IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO MEDICO-ELECTRICAL APPARATUSES, AND IN ADJUSTING DEVICES FOR USE THEREIN AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1886

page_text: I, JOHN RANDOLPH HARD, of 181 Bowery, in the City and State of New York,
United States of America, Electrician, do hereby declare the nature of my invention,
for "IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO MEDICO-ELECTRICAL APPARATUSES, AND
IN ADJUSTING DEVICES FOR USE THEREIN AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement :-
"
My invention relates in the main to what are known as "galvano-Faradic "
medico-electrical apparatuses for use by physicians. The novel features of my
invention are comprised in the construction of the rheotome or electrical circuit-
breaker; in the pole changer; in the combination and arrangement of the
pole-changer and the shifting switch for directing the battery-current, and in a
novel adjusting-device.
My invention will be best understood by reference (in connection with the
description following,) to the accompanying drawings, wherein-
Fig. 1 is a plan of the switch-board and instruments constituting the medico-
electric apparatus, when constructed according to my invention. Figure 2 is a
diagram showing the electric circuits; Fig. 3 is a plan of the rheotome; Fig. 4 is
a side elevation thereof; Fig. 5 is a vertical longitudinal mid-section through the
rheotome, pole-changer, and part of the switch-board cut on the line 5-5 in
Fig. 3; Fig. 6 is a transverse section through the rheotome and board, on the
line 6-6 in Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is an inverted plan of the base-piece of the rheotome;
Fig. 8 is an inverted plan of the pole-changer; Fig. 9 is an elevation of one of the
detached parts of the pole-changer. Fig. 10 is a horizontal section of one of the
contact-screws of the rheotome, on the plane of the line 10-10 in Fig. 5; and
Fig. 11 is a side elevation of the same parts, the post being shown in section.
These views illustrate my adjusting-device.
The remaining figures show modifications.
Referring first to Figs. 1 and 2, let A designate the battery-switch, and B B
the battery-cells; C the rheostat, and D D the resistance-coils thereof; E the
galvanometer, F the mechanical circuit-breaker, G the rheotome, H H the handles;
I the inductorium or induction-coil, J the pole-changing switch, K the switch
for directing the battery current to the different circuits, and L the switch for
controlling the induction-coil,

page_text: These features are all well known as heretofore constructed, and except in so far
as they are otherwise hereinafter explained, they may be understood to be of the
usual construction, or of any suitable known construction. The circuit connections
are also in the main essentially the same as in the various galvano-faradic
apparatus heretofore made, such differences as exist being plainly traceable in
Fig. 2.
My invention relates chiefly to the switches J K and the rheotome G.
I will first describe the switches J. K. Fig. 2 shows the electrical relations most
clearly. The pole-changing lever a is connected, through an insulation, with a
lever b which moves oppositely to the lever a when the latter is moved. Buttons c c¹
are touched by the lever a and plates d d¹ are touched by the lever b. The
buttons c c are respectively positive and negative, being connected respectively
with the pole of battery B, and with the lever of switch A, which is in connection
with the pole of the battery, or of so much of the same as is at any time in use.
The plates d d are connected respectively with the buttons c c. The connections
for taking off the current are made with the levers a and b respectively. When
the lever a is on the positive button c and the lever b is on the negative plate d¹ a
positive current is taken off. When the lever a is turned on to the negative button,
it turns the lever b onto the positive plate, so that a negative current is taken off.
The parts thus described constitute the pole-changing switch J. The current from
the lever a is taken off by the lever of the switch K, which turns from the same
pivot. The current from lever b is taken off by wire from the plate e on which it
is mounted.
Referring to Figs. 5, 8 and 9, the mechanical construction of these switches J K
will be described. The lever a is made as shown in Fig. 9, with a tubular boss f¹;
and a forked arm a² beneath. A central screw-pin or bolt f¹, passes down through
the board, and is held fast by nuts. The sleeve f¹ turns on this pin. The forked
end of the arm a¹ engages a pin or projection 61 on the lever b, so that as the
lever a is turned to one side, the lever b is turned to the other. The arm a¹ is
made of insulating material, fitting on a square on the lower end of a sleeve f¹. The
lever b is pivoted on the plate e. The buttons c c¹ are made with screw-shanks
which pass down through the board, and the plates d d¹ extend back, receive the
ends of the shanks through them, and are clamped thereto by nuts. Thus the
positive button c is connected to the positive plate d, and the negative button is
connected to the negative plate. The lever of the switch K is pivoted in the
pin f, as shown in Fig. 5. The free end of this lever may be moved over four
buttons g g g and g*.
