~.
`(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`19) World Intellectual P
`rt
`~
`
`—= NATUR
`9) WorldIntellectual Propet
`=
`(10)InternationalPublication Number
`InternationalBureau
`(43) International Publication Date —
`WO 2022/122923 Al
`16 June 2022 (16.06.2022)
`WIPO! PCT
`
`(51) International Patent Classification:
`AGIN 2/02 (2006.01)
`AIF 27/28 (2006.01)
`FIOLF 27/10 (2006.01)
`AGIF 7/00 (2006.01)
`
`(21) International Application Number:
`
`PCT/EP202 1/085004
`
`(22) International Filing Date:
`09 December 2021 (09.12.2021)
`
`(25) Filing Language:
`
`(26) Publication Language:
`
`English
`
`English
`
`(30) Priority Data:
`102020000030524
`
`11 December 2020 (11.12.2020)
`
`IT
`
`(71) Applicant: EL.EN. §.P.A. [IT/IT], Via Baldanzese, 17,
`50041 Calenzano (FI) (IT).
`
`(72) Inventor: TAGLIAFERRI, Marco, c/o EL.EN. S.P.A.
`Via Baldanzcsc, 17, 50041 Calcnzano (FI) (IT).
`
`(72) Inventor: MASOTTI, Leonardo (deceased),
`
`(72) Inventors: BENI, Samuele, c/o EL.EN. S.P.A. Via Bal-
`danzese,
`17, 50041 Calenzano (FI)
`(IT). BUSCEMI,
`Calogero, c/o EL.EN. §.P.A. Via Baldanzese, 17, 50041
`Calenzano (FI) (IT).
`
`(74) Agent: MANNUCCI, Michele et al.: Via della Scala, 4,
`50123 Firenze (IT).
`
`(54) Titles APPLICATOR FOR MAGNETIC THERAPY
`
`(81) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every
`kind of national protection available): AE, AG, AL, AM,
`AO, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BH, BN, BR, BW,BY. BZ,
`CA,CII, CL, CN, CO, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DJ, DK, DM,DO,
`DZ, EC, EE, EG, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, GT, HN,
`HR, HU,ID, IL,IN, IR, IS, IT, JO, JP, KE, KG, KH, KN,
`KP, KR, KW, KZ, LA, LC, LK, LR, LS, LU, LY, MA, MD,
`ME, MG. MK, MN, MW, MX, MY, MZ, NA. NG, NL, NO,
`NZ, OM,PA, PE, PG, PH, PL, PT, QA, RO, RS, RU, RW,
`SA, SC, SD, SE, SG, SK. SL, ST, SV, SY, TH, TJ, TM. TN,
`TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VC, VN, WS, ZA, ZM, ZW.
`
`(84) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every
`kind of regional protection available): ARIPO (BW, GH,
`GM,KE, LR, LS, MW, MZ, NA, RW,SD, SL, ST, SZ, TZ,
`UG, ZM, ZW), Eurasian (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, RU,TJ,
`TM), European (AL, AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK,
`EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HR, HU,IE,IS, IT, LT, LU, LV,
`MC, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SI, SK, SM,
`TR), OAPI (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GQ, GW,
`KM,ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG).
`
`Published:
`
`— with international search report (Art. 21(3))
`
`(57) Abstract: An applicator (1) for magnetic therapy comprising a housing
`with an outer wall (21), which defines an application surface (3A) to be applied
`to a patient, and in whichat least one electrically conductive coil (13) is housed
`for generating a magnetic field. The housing comprises an outer shell (3) form-
`ing the outer wall (21) and an innershell (11) forming a seat (30) for housing
`the coil (13), wherein the inner shell (11) comprises a bottom wall (25) facing
`the outer wall (21) formed by the outer shell (3). In the housing, a refrigerating
`device (16) is provided, comprising at least one refrigerating duct (15) adapted
`to circulate a refrigerating fluid and arranged betweenthe coil (13) and the ap-
`plication surface (3A), and a gap (33) is formed between the bottom wall (25)
`of the inner shell (11) and the outer wall (21) of the outer shell (3) for thermally
`insulating the coil (13) and the application surface (3A) from each other; and
`spacing elements (35) are arranged in the thermal insulation gap (33) between
`the outer wall (21) of the outer shell (3) and the bottom wall (25) of the inner
`shell (11).
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`wo2022/122923AIIMINIINIATMITAMCEATE
`
`

