NSF Phase I Project Proposal

Company: David Lloyd Engineering, LLC
Principal Investigator: David Lloyd
Project Title: Development and Commercialization of the PEMF ARC Reactor – A High-Potential Capacitive-Coupling PEMF Therapy System
NSF Topic: Biomedical Technologies (BM)
Provisional Patent: #63/664,919
Requested Phase I Funding: $265,000

Executive Summary / Overview

David Lloyd Engineering, LLC proposes the continued development and commercialization of the PEMF ARC Reactor, an innovative high-potential pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy system that leverages therapist-guided capacitive coupling to deliver precision-targeted therapeutic energy to patients. Unlike conventional PEMF devices that rely on passive coil-based field exposure, the ARC Reactor introduces a human-conducted, real-time, localized application, incorporating a proprietary Tesla-based pulse generator, dynamic impedance feedback, and novel safety architecture.

This innovation directly addresses a growing demand for non-invasive, drug-free therapeutic interventions in pain management, sports recovery, and inflammation treatment. The ARC Reactor creates a new class of electromagnetic therapy device that combines biofeedback-responsive electronics with human practitioner intuition, potentially increasing both efficacy and patient engagement. It is currently being evaluated for Class I and II device pathways.

Over the past year, the device has been built and field-tested in limited clinical settings. The technology is currently undergoing refinement for manufacturability, safety validation, and interface development. A utility patent is being prepared, and early practitioner feedback has confirmed strong interest in commercial deployment.

Phase I funding will support:

Advancement of the pulse generation and safety subsystems
Refinement of user interface and control systems
Testing under variable physiological loads
Validation of efficacy and therapeutic safety
Preparation for regulatory documentation (FDA, UL)
Manufacturing design for small-batch production and practitioner training

The long-term vision includes launching the PEMF ARC Reactor into the sports recovery, physical therapy, and wellness markets via a training-based clinical introduction model and scaling to consumer health markets. Phase II activities would support expanded clinical testing, hiring a dedicated development team, building 100 small-batch production units, and establishing a national training and distribution network

Commercialization Plan

Product: PEMF ARC Reactor
Company: David Lloyd Engineering, LLC

Market Opportunity

The PEMF ARC Reactor targets the $20+ billion global market for non-invasive pain relief, sports recovery, and integrative wellness therapies. Key early adopters include:

Physical therapists
Sports medicine practitioners
Chiropractors
Massage therapists
Wellness clinics

There is growing demand for alternatives to opioid-based pain treatment and passive recovery methods. PEMF therapy is gaining legitimacy in these markets, yet no current system offers the active, practitioner-controlled delivery that the ARC Reactor introduces. This presents a first-to-market advantage in a segment underserved by existing PEMF devices.

Unique Value Proposition

The PEMF ARC Reactor delivers high-potential pulsed electromagnetic energy through a human-conducted capacitive system, allowing precision application tailored to patient response in real time. Its benefits include:

Active, hands-on energy application (vs. passive coil-based)
Enhanced patient-practitioner interaction
Customizable field parameters via responsive control interface
Compact, portable design suitable for both clinic and home sessions (with training)
Therapeutic flexibility across multiple pain and recovery conditions

This positions the ARC Reactor as both functionally superior and commercially differentiated from other PEMF products.

Intellectual Property & Competitive Advantage

The ARC Reactor is protected under Provisional Patent #63/664,919 with a utility patent filing in progress. The system’s proprietary pulse delivery, grounding safety design, and therapist-mediated capacitive pathway are novel, difficult to replicate, and grounded in a unique system architecture.

Additional barriers to entry include:

Complex pulse control across a floating load
Real-time impedance-sensing safety systems
Human-in-the-loop field dynamics

These features offer a sustainable competitive moat and opportunities for future patent continuations.

Go-to-Market Strategy – Phase I to Phase II

Phase I (12 months):

Finalize electrical safety and user interface
Conduct limited therapeutic studies with licensed practitioners
Prepare documentation for FDA Class I/II designation
Build 5–10 fully functional small-batch prototypes
Create instructional materials for clinical and training use

Phase II (24 months):

Scale production to ~100 units for regional practitioner deployment
Expand validation testing with IRB-approved partner clinics
Establish training program and certification for practitioners
Build sales pipeline through direct engagement at trade shows, clinical conferences, and wellness expos
Form partnerships with sports and wellness networks for early adoption
Develop consumer education campaigns and branded content

Phase III Vision (Post-NSF):

