US2049949A - Apparatus for producing sudoriferous vapor baths - Google Patents

Description

4, 1936- ,J; DIENA I 2,049,94

APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING SUDORIFEROUS VAPOR BATHS Filed Jul 1e 5, 1953 Patented Aug. 4, 1936 PATENT OFFICE APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING SUDOR- IFEROUS VAPOR BATHS Jacopo Diena, Paris, France Application June5, 1933, Serial No. 674,451 In France-June 7, 1932 7 Claims.

My invention relates to improvements in generators for supplying superheated vapor to a chamber of any construction used for sudoriferous vapor baths, and is an improvement over my 5; Patent 1,822,615, dated September 8, 1931.

Briefly stated, the present invention aims to (1) improve 'upon the construction disclosed in my patent aforesaid by providing for facilitated regulation of the bath temperature and the temperature of the superheated vapor; (2) the provision of means for properly proportioning the superheated vapor and hot air; (3) by the provision of novel means for regulating not only the quantity of mixture but also the degree of humidity of the same, and likewise the degree of heat of the hot air and the quantity of the latter; (4) by the provision of means whereby hot air may be discharged directly to the atmosphere without going to the treating chamber; (5) by 20; keeping the products of combustion from the burner or the like out of the treating chamber; i (6) by providing means'for regulating both the quantity and temperature of the heated air and vapor entirely independently of one another; and 25, (7) finally by providing novel means whereby the draft to the burner element may be readily regulated.

The foregoing objects are obtained by certain novel ifeatures of construction, combination and arrangement of parts to be hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawing in which:

Figure 1 is a cross sectional view through a unit embodying my invention and illustrating a portion of a wall of a treating chamber, and- Figure 2 is a similar view illustrating a modified form of vapor generator unit.

Referring to Figure 1 by reference characters, numeral 1 designates the water vessel in which steam is generated, such vessel being supported by a mounting comprising a frame 2 whose upper portion provides a rest for the vessel I. The burner 3 is supported by the inturned lower portions of the frame 2 and the parts I, 2 and 3 are inclosed in a casing 8 having a flanged base as shown, the walls of thecasing 8 being spaced from the walls of the water vessel l.

' Projecting up into the steam generator or water vessel I are the inlet ends of the tubes which extend out through the bottom of the vessel I. At least one of the tubes 5 is provided with a coil 6 above the burner 3'. The tubes 5 extend upwardly alongsidethe vessel and project outwardly 55- through the flue I0 which extends through a hole in the wall N3 of the treating chamber wherein will be the person to be subjected to the bath.

Within the flue Hi andlocated below the tubes 5 is a heater element [3 which may be of any desired form and which is designed for superheating 5 the steam vapor passing outwardly from the vessel l through-the tubes 5. The casing 8 is provided with a closure 9, as shown.

The end of the flue Ill, inwardly of the treating chamber wall I8, is provided with the top out- 10 let 52 into the treating chamber, the outer end of the flue I0 being closed as shown; and the tubes 5 having their ends directly upwardly as indicated at 1 so that such tube ends are arranged in a row and spaced from one another in the direction of the width of the outlet opening i2 of the flue 85. That is to say the upwardly bent ends 1 of the tubes are spaced from one another inwardly of the outer end of the flue Ill and in the direction of the wall 18.

In order to control the discharge of hot air from the flue outlet 12, and also to cut off the discharge of heated vapor from one or more of the ends l of the tubes 5, I provide the valve or sleeve member I! which slides upon the exterior 25 surface of the flue l9 and is adapted to be moved outwardly from the position shown to close off the end of one or more of the tubes 5 and also proportionately cut off a certain area of the opening l2 so as to restrict the same and diminish the volume of air that will pass outwardly. Surrounding the sleeve member l'l is an insulation sleeve 55 carried by the opening in the treating chamber wall Hi. The purpose of this is to pro-- tect the treating chamber wall from the direct heat of the flue If]. It will be understood, of course, that the insulation sleeve I5 will admit of free movement of the valve sleeve 11.

