FI118561B - Device for hair regrowth - Google Patents

Description

118561

FIELD OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for promoting hair regrowth.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many people are disturbed by premature baldness, retrograde hairline, or other conditions under which hair is lost from the head. Over the years, many chemicals have been marketed as hair growth aids, but the results are confusing and generally unsatisfactory. 15 Many people have spent considerable amounts on artificial hair. Some individuals have even undergone surgical hair transplantation, which requires the hiring of highly skilled medical experts, which is usually impossible for many potential beneficiaries. Thus, it is clear that there is a need for relatively cheap hair. a method of re-breeding that can be carried out by ··· highly untrained persons and capable of promoting hair re-growth in the widest possible population.

*: * ·: 25: Various electrical stimuli have been used in the previously described solutions to promote hair growth. For example, U.S. Patent No. 821,349, issued July 30, 1907 to R.E. For a patent on Beaubien, entitled "Apparatus for Treating the Scalp", the device for promoting hair growth at the human end is described. This device is relying on "** i apparently for a combination of pneumatic, vacuum-related and electrical) ·. Effects in combination with scalp-applied hair lotions and scalp massage. However, Applicant 2 118561 of the present patent believes that this is not the case and that special electrical signals must be used to satisfactorily promote hair regrowth.

5, U.S. Patent No. 735,581, issued August 4, 1903 to Pollacsek et al., Entitled "Therapeutic Apparatus", describes a device "capable of generating oscillations in diseased parts of the body." Pollacsek et al. Disclose that this device 10 can be made as a headband and that this hat can be placed in a magnetic field formed by an electric current flowing through the windings contained in the iron core. However, this patent does not disclose the specific nature of electric or magnetic signals or fields, and the use of this device invented by Pollacsek et al. To promote hair regrowth has not been proposed.

U.S. Patent No. 740,385, issued October 6, 1903 to W.B. For Bassell, labeled "Electrotherapeutic Applian-20 ce" (Electro-Therapeutic Device) is provided. another device "placed under the influence of an electric current φ * · for healing purposes". Bas- • · * * * * ϊ sell says that his invention is intended to be used: ... * to cure nervousness, insomnia, headaches and other similar ailments. "* · 25 He suggests that this cure effect can be achieved. By placing the use of a T: head under the influence of a relatively mild electric current caused by a small battery, Bassell does not state that he will use his device to promote hair regrowth · ···. electrical signals.

U.S. Patent 3,872,859, issued Mar. 25:. 1975, Applicants Pitzen et al., Entitled "Method and Device for Stimulating the Organs Associated with the Human Scalp" * * (Method and device for regeneration of organs associated with the human scalp). Pitzen et al. Provide 3,118,561 methods and apparatus in which a plurality of wave generators transmit signals in the frequency range 230 to 2650 Hz. These wave generators are also pulsed at a repetition rate ranging from three times per second to 5 times 26 times per second. The signals generated in this way are applied to the hand-held massage electrodes, which in turn are placed on the person's scalp.

10 Published French Patent Application No. 2,484,262, filed by Paul Naurice Viallis, provides another electrical device and method for treating human scalp to prevent seborrhea, hair loss, dandruff, etc. An electrically conductive electrode cap is placed over the scalp and the secondary electrode is placed in contact with the rest of the body. Current of the order of 8-15 mA is applied for 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of fault and the type of treatment. The most defective object of the invention is obviously to ionize the scalp so that creams or other scalp treatment compounds can be sensitized. to boil it more effectively.

Published West German Patent Application No. ro ♦ .. ΙΓ 3,618,933 discloses the invention of Masak et al., Which relates to an electrotherapeutic device for promoting eyebrow growth. This device should be intended to be placed on the patient's head. The electrodes are attached to the eyebrows. The pulsed current, preferably of square or half directional wave form, is applied to the electrodes in a two-phase • · «. * ··. 30 operation, preferably using a potential-like • ♦ “* oscillation at a frequency of 1/500 - 1/200 seconds and pulsed at a frequency of · ·: .V at a frequency of 0.5-2 seconds.

· ♦ · • «• ♦

Two English patent applications published under the name of Nasaki. The 35 Black Numbers 2 160 426A and 2 169 427A appear to correspond to the West German application mentioned above, although these English applications do not appear to be limited to the reproduction of eyebrow 4 118561.

U.S. Patent No. 3,946,745 to Hsiang-Lai et al. Discloses a system whereby an electrical pulse-5 is applied directly to a living body, for example, by attaching electrodes to the body by means of an acupuncture needle or a spring-loaded ear ring.

