WO1999063927A1

WO1999063927A1 - System and method for acupressure therapy

Info

Publication number: WO1999063927A1
Application number: PCT/US1999/011546
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Lansdale; William Jefferson Stone, Iii
Original assignee: Michael Lansdale; William Jefferson Stone, Iii
Priority date: 1998-06-08
Filing date: 1999-05-25
Publication date: 1999-12-16

Abstract

A device (10) for stimulating acupressure points on the upper torso includes a collar (12) and plural rotating motor-driven acupressure heads (40) on the collar (12). Each head (40) includes an off-center protrusion (52) that is positioned against the skin and juxtaposed with a respective acupressure point for tactile stimulation of the acupressure point when the head is rotated. A respective permanent magnet (53) can be associated with each head (40) to cause a magnetic field to permeate the acupressure point during tactile stimulation. Also, the collar (12) can include a pocket (24) that holds therapeutic crystals therein during acupressure. The direction, speed, and interval of head rotation can be varied by the user.

Description

System and Method for Acupressure Therapy

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to therapeutic devices, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for providing acupressure therapy.

Background Art

Acupressure therapy has been used for thousands of years to alleviate various maladies and to cure disease. In acupressure therapy, pressure is applied to one or more pressure poin-s on the body of a patient, with the location of the pressure points and the duration and type of pressure applied being selected based on the particular symptoms sought to be alleviated.

Among the more well-known methods of acupressure is acupuncture, in which thin needles are advanced into the patient are preselected pressure points to provide therapeutic relief from the patient's malady. Additionally, acupressure can be effected by stimulating preselected pressure points during massage therapy. Experience has demonstrated that both types of acupressure therapy are effective in relieving pain and indeed in curing maladies such as, e.g., repetitive stress injuries.

While such techniques are effective, however, a trained practitioner is required to administer acupuncture and acupressure massage therapy. This increases the cost of such therapy. Moreover, the requirement that a patient travel to a practitioner's office to receive the therapy unfortunately limits the accessibility of such therapy.

The present invention recognizes the above-mentioned drawbacks, and further recognizes that to the extent that massage devices have been provided, such devices do not consider acupressure principles and thus are not suited to the particular requirements of acupressure therapy. The present invention still further recognizes, however, that it is possible to provide a system and method for acupressure therapy that does not require the services of a trained practitioner.

Disclosure of Invention

An acupressure therapy device for stimulating acupressure points on a human body includes a collar that is configured for resting on a patient's shoulders in a surrounding relationship with the patient's neck. At least one acupressure head is rotatably mounted on the collar, and the acupressure head is configured to stimulate the patient's body when rotated. Further, at least one motor is coupled to the head.

In a preferred embodiment, the motor is mounted on the collar. Also, the collar preferably includes an outer sleeve juxtaposed with an inner sleeve, and a control panel is mounted on the collar and is electrically connected to the motor. As intended by the present invention, the control panel is manipulable by a person to cause the motor to rotate in at least one predetermined direction for at least one time period. Moreover, the control panel is manipulable to cause the motor to rotate at a selectable one of plural speeds.

Preferably, at least one pocket is formed on the collar, and plural crystals are held in the pocket. Also, at least one protrusion preferably is positioned on the head in an offset relationship to an axis of rotation of the head. Desirably, plural heads are provided, and the heads are arranged on the collar in a pattern corresponding to an acupressure point pattern on the patient's body. Moreover, the present invention contemplates juxtaposing a permanent magnet with at least one of the heads such that a magnetic field permeates the pressure point stimulated by the head.

In another aspect, an acupressure device includes at least one permanent magnet, at least one rotatable acupressure head associated with the magnet and configured for tactile stimulation of a human body when the head is positioned against the body and rotated. At least one holder holds the head and magnet next to a predetermined acupressure point on a human body.

In still another aspect, a method of acupressure therapy includes positioning at least one rotatable acupressure head against an acupressure point on a human patient. The method further includes rotating the head clockwise or counterclockwise at a first speed, and then gradually changing the speed of the head to a second speed over a time period.

