AU3345901A - Electrically activated substance and method for making same - Google Patents

Description

P/00/011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: "ELECTRICALLY ACTIVATED SUBSTANCE AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME" The following statement is. a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: ELECTRICALLY ACTIVATED SUBSTANCE AND METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to cosmetic/ medical therapy and more particularly to an electrically activated substance for use in such therapy.

Background of the Invention The use of transcutaneous electrotherapy to treat 15 cosmetic/medical conditions is well known. Transcutaneous electrotherapy involves the passage of an electrical current from one electrode to another, such that the therapeutic current is caused to pass directly through a target tissue of the patient. Exemplary devices used in 20 the performance of transcutaneous electrotherapy are provided in United States Patent Nos. 397,474; 3,794,022; 4,180,079; 4,446,870; 5,058,605; in French Patent 2621-827and European Patent Application EP-377-057-A.

Although the use of transcutaneous electrotherapy has 25 proven beneficial, such contemporary cosmetic/medical therapy suffers from inherent disadvantages. For example, during transcutaneous electrotherapy electrical current passes through the target tissue of the patient. Many patients may find this painful or otherwise undesirable.

Further, transcutaneous electrotherapy is generally not self-administrable, and therefore generally requires the presence'of a skilled operator. The administration of transcutaneous electrotherapy also tends to be costly.

In view of the foregoing, it is desirable to provide an effective alternative to transcutaneous electrotherapy wherein electric current is not caused to flow through the treated tissue of the patient, which is self-administrable and which is comparatively inexpensive.

Summary of the Invention The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above-mentioned deficiencies associated with the prior art. More particularly, the present invention comprises a method for providing cosmetic/medical therapy, the method comprising the steps of electrically activating a substance and administering the electrically activated substance to a subject. Administering the electrically activated substance to the subject provides a cosmetic/medical benefit to the subject.

s15 Although, the subject as described herein, is a human being, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the methodology of the present invention may be practiced upon various different animals. Thus, the use of a human being in this application is'by way of example only and not by 20 way of limitation.

The electrically activated substance is applied topically to treat. skin problems such as wrinkles, cuts, abrasions, etc. The electrically activated substance may also be ingested, so as to treat internal medical 25 conditions, where indicated.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electrically activated substance comprises water, preferably distilled water. However, as those skilled in the art will appreciate, various other substances, particularly those comprised of simple molecules, may likewise be utilized.

The step of electrically activating the substance comprises applying an electrical signal to the substance.

According to- the preferred embodiment of the present invention, an alternating current signal, preferably having a generally symmetric waveform, is utilized. Thus, for example, a sinusoidal waveform, a square waveform, and a triangular waveform are suitable. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other generally symmetric waveforms are likewise suitable.

The electrical signal preferably comprises an alternating current signal having a frequency of between approximately 5 or 10 KHz and approximately 1 MHz, preferably between approximately '50 KHz and approximately 100 KHz.. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the frequency of the electrical signal is varied within a frequency range of approximately 50 KHz to 100 KHz.

Preferably, the alternating current has approximately 15 zero direct current bias. In order to mitigate direct current bias, the electrical signal is preferably applied to the substance via a capacitor-resistor network.

Alternatively, the electrical signal is applied to the substance via an isolation transformer.

20 The electrical signal preferably has a voltage of between approximately 50 volts rms and approximately 150 volts rms.

The electrical signal is applied to the substance to be electrically activated via at least one pair of 25 electrodes. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, a plurality of pairs of electrodes may be utilized, if desired. The electrodes are preferably comprised of either a biologically inert, non-reactive metal or a non-metallic material having a low atomic number. For example, it has been found that gold, carbon 12, and graphite-carbon loaded thermo-plastic material are suitable.

When distilled water is to be electrically activated, then a substance is added to the water to form an electrolyte therefrom, so as to facilitate current flow therethrough. According to the.preferred embodiment of the present invention, sodium chloride (table salt) is utilized to form an electrolyte from distilled water.

It has also been found that tap water is typically suitable and does not generally require the addition of any other substance thereto.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the substance, sodium chloride, is added to the distilled water while monitoring current flow therethrough, until the desired currefit is obtained.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, approximately I amp rms of current is caused to flow through the substance being electrically activated.

