Inductor assembly and associated method

Abstract

of the Disclosure An inductor assembly for use in electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body comprises a housing, a first inductor arranged in the housing for generating a magnetic field for use in the electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body, and a sensor in or on the housing for measuring at least one property of a magnetic field prevailing at or near the location of the sensor and to provide an output indicative of a measurement result of said at least one measured property. The inductor assembly may also comprise a second inductor.

Description

[0001] 119211P1286PC 21.01.2026

[0002] Inductor Assembly and Associated Method

[0003] The present invention relates to an inductor assembly for use in electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body, as well as an associated method.

[0004] Apparatuses for, and methods of, electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body are known in the art and involve generating an alternating magnetic field, i.e. a magnetic field whose magnetic field strength varies over time, and in particular a magnetic field whose magnetic field strength reverses its orientation over time. Such alternating magnetic fields can be used to generate a voltage in the body tissue, in particular so as to cause a neural reaction or a cellular physiological reaction in the body tissue, in particular so as to cause a muscle reaction in the body tissue. In some cases, the voltage can be sufficient to cause a therapeutic effect, or some other (desirable) effect in the body tissue, i.e. not necessarily a therapeutic effect, for example the strengthening of muscle tissue.

[0005] Examples of apparatuses for electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body and associated methods are disclosed in WO 2023 / 118023 A2. The entire disclosure of this document is incorporated herein by reference.

[0006] One example of a circuit for generating an alternating magnetic field suitable for use in an apparatus for electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body is shown in Fig. 12. The circuit shown in Fig. 12 includes a capacitor 101 electrically connected, via two branches 105 and 106 of connecting circuitry, to an inductor 102. The capacitor 101 is also connected, via a switch 108, to a source of electrical energy, such as a voltage source 107. One terminal of each of the capacitor 101 , inductor 102 and voltage source 107 is connected to ground (indicated by triangles towards the bottom of Fig. 12). Whilst switch 108 is shown in Fig. 12 as a separate circuit element, it can alternatively be integrated into, or form part of, voltage source 107.

[0007] A thyristor 103 forms part of the first branch 105, i.e. one terminal (in Fig. 12 the left-hand terminal, i.e. the anode) of the thyristor 103 is electrically connected to the capacitor 101. A second terminal (in Fig. 12 the right-hand terminal, i.e. the cathode) of the thyristor 103 is electrically connected to the inductor 102. A third terminal, the gate terminal of the thyristor, is electrically connected to suitable circuitry for "firing" the thyristor 103. Circuitry for firing the thyristor 103 is not shown in Fig. 12, but is known to those skilled in the art.119211P1286PC 21.01.2026

[0008] Similarly, a diode 104 forms part of the second branch 106, i.e. one terminal (in Fig. 12 the left-hand terminal, i.e. the cathode) of the diode 104 is electrically connected to the capacitor 101. A second terminal (in Fig. 12 the right-hand terminal, i.e. the anode) of the diode 104 is electrically connected to the inductor 102.

[0009] Accordingly, electrical current can flow between the capacitor 101 and the inductor 102 either via the first branch 105 or the second branch 106, depending on whether the thyristor 103 or the diode 104 is in a conductive state or "ON" state. In particular, the polarity of the thyristor 103 and the diode 104 is such that only one of these components is conductive at any one time. It will be appreciated that, even when the thyristor 103 or the diode 104 is in a non-conductive state, a small amount of electrical current may nevertheless flow through these components. For the purposes of the present application, the terms "conductive (state)" and "non-conductive (state)" and similar are preferably to be interpreted accordingly.

[0010] The direction of conventional current in an electrical circuit is defined as the direction in which positive charges flow. Negatively charged carriers, such as the electrons, therefore flow in the opposite direction of conventional current flow in an electrical circuit. In accordance with this convention, electrical current flowing from the capacitor 101 to the inductor 102 will (only) flow through the first branch 105 (assuming the thyristor 103 is in a conductive state), whereas electrical current flowing from the inductor 102 to the capacitor 101 will (only) flow through the second branch 106 (assuming the diode 104 is in a conductive state).

[0011] The inductor 102 can be brought into proximity with body tissue so that any magnetic field generated by inductor 102 is applied to the body tissue.

[0012] Typically, the operation of the device shown in Fig. 12 is as follows. The capacitor 101 is electrically charged by voltage source 107. To this end, switch 108 is closed at a suitable time so as to electrically connect voltage source 107 to capacitor 101. Switch 108 can be operated by suitable circuitry, which is again not shown in Fig. 12 but will be familiar to those skilled in the art. Once the capacitor 101 has been charged, either for a certain period of time or up to a certain voltage, switch 108 is opened. In the example shown in Fig. 12, the capacitor 101 will be charged such that the (in Fig. 12) upper terminal will be positive and the lower terminal will be negative. This is also indicated by the symbols "+" and "-" next to voltage source 107.119211P1286PC 21.01.2026

[0013] Initially, the electrical charge now stored in capacitor 101 will remain in capacitor 101 since the diode 104 is in a non-conductive state. Electrical current can (initially) also not flow from capacitor 101 to inductor 102 via the first branch 105, unless and until thyristor 103 is fired via its gate terminal.

[0014] Next, thyristor 103 is fired via its gate terminal. Current can now flow from capacitor 101 to inductor 102, thereby enabling inductor 102 to generate a magnetic field. As is known in the art, thyristor 103 remains in a conductive state even if the signal (gate current) which fired thyristor 103 is no longer present at its gate terminal.

[0015] While current flows from capacitor 101 through the first branch 105 and through inductor 102, the charge stored in capacitor 101 (and thus the voltage between the two terminals of capacitor 101) decreases. This decrease in voltage approximately follows a cosine shape, starting at an initial maximum value at the time when thyristor 103 is fired.

[0016] Due to energy losses in the circuit of Fig. 12, the voltage between the two terminals of capacitor 101 does not follow an exact cosine shape over time. Instead, the voltage more closely follows a cosine shape with a decaying amplitude, although even this may only be an approximation.

[0017] While the voltage between the two terminals of capacitor 101 decreases, the current through inductor 102 increases, starting at a value of zero and approximately following a sine shape, up to a maximum value. The current through inductor 102 reaches its maximum value substantially at the same time as the charge stored in capacitor 101 has dropped to zero. The period of time from the initial firing of thyristor 103 up to the point in time when the current through inductor 102 reaches its maximum value can be regarded as a quarter wave, or TT / 2.

[0018] At the time of TT / 2, a magnetic field generated by the current through inductor 102 is also at a maximum value, whilst the electrical energy stored in capacitor 101 is zero. In other words, the electrical energy that was initially stored in capacitor 101 has now been converted into magnetic energy, i.e. the magnetic field generated by the current through inductor 102. The energy is now stored in the magnetic field. As the magnetic field resists its decrease, current continues to flow through inductor 102 and through the first branch 105. The diode 104 is still in a non-conductive state. Accordingly, this continued current flow charges capacitor 101, but this time with opposite polarity compared with its initial state. As capacitor 101 is charged up to a negative maximum value (approximately corresponding to119211P1286PC 21.01.2026

[0019] the initial maximum charge, but of opposite polarity), the current through inductor 102 and accordingly also the magnetic field decreases until, one half wave after initial firing of thyristor 103, or at the time of TT, it has become zero. At this time, the charge (or voltage) of capacitor 101 has reached its maximum value of opposite polarity. Between TT / 2 and TT, the voltage of capacitor 101 and current through inductor 102 continue to follow the approximated cosine and sine shapes, respectively.

[0020] Approximately at the end of this first half wave, thyristor 103 becomes non-conductive and diode 104 becomes conductive, in a or its forward direction. In the example shown in Fig.