Brief Description of Drawings

The details of the present invention, both as to its structure and operation, can best be understood in reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which:

Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the present acupressure therapy device, showing the outer fabric sleeve in an exploded relationship with the vinyl inner sleeve and omitting the details of the control panel;

Fig. 1A is a perspective view of the inner sleeve as seen looking from the bottom thereof, showing the crystals in phantom;

Fig. 2 is a rear view of a human torso showing the so- called Gall Bladder 21 acupressure points.

Fig. 3 is a rear view of a human torso showing the so- called Triple Warmer 15 acupressure points;

Fig. 4 is a front view of a human torso showing the so- called Conception Vessel acupressure points; Fig. 5 is a front view of a human torso showing the device shown in Figure 1 positioned as intended on a human patient;

Fig. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the acupressure head and drive motor as would be seen along the line 6-6 in Figure 1 ;

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the mounting plate;

Fig. 8 is a plan view of the mounting plate shown in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a side view of the protrusion of the acupressure head shown in Fig. 6;

Fig. 10 is a plan view of the hub of the acupressure head shown in Fig. 6;

Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram of the control electronics of the device shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 12 is a plan view of the details of the control panel;

Fig. 13 is a flow chart showing the stimulation mode; and

Fig. 14 is a flow chart showing the relaxation mode.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

Referring initially to Figure 1, a device is shown, generally designated 10, for tactile stimulation and, in a preferred embodiment, magnetic stimulation of acupressure points on a human body. As shown, the device 10 includes a holder such as a generally U-shaped collar, generally designated 12, that is established by a preferably fabric outer sleeve 12A and a preferably vinyl or other plastic inner sleeve 12B, with the sleeves 12A, 12B being positioned flush against each other to establish the collar 12. Alternatively, holder 12 may be C-shaped, provided in a linear configuration with one or more curved portions, or provided in a linear shape or circular shape. In different embodiments, inner sleeve 12B may be padded or quilt-like fabric and spaced apart from the outer sleeve 12A.

As intended by the present invention, the sleeves 12A, 12B can be held together along their respective peripheries 13A, 13B by a closure 13C, such as a zipper, fastening ring, a hook-and-eye fastener or other mechanical means. When the sleeves 12A, 12B are connected together, the inside of the collar 12 is substantially hollow, for holding the components disclosed below.

In cross-reference to Figures 1 and 1A, the inner sleeve 12B holds first through fifth acupressure stimulation units 14A-14E in respective holes or cups 16 formed in the inner sleeve 12B. More particularly, the units 14A-14E can be snugly received in holes in the inner sleeve 12B, or they can be snugly received in enclosed plastic cups that are formed on the inner sleeve 12B. If desired, reinforcing rings 18 (Figure 1A) can circumscribe the respective holes or cups 16. It is to be understood that greater or fewer acupressure units 14 can be provided, preferably as long as they are arranged in a pattern corresponding to an acupressure point pattern on the patient's body.

As shown in Figure 1, a fastening hole or cup 17 is formed on the inner sleeve 12B to releasably receive the first acupressure unit 14A (or, if cups are provided, its respective cup) to thereby hold the free ends of the collar 12 together. With this structure, the collar 12 is configured to rest on the shoulders of a patient in a surrounding relationship with the neck of the patient.

If desired, one or more pockets 20 can be formed on either one of the sleeves 12A, 12B. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the pocket 20 is sewn or otherwise formed on the outer sleeve 12A. An electronics module for controlling the operation of the device 10 as further described below is held in one of the pockets 20, and padding or other item is held within other pockets, if provided.

Additionally, a direct current (dc) electrical socket 22 is mounted on the inner sleeve 12B as shown for receiving a complementarily configured plug from a dc power source, such as a car lighter, alternating current (ac) adapter, or battery pack. When the power supply is a battery pack, the battery pack can be strapped to the waist of the patient. Or, one or more dry cell batteries (only one battery 23 shown) can be sandwiched between the sleeves 12A, 12B and electrically connected to the electrical components of the device 10 to power the electrical components .