Typically, a voltage of approximately 100 volts rms is required to effect a current of i amp rms. It has been 15 found that currents as low as 1 milliamp may be used, if desired. Preferably, at least 10 milliwatts of power per milliliter of substance as utilized. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the voltage required to effect the desired current is dependant upon the conductivity of the 20 substance being electrically activated. The electrodes preferably have a resistance below 500 ohms per square centimeter, preferably below 50 ohms per square centimeter.

When administered topically, approximately 0.05 ml of the electrically activated substance is applied per square centimeter of treatment area. The electrically activated substance is preferably administered 3 to 6 times with approximately 1 to 4 days between administrations.

Such topical application of the electrically activated substance of the present invention has been found to be effective in mitigating wrinkles on human skin.

When taken orally, approximately 2 ml of the electrically activated substance is preferably ingested per day for approximately 6 weeks..

These, as well as other advantages of the present

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invention will be more apparent from the following description and drawings. It is understood that changes in the specific structure shown and described may be made within the scope of the claims without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a variable frequency current source being utilized to electrically charge a liquid contained with a beaker; Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a first alternative configurationof the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a block diagram showing a second alternative configuration of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a flow chart showing the steps involved in the practice of the method for forming an electrically charged substance, according to the present invention; Figure 5 illustrates a sinusoidal alternating current waveform provided by the current source of Figure. 1; Figures 5a and 5b illustrate frequencies of 10OKhz and 1Mhz; Figure 6a illustrates the electrically activated substance 18 being applied to a recipient; Figure 6b illustrates the recipient after topical application of the substance to treat facial wrinkles; Figure 7a illustrates a recipient ingesting the substance 18; Figure 7b illustrates the skin of the recipient after ingesting the substance 18; Figures 8a and 8b show a human recipient before and after being a dabbed with the electrically charger active substance to treat skin wrinkles; Figure 9 shows the electrically charge active substance 18 being applied to an animal; Figure 10 shows the electrically active substance being applied as a gas; and Figures 11 and 12 illustrate dilation of capillaries and blood vessels after the administration of the electrically active substance to a recipient.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present in/ention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiment. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.

The electrically activated substance and method for making the same of the present invention are illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 of the drawings which depict a presently preferred embodiment thereof.

6 Referring now to Figure 1, according to the present invention, a variable frequency current source 10 is electrically connected, via wires 12 to probes or electrodes 14 which are at least partially immersed within the substance 18 to be electrically activated, which is contained within beaker 16.

The variable frequency current source 10 preferably comprises the variable frequency current source having an output frequency range from approximately 10 KHz to approximately 1 MHz, having a voltage output from approximately 50 voltes rms to 150 volts rms, and having a maximum current output in excess of 1 amp rms.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the variable frequency current source 10 provides an alternating current output having substantially 0 direct current bias.

The variable frequency current source 10 is capable of providing a 15 generally symmetric waveform, such as a sinusoidal waveform (illustrated in Figure a square waveform, and/or a triangular waveform. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, various other generally symmetrical alternating current waveforms are likewise suitable.

20 According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the frequency output of the variable frequency current source 10 is capable of being swept or automatically varied between a minimum and maximum frequency. Alternatively, the variable frequency current source is capable of being manually swept in frequency.

The wires 12 preferably comprise copper wires having a current rating sufficient to carry the required current, eg., 1 amp rms, without excessive heating.

Each electrode 14 is preferably comprised of a chemically and biologically inert material, preferably a non-reactive metal such as gold, or alternatively, a non-metal having a low atomic number. It is believed that it is not desirable to have ions form from the substance of the electrodes. For example,. if lead electrodes are utilized, it has been found that lead ions permeate the substance being electrically activated, potentially resulting in undesirable contamination of the medium and potential poisoning of the patient to whom the electrically activated substance is administered. Although aluminum and copper electrodes may be suitable in some applications, they are generally thought to be undesirable.

Carbon 12 has been found to be suitable for the construction of electrodes according to the present invention. More particularly, carbon electrodes may be formed utilizing contemporary plastic injection molding.

techniques wherein a graphite-carbon loaded thermo-plastic 15 material, such as nylon, is injected into the molds.

Typical dimensions for the electrodes 14 are 3 mm thick, .20 mm wide, and 10 cm long. However, as those skilled in the art will appreciate, various different dimensions and cross-sectional configurations, round, oval, square, triangular, etc., may likewise be suitable.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electrical resistance of the finished electrodes is preferably less than 500 ohms/cm 2 preferably less than 50 ohms/cm 2 Further, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the two electrodes are positioned several centimeters apart in a 250 ml container, a beaker. The container is formed of a non-metallic material, such as glass. Thus, as described herein, the method for electrically activating a substance is preferably practiced utilizing- approximately 200 ml of the substance at a time. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the quantity of substance electrically activated may be varied by varying the dimensions of the container, electrodes, and by varying the strength of the electrical- signal appropriately.

