Improvements in Therapeutic Magneto Electric Machines.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 20th Jan., 1891-Accepted, 28th Feb., 1891
COLLELE
[Communicated from abroad by JOSEPH BROWN GARDINER, of Nyack, in the State
of New York, U.S.A., Electrician.]
Improvements in Therapeutic Magneto Electric Machines.
I, HENRY HARINGTON LEIGH, Fel. Inst. P.A., Assoc. M. Inst. C.E., practising
as Phillips & Leigh, at No. 22, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, in the
County of Middlesex, Engineer and Patent Agent, 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:—
My invention relates to a certain class of machines which comprises a resisting
pull that is adapted to be moved in one direction by an operator, and then returned
to its original position by the means which occasioned the original resistance to his
muscular effort, a magneto-electric mechanism, means whereby the said magneto-
electric mechanism is caused to be actuated by the reciprocation of the resisting
pull, and lastly means whereby the magneto-electric currents or series of impulses
thus generated are conducted and transmitted through the pull to the hands or
person of the operator. Such a mechanism as that just indicated is designed to
permit of the combination in a single machine of devices whereby the operator may
at one and the same time receive the beneficial and therapeutic effects due to a
continuous and energetic exercise and to the passage of a succession of currents or
electric impulses through the system.
Generally speaking and without recital of details at this point in the Specification,
my invention consists in mechanism whereby the operation of the pulls and the
actuation therefrom of the electro-magnetic devices are rendered continuous and
efficient, means whereby the resistance to the pull of the operator may be varied or
adjusted at will, to suit different individuals; devices whereby the force of the
series of electric impulses may be varied at will, or if desired, whereby the entire
alternating current ranging from zero to the maximum intensity may be received
through the operator's person, instead of the successive impulses which are
selected and received in the ordinary operation of the machine; means also whereby
the general force of the current may be affected by a magnetic short-circuiting of
the field-magnet, combined with means for shutting off this general current entirely
by electrically short-circuiting the current through the body of the field-
magnet; and lastly, a general construction whereby the entire mechanism
efficient.
made
Reference may now be had to the accompanying drawing, constituting a part of
this Specification, in which it should be noted that the same parts, however
shown in the various views, are always designated by the same characters of
reference.
Fig. 1 is a view of the general mechanism of my improved electrical exercising
machine, the enclosing cover and the various features thereof being shown in
dotted lines.
Fig. 2 is an inside view of one of the actuating pulleys, with its sides removed,
and showing the resisting spring and the means whereby the said spring is adjusted
to vary the resistance.
Fig. 3 is a diagramatic view showing the course of the current and indicating the
method of short-circuiting, and
Fig. 4 is a detail view.
First With reference to the devices which are employed to afford a resistance
to the muscular effort of the operator, and to return the pulls to their original

page_text: advantage in the construction of the mechanism to provide a means whereby the
resistance of the pull may be varied so as to suit it to persons of different strength.
I obtain this desired end by providing the spring which is attached to the
actuating pulley with means whereby its degree of tension may be varied, that is to
say, tightened or loosened in its normal position, which may be taken as that
position in which its greatest relaxation occurs, at the point where the pulls are
completely wound upon the pulley. Further, it is desirable that the magneto-
electric apparatus of the machine be actuated at each reciprocation of either pull,
in order to obtain a continuous or practically continuous current, and also one which
may be generated by the operation of either pull alone, if desired.
A is the main shaft of the magneto-electric mechanism journaled in suitable
bearings on the supporting base B, and carrying thereon the armature C provided
with the customary induction coils. As the shaft A is rotated, it is evident that
the movement of the armature C with its coils in the field of force of the magnet D
will generate a current of electricity which may be conducted through the system
in any suitable way. On the said shaft, A are carried ratchet devices E E, by which
the said shaft is actuated when moved in one direction and allowed to remain at
rest when moved in the opposite direction. These ratchet devices form no part of
my invention, and may be of any well known description, provided they are of a
light and easy running character. The ratchet devices E as shown in the drawing
are engaged and moved by the belts F, which in turn are operated by the pulleys G.