Moreover, if desired a crystal pocket 24 can be formed on one of the sleeves 12A, 12B. In the embodiment shown, the crystal pocket 24 is a fabric layer that is attached to the inner sleeve 12B by, e.g., hook-and-eye fasteners such as Velcro®. Crystals or gemstones 25 are held in the crystal pocket 24, with the crystal pocket 24 being positioned against the skin when the collar 12 is draped about the shoulders of a patient. Likewise, to provide for aroma therapy during massage therapy, aroma vials 26 that contain scented substances can be placed in a vial pouch 27 on the collar 12.

As mentioned above, the acupressure stimulation units 14 are arranged in a pattern corresponding to an acupressure point pattern on the patient's body. Figures 2-4 show three acupressure point patterns on a human body. More specifically, Figure 2 shows the Gall Bladder 21 points on the trapezius muscle at the base of the neck. These points can be stimulated to release tension and relieve irritability and the inability to cope. Also, the Gall Bladder 21 points can be stimulated to relieve headaches, nervous conditions, fatigue, and throat maladies .

On the other hand, Figure 3 shows the Triple Warmer 15 points that are located just below the shoulder blades, above the back muscles 30. These points can be stimulated to relieve shoulder pain and to release the neck and arms, as well as to relieve hypertension, nervous tension, reduce fever, and open the perspiration.

Figure 4, in contrast, shows the Conception Vessel (CV) pressure points that are located along the sternum. As recognized herein, the particular CV points to be stimulated depends on the size of the patient. Hence, the precise positioning of the collar 12, when used for stimulating the CV pressure points, depends on the size of the patient. As further recognized herein, the CV 17 pressure point is located between the patient's nipples, the CV 18 pressure point is located one inch above the CV 17 point, and the CV 19 point is located one inch above the CV 18 point. Stimulation of the CV17-19 points can relieve heart palpitations, chest pains, and to dispel coughs, wheezing, and phlegm.

Now referring to Figure 5, the collar 12 is draped around the neck of a patient as shown. The collar 12 is then adjusted as appropriate for juxtaposing the acupressure stimulation units 14 with desired acupressure points on the patient. To adjust the collar 12, an appropriate one of the units 14 (e.g., the first unit 14A) is engaged with the fastening hole or cup 17 as shown. In cross-reference to Figures 2-5, when the collar 12 is draped about the shoulders as shown in Figure 5, the Gall

Bladder 21 points are juxtaposed with and stimulated by the fifth and second units 14E, 14B, whereas the third and fourth units 14C, 14D are juxtaposed with two of the Triple Warmer 15 points for stimulating these points. And, the first unit 14A stimulates at least one of the CV points. Figure 6 shows the details of an acupressure stimulation unit 14 of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, no cup is provided; instead, the unit 14 is closely received in a hole 34 that is formed in the inner sleeve 12B. A ring-shaped spacer 36 is sandwiched between the sleeves 12A, 12B, and a rigid mounting plate 38 is in turn sandwiched between the spacer 36 and outer sleeve 12A for holding the acupressure unit 14.

More specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the acupressure unit 14 includes an acupressure head 40 that is coupled to a stepper motor 42 for rotation of the head 40 about an axis 44, with the stepper motor 42 being mounted on the mounting plate 38. In one embodiment, the stepper motor 42 is a type LA82731 stepper motor made by AIRPAX. While other motors are within the scope of the present invention, a stepper motor is preferred because it does not require reduction gearing, it is quiet, and it can undergo stalls without damage. Furthermore, the indexed stepping motion a stepper motor provides further facilitates tactile stimulation of a patient. In the particular embodiment shown, a shaft 46 of the stepper motor 42 couples the head 40 to the stepper motor 42. A split ring hub 48 surrounds the shaft 46 and is clamped thereto, as disclosed more fully below in reference to Figures 7-10. In turn, the hub 48 is connected to a rigid support plate 50. Also, a tactile stimulator, such as a preferably hemispherical or curved protrusion 52, is supported by the support plate 50 for tactile stimulation of an acupressure point when the head 40 is rotated. To this end, the protrusion 52 is offset from the axis 44 of rotation as shown. Also, the protrusion 52 protrudes below

,the inner surface of the inner sleeve 12B. It is to be understood that the hub 48, support plate 50, and protrusion 52 can be made unitarily with each other and then press fit onto the shaft 46, to thereby couple the head 40 to the motor 42.

