US2203263A - Apparatus for and method of inducing pyrexia - Google Patents

Description

June 4, 1940. c. c. HoNsAKER j 2,203,263

APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD 0F INDUCING' PYREXIA Filed lJune 24, 1957 2 SheetsSheet 1 CHARLS C. HONSAKER June 4, 1940. Q C, HQNSAKER i 2,203,263

' APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF INDUCING PYREXIA Filed June 24, 1937 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 wAx-cn WATER flzenor CHARLES C. HONSAKER Patented June '4,"1940 PATENT OFFICE APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF INDUCING PYREXIA Charles C..Honsaker, Philadelphia, Pa.

Application June 24, 1937, Serial No. 150,057

9 Claims.

This invention relates generally to the art of "hydrotherapeutics and more particularly to an apparatus for and method of inducing pyrexia in the treatment of various diseases and disorders of the body.

Although the idea of pyretotherapy originated in ancient days with its curative value recognized ever since, it has only been within recent years that any real interest has been developed in this field.A Since fever has come to be recognized as a benign and curative agent in the treatment of many ills, a number of different agencies have been suggested and employed for inducing fever by artificial means, among them being malaria inoculation, injection of foreign proteins and other toxic substances, sodoker or rat-bite fever, dry hot air treatment, electrostatic fields of ultra high frequency currents, diathermy and hydrotherapy. Of all of these agencies, hydrotherapy most closely approaches the ideal because when skillfully employed Water is capable of producing a greater variety of effects than any other agent and has 'the further advantage that it is always available or at least accessible for immediate use. However, in spite of the availability of water and its long-known curative value, its effective use in hydrotherapy has been limited and often rendered nugatory because of lack of a satisfactory apparatus and method for insuring proper control in its application and use. The primary consideration in selecting any agencyfor producing therapeutic fever are `the safety and comfort of the patient, the time and supervision required of the operator, the maintenance cost of the apparatus employed, the degree of sterilization obtainable, the degree of hygienic procedure obtainable, the extent of precise control during the procedure of elevating the temperature to the desired degree, the rapidity of attaining therequired degree of pyrexia, and finally, but not least, the cost of the treatment itself. It is to provide an apparatus meeting these important conditions, that is among the objects of the present invention.

More specifically, it is an object of this invention to provide a fever inducing machine in which heated water and circulate itaboutfthe body of (Cl. 12S-373) the patient for surface contact therewith that a light eflieurage is produced upon the skin to sooth the'peripheral nerve endings at the same time that there is obtained a rapid and easily controlled rise in body temperature. 5

A still further object is to provide an apparatus for and method of artificially inducing an eleva'- tion in temperature by which'tachycardia may be definitely controlled and which respectively include means for and the step of driving the y'10 superheated blood from the surface of the body of the interior thereof by momentarily cooling the body surface at intervals without, however, affecting the climb in temperature.

Still another and important object is to secure l5 the requisite elevation in bo-dy temperature within a relatively brief period and at a relatively low surface temperature, a rise in body temperature of from 2 to '7 degrees Fahrenheit being obtainable in a period of from v to 60 minutes witha 20 surface temperature not exceeding 115 degrees.'

Still another object is to provide for alternate.k heating and cooling of the body surface so as to alternately constrict and dilate the surface capillaries, thereby beneficially exercising the latter, 235 lessening tachycardia and providing a precise, absolute and definite control of the body temperature.

Andflnally, it is among the objects of this V- invention toprovide an apparatus for the pur- 30 vpanying drawings, and as finally pointed out in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a preferred construction of apparatusemf bodying the principles of the presentv invention:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal vertical sectional View of the apparatus; v

Figures 2 and 3 are transverse sectional views vk'5'0 taken, respectively, along the lines 2-2 and 3.-#3 of Fig. 1;

Figure 4 is an elevational view of the control or front end of the apparatus;

Figure 5 is a transverse sectionalview of the 55 upper part of the apparatus taken along the line 5-5 of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic View of the piping and controls by which water is supplied to and circulated within the apparatus; y

Figure 7 is an enlarged plan View of the atomizer and nozzles disposed interiorly of the cabinet at the rear end thereof; and

Figures 8, 9 and l0 are detail views of one of the atomizers employed in the apparatus.