To these pulleys G are fastened the operating pulls H and handles H'. It is
evident that when either of the said pulls are operated, by means of the connections
just described, the proper actuation of the shaft A will be caused so that a complete
independence of the generating mechanism is secured, and a current may be obtained
whichever handle be operated. Of course, when both handles are operated, the
character of the current is rendered more continuous and steady than if but one is
employed. Further, it will be seen that in this special form of my machine, the
employment of two pulleys and connections to light-running ratchet devices on the
shaft of the magneto-electric apparatus, renders the mechanism practically noiseless
and frictionless in operation. It is obvious that the arrangement shown in the
drawing is susceptible of variation without any departure from the spirit of my
invention. Thus for some purposes I have found it expedient to dispense altogether
with the belts F and to actuate the ratchet-devices E, by means of a turn or loop
of the pull H which is caused to engage the ratchet-devices and to operate them
without any intermediate belt whatsoever.
The pulleys G are carried on short shafts G¹ borne in supports G" attached to
the base B. In order to afford the necessary resistance to the muscular effort of
the operator, and provide means to return the pulley and pull to their normal
positions, the spring H" is used, (see Fig. 2) one end of which is fastened to the
short shaft G and the other to the inside of the pulley G. In order to provide a
means for adjusting the said springs, I have provided the shaft G¹ with a nut or
boss G, over which a spring pawl I fits by means of a correspondingly shaped
recess therein, and fastens the said shaft in adjusted position. The end of the
shaft G¹ is shaped so that a key or wrench may be employed to turn it at will. It
is evident that by springing the pawl or holder I out of its normal position, the
tension of spring H" may be increased or diminished as described, and the spring
be retained in this state of tension by the pawl I again engaging the nut or boss G¹¹.
This feature is of great service in adapting the machine to different individuals.
It is also a part of my invention to provide a combination of devices, whereby
the force of the general alternating current may be varied in magnetically short-
circuiting the field magnet by adjusting the keeper to various positions with
relation thereto, and to permit of the entire shutting off of the current by electric
short-circuiting through the shaft of the magneto-electric apparatus and the
field magnet, when the keeper or other lever employed is in its extreme position in
one direction.
The winding of the armature coils is similar to that employed in all magneto-

page_text: electric machines of this type, one end of the wire being fast to the main shaft, and
the other end being carried to the metal ring J, secured to a sleeve J'of wood or
other insulating material fast on the shaft A. The current which
passes through
the person of the operator takes this course, starting at the right shaft A, spring-
brush K, stand G" or spring-pawl I to shaft G', thence to spring H" and to a wire
in pull H to handle H', thence through the person to the other handle H', through
the pull to spring H, and back by shaft G¹ spring-holder I or stand G" to
brush J playing on ring J, and then through the coils to the starting point.
This is the course of the current when no other circuit of less resistance is available
to it. I propose to employ a lever through which such a short circuit of little
resistance is available to it, when it is desired to cut off the current from the person.
In this instance I have shown the lever as combined with the keeper L, of the
magnet. A projection L' of this keeper extends through a slot in the front of the
cover and may be moved as desired. The moving of this keeper with reference to
the magnet and in contact with it has the well known effect of magnetically short-
circuiting the magnet, and as it assumes different positions with relation thereto,
the force of the induced current will be varied. I have provided means whereby
when the keeper L is in its highest position and against the shaft A. an electric
short-circuit may be created which completely cuts off the current from the person
of the operator, and permits the mechanism to be used as a simple exercising
machine without obtaining any electrical effect. When the keeper or lever L is
in its highest position, this short circuit is established as follows: From terminal
ring J, through brush J", and connection Jun, to the body or support of the
magnet, through the magnet D, keeper L, and shaft A, back through the coils of
armature C to terminal ring J. In this manner I combine a means of varying the
general alternating current of the apparatus by magnetically short-circuiting the
field magnet, and finally and completely cutting it off when the lever is in its
extreme position by electrically short-circuiting the current through the magnet
and operating shaft. It is evident that a slide or other conductor moving in
contact with the magnet could be employed instead of a pivoted lever as shown in
this case.
Up to this point in the Specification I have spoken merely of the ordinary
alternating current produced by the rotation of the armature together with its
induction coils, in the field of force of the field or stationary magnet.