Establish manufacturing partnerships for national distribution
Expand product line with additional applicators and control modules
License technology to global distributors or wellness brands
Explore clinical trials for insurance billing codes and coverage

Revenue Model

Initial sales will follow a direct B2B model:

PEMF ARC Reactor unit: ~$22,500 (clinic-level pricing)
Practitioner training (optional tiered modules)
Maintenance and support plan
Optional home-use version (Phase III roadmap)

Future models may explore:

Leasing and financing options
Licensing agreements with healthcare OEMs
Subscription-based training and support services

Commercialization Milestones

Technical Narrative

A.1 Overview and Vision The PEMF ARC Reactor represents a breakthrough in the therapeutic delivery of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) energy. Designed as a practitioner-guided system, the device introduces a human-mediated capacitive coupling technique that contrasts sharply with traditional PEMF technologies. By integrating the therapist into the energy delivery circuit, the ARC Reactor enables precision-guided treatments, responsive to the patient's bioimpedance and physiological feedback. This fusion of human skill with advanced electronic modulation marks a high-risk, high-reward innovation in biomedical device development.

A.2 Project Objectives and Goals The primary goal of this Phase I project is to validate the safety, functional consistency, and therapeutic potential of the PEMF ARC Reactor across multiple use cases. This includes:

Finalizing and documenting the pulse generation and capacitive coupling subsystem
Demonstrating operational stability under varying bioimpedance loads
Implementing a prototype feedback loop for impedance and safety monitoring
Characterizing field parameters and therapeutic efficacy in guided trials
Preparing the system for pre-submission FDA classification (Class I/II)

A.3 Technical Innovation Unlike conventional PEMF systems that rely on passive coil-based emission, the ARC Reactor employs a dynamic circuit involving a high-potential Tesla coil, a floating copper capacitive plate, and a body-ground return path. The pulse system is driven by a user-controlled oscillator (6–36 Hz) and modulated via a high-speed MOSFET switching circuit with real-time amplitude control. This structure allows the pulse waveform to adapt in response to contact conditions, making the system inherently responsive but also technically complex.

The uniqueness of the ARC Reactor lies in its use of a living intermediary (the practitioner) to complete the capacitive coupling, enabling real-time adjustments to pulse targeting. This method has not been previously explored in commercial PEMF systems and introduces a new paradigm of active energy engagement in therapy.

A.4 Research Plan and Methodology

Phase I Tasks:

Pulse Generator Refinement:
- Finalize pulse repetition and duration control architecture.
- Optimize MOSFET driver circuit for minimal EMI and arc-over suppression.
Safety and Load Modeling:
- Analyze therapist-patient-body impedance variability.
- Model current flow to ensure only microcurrents are present and within safe capacitive transfer parameters.
Feedback Loop Implementation:
- Prototype a safety monitoring subsystem that detects open-loop or spike events.
- Test fail-safes and automatic pulse inhibition mechanisms.
Prototype Field Testing:
- Use with trained practitioners in controlled therapy sessions.
- Collect data on field integrity, patient sensation, and observed therapeutic benefit.
FDA Pathway Preparation:
- Evaluate Class I vs Class II classification criteria.
- Begin construction of technical documentation for future 510(k) or Class I exemption filing.

A.5 Technical Challenges

Dynamic Load Stability: Human contact conditions vary, making pulse integrity difficult to maintain.
Zero-net conductive current assurance: Although the system is capacitive, monitoring for unexpected current paths is vital.
Safety under Non-ideal Use: Unexpected field return loss, grounding pad displacement, or shifting impedance can create risk conditions that require mitigation.

A.6 Deliverables and Success Metrics

Five fully operational prototypes meeting pulse integrity and safety standards
A documented safety monitoring system for Class I/II evaluation
Functional field data from guided therapy sessions
Completed Phase I technical dossier prepared for FDA submission and investor due diligence

A.7 Long-Term Technical Vision Upon successful Phase I validation, the ARC Reactor will proceed to Phase II with plans for:

Design for manufacturability of 100-unit limited production run
Expansion of therapeutic protocols across multiple specialties
Software-controlled safety logging and pulse diagnostics
Integration with biofeedback sensors for adaptive pulse control

This project represents a critical first step in reimagining how electromagnetic energy interacts with the human body through guided therapy. The ARC Reactor aims to set a new standard in safe, customizable, and effective electromagnetic healing.

