Patent GB-207665-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in devices for the treatment of insomnia
IPC: A61M21/00
Filed: 1922-10-13
Abstract: 207,665. Hill, W. P. Oct. 13, 1922. Sleep, inducing, special means for.-In a device for treating insomnia four or more differently coloured members are provided in combination with means whereby the colours of the members are rendered visible in the dark and means operable by the patient adapted to enable the colours to be seen successively. In one form of device shown in rear elevation, a disc 11 is mounted within a casing 1 on a shaft carried between adjustable pivots 5 carried on a bracket 4. A disc (not shown) similar in shape to the disc 11 holds coloured discs 15 of translucent material such as celastoid in apertures in the disc 11. An electric bulb 18 is mounted on a bracket 17 so that light projected through one of the discs 15 is cast by a reflector 20 on to a translucent screen forming the front closure of the casing 1. A ratchet-wheel 10 is fixed to the shaft carrying the disc 11; the ratchet-wheel is operated by a pawl 23 mounted on a carrier 22 which is normally retained in the position shown by a spring but which can be oscillated by means of the movable portion 41 of a Bowden transmitting mechanism 39, 40, 41. One terminal 35 of a dry battery is connected by a conductor 36 to a socket 37 carrying the bulb, which is so mounted that current passes through the filament along the bracket 17 and conductor 38 to the tube 28 enclosing the movable metal part 41 of the Bowden mechanism. The other terminal of the battery is connected to the bracket 4 by a conductor 33. Contact of the part 41 with the carrier 22 thus closes the circuit and lights the bulb, while the consequent displacement of the carrier 22 causes the ratchet-wheel 10 and disc 11 to move. An arm 30 retains the carrier 22 normally out of contact with the part 41. A brake 47 is preferably provided to prevent a return movement of the disc 11. In operation the user lies facing the translucent front of the device with the knob 40 in a convenient position. Slight movement of the knob causes the bulb 18 to light, and a further movement moves the disc 11 through a small angle. The operation is repeated as often as desired, thus bringing the colours successively and repeatedly in front of the light 18 and rendering them visible on the translucent front. Various modifications in the construction shown are referred to. Thus, a second terminal 47<1> on the exterior of the casing may be connected to the socket 37 to enable an external supply of current to be used; a friction device may be employed instead of the ratchet-wheel shown; the colours may be arranged on an endless band; the disc or band may be operated by a clockwork and pendulum mechanism or electrically instead of by hand; the light may be arranged to light intermittently or to be continuously lit or to remain lit for a predetermined period; the colours may be arranged on a stationary member and each colour illuminated by a separate bulb, the bulbs being lit successively by a multiple-way switch; a single bulb may be adapted to revolve and light up the colours successively; and other means of illumination such as gas or oil may be employed.