Referring to Fig. 2 the button g¹ leads to the galvanometer E, from which
a wire 5 leads back to the plate e. The button g* leads by a wire 6 to the
mechanical circuit-breaker F. The button g³ leads to the "Faradic" circuit which
will be presently explained; and the button g' leads to the "galvanic" circuit.
The latter circuit follows a wire 7 from button to binding-post i passes thence
by the flexible cable to one handle H, and from the other handle back to the other
post, and thence by wire 8 to plate e.
•
The "Faradic" circuit extends from button g³ by wires 9, which is branched,
one branch 9 leading to the metal bar or strip h and the other branch 9b traversing
the coils of the rheotomic electro-magnet M, and then terminating at a metal
bar h. The bar h is in connection through a springs and post N with a contact-
screw l.
The bar h² is in connection, through a spring 82 and post P with a
contact-screw n. The armature m of the magnet M is mounted on a resilient plate
or vibrator p, which is attached to a post or frame Q, and this post is connected,
through a spring 8' with a metal strip k. This metal strip connects by a wire 10
with the primary coil of the inductorium I and the return wire 11 therefrom leads
to the wire 8 and thence to plate e. This completes the primary "Faradic
circuit. The circuits (shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2) from the several secondary
or divisions of the secondary coils are connected with the binding-posts ij in the
usual manner, through the medium of the switch L as is well understood,
"

page_text: A switch R is arranged to make connection from the mechanical circuit-breaker F,
to either the "Faradic" or "Galvanic" circuits. The circuit breaker F is electrically
connected with a strip q, and opposite to it are two buttons or plates q¹ q³. The
switch R is a slide, which when in one position makes electrical connection from q
to q, and thence by wires 12 and 10 with the induction coil; and when in the
other position the switch makes electrical connection from g to q² and thence by
wires 13, to binding-post . This sliding switch R takes the place of the peg-switch
heretofore used for the purpose.
I will now describe the operation of the rheotome G. The magnet M, its
armature m, the spring-plate or vibrator p, and the contact-screw n, are the parts
usual to rheotomes for this purpose, the vibrator p being a flat plate fastened at
one end, to a post Q. When the switch K is turned as shown in Fig. 2 the current
from battery B passes through magnet M, and the armature m is drawn down,
thereby breaking the contact between vibrator p and screw n, and consequently
interrupting the current and permitting the vibrator to fly back into contact again
with the screw n. This is the usual operation the circuit being broken once each
time the magnet attracts its armature. With my improved rheotome, however,
the circuit is broken twice to each excitation of the magnet. This is done by
means of the contact-screw which is touched by a branch p¹ of the spring-plate
or vibrator p after the latter has parted from the screw n. The circuit then flows
through wire 9 bar h, spring 8, post N, screw l, spring plate p, post Q, spring 81,
strip and wire 10 to the induction-coil, thus cutting out the magnet. This
contact continues only until the resilience of the vibrator overcomes the momentum
of the armature, when the retractive movement takes place. By this construction
the circuit is interrupted with twice the rapidity heretofore possible.
Referring to Figs. 3 to 7 inclusive the construction of the rheotome will now be
explained in detail.
The magnet M is fastened immovably to the board W. On the surface of the
board are fastened the two metal bars h and h³, which have overhanging or under-
cut edges, as shown in Fig. 6, and the metal strip k, which is arranged between
the bars. The three posts P Q and N are all mounted on a base-plate T of
insulating material, the side edges of which are grooved and are engaged by the
bars h h. Thus the plate T can slide toward and from the magnet. A clamp t is
provided to hold it fast in any position. This consists simply of a covered nut t
engaging a screw t, the head of which is a plate 3 (Fig. 7) the end of which plate
takes under the overhanging edge of either of the bars h² or h. By turning the
nut the screw is drawn up, and the end of the plate is caused to press upward
against the bar.