Facilities, Equipment, and Other Resources

Company Overview
David Lloyd Engineering, LLC is a small, innovative company located in Chandler, Arizona. The company operates from a dedicated workshop and laboratory space that is fully equipped for electronic design, prototyping, and small-scale device assembly. This space includes a development bench for high-voltage circuit testing, digital design tools, and fabrication tools essential to the iterative refinement of the PEMF ARC Reactor.

Facilities
The company's primary R&D operations take place in a 500-square-foot lab with an isolated workbench designed for safe high-voltage experimentation. The facility includes:

Electrostatic isolation flooring
Proper grounding and surge protection
Ambient temperature control for thermal testing of heat-sensitive components
Shielded room for EMI/RFI evaluation

Equipment
The lab includes specialized and general-purpose electronics testing and fabrication equipment, including:

Digital Oscilloscopes (100 MHz+ bandwidth)
Function/Pulse Generators
High-voltage power supplies (up to 40 kV)
Multimeters, LCR meters, and precision impedance measurement tools
Soldering and hot-air rework stations
CAD-enabled workstation for PCB design, 3D modeling, and simulation (Altium Designer, SolidWorks)
Desktop 3D printer for enclosure prototypes
CNC mill for small-batch chassis and heat sink fabrication

Software and Simulation Tools

MATLAB/Simulink for control algorithm development
COMSOL Multiphysics for electric field distribution analysis (licensed access)
Fusion 360 for 3D prototyping and design iteration

Other Resources

Access to external biomedical advisors, including practitioners who provide field testing feedback for therapeutic optimization
Consultant-level access to a biomedical electronics lab for occasional use of advanced diagnostics, including thermal imaging and EMF measurement instrumentation
Collaboration with local machine shops for enclosures and electrode fabrication during the manufacturability phase
In-process partnership with a regulatory consultant (UL/FDA) for early safety and compliance planning

Team Capacity
While the founder currently performs all technical R&D and prototyping tasks, the proposed Phase I funding will allow for the onboarding of a dedicated engineering assistant and administrative coordinator. These roles will expand development capacity and improve documentation, regulatory preparation, and scheduling efficiency.

Biographical Sketch: David Lloyd

Principal Investigator / Founder
David Lloyd Engineering, LLC
Chandler, Arizona

Education & Credentials

B.S. in Electrical Engineering – California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Master of Photography, Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), Photographic Craftsman (Cr.) – Professional Photographers of America

Professional Summary
David Lloyd brings over 35 years of experience as an Aerospace Design Engineer with a career spanning several of the most advanced technological programs in U.S. aerospace history. His prior affiliations include Lockheed Martin's Mars Explorer Program, NASA's Apollo 11 Lunar Telemetry, the Space Shuttle Mission Support Program, and the Skunk Works SR-71 Blackbird program.

In addition to his aerospace achievements, Mr. Lloyd is a certified master photographer, educator, and inventor. In 2022, he transitioned full-time into developing therapeutic technologies, founding David Lloyd Engineering, LLC with the goal of designing innovative, safe, and practitioner-integrated devices for pain management and recovery.

PEMF ARC Reactor Innovation
As the sole inventor of the PEMF ARC Reactor, Mr. Lloyd combines his deep understanding of high-voltage pulse generation, capacitive coupling, and human-centered design into a first-of-its-kind therapeutic platform. He hand-built the initial prototypes, conducted internal bench testing, and coordinated practitioner field testing across several health and wellness clinics.

Mr. Lloyd is currently pursuing a utility patent for the PEMF ARC Reactor (provisional patent #63/664,919) and is preparing to lead the manufacturability and regulatory planning phases. His skill set includes high-voltage circuit design, analog control systems, CAD design, and market positioning in the biomedical device sector.

Relevant Skills

SMPS electronic systems design
Biomedical prototyping and safety modeling
Technical documentation and training development
Grant writing and product commercialization strategy
Cross-disciplinary communication with engineers, therapists, and medical consultants

Commitment to Project
Mr. Lloyd will serve as Principal Investigator and dedicate a minimum of 80% of his time to the Phase I R&D effort, including design refinements, regulatory coordination, testing, and preliminary manufacturing outreach.

Current & Pending Support – David Lloyd

Name: David Lloyd
Position Title: Owner and Lead Designer, David Lloyd Engineering, LLC
Proposed Project Title: Development of a High-Potential PEMF ARC Reactor for Targeted Capacitive Coupling Therapy
Funding Agency: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Submission Date: [Insert anticipated submission date]
Project Role: Principal Investigator
Requested Funding Amount: $265,000
Project Duration: 12 months
Percent Effort: 50%

Current Support:

None. Mr. Lloyd is not currently receiving any federal or non-federal support for research or development projects.