[0021] 12, this forward direction corresponds to a current direction from inductor 102 to capacitor 101. The process described above in connection with the first half wave is then effectively repeated during a second half wave, except that, at the time of TT (i.e. at a point in time at the end of the first half wave or at the beginning of the second half wave), the polarity of the voltage of capacitor 101 is the opposite of the initial polarity, and likewise the current direction through inductor 102 during the second half wave is the opposite of the current direction through inductor 102 during the first half wave. Further, the current between inductor 102 and capacitor 101 flows through the second branch 106, rather than through the first branch 105. The voltage of capacitor 101 and current through inductor 102 continue to follow, respectively, the (approximated) cosine and sine shapes which they started during the first half wave.

[0022] Eventually, after the second half wave, or at the time of 2TT, the system represented by the circuit shown in Fig. 12 has returned to its initial state, i.e. capacitor 101 is charged up to a maximum value and with the initial polarity, while the current through inductor 102 has returned to zero. Diode 104 becomes non-conductive at this stage. A complete cycle has been performed (two half waves). The process can then be repeated.

[0023] The present inventors have recognised that, whilst various parameters can be set when using apparatuses (such as those disclosed in WO 2023 / 118023 A2) for electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body, it is difficult to determine certain characteristics of a resulting magnetic field purely based on the set parameters. The present invention seeks to address, mitigate or solve this problem.

[0024] Aspects of the present invention are set out in the claims.

[0025] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an inductor assembly for use in electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body, the inductor assembly comprising:119211P1286PC 21.01.2026

[0026] a housing;

[0027] a first inductor arranged in the housing for generating a magnetic field for use in the electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body; and

[0028] a sensor in or on the housing for measuring at least one property of a magnetic field prevailing at or near the location of the sensor and to provide an output indicative of a measurement result of said at least one measured property.

[0029] In this way, knowledge about certain properties of the magnetic field can be obtained in a more direct manner than has been possible previously. In particular, knowledge about certain properties of the magnetic field can be obtained by (direct) measurement, which may provide more accurate results than calculating or otherwise determining properties of the magnetic field in a more theoretical manner, purely or primarily based on settings of the apparatus used to generate the magnetic field.

[0030] The magnetic field prevailing at or near the location of the sensor can be a magnetic field generated by the first inductor and / or by a further inductor and / or can take into account the Earth's magnetic field or some other external influence - it is whatever total magnetic field there is at or near the location of the sensor.

[0031] An external influence may affect the magnetic field to be generated by the first inductor in such a way that a measured value of the measured property of the magnetic field differs from an expected value of this property, in particular significantly differs from an expected value of this property (an expected value of a property of the magnetic field for example being obtained by calculation on the basis of settings of the apparatus). Such an external influence may, for example, be due to, or consist of, the presence of a patient or other person or magnetisable material in the vicinity of the first inductor.

[0032] In the sense of the present disclosure, the expression "at or near the location of the sensor" is preferably intended to be understood to take into account that the sensor will have a finite (or non-zero) size and may comprise several components which may be spaced from one another by a small distance (examples of such multi-component sensors will be explained below). The size of the sensor and / or the distance between any such components may be in the range of a few millimetres or centimetres. Accordingly, if the "location of the sensor" were to be regarded as a single point (in the mathematical or geometric sense) in space, it will be understood that the property of the magnetic field to be measured might not relate precisely to this single point but to one or more points nearby, or to a region surrounding this single point, or to a nearby region. Nevertheless, it is envisaged that the size of the119211P1286PC 21.01.2026

[0033] sensor and / or the distance of any such components are sufficiently small so that the measurement result provides meaningful information about the magnetic field.

[0034] The property to be measured may be one or more of magnetic field strength, magnetic flux density, magnetic dipole moment, direction of the magnetic field or relative change of the magnetic field. Accordingly, the sensor may have the capability of measuring any one or more of these properties and may be configured accordingly.

[0035] A position of the sensor with respect to the first inductor may be (substantially) fixed, in particular (substantially) permanently or temporarily fixed, or the position of the sensor with respect to the first inductor may be variable, in particular within a predefined range. For example, if the first inductor is substantially (permanently) fixed within the housing and the sensor is substantially (permanently) fixed in or on the housing, then the position of the sensor with respect to the first inductor will also be substantially (permanently) fixed. This may provide particularly accurate results since any errors in the relative positioning of the sensor with respect to the first inductor can substantially be eliminated. Further, once the substantially (permanently) fixed relative position of the sensor with respect to the first inductor is known, any processing of values relating to the position of the sensor and / or the first inductor may be particularly simple.

[0036] On the other hand, an inductor assembly in which the position of the sensor with respect to the first inductor is variable will provide more flexibility, in that a property of the magnetic field can be measured, using the sensor, in a number of positions relative to the first inductor.

[0037] Additionally, or alternatively, the orientation of the sensor with respect to the first inductor may be fixed, or variable, with the advantages respectively being similar to those of a fixed or variable relative position of the sensor with respect to the first inductor.

[0038] As used herein, the term "position" can refer to a position and / or orientation, notwithstanding the fact that, in some instances, explicit reference is made to both "position" and "orientation", and in some other instances, reference is made only to "position". In other words, the phrase "the position of A is different from the position of B" can cover the following possibilities: "the positions (in the sense of positional coordinates in space) of A and B are different and the orientations of A and B are the same"; "the positions (in the sense of positional coordinates in space) of A and B are the same and the orientation of A119211P1286PC 21.01.2026

[0039] and B are different"; and "the positions (in the sense of positional coordinates in space) of A and B are different and the orientation of A and B are also different".

[0040] In inductor arrangements in which the position and / or orientation of the sensor with respect to the first inductor is variable, the inductor arrangements may be such that the sensor can be fixed temporarily in one or more of a limited number of predefined positions and / or orientations, in particular with respect to the environment, the remainder of the apparatus and / or the first inductor. To this end, the inductor arrangement may be provided with one or more of a limited number of detents for temporarily fixing the sensor. This may also simplify the processing of the measurement results, assuming that the position / orientation of the sensor relative to the first inductor is known (in advance) depending on which detent is responsible for temporarily fixing the sensor with respect to the first inductor at the time of the measurement.

[0041] The inductor assembly may further comprise a second inductor. As explained above, the second inductor may have an influence on the magnetic field prevailing at or near the location of the sensor, and this influence may not only exist when the second inductor is in operation (i.e. generating its own magnetic field) but possibly also when the second inductor is not in operation / energised.

[0042] While the measurement(s) using the sensor may provide information regarding the magnetic field to be generated by the first inductor, it may also provide information regarding the magnetic field to be generated by the second inductor, including when the first inductor is in operation, and when the first inductor is not in operation / energised.

[0043] The position of the second inductor with respect to the first inductor and / or the sensor may be substantially fixed, in particular substantially permanently or temporarily fixed, or the position of the second inductor with respect to the first inductor and / or the sensor may be variable, in particular within a predefined range, the possible implementations and advantages again being respectively similar to those of a fixed or variable relative position of the sensor with respect to the first inductor.

[0044] Similar to what has been described above in relation to the positioning of the sensor with respect to the first inductor, the inductor arrangement may be provided with one or more of a limited number of (additional) detents for temporarily fixing the second inductor in a limited number of predefined positions, in particular with respect to the environment, the remainder119211P1286PC 21.01.2026

[0045] of the apparatus, the first inductor and / or the sensor. The advantages can also be similar to those described above.

[0046] The inductor assembly would typically be used in the context of a system which includes a power supply. Part of that system could be accommodated in a cabinet, which could be floor-standing (for example on wheels) or placed on a table. This cabinet could accommodate those parts of the system which are particularly heavy, and which can remain stationary during use of the system, such as the power supply. The cabinets and the parts of the system which are accommodated in the cabinet, are herein also referred to as a main unit.

