U.S. patent number 3,585,991 [Application Number 04/876,895] was granted by the patent office on 1971-06-22 for psychophysiosonic system with multisensory aids.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Ultrasonic Systems, Inc.. Invention is credited to Lewis Balamuth.
United States Patent |
3,585,991 |
Balamuth |
June 22, 1971 |
PSYCHOPHYSIOSONIC SYSTEM WITH MULTISENSORY AIDS
Abstract
The simultaneous application of a number of stimuli to humans
for therapeutic purposes involving audible and inaudible sound
vibrations introduced into the interior of human beings by means of
underwater projection, in combination with sensory stimulation.
Inventors: |
Balamuth; Lewis (New York,
NY) |
Assignee: |
Ultrasonic Systems, Inc.
(Farmingdale, NY)
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Family
ID: |
25368787 |
Appl.
No.: |
04/876,895 |
Filed: |
November 14, 1969 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
666871 |
Sep 11, 1967 |
3499437 |
Mar 10, 1970 |
|
|
622126 |
Mar 10, 1967 |
3499437 |
Mar 10, 1970 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
601/157; 310/334;
360/80; 348/844; 4/541.1; 360/79; 348/61 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H
33/60 (20130101); A61M 21/00 (20130101); A61H
33/005 (20130101); A61H 2033/0083 (20130101); A61M
2021/005 (20130101); A61H 33/00 (20130101); A61M
2021/0027 (20130101); A61H 23/0245 (20130101); A61H
33/0087 (20130101); A61H 2033/0058 (20130101); A61M
2021/0044 (20130101); A61M 2021/0016 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61H
33/00 (20060101); A61M 21/00 (20060101); A61H
23/02 (20060101); A61h 009/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;128/24A,24.1,32,33,66
;4/178,180 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Trapp; L. W.
Parent Case Text
This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending
application Ser. No. 666,871, filed Sept. 11, 1967, now U.S. Pat.
No. 3,499,437, dated Mar. 10, 1970, entitled Method And Apparatus
For Treatment Of Organic Structures And Systems Thereof With
Ultrasonic Energy, which invention is a continuation-in-part of my
also copending application Ser. No. 622,126, filed Mar. 10, 1967,
entitled Method And Apparatus For Treatment Of Organic Structures
With Coherent Elastic Energy Waves, and now U.S. Pat. No.
3,499,437, dated Mar. 10, 1970, which entire subject matter of the
copending applications are incorporated herein by reference as if
fully herein set forth.
Claims
I claim:
1. The method of treating a human by producing an interrelated set
of environments, said environments being capable of producing
sensory and physiological effects in the human, said sensory
effects being produced primarily with audiovisual environments and
said physiological effects primarily with acoustic vibrations
transmitted through a liquid and engaging the interior of the
human's body in a micromassaging action, said acoustic vibrations
being provided in a harmonious pattern of frequencies.
2. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein said micromassaging
action is produced by
a. placing the human in an acoustic auditorium environment
containing a fluid medium therein,
b. transmitting through the fluid medium acoustic vibrations that
will enter the interior of the human's body for micromassaging of
same for physiotherapy effects, and
c. creating a visible movement of the fluid in the acoustic
auditorium for psychoreinforcement of said micromassaging to the
human contained therein for physiotherapy effects.
3. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein said audiovisual
environment is produced by
a. producing an auditory environment of audible sound for inducing
psychological effects to be received by the ears of the human,
whereby said psychological effects combined with said physiotherapy
effects are beneficial to the human for treatment thereof, and
b. producing a visual environment of color viewable by the human in
the acoustic auditorium complementary to the auditory environment
in obtaining the desired psychological effects.
4. The method as defined in claim 3, wherein said visual
environment is produced on a screen viewable by the human in the
acoustic auditorium.
5. The method as defined in claim 3, wherein said visual
environment is produced by changing colors projected into the fluid
in the acoustic auditorium.
6. The method as defined in claim 3, wherein said visual
environment is programmed with said auditory environment from the
same source.
7. The method as defined in claim 3, wherein said auditory
environment, said visual environment, and said acoustic vibrations
for producing said micromassaging are programmed from a common
source.
