IMPROVEMENTS IN RESPIRATORS AND INHALERS
Year: 1886

page_text: I JUBAL CHARLTON BROADBENT of Church-Stile, Rochdale, in the County of
Lancaster, C.E. do hereby declare the nature of my invention for IMPROVEMENTS
IN RESPIRATORS AND INHALERS to be as follows:-
It consists of certain important amendments in their construction, both in
regard to material and design, which experience has shown to be necessary in order
to render them really serviceable, either as protectors of the respiratory organs, or
mediums for their curative treatment.
In the matter of Inbalers, I have perfected an arrangement, whereby medicaments
may be more effectually, and conveniently volatilized than is possible either by
their admixture with the water in the inhaling vessel, or when contained in sponge,
tow, or other materials equally liable to be rendered impermeable by moisture:
and, by means of which also great economy is effected in the use of medicaments,
with greatly enhanced benifit to the patient, from the physician being enabled
to more accurately determine the strength, and consequent efficiency of his
prescriptions.
It is generally known that in the stopple of ordinary inhaling vessels there are
two openings, or perforations, one being for the inlet air tube, and the other for the
outlet to the inhaling pipe, and my improvement consists in having a glass bulb at
the said outlet to serve as a receptacle for a plug of a peculiar vegetable fibre,
commonly known in England as Loofah and which, upon discovering its openness
or permeability to be unaffected by moisture, I have adopted for the purpose of
retaining medicaments in suspension pending their volatilization by the action of
the hot vapour passing through it from the inhaling vessel, in lieu of being mixed,
and diffused in the water as hitherto generally practiced.
In combination with this arrangement for the more effective and satisfactory
volatilization of medicaments, I have substituted a nasal device, or nosepiece, for
the mouthpiece as hitherto generally applied to inhalers whereby inhalation may
be performed in a more natural and easy manner than is possible by the use of
a mouthpiece and by means of which also, the inhalant, medicated or otherwise is

page_text: brought into more perfect, and effective contact, with each, and every part of the
respiratory tract, and organs from the nasal orifices to the lungs.
My Invention of Improvements as it relates to Respirators, has for its object
such amendments as regards material, construction, and design as will effectually
remove all those causes for complaint which have led to the great and general
diafavour with which they have long been regarded, and by the adoption of which
I am enabled to substitute a device or devices, which in all respects are calculated
to afford a practical, and thoroughly efficient protection of the respiratory tract
and organs from casual or protracted exposure to the deleterious effects of cold,
fogs, dust, contagion, and all other impurities, and pollutions of the atmosphere,
palpable or impalpable, by which it is at certain times, and under certain con-
ditions liable to be charged; and to afford such protection without detrimentally
interfering with the freedom of respiration, or being in the matter of appearance
in any way objectionable.
As may be inferred from what I have just stated, I accomplish the said desirable
objects in two distinct forms, in both of which the characterestic advantages of the
Respirator and Inhaler are combined, as, in addition to being protectors of the
respiratory organs, they are also alike mediums for their curative treatment.
One of these devices I designate an "Oranasal Respirator-Inhaler" from its being
specially adapted to meet the wishes and requirements of those who may for any
reason desire to have the nose, and mouth equally protected, and the other which
I designate an "Invisible Nasal Respirator-Inhaler " is designed to meet the wants
and tastes of those who, being accustomed to respire principally or exclusively
through the nose, may desire the benificial protection of a Respirator, but from
fastidiousness or other reasons, object to the feeling and appearance of anything
placed over the mouth, however unobjectionable in itself.
Both of the said devices are or may be constructed of vulcanite, celluloid,
xylonite, or other suitable material, in combination with the veg. fibre known as
Loofah, and previously referred to in my description of improvements in Inhalers,
and which I use in the construction of Respirators, for the purposes of filtration
and as a medium for the disinfection, medication, or perfuming of the air as it is
inspired.
Dated this 10th day of Tn 1000

