US841146A - Pneumatic massage apparatus. - Google Patents

Description

5 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

-Ezvenfio W? PATENTED JAN. 15, 1907.

s. HASBROUGK.

PNEUMATIC MASSAGE APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED APR.10,1903.

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PATENTED JAN. 15, 1907.

-APPLIOATION FILED A PR.10,1903.

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m w i I i l 2 'L i m J I! i? !f I: 6 m y Ryan/ 60 PATENTED JAN. 15, 1907'. S. HASBROUOK. PNEUMATIC MASSAGE APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED APR.10,1903.

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No. 841,146. A PATENTED JAN. 15, 1907. s. HASBROUOK.

PNEUMATIC MASSAGE APPARATUS. APPLICATION FILED APK.10,1903.

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'PATENTED JAN. 15, 1 907.

's. HASBROUGK. PNEUMATIC MASSAGE APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED APB. 10,1903.

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W Mag y UNITED STATES PATENT FFIG.

SAYER HASBROUCK, or PROVIDENCE, anoni: ISLAND.

PNEUMATIC MASSAGE APPARATUS.

To all whom it may concern/:-

Be it known that I, SAYER HASBROUCK, of

Providence, in the county of Providence and State of Rhode Island, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Pneumatic Massage Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

This invention has relation to pneumatic massage apparatus, and has for its object to provide certain improvements therein by means of which the pneumatic massage can be definitely and accurately controlled by the operator in such way that-his treatment of a patient may be definite and accurate, to be re eated or changed at will.

A ther object of the invention is to control separately or conjointly the two forces which for the purposesof this specification.

may be termed suction and pressure,-so that the operator may secure at will under accurate control either continuous suction, oscillatory or vibratory suction, continuous pressure, or oscillatory or vibratory pressure, and may also vary. the amount of suction or pressure in accordance with the requirements of the case. i

To these ends the invention consists of a massage apparatus having certain novel features which are described in the following specification and are illustrated on the accompanying drawings.

In carrying out my invention I have found it to be desirable, if not essential, to provide between the generator and the therapeutic appliance or at the point of application of the appliance an air-cushioning chamber by which the forces may be controlled or modified with accuracy. In actual practice two air-cushions may be provided, one being a relatively large chamber, formin a part of the controlling apparatus, and the other a smaller cushioning-chamber located as near as possible to the point of application, Fur.- ther, the larger cushioning-chamber may be located between the controlling mechanism and the generator, Whereas the smaller chamber may be located between the point of application andthe controlling apparatus andfor best results as near as possi le to the exact point of. application.

1 For convenience in nhraseology the appliances which are directly applied to the various portions of the human anatomy may be termed cups, and it will be understood that by this term I mean to include each and every form of appliance whether cup- Specification of Letters Patent.

- Applioationjiled April 10, 1903. Serial No. 151.962.

Patented Jan. 15, 1907.

shaped or not that may be coupled to the massage apparatus or that may be used for utilizing the forces generated and controlled by the apparatus.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 represents in perspective view a massage apparatus embodying the invention. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section through the piston and cylinder, which are hereinafter termed the generator. Fig. 3 represents a section through the suction-chamber and the parts adjacent thereto. Fig. 4 represents a similar section through the pressure-chamber and the controlling mechanism adjacent thereto. Figs. 5 and 6 represent earcups, which. are employed for massaging, the ear. Fig. 7 represents a Y, which may be used for coupling two cups when desired. Fig. 8 represents the leeching-cup, which may be employed in connection with the apparatus.

igs. 9 and 10 represent the musclemup,

-which is used for massaging various'individbest formof the invention now known to me I do not limit myself, except where specifically claimed, toany details of construction or arrangement of parts, that portions of the ry-cupping apparatus may be re laced by their equivalents, and that the p aseology employed in the specification is for the purpose of description and explanation and not of limitation.

