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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Digital electronic bone growth stimulator

Patent ·
OSTI ID:46302

A device is described for stimulating bone tissue by applying a low level alternating current signal directly to the patient`s skin. A crystal oscillator, a binary divider chain and digital logic gates are used to generate the desired waveforms that reproduce the natural electrical characteristics found in bone tissue needed for stimulating bone growth and treating osteoporosis. The device, powered by a battery, contains a switch allowing selection of the correct waveform for bone growth stimulation or osteoporosis treatment so that, when attached to the skin of the patient using standard skin contact electrodes, the correct signal is communicated to the underlying bone structures. 5 figs.

Research Organization:
Westinghouse Savannah River Co
DOE Contract Number:
AC09-89SR18035
Assignee:
Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
Patent Number(s):
US 5,413,596/A/
Application Number:
PAN: 8-158,290
OSTI ID:
46302
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English