System Including a Handheld Device for Delivering Microcurrent and / or Kinematic Sculpting Useful for Skin Care - Patent application

Abstract

To provide systems including handheld devices and treatments for skin care and cosmetic treatment.SOLUTION: A system according to the present invention includes a handheld device having a body with two pairs of electrodes, where one pair of arms is movable (e.g., pivotable, rotatable) relative to the other pair of arms. The movable arm can be biased toward a non-rotated position or orientation and applies tension to body tissue via the movable arm when rotated from the non-rotated position or orientation. The system optionally includes a circuit integral to the handheld device, or integral to a console to which the handheld device is coupled, the apparatus operable to deliver microcurrent signals via two separate channels and via interferential signals between the two separate channels, to facilitate kinesiology facial sculpting application in conjunction with the delivery of microcurrent signals, which can be employed in cosmetic applications.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to skin care and cosmetic treatments, and more particularly to systems including handheld devices and treatments that deliver microcurrents through skin tissue and muscle and / or can also provide kinesiological sculpting by stretching or tensioning and / or compressing or pinching body tissue (e.g., muscle and skin, including tendons), for example, by stretching and / or shortening the body tissue. [Background technology]

[0002] <Description of Related Art> Cosmetic microcurrent technology is based on the same mechanism of action as medical microcurrent, which stimulates mitochondria to produce a massive increase in adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Similar to medical microcurrent, up to 500% increased ATP availability promotes the healing properties of wounded or damaged tissue and muscle, and also helps maximize the condition of existing tissue and muscle. With aging, collagen and elastin decrease significantly, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin, especially in the face and neck. People also experience muscle atrophy, further compromising aesthetic appearance. This aging process is directly linked to a decline in mitochondrial activity, which ultimately reduces the availability of ATP to skin and muscles, such as the face and neck. Aging typically results in the body's inability to keep up with its maintenance needs in real time due to a lack of ATP. Aggregate damage is a recognized visual effect of aging. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The present applicant has pioneered microcurrent technology, which is used to provide cosmetic services and is offered under the trademark Bio-Therapeutic. For example, Bio-Therapeutic offers two microcurrent facial toning systems: the Bio-Ultimate® Platinum Microcurrent Facial Toning System and the bt-nano® Microcurrent Facial Toning System. Each microcurrent facial toning system includes a console and two ergonomic handheld probes (i.e., Azul™ Ergonomic Handheld Probes). In use, one of the handheld probes is held in each hand of the service provider and is used to apply microcurrents to body tissue (e.g., facial skin tissue) during the delivery of the cosmetic service. The cosmetic service typically includes two separate treatments: the first treatment is called sculpting, and the second treatment is called skinwork.

[0004] Applying a specified microamperage, frequency, and waveform to a body part (e.g., the face) can advantageously stimulate mitochondria, thereby increasing ATP. Applicant has determined that various movements (e.g., sculpting motions) of a handheld probe or its electrodes on body tissue (e.g., facial skin tissue and / or underlying muscles and / or tendons) can advantageously alter or improve muscle tone (e.g., tone of the muscles and / or tendons underlying the skin tissue), thereby changing the visual appearance and contours of the particular body part (e.g., the face) receiving the cosmetic service. This difference can be compared to the effect seen on the body after a good physical workout. Weightlifting strains the body's muscles, eventually causing micro-tears in the muscles. The muscles contract as a defense. As the muscles heal, they become healthier and stronger. If weightlifting is continued consistently, the body moves on a continuous evolutionary cycle of tearing, contracting, healing, and getting stronger. Micro-fissures are by definition lesions, but there is no disruption of mitochondrial activity or the Krebs cycle.

[0005] Clearly, the application of microcurrent is significantly different from electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) technology. EMS typically involves the delivery of currents in the range of 500 μA to 5,000 μA. In contrast, the microcurrents used in Bio-Therapeutic® technology are typically 400 μA or less. The relatively high amperage associated with EMS is harmful to mitochondria and the Krebs cycle, tending to halt ATP production. EMS typically involves sufficient energy to cause the visible and physical contraction of muscles resulting from the application of current. In essence, the amperage is sufficient to cause the muscle to jump and contract. The body immediately recognizes this energy as damage and contracts the muscle, stopping the muscle spasm. The high level of energy associated with EMS disrupts the mitochondria (Krebs cycle) and the muscle, forcing the tissue to use remaining energy to defend the body by contracting the muscle. Consumers may initially perceive the contraction as a positive result. However, as ATP stores are depleted after a few days, the muscle relaxes. In response, consumers often reshock the muscle to restore contraction. The muscle relaxation now returns more quickly. By the third or fourth time the muscle is shocked, it is completely devoid of ATP and has no ability to move (e.g., contract). The muscle is now relaxed. In addition to the muscle being depleted of ATP, other body tissues are also being depleted of ATP. This rapidly accelerates the perceived aging process as collagen and elastin in skin tissue break down.

[0006] A true microcurrent signal (≦400 μA) advantageously does not have enough energy to cause visible or physical contraction of muscles due to the current. Microcurrent advantageously provides enough energy to benefit mitochondrial activity, producing over 500% ATP cellular energy without inducing muscle contraction.

[0007] The first treatment (i.e., sculpting) may involve performing facial sculpting movements to physically lengthen and shorten muscles as a mechanism of action (kinematics). Similar in some respects to massage, bodily tissues can be physically manipulated to move muscles into a shortened or extended position or state, with the muscles responding immediately. This is why a 45-minute massage can relax (lengthen) the muscles, providing an incredible sense of relief, increased range of motion, and increased flexibility. Applicant has recognized that a similar technique can be applied to the face, for example, but with a focus on shortening most muscles (e.g., facial muscles, tendons) because those muscles have typically become elongated over time. Muscles (including tendons) respond to manipulation, and the increased levels of ATP induced by the delivery of a microcurrent signal give the muscles the endurance to remain in this new position or state for a longer period of time—longer than would be achievable without microcurrent stimulation. After 2-3 days, repeating the exercise with the delivery of a microcurrent signal strengthens the new contours of the muscle and continues to enhance ATP levels, strongly encouraging the new contours and simultaneously activating collagen and elastin synthesis.

[0008] The second treatment (i.e., skinwork) focuses on mitochondrial stimulation and circulatory benefits, e.g., gliding electrodes around the face and neck.

[0009] Body tissues respond to specific frequencies or ranges of frequencies, and therefore specific signaling mechanisms. Applicant has developed a technique that uses microcurrent signals with specific waveforms to act as a delivery mechanism for specific frequencies to different depths in muscles and other body tissues (e.g., skin), including tendons. Certain frequencies are particularly effective for cellular activation.

[0010] While Applicant has established a robust catalog of successful frequencies through years of experience, this does not change the fact that everyone is frequency specific. Therefore, Applicant has developed techniques to increase the total number of different microcurrent signals that can be delivered during use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] Applicant's two microcurrent facial toning systems include two separate handheld probes. One of the handheld probes represents Channel 1 and Channel 2+. The other handheld probe represents Channel 1 and Channel 2-. The microcurrent signal employs a modulated biphasic square wave.

[0012] Thus, there are two completely independent channels, each with its own frequency. Applicant's unique approach also uses an interference channel, which allows the two independent channels to operate at an entirely different frequency than the primary channel. The two frequencies work together when operating in parallel with each other, generating two additional frequencies for a total of four frequencies. This approach provides four times the ability to achieve the desired result (or provides four times the ability to achieve the desired result) (e.g., by increasing the likelihood of at least approximately matching any given person's frequency), and because of this wider range of coverage, Applicant's technology is consistently more successful.

[0013] Most handheld technologies on the market are EMS. EMS achieves the limited results it can achieve by impacting nerve motor points (or nerve motor points). These EMS devices typically operate with two electrodes spatially fixed relative to each other and are incapable of doing anything other than impacting muscles to contract. These EMS devices generally cannot achieve kinesiological movement.

[0014] As previously mentioned, Applicant's own microcurrent system uses a console and two separate handheld probes to apply a small electrical current during a cosmetic procedure.