Referring to Figs. 1 'to 4, inclusive, the appai'atus there shown includes a suitable motor, such as an electric motor, (indicated at a.) Preferably a shunt-wound electric motor is employed, as -itprovides a more uniform and better-controlled force. motor may be varied'in the usual manner by the lever a. and, further, by lamps or other resistance, the lamps being indicated at (1 The generator consists of a cylinder 1) and a piston b for effecting the compression or rarefaction of the air in the cup. The piston-rod b is connected with a crank-disk c on a shaft 0, said shaft being provided with a grooved pulley 0 connected by a belt a with the reducing-pulley a. on the motor-shaft.

The piston-rod b is adjustably mounted The speed of this upon the crank-disk 0, so that the crank-pin charge of air moved thereby definite in volume, the cylinder is provided with an adjustable end or head d,- mounted upon a threaded tube d, assed through the stationary cylinder-hea and secured in position by a setnut d.

Screwed into the side of the cylinder is a release-valve mechanism consistin of a tube a, having a valve-seat e for a ba -valve e. The movement of the valve away from the seat is limited by a pin or sto c. This valve mechanism is employed 0 y for continuous suction, such as when the apparatus is used for dry-cupping, leeching, or as an aspirator; as will be subsequently explained, and therefore the valve-casing e is externally threaded at its ends to receive a cap a, by means of which it may be closed when other ap liances are used.

he cylinder sup orted u on a suitable frame, (indicated at this ame, the motor, the resistance or rheostat, and the other parts of the apparatus to be hereinafter described all being firmly aflixed upon a basef,

which is preferably metallic for the purpose of holding the varlous determined position.

The tube (1 inaddition .to adjusting the cylinder b alsooperates to connect the cylinder with the cushioning and controlling appliances. It be seen that when the ca a is in place-and the piston b is reciprocate it o crates to alternately force the air outwar through the tube (1 and to draw it inward therethrough. When the cap e is reparts in accuratepremoved, however,- the air escapes. through the release-valve as the piston moves-toward the end d; butas the piston moves away from it the valve seats and the air is' drawn inward through the tube 11' The end of the tube d is in the shape of a ni ple (i -to receive the v connecting-tube 1c, lea

to the cushioning and controlling apparatus. 1

Referring now to Fig. 1, it will be observed that secured u on u rights or columns 9 g, from the ase, there is a shelf or table g u on which are sup 'orted two cushioningc ambers h i, whlch are respectively the chambers for the two forces pressure and suction. Between these two chambers is a conduit 7', provided with a three-way valve the inlet 7' of which is connected by a flexiiile tube k with the tube (1 of the cylinder or generator. By shifting. the valve-handle 9' to point backward or forward either chamber h or 'i may be directl connected with the generator b, Each 0 these two chambers provides means for cushioning the suction or pressure, as will be subsequently explained.

Referring to 3, which illustrates in dc tail the suction-c rnber,v it will be observed that it is provided at its top with a releasevalve cas' 'i, having a ball-valve '11, adapted to seat itse b gravity against the seat '5 6 5 In'the event 0 this chamber being used for both pressure and suction the valve-casing is exteriorly threaded to receive a cap 11, which under ordinary circumstances to prevent its being lost is screwed u on a lug h on the top of the chamber h, as s own in Figs. 1 and 4. Projecting laterally from the chamber"; is a Irelease-cock i for the purpose of varying the extent of the suction or vacuum inthe cham ber 11..

The chamber h is substantially similar to that at 'i, (see Fig.4,) except that the releasevalve casing k projects downwardly from the bottom of the chamber and the ballvalve hf is normally seated by gravity against a seat h. The valve is limited in its movement away from the seat by a pin or stud If. This chamber is likewise provided with a valve-cock h for varying the extent of pressure in the chamber. Connected with the chamber 11 is a three-way-valve casing m. a

This casing is formed'with a ni le m for the rece tion of a conduit and wit a threaded nipp e m", to which is screwed the valve-casing m having a seat m for the reception of a ball-valve m m indicates a pipe which is connected by a suitable coupling with a second pi e n, which will be subsequently describedin' etail. Interposed, between the valve-casing m and the pipe m is an adjustable sleeve or coupling m having an annulus m projecting into the valve-casing m Between the end of the annulus and the ball valve' m is interposed a helical spring m; The function of this spring and adjustable coupling will be explained after the balance of the apparatus is described.