page_text: Improvements in Apparatus for the Protection and Therapeutio
Treatment of the Respiratory Organs, termed Respirators
and Inhalers.
I JUBAL CHARLTON BROADBENT of Church-Stile, Rochdale in the County of
Lancaster C.E. do hereby declare the nature of my invention for IMPROVEMENTS
IN RESPIRATORS AND INHALERS and in what manner the same is to be performed,
to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :- :.
It has for its object the making of such alterations and ammendments in their
construction both in regard to material, and design, as a practical experience, and
knowledge of their structural and other defects has shown to be not only desirable,
but imperatively necessary in order to render them practically serviceable either as
protectors of the respiratory organs, or mediums for their curative treatment.
In the matter of Inhalers I have perfected an arrangement, by means of which
medicaments may be more conveniently and effectually volatilized, than has been
possible by their admixture with water in the inhaling vessel, as hitherto practiced,
or when contained in sponge, tow, cotton-wool, oakum, or other substances liable
to clot, and become impermeable when saturated with moisture.
The accruing advantages, being great economy in the use of medicaments, with
largely increased benificial results; inasmuch as it admits of them being inhaled
at their full efficient strength and whatever quantity or amount has been prescribed
by the physician, being fully utilised to the benifit of the patient.
In conjunction or combination with this arrangement for the more convenient,
efficient, and economical volatilization of medicaments, I have substituted a nose-
piece for the mouthpiece as hitherto generally applied to Inhalers, by means of
which inhalation may be performed in a more natural and easy manner, and the
inhalant brought into more perfect, and effective contact with the whole of the
respiratory tract than is possible through the medium of a mouthpiece.
In order to elucidate, and more fully ascertain how, or by what means I effect
the objects I have indicated, I will now describe the device which I have designated
"Rational Nasal Inhaler," as represented on the accompanying Drawing.
&
Fig. I a. is an elevation of the Inhaler complete.
Fig. Ib. is a detached elevation of the back of nosepiece.
It consists of a glass or earthenware vessel (a) such as are ordinarily used for
inhaling purposes, preference being given to glass on account of its transparency,
which permits of any remissness in the preservation of its cleanliness, and purity,
being easily observed.
}
The cork or stopple (b) has two perforations oue being for the inlet air tube (c)
and the other for the outlet (d) this latter being bulbed at its orifice in order that
it may serve as a receptacle for a peculiar veg. fibre commonly known as Luffas
or Loofah, which I have adopted in my improvements of Inhalers for the purpose of
holding medicaments pending their volatilization.
This being effected by the action of the heated air, or vapour as it passes from
the hot water contained in the Inhaler, into the inhaling pipe (6). This pipe,
which is of flexible india rubber about eighteen inches in length, is fitted at its
extremity with a nosepiece (f) which may be of ebonite, or other suitable material,'
in lieu of a mouthpiece as hitherto applied to Inhalers.

page_text: The object of this substitution of a nosepiece, being, as previously stated, to
render inhalation less difficult to perform; and more effective for good, inasmuch as
it embraces the whole of the respiratory tract from the nasal orifices to the lungs;
a large and important section of which, being of necessity excluded from all benifit
by the suction tube and mouthpiece arrangement.
An additional advantage consists in its permitting of the use of medicaments that
would be extremely disagreeable if administered by the mouth, and others that
could not be in any manner tolerated.
For the topical treatment of apthous affections of the mouth a mouthpiece may
be of service and for that purpose alone should be included in the equipment of
Inhalers.
It is recommended when medicaments of great volatility, and pungency are
used, that a small plug of the forementioned veg. fibre Luffas, or Loofah be inserted
in the cavity forming the body of the nosepiece, in order to retard the too rapid
escape of the volatilized elements during the first few moments of their inhalation
Bo that they may not reach the throat with such pungency and force as to provoke
a spasmodic action of the larynx, and thereby prevent their access to the bronchi
and lungs.
My Invention of Improvements as applied to Respirators, and Respirator-Inhalers,
consists in, their complete reorganization and construction upon an entirely
different. basis, both as to design, and the materials used in their composition; by
which, the numerous defects, and objectionable features which have been com-
plained of as being characterestic of all those hitherto in use, have been avoided,
and a more perfect adaptability to requirements effected, than has heretofore been
thought possible of accomplishment. =
I have achieved this in two seperate, and distinct forms or devices, one of which
I have designated an "Oranasal Respirator-Inhaler" and the other an "Invisible
Nasal Respirator-Inhaler" both alike possessing the attributes of a Respirator and
Inhaler combined, and therefore alike capable of serving either as efficient protectors
of the respiratory organs, or as mediums for their curative treatment.
The first of these devices has been designed with a special regard to the wishes
and requirements of those, who may for any reason desire to have the nose and
mouth equally protected.
Fig. II a. on the accompanying Drawing represents inside elevation of do.
Fig. II b. cross section of do. through vertical centre line.
And Fig. II c. the plan of do.
It consists of two light semi flexible plates of ebonite g. h. or other suitable
material joined together of appropriate form, and dimensions, to cover the mouth
and upper lip.
The front or outside plate (g) is made to project under the nose so as to embrace
the nostrils, and form with the back or inner-plate (h) in which there is an
opening (i) for the mouth, a channel for respiration.
In order that the protection afforded may be of a thoroughly practical character
and available under all conditions, and contingencies, this breathing channel is
filled with the permeable veg. fibre, Luffas or Loofah (k) previously mentioned,-by
the medium of which, every breath of air upon being inspired, either by the nose,
or mouth, is first filtered, and effectually freed from all material impurities with
which it may perchance be charged, and, when circumstances should render it
necessary, may be disinfected, deodorized, medicated, or perfumed, by pouring
upon it a few drops of whatever character of inhalant be required, or considered
appropriate.
The latter device of which Fig. III a. on Drawing shows the elevation, Fig. III b.
cross section at the centre, and Fig. III c. the plan, has been designed to meet the
wants and tastes of those who are accustomed to respire principally or exclusively
through the nose, and whom although desirous of having the benificial protection
of a Respirator, from fastidiousness, or other reasons, object to the feeling and
appearance of anything placed over the month however unobjectionable in itself.

