(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2011/0144426A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jun. 16, 2011
`Blenk et al.
`
`US 20110144426A1
`
`(54) MASSAGE DEVICE
`
`(76) Inventors:
`
`Udo Blenk, Berlin (DE); Stefan
`Stohr, Berlin (DE)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`12/999,341
`
`(22) PCT Filed:
`
`Jun. 16, 2009
`
`(86). PCT No.:
`
`PCT/DE2009/000839
`
`S371 (c)(1),
`(2), (4) Date:
`
`Feb. 28, 2011
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Jun. 16, 2008 (DE) ...................... 10 2008 O28 717.2
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`A6DF 5/00
`(2006.01)
`A6IH I/00
`(52) U.S. Cl. ............................................. 600/38; 601/46
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`The invention relates to a massage device comprising an
`essentially cylindrical housing, with electromechanical
`means arranged in the housing for generating mechanical
`vibrations, along with electronic means arranged in the hous
`ing for activating the means for generating mechanical vibra
`tions, and with a power Source, connected to the means for
`generating mechanical vibrations and the electromechanical
`means, wherein the means for generating mechanical vibra
`tions comprise at least one coil element and at least one
`ferromagnetic core arranged parallel or coaxial with the coil
`element and movably guided parallel to the cylinder axis,
`characterized in that the core has a mass m1, the mass ratio
`m1:m2 of which to the total mass m2 of the massage device is
`in the range from 1:100 to 1:3.
`
`Exhibit 1030 - Page 1 of 7
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jun. 16, 2011
`
`US 2011/O144426A1
`
`
`
`MO
`
`
`
`
`
`ND CO ... IN
`
`I-III
`
`RSNYSSS
`
`V
`
`f
`
`Exhibit 1030 - Page 2 of 7
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`

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`US 2011/0144426 A1
`
`Jun. 16, 2011
`
`MASSAGE DEVICE
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`0001. The invention relates to a massage device, in par
`ticular for sexual stimulation, comprising an essentially
`cylindrical housing, with electromechanical means arranged
`in the housing for generating mechanical vibrations, along
`with electronic means arranged in the housing for activating
`the means for generating mechanical vibrations and with a
`power Source, connected to the means for generating
`mechanical vibrations and the electronic means, wherein the
`means for generating mechanical vibrations comprise at least
`one coil element and at least one ferromagnetic core arranged
`parallel or coaxial with the coil element and movably guided
`parallel to a cylinder axis of the housing. Furthermore, the
`invention relates to the use of Such a massage device for
`sexual stimulation.
`
`PRIOR ARTAND BACKGROUND OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`0002 Massage devices for sexual stimulation are for
`instance known from the documents U.S. Pat. No. 3,991,751
`and U.S. Pat. No. 4,377,692. These are essentially devices
`replicating the shape and appearance of a male phallus, com
`prising means integrated therein for generating mechanical
`vibrations.
`0003. In the insofar known massage devices, the means for
`generating mechanical vibrations typically comprise an elec
`tric motor, on the shaft of which a vibration element with an
`unbalanced mass is attacked. Thereby, by rotation of the
`electric motor, a vibration is generated usually extending
`orthogonal to the longitudinal extension of the housing, since
`the shaft of the electric motor is arranged parallel to the
`housing axis. In the insofar known massage devices, vibra
`tions with relatively high frequency and with low amplitude
`are produced. Further, a disturbing noise with the frequency
`of the vibrations occurs in most cases. All this is disadvanta
`geous for the use of the massage device, since this will be
`regarded as rather annoying.
`0004 Massage devices of the type of construction men
`tioned above are for instance known from the documents DE
`29913641 U1, DE 2310862 A and DE 19615557 A1. In the
`first document above, the means for generating mechanical
`vibrations are loudspeaker elements, the loudspeaker axis of
`which is parallel to or coaxial with the cylinder axis of the
`housing. Because of the use of loudspeakers, the generated
`vibrations have a relatively high frequency with minimum
`amplitude in the direction of the cylinder axis. In the subject
`matter of the DE 19615557, only a front end of the housing is
`set into vibrations and not the complete housing. Thus, the
`massage effect is rather low. In the subject matter of the
`document DE 2310862, the direction of the vibrations is not
`clear.