`

`WO 2022/122923
`
`PCT/EP2021/085004
`
`~]-
`
`APPLICATOR FOR MAGNETIC THERAPY
`
`DESCRIPTION
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`[0001] The present invention relates to medical equipment for magnetic therapy
`
`se
`
`treatments. In more detail, the invention relates to improvements to magnetic therapy
`
`applicators.
`
`BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
`
`[9002] Devices and methods for generating magnetic pulses have been used for a
`
`long time for medical and aesthetic treatments. To this end, applicators are used, in
`
`10
`
`which electrically conductive coils are provided. Electric current, variable over time,
`
`flows in the coils and generates variable magnetic fields. By putting the applicators
`
`onto the patient’s body or close thereto, the variable magnetic fields enter the patient’s
`
`body and induceinit electric currents having an effect similar to that of electro-therapy
`
`treatments.
`
`15
`
`[0003] Magnetic field treatments may have both aesthetic and medical purposes, for
`
`example stimulating muscle in rehabilitation, or the like. Magnetic field treatments
`
`may be effectively used in medical applications such as fat reduction, thus lessening
`
`the risks connected to pre-obesity and obesity, with particular reference to the
`
`abdominal
`
`region. With reference to the medical sector again, magnetic field
`
`20
`
`treatments may be effectively used for strengthening the pelvic floor muscle in in the
`
`treatment of urinary incontinence. Magnetic therapy maybe also usedin the aesthetic
`
`sector for body shaping.
`
`[0004] The electric currents induced in biological tissues by the magnetic fields
`
`cause, among other things, neural excitation and stimulation of muscle contractions.
`
`25
`
`The intensity thereof depends on the magnetic flow density and the law of change over
`
`time of the magnetic flow.
`
`[0005] The treatment aims at achieving a muscle stimulation of such intensity,
`
`frequency and repetitions to cause a muscle supramaximal contraction, i.e. level and
`
`duration of the contraction significantly higher than the physiological ones (maximal
`
`

`

`WO 2022/122923
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`PCT/EP2021/085004
`
`2.
`
`voluntary contractions). In this way, muscle stresses and physiological workload
`
`increase, requiring the muscle to adapt to these extreme conditions by deeply sculpting
`
`its inner structure through hypertrophy and hyperplasia processes resulting in an
`
`increase of muscle volume and tone.
`
`[0006] Magnetic therapy applicators (coils) shall be therefore able to generate a
`
`pulsed magnetic field, whose single pulse shall have such a duration to induce
`
`neuromuscular stimulation. The pulse duration is typically comprised between 200 us
`
`and 300 us. Moreover, the magnetic therapy applicator (coil) shall be able to generate
`
`the pulses with such an intensity as to penetrate deeply, reaching the muscle or tissue
`
`10
`
`region to be treated, onto which neuromuscular stimulation shall be induced.
`
`[0007] Therefore, as the magnetic field intensity and spatial distribution also depend
`
`on the coil geometry, typically different coils are manufactured according to the type
`
`of region/tissue to be treated and to the depth to be achieved. In addition to achieve the
`
`neuro-stimulation threshold in the area to be treated and at the required depth, the
`
`15
`
`magnetic therapy applicator shall be also able to support the generation of magnetic
`
`field pulse sequencesof variable frequency, adapted to induce muscle supra-maximal
`
`contractions or the contractions required by the specific treatment. These contractions,
`
`and therefore the pulses generating them, shall follow defined patterns, which typically
`
`involve also changes in the magnetic field intensity, because, usually, during a same
`
`20
`
`treatment muscle contraction and relaxation phases shall alternate with one another.
`
`Typically, the maximal frequency used is approximately 150 Hz. The overall duration
`
`of the treatment, intended as sequencesof patterns of magnetic field pulses of variable
`
`frequency andintensity, typically varies from 15 minutes to 45 minutes, depending on
`
`the patient.
`
`25
`
`[0008] Magnetic therapy applicators comprise a housing with an outer wall, which
`
`defines a contact surface, i.e. an application surface to be applied to the patient. At
`
`least one electrically conductive coil
`
`is arranged in the housing for generating a
`
`magnetic field. A refrigerating device shall be associated with the applicator, in order
`
`to avoid overheating of the coil and aboveall thermal injuries to the patient. Some
`
`30
`
`applicators are therefore equipped with a fan generating a refrigerating airflow that
`
`removesheat from the applicator whilst current passes in the coil.
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`

