GB762288A - Power pack for massage suit - Google Patents

Abstract

762,288. Massage apparatus. COMMONWEALTH ENGINEERING CO. OF OHIO. Jan. 26, 1954, No. 2389/54. Class 81(2) [Also in Group XXIX] Means for applying periodic pulses of pressure to a massage unit comprises a pulsation generator having a piston actuated directly by a double-acting piston of a hydraulic motor, supply of liquid to the motor being controlled by a solenoidoperated valve so as to give periods of actuation of the motor with intervening idle periods. The massage unit 36 is provided with legs 38, 39 and a receiver 40 of stretchable material secured to each of the legs. The receivers 40 are connected by a line 5 to a cylinder 1 in which works a piston 6 connected by a shaft 7 to a piston 8 of a hydraulic motor. A reversing valve 16 directs liquid' discharged by a pump 24 through lines 12, 13 to either side of the piston 8 on energization of solenoids 42, 43. On closing a switch 50, a motor 25 driving the pump 24 is operated, and the solenoid 42 is energized, moving the spool of valve 16 to the right to direct liquid through line 12 to move the pistons 8, 6 downwardly. At the end of the stroke the pressure in line 12 rises until a pressure-operated switch 18 is closed, which de-energizes the solenoid 42 and operates a timing motor 77. After a predetermined interval, motor 77 causes the completion of the circuit of solenoid 43, which moves the spool of valve 16 to the left, and pistons 8, 6 rise. Water is thereby forced through line 5 into the re-' ceivers 40 of the massage unit. When the pressure in line 13 has risen sufficiently, a pressure-operated switch 20 is closed, which de-energizes solenoid 43 and energizes solenoid 42, and the operation is repeated. The speed of operation of the piston 8 is controlled by the setting of a needle valve 34 disposed in a line connecting the discharge side of the pump 24 to a reservoir.