Before entering into a detail description of the apparatus itself, it is deemed advisable to set forth generally the broad principles upon whichv the present invention is founded. Essentially, the apparatus of the present inventionis designed, as has already been indicated, to induce artificial pyrexia in such manner that the rise in body temperature is at all times under the absolute and precise control of the operator. It is known that the human body reacts to the influence of heat or cold in that when heated it expands and when cooled it contracts. The body, however, has a tendency to retain its normal temperature, even in an environment that is hypernormal or subnormal in temperature. In spite of this tendency, it is possible to artificially elevate the body temperature, three known ways of accomplishing this being, rst, by surrounding the body with caloric energy sufficient in quantity and temperature to raise the body temperature above normal; second, by introducing foreign proteins, germs or toxins into the blood stream to thus provoke an increase in body temperature above normal; and, third, by subjecting the body to the influence of an oscillating electrical circuit or by placing it in an electrical field. The present apparatus employs the first of these known methods in that it utilizes the effect of atomized water and air in motion for surrounding the body with caloric energy sufiicient in quantity and temperature to induce a rise in the body temperature.

It has been found that sub-mersion in hot water for a sufficient timev to elevate the body temperature above normal produces profound mental and spiritual depression. Hot sprays or 'showers are overstimulating and result in subsequent exhaustion and depression of spirit. Similarly, steam, Vapor and hot air baths are all depressing because the heating media is static and must be maintained at a temperature of from 150 degrees Fahrenheit for a long period. In the case of dry hot air, there is a resulting dehydration of the tissues so great as to necessitate the intravenous use of sodium chloride solution to overcome such dehydration. In all of these cases, the heating medium is static and of relatively high temperature and in their use the treatment is not only decidedly discomforting to the patient but also depressing and sometimes dangerously enervating.

When, however, the heating medium is placed in motion it can be better tolerated even at relatively high temperatures and it is upon this premise that the present invention is based. Thus, a drop of water or a stream of water at 130 degrees Fahrenheit is definitely hot. One nds also, when submerged in a bath of water of 120 degrees Fahrenheit, that the temperature is intolerable. When, however, water at this latter temperature is in motion it can be better tolerated and when it is finely atomized and'in very rapid motion it can be even better tolerated by the body. In the apparatus and method of the present invention, heated water is very finely atomizedv orV nebulized and in this state is caused to circulate by flotation in air currents through the cabinet and around the body of the patient in such manner as to produce a soothing eieurage upon the peripheral nerve endings of the body. At the same time, the air within the cabinet of the apparatus is heated by the finely atomized water and as it circulates with the latter around the body of the patient, it also trans- I mits a slight amount of heat to the body, which however is but incidental to the heat transmitted by the atomized water.

Increasing the temperature of a patient by th iiow of heat from a surrounding medium of higher temperature involves first the flow of heat from the medium to the surface or skin of the patient and then the flow of heat from the surface into the interior or body of the patient. As is well known, the resistance to the flow of heat from a gaseous medium to a surface is high and consequentlythe rate of heat flow is small per degree difference in temperature between the gaseous medium and the surface. Since the rate of heat flow is directly proportional to the temperature difference, to obtain any considerable heat flow under these conditions requires a relatively large temperature difference.

Where hot air has been used for the heating medium, it has been found necessary to have such air at a temperature of from 150 degrees to v 160 degrees in order to raise the temperature of the patient the, required amount in the desired time of thirty minutes to an hour.

The heat which enters the skin is transmitted I circulation and the temperature difference between the surface and the circulatingfluid. At points of the body where there is small circulation most of the heat would be transmitted by conduction and consequently on such points the temperature of the skin would increase until equilibrium was reached wherein the temperature of the skin was such that the heat flow from the skin into the body would equal the heat flow from the medium into the skin. This condition of equilibrium is reached at every point of the surface of the body. If the body were a perfect conductor of heat the temperature of the skin would be the same as the temperature of the interior of the body, resulting in the maximum possible difference between the temperature of the skin and the surrounding heating medium thus giving a maximum transmission at such a point. On the other hand, if the conduction of the body were Zero or in other words a perfect heat insulator, then the rate of heat flow into the body from the skin would be zero and consequently the rate of heat ow from the heating medium into the skin would be zero which would require the skin to be at the temperature of the heating medium. Thus it is seen that the limits of the temperature of the surface of the body when surrounded by a heating medium are,`at one extreme, the temperature of the interior of the body itself and, at the other, the temperature of ducted, the surface temperature will auto-matically be high in order for equilibrium of heat flow to be obtained.

