Therapy devices, systems and methods

Abstract

A therapy device includes a device body housing a stimulation component so as to position the stimulation component at or near an anatomical region of a user. An actuator under control of a control unit causes the stimulation component to therapeutically stimulate, via the anatomical region of the user, the sympathetic nerve chain at the Morgan Point adjacent the styloid process of the user.

Description

Attorney Docket No.: 121936.PF954WOTHERAPY DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 698, 177, filed September 24, 2024, the entire contents and disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention relates to devices, systems and methods for therapeutic activation of the sympathetic nerve chain via applied mechanical pressure on the styloid process.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the therapeutic activation of the sympathetic nerve chain at or near the Morgan Point in human bodies via applied mechanical pressure on the styloid process. In general, such devices, systems and methods provide advantages in the field of neurocrine medicine — i.e., the manipulation of the nervous system through neurotransmitters to stimulate specific hormonal responses. Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of one or more preferred embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be recognized that the one or more examples in the disclosure are non-limiting examples and that the present invention is intended to encompass variations and equivalents of these examples.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description, set forth below, when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference characters identify elements correspondingly throughout.

[0005] Figure 1 shows an exemplary therapy device in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0006] Figure 2 schematically shows a therapy system in accordance with at least one embodiment;Attorney Docket No.: 121936.PF954WO

[0007] Figures 3 A, 3B, 3C, 3D shows an exemplary therapy device in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0008] Figures 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D shows an exemplary therapy device in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0009] Figures 5 A, 5B, 5C, 5D shows an exemplary therapy device in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0010] Figure 6 shows an exemplary therapy device in accordance with at least one embodiment; and

[0011] Figure 7 shows exemplary control electronics in accordance with at least one embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The above described drawing figures illustrate the present invention in at least one embodiment, which is further defined in detail in the following description. Those having ordinary skill in the art may be able to make alterations and modifications to what is described herein without departing from its spirit and scope. While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail at least one preferred embodiment of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the present invention to any embodiment illustrated.

[0013] In accordance with the practices of persons skilled in the art, the invention may be described below at least partially with reference to operations that may performed by a computer system or a like electronic system. Such operations are sometimes referred to as being computer-executed. It will be appreciated that operations that are symbolically represented include the manipulation by a processor, such as a central processing unit, of electrical signals representing data bits and the maintenance of data bits at memory locations, such as in system memory, as well as other processing of signals. The memory locations where data bits are maintained are physical locations that have particular electrical, magnetic, optical, or organic properties corresponding to the data bits.Attorney Docket No.: 121936.PF954WO

[0014] When implemented in software, code segments perform certain tasks described herein. The code segments can be stored in a processor readable medium. Examples of the processor readable mediums include an electronic circuit, a semiconductor memory device, a read-only memory (ROM), a flash memory or other non-volatile memory, a floppy diskette, a CD-ROM, an optical disk, a hard disk, etc.

[0015] In the following detailed description and corresponding figures, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the invention may be practiced without such specific details. Additionally, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail.

[0016] The present invention generally relates to devices, systems and methods for the therapeutic activation of the sympathetic nerve chain via applied mechanical pressure on the styloid process.

[0017] FIG. 1 shows a therapy device 100 in accordance with at least one embodiment. The therapy device 100 is generally configured to apply therapeutic mechanical pressure to the Morgan Point of a user. FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a therapy system 10 having at least one therapy device 100 in accordance with at least one embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the therapy device 100 comprises one or more components operatively coupled via a data bus system and / or electrical power distribution system 102.

[0018] The therapy device 100 comprises a device body 110 in the form of an elongated intermediate portion 112 connecting a front end 114 and a back end 116. The front end 114 comprises a stimulation end having a stimulation component 118 configured to contact and thereby provide mechanical pressure to the anatomical region generally located behind the earlobe of the user where the lower ear meets the jaw line. The provision of the mechanical pressure to the anatomical region generally stimulates the sympathetic nerve chain at the Morgan Point adjacent the styloid process. More particularly, the mechanical pressure compresses the styloid process of the user, which in turn transmits the mechanical pressure to the sympathetic nerve chain at the Morgan Point. The stimulation of the sympathetic nerve chain causes the associated sympathetic nerve chain to fire therapeutically.

