CA2507452C - Single-use cover system for electromagnetic treatment applicator - Google Patents
Single-use cover system for electromagnetic treatment applicator Download PDFInfo
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- CA2507452C CA2507452C CA2507452A CA2507452A CA2507452C CA 2507452 C CA2507452 C CA 2507452C CA 2507452 A CA2507452 A CA 2507452A CA 2507452 A CA2507452 A CA 2507452A CA 2507452 C CA2507452 C CA 2507452C
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- Prior art keywords
- cover
- wireless transceiver
- treatment pad
- radio frequency
- treatment
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/02—Details
- A61N1/08—Arrangements or circuits for monitoring, protecting, controlling or indicating
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/40—Applying electric fields by inductive or capacitive coupling ; Applying radio-frequency signals
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
- A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
- A61N1/36—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
- A61N1/372—Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators
- A61N1/37211—Means for communicating with stimulators
- A61N1/37217—Means for communicating with stimulators characterised by the communication link, e.g. acoustic or tactile
- A61N1/37223—Circuits for electromagnetic coupling
- A61N1/37229—Shape or location of the implanted or external antenna
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- Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Neurology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Electrotherapy Devices (AREA)
- Radiation-Therapy Devices (AREA)
- Magnetic Treatment Devices (AREA)
Abstract
An electromagnetic treatment device (200) includes a treatment pad (206) and a generating unit (218) connected to the treatment pad by a coaxial cable (205). The treatment pad has an antenna (211) on one side of the treatment pad. The generating unit includes a start/stop button (220), a radio frequency generator (208) and a covertest board (212). A single-use cover system (201) includes the electromagnetic treatment device and a disposable cover (203) including a RFID tag (202). The single-use cover system verifies that the disposable cover is placed over the treatment pad properly and that the disposable cover has not been used previously.
Description
SINGLE-USE COVER SYSTEM FOR
ELECTROMAGNETIC TREATMENT APPLICATOR
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to electromagnetic treatment devices, and more particularly, to a cover that protects an electromagnetic treatment device from biohazards, provides selective radio frequency shielding and restricts use of the device to a one-time use per cover, and to a system using the cover.
ELECTROMAGNETIC TREATMENT APPLICATOR
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to electromagnetic treatment devices, and more particularly, to a cover that protects an electromagnetic treatment device from biohazards, provides selective radio frequency shielding and restricts use of the device to a one-time use per cover, and to a system using the cover.
2. Description of the Related Art Known prior art includes U. S. Patent No. 6,334, 069 entitled PULSED
ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY TREATMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD, issued December 25,2001, to George et al., which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention, and the PROUVANT Wound Closure System by Regenesis Biomedical, Inc. , of Scottsdale, AZ.
Electrotherapy includes various means for applying an electric or electromagnetic field to a wound area to facilitate growth and proliferation of new tissue, i.e., healing.
Application of external electrical and electromagnetic fields is now an increasingly standard therapy for the treatment of nonunion bone fractures, but these devices have seen limited use in other areas of healing.
Clinical research has shown that treatment with electrical stimulation or electromagnetic fields can enhance the healing rate of pressure ulcers unresponsive to conventional therapy. For example, pulsed electrical stimulation has been shown to enhance the healing rate of decubitus ulcers. This therapeutic approach stems from observations for nearly 60 years that electric potentials over wounds are negative until healed, and the related hypothesis that living tissues possess direct current surface potentials that regulate the proliferative phase of healing and that healing can be induced by negative electrical potential.
Unfortunately, this has led to unsubstantiated claims that electrical stimulation cures a wide variety of health problems, thereby alienating the medical profession. Though this idea is now archaic and simplistic in view of scientific studies of the cellular correlates of wound healing, the evidence suggests that electrical fields accelerate wound healing. While few well designed experiments concerning cellular mechanisms have been conducted, some published reports indicate that electrical stimulation activates macrophages and increases cell proliferation, collagen synthesis and the expression of fibroblast receptors for transforming growth factor-beta.
Treatment devices emitting magnetic and/or electromagnetic energy offer significant advantages over other types of electrical stimulators because magnetic and electromagnetic energy can be applied externally through clothing and wound dressings, thereby rendering such treatments completely non-invasive. Moreover, published reports of double blind placebo-controlled clinical trials utilizing a RF transmission device (DiapulseTM) suggest that this ancillary treatment device significantly reduces wound healing time for chronic pressure ulcers as well as for surgical wounds. Studies using DermagenTM, a magnetic device manufactured in Europe which produces a low frequency magnetic field, have demonstrated significant augmentation of healing of venous stasis ulcers. Additionally, it has been shown that 50% fewer patients treated with electromagnetic energy develop reoccurring pressure ulcers, compared to control patients, suggesting that electromagnetic energy treatments impart some resistance to the reoccurrence of chronic wounds, such as pressure ulcers.
Electromagnetic energy may also be useful as a preventative strategy. Perhaps most important from a practical clinical perspective, an actuarial analysis of the effects of electromagnetic energy on the treatment of pressure ulcers show that this treatment, by reducing healing time by an average of 50%, results in significant reductions in the costs associated with wound management.
One category of prior art magnetic/electromagnetic treatment devices utilizes the passage of electrical currents through coils of wire to create magnetic fields. The frequency of the electrical impulses is relatively low, typically in the low frequency or audio range.
Other devices, which utilize electrical stimulation between electrodes, represent a substantially different approach to medical treatment from the present invention for the primary reason that such an approach is invasive and more difficult to use and involves the attachment of electrodes at or near the wound site.
Another category of prior art electromagnetic treatment apparatus includes high frequency, high power devices utilizing pulsed electromagnetic energy output to stimulate tissue without inducing a thermal response. This category of devices is represented by the inventions disclosed in the following U.S. patents: Milinowski, U.S. Pat. Nos.
ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY TREATMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD, issued December 25,2001, to George et al., which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention, and the PROUVANT Wound Closure System by Regenesis Biomedical, Inc. , of Scottsdale, AZ.
Electrotherapy includes various means for applying an electric or electromagnetic field to a wound area to facilitate growth and proliferation of new tissue, i.e., healing.
Application of external electrical and electromagnetic fields is now an increasingly standard therapy for the treatment of nonunion bone fractures, but these devices have seen limited use in other areas of healing.
Clinical research has shown that treatment with electrical stimulation or electromagnetic fields can enhance the healing rate of pressure ulcers unresponsive to conventional therapy. For example, pulsed electrical stimulation has been shown to enhance the healing rate of decubitus ulcers. This therapeutic approach stems from observations for nearly 60 years that electric potentials over wounds are negative until healed, and the related hypothesis that living tissues possess direct current surface potentials that regulate the proliferative phase of healing and that healing can be induced by negative electrical potential.
Unfortunately, this has led to unsubstantiated claims that electrical stimulation cures a wide variety of health problems, thereby alienating the medical profession. Though this idea is now archaic and simplistic in view of scientific studies of the cellular correlates of wound healing, the evidence suggests that electrical fields accelerate wound healing. While few well designed experiments concerning cellular mechanisms have been conducted, some published reports indicate that electrical stimulation activates macrophages and increases cell proliferation, collagen synthesis and the expression of fibroblast receptors for transforming growth factor-beta.