[0047] In systems of this type, the inductor assembly (or part thereof) typically needs to be able to be moved during use. It can therefore be connected to the main unit by flexible cables 6 (in order to provide an electrical connection to the power supply) and, if applicable, flexible hoses (in order to provide a fluid connection for cooling the first inductor and / or the second inductor.

[0048] The first and second inductors can each be accommodated in a respective housing, and each housing can individually be connected to the main unit, so that the first and second inductors can be moved substantially independently from one another. Alternatively, the first and second inductors can both be accommodated in the same housing, in which case they would be in a fixed relationship to one another or would be movable with respect to one another only to a very limited extent. The housing and inductor accommodated therein is herein referred to as an applicator.

[0049] The first and second inductors can be arranged to generate respective first and second magnetic fields in order to result in a combined magnetic field, wherein the first and second inductors can be arranged to generate the respective first and second magnetic fields in such a way that:

[0050] in at least one location, in particular in several locations, in particular in a region between the first and second inductors, the first and second magnetic fields show negative interference, or

[0051] in at least one location, in particular in several locations, in particular in a region between the first and second inductors, the first and second magnetic fields cancel each other out, or

[0052] the first and second magnetic fields do not show any negative interference in a region between the first and second inductors, or119211P1286PC 21.01.2026

[0053] the first and second magnetic fields do not show any negative interference.

[0054] The use of the sensor can help to detect the presence or absence of any such negative interference. The same applies to positive interference.

[0055] The first and second inductors can be connected to one another via at least one movable arm. Such an arm can comprise at least one member with a flexible connection either to at least one of the first and second inductors, or to another member of the arm. Various implementations are possible, including: an arm comprising telescopically movable members; an arm having a single member with a flexible connection (joint) to one or both inductors; an arm having two or more members with a flexible joint therebetween; or any variations or combinations thereof.

[0056] Further, the inductor assembly can comprise at least one detector for detecting a position of the at least one movable arm in order to infer a position of the first and second inductors relative to one another. For example, if the arm comprises two members which are telescopically movable with respect to one another, the detector could detect the extent to which the two members are telescopically extended or retracted. As another example, if the arm comprises two or more members with rotatable joints therebetween, a detector could be provided at each joint to detect the rotation of the members with respect to one another. Suitable detectors are known in the art, for example from the field of robotics, and will therefore not be described in detail. Similarly, techniques of using outputs from such detectors in order to derive (calculate) the position and / or orientation of an object (here: one of the applicators) attached to one end of a movable arm with respect to the position and / or orientation of another object (here: the other applicator) attached to the other end of the movable arm are also known in principle and will therefore not be described in detail.

[0057] As an alternative to, or in addition to, a detector for detecting a position of the at least one movable arm, the inductor assembly can comprise a detector, in particular a camera, to detect a position of the first and second inductors relative to one another. For this purpose, the respective housings of the first and second inductors could be provided with suitable markings that enable the detector to detect the position of the first inductor and / or the second inductor. Again, suitable detectors and techniques for processing the output from such a detector are known in the art and will therefore not be described in detail.119211P1286PC 21.01.2026

[0058] Instead of the first and second inductors to be connected (directly) with one another via a single, movable arm, both inductors could individually be connected to the main unit via a respective arm.

[0059] The inductor assembly can further comprise circuitry for making the output or a processed version thereof, in particular a signal, in particular an alert signal or a warning message, available at an interface, in particular at a human-machine interface.

[0060] Making the output or a processed version thereof, in particular a signal, in particular an alert signal or a warning message, available at an interface can enable a user, e.g. an operator of the inductor assembly, to take suitable (remedial) action. An alert signal or warning message could, for example, be made available in case the output from the sensor indicates that the at least one measured property is in a range that is considered unsafe. For example, the presence of magnetic or magnetisable material in the vicinity of the sensor might result in the at least one measured property to be (significantly) greater than would be the case without the magnetic or magnetisable material in the vicinity of the sensor. The same might be the case if there is positive interference, for example if the second inductor is used in addition to the first inductor. Prompted by the alert signal or warning message, the user / operator could then reduce or interrupt the power supply to the first and / or second inductor or could limit the duration of the electromagnetic treatment. Similarly, if the output from the sensor indicates that the at least one measured property is in a range that suggests that the electromagnetic treatment is (or will be) ineffective or less effective than desired, the alert signal or warning message could prompt the user / operator to increase the power supply to the first and / or second inductor or could increase the duration of the electromagnetic treatment. This could, for example, be the case if there is negative interference.

[0061] Alternatively or additionally, the inductor assembly can further comprise a controller for controlling a power supply to the first inductor and / or, if provided, the second inductor, as a function of the output, in particular for increasing, reducing or interrupting said power supply. Such a controller could be configured to increase, reduce or interrupt the power supply in situations such as those described above in connection with the making available of an alert signal or warning message.

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, the inductor assembly can further comprise a memory for storing the output or a processed version thereof. Storing the output or a processed version thereof could, for example, be useful if measurements are to be carried out before an119211P1286PC 21.01.2026

[0063] electromagnetic treatment takes place, i.e. in the absence of a patient or other person. The stored data, or conclusions drawn therefrom, can then be used during the electromagnetic treatment, for example to control the power supply to the inductor assembly. To this end, the stored data can be accessed by the controller.

[0064] The inductor assembly can further comprise a processing unit or circuitry for comparing the output with an expected result in order to generate a comparison result;

[0065] wherein the inductor assembly is arranged to issue the signal, in particular the alert signal or warning message, in dependence upon the comparison result,

[0066] in particular wherein the inductor assembly is arranged to determine that a malfunction or an unfavourable or potentially dangerous operating condition has occurred when the comparison result indicates that a discrepancy between the output and the expected result exceeds a threshold, in particular a predetermined or adjustable threshold.

[0067] Again, a discrepancy between the output and an expected result could be due to the presence of magnetic or magnetisable material.

[0068] Generally, the measurement could take place prior to an electromagnetic treatment, or during an electromagnetic treatment, and the power supply to the inductor assembly could be set and / or altered accordingly.

[0069] The sensor can comprise at least one of:

[0070] - a magnetometer

[0071] - one or more, in particular three, search coils or measuring coils

[0072] - one or more, in particular three, Hall sensors

[0073] - a sensor for performing measurements based on magnetooptical principles.

[0074] A sensor comprising, for example, three search coils or measuring coils or three Hall sensors can be used to measure the at least one property of the magnetic field in three dimensions. Ideally, if the sensor has more than one sensor element (one sensor element being used to measure the at least one property of the magnetic field in one direction), these sensor elements are very small and may be close to each other so that they measure the at least one property approximately at the same location.

[0075] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of performing a measurement using an inductor assembly, the inductor assembly being for use in electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body, the inductor assembly comprising:119211P1286PC 21.01.2026

[0076] a housing;

[0077] a first inductor arranged in the housing for generating a magnetic field for use in the electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body; and

[0078] a sensor in or on the housing for measuring at least one property of a magnetic field prevailing at or near the location of the sensor and to provide an output indicative of a measurement result of said at least one measured property;

[0079] wherein the method comprises:

[0080] measuring, using the sensor, at least one property of a magnetic field prevailing at or near the location of the sensor; and

[0081] the sensor providing an output indicative of a measurement result of said at least one measured property.

[0082] The method can further comprise varying a position of the sensor with respect to the first inductor, in particular within a predefined range. At each position of the sensor, a measurement of the at least one property of the magnetic field can be performed, and the corresponding measurement output can be provided. This process can be repeated several times so that the at least one property of the magnetic field can be measured at multiple locations. Depending on whether the position of the sensor with respect to the first inductor is varied in one, two or three dimensions, the magnetic field can be "explored" in one, two or three dimensions.