8. The method of treating a human by producing an interrelated set
of environments, comprising:
A. placing the human in an acoustic auditorium environment
containing a liquid medium therein,
B. transmitting through the fluid medium acoustic vibrations that
will enter the interior of the human's body for micromassaging of
same for physiotherapy effects, said acoustic vibrations being
provided in a harmonious pattern of frequencies
C. creating visible movement of the liquid in the acoustic
auditorium for psychological reinforcement of said micromassaging
to the human contained therein for physiotherapy effects, and
D. producing an auditory environment of audible sound for inducing
psychological effects to be received by the ears of the human,
whereby said psychological effects combined with said physiotherapy
effects are beneficial to the human for treatment thereof.
9. The method as defined in claim 8, wherein said audio environment
is elected for inducing desired psychological effects in the areas
calculated to relieve anxiety, tension, fears, fatigue or the
like.
10. The method as defined in claim 8, wherein said audible sound is
transmitted to the human by earphones operatively associated with
the acoustic auditorium.
11. The method as defined in claim 8, wherein said micromassaging
by acoustic vibrations is produced by generating elastic wave
energy and transmitting same through the liquid so that said energy
penetrates pervasively into the acoustically accessible inner
region of the human.
12. The method as defined in claim 11, wherein the acoustic
vibrations are at least in part in the range of 5,000 c.p.s. to
2,000,000 c.p.s.
13. The method as defined in claim 11, wherein said acoustic
vibrations are at a level of intensity below the cavitational
threshold of the liquid in the acoustic auditorium.
14. The method as defined in claim 8, wherein said auditory
environment and said acoustic vibrations for producing said
micromassaging are programmed from a common source.
15. The method as defined in claim 8, and further including the
step of producing a visual environment of color viewable by the
human in the acoustic auditorium complementary to the auditory
environment in obtaining the desired psychological effects.
16. The method as defined in claim 15, wherein said visual
environment is produced on a screen viewable by the human in the
acoustic auditorium.
17. The method as defined in claim 15, wherein said visual
environment is produced by changing colors projected into the fluid
in the acoustic auditorium.
18. The method as defined in claim 15, wherein said visual
environment is programmed with said auditory environment from the
same source.
19. The method as defined in claim 15, wherein said auditory
environment, said visual environment, and said acoustic vibrations
for producing said micromassaging are programmed from a common
source.
20. The method of treating a human by producing an interrelated set
of environments, said environments being capable of producing
psychotherapeutic effects in the human, comprising the steps
of:
A. placing the human in an acoustic auditorium,
B. providing a liquid medium in the acoustic auditorium,
C. micromassaging at least a portion of the human body by
generating elastic wave energy and transmitting same through the
fluid so that energy penetrates pervasively into the acoustically
accessible inner region of the body for physiotherapy effects, said
elastic wave energy being provided in a harmonious pattern of
frequencies.
D. creating a visible movement of the fluid in the acoustic
auditorium for psychological reinforcement of said micromassaging
to the human contained therein, for physiotherapy effects,
E. producing a visual environment of color viewable by the human in
the acoustic auditorium to produce desired psychological effects,
and
F. generating audible sound energy vibrations adapted to be
received by the ears of the human in the acoustic auditorium to
create an audio environment for inducing psychological effects,
whereby said psychological effects combined with said physiotherapy
effects are beneficial to the human for treatment thereof.
21. The method as defined in claim 20, wherein said elastic wave
energy and said audible sound energy are generated from a common
source.
22. The method as defined in claim 20, wherein said elastic wave
energy indicates the submerged human with fluid transmitted
vibrations.
23. The method as defined in claim 20, wherein the source of said
energy is a prerecorded musical composition.
24. The method as defined in claim 20, wherein said visual effects
are provided on a screen adapted to be viewed by the human in the
acoustic auditorium.
25. The method as defined in claim 20, wherein said visual effect
is produced by the use of harmonically flowing colors.
26. The method as defined in claim 25, wherein said harmonically
flowing colors are generated on a screen viewable by the human in
the acoustic auditorium.
27. The method as defined in claim 25, wherein said harmonically
flowing colors are projected into the liquid in the acoustic
auditorium.
28. The method as defined in claim 20, wherein said audio
environment is selected for inducing desired psychological effects
in the areas calculated to relieve anxiety, tension, fears, fatigue
or the like.
29. The method as defined in claim 20, and further including the
step of selecting the audiovisual environment for stimulating the
senses in a controlled manner.