From the above it is easily seen that when the heating medium must be maintained at a high temperature, in order to obtain suiciently high average rate of heat ow, into the body, certain portions of the surface of the body will be much hotter than other portions and if the heating medium is at sufficiently high temperature, burns may result. As a matter of fact, in actual practice where hot air is used as the heating medium a very considerable percentage of the patients do receive burns at various points of the body and -some of these burns are quite severe, notwithstanding the fact that it is common in such practice to protect the body with coverings of various kinds.

vIt is further found in the use of hot air that `lthe conditions outlined above are further agg-ravated due to the fact that the iluid content of the body is decreased by the rapid evaporation of the perspiration so that the fluids available to transmit heat by circulation are reduced and apparently the resistance of the interior of the body to the transmission of heat by conduction from the skin is likewise increased.

This invention overcomes all of these diiilculties by the use of a heating medium consisting of atomized Water of the desired 'temperature uniformly dispersed throughout and iioating in the air of the chamber so that the particles of water partake of all the motions of the air in which they oat. Thus by circulating the air within the chamber the atomized particles ot Water are conveyed to the surface of the body and immediately wet the surface and give up their heat content to the surface. As is well known, the resistance of flow of heat from water to a surface is very low so that it is possible to obtain a very high rate of heat flow per unit area of surface with slight temperature difference between the water and the surface.

As aconsequence, it is possible inA the present invention to obtain the desired temperature rise in from thirty minutes to an hour and still maintain the temperature of the heating medium so loW as to make it impossible to burn the patient.

In actual practice it has been found that this result can be obtained with the heating medium at about 112 degrees temperature when all of the atomizers are in use, or at a temperature of 11'7 degrees or 118 degrees, if only the atomizers in the upper or induction chamber are used. To

the patient undergoing the treatment, the tern--t perature of the medium feels hotter in the rst instance when in reality it is at a lower temperature, because the density of the droplets in the medium is greater. 'I'hat is, the number of such droplets or the actual weight of water per cubic unit of volume is greater with alll the atomizers operating than it is when only part of them are in use. The feeling of heat experienced by the patient depends upon the temperature o-f the nerve endings in the skin and this temperature depends upon the rate of heat flow into the interior of the body, as explained above. increased density of atomized particles of water in the medium, the quantity of heat carried by the medium is increased proportionally with a given temperature of water so that the quantity of heat transmitted toi the skin of the patient is increased.

' Atomizing the Water to fine particles is not only important to produce a medium of floating particles in air whereby the particlesarefcircuwith the lated by the directed and'eddy currents of air and thus brought in contact with all portions of the body of the patient,'but also is of eX- treme importance in the resulting effect on the sense of feeling of the patient. These finely divided particles of heated Water are of such size that the effect of an individual particle impacting on the surface of the body can 'not be distinguished either by its impact or by the heat that it carries. As a result, to the patient, the impact of the very large number of extremely small particles of heated Water feels like a homogeneous medium of pleasant warmth and softness, although the temperature of the individual particles may be quite high.

By changing the proportions of the atomizers it is possible to obtain particles of any desired size within a wide range and as the size. of such particles is increased, there is more and more tendency of each individual particle to be felt by the patient-until finally -when the size is suiiiciently great so that they are distinctly felt, they Will be felt as hot particles impinging on the skin, giving a disagreeable feeling from the vheat contents as well as an irritation due to the continued impact of such particles. This is the result obtained with ordinary sprays in which case the heat content carried b-y each drop of water is so great that it feels unbearably hot even at a comparably low temperature. 1n addition to this, in the ordinary spray the drop of Water is carried to the patient by its own momentum and as a consequence mus-t have a sulciently high velocity to carry it from the spray nozzle to the patient. This continual impinging of such drops of heated water upon the skin of' the patient has a very objectionable aect upon the nervous system. With such large drops, a large amount of heat is transmitted to the skin of the patient over a small area at the point of impact and thus heats that small area to a relatively high temperature with a corresponding feeling of heat to the patient, although the surrounding skin Where no drop has impacted may be cool.

With my invention, by keeping the particles of water to a relatively small size with a correspo-nding increase in the number of these particles per unit volume, all impact eifect of the individual particles upon the body is eliminated with a corresponding soothing effect upon the ,temperature of the skin. While I have not specified the exact size of the atomized particles of water, it is obvious from the above that I may increase the lninuteness of the particles without affecting the desirable results. However, from a practical standpoint it is not desirable to atomize the water into particles any smaller than necessary to obtain ready flotation of the particles in the air currents, and to avoid the objectionable effects on the patient which have previously been pointed out.

