Two-part pulsed electromagnetic field applicator for application of therapeutic energy

Abstract

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) apparatuses and methods of making and using them. In particular, described herein are two-part PEMF apparatuses that include a self-contained, lightweight, small, compact (e.g., in some variations, wearable) generator unit that is adapted to releasably and replaceably mate with an applicator unit. The generator unit typically includes a power source and a controller that generated PEMF waveforms to be applied, including the shape and timing of the PEMF waveforms. The applicator unit typically includes a radio frequency (RF) power amplifier, a loop antenna, and impedance matching circuitry for matching the impedances for the connection between the antenna loop and the RF power amplifier. Thus, the generator module may control the application of PEMF signals without requiring impedance matching between the separable generator unit and the applicator unit. The applicator unit can include a plurality of variable capacitors that can be used to tune the PEMF signals.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A method of applying pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) energy to a subject from a modular device, the method comprising:
 connecting an applicator unit to a generator unit;   generating a PEMF waveform using a signal generator in the generator unit;   transmitting waveform information about the PEMF waveform to a radio frequency (RF) power amplifier in the applicator unit;   generating a PEMF signal based on the waveform information;   matching an impedance between the RF power amplifier and a loop antenna coupled to the RF power amplifier through an impedance matching circuit; and   delivering the PEMF signals to the subject.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein connecting comprises releasably connecting. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising storing information about one or more of applied stimulation, operational status, or error codes. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising operating a couple/uncouple control to engage or disengage the generator unit from the applicator unit. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising wirelessly transmitting data to the generator unit. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein matching the impedance comprises using one or more variable capacitors to match the impedance between the RF power amplifier and a loop antenna. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein transmitting the waveform information about the PEMF waveform comprises transmitting the PEMF waveform. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein transmitting the waveform information about the PEMF comprises transmitting one or more of: shape, timing, frequency. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising magnetically connecting the generator unit and the applicator unit. 
     
     
         11 . A method of applying pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) energy to a subject from a modular device, the method comprising:
 releasably connecting an applicator unit to a generator unit;   generating a PEMF waveform using a signal generator in the generator unit;   transmitting the waveform information about the PEMF waveform to a radio frequency (RF) power amplifier in the applicator unit through the releasable connection;   generating a PEMF signal based on the waveform information;   matching an impedance between the RF power amplifier and a loop antenna coupled to the RF power amplifier through an impedance matching circuit; and   delivering the PEMF signals to the subject.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising storing information about one or more of applied stimulation, operational status, or error codes. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising operating a couple/uncouple control to engage or disengage the generator unit from the applicator unit. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising wirelessly transmitting data to the generator unit. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein matching the impedance comprises using one or more variable capacitors to match the impedance between the RF power amplifier and a loop antenna. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein transmitting the waveform information about the PEMF waveform comprises transmitting the PEMF waveform. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein transmitting the waveform information about the PEMF comprises transmitting one or more of: shape, timing, frequency. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising magnetically connecting the generator unit and the applicator unit.