, and then saved again on the chip card 74.

(179) The magnetic field strength is automatically reduced in the treatment coil 5a located in the backrest 2 as soon as the treatment coil 5a enters the region of the patient's heart, and this is set and programmed on the chip card 74 in the first treatment by a therapist. The chip card is therefore non-transferrable. The treatment cycle normally comprises 10 to 20 treatments.

(180) Handles 73 can be placed on both sides of the treatment device 1, which are merely schematically illustrated in FIG. 40. The handles 73 are preferably ergonomic, and located such that the person sitting on the treatment device 1 can pull on the handles 73. The force exerted on the handles 73 is measured by measurement recorders in the handles 73, and displayed on the display 29 of the treatment device 1, and recorded, for example, on the personalized chip card 74 for a subsequent evaluation. As a result, a patient's increase in strength can be recorded and documented in the magnetic field treatment.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

(181) 1 Treatment device 2 backrest 3 seat 4 footrest 5 treatment coil 5a treatment coil 5b treatment coil 6 magnetic field 7 coil current (stage 2) 8 coil current (stage 1) 9 period 10 base pulse 10a base pulse 10b base pulse 11 treatment period 12 pause 13 temporal spacing (of 10) 14 treatment block 15 end value 16 initial value 17 envelope (parabolic) 17a envelope 17b envelope 18 starting ramp 19 therapy ramp 20 envelope (large) 21 gate signal 22 freewheeling diode 23 thyristor 24 central processing unit 25 keyboard 26 program selector 27 intensity selector 28 time setting 29 display 30 current supply 31 program selector 32 signal generator 33 power output stage 34 power output stage 35 applicator 36 applicator 37 individual pulse 38 pulse packet 39 spacing 40 envelope (large) 41 rising curve segment 42 falling curve segment 43 pulse spacing 44 pulse packet (large) 45 pulse packet (large) 46 packet spacing (large) 47 packet spacing (small) 48 frequency series 49 pulse packet 50 envelope (large) 51 magnetic core 52 magnetic core 53 magnetic core 54 magnetic core 55 control device 57 curve segment (rising) FIG. 13 58 curve segment (constant) FIG. 13 59 curve segment (rising) FIG. 15 68 curve segment (constant) FIG. 15 69 plateau surface 70 peak value (flux density) 71 direction of arrow 72 scale 73 handle 74 chip card