[0015] During treatment, a microcurrent flows into the skin from the electrodes on one probe, performs its action on the skin and muscles (including tendons), and then returns via the electrodes on the other probe. Applicant has recognized that it is advantageous to be able to keep the electrodes of the two handheld probes within about one inch to about two (1-2) inches of each other. To do so, one can attempt to place both electrodes on a single handheld probe. However, a single handle probe makes it difficult, if not impossible, to perform the desired sculpting movements.

[0016] Described herein is a system that combines two pairs of electrodes into one handheld device while maintaining two independent channels and interferometric technology. At least one of the electrode pairs is movable relative to the body of the handheld device and relative to the other electrode pair, facilitating use for full kinematic sculpting (e.g., facial sculpting), e.g., movable within a defined range of motion (e.g., a defined rotational or spacing range). This allows for scooping and grabbing of muscle (including tendons) with one pair of electrodes (e.g., the lower electrode pair) and then holding the tissue with the other pair of electrodes (e.g., the upper electrode pair) while maintaining one pair of electrodes within a defined distance from the other pair. This not only enables one-handed operation but may also achieve other advantages. For example, the amount of tension or force can be controlled via a biasing mechanism (e.g., a spring). The range of spacing or angle between the electrodes can be controlled, e.g., to have a minimum spacing or angle and / or a maximum spacing or angle. Such may advantageously ensure that the electrodes are within a specified distance or angle from one another to ensure a desired or specified delivery of the microcurrent signal.

[0017] The electrodes are electrically conductive. The electrodes may advantageously have a relatively small amount of nickel or may comprise a material (e.g., stainless steel) that is nickel-free (e.g., 420 stainless steel). The electrodes may advantageously have a rough outer surface.

[0018] The electrodes may be supported by the respective arms. One pair of arms, or both pairs of arms, may be biased toward a default configuration. For example, the arms may be biased via one or more tension springs, with or without respective levers. The handheld device may include one or more stops to advantageously limit the amount of travel of the movable arms, and thus the amount of travel of the electrodes carried by those movable arms. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] In the drawings, identical reference numbers indicate similar elements or acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes and angles of various elements are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some of these elements may be arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Furthermore, the particular shapes of the depicted elements are not necessarily intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements, but may be selected solely for ease of recognition in the drawings. [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a top view of a system including a handheld device with integrated circuitry operable to deliver microcurrents through muscle and skin tissue, including tendons, and / or to provide kinematic sculpting, according to one illustrated embodiment. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a front view of the handheld device of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is a rear view of the handheld device of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1D] FIG. 1D is an isometric view of the handheld device of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1E] FIG. 1E is a right side view of the handheld device of FIG. 1A showing the second pair of arms in an orientation or configuration that is not rotated relative to the first pair of arms. [Figure 1F]FIG. 1F is a left side view of the handheld device of FIG. 1A showing the second pair of arms in an unrotated orientation or configuration relative to the first pair of arms. [Figure 1G] FIG. 1G is a left side view of the handheld device of FIG. 1A showing the second pair of arms in a fully rotated orientation or configuration relative to the first pair of arms. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the handheld device of FIG. 1A showing the second pair of arms in an orientation or configuration that is not rotated relative to the first pair of arms. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the handheld device of FIG. 1A showing the second pair of arms in a fully rotated orientation or configuration relative to the first pair of arms. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a first exploded view of the handheld device of FIG. 1A according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a second exploded view of the handheld device of FIG. 1A according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram showing a portion of a circuit operable to generate microcurrents for delivery through muscle and skin tissue, including tendons, that may be used with the handheld device of FIG. 1A, according to one illustrated embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram illustrating a portion of the circuit of FIG. 1A, according to one illustrated embodiment. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a schematic diagram illustrating a portion of the circuit of FIG. 1A, according to one illustrated embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a system comprising a console and a handheld device communicatively coupled to the console, the console comprising circuitry for generating microcurrents, the handheld device comprising two pairs of arms having electrodes, at least one pair of arms being movable within a defined range of motion relative to the other pair of arms, and the system, according to one illustrated implementation, operable to deliver microcurrents through muscle and skin tissue, including tendons, and / or to provide kinematic sculpting. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] In the following description, several specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed implementations. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that implementations may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures related to power sources, electrodes, circuits, and user interfaces have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the implementations.

[0021] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the following specification and claims, the term "comprising" is synonymous with "including" and is inclusive or open-ended (i.e., does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method acts).

[0022] Throughout this specification, a reference to "one implementation" or "an implementation" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that implementation is included in at least one implementation. Thus, the appearances of the phrase "in one implementation" or "in an implementation" in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same implementation. Furthermore, particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more implementations.

[0023] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term "or" is generally used in its sense to include "and / or" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0024] As used herein and in the appended claims, the term "muscle" or "muscles" is expansive and includes tendons as well as tissues strictly defined as muscles.

[0025] The headings and disclosure abstracts provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the implementations.

[0026] 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, and 1G show a system 101 in the form of a handheld device 100 operable to deliver microcurrents (e.g., amperage signals of about 400 μA or less) through body tissue (e.g., muscle and skin tissue, including tendons) and / or capable of providing kinematic sculpting through stretching or tension and / or compression or pinching of body tissue (e.g., underlying muscle, including tendons, skin), according to at least one illustrated implementation.

[0027] The handheld device 100 includes a body 102 having a first end 104 and a second end 106, the second end 106 being spaced apart from the first end 104 along a length 108 of the body 102. The body 102 may have a head 110 at the first end 104, a tail 112 at the second end 106, and a handle portion 114 intermediate the head 110 and the tail 112. The handle portion 114 is sized to be held in one hand of a user with average-sized hands; therefore, the handheld device 100 is referred to as being handheld. The body 102 may have an upper surface 116 and a lower surface 118, the lower surface 118 being generally opposite the upper surface 116 across a thickness 120 of the body 102. The body 102 may have a somewhat arcuate profile along its length 108, which may facilitate holding and positioning the head 110 against body tissue for a cosmetic procedure. The body 102 may have a width 122, which extends generally laterally across the length 108. The width 122 may vary in dimension across the length 108. Similarly, the thickness 120 may vary in dimension across the length 108.

[0028] The handheld device 100 includes a first pair of arms 124a, 124b extending outward from the head 110 at the first end 104 of the body 102. The arms 124a, 124b of the first pair of arms 124a, 124b are spaced laterally from one another relative to the width 122 of the body 102. Each of the arms 124a, 124b of the first pair of arms 124a, 124b has a respective terminus 126a, 126b at a distal end 128a, 128b of the arm 124a, 124b. Each of the arms 124a, 124b of the first pair of arms 124a, 124b has, bears, or otherwise carries a respective electrode 130a, 130b disposed at least proximate to the respective terminus 126a, 126b of the arm 124a, 124b. The electrodes 130a, 130b are preferably fixed to the respective arms 124a, 124b, and in some implementations, the electrodes 130a, 130b may be interchangeably detachable from the respective arms 124a, 124b.

[0029] The handheld device 100 includes a second pair of arms 132a, 132b extending outward from the head 110 at the first end 104 of the body 102. The arms 132a, 132b of the second pair of arms 132a, 132b are laterally spaced apart from one another relative to the width 122 of the body 102. Each of the arms 132a, 132b of the second pair of arms 132a, 132b has a respective terminus 134a, 134b at a distal end 136a, 136b of the arm 132a, 132b. Each of the arms 132a, 132b of the second pair of arms 132a, 132b has, holds, or otherwise carries a respective electrode 138a, 138b disposed at least proximate to the respective terminus 134a, 134b of the arm 132a, 132b. The electrodes 138a, 138b are preferably fixed to and move with the respective arms 132a, 132b, and in some implementations, the electrodes 138a, 138b may be interchangeably detachable from the respective arms 132a, 132b.