30. The method as defined in claim 20, wherein said acoustic
auditorium is in the form of a bathtub.
31. Apparatus for treating a human by producing an interrelated set
of environments for physiotherapeutic and psychotherapeutic effects
in the human, comprising:
A. an acoustic auditorium environment containing a liquid medium
adapted to receive the human therein,
B. first generating means operatively associated with the acoustic
auditorium for producing ultrasonic vibrations of coherent elastic
energy waves in a harmonious pattern of frequencies and propagating
them through the fluid for micromassaging the human for
physiotherapy effects,
C. second generating means operatively associated with the acoustic
auditorium for producing visible movement in the fluid to provide
psychological reinforcement of said micromassaging physiotherapy
effects, and
D. means operatively associated with said acoustic auditorium for
creating an auditory environment to provide audible sound to the
human, said auditory environment is selected for inducing desired
psychological effects when combined with the physiotherapy effects
produced by said vibrations transmitted through the fluid medium,
wherein the combined effects are beneficial to the human.
32. Apparatus as defined in claim 31, and further including control
means operatively associated with said first generating means and
said auditory environment means to regulate the relationship
therebetween.
33. Apparatus as defined in claim 31, wherein said first generating
means produces vibration at least in part in the range of 5,000
c.p.s. to 2,000,000 c.p.s.
34. The method as defined in claim 31, wherein said acoustic
vibrations are at a level of intensity below the cavitational
threshold of the liquid in the acoustic auditorium.
35. Apparatus as defined in claim 31, wherein said audible sound is
transmitted to the human by earphones operatively associated with
the acoustic auditorium.
36. Apparatus as defined in claim 31, and further including means
operatively associated with said acoustic auditorium for producing
a visual environment of color viewable by the human in the acoustic
auditorium complementary to the auditory environment in obtaining
the desired psychological effects.
37. Apparatus as defined in claim 36, wherein said visual
environment is produced on a screen viewable by the human in the
acoustic auditorium.
38. Apparatus as defined in claim 36, wherein said visual
environment is produced by means for projecting colors into the
fluid in the acoustic auditorium.
39. Apparatus as defined in claim 36, wherein said visual
environment is programmed with said auditory environment.
40. Apparatus as defined in claim 36, wherein said auditory
environment, said visual environment and said first generating
means producing said micromassaging, are programmed by control
means.
41. Apparatus for treating a human by providing an interrelated set
of environments to provide physiotherapeutic and psychotherapeutic
effects in the human, comprising:
A. an acoustic auditorium environment containing a liquid medium
adapted to receive the human therein,
B. first generating means operatively associated with the acoustic
auditorium for producing ultrasonic vibrations of coherent elastic
energy waves in harmonious pattern of frequencies and propagating
them through the fluid for micromassaging the human for
physiotherapy effects,
C. second generating means operatively associated with the acoustic
auditorium for producing visible movement in the fluid to provide
psychological reinforcement of said micromassaging in the human for
physiotherapy effects,
D. means operatively associated with said acoustic auditorium for
creating an auditory environment to provide audible sound to the
human for psychological effects,
E. means operatively associated with said acoustic auditorium for
producing a visual environment of color viewable by the human in
the acoustic auditorium complementary to the auditory environment
for obtaining the desired psychological effects, and
F. control means operatively associated with said first generating
means, said auditory environment means and said visual means, to
regulate the relationship between said physiotherapy and
psychological environmental effects.
42. Apparatus as defined in claim 41, wherein said first generating
means produces vibration at least in part in the range of 5,000
c.p.s. to 2,000,000 c.p.s.
43. The method as defined in claim 41, wherein said acoustic
vibrations are at a level of intensity below the cavitational
threshold of the liquid in the acoustic auditorium.
44. Apparatus as defined in claim 41, wherein said audible sound is
transmitted to the human by earphones operatively associated with
the acoustic auditorium.
45. Apparatus as defined in claim 41, wherein said visual
environment is produced on a screen viewable by the human in the
acoustic auditorium.
46. Apparatus as defined in claim 41, wherein said visual
environment is produced by means for projecting colors into the
fluid in the acoustic auditorium.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates broadly to the combined fields of
physiotherapy and psychotherapy and is aimed at a broad spectrum of
results from simple relaxation, both physically and emotionally, to
treatment of more complex illnesses and maladjustments so common
today.
