A circuit for producing current-controlled bi-phasic pulses to stimulate living tissue includes two conducting paths connected in parallel between high and low voltage terminals, with each of the conducting paths having first and second switches connected in series therein. The intersections of the respective first and second switches in each of the paths define output terminals across which bi-phasic pulses are produced. These output terminals include electrode members for electrically attaching them to living tissues. Interconnecting circuits connect the first switch of each of the conducting paths with the second switch of the other conducting path to respectively open and close the second switches in response to the first switches of opposite paths being opened and closed. A digital programmer alternately drives one of the first switches open and the other closed. Current controlling valves are connected in the paths between the low voltage terminal and the output terminals to selectively control current flow through the electrodes.

In a transcutaneous nerve stimulating apparatus, the stimulating pulse wave form is shaped and manipulated to accommodate specific physiological parameters, and to allow multiple non-interfering electrode administrations. The stimulating pulse wave form, of desired pulse rate, pulse duration, and pulse amplitude, optionally includes successive pulses of alternating plurality, which may all be coupled to a single electrode, alternately coupled to plural electrodes, or the like. Pulse decay is controlled, as is pulse rise time. Voltage regulation is provided to the pulse generation apparatus.

An electrical stimulator is provided for controlling the urethral -- the bladder and/or the rectal function. Said stimulator comprises an obturator to be worn within the vagina or anus. The obturator is made of a flexible material, which can be expanded for providing a safe fixation of the obturator within the body. The obturator is provided with electrodes energized by a pulse generator, said electrodes are arranged in two groups, which are directed towards the same direction, e.g. towards urethra, and thus providing a directional stimulating effect. The pulse generator provides an intermittent stimulation with a biphasic pulse form and with a gradually increasing pulse amplitude up to an adjusted maximum amplitude during each unit of stimulation pulses.

Hair regrowth is promoted by positioning one or more electrodes closely proximate a subject's scalp. A low voltage positive or negative polarity signal having a selected frequency of either 7.86 or 15.72 hertz is applied to the electrode(s) for about twelve minutes. The subject undergoes a hair regrowth treatment cycle spanning a period of about thirty-two weeks during which one or two of the treatments aforesaid are applied per week.

A miniaturized transcutaneous nerve stimulator is disclosed that utilizes a single 1.25 volt battery as the power source, yet provides a 30 volt DC power output over an extended period of time. The battery is connected to the primary winding of a step-up transformer with the primary also having a transistor connected in series therewith. The secondary winding of the transformer is connected with a full wave diode bridge circuit and a 30 volt Zener diode. Pulsing circuitry is also provided which includes a pulse rate and pulse width establishing multivibrators which are coupled through a buffer to a pair of Darlington amplifiers, which are also connected with the Zener diode and full wave diode bridge circuit. The output from the stimulator is coupled from the Darlington amplifiers, which amplifiers have a charging circuit connected therewith, to output terminals connectable with electrodes engagable with the skin surface of the subject.