U.S. patent number RE31,603 [Application Number 06/440,181] was granted by the patent office on 1984-06-19 for body massage apparatus.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Andrew Electronics of Northern Calif., Inc.. Invention is credited to Earl A. Christensen.
United States Patent |
RE31,603 |
Christensen |
June 19, 1984 |
Body massage apparatus
Abstract
A vibrator motor is coupled to the frame of a body support
structure to vibrate the latter. The motor is energized by a train
of triangular pulses modulated by a triangular pulse signal having
a lower frequency than that of the triangular pulse train.
Inventors: |
Christensen; Earl A. (San
Carlos, CA) |
Assignee: |
Andrew Electronics of Northern
Calif., Inc. (San Carlos, CA)
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Family
ID: |
27032336 |
Appl.
No.: |
06/440,181 |
Filed: |
November 8, 1982 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
875984 |
Feb 8, 1978 |
04232661 |
Nov 11, 1980 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
601/48; 318/114;
318/129; 318/132; 601/59 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H
23/0218 (20130101); A61H 2023/0209 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61H
23/02 (20060101); A61H 001/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;128/32,33
;318/114,119,128,127,129,132 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Apley; Richard J.
Assistant Examiner: Brown; David J.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Zimmerman; C. Michael
Claims
I claim:
1. Apparatus for administering massage actions to a person in
intimate contact with a structure comprising:
at least one vibrator motor adapted to be operatively connected to
said structure to vibrate said structure in accordance with the
waveform of a signal energizing said motor;
a pulse train generator controllable to generate a train of pulses
of continually varying amplitude versus time relationship;
a function generator controllable to generate a modulating signal
of varying amplitude versus time relationship different than that
of said train of pulses and selected relative to said train of
pulses to simulate therewith a traveling wave pattern, the
frequency of said modulating signal being significantly lower than
the frequency of said train of pulses;
a first coupling means for combining the modulating signal with the
train of pulses to effect modulation of the amplitude versus time
relationship of said pulses and thereby produce a modulated output
signal simulative of a traveling wave pattern; and
a second coupling means for operatively connecting said first
coupling means directly to the vibrator motor to energize said
vibrator motor with a signal having substantially the same shape as
said modulated output signal.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein:
the pulse train generator includes a first control means for
controlling the frequency of the pulses of the generated train of
pulses; and
the function generator includes a second control means for
controlling the frequency of the modulating signal.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the function generator
includes:
a triangular pulse generator for generating a train of triangular
pulses at an output for forming the modulating signal;
control means in circuit with the triangular pulse generator for
controlling the amplitude, width and frequency of the triangular
pulses of the generated train of triangular pulses coupled to the
pulse train generator.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the control means
includes:
a frequency determining circuit coupled in circuit with the
triangular pulse generator and adjustable to cause said triangular
pulse generator to generate triangular pulses at the selected
frequency.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein:
the triangular pulses have rising and falling edges; and
the control means includes a timing circuit coupled in circuit with
the triangular pulse generator and controllable to adjust
differentially the rising and falling edges of the triangular
pulses.
6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the control means
includes:
an adjustable second timing circuit coupled in circuit with the
triangular pulse generator and responsive to each triangular pulse
reaching a predetermined amplitude to cause said triangular pulse
generator to provide a selected signal interval of constant
amplitude at its output.
7. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the control means
includes:
a signal amplitude control circuit coupled in circuit with the
triangular pulse generator and controllable to adjust the amplitude
of the modulating signal coupled to the pulse train generator.
8. Apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:
timing control means coupled in circuit with the pulse train
generator and the function generator and controllable to cause said
pulse train generator and said function generator to energize the
vibrator motor with a modulated train of pulses whose amplitude
versus time relationship gradually changes for a selected interval
determined by the timing control means.
9. Apparatus for administering massage actions to a person in
intimate contact with a structure comprising:
at least one vibrator motor adapted to be operatively connected to
said structure to vibrate said structure in accordance with the
waveform of a signal energizing said motor;
a pulse train generator controllable to generate a train of pulses
of selected amplitude versus time relationship;
a function generator controllable to generate a modulating signal
of selected amplitude versus time relationship different than that
of said train of pulses and selected relative to said train of
pulses to simulate therewith a traveling wave pattern, said
function generator including:
a second pulse train generator for generating a train of pulses
having gradually rising and falling edges for forming the
modulating signal; and
a timing circuit in circuit with the second pulse generator and
controllable to adjust differentially the durations of the rising
and falling edges of the modulating signal pulses;
a first coupling means for combining the modulating signal with the
train of pulses to effect modulation of the amplitude versus time
relationship of said pulses and thereby produce a signal simulative
of a traveling wave pattern; and
a second coupling means for operatively connecting said first
coupling means to the vibrator motor to energize said vibrator
motor with a signal corresponding to said modulated train of
pulses.
10. In apparatus for administering massage actions to a person; the
combination comprising:
at least one vibrator motor coupled to vibrate in accordance with
the waveform of a signal energizing said motor;
a trigger pulse generator controllable to generate a train of
trigger pulses of a selected frequency;
a first pulse train generator controllable to generate a first
train of pulses of selected first amplitude versus time
relationship;
control circuit means coupled in circuit with the first pulse train
generator for enabling the generation of the first train of pulses,
said control circuit means including control input means having
first and second terminals, said first terminal being coupled to
the trigger pulse generator to receive the trigger pulses, said
second terminal coupled to said first pulse trains generator to
receive a signal indicative of the amplitude of the pulses
generated by said first pulse train generator, said control circuit
means responsive to trigger pulses to enable the generation of a
pulse by said first pulse train generator when the signal level at
said second terminal exceeds a reference signal level, and said
control circuit means further responsive to said signal indicative
of the amplitude of the pulse generated by said first pulse train
generator exceeding a selected level to disable the generation of
the pulse by said first pulse train generator;
a second pulse train generator controllable to generate a second
train of pulses of selected second amplitude versus time
relationship;
first coupling means for coupling the second train of pulses to
said second terminal of said control input means to effect
modulation of the reference signal level in accordance with the
second amplitude versus time relationship of said second train of
pulses; and
second coupling means for furnishing a signal corresponding to the
resulting train of pulses to the vibrator motor to energize the
same.
11. Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the trigger pulse
generator includes a first control means for controlling the
frequency of trigger pulses of the generated train of trigger
pulses, and further comprising a reference signal level source
coupled to said second terminal and adjustable to provide a
selected reference signal at said second terminal.
12. Apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the second pulse train
generator includes a second control means for controlling the
frequency of pulses of the generated second train of pulses, and
further comprising a signal amplitude control circuit coupled in
circuit with said second pulse train generator and controllable to
adjust the amplitude of pulses of the generated second train of
pulses coupled to said second terminal.
13. Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the second pulse train
generator is controllable to generate a train of pulses having
gradually rising and falling edges, and further comprising a timing
circuit in circuit with said second pulse train generator and
controllable to adjust differentially the durations of the rising
and falling edges of the pulses generated by said second pulse
train generator.
14. Apparatus according to claim 13 further comprising an
adjustable timing circuit coupled in circuit with the second pulse
train generator and responsive to each pulse of the generated
second train of pulses reaching a predetermined amplitude to cause
said second pulse train generator to provide a selected signal
interval of constant amplitude.