This current in the ordinary form of machine is an alternating one of varying
intensity, ranging from zero to its maximum and back to zero in one-half turn of
the armature, and then in the second half of the same turn ranging from zero to
maximum and back to zero in an electric force of opposite direction to that generated
in the first half turn. It is deemed advisable to transform this irregular and
continuous current for certain purposes into what may be termed a series or suc-
cession of electric impulses with a break or entire absence of current continuity
between each two successive impulses, each of the said impulses having an electric
force of greater intensity than even the corresponding maximum effect which would
be obtained if the current were a continuous one. For some purposes this series or
succession of impulses is regarded as having therapeutic effects on the system,
superior to those of the continuous current, but for other purposes the latter be
desired. I accordingly have devised a mechanism whereby not only either of these
effects may be secured, but also whereby the series of electric impulses may be
varied or changed to another series of greater or less intensity. These results I
obtain in the following manner: It is evident that the current will pass through
the person of the operator and overcome the resistance of the human body only
in case no other circuit of less resistance is available to it. By affording a suc-
cession of such short-circuits to the current, and completely breaking these short-
circuits between successive ones, it is evident I will transform the continuous
current into a series or succession of impulses with relation to the person of the
operator, the electric force passing through the body only when the short-circuits
of small resistance are open. Further, these impulses will have a higher electro-
may

page_text: motive force than the corresponding portions of the continuous current, due to a
reflex or secondary induction in the coils of the armature occasioned by the series
of interruptions in the generated current. The maximum effect theoretically in
the continuous current will be obtained when the axial line of the armature is at
right angles to the axial line of the field magnet, and the minimum, when these
lines are parallel. To utilize the maximum effect and to exaggerate it in the person
of the operator, the current should be short-circuited during the minimum effect
and allowed to pass through the body during the maximum. Means have been
devised as follows to accomplish this: On the shaft of the armature is fastened
a double cam M which twice during the rotation of the shaft contacts with the
spring M and short-circuits the current by suitable connections through the shaft.
In order to obtain the maximum effect, the axial line of this cam M should be
parallel theoretically with the axial line of the armature, but in practice I have
found that the maximum effect is obtained when the cam is slightly behind the
armature in the rotation of the shaft.
I have devised means whereby two or more of these cams M may be employed,
inclined at different angles to the armature (the entire range of such angles
being 90°) and by providing suitable connections and a switch N, I can throw any
one of these cams into electric operation, and obtain a succession of shocks of
different intensity, but each exaggerated and proportional to the intensity
obtained at the corresponding position of the armature in the generation of the
continuous current, or by throwing the switch to the neutral point, I break all of the
short-circuits, and the continuous alternating current is obtained. I have shown
four of these cams M in the drawing (see Fig. 3) and four contact springs M', each
of which is connected to a contact-point on the front of the box cover by any
suitable connections. In the showing made in Fig. 1, these connections consist
merely in strip like continuations M of the contact springs M', but any con-
venient form of connection may be adopted. Similarly the contact spring J" is
connected by suitable means Ju to the base of the switch N. In practice the
connections M and J are arranged so that the cover may be freely removed and
when restored the connections will be again complete in any customary manner. The
operation of this apparatus is as follows: On the rotation of the shaft A each of the
cams M will contact twice with its corresponding spring M', which is so arranged
that normally it will be out of contact with the cam M. This arrangement is
clearly shown in Fig. 4, wherein the spring M' is shown below the cam M. We
will suppose that the switch N has been turned to the point 3 of the switch-board,
thus establishing an intermittent short-circuit through the corresponding spring M₁,
and cam M. It is evident that when the spring M₁ is in contact with cam M,
the electric force will desert the circuit through the body of the operator and seek
that of less resistance made up as follows: Terminal J, brush J₁, connection J
switch N, contact point 3, connection M", spring M₁, cam M, shaft A, and
armature C back to terminal J. Thus in the rotation of shaft A the current
through the body will be continuously broken, and the series of impulses received
through the system will be proportionately increased because of the reflex or
secondary induction in the armature due to the interrupted current before
referred to. As already stated the maximum effect will be obtained when the
cam M is nearly parallel with the armature, and it is readily seen that by throwing
in and out of operation cams of different inclination to the armature, effects of
different intensity will be obtained. This is accomplished by simply moving the
switch to any one of the contact points, 1, 2, 3 or 4. It is further seen that when
the switch is moved to point o, which is not connected with any of the springs M¹,
no short-circuiting will be obtained, and consequently the original, alternating
current will be received through the system of the operator.