Preferably, current flow through the substance 18 being electrically activated is monitored as an electrolytic substance is added thereto so as to form an electrolyte. For example, when water is being electrically activated, then sodium chloride is added to the water, so as to form an electrolyte. As the sodium chloride is added to the water, current flow through the water is monitored until the desired current flow is achieved, thereby indicating that sufficient sodium chloride has been added to the water.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, o. ~approximately 1 amp rms of current is caused to flow through the substance being electrically activated while a voltage of approximately 100 volts rms is applied thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate

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that various different voltage and amperage levels are likewise suitable.

Typically, current is caused to flow through the substance 18 being electrically activated until small gas bubbles are formed upon the electrodes. This typically takes approximately 4 to 8 hours. When small ~gas bubbles are observed on the electrodes, then the substance has been fully electrically activated and is ready to use.

The degree to which the substance is electrically activated, and thus the effectiveness thereof in cosmetic/medical therapy, is directly related to the voltage applied to the electrodes, the spacing of the electrodes, the current caused to flow between the electrodes and, to some extent, the length of time that the current is applied. Current must be caused to flow between the electrodes for a minimum of at least minutes before any usable results are typically obtained. It is through that.the application of current for a time period in excess of 8 hours produces little additional effectiveness of the electrically activated substance.

The electrically activated substance is. typically .active for only a limited amount of time after current flow therethrough has ceased. The electrically activated substance is thought to- be most effective if utilized within approximately 4 hours after its production. The electrically activated substance is thought to be somewhat effective for up to 4 days after its production. It is believed that' the decay in the' effectiveness of the electrically activated substance is logarithmic in nature, with more than half of the effectiveness thereof lost within approximately 24 hours.

The specified values for the applied voltage,.

duration, and conductivity of the medium may be varied, as desired. Indeed, a reduction in the effectiveness of the electrically activated substance may be compensated for by varying one or the other of the production parameters.

A lower voltage may be utilized if additional sodium chloride is added to the solution. However, if too much 20 sodium chloride is added, then the solution may become less bio-compatible. Conversely, if less sodium chloride is utilized, then a higher voltage is necessary to obtain sufficient current flow through the substance. Inadequate current flow through the substance results in substantially reduced effectiveness of the electrically activated substance.

It is thought that the electrically activated substance of the present invention provides beneficial cosmetic/medical effects by stimulating the well known current of injury commonly associated with tissue trauma.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, when tissue is injured, a small electric current is generated. This current is a result of a voltage producing charge imbalance which occurs when portions of previously connected tissue are disconnected from one another, such as occurs if a bone is broken or skin is torn. This voltage causes a small amount of current, eg., electrons or ions, to flow from one point to another within the tissue.

Further disclosure of this effect can be found in The Body Electric, by Robert Becker, among others.

The tissue disconnection of an injury thus upsets the electrical balance of the biological circuit, thereby resulting in the production of a very small current, typically on the order of nanoamps or less. The presence of this electric current is instrumental in the formation of blastema, which are a collection of primitive, unformed cells, which gather at an-entry site and later developed into replacement tissue.

It is thought that the electrically activated substance of the oo present invention effects in biological tissue a disruptive electrical imbalance, similar to that which occurs when a mechanical strain to the tissue has occurred. This electrical imbalance then triggers accelerated metabolic activity in the treatment area. Blood flow accelerates while cellular metabolic activity and interactions increase. As represented in Figures 11 and 12 of the drawings, capillaries 50 dilate (best shown in Figure 12), and there is increased activity toward restored homrneostasis.

In this process, toxins, free radicals, metabolic waste products, and 20 unused remnant material may be re-formed or flushed away.

It is thought that the electrically activated substance of the present invention should not be applied to fresh injury sites, since it may interfere with the timing and development of the natural current of injury, thereby inhibiting the healing process. However, once the injury has stabilized, the electrically activated substance of the present invention may be applied thereto so as to enhance or re-activate the healing process.