The post N connects with a spring & underneath the plate T (see Fig. 7) which
extends to one side and its end touches the bar h. The post Q connects with a
springs (Figs. 5 and 7) which touches the strip k. The post P connects with a
spring which touches the bar h². Thus the respective connections are maintained
although the plate T may be slid to different positions.
The resilient plate or vibrator p is of peculiar construction. Its fixed end is
attached by screws to the top of the post Q, (see Fig. 3) and thence it turns
downward passes underneath and backward, thence downward at p, thence forward,
thence backward and around to form an eye or loop r, and thence horizontally
forward and over the magnet M. Underneath the plate p is attached a branch-
plate p¹ which extends downward far enough to avoid the bends in the plate p,
thence backward, and thence downward, in line with the portion p'. The horizontal
front portion of the plate p is slotted, and through the slot passes the clamping
screw m¹ which secures the armature m. By sliding the plate T toward or from
the magnet M, and then adjusting the armature in position directly over the magnet,
the available length of the vibrator can be altered as desired, in order to control the
rapidity of its vibration.
Through the eye r in the vibrator passes a slender rod or pin u, the ends of
which pass through ears vv, connected to the frame Q. Nuts u¹¹ screw on the

page_text: threaded ends of the pin u. When these nuts are screwed up tight they force the
ears vv tight against the ends of the eye r, thereby clamping the vibrator fast at
this point. The effect of this is to shorten the vibrator, making it vibrate faster.
When the nuts are loosened slightly, the ears vv are relaxed, and stand free from
the vibrator, and as the pin u passes through the eye r freely, without touching it,
the movement of the vibrator is unimpeded, and it vibrates over its whole length,
from its point of attachment to the post Q. Thus by means of these nuts u¹ the
rate of the vibrations may be quickly altered, without impairing any of the
adjustments.
The screw is adjustable up or down in the post N by means of nuts engaging
a vertical slot in the post, as best shown in Figs. 10 and 11. A nut x has a squared
boss entering the slot, which keeps the nut from turning. A washer a¹ is placed
on the opposite side, and has a square boss entering the slot. A set-nat x² screws
against this washer. To set the screw higher or lower this nut is released, the
screw is slid up or down and the nut is set fast again. The same set-nut acts to
prevent the loosening of the screw after it is adjusted. The screw / may be lifted
until its end will make contact with the portion p* of the vibrator, where the
vibrations are shorter. When it is set here, the screwing up of the nuts u¹ will
throw this contact out of operation, because the portion p³ of the vibrator will be
bound fast, and will cease to vibrate.
The bends or loops formed in the vibrator p near its fixed end are a useful
feature of my invention, as by their means the vibrator is so far stiffened that a
thinner strip or plate may be used, and the rheotome is shortened and rendered
more compact without necessarily accelerating its vibration.
Fig. 12 shows a modification wherein the vibrator is made with return bends or
loops near its fixed end, of somewhat different shape, as clearly shown, and the
portion p¹ is omitted. The screw is also differently arranged, being placed
beneath the vibrator p, and somewhat nearer the armature than is the screw n.
Fig. 13 shows a modified construction in which the vibrator is straightened out,
or made of a flat strip, or plate, with an eye or loop r applied to it, and a pin u
passing through this loop and through ears vv to clamp the vibrator fast when
desired. The screws n l'are arranged as in Fig. 12.
Fig. 14 shows a different way of clamping the vibrator fast. A standard U
carries two clamping screws y y, which have no electrical function, but which when
screwed toward the vibrator clamp it between them. The standard U is stationary,
but the post Q, to which the vibrator is attached, may be moved toward or from it,
and the magnet M may also be moved toward or from the standard U, so that the
vibrator may be clamped at any point desired.
Fig. 15 shows another modified construction, wherein the screws n and I both
stand above the vibrator. The vibrator p is a flat plate, fixed at one end to
a post Q. To it on its under side is attached a bent plate p¹, which extends
rearwardly beyond the part Q, and makes contact with the screw . When the
armature moves downward the vibrator breaks contact with screw n, and its
portion p¹ moves up and touches the screw l.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim in respect of medico-electrical apparatuses is―
Firstly In a medico-electrical apparatus, the combination with the induction
coil of a Faradic circuit connecting with its primary and divided at the rheotome
into two branches, terminating in opposite contacts, the vibrator arranged to
vibrate against said contacts and to touch them alternately, and the rheotomic
magnet in one of said branches while the other constitutes a shunt around said
magnet, substantially as set forth, whereby, during the movement of the vibrator
toward and from the magnet the Faradic circuit is twice broken and closed.