In my copending patent applications, referred to above, the basic
inventions of treating organic structures, such as humans, with
sonic and ultrasonic coherent wave energy to obtain a micromassage
of the cellular structure, for therapeutic purposes is disclosed.
With respect to applicant's copending application Ser. No. 666,871,
we have particular reference therein to a system as embodied in the
present invention for treatment of humans and as contained in the
following quotation therefrom. "For example, a patient submerged in
a bathtub of warm water, being irradiated by modulated ultrasonic
elastic waves such that the modulation will produce preselected
musical compositions, will have psychosonic benefits added to the
general toning-up stimuli. If the patient is a depressed individual
in a mental hospital, then the music should be calculated to lift
him out of the depressive state. It must be appreciated that music
received in this way throughout the organism is a completely
different phenomenon than the usual method of listening to aerial
acoustic vibration.
It is further evident that, if the patient were in an overexcited
state, the modulation should be altered so as to produce music
which is soothing and restful. This is completely in line with
techniques currently used, whereby colors are utilized to aid
altering the mood of a patient in a desired direction.
These same techniques may be extended and combined with colors
through the use of swimming pools, and other special enclosures for
general overall beneficial micromassage to individuals."
Applicant has now discovered that the beneficial effects of the
micromassage action may be combined with sensory producing stimuli
to obtain physiotherapy and psychotherapy results for the treatment
of humans as will hereinafter be described in detail, such combined
effects being termed herein as "Psychophysiosonic."
Accordingly, this invention is an extension of applicant's
copending applications referred to above and is based on
applicant's discoveries arising from preprogrammed multisensory
stimulation combined with physiosonic "micromassage" therapy. To
understand the basic principles of the invention it is necessary to
distinguish clearly the physiological elements and the
psychological elements and to set forth the interrelated
connectedness of the phenomena involved.
We are living in an era where ecological problems and related
problems of environmental pollution are of increasing concern, to
such a degree that major governmental, social and even
international cooperative action appears imperative. In an
analogous manner, individual man is a complex interrelated group of
organisms his cells, nerves, internal organs, brain, sensory
receptors, etc.) united in a single entity or personality, which is
turn, is connected with an outer environment. As a matter of fact,
when we speak of polution's effects on man, we generally refer to
alterations in the atmosphere he breathes, the water he drinks and
bathes in, the food he eats, and the various sensory stimuli
received from the outside world of sounds, sights, tactile
pressures, tensions, odors, tastes and so forth. Furthermore, it is
being recognized more and more that what applicant calls "energy"
pollutions (such as noise, foul odors, overly tight shoes or
girdles, etc.) can contribute to poor health and subnormal
functioning in life situations. It is not always possible to
separate the psychogenic and physiogenic factors arising in each
case, but it is generally recognized today (e.g. witness
psychosomatic medicine) that the psychological and physiological
determinants in a situation are mutually interconnected and each
has a definite influence on the other.
Against this background of recognized principles applicant has
invented a series of "environments" each of which is a whole, and
each of which is designed to provide interconnected and cooperating
psychological and physiological treatment systems. It is of the
greatest importance to appreciate that the combined "environments"
are synergic in character, and in so being the total effect
produced cannot be ascribed to each element separately. But, rather
the system must be combined as a whole, and the effects produced
are uniquely the result of the whole environment.
It is this synergic effect, suggested in applicant's copending
applications hereinabove referenced which is the dominant
characteristic of the subject invention and which is responsible
for the various beneficial effects set forth. By limiting the
vibrations used in this invention to the sonic range, there is
introduced automatically the sensory stimulation in addition to the
"micromassage" referred to above. Further, by controlling the
sequence of vibrations to correspond to harmonious combinations of
sound, not only is the interior of the body harmoniously
"micromassaged" but the psyche of the individual is also subjected
to the psychological effects of harmonious sound. To produce such a
result, it is necessary to provide one environment which will
guarantee entrance of the vibrations to the interior of the
individual body, and also an environment which will adequately
"capture" the auditory sensory apparatus of the individual. The
production of an adequate acoustical auditorium for the
"micromassage" effects has been set forth in the copending patent
applications. The "auditory environment" is accomplished by using
stereo headphones which receive the harmonious vibrations which are
simultaneously being projected into the acoustic auditorium for
micromassage therapy. The use of headphones guarantees that the
"auditory environment" is controlled completely by the harmonic
vibration program intended for treatment. Anyone, who has listened
to good stereo headphones, will understand the extraordinary effect
of isolation from all other auditory stimuli.
