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  Therapeutic electrolysis deviceUSPTO Application #: 20070089981Title: Therapeutic electrolysis device Abstract: An electrolysis device is provided. The electrolysis device includes an ionizer unit having first and second plate assemblies that each provide a different surface area that is contacted by water when the unit is in use. The plate assemblies may each provide a different surface area by providing a different number of plates. The plate assemblies are formed from integral pieces of material, to enhance the reliability of the device. The present invention further provides a control unit programmed to provide an output to the ionizer unit that varies in polarity over time. (end of abstract) Agent: Sheridan Ross PC - Denver, CO, US Inventors: HANS BECKER, ROBERT E. MORONEY USPTO Applicaton #: 20070089981 - Class: 204267000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Chemistry: Electrical And Wave Energy, Apparatus, Electrolytic, Cells, Plural Cells The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070089981. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/396,188 filed Mar. 24, 2003, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/366,773, filed Mar. 22, 2002, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to an electrolysis device for use in connection with therapeutic purposes. In particular, the present invention relates to a device capable of efficiently ionizing water for therapeutic uses. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Electrolysis involves ionizing water by passing an electrical current through water. When water is ionized, the individual water molecules are split into their constituent elements, namely hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxy ions (OH-). [0004] By creating a preponderance of either negative ions or positive ions in water, desirable effects can be realized. For example, it is believed that charged particles can be drawn from the body by placing a body part, such as the feet, in a water bath having a preponderance of negative ions or of positive ions. For example, metal cations are attracted to alkaline water, or water in which a preponderance of negative ions has been produced. [0005] Existing electrolysis devices for use in connection with therapeutic applications are inefficient. In particular, such devices require a relatively large amount of electrical power, while producing a relatively small shift in the number of positive ions present in the water relative to the number of negative ions present in the water. In addition, existing devices have been unreliable. In particular, such devices have suffered from failures in connections between components made at locations that are under water when the device is in operation. [0006] In addition, existing devices typically provide for timed control of the electrolysis process. However, no provision is generally made for automatically alternating between producing a preponderance of negative ions and producing a preponderance of positive ions. [0007] For the reasons set forth above, it would be desirable to provide an electrolysis device for therapeutic purposes that was capable of efficiently creating a preponderance of negative or positively charged ions in a water bath. In addition, it would be desirable to provide such a device that eliminated electrical connections between separately formed components in locations that are submerged in the water bath during operation of the device. Furthermore, it would be advantageous to provide a device that incorporated a controller capable of assisting a user in achieving the desired therapeutic effect. In addition, it would be desirable to provide such a device that was economical to produce. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] The present invention relates to an electrolysis device that ionizes water for use in connection with therapeutic purposes. [0009] The present invention generally includes an ionizer unit having two integral plate assemblies, a control unit, and a power conduit. Each of the plate assemblies has a terminal portion. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the first of the two plate assemblies has an odd number of plates while the second plate assembly has an even number of plates. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the first and second plate assemblies have different surface areas. To create the electric field necessary to effectively ionize water, the plate assemblies are interposed such that plates of the plate assembly with an odd number of plates is separated by a gap from plates of the plate assembly with an even number of plates. In order to maintain the gaps between the plates, the plate assemblies may be held by or within a frame. Each plate assembly includes an electrical terminal that is interconnected to a corresponding terminal of the control unit by a conduit. In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, the plate assemblies are formed from integral pieces of material, removing the need to form interconnections between the plates of a given plate assembly during manufacture. [0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the current output by the terminals of the control unit is limited. In addition, the polarity of the output at the terminals of the control unit may be varied according to stored programs, or according to a selection entered by a user. [0011] The present invention also provides a method for ionizing water. According to the method, an output voltage is provided at the terminals of a power unit for a first period of time, the polarity at the output terminals is switched and the second polarity is provided for a second period of time. According to other embodiments, various output polarities and associated times may be available for selection by a user as preprogrammed outputs. [0012] Additional advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description, particularly when taken together with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a therapeutic electrolysis system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the interrelationship between components of a therapeutic electrolysis system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0015] FIG. 3 is a side view of an ionizer unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0016] FIG. 4 is a side view of the plate assemblies of the ionizer unit in their assembled relationship to one another, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0017] FIG. 5 is a top view of the plate assemblies of FIG. 4; [0018] FIGS. 6A and 6B are plan views of plate assemblies in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, prior to folding of the assemblies; [0019] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram depicting the flow of electrons through plate assemblies in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Continue reading... Full patent description for Therapeutic electrolysis device Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Therapeutic electrolysis device patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Therapeutic electrolysis device or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Ion source control system Next Patent Application: Cathode incorporating fixed or rotating target in combination with a moving magnet assembly and applications thereof Industry Class: Chemistry: electrical and wave energy ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Therapeutic electrolysis device patent info. 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