[0030] The arms 132a, 132b of the second pair of arms 132a, 132b are movable relative to the arms 124a, 124b of the first pair of arms 124a, 124b. For example, the arms 132a, 132b of the second pair of arms 132a, 132b are movable relative to the arms 124a, 124b of the first pair of arms 124a, 124b to vary the spacing 140 (best seen in Figures 1F and 1G and 2A and 2B) between the electrodes 138a, 138b carried or supported by the arms 132a, 132b of the second pair of arms 132a, 132b and the electrodes 130a, 130b carried or supported by the arms 124a, 124b of the first pair of arms 124a, 124b. Also, for example, the arms 132a, 132b of the second pair of arms 132a, 132b can pivot relative to the arms 124a, 124b of the first pair of arms 124a, 124b to change the angle 142 (best seen in Figures 1F and 1G and 2A and 2B) between the electrodes 138a, 138b of or carried by the second pair of arms 132a, 132b and the electrodes 130a, 130b of or carried by the arms 124a, 124b of the first pair of arms 124a, 124b.

[0031] In at least one implementation, one pair of arms (e.g., the first pair of arms 124a, 124b) is fixed or otherwise non-movable relative to the body 102, while the other pair of arms (e.g., the second pair of arms 132a, 132b) is movable relative to the body 102, e.g., pivotable relative to the body. In other implementations, both pairs of arms 124a, 124b; 132a, 132b, may be movable relative to the body 102 and thus relative to each other. In at least some implementations, the fixed or non-pivoting arms 124a, 124b may each have a length from the base to the geometric center of the electrodes 130a, 130b of approximately 28.4 plus or minus 0.5 millimeters. In at least some implementations, the movable or pivotable arms 132a, 132b may each have a length from the base to the geometric center of the electrodes 138a, 138b of approximately 27.7 plus or minus 0.5 millimeters.

[0032] In at least some implementations, each of the electrodes 130a, 130b, 138a, 138b has a generally frustoconical shape, e.g., having a truncated paraboloid or otherwise bullet-shaped profile, with an axis of symmetry or rotation extending primarily transversely to the length 108 of the body 102. The axis of symmetry or rotation may optionally be slightly angled in a direction from the front to the rear of the handheld device 100, e.g., the electrodes 130a, 130b, 138a, 138b may be toe-in or slightly angled toward the centerline of the handheld device 100. In at least some implementations, each of the bullet-shaped electrodes 130a, 130b, 138a, 138b has a width (i.e., measured laterally) of approximately 20.76 millimeters plus or minus 0.5 millimeters. In at least some implementations, each of the bullet-shaped electrodes 130a, 130b, 138a, 138b has an outer portion (laterally outward relative to the body 102) with a diameter of approximately 13.85 millimeters plus or minus 0.5 millimeters. For each of the electrode pairs 130a, 130b; 138a, 138b, the lateral separation between the electrodes of the electrode pair 130a, 130b; 138a, 138b (i.e., measured from inner edge to inner edge) can be, for example, approximately 8.47 plus or minus 1.0 millimeters.

[0033] In at least some implementations, each of the electrodes 130a, 130b, 138a, 138b has a respective geometric center, and the distance between the geometric center of the electrodes 138a, 138b of the second pair of electrodes and the corresponding one of the electrodes 130a, 130b of the first pair of electrodes is approximately 34.8 millimeters plus or minus 0.5 millimeters in an un-rotated orientation and approximately 45.0 millimeters plus or minus 0.5 millimeters in a fully rotated orientation. In at least some implementations, electrodes 130a, 130b, 138a, 138b each have a respective geometric center, and the angle between electrodes 138a, 138b of the second pair of electrodes and the corresponding electrodes 130a, 130b of the first pair of electrodes is approximately 63.4 degrees plus or minus 0.5 degrees in the unrotated orientation (FIGS. 1F, 2A) and approximately 88.5 degrees plus or minus 0.5 degrees in the fully rotated orientation (FIGS. 1G, 2B).

[0034] The electrodes 130a, 130b, 138a, 138b are electrically conductive. For example, the electrodes 130a, 130b, 138a, 138b may advantageously comprise stainless steel (e.g., 420W) that is nickel-free or has a low nickel content compared to other stainless steels (e.g., austenitic stainless steels). In at least some implementations, the electrodes 130a, 130b, 138a, 138b of at least one pair of arms 124a, 124b; 132a, 132b, and preferably the electrodes 130a, 130b, 138a, 138b of both pairs of arms 124a, 124b, 132a, 132b, respectively, advantageously have roughened exposed surfaces. The electrodes 130a, 130b, 138a, 138b may, for example, have outer surfaces that have been sandblasted with an abrasive to create the roughened exposed surfaces. The surface roughness of the electrodes 130a, 130b, 138a, 138b can vary from electrode to electrode and / or can vary across a portion of a given electrode 130a, 130b, 138a, 138b. Some sample measurements of surface roughness can include a roughness depth of about 0.29 microns to about 1.15 microns, inclusive.

[0035] As best shown in FIG. 1A , the handheld device 100 may optionally include a user interface 150 accessible from an exterior 152 of the main body 102. The user interface 150 may, for example, be carried on or within the top surface 116 of the main body 102. The user interface 150 may include a number of user-selectable controls (e.g., buttons, keys, switches) engageable to operate the handheld device 100. For example, the user interface 150 may include a power button 154 for switching the handheld device 100 between an on or powered-on state and an off or powered-off state. Also, for example, the user interface 150 may include a first mode button (LIFT) 156 for causing the handheld device 100 to enter a first operating mode in which facial sculpting exercises are performed using the handheld device 100 to physically lengthen or shorten muscles as a mechanism of movement (kinematics). Successive actuations of the first mode button (LIFT) 156 may sequentially toggle through a set of microcurrent amplitude or magnitude levels to control the amplitude or magnitude of the microcurrent signal delivered via the electrodes 130a, 130b, 138a, 138b while operating in the first mode. Also, for example, the user interface 150 may include a second mode button (SKIN) 158 to, for example, cause the handheld device 100 to enter a second operating mode in which the device stimulates mitochondria and achieves a circulatory benefit. Successive actuations of the first mode button (SKIN) 158 may sequentially toggle through a set of microcurrent signal amplitude or magnitude levels to control the amplitude or magnitude of the microcurrent signal delivered via the electrodes 130a, 130b, 138a, 138b while operating in the second mode.

[0036] The user interface 150 may include, for example, several output devices or components (e.g., lights, LEDs, speakers) to provide visual and / or audio indications to the user. For example, the user interface 150 may include a pair of operational mode indicators 160a, 160b that indicate the operational mode in which the handheld device 100 is currently operating. The operational mode indicators 160a, 160b may be incorporated into each of the first and second mode buttons 156, 158. Also, for example, the user interface 150 may include a charge level indicator 162 that indicates the charge status of the power source (e.g., a secondary battery) of the handheld device 100, for example, on a scale of 1 to 5. Also, for example, the user interface 150 may include a pair of continuity indicators 164a, 164b that indicate the presence or absence of continuity (or continuity) between the electrodes 130a, 130b, 138a, 138b when in contact with the skin and in an on or powered-on operational state. Such advantageously provides a clear indication to the user that the handheld device 100 is correctly applied to the skin and is operable to deliver a microcurrent signal via the two pairs of electrodes 130a, 130b, 138a, 138b.

[0037] Figure 2A illustrates the handheld device 100 of Figure 1A showing the second pair of arms 132a, 132b in an unrotated orientation or configuration relative to the first pair of arms 124a, 124b. Figure 2B illustrates the device of Figure 1A showing the second pair of arms 132a, 132b in a fully rotated orientation or configuration relative to the first pair of arms 124a, 124b.

[0038] 2A and 2B, the handheld device 100 further includes at least one biasing mechanism 200 housed by the body 102. The at least one biasing mechanism 200 is coupled to bias the ends 134a, 134b of the arms 132a, 132b of the second pair of arms 132a, 132b toward the ends 126a, 126b of the arms 124a, 124b of the first pair of arms 124a, 124b. In at least some implementations, the at least one biasing mechanism 200 includes a respective biasing mechanism 200 for each of the arms 132a, 132b of the second pair of arms 132a, 132b. Alternatively, a single biasing mechanism 200 may be used to bias both arms 132a, 132b of the second pair of arms 132a, 132b.