Now, the actual micromassaging occuring in the patient's body is at
a quite low level of intensity for safety purposes, and in the bath
water no cavitation levels of vibration are permitted. The patient
therefore does not "feel" anything while the beneficial massage
occurs. For many individuals, this absence of sensation creates a
greater or lesser degree of concern as to whether the equipment is
really functioning and therefore whether the treatment is
proceeding. To allay such concerns, it is important to interconnect
a suitable water agitator system with the auditory and acoustic
auditorium environment creating elements. Thus, whenever the
patient hears the harmonious sound program selected, he will see
the bath water "vibrate" at the same time. The sound program
selected is from a series of special tapes which are prerecorded
and selected in accordance with known principles for inducing
desired psychological effects, especially in the areas calculated
to relieve anxiety, tension, fears, fatigue and the like.
As a matter of fact, sound programs calculated to produce desired
effects have become an established industry on an international
scale. For example, prerecorded music programs in offices,
factories, restaurants, etc. have been shown to produce calculated
beneficial effects. It is beginning to be understood that the road
to good health and good living must be paved with psychic
environments calculated to breed comfort, security and pleasure,
and beneficial motivation.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a method and
apparatus for the treatment of humans for therapeutic purposes.
Another object of the invention is to provide a method and
apparatus for treating a human with a simultaneous number of
stimuli involving audible and inaudible sound vibrations introduced
into the interior of the treated human in combination with sensory
stimulation.
Another object of the invention is to provide a method and
apparatus for the treatment of humans by physiotherapy and
psychotherapy effects through sensory producing stimuli.
Other objects of the invention will become obvious as the
disclosure proceeds.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The outstanding and unexpected result obtained by the practice of
the method and apparatus of this invention are attained by a series
of features, steps and elements assembled and working together in
interrelated combination to obtain the treatment of human
beings.
Briefly the applicant has now discovered the use of baths and
swimming pools wherein provision is made to provide the person or
persons being treated with high-fidelity sound received auditorily
by means of stereo speakers, either as headphones or as part of a
general sound system, and simultaneously with the reception by ear
of the sound vibrations, provision is also made to use underwater
speakers or sonic wave reproducers, which will inundate the
submerged individual or individuals with water transmitted
vibrations produced by the same source as is producing the high-fi
airborne sound.
The underwater waves provide a micromassage treatment of coherent
elastic waves in a harmonious pattern, example of such pattern
would be various musical compositions such as Mozart chamber music,
or poplar music or the like. The stereo headphones, or speakers,
provide a psychosonic stimulus which reinforces the physiosonic
micromassage. Since psychological overtones are included in one
embodiment of the invention of physiosonic stimulation, it is clear
that there is produced an effect on the emotional tonus of the
patient. Thus, it becomes possible to take into account whether the
patient is in a "depressed" or an "excited" state. The music
selected should take this factor into account, especially when use
is made of the invention in sanatoria, mental institutions, or
hospitals. When used in the latter referenced types of
applications, further reinforcement is obtained by the use of
harmonically flowing colors either in projected and controlled
illumination, or as a specially colored environment. For example,
warm red, orange, yellow hued colors are appropriate for
"depression," while blue, lavender, green, etc. are appropriate for
"overexcitation." In combination with the above the visual effect s
may be obtained by the use of a color television screen fed by
closed circuit tapes or a motion picture camera projected on a
screen. The tapes are especially formulated to provide an audio
visual display which may range from the most abstract sort of mode
to the presentation of actual drama of scenes from plays, stories,
operas, etc.
In further combination with the above a whirlpool-type bath is used
to provide a gross massage to the other components of multisensory
stimulation with multiexercise or physical massage stimulation. The
physical part has a direct physical action on biological tissue, be
it muscle, bone or nerve tissue, while the multisensory part has an
indirect action on the organism by stimulating the senses in a
controlled manner, thereby producing mental and emotional memory
bank mechanisms in the body, complete the total psychosomatic
circuit setup by the combined action of the invention's various
parts. When seen in this way for example, it is seen and
contemplated that the odor produced in the environment (bath oils
or salts, or incense or atomizer means) as well as the bath
temperature also become factors on the overall effects
produced.