[0019] The Morgan Point may be generally defined as the point at which a line extending substantially medially from the anatomical region intersects the sympathetic nerve chain. TheAttorney Docket No.: 121936.PF954WOMorgan Point may be 4 cm from the surface of the skin. The Morgan’ Point may be 1 cm from the tip of the styloid process. The anatomical region may be generally defined as the region on the surface of the skin at or about the intersection of (a) a line extending from anteriorly from the inferior border of the mastoid process to the posterior border of the mandible, and (b) the roughly vertical groove running posterior to the mandible, which is sometimes referred to as the dicrotic notch.

[0020] In some embodiments, the device body 110 is configured such that the stimulation component 118 contacts the anatomical region so as to stimulate the sympathetic nerve chain at the Morgan Point. In at least one embodiment, the device body 110 is configured such that the stimulation component 118 contacts the anatomical region at an angle of approximately 15 degrees. It will be understood that the dimensions used herein to describe human anatomical locations and / or relations thereto are approximate to account for normal anatomical variability.

[0021] The stimulation component 118 is preferably formed of hard plastic, wood, metal or other material capable of providing the therapeutic mechanical pressure to the anatomical region. However, in some embodiments, the stimulation component 118 may be at least partially covered by a casing formed of smoother and / or softer material, such as silicone or other suitable material, in such a way as to generally improve comfort of the contact and pressure application.

[0022] In some embodiments, the stimulation component 118 may be a spherical or semi- spherical surface. It will be understood, however, that the stimulation component 118 may be formed in any shape. Other exemplary shapes include, but are not limited to: elliptical, hyperbolic, parabolic, conical, cylindrical, and any regular or irregular curves. The stimulation component 118 is preferably shaped so as to avoid piercing or otherwise physically damaging the anatomical region.

[0023] It is contemplated that the stimulation component 118 and / or the casing may further comprise various textures, such as ridges and / or bumps, so as to provide additional therapeutic stimulation. It is also contemplated that the casing may extend to wholly or partially encase the device body 110. Moreover, the stimulation component 118 may, particularly in mechanical pressure providing embodiments, be approximately 0.5- 1.5 cm in diameter. In at least one embodiment, the stimulation component 118 is approximately 1.0 cm in diameter.Attorney Docket No.: 121936.PF954WO

[0024] The therapy device 100 may also include an actuator 120 that is housed within the device body 110. The actuator 120 may be generally configured to cause the stimulation component 118 to vibrate, oscillate, or otherwise move in such a way as to provide the mechanical pressure, at least in part, to the anatomical region of the user. The actuator 120 may, for example, comprise a mechanical, piezoelectric and / or acoustic oscillator that is coupled to the stimulation component 118 in such way so as to vibrate, oscillate or otherwise move the stimulation component 118 upon activation of the actuator 120. The actuator 120 preferably causes the stimulation component 118 to vibrate, oscillate or otherwise move when the therapy device 100 is turned-on, and does not cause such vibration, oscillation or movement when the therapy device 100 is turned-off. Accordingly, it is contemplated that the actuator 120 is active during the operation of the therapy device 100. The actuator 120 may further be configured to control the vibration, oscillation and / or movement of one or more of the stimulation components so as to alter or otherwise modify their frequency, phase and / or magnitude and thereby adjust the applied mechanical pressure. Accordingly, the actuator 120 may comprise voltage wave generator generally configured to provide one or more voltage waves (or wave signals) in accordance with which the vibration, oscillation or movement of the stimulation component 118 is controlled.

[0025] In at least one embodiment, the stimulation component 118 may, additionally or alternatively, stimulate the sympathetic nerve chain at the Morgan Point via propagating acoustic waves (e.g., ultrasound) towards the sympathetic nerve chain so as to stimulate the sympathetic nerve chain. It will be understood that such stimulation may not be via application of mechanical pressure. Accordingly, the stimulation component may be, for example, one or more piezoelectric transducers. Moreover, the actuator 120 may comprise a voltage wave (or wave signal) generator generally configured to cause the stimulation components 118 to provide respective acoustic waves upon activation of the actuator 120. The actuator 120 preferably causes the stimulation components 118 to provide the acoustic waves when the therapy device 100 is turned-on, and to cease providing the acoustic waves when the therapy device 100 is turned-off. The actuator 120 may further be configured to control the respective frequency, phase and / or magnitude of the propagated acoustic waves in accordance with the voltage waves (or wave signals).