Numeral H designates a plurality of air inlet openings in the casing 8 adjacent the base and about the burner 3. Exteriorlyof the casing there is provided the collar or valve element l5 which is adapted to be moved to regulate the inlet of air through the passages or openings i I. The burner 3 may be controlled by the regulating handle M or the like.

Located in the top 9 of the casing 8 is the valve t9 the purpose of which is to enable excess hot air to be let out into the atmosphere without going into the treating chamber. Thus regulation of valve l9 determines the proportion of hot air discharged out through the flue ID for mixture with the vapor emanating from the dis-- charge ends 1 of the tubes 5. Furthermore, when the sleeve I1 is moved to close substantially the opening [2 and likewise to substantially cut off the outlet of vapor from the ends I of the tubes it will be apparent that valve I9 will also serve as an outlet or relief means for the excess vapor or steam discharged through the ends 1 of the tubes 5.

In respect to the collar or valve member I6 it will be evident that when it is raised to partially cut oil the entry of air through the openings II in the casing 8 the supply of air to the flue It! will be diminished and furthermore where the burner 3 is a fuel burner the diminishment of air thereto by raising of the collar [6 to partially close openings I I will mean that there will be less air'for combustion and in consequence the burner will not heat the water in vessel l to the extent that it would if openings H were fully open. Thus aside from the burner control member l4 it will be appreciated that collar l6 enables the temperature of the fluid in vessel I to be regulated and consequently the temperature of the bath that is to be had within the treating chamber of which wall I8 is shown. It will be apparent that various proportions of hot air and vapor can be obtained by regulation of valve [9 in the top 9 of casing 8 in relation to the regulation of sleeve H which controls the outlet of vapor and hot air through the outlet l2 of the flue l0.

Turning now to Figure 2, numeral designates standards supporting an inverted bell-like shell member 29 which is open at the bottom and has its upper end carrying the water vessel or tank 22. A cross member extending between the standards 20 carries the burner 21 which is disposed immediately below the vessel 22 for the purpose of heating the contents thereof.

Surrounding the shell 29 and spaced from the same at all points to define the passage 28 is a similar inverted bell-like shell 29a through the upper end of which extends the upper end of the water vessel 22. The lower ends of the shells 29, 2911 are spaced from the floor or support so as to admit air into the first-mentioned shell so as to support the combustion of fuel in the burner.

:Also the elevation of the lower ends of the bellshaped members 29, 29a from the floor permits the entry of air into the passage 28 between the belllike shell members, this air being transmitted to a point for admixture with vapor as will be presently explained.

Extending upwardly into the water vessel 22 through the bottom thereof are the inlet ends of the tubes 23, 23a. These tubes 23, 23a lead outwardly through the bottom of the water vessel 22 at a point adjacent one side of said vessel.

From thence the tubes 23, 23a lead across the bottom of the vessel above the burner 2| and are coiled about one of the supports 29 as shown, the coils extending upwardly to a point adjacent the top of the bell-shaped shell member 29. At this point the pipes 23, 23a lead outwardly into a passage 32. The outer end of the passage 32 receives the inlet end 33 of a discharge pipe for smoke.

The passage 32 is provided in a flue member 21 which is in part carried by each of the bellshaped shell members 29, 29a, and which has the partition 21a separating the passage 32 in which are located the vapor pipes 23, 23a from the 1 passage 34 which communicates with the air supthe passage 34 at the outer end of the latter inwardly of the outer end wall of the flue; but the passage 32 of such flue is closed except for the outlet pipe 35 which carries off the products of combustion.

The outlet opening 26 in the upper portion of the flue 21 leading from the passage 34, is adapted to be controlled by a slide member valve 30 which is controlled by means of a key member or handle 3l..

