US2114173A - Method of and apparatus for producing therapeutic rays - Google Patents

Description

pril 12, 1938. E/w. BoERsTLf-:R 2,114,173

METHOD OF AND APARATUS FOR PRODUCING THERAPEUTIG RAYS l Filed Jan. 24, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 30M/tig E. w. BOERSTLR April 12, 193g.

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING THERAPEUTIC RAYS Filed Jan. 24, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 w. u wm am m E k r l. e? r a c riff: vnu ,mh a w. Ww W l. W a w M. D

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Patented pr. 12., 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE METHOD OF ANDI APPARATUS FOR PRO- DUCING THERAPEUTIC RAYS 6 Claims.

invention is to make conveniently and comfortably applicable to animal organisms, especially to depths of human tissue, a high amount of radiant energy substantially within the spectral band between the wave length limits of 2900-40,000 A. U.

As a result of clinical experiments extending over a long period I have found that exclusive of the treatment of disturbances of inorganic mineral metabolism, such as rickets, the major therapeutic value of solar radiation is produced by those wave lengths which are capable of penetrating into appreciable depths of blood filled tissue. Although photo-chemical reactions are induced by irradiation with the full spectrum of solar radiation, the evidence indicates that the primary action inducing the observed therapeutic results is essentially thermal in nature, doubtless through the production of anti-bodies in the blood, together with a marked stimulation of the .j organisms normal defensive mechanism.

While the art of therapy has had the benefit of the highly scientific and accurate work of many men of high skill and inspiration, nevertheless it has suffered much from ignorance and more from selfish commercialism. The exposure of human tissue to artificial energy on anything but a careful basis of medical science is to be condemned. Over-exposure even to the solar energy is known to be dangerous.

My concept is that of a scientific and safe l basis of therapeutic treatment which may be curately and scientifically maintained in order that treatment may be based on Standard conditions and applied according to case results studied and founded on the same carefully maintained technical standards.

My improvements are based on logical practicable and irrefutable standards such as have been recommended for years.

Rollier, Sonne, Reyn, Bernhard, Strandeburg, Gauvain, Dixon, Hill, Laurens, Dorno, Hess, Saleeby, Phelps and many others, and in fact every capable observer in this field, have given data that is consistent and basic.

At the present state of development the full spectrum of sunlight is pre-eminently the template against which artificial sources of this type of artificial radi-ation should logically be evaluated. I therefore conceive of the full energy distribution curve of average June sunlight, plotted on its mean 10:00 a. m. values, as an accurate, dependable and logical standard for the evaluation of therapeutic lamps of this type. Although noonday values have been referred to in the literature, I have noted that no sensible isolation technic suggests or even permits exposures of patients for any considerable length of time after 10:30 A. M. or before 2:30 P. M. to clear mid-summer sun.

Attempts to use high energy sources have met with much difficulty because of the exaggeration of the effects of undesirable wave lengths which in low energy sources have not seemed so objectionable. For example, I have found it desirable to use a 1000 Watt tungsten source or even one of higher energy as a source, but at anything like that energy value the effect of the included long wave length infra-red rays is so increased that the patient would not be able to stand the heat or caustic effects and would be burned if exposed.

In the ultra-violet region, although the lower wave length limit of 2900 A. U. is generated by the high temperature tungsten filament and transmitted by the bulb envelope, the energy value of the full ultra-violet component is somewhat less than clear mid-day mid-summer sunlight, which produces a relatively rapid erythema and subsequent pigmentation, as a defense against amounts of radiation to Which We are not yet wholly adapted.

By referring to the comparative energy distribution curves, it is seen that from the visible yellow (at about 5500 A. U.), the artificial source begins to exceed solar radiation in intensity and at the filament temperature employed the energy peaks at about 9500 A. U. Which coincides with the point of maximum penetration into living tissue.

./It is well established that water filters out most of the infra-red region beyond 14,000 A. U. and it is for this reason that the water filter in the present method is preferably constructed so that it intercepts only the reflected radiation from the source as will be seen from the drawings and later description.

This makes possible a maximum application of energy from 5500 to about 14,000 A. U. but allows an optimum and sensibly comfortable amount of the longer infra-red wave lengths to reach the patient. Wave lengths longer than about 40,000 A. U. are not transmitted by the Vitreous shield and filter system which give a shutoff coinciding closely with the average atmospheric cut-ofi.

Briefly stated, my concept is that of a selectively developed group of radiations having its maximum peak in the penetrative wave lengths just below the visible .spectrum but excluding a large amount of the longer wave lengths of the infra-red. By the exclusion also of the ultraviolet beyond 2900 or 3000 A. U. as in my previous patent above referred to, I am able to provide a novel type of radiation of high energy and yet of non-escharotic effects and high therapeutic value.