[0039] Each biasing mechanism 200 may include at least one spring 202 (e.g., a coil spring, a leaf spring, a tension spring) and optionally a lever 204, which is coupled between the respective lever 204 and an anchor mechanism 206 on the body 102. At least one biasing mechanism 200 biases the ends 134a, 134b of the arms 132a, 132b, respectively, and the electrodes 138a, 138b of the second pair of arms 132a, 132b, toward an unrotated orientation or configuration (FIGS. 1F, 2A) in which the ends 134a, 134b of the arms 132a, 132b, respectively, and the electrodes 138a, 138b of the second pair of arms 132a, 132b, respectively, are at a minimum allowable distance relative to the ends 126a, 126b of the arms 124a, 124b, respectively, and the electrodes 130a, 130b of the first pair of arms 124a, 124b, respectively. In at least some implementations, the spring 202 (e.g., an extension spring) can have a proportionality constant or K value of, for example, between about 1.88 and about 1.95 kgf / mm. As such, during use, the second pair of electrodes 138a, 138b advantageously apply tension to body tissue (e.g., skin tissue, muscles underlying the skin tissue, including tendons) when the second pair of electrodes 138a, 138b are displaced from their default, unrotated position or orientation to stretch and / or compress the body tissue to induce a kinematic effect. Note that, at least in some instances, during use, the second pair of arms 132a, 132b can be partially rotated between an unrotated orientation or configuration (FIGS. 1F, 2A) and a fully rotated orientation or configuration (FIGS. 1G, 2B). In use, when the second pair of electrodes 138a, 138b engages (e.g., grasps) a muscle, the spring 202 allows the second pair of electrodes 138a, 138b to remain in contact with tissue while the body 102 of the handheld device 100 faces upward (or, in use, when the second pair of electrodes 138a, 138b engages (e.g., grasps) a muscle, the spring 202 allows the body 102 of the handheld device 100 to face upward while the second pair of electrodes 138a, 138b remains in contact with tissue). When the second pair of arms 132a, 132b reaches extension (e.g., full extension), the electrodes 130a, 130b of the first pair of arms 124a, 124b gently contact tissue (e.g., the face).The electrodes 138a, 138b on the second pair of arms 132a, 132b are under tension, thereby continuously pushing upward on the muscle with a specific (or designated) force to facilitate kinematic sculpting.

[0040] As best shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the device may further include one or more stops 208 that limit the movement (or travel) of the second pair of arms 132a, 132b when moving away from the unrotated orientation or configuration (Figure 1F) to establish a fully rotated orientation or configuration (Figure 1G) in which the ends 134a, 134b and electrodes 138a, 138b of the second pair of arms 132a, 132b, respectively, are at a maximum allowable distance and / or a maximum allowable angle relative to the ends 126a, 126b and electrodes 130a, 130b of the first pair of arms 124a, 124b, respectively.

[0041] Figure 3A shows the device of Figure 1A in a first exploded view that better shows the upper shell 300a, and Figure 3B shows the device of Figure 1A in a second exploded view that better shows the lower shell 300b.

[0042] The body 102 may be formed as a shell, e.g., a multi-piece shell, including an upper shell 300a, a lower shell 300b, and an optional middle shell 300c, with an interior 302 housing circuitry 304, a power source 306, resilient cushions 305 that hold the power source 306 in place, recharging circuitry 307, etc. In some implementations, the upper shell 300a is coupled to the lower shell 300b via one or more fasteners 309 (with only one callout, e.g., a screw, bolt), with the middle shell 300c disposed therebetween. In other implementations, the middle shell 300c may be omitted. The body 102 may include portions that provide an electrically insulating enclosure to protect the user from potential contact with various circuit components and / or provide environmental protection for the circuit components (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB), a power source (e.g., a chemical battery cell, a fuel cell, a supercapacitor, or an ultracapacitor), wiring, lights, a speaker, a haptic engine), and / or mechanical structures. For example, the body 102 may include inner shells 308a, 308b, 308c formed from an electrically insulating material, such as an injection-molded plastic (e.g., ABS plastic) shell. The body 102 may optionally include outer shells 310a, 310b, e.g., a metal shell covering each of the inner shells 308a, 308b (e.g., the inner plastic shells). Such may advantageously increase wear resistance and / or provide some mass to make it easier to physically manipulate the handheld device 100 in controlled movements. Thus, in at least some implementations, the upper shell 300a is composed of the outer shell 310a and the inner shell 308a, and the lower shell 300b is composed of the outer shell 310b and the inner shell 308b. The handheld device 100 may include several seals (e.g., gaskets, O-rings) 144, for example, at each location 146 where the first pair of arms 124a, 124b and / or the second pair of arms 132a, 132b join or enter the body 102 to enhance environmental protection.There is a joint 148 positioned at a position where at least the second pair of arms 132a, 132b join or enter the body 102, allowing the second pair of arms 132a, 132b to move (e.g., pivot, rotate) relative to the body 102 and relative to the pair of arms 124a, 124b.

[0043] The handheld device 100 optionally includes a circuit 304 communicatively coupled to the electrodes 130a, 130b of the first pair of arms 124a, 124b and the electrodes 138a, 138b of the second pair of arms 132a, 132b. The circuit 304 is operable to deliver at least one microcurrent signal via the electrodes 130a, 130b; 138a, 138b carried by the first and second pairs of arms 124a, 124b; 132a, 132b. The circuit 304 may be housed by the body 102. As mentioned above, a portion of the body 102 may provide an electrically insulating enclosure, e.g., inner shells 308a, 308b, 308c formed from an electrically insulating material, e.g., an injection-molded plastic (ABS plastic) shell, to protect the user from potential contact with various circuit components and / or provide environmental protection for the circuit 304.

[0044] Circuit 304 may be operable to deliver, for example, i) a first microcurrent signal between a first one of the first pair of electrodes 130a, 130b and a first one of the second pair of electrodes 138a, 138b; ii) a second microcurrent signal between a second one of the first pair of electrodes 130a, 130b and a second one of the second pair of electrodes 138a, 138b; iii) a third microcurrent signal between the first one of the first pair of electrodes 130a, 130b and a second one of the second pair of electrodes 138a, 138b; and iv) a fourth microcurrent signal between the second one of the first pair of electrodes 130a, 130b and a second one of the second pair of electrodes 138a, 138b. In at least some implementations or configurations, the circuitry 304 is operable to deliver the first, second, third, and fourth microcurrent signals simultaneously with one another. The circuitry 304 may be operable to adjust the amplitude or magnitude of the microcurrents based on input received via the user interface 150 (FIG. 1A), for example.

[0045] In at least some implementations or configurations, the circuit 304 is operable to deliver the first microcurrent signal at a first set of frequencies and to deliver at least one of the second microcurrent signal, the third microcurrent signal, or the fourth microcurrent signal at a second set of frequencies, the second set of frequencies being different from the first set of frequencies.

[0046] In at least some implementations or configurations, the circuit 304 delivers a first microcurrent signal at a first set of frequencies, a second microcurrent signal at a second set of frequencies, a third microcurrent signal at a third set of frequencies, and a fourth microcurrent signal at a fourth set of frequencies, wherein the second set of frequencies is different from the first set of frequencies, the third set of frequencies is different from the first and second sets of frequencies, and the fourth set of frequencies is different from the first, second, and third sets of frequencies.

[0047] The circuitry 304 may include a frequency generator, a pulse generator, a pulse envelope generator, and a controller for providing a controlled current of about 20 μA to about 400 μA at up to 300 Hz to each channel. The circuitry 304 is electrically coupled to and receives power from a power source or power source. Two or more frequencies are used to provide an interference waveform.

[0048] 4A shows circuitry 400 of system 101 (FIGS. 1A-1G), 501 (FIG. 5) according to at least one illustrated implementation. Circuitry 400 may form part of circuitry 304 (FIG. 3A).

[0049] Circuit 400 includes a microprocessor control unit (“MCU”) 402. MCU 402 receives input from various switches, for example, via keys, buttons 159, 156, 158, or other user input devices of user interface 150 (FIG. 1A), and provides signals to various indicators (e.g., LEDs, LCDs, speakers) 160a, 160b, 162, 164a, 164b, 166, or other output devices of user interface 150 (FIG. 1A). MCU 402 receives input from various sensors (e.g., continuity sensors, current sensors, voltage sensors) and receives power from power supply 306 (FIG. 3A).