`0005 For massage devices for the above purposes, it is
`generally desirable that on the one hand the massage device
`itself vibrates as a whole, that on the other hand these vibra
`tions have a relatively high amplitude, and finally that the
`vibrations take place in the directions parallel to the housing
`axis of the cylindrical housing, since this results in an appre
`
`ciably improved massage effect. Further, it is desirable that
`Such a massage device can be operated very silently, prefer
`ably practically inaudibly.
`
`TECHNICAL OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
`0006. It is therefore the technical object of the invention to
`specify a massage device, which as a whole carries out vibra
`tions of relatively high amplitude in the directions parallel to
`the housing axis, and with a low frequency and practically
`noiseless at that.
`
`BASICS OF THE INVENTION AND PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`0007 For achieving this technical object, the invention
`teaches that the core has a mass m1, the mass ratio m1:m2 of
`which to the total mass m2 of the massage device is in the
`range from 1:100 to 1:3.
`0008. By dimensioning the mass ratios according to the
`invention, it is on the one hand achieved that the massage
`device, caused by its inertia, will as a whole carry out a
`vibration in the directions parallel to the cylinder axis of the
`housing, and with a substantial amplitude at that. Further
`more, the means used according to the invention for generat
`ing mechanical vibrations can be operated practically inau
`dibly and in frequency ranges being advantageous for
`massage purposes. Finally, the massage movements of a mas
`sage device according to the invention correspond to rather
`natural movements compared to prior art massage devices.
`0009. It is preferred if the mass ratio m1:m2 is in the range
`from 1:50 to 1:3, in particular 1:20 to 1:3 or 1:10 to 1:3 or 1:5.
`In these connections it is useful if the mass m1 is in the range
`from 10 to 300 g, preferably 15 to 200 g, most preferably 10
`to 100 g. For the purpose of the invention it is preferred if the
`amplitude of the cores in the directions parallel to the cylinder
`axis is in the range from 5 to 150 mm, preferably 10 to 100
`mm, most preferably 10 to 60 mm.
`0010 Further, it is preferred for the purpose of the inven
`tion if the electronic means activate the means for generating
`mechanical vibrations with a frequency in the range from 0.1
`to 50 Hz, preferably 0.1 to 20 Hz, most preferably 0.3 to 10
`HZ, in particular 0.3 to 5 or to 10 Hz.
`0011
`For all above parameters, the lower and/or upper
`limits of the different ranges of the same parameter can how
`ever also be combined in an arbitrary manner.
`0012. In principle, the means for generating mechanical
`vibrations can be freely configured. Any electro-mechanical
`linear drive, which can be controlled with regard to direction,
`amplitude and frequency according to the above parameters,
`can be used. It is preferred, however, if the means for gener
`ating mechanical vibrations comprise: a cylindrical member,
`in which the core is arranged parallel to a cylindrical member
`axis, in particular coaxial with the cylindrical member axis, at
`least one excitation coil, the coil axis of which is arranged
`coaxial with the cylindrical member and surrounds the cylin
`drical member, and one elastically deformable impact ele
`ment each at each end of the cylindrical member and in the
`interior thereof. The cylindrical member axis is essentially
`parallel or coaxial with the cylinder axis of the housing. It is
`a matter of course that the cylindrical member is suitably
`made of materials, the magnetic permeability of which is
`smaller than 10, in particular than 2. For this purpose, for
`instance materials made of organic polymers can be used, but
`also metal materials, such as for instance aluminum. The core
`
`Exhibit 1030 - Page 3 of 7
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`US 2011/0144426 A1
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`Jun. 16, 2011
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`may be just ferromagnetic, it may however also be (perma
`nently or non-permanently) magnetized. The elastically
`deformable impact elements in the interior of the cylindrical
`member and at its ends limit the amplitude of the cores and
`attenuate its impact at the ends of the cylindrical member.
`Practically all rubber-elastic materials can be used, however
`also essentially elastically deformable foams made of organic
`polymers.