For the purpose of discussing the character and properties of rays or emanations selectively produced according to my concept, and as illustrative of apparatus adapted for generation or selective delivery of the energy in accordance with my invention, I have shown in the accompanying drawings illustrative embodiments of apparatus according to my concept together with a diagrammatic presentation of the spectral energy values involved in the biological aspects of the case. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a partial central section of a characteristic therapeutic apparatus in accordance with my invention.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary front elevation.

Fig. 3 is a partly sectioned detail of a modified construction.

Fig. 4 is a face view of the same.

Fig. 5 shows another variant in a like sectional View.

Fig. 6 is a face View of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a sectional view of the water filter of Fig. 3

Fig. 8 is an illustrative chart of the energy values to be hereinafter discussed, and

Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic indication of the sucsive filtering of the high energy beam.

Referring first briefly to the chart of Fig. 8, it will be noted that the curves are plotted on a scale in which the height reads in units of energy value which as shown are laid oif in spaces representing increases of 100 units, i. e. from 0 to 900.

Transversely, the chart is laid off in units of wave length representing differences of 1000 from 3000 A. U. to 14,000 A. U.

The curve T is that of a tungsten lamp of the general type or character indicated in my prior Letters Patent above referred to, but stopped at the 14,000 A. U. line of the scale, as will be explained later. It will be noted that at 9500 A. U. the energy peak lies just below the visible spectrum in infra-red but in those of least length. This in comparison with the curve S plotted for the suns energy shows that the tungsten lamp rises less abruptly than the solar curve taking in less of the ultra-violet and violet and at an energy value of 200 is intercepted by the wave length line of the chart at 14,000 A. U.

There is, therefore, included a Wide region of radiations which pass freely through water or blood illed tissue and are therefore of high biological importance. Of the tungsten energy fifty-seven percent lies below 14,000 A. U.

As my present concept contemplates the elimination of the abiotic infra-red rays, I desire to shut them off and eliminate them from the beam. This I may do by providing an apparatus such as is shown in the drawings. In Figs. 1 and 2 I have shown a form consisting of a reflector shell 1 of parabolic or similar form adapted to concentrate the refiected rays as desired for treatment. The inner surface ischromium plated as at 11 to give a highly reective resultant.

Spaced from this reflector is a correspondingly shaped disc 2 of figure similar to that of the reflector and held thereon by a bezel ring 3 clamped thereto. The disc 2 is of ultra-violet transmitting glass such as quartz glass. A tight joint is formed by the gasket 4. This provides a chamber 5 which is kept lled with Water.

The energy source indicated at l0 is preferably of elongated tubular type. Such bulbs are commercially available but are of particular interest according to my concept. They present a minimum axial radiation. They also are important in my combination of reflected and filtered energy.

The bulbs or tubular envelopes of such energy sources may be of quartz Vita glass or other filtering media but thin soda, lime glass about 17 thousandths of an inch functions as an ideal filter having a cut-off slightly below 2900 A. U. yet transmitting a greater portion of the vital penetrative wave lengths.

rIhese tubes I0 may be capped or shielded at the end as at |01 but for general application as to a nude patient, a little of the longer infrared energy may be permitted in the beam as the indicated band of rays is lacking in that warmth necessary for the comfort of the patient.

The elongated type of lamp source shown provides a maximum of energy in the axis of the reflector obviating re-transmission of the reilected radiation through the glass of the bulb so that the greater part of the rays from it falls in eiective incidence on the reflector and twice traverses the water lm as shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

In Fig. 3 the screening of the infra-red is effected by a lter 20 of cyclindric gure which surrounds the base of the source I0 and interf cepts the rays falling on the reflector 2l having a chrome nickeled reflecting surface 2l1. The water circulation in the chamber 25 in such a small lter as that indicated at 20 has to be provided for as by inlet and outlet pipes 22 and 23 as the temperature of the water rises rapidly as soon as the current is turned on.

In Fig. 5 the lter 30 is cylindrical but the outer wall 3i is sealed at its ends 32 and 33 to the Wall of the bulb, thus forming a simple water jacket or lter having a chamber 35. In this type particularly, care must be taken to have the water medium in full circulating condition as through 34 and 36 before the current is turned The depth of the Water filter, i. e. its dimension through which the rays pass in falling upon the reflector or in passage therefrom need be only about one centimeter or approximately 1%; inch, although somewhat greater depths may be used, if desired. Where high energy tungsten sources are used and the body of water in such a lter is relatively low, the rate of circulation should be such as to prevent the water from boiling. Where desired, a radiator may be introduced into the circuit in any ordinary manner to give additional cooling.

For usual treatments, as for body irradiatio the patient is exposed at a distance of about three feet, the average length of exposure according to best known practices being about ten minutes. As the types of lamps shown are primarily intended for body irradiation, smaller types of lamps would be used for the treatment of body cavities. The amount of energy shown in the graph in Fig. 8 is arbitrarily indicated as at about 830, but it will be understood that sources of even greater energy may be used. The curve for such higher sources will remain substantially the same but would of course extend to a higher peak.

