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Publication Number
US-12232845-B2
Publication Date
2025-02-25
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present disclosure is directed to a tactile stimulation device. The tactile stimulation device can include at least one pneumatic switch, an applicator connected to the at least one pneumatic switch, and a controller operatively connected to the at least one pneumatic switch. The controller is configured to control the at least one pneumatic switch to connect the applicator to at least one of high pressure, vacuum pressure, and atmospheric pressure to stimulate a nerve ending of a user.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a tactile stimulation device that includes at least one pneumatic switch and an applicator connected to the pneumatic switch. The pneumatic switch includes a plurality of solenoids, with a first solenoid associated with a high pressure, a second solenoid associated with a vacuum pressure, and a third solenoid associated with an atmospheric pressure. The high pressure is greater than the atmospheric pressure, and the atmospheric pressure is greater than the vacuum pressure.
A controller is operatively connected to the pneumatic switch and is configured to generate one or more selection signals to cause the pneumatic switch to adjust a connection of the applicator to the first, second, or third solenoid-associated pressure. By adjusting the connection, the controller stimulates a nerve ending of a user. The pneumatic switch is configured to switch between a resting state and one or more simulated states, and when the pneumatic switch is in the resting state, the third solenoid supplies the atmospheric pressure to the applicator.
In a more specific implementation, the device includes an enclosure, high pressure and low pressure reservoirs disposed within the enclosure, and a compressor connected to the reservoirs. The compressor operates in a dual-mode to supply pressurized air to the high pressure reservoir in a first mode and to generate vacuum pressure by removing air from the low pressure reservoir in a second mode. In certain configurations, the enclosure includes a battery configured to provide power to the controller and the compressor, and an input device can provide predetermined stimulation pattern data for controlling the selection signals.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims define a tactile stimulation device with a pneumatic switching architecture that selectively connects an applicator to pressure sources associated with solenoids, controlled by a controller generating selection signals to stimulate a user nerve ending. Across the independent claims, the coverage includes a switchable resting state and simulated states, and additional independent claim coverage adds an enclosure-integrated pressure reservoir and dual-mode compressor system with battery power.
Pneumatic switch with ordered pressure-associated solenoids
A tactile stimulation device comprises at least one pneumatic switch having a plurality of solenoids, including a first solenoid associated with a high pressure, a second solenoid associated with a vacuum pressure, and a third solenoid associated with an atmospheric pressure, wherein the high pressure is greater than the atmospheric pressure and the atmospheric pressure is greater than the vacuum pressure.
Applicator selectively connected to solenoid-associated pressure sources
The device includes an applicator connected to the at least one pneumatic switch, wherein the at least one pneumatic switch is configured to connect the applicator to the plurality of solenoids.
Controller-generated selection signals to stimulate a nerve ending
A controller operatively connected to the at least one pneumatic switch generates one or more selection signals to cause the at least one pneumatic switch to adjust a connection of the applicator to at least one of the first solenoid associated with the high pressure, the second solenoid associated with the vacuum pressure, or the third solenoid associated with the atmospheric pressure to stimulate a nerve ending of a user.
Resting state supplies atmospheric pressure
The at least one pneumatic switch is configured to switch between a resting state and one or more simulated states, and when the pneumatic switch is in the resting state, the third solenoid is configured to supply the atmospheric pressure to the applicator.
Enclosure with high and low pressure reservoirs and compressor
A tactile stimulation device comprises an enclosure, a high pressure reservoir disposed in the enclosure, a low pressure reservoir disposed in the enclosure, and a compressor connected to the high pressure reservoir and the low pressure reservoir.
Dual-mode compressor supplies pressurized air and generates vacuum
The dual-mode compressor is configured to supply pressurized air to the high pressure reservoir during a first mode of operation and is configured to generate vacuum pressure to remove air from the low pressure reservoir during a second mode of operation.
Battery powering controller and dual-mode compressor
The device includes a battery disposed in the enclosure and configured to provide power to the controller and the dual-mode compressor.
The independent claims collectively cover a tactile stimulation device where a controller drives a multi-solenoid pneumatic switch to connect an applicator to high pressure, vacuum pressure, or atmospheric pressure for stimulating a user nerve ending, with the pneumatic switch supporting a resting state that supplies atmospheric pressure. Further independent claim coverage adds an enclosure with high and low pressure reservoirs and a dual-mode compressor, and specifies battery power for the controller and compressor.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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