The invention includes the concept of "programmed environments" so
coordinated as to produce synergic effects. It should also be
emphasized that synergy itself is that property of a system which
it enjoys as a whole. The invention is really the discovery of a
combination of "preselected environments," of which the total
effect is to benefit the patient. These "environments" are created
in the body and in the mind of the patient. The synergic effects
arise because the induced "environments" are coexistent with the
preexistent with the preexisting complex and conditioned
"environments" already in the patient in the form of memory banks,
established codes and matrices of behavior (either learned,
instinctive or inherited).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
Although the characteristic features of this invention will be
particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself, and
the manner in which it may be made and used, may be better
understood by referring to the following description taken in
connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof,
wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
several views and in which:
FIG. 1, shows a perspective view in somewhat schematic form of
apparatus for treating humans in accordance with the present
invention;
FIG. 2, is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1
illustrating the apparatus construction;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of
FIG. 2 illustrating the light projection system;
FIG. 4, is another embodiment of the invention illustrating a
visual display; and
FIG. 5, is diagrammatic schematic of the various components of the
invention.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
Referring to the drawings in detail, and initially to FIGS. 1--3
thereof, it will be seen that an apparatus 10 for treating a human
12 by producing an interrelated set of environments being capable
of producing sensory and psychological effects in the human 12 may
include an acoustic auditorium or chamber, for example, in the form
of a swimming pool, shower, or tub as illustrated. Since this
invention permits the treatment of one or more humans, the size,
shape, and construction of the acoustic auditorium 14 will vary.
The physical characteristics of the acoustic auditorium are also
related to the properties of the elastic medium 15 through which
the acoustic energy is transmitted. If the elastic medium 15 is a
liquid, such as water then the acoustic auditorium may be in the
form of a bathtub or rectangular tank having a bottom 16, and a
left inner end wall 18, right inner end wall, or biosonic wall 20,
a left vertical outer end wall 22, a right outer end wall 24,
spaced apart inner sidewalls 26 and outer sidewalls 28 with a top
wall 30 joining them together and having sufficient space
therebetween for incorporating some of the equipment. One of the
spaced apart walls 18 may act as a reflector surface so that the
elastic energy waves, which may be at a level of intensity below
the cavitational threshold of the fluid 15, passing through the
organic structure 14 may be reflected for multiple treatment of the
organic structure. The tub 14 may be provided with a conventional
faucet 31 and control knobs 32 and 33.
To provide the complete system the various interrelated components
of the audiovisual environment and micromassage effect may be
substantially concealed and controlled from control means 35,
having a display panel 36 that may provide for individual
adjustment of the various related aspects of the invention or if
fully programmed then some of these adjustments need not be
employed. As illustrated in FIG. 1, control switches are provided
to adjust the music by control switch 37, the volume by switch 38,
the ultrasonic micromassage by switch 39, the visible movement of
liquid by switch 40, and a timer for the complete system by switch
41. If lights are used then the switch 42 is used, the electrical
wiring of these type of components is well known in the art and a
general schematic of same is illustrated in FIG. 5.
Once the human 12 is placed in the acoustic auditorium 14 with the
fluid medium 15 therein then a transmission through the fluid
medium of acoustic vibrations may occur to obtain a micromassaging
of at least a portion of the human body so that the energy
penetrates pervasively into the acoustically accessible inner
region of the body for physiotherapy effects.
The ultrasonic elastic waves of a compressional waveform are
produced by first generating means or transducer 45 which is
energized by an oscillation generator 46, with a power cable 48
connecting the two together. The generator 46 is an oscillator
adapted to produce electrical energy having an ultrasonic frequency
which for the purposes of this invention is defined between the
approximate range of 500 cycles per second to 10,000,000 cycles per
second. The transducer 45 may be one of a variety of
electromechanical types, such as electrodynamic, piezoelectric,
magnetostrictive or hydrodynamic. The hydrodynamic type needs a
compressor and is entirely mechanical except for motors to run the
compressor. The operating frequency may be in the higher sonic or
ultrasonic ranges when treating humans.