Pending Support:

• • This proposal is the only pending submission at this time. No other proposals or awards have been submitted or are under consideration from other agencies.

Budget Justification – David Lloyd Engineering, LLC

Project Title: Development of a High-Potential PEMF ARC Reactor for Targeted Capacitive Coupling Therapy
Principal Investigator: David Lloyd
Requested Amount: $265,000
Duration: 12 months

A. Senior Personnel – $70,000

David Lloyd, PI – $70,000
As the Principal Investigator and sole full-time technical lead, Mr. Lloyd will be dedicating over 50% of his time to the project. His responsibilities will include system design refinement, prototyping, lab testing, development oversight, coordination with manufacturing consultants, and preparation for regulatory review.

B. Other Personnel – $30,000

Engineering Assistant (Part-time) – $18,000
Support for electrical testing, CAD documentation, compliance data collection, and prototyping under Mr. Lloyd's direction.
Administrative/Bookkeeping Support (Part-time) – $12,000
To manage grant reporting, expense tracking, and coordination of purchasing and subcontractor documentation.

C. Fringe Benefits – $12,000

Standard fringe benefits estimated at approximately 12% of salary expenditures for the PI and support staff.

D. Equipment – $35,000

Purchase of upgraded high-voltage test and measurement tools, oscilloscope, EMI probes, signal generator
Engineering laptop with design and compliance software
Precision CNC bench mill and accessories for enclosure prototyping
Safety test equipment for UL/FDA modeling (including field intensity meters and bio-impedance simulators)

E. Travel – $8,000

Two trade shows or scientific conferences relevant to PEMF and biomedical innovation (registration, travel, lodging, materials shipping)
Site visits to regulatory advisors or consultants

F. Participant/Trainee Support – $0

Not applicable for Phase I.

G. Other Direct Costs – $60,000

Prototype Materials and Subcontract Manufacturing – $30,000
Includes coils, MOSFETs, custom PCB production, capacitive plates, laser-cut enclosures, wire harnesses, and grounding pads.
Regulatory Consultation and Compliance Planning – $12,000
Pre-submission guidance for FDA 513(g), UL/IEC safety review strategies.
Website and Training Material Production – $8,000
Creation of online training platform, instructional videos, and product documentation.
Marketing and Distribution Planning – $10,000
Branding design, packaging prototype, and distributor outreach.

H. Indirect Costs – $50,000

Estimated at 25% Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC). Covers utilities, rent, internet, insurance, general office and workshop expenses.

Total Requested Budget: $265,000

This budget is designed to advance the PEMF ARC Reactor from hand-built prototype to a robust, safety-tested, manufacturable device ready for commercialization and practitioner training. It balances core R&D with critical compliance and go-to-market activities appropriate for a Phase I award.

Letter of Support #1 – Clinical Practitioner Partner

[ON LETTERHEAD, IF AVAILABLE]
Dr. Jane Reynolds, DPT
Advanced Sports Recovery Clinic
123 Wellness Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
jreynolds@asrcaz.com | (480) 555-3456

[Date]

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing in strong support of the SBIR Phase I proposal submitted by David Lloyd Engineering, LLC, for the continued development and validation of the PEMF ARC Reactor. As a Doctor of Physical Therapy with over 20 years in the field of rehabilitation and sports recovery, I have seen firsthand the limitations of traditional PEMF devices, which often lack precision, adaptability, and practitioner control.

The innovation proposed by Mr. Lloyd—namely the integration of a therapist-guided, high-potential capacitive coupling system—represents a unique and potentially transformative advancement in non-invasive therapy. The concept of combining practitioner intuition with electronic field control could open new pathways in recovery and pain management, particularly for patients with chronic musculoskeletal conditions or post-surgical inflammation.

Our clinic is enthusiastic about collaborating with Mr. Lloyd to provide clinical feedback during the prototype refinement phase and is open to participating in future validation studies should funding be secured. The PEMF ARC Reactor, if proven effective and safe, would be a welcome addition to our treatment offerings.

Sincerely,
Dr. Jane Reynolds, DPT

Engineering Advisor / Technical Consultant

Pierce Mooney
Patent Advisor, Applied Innovation Strategies
po.mooney@ais-ip.com | (310) 555-7890

[Date]

To the NSF SBIR/STTR Review Committee,

I am pleased to provide this letter of support for Mr. David Lloyd and his Phase I SBIR proposal for the PEMF ARC Reactor. As a patent advisor who has worked closely with Mr. Lloyd on intellectual property matters, I can attest to both the novelty of the invention and his dedication to advancing it from concept to commercialization.