`

`WO 2022/122923
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`PCT/EP2021/085004
`
`~3-
`
`[9009]
`
`In order to have quick results with a few treatments, the treatments shall
`
`advantageously provide for prolonged steps of supramaximal contraction and high
`
`duty cycles. This can be achieved only by applying sequences of magnetic field pulses
`
`of high intensity and frequency. Due to these prolonged phases, the coil is passed by
`
`Wt
`
`high intensity currents for most treatment time, with consequent heat generation due
`
`both to the Joule effect and the proximity effect of the magnetic field generated by the
`
`same coil.
`
`[0010] Therefore, a hindrance to the prolonged application of high currentsis the risk
`
`of burnsto the patient due to the heat generated by the coil.
`
`10
`
`[0011] US-B-10,569,095 discloses a magnetic therapy applicator comprising a
`
`housing with an outer wall, which defines an application surface to be applied to a
`
`patient, and in whichat least one electrically conductive coil is housed for generating
`
`a magnetic field. The coil is so installed in the housing that a gap is formed between
`
`the coil face facing the patient and the application surface to be applied to the patient,
`
`15
`
`and air forced circulation for heat removal is generated in this gap by a fan. This
`
`refrigerating system is poorly efficient.
`
`[0012] KR20030065126, KR102046924, CN109276812 and US2006/004244
`
`disclose further application devices. These devices are poorly efficient too as regards
`
`heat removal during treatment.
`
`20
`
`[0013] There is therefore a need to improve magnetic therapy applicators in order to
`
`allow efficient treatments in short time without the risk of thermal injuries to the
`
`patient or thermal damagesto the devices contained in the applicator.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`[0014] To this end, according to an aspect an applicator for magnetic therapy is
`
`25
`
`provided, comprising a housing with an outer wall, which defines an application
`
`surface to be applied to a patient, and in which at least one electrically conductive coil
`
`is housed for generating a magnetic field. In order to improve its features,
`
`the
`
`applicator is also provided with an outer shell forming the outer wall and constituting
`
`the application surface, and an inner shell forminga seat for housing the coil. The inner
`
`shell comprises a bottom wall facing the inner surface of the outer shell and, more
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`WO 2022/122923
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`PCT/EP2021/085004
`
`~4.
`
`precisely, facing the outer wall defining the application surface of the outer shell.
`
`[0015] A gap is advantageously formed between the bottom wall of the inner shell
`
`and the outer wall ofthe outer shell for thermally insulating the coil and the application
`
`surface from eachother.
`
`[9016] The use of an outer shell and an inner shell makes the production of the
`
`applicator simpler, as it is possible to provide, in the inner shell, the magnetic field
`
`generating components, the temperature controllers, for instance an NTC resistance or
`
`other temperature sensor, as well as, if necessary, a refrigerating device. These
`
`components may be resin-encapsulated to form a single block to be inserted in the
`
`10
`
`outer shell. Resin-encapsulation gives the coil housing the necessary mechanical
`
`stability, also ensuring adequate electrical insulation and good thermal conductivity of
`
`heat generated in the coil. The outer shell may be closed by a closing shell.
`
`[0017] Moreover, the gap between the outer wall of the outer shell forming the
`
`application surface, and the bottom wall of the inner shell constitutes an efficient
`
`15
`
`thermal barrier for reducing heat transfer from the coil to the application surface and,
`
`therefore, to the patient. In this way, very intense magnetic fields can be generated,
`
`thus making the treatment effective and quick, avoiding thermal injuries to the patient
`
`and making the treatment more pleasant.
`
`[0018] The applicator further comprises a refrigerating device.
`
`20
`
`[0019] Specifically, the refrigerating device comprises a fluid circulating system
`
`with at least one refrigerating duct adapted to circulate a refrigerating fluid, for
`
`example water. However,
`
`the refrigerating fluid is preferably an electrically low
`
`conductive fluid, in order to avoid generation of parasite currents in the coils formed
`
`by the refrigerating duct, which parasite currents are able to generate magnetic fields
`
`25
`
`opposing the variable magnetic field generated by the coil.
`
`[9020] Typically, high dielectric strength oils (generally utilized for cooling of
`
`transformers) are used, or alternatively demineralized water, wherein, during
`
`operation, conductibility control systems ensure low conductibility values.
`
`[0021] The refrigerating duct
`
`is suitably arranged between the coil and the
`
`30
`
`application surface, for more effective refrigerating of the applicator area touching the
`
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`WO 2022/122923
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`
`patient.
`
`[0022]
`
`In particular, the refrigerating duct may be arranged betweenthe coil and an
`
`outer surface of the bottom wall of the innershell, preferably in a seat or groove formed
`
`in the surface of the bottom wall facing the coil.
`
`[0023]
`
`In particularly advantageous embodiments, the refrigerating duct is spiral
`
`shaped, lying on a plane parallel to the bottom surface of the inner shell and housed in
`
`a spiral groove formed in the thickness of the bottom wall and open towardsthecoil.
`
`[0024]
`
`In alternative embodiments, ducts or channels may be provided in the
`
`thickness of the bottom wall of the inner shell, for example by additive manufacturing.
`
`10
`
`[0025]
`
`In the thermal insulation gap formed between the outer wall of the outer shell
`
`and the bottom wall of the inner shell, spacing elements are provided, which define the
`
`height of the gap, i.e. the distance between the surface of the outer wall facing the inner
`
`shell and the surface of the bottom wall of the inner shell facing the outer wall of the
`
`outer shell.
`
`15
`
`[0026]
`
`In order to reduce the contact between the outer shell and the inner shell at
`
`the gap, the spacing elements can be approximately dot-shaped,i.e., they can have the
`
`shape of prisms, cones or cylinders with a small cross section. This allows reducing
`
`conductive heat transfer between the inner shell and the outer shell by realizing a
`
`thermal break between the inner shell and the outer shell.
`
`20
`
`[0027]
`
`If the inner shell comprises a groove for housing the refrigerating duct, the
`
`spacing elements are preferably arranged at the groove, where the temperature is
`
`lowest due to the refrigerating fluid. This further reduces heat transfer.
`
`[0028] Further features and embodiments of the applicator will be described below
`
`with reference to the attached drawing.
`
`25
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
`
`[0029] The invention will be better understood by following the description below
`
`and the attached drawing, showing a non-limiting embodimentof the invention. More
`
`specifically, in the drawing:
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`