Preferably the transducer 45 and generator 46 may be operated at
both a fixed frequency, modulated or pulsed over a defined
frequency range. The specific oscillation generator 46 and
transducer 45 for accomplishing the result may be conventional, and
as a detailed description thereof need not be included in this
disclosure since it is known to those skilled in the art. The
transducer 45 is mounted in energy coupling relationship to the
biosonic wall 20 of the acoustic auditorium 14 and when energized
will transmit a path consisting of a series of coherent elastic
energy waves 50 through the elastic medium 15 and into the human
12. The transducer 45 and generator 46 are shown contained between
the walls 20 and 24 so that they are hidden from view. The
generator 46 is powered by 60 cycles current and by a chord 51
extending through the wall 24 and inserted in a conventional
electrical wall outlet.
As seen in FIG. 2, the human is placed in a path of coherent energy
waves 50 between the biosonic wall 20 and the opposite sidewall 18.
The opposite sidewall 18 for certain frequencies acts as an
acoustic reflector so that the energy waves 50 move along a
generally linear path that may pass through the human 12 and are
reflected and again are transmitted through the elastic medium 15
and human 12. The human may enter the acoustic auditorium 14
subsequent to the biosonic wall 20 being vibrated. The duration of
the treatment will be dependent upon the portion of the body
requiring the stimulation or micromassage as well as the physical
condition of the patient.
The frequency of elastic waves 50 may be modulated or pulsed over a
defined frequency and wavelength band to prevent the settling of
permanent foci of energy. At the same time this permits the
generation of effects due to possible resonances in the organic
system. This is highly desirable when treating biological systems
of a complex nature to obtain a sufficient stimulation of a variety
of body organisms that have different acoustical
characteristics.
The micromassaging treatment may be combined with audiovisual
effects, as the underwater speakers or sonic wave transducer 45, of
which one or many may be used, will inundate the submerged
individual or individuals with water transmitted vibrations which
may be produced by the same source as is producing the high-fi
airborne sound. The underwater waves provide a micromassage
treatment of coherent elastic waves in a harmonious pattern,
examples of such patterns would be various musical compositions
such as Mozart chamber music, or popular music or the like. The
stereo headphones, or speakers, provide a psychosonic stimulus
which reinforces the physiosonic micromassage. Since psychological
overtones are included in one embodiment of the invention of
physiosonic stimulation, it is clear that there is produced an
effect on the emotional tonus of the patient.
In addition to the micromassage action it has been found beneficial
in creating a visible movement of the fluid 15 in the acoustic
auditorium 14 for psychoreinforcement of the micromassaging action
to the human 12 contained therein for physiotherapy effects. The
gross movement of the fluid 15 may be obtained by placing a water
agitator system such as a whirlpool type of unit, or second
generating means 52 that is electrically connected to the complete
system and is automatically energized when the transducer 45 is.
The unit 52 is electrically connected to switch 40. It is important
for the patient to see visible movement of the fluid or he might
reach the conclusion that the micromassage action is not
functioning.
Accordingly it is important to interconnect a suitable water
agitator system 52 with the other elements of the invention. Thus,
whenever the patient hears the harmonious sound program selected,
he will see the bath water vibrate at the same time. The sound
program selected is from a series of special tapes which are
prerecorded and selected in accordance with known principles for
inducing desired psychological effects, especially in the area
calculated to relieve anxiety, tension, fears, fatigue and the
like.
Sound transmitting means 55 is operatively associated with the
acoustic auditorium 14 for creating an auditory environment to
provide audible sound to the human. The auditory environment is
selected for inducing desired psychological effects when combined
with the physiotherapy effects provided by the vibrations
transmitted through the fluid medium so that the combined effects
are beneficial to the human. The auditory means 55 may be in the
form of speakers in the room or as illustrated the human by a
headset including earphones 56 operatively associated with the
acoustic auditorium 14 as by being mounted on a strap 60 coupled to
a support member 57 that extends through the top wall 30 and into a
clamp 58 having an adjustment knob 59 to permit vertical
positioning together by the strap 60. The earphones are connected
by electrical cable 62 to auditory means 65 for creating audible
sound to be transmitted via the earphones 56 for psychological
effects. The auditory means 65 may be in the form of any sound
producing equipment such as a phonograph, tape player, etc., and if
in the form of a tape player then a cassette 66 with prerecorded
sound tracks may be selected for inducing desired psychological
effects in the areas calculated to relieve anxiety, tension, fears,
fatigue or the like.