Treatment devices emitting magnetic and/or electromagnetic energy offer significant advantages over other types of electrical stimulators because magnetic and electromagnetic energy can be applied externally through clothing and wound dressings, thereby rendering such treatments completely non-invasive. Moreover, published reports of double blind placebo-controlled clinical trials utilizing a RF transmission device (DiapulseTM) suggest that this ancillary treatment device significantly reduces wound healing time for chronic pressure ulcers as well as for surgical wounds. Studies using DermagenTM, a magnetic device manufactured in Europe which produces a low frequency magnetic field, have demonstrated significant augmentation of healing of venous stasis ulcers. Additionally, it has been shown that 50% fewer patients treated with electromagnetic energy develop reoccurring pressure ulcers, compared to control patients, suggesting that electromagnetic energy treatments impart some resistance to the reoccurrence of chronic wounds, such as pressure ulcers.
Electromagnetic energy may also be useful as a preventative strategy. Perhaps most important from a practical clinical perspective, an actuarial analysis of the effects of electromagnetic energy on the treatment of pressure ulcers show that this treatment, by reducing healing time by an average of 50%, results in significant reductions in the costs associated with wound management.
One category of prior art magnetic/electromagnetic treatment devices utilizes the passage of electrical currents through coils of wire to create magnetic fields. The frequency of the electrical impulses is relatively low, typically in the low frequency or audio range.
Other devices, which utilize electrical stimulation between electrodes, represent a substantially different approach to medical treatment from the present invention for the primary reason that such an approach is invasive and more difficult to use and involves the attachment of electrodes at or near the wound site.
Another category of prior art electromagnetic treatment apparatus includes high frequency, high power devices utilizing pulsed electromagnetic energy output to stimulate tissue without inducing a thermal response. This category of devices is represented by the inventions disclosed in the following U.S. patents: Milinowski, U.S. Pat. Nos.
3,043,310 and 3,181,535; Kendall U.S. Pat. No. 3,543,762; Pearo U.S. Pat. No. 3,670,737; and most recently Rauch et. al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,863. Those earlier inventions first described and defined the principle and operation of pulsed, high frequency energy output devices and/or systems.
FIG. 1 shows a simplified block diagram of a prior art electromagnetic treatment device 100, which includes a prior art applicator 106, a prior art cover 103 and a prior art generating unit 118 including a prior art RF generator 108. The prior art cover 103 includes means for preventing operation of the prior art applicator 106 in the absence of the cover being on the applicator. The prior art cover 103 performs its intended function of preventing operation of the prior art applicator 106 without the prior art cover.
However, what is needed is a cover that prevents operation of an applicator without the cover and limits the use of the applicator to a single use for each cover, and a system for use with the cover. These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art as the description thereof proceeds.
2a SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly described, and in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, the present invention relates to a disposable cover for a device used for therapeutically treating patients with dosages of electromagnetic energy. The device has a wireless transceiver. The cover includes a radio frequency shielding material on one side of the cover, and a wireless transceiver permanently attached to the disposable cover for communicating with the device.
Another aspect of the invention relates to a controller for controlling a device used for therapeutically treating patients with dosages of electromagnetic energy. The device has a cover. The controller includes a wireless transceiver for communicating with another wireless transceiver permanently attached to the cover, and a microcomputer programmed to allow activation of the device based upon a signal transmitted by the other wireless transceiver.
Still another aspect of the invention relates to a system that comprises a device for therapeutically treating patients with dosages of electromagnetic energy. The device has a first wireless transceiver. The system also comprises a controller that is coupled to the device, for controlling the device, and a cover for the device. The cover has a second wireless transceiver for communicating with the device.
Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a cover for a device used for therapeutically treating patients with dosages of electromagnetic energy. The device has a first wireless transceiver. The cover comprises a second wireless transceiver attached to the disposable cover for communicating with the device, and means for determining whether the cover is placed around the device.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a disposable cover for a treatment pad for use with a device used for therapeutically treating patients with dosages of electromagnetic energy applied externally to the patients using a treatment pad, the device having a first wireless transceiver, the cover including: radio frequency shielding material on one side of the cover to allow the electromagnetic energy to be applied externally to a patient from the treatment pad through the cover; and a second wireless transceiver permanently attached to the disposable cover for communicating with the device, wherein the second wireless transceiver includes a code stored thereon to indicate that the disposable cover is appropriate for use. The first wireless transceiver may be a radio frequency identification transponder, and the second wireless transceiver may be a radio frequency identification tag.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a controller for controlling a device used for therapeutically treating patients with dosages of electromagnetic energy applied externally to the patients using a treatment pad, the treatment pad used with a disposable cover, the controller including: a first wireless transceiver for communicating with a second wireless transceiver permanently attached to the disposable cover, wherein the second wireless transceiver includes a code stored thereon to indicate that the disposable cover is appropriate for use; and a microcomputer programmed to allow activation of the device based upon confirmation of the code stored on the second wireless transceiver. The treatment pad may include an antenna disposed on one side of the treatment pad, and said microcomputer may be programmed to determine that said disposable cover is properly placed around the treatment pad when said antenna is adjacent said second wireless transceiver. The first wireless transceiver may be a radio frequency identification transponder, and the second wireless transceiver may be a radio frequency identification tag.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a system, including: a device for therapeutically treating patients with dosages of electromagnetic energy applied externally to the patients using a treatment pad, said device having a first wireless transceiver; a controller coupled to the device for controlling said device; and a disposable cover for said treatment pad, said disposable cover having a second wireless transceiver for communicating with said device, wherein the second wireless transceiver includes a code stored thereon to indicate that the disposable cover is appropriate for use. The controller may include means for activating dosages of electromagnetic energy from said device only if said disposable cover has not 3a previously covered said treatment pad during transmission of dosages of electromagnetic energy from said treatment pad for a predetermined period. The treatment pad may include an antenna, and said antenna may be connected to the device with a coaxial cable.
The antenna may be disposed on one side of the treatment pad, and the controller may be configured to determine that said disposable cover is properly placed around the treatment pad when said antenna is adjacent said second wireless transceiver. The device may include a radio frequency generator, and the system may include a relay connected to the radio frequency generator, the treatment pad, and the first wireless transceiver. The first wireless transceiver may be a radio frequency identification transponder, and the relay may be configured to couple the treatment pad to either an output of the radio frequency generator or to an output of the radio frequency transponder. The second wireless transceiver may be a radio frequency identification tag. The controller may include a microcomputer.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a cover for a treatment pad for use with a device used for therapeutically treating patients with dosages of electromagnetic energy applied externally to the patients using the treatment pad, the device having a wireless transceiver, said cover including a wireless transceiver attached to said cover for communicating with the device, wherein the device includes means for determining whether said cover is placed around the treatment pad. Said determining means may also determine whether said cover is properly placed around the treatment pad. Said determining means may also determine whether said cover has been previously used for covering the treatment pad during transmission of dosages of electromagnetic energy from the treatment pad for a predetermined period. The wireless transceiver attached to said cover may include a code stored thereon to indicate that said cover is appropriate for use, and said determining means may determine that said cover has not been previously used when said code stored on the wireless transceiver is read from the wireless transceiver. The treatment pad may include an antenna disposed on one side of the treatment pad, and said determining means may determine that said cover is properly placed around the treatment pad when said antenna is adjacent the wireless transceiver attached to said cover. The wireless transceiver may be a radio frequency identification tag. The determining means may include a microcomputer and a radio frequency identification transponder.