'
Of course, many formal changes may be made without departing from the spirit
of my invention. Thus the connections may be varied, or armatures of different
types may be employed, or if desired, the current may be converted from an inter-
mittent to a continuous one by a commutator or other means. Again, instead of a

page_text: permanent magnet I may employ an electric magnet, energized by a shunt from the
generated current, or in the circuit of a galvanic battery. One modification which
is clearly within the scope of my invention and one upon which I lay considerable
stress, I have already referred to, viz.: The employment of the pull directly to
actuate the ratchet, thus dispensing with the belt F. This arrangement I have
found advantageous in practice, giving both simplicity and positiveness of action
and good results from an electrical standpoint. Again it will be seen that my
invention is applicable to a type of machine in which the magneto-electric
mechanism is actuated from but one of the resisting pulleys, by means of a single
belt or similar means, as described in connection with the doubly actuated machine.
These and many other mechanical substitutes which will suggest themselves to the
minds of those skilled in the art are clearly within the scope of my invention..
Having thus described the construction, theory and operation of my apparatus,
I claim :-
1. In combination, a magneto-electric mechanism, connections whereby the
current generated thereby is transmitted to the person of an operator, a shaft, a
pulley rotating thereon, a pull connected to the said pulley, a spring connected to
the shaft and pulley, connections from the pulley to operate the magneto-electric
mechanism, and means whereby the shaft may be turned and held in adjusted
position and the tension of the spring thus varied to suit the strength of different
individuals.
2. In combination, a magneto-electric mechanism and means whereby the current
generated thereby is transmitted to the person of an operator, a shaft, a pulley
rotating thereon, a pull connected to the said pulley, a spring connected to the
pulley and shaft, connections from the pulley to operate the magneto-electric
mechanism, a nut or boss on the shaft, a spring pawl to engage the said nut or boss,
and thus hold the said shaft in adjusted position and means whereby the shaft may be
turned and the tension of the spring thus varied.
3. In combination, a magneto-electric mechanism, connections for conveying the
current produced thereby to the person of an operator, two pulleys, two pulls, two
ratchet mechanisms on the shaft of the magneto-electric mechanism, and means
whereby the said ratchet mechanisms are operated from the respective pulleys, and
the current produced from the reciprocation of either pull.
4. In combination, a magneto-electric mechanism, connections for conveying the
current produced thereby to the person of an operator, two pulleys, two pulls, two
ratchet-mechanisms on the shaft of the magneto-electric mechanism, and belts con-
necting the said pulleys to the respective ratchet-mechanisms, whereby the current
is produced from the reciprocation of either pull.
5. In combination, a magneto-electric mechanism, connections for conveying the
current thereby produced, to the person of an operator, two shafts, two pulleys
thereon, two springs connecting the said shafts and pulleys, means whereby the said
shafts may be turned up and held in adjusted position, two pulls connected to the
said pulleys, two ratchet-devices on the shaft of the magneto-electric mechanism,
and two belts connecting the said pulleys to their respective ratchet-devices,
whereby the current is produced from the reciprocation of either pull.
6. In combination, a magneto-electric mechanism, connections for conveying the
current thereby produced to the person of an operator, two shafts, two pulleys
thereon, two springs connecting the said shafts and pulleys, nuts or bosses on the
said shafts, spring pawls adapted to engage the said nuts and hold them in adjusted
position, and means whereby the said shaft be turned up as desired, two pulls
connected to the said pulleys, two ratchet-devices on the shaft of the magneto-
electric mechanism, and two belts connecting the said pulleys to the said ratchet
devices, whereby the current is produced from the reciprocation of either pull.