`0013 Alternatively to impact elements, it may be pro
`vided that the core is Suspended in a spring-elastic manner
`about a preferably central (referred to the cylindrical mem
`ber) rest position. Both ends of the core can be connected in a
`friction-locked manner by a spring element with the ends of
`the cylindrical member. However, there may also be one
`spring element only that connects one end of the core with one
`end of the cylindrical member. Spring elements may in prin
`ciple be all springs used in the field of mechanics, tension as
`well as compression springs, for instance helical springs
`made of metal or organic/polymeric materials, but also rub
`ber-elastic bands and the like.
`0014. In a preferred embodiment, two excitation coils
`being coaxial with each other and spaced in the direction of
`the cylindrical member axis are provided. Energy is alter
`nately applied to these coils, so that the core will be attracted
`in the opposite direction from the respective end position of
`the stroke. In the case of a magnetized core, the two coils are
`Supplied with a polarity being opposed to the core.
`0015 Suitably, the cylindrical housing comprises an outer
`wall made of a physiologically compatible material. For this
`purpose, in principle all polymeric materials being usual in
`medical devices can be used, in particular also silicone plastic
`materials, latex, polyolefins and the like.
`0016. It is useful if an inner wall of the cylindrical member
`and/or an outer wall of the core has a slide coating. Thereby,
`static and sliding friction between core and inner wall of the
`cylindrical member are reduced, so that the energy demand of
`the coil is lower. For this purpose, basically all slide coatings
`being usual in mechanics can be used, wherein Suitably static
`friction coefficients of <0.2 between the sliding surfaces are
`provided. An example for Such a slide coating includes poly
`olefins and fluorinated hydrocarbons, in particular PTFE.
`Alternatively, it is of course also possible to guide the core in
`the cylindrical member by means of a linear roller bearing or
`the like. Instead of a slide coating, or additionally, conven
`tional lubricants, liquid or paste-like, can also be used.
`Among these are in particular oils and greases based on
`hydrocarbon or silicone.
`0017 Suitably, the power source is a replaceable battery or
`accumulator. In the latter case, it is recommendable that the
`electronic means additionally comprise an electronic charg
`ing device for the accumulator, whereby the accumulator of
`the massage device can be recharged after use by a conven
`tional power Supply. For this purpose, the housing includes an
`electrical plug connection for connection of the charging
`device. Alternatively to a plug connection, means for wireless
`charging can be provided, for instance an induction loop
`integrated in the massage device. For charging, the massage
`device is then introduced into a charging station, which in turn
`comprises inductive means for Supplying electrical energy.
`0018. It is further preferred, if the electronic means are
`connected with at least one control assembly, by means of
`which frequency and/or amplitude of the mechanical vibra
`tions of the core can be adjusted and controlled in steps or
`continuously. These control assemblies can be arranged in or
`
`at the massage device or in the region of an end of the housing
`or of a front face of the housing and can be intended for
`manual control. In the simplest case, these are one or several
`rotary knobs, for instance potentiometers, but also up/down
`keys and the like are possible in particular in connection with
`a processor-controlled electronic system. Alternatively it is
`however also possible that control assemblies are arranged
`spaced from the housing and connected by wires or wireless
`with the electronic means. In the latter case, a receiver is
`integrated in the housing, said receiver being provided for the
`communication with a separate transmitter, and then the
`transmitter comprises the manually operable control assem
`bly.
`0019. The term essentially cylindrical housing is not
`restricted to the exact cylindrical shape. Rather, the cross
`section may differ from the circular shape. Furthermore, the
`cylinder axis may be non-linear. Finally, at least one cylinder
`front face is preferably not plane, but rounded, and in particu
`lar for instance replicating the front end of a male phallus.
`Further, the outer surface of the housing may not only be
`Smooth, but may comprise a topography, for instance with
`regular or irregular nubs.
`0020. In the following, the invention is explained in more
`detail with reference to figures representing an example of
`execution only. There are:
`0021
`FIG. 1: an outside view of a massage device accord
`ing to the invention, partially cut open, and
`0022 FIG. 2: a schematic cross section of a vibration
`generator used according to the invention.