' The ressure-chamber h has connected to it an e how 0, the lower portion of which is formed into a valve-casing to provide a seat 0 for a ballvalve 0 The extremity of the casing is externally threaded to receive an adjustable coupling 0 similar to that at m, and having an annulus 0, between which and the valve 0 is located a helical spring 0 In threaded engagement with the coupling ed in apertures and secured to the base f.

The pipe n extends from the pipe 0 to the pipe m. It is providedwith the three-way valve p, from which leads a conduit (1 to a coupling 1'. This coupling is provided with a nipple (not shown) for the reception of a flexi ble conduit .9, tothe end of which may be at;

tached the various cups to be applied directly" to the body, Projecting upwardly from the: coupling 1' is a pipe leading to the g'ageft' pipe being provided with the valveft" means of which the gage may be out o t By means of they valves p and 1'" either chamber maybe connected with the generator'and the cup, each of said valves being provided with a suitable handle for the purpose of turning it to proper position. v 'j air from the pipe m and the conduit 8. Each rator.

From this description it will be seen that .by connecting the pressure-chamber h with the. generator a predetermined quantity of mined number of pounds or ounces, and that -when the suction-chamber i, is connected to the generator the atmospheric pressure in the chamber may be reduced to a predetermined number of ounds or ounces, according to the charge of air which is intermittently withdrawn therefrom by the piston of the gene- By means of the valve-cocks 11 and h the extent in pounds and ounces of the ressure and the suction in the two chambers i and i may be varied by the operator as circumstances require.

Assuming that continuous pressure or continuous suction is desirable, by adjusting the valves last referred to.the operator may secureany desired suction or pressureas, for instance, six ounces or two pounds, more or less. The purpose of the valve-adjusting couplings 0 m is to chan e the continuous suction or pressure to oscil ating or intermittent suction or pressure, as may be desired, without varying the extent in pounds or ounces of such suction or pressure. To explain this, reference maybe had to Fig. '3, and it should be remembered always that the cup on the end of the conduit 8 is assumed to be in contact with the body, so that it is closed.

. It may be further assumed thatthe valves p andj are set to connect the generator with the suction-chamber i and the suction-chamber i with the conduit .9. Now if the parts be in the position shown in Fig. 3 the reciprocation of the piston b of the generator will tend to withdraw the air from the suctionchamber i, and in turn this will exhaust the time the air is withdrawn the valve-m will raise from its seat. Upon the return stroke of the piston the valve will immediately seat itself, so that the suction on that portion of the body to which the cup is applied will be continuous.

Assuming now that it be desired to have a gradually-increasing extent of suction, the cap a may be removed from the generator, so

- that as each charge of air is withdrawn from the suction-chamber and the conduit sit will be expelled upon the return stroke through the release-valve e. Assuming, again, that the operator may desire to secure an oscillating or vibratory suction, he may adjust the coupling m so as to lift the valve m slightly from its seat and place the cap 6 upon the casing e.- It will be observed from this that as the piston b reciprooates a charge of air will be withdrawn from the chamber 71 and from the conduit 8 and will be permitted to return to the chamber ifbutthe valve m will be in such position as to cut ofl a part of the charge from returning to the conduit 8.

the valve m The reciprocation of the piston is necessarily rapid, so that a charge will be again withdrawn before it has time to fully work past In this way although there will be a suction or a partial vacuum in the cup at all times the extent of that vacuum or suction will vary or oscillate, as it is termed, for each reciprocation of the piston in the generator. This described action is precisely the reverse of that which occurs in the pressure apparatus as shown in Fig. 4.