Finely atomized particles of water leaving an atomizer will not be projected due to their own momentum to any great distance against the resistance of the still air. Such particles can be projected, however, for a relatively short distance and by using sufficient number of atomizers suitably arranged in various parts of the cabinet, the body of a patient could be subjected to the impingement of such particles anda part of the advantages of my" invention can be obtainedin water.

such manner. However, by arranging the'atomizers in the manner in which I have set forth and relying upon the flotation of the atomized particles in the currents of air about the body of the patient, a more uniform heating medium is obtained and consequently a more uniform transmission of the heat to all parts of the surface of the body results. Such an arrangement of atomizers, however, requires definite provision for the circulation ofthe air from one end to the other of the cabinet and this I have provided for by means of the induction chamber above the main chamber of the cabinet, the two being suitably connected together at their two ends, although other well known means for circulating the air could be used.

The cross-section of the induction chamber is made of reduced size so as to obtain an increased ejector effect from the atomizers located therein. As a consequence with these atomizers only in operation, a satisfactory circulation of the air is obtained throughout the cabinet. When the atomizers at the back of the cabinet are also in use, the circulation is further increased. By dividing the atomiZers into two groups, I am enabled to regulate the density of the atomized particles of water per unit volume so as to regulate the number of atomized particles impacting upon the surface of the patient per unit time and thus regulate the rate of heat transmission to the patient without varying the temperature of the water itself. A further regulation can also be obtained by varying the temperature. By turning on all the atomizers, the temperature of the patient can be brought up rapidly and then by closing oif the group of atomizers at the back of the cabinet this temperature can be maintained or increased slowly by means oi the atomizers in the induction cham-ber as may be desired. Under certain conditions, after the temperature of the patient has been brought to the desired point it can be maintained by the reservoir of warm water at the bottom of the cabinet. As can be appreciated, under all of these conditions the air within the cabinet is substantially saturated so that there is no evaporation of moisture from the skin of the patient. When the atomizers are in use the air within the cabinet is of substantially the same temperature at any particular point as the atomized particlesof As a consequence, a certain amount of heat is naturally transmitted to the patient by means of the air, this heat iirst having been transmitted to thel air from the water. rI'his transmission by means of the air, however, is incidental to the main transmission which is by means of the atomized particles of water.

Even though the body has a tendency to retain its normal temperature even when subjected to hypernormal or subnormal external temperatures any heating of the surface of the body tends to expand and engorge the peripheral capillaries thereof. On the other hand, cooling of the surface body tends to contract and disengorge these peripheral capillaries and it will thus be evident that by alternately subjecting the body surface to heat and cold the neurovascular system of the body may be so exercised that it supplements the action of the heart in supplying blood through the system. By means of this secondary pumping action or exercise of the neurovascular System, areas of sluggish circulation, such as the prostate gland, apices of teeth, sinuses, etc., receive an increased supply of blood with the result that infectious material in such areas are forced into the general body circulation and there destroyed by its own-protective mechanisms. n

Referring now more particularly tothe drawings, it will be observed that the apparatus of the present invention comprises. essentially a cabinet I0 the interior of which is adaptedto receive the body of the patient undergoing treatment. comfortably receive all but the head ofthe patients body and is so mounted upon xed supporting legs II-II that the patient lies in an elevated plane convenient to the operator of the apparatus. Except for the front or control end of the cabinet it is entirely enclosed, although for the convenience of the operator one or more sliding door panels I2 may be provided in either side of the cabinet to afford ready access to the interior thereof. These sliding panels I2, each of which is provided with handles I3, slide in runways III-I4 secured to the sides of the cabinet and accommodating, respectively, the upper and lower horizontal edges of the door panels.