`0023. In FIG. 1 can be seen that the massage device com
`prises an essentially cylindrical housing 1. In the housing 1,
`electromechanical means 2 for generating mechanical vibra
`tions are arranged. Furthermore, the housing comprises elec
`tronic means 3 for activating the means 2 for generating
`mechanical vibrations. Finally, a power source 4 is provided
`in the housing 1, said power source being connected with the
`means 6 for generating mechanical vibrations and with the
`electronic means 3.
`0024. From FIG. 2 can be taken that the means 2 for
`generating mechanical vibrations comprise at least one coil
`element 5, in the example of execution with excitation coils 8,
`9, and a movably guided ferromagnetic core 6. In particular,
`a cylindrical member 7 is provided, which has a magnetic
`permeability of approx. 1, and in which the core 6 is guided
`parallel to a cylindrical member axis Z2.
`0025. A comparison of FIGS. 1 and 2 shows that the cylin
`drical member axis Z2 extends parallel to the cylindrical
`member axis Z1. Thereby, the core 6 moves parallel to the
`cylinder axis Z1 and is guided in the cylindrical member 7.
`Different from the representation of FIG. 1, the cylindrical
`member axis Z2 may also be coaxial with the cylinder axis
`Z1. From FIG. 1 can be further taken that a control assembly
`12 adapted as a rotary knob is provided at one end of the
`housing 1, by means of which the frequency and/or amplitude
`of the mechanical vibrations of the core 6 can be adjusted and
`controlled. Furthermore, an on/off switch 13 is provided.
`0026. It is a matter of course for the purpose of the inven
`tion that the cylindrical member 7 is preferably rigidly con
`nected with the housing 1. Thereby, the mechanical vibration
`of the core 6 is transferred in an optimum manner to the
`housing 1 as a whole.
`0027 Coming back to FIG. 2, it can be seen that two
`excitation coils 8, 9 being coaxial with each other and spaced
`in the direction of the cylindrical member axis Z2 are pro
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`Exhibit 1030 - Page 4 of 7
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`US 2011/0144426 A1
`
`Jun. 16, 2011
`
`vided. Furthermore, elastically deformable impact elements
`10, 11 arranged on the inner side and at each end of the
`cylindrical member 7 can be seen. In the case of a magnetized
`core 6, the two excitation coils 8, 9 are activated alternately
`and with opposed polarity by the electronic means 3. The
`impact elements 10, 11 are made for instance of a foam
`material.
`0028. A massage device according to the invention typi
`cally comprises a core 6 with a mass m1 in the range from 10
`to 300 g, in particular 15 to 200 g, preferably 20 to 80 g. The
`total mass m2 of the massage device is typically in the range
`from 100 to 1,000 g, in particular from 150 to 500 g, prefer
`ably from 200 to 400g. The electronic means 3 activate the
`means 2 for generating mechanical vibrations with a fre
`quency typically in the range from 0.3 to 5 Hz. Then, typi
`cally, the activation of the excitation coils 8, 9 occurs with a
`rectangular function or a trapezoidal function with high edge
`steepness. Thereby, high accelerations of the core 6 and
`respective counter-movements of the housing 1 are induced.
`The amplitude H of the core in the directions parallel to the
`cylinder axis is typically in the range from 5 to 150 mm. The
`amplitude H of the vibrating core 6 corresponds to the dis
`tance of the opposing Surfaces of the impact elements 10, 11
`minus the longitudinal extension of the core 6 in the direction
`of the cylindrical member axis Z2. Preferably, the amplitude
`is in the range from 20 to 80 mm.
`0029. In the following, the invention is once again
`explained in other words.
`0030 The aim of the invention is the design of a small,
`compact and mobile device that permits without mechanical
`coupling to the environment that the user can independently
`vary the movement components frequency and amplitude in
`the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped massage device.
`The massage device consists of the special device 1 that is
`accommodated in a housing that corresponds with regard to
`shape and material to the various usual vibrator housings.
`0031. It is the object of the invention to provide in a simple
`way a mobile device having the following features. Main
`components are the vibration generator and the electronic
`control system, advantageous embodiments result from the
`further explanations.
`0032. The object is essentially achieved by that the elec
`tronic control system Supplies the coils of the vibration gen
`erator temporarily with electrical energy Such that the mag
`netized armature is accelerated in Such a manner that the
`forces thus generated set the massage device into the desired
`movement and as a result act sexually stimulating. The kind
`of the repeated movement is predetermined by the user by
`control elements.
