US4164226A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Iontophoretic burn-protection electrode structure
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1977-06-13
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Granted: 1979-08-14
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Expires: 1997-06-13
Abstract
Abstract A method, and typically a pair of treatment electrodes energized at opposite electrical polarity, for applying electricity to the human body. At least the area of the negative electrode in contact with the skin is covered with felt-like material, preferably moistened, and having a thickness in excess of three millimeters. Compliance with a current-time limitation according to the method essentially avoids iontophoretic burns. Electively, this negative electrode structure allows increasing the size of the positive electrode, permitting a larger treatment current with reduced discomfort. Intermingled positive and negative electrodes may be used.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert Tapper
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 00:37
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61N; A61N1/00; A61N1/02; A61N1/04; A61N1/0404; A61N1/0408; A61N1/0428; A61N1/0432; A61N1/0436; A61N1/044; A61N1/0472; A61N1/0476
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
111 words
An electrode structure for applying an essentially unidirectional electric current through the skin of a living body, comprising: (a) a first electrically conductive electrode having a porous material with a thickness in excess of three millimeters upon one side thereof adapted to be interposed between said electrode and said skin, (b) a second electrically conductive electrode adapted to contact said skin at a location thereon spaced from said first electrode, (c) a controlled source of unidirectional electric current having a positive pole and a negative pole, and (d) means for connecting said first electrode to said negative pole and said second electrode to said positive pole, whereby iontophoretic burn is minimized.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
111 words
An electrode structure for applying an essentially unidirectional electric current through the skin of a living body, comprising: (a) a first electrically conductive electrode having a porous material with a thickness in excess of three millimeters upon one side thereof adapted to be interposed between said electrode and said skin, (b) a second electrically conductive electrode adapted to contact said skin at a location thereon spaced from said first electrode, (c) a controlled source of unidirectional electric current having a positive pole and a negative pole, and (d) means for connecting said first electrode to said negative pole and said second electrode to said positive pole, whereby iontophoretic burn is minimized.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The structure of claim 1, in which; (a) said porous material is felt.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The structure of claim 1, in which; (a) said porous material is moist with water.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The structure of claim 1, in which; (a) said porous material is viscose rayon.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The structure of claim 1, in which; (a) said porous material is polyester fiber.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The structure of claim 1, in which; (a) said porous material is a foam.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
50 words
The structure of claim 1, in which; (a) the area of said second electrode adapted to be in contact with said skin is greater than that of said first electrode adapted to be in contact with said skin through said porous material by a factor of up to approximately three.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The structure of claim 1, in which; (a) said first and second electrodes are spaced a relatively small distance from each other with respect to the size of the electrodes.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The structure of claim 8, in which; (a) the distance between said spaced electrodes is within the approximate range of from one-half to three centimeters.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
The structure of claim 8, which additionally includes; (a) an insulating frame, and (b) means for attaching said first and second electrodes to said frame in spaced adjacency.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
The structure of claim 1, in which; (a) said first electrode is comprised of a plurality of separate conductive areas.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The structure of claim 1, in which; (a) there are plural said first and plural said second electrodes disposed in intermingled spaced adjacency.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
The structure of claim 12, in which; (a) said plural first electrodes are small, and (b) said plural second electrodes are large in comparison to said first electrodes.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
31 words
The structure of claim 1, further including a porous material in contact with one side of said second electrode and adapted to be interposed between said second electrode and said skin.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-08-13 | 1983-02-12 | 1983-08-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-08-13 | 1987-02-12 | 1987-08-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-08-13 | 1991-02-12 | 1991-08-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |