Electrical Current Stimulator Apparatus
Patent No. US10967180 (titled "Electrical Current Stimulator Apparatus") was filed by Ziip Inc on Dec 27, 2017.
What is this patent about?
’180 is related to the field of topical treatments, specifically electrical current stimulation devices. These devices deliver weak electrical currents to the body for various purposes, including pain management, accelerated recovery, and cosmetic improvements. Existing devices include microcurrent electrical neuromuscular stimulators (MENS) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) devices, each with different current levels and applications.
The underlying idea behind ’180 is to provide a portable, user-friendly device that delivers controlled electrical stimulation to the skin. The device uses two electrodes to pass a weak current (less than one milliampere) through the skin, with the current's waveform precisely controlled by a processor. A key feature is the inclusion of a vibration motor, which alerts the user to move the device to a new area of skin, ensuring even treatment.
The claims of ’180 focus on a method for electrical current treatment of skin using a device with two electrodes and a processor. The method involves receiving programmable instructions from an external device, delivering a sub-milliampere electric current to the skin via the electrodes, controlling the current's waveform to improve cosmetic appearance, and using vibration to prompt the user to relocate the device. The programmable instructions dictate the current and vibration parameters.
In practice, the device would allow a user to select a treatment program, likely via a smartphone app, which then transmits instructions to the device. The device then delivers the specified electrical waveform to the skin. The vibration serves as a cue, preventing over-stimulation of a single area and promoting even distribution of the treatment. This is particularly important for cosmetic applications where consistent results are desired.
The differentiation from prior approaches lies in the combination of programmable waveform control, low-current delivery, and the vibration-based user guidance. While electrical stimulation devices are not new, the integration of these features into a single, portable device offers a more controlled and user-friendly experience. The vibration feedback mechanism is a practical solution to ensure proper usage and prevent uneven treatment, a common issue with at-home electrical stimulation devices.
How does this patent fit in bigger picture?
Technical landscape at the time
In the mid-2010s when ’180 was filed, electrotherapy devices were commonly used for pain management and cosmetic applications, at a time when such devices typically relied on microcurrent or TENS stimulation techniques. At this time, controlling the waveform and intensity of electrical stimulation was typically implemented using embedded processors, when hardware or software constraints made precise waveform generation and control non-trivial.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The claims were rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(a) for failing to comply with the written description requirement and under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over prior art. Arguments were presented by the applicant, but the examiner found them unpersuasive. The action was made final. The prosecution record does NOT describe the technical reasoning or specific claim changes that led to allowance.
Claims
This patent contains 14 claims, with claim 1 being the only independent claim. Independent claim 1 is directed to a method for providing electrical current treatment to skin using an apparatus with electrodes and a processor, involving receiving instructions, delivering a specific waveform of electric current, and controlling vibration. The dependent claims generally elaborate on and refine the method described in independent claim 1, adding details regarding wireless communication, software applications, power settings, light emission, waveform types, audio output, current levels, surface shapes, and electrode contact.
Key Claim Terms New
Definitions of key terms used in the patent claims.
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Date
Description
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US10967180
- Application Number
- US15855282
- Filing Date
- Dec 27, 2017
- Status
- Granted
- Expiry Date
- Dec 31, 2034
- External Links
- Slate, USPTO, Google Patents