To obtain the desired total interrelated set of environment it is
possible to simultaneously produce a visual environment color
viewable by the human 12 in the acoustic auditorium 14
complementary to the auditory environment in obtaining the desired
psychological effects. In accordance with one aspect of the
invention the visual environment is produced by visual means 70, as
seen best in FIG. 3, the unit is positioned between the inner
sidewall 26 and outer sidewall 28 and includes an electrically
powered motor 71 having electrical leads 72 connected thereto with
the motor mounted on a bracket 73 extending from the wall 28.
Mounted on the motor shaft 74 is a wheel 75 having a plurality of
axially spaced apart color discs 76 mounted thereon and when the
wheel 75 is rotated by the motor 71 the discs 76 are rotated. The
discs 76 will pass between the light generated by bulb 78, that is
mounted on support 79 and wired to the system by leads 80 in a
conventional manner. The wall 26 has therein lenses or window panes
81 that are mounted in sealed relation to the wall 26 in a
conventional manner and through which the colored light will
pass.
The color sequence and the music makes it possible to take into
account whether the patient is in a depressed or an excited state.
The music selected should take this factor into account, especially
when use is made of the invention in sanatoria, mental institutions
or hospitals. When used in the latter referenced types of
applications, further reinforcement is obtained by the use of the
harmonically flowing colors in projected and controlled
illumination by the colored light into the fluid 15. For example
warm red, orange, yellow, hued colors are appropriate for
overexcitation. In combination with the above the visual effects
may be obtained by the use of a color television screen, fed by
closed circuit tapes or a motion picture camera projected on a
screen. The tapes are especially formulated to provide an
audiovisual display which may range from the most abstract sort of
mode to the presentation of actual drama of scenes from plays,
stories, operas, etc.
An additional aspect of the environment for a human is his sense of
smell and towards this end we have odor-producing environment means
85 which may take the form of atomizer means that produces various
fragrances. The odor-producing environment means 86 although
illustrated to be manually operated may be incorporated into the
system to be automatically operated in conjunction with the other
environment producing means.
The auditory means may be the console that also houses the
programming means that in conjunction with the control means 35,
the auditory environment means 65, visual environment means 70,
acoustic vibration generating means 45, and means for creating
visible movement of the fluid by unit 52 may be automatically
programmed together. If the system is automatically programmed
together then some of the switches on the control means 35 need not
be used, except perhaps for the volume control switch 38, if on the
other hand the system is not automatically programmed then the user
12 may individually adjust the respective switches upon say the
insertion of a desired cassette 66.
Accordingly, the programmed environments are so coordinated as to
produce synergic effects. It should also be emphasized that synergy
itself is that property of a system which it enjoys as a whole.
These preselected environments, of which the total effect is to
benefit the patient are created in the body and the mind of the
patient. The synergic effects arise because the induced
environments are coexistent with the preexisting complex and
conditioned inner environments already in the patient in the form
of memory banks, established codes and matrices of behavior either
learned, instinctive or inherited.
FIG. 4, illustrates the present invention wherein the visual
environment is produced on a screen 88 viewable by the human from
the acoustic auditorium 14. The screen may form the front of a
television set, or as illustrated a projecting means 90 may be
contained in a wall 91 of the room forming the area where the
acoustic auditorium is placed. The projecting means 90 may be
programmed with the control means 35 to be synchronized with the
auditory means 65 as the sound is transmitted from the
headphones.
The visual means 70 may be in the form of the color projection
illustrated in FIG. 3 and contained within the acoustic auditorium
or as well as in a wall 92 to provide a complete color saturation
of the environment. In all other respects the system illustrated in
FIG. 4 may be similar to that described in FIGS. 1--3.
FIG. 5, is a schematic diagram of the combined environmental
control systems and as illustrated the cassette 66 used in the
auditory means 65 may have one or more channel outputs that are
wired to control at a selected sequence of programming the sound
transmitting means 55, agitator means 52, underwater sound
projector 45 and visual means 70. The control means 35 may be used
for manually controlling certain aspects of the system as explained
above. Additional channels may be used for other controlled
functions.
Many other changes could be effected in the particular
constructions, and in the methods of use and construction, and in
specific details thereof, hereinbefore set forth, without
substantially departing from the invention intended to be defined
herein, the specific description being merely of an embodiment
capable of illustrating certain principles of the invention.
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