`0033. The invention is explained in more detail with ref
`erence to an example of execution shown in the annexed
`drawings.
`0034. In FIG. 1 is shown an embodiment with a conven
`tional housing of a massage device, which among others
`receives the vibration generator.
`0035 FIG. 2 shows a section of the vibration generator.
`0.036 The massage device 12 acting in a massaging man
`ner by oscillating, axial movements essentially consists of a
`housing 1, which houses in a first embodiment the vibration
`generator 2, the electronic control system 3, the control ele
`ments 12, 13 and the energy Supply 4.
`0037. The oscillating, axial movement of the massage
`device is effected, according to the invention, by the vibration
`generator 2, by that the magnetized armature 6 is accelerated
`
`in the tube 7 by the magnetic field generated by the coils 8, 9.
`The forces caused by the acceleration of the armature serve
`for generating an oscillating, axial movement of a massage
`device, by that the vibration generator 2 is attached in a
`positive-locked and friction-locked manner in the housing 1.
`0038. The vibration generator 2 consists in the shown
`embodiment of a plastic or metal tube 7 being partially closed
`at the ends, in which the magnetized armature 6 is Supported
`in an axially movable manner. In the outer regions of the tube
`7, spring-damper elements 10, 11 may be arranged, which
`promote the repeating movement of the armature about its
`rest position. The magnetized armature is accelerated by
`magnetic fields generated by the coils 8,9. These coils 8, 9 are
`disposed on the outside of the tube, as is shown in FIG. 2. The
`distance of the coils 8, 9 is variable and results from the
`dimensions of the individual components of the vibration
`generator 2. The friction of the movable armature 6 in the tube
`7 can be reduced by various usual methods, such as for
`instance by roller bearings and Teflon films. A particularly
`advantageous embodiment is that only one coil 8, 9 is
`arranged around the tube 7, which is addressed correspond
`ingly by the electronic control system. In the shown embodi
`ment, the armature 6 is a permanent magnet. An improvement
`of the device is that the magnetized armature 6 is an iron rod,
`which is magnetized by one or several Solenoids and electri
`cal energy.
`0039. By the control elements 12, 13, the user determines
`the kind of the oscillating, axial movement of the massage
`device. The electronic control system 3 activates the coils 8, 9
`of the vibration generator such that the armature 6 is acceler
`ated in a way that the generated translational movement of the
`massage device corresponds to the user settings. In the shown
`embodiment, a switch 13 for activating the device and a rotary
`knob 12 for varying the frequency or amplitude are at the
`user's disposal, as shown in FIG. 1.
`0040. By the switch 13, the circuit from the energy supply
`4 via the electronic control system 3 to the coils 8, 9 is closed,
`and by the knob 12, the frequency or amplitude, respectively,
`can be adjusted, with which the armature 6 moves about the
`rest position. A particularly advantageous improvement is
`that the user can choose from a manifold series of pre-defined
`types of movements, as described, and the electronic control
`system addresses the coils in a way that the desired types of
`movements of the massage device are automatically gener
`ated. It is advantageous that by the vibration generator 2, the
`axial movements can be varied separately in frequency and
`generated amplitude at the device 13. For this purpose, the
`electronic control system specifies the respective chronologi
`cal activation of the coils. As additional features, the massage
`device may comprise an acoustic and/or optical Switch and/or
`regulator and be provided with a remote control.
`0041. In the shown example of execution, the energy Sup
`ply consists of accumulators, which are arranged in a battery
`compartment in the housing 1, see FIG.1. An operation with
`batteries is also possible. Such as for instance commercial
`alkali batteries. The housing preferably comprises a separate
`battery reception chamber. The accumulators may either be
`removed from the battery compartment for recharging, or a
`charging device is connected by a detachable plug connection
`or the charging energy is transferred by an inductive bridge. A
`particularly advantageous improvement is that separate bat
`tery units, power Supplies or Solar cells may be assigned to the
`massage device.