As illustrated in Figures 8a and 8b of the drawings, one exemplary use of the electrically activated substance of the present invention is the removal of skin wrinkles 38, shown in Figure 8a. For example, and as 11 .illustrated in Figure 6a, wrinkles 40 may be treated with electrically activated water. Preferably, the water is activated with a frequency of between approximately 50 KHz and 100 KHz. It has been found that such electrically activated water is particularly beneficial to the skin and other soft tissue. Such electrically activated water is preferably spritzed or dabbed (shown in Figures 6a and 8a) onto the skin for topical application thereto. The typical dose rate is approximately 0.05 ml/cm 2 of treatment area. Mitigation of skin wrinkles typically occurs beginning within approximately 30 minutes, with the results being clearly visible.

Blood flow and metabolic activity accelerates and has been found *to peak within approximately 45 minutes after the application of the so o °electrically activated substance of the present invention. After this

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o period of increased blood flow and accelerated metabolism, the skin and

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tissue enters a recovery phase wherein the cellular structure thereof is rebuilt. Skin begins to draw together, getting tighter, thicker, and ooooo

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causing wrinkles 40 to shrink (best shown in Figure 6b). Additional collagen forms at the site of treatment.

This recovery phase typically has a duration of approximately 1 to 4 days. After 4 days, approximately all such recovery has occurred. At 20 the end of the recovery phase, anothertreatment may be applied. It has been found that the recovery phase must be complete before a subsequent treatment, so as to avoid overwhelming the response mechanism.

It is believed that the improvements obtained via the use of the present invention are essentially permanent in nature. That is, it is believed that new wrinkles will take almost as long to form as the original ones did.

It has been found that approximately 6 such treatment sessions are typically required for the removal of wrinkles. After the first treatment session, at least some, occasionally, most or all of the fine line 12 facial wrinkles of 1 mm or less in size are either reduced in size or eliminated altogether. After 3 to 4 treatment sessions, wrinkles of up to 4mm in size are typically substantially reduced. After approximately 6 treatment sessions, many, if not most or all of the facial wrinkles, including large wrinkles of the forehead are typically substantially eliminated. Typically, 6 treatment sessions, at one session per week for 6 weeks, are utilized. The more degenerated the skin, the more dramatic the results are. Acne is frequently cleared in the process due to increased blood flow. Thus, the general result is renewed skin or tissue, without surgery, grafting, patchwork, dermabrasion, laser vaporization, or *other invasive or mechanical techniques.

As a result of such treatments, enhanced elastin and collagen i: o support is provided and typical age sagging is reduced due to the shrinking of the skin by as much as ten to twenty percent.

It has also been found that therapeutic medical benefits may be °•ol° obtained if the medium is ingested. When taken orally, such as illustrated by Figures 7a and 7b, the dose rate is preferably comparatively small, approximately 2 ml per day for 6 weeks. It is thought that such therapy is particularly beneficial for heart and circulatory problems.

:20 To further appreciate the unique advantages of this process, consider that this technique has also been found at least partially effective in the conversion of surgical scar tissue from a typically necrid white fibrous collagen material back into normal healthy pink skin with nerve sensitivity, blood vessels (designated 50 in Figures 11 and 12), and even hair follicles, These results may be obtained with administration of a daily to semi-daily topical application, typically over a 6 month period.

As the collagen is initially resistant to absorbing the medium, a vasodilator additive is effective in speeding results by increasing penetration of the medium.

Because the electrically activated substance of the present 13 invention functions as a transfer agent -or medium, at no time is there any current flow from the variable frequency current source through biological tissue. Thus, there is no chance of burns, thereby enhancing the safety of such -treatment. Further, there is no muscle contraction or nerve impulse firing as a result of using the electrically activated substance of the present invention, as is common during contemporary transcutaneous electrotherapy.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, if the variable frequency current source 10 does not provide approximately 0 direct currentbias, then the output thereof can.be processed so as to mitigate direct current bias.

With particular reference to Figure 2, a resistor-capacitor network 0 0 :22 filters the output of'the variable frequency current source 10, so as to .:oo mitigate direct current bias. Such a resistor-capacitor network comprises at least one capacitor 26 in series with the substance being electrically activated and at least one resistor 28 in parallel therewith. The resistorcapacitor network 22 functions according to well-known principles to

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mitigate the present of DC bias in the substance being electrically o. ~charged. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other types °of filters may be utilized. For example, a capacitor inductor network may 20 be utilized.

With particular reference to Figure 3, an isolation transformer 24 isolates the substance 18 to be electrically charged from direct current bias present in the output of the variable frequency current source In any instance, when the variable frequency current source does not include a means for monitoring current flow through the substance 18 being electrically activated, 14 then such means is preferably included in the electrical path of the electrodes 14. For example, an amp meter may be inserted in line. or applied inductively to one of the wires 12 which provide an electrical pathway forthe current which travels between the electrodes 14.