15. Apparatus according to claim 14 further comprising:
timing control means coupled in circuit with said second terminal
and second pulse train generator and controllable to cause the
first and second pulse train generators to energize the vibrator
motor with a train of pulses whose amplitude versus time
relationship gradually changes for a selected interval.
16. Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein:
the control circuit means includes a flip-flop having first and
second control inputs, said first input coupled to the trigger
pulse generator and responsive to each trigger pulse to set the
flip-flop in a first of its stable states, and second input coupled
to said second terminal and responsive to the signal indicative of
the amplitude of the pulse generated by the first pulse train
generator to set the flip-flop in a second of its stable states
when said amplitude of said pulse exceeds the selected level;
the first pulse train generator is a first bi-directional ramp
generating circuit having an output and a ramp direction control
input, the ramp direction control input coupled to the flip-flop
and responsive to said flip-flop being in the first stable state to
cause the signal at the output to change in a first direction, the
output of the first bidirectional ramp generating circuit coupled
to said second terminal, the first bi-directional ramp generating
circuit responsive to the flip-flop being in the second stable
state to cause the signal at the output to change in a second
direction opposite to the first direction; and
the second pulse train generator provides a train of pulses having
gradually rising and falling edges.
17. Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the second pulse train
generator includes:
a second bi-directional ramp generating circuit having an output, a
first control input and a second control input; and
a comparator coupled in circuit with said output and having a first
output coupled to the first control input of the second
bi-directional ramp generating circuit and a second output coupled
to the second control input of the second bi-directional ramp
generating circuit, said comparator responsive to the signal at
said output of the second bi-directional ramp generating circuit
reaching a first level to cause the signal at said output of the
second bi-directional ramp generating circuit to change in a first
direction;
said comparator further responsive to the signal at said output of
the second bi-directional ramp generating circuit reaching a second
level to cause the signal at said output of the second
bi-directional ramp generating circuit to change in a second
direction opposite to the first direction.
18. Apparatus for administering massage actions to a person in
intimate contact with a structure comprising:
a structure adapted to be in intimate contact with the body of a
person;
at least one vibrator motor operatively connected to said structure
to vibrate said structure in accordance with the waveform of a
signal energizing said motor;
a pulse train generator controllable to generate a train of pulses
of continually varying amplitude versus time relationship;
a function generator controllable to generate a modulating signal
of varying amplitude versus time relationship different than that
of said train of pulses and selected relative to said train of
pulses to simulate therewith a traveling wave pattern, the
frequency of said modulating signal being significantly lower than
the frequency of said train of pulses;
a first coupling means for combining the modulating signal with the
train of pulses to effect modulation of the amplitude versus time
relationship of said pulses and thereby produce a modulated output
signal simulative of a traveling wave pattern; and
a second coupling means for coupling said first coupling means
directly to the vibrator motor to energize said vibrator motor with
a signal having substantially the same shape as said modulated
output signal. .Iadd. 19. Apparatus for administering massage
actions to a person in intimate contact with a structure
comprising:
at least first and second vibrator motors adapted to be operatively
connected to said structure to vibrate said structure in accordance
with the waveforms of signals energizing said motors;
at least first and second controllable motor drive systems
connected respectively to said at least first and second vibrator
motors for producing waveforms to energize said motors, each of
said at least first and second controllable motor drive systems
comprising
a pulse train generator controllable to generate a train of pulses
of continually varying amplitude versus time relationship
a function generator controllable to generate a modulating signal
of varying amplitude versus time relationship different than that
of said train of pulses and selected relative to said train of
pulses to simulate therewith a traveling wave pattern, the
frequency of said modulating signal being significantly lower than
the frequency of said train of pulses
a first coupling means for combining the modulating signal with the
train of pulses to effect modulation of the amplitude versus time
relationship of said pulses and thereby produce a modulated output
signal simulative of a traveling wave pattern, and
a second coupling means for operatively connecting said first
coupling means directly to a vibrator motor to energize said
vibrator motor with a signal having substantially the same shape as
said modulated output
signal. .Iaddend..Iadd. 20. Apparatus in accordance with claim 19
wherein said at least first and second controllable motor drive
systems are configured to respectively produce different waveforms
for energizing their associated motors, by controlling one of the
pulse train generator and the function generator of one of said
first and second controllable motor drive systems to be different
in waveform with respect to the other. .Iaddend..Iadd. 21.
Apparatus in accordance with claim 19 wherein said at least first
and second controllable motor drive systems are configured to
respectively produce different waveforms for energizing their
associated motors, by controlling one of the pulse train generator
and the function generator of one of said first and second
controllable motor drive systems to be different in phase with
respect to the other. .Iaddend..Iadd. 22. Apparatus in accordance
with claim 19 including a structure adapted to be in intimate
contact with the body of a person, and wherein said at least first
and second vibrator motors are operatively connected to said
structure. .Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to body massage apparatus and, more
particularly, to body massage apparatus for administering
controlled massage actions to a person's body by vibrating a body
support structure.
Two types of apparatus have heretofore been used for administering
massage actions to a person's body by vibrating a body support
structure. In the simplest of the two types of such apparatus, a
motor is energized by a signal of constant frequency to vibrate the
body support structure. The constant frequency of the motor
energizing signal induces an unchanging vibration in the body
support structure. The unchanging vibration transmits a concomitant
unchanging vibratory effect to the occupant of the body support
structure. While the unchanging vibration produces a rudimentary
massaging effect, it is incapable of a varying stimulation of the
body. Furthermore, some persons find an unchanging vibration to be
disturbing rather than soothing. One example of a massage apparatus
of the foregoing type is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,050,051.
The second of the two types was resorted to in an attempt to
obviate the aforementioned limitations and disadvantages. This
second type uses wave interference to create a vibration pattern
that travels about the body support structure. The traveling wave
can transmit a continuously changing stimulation to occupants of
the body support structure if the apparatus is operated to
propagate the proper wave disturbance. To create a propagated wave
disturbance, however, it is necessary to employ at least two
vibrator motors to vibrate the body support structure at two
different points selected so that the wave disturbance produced by
each of the motors interacts with that produced by the other motor
in the manner required to effect a traveling wave. This is achieved
by utilizing at least two motor energizing signal sources and
operating them to generate two signals slightly out of phase with
respect to each other, so that the motors are driven at slightly
different speeds. Examples of such apparatus are described in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 3,019,785; 3,547,109 and 3,653,375.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The body massage apparatus of the invention includes a motor drive
signal generating means which permits a single motor to impart a
varying vibration to a body support structure for transmitting a
varying stimulation to the body supported by the structure.
Moreover, the body massage apparatus of the invention includes
control means coupled to the motor drive signal generating means
for selectively altering the amplitude versus time relationship of
the motor energizing signal, whereby a wide variety of changing
stimulations can be imparted to the supported body. Most desirably
the control means automatically changes the amplitude versus time
relationship of the motor energizing signal continuously so that a
variety of continuously changing stimulations are imparted to the
body. Furthermore, in one preferred embodiment of the body massage
apparatus of the invention the control means and motor drive signal
generating means cooperate to energize the vibrator motor with a
series of changing amplitude pulses that transmit stimulation to
the supported body that simulates stimulations created by traveling
waves. Another advantageous feature of the body massage apparatus
is that it preferably includes a signal generating means to
generate a motor energizing pulse signal of selected amplitude
versus time relationship, with pulses having gradually rising and
falling edges.