[0050] Circuit 400 includes a drive circuit 404, which may have two separate parts as described below. In use, MCU 402 provides a pulse width modulated signal (VOL PWM) to drive circuit 404, which is shown in more detail in FIGS. 4B and 4C, respectively. Drive circuit 404 receives power VCC from a power supply and provides minute current signals (A / B; C / D) to electrodes 406 (shown collectively for ease of illustration). Drive circuit 404 may also monitor minute current signals A / B and provide status signals (EMS_STATUS-A; EMS_STATUS-B) to MCU 402.

[0051] 4B illustrates in detail a first portion 404a of the drive circuit 404 of the system 101 (FIGS. 1A-1G), 501 (FIG. 5), according to at least one example embodiment. The first portion 404a of the drive circuit 404 may form part of the circuit 304 (FIG. 3A).

[0052] A first portion 404a of the driver circuit 404 includes a bridge 408a formed by four transistors Q102, Q103, Q104, and Q105, which is driven by gate drive signals A+, A−, B+, and B− to provide a small current signal via nodes or terminals T7 and T8, which are coupled to ground via capacitors C102 and C111. Additional nodes or terminals (e.g., T6) may optionally be included to provide additional channels of the small current signal. The gate drive signals A+, A−, B+, and B provide frequency modulation of the small current signal.

[0053] The first portion 404a of the driver circuit 404 includes a magnitude adjustment circuit 410a consisting of a transistor Q001 coupled to ground through a resistor R122 and a capacitor C115 providing a sensed current output I_SENA. Transistor Q001 is driven via a gate drive signal generated through output terminal 1 of a voltage comparator U001, which is applied to the gate of transistor Q001 through resistor R105. The voltage comparator U001 compares a pulse-width modulated (PWM) signal VOL_PWM provided to one input terminal 3 of the comparator U001 with a sensed current I_SENSA provided to the other input terminal 4 of the comparator U001. Comparator U001 may be implemented via an operational amplifier, whose inverting terminal receives a voltage sampled value I_SENS that is compared to a nominal VOL_PWM, and whose output terminal is coupled to control the gate of transistor Q001 to achieve precise control of the current level of the small current signal. A network of resistors R139, R140, R141, R112, R113 and capacitors C118, C119 couples the PWM signal VOL_PWM and the sense current I_SENSA to comparator U001.

[0054] The first portion 404a of the driver circuit 404 includes a status monitoring circuit 412a (FIG. 4A) that provides a status signal (EMS_STATUS-A) to the MCU 402. The status monitoring circuit 412a monitors the minute current output of the main channel (A) using a comparator U007.

[0055] 4C illustrates in detail second portion 404b of drive circuit 404 of system 101 (FIGS. 1A-1G), 501 (FIG. 5), according to at least one example embodiment. Second portion 404b of drive circuit 404 may form part of circuit 304 (FIG. 3A).

[0056] A second portion 404b of the driver circuit 404 includes a bridge 408b formed by four transistors Q107, Q109, Q110, and Q111, which is driven by gate drive signals C+, C−, D+, and D− and provides the small current signal via nodes or terminals T11 and T12, which are coupled to ground via capacitors C112 and C113. Additional nodes or terminals (e.g., T9) may optionally be included to provide additional channels of the small current signal. The gate drive signals C+, C−, D+, and D− provide frequency modulation of the small current signal.

[0057] The second portion 404b of the driver circuit 404 includes a magnitude adjustment circuit 410b comprised of a transistor Q002 coupled to ground through a resistor R159 and a capacitor C128 providing a sensed current output I_SENB. Transistor Q002 is driven via a gate drive signal generated through output terminal 1 of a voltage comparator U002, which is applied to the gate of transistor Q002 through resistor R160. The voltage comparator U002 compares a pulse-width modulated (PWM) signal VOL_PWM provided to one input terminal 3 of the comparator U002 with the sensed current I_SENSB provided to the other input terminal 4 of the comparator U002. Comparator U002 may be implemented via an operational amplifier, whose inverting terminal receives a voltage sampled value I_SENS that is compared to a nominal VOL_PWM, and whose output terminal is coupled to control the gate of transistor Q002 to achieve precise control of the current level of the minute current signal. A network of resistors R161, R162, R163, R164, R165 and capacitors C130, C131 couple the PWM signal VOL_PWM and the sensed current I_SENSB to comparator U002.

[0058] The second portion 404b of the driver circuit 404 includes a status monitoring circuit 412b (FIG. 4A) that provides a status signal (EMS_STATUS-B) to the MCU 402. The status monitoring circuit 412b uses a comparator U003 to monitor the minute current output of the main channel (B).

[0059] Circuit 400 provides low frequency and amplitude waveforms to aid fluid flow within the subject's body tissues to enhance ATP production and therefore promote tissue repair. Device 100 provides a pulsed energy envelope of minute current with enforced pauses between pulses. The waveform is preferably modulated by a 50 percent duty cycle square wave.

[0060] The circuitry 400 may include, for example, a microprocessor control unit ("MCU") that controls the analog output circuitry and instrumentation circuitry, a power supply, a user interface (e.g., a control panel having a display or visual indicators (e.g., LEDs) and buttons or keys), and optionally, an audio speaker. The analog output circuitry includes multiple output leads 11 for transmitting low-current signals to the electrodes. The MCU may include a microprocessor, volatile memory such as random access memory ("RAM"), non-volatile memory such as read-only memory ("ROM") or flash memory, analog-to-digital conversion ("ADC"), digital-to-analog conversion ("DAC"), computation, timekeeping, and communication components.

[0061] The power supply may take the form of a switching power supply capable of generating plus or minus 32 volts for a high voltage output operational amplifier (not shown), plus or minus 9 volts for an instrumentation operational amplifier, and 5 volts for a microprocessor. Power may be provided by a battery with a nominal operating voltage of 12 volts, or by any other source. The power supply is turned on by a button and preferably automatically turns off after about 6 minutes if no waveforms are being generated. The microprocessor may also control the on / off state of the power supply.

[0062] The analog output circuitry is used to source current across the channels under control of the MCU. The circuitry may be similar to that shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,817,138 or European Patent No. 1009478, which are incorporated herein by reference. The output stage may comprise an operational amplifier (op-amp) in a voltage-controlled constant current configuration with a maximum current capability of 180 μA at 30 volts.

[0063] The MCU controls the voltage using a DAC connected to the op-amp to set the op-amp's output current. The DAC allows for a programmable ramp-up of the current. An in-line voltage multiplier controls the on / off state and polarity of the output stage. The output current flow is controlled solely by the op-amp circuitry after the voltage has been set.

[0064] The user interface or control panel allows for the selection or entry of desired parameters and pre-programmed treatment settings, which are a predetermined set of parameters for a particular treatment, and can display various treatment parameters such as time, current, voltage, etc. Convenient buttons are used to power on the device and enter parameters and settings.

[0065] The microprocessor can generate waveforms with a selected envelope, modulation frequency, and polarity. Each channel can be controlled individually. Each output channel is a separate operational amplifier circuit, and the signal wiring is physically isolated from other channels, for example, using 1 Meg ohms between channels.

[0066] The electrical output of a microcurrent device is a waveform representing the current measured across a 10 kOhm resistor. The waveform is typically a complex waveform. In general, all waveforms consist of a selectable, predetermined waveform envelope, modulated by a 50% duty cycle square wave at a selected frequency.

[0067] In one implementation, a standard waveform (two complete cycles) consists of a 2.0-second negative square wave with a 0.5-second pause, followed by a 2.0-second positive waveform envelope. For example, this waveform envelope can be modulated by a 2.2 Hz frequency, 50% duty cycle signal. The modulation frequencies of the 2.2 Hz and 1.3 Hz signals are referred to as having selectable frequency output waveforms, i.e., other selectable modulation frequencies. The waveform envelope does not change with frequency and is always fixed at 2.0-second square wave, 0.5-second pause, 2.0-second square wave, 0.5-second pause, etc. As used herein, a pulse is one cycle, e.g., a negative polarity waveform envelope or a positive polarity waveform envelope.