As has been indicated, the front or control end of the cabinet is open and through the opening thus provided is adapted to be projected a,

sliding couch I5 upon which the patient is supported. As appears most clearly in Figures 1 to 4, inclusive, this sliding couch is'supported at its outer end upon roller-equipped legs IB-I adapted to rest directly upon the iioor. Adjacent its inner end the couch I5 is provided with. a pair of laterally spaced rollers II-I'i which, respectively, travel in tracks IIa--IIa extending longitudinally along opposite sides of the cabinet bottom. The couch frame is preferably constructed of metal and is in the form of a rectangular frame I8 within which is tted a horizontally disposed supporting panel I9. The aforesaid rollers II-II are, respectively, journalled in brackets 2li- 20 suitably secured to opposite.

sides of the couch frame I8. To prevent lateral movement of the couch assembly as it is moved longitudinally into and out of the cabinet, there are provided a pair of guide rollers 2I-2I adjacent the front end of the cabinet. These guide rollers 2I-2I are suitably journalled in brackets 22-22, respectively secured to the opposed inner walls of the cabinet for rotation about vertical axes and in this position they engage the opposite sides of the couch frame I8 and coact with the supporting rollers II-Il to insure a true rectilinear movement of the couch longitudinally of the cabinet.

Supported upon the panelA I9 of the couch frame I8 is a removable slatted frame assembly 23, preferably made of wood, and resting upon this slatted frame is a hygienic rubber mattress 24. The mattress 24 is somewhat smaller in Width and length than the couch frame so that the water directed upon the patients body is free to pass between the sides of the mattress and its surrounding frame onto the panel I9 of the latter and thence to the bottom 25 of the cabinet. To this end, the panel I9 of the couch frame is sufficiently downwardly inclined toward its rear end to direct all water thereto, suitable apertures 26 being provided in said depressed rear end of the panel I9 to permit the discharge of Water therefrom. The bottom 25 of the cabv inet is in turn provided with a drain outlet 21 for carrying away all of the water as it accumulates in the cabinet during use of the apparatus.

As appears most clearly in Figure 1, the innerV end of the sliding couch is equipped with a rub.- ber bumper 29 to protect both the c'ouchvandv This cabinet I!) is of suiiicient length to the interior of the cabinet against possible injury should the couch` be projected into lthe cabinet too rapidly or with too much force.

As also appears most clearly in Figure 1, when the couch is in its completely operative position within the cabinet only a small portion thereof remains outside of the cabinet, this exposed portion being just sufficient to comfortably accommodate the head of the patient exteriorly of the cabinet. To seal the open end of the cab-inet While the patient is undergoing treatment, a detachable enclosure 28 is adapted to be fitted over said open end. This enclosure 28 is provided with oppositely extending pivot pins forrespective accommodation within suitable brackets 30-36 fixed to the cabinet front, and is further provided with suitable laterally spaced latch elements 3i-3I at its upper edge for respective engagement with coasting elements 32-32 also xed to the cabinet front. By unlatching the elements 3I3l, the enclosure 28 may be swung outwardly and downwardly about its pivotal supports 36-30 and then lifted upwardly to disengage the pivot pins from said pivot supports `or brackets Sil- 3D thereby enabling the enclosure 28 to be bodily removed preliminarily to positioning the patient within the cabinet. The enclosure 28 is centrally cut out, as at 32a, to permit the patients head to project exteriorly thereof and, if desired, an auxiliary rubber curtain (not shown) may be employed to supplement the enclosure for sealing the cabinet interior.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 5, it will be noted that the top 33 of thecabinet I0 is of semi-circular crosssection and is provided along its upper surface with a longitudinally extending duct 34 the rear end of which communicates with a space 35 provided in the rear of the cabinet and formed between the rear wall 36 thereof and an inwardly spaced auxiliary panel 31. This inner rear panel 31 is braced to the outer rear panel 36 at the lower end thereof by a reinforcing member 38 disposed substantially in the plane of the rubber bumper fitted to the rear end of the sliding couch. The forward end of the semi-circular top of the cabinet is fitted with an upwardly and rear- Wardly inclined panel 39 spaced inwardly from a correspondingly inclined control panel 4Q. The duct 34 aforesaid thus extends lengthwise of the top of the cabinet throughout its entire length and provides a passageway extending from the forward space formed between the inclined panels 39 and 4B to the rear space formed between the vertical panels 36 and 31. Provided in the bot-v tom of this duct 34 adjacent its forward end is a grille 4l (see Figures 1 and 5), while the inner rear panel 31 is provided with an opening 42 fitted with louvers 43 affording communication to the interior of the cabinet proper.