The advantages of the foregoing and other features of the present
invention will be described or become apparent from the following
detailed description of a preferred embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is an illustration of a preferred embodiment of the body
massage apparatus including a waterbed structure with parts broken
away to show the mounting of vibrator motors;
FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a preferred embodiment of
the motor drive system for use in the body massage apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a waveform diagram of signals generated by portions of
the motor drive system illustrated in FIG. 2; and
FIG. 4 is a preferred schematic circuit diagram of the embodiment
of the motor drive system illustrated in FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The body massage apparatus of the present invention selectively
administers different massaging actions to a person's body by
coupling a motor to vibrate a structure for supporting the body and
energizing the motor with a motor drive signal whose waveform,
i.e., amplitude versus time relationship, is selectively adjusted
according to the particular massaging action desired.
Referring to FIG. 1, the body massage apparatus 11 of the present
invention includes a motor 12 coupled to the frame 14 of a body
support structure 15 so that vibrations are induced in the
structure 15 when the motor 12 is energized. The motor energization
or drive signal is generated by a motor drive system 16 that is
electrically coupled to energize motor 12 to induce vibrations in
the structure 15 in accordance with the waveform of the energizing
motor drive signal. Vibrating the structure 15 establishes a wave
pattern in the structure that transmits corresponding massaging
actions to the occupant. The wave pattern established in the
vibrated structure 15 and, hence, the massaging action received by
the occupant, is varied by changing the waveform of the motor drive
signal applied to the motor 12. In the massage apparatus of the
present invention, the wave pattern is varied selectively to
produce different massaging actions by selectively varying the
magnitude, duration, duty cycle, frequency, shape or other
amplitude versus time characteristics of the waveform of the motor
drive signal provided by the motor drive system 16. A single
vibrator motor 12 energized by such a motor drive signal can
produce the varying massaging actions. However, in one preferred
embodiment constructed from the components identified hereinbelow,
more efficient transmission of massaging action is achieved by
vibrating the body support structure 15 with two vibrator motors 12
and 12' energized by a single motor drive system 16 that is
controllable to provide a changing motor drive signal waveform. In
embodiments of the massage apparatus 11 utilizing more than one
motor, the wave pattern established within the body support
structure 15 and, hence, massaging actions, can also be changed by
energizing different motors with signals of different waveforms or
with signals having the same waveform but of different phases.
Typically, each motor in such embodiments is energized by a
separate controllable motor drive system 16.
A particularly advantageous feature of the preferred embodiment of
the massage apparatus 11 is that the motor drive system 16
automatically generates a continuously changing motor drive signal
waveform which when applied to the vibrator motor 12 results in
administering a continuously changing massaging action to the
occupant of the body support structure 15. To this end, the motor
drive system 16 includes a modulation function generator 18 that
generates a modulating signal for varying the motor drive signal
waveform generated by the signal generator 19. Preferably, the
function generator 18 is controllable so that modulating signals of
different waveforms can be selected. The selected modulating signal
is coupled by line 21 extending from the output of the function
generator 18 to the modulation control input of the signal
generator 19. The modulating signal causes the signal generator 19
to generate a signal whose amplitude versus time relationship
varies in accordance with that of the modulating signal, thereby
resulting in the automatic generation of a motor drive signal
having a waveform that continuously varies at the frequency of the
modulating signal.
Usually, the various massaging actions are produced by selecting a
modulating signal frequency that is much less than the frequency of
the unmodulated or carrier signal generated by the signal generator
19. However, when the modulating signal frequency is of the same
order as or greater than the frequency of the carrier signal, the
signals interact to produce a motor drive signal that also results
in the administering of a stimulating massaging action.
Massage apparatus 11 can utilize various body support structures 15
for transmitting the massaging action of induced vibrations to the
occupant. Chairs, couches, beds and the like are examples of
support structures suitable for use in the massage apparatus. A
waterbed is shown in FIG. 1 serving as the massage transmitting
structure 15. Two electromagnetic motors 12 and 12' capable of
being driven by pulse type drive signals, such as the vibrator
motor manufactured by Allied Transformer Company, and identified by
the device number 201-40V are fastened to the platform of a
waterbed frame 14 at head and foot of the waterbed structure 15. As
stated hereinbefore, a single motor 12 can be employed to induce
the necessary vibrations in the waterbed structure to administer
the desired massaging actions to the occupant. Furthermore, more
than one motor drive system 16 can be employed when two or more
vibrator motors are used if additional variations in massaging
action are desired. The massaging actions are administered by the
body cushion or waterbed mattress 22 supported in intimate contact
with the frame 14 in accordance with the waveform (or waveforms)
generated for energizing one or more of the motors 12 and 12'. The
mattress 22 commonly includes a bladder made of an inelastic
flexible substance which is filled with water or other fluid or
yieldable substance. Vibrations induced in the waterbed frame 14
agitate the waterfilled bladder or mattress 22 to create
corresponding wave actions in the mattress that transmit the
massaging action to the occupant.
Referring now to FIG. 2, a preferred embodiment of the motor drive
system 16 of the massage apparatus 11 is illustrated. This
embodiment includes a pulse type signal generator 19 that is
controllable to generate a variety of pulse signal waveforms or
trains for energizing the vibrator motors 12 and 12'. Sinusoidal,
rectangular, sawtooth, triangular and other shapes of pulses can be
employed to form the motor drive signal. In the preferred
embodiment of the motor drive system 16 illustrated by FIG. 2, a
triangularly shaped pulse motor drive signal is generated for
energizing the motors 12 and 12'. The use of triangularly shaped
pulses to drive the motors has several advantages not achievable
when other pulse shapes are used. Triangularly shaped pulses are
characterized by leading and trailing edges that gradually change
in opposite directions, i.e., gradually rising and falling edges,
resulting in a smooth, transient free motor operation similar to
that obtained when sinusoidal pulse signals are employed. Pulse
shapes with rapidly changing edges, such as found in rectangular
and sawtooth pulses, produce unwanted transient effects in the
motor operation. In addition, using triangularly shaped pulses to
drive the motors 12 and 12' permits readily available inexpensive
and simple integrated circuit (IC) components to be used in the
construction of the motor drive system 16 instead of the more
complex and expensive sinusoidal function generators.
The triangular pulse signal generator 19 includes a pulse generator
24 that generates a train of narrow positive rectangular or trigger
pulses 23 at a selected pulse repetition rate in the range of 0.5
Hz to 70 Hz. As will be described further hereinbelow, the pulse
repetition rate of the train of pulses provided by pulse generator
24 determines the triangular pulse frequency of the motor drive
signal. An adjustable RC frequency determining network 25 connected
in the input circuit of the pulse generator 24 determines the pulse
repetition rate of the pulse train. The RC network 25 is connected
in circuit with the pulse generator 24 so that the network's
capacitor 26 is rapidly charged by the pulse generator 24 when its
output goes to a high logic signal level. The capacitor 26 is then
slowly discharged by potentiometer 28, returning the output of the
pulse generator 24 to a low logic signal level, thereby forming the
narrow positive trigger pulse 23. By adjusting the potentiometer 28
to insert less resistance in the RC network 25, the discharge time
of the network's capacitor 26 is decreased, thereby increasing the
pulse repetition rate of the train of positive pulses provided by
the generator 24. The duration of the pulses 23 provided by the
pulse generator 24 is determined by the time required to charge the
capacitor 26 and, since the pulses are utilized as trigger pulses
in following circuits of the triangular pulse signal generator 19,
they need not be of long duration. In the preferred embodiment, the
positive pulses 23 provided by the pulse generator 24 have a
duration of about 0.5 m sec.
