An instrument for locating particular cutaneous points caused by viscero-vascular reflex

摘要

990,296. Diagnostic apparatus. TATEISI DENKI KABUSHIKIKAISHA. Sept. 11, 1962 [Sept. 27, 1961], No. 34714/62. Heading A5K. An instrument for comparing the impedance of skin of a patient under heat with the impedance of normal skin in order to locate cutaneous points caused by the viscerovascular reflex, comprises indifferent and explorer electrodes 5, 6 for contacting the skin under test, a circuit 4 simulating a normal skin layer with respect to impedance or including a normal skin layer, a circuit for comparing the impedance of the skin under test with the impedance of the normal skin layer or the skinsimulating circuit and a source of alternating current. The circuit 4 and the skin under test between the electrodes 5, 6 are disposed in arms of a bridge circuit which also includes equal fixed resistances r1, r11. Alternating current from an oscillator 7 is supplied to the bridge circuit. When the bridge becomes unbalanced due to the differing impedances of the normal skin or skin-simulating circuit and the skin under test, the degree of unbalance is indicated by headphones 13 or a speaker, or an ammeter 12. The circuit is housed in a casing 14 having at one end the indifferent electrode 5 for grasping by the patient and at the other end the explorer electrode 6. The explorer electrode includes a roller portion 6 1 , which in use contacts a relatively large skin area and is used in finding the general area in which the cutaneous points sought are located, and a pointed portion 6 2 , which contacts smaller skin areas and is used for locating the individual cutaneous points. An alternative direct current source may be used with the roller portion of the explorer electrode. Two circuits (Fig. 4, not shown) simulating the impedance of the skin may be arranged in parallel in the bridge circuit, one being connected in circuit when the roller portion of the explorer electrode is used and the other being in circuit when the pointed portion is used, the two circuits correcting for the capacitance of the roller portion and the pointed portion, respectively.