page_text: It consists of two small tubes l. 1. of ebonite, or other suitable material, adapted
for insertion into the nasal orifices, so as not to occasion either a feeling of incon-
venience or cause any perceptible distortion of the features. They are or may be
connected to each other by an almost invisible band, or tie (m) passing under the
septum, and, as in the device already described, are filled with the veg. fibre
Luffas or Loofah (k) for the purposes and objects stated and explained in relation
thereto, viz. The filtration, disinfection, deodorization, medication or perfuming
of the air as it is inspired, according as circumstances may suggest.
It should be observed that neither of these Respirator-Inhalers are in the least
degree, liable to become foul or, in any way offensive by use.
An occasional rinsing of the filters by running cold water through them, which
is recommended after exposure to infectious, or otherwise impure air, such as
fogs etc. being all that is necessary to preserve them pure, and good as new for an
indefinite time,
I ought to say here that I attach the greatest importance to the use of the
veg. fibre commonly known as Luffas or Loofah in the manner, and for the purposes
herein described, for which it has a special fitness and value, which I believe
I have been the first to discover and appreciate. This consists in its receptiveness,
and capacity to hold medicaments or perfume, without clotting, or becoming
impermeable, and consequently without offering any impediment to the freedom
of either inhalation or respiration.
This characterestic constituting it also an invaluable substitute for wire-gauze,
perforated plates of metal, and other substances, also for sponge, tow, cotton-wool,
oakum, etc. etc. hitherto used in the construction, and fitting up of Respirators,
Inhalers, and Respirator-Inhalers.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my Invention
of Improvements in apparatus for the protection and therapeutic treatment of the
respiratory organs, termed Respirators and Inhalers, and in what manner the same
is to be performed, or put into effect, I declare that what I claim is-
1st. The construction, arrangement, and use of the device for holding medica-
ments in suspension pending their volatilization substantially as described and
illustrated.
2nd. The construction, arrangement, and use of the nosepiece, as a substitute
for the mouthpiece, hitherto generally applied to Inhalers, substantially as described
and illustrated.
3rd. The construction, arrangement, and use in conjunction, or combination, of
the device for holding medicaments in suspension pending their volatilization, and
the nosepiece, substantially as described and illustrated.
4th. The use of the veg. fibre commonly known as Luffas or Loofah in the manner
and for the purposes hereinbefore described, and also in the manufacture and
fitting up of Respirators, and Inhalers in general as a substitute for wire-gauze,
perforated plates of metal, and other substances, and also for sponge, tow, cotton-
wool, oakum, flannel etc. etc. bitherto used in their construction.
5th. The construction, arrangement and use of the " Oranasal Respirator-Inhaler
substantially as described and illustrated.
"
6th. The construction, arrangement and use of the "Invisible Nasal Respirator-
Inhaler" substantially as described and illustrated.
Dated this 30th day of September 1886.