Patent GB-347249-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in and relating to apparatus for massaging the human body
IPC: A61H9/00
Filed: 1930-01-20
Abstract: 347,249. Massage apparatus; distributing valves. M€DLER, F. L., 7, Rankestrasse, Charlottenburg, Berlin. Jan. 20, 1930, No. 2003. Convention date, Jan. 19, 1929. [Class 81 (ii).] In apparatus for massaging the body by subjecting it to pulsating variations of air pressure, deformation or effusion is prevented by providing permeable supporting means, while the air is heated by a source which does not radiate directly on the body. Fig. 3 shows one form of applicator, connected by a tube 41 to the source of pulsating pressure, and comprising a casing 40 covered at the base by a screen 44, which prevents the skin of the body 42, being drawn into the cavity, which may contain a porous packing 43. Screens of varying mesh may be used, and for more vigorous massage, an uncovered cavity is left in the centre of the applicator. The screen may be replaced by a series of balls, bored in two directions at right-angles and strung on threads, or by other shaped bodies of varied spacing or by a perforated rubber sheet having projections. Such contact surfaces may serve as supports for the walls of the applicator which can be made of flexible material. For some parts of the body an enveloping support 49, shown in Fig. 8, is used, consisting of coiled springs, or of balls or other supports as above. This is surrounded by an airtight dressing 50 with a connecting nipple 51. The support may be shaped to fit part of the body such as the face and may be formed of glass wool. For the treatment of cavities such as the vagina an application of porous material which fits the cavity and has a closure member may be used. Fig. 1 shows one means for producing the pressure pulsations. The applicator 1 is connected by means of conduits 2, 3, 5, and valve 4 to the suction side of an air pump, and by conduits 2, 3, 11, 13, and valves 10, 12 to the atmosphere or the pressure side of the pump. An electric heater 14 heats the incoming air, the degree of heating being regulated by a rheostat or the like 16. Medicinal or other agents may be admitted through conduit 18. Following the increase of pressure, valve 10 is shut and valve 4 opened, when suction is applied. These valves are actuated by a rocking lever 20, which may be operated by hand by springs 22 or electrically. An automatic valve 7 connects the conduit 5 with the air supply by way of tube 6 if there is an excessive pressure reduction. In a modification, shown in Fig. 2, the exhaust-pipe is automatically closed before the air supply pipe is opened, and vice versa. A cylinder 23 has a connection 25 with the applicator, and connections 26, 27, with the suction side of a pump, and the pressure side or the atmosphere, respectively. A piston 24 has an annular groove 29 which, in the position shown, communicates with the tube 26 and, by means of a passage 30, with the space 31. Another annular groove 32 connects with the tube 27 and, by means of a passage 33, with the space 34. Upon the lower part of the piston, two adjacent annular grooves 35, 36 co-operate with a ball 37 forced inwards by a spring 38. Air is sucked from the space 31 by way of the tube 26 and passage 30, until the vacuum is sufficient to force down the piston and the ball 37 engages the groove 35. The space 34 now communicates with tube 26, and space 31 with tube 27. As soon as the pressure in the space 34 is sufficiently reduced, the piston 24 again rises. The degree of vacuum is regulated by adjusting a screw 39. The Specification as open to inspection under Sect. 91 (3) (a) states that the applicator for treating cavities of the bodies may be provided with slides or shutters to concentrate the action at certain parts. This subject-matter does not appear in the Specification as accepted.