Two-part pulsed electromagnetic field applicator for application of therapeutic energy

Abstract

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) apparatuses and methods of making and using them. In particular, described herein are two-part PEMF apparatuses that include a self-contained, lightweight, small, compact (e.g., in some variations, wearable) generator unit that is adapted to releasably and replaceably mate with an applicator unit. The generator unit typically includes a power source and a controller that generated PEMF waveforms to be applied, including the shape and timing of the PEMF waveforms. The applicator unit typically includes a radio frequency (RF) power amplifier, a loop antenna, and impedance matching circuitry for matching the impedances for the connection between the antenna loop and the RF power amplifier. Thus, the generator module may control the application of PEMF signals without requiring impedance matching between the separable generator unit and the applicator unit. The applicator unit can include a plurality of variable capacitors that can be used to tune the PEMF signals.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A modular apparatus for applying pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) energy to a subject, the apparatus comprising:
 a generator unit including a signal generator configured to generate a PEMF waveform and a first connector; and   an applicator unit including
 a second connector adapted to mate with the first connector, 
 a radio frequency (RF) power amplifier adapted to receive waveform information from the generator unit though the second connector and generate PEMF signals therefrom, 
 a loop antenna connected to the RF power amplifier and adapted to deliver the PEMF signals to the subject wearing the applicator unit, 
 impedance matching circuitry configured to match the impedance between the RF power amplifier and the loop antenna; 
   wherein the generator unit is configured to releasably connect to the applicator unit to drive transmission of PEMF signals from the applicator unit based on the PEMF waveforms.