7. In combination, a pull and a resisting-spring therefor, a magneto-electric
mechanism actuated by said pull, means whereby the electric current is transmitted

page_text: to the person of an operator, and a lever or device whereby the current may be
short-circuited and the derice used simply as an exercising apparatus.
8. In combination, in a magneto-electric apparatus, the rotating shaft carrying
the armature, the stationary or field magnet, a lever or other device which in one
position is in contact with both the magnet and actuating shaft, and suitable con-
nections whereby when the lever or other device is in the position indicated a
short-circuit through the shaft and magnet will be closed.
9. In combination, in a magneto-electric apparatus, the rotating shaft carrying
the armature, the stationary or field magnet, the keeper moving in contact with the
magnet, whereby the force of the current may be varied by a magnetic short-
circuiting, the said keeper in its extreme position being in contact with both magnet
and shaft, and suitable connections whereby in this position of the keeper, an electric
short-circuit through the magnet and shaft will be closed.
10. In a magneto-electric apparatus, the rotating shaft carrying the armature,
the field magnet, suitable connections combined with means whereby the magnet
and shaft may be connected so that an electric short-circuit through the shaft and
magnet is closed.
11. In combination, in a magneto-clectric mechanism a series of contact breakers
and means whereby any contact breaker may be thrown into electric circuit, whereby
the alternating current may be converted into a series of impulses of greater or less
intensity.
12. In a magneto-electric mechanism, in combination, the rotating shaft carrying
the armature, a series of contact breakers carried thereby, and means whereby any
of the contact breakers may be thrown into electric operation so that the alternating
current may be converted into a series of shocks or impulses of greater or less
intensity.
13. In a magneto-electric mechanism, in combination the rotating shaft, a series
of cams carried thereby, means for throwing any one of these cains into electric
operation, and thereby converting the alternating current into a series of shocks or
impulses of varying intensity, as desired.
14. In a magneto-electric mechanism, in combination, the rotating shaft, a series
of cams carried thereby, contact springs for each of the cams, and a switch, contact
points, and connections whereby any one of the cams may be thrown into electric
operation, and the alternating current converted into a series of shocks or impulses
of varying intensity.
15. In a magneto-electric mechanism, in combination, the rotating shaft, a series
of cams carried thereby inclined at different angles to the armature, contact springs
for each of the cams, a switch and contact-points, and connections whereby any of
the cams may be thrown into electric operation, and thereby the alternating current
converted into a series or succession of impulses of varying intensity.
16. In a magneto-electric machine, in combination, the rotating shaft carrying
the armature, the field magnet, the cams M, the springs M', the terminal J con-
nected to the coils of the armature, the switch N connected thereto, and connections
from the springs M', so that by moving the switch N any one of the cams may be
thrown into electric connection and thus convert the alternating current into a
series of impulses or shocks, or by breaking all connections with the cams M, the
simple alternating current is obtained.
17. In combination, two shafts, two pulleys, springs connecting the shafts and
pulleys, two pulls, a magneto-electric mechanism, connections for conveying the
current to the person of the operator, and means whereby the magneto-electric
mechanism is actuated from the pulleys upon the reciprocation of either pull.
18. In combination, two shafts, two pulleys, two pulls, a magneto-electric
mechanism, connections for conveying the current to the person of the operator, and
means whereby the magneto-electric mechanism is actuated from the pulleys upon
the reciprocation of either pull.
19. In combination, two pulls and means for imparting a resistance to the said

page_text: pulls when operated, a magneto-electric mechanism, connections for conveying the
current to the person of the operator, and belts or similar means whereby the
magneto-electric mechanism is actuated upon the reciprocation of either pull.
20. In combination, two pulls and means for imparting a resistance to the said
pulls when operated, a magneto-electric mechanism, connections for conveying the
current to the person of the operator, ratchet mechanisms on the shaft of the
magneto-electric mechanism, and belts or similar means whereby the magneto-
electric mechanism is actuated upon the reciprocation of either pull.
21. In combination, a pull, a resisting pulley, a magneto-electric mechanism,
connections for conveying the current to the person of the operator, and a belt or
similar means whereby the magneto-electric mechanism is actuated from the pulley
upon the reciprocation of the pull.
Dated this 20th day of January 1891.
HENRY H. LEIGH.