DE 29 52 850 Ai discloses the use of 10 electromagnetic pulsating fields to revitalize body functions to promote hair growth. Frequencies in the range of 400-420 Hertz are mentioned, with the subject being under continuous exposure to electromagnetic fields, for example, having 15 battery powered devices.

French Patent Publication No. 1,350,890 discloses a hair dryer having an electrode structure electrically coupled to a high frequency voltage generator for applying a powerful 20 high frequency electric field to the hair to heat and evaporate water from the hair. This patent publication mentions that this targeted. * i also has a refreshing effect on skin cells and improves blood circulation, which is beneficial for metabolism and *! * ·: 25 for healthy hair growth.

• · · «· · • · ·: * · *; Although no theoretical attachment is desired, the present inventors believe that the body falls asleep. lut (i.e., hair cells in which the hairs are not actively growing t · · * ... 3 0) can be regenerated electrically to promote active hair growth • · • t “* from these cells. In more detail, * * ν.ί the present inventors believe that hair re-:] **: growth can be revitalized by placing them under a low voltage pulse · / sibling with a pulse repetition frequency of about 5-35 • · · *. 35 Hertz. Higher values in this frequency range are considered suitable for the subject with normal or overactive energy levels. The lower values in the frequency range are again considered to be suitable for persons with underactive or slow metabolic energy levels.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A device for promoting hair regrowth has now been discovered, the characteristic features of which are disclosed in the independent claim. Other claims disclose some preferred embodiments of the invention.

The present invention provides a device for promoting hair regrowth in which two or more electrodes are placed in the immediate vicinity of, but not in contact with, the subject's scalp.

15 A voltage pulse generator is electrically coupled to the electrodes to drive them through a low voltage pulse series. The frequency selector is electrically connected to a voltage pulse generator for changing the pulse repetition frequency of this pulse series. The polarity-20 selector is electrically coupled between the voltage pulse generator and the electrodes to change the polarity of the pulse series • * · ····. The voltage selector is electrically connected *. *: Between the voltage pulse generator and the electrodes to change the voltage of the pulse series.

·: **: 25

It is preferable to use multiple electrodes. These electrodes are; * · *: mounted in a dome placed over the subject 's head, a series of concentric conductive electrode rings; form. These rings can be attached to the outer surface of the • •· * · .. 30-gauge electrically insulating liner. This * · set preferably comprises five rings mounted inside a · ·, V dome 90 ° arc connected by a perpendicular to the dome · ”*; on both sides of the shaft. Each of the four upper electrodes; ·] has an arc of about 15 ° and a fifth (lower) electrode of about 6 ° • * ·, with 35 arcs, 6 ° of arc slits being the color of each pair of electrodes.

J

* 'I on each side of a perpendicular center axis. The voltage pulse generator output signal is applied across the two upper 6118561 electrode pairs, with the alternate electrodes connected to one of the voltage pulse generator output terminals. The voltage divider applies a reduced voltage signal to the lower electrode.

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Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1A is a vertical view of a schematic diagram of a dome liner supporting an array of electrodes for carrying out the invention. Fig. 1B is a plan view of the structure of Fig. 1A.

Figure 2 is a block diagram of a device for hair regrowth constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a partially schematic block diagram showing additional details of the wiring used with the preferred electrode set.

Figure 4 shows a schematic electronic circuit diagram showing additional details of a preferred device application.

Detailed Description of the Invention

As shown in Figures 1A, 1B and 2, a plurality of electrodes 11 are placed on the outer surface of the dome liner 10. When liner 10 is • · *. * i mounted inside the hood 13 and the dome over the subject's head,., * · * electrodes 11 are placed very close to the subject's main skin "** ϊ 25 without touching it.

• · * • · »t» * * * * *: *: The unit is turned on and off via mechanical, electric m, or electronic timer 12 (Fig. 2), which is ··. functionally connected to a power supply source 14 which may • · * ... 30 comprise a conventional 110 volt A.C. to 12 volt D.C. transform- * · • · * t * ice. Power supply source 14 transmitted by a 12-volt D.C. the output signal is set to • 8 volts D.C. voltage regulator 16: ***; and the resulting 8-volt D.C. signal

• M

is then used to power the remaining electronic components shown in Figure 2. 110 volt A.C.

Alternatively, instead of directly connecting the power supply source to the wiring as described above, 7118561 power supply sources 14 may be used to charge 12 V D.C. battery. The charged battery can then be used to satisfy the device's power requirements and the power supply source 14 can be disconnected from a 110 volt A.C. power supply unit while still in use with the subject.