`
`Exhibit 1030 - Page 5 of 7
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`US 2011/0144426 A1
`
`Jun. 16, 2011
`
`0042. The force for generating the movement of the mas
`sage device is formed in the vibration generator 2. Suitably,
`the positive-locked and friction-locked attachments of the
`vibration generator 2 are disposed at the housing 1, preferably
`by a mechanical attachment device, for instance by Screw or
`adhesive connections.
`0043. In the shown example of execution, the housing 1 is
`made of plastic, which has, with regard to the intended use as
`a massaging rod, a Sufficient rigidity. In the housing wall are
`arranged the control elements 12, 13. The energy Supply is
`Suitably accommodated in a separate battery compartment,
`which has a reclosable opening in the housing 1. In the shown
`example of execution, the battery compartment is configured
`such that every single battery 4 comprises a holder. The
`housing 1 carries the electronic control system3, in which the
`printed-circuit board is mechanically held in the interior of
`the housing. Particularly advantageous improvements are
`among others that the housing 1 a receives a conventional
`coating of a soft material, and that conventional vibrators
`(rotating unbalanced mass) are additionally included. Fur
`thermore, the energy Supply is arranged in the housing 1 Such
`that the battery compartment does not have any openings and
`thus a water-tight design is obtained.
`0044) For achieving an optimum massage result, various
`shaped pieces can be arranged on the housing 1, differing by
`the surface texture. The surface texture may be from smooth,
`slightly ribbed to nubbed and is based on commercially avail
`able designs of respective massage devices. As material for
`the shaped pieces, latex, skin-friendly silicone or any other
`soft-elastic material can be used.
`0045. To sum up, the advantages of the invention over
`prior art are listed in the following.
`0046. Some conventional devices generate vibrations of
`massage devices by arranging an (unbalanced) mass eccen
`trically to a motor-driven shaft. These usual vibrators permit
`due to the type of generation of vibrations caused by their
`construction by unbalanced masses driven by an electric
`motor only one kind of massage, which normally is based on
`movements directed radially to the longitudinal direction of
`the housing. In these devices, the movement components
`frequency and amplitude always depend from each other. The
`device presented here permits, due to the special vibration
`generator 2, an oscillating, axial movement of a massage
`device, wherein the movement components frequency and
`amplitude can be varied independently from each other. This
`permits, compared to conventional vibrators, a wide variety
`of ways of massaging.
`0047. The device presented here comprises because of the
`special vibration generator 2 a very Small and compact con
`struction and permits thus, compared to known external
`devices for generating oscillating, axial movements of dil
`does, a position-independent application, so that an optimum
`massage effect coming closest to the natural sexual move
`ments is achieved. Furthermore, the device produces little
`noise and permits the generation of most various axial move
`ment patterns.
`0048. Due to the use of the special vibration generator 2,
`the force required for the generation of a movement of the
`massage device is produced by the acceleration of the internal
`magnetized armature 6, thus a coupling of the device with the
`environment not being necessary. Some conventional devices
`generate an axial movement at the connected dildo by that
`relative displacements between a fixed point, for instance the
`bed cover or the manual fixation by the user, and the device
`
`are caused. Thus, the device presented here for the oscillating,
`axial movement of the massage rod can be used in a more
`universal way with regard to the position-independent use
`and can further more easily be handled by the user.
`0049. In particular, the invention can be defined as fol
`lows:
`0050) 1. A device 1 for the generation of oscillating, axial
`movements of a massage device, which can be used for the
`stimulation and massage of the erogenous Zones, character
`ized by following features:
`1.1 The device accommodated in a housing corresponding to
`the shape and the material of the various usual vibrator hous
`ings mainly consists of a vibration generator 2, an electronic
`control system 3, control elements 12, 13 and an energy
`Supply 4.
`1.2 The force required for the generation of an oscillating,
`axial movement of the massage device is produced by the
`vibration generator 2 by that the magnetized armature 6 is
`axially accelerated in the tube 7 by the magnetic field gener
`ated by the coil 8, 9.
`1.3 The coil(s) 8, 9 of the vibration generator is (are)
`addressed by the electronic control system 3 such that the
`generated movement of a massage device corresponds to the
`settings selected by the user by means of the control elements
`12, 13.