3b BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be described with greater specificity and clarity with reference to the following drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a prior art device for electromagnetic treatments;
FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of an electromagnetic treatment device in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of the operation of the electromagnetic treatment device;
FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of the operation of a microcomputer of the electromagnetic treatment device;
FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of the operation of a button debounce operation of the electromagnetic treatment device; .
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a covertest board of the electromagnetic treatment device;
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the covertest board of the electromagnetic treatment device;
FIG. 8 is a representation of a cover for the applicator of the electromagnetic treatment device; and FIG. 9 is a radio frequency identification tag.
FIG. 1 shows a simplified block diagram of a prior art electromagnetic treatment device 100, which includes a prior art applicator 106, a prior art cover 103 and a prior art generating unit 118 including a prior art RF generator 108. The prior art cover 103 includes means for preventing operation of the prior art applicator 106 in the absence of the cover being on the applicator. The prior art cover 103 performs its intended function of preventing operation of the prior art applicator 106 without the prior art cover.
However, what is needed is a cover that prevents operation of an applicator without the cover and limits the use of the applicator to a single use for each cover, and a system for use with the cover. These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art as the description thereof proceeds.
2a SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly described, and in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, the present invention relates to a disposable cover for a device used for therapeutically treating patients with dosages of electromagnetic energy. The device has a wireless transceiver. The cover includes a radio frequency shielding material on one side of the cover, and a wireless transceiver permanently attached to the disposable cover for communicating with the device.
Another aspect of the invention relates to a controller for controlling a device used for therapeutically treating patients with dosages of electromagnetic energy. The device has a cover. The controller includes a wireless transceiver for communicating with another wireless transceiver permanently attached to the cover, and a microcomputer programmed to allow activation of the device based upon a signal transmitted by the other wireless transceiver.
Still another aspect of the invention relates to a system that comprises a device for therapeutically treating patients with dosages of electromagnetic energy. The device has a first wireless transceiver. The system also comprises a controller that is coupled to the device, for controlling the device, and a cover for the device. The cover has a second wireless transceiver for communicating with the device.
Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a cover for a device used for therapeutically treating patients with dosages of electromagnetic energy. The device has a first wireless transceiver. The cover comprises a second wireless transceiver attached to the disposable cover for communicating with the device, and means for determining whether the cover is placed around the device.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a disposable cover for a treatment pad for use with a device used for therapeutically treating patients with dosages of electromagnetic energy applied externally to the patients using a treatment pad, the device having a first wireless transceiver, the cover including: radio frequency shielding material on one side of the cover to allow the electromagnetic energy to be applied externally to a patient from the treatment pad through the cover; and a second wireless transceiver permanently attached to the disposable cover for communicating with the device, wherein the second wireless transceiver includes a code stored thereon to indicate that the disposable cover is appropriate for use. The first wireless transceiver may be a radio frequency identification transponder, and the second wireless transceiver may be a radio frequency identification tag.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a controller for controlling a device used for therapeutically treating patients with dosages of electromagnetic energy applied externally to the patients using a treatment pad, the treatment pad used with a disposable cover, the controller including: a first wireless transceiver for communicating with a second wireless transceiver permanently attached to the disposable cover, wherein the second wireless transceiver includes a code stored thereon to indicate that the disposable cover is appropriate for use; and a microcomputer programmed to allow activation of the device based upon confirmation of the code stored on the second wireless transceiver. The treatment pad may include an antenna disposed on one side of the treatment pad, and said microcomputer may be programmed to determine that said disposable cover is properly placed around the treatment pad when said antenna is adjacent said second wireless transceiver. The first wireless transceiver may be a radio frequency identification transponder, and the second wireless transceiver may be a radio frequency identification tag.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a system, including: a device for therapeutically treating patients with dosages of electromagnetic energy applied externally to the patients using a treatment pad, said device having a first wireless transceiver; a controller coupled to the device for controlling said device; and a disposable cover for said treatment pad, said disposable cover having a second wireless transceiver for communicating with said device, wherein the second wireless transceiver includes a code stored thereon to indicate that the disposable cover is appropriate for use. The controller may include means for activating dosages of electromagnetic energy from said device only if said disposable cover has not 3a previously covered said treatment pad during transmission of dosages of electromagnetic energy from said treatment pad for a predetermined period. The treatment pad may include an antenna, and said antenna may be connected to the device with a coaxial cable.
The antenna may be disposed on one side of the treatment pad, and the controller may be configured to determine that said disposable cover is properly placed around the treatment pad when said antenna is adjacent said second wireless transceiver. The device may include a radio frequency generator, and the system may include a relay connected to the radio frequency generator, the treatment pad, and the first wireless transceiver. The first wireless transceiver may be a radio frequency identification transponder, and the relay may be configured to couple the treatment pad to either an output of the radio frequency generator or to an output of the radio frequency transponder. The second wireless transceiver may be a radio frequency identification tag. The controller may include a microcomputer.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a cover for a treatment pad for use with a device used for therapeutically treating patients with dosages of electromagnetic energy applied externally to the patients using the treatment pad, the device having a wireless transceiver, said cover including a wireless transceiver attached to said cover for communicating with the device, wherein the device includes means for determining whether said cover is placed around the treatment pad. Said determining means may also determine whether said cover is properly placed around the treatment pad. Said determining means may also determine whether said cover has been previously used for covering the treatment pad during transmission of dosages of electromagnetic energy from the treatment pad for a predetermined period. The wireless transceiver attached to said cover may include a code stored thereon to indicate that said cover is appropriate for use, and said determining means may determine that said cover has not been previously used when said code stored on the wireless transceiver is read from the wireless transceiver. The treatment pad may include an antenna disposed on one side of the treatment pad, and said determining means may determine that said cover is properly placed around the treatment pad when said antenna is adjacent the wireless transceiver attached to said cover. The wireless transceiver may be a radio frequency identification tag. The determining means may include a microcomputer and a radio frequency identification transponder.
3b BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be described with greater specificity and clarity with reference to the following drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a prior art device for electromagnetic treatments;
FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of an electromagnetic treatment device in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of the operation of the electromagnetic treatment device;
FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of the operation of a microcomputer of the electromagnetic treatment device;
FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of the operation of a button debounce operation of the electromagnetic treatment device; .
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a covertest board of the electromagnetic treatment device;
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the covertest board of the electromagnetic treatment device;
FIG. 8 is a representation of a cover for the applicator of the electromagnetic treatment device; and FIG. 9 is a radio frequency identification tag.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
FIG. 2 is a simplified functional block diagram of an electromagnetic treatment device 200 in accordance with the invention.