The pulse generator device 18, such as an astable multivibrator, is electrically coupled to the electrodes 11. The pulse generator 18 transmits a low voltage series of short pulses to the electrodes 11 at an optional pulse repetition frequency. In more detail, the frequency selection switch 20 is electrically coupled to the pulse generator 18 so that the operation of the device can change the pulse repetition frequency within the 15 recommended ranges of about 5 to 35 Hz. Lamp controller 30 provides a visual measure of the selected pulse repetition frequency of the display via lamp 32 (i.e., lamp 32 flashes on and off at the selected frequency).

The low voltage pulse generator output of the pulse generator 18 is amplified by the current amplifier 22 and is sent to a pulse converter 24 which outputs a single operating voltage (55 or 110 volts from peak to peak).

* The "signal polarity selection device", namely *: ··: 25 rectifier / filter 26, is electrically coupled between: pulse converter 24 and electrodes 11, thereby enabling the user to change the polarity of the signal output of the pulse converter 24 by manually selecting the polarity switch 28; either position.

There is a "voltage selection device", namely a two-position switch 34, * "', for allowing the user of the device to select either of the above operating voltages for the pulse sequence applied to the electrodes 11: ***:

«· · • * * · · *. . 35 Further details of the recommended wiring are described with reference to Figures 3 and 4 below. Power supply source 14 12V D.C. the output is electrically coupled to a voltage regulator 16, which, in a preferred embodiment, comprises an LM7808 integrated circuit eight-volt regulator provided with an internal current limiting thermal stop capacity and a safe area compensation for the internal inspection transistor. Capacitors C4 and C5 respectively provide low frequency filtering for the input and output of the controller 16, when this controller transmits eight volts D.C. an output signal used to supply power to the remaining electronic components.

10

The stable multivibrator 18 comprises a pulse generator comprising an integrated circuit NE555. The trigger input of the astable multivibrator 18 is coupled to its threshold input (represented by the dashed line represented by the integrated circuit 15 of FIG. 4) to continuously re-trigger the circuit U2 for its unstable operation. Resistors R1, R2 and R5, together with potentiometers R3 and R4 and timer capacitors C1 and C2, monitor the frequency of pulse sequence printing of the astable multivibrator 18. This 20 print frequency is selected by the manual setting of switch SW1 (ref. No. 20 in Figure 1), this switch comprising one · ·.! polar double-pole group switch (assuming that the device is capable of delivering pulse sequences at two different .. * · * frequencies, the corresponding switching arrangements may be enabled * ί "ϊ 25 if the device is intended to operate on three or more of these frequencies). the switch SW1 is in the "Fl" ··· position, the astable multivibrator 18 provides a low voltage pulse sequence at the first frequency. The switch ··. SW1 is at the “F2” frequency, the pulse sequence is formed and is · ·· * ... 30 at the second frequency. When SW1 is in the "F2" position ♦ · • ♦ ** · the astable multivibrator 18 provides a low voltage pulse sequence • · V,! At the second frequency. ·· ♦ Standard mode for tivibrator 18 voltage pulse train printing • ··, 35 is determined from the formula: ** *! Fl = 1 / Tl =, 693 (R2 + R4 + R5) C2

Similarly, when the frequency selector switch SW1 is set to "F2" at position 9118561, the constant mode frequency of voltage pulse sequence printing of the stable multivibrator 18 is given by: F2 = 1 / T2 =, 693 (R1 + R3 + R5) C2 The selected frequency is displayed via a diode D1 operated by a current limiting resistor R7 and an inverting amplifier transistor Q3. Resistor R8 limits the current for photodiode D1.

The capacitor C1 is used to bypass the connector pin 5 of the astable multivibrator 18 to ground, thereby preventing noise caused by changing the pulse output width of the astable multivibrator 18. Capacitor C3 is a bypass capacitor that eliminates high frequency noise in the power line.

The low-voltage pulse train output of the stable multivibrator 18 is supplied to a current amplifier 22 comprising transistors Q1 and Q2, which are designed to operate in a class B switching mode to cause the highest peak currents to pass through pulse converter 24. In more detail 20, when the pulse transformer 24 is turned on, the pulse is directed to the primary winding of the transformer. Because the transformer provides DC insulation, the higher end of the transformer • · V *: can be safely used to cause a positive or negative * j * dense pulse to pass the polarity control:: **; 25, a first rectifier device (i.e., a ··· diode D2 shown in Figure 3), a second rectifier device (i.e., diode D2 shown in Figure 3) and a polarity switch SW2 (ref. 28 in Figure 1). When switch SW2 is in the "positive" polarity * ·· * ... 30 position, diode D2 together with filter capacitor C6 and • · * ··· * output resistor R9 shape the 24: V: pulse output of the switching transformer while blocking the negative portions of the pulse series. Similarly, when the polarity selection switch SW2 is ·· in the "negative" polarity position, the diode D3 blocks the wooden • · *. "35 Sister Positive Parts. Voltage output at resistor R9 I I · '· * ϊ is applied to the electrodes inside hood 13.

