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Publication Number
US-8657731-B2
Publication Date
2014-02-25
Expiration Date
Abstract
The inventive technique includes a system, method and device for treating a patient. The device includes a magnetic device having a core created by a binder process having a relatively low temperature. The device further includes a conductor in electrical communication with the core.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to magnetic stimulation for treating and/or diagnosing a patient using a magnetic device having a magnetic core created using a thermally set binder process. Ferromagnetic particles are combined with an insulative binding material such that the ferromagnetic particles are substantially electrically insulated from each other, and a magnetic field is created with a duration adapted for treating or diagnosing the patient by stimulating the central nervous system. The magnetic stimulation is applied to the patient and used to treat the patient using the magnetic field.
A central aspect is forming the magnetic core from insulated ferromagnetic particles with a low-temperature thermally set binder that cures without sintering, thereby producing a distributed insulation gap/powder core rather than a laminated or wound ferromagnetic core. This core architecture is presented as reducing eddy-current losses and heating, with an emphasis on enabling operation with higher duty cycles or power while avoiding sophisticated cooling. The magnetic core is described as having properties including saturation at 0.5 Tesla or greater.
The invention further encompasses non-linear and non-toroidal core geometries and distributed gap core shaping, including non-linear core forms and diverse configurations with a pole face positioned in proximity to target anatomy. Additional embodiments include incorporating conductors or windings in electrical communication with the pole face, including a channel containing an inserted shorted turn winding. These device features are used in systems that include a magnetic field generator, a circuit or pulsing switch, and a power source to deliver the magnetic field for central nervous system stimulation.
Claims Coverage
The partial content identifies one independent claim (method of claim 1). The inventive features center on generating a therapeutic/diagnostic-duration magnetic field using a thermally set binder core that electrically insulates ferromagnetic particles, and then applying that field to treat a patient via central nervous system stimulation.
Thermally set binder insulated ferromagnetic core
A magnetic device core created using a thermally set binder process wherein ferromagnetic particles are combined with an insulative binding material such that the ferromagnetic particles are substantially electrically insulated from each other.
Central nervous system treatment or diagnosis by adapted field duration
A magnetic field of a duration adapted for treating or diagnosing a patient by stimulating the central nervous system.
Applying the magnetic field to the patient for treatment
Applying the magnetic field to the patient and treating the patient using the magnetic field.
Magnetic core saturation threshold
The magnetic core saturates at 0.5 Tesla or greater.
Non-sintered thermally set binder process
The thermally set binder process is non-sintered.
Non-linear core geometry with pole face proximity to target anatomy
The core is shaped into a non-linear form, formed for placement of at least one pole face in proximity to the patient for applying the magnetic field to a target anatomy.
Pole-face channel with inserted shorted turn winding
The core’s pole face has a channel containing an inserted shorted turn winding.
Across the identified independent method claim and its refinements in dependent claims, the coverage is focused on magnetic stimulation using a thermally set binder core that electrically insulates ferromagnetic particles, delivering a magnetic field with a duration adapted for central nervous system treating or diagnosing, and applying the field to treat the patient, with further structural and material limitations including saturation threshold, non-sintering, non-linear core shaping, pole-face proximity to target anatomy, and a pole-face channel with an inserted shorted turn winding.
Stated Advantages
Reduced eddy-current losses and heating compared to laminated or wound ferromagnetic cores.
Enables higher duty cycles and/or power.
Avoids sophisticated cooling.
Documented Applications
Treating or diagnosing a patient by stimulating the central nervous system using magnetic stimulation.
Example referenced treatment context includes depression.
Diagnostic use includes evoked potentials and motor responses.
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