here a continuous pressure is desired, the valve 0 is held yieldingly against its seat by the spring o so that the air contained be tween the valve and the cup is prevented from escaping, and the atmosphericpressure in the cup is therefore increased to a predetermined extent; but where the oscillating pressure is desired the coupling 0 is screwed downward so as to permit the valve to drop slightly from its seat and permit the escape of a portion of the air contained in the cup when the piston in the generator moves outward.

importance in the therapeutic employment to begin andto terminate the treatment:

The gage further serves as a telltale and instantly conveys to the operator a perfect knowledge of the working condition of the controlling mechanism.

It has already been stated that in connection with the appliance may be rovided a' plurality of cups for a variety 0 purposes. On Fig. 1 the conduit 8 is provided at its end with an eye-cup, as shown in Fig. 12; This cup is indicated at 1 and it is adapted to fit closely around the eye. It is large enough to provide a cushioning-chamber between the conduit 8 and the eyeball. This cup .may be used for either continuous suction,

continuous pressure, oscillating or vibratory pressure, or oscillatory or vibratory suction- The'employment of this cup is for the purpose oi massaging the entire eye to strengthen the muscles and increase the circulation. In Figs. 9 and. is illustrated another eyecup which isparticularly'adapted for the the eyeb all..

ator may by opening orclosing the aperture -placed upon an angular vary the-extent of suction orpressure upon the muscles. This eye-cup'is generally employed with oscillatorysuction for the mas sage of the eye-muscles.

[n Fig. '14 is illustrated what may be termed a corneal cup for the correction 9f astigmatism. This cup-,-as indicated M7, is

adapted tofit on the front of the-eyeball and to approximate theshape of the-cornea. By concaving the mouth of the cup in any axis and using continuous suction the cornea may be drawn to proper shape to overcome corneal distortion, and thus correct the eye to normal. A This corneal cup is enlarged sufiicientlyto provide a-cushioning-chamber, as at 8. It is provided with the ni ple 9 for connection with the conduit or tu as.

In Figs. 5 and 6 are illustrated cupsto be usedfor the massage of the ear, each of'which consists of a rubber nipple 10 for insertionin the outer ear. Each of these nipples is tube having at 11 a cushionin -chamber.

hereinbefore described, and it =may be used as a Siegles otoscope, for it is apparent that the operator may see through the-tubeand the nipple into the ear, so as to watch the effect of the massage upon thc-tympanum; These cups are connected by flexible'tubes 12 12 with a hard rubber or glass Y 13, by which they may be attached to the tube or conduit 8 or can be connected without the Y and used separately. Each of the cups is thus flexibly secured to the-tube, and may be adjusted by the operator of the patient to effect the best. results. By means of an ap paratus of this character oscillating or continuous suction or pressure may be'used in The'tube is prefer-' ably forme of glass, asare the other cupstrolthe extent of the vacuum or suction in the cu cu' like the eye-cup-in 12, is arge enoug to provide a cushioningchamber.

In Fig. 8 a leeching-cupis illustrated, which is bent in angular for-1n to provides. receptacle 1-7 for the blood and a-mouth 18 to be I pressed against'theflesh; At 19 this cup'is ormed with an aperturefoi; controlling the suction or vacuum in the cup. The-cup is further provided with-a nipple 20 for attach ment to the conduit 8-.

