Improvements in Electro-therapeutic Belts.
Year: 1888

page_text: Date of Application, 28th Aug., 1888
Specification Accepted, 5th Oct., 1888
Improvements in Electro-therapeutic Belts.
A communication from HARRY P. PRATT, of Chicago, County of Cook, State of
Illinois, United States of America, Electrician.
1, ALFRED JULIUS BOULT of 323 High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex,
M.1.M.E. 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 :-
This invention relates to improvements in the class of electro-therapeutic belts
which involve as essential features a series of galvanic cells, connected with a girdle
for attachment to the person, and having the poles connected by suitable conductors
with electrodes to be applied to the body of the wearer.
As commonly constructed, electric belts of the class referred to are necessarily
applied in direct contact with the body of the wearer, since the electrodes, as hitherto
provided, have to be supported by it or from it, as in the case, to cite one instance
of construction, of their adjustment on shoulder-braces extending from the girdle-
portion of the device.
One of the objects of this improvement is to have the electrodes attachable directly
to the body without support at their points of application from any extraneous medium,
such as the girdle or parts connected therewith. Further objects are to provide a
longitudinally expansible battery, which shall be expanded when the belt is adjusted
on the person and by the act of its expansion, operate to strengthen the battery
current; to provide a mechanically operated circuit breaking or interrupting attach-
ment for the battery, whereby when the belt is in operative position, the battery-
circuit may be normally open, and shall, while the belt is being worn, undergo continual
interruption; produced by the motions of the body of the wearer; and, further,
to provide a generally improved electric belt both as to its broad construction and as
to details thereof.

page_text: This invention consists, in the general construction of the battery, whereby it is
rendered expansible longitudinally and in so expanding operates to compress the
absorbent material, in each cell saturated with the exciting liquid and thereby free
sufficient of the latter to increase, by its access to the positive and negative elements,
the strength of the battery. It also consists in the general construction of electrodes
connected with the battery, whereby they are attachable directly on the body of the
wearer also in having a mechanically operated circuit breaking or interrupting
attachment to the battery: also in the general construction of means for conneccting
the battery and girdle-portions of the belt.
The invention further consists in details of construction and combinations of parts.
In the drawing—
Figure 1, is a perspective view of the improved electric belt, showing by dotted
lines, a modified form of electrode connected with the battery.
Figures 2, and 3 show respectively, a perspective view and an odge clevation, of
two different constructions of electrode capable of use with this improved belt, but not
specifically claimed in the present application.
Figure 4, is an enlarged view in sectional elevation of a circuit interrupting
attachment.
Figure 5, a plan view of a clamp detail.
Figure 6, a view in elevation of the battery.
Figure 7, a perspective view showing an end view of the battery incased.
Figure 8, a similar view of the connecting link detail for the cells of the
battery.
Figure 9, a horizonial section through a battery-cell and its connecting links,
showing details of construction.
Figure 10, an enlarged view in side elevation of the internal zinc or negative
element of a battery cell; and
Figure 11, an enlarged sectional view taken transversely at any line through the
battery and belt.
A, is the belt, which it is preferred to form of elastic material. B, is the battery,
composed of cells, C, each comprising a central (zine) plate, r, preferably perforated,
and folded upon itself, as shown (Figures 9 and 10) absorbent material, y, such as felt,
or asbestos wrapped transversely around the element r, and a plate (copper), P,
surrounding the absorbent material in a manner to leave the ends exposed. The
element P is of thin sheet metal, also preferably perforated, and mainly of the sub-
stantially oval form in cross-section shown in Figure 9, with the tubular extension, o,
at one edge, open or split longitudinally, as shown at and, but soldered together
ata. As will hereafter more fully appear, this construction of the battery cells is of
great importance, inasmuch as to it is due the function of strengthening the battery by
tension exerted lengthwise of the battery from opposite poles. The battery comprises
any desired number of cells, C, connected together by metallic (copper) links, n,
surmounted alternately, as shown, or each, by rings, n', of this same material. Each
link serves to connect the element, », of one cell, to which it is secured preferably by
soldering, with the copper element, p, of an adjacent cell in the tubular extension o,
in which it has a limited transverse play; and the links, n, of the end cells,
connected, respectively, with the copper and zinc elements thereof, have lateral
extensions, forming eyes, n², at which to connect metallic clasps, m (Figure 1)
secured to elastic straps, 7, the opposite ends of the straps 1, being fastened
to sliding clamp-buckles on the belt which clamp-buckles are of an ordinary
form and construction, being the same as those commonly employed on suspenders
and to which the suspender-ends are clamped. Each clasp, m, carries a metallic
eye, m², at which the conductors carrying electrodes are connected by means herein-
after described.
The battery, B, is inclosed within a case, D, formed preferably of rubber or oiled
silk, to render it impervious to the moisture of the battery (a suitable acid with which
the absorbent material is saturated) and having a flap, D¹, to cover it; and the
eyes n³, on the end cells extend through openings, n³, in the ends of the case D. A