`

`WO 2022/122923
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`PCT/EP2021/085004
`
`-6-
`
`[0030] Fig. 1 is an axonometric view of an applicator;
`
`[0031] Fig. 21s an exploded side view of the applicator of Fig. 1;
`
`[0032] Fig. 3 is an exploded axonometric view;
`
`[0033] Fig. 41s an exploded sectional view;
`
`fi
`
`[0034] Fig. 5 is a cross-section of the assembled applicator according to a plane
`
`orthogonal to the application surface to be applied to the patient;
`
`[0035] Fig. 6 is an enlargementof detail VI of Fig. 5;
`
`[0036] Fig. 71s a cross-section according to VI-VII of Fig. 5; and
`
`[0037] Fig. 8 is an axonometric view of the applicator without the top covering.
`
`10
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0038] Fig. 1
`
`is an outer axonometric view of an applicator 1. In the illustrated
`
`embodiment, the applicator 1 comprises an outer shell 3, which defines the application
`
`surface to be applied to the patient, and a covering shell 5. The outer shell 3 and the
`
`covering shell 5 form a closed housingor casing, in which one or more electromagnetic
`
`15
`
`coils are provided,i.e. coils adapted to generate a magnetic field when current flows
`
`therein, and a refrigerating device. The surface of the applicator to be applied to the
`
`patient is indicated with reference number 3A and will be briefly referred to below as
`
`application surface.
`
`[0039]
`
`In the embodiment
`
`illustrated just by way of non-limiting example,
`
`the
`
`20
`
`applicator 1 comprises a handle 7 that, in this case, is an integral part of the covering
`
`shell 5.
`
`[0040] An innershell 11 is provided inside the volume formed between the outer
`
`shell 3 and the covering shell 5; the inner shell 11 forms a support for receiving a coil
`
`13, made of electrically conductive material, and a refrigerating device 16 , which in
`
`25
`
`the illustrated embodimentconsists of a refrigerating circuit configured to circulate a
`
`refrigerating liquid. In the illustrated embodiment, the refrigerating circuit comprises
`
`only onerefrigerating duct 15 forming multiple turns, as detailed below. The reference
`
`

