Mind Control or Therapy? Exploring the Controversial Electrophysiological Stimulation Device.
The patent US4227516A describes an apparatus designed for the electrophysiological stimulation of a patient, primarily to induce various states of consciousness such as sleep, relaxation, or heightened awareness. The device achieves this through the use of repetitive stimuli while isolating the patient from external influences like sight and sound. The electrical stimulation is delivered as a modulated wave targeting different brainwave frequencies, including delta, theta, alpha, and beta, which correspond to different mental states. Additionally, two sources of audio stimulation accompany the electrical stimulation: one is a sinusoidal tone synchronized with the electrical impulses, and the other is derived from sound recordings, potentially including hypnotic suggestions.
The invention builds upon prior patents that used similar methods of electrical stimulation to alter brainwave activity for therapeutic purposes. These prior methods involved passing electrical pulses through the brain, with one patent specifically simulating the presence of a hypnotherapist through recorded speech. The current apparatus, however, offers an improved mechanism by which different mental states can be induced through carefully synchronized electrical and audio stimuli.
The apparatus functions by superimposing electrical impulses on the brain's existing electrical activity, gradually dominating and altering the patient’s state of awareness. Depending on the frequency of the impulses, the apparatus can induce states ranging from deep sleep to heightened awareness or even agitation. The system is designed to be used in a controlled environment, where the patient is insulated from external stimuli, allowing the device to precisely manipulate brainwave patterns to achieve the desired mental state.
The device is powered by a self-contained rechargeable 12-volt battery to ensure patient safety and eliminate the risk of electrocution. It includes a variety of controls for adjusting the frequency and shape of the electrical impulses, as well as the volume and modulation of the accompanying audio stimuli. The apparatus can be used for various therapeutic applications, including the treatment of psychosomatic disorders, the induction of hypnosis, and the enhancement of concentration or relaxation.
Technical Details
The core of the device is built around astable multivibrator circuits that generate the necessary square waves for electrical stimulation and modulate audio tones. The patent provides detailed circuit diagrams, including components like transistors, capacitors, resistors, diodes, and potentiometers, which control various aspects of the stimuli delivered to the patient.
This invention represents an advanced method of manipulating human consciousness through carefully controlled and synchronized electrical and audio stimuli, with applications in medical, therapeutic, and potentially other fields requiring altered states of consciousness.
I found this patent very interesting as I thought you might as well. Here is the source for the informaton: US4227516A - Apparatus for electrophysiological stimulation on patents.google.com
More Patent Information
Patent US4227516A was granted on October 14, 1980, and had an anticipated expiration date of December 13, 1998. Since the status is listed as "Expired - Lifetime," the patent is no longer active.
This means that the protection it provided has expired, and the invention covered by this patent can now be freely used by others without requiring permission from the original patent holder. Therefore, the patent is not currently being enforced or used in a legal sense, as it has expired.