[0083] The method can also involve providing the inductor assembly with a second inductor. The method can then further comprise varying a position of the second inductor with respect to the first inductor and / or the sensor, in particular within a predefined range. At each position of the second inductor, a measurement of the at least one property of the magnetic field can be performed, and the corresponding measurement output can be provided. This process can be repeated several times so that the at least one property of the magnetic field can be measured for several locations of the second inductor. Depending on whether the position of the second inductor with respect to the first inductor and / or the sensor is varied in one, two or three dimensions, the effect on the magnetic field can be "explored" for such a change in one, two or three dimensions.

[0084] Combinations of changes in the position of the sensor with respect to the first inductor and the position of the second inductor with respect to the first inductor are also possible, with measurements being performed after each positional change. Similarly, it is possible to use a first and second inductor without varying their relative position, and only to vary the119211P1286PC 21.01.2026

[0085] position of the sensor (with respect to the first and second inductors). Again, this can be done repeatedly.

[0086] The method can further comprise operating the first and second inductors in such a way that:

[0087] in at least one location, in particular in several locations, in particular in a region between the first and second inductors, the first and second magnetic fields show negative interference, or

[0088] in at least one location, in particular in several locations, in particular in a region between the first and second inductors, the first and second magnetic fields cancel each other out, or

[0089] the first and second magnetic fields do not show any negative interference in a region between the first and second inductors, or

[0090] the first and second magnetic fields do not show any negative interference.

[0091] Using the sensor, it is possible to detect where locations of negative interference exist. The same applies for locations of positive interference.

[0092] The method can further comprise determining the position of the first and second inductors relative to one another. To this end, a suitable detector, such as a camera, can be used, as has been described above in connection with an embodiment of the first aspect of the disclosure.

[0093] The method can further comprise at least one of:

[0094] making the output or a processed version thereof, in particular an alert signal or a warning message, available at an interface, in particular at a human-machine interface, or controlling a power supply to the first inductor and / or, if provided, the second inductor, as a function of the output, in particular increasing, reducing or interrupting said power supply, or

[0095] storing the output or a processed version thereof in a memory.

[0096] The method can further comprise comparing the output with an expected result in order to generate a comparison result;

[0097] issuing the signal or the alert signal or the warning message in dependence upon the comparison result,

[0098] optionally further comprising determining that a malfunction or an unfavourable or a potentially dangerous operating condition has occurred when the comparison result119211P1286PC 21.01.2026

[0099] indicates that a discrepancy between the output and the expected result exceeds a threshold, in particular a predetermined or adjustable threshold.

[0100] In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides an inductor assembly for use in electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body, the inductor assembly comprising: a first housing;

[0101] a first inductor arranged in the first housing for generating a first magnetic field for use in the electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body;

[0102] a second housing; and

[0103] a second inductor arranged in the second housing for generating a second magnetic field for use in the electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body;

[0104] wherein the first inductor is arranged to measure at least one property of the second magnetic field prevailing at or near the location of the first sensor and to provide an output indicative of a measurement result of said at least one measured property.

[0105] According to the third aspect, there is no need for a dedicated sensor to measure the at least one property of a magnetic field (although a sensor can be used in addition). Instead, two inductors in two housings are provided, both of which are intended to be used in electromagnetic treatment, and one inductor (here: the first inductor) is arranged to measure the at least one property of the magnetic field to be generated by the other inductor (here: the second inductor), or, more precisely, the magnetic field prevailing at or near the location of the first sensor.

[0106] The inductor assembly can further comprise at least one of:

[0107] circuitry for making the output or a processed version thereof, in particular a signal, in particular an alert signal or a warning message, available at an interface, in particular at a human-machine interface, or

[0108] a controller for controlling a power supply to the first inductor and / or the second inductor, as a function of the output, in particular for increasing, reducing or interrupting said power supply, or

[0109] a memory for storing the output or a processed version thereof.

[0110] Such circuitry, controller and memory, as well as the ways in which they can be used, have already been described above in connection with an embodiment of the first aspect of the present disclosure.119211P1286PC 21.01.2026

[0111] The inductor assembly can further comprise a processing unit or circuitry for comparing the output with an expected result in order to generate a comparison result;

[0112] wherein the inductor assembly is arranged to issue the signal, in particular the alert signal or warning message, in dependence upon the comparison result,

[0113] in particular wherein the inductor assembly is arranged to determine that a malfunction or an unfavourable or potentially dangerous operating condition has occurred when the comparison result indicates that a discrepancy between the output and the expected result exceeds a threshold, in particular a predetermined or adjustable threshold.

[0114] In the sense of the present invention, the term "electrical connection" is preferably intended to be understood to mean a connection enabling an electrical current to flow, in particular an electrical current of substantial magnitude. Such electrical connection may be accomplished by a conductor such as a metallic wire but may also involve semiconductor components in an ON-state. By way of contrast, the term "electrical connection" is preferably not intended to cover a semiconductor component in an OFF-state, even though an electrical current (such as a reverse leakage current in a diode or thyristor) may flow through such a semiconductor component when in the OFF-state. Any such reverse leakage current would typically be significantly smaller than an electrical current able to flow when the semiconductor component is in the ON-state. The term "electrically connect" is to be understood in a corresponding manner.

[0115] Methods described herein may further comprise bringing the first inductor (and / or, if provided, the second inductor) into proximity with body tissue, or bringing the body tissue into proximity with the first inductor (and / or, if provided, the second inductor), so that the magnetic field is present in said body tissue.

[0116] This may in particular be used for therapeutic purposes but can also be used for non-therapeutic purposes. Accordingly, it is expressly noted that methods described herein can, on the one hand, constitute (or be part of) methods of therapy of the human or animal body and, on the other hand, constitute (or be part of) non-therapeutic methods. Further, methods described herein can be methods which are non-therapeutic methods, and which are carried out as a preparation for a therapeutic treatment of the human or animal body. For example, measurements of the type described herein can be carried out in order to establish whether a particular setup including an inductor assembly of the type described herein and / or parameters of their use (in particular settings of a power supply, for example a voltage applied to the inductor assembly) satisfy certain conditions, e.g. so as to determine119211P1286PC 21.01.2026

[0117] whether using the particular setup and / or chosen parameters will be considered safe and / or effective.

[0118] The method can in particular be carried out without any human or animal body being present for treatment, that is, without any human or animal being sufficiently close to the inductor assembly that a therapeutic effect would occur in that human or animal. For example, the method can be carried out while no human or animal is present within 10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm, 50 cm, 60 cm, 70 cm, 80 cm, 90 cm or 1 m from the inductor assembly or from the first or second inductor of the inductor assembly.

[0119] Bringing the first inductor into proximity with body tissue can for example be accomplished by moving the first inductor, sometimes also called applicator coil, towards body tissue, or by moving it along the skin of a person or animal. An example of bringing the body tissue into proximity with the first inductor can involve the use of the first inductor in a (temporarily) fixed position, and a person or animal approaching the first inductor. Such a first inductor in a fixed position may for example be attached to, or integrated into, a chair or similar.

[0120] Also, it is possible first to bring the first inductor into proximity with body tissue (or to bring the body tissue into proximity with the first inductor) and then to generate the magnetic field, or vice versa.

[0121] The distance between the first inductor and the body tissue may for example be a few millimetres or centimetres, although larger distances (such as several tens of centimetres) may also be considered.

[0122] Methods described herein can further comprise varying the magnetic field in the body tissue so as to generate a voltage in the body tissue or to cause a movement of charges in the body tissue.

[0123] As the magnetic field in the body tissue varies with the current through the first inductor, the voltage is generated (or the movement of charges is caused) in the body tissue through the magnetic field.