`

`WO 2022/122923
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`PCT/EP2021/085004
`
`-7-
`
`numbers 13A, 13B (see in particular Fig. 8) indicate the power supply terminals of the
`
`coil 13, whilst the numbers 15X, 15Y indicate the inlet and outlet of the refrigerating
`
`duct 15.
`
`[0041]
`
`In the illustrated embodiment, the refrigerating duct 15 is constituted by a
`
`tube manufactured separately fromthe innershell 11 and inserted in a seat, for example
`
`a groove, provided in the bottom wall of the inner shell 11. However, different
`
`embodimentsare also possible. The bottom wall may be for example comprised of two
`
`mutually coupled components, between which the refrigerating duct 15 is formed. In
`
`further
`
`embodiments,
`
`the
`
`refrigerating duct may be
`
`formed,
`
`by
`
`additive
`
`manufacturing, in the bottom wall of the inner shell 11.
`
`[0042] The outer shell 3 comprises an outer wall 21, which defines the application
`
`surface 3A. A side wall 23 extends fromthe outer wall 21, approximately orthogonally
`
`to the application surface 3A; the side wall 23 surrounds the inner shell 11 and is
`
`coupled to the covering shell 5.
`
`15
`
`[0043] The inner shell
`
`11 has an overall approximately cylindrical shape and
`
`comprises an annular bottom wall 25, from the outer edge whereof an approximately
`
`cylindricalfirst perimeter wall 27 extends, approximately orthogonally to the bottom
`
`wall 25. An approximately cylindrical second perimeter wall 29, substantially
`
`coaxially with the first perimeter wall 27, extends from an inner edge of the bottom
`
`20
`
`wall 25.
`
`[0044] The walls 25, 27, 29 define an annular seat 30, where the coil 13 and the
`
`refrigerating device 16 are housed as described below. The coil 13 and therefrigerating
`
`device 16, i.e. the refrigerating duct 15, are advantageously resin-encapsulated in the
`
`annular seat 30. Resin-encapsulation is not shown in the attached drawing for greater
`
`25
`
`clarity.
`
`[0045] As mentioned above, in the illustrated embodimentthe refrigerating circuit
`
`constituting the refrigerating device 16 comprisesa single refrigerating duct 15, which
`
`forms a spiral,
`
`lying on a plane parallel to the bottom wall 25, and is partially
`
`embedded in the thickness of the bottom wall 25. In the illustrated embodiment, as
`
`30
`
`shownin particular in the detail of Fig. 6, a seat is provided in the inner surface of the
`
`bottom wall 25 for housing part of the refrigerating duct 15. The seat is formed by a
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`