[0026] The stimulation component 118 may further comprise one or more acoustic lenses 117. For example, the acoustic lenses 117 may be focused acoustic lenses capable of focusingAttorney Docket No.: 121936.PF954WO the acoustic waves so as to stimulate the sympathetic nerve chain at the Morgan Point. Alternatively, the acoustic lenses 117 may be coupled acoustic lenses capable of amplifying the acoustic waves via constructive interference at a desired location so as to stimulate the sympathetic nerve chain at the Morgan Point.

[0027] The stimulation component 118 may further comprise one or more matching layers configured to provide an impedance bridge between the stimulation component 118 and the tissue of the user.

[0028] In at least one embodiment, the stimulation component 118 may, additionally or alternatively, stimulate the sympathetic nerve chain at the Morgan Point via propagating electricity and / or electromagnetic waves towards the sympathetic nerve chain so as to stimulate the sympathetic nerve chain. It will be understood that such stimulation may not be via application of mechanical pressure. Accordingly, the stimulation component may be, for example, one or more electrodes. Moreover, the actuator 120 may comprise a voltage wave (or wave signal) generator generally configured to cause the stimulation components 118 to provide electricity and / or electromagnetic waves upon activation of the actuator 120. The actuator 120 preferably causes the stimulation components 118 to provide the electricity and / or electromagnetic waves when the therapy device 100 is tumed-on, and to cease providing the electricity and / or electromagnetic waves when the therapy device 100 is tumed-off. The actuator 120 may further be configured to control the respective frequency, phase and / or magnitude of the propagated electricity and / or electromagnetic waves in accordance with the voltage waves (or wave signals).

[0029] FIG. 7 illustrates exemplary control electronics 700 of the therapy device 100, including control electronics of the actuator 120. FIG. 7 is discussed in greater detail herein.

[0030] The therapy device 100 may further include a control button 130 on the device body 110 so as to be exposed to the user. The control button 130 may be generally configured to be manipulated by the user in such a way as to control the operation of the therapy device 100. In some embodiments, the control button 130 may be depressed by the user to tum-on or to turnoff the therapy device 100. In at least one embodiment, the control button 130 can be depressed or pushed a predetermined number of times to change the speed, tempo and / or magnitude of the vibration, oscillation or movement of the stimulation component 118.Attorney Docket No.: 121936.PF954WO

[0031] It will be understood that while the control button 130 is described herein as a depressible button, other control mechanisms and manipulations may be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, touch sensors, audio sensors, remote controls, digital control panels, toggles, switches, knobs, etc., may be utilized in lieu of or in addition to the control button 130.

[0032] Moreover, the control button 130 may be located distally from the device body 110 (e.g., on an electrical power cord, etc.) in a control button housing and / or may control one or more therapy devices 100 (e.g., via wired and / or wireless control). In some embodiments, multiple therapy devices may be simultaneously controlled via a single control button 130. For example, multiple therapy devices 100 may each be electrically and / or communicatively coupled to the control button 130 via which they may be controlled.

[0033] The control button 130 may be operatively coupled to a control unit 140 housed within the device body 110. The control unit 140 may be generally configured to activate / deactivate and / or otherwise control the actuator 120 in response to the manipulation of the control button 130 by the user. In some embodiments, such control of the actuator 120 may be in accordance with predetermined manipulations of the control button 130. For example, depressing the control button 130 once while the therapy device 100 is tumed-off may cause the control unit 140 to activate the actuator 120 in accordance with the therapy device 100 being tumed-on. Similarly, depressing the control button 130 once while the therapy device 100 is turned-on may cause the control unit 140 to deactivate the actuator 120 in accordance with the therapy device 100 being turned-off. The control unit 140 may be any electrical and / or mechanical device, such as for example, an electrical switch, a simple circuit, a processor, or other device configured to activate / deactivate the actuator 120 in response to the manipulation of the control button 130 by the user.

[0034] FIG. 7 illustrates exemplary control electronics 700 of the therapy device 100, including control electronics of the control unit 140. FIG. 7 is discussed in greater detail herein.

[0035] The therapy device 100 may further include an encephalic sensor system 180 comprising one or more encephalic sensors 182. The encephalic sensor system 180 may be generally configured to electromagnetically detect brain activity of the user of the therapy device 100 during use — and to generate encephalic data therefrom. In some embodiments, the control unit 140 may be configured to control the actuator 120 based on the encephalic data.Attorney Docket No.: 121936.PF954WOThe encephalic data may indicate one or more physiological states of the user and / or one or more changes to the user’s physiological state. For example, the encephalic data may indicate a loss of consciousness, fatigue, heart attack, anaphylaxis, asthma, drug overdose, fainting, and / or any other medical conditions and / or physiological states generally detectable by encephalic sensors 182.