Direct suctionis utilized for' the last I two 7 mentionedcups, and-it is for this purpose that the'valve misprovided withthe nipple m, so that a-lilexible conduit]: maybecon nected directly therewith; soas to cutout thesuction; or vacuum chamber -11. Asthe suction may be=1ncreased=- to a considerable extent; it is'usual in this 'case-tocut out the ga e tbymeans of the cut-oil valve; Fig.-; 1.

t is a parentthat in the. lieu oft etwo chambers ban '5, aisingle chamber mayibe employed, in whichcase it would be provided withtwo valves similar to" those at '1. and 72. with a cap-.that could-be used to throw either valve out :of action as pressure orsuotion should be requiredr- The-charhber 'h or- 01,-withit's escape cock, provldes a convenient :means for'regulating the'extent' of pressure or suction or vacuum,

as the case may. be; and the adjustable coup,- ling or sleeve provides for changing "t e character of the force" from directto- 'oscili-- lat v or vibratoryyorvice versas Each eup' may e formed with air aperture, asshown in Figs. 9 and lofso-that the operator can still further directl'y control the-application- -ofthe-forces tothe organs ofthe odyJby opening or closingi-theaperture. It seems from ex eriencet point 0 application is dsirabledn-order to prevent theformati'on of a-,dead end in the tube 8, particularly when-theamount of pressure and suction is slight, since the'endof the tube is'close'd when the cupis-ap lied to the'body and the friction of the wafis of the a tube against the air tends to check its movement at the end of the tube unless there be a'relatively'large body of-air atsaidend' which responds to the action-of the air in 'the tube.

Having thus explained the nature of the ati-an air chamber at the invention and'described a way. of'constructing and using the same; although without attempting to set forth all of the forms in which it may be made or all of the modes of its use, I declare that what I claim is I 1. A pneumatic massage apparatus, com prising "a generator for creating the forces of pressure and suction; a pup, and=controlling apparatus, for changing each of said forcesfrom continuous to oscillating, or'vice versa.

2. A pneumaticmassage apparatus, com

prising a pressuregenerator, a cup,- and controlling mechanism having provisions for varymg the pressure from continuous to oscillating, or vice versa.

3. A pneumatic massage apparatus comprising a generator for creating a suction or vacuum, a cup, and controlling mechanism forchangmg the suction from continuous to osclllatmg, or vice versa.

*4. A pneumatic massage apparatus comprising a generator, a cup connected to the generator, means for varying the extent of the force created by the generator, whether it ..be suction or pressure, and means for vchang ing the character of the force to render it continuous, or else intermittent.

5. A pneumatic massage apparatus comprising a generator, a cup connected to the generator, and a chamber located between the cup and the generator and through which the air must pass from the generator to the cup, and vice versa, and having a valve-cock, whgreby the extent of the force may be var1e v v 6. A pneumatic massage apparatus comprising a generator, a cup connected to the generator, a check-valve mechanism, and means for adjusting the valve with relation to its seat, to change the force from continuous to intermittent, or vice versa. I 7. A pneumatic apparatus comprising a generator, a cup connected to the generator, a chamber located between the on and the generator and having a valve-coo and an prising a generator, a pair of independent.

chambers, having oppositelyeacting checkvalves, means for connecting each of. said chambers with said generator, a cup, and means for connecting each of said chambers withsaid cup.

10.- A pneumatic massage apparatus com- .prising a generator, a pair of independent ton, in combination with a cup, a connection between said on and said cylinder, and means whereby the pulsating charges of air caused by the reciprocation of the piston effect similar pulsations in the cup, or are changed to positive suction or positive pressure.

12. A pneumatic massage apparatus comprising a generator, a cup, an air-chamber intervening between the generator and the cup,

and conduits connecting said air-chamber with said generator, and said cup respec-- tively. A

13. A pneumatic massage apparatus comprising a generator, a cup, an air-chamber intervening between the generator and the cup,

conduits connecting said air-chamber with said generator, and said cup res ectively, said air chamber having an in ependent valve.

14'. A pneumatic massage apparatus comprising a cup, a conduit leading to said cup, and a generator for compressing or rarefying air in said cup, said generator consisting of a piston, and a cylinder having an adjustable ead and also having the conduit communicating with its interior.

In testimony whereof I have affixed my signature in presence of two Witnesses.

SAYER HASBROUCK.

Witnesses:

C. O. STECHER, P. W. PEZZETTI.

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