page_text: case, E, of cloth or any other suitable material, open at both ends, is provided on the
belt, and may be slipped thereon to any position to which it is desired to move the
battery, which, and the case D, it incases; and by slipping the case, E, as described,
access is readily had to the battery for any purpose, without requiring the said case to
be removed from the bolt to gain such access.
The insulated conducting wires, and ¹, to which the electrodes, hereinafter
described, are attached, are provided, at their extremities with suitable clasps, 2,
carrying the improved form of connecting clamp, F, (Figure 5) for connecting
the conductors with the battery and the electrodes to the conductors.
The clamp, F, which is formed of springy metal, comprises the coil, at
its base, from the ends of which extend the arms ¿, terminating in hooks,, which
open outward, as shown. By compressing the arms they are brought
closely enough together to permit the insertion of the hooks with an eye, as the
eye m² on a clasp m, with which, on releasing the clamp F, the hooks engage and
produce perfect electrical connection. If it be desired to cut out any of the battery
cells, for the purpose of utilizing only a portion of the battery force, a conductor
carrying an electrode may be connected at its clamp F, with a ring, n¹ on a link n;
and to permit such connection to be made it is only necessary, in order to gain access
to the battery for the purpose, to slip aside the case E, on the belt and turn up the
flap D, the case D, and battery, of course, being sustained on the belt by suspen-
sion from the clasps m.
The electrodes, for use with the improved battery, may be of common construction
as to their general form, which is that of a metallic disk, h, provided on
its rear side with means for attaching it to a support, which holds it in contact with
the part of the body to which it is applied as on the belt A, as shown in Figure 1,
though when employed it is preferable to provide it with a safety-pin attachment, as
shown in Figure 3, for securing it to its support, or with a spring hasp and staple, as
shown in Figure 2. With the first-named construction the connection with the electrode
of the conductor is made by inserting the hook-end of the clamp F, into the eye h¹ of
the safety-pin; while with the last-named the hooks of the clamp are inserted through
the staple over the hasp, thereby fastening the electrode in place, and in either case
producing perfect electrical connection.
The kind of electrode, however, which it is desired to claim in the present applica-
tion is shown at G in Figure 1, and comprises, broadly stated, one which is self-
supporting on the part of the body to which it is applied, and to this end is formed,
preferably, of an adhesive plaster, g, carrying on its adhesive surface an electrode, h
(or two electrodes, if the same appliance is desired to form both the positive and
negative terminals of the battery) having an eye, gl, on its rear side extending through
the plaster and at which connection is made with a conductor by means of a clamp, F,
in the manner already described, and shown in Figure 1. This form of electrode
constitutes a very important feature in the invention, inasmuch as, owing to its self-
supporting quality by adhesion to the part, it obviates the necessity of applying the
belt or medium which would have to be provided for its support, were it not self-
supporting, directly to the person of the wearer, which entails discomfort. The same end
may be subserved by the construction of electrode, G, shown by dotted lines in
Figure 1, and comprising a band, preferably elastic, formed with conducting material
(as metallic net-work) adapted to surround and fit the part of the body to which it
is applied, and provided, if desired, with a metallic eye, g¹, at which to attach the
conductor, as in the manner already described. Either form of electrode G, may be
used, or both may be used together as terminals of the same or of different poles
of the battery; or either may be used with any other suitable form of electrode.
This improved belt may be provided with a circuit-breaker or interrupter, H, which
it is preferable to construct as shown in detail in Figure 4, comprising a housing f,
secured to the belt in any convenient position, as on a buckle, m¹, and containing,
loosely, a block, 1, of conducting material, such as carbon, concave at its opposite
ends; and metallic set-screws, or contacts e, having eyes e in their ends are inserted
through the heads of the housing, into the concavities in the blocks. One screw e e¹