[0068] MCU 10 provides the intelligence to run system 101 (FIG. 1A), 501 (FIG. 5). In addition to control functions, the MCU receives input from the user interface and provides output to the user.

[0069] The MCU configures the H-bridge circuit to supply a user-selected amount of current. The current is controlled in constant mode by the H-bridge feedback circuit. The amplitude or magnitude of the current can be selected in five discrete steps, for example, 40 μA, 80 μA, 100 μA, 160 μA, and 180 μA, by setting a control voltage to the H-bridge op amp. This can be achieved through the associated op amp feedback circuit. The current cannot exceed the selected set value or a specified maximum value (e.g., 180 μA) under any circumstances when using the circuit to ensure safety.

[0070] The waveform envelope is controlled by an MCU pulse width modulator "PWM" and a filter circuit feeding an analog switch that sets the maximum current output. This means that the maximum current can be selected (by the switch) and then reduced as needed to control the waveform using that PWM output by the microprocessor.

[0071] The MCU controls the H-bridge through one A channel and one B channel output circuit. The device basically has four channels for output current signals, according to each of the A and B channels shown. All channels with an "A" output are the same, and all channels with a "B" output are the same.

[0072] The polarity of the output current is controlled in the H-bridge by reversing the output transistor connections with the analog switches in the output circuitry. The output frequency is controlled by cycling both of these switches on and off as required by the selected frequency. Normally, one switch is on and the other is off for current flow.

[0073] All commanded H-bridge circuits will produce the same current as selected by the user, e.g., 40-180 microamps.

[0074] All Side A channels are driven with the same signal, and all B channels are driven with a different, identical signal. Thus, the Side A output produces a different output frequency characteristic than the Side B output. Each channel can be individually programmed to have a different output frequency characteristic, if desired. Typically, four channels (Side A) have one output frequency characteristic, and the other four channels (Side B) have a second frequency characteristic.

[0075] FIG. 5 shows a system 501 comprising a handheld device 500 communicatively coupled to a console 502, the system 501 operable to deliver microcurrents through muscle and skin tissue, including tendons, and / or to provide kinematic sculpting, according to one illustrated implementation.

[0076] Console 502 may include all or some of the circuitry and / or electronics (e.g., circuit 304, FIG. 3A; circuit 400, FIGS. 4A-4C) that generate and provide microcurrent signals to electrodes 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d of handheld device 500 for application to skin or other body tissue. Thus, for example, handheld device 500 may omit all or some of the circuitry and / or electronics from the above-described implementations if such circuitry and / or electronics are included or housed by console 502. The handheld device 500 includes the body 102, the head 110, and the electrodes 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, as well as a first pair of arms 124a, 124b and a second pair of arms 132a, 132b, where at least one pair of arms 124a, 124b; 132a, 132b is movable (e.g., pivotable) relative to the other pair of arms 124a, 124b; 132a, 132b, similar to the implementations of Figures 1A-1G, 2A, 2B, and 3A. In particular, at least one pair of arms 132a, 132b is movable within a defined range of motion (e.g., a defined rotational range or interval) relative to the other pair of arms 124a, 124b.

[0077] The console 502 may include, for example, a microprocessor control unit ("MCU") similar to or identical to the MCU 402 (FIG. 4A). The console 502 may include, for example, drive circuitry similar to or identical to the drive circuitry 404 (FIG. 4A). The console 502 may include, for example, various switches (e.g., keys, buttons, triggers) or other user input devices of a user interface 506, such as a power switch 508, a pause switch 510, a decrease level or magnitude switch 512, an increase level or magnitude switch 514, a mode select switch 516, a program select switch 518, and an option select switch 520. The console 502 may include, for example, various indicators (e.g., LEDs, LCDs, speakers) or other output devices of the user interface 150, such as a display panel 522 and a speaker 524. Alternatively, the handheld device 500 may carry one, more than one, or all of the switches and / or indicators. For example, the console 502 may include various sensors (e.g., continuity sensors, current sensors, voltage sensors), or the handheld device 500 may include one, some, or all of the sensors (e.g., continuity sensors, current sensors, voltage sensors).

[0078] The handheld device 500 may be communicatively coupled to the console 502 via one or more wires or cables 526. For example, the console 502 and / or the handheld device 500 may include one or more ports 528a, 528b (e.g., wired ports, e.g., USB-C compliant ports or connectors) to which one or more wires or cables 526 are removably or permanently coupled. The wires or cables 526 may, for example, provide a small current from the console 502 to the electrodes 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d of the handheld device 500. The wires or cables 526 may, for example, optionally provide signals from the handheld device 500 to the console 502, such as signals indicative of continuity, current, or voltage, to either a sensor housed by the console 502 or a sensor housed by the handheld device 500. Additionally or alternatively, a radio, transmitter, receiver, and / or transceiver may communicatively couple the handheld device 500 with the console 502. For example, in some implementations, the radio, transmitter, receiver, and / or transceiver may be used to transmit sensed information between the handheld device 500 and the console 502.

[0079] Described herein are implementations and embodiments of a device advantageously in the form of a handheld body having two pairs of electrodes attached or carried by respective arms extending from the handheld body, at least one pair of arms being movable (e.g., pivotable, rotatable) relative to the handheld body and thus relative to the other pair of arms operable to deliver microcurrent signals via two separate channels and via coherent signals between the two separate channels to facilitate kinematic facial sculpting applications.

[0080] It will be apparent that the methods described above may include additional acts, may omit some acts, and may perform acts in a different order.

[0081] The foregoing detailed description illustrates various implementations of devices and / or processes through the use of block diagrams, schematic diagrams, and examples. While these block diagrams, schematic diagrams, and examples include one or more functions and / or operations, those skilled in the art will recognize that each function and / or operation in these block diagrams, flow diagrams, and examples, individually and / or collectively, can be implemented by various hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one implementation, the subject matter may be implemented via an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). However, it should be recognized that the implementations disclosed herein may equivalently be implemented, in whole or in part, in a standard integrated circuit, as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., microprocessors), as firmware, or virtually any combination thereof, and that designing circuitry and / or writing code for software and / or firmware is well within the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure.

[0082] Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the methods or algorithms described herein may employ additional acts, omit some acts, and / or perform acts in a different order than specified.

[0083] Additionally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mechanisms taught herein can be distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that the exemplary implementations apply equally regardless of the particular type of signal-bearing medium used to actually accomplish the distribution, including, but not limited to, recordable types of media such as floppy disks, hard disk drives, CD-ROMs, digital tape, and computer memory.

[0084] The various implementations described above can be combined to provide further implementations. Unless inconsistent with the specific teachings and definitions herein, all U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent application publications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications, and non-patent publications mentioned herein, including U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 5,817,138, International Patent Application Publication No. WO1998023326 A1, EP Patent No. EP1009478 B1, and U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 148,140, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Aspects of the implementations can be modified, if necessary, to employ systems, circuits, and concepts from the various patents, applications, and publications to provide further implementations.