In addition to the above structure for tactilely stimulating the acupressure points, the present invention recognizes that tactile stimulation can be coupled with magnetic stimulation to augment the therapeutic effect. Accordingly, a preferably solid cylindrical permanent magnet 53 is received in a bore hole 53A of each head 40 to cause a magnetic field to permeate the acupressure point against which the particular head 40 is juxtaposed. In the preferred embodiment, the permanent magnet 53 generates a field of about nine thousand Gauss (9000 Gauss) .

Still further details of the head 40 can be seen in Figures 7-10. As shown in Figure 10, the hub 48 can be tightened about the shaft 46 by means of a threaded fastener 60, to thereby clamp the hub 48 to the shaft 46. Additionally, the hub 48 is formed with three tapped holes 62 for receiving respective threaded fasteners (not shown) therein, with the threaded fasteners also being received in holes 66 (Figure 8) of the support plate 50 to couple the support plate 50 to the hub 48.

More specifically, with particular regard to Figures 7 and 8, the support plate 50 is formed with a recess 64, with the hub 48 being received in the recess 64. Moreover, the support plate 50 is formed with a stimulator hole 68 defining a cylindrical surface 70, and a stem 72 (Figure 9) of the mushroom-shaped protrusion 52 is closely received in the stimulator hole 68. Still further, the support plate 50 is formed with a shoulder 74 that is defined by a horizontal surface extending radially outwardly away from the cylindrical wall 70, and a lip 76 of an umbrella-shaped upper portion 78 of the protrusion 72 rests on the shoulder 74. With this structure, the protrusion 52 is located at a desired position relative to the support plate 50.

In one preferred embodiment, the umbrella-shaped upper portion 78 of the protrusion 72 has a radius of curvature of about forty-eight hundredths of an inch (0.48"). Also, the apex of the umbrella-shaped upper portion 78 of the protrusion 72 is distanced from the support plate 50 in the dimension defined by the axis 44 of rotation by about eighteen hundredths of an inch (0.18"). With this combination of structure, the protrusion 52 provides effective tactile stimulation when moved against the body of a patient. Additionally, Figure 8 shows that the preferred distance from the apex of the protrusion 52 to the axis 44 of rotation is between one quarter of an inch and one and a half inches (0.25"-l .5" ) , and preferably is three quarters of an inch (0.75").

Figures 11 and 12 show the control panel 101 that is held in the pocket 20 and associated electric circuitry 100 that a user can manipulate to energize the stepper motors of the present invention. In cross-reference to Figures 11 and 12, the circuit 100 includes a stepper motor sequencing circuitry 102 (Figure 11) , an on/off switch 104 (Figure 11) that is moved by on/off pushbuttons 104a on the control panel 101 (Figure 12) to energize and deenergize the stepper motors, and a forward/reverse switch 106 (Figure 11) that is moved by manual forward/reverse dials 106a on the control panel 101 (Figure 12) to establish the direction of rotation of the stepper motors . In other words, in addition to the automatic microprocessor-controlled therapies disclosed below, a person can enter a manual mode by depressing one of the clockwise or counterclockwise manual buttons 106a. Also, the circuitry 100 includes a speed control potentiometer 108 that is moved by increase and decrease dials 108a on the control panel 101 to respectively increase and decrease the speed of rotation of the stepper motors when in the manual mode. Total massage time is established by appropriately manipulating massage period adjustment dials or buttons 109.

As shown in Figure 11, the circuitry includes a power amplifier 110 and a power supply 112, such as an ac adapter, vehicle lighter socket, or battery pack that is electrically connected to the circuit 100 via the socket 22 and electrical leads 114. In response to manipulation of the above-described controls, the sequencing circuit 102 provides sequenced output signals on four electrical output leads 116 to energize the stepper motors 42 from the power supply 112, it being understood that the output signals are amplified by the amplifier 110. In the preferred embodiment, the stepper motors 42 are four-phase unipolar motors that are connected in parallel to the output leads 116.

When the stepper motors 42 are energized, they rotate their respective heads 40, which consequently sweep their respective protrusions 52 across the acupressure points against which the protrusions 52 are juxtaposed. In so doing, the acupressure points are tactilely stimulated. Furthermore, owing to the magnets 53, the acupressure points are magnetically stimulated.

