Improvements in Electric Massage Apparatus.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 29th Aug., 1899-Accepted,-7th Oct., 1899
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Electric Massage Apparatus.
I, THEODOR BERNDT, of 30, Schwalbacherstrasse, Wiesbaden, in the Kingdom
of Prussia, Manufacturer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and
in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement:-
The present invention relates to a new electric massage apparatus in which a
galvanic chain is employed having devices for regulating the intensity of the
electric current according to each particular case.
A modification of the subject of the invention is, as an example, illustrated
in the accompanying drawings, of which,
Fig. 1 is an elevation, and
Fig. 2 a side view, of the galvanic chain;
Figs. 3 and 4, represent the massage apparatus proper,
Fig. 5 shewing the whole arrangement of the apparatus and the manner in
which it is worked during the massage operation.
The same letters of reference apply to corresponding parts of the apparatus in
the different figures of the drawings.
The galvanic chain is composed of a certain number of zinc and copper plates
laid upon each other having layers of felt between them and being joined together
by means of loops and hooks with which they are provided in such a manner that
the copper plate of one link is in contact with the zinc plate of the next one.
These different electric elements forming the links a, a, a, are, besides, provided
with lateral apertures c, the object of which is to receive the wire intended for
conducting the electric current to the massage apparatus. The two extremities
of the chain terminate in a positive and negative element respectively.
The massage apparatus proper consists of a holder having a fork-like end f f.
Between the jaws of the latter is arranged a number of rollers e adapted to rotate
upon an axle fixed onto the jaws of the said fork. The electric current is con-
ducted to these rollers through the intermediary of adjusting screws 9 and a
metallic lining h, as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4 of the annexed drawings.
The massage apparatus is worked in such a manner that the patient A takes one
of the extremities of the chain in his hand while the operator B gets hold of the
holder d which is fastened to the other element of the chain by means of a con-
ducting wire, that is to say, to the element b. In case of the current being too
strong, the conducting wire is attached to another element of the chain, that is
to say, one or more electric elements are cut off from the circuit, until the intensity
of the current corresponds to the result to be obtained.
When the massage apparatus is to be worked independently of an operator, the
mode of procedure is the same except that the patient himself adjusts the
apparatus d. He can also receive the current from the two poles of the galvanic
chain. For that end, the rollers have to be separated and the apparatus provided
with two insulated adjusting screws.
In this case, the two extreme elements b, b or two other elements, positive and

page_text: negative, should be provided with conducting wires to connect them with the
apparatus, it being necessary that the patient grasps the middle of the chain.
The apparatus may have any dimensions or be made of any suitable material.
Amongst the numerous advantages afforded by the new massage apparatus above
described, the following only may be mentioned: -
The apparatus can be employed with the greatest facility, by the patient him-
self as well as by a special operator. The apparatus is of a very simple construc-
tion and, owing to the particular form of the different elements of the galvanic
chain, the current produced in the latter and used for massaging purposes, can
easily and readily be regulated in a perfect manner and rendered suitable for the
circumstances in each particular case, an advantage which is not found in any of
the apparatus hitherto known and constructed.
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 is:
1. In an electric massage apparatus, the combination with a galvanic chain
serving to generate the current, of a massage apparatus proper consisting of a
holder of suitable shape on the extremity of which are arranged rotating rollers
for the purpose of conducting the current of the galvanic chain to adjusting
screws, and of devices for regulating the intensity of the current according to
the requirements of each single case, substantially as shewn and described.
2. In an electric massage apparatus, the combination with a chain, the links of
which are formed by suitable electric elements connected together in such a
manner that the positive pole of an element is in contact with the negative pole
of the next element, of a massage apparatus proper consisting of a holder of
suitable shape and terminating in a fork, of rotating rollers suitably mounted
between the jaws of the said fork, of one or two adjusting screws insulated on the
said holder, of a suitable metallic lining electrically connecting the screw or
screws to the said rollers, of one or two conducting wires adapted to be easily
attached to the extreme elements or to two intermediate elements of the chain
and serving to conduct the electric current to the said rollers by means of the
adjusting screw or screws and of the metallic lining of the said holder, substantially
as shewn and described.
3. The electric massage apparatus, arranged, combined and operating, sub-
stantially as shewn and described.
Dated this 29th day of August 1800
S. S. BROMHEAD,
Agent for Applicant, 33, Cannon Street, London, E.C.
S. S. BROMHEAD,
Agent for Applicant, 33, Cannon Street, London, E.C.