Particular attention is directed to the fact that the outer ends of the vapor tubes 23 are turned laterally and extend with a snug fit through holes in the partition member 21a which separates the flue passage 32 from the other passage 34. The upper ends of the tubes 23 are designated at and are disposed immediately below the opening 26 and are spaced from one another in the direction of the length of the passage 34 so that the slide 39 can be positioned to overlie one or both of the ends 25 of the tubes 23. Thus I can vary materially the mixture of heated vapor from the tubes 23 with the air in the passage 34, in additionto controlling the volume outflow of the vapor and air mixture through the opening 26 to a treating chamber into which the flue 21 extends. a

Especial note should be taken of the fact that the coils 24 of the vapor pipes 23, 23a are located in the path that the products of combustion and to some extent the flamesrfrom the burner 2| will necessarily have to follow in order to reach the smoke pipe inlet 33 adjacent the outer end of the passage 32 of the flue 21. Thus the vapor from the fluid vessel 22 in the pipes 23, 23a will be superheated by the products of combustion and flames traveling in the direction of the inlet to the passage 32 of the-flue 21.

It is further to be noted that the vapor pipe 23a terminates short of the outer end of the passage 32 of the flue 21. The reason for this is to give acceleration to the discharge of the products of combustion into the inlet 33 of the smoke pipe 35. It will be understood, of course, that the smoke pipe 35 will discharge into the open air and not into the chamber (not shown) adjacent the right hand wall of the vapor supply unit casing 40.

It is further to be noted that there is provided adjacent the top wall of the passage 34 of'the flue 21 a steam or vapor pipe 39 which is adapted to be controlled by a valve 31 adjacent the upper end of the water vessel or steam generator 22. Thus when valve 31 is open there will be supplied additional vapor to the passage 34 of the flue 21 at a point adjacent the opening 26 and adjacent the outlet ends 25 of the vapor pipes 23. Furthermore, the steam or vapor pipe 39, not being subjected to superheating by the products of combustion as is the case with pipes 23, the opening of the valve 31 will reduce the temper-' ature of the air and vapor mixture passing out through the opening 26 in addition to giving the same greater humidity.

The water vessel 22 may be provided with a valve-controlled steam outlet pipe 38 in its top.

A valve 38a is illustrated for control of the out-1 flow of steam from the steam outlet pipe in the top of the water vessel 22. This valve 38a would be opened when it is desired to reduce the volume of steam or vapor supplied to the manifold pas. sageway 34 by the pipes 23. It will be appreciated that when the valve 38a is fully opened, little or no vapor will be supplied to the manifold passageway 34. In consequence a substantially dry hot air bath willbe provided.

There may be provided within the water vessel 22a receptacle 36 for receiving a preparation having therapeutic value; and under some circumstances this preparation may be subjected to heat without there having been placed in the vessel 22 water-or any other liquid:

In respect to the forml of the invention shown in Figure 2 it will be apparent that both the temperature and humidity of the vapor and air mixture discharged through the opening 26 may be controlled by manipulation of the valve 33a of the steam outlet pipe 38 in the top of the water vessel 22. It will also be apparent that the humidity of the air and vapor mixture can be further regulated by the manipulation of the valve 31 of the auxiliary vapor pipe 39 leading outwardly adjacent the upper wall of the passage 34 of the flue 21.

Comparing the devices of Figures 1 and 2, it is noted that each has control for the temperature of the bath. For instance, in Figure l, adjustment of collar l6, as mentioned, over portions of openings I l cuts down the supply of air to burner 3 to reduce the amount of heat thrown out thereby and lower the temperature of vapor discharged from pipes 5, besides reducing the flow of hot air in I0. Also, the additional superheater 13 contributes to this end; and likewise the valves ll and I9 operated alone or in combination with one another.

Temperature regulation of the bath mixture supplied by the device of Figure 2 is had by use of the valve-controlled steam outlet pipe 38 from container 22; and also by use of the auxiliary supply pipe 39 carrying unsuperheated steam to outlet 26; and further control of the temperature of the bath mixture and bath is had by manipulation of slide valve 30, corresponding to valve ll of Figure 1.

As to regulation of humidity of bath mixture supplied by the device of Figure 1, this can be accomplished by adjustment of IQ to let out air from 9; or by adjustment of II to cover the discharge end of one more of the steam pipes 5. In Figure 2, the valve controlled steam outlet pipe 39 from 22 to air outlet 26 enables the humidity of bath mixture to be regulated; also valve 30 is operable to virtually shut oif one or the other of steam pipe outlets 25.