The electromagnetic treatment device (hereinafter "device") 200 comprises at least one treatment pad, or applicator, 206; and a generating unit 218.
The treatment pad 206 has an antenna 211 on one side of the treatment pad. The generating unit 218 comprises a start/stop button 220, a radio frequency (hereinafter "RF") generator 208 and a covertest board 212.
The single-use cover system 201 in accordance with the invention verifies that a disposable cover (hereinafter "cover") 203 is in place and that the cover has not been previously used. To use the device 200 equipped with the single-use cover system (hereinafter "system") 201, a user is first provided with at least one cover 203 that has a radio frequency identification (hereinafter "RFID") tag 202 affixed to the cover.
Preferably, the RFID tag 202 is permanently affixed to the inside of the cover 203. Alternatively, the RFID tag 202 is detachably affixed.
Alternatively, the RFID tag 202 is affixed to the outside of the cover 203 or is affixed within the material of the cover. In each of the embodiments, the RFID tag is affixed, or mounted, to one side of the cover 203. By the phrase "in place" it is meant that the cover 203 envelopes the treatment pad 206, and that the RFID tag 202, which is on the cover, is on the same side as the antenna 211, which is on the treatment pad, and that the RFID
tag is aligned with the antenna. When the user presses the start/stop button 220, the system 201 checks whether the RFID tag 202 is present and checks whether the RFID tag has an "OK to use" code stored in it. If so, the system 201 allows the device 200 to start; if not, the system sounds an audible indicator 228.
A coaxial cable 205 connects the antenna 211 at the treatment pad 206 to the generating unit 218. A relay 210 is mounted to the covertest board 212. The coaxial cable 205 is connected to a terminal 201 of the relay. Another coaxial cable 207 connects the output 216 of the RF
generator 208 to a terminal 209 of the relay 210. The treatment pad 206 is coupled to the RF generator 208 via the relay 210. The relay 210 is controlled by a microcomputer 214 that is mounted to the covertest board 212. The relay allows the treatment pad 206 to be coupled to either an output 216 of the RF generator 208 or to an output 219 of the RF
transponder 204, via the coaxial cable 205. The RF transponder 204 is an electronic device that contains circuitry to send and receive data via a RF
carrier wave and that has means to format the transmitted data for the expected RFID tag 202 and to decode the data received from the RFID
tag 202. The RF transponder 204 also includes means to transfer the data to and from another computer. This means is normally implemented with a microcomputer. The start/stop button 220 is coupled to an input 222 of the microcomputer 214. A "running" signal, i.e., a signal that is active when treatment is in progress, is coupled to another input 224 of the microcomputer 214. An output 225 of the microcomputer 214 is coupled to a start/stop input 215 of the RF generator 208. Another output 226 of the microcomputer 214 is coupled to a sound generating device 228, such as a SONALERT sound generating device manufactured by Malloy Sonalert Products, Inc., of Indianapolis, IN. Operation of the system 201 is controlled by software stored in the microcomputer 214.
FIG. 3 is a flow diagram 300 of the operation of the device 200.
The operation begins with the device 200 being initialized 301. Whenever the start/stop button 220 is pushed 302, a pause occurs 303 for debounce, then the microcomputer 214 checks at step 304 the running signal. If the RF generator 208 is running, a pulse is sent out, at step 305, to the start/stop input 215 of the RF generator 208 to stop the current treatment.
Then the microcomputer 214 enters a wait mode 306. If the RF generator 208 is not running, the microcomputer 214 operates the relay 210 at step 307, waits a few milliseconds for the relay to mechanically switch, and then asks, at step 308, the RF transponder 204 to check whether there is an RFID tag 202 in range of its RF carrier wave.
' If there is a RFID tag 202, the RF transponder 204 is asked at step 309 whether the RFID tag 202 has the "OK to use" code stored therein. If the RFID tag 202 has the "OK to use" code, the RF transponder 204 is told to change the code to "used" and a ten (10) minute timer is started in software at step 310, and the relay 210 is released at step 311. After a few milliseconds to wait for the relay 210 to switch, the start/stop input 215 of the RF generator 208 is pulsed at step 311 to start a treatment. Then the microcomputer 214 goes back to the wait mode 306.
' If the RFID tag 202 does not have the "OK to use" code, the microcomputer 214 checks the timer at step 312. If the timer is active, the relay 210 is released at step 311. After a few milliseconds to wait for the relay 210 to switch, the start/stop input 215 of the RF generator 208 is pulsed at step 311 to start a treatment. Then the microcomputer 214 goes back'to the wait mode 306. If the timer is not active, the microcomputer 214 waits 313 one (1) second, then sounds at step 318 the audible indicator 228. The one (1) second delay is so that the user will not think that the sounding of the audible indicator 228 is just an acknowledgment of the button having been pushed. Then the microcomputer 214 goes back to the wait mode 306.
Referring back to step 308, if there is no RFID tag 202, the relay 210 is released 314. After a few milliseconds to wait for the relay to switch, the start/stop input 215 on the RF generator 208 is pulsed at step 314 to start a treatment. The purpose of the sending of the pulse is to test the treatment pad 206 and the connecting cable 205 to be sure they are functioning properly and are not the cause of an inability to sense the RFID tag 202. After a delay 315 of one second (necessary to allow the RF
generator 208 to complete its self-check), the running signal is tested at step 316 to see whether a treatment is still in progress. If the RF generator is running, i.e., the hardware is functioning properly, a pulse is sent out 319 to the start/stop input 215 of the RF generator 208 to stop the current treatment at step 317. The microcomputer 214 sounds the audible indicator 228 at step 318 to indicate that the current treatment session is finished. Then the microcomputer 214 goes back to the wait mode 306. If the RF generator is not running, i.e., the hardware is defective and presumably the service required light is flashing, then the microcomputer 214 goes back to the wait mode 306.
The result is that any time the user pushes 302 the start/stop button 220, the audible indicator 228 will be sounded at step 318 one second later if there is no RFID tag 202 present or if the RFID tag 202 that is present does not have the "OK to use" code. If the hardware of the treatment pad 206 is defective, the audible indicator 228 will not sound, but the service required light (not shown) will flash.
If the treatment pad hardware is operating properly, and the RFID
tag 202 is present with the "OK to use"code, the treatment will start. If power to the RF generator 208 is not off, the treatment may be started with a RFID tag 202 that does not have the "OK to use" code if the treatment is started within a predetermined period of starting the RF
generator 208 with a RFID tag that has the "OK to use" code. This allows the user to make adjustments in the position of the treatment pad 206 and then restart the treatment. Preferably, the predetermined period is ten (10) minutes.
FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of the operation of the microcomputer 214 of the electromagnetic treatment device 200. Upon power-up, the microcomputer is initialized, at step 402. If, at step 404, the start/stop button 220 is not pushed, the microcomputer loops until it is pushed. If, at step 404, the start/stop button is pushed, the microcomputer enters the button debounce flow chart 500 (see FIG. 5). At step 408, the microcomputer checks whether a cycle is in progress, i.e., whether a RF
treatment is in progress. The microcomputer does this by checking whether the running signal is present. If the running signal is not present, the microcomputer terminates treatment 410. If the running signal is present, the relay 210 is actuated such that RF communication is turned on 412. That is, the output 219 of the RF transponder 204 is coupled to coaxial cable 205. At step 414, the microcomputer checks whether the communication RF is turned on. If the communication RF is not turned on, the microcomputer activates at step 416 an audible indicator 228. If the communication RF is turned on, the microcomputer transmits a command at step 418 to read the contents stored in a memory of the RFID
tag 202 at the cover 203. In step 420, the microcomputer determines whether the RFID tag 202 is present. If no RF signal is received from the RFID tag 202, the microcomputer turns on the RF treatment for one (1) second at step 422, in order to check for a break in the coaxial cable 205 or for other malfunctions that could account for a lack of a RF signal from the RFID tag. If a RF signal is received from the RFID tag 202, the microcomputer determines at step 424 whether the RFID tag transmitted the "OK to use" code. If the RFID tag 202 does not return an original factory code of "FFFF", the microcomputer determines that the RFID tag does not have the "OK to use" code, and the microcomputer then determines at step 426 whether a ten (10) minute timer is still counting, i.e., whether less than ten (10) minutes have elapsed since the start/stop button 220 was activated. If more than ten (10) minutes have elapsed since the start/stop button 220 was activated, the microcomputer activates the audible indicator at step 416. Referring back to step 424, if the RFID
tag 202 returns the factory code of "FFFF", the microcomputer determines that the RFID tag has the "OK to use" code, and then, at step 428, the microcomputer writes "0000" over the "FFFF", and starts a ten (10) minute timer. At step 430, the microcomputer switches the relay 210 so that the RF generator 208 is connected to the coaxial cable 205.
(Previously, the RF transponder 204 was connected to the coaxial cable 205 for RF communication of data between the RFID tag 202 and the RF
transponder.) At step 432, the microcomputer activates the RF generator 208 to transmit therapeutic dosages of RF energy through coaxial cable 205 to the treatment pad 206. Referring back to step 426, if the ten (10) minute counter is still counting, the microcomputer performs step 430.
This allows the treatment pad 206 to be started for a few minutes, and then turned off for repositioning, and then turned on again for completion of a session of therapy. Typically, a session of therapy is thirty (30) minutes.
FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of the operation of a button debounce operation of the electromagnetic treatment device 200. Upon power-up 502, the microcomputer clears and resets a button flag 504 and enters a button debounce wait loop 506. The microcomputer periodically checks to see if the button flag 508 has been set.
At step 508, the microcomputer checks whether the button flag has been set. If the button flag has not been set, the microcomputer then checks at step 510 whether the start/stop button has been pushed, i.e., is closed. If the start/stop button has not been pushed, i.e., is open, it returns to the button debounce wait-loop 506. If the start/stop button has been pushed, i.e., is closed, the microcomputer waits five (5) milliseconds at step 512 and again checks the status of the start/stop button at step 514.
If the start/stop button is not closed, the microcomputer returns to the button debounce wait-loop 506. If the start/stop button is still closed, i.e., the user's finger remains on the start/stop button, the microcomputer sets the button flag at step 516, and returns to the button debounce wait loop after performing a button serve routine at step 518.
Referring again to step 508, if the check-button-flag is set, the microcomputer then checks the status of the start/stop button at step 520.
If the start/stop button is closed at step 520, the microcomputer loops, i.e., waits, until the start/stop button is closed. If the start/stop button is open at step 520, the microcomputer waits five (5) milliseconds at step 522. At step 524, the microcomputer again checks the status of the start/stop button. If the start/stop button is closed, the microcomputer again loops, i.e., waits, until the start/stop button is closed. If the start/stop button is open, the microcomputer clears the button flag at step 504, and returns to the button debounce wait-loop 506.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram a circuit 600 of a first embodiment of a cover test board 212 of the electromagnetic treatment device 200.
The circuit 600 is sourced from a 15 VDC supply at pin "1" of connector 602 via a +5 volt voltage regulator 606. A display (not shown) is coupled to connector 601. The display includes a thirty (30) minute digital countdown timer and the start/stop switch 220. Read/write functions of the RFID tag 202 are controlled from the microcomputer 214, preferably a model PIC 16LC73 microcontroller manufactured by Microchip Technology Inc., of Chandler, AZ, clocked with a 20 MHz crystal 608.
Communication with the RFID tag 202 is via the RF transponder 204, preferably a 13.56 MHz GEMWAvETM model 5001 RFID plug-in coupler, manufactured by Gemplus International SA of Luxembourg. The RF
transponder 204 is powered from the +5V voltage regulator 606, and controlled from the microcomputer 214. Communication for the RFID tag 202 is sent to the treatment pad 206 via matching network 610, through relay 210, and finally out through BNC connector 613. Read/write operations for the RFID tag 202 are initiated when the user pushes the start/stop button 220 that sends a signal to the microcomputer 214 via connector 601 at pin "8". The relay 210 is energized by the microcomputer 214, allowing the RF transponder 204 to communicate with the RFID tag 202 on the treatment pad 206 through the closed contacts five and six of the relay 210. Two LEDs 621 and 622 are used to indicate power and communication to the RF transponder 204. If data returned from the RFID tag 202 is valid, the relay 210 is de-energized, a start signal is sent by the microcomputer via transistor 624, through connector 602 at pin "8", permitting the 27.12 MHz therapy energy to be sent to the treatment pad 206 via BNC connectors 613 and 614. If the data returned from the RFID tag 202 is not valid, the audible indicator 228 produces a series of three beeps, and further operation is aborted.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a circuit 700 of a second embodiment of a cover test board 212 of the electromagnetic treatment device 200. The circuit 700 includes a 13.56 MHz RF circuit 701 to communicate with the treatment pad RFID tag 202, thereby eliminating a need for the GEMWAvE model 5001 RFID plug-in coupler.
FIG. 8 is a representation of the cover 203 for the applicator 206 of the electromagnetic treatment device 200. Preferably, the RFID tag 202 is attached near the center of one side of the cover 206. The cover 203 is open at one end 801 and closed at another end 802. There is a gusset at the other end 802 of the cover 203.
FIG. 9 is a simplified representation of the RFID tag 202. The RFID tag 202 is commercially available and comprises an antenna 901 and an integrated circuit 902. The integrated circuit comprises a radio transceiver and a microcomputer. The microcomputer contains electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, EEPROM. The integrated circuit 902 is powered by the same RF carrier wave, transmitted by the RF
transponder 204, which also carries data to the RFID tag 202.
While the present invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments thereof, such description is for illustrative purposes only, and is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.
Various modifications and changes may be made to the described embodiments by those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
FIG. 2 is a simplified functional block diagram of an electromagnetic treatment device 200 in accordance with the invention.
The electromagnetic treatment device (hereinafter "device") 200 comprises at least one treatment pad, or applicator, 206; and a generating unit 218.