Secondly: In a medico-electrical apparatus, the combination with the Galvanic
and the Faradic circuits, and the battery, of the pole-changer J, consisting of

page_text: oppositely moving levers a and b, positive contact-pieces o and d, and negative
contact-pieces c¹ and d¹, combined and arranged to operate substantially as
described.
Thirdly: In a medico-electrical apparatus, the combination with the Galvanic
and Faradic circuits, and the battery, of the pole-changer J, consisting of lever a
above the board, and arm a¹ beneath, moving together, lever b engaging the arm a¹
and moved thereby, contact-buttons c c¹ above the board, and contact-plates d d
beneath the board connected together, respectively, substantially as set forth..
Fourthly: In a medico-electrical apparatus, the combination of the Galvanic and
Faradic circuits, and the battery, of the pole-changer J, consisting of oppositely-
moving levers a and b, insulated from each other, positive contacts c and d
connected to the positive pole of the battery, negative contacts c¹ and d¹ connected
to the negative pole of the battery, and circuit-connections with the levers a and b,
respectively, for taking off the current, substantially as set forth.
Fifthly: In a medico-electrical apparatus, the combination of the pole-changing
switch J, consisting of levers a and b and their respective contacts, with the
battery in connection with said contacts, the distributing-switch K in connection
at its pivot with lever a and sweeping over buttons g g, and with the respective
circuits, each commencing at one of said buttons and terminating at the lever b,
substantially as set forth.
Sixthly: In a medico-electrical apparatus, a rheotome G, consisting of a magnet,
a vibrator carrying the armature thereof, two contact-screws arranged on opposite
sides of said vibrator, to be touched thereby alternately at opposite extremes of its
vibration, and a circuit divided into two branches one of which includes said
magnet and terminates at one contact-screw, and the other of which constitutes
a shunt around the magnet and terminates at the other contact-screw, substantially
as set forth.
Seventhly: A rheotome consisting of the combination of magnet M, armature m,
vibrator p, branch portion p¹ thereof, screw n making contact with the vibrator p,
and screw making contact with the portion p¹, substantially as set forth.
Eighthly: The combination to form a rheotome, of magnet M, armature m,
vibrator p, a contact-screw or screws, and a clamp for binding said vibrator fast
between its fixed end and said armature, in order to shorten its vibrating portion
and accelerate its vibration, substantially as set forth.
Ninthly: The combination to form a rheotome of magnet M, armature m,
vibrator p, a contact-screw or screws, ears vv on opposite edges of said vibrator,
and a screw for drawing said ears together against said vibrator, thereby clamping
it fast at that point, substantially as set forth.
Tenthly: The combination to form a rheotome, of magnet M, armature m,
vibrator p formed with an eye r, a screw-pin u, passing freely through said eye,
ears von opposite edges of said vibrator, adapted to be drawn together by said
screw against said eye and thereby to clamp the vibrator fast at that point, and
a contact-screw or screws, substantially as set forth.
Eleventhly: The combination to form a rheotome, of a magnet M, armature m,
contact screw n, and vibrator p formed near that end with return bends, substantially
as described.
Twelfthly: The combination to form a rheotome of magnet M, armature m,
vibrator p, bent near its attached end to form a vertical portion på and having
a branch p¹ connected to it beyond its bent portion and extending back beneath
its bent portion and down in line with portion p², and a contact screw / adjustable
vertically to touch either portion p¹ and p³, substantially as set forth.
Thirteenthly: The combination to form a rheotome, of magnet M, armature m,
vibrator p, post Q, screw n, post P, plate T, bearing said posts and mounted in
guides to slide toward and from the magnet M, substantially as set forth.
Fourteenthly: The combination in a rheotome of parallel metal bars, h h²,
insulated plate T, mounted to slide between them, metal strip k, posts N,
Q and P on said plate, and contact springs a sl a' connected to said posts and
--

page_text: making sliding contact with said metal bars and strip, respectively, substantially
as set forth.
Fifteenthly The adjusting-device constructed substantially as shown in
Figures 10 and 11, and as described.
Sixteenthly: The pole-changer J and the switch K combined and operating
substantially as shown and described.