`

`WO 2022/122923
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`PCT/EP2021/085004
`
`8.
`
`spiral-shaped groove 25A, wherethe turns 15A of the refrigerating duct 15 are housed.
`
`The thickness of the bottom wall 25 is loweralong the spiral-shaped groove 25A than
`
`in the area between adjacent turns.
`
`[0046] Configuringthe refrigerating circuit with only one spiral-shaped refrigerating
`
`duct is particularly advantageous and makes the production easy. However, further
`
`embodiments are also possible, for example with a greater number ofrefrigerating
`
`ducts, or with a matrix of refrigerating channels provided in the thickness of the bottom
`
`wall 25 and connected to an inlet and an outlet of a refrigerating fluid. The channels
`
`may be produced, for example, by additive manufacturing.
`
`10
`
`[0047]
`
`In the illustrated embodiment, the refrigerating duct 15 forms a further
`
`plurality of helical turns, which coil outside the second perimeter wall 29. The helical
`
`coils,
`
`indicated with reference number 15B, are housed in a helical groove 29A
`
`provided in the thickness of the second perimeter wall 29.
`
`[0048]
`
`In assembled condition,
`
`the bottom wall 25 and the outer wall 21 are
`
`15
`
`approximately parallel to each other and form a gap 33 (see in particular Fig. 6) for
`
`thermally insulating the coil 13 and the outer wall 21 from each other. More
`
`specifically, the gap is defined between a surface 25B ofthe bottom wall 25 facing the
`
`outer wall 21 and a surface 21A ofthe outer wall 21 facing the inner shell 11.
`
`[0049] The thickness, i.e. the height of the gap 33, is extremely small, for example
`
`20
`
`in the order of 0.5-5 mm, preferably about 0.5-1 mm. Spacing elements 35 are
`
`provided to keep the distance between the surface 25B and the surface 21A (this
`
`distance being the thickness or height of the gap 33). The spacing elements 35 are
`
`advantageously arranged in radial rows, as shownin particularin Fig.7.
`
`[0050]
`
`In order to reduce the contact between the outer shell 3 and the inner shell 11
`
`25
`
`at the gap 33, the spacing elements are, for instance, dot-shaped,i.e., they are shaped
`
`like small (for example cylindrical) bodies that extend orthogonally to the surfaces
`
`delimiting the gap 33 and have very small cross-section, for example a maximum
`
`transverse dimension equal to, or lower than, 2 mm. In case the spacing elements 35
`
`are cylindrical, the maximum transverse dimension is given by the base diameter
`
`30
`
`thereof.
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`~9.
`
`[0051] Furthermore,
`
`in the illustrated embodiment the spacing elements 35 are
`
`arranged in correspondence of the turns of the groove 25A, as clearly shown in
`
`Fig. 6A, for purposes that will be explained below.In case the refrigerating duct 15 is
`
`directly formed, for example by additive manufacturing, in the thickness of the bottom
`
`Ww
`
`wall 25 of the inner shell 11, the spacing elements 35 may be provided again in
`
`correspondence of grooves constituting the refrigerating duct.
`
`[0052] The spacing elements 35 may be madein a single piece with the outer shell 3
`
`or the inner shell 11. The spacing elements 35 are preferably integral with the inner
`
`shell 11. In this way, by producing the innershell 11 for example by molding or by
`
`additive manufacturing, it is possible to position the spacing elements 35 precisely in
`
`correspondence of the areas where the bottom wall 25 is less thick,
`
`i.e.
`
`in
`
`correspondenceof the grooves 25A.
`
`[0053]
`
`In the illustrated embodiment, inside the second perimeter wall 29 a collar
`
`41 is provided, coaxial to the walls 29 and 27. The collar 41 constitutes a centering
`
`15
`
`memberbetween the inner shell 11 and the outer shell 3. The collar 41 co-acts with a
`
`shank 43 integral with the outer shell 3. In assembled condition (Fig. 5) the shank 43
`
`is inserted inside the collar 41.
`
`[0054] With the arrangement described above,
`
`thermal
`
`insulation is provided
`
`between the inner shell 11, which houses the coil 13 generating heat, and the
`
`20
`
`application surface 3A. Thermal insulation is provided by the gap 33 filled with air,
`
`which is an effective thermal insulator. Thanks to the use of small spacing elements
`
`35, the conductive heat transfer from the coil] 13 to the application surface 3A is
`
`significantly reduced. Typically, the overall area of the contact surfaces between the
`
`outer shell and the inner shell in correspondence of the gap 33 is equal to, or lower
`
`25
`
`than 1%, and preferably equal to, or lower than 0.8% of that of the cross-section
`
`(according to plane VII-VII of Fig. 5) of the gap 33.
`
`[0055] The heat transfer between the inner shell 11 and the outer shell 3 is further
`
`reducedthanksto the fact that the spacing elements 35 are provided in correspondence
`
`of the groove 25A,i.e. where the refrigerating fluid circulating in the duct 15 flows
`
`30
`
`and therefore, the temperature of the material forming the bottom wall 25 is minimal.
`
`[0056] The above description illustrates one embodimentof an applicator according
`
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`WO 2022/122923
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`PCT/EP2021/085004
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`-10-
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`to the invention. It will be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art that many variants
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`are possible, without departing from the protective scope of the invention as defined
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`in the attached claims. The applicator may comprise, for example, more than one coil
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`generating the magnetic field and/or coils of shape other than the annular shape
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`Wt
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`illustrated in the attached drawing. The refrigerating device may be realized in
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`different way too, for example with a greater numberof distinct refrigerating ducts, or
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`ducts fluidly connected to one another and even arranged in different positions with
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`respect to whatillustrated.
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`WO 2022/122923
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`PCT/EP2021/085004
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`-ll-
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`Claims