[0036] FIG. 7 illustrates exemplary control electronics 700 of the therapy device 100, including control electronics of the encephalic sensor system 180. FIG. 7 is discussed in greater detail herein.

[0037] The therapy device 100 may include a wireless transceiver 132 that is housed within the device body 110. The wireless transceiver 132 may be generally configured to receive one or more control signals from a wireless controller 134. The wireless controller 134 may include a remote-control button 136 that functions analogously to the control button 130 so as control the operation of the therapy device 100 remotely via the one or more control signals. The wireless controller 134 may transmit the one or more control signals to the wireless transceiver 132 in response to the manipulation of the remote-control button 136. The wireless transceiver 132 may receive the one or more control signals received by the wireless transceiver 132 may be transmitted to the control unit 140, which may control the actuator 120 according to the corresponding manipulation represented by the control signals. Thus, for example, depressing the remote-control button 136 once while the therapy device 100 is tumed-off may cause the control unit 140 to activate the actuator 120 in accordance with the therapy device 100 being turned-on.

[0038] The therapy device 100 may include an internal power source 150 that is housed within the device body 110. The internal power source 150 may be generally configured to supply power to the other components of the therapy device 100 to the extent necessary. For example, the internal power source 150 may provide power to the control unit 140, the actuator 120, and / or the wireless transceiver 132, to the extent that such components are embodied by electronic circuits or other devices that require electricity to operate. The internal power source 150 may comprise, for example, one or more batteries. The one or more batteries may be rechargeable or non-rechargeable, replaceable or non-replaceable.

[0039] The therapy device 100 may include one or more charging inputs 160 on the device body 110. The charging inputs 160 may be generally configured to couple with an externalAttorney Docket No.: 121936.PF954WO power source 162 in such a way as to transfer electrical power from the external power source 162 to the therapy device 100. The coupling and transfer of electrical power may be wired (e.g., via an electric cord, cable, etc.) or wireless (e.g., via wireless charging technology), as is known in the art.

[0040] In some embodiments, the internal power source 150 may be a rechargeable battery which the charging inputs 160 may be coupled to so as to charge the rechargeable battery with electrical power from the external power source 162. However, it is also contemplated that the charging inputs 160 provide the electrical power directly to the components of the therapy device 100 for their operation.

[0041] FIG. 7 illustrates exemplary control electronics 700 of the therapy device 100, including exemplary power supply control electronics. FIG. 7 is discussed in greater detail herein.

[0042] The therapy device 100 may include one or more state indicators 170 on the device body 110. The state indicators 170 may be generally configured to indicate one or more states of the therapy device 100. For example, the state indicator 170 may indicate whether the therapy device 100 is turned-on / turned-off; the speed, tempo and / or magnitude that the stimulation component 118 is oscillating, vibrating or otherwise moving; the amount of charge remaining in the internal power source 150 (e.g., battery); and / or a problem with one of the components. In some embodiments, the state indicator 170 may be an audio / visual indicator, such as an LED light, digital display panel, speaker, etc. In some embodiments, the state indicator 170 may be an LED light configured to blink with different speeds, tempos and / or colors, depending on the state to be indicated.

[0043] FIGS. 3-4 show the therapy device 100 in accordance with at least one embodiment in which the device body 110 is in the form of a wearable earpiece 310.

[0044] The earpiece 310 comprises an elongated intermediate body 312 connecting a temple end 314 and a lobe end 316. The intermediate body 310 may be shaped such that the earpiece 310 is wearable securely around the exterior of the ear of the user. In some embodiments, the intermediate body 310 is curved to fit ergonomically behind the ear where the ear meets the head. The intermediate body 310 may also preferably be shaped so as to be worn discretely.Attorney Docket No.: 121936.PF954WO

[0045] The earpiece 310 may be further shaped such that, when worn, the temple end 314 contacts the skin of the user at the region of the user’ s head approximate the crus of the helix above the tragus of the ear, and / or the lobe end 316 contacts the skin of the user at the region of the user’ s head approximate the lobule below the tragus of the ear.