If desired, a single motor can rotate all heads 40 by means of, e.g., a cable drive. Also, different acupressure head configurations can be provided, and multiple heads per motor can be provided, to enable a user to engage a desired one of the head configurations with each shaft 46. Moreover, the collar 12 can be replaced by a strap that is attachable around the patient's body and fastened thereto by means of Velcro® or other fastening means.

In addition to the above structure, Figure 11 shows that a microprocessor 118 can be electrically connected to the sequencing circuitry 102 for automatically controlling the stepper motors 42 in accordance with programmed therapies. More specifically, as shown in Figure 12, the control panel 101 can include a stimulate dial or button 120 for causing the microprocessor 118 to execute the logic shown in Figure 13 and disclosed further below. Also, the control panel 101 can include a relax dial or button 122 for causing the microprocessor 118 to execute the logic shown in Figure 14 and disclosed further below. Furthermore, the control panel 101 can include a combination dial or button 124 for causing the microprocessor 118 to execute a combination of the logic shown in Figures 13 and 14.

As disclosed below, the logic executed by the microprocessor 118 causes the device 10 to undertake predetermined therapies for predetermined time periods, and the cycle times of these periods can be varied by the user by appropriately manipulating automatic period adjustment dials or buttons 126. Various information regarding the therapy period in both the manual and automatic modes, such as total time set and time remaining, can be indicated by indicator lamps 128.

Now referring to Figure 13 , which represents logic that is undertaken by the microprocessor 118 or by logic circuits or other electrical circuitry, at block 132 the direction of rotation for the stimulate mode, invoked by appropriately manipulating the stimulate dial or button 120, is established to be clockwise (CW) . Also, the speed of the motors is established to be a first speed, e.g., ten revolutions per minute (10 RPM) .

Moving to block 134, the speed of the motors 42 is gradually increased over a predetermined time period, e.g., fifteen minutes, until the motors are rotating at a second speed of, e.g., sixty revolutions per minute (60 RPM). As recognized by the present invention, by rotating the heads 40 clockwise and gradually increasing their speed, the respective acupressure points are stimulated.

At decision diamond 136 it is determined whether a balancing mode has been invoked by the user having appropriately manipulated the combination dial or button 124. If so, the logic proceeds to Figure 14 to undertake the relax steps therein. Thus, when the balancing mode is invoked, the microprocessor controls the stepper motors to both stimulate and sooth the acupressure points.

Preferably, four complete balancing cycles are undertaken, when the balancing mode is invoked.

In contrast, when only the stimulate mode is invoked, the logic moves from decision diamond 136 to decision diamond 138, to determine whether the last cycle repetition has been executed. If so, the logic ends; otherwise, the logic moves to block 140 to stop the motors, reset their speed to the first speed, and then loop back to block 132 to undertake another cycle. Preferably, eight cycles are undertaken.

Figure 14 shows the steps undertaken to sooth the acupressure points. At block 142 the direction of rotation for the soothe or relax mode, invoked by appropriately manipulating the relax dial or button 122, is established to be counterclockwise (CCW) . Also, the speed of the motors is established to be a first speed, e.g., sixty revolutions per minute (60 RPM) .

Moving to block 144, the speed of the motors 42 is gradually decreased over a predetermined time period, e.g., fifteen minutes, until the motors are rotating at a second speed of, e.g., ten revolutions per minute (10 RPM) . As recognized by the present invention, by rotating the heads 40 counterclockwise and gradually decreasing their speed, the respective acupressure points are soothed or relaxed.

