A Device for Passing Through the Human Body Currents Derived from the Ordinary Town Main Electrical Supply.

摘要

103,859. Greville, E. E. Feb. 15, 1916. Resistances. - An apparatus for use in the application of electricity medically comprises a liquid rheostat, Figs. 1 and 2, used in conjunction with other devices such as a milliammeter F and an induction coil U, Fig. 3. The rheostat consists of a vessel V containing water, in which depend two movable electrodes B, B' suspended from a rotatable disk N, and which are connected by leads C, C1 to the source of current. Two other electrodes A, A1 connected to terminals T, T1 are fixed to an insulating-slab M fixed to the vessel V, and are used for leading off a portion of the main the strength of which is dependent on the relative positions of the fixed and movable electrodes. Fixed to the disk N is a handle E, which, by moving over a scale K on the vessel V, indicates the voltage between the movable electrodes. Pillars G, G' are provided for supporting either a milli-ammeter F or an induction coil U. The primary winding of the coil is connected to metal bars Q, Q1, which may be clamped to the pillars G, G1 which serve to conduct the current to the coil. If the main supply is alternating, the contact-breaker of the coil is thrown out of action or the coil is made without one. Alternatively, a rectifier may be used. The apparatus may he used in conjunction with an electric lamp for illuminating parts of the patient's body. The Provisional Specification 2249/16 states that the electrodes of the rheostat are made of carbon. If the main current is alternating, the rheostat may be used as a rectifier by employing aluminium and carbon electrodes in a solution of magnesium sulphate. The escape of gas may be diminished by means of a layer of oil on the liquid in the rheostat. The current may he periodically interrupted by means of a wheel divided into insulated sections and driven by hand or motive power; or a rocking beam dipping in mercury may be used. According to the Provisional Specification 8240/16, discoloration of the water in the rheostat is avoided by placing over the electrodes a hag or cover of suitable material. A rectifier for alternating currents may be used, comprising four or more cells containing a solution of ammonium phosphate, in which are immersed electrodes of carbon and aluminium or alumium alloy. The Provisional Specification 11363/16 states that multiple terminals may be employed for the treatment of several patients simultaneously, and that, when the four-celled bath is used, the cells may be so designed as to pack one within another.