[0046] In some embodiments, the stimulation component 118 may be located on the intermediate body 310 so as to contact and thereby provide mechanical pressure to the anatomical region generally located behind the earlobe of the user where the lower ear meets the jaw line. As described herein, the provision of the mechanical pressure to the anatomical region generally stimulates the sympathetic nerve chain at the Morgan Point adjacent the styloid process.

[0047] It will be understood that the earpiece 310 is generally shaped so as to securely position and maintain the stimulation component 118 in contact with the anatomical region while in operation. In some embodiments, the intermediate body 310 may include an over-ear clip to facilitate such secure positioning. The over-ear clip may extend from the intermediate portion 112 lying behind the ear. The over-ear clip may extend over the helix of the ear to the antihelix of the ear. The over-ear clip may be configured to provide a spring force back towards the intermediate portion 112 such that, when worn, the over-ear clip assists in securely positioning the earpiece 310.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the control button 130 may be located on the intermediate body 310 so as to be exposed to the user. The control button 130 may be generally configured to be manipulated by the user in such a way as to control the operation of the therapy device 100, as described herein.

[0049] Also shown in FIG. 3, the charging inputs 160 may be located on one or more of: the temple end 314 and the lobe end 316. The charging inputs 160 may be generally configured to couple with the external power source 162 in such a way as to transfer electrical power from the external power source 162 to the therapy device 100, as previously described. The external power source 162 may be a charging case configured to receive and charge the therapy device 100 when not in use.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 4, the earpiece 310 may be integrated into a helmet or other headgear (not shown) wearable by the user.Attorney Docket No.: 121936.PF954WO

[0051] As shown in FIG. 4, the control button 130 may alternatively (or additionally) be located distally from the intermediate body 310, so as to be accessible to the user wearing the helmet or other headgear. For example, the control button 130 may be located at a distal end of an appendage extending from the earpiece 310. Similarly, the charging inputs 160 may also be located distally from the intermediate body 310, so as to be accessible to the user wearing the helmet or other headgear. However, it is expressly contemplated that the control button 130 and / or the charging inputs 160 may be located on the intermediate body 310.

[0052] FIG. 5 shows the therapy device 100 in accordance with at least one embodiment in which the device body 110 is in the form of a wearable patch 510.

[0053] The patch 510 comprises a patch body 512 having a first end 514 and a second end 516. The patch body 512 may be shaped such that the patch 510 is wearable securely behind the ear where the ear meets the head. The patch body 512 may also preferably be shaped so as to be worn discretely behind the ear.

[0054] In some embodiments, the stimulation component 118 may be located on the patch body 512 so as to contact and thereby provide mechanical pressure to the anatomical region generally located behind the earlobe of the user where the lower ear meets the jaw line. As described herein, the provision of the mechanical pressure to the anatomical region generally stimulates the sympathetic nerve chain at the Morgan Point adjacent the styloid process.

[0055] In some embodiments, an adhesive material may be disposed on the first end 514 and / or the second end 516 such that the patch body 512 may be securely and removably adhered to the user during use. The adhesive material is preferably a reusable, non-toxic adhesive, but all known adhesives are generally contemplated.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the control button 130 may be located on the patch body 512 so as to be exposed to the user. The control button 130 may be generally configured to be manipulated by the user in such a way as to control the operation of the therapy device 100, as described herein.

[0057] Also shown in FIG. 5, the charging inputs 160 may be located on one or more of: the first end 514 and the second end 516. The charging inputs 160 may be generally configured to couple with the external power source 162 in such a way as to transfer electrical power from the external power source 162 to the therapy device 100, as previously described. The externalAttorney Docket No.: 121936.PF954WO power source 162 may be a charging case configured to receive and charge the therapy device 100 when not in use.

[0058] FIG. 6 shows the therapy device 100 in accordance with at least one embodiment in which the device body 110 comprises a headband 610 generally configured to support the therapy device 100 on the user’s head such that the stimulation component 118 is securely positioned and maintained in contact with (or in near contact with) the anatomical region while in operation.

[0059] The headband 610 comprises a forward portion 612 configured to rest against the forehead of the user. The forward portion 612 may include one or more encephalic sensors 182 generally configured to electromagnetically detect brain activity of the user of the therapy device 100 during use — and to generate encephalic data therefrom. The encephalic data may indicate one or more physiological states of the user and / or one or more changes to the user’s physiological state. For example, the encephalic data may indicate a loss of consciousness, fatigue, heart attack, anaphylaxis, asthma, drug overdose, fainting, and / or any other medical conditions and / or physiological states. The encephalic sensors 182 may be any type of encephalic sensor, such as, for example: dry, adhesive, sensors, and fabric electrodes. Moreover, the encephalic sensors 182 may be arranged in a sensor array or any other pattern. The forward portion 612 may further include an elastic band for supporting the encephalic sensors 182 so as to maintain consistent contact with the user’s skin.