At decision diamond 146 it is determined whether a balancing mode has been invoked by the user having appropriately manipulated the combination dial or button 124. If so, the logic proceeds to Figure 13 to undertake the relax steps therein. In contrast, when only the stimulate mode is invoked, the logic moves from decision diamond 146 to decision diamond 148, to determine whether the last cycle repetition has been executed. If so, the logic ends; otherwise, the logic moves to block 150 to stop the motors, reset their speed to the first speed, and then loop back to block 142 to undertake another cycle. Preferably, eight cycles are undertaken. The present acupressure unit can be incorporated into a seat pad at one or more massage locations. That is, a respective acupressure unit 14 can be mounted inside a seat pad, for example in a chair or car seat. Then, the seat pad can be positioned on a seat, such as a vehicle seat, such that an occupant of the vehicle can be massaged by the present invention as incorporated into the seat pad. Or, the seat pad can be made integrally with the vehicle seat. The present acupressure unit can also be incorporated into a lumbar pad at one or more massage locations, and the lumbar pad then positioned on a chair at a location that is appropriate for massaging the lumbar region of a person sitting in the chair. A heater can be provided in the lumbar pad at a heater area. If desired, the pad can be made integrally with the chair.

The present acupressure unit 14 with controls in a massage chair at massage locations can be located on both the back rest and seat rest of the chair. On the other hand, a seat pad having acupressure units can be incorporated at various locations for massaging the back and seat of a person sitting in a chair on which the pad has been positioned. Alternatively, the present invention may be incorporated at different massage locations in body- worn massagers .

While the particular System and Method for Acupressure Therapy as herein shown and described in detail is fully capable of attaining the above-described objects of the invention, it is to be understood that it is the presently preferred embodiment of the present invention and is thus representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention, that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly so stated, but rather "one or more."

Claims

1. An acupressure therapy device for stimulating acupressure points on a human body, comprising:

a collar adapted and configured for resting on a patient ' s shoulders in a surrounding relationship with the patient's neck;

at least one acupressure head rotatably mounted on the collar, the acupressure head being configured to stimulate the patient's body when rotated; and

at least one motor coupled to the head.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the motor is mounted on the collar.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the collar includes an outer sleeve juxtaposed with an inner sleeve.

4. The device of claim 2, further comprising at least one control panel mounted on the collar and electrically connected to the motor, the control panel being manipulable by a person to cause the motor to rotate in at least one predetermined direction for at least one time period.

5. The device of claim 4 , wherein the control panel is manipulable to cause the motor to rotate at a selectable one of plural speeds .

6. The device of claim 2, further comprising at least one pocket on the collar and plural crystals held in the pocket.

7. The device of claim 2, further comprising at least one protrusion on the head and positioned on the head in an offset relationship to an axis of rotation of the head.

8. The device of claim 1, further comprising plural heads, the heads being arranged on the collar in a pattern corresponding to an acupressure point pattern on the patient's body.

9. The device of claim 8, further comprising at least one permanent magnet closely juxtaposed with at least one of the heads such that a magnetic field permeates the pressure point stimulated by the head.

10. An acupressure device, comprising:

at least one permanent magnet;

at least one rotatable acupressure head associated with the magnet and configured for tactile stimulation of a human body when the head is positioned against the body and rotated; and

at least one holder for holding the head and magnet next to a predetermined acupressure point on a human body.

11. The device of claim 10, further comprising plural heads, each being rotated by a respective motor in the holder .

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the holder is a collar including an outer sleeve juxtaposed with an inner sleeve .

13. The device of claim 12, further comprising at least one control panel mounted on the collar and electrically connected to the motors, the control panel being manipulable by a person to cause at least one motor to rotate in at least one predetermined direction for at least one time period at a selectable one of plural speeds .

14. The device of claim 13^', further comprising at least one pocket on the collar and plural crystals held in the pocket .

15. The device of claim 14, further comprising at least one respective protrusion on the heads and positioned on the respective head in an offset relationship to an axis of rotation of the head.

16. A method of acupressure therapy, comprising:

(a) positioning at least one rotatable acupressure head against an acupressure point on a human patient ;

(b) rotating the head clockwise or counterclockwise at a first speed; and

(c) gradually changing the speed of the head to a second speed over a time period.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising repeating at least steps (b) and (c) .

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the head is rotated clockwise, and the first speed is less than the second speed .

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the head is rotated counterclockwise, and the first speed is greater than the second speed.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the head is rotated clockwise, the first speed is less than the second speed, and the method further comprises:

(d) changing the direction of rotation of the head; and

(e) gradually changing the speed of the head from second speed to the first speed over a time period.

21. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of varying the time period.