Patent GB-744023-A (GB)
Title: Electro-mechanical apparatus for vibratory massage
IPC: A61H23/02
Filed: 1953-09-14
Abstract: 744,023. Massage appliances. DARCISSAC, M. Sept. 14, 1953, No. 25282/53. Class 81(2). Massage apparatus includes an elongated massage member associated with an electromagnetic device supplied with alternating current so that a pressure exerted by the said member on the part to be treated in any direction substantially perpendicular to the length of said member causes the member to be set in vibration. The electromagnetic device comprises a coil 61 of wire wound on a magnetic core 2 and surrounded by a tube 1 of magnetic material. The open ends of the outer tube 1 are closed by a magnetic disc 3 and a movable disc 4 of magnetic material, respectively to complete a magnetic circuit. The movable disc 4 is secured to a rod t at the other end of which a massage member is secured. The electromagnetic device and the outer tube 1 are surrounded by an insulating sleeve 7 of synthetic resin, varnish, enamel &c. The movable disc 4 is located against the outer tube 1 by a stud 10 which projects into a hollow formed in a magnetic plug 5 carried by the-core 2. Alternatively a stud (not shown) on the plug 5 may project into a hollow in the movable disc 4. The movable disc may be of convex form (not shown). The core 2 and outer tube 1 may be formed as tubes of mild steel or soft iron with slots along the whole of their lengths. Alternatively the core 2 may be made from powdered iron mixed with a strong cold binder or from lengths or iron wire secured together by a hoop. Alternating current is supplied to the coil 61. In use the massage member is applied to the body so that the rod t is moved out of alignment with the coil 61 and tube 1 and consequently one side of the disc 4 is disengaged from the outer tube 1 to form an air gap. As the magnetic flux due to the passage of alternating current through the coil 6 changes, the movable disc 4 is attracted to the outer tube 1 twice per cycle causing the massage member to vibrate. A massage member for the teeth consisting of a flexible pad 12, Fig. 7, made of e.g. ordinary or sponge rubber is provided. In an alternative form of massage member for the teeth, Fig. 9, a support 13 carrying those massage pads b 1 , b 2 , b 4  for the lateral faces of the teeth and gums and the masticating faces of the teeth respectively is provided. The massage pads b 1 , b 2 , b 3  may be individually secured to the support 13 or made integral with it (not shown). Alternatively the massage pads b 1 , b 2 , b 3  may be made in one piece (not shown) which is secured within a support 13. The pad b 3  for the occlusive faces of the teeth is made very elastic by the provision of a hollowed out portion. The support 13 may be fixed rigidly to the rod t or mounted on the rod t by a ball joint (not shown). A rubber sleeve (not shown) may be provided between the rod t and the support 13. In another embodiment, Fig. 19, an insulated winding 25 is provided adjacent the coil 6 of the electromagnetic device and coaxial with the core 2. The winding 25 is connected with a metallic bracelet 26 on the outside of the electromagnetic device and through a high resistance 27 with a metal electrode 28 forming a massage member. The electrode 28 is covered with a moist chamois leather or conductive rubber.