page_text: may be connected permanently, as shown, with a clasp m, while the other affords means
for attaching to it the electrode G when it is desired to include the interrupter in the
circuit. A conductor may be connected with the battery, as shown in Figure 1, when
the interrupter is not in the circuit, or it may be connected indirectly therewith, by
adjusting the clamp F, on a conductor, into the eye e¹ of the set-screw e not connected
with a clasp m. whereby the movements of the wearer of the belt, by vibrating the
block (which brings the sides of the concavity in the upper end of the latter into
and out of contact with the end of the adjacent set-screw e) continually mako and
break the circuit, producing the well-known therapeutic effect of an interrupted
current. The circuit-breaker is thus operated mechanically, in contradistinction to
other circnit-breakers on electric belts known to me, which aro actuated by the battery-
current to make and break the circuit, and thus throw induced currents from an
induction-coil to the electrodes. With this device it is not an induced current as
commonly understood, which is generated by the circuit-breaker, but the body of the
wearer of the belt is subjected to the different desirable influence of the make and
break in the battery current.
By means of the clamp-buckles m³, the battery and case D, may be readily adjusted
to any desired position on the belt, whereby when an electrode, of the common foru
referred to, is applied to the casing around the battery, as it may be, it is carried with
the battery to any part of the body encircled by the belt to which it is desired to apply
the electrode.
By tightening the girdle A on the person, the thin metal elements p of the cells of
the battery, are extended longitudinally, thus compressing or reducing the diameters
of the elements p transversely and squeezing the absorbent material 7, whereby the
acid with which it is saturated is pressed out and flows upon and through the parts "
and P, and accordingly increases the strength of the battery.
P
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to me
by my foreign correspondent, I declare that what I claim is :-
1-In an electric belt, the combination of a girdle portion A, a longitudinally
expansible and tranversely compressible battery, B, comprising cells C, flexibly con-
nected together, and electrodes connected by suitable conductors with the opposite poles
of the battery, substantially as described.
2-In an electric belt, the combination of a girdle portion A, a longitudinally
expansible and transversely compressible battery, B, comprising cells, C, flexibly con-
nected together, clasps, m, attached to the opposite poles of the battery, buckles m² on
the girdle portion, elastic bands, 4, connecting the clasps m and buckles, and electrodes
connected by suitable conductors with the clasps me, substantially as described.
3-In an electric belt, the battery B, comprising, in combination, cells, C, composed
each of an element, r, surrounded by absorbent material, 7, to contain the exciting
liquid, and an element, P, of substantially the oval form shown and provided with the
extension o, links, n, connecting the cells from opposite elements and end links, n,
having eyes, n, substantially as described.
4-In an electric belt, the battery B, comprising in combination, cells, C, composed,
each, of an element 2, surrounded by absorbent material, 7, to contain the exciting
liquid and an element, P, of substantially the oval form shown and provided with the
extension o, links, n, connecting the cells from opposite elements, rings, n³,
on some or all of the links, and end-links n, having eyes, n², substantially as
described.
5 In an electric belt, the combination with the girdle portion A, of a battery B,
inclosed in a moisture-proof case, and having its terminals projecting from opposite
ends of the said case, and connected with the girdle portion, a shifting case, E, on the
girdle-portion, disconnected from the said moisture-proof case, whereby the case E
may be shifted to cover or uncover the case containing the battery, and electrodes
connected by suitable conductors with the opposite poles of the battery, substantially
as described.

page_text: 6 In an electric belt, the combination with the battery of a mechanically operated
circuit breaker or interrupter, substantially as described.
7 In an electric belt, the combination with the battery of a circuit-breaker or
interrupter, H, comprising a housing f, containing, loosely, conducting material, ¹,
and contacts, e, extending into the housing, substantially as described.
8 In an electric belt, the combination with the battery of a circuit-breaker or
interrupter, H, comprising a housing f, containing, loosely, conducting material, /',
and contacts e, extending into the housing and provided with eyes, e', substantially as
described.
9 in an electric belt, or the like, the combination with the battery of a conductor
to which an electrode is connected and a clamp F, at an end of the conductor, formed
with spring arms having hooks,, at their extremities, extending outwardly in
opposite directions, substantially as described.
10 In an electric belt, or the like, the combination with the battery of a conductor
to which an electrode is connected and a clamp, F, at the end of the conductor, formed
with a coil, and spring-arms, ", having hooks, at their extremities, extending
outwardly in opposite directions, substantially as described.
11-In an electric belt, or the like, the combination with the battery of an
electrode, G, connected with a pole of the battery by a suitable conductor, and self-
supporting on the part of the body to which it is applied, substantially as
described.
12 In an electric belt, or the like, the combination with the battery of an adhesive
electrode, G, connected with a pole of the battery by a suitable conductor, substantially
as described.
13 In an electric belt, or the like, the combination with the battery of an adhesivo
electrode, G, comprising a plaster having a metallic plate on its adhesive surface, and
an eye extending from the said plate through the plaster, and a conductor connected
at one end with a pole of the battery and carrying at its opposite end a clamp, F,
formed with spring-arms i, terminating in hooks, , inserted into the eye g¹, sub-
stantially as described.
1000