The positive pulses 23 at the output of the pulse generator 24 are
coupled by line 29 to the set control input, (S), of a bistable
multivibrator of flip-flop 21. Each time the flip-flop 31 receives
a positive pulse 23 at its set control input, the flip-flop is set
in its stable state that places a high logic signal level at its
output coupled to line 32. This line extends to a ramp direction
control input of a bi-directional ramp generating circuit or
triangular pulse generator 34, which is controlled by the logic
level on the line 32 to generate triangularly shaped pulses. The
triangular pulse generator 34 responds to a high logic signal level
present on line 32 by causing its output connected to junction 36
to change gradually in a first direction, which direction is
positive in the preferred embodiment. When an opposite or low logic
signal level is present on line 32, the triangular pulse generator
34 responds by causing its output to change gradually in a second
opposite direction (negative direction in the preferred
embodiment). Control of the generation of the triangularly shaped
pulses is advantageously accomplished in the motor drive system by
coupling the reset control input, (R), of the flip-flop 31 by a
line 38 to the output of the triangular pulse generator 34. With
the flip-flop 31 and triangular pulse generator 34 coupled together
in this manner, the flip-flop functions as a control circuit means
with each positive pulse 23 received from the pulse generator 24 at
the set input, (S), of the flip-flop first placing the flip-flop
and the triangular pulse generator in respective operating states
to cause the output at junction 36 to changed gradually in the
positive direction until it reaches a level that will activate the
resetting of the flip-flop 31. When the output of the triangular
pulse generator 34 reaches the level corresponding to the reset
activating point of the flip-flop 31, the operating state of the
flip-flop changes to place a low logic signal level on line 32
extending to the input of the triangular pulse generator 34.
As described above, a low logic signal level on line 32 places the
triangular pulse generator 34 in an operating state causing the
output at junction 36 to change gradually in the negative
direction, which completes the formation of a triangular pulse.
Thus, a train of narrow positive trigger pulses 23 placed on line
29 by the pulse generator 24 results in the generation of a
corresponding train of triangular pulses at junction 36.
The triangular pulse generator 34 of the preferred embodiment
generates triangular pulses with identical rise and fall times.
Nominally, 14 msec triangular pulses are generated having 7 msec
rise and fall times regardless of the frequency of the triangular
pulse train. However, the amplitude or duration of the triangular
pulses can be varied by changing the bias applied to the reset
control input, (R), of the flip-flop 31. The bias can be changed by
changing the fixed bias coupled to the reset input, or by
modulating the bias with a signal that varies with time. As will be
described below, the modulation function generator 18 is coupled by
line 21 to the reset input (R) via a control terminal at junction
39 to modulate the bias of the reset input with a signal that
varies with time. Regardless of how the bias is changed, if the
bias at junction 39 is decreased by, for example, adjusting the
vibration intensity potentiometer 41 to insert more resistance
between the junction 39 and the positive V.sub.1 supply, the
leading edge of the triangular pulse generated by the triangular
pulse generator 34 must rise to a higher level to activate the
resetting of the flip-flop 31. This has the effect of increasing
the amplitude and duration of the triangular pulses. If the bias at
the junction 39 is increased by adjusting the vibration intensity
potentiometer 41 to insert less resistance between the junction 39
and the positive V.sub.1 supply, a lower amplitude triangular pulse
will reset the flip-flop 31. Under these conditions, the amplitude
and duration of the triangular pulses are decreased. Various
circuit means can be employed to adjust the bias at junction 39
and, thereby, determine the amplitude and width of the triangular
pulses 35. However, by utilizing the modulation function generator
18 to modulate the bias applied to the reset input with a signal
whose amplitude varies (i.e., increases and decreases) with time, a
triangular pulse train is generated composed of pulses whose
amplitude and duration varies correspondingly with time this is
represented by the triangular pulse train 35 shown in FIG. 3. As
described above, a wide range of stimulating massaging effects can
be administered by energizing a single vibrator motor 12 with a
motor drive signal having such an amplitude versus time
relationship. In the preferred embodiment, a motor drive signal
having a changing amplitude versus time relationship is obtained by
generating an amplitude varying modulating signal and coupling it
to junction 39 to modulate the bias of the reset input (R) of the
flip-flop 31. The modulating signal at junction 39 causes the
flip-flop 31 and triangular pulse generator 34 to generate
triangular pulses whose amplitude versus time relationship varies
at the frequency of the modulating signal. The waveform diagram of
FIG. 3 exemplifies the effect on the generation of the triangular
pulses of modulating the reset input (R) of the flip-flop 31 with
an amplitude varying modulating signal. As discussed hereinbefore,
the frequency of the modulating signal generally is much less than
the frequency of the pulses provided by the pulse generator 24 and,
preferably, is set to be a few orders of magnitude less. However,
if desired, the frequency of the modulating signal can be adjusted
to be on the order of or greater than the frequency of the pulses
provided by the pulse generator 24. In the preferred embodiment,
the frequency of the modulating signal is nominally adjustable over
the range of about 0.1 Hz to 15 Hz. However, embodiments of the
motor drive system 16 provided with pause control, one of which is
described below, can provide modulating signals at frequencies well
below the above specified 0.1 Hz.
In the preferred embodiment, integrated circuit components are
employed to construct the circuits for generating the modulated
triangular pulses. Inexpensive integrated circuit components
operate at moderate and low voltage and power levels that are
inadequate to drive electromagnetic pulse motors of the kind
described above. To provide triangular pulses at the voltage and
power levels required to drive the motors 12 and 12', a voltage and
power transformation circuit 43 is coupled to receive the
triangular pulses provided at the junction 36 and transform them to
corresponding higher voltage triangular pulses at a higher power
level. More specifically, in the preferred embodiment a
conventional voltage and power transformation circuit 43 is used
which includes a pulse width modulator 45 having one of its inputs
coupled by a line 44 to the output of the triangular pulse
generator 34. A voltage comparator type pulse width modulator is
used, which compares the voltage level of the modulating signal
with that of a higher frequency triangular wave carrier signal
generated by a triangular wave generator 48 coupled to a second
input of the modulator 45 by a line 46. Modulator 45 generates a
pulse train at the pulse repetition rate of the carrier signal,
with the width of the pulses varying in accordance with the
amplitude of the pulses emanating from modulating triangular wave
generator 34. In the preferred embodiment, the triangular wave
generator 48 is constructed to generate a 20 KHz triangular wave
carrier signal. As the amplitude of the triangular wave carrier
signal varies with time, the output of the pulse width modulator 45
on line 49 changes state between high and low voltage levels
whenever the amplitude of the carrier signal on line 46 crosses the
amplitude of the modulating triangular pulse signal on line 44. In
the preferred embodiment, line 49 is at a low logic level when the
amplitude of the triangular wave carrier signal is greater than
that of the modulating triangular pulse signal and is at a high
logic level when it is less than that of the modulating signal.