As indicated the energy of such a beam from an approximately 1000 watt lamp is about three times that of solar radiation. This I have demonstrated by comparing the energy from one of my devices with the solar energy of noonday sun measured on a clear day by reading from a thermo-couple galvanometer, the thermo-couple used being a thirty junction iron-constantan. This gave readings of about 3.1 millivolts. In testing out my lamp I used the same thermocouple galvanometer interposing an infra-red lter which gave practically complete shut off of the visible rays and transmitting only radiation of longer Wave lengths than 7600 A. U. This showed a galvanometer reading of 8.5 millivolts or not quite three times the source energy for this particular test. The tungsten lamp was operated at 3200 Kelvin or absolute temperature.

Such apparatus as I have indicated which when maintained at proper efficiency is well adapted to the use of the medical profession.

The apparatus shown is capable of and probably will be varied to meet different needs and different conditions. The energy range indicated is believed to have maximum efficacy but might be found capable of some variation under the principles herein set forth.

What I therefore claim and desire to secure by Letters Patents is:-

l. In apparatus for producing therapeutic rays of deep penetrative efficiency and of predetermined thermal characterstics, a concaved reflector and a wall of quartz glass of similar curvature inwardly spaced from said reflector and forming therewith a water Chamber, a source of energy consisting of an incandescent lamp having an elongated glass envelope and a filament of tungsten of super solar energy producing powers and disposed axially of said reflector and said Water chamber, said chamber adapted to be filled with water to provide a ray filter permissive of the passage of normal ultra-violet rays, certain of the rays emanating from said tungsten filament passing through said water filter before striking said reflector, and when reected from said reflector again passing through said water filter before striking the object to be treated, whereby infra-red rays above substantially 14,000 A. U. are cut out and a high energy beam of deep penetrative efficiency of ultra-violet values of 2900 A. U. and above and free from escharotic effect are delivered, those rays emanating from portions of said lament directed otherwise than toward said reflector being unfiltered of their infra-red rays and delivering the same directly to the object to be treated, and means on the end of said glass envelope preventing the passage of substantially all rays emanating from the far end of the tungsten filament to the object under treatment.

2. The method of administering radiant energy for therapeutic results consisting in generating from a luminous source radiations between the wave lengths of 2950 A. U. and Li0,000 A. U., in delivering to the patient those rays of Wave lengths capable of penetrating bodily tissue, and in filtering from the beam a predetermined amount of those rays of wave lengths incapable ci penetrating bodily tissue, and in permitting the remainder ci such rays to reach the patient.

8. rIhe method of administering radiant energy i'or therapeutic results consisting in generating from a luminous source radiations between the wavelengths of 2950 A. U. and 40,000 A. U., in delivering to the patient those rays of wave lengths from 2950 A. U. to 14.000 A. U. capable or" penetrating bodily tissue and in filtering from the beam a predetermined amount of those rays of wave lengths from 14,000 A. U. to Li0,000 A. U. incapable oi' penetrating bodily tissue, and in permitting the remainder of such rays to reach the patient.

4. The method of producing spectral energy having maximum penetration into living tissue, consisting in generating from a high temperature tungsten lamp high energy wave lengths including middle ultra-violet, near ultra-violet, short wave infra-red and long wave infra-red rays, in reflecting a majority of said rays toward a predetermined object and in ltering the long wave infra-red rays from the reflected radiations and in directing the unreflected rays including long wave infra-red up to 40,000 A. U. directly on said object, while permitting an optimum amount of said long wave infra-red rays to reach said object in said unreected rays.

5. Apparatus of the class described comprising a concaved reflector, a wall of quartz glass spaced from said reflector and forming therewith a water chamber, and a source of energy consisting of an incandescent lamp having an elongated glass envelope extending through and beyond said glass wall, and a tungsten lament disposed axially of said reilector and water chamber, the rays emanating radially from through said water within said nlter chamber to said reflector and thence to the patient, and a screen on the end of said envelope shielding substantially all the rays emanating from the end of said filament from the patient.

6. Apparatus of the class described comprising a concaved reector, a wall of quartz glass spaced from said reflector and forming therewith a water chamber, and a source of energy consisting of an incandescent lamp having an elongated glass envelope extending through said glass wall and projecting slightly beyond the rim of said reflector, and a tungsten filament disposed axially of said refiector and water chamber, the rays emanating radially from said filament passing through said water within said filter chamber to said reflector and thence to the patient, and the rays emanating from the end of said filament being unfiltered and delivered to the patient through the projecting end of said envelope.

EDWARD WILLIAM BOERSTLER.

said filament passing-

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