The limit resistor RIO and the voltage selector switch SW3 (Ref. No. 118561 ίο 34 in Figure 1) allow the user of the device to choose between two operating voltages (55 volts peak to peak or 110 volts peak to peak) in the preferred embodiment.

5

With reference to Figures 1A and 1B, the preferred electrode arrangement comprises five electrodes 11, each comprising a thin strip of conductive material, for example a copper plate. These strips are intended to form approximately 10 concentric rings on the outer surface of the domed lining 10, this lining being formed of an electrically insulating material such as plastic. The liner 10 supports the electro-ribbons and prevents them from contacting the subject when the liner 10 is inserted inside the dome 113. In more detail, the cap 13 (which may be a conventional commercially available hair drying cap) is placed over the subject's head such that the inner surface of the liner 10 (which does not include electrodes) is adjacent to the subject. The subject's scalp is generally separated from the inner surface of liner 10 by a gap of several centimeters.

The number of ribbons, the width of each ribbon, the distance between the ribbons and the corresponding setting for each ribbon on lining 10 ## * j 'are selected such that the electric fields applied to the subject's scalp ·: · *: 25 under each ribbon are approximately equal: · *; and that the placement of additional electric fields on the subject's ··· scalp is prevented outside the 11 areas of adjacent electrodes. In a preferred embodiment, the electrodes 11 comprise a 180 ° arc (i.e., 90 ° on each side of the perpendicular axis of the dome 13, as shown in Figure IA), with each of the four upper electrodes. comprising about 15 ° arc and the fifth (lowest) electrode comprising about 6 ° arc, 6 ° arc: *** · with gaps between each pair of electrodes ··· on either side of the perpendicular center axis.

: “35 • · •» · * · Full voltage signal output of rectifier / filter 26 is applied to electrode pair A and B and electrode pair C and D.

118561 Voltage divider 36 transmits a half-strong voltage signal to electrode E for use. This lower voltage helps prevent additional electric fields from being applied to the subject's scalp outside of the area adjacent to its electrodes, as described above. As shown in Figure 3, the voltage divider 36 comprises three series-connected resistors Ru, R12 and R13. The electrode strips A and C are electrically connected to the voltage distribution point between the resistors Ru and R12, while the strips B and D are electrically connected to the opposite end of resistor R13. In a preferred embodiment, the resistors R1X and Rn have resistor values of = 1.2 ΜΩ and Ru =, 39 ΜΩ.

Figure 3 also shows further details of the rectifier / filter 15, the polarity switch 28 and the voltage selection switch 34. In more detail, the rectifier / filter 26 preferably includes a capacitor C6 connected in parallel across a pair of resistors R 1, R 10, 1.8 20 pf and resistivity values R 1 and R 10 =, 56 ΜΩ. The polarity switch 28 preferably comprises a pair of diodes D3, D3, which may be .. * · * alternatively coupled to a circuit which outputs ί # * · | pulse converter 24 from either output wire.

··· (The polarity mark of any voltage signal transmitted through any pair of electrode bands corresponds to the voltage difference at these electrodes. With the * · · ··· electrode arrangement shown in Fig. 1, the polarity mark is • · · ) "The voltage selector switch 34 is coupled across resistor R 0 so that the voltage passing through resistor R9 • · * ·· ♦ * in one position of switch 34 is applied to voltage divider 36, and in the second position of switch 34 to resistor R" and R, " . * ··. The · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · VV across the voltage applied to the voltage divider 36.

. .. 35 *. *: In use, the subject's head is placed inside the dome 13 so that the electrodes 11 are very close to, but not in contact with, the subject's 118561 scalp. Power is supplied to the wiring and to Switches 20, 28 which are manually set to select the desired signal output frequency and polarity. The selected frequency and polarity signals are applied to the electrodes 11 for about 12 minutes, after which the power is disconnected and the cap 13 removed from the subject's head. Repeated treatments for several weeks are required depending on the individual characteristics of the subject.

10

The entire treatment regimen for hair regrowth and hair loss reduction usually takes about 32 weeks, during which time the subject will be subjected to the aforementioned one or two 12-minute weekly treatments. The following table shows the weekly processing frequency, signal output polarity, and most preferably the applied voltage level (according to empirical determinations) during each week for a 32 week processing period.