Therefore, the signal generated by the pulse width modulator 45 on
line 49 is a pulse width modulated signal in the form of a train of
positive rectangular pulses having a pulse width directly
proportional to the amplitude of the triangular pulse signal
present on line 44.
The pulse width modulated signal on line 49 is coupled to a lamp
driver circuit 50 which in turn is coupled to a massage indicator
lamp 50A to drive the latter. While the lamp driving signal is
pulse width modulated, the repetition rate of the pulses is so fast
that the resulting high frequency flashes are not visually
detectable. Changes in the perceived intensity of the lamp will
generally correspond to changes in the massaging effect imparted to
the waterbed structure by the electromagnetic pulse motors 12 and
12'. Thus, lamp 50A provides for the user of the apparatus an
indication of the massaging effect. It should be noted that the
insertion of such an indicator lamp at this location assures that
the lamp will receive sufficient voltage levels for operation even
during low intensity massaging action.
The pulse width modulated signal generated by the modulator 45 is a
low level signal like the triangular pulse signal. However, the
rectangular form of the pulse width modulated signal is a more
convenient form for the voltage and power transformation used to
obtain a more suitable motor drive signal for driving
electromagnetic pulse motors of the kind described above. The
desired voltage and power gains are obtained through the
cooperation of a switching amplifier and pulse shaper 51 and
following drive amplifier and low pass filter circuitry 52. The
switching amplifier and pulse shaper 51 has its input coupled to
receive the pulse width modulated signal placed on line 49 by the
modulator 45. The low level pulse width modulated signal on line 49
is converted by the amplifier and shaper 51 to a high voltage level
pulse width modulated signal without distorting the pulses of the
signal. This high voltage level signal is coupled by a line 54 to
the input of the drive amplifier and low pass filter circuitry 52,
which provides the necessary power gain for driving the
electromagnetic pulse motors in the desired manner. The low pass
filter included in the circuitry 52 removes the modulating
triangular pulse signal from the 20 KHz carrier signal after the
desired voltage and power gain has been obtained. The removed
triangular pulse signal is output by the circuitry 52 on the output
line 55 of the motor drive system 16. One or more electromagnetic
pulse motors 12 and 12' used to induce vibrations in the waterbed
structure 15 and transmit massaging effects to the occupant are
coupled to the output line 55 to be energized in accordance with
the triangular pulse signal generated by the motor drive system
16.
The waveform signal generator 19 can be operated alone or together
with the modulation function generator 18 to provide triangular
pulse signals of various amplitude versus time relationships for
administering different massaging effects. When used alone,
triangular pulse signals of different pulse frequencies,
amplitudes, durations and duty cycles can be generated by adjusting
the vibrator speed potentiometer 28 and vibration intensity
potentiometer 41. This permits differing massaging effects to be
administered to the occupant of the structure 15 vibrated by one or
more motors energized by a signal generated by the use of only the
waveform signal generator 19. However, with the potentiometers
adjusted to desired settings, a train of uniform triangular pulses
are generated. Using the modulation function generator 18 in
combination with the waveform signal generator 19 enables the
generation of a variety of trains of amplitude and duration varying
triangular pulses for energizing motors 12 and 12', whereby a
greater variety of differing massaging effects can selectively be
administered. In one embodiment of the modulation function
generator 18 and waveform signal generator 19 combination to be
described below, the amplitude and duration of the motor energizing
signal is continuously varied whereby massage stimulations are
transmitted to the occupant of the body support structure 15 that
simulate a traveling wave stimulation.
The modulation function generator 18 of the embodiment illustrated
by FIG. 2 includes a signal generator 56 and a timing control
circuit 58. The timing control circuit 58 provides timing control
for the operation of both the modulation function generator 18 and
waveform signal generator 19 and will be described further
hereinbelow. To modulate the bias of the reset input (R) of the
flip-flop 31 with an amplitude varying signal, a triangular wave
generator 59 is coupled by the line 21 to the junction 39. The
frequency of the triangular wave 42 generated by the generator 59
is controlled by a wavelength potentiometer 61 included in the
frequency determining circuit of the generator 59. In one
embodiment of the modulation function generator 18, an integrating
circuit with controlled bi-directional charging of the integrating
capacitor is employed in the generator 59 to effect the generation
of the triangular wave modulating signal. Charging of the
integrating capacitor is controlled by the amount of current
provided to the input of the generator 59 and alternately enabling
the two inputs of the generator 59 to receive the provided current.
Charging current provided by the positive V.sub.1 source is coupled
to the inputs of the generator 59 by the two series connected
resistors and diode gate circuits 62 and 64. The wave length
potentiometer 61 connected between the positive V.sub.1 source and
gate circuits controls the amount of current provided to the inputs
of the generator 59 and, thereby, the rate of charging the
integrating capacitor, hence, frequency of the generated triangular
wave. Adjusting the wave length potentiometer 61 to insert less
resistance between the positive V.sub.1 supply and the two inputs
to the generator 59 increases the current provided to the
integrating capacitor, thereby increasing the frequency of the
generated triangular wave modulating signal. Adjusting the
potentiometer 61 to insert more resistance decreases the charging
current and, therefore, the frequency of the generated modulating
signal.
Altering the frequency of the triangular wave modulating signal
correspondingly alters the frequency of the amplitude and duration
variations of the triangular pulse signal. For the preferred
embodiment discussed above, the wave length potentiometer 61 is
selected to permit adjustment of the modulating signal frequency
over the range of about 0.1 Hz to 15 Hz.
The rising leading edge of the triangular wave modulating signal is
produced by the generator 59 by enabling the gate circuit 64 to
deliver current to the input of the generator 59. The falling
trailing edge of the triangular wave modulating signal is produced
when the gate circuit 62 is enabled to deliver current to the other
input of the generator 59. The gate circuits 62 and 64 are
controlled by a comparator 66 having one of its inputs coupled to
the output of the triangular wave generator 59 and its
complementary outputs Q and Q, respectively, coupled to the gate
circuits 62 and 64. During the rising edge of the triangular wave
modulating signal, the Q output is at a low logic level, which
enables the diode gate 63 of the gate circuit 62. The complementary
high logic level at the Q output of the comparator 66 disables the
diode gate 67 of the gate circuit 64. Enabling of the diode gate 63
diverts current from input of the triangular wave generator 59
connected to the gate circuit 62. This clamps the generator 59 in
the state that causes current to be provided to the integrating
capacitor in the direction that produces a gradually rising signal
at the output 69 of the generator 59. When the rising leading edge
of the triangular wave modulating signal reaches a level
corresponding to a reference level of the comparator 66, the states
of the Q and Q outputs switch, the Q output going to a low logic
level. The low logic level at the Q output of the comparator 66
enables the diode gate 67 of the gate circuit 64 while the
complementary high logic level at the Q output removes the enabling
signal from the diode gate 63. This results in the diversion of
current from the input of the triangular wave generator 59
connected to the gate circuit 64, thus clamping the generator 59 in
the state that causes current to be provided to the integrating
capacitor in the direction that produces a gradually falling signal
at the output 69 of the generator 59. The signal level at the
output 69 gradually falls until it reaches a level corresponding to
another level of the comparator 66, at which point the comparator
66 switches the states of its Q and Q outputs to repeat the
generation of the rising and falling edges forming the triangular
wave modulating signal. In this manner, the triangular wave
generator 59, comparator 66 and gate circuits 62 and 64 cooperate
to provide continuously the triangular wave modulating signal.