Quantity regulation of supply of the mixture is had by means of valve sleeve ll and in Figure 2 by valve 30, 3|. It is also noted that valve ii in Figure 1, valve 30, 3! of Figure 2 have dual functions, in that each controls not only the quantity of heated air and vapor mixture applied to the bath, but also the humidity of said mixture by at least partially cutting off steam flow from one or more of the pipe outlets l, 25 respectively.

The described apparatus can be covered by a suitable protecting envelope of wire gauze traversed in a close manner by the flue 21, which latter will extend beyond such envelope. The apparatus may be placed in the chamber of treatment (not shown) inasmuch as the pipe or pipes 35 which carries off the products of combustion can be led out through a wall of the chamber of treatment. The wire gauze envelope 40 will protect the occupant from fire in case anything goes wrong with the burner in event that the apparatus is placed in the chamber of treatment (not shown).

I claim:

1. An apparatus of the class described including a treating chamber and comprising, a standard located remotely from said chamber, heating means carried by said standard and above the base thereof, a substantially bell-shaped member carried by the upper'end of said stan'dard and having its lower edge extending below said heater, a container for: vapor producing material carriedbythe dome of said bell-shaped member above said heater, a second bell-shaped member superimposed on said first like member andv spaced therefrom to provide an air chamber therebetween, a conduit connecting said air chamber with said treating chamber, a second conduit beneath said first conduit for the discharge of the combustion gases of said heater to the open air, vapor conducting tubes leading from said container through said second conduit to said treating chamber and the ends of said vapor tubes discharging into said first-mentioned conduit adjacent the discharge end thereof whereby to effect a mixing of the vapor and air for passage to said treating chamber.

2. In an apparatus for producing sudoriferous baths, having a fluid receptacle, an air supply means and a heater for both of the same, an air outlet manifold leading from said air supply means and having an outlet orifice, fluid vapor pipes extending into said manifold and having outlets opposite said orifice and spaced in the direction of the width of said orifice, and valve means for controlling the. discharge through said orifice and movable to substantially shut off predetermined numbers of said vapor pipes whereby to regulate both the quantity and humidity of the mixture discharged from said orifice.

3. The combination set forth in claim 2 and including a superheater in said manifold adjacent said pipes.

4. In an apparatus for producing sudoriferous baths, having a fluid receptacle, an air supply means and a heater for both of the same, an air outlet manifold leading from said air supply means and having an outlet orifice, fluid vapor pip-es extending into said manifold and having outlets opposite said orifice and spaced in the direction of the width of the orifice, valve means for controlling the discharge through said orifice and movable to substantially shut off predetermined numbers of said vapor pipes whereby to regulate both the quantity and humidity of the mixture discharged from said orifice, partition means dividing said outlet manifold in the direction of its length into upper and lower passages, the upper passage having communication with said air supply means and the lower passage having communication with said heater and being open to reception of the products of combustion therefrom, said vapor pipes leading into the second mentioned passageway of said manifold and extending upwardly through said partition in opposition to said orifice.

5. The combination set forth in claim 4, and

an outlet for the. products of combustion leading from the outer end of the second-mentioned passageway, said pipes providing coiled portions arranged in the path of the products of combustion and between the burner and the inlet to the second-mentioned passageway of said manifold.

6. The combination set forth in claim 4, and an outlet for the products of combustion leading from the outer end of the second-mentioned passageway, said pipes providing coiled portions arranged in the path of the products of combustion and between the burner and the inlet to the second-mentioned passageway for said. manifold, and one of said vapor pipes terminating short of the outer end of said second-mentioned manifold passage and discharging thereinto whereby to accelerate the discharge of the products of combustion from said second-mentioned passageway. 7

7. The combination set forth in claim 2, and said vapor pipes passing below the bottom of said fluid receptacle whereby to effect a superheating of the vapor passing through said pipes, and an additional vapor pipe leading from the upper part of said water vessel and outwardly through said manifold to a point adjacent said orifice and adjacent the outlets of said vapor pipes whereby to supply additional vapor for the bath which has for said last-mentioned vapor pipe.

JACOPO DIENA.

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