The treatment pad 206 has an antenna 211 on one side of the treatment pad. The generating unit 218 comprises a start/stop button 220, a radio frequency (hereinafter "RF") generator 208 and a covertest board 212.
The single-use cover system 201 in accordance with the invention verifies that a disposable cover (hereinafter "cover") 203 is in place and that the cover has not been previously used. To use the device 200 equipped with the single-use cover system (hereinafter "system") 201, a user is first provided with at least one cover 203 that has a radio frequency identification (hereinafter "RFID") tag 202 affixed to the cover.
Preferably, the RFID tag 202 is permanently affixed to the inside of the cover 203. Alternatively, the RFID tag 202 is detachably affixed.
Alternatively, the RFID tag 202 is affixed to the outside of the cover 203 or is affixed within the material of the cover. In each of the embodiments, the RFID tag is affixed, or mounted, to one side of the cover 203. By the phrase "in place" it is meant that the cover 203 envelopes the treatment pad 206, and that the RFID tag 202, which is on the cover, is on the same side as the antenna 211, which is on the treatment pad, and that the RFID
tag is aligned with the antenna. When the user presses the start/stop button 220, the system 201 checks whether the RFID tag 202 is present and checks whether the RFID tag has an "OK to use" code stored in it. If so, the system 201 allows the device 200 to start; if not, the system sounds an audible indicator 228.
A coaxial cable 205 connects the antenna 211 at the treatment pad 206 to the generating unit 218. A relay 210 is mounted to the covertest board 212. The coaxial cable 205 is connected to a terminal 201 of the relay. Another coaxial cable 207 connects the output 216 of the RF
generator 208 to a terminal 209 of the relay 210. The treatment pad 206 is coupled to the RF generator 208 via the relay 210. The relay 210 is controlled by a microcomputer 214 that is mounted to the covertest board 212. The relay allows the treatment pad 206 to be coupled to either an output 216 of the RF generator 208 or to an output 219 of the RF
transponder 204, via the coaxial cable 205. The RF transponder 204 is an electronic device that contains circuitry to send and receive data via a RF
carrier wave and that has means to format the transmitted data for the expected RFID tag 202 and to decode the data received from the RFID
tag 202. The RF transponder 204 also includes means to transfer the data to and from another computer. This means is normally implemented with a microcomputer. The start/stop button 220 is coupled to an input 222 of the microcomputer 214. A "running" signal, i.e., a signal that is active when treatment is in progress, is coupled to another input 224 of the microcomputer 214. An output 225 of the microcomputer 214 is coupled to a start/stop input 215 of the RF generator 208. Another output 226 of the microcomputer 214 is coupled to a sound generating device 228, such as a SONALERT sound generating device manufactured by Malloy Sonalert Products, Inc., of Indianapolis, IN. Operation of the system 201 is controlled by software stored in the microcomputer 214.
FIG. 3 is a flow diagram 300 of the operation of the device 200.
The operation begins with the device 200 being initialized 301. Whenever the start/stop button 220 is pushed 302, a pause occurs 303 for debounce, then the microcomputer 214 checks at step 304 the running signal. If the RF generator 208 is running, a pulse is sent out, at step 305, to the start/stop input 215 of the RF generator 208 to stop the current treatment.
Then the microcomputer 214 enters a wait mode 306. If the RF generator 208 is not running, the microcomputer 214 operates the relay 210 at step 307, waits a few milliseconds for the relay to mechanically switch, and then asks, at step 308, the RF transponder 204 to check whether there is an RFID tag 202 in range of its RF carrier wave.
' If there is a RFID tag 202, the RF transponder 204 is asked at step 309 whether the RFID tag 202 has the "OK to use" code stored therein. If the RFID tag 202 has the "OK to use" code, the RF transponder 204 is told to change the code to "used" and a ten (10) minute timer is started in software at step 310, and the relay 210 is released at step 311. After a few milliseconds to wait for the relay 210 to switch, the start/stop input 215 of the RF generator 208 is pulsed at step 311 to start a treatment. Then the microcomputer 214 goes back to the wait mode 306.
' If the RFID tag 202 does not have the "OK to use" code, the microcomputer 214 checks the timer at step 312. If the timer is active, the relay 210 is released at step 311. After a few milliseconds to wait for the relay 210 to switch, the start/stop input 215 of the RF generator 208 is pulsed at step 311 to start a treatment. Then the microcomputer 214 goes back'to the wait mode 306. If the timer is not active, the microcomputer 214 waits 313 one (1) second, then sounds at step 318 the audible indicator 228. The one (1) second delay is so that the user will not think that the sounding of the audible indicator 228 is just an acknowledgment of the button having been pushed. Then the microcomputer 214 goes back to the wait mode 306.
Referring back to step 308, if there is no RFID tag 202, the relay 210 is released 314. After a few milliseconds to wait for the relay to switch, the start/stop input 215 on the RF generator 208 is pulsed at step 314 to start a treatment. The purpose of the sending of the pulse is to test the treatment pad 206 and the connecting cable 205 to be sure they are functioning properly and are not the cause of an inability to sense the RFID tag 202. After a delay 315 of one second (necessary to allow the RF
generator 208 to complete its self-check), the running signal is tested at step 316 to see whether a treatment is still in progress. If the RF generator is running, i.e., the hardware is functioning properly, a pulse is sent out 319 to the start/stop input 215 of the RF generator 208 to stop the current treatment at step 317. The microcomputer 214 sounds the audible indicator 228 at step 318 to indicate that the current treatment session is finished. Then the microcomputer 214 goes back to the wait mode 306. If the RF generator is not running, i.e., the hardware is defective and presumably the service required light is flashing, then the microcomputer 214 goes back to the wait mode 306.
The result is that any time the user pushes 302 the start/stop button 220, the audible indicator 228 will be sounded at step 318 one second later if there is no RFID tag 202 present or if the RFID tag 202 that is present does not have the "OK to use" code. If the hardware of the treatment pad 206 is defective, the audible indicator 228 will not sound, but the service required light (not shown) will flash.
If the treatment pad hardware is operating properly, and the RFID
tag 202 is present with the "OK to use"code, the treatment will start. If power to the RF generator 208 is not off, the treatment may be started with a RFID tag 202 that does not have the "OK to use" code if the treatment is started within a predetermined period of starting the RF
generator 208 with a RFID tag that has the "OK to use" code. This allows the user to make adjustments in the position of the treatment pad 206 and then restart the treatment. Preferably, the predetermined period is ten (10) minutes.
FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of the operation of the microcomputer 214 of the electromagnetic treatment device 200. Upon power-up, the microcomputer is initialized, at step 402. If, at step 404, the start/stop button 220 is not pushed, the microcomputer loops until it is pushed. If, at step 404, the start/stop button is pushed, the microcomputer enters the button debounce flow chart 500 (see FIG. 5). At step 408, the microcomputer checks whether a cycle is in progress, i.e., whether a RF
treatment is in progress. The microcomputer does this by checking whether the running signal is present. If the running signal is not present, the microcomputer terminates treatment 410. If the running signal is present, the relay 210 is actuated such that RF communication is turned on 412. That is, the output 219 of the RF transponder 204 is coupled to coaxial cable 205. At step 414, the microcomputer checks whether the communication RF is turned on. If the communication RF is not turned on, the microcomputer activates at step 416 an audible indicator 228. If the communication RF is turned on, the microcomputer transmits a command at step 418 to read the contents stored in a memory of the RFID
tag 202 at the cover 203. In step 420, the microcomputer determines whether the RFID tag 202 is present. If no RF signal is received from the RFID tag 202, the microcomputer turns on the RF treatment for one (1) second at step 422, in order to check for a break in the coaxial cable 205 or for other malfunctions that could account for a lack of a RF signal from the RFID tag. If a RF signal is received from the RFID tag 202, the microcomputer determines at step 424 whether the RFID tag transmitted the "OK to use" code. If the RFID tag 202 does not return an original factory code of "FFFF", the microcomputer determines that the RFID tag does not have the "OK to use" code, and the microcomputer then determines at step 426 whether a ten (10) minute timer is still counting, i.e., whether less than ten (10) minutes have elapsed since the start/stop button 220 was activated. If more than ten (10) minutes have elapsed since the start/stop button 220 was activated, the microcomputer activates the audible indicator at step 416. Referring back to step 424, if the RFID
tag 202 returns the factory code of "FFFF", the microcomputer determines that the RFID tag has the "OK to use" code, and then, at step 428, the microcomputer writes "0000" over the "FFFF", and starts a ten (10) minute timer. At step 430, the microcomputer switches the relay 210 so that the RF generator 208 is connected to the coaxial cable 205.
(Previously, the RF transponder 204 was connected to the coaxial cable 205 for RF communication of data between the RFID tag 202 and the RF
transponder.) At step 432, the microcomputer activates the RF generator 208 to transmit therapeutic dosages of RF energy through coaxial cable 205 to the treatment pad 206. Referring back to step 426, if the ten (10) minute counter is still counting, the microcomputer performs step 430.
This allows the treatment pad 206 to be started for a few minutes, and then turned off for repositioning, and then turned on again for completion of a session of therapy. Typically, a session of therapy is thirty (30) minutes.
FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of the operation of a button debounce operation of the electromagnetic treatment device 200. Upon power-up 502, the microcomputer clears and resets a button flag 504 and enters a button debounce wait loop 506. The microcomputer periodically checks to see if the button flag 508 has been set.
At step 508, the microcomputer checks whether the button flag has been set. If the button flag has not been set, the microcomputer then checks at step 510 whether the start/stop button has been pushed, i.e., is closed. If the start/stop button has not been pushed, i.e., is open, it returns to the button debounce wait-loop 506. If the start/stop button has been pushed, i.e., is closed, the microcomputer waits five (5) milliseconds at step 512 and again checks the status of the start/stop button at step 514.
If the start/stop button is not closed, the microcomputer returns to the button debounce wait-loop 506. If the start/stop button is still closed, i.e., the user's finger remains on the start/stop button, the microcomputer sets the button flag at step 516, and returns to the button debounce wait loop after performing a button serve routine at step 518.
Referring again to step 508, if the check-button-flag is set, the microcomputer then checks the status of the start/stop button at step 520.
If the start/stop button is closed at step 520, the microcomputer loops, i.e., waits, until the start/stop button is closed. If the start/stop button is open at step 520, the microcomputer waits five (5) milliseconds at step 522. At step 524, the microcomputer again checks the status of the start/stop button. If the start/stop button is closed, the microcomputer again loops, i.e., waits, until the start/stop button is closed. If the start/stop button is open, the microcomputer clears the button flag at step 504, and returns to the button debounce wait-loop 506.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram a circuit 600 of a first embodiment of a cover test board 212 of the electromagnetic treatment device 200.
The circuit 600 is sourced from a 15 VDC supply at pin "1" of connector 602 via a +5 volt voltage regulator 606. A display (not shown) is coupled to connector 601. The display includes a thirty (30) minute digital countdown timer and the start/stop switch 220. Read/write functions of the RFID tag 202 are controlled from the microcomputer 214, preferably a model PIC 16LC73 microcontroller manufactured by Microchip Technology Inc., of Chandler, AZ, clocked with a 20 MHz crystal 608.
Communication with the RFID tag 202 is via the RF transponder 204, preferably a 13.56 MHz GEMWAvETM model 5001 RFID plug-in coupler, manufactured by Gemplus International SA of Luxembourg. The RF
transponder 204 is powered from the +5V voltage regulator 606, and controlled from the microcomputer 214. Communication for the RFID tag 202 is sent to the treatment pad 206 via matching network 610, through relay 210, and finally out through BNC connector 613. Read/write operations for the RFID tag 202 are initiated when the user pushes the start/stop button 220 that sends a signal to the microcomputer 214 via connector 601 at pin "8". The relay 210 is energized by the microcomputer 214, allowing the RF transponder 204 to communicate with the RFID tag 202 on the treatment pad 206 through the closed contacts five and six of the relay 210. Two LEDs 621 and 622 are used to indicate power and communication to the RF transponder 204. If data returned from the RFID tag 202 is valid, the relay 210 is de-energized, a start signal is sent by the microcomputer via transistor 624, through connector 602 at pin "8", permitting the 27.12 MHz therapy energy to be sent to the treatment pad 206 via BNC connectors 613 and 614. If the data returned from the RFID tag 202 is not valid, the audible indicator 228 produces a series of three beeps, and further operation is aborted.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a circuit 700 of a second embodiment of a cover test board 212 of the electromagnetic treatment device 200. The circuit 700 includes a 13.56 MHz RF circuit 701 to communicate with the treatment pad RFID tag 202, thereby eliminating a need for the GEMWAvE model 5001 RFID plug-in coupler.
FIG. 8 is a representation of the cover 203 for the applicator 206 of the electromagnetic treatment device 200. Preferably, the RFID tag 202 is attached near the center of one side of the cover 206. The cover 203 is open at one end 801 and closed at another end 802. There is a gusset at the other end 802 of the cover 203.
FIG. 9 is a simplified representation of the RFID tag 202. The RFID tag 202 is commercially available and comprises an antenna 901 and an integrated circuit 902. The integrated circuit comprises a radio transceiver and a microcomputer. The microcomputer contains electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, EEPROM. The integrated circuit 902 is powered by the same RF carrier wave, transmitted by the RF
transponder 204, which also carries data to the RFID tag 202.
While the present invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments thereof, such description is for illustrative purposes only, and is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.
Various modifications and changes may be made to the described embodiments by those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. A disposable cover for a treatment pad for use with a device used for therapeutically treating patients with dosages of electromagnetic energy applied externally to the patients using a treatment pad, the device having a first wireless transceiver, the cover comprising:
a) radio frequency shielding material on one side of the cover to allow the electromagnetic energy to be applied externally to a patient from the treatment pad through the cover; and b) a second wireless transceiver permanently attached to the disposable cover for communicating with the device, wherein the second wireless transceiver includes a code stored thereon to indicate that the disposable cover is appropriate for use.
a) radio frequency shielding material on one side of the cover to allow the electromagnetic energy to be applied externally to a patient from the treatment pad through the cover; and b) a second wireless transceiver permanently attached to the disposable cover for communicating with the device, wherein the second wireless transceiver includes a code stored thereon to indicate that the disposable cover is appropriate for use.