The triangular wave generator 59 is also provided with means to
introduce a difference between the charge and discharge times of
the integrating capacitor whereby unsymmetrical modulating signal
waveforms can be obtained. More particularly, a wave shape
potentiometer 65 is connected across the two inputs to the
triangular wave generator 59 and has its wiper arm connected to the
positive V.sub.1 supply. With the wiper arm adjusted to the middle
of the potentiometer 65, a symmetrical triangular wave modulating
signal is generated. Positioning the wiper arm closer to the series
connected resistor and diode of the gate circuit 62 increases the
current provided to the input of the generator 59 during the
falling traveling edge interval of the triangular wave modulating
signal relative to that provided during the rising leading edge
interval. Hence, the generated triangular wave modulating signal is
unsymmetrical with the gradually rising leading edge of longer
duration than the falling trailing edge. Positioning the wiper arm
of the potentiometer 65 closer to the series connected resistor and
diode of the gate 64 increases the current provided during the
rising leading edge interval relative to that provided during the
falling trailing edge interval. Under these conditions, the
unsymmetrical triangular wave modulating signal that is generated
has a leading edge that is shorter in duration than the trailing
edge.
Modulating the bias of the reset input (R) of the flip-flop 31 with
an unsymmetrical triangular wave signal causes the amplitude and
duration of the triangular pulses to increase and decrease at
different rates. With reference to FIG. 3, it can be seen that
shortening the duration of the rising edge of the modulating signal
relative to that of the signal's falling edge (accomplished by
positioning the wiper arm of the potentiometer 65 closer to the
series resistor and diode of the gate circuit 64) increases the
rate at which the amplitude and duration of the triangular pulses
are decreased and decreases the rate at which they are increased.
The opposite effect is achieved by shortening the duration of the
falling edge of the modulating signal relative to that of the
signal's rising edge (accomplished by positioning the wiper arm
closer to the series resistor and diode of the gate circuit 62),
i.e., decrease of the rate at which the amplitude and duration of
the triangular pulses are decreased and increase of the rate at
which they are increased.
The signal generator 56 further includes a pulse generator 68
arranged in circuit with the comparator 66 and triangular wave
generator 59 for altering the shape of the waveform of the
modulating signal. The pulse generator 68 is coupled in circuit
with an adjustable RC network 71 and the gate circuit 62 providing
current to the input of the triangular wave generator 59 during the
falling trailing edge interval of the triangular wave modulating
signal to delay temporarily the generation of the falling trailing
edge. The interval of the delay is determined by the setting of the
wave pause potentiometer 72 included in the RC network 71.
Temporarily delaying the generation of the falling trailing edge of
the triangular wave modulating signal results in the truncation and
concomitant change in the frequency of the triangular wave
modulation signal, with the truncation occurring at the level
corresponding to a fully charged integrating capacitor. Such a
truncated modulating signal is represented in FIGS. 2 and 3 by
waveform 42. In the preferred embodiment, truncation occurs at the
positive peak of the modulating signal. This maintains the bias of
the reset input (R) of the flip-flop 31 of the waveform signal
generator 19 at a higher level for the delay interval, causing the
triangular pulse generator 34 to generate smaller amplitude
triangularly shaped pulses for the interval. The temporary delay of
the generation of the falling trailing edge of the triangular wave
modulating signal is accomplished by coupling the Q output of the
comparator 66 through an inverter 73 to one side of the capacitor
74 of the adjustable RC timing network 71. The other side of the
capacitor 74 is coupled to the parallel connected wave pause
potentiometer 72 and diode 75 and to the input of the pulse
generator 68. At the initiation of the rising leading edge of the
triangular wave modulating signal, the Q output of the comparator
66 is switched to a high logic signal level. This high logic level
is coupled to inverter 73 which places a low logic level on
capacitor 74. Because of such low logic signal level on capacitor
74, pulse generator 68 (also an inverter) is caused to place a high
logic signal level on its output coupled by line 76 to the diode
gate 77 of the gate circuit 62 connected to the input of the
triangular wave generator 59. The high logic level placed on line
76 by the pulse generator 68 disables the diode gate 77. In
addition, when the output of the comparator 66 coupled to the pulse
generator 68 is switched to a high logic signal level, the diode 75
is enabled by the low logic level output provided by the inverter
73. The enabled diode 75 allows the capacitor 74 to be rapidly
discharged. Discharging the capacitor 74 prepares it for timing the
duration of the pause to be inserted by the operation of the pulse
generator 68 between the rising and falling edges of the triangular
wave modulating signal.
When the amplitude of the rising leading edge of the triangular
wave modulating signal reaches the positive peak determined by the
reference level provided for the comparator 66, the Q output of the
comparator is switched low and the output of the following inverter
73 coupled to the capacitor 74 is responsively switched from the
low to a high logic signal level. Initially, the low-to-high logic
signal level change is reflected across the wave pause
potentiometer 72 and causes the pulse generator 68 to place a low
logic signal level on its output coupled to line 76. A low logic
signal level on the line 76 enables the diode gate 77 to divert
current from the input of the triangular wave generator 59 so that
the integrating capacitor does not receive current that produces
the falling trailing edge of the triangular wave modulating signal.
The high logic signal level at the output of the inverter 73
permits the capacitor 74 to be charged through the wave pause
potentiometer 72. As the capacitor 74 charges, the voltage across
the potentiometer 72 decreases, eventually reaching a level that
activates the pulse generator 68 to return its output to a high
logic signal level which disables the diode gate 77 and permits
current to be provided to the input of the triangular wave
generator 59 through the gate circuit 62 so that the falling
trailing edge of the triangular wave modulating signal can be
produced. In this manner, the pulse generator 68 provides a low
logic signal level or negative pulse on the line 76 that enable the
diode gate 77 to prevent triangular wave generator 59 from forming
the falling trailing edge of the triangular wave modulating signal
until the capacitor 74 is charged. The time required to charge the
capacitor 74, hence, the delay of the discharge of the integrating
capacitor of the generator 59, can be changed by adjusting the wave
pause potentiometer 72 to change the time constant of the charging
path. The time constant of the charge path is determined by the
resistance inserted between the capacitor 74 and ground 78 by the
wave pause potentiometer 72. Adjusting the wiper arm of the
potentiometer 72 to insert more resistance in the charge path
increases the time constant, hence the time that the output of the
pulse generator 68 is held at a low logic level after the
triangular wave modulating signal reaches its positive peak. In the
preferred embodiment, the wave pause potentiometer 72 is adjustable
over a range that produces a delay in the charging of the capacitor
74 and, therefore, the generation of the falling trailing edge of
the triangular wave modulating signal by the triangular wave
generator 59 of about 5 msec to 15 seconds.
An additional advantage can be gained from the use of the preferred
embodiment pulse generator 68 to delay the generation of the
falling trailing edge of the triangular wave modulating signal.
This delay will result in the final pulse train directed to the
vibrators being held at a reduced intensity for a perceptible
period of time.