20 Polarities of Treatments Voltage Level ····

; **. · Week 1 positive 110V

*. * 25 Week 2 Positive 110V

,. * · * Week 3 negative 110V

Week 4 negative 110V

Week 5 Negative 110V

: Week 6 negative 110V

30V week 1 negative 110V

V · Week 8 negative 110V

Week 9 negative 110V

Week 10 Negative 110V

11th week 1 negative 110V

35 Week 12 1 negative 110V

* ... · * Week 13 negative 110V

Week 14 Negative 110V

Week 15 Negative 110V

. ·· *. Week 16 1 negative 110V

* ·; ♦ '40 Week 17 2 Positive 55V

; · * Week 18 Week 2 positive 110V

! ** Week 19 1 negative 55V

: * ·. * Week 20 1 negative 110V

* * Week 21 negative 55V

45 Week 22 1 negative 110V

Week 23 1 negative 55V

13 118561

Week 24 1 Negative 110V

Week 25 1 negative 55V

Week 26 1 negative 110V

Week 27 1 negative 55V

5 Week 28 1 negative 110V

Week 29 1 negative 55V

Week 30 1 negative 110V

Week 31 1 negative 55V

Week 32 Week 1 Negative 110V

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Some subjects may respond more favorably to alternative signal polarities than others. Thus, in a professional manner, the treatment method may be varied by, for example, replacing two negative polarity treatments with two positive polarity treatments and. then returning to the negative polarity concept • · · * 1 **. • · · ** 1 · in accordance with regulations.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing that various modifications and variations of the present invention can be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the invention is thus to be understood as the scope of the appended claims.

· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ···

Claims (13)

A device for resuming, comprising at least two electrodes (11), which are intended to be positioned very close to the subject's main well, but without touching it, characterized in that the device comprises: (a) a voltage pulse generator device (18) electrically coupled to electrodes to direct a pulse series with low voltage to them; and (b) a voltage selector means (20) electrically coupled to the voltage pulse generator device to change said pulse series pulse repetition frequency. Device for resume growth according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a signal polarity selector means (26) electrically coupled between the voltage pulse generator device and the electrodes for changing the pulse series polarity. Device intended for resurgence according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of electrodes. • · • · · · · · · 4. A device for re-growth according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a: voltage selector means (34) electrically coupled between the voltage pulse generator device and the electrodes for changing the pulse series voltage. • · • «• ·· 5. A device for re-growth according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of electrodes. • «. Apparatus intended for resume growth according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises a voltage selector means (34) electrically coupled between the voltage pulse generator device and the electrodes to change the pulse series voltage. Device for resettlement according to Claim 2, 5, characterized in that the signal polarity switching means (26) comprises: (a) a voltage transformer (24); (b) a rectifier means (26) for terminating the negative and positive parts of the pulse series; and (c) a polarity coupling means (28) for selectively coupling the rectifier means between the output of the transformer and the electrodes. Apparatus for resume growth according to claim 7, 15, characterized in that the electrodes are placed inside a cup (13) which is placed on the object person's head. Device intended for resume growth according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrodes further comprise a series of 20 conductive rings mounted inside the housing (13) placed on the object person's head. «* · ··» · • · 10. A device for resurfacing according to claim 9, characterized in that the rings are clamped to the outer surface *: * ·: of an electrically insulating liner (10) applied; inside said cup. • · · * * * • · · Device intended for resume growth according to claim 9, characterized in that said ring series comprises five rings (A, B, C, D, E) fixedly mounted inside the housing so that they are: *; · * Includes a 90 ° bend on both sides of the perpendicular of the dome *: * ·: center axis. 12. A device intended for post-growth according to claim 11, ·· *. Characterized in that said series further comprises four upper electrodes (A, B, C, D), each of which comprises an approximately 15 ° bend, and a fifth lower electrode containing an approximately 6 ° b, wherein 6 ° The Mg columns are formed between respective electrode pairs on both sides of said perpendicular center axis. Device for resettlement according to claim 12, characterized in that the output of the voltage pulse generator device is varied via the electrode pair (A, C) and the electrode pair (B, D) and that this device further comprises a voltage divider means for directing a reduced voltage signal E to electrode ( . 10 • φφφ Φ ΦΦφφ • Φ Φ φ Φ Φ (I φ φ φ ΦΦΦ Φ ♦ 1 ·· Φ ΦΦΦΦΦ • · Φ • φ Φ • · Φ Φφφ Φφφ • φ φ • Φ φ φ ΦΦ Φ φ • φφ φ φφ • Φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ Φ • • Φ φ • Φ φ • Φ Φ • ΦΦ Φ • Φ