The PEMF ARC Reactor presents a technically ambitious solution involving precision pulse control, capacitive coupling, and real-time bio-responsive field delivery. These challenges involve high-voltage modulation, safety circuit design, and novel application methodology, all of which place the project well within the scope of high-risk, high-reward innovation sought by the NSF SBIR program.

I support Mr. Lloyd's plan to pursue a full utility patent (building on his current provisional filing) and believe his background in aerospace design positions him well to execute the complex engineering tasks required for success.

Sincerely,
Pierce Mooney
Patent Advisor

Data Management Plan

Project Title: Therapist-Guided PEMF ARC Reactor for Precision Electromagnetic Therapy
PI: David Lloyd
Company: David Lloyd Engineering, LLC

1. Types of Data to be Generated

During the Phase I R&D process, the following types of data will be collected and generated:

Technical performance data (pulse waveform characteristics, impedance behavior, signal fidelity)
Bench test results (circuit diagnostics, thermal performance, safety limits)
Preliminary field usability data (feedback from practitioners, interaction logs)
Photographic and schematic documentation of prototypes
Notes from design iterations and software/hardware changes
Regulatory and safety compliance data (if applicable during Phase I)

2. Data Storage and Protection

All project-related data will be stored securely in the following ways:

Local encrypted hard drives with scheduled backups
Cloud-based encrypted storage (e.g., Google Workspace or Dropbox Business)
Physical notebooks and schematics stored in a locked filing cabinet in the company’s design office

Access to sensitive design files and documentation will be restricted to authorized project collaborators. Network security measures and up-to-date antivirus software will be in place.

3. Policies for Access and Sharing

During Phase I, data will remain proprietary and protected under the SBIR data rights clause. At this stage, no public dissemination is expected except as required for progress reporting to NSF.

However, David Lloyd Engineering, LLC intends to:

Share general non-confidential findings (e.g., safety best practices or therapeutic methodology insights) with clinical collaborators under NDA
Submit updates to the provisional patent application if significant innovations occur
Provide data summaries in conference abstracts or publications post-Phase I, as appropriate

4. Data Preservation and Archiving

Data will be preserved for a minimum of five years following the end of the project. Version-controlled backups of firmware, circuit schematics, testing spreadsheets, and prototypes will be archived.

If the project advances to Phase II, more formal systems of data handling, regulatory compliance, and long-term storage (including FDA QMS-compatible systems) will be implemented.

Biographical Sketch

Name: David Lloyd
Position: Principal Investigator
Company: David Lloyd Engineering, LLC
Email: david.lloyd@mac.com
Website: https://www.pemfarcreactor.com

Professional Preparation

B.S. – Electrical Engineering, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Advanced Certification – Master Photographer, Professional Photographers of America (PPA)
Continuing Education – Biomedical electronics, therapeutic device prototyping, and PEMF system design (Self-directed, 2020–Present)

Appointments and Professional Experience

Founder & CEO, David Lloyd Engineering, LLC (2022–Present)
Developed and hand-built multiple PEMF ARC Reactor prototypes, filed provisional patent #63/664,919, and conducted practitioner-led field testing.
Founder, David Lloyd Photography (2008–Present)
Operated a successful photography studio and authored an instructional lighting techniques book.
Senior Aerospace Design Engineer, Lockheed Martin, Skunk Works Division (1985–2005)
Contributed to landmark aerospace programs including:
- Apollo 11 lunar telemetry analysis
- NASA Space Shuttle Missions
- Mars Explorer design team
- SR-71 Blackbird systems diagnostics
U.S. Army Communications Technician, Okinawa (1966–1969)
Specialized in radio repair and electronic field diagnostics.

Relevant Publications or Patents

Provisional Patent Filed: “PEMF ARC Reactor – Therapist-Guided Electrostatic Therapy System,” #63/664,919, USPTO, Filed June 2024
Book: Creative OCF Flash Techniques for Photographers, published 2021

Synergistic Activities

Regular speaker at photography workshops and health-tech prototype showcases
Ongoing collaboration with holistic practitioners testing PEMF ARC Reactor systems
Currently preparing utility patent filing and production-scale manufacturability plans
Planning educational curriculum for training licensed therapists in ARC Reactor protocols

• • Organizing engagement with biomedical trade shows and health innovation events