Alternatively, an oscilloscope may be utilized to monitor current flow between the electrodes 14.

Referring now to Figure 4, the method for forming an electrically activated substance of the present invention generally comprises providing distilled water 30, adding sodium chloride to the distilled water while monitoring current flow between the electrodes 32, applying alternating current to the electrodes 34, and, administering the electrically activated substance 36, preferably within four hours after the electrical activation thereof.

The electrically activated substance is only administered after first discontinuing the application of current thereto. In this manner, the electric current can 20 be applied to an intermediate material, the electrically activated substance), rather than directly to a person. Thus, as those skilled in the art will appreciate, a-substantial amount of power may be applied to the electrically activated substance rather than directly to a person. Indeed, according to. the preferred embodiment of the present invention, much more power, approximately i00 watts) can applied to the electrically activated substance than could be tolerated by a human being.

The minimum amount of power applied to the substance during electrical activation thereof must be sufficient to overcome the activation decay rate of the substance. The more electrical power applied to the substance, the slower the rate at which the electrically activated substance's effectiveness decays. It has been found that the application of approximately 100 watts of electrical power to water results in an acceptable decay rate, as discussed in detail above.

Due to the relatively large amount of power used to electrically activate the water, a relatively high frequency is used. In this way, premature electrolysis (gassing) of the water is avoided. The high frequency also .accelerates electron agitation in the medium. The pH.

balance of the medium is essentially unchanged.

Non-distilled or tap water or other bio-compatible compounds, including tissue, may be utilized instead of distilled water. It has been found that tap water is frequently suitable for use in the practice of the present invention. However, as those skilled in the art will 15 appreciate, the types and amounts of impurities found in tap water vary considerably from one location to another.

Thus, if an accurate analysis of the tap water to be utilized is not available, then the effectiveness thereof must be determined .by trial and error.

S• 2-0 Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other electrolyte forming substances, other than sodium chloride are likewise suitable.

The application of alternating current 34 to the substance to be electrically charged preferably takes place for a duration of approximately 4 to 8 hours. When small gas bubbles appear on the electrodes, then the current has been applied for a sufficient length of time.

The electrically activated substance is created using the power levels, frequencies, current densities, and dosage quantities described herein, or parameters similar to those described herein. When the substance is produced in this manner, it takes on unique properties (possibly on an atomic level), which make it particularly well suited for the practice of the present invention.

It is understood that the exemplary electrically 16 activated substance and method for making the same described herein and shown in the drawings represents only a presently preferred embodiment of the invention. Indeed, various modificationsand additions may be made to such embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, various different sizes, shape and configurations of the container, the electrodes, and the source of alternating current are contemplated. Further, as those skilled in the art will appreciate, the use of water as the electrically activated substance is by way of example only, not by way of limitation. Indeed, and as is illustrated in Figure 10 of the drawings, it is also anticipated that gases, 0660 *0 as well as liquids, may be electrically activated according to the present S. 0 invention. Electrically activated gases 52 may find particular application 0:69 0000 :0o° in the treatment of pulmonary disorders. Moreover, as described above, @0 0.

and illustrated in Figure 9, the teachings of this invention are also 15 applicable to animals.

Thus, these and other modifications and additions may be obvious to those skilled in the art and may be implemented to adapt the present 000

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invention for use in a variety of different applications.

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Claims (1)

1. 3-6 applications spaced approximately 1-2 weeks apart is used. o* .16) The method as recited in claim 14, wherein said electrically activated substance is applied to the skin of the recipient to treat wrinkles of said recipient. 4 17) The method as described in claim 8 to 10, wherein said electrically activated .substance is ingested by the recipient. 18) The method as described in claim 17, where approximately 2 ml of the electrically activated substance is ingested per day for approximately 6 weeks. 19) The method recited in claim 17 or 18, wherein said electrically conductive substance is orally ingested by recipient for purposes of treating internal organs of said recipient. 20) The method recited in claim 8 to 10, wherein the electrically conductive substance is applied to the body area of the recipient for treating scar tissue of the recipient. 21) The method as recited in any one of claim 8 to 20 wherein the recipient is an animal. DATED this fifth day of April 2001. KEVIN R. ORTON By his Patent Attorneys FISHER ADAMS KELLY