The triangular wave modulating signal generated by the signal
generator 59 portion of the modulation function generator 18 is
coupled to the reset input (R) of the flip-flop 31 through the wave
intensity or amplitude determining potentiometer 79. The wave
intensity potentiometer 79 is adjustable to control the effect the
modulating signal has on the bias of the reset input (R). Adjusting
the potentiometer 79 to insert less resistance between junctions 39
and 69 increases the range of bias variation produced at the reset
input (R) of the flip-flop 31 by the modulating signal, hence, the
range of amplitudes at which the output of the triangular pulse
generator 34 activates the resetting of the flip-flop 31. Thus,
less resistance inserted between junctions 39 and 69 increases the
range of the variation in the amplitude and duration of the
triangular pulses generated by the triangular pulse generator 34 as
the triangular wave modulating signal modulates the reset input (R)
of the flip-flop 31.
Automatic on/off control by a clock or other timing mechanism is
made possible by the timing or clock control circuit 58, which
includes a ramp signal generator 81 and a pair of comparators 82
and 83. The ramp signal generator 81 and pair of comparators 82 and
83 are operatively associated with an alarm switch 84, timer switch
85, timing circuit 86 and power supply V.sub.1 to provide preset
and timing signals for automatically timed on/off control of the
motor drive system 16. With both the alarm switch 84 and timer
switch 85 open, the motor drive system 16 does not receive
operating power from V.sub.1 and V.sub.2 supplies and is disabled.
When the timer switch 85 is closed, the positive V.sub.2 supply is
coupled by line 87 to activate the power supply V.sub.1. This
permits the necessary driving signals to be provided to the motor
drive system 16. The comparator 83 initially provides a high logic
signal level on its output at junction 89. The high logic signal
level at junction 89 is coupled by diode gates 90 and 91 to the
reset terminal (R) of the flip-flop 31 and a second input of the
comparator 66. The high logic signal level presents the flip-flop
31 in its reset state and presets the comparator 66 so that a low
logic signal level is placed on its Q output which causes the
output of triangular wave generator 59 at junction 69 to go to a
high level. The high logic signal level at junction 89 clamps the
flip-flop 31 and comparator 66 in the aforedescribed states for the
duration of the high logic signal level.
The output of the comparator 83 is coupled to the inputs of the
ramp generator 81 and of the comparator 82. As long as the alarm
switch 84 is open, the output of the comparator 82 is the
complement of the output of the comparator 83. The output of the
comparator 82 extends to a second input of the ramp generator 81.
The second input is coupled to the ramp forming circuit of the ramp
generator 81 for controlling the duration of the negative going
ramp. With a high logic signal level at the output of the
comparator 83, the comparator 82 has a low logic signal level at
its output coupled to the ramp forming circuit input of the ramp
generator 81. With the comparators 82 and 83 in the aforedescribed
logic states, the output of the ramp generator 81 rapidly rises to
a high logic signal level. The output of the ramp generator 81 is
coupled to line 21 which extends to the reset input (R) of the
flip-flop 31. As long as the output of the ramp generator 81 is at
its high logic signal level, the bias of the reset input (R) of the
flip-flop 31 is at a level that keeps the flip-flop 31 in its reset
state that places a low logic signal level on line 32 except when a
trigger pulse 23 is present at the set input (S). During the
interval of each trigger pulse 23, the flip-flop 31 is placed in a
state that enables a small amplitude triangular pulse to be
generated by the triangular pulse generator 34, but the amplitude
is so small that no noticeable stimulation is transmitted to the
occupant of the body support structure. Hence, such effects can be
ignored in the further description of the invention. As described
above, a low logic signal level on line 32 causes the output of the
triangular pulse generator 34 to seek a low or negative level
(except for the short intervals of the trigger pulses 23).
Therefore, keeping the flip-flop 31 in its reset state prevents the
triangular pulse generator 34 from generating triangular pulses at
a magnitude that produces noticeable vibrating stimulations to the
occupant of the body support structure. When the signal level at
the output of the ramp generator 81 is less than its high logic
signal level, the bias of the reset input (R) of the flip-flop 31
is at a level that permits the flip-flop to be switched between its
set and reset states for sufficient intervals that allow the
triangular pulse generator 34 to generate pulses of an amplitude
and duration that results in the transmission of noticeable
vibrating stimulations to the occupant of the body support
structure 15.
The ramp generator 81 is controlled by the two logic signal levels
at the outputs of the comparators 82 and 83. When timing switch 85
is closed, the capacitor 92 of the timing circuit 86 charges
through the resistor 93 towards the positive V.sub.1 supply while
the output of the comparator 83 remains at a high logic signal
level. When the capacitor 92 charges to a level corresponding to
the reference level of the comparator 83, the output of the
comparator is switched to a low logic signal level. This causes the
output of the following comparator 82 to be switched to a high
logic signal level. With the two outputs of the comparator 82 and
83 at these logic signal levels, the output of the ramp generator
81 is permitted to rapidly ramp negatively from the high logic
signal level to a low logic signal level. The high logic signal
level at the output of the comparator 82 provides a short time
constant for the negative ramp forming circuit of the ramp
generator 81 to enable its output to ramp towards the low logic
signal level. This removes the bias provided by the ramp generator
81 to the reset input (R) of the flip-flop 31 and permits the
flip-flop to be switched between its set and reset states for
sufficient intervals whereby triangular pulses can be generated of
amplitudes and durations that produce noticeable stimulations to
the occupant of the body support structure 15.
The time constant of the timing circuit 86 is selected so that the
output of the ramp generator 81 remains at a high logic signal
level for an interval of about 5 seconds. As long as the timer
switch 85 remains closed after the 5 second interval, triangular
pulses are provided by the triangular pulse generator 34 that
transmit a massaging action to the occupant of the body support
structure. When the timer switch 85 is opened, for example, at a
preselected time by a clock on other time controlled switch
activating means, the operating power provided by the V.sub.1 and
V.sub.2 supplies is removed from the motor drive system 16 to
disable it.
If the alarm switch 84 is closed instead of the timer switch 85,
the operation of the clock control circuit 58 is the same as
described above when the timer switch 85 is closed with one
significant difference. The alarm switch 84 couples the positive
V.sub.2 supply to the comparator 82 to hold it in a state that
keeps its output coupled to the ramp generator 81 at a low logic
signal level. Consequently, when the capacitor 92 of the timing
circuit 86 charges to the level that causes the output of the
comparator 83 to be switched to a low logic signal, the output of
the ramp generator 81 is permitted to ramp negatively to a low
logic level. However, because the output of comparator 82 is held
at a low logic signal level, the time constant of the negative ramp
forming circuit of the ramp generator is long. With both outputs of
the comparators 82 and 83 at a low logic signal level, the ramp
generator 81 is enabled to gradually decrease the signal level at
its output coupled to line 21. In a preferred embodiment, the ramp
generator 81 is constructed to gradually decrease its output over
an interval of about 7 minutes. As the output of the ramp generator
81 gradually decreases, the triangular pulse generator 34 of the
signal generator 19 generates a train of pulses whose amplitude and
duration gradually increase, while being modulated by modulating
signal 42 provided by the signal generator 56. A timing control 58
with this feature enables a gradually increasing massaging effect
to be administered to an occupant of a waterbed structure 15, to,
for example, wake the occupant.
A schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of part of the motor
drive system 16 that generates modulated triangular pulses is
illustrated in FIG. 4. The illustrated part includes the entire
modulation function generator 18 and the triangular pulse
generating part of the signal generator 19. As can be seen from
FIG. 4, the illustrated part of the preferred motor drive system 16
is constructed using circuits that are readily available in
integrated circuit form. In the particular motor drive system 16
illustrated, the various generators, comparators and flip-flop are
constructed using operational amplifiers manufactured by National
Semiconductor Corporation and identified by the device number LM
3900.
With respect to the circuit details of the illustrated preferred
embodiment, the duration of the pulses 23 (FIG. 2) provided by the
pulse generator 24 is determined by the time constant of the
charging circuit for the capacitor 26. The charging circuit
includes the resistor 95 and diode 96 serially connected between
the output of operational amplifier 97 at line 29 and the capacitor
26 connected to the inverting input of the operational amplifier.
For pulses 23 having the aforementioned width of 0.5 msec, a 270
ohm resistor 95 and a 2.2 microfarad capacitor 26 are used. For the
hereinbefore specified pulse rate range of 0.5 Hz to 70 Hz, the
wave speed potentiometer 28 is selected to a resistance that is
adjustable from about 5 K ohm to 100 K ohm.
The triangular pulse generator 34 of the preferred embodiment
includes an operational amplifier 98 and an integrating capacitor
99 coupled in circuit with the output of the operational amplifier
98 and the inverting input of the amplifier. For nominal triangular
pulses of a duration of 14 msec having equal duration rise and fall
times and an amplitude of about 3 volts, a 0.1 microfarad
integrating capacitor 99 is used and a 100 K ohm resistor 100 is
connected to the inverting terminal of the amplifier 98 and a 39 K
ohm resistor 101 is connected to the non-inverting terminal.
As previously described, control of the amplitude and duration of
the triangular pulses is provided, in part, by the adjustable
vibration intensity potentiometer 41. In the preferred embodiment,
the potentiometer 41 is adjustable over a range of about 82 K ohm
to 1 M ohm. This range enables the amplitude of the triangular
pulses to be varied in absence of modulation from zero to a maximum
of about 3 volts with the duration varying from 0 to 14 msec.
With reference to the lefthand part of FIG. 4 illustrating an
embodiment of the modulation function generator 18, the modulating
signal 42 is provided by a triangular wave generator 59 that
includes an operational amplifier 102 and integrating capacitor 103
coupled between the junction 100 at the output of the operational
amplifier and the inverting input of the amplifier. For a
modulating signal frequency range of 0.1 Hz to 15 Hz, a 10
microfarad integrating capacitor 103 and a wave length
potentiometer 61 adjustable over a range of 0 ohm to 100 K ohm are
used. To enable adjustment of the symmetry of the triangular wave
modulating signal from a signal having a leading edge 25 times
longer than the trailing edge of a signal having a trailing edge 25
times longer than the leading edge, the wave shape potentiometer 65
is selected to provide a resistance of about 1 M ohm. Furthermore,
the potentiometer 65 is adjustable so that the resistance between
the positive supply and the junction of the diodes coupled to the
inverting and non-inverting inputs of the operational amplifier 102
cannot be reduced below about 16 K ohm.
In the particular embodiment of the modulation function generator
18 illustrated by FIG. 4, the comparator 66 includes a schmitt
trigger circuit 104 followed by an inverting amplifier 105 that
together provide the clamping signals to the input of the
triangular wave generator 59 and the control signals to the
inverter 73 and, hence, to pulse generator 68. An inverting
amplifier 106 is coupled to the schmitt trigger 104 and provides
the control signal to the pulse generator 68. The pulse generator
68 responsively causes truncation of the modulating signal 42 at
the positive peaks because the capacitor 74 at the input of the
pulse generator 68 is charged at the conclusion of the charging of
the integrating capacitor 103 to delay the initiation of the
generation of the falling trailing edge of the triangular wave 42
by the integrating capacitor 103. The delay results from the
clamping of the input of triangular wave generator 59 by the output
of the pulse generator 68 while the capacitor 74 is charging.
To produce the aforementioned range of delays between the rising
edge and falling edge of the triangular wave modulating signal,
namely 5 msec to about 15 seconds, a wave pause potentiometer 72
selected to provide a resistance that is adjustable from about 270
ohm to 1 M ohm and a 10 microfarad capacitor 74 are used to provide
the desired delay.
The magnitude of the modulating signal generated by the modulation
function generator 18 is controlled by the wave intensity
potentiometer 79. In the preferred embodiment, the potentiometer 79
is adjustable over a range of about 82 K ohm to 1 M ohm. This range
enables the amplitude and duration of the triangular pulses
provided by the triangular pulse generator 34 to be modulated over
a small range (when the potentiometer 79 is adjusted to insert the
maximum resistance between junctions 39 and 69) and over a wide
range (when the potentiometer 74 is adjusted to insert the minimum
resistance between the junctions 39 and 69). With the wave
intensity potentiometer 74 adjusted for the widest range of
modulation, the amplitude of the triangular pulses will vary from a
maximum to zero and back to the maximum as the triangular wave
modulating signal gradually rises to a maximum and then gradually
falls to a minimum.
In the timing control circuit 58, a schmitt trigger circuit 107
having the timing circuit 86 coupled to its inverting input forms
the comparator 83. A 10 microfarad capacitor 92 and a 470 ohm
resistor 93 form a timing circuit 86 that removes the high logic
signal level from the output of the comparator 83 about 5 seconds
after either the alarm switch 94 or timer switch 95 (see FIG. 2) is
caused to connect the positive V.sub.1 supply to the timing circuit
86. A diode 108 is also included in the timing circuit 86 to
discharge the capacitor 92 between operations of the alarm or timer
switches 94 and 95.
The comparator 82 includes a schmitt trigger 109 having an
inverting input coupled to the output of the comparator 83 and the
alarm switch 84.
The ramp generator 81 includes an operational amplifier 111, and a
470 microfarad integrating capacitor 112 coupled between the output
and inverting input of the operational amplifier 111. A 470 K ohm
resistor 114 is coupled between the positive V.sub.1 supply and the
inverting input of the amplifier 111 to discharge the capacitor 112
gradually when the alarm switch 84 is closed to hold the output of
the schmitt trigger 109 at a low logic signal level. When the alarm
switch 84 is open and the timer switch 85 (see FIG. 2) is closed, a
high logic signal level is present at the output of the schmitt
trigger 109. The high logic signal level enables the diode gate 115
to permit the capacitor 112 to rapidly discharge through the 1 K
ohm resistor 116. The capacitor 112 is rapidly charged whenever the
alarm switch 84 or timer switch 85 is closed because the output of
schmitt trigger 107 goes to a high logic signal level.
The embodiment of the body massage apparatus 11 described with
reference to FIGS. 1 through 4 is able to selectively administer
differing massage effects to a person by controlling the vibration
of a structure supporting the person. The differing effects are
achievable because the controls are arranged to cooperate with each
other to produce a greater number of massaging effects than can be
produced by the individual controls. However, the controls do
individually function so that some can be omitted if a less
versatile massage apparatus is desired. Moreover, the massage
apparatus 11 of the present invention is capable of administering
differing massage effects by using only one vibrator motor 12.
While the invention has been described in detail in connection with
a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art that many changes or modifications can be made
without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is therefore
intended that the coverage afforded be limited only by the language
of the claims and its equivalent.
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