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`L.
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`Anapplicator (1) for magnetic therapy comprising a housing with an
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`outer wall (21), which defines an application surface (3A) to be applied to a patient,
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`and in which at least one electrically conductive coil (13) is housed for generating a
`
`5
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`magnetic field; wherein:
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`the housing comprises: an outer shell (3) forming the outer wall (21); and an
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`inner shell (11) forming a seat (30) for housing the coil (13), wherein the inner shell
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`(11) comprises a bottom wall (25) facing the outer wall (21) formed by the outer
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`shell (3);
`
`10
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`in the housing,a refrigerating device (16)is provided, comprising at least one
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`refrigerating duct (15) adapted to circulate a refrigerating fluid and arranged
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`between the coil (13) and the application surface (3 A);
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`a gap (33) is formed between the bottom wall (25) of the inner shell (11) and
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`the outer wall (21) of the outer shell (3) for thermally insulating the coil (13) and
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`15
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`the application surface (3A) from each other; and
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`spacing elements (35) are arranged in the thermalinsulation gap (33) between
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`the outer wall (21) of the outer shell (3) and the bottom wall (25) of the inner shell
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`(11).
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`2.
`
`The applicator of claim 1, wherein the at least one refrigerating duct
`
`20
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`(15) in arranged in the inner shell (11) between the coil and an inner surface of the
`
`bottom wall (25) of the innershell (11).
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`3.
`
`The applicator (1) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at
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`least one
`
`refrigerating duct (15) is arranged between the coil (13) and a surface (25B) of the
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`bottom wall (25) of the inner shell (11) facing the outer wall (21) of the outer shell (3).
`
`25
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`4
`
`The applicator (1) of one or more of the previous claims, wherein
`
`the bottom wall (25) of the inner shell (11) has at least one groove (25A), which forms,
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`or in whichts inserted, the refrigerating duct (15); wherein the bottom wall (25) has
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`reduced thickness in correspondence ofthe at least one groove (25A); and wherein the
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`groove (25A) is preferably open on the face of the bottom wall (25) facing the coil
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`30
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`(13).
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`5.
`
`The applicator (1) of claim 4, wherein the groove (25A)is spiral-
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`WO 2022/122923
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`PCT/EP2021/085004
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`-12-
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`shaped.
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`6.
`
`The applicator (1) of onc or more of the previous claims, wherein
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`the spacing elements (35) are integral with the outer wall (21) of the outer shell (3) or
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`with the bottom wall (25) of the inner shell (11) and define a mutual contact surface
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`between the bottom wall (25) and the outer wall (21) that is lower than 1% of the
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`surface of the cross section of the thermal insulation gap (33).
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`7.
`
`The applicator (1) of one or more of the previous claims, wherein
`
`the spacing elements (35) comprise dot-shaped elements.
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`8.
`
`The applicator (1) of one or more of the previous claims, wherein
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`the spacing elements (35) are arranged according to alignments that are radial with
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`respect to the axis of the coil (13).
`
`9.
`
`The applicator (1) of one or more of the previous claims when
`
`depending on at least claim 3, wherein the spacing elements (35) are arranged in
`
`correspondenceof the at least one groove (25A).
`
`15
`
`10.
`
`The applicator (1) of one or more of the previous claim, wherein the
`
`inner shell (11) has: a first perimeter wall (27) extending approximately orthogonal to
`
`the bottom wall (25) along an outer perimeter edge of the bottom wall (25), a second
`
`perimeter wall (29) approximately coaxial with the first perimeter wall (27) and
`
`extending approximately orthogonal to the bottom wall (25) along an inner perimeter
`
`20
`
`edge of the bottom wall (25); the first perimeter wall (27), the second perimeter wall
`
`(29) and the bottom wall (25) defining an annularseat (30) for the coil (13).
`
`Ll.
`
`The applicator (1) of claim 10, wherein the second perimeter wall
`
`(29) hasat least a further groove (29A), which forms the refrigerating duct (15), or in
`
`which the refrigerating duct (15) is inserted.
`
`25
`
`12.
`
`The applicator (1) of claim 11, wherein the further groove (29A)
`
`extends helically along the second perimeter wall (29).
`
`13.
`
`The applicator (1) of one or more of claims 10 to 12, wherein the
`
`outer shell (3) comprises a shank (43), which is approximately orthogonal to the outer
`
`wall (21) and is inserted coaxially with respect to the second perimeter wall (29), the
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`