[0060] The headband 610 further comprises opposing earpiece portions 614 coupled to one or more earpieces 620. The earpieces 620 generally comprise an intermediate body 622 connecting a temple end 624 and a lobe end 626. The intermediate body 622 may be shaped such that the earpiece 620 is wearable securely around the exterior of the ear of the user. In some embodiments, the intermediate body 622 is curved to fit ergonomically behind the ear where the ear meets the head. The earpieces 620 may be further shaped such that, when worn, the temple end 624 contacts the skin of the user at (or near) the region of the user’s head approximate the crus of the helix above the tragus of the ear, and / or the lobe end 626 contacts the skin of the user at the region of the user’ s head approximate the lobule below the tragus of the ear.

[0061] The stimulation component 118 may be located on the intermediate body 622 so as to generally stimulate the sympathetic nerve chain at the Morgan Point, as described herein. ItAttorney Docket No.: 121936.PF954WO will be understood that the earpieces 620 may be generally shaped so as to securely position and maintain the stimulation component 118 in contact with (or near to) the anatomical region while in operation. As described herein, the stimulation components 118 may comprise one or more mechanical, piezoelectric, electric, and / or acoustic elements.

[0062] One or more of the earpieces 620 may further include a reference sensor 184. The reference sensor 184 may comprise an encephalic sensor configured to provide a reference reading for the electromagnetic detection of the user’ s brain activity via the encephalic sensors 182.

[0063] The headband 610 further comprises a rearward portion 616 configured to rest against the back of the user’s head. The rearward portion 616 may include an elastic retention band for securing the headband 610 in stable position on the user’s head.

[0064] FIG. 7 illustrates exemplary control electronics 700 of the therapy device 100. The control electronics 700 may be partially or fully housed within the headband 610 at one or more of the forward portion 612, the earpiece portion 614, and the rearward portion 616. The control electronics may be partially or fully housed within a forward housing 613 of the forward portion 612, an earpiece housing 615 of the earpiece portion 614, and / or a rearward housing 617 of the rearward portion 616.

[0065] Turning now to FIG. 7, the control electronics 700 may comprise a microcontroller (MCU) 710. The microcontroller 710 is generally configured to control the one or more components of the therapy device 100 via the control electronics 700. In particular, the microcontroller 710 may be configured to control a voltage driver 720 to output a voltage wave (or wave signal) to the stimulation component 118 so as to cause the stimulation component to stimulate the sympathetic nerve chain at the Morgan Point, as described herein.

[0066] The voltage driver 720 may be supplied with an operation voltage from a boost converter 730. The boost converter 730 may be configured to convert a supply voltage from a supply DC / DC converter 740 to the operation voltage. The voltage driver 720 converts the operation voltage into the voltage wave (or wave signal) in accordance with a control signal provided by the microcontroller 710. The control signal may dictate the form of the wave in terms of shape, amplitude, frequency and / or phase. The wave may be, for example, sinusoidal, non-sinusoidal, or some combination thereof, including but not limited to: a constant wave, a sine wave voltage, a pulsed wave, and a stepped wave.Attorney Docket No.: 121936.PF954WO

[0067] The microcontroller 710 may further be configured to control the voltage driver 720 based on encephalic data received from the encephalic sensor system 180. The encephalic sensor system 180 includes the encephalic sensors 181. The encephalic sensor system 180 may also include one or more low noise amplifiers 750 configured to amplify the signals output from the encephalic sensors 181 and provide the amplified signals to the microcontroller 710 as the encephalic data.

[0068] In at least one embodiment, the microcontroller 710 is configured to receive the encephalic data and to analyze the encephalic data so as to identify one or more physiological states of the user and / or one or more changes to the user’s physiological state. The microcontroller 710 generates the control signal for controlling the wave form based on the analysis. The control signal may, for example, cause the voltage driver 720 to initiate, stop, and / or modify the voltage wave.