[0085] These and other changes can be made to the implementations in light of the above detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific implementations disclosed in the specification and claims, but rather to include all possible implementations, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by this disclosure. The following is the invention as originally described in the present application. <Claim 1> a body having a first end and a second end, the second end being spaced apart from the first end along a length of the body; a first pair of arms extending outward from the first end of the body, the arms of the pair being laterally spaced apart from one another, each of the arms of the pair having a respective terminus at a distal end thereof, each of the arms of the pair carrying a respective electrode disposed at least proximate to the respective terminus of the arm; a second pair of arms extending outward from the first end of the body, the arms of the second pair of arms being laterally spaced apart from one another, each of the arms of the second pair of arms having a respective terminus at a distal end thereof, each of the arms of the second pair of arms carrying a respective electrode disposed at least proximate to the respective terminus of the arm; The arms of the second pair of arms are movable relative to the arms of the first pair of arms so as to vary the spacing between the electrodes carried by the arms of the second pair and the electrodes carried by the arms of the first pair of arms. <Claim 2> The system of claim 1 , wherein the second pair of arms are pivotally coupled to the body. <Claim 3> 3. The system of claim 2, further comprising at least one biasing mechanism housed by the body, the at least one biasing mechanism coupled to bias the respective ends of the arms of the second pair of arms toward the respective ends of the arms of the first pair of arms. <Claim 4> The system of claim 3 , wherein the at least one biasing mechanism comprises at least one spring. <Claim 5> 4. The system of claim 3, wherein at least one biasing mechanism biases the respective ends of the arms of the second pair of arms toward a non-rotated orientation in which the respective ends of the arms of the second pair of arms are at a minimum allowable distance relative to the respective ends of the arms of the first pair of arms. <Claim 6> 6. The system of claim 5, further comprising stops that limit movement of the second pair of arms away from a non-rotated orientation to establish a fully rotated orientation in which the respective ends of the arms of the second pair of arms are at a maximum allowable distance relative to the respective ends of the arms of the first pair of arms. <Claim 7> 6. The system of claim 5, wherein each of the electrodes has a respective geometric center, and the distance between the geometric center of the electrode of the second pair of electrodes and the corresponding one of the electrode of the first pair of electrodes is approximately 34.8 millimeters plus or minus 0.5 millimeters in an unrotated orientation and approximately 45.0 millimeters plus or minus 0.5 millimeters in a fully rotated orientation. <Claim 8> The system of claim 1 , wherein the electrodes carried by the first pair of arms and the electrodes carried by the second pair of arms each have a rough exposed surface. <Claim 9> 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising circuitry communicatively coupled to the electrodes carried by the pair of arms and the electrodes carried by the second pair of arms, the circuitry operable to deliver a microcurrent through the electrodes carried by the pair of arms and the second pair of arms. <Claim 10> 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the circuitry is operable to deliver: i) a first microcurrent signal between a first one of the electrodes of the first electrode pair and a first one of the electrodes of the second electrode pair; ii) a second microcurrent signal between a second one of the electrodes of the first electrode pair and a second one of the electrodes of the second electrode pair; iii) a third microcurrent signal between the first one of the electrodes of the first electrode pair and a second one of the electrodes of the second electrode pair; and iv) a fourth microcurrent signal between the second one of the electrodes of the first electrode pair and a second one of the electrodes of the second electrode pair. <Claim 11> 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the circuitry is operable to deliver the first microcurrent signal, the second microcurrent signal, the third microcurrent signal, and the fourth microcurrent signal simultaneously with one another. <Claim 12> 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the circuitry is operable to deliver the first microcurrent signal at a first set of frequencies and to deliver at least one of the second microcurrent signal, the third microcurrent signal, or the fourth microcurrent signal at a second set of frequencies, the second set of frequencies being different from the first set of frequencies. <Claim 13> 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the circuitry is operable to deliver the first microcurrent signals at a first set of frequencies, the second microcurrent signals at a second set of frequencies, the third microcurrent signals at a third set of frequencies, and the fourth microcurrent signals at a fourth set of frequencies, wherein the second set of frequencies is different from the first set of frequencies, the third set of frequencies is different from the first and second sets of frequencies, and the fourth set of frequencies is different from the first, second, and third sets of frequencies. <Claim 14> 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the body, the pair of arms, and the second pair of arms comprise a handheld device, and the circuitry is housed by the body of the handheld device. <Claim 15> 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the body, the pair of arms, and the second pair of arms comprise a handheld device, and further comprising a console to which the body is communicatively coupled, the circuitry being housed by the console. <Claim 16> 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the main body has a handle portion sized to be held in one hand of a user with average-sized hands, and a user interface accessible from outside the main body. <Claim 17> a body having a first end and a second end, the second end being spaced apart from the first end along a length of the body; a first pair of arms extending outward from the first end of the body, the arms of the pair being laterally spaced apart from one another, each of the arms of the pair having a respective terminus at a distal end thereof, each of the arms of the pair having a respective electrode disposed at least proximate to the respective terminus of the arm; a second pair of arms extending outward from the first end of the body, the arms of the second pair of arms being laterally spaced apart from one another, each of the arms of the second pair of arms having a respective terminus at a distal end of the arm, each of the arms of the second pair of arms having a respective electrode disposed at least proximate to the respective terminus of the arm, the second pair of arms being pivotable relative to the arms of the first pair of arms to vary an angle between the electrode of the arm of the second pair of arms and the electrode of the arm of the first pair of arms; and at least one biasing mechanism coupled to bias the arms of the second pair of arms toward a non-rotated orientation in which the angle between the arms of the second pair of arms and the corresponding arms of the first pair of arms is the smallest angle achievable therebetween. <Claim 18> 20. The system of claim 17, wherein the at least one biasing mechanism comprises at least one spring. <Claim 19> 20. The system of claim 17, wherein at least one biasing mechanism applies tension to body tissue when the electrodes of the first and second pairs of arms are applied to skin tissue to achieve a kinematic effect. <Claim 20> 18. The system of claim 17, further comprising a stop that limits rotation of the second pair of arms relative to the first pair of arms to a fully rotated orientation that is the maximum achievable angle between an arm of the second pair of arms and a corresponding arm of the first pair of arms. <Claim 21> 18. The system of claim 17, wherein each of the electrodes has a respective geometric center, and the angle between the electrodes of the second pair and the corresponding ones of the electrodes of the first set is approximately 63.4 degrees plus or minus 0.5 degrees in an unrotated orientation and approximately 88.5 degrees plus or minus 0.5 degrees in a fully rotated orientation. <Claim 22> 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the electrodes carried by the first pair of arms and the electrodes carried by the second pair of arms each have a rough exposed surface. <Claim 23> 18. The system of claim 17, further comprising circuitry communicatively coupled to the electrodes carried by the pair of arms and the electrodes carried by the second pair of arms, the circuitry operable to deliver microcurrents through the electrodes carried by the pair of arms and the second pair of arms, the circuitry operable to deliver: i) a first microcurrent signal between a first one of the electrodes of the first electrode pair and a first one of the electrodes of the second electrode pair; ii) a second microcurrent signal between a second one of the electrodes of the first electrode pair and a second one of the electrodes of the second electrode pair; iii) a third microcurrent signal between the first one of the electrodes of the first electrode pair and the second one of the electrodes of the second electrode pair; and iv) a fourth microcurrent signal between the second one of the electrodes of the first electrode pair and the second one of the electrodes of the second electrode pair. <Claim 24> 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the circuitry is operable to deliver the first microcurrent signal, the second microcurrent signal, the third microcurrent signal, and the fourth microcurrent signal simultaneously with one another, wherein the first microcurrent signal has a first set of frequencies, the second microcurrent signal has a second set of frequencies, the third microcurrent signal has a third set of frequencies, and the fourth microcurrent signal has a fourth set of frequencies, wherein the second set of frequencies are different from the first set of frequencies, the third set of frequencies are different from the first and second sets of frequencies, and the fourth set of frequencies are different from the first, second, and third sets of frequencies. <Claim 25> 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the body, the pair of arms, and the second pair of arms comprise a handheld device, and the circuitry is housed by the body of the handheld device. <Claim 26> 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the body, the pair of arms, and the second pair of arms comprise a handheld device, and further comprising a console to which the body is communicatively coupled, the circuitry being housed by the console. <Claim 27> 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the main body comprises a handle body having dimensions to be held in one hand of a user having average-sized hands, and a user interface accessible from the exterior of the main body.

Claims

1. a body having a first end and a second end, the second end being spaced apart from the first end along a length of the body; a first pair of arms extending outward from the first end of the body, the arms of the pair being spaced laterally from one another across the width of the body, each of the arms of the pair having a respective terminus at a distal end thereof, each of the arms of the pair carrying a respective electrode disposed at least proximate to the respective terminus of the arm; a second pair of arms extending outward from the first end of the body, the arms of the second pair being spaced laterally from one another across the width of the body, each of the arms of the second pair having a respective terminus at a distal end thereof, each of the arms of the second pair carrying a respective electrode disposed at least proximate to the respective terminus of the arm; at least a first joint pair, each joint of the first joint pair pivotally connecting each arm of the second pair of arms to the body at a first joint position and a second joint position of the body, respectively, the first joint position and the second joint position being different from one another; the arms of the second pair of arms are movable by the pivot relative to the arms of the first pair of arms so as to vary a spacing between the electrodes carried by the arms of the second pair and the electrodes carried by the arms of the first arm; The electrodes carried by the arms of the first pair of arms and the second pair of arms are configured to deliver a microcurrent signal during use.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the second pair of arms are pivotally coupled to the body.