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`WO 2022/122923
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`PCT/EP2021/085004
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`-13-
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`shank co-acting with a centering member (41) associated with the second perimeter
`
`wall (29).
`
`14.
`
`The applicator (1) of one or more of the previous claims, wherein
`
`the outer shell (3) comprises a side wall (23), which is approximately orthogonal to
`
`the outer wall (21) and perimetrically surrounds the innershell (11).
`
`15.
`
`The applicator (1) of one or more of the previous claims, where the
`
`coil (13) is resin-encapsulated in the inner shell (11).
`
`16.
`
`The applicator (1) of claim 15, wherein the at least one refrigerating
`
`duct (15) is resin-encapsulated in the inner shell (11).
`
`17.
`
`The applicator (1) of one or more of the previous claims, comprising
`
`a covering shell (5) adapted to form, with the outer shell (3), a closing casing where
`
`the inner shell (11), the refrigerating device (16) and the coil (13) are arranged.
`
`

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`WO 2022/122923
`
`Fig.1
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`

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`WO 2022/122923
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`PCT/EP2021/083004
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`fs,
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`
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`
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`
`
`
`
`
`
`

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`WO 2022/122923
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`PCT/EP2021/083004
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`1
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`

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`WO 2022/122923
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`PCT/EP2021/083004
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`WO 2022/122923
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`PCT/EP2021/085004
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`Fig.8
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`

`

`INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT
`
`
`((prrrrrrnrerrrerres
`
`International application No
`
`
`
`PCT/EP2021/085004
`
`
` According to International Patent Classification (IPC) or to both national classification and IPC
`B. FIELDS SEARCHED
`
`
`Minimum documentation searched (classification system followed by classification symbols)
`A61N HO1F A61F
`
`
`A. CLASSIFICATION OF SUBJECT MATTER
`
`INV. A61N2/02
`
`ADD.
`H0O1F27/10
`
`HO1F27/28
`
`A61F7/00
`
`Documentation searched other than minimum documentation to the extent that such documents are included in the fields searched
`
`EPO-Internal, WPI Data
`
`C. DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT
`
`Category”
`
`Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages
`
`Relevantto claim No.
`
`x
`
`x
`
`x
`
`|
`
`|
`:
`
`US 10 569 095 B1 (SCHWARZ TOMA{HACEK OVER
`}
`[Cz] ET AL)
`25 February 2020 (2020-02-25)
`column 8,
`line 10 - column 11,
`figures 1-3c
`line 35
`column 91,
`line 6 — column 93,
`column 97,
`lines 32-38; figure lla
`
`line 50;
`
`KR 2003 0065126 A (MCUBETECHNOLOGY CO LTD
`[KR])
`6 August 2003 (2003-08-06)
`abstract; figures 1-5
`
`KR 102 046 924 B1 (JEON NA RA [KR];
`SUN HEE [KR])
`20 November 2019 (2019-11-20)
`paragraphs [0035] - [0048]; figures 1-4
`
`JEON
`
`1-17
`
`1-17
`
`1-17
`
`
`
`| Furtherdocumentsarelisted inthe continuation ofBoxC.
`
`* Special categories of cited documents :
`
`"A" document defining the general state of the art which is not considered
`to be ofparticular relevance
`"E" earlier application or patent but published on orafter the international
`filing date
`“L” document which may throw doubts on priority claim(s) or which is
`citedto establish the publication date of another citation or other
`speciat reason (as specified)
`“©" documentreferring to an oral disciosure, use, exhibition or other
`means
`"P* document published prior to the internationalfiling date but later than
`the priority date claimed
`Date of the actua! completion of the international search
`
`fom
`
`|| Seepatent family annex.
`
`“F" later document published after the internationa:filing date orpriority
`date and notin conflict with the application but cited to understand
`AG:
`i
`‘
`‘
`the principle or theory underlying the invention
`"X* documentofparticular relevance;; the claimedinvention cannot be
`considered nove! or cannot be co