[0124] The generated voltage (or the movement of charges) in the body tissue may be sufficient to cause a neural reaction or a cellular physiological reaction, in particular a muscle reaction in the body tissue, and the voltage in the body tissue may be sufficient to cause a therapeutic effect.119211P1286PC 21.01.2026

[0125] The first inductor and / or a housing in which the first inductor is accommodated may, for example, be of a generally flat construction so that the first inductor and / or housing may be applied to a body portion substantially from one side. Other shapes or construction types are also possible, for example that of a hollow cylinder or similar, so that the windings of the first inductor may surround the body portion, i.e. the first inductor or housing may be applied over the body portion, or the body portion (e.g. arm, leg, torso) may be introduced into, or pass through, the inductor or housing.

[0126] Further, the construction of any, some or all of the inductors discussed herein, in particular of the first inductor, is not limited to any particular design. In particular, any, some or all of the inductors, in particular the first inductor, may, for example, be constructed in such a way that each (360°) turn or winding of the respective inductor comprises, or consists of, one solid (and substantially rigid) piece of conductive material (e.g. copper), rather than several strands running in parallel. Alternatively, each (360°) turn or winding of the respective inductor may comprise, or consist of, a small number (such as no more than 2, or no more than 3, or no more than 4, or no more than 5, or no more than 6, or no more than 7) of solid (and substantially rigid) pieces of conductive material (e.g. copper), insulated from one another. In other embodiments, any, some or all of the inductors, in particular the first inductor, may, for example, be constructed from litz-wire, wherein each wire is insulated separately, and may in particular comprise a litz-wire coil. This may reduce eddy currents in the inductor.

[0127] The various embodiments and advantages described above in connection with any one aspect of the present invention may similarly apply to the other aspects of the invention. Each feature disclosed and / or illustrated in the present specification may be incorporated in the invention, whether alone or in combination with any other feature disclosed or illustrated herein, unless such combination is explicitly excluded or technically impossible.

[0128] Expressions such as "comprises", "includes", "has" or "with" or any other variant thereof, as well as any similar expressions, are intended to be understood in a non-exclusive sense. For example, a method or a device that comprises or has a list of elements is not necessarily restricted to these elements. Instead, it may (but does not need to) include other elements that are not expressly listed or that are inherent to such a method or such a device.

[0129] Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive "or" and not to an exclusive "or". For example, a condition A or B is met by any one of the following119211P1286PC 21.01.2026

[0130] conditions: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0131] The terms "a" or "an" as used herein are defined in the sense of "at least one". The terms "another" and "a further" and any other variant thereof are to be understood to mean "at least one other".

[0132] The term "plurality" as used herein is to be understood to mean "two or more".

[0133] As used herein, the term "configured" or "set up" to perform a specific function (and respective modifications thereof) is to be understood, in the sense of the present disclosure, that the corresponding device is already provided in a form or configuration in which it can execute the function or in which it is at least settable - i.e. configurable - so that it can execute the function after having been set in a corresponding manner. The configuration can take place, for example, via a corresponding setting of parameters of a process or of switches or the like for activating or deactivating functionalities or settings. In particular, the device can have multiple predetermined configurations or operating modes, so that the configuration can be carried out by selecting one of these configurations or operating modes.

[0134] Any directional or positional terms such as "top", "bottom", "up", "down", "left", "right" are used for the purpose of illustration and relate to the position or movement of elements as they are shown in the drawings. These terms are not intended to restrict the way in which the respective elements can be used. Instead, it will be understood that the respective elements can be used in orientations and relative positions, or perform relative movements, other than those shown in the drawings and described herein.

[0135] Some embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the interest of clarity, the drawings are, at least in part, schematic or simplified and not to scale. In the drawings, the same reference numbers are normally used for the same or corresponding elements.

[0136] Fig. 1 schematically shows an inductor assembly of the present disclosure as part of an overall system for use in electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body. Fig. 2 schematically shows an inductor assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.119211P1286PC 21.01.2026

[0137] Fig. 3 schematically shows an inductor assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0138] Fig. 4 schematically shows an inductor assembly of the present disclosure as part of an overall system for use in electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body. Fig. 5 schematically shows a sensor for use in an inductor assembly of the present disclosure.

[0139] Fig. 6 schematically shows an inductor assembly of the present disclosure as part of an overall system for use in electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body. Fig. 7 schematically shows an inductor assembly of the present disclosure as part of an overall system for use in electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body. Fig. 8 schematically shows an inductor assembly of the present disclosure as part of an overall system for use in electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body. Fig. 9 schematically shows an inductor assembly of the present disclosure as part of an overall system for use in electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body. Fig. 10 schematically shows an inductor assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0140] Fig. 11 shows a flow chart illustrating a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0141] Fig. 12 shows a circuit according to the prior art.

[0142] Fig. 1 schematically shows an inductor assembly 1 of the present disclosure as part of an overall system for use in electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body, in the following simply referred to as "system". The system comprises a main unit 5, an inductor assembly 1 and electric leads 6 in order to establish an electrical connection between the main unit 5 and the inductor assembly 1, each of which will be described in more detail below.

[0143] In the example of Fig. 1, the inductor assembly 1 comprises a first applicator 26a and a second applicator 26b. The first applicator 26a comprises a housing 2, for example made from plastics material or other diamagnetic and dielectric material. The housing 2 is formed with a handle 8 so that it can be handled by a person. In the example shown, the surface (not labelled) opposite the handle 8, i.e. the bottom surface of the first applicator 26a, is a surface which, in use, is intended to be positioned in contact with, or close proximity to, a body portion 11 of a human or animal body. Fig. 1 shows a human arm 11 as an example of such a body portion 11.119211P1286PC 21.01.2026

[0144] A first inductor 3 is accommodated in housing 2. It is envisaged that, in practice, the first inductor 3 would have several turns of electrically conductive material such as copper. However, in the interest of a clear illustration, the inductor 3 is shown as a single (almost 360°) turn in all of the figures.

[0145] The turn or turns of the electrically conductive material of inductor 3 would typically be located, at least substantially, in a single common plane, or in two or more planes that are oriented parallel to one another. It will however be appreciated that the electrically conductive material of each turn of inductor 3 has a finite thickness (and potentially a relatively substantial thickness, e.g. of several millimetres) and will therefore be located not only in a single plane (in a mathematical or geometric sense) but will extend to locations either side of that plane. Further, it is envisaged that the plane or planes in which the first inductor 3 of the present disclosure is located would be approximately parallel to the bottom surface of the first applicator 26a.

[0146] A sensor 4 is also accommodated within housing 2 of applicator 26a. Sensor 4 is configured to measure at least one property of a magnetic field prevailing at or near the location of the sensor 4, such as magnetic field strength, magnetic flux density, magnetic dipole moment, direction of the magnetic field or relative change of the magnetic field. Suitable types of sensors are, in principle, known in the art, including a magnetometer, one or more search coils or measuring coils and one or more Hall sensors. In the figures, the sensor 4 is illustrated as a search or measuring coil. The sensor 4 is again illustrated in Fig. 1 as a single (almost complete) turn of electrically conductive material, such as copper, although it will be appreciated that the sensor 4 would normally have several (complete) turns.

[0147] The turn or turns of the electrically conductive material of sensor 4 would typically be located, at least substantially, in a single common plane, or in two or more planes that are oriented parallel to one another. It will again be appreciated that the electrically conductive material of each turn of sensor 4 has a finite thickness. The inventors envisage the thickness of each turn of sensor 4 to be significantly smaller than the thickness of each turn of the first inductor 3. In the example shown in Fig. 1 , the plane or planes in which the sensor 4 of the present disclosure is located is approximately parallel to the bottom surface of the first applicator 26a - and therefore also approximately parallel to the plane in which the first inductor 3 is located. Sensor 4 can even be located in the same plane as the first inductor 3, as shown in Fig. 1, although other locations and orientations are possible.119211P1286PC 21.01.2026

[0148] The inductor assembly 1 shown in Fig. 1 also comprises a second applicator 26b comprising a second inductor 9. The second applicator 26b can be (substantially) of the same construction as the first applicator 26a, although it can also be of a (substantially) different construction. In the interest of a compact disclosure, details of the second inductor 26b will not be described in detail. The second applicator 26b is shown without a sensor (such as sensor 4 of the first applicator 26a). The second applicator 26b can optionally also have such a sensor.