`2. The device as above, characterized by that for the genera
`tion of oscillating, axial movements of a massage device, a
`coil or several coils and one or several spring-damper ele
`ments 10, 11 are arranged at or in the tube 7, respectively, of
`the vibration generator 2. The tube 7 and the armature 6 have
`around orangular cross section. Inahousing 1 corresponding
`in its shape and material to the various usual vibrator hous
`ings, one or several vibration generators 2 are used.
`0051 3. The device as above, characterized by that the
`energy Supply 4 for the electronic control system 3 and the
`vibration generator 2 consists of batteries, accumulators,
`Solar cells, a power Supply or the like, which can be accom
`modated in the housing of the massage device. A charging
`device for charging the accumulator may be assigned to the
`energy Supply.
`4. The device as above, characterized by that the coil(s) 8, 9 of
`the vibration generator 2 is (are) addressed by the electronic
`control system such that the kind of the oscillating, axial
`movement of a massage device is adjusted with regard to the
`frequency, the vibration amplitude and a combination of fre
`quency and vibration amplitude with the control elements 12,
`13 or further control elements.
`5. The device as above, characterized by that the magnetized
`armature 6 is a permanent magnet or a metal rod magnetized
`by one or several coils and electrical energy.
`6. The device as above, characterized by that the electronic
`control system 3 is activated by an acoustic and/or optical
`switch and/or regulator. Operation of the device may also be
`made by a remote control.
`7. The device as above, characterized by that the coil(s) 8, 9 of
`the vibration generator 2 is (are) addressed by the electronic
`control system such that the generated oscillating, axial
`movement of a massage device is automatically adjusted
`according to the optimum frequency (for instance natural
`frequency), the maximum vibration amplitude, an energy
`optimized movement, a random movement or the like.
`
`Exhibit 1030 - Page 6 of 7
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`US 2011/0144426 A1
`
`Jun. 16, 2011
`
`1-13. (canceled)
`14. A massage device comprising:
`a cylindrical housing:
`an electromechanical arrangement disposed in the housing
`for generating mechanical vibrations;
`an electronic controller for controlling the electromechani
`cal arrangement, and a power source, electrically
`coupled to the electromechanical arrangement and the
`electronic controller, wherein the electromechanical
`arrangement includes at least one coil element and at
`least one ferromagnetic core arranged parallel or coaxial
`with the coil element and movably guidable parallel to a
`cylinder axis of the housing, wherein the core has a mass
`m1, and a mass ratio m1:m2, where m2 represents a total
`mass of the massage device, is in the range from 1:100 to
`1:3.
`15. The massage device according to claim 14, wherein the
`mass ratio m1:m2 is in the range from 1:50 to 1:3.
`16. The massage device according to claim 14, wherein the
`mass ratio m1:m2 is in the range from 1:20 to 1:3.
`17. The massage device according to claim 14, wherein the
`mass ratio m1:m2 is in the range from 1:10 to 1:3.
`18. The massage device according to claim 14, wherein the
`mass m1 is in the range from 10 to 300 g.
`19. The massage device according to claim 14, wherein the
`mass m1 is in the range from 15 to 200 g.
`20. The massage device according to claim 14, wherein the
`mass m1 is in the range from 20 to 80 g.
`21. The massage device according to claim 14, wherein the
`amplitude of the core in a direction parallel to the cylinder
`axis is in a range from 5 to 150 mm.
`22. The massage device according to claim 14, wherein the
`amplitude of the core in a direction parallel to the cylinder
`axis is in a range from 10 to 100 mm.
`23. The massage device according to claim 14, wherein the
`amplitude of the core in a direction parallel to the cylinder
`axis is in a range from 10 to 60 mm.
`24. The massage device according to claim 17, wherein the
`electronic controller activates the electromechanical arrange
`ment to generate mechanical vibrations with a frequency in
`the range from 0.1 to 50 Hz.
`
`25. The massage device according to claim 17, wherein the
`electronic controller activates the electromechanical arrange
`ment to generate mechanical vibrations with a frequency in
`the range from 0.1 to 20 Hz.
`26. The massage device according to claim 17, wherein the
`electronic controller activates the electromechanical arrang