3. 3. The system of claim 2, further comprising at least one biasing mechanism housed by the body, the at least one biasing mechanism coupled to bias the respective ends of the arms of the second pair of arms toward the respective ends of the arms of the first pair of arms.

4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the at least one biasing mechanism comprises at least one spring.

5. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein at least one biasing mechanism biases the respective ends of the arms of the second pair of arms toward a non-rotated orientation in which the respective ends of the arms of the second pair of arms are at a minimum allowable distance relative to the respective ends of the arms of the first pair of arms.

6. 6. The system of claim 5, further comprising stops that limit movement of the second pair of arms away from a non-rotated orientation to establish a fully rotated orientation in which the respective ends of the arms of the second pair of arms are at a maximum allowable distance relative to the respective ends of the arms of the first pair of arms.

7. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein each of the electrodes has a respective geometric center, and the distance between the geometric center of the electrode carried by the second pair of arms and the corresponding one of the electrodes carried by the first pair of arms is 34.8 millimeters plus or minus 0.5 millimeters in an unrotated orientation and 45.0 millimeters plus or minus 0.5 millimeters in a fully rotated orientation.

8. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the electrodes held by the first pair of arms and the electrodes held by the second pair of arms each have an exposed surface with a surface roughness of 0.29 μm to 1.15 μm.

9. 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a circuit communicatively coupled to the electrodes carried by the pair of arms and the electrodes carried by the second pair of arms, the circuit operable to deliver a microcurrent through the electrodes carried by the pair of arms and the second pair of arms.

10. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the circuitry is operable to deliver: i) a first microcurrent signal between a first one of the electrodes of a first electrode pair and a first one of the electrodes of a second electrode pair; ii) a second microcurrent signal between a second one of the electrodes of the first electrode pair and a second one of the electrodes of the second electrode pair; iii) a third microcurrent signal between the first one of the electrodes of the first electrode pair and the second one of the electrodes of the second electrode pair; and iv) a fourth microcurrent signal between the second one of the electrodes of the first electrode pair and the second one of the electrodes of the second electrode pair.

11. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the circuitry is operable to deliver the first microcurrent signal, the second microcurrent signal, the third microcurrent signal, and the fourth microcurrent signal simultaneously with one another.

12. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the circuitry is operable to deliver the first microcurrent signal at a first set of frequencies and to deliver at least one of the second microcurrent signal, the third microcurrent signal, or the fourth microcurrent signal at a second set of frequencies, the second set of frequencies being different from the first set of frequencies.

13. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the circuitry is operable to deliver the first microcurrent signal at a first set of frequencies, the second microcurrent signal at a second set of frequencies, the third microcurrent signal at a third set of frequencies, and the fourth microcurrent signal at a fourth set of frequencies, wherein the second set of frequencies is different from the first set of frequencies, the third set of frequencies is different from the first and second sets of frequencies, and the fourth set of frequencies is different from the first, second, and third sets of frequencies.

14. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the body, the pair of arms, and the second pair of arms comprise a handheld device, and the circuitry is housed by the body of the handheld device.

15. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the body, the pair of arms, and the second pair of arms comprise a handheld device, and further comprising a console to which the body is communicatively coupled, the circuitry being housed by the console.

16. The system of claim 1 , wherein the main body has a handle portion sized to be held in one hand of a user, and a user interface accessible from outside the main body.

17. a body having a first end and a second end, the second end being spaced apart from the first end along a length of the body; a first pair of arms extending outward from the first end of the body, the arms of the pair being spaced laterally from one another across the width of the body, each of the arms of the pair having a respective terminus at a distal end thereof, each of the arms of the pair having a respective electrode disposed at least proximate to the respective terminus of the arm; a second pair of arms extending outward from the first end of the body, the arms of the second pair of arms being spaced laterally from one another across the width of the body, each of the arms of the second pair of arms having a respective terminus at a distal end of the arm, each of the arms of the second pair of arms having a respective electrode disposed at least proximate to the respective terminus of the arm, the second pair of arms being pivotable relative to the arms of the first pair of arms to vary an angle between the electrode of the arm of the second pair of arms and the electrode of the arm of the first pair of arms; at least a first joint pair, each joint of the first joint pair pivotally connecting each arm of the second pair of arms to the body at a first joint position and a second joint position of the body, respectively, the first joint position and the second joint position being different from each other; at least one biasing mechanism coupled to bias the arms of the second pair of arms toward a non-rotated orientation in which the angle between the arms of the second pair of arms and the corresponding arms of the first pair of arms is the smallest angle achievable therebetween; The electrodes carried by the arms of the first pair of arms and the second pair of arms are configured to deliver a microcurrent signal during use.

18. The system of claim 17 , wherein the at least one biasing mechanism comprises at least one spring.

19. 20. The system of claim 17, wherein at least one biasing mechanism applies tension to body tissue when the electrodes of the first and second pairs of arms are applied to skin tissue to achieve a kinematic effect.

20. 18. The system of claim 17, further comprising a stop that limits rotation of the second pair of arms relative to the first pair of arms to a fully rotated orientation that is the maximum angle achievable between an arm of the second pair of arms and a corresponding arm of the first pair of arms.

21. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein each of the electrodes has a respective geometric center, and wherein the angle between the geometric center of the electrode carried by the second pair of arms and the corresponding one of the electrode carried by the first pair of arms is 63.4 degrees plus or minus 0.5 degrees in an unrotated orientation and 88.5 degrees plus or minus 0.5 degrees in a fully rotated orientation.

22. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the electrode carried by the first pair of arms and the electrode carried by the second pair of arms each have an exposed surface with a surface roughness of 0.29 μm to 1.15 μm.

23. 18. The system of claim 17, further comprising circuitry communicatively coupled to the electrodes carried by the pair of arms and the electrodes carried by the second pair of arms, the circuitry operable to deliver microcurrents through the electrodes carried by the pair of arms and the second pair of arms, the circuitry operable to deliver: i) a first microcurrent signal between a first one of the electrodes of a first electrode pair and a first one of the electrodes of a second electrode pair; ii) a second microcurrent signal between a second one of the electrodes of the first electrode pair and a second one of the electrodes of the second electrode pair; iii) a third microcurrent signal between the first one of the electrodes of the first electrode pair and the second one of the electrodes of the second electrode pair; and iv) a fourth microcurrent signal between the second one of the electrodes of the first electrode pair and the second one of the electrodes of the second electrode pair.

24. 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the circuitry is operable to deliver the first microcurrent signal, the second microcurrent signal, the third microcurrent signal, and the fourth microcurrent signal simultaneously with one another, wherein the first microcurrent signal has a first set of frequencies, the second microcurrent signal has a second set of frequencies, the third microcurrent signal has a third set of frequencies, and the fourth microcurrent signal has a fourth set of frequencies, wherein the second set of frequencies is different from the first set of frequencies, the third set of frequencies is different from the first and second sets of frequencies, and the fourth set of frequencies is different from the first, second, and third sets of frequencies.

25. 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the body, the pair of arms, and the second pair of arms comprise a handheld device, and the circuitry is housed by the body of the handheld device.

26. 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the body, the pair of arms, and the second pair of arms comprise a handheld device, and further comprising a console to which the body is communicatively coupled, the circuitry being housed by the console.

27. The system of claim 17 , wherein the main body comprises a handle body having dimensions sized to be held in one hand of a user, and a user interface accessible from the outside of the main body.

28. The pair of arms are fixed to the body and do not rotate relative to the body, 18. The system of claim 17, further comprising a pair of seals, each seal sealing a respective joint of the first pair of joints where a respective one of the second pair of arms is pivotally coupled to the body.

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