[0149] The main unit 5 shown in Fig. 1, which can, for example, be a floor-standing cabinet on wheels, accommodates a power supply (not shown in Fig. 1) for the first inductor 3 and the second inductor 9. To this end, the first inductor 3 and the second inductor 9 are connected, via electric leads 6, to suitable electrical connectors 7 or connection points 7 of main unit 5. For example, electric leads 6 can be equipped with mating connectors so that they can be releasably connected to main unit 5. Alternatively, electric leads 6 can be substantially permanently attached to main unit 5, i.e. hardwired to main unit 5, at electrical connection points 7. Main unit 5 also has suitable connectors 7 or connection points 7 so that an electrical connection can also be established to sensor 4, again via electric leads 6. The entire length of electric leads 6 is only shown for the second inductor 9. In the interest of a clear illustration, only part of the length of electric leads 6 for the first inductor 3 and sensor 4 have been shown in Fig. 1.

[0150] Whilst first and second applicators 26a, 26b are shown in Fig. 1, embodiments are also possible without the second applicator 26b.

[0151] Fig. 2 schematically shows an enlarged view of an inductor assembly 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The inductor assembly 1 again comprises a first applicator 26a and a second applicator 26b. Several details of the system shown in Fig. 1 are not shown in Fig. 2, such as electric leads 6, main unit 5 and body part 11. Instead, a magnetic field line 10 is shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 2 illustrates a scenario in which there is positive interference between the magnetic fields respectively generated by first inductor 3 and second inductor 9. Only one such magnetic field line 10 is shown in Fig. 2, but the general nature or shape of other magnetic field lines 10 (or of the magnetic field as a whole) will be known to those skilled in the art in the case of positive interference as between the first inductor 3 and the second inductor 9.

[0152] Using sensor 4, at least one property of a magnetic field prevailing at or near the location of the sensor 4 can be measured, as described above.119211P1286PC 21.01.2026

[0153] Whilst Fig. 2 shows a first applicator 26a with a first inductor 3 and a sensor 4, and a second applicator 26b with a second inductor 9, this is not the only constellation of the present disclosure. Firstly, as already noted, the second applicator 26b with its second inductor 9 could be omitted. In this case, sensor 4 could measure a property of the magnetic field generated by the first inductor 3, as well as any other contribution to the overall magnetic field at or near the location of sensor 4, such as due to the Earth's magnetic field. Secondly, with the second applicator 26b present, sensor 4 could measure the at least one property of the magnetic field generated by the second inductor 9, without the first inductor 3 being energised. Thirdly, the second applicator 26b could also be equipped with a sensor such as sensor 4. Fourthly, the second inductor 9 - without being energised - could be used to measure a property of the magnetic field generated by the first inductor 3, as well as any other contribution to the overall magnetic field at or near the location of the second inductor 9, such as due to the Earth's magnetic field. In this case, the second inductor 9 would effectively perform the function of a sensor. And fifthly, the first inductor 3 - without being energised - could be used to measure a property of the magnetic field generated by the second inductor 9, as well as any other contribution to the overall magnetic field at or near the location of the first inductor 3, such as due to the Earth's magnetic field. In this case, the first inductor 3 would effectively perform the function of a sensor. In these last two cases, a dedicated sensor such as sensor 4 would not be needed, i.e. both the first applicator 26a and the second applicator 26b could be equipped respectively with the first inductor 3 and the second inductor 9, but not contain any other, dedicated sensor such as sensor 4.

[0154] Fig. 3 schematically shows an inductor assembly 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The components shown in Fig. 3 are the same as in Fig. 2. However, according to the scenario shown in Fig. 3, the first inductor 3 and the second inductor 9 are operated in such a way that the magnetic fields respectively generated by the first inductor 3 and the second inductor 9 show negative interference as illustrated by magnetic field lines 10, in particular in a region between the first inductor 3 and second inductor 9. This could be achieved simply by reversing the connections of one of the inductors 3, 9 at the main unit 5.

[0155] Fig. 4 schematically shows an inductor assembly 1 of the present disclosure as part of an overall system for use in electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body. This can be the same system as the system of Fig. 1. However, in Fig. 4, various details have been omitted whilst internal components of main unit 5 are shown. In particular, of the first119211P1286PC 21.01.2026

[0156] applicator 26a, only the first inductor 3 and sensor 4 are shown, and the second applicator 26b is not illustrated.

[0157] In the example of Fig. 4, the main unit 5 accommodates a power supply 12 for the first inductor 3, a controller or control unit 13 comprising a processor or processing unit 14, an acoustic output device such as loudspeaker 15, a display 16, a memory device or memory 17 and an electrical connector 28 or connection point 28. In variants not specifically illustrated, one, two or three of the acoustic output device 15, display 16, memory 17 and connector or connection point 28 could be omitted.

[0158] The system shown in Fig. 4 works as follows. The control unit 13 causes the power supply 12 to supply power to first inductor 3. Sensor 4 measures at least one property of the magnetic field prevailing at or near sensor 4, including the magnetic field generated by the first inductor 3. The measurement result from sensor 4 is made available via the electric leads 6 and is fed back, via connection points 7, to control unit 13.

[0159] The control unit 13 may be configured to carry out certain actions on receiving (and in dependence upon) the measurement result from sensor 4. These include:

[0160] a) Comparing the output from sensor 4 with an expected result. If a discrepancy between the expected result and the output from the sensor 4 exceeds a particular threshold, the control unit 13 can cause the acoustic output device 15 to emit a warning sound or similar. Such a discrepancy may be due to a malfunction, the presence of magnetic or magnetisable material in the vicinity of the first inductor 3 or sensor 4, interference from an external magnetic field, unsuitable settings applied to the system, and similar.

[0161] b) Making the output from sensor 4 or the comparison with an expected result available via display 16 or via electrical connector 28 or connection point 28. In both cases a) and b), the objective may be to inform or alert an operator.

[0162] c) Controlling the power supply 12 so as to cause the supply of power to the first inductor 3 to be increased, reduced or interrupted.

[0163] d) Storing data indicative of the measurement result in memory 17. The stored data can later be used, for example to control the power supply 12.119211P1286PC 21.01.2026

[0164] In a variant, the display 16 could be replaced with any other human-machine interface that is arranged to make the output from sensor 4 or the comparison with an expected result available to a user.

[0165] Fig. 5 schematically shows a sensor 4 for use in an inductor assembly 1 of the present disclosure. In this example, the sensor 4 does not have a single sensor element (such as a measurement coil) but three sensor elements 25, each oriented at 90° to one another. In this way, at least one property of the prevailing magnetic field can be measured in all three Cartesian directions. The sensor elements 25 do not necessarily have to be oriented at right angles to one another. Further, one sensor element 25 could be omitted if measurements are to be carried out only in two Cartesian directions. The sensor elements 25 can again be search or measuring coils or any other type of magnetic sensor described herein. Further, the sensor elements 25 do not necessarily have to be of the same type.