2. A controller for controlling a device used for therapeutically treating patients with dosages of electromagnetic energy applied externally to the patients using a treatment pad, the treatment pad used with a disposable cover, the controller comprising:
a) a first wireless transceiver for communicating with a second wireless transceiver permanently attached to the disposable cover, wherein the second wireless transceiver includes a code stored thereon to indicate that the disposable cover is appropriate for use; and b) a microcomputer programmed to allow activation of the device based upon confirmation of the code stored on the second wireless transceiver.
a) a first wireless transceiver for communicating with a second wireless transceiver permanently attached to the disposable cover, wherein the second wireless transceiver includes a code stored thereon to indicate that the disposable cover is appropriate for use; and b) a microcomputer programmed to allow activation of the device based upon confirmation of the code stored on the second wireless transceiver.
3. A system, comprising:
a) a device for therapeutically treating patients with dosages of electromagnetic energy applied externally to the patients using a treatment pad, said device having a first wireless transceiver;
b) a controller coupled to the device for controlling said device; and c) a disposable cover for said treatment pad, said disposable cover having a second wireless transceiver for communicating with said device, wherein the second wireless transceiver includes a code stored thereon to indicate that the disposable cover is appropriate for use.
a) a device for therapeutically treating patients with dosages of electromagnetic energy applied externally to the patients using a treatment pad, said device having a first wireless transceiver;
b) a controller coupled to the device for controlling said device; and c) a disposable cover for said treatment pad, said disposable cover having a second wireless transceiver for communicating with said device, wherein the second wireless transceiver includes a code stored thereon to indicate that the disposable cover is appropriate for use.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the controller includes means for activating dosages of electromagnetic energy from said device only if said disposable cover has not previously covered said treatment pad during transmission of dosages of electromagnetic energy from said treatment pad for a predetermined period.
5. A cover for a treatment pad for use with a device used for therapeutically treating patients with dosages of electromagnetic energy applied externally to the patients using the treatment pad, the device having a wireless transceiver, said cover comprising a wireless transceiver attached to said cover for communicating with the device, wherein the device includes means for determining whether said cover is placed around the treatment pad.
6. The cover of claim 5, in which said determining means also determines whether said cover is properly placed around the treatment pad.
7. The cover of claim 5, in which said determining means also determines whether said cover has been previously used for covering the treatment pad during transmission of dosages of electromagnetic energy from the treatment pad for a predetermined period.
8. The cover of claim 7, wherein the wireless transceiver attached to said cover includes a code stored thereon to indicate that said cover is appropriate for use, and wherein said determining means determines that said cover has not been previously used when said code stored on the wireless transceiver is read from the wireless transceiver.
9. The cover of claim 6, wherein said treatment pad includes an antenna disposed on one side of the treatment pad, and wherein said determining means determines that said cover is properly placed around the treatment pad when said antenna is adjacent the wireless transceiver attached to said cover.
10. The cover of any one of claims 5-9, wherein the wireless transceiver is a radio frequency identification tag.
11. The cover of any one of claims 5-10, wherein the determining means comprises a microcomputer and a radio frequency identification transponder.
12. The disposable cover of claim 1, wherein the first wireless transceiver is a radio frequency identification transponder, and wherein the second wireless transceiver is a radio frequency identification tag.
13. The controller of claim 2, wherein the treatment pad includes an antenna disposed on one side of the treatment pad, and wherein said microcomputer is programmed to determine that said disposable cover is properly placed around the treatment pad when said antenna is adjacent said second wireless transceiver.
14. The controller of claims 2 and 13, wherein the first wireless transceiver is a radio frequency identification transponder, and wherein the second wireless transceiver is a radio frequency identification tag.
15. The system of claims 3 and 4, wherein the treatment pad includes an antenna, and wherein said antenna is connected to the device with a coaxial cable.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the antenna is disposed on one side of the treatment pad, and wherein the controller is configured to determine that said disposable cover is properly placed around the treatment pad when said antenna is adjacent said second wireless transceiver.
17. The system of claims 3, 4, 15, and 16, wherein the device comprises a radio frequency generator, and wherein the system further comprises a relay connected to the radio frequency generator, the treatment pad, and the first wireless transceiver.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the first wireless transceiver is a radio frequency identification transponder, and wherein the relay is configured to couple the treatment pad to either an output of the radio frequency generator or to an output of the radio frequency transponder.
19. The system of claims 3, 4, and 15-18, wherein the second wireless transceiver is a radio frequency identification tag.
20. The system of claims 3, 4, and 15-19, wherein the controller comprises a microcomputer.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US43053802P | 2002-12-02 | 2002-12-02 | |
| US60/430,538 | 2002-12-02 | ||
| PCT/US2003/038079 WO2004050173A1 (en) | 2002-12-02 | 2003-12-01 | Single-use cover system for electromagnetic treatment applicator |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2507452A1 CA2507452A1 (en) | 2004-06-17 |
| CA2507452C true CA2507452C (en) | 2011-10-11 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2507452A Expired - Fee Related CA2507452C (en) | 2002-12-02 | 2003-12-01 | Single-use cover system for electromagnetic treatment applicator |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP1567222A4 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2003297591A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2507452C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2004050173A1 (en) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| IT202200006350A1 (en) | 2022-03-31 | 2023-10-01 | Gvp Med S A S Di Mian Antonella & C | SYSTEM TO FIGHT A PATIENT'S HYPOTHERMIA |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0534782A1 (en) * | 1991-09-26 | 1993-03-31 | Medtronic, Inc. | Implantable medical device enclosure |
| US5720770A (en) * | 1995-10-06 | 1998-02-24 | Pacesetter, Inc. | Cardiac stimulation system with enhanced communication and control capability |
| US5861019A (en) * | 1997-07-25 | 1999-01-19 | Medtronic Inc. | Implantable medical device microstrip telemetry antenna |
| EP2110157A1 (en) | 1998-01-15 | 2009-10-21 | Regenesis Biomedical, Inc. | Improved pulsed electromagnetic treatment apparatus |
| US6708065B2 (en) * | 2001-03-02 | 2004-03-16 | Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. | Antenna for an implantable medical device |
| US6456256B1 (en) * | 2001-08-03 | 2002-09-24 | Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. | Circumferential antenna for an implantable medical device |
-
2003
- 2003-12-01 CA CA2507452A patent/CA2507452C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2003-12-01 EP EP03812468A patent/EP1567222A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2003-12-01 AU AU2003297591A patent/AU2003297591A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-12-01 WO PCT/US2003/038079 patent/WO2004050173A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP1567222A4 (en) | 2011-11-02 |
| WO2004050173A1 (en) | 2004-06-17 |
| AU2003297591A1 (en) | 2004-06-23 |
| EP1567222A1 (en) | 2005-08-31 |
| CA2507452A1 (en) | 2004-06-17 |
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