[0069] The encephalic data may indicate one or more physiological states of the user and / or one or more changes to the user’s physiological state. For example, the encephalic data may indicate a loss of consciousness, fatigue, heart attack, anaphylaxis, asthma, drug overdose, fainting, and / or any other medical conditions and / or physiological states. The microcontroller 710 may be generally configured to match the encephalic data to known signatures indicative of such physiological states and / or conditions.

[0070] The control electronics 700 further comprises a power supply circuit and a charging circuit. The power supply circuit is generally configured to supply power to the control electronics 700. The power supply circuit may include one or more rechargeable or non- rechargeable, replaceable or non-replaceable batteries 150 and the supply DC / DC converter 740 configured to convert the battery voltage to the supply voltage. The charging circuit is generally configured to couple with the external power source 162 so as to charge the batteries 150. The charging circuit may include a charging booster 760. It will be understood that, while the power supply circuit and the charging circuit shown in FIG. 7 reflect an embodiment of the therapy device that is cordless, such circuits may be modified for corded embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0071] The control electronics 700 are shown and described with reference to FIG. 7 so as to illustrate selected principles and functionalities of the therapy device 100. It will be understood that the control electronics 700 may include additional circuits in furtherance ofAttorney Docket No.: 121936.PF954WO including additional components described herein without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0072] The embodiments described in detail above are considered novel over the prior art and are considered critical to the operation of at least one aspect of the described systems, methods and / or apparatuses, and to the achievement of the above described objectives. The words used in this specification to describe the instant embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification: structure, material or acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus, if an element can be understood in the context of this specification as including more than one meaning, then its use must be understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by the specification and by the word or words describing the element.

[0073] The definitions of the words or drawing elements described herein are meant to include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or acts for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. In this sense, it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements described and its various embodiments or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements.

[0074] Changes from the subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalents within the scope intended and its various embodiments. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. This disclosure is thus meant to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted, and also what incorporates the essential ideas.

[0075] Furthermore, the functionalities described herein may be implemented via hardware, software, firmware or any combination thereof, unless expressly indicated otherwise. If implemented in software, the functionalities may be stored in a memory as one or more instructions on a computer readable medium, including any available media accessible by a computer that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions, data structures or the like. Thus, certain aspects may comprise a computer program product forAttorney Docket No.: 121936.PF954WO performing the operations presented herein, such computer program product comprising a computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon, the instructions being executable by one or more processors to perform the operations described herein. It will be appreciated that software or instructions may also be transmitted over a transmission medium as is known in the art. Further, modules and / or other appropriate means for performing the operations described herein may be utilized in implementing the functionalities described herein.

[0076] The foregoing disclosure has been set forth merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur to persons skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the described embodiments and equivalents thereof.

Claims

Attorney Docket No.: 121936.PF954WOCLAIMS1. A device, comprising: a device body housing a stimulation component so as to position the stimulation component at or near an anatomical region of a user; an actuator configured to, on actuation, cause the stimulation component to therapeutically stimulate, via the anatomical region of the user, the sympathetic nerve chain at the Morgan Point adjacent the styloid process of the user; and a control unit configured to control the actuator.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the anatomical region is located behind the earlobe of the user where the lower ear meets the jaw line.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the actuated stimulation component compresses the styloid process of the user, which in turn applies pressure to the sympathetic nerve chain.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the actuated stimulation component causes the sympathetic nerve chain to fire therapeutically.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the anatomical region is on the surface of the skin at or about the intersection of (a) a line extending from anteriorly from the inferior border of the mastoid process to the posterior border of the mandible, and (b) the dicrotic notch.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the actuated stimulation component applies mechanical pressure to the anatomical region.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the actuated stimulation component propagates acoustic waves through the anatomical region.

8. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a controller configured to control the actuator via a voltage wave.

9. The device of claim 8, further comprising: an encephalic sensor system configured to sense one or more physiological states of the user and to generate encephalic data indicative of the one or more physiological states,Attorney Docket No.: 121936.PF954WO wherein the controller is configured to: analyze the encephalic data so as to identify a current physiological state from among the one or more physiological states, and start, stop and modify the voltage wave based on the current physiological state.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the one or more physiological states comprises: loss of consciousness, fatigue, heart attack, anaphylaxis, asthma, drug overdose, and fainting.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the device body comprises a headband.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the device body comprises a handheld wand.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the device body comprises an earpiece.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the device body comprises an adhesive patch.

15. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a user interface via which the actuator is controllable by the user.

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