[0166] Fig. 6 schematically shows an inductor assembly 1 of the present disclosure as part of an overall system for use in electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body. Fig. 6 illustrates an example of how the first applicator 26a and the second applicator 26b (and therefore also the first inductor 3 and the second inductor 9) can be connected to the main unit 5 from a mechanical point of view. Any electrical connections are not illustrated. Each applicator 26a, 26b can be attached to the main unit 5 via a movable arm 18. In Fig. 6, each movable arm 18 has three members 19, the first member 19 being fixed to main unit 5. Each member 19 is movable relative to a neighbouring member 19 via a joint 20. Each of the applicators 26a, 26b is also joined to the movable arm 18 via a joint 20.

[0167] Each joint 20 is equipped with a detector 21 which is configured to detect the orientation of the two components that are connected via the respective joint 20, i.e. either two members 19 or one of the applicators 26a, 26b and a member 19 of movable arm 18. With the length of the members 19 known, the system can determine, based on the information from the detectors 21 , how the first and second applicators 26a, 26b are positioned and oriented with respect to one another.

[0168] Knowledge of the position and orientation of the first and second applicator 26a, 26b (or the first and second inductors 3, 9 can be used in the following way. As has been explained in relation to Fig. 2 and 3, measurements can be performed (and recorded in memory 17, see Fig. 4) using the sensor 4 and / or one or both inductors 3, 9. This can be done for several positions and orientations of the applicators 26a, 26b relative to one another, and also with119211P1286PC 21.01.2026

[0169] one or both inductors 3, 9 energised or not energised. In this way, a picture can be built of the magnetic field.

[0170] Fig. 7 schematically shows an inductor assembly 1 of the present disclosure as part of an overall system for use in electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body. The embodiment shown in Fig. 7 can be regarded as a variant of the embodiment shown in Fig.

[0171] 6. In Fig. 7, the first applicator 26a is connected to main unit 5 in the same way as has been described in relation to Fig. 6. However, the second applicator 26b is not directly connected to main unit 5. Instead, it is connected to the first applicator 26a via a movable arm 18. Each joint 20 is again equipped with a suitable detector 21 so that the position and orientation of the two applicators 26a, 26b can again be determined from the output of these detectors 21.

[0172] Fig. 8 schematically shows an inductor assembly 1 of the present disclosure as part of an overall system for use in electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body. The embodiment shown in Fig. 8 can be regarded as a variant of the embodiment shown in Fig.

[0173] 6. However, in the embodiment of Fig. 8, the first applicator 26a is not connected to main unit 5 via a movable arm - for many purposes, the position and / or orientation of the applicators 26a, 26b with respect to the main unit 5 is immaterial. Instead, the first applicator 26a is connected to main unit 5 via a (flexible) cable 6. In the embodiment of Fig. 8, the first and second applicators 26a, 26b are connected to one another via a telescopically movable arm 18 comprising two members 22 which can be telescopically moved with respect to one another. One or more detectors (not illustrated) can again be provided in order to detect to what extent the telescopically movable arm 18 is extended or retracted and / or to what extent the telescopically movable members 22 are rotated relative to one another, thereby inferring the position and / or orientation of the applicators 26a, 26b relative to one another. This detector could be integrated into one of the telescopically movable members 22.

[0174] Fig. 9 schematically shows an inductor assembly 1 of the present disclosure as part of an overall system for use in electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body. The embodiment shown in Fig. 9 can be regarded as a variant of the embodiment shown in Fig.

[0175] 8. However, in the embodiment of Fig. 9, the second applicator 26b is also not connected to main unit 5 or to the first applicator 26a via a movable arm. Instead, it is connected to main unit 5 via a (flexible) cable 6 - similar to the way in which the first applicator 26a is connected to main unit 5. As an alternative, the second applicator 26b could be connected to the first applicator 26a via a (flexible) cable 6. In order to determine the position and / or orientation of the first and second applicator 26a, 26b to one another, a camera or other119211P1286PC 21.01.2026

[0176] suitable detector 23 is provided, for example on main unit 5. The camera or other detector 23 could also be provided elsewhere, for example on one of the applicators 26a, 26b, and more than one such detector 23 could be provided. Suitable markings such as a QR code or similar could be provided on the applicators 26a, 26b, in order to enable detector 23 to detect their position and / or orientation.

[0177] Fig. 10 schematically shows an inductor assembly 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment of Fig. 10, the inductor assembly 1 comprises a first applicator 26a, substantially as described above. The first inductor 3 is not illustrated. The inductor assembly 1 of Fig. 10 is provided with a moving mechanism 24 so that the position and / or orientation of sensor 4 with respect to housing 2 (and therefore also with respect to the first inductor 3, not shown) can be varied. In the example illustrated in Fig.

[0178] 10, the sensor 4 is mounted within a holder 27, and the position and / or orientation of holder 27 with respect to housing 2 can be varied, for example manually, by moving mechanism 24, which can comprise a rod attached to holder 27, as well as a handle, external to housing 2, attached to this rod. The combination of rod and handle can be moved as indicated by the double-headed arrows, for example left / right, up / down and clockwise / anticlockwise, in order to cause a corresponding movement of holder 27 with sensor 4. Several detents can be provided so as to ensure that the moving mechanism 24 can be manipulated between certain, discreet positions. Knowledge about the position of moving mechanism 24 can again be fed to control unit 13. The position of moving mechanism 24 can be detected by a suitable detector (not shown).

[0179] Fig. 11 shows a flow chart illustrating a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. After the start 30 of the method, an inductor assembly 1 is provided in step 31. The inductor assembly 1 comprises a housing 2 and a first inductor 3 arranged in the housing 2 for generating a magnetic field for use in electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body. The inductor assembly 1 also has a sensor 4 in or on the housing 2 for measuring at least one property of a magnetic field prevailing at or near the location of the sensor 4 and to provide an output indicative of a measurement result of said at least one measured property. In step 32, using the sensor 4, at least one property of a magnetic field prevailing at or near the location of the sensor 4 is measured. In step 33, the sensor 4 provides an output indicative of a measurement result of the at least one measured property. The method can then end at step 34.

[0180] While at least one example embodiment of the present invention has been described above, it has to be noted that a great number of variations thereto exist. Furthermore, it is to be119211P1286PC 21.01.2026

[0181] appreciated that the described example embodiments only illustrate non-limiting examples of how the present invention can be implemented and that it is not intended to limit the scope, the application or the configuration of the apparatuses and methods described herein. Rather, the preceding description will provide the person skilled in the art with instructions for implementing at least one example embodiment of the invention, whereby it has to be understood that various changes in the functionality and the arrangement of the elements of the example embodiment can be made without deviating from the subjectmatter defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. The features described herein or shown in the drawings may be combined with any other features described herein or shown in the drawings in any manner, unless expressly excluded or technically impossible. Similarly, the features described primarily in connection with one aspect disclosed herein may also represent features of other aspects disclosed herein. In addition, all aspects and features disclosed herein are to be regarded as aspects of the present invention, either individually or in combination.119211P1286PC 21.01.2026

[0182] List of reference signs 1 inductor assembly

[0183] 2 housing

[0184] 3 first inductor

[0185] 4 sensor

[0186] 5 main unit

[0187] 6 electric leads

[0188] 7, 28 electric connectors or connection points 8 handle

[0189] 9 second inductor

[0190] 10 magnetic field lines

[0191] 11 body part

[0192] 12 power supply

[0193] 13 control unit

[0194] 14 processor

[0195] 15 acoustic output device, loudspeaker

[0196] 16 display

[0197] 17 memory device

[0198] 18 movable arm

[0199] 19 member

[0200] 20 joint

[0201] 21 detector

[0202] 22 telescopically moving members

[0203] 23 detector / camera

[0204] 24 moving mechanism

[0205] 25 sensor elements

[0206] 26a, 26b first applicator, second applicator

[0207] 27 holder

[0208] 30 - 34 method steps

[0209] 101 capacitor

[0210] 102 inductor

[0211] 103 thyristor

[0212] 104 diode

[0213] 105 first branch

[0214] 106 second branch

[0215] 107 voltage source

[0216] 108 switch

Claims

119211P1286PC 21.01.2026CLAIMS1. An inductor assembly for use in electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body, the inductor assembly comprising:a housing;a first inductor arranged in the housing for generating a magnetic field for use in the electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body; anda sensor in or on the housing for measuring at least one property of a magnetic field prevailing at or near the location of the sensor and to provide an output indicative of a measurement result of said at least one measured property.

2. The inductor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the property to be measured is one or more of magnetic field strength, magnetic flux density, magnetic dipole moment, direction of the magnetic field or relative change of the magnetic field.

3. The inductor assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein:a position of the sensor with respect to the first inductor is substantially fixed, in particular substantially permanently or temporarily fixed, orthe position of the sensor with respect to the first inductor is variable, in particular within a predefined range.

4. The inductor assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the position and / or orientation of the sensor is substantially fixed or can be fixed in one or more of a limited number of predefined positions and / or orientations, in particular with respect to the environment, the remainder of the inductor assembly and / or the first inductor.

5. The inductor assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the position and / or orientation of the sensor can be fixed in a limited number of predefined positions and / or orientations, in particular with respect to the environment, the remainder of the inductor assembly and / or the first inductor.

6. The inductor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a second inductor, in particular wherein:29119211P1286PC 21.01.2026- the position of the second inductor with respect to the first inductor and / or the sensor is substantially fixed, in particular substantially permanently or temporarily fixed, or- the position of the second inductor with respect to the first inductor and / or the sensor is variable, in particular within a predefined range.

7. The inductor assembly according to claim 6, wherein the first and second inductors are arranged to generate respective first and second magnetic fields in order to result in a combined magnetic field, wherein the first and second inductors are arranged to generate the respective first and second magnetic fields in such a way that:- in at least one location, in particular in several locations, in particular in a region between the first and second inductors, the first and second magnetic fields show negative interference, or- in at least one location, in particular in several locations, in particular in a region between the first and second inductors, the first and second magnetic fields cancel each other out, or- the first and second magnetic fields do not show any negative interference in a region between the first and second inductors, or- the first and second magnetic fields do not show any negative interference.

8. The inductor assembly according to claim 6 or 7, wherein:- the first and second inductors are connected to one another via at least one movable arm, in particular wherein the inductor assembly comprises at least one detector for detecting a position of the at least one movable arm in order to infer a position of the first and second inductors relative to one another, or- wherein the inductor assembly comprises a detector, in particular a camera, to detect a position of the first and second inductors relative to one another.

9. The inductor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising at least one of:- circuitry for making the output or a processed version thereof, in particular a signal, in particular an alert signal or a warning message, available at an interface, in particular at a human-machine interface, or- a controller for controlling a power supply to the first inductor and / or, if provided, the second inductor, as a function of the output, in particular for increasing, reducing or interrupting said power supply, or- a memory for storing the output or a processed version thereof.30119211P1286PC 21.01.202610. The inductor assembly according to claim 9, further comprising a processing unit or circuitry for comparing the output with an expected result in order to generate a comparison result;wherein the inductor assembly is arranged to issue the signal, in particular the alert signal or warning message, in dependence upon the comparison result,in particular wherein the inductor assembly is arranged to determine that a malfunction or an unfavourable or potentially dangerous operating condition has occurred when the comparison result indicates that a discrepancy between the output and the expected result exceeds a threshold, in particular a predetermined or adjustable threshold.

11. The inductor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the sensor comprises at least one of:- a magnetometer- one or more, in particular three, search coils or measuring coils- one or more, in particular three, Hall sensors.

12. The inductor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the inductor assembly comprises a flexible cable or a movable arm by which the inductor assembly is connected or can be connected to a main unit comprising a power supply.

13. The inductor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the housing is made from a substantially rigid or non-deformable material.

14. A method of performing a measurement using an inductor assembly, the inductor assembly being for use in electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body, the inductor assembly comprising:a housing;a first inductor arranged in the housing for generating a magnetic field for use in the electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body; anda sensor in or on the housing for measuring at least one property of a magnetic field prevailing at or near the location of the sensor and to provide an output indicative of a measurement result of said at least one measured property;wherein the method comprises:119211P1286PC 21.01.2026measuring, using the sensor, at least one property of a magnetic field prevailing at or near the location of the sensor; andthe sensor providing an output indicative of a measurement result of said at least one measured property.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising varying a position of the sensor with respect to the first inductor, in particular within a predefined range.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, the inductor assembly further comprising a second inductor, the method further comprising varying a position of the second inductor with respect to the first inductor and / or the sensor, in particular within a predefined range.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising operating the first and second inductors in such a way that:- in at least one location, in particular in several locations, in particular in a region between the first and second inductors, the first and second magnetic fields show negative interference, or- in at least one location, in particular in several locations, in particular in a region between the first and second inductors, the first and second magnetic fields cancel each other out, or- the first and second magnetic fields do not show any negative interference in a region between the first and second inductors, or- the first and second magnetic fields do not show any negative interference.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, further comprising determining the position of the first and second inductors relative to one another.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, further comprising at least one of:- making the output or a processed version thereof, in particular an alert signal or a warning message, available at an interface, in particular at a human-machine interface, or- controlling a power supply to the first inductor and / or, if provided, the second inductor, as a function of the output, in particular increasing, reducing or interrupting said power supply, or- storing the output or a processed version thereof in a memory.119211P1286PC 21.01.202620. The method according to claim 19, further comprising comparing the output with an expected result in order to generate a comparison result;issuing the signal or the alert signal or the warning message in dependence upon the comparison result,optionally further comprising determining that a malfunction or an unfavourable or a potentially dangerous operating condition has occurred when the comparison result indicates that a discrepancy between the output and the expected result exceeds a threshold, in particular a predetermined or adjustable threshold.

21. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the method is carried out as a preparation for a therapeutic treatment of a human or animal body, in particular in order to establish whether a particular setup including the inductor assembly and / or parameters of use, in particular settings of a power supply of the assembly, in particular a voltage applied to the inductor assembly, satisfy certain conditions, in particular so as to determine whether using the particular setup and / or chosen parameters will be considered safe and / or effective for the therapeutic treatment of the human or animal body.

22. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein the method is carried out without any human or animal body being present for treatment.

23. An inductor assembly for use in electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body, the inductor assembly comprising:a first housing;a first inductor arranged in the first housing for generating a first magnetic field for use in the electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body;a second housing; anda second inductor arranged in the second housing for generating a second magnetic field for use in the electromagnetic treatment of the human or animal body; wherein the first inductor is arranged to measure at least one property of the second magnetic field prevailing at or near the location of the second inductor and to provide an output indicative of a measurement result of said at least one measured property.

24. The inductor assembly according to claim 23, further comprising at least one of:33119211P1286PC 21.01.2026- circuitry for making the output or a processed version thereof, in particular a signal, in particular an alert signal or a warning message, available at an interface, in particular at a human-machine interface, or- a controller for controlling a power supply to the first inductor and / or the second inductor, as a function of the output, in particular for increasing, reducing or interrupting said power supply, or- a memory for storing the output or a processed version thereof.

25. The inductor assembly according to claim 24, further comprising a processing unit or circuitry for comparing the output with an expected result in order to generate a comparison result;wherein the inductor assembly is arranged to issue the signal, in particular the alert signal or warning message, in dependence upon the comparison result,in particular wherein the inductor assembly is arranged to determine that a malfunction or an unfavourable or potentially dangerous operating condition has occurred when the comparison result indicates that a discrepancy between the output and the expected result exceeds a threshold, in particular a predetermined or adjustable threshold.34

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