Formed within the duct 34 is a conduit 44, the opposite ends of which respectively embrace and communicate with theA grille 4| and the louvered opening 42. Except for the openings afforded by the grille 4l and the louvers 43, this conduit 44 is completely closed and thus serves in the manner hereinafter to be described, to effect the desired circulation of the atomized water and air through the interior of the cabinet. Fitted within the forward end of this conduit 44 are a plurality of liquid atomizing nozzles 45 arranged in tandem relation, the foremost of these nozzles being disposed immediately to the rear of the grille 4I. Disposed interiorly of the cabinet immediately in advance of the louvered .opening 42 in the wall thereof is a second set of liquid atomizing nozzles 46 arranged in lat-r erally spaced relation. These two sets of nozzles are connected rto thewater supply by suitable Mounted upon the inclined control panel at the forwardvupper end of the cabinet are a series of control valves 41, 48, 49, 54,y and 5l, a constant pressure regulator 52, a mixing valve 53 and a thermometer 54. Thevalves 41 and 48 respectively control the supply of hot and cold water to the apparatus, while the valves 49, 50 and 5l respectively control the supply of cold or tempered water -to the various nozzles of the apparatus.

As is shown most clearly in the diagrammatic layout of Figure 6, both cold and hot water are delivered to the constant pressure regulator 52 and thence to the mixing valve 53 through a duplex set of pipes 55 and 56. The delivery of the hot water to the constant pressure regulator is controlled by the valve 41 located on the input side of the regulator. This regulator insures the delivery of hot and cold water to the mixing valve under equal lpressures and by suitable vmanipulation of this mixing valve water of any being supplied to these nozzles from the mixing o valves by ways of the pipes 56, 51, 5B, 56 and 6D. The cold water valve 48 is connected in a pipe line 6l which serves as a by-'pass to the pressure equalizer 52 and the mixing valve 53, this cold water` valve 46 being normally closed so as to insure the passage of both hot and cold water` into and through the mixing valve. It is only when it is desired to supply the apparatus with cold water that the valve 48 is opened and on such occasion the hot water valve 41 Ais closed with the result that cold water is delivered directly to the apparatus by way of the by-pass and the pipes 51, 58, etc.

As appears most clearly in Figures l and 5, the pipe lillv which leads from the valve 5ll to the rear set of atomizing nozzles 46 is disposed within the duct 34 exteriorly of the conduit 44, this pipe 65 passing into the conduit 44Ionly at the rear extremity thereof for connection to the rear set of laterally spaced atomizers 46. Also extending longitudinally of the duct 34 externally of the conduit 44 is another pipe 62 which leads from the control valve 5i to a flexible hose 63 suitably fitted within the interior of the cabinet for the purpose of flushing the interior thereof with cold or hot water as may be desired.l Interposed in the pipe line'59 connecting the valve 49 with the tandem set of atomizing nozzles 45 is a small tank 64 adapted to receive suitable antiseptic or disinfectant solutions for sterilizin-g the interior of the cabinet during the course of treatment, the antiseptic or disinfectant being introduced into the cabinet together with the treatment medium. For the purpose of replenishing the supply of antiseptic or disinfectant solution, the tank 64 is provided with a readily accessible filing cap 64'.

Figures 8 to 10, inclusive illustrated `a preferred form of atomizer nozzle for use in the apparatus and which comprise the two sets thereof hereinbefore designated by the reference numerals 45 and 46. These nozzles each comprise an axially bored main body member 65 to which is threadedv an apertured cap member 66. This cap member is interiorly threaded to receive a disc 61 having a series of circumferentially spaced notches 68 in the edge thereof. By means of this type of nozzle, liquid projected therethrough under pressure is finely atomized or nebulized to produce an exceedingly fine mist.

Assuming that the valves 48 and 5I are closed and that the valves 41, 49 and 50 are open, it will be seen that by suitable manipulation of the mixing valve 53 Water of the requisite temperature is delivered under pressure to the two sets of atomizer nozzles 45 and 46. Due to the fact that the tandem set of atomizer nozzles 45 are arranged immediately to the rear of the grille 4I in the ceiling of the cabinet, it will be apparent that as the water is projected from these nozzles in the form of a mist-like spray a suction will be induced immediately to the rear of these nozzles which tends to draw air from the interior of the cabinet into the conduit 44 by way of the grille The air thus drawn by suction from the interior of the cabinet is delivered together with the finely atomized particles of water floating therein along the conduit toward the rear extremity thereof from whence it is delivered by way of the louvered opening 42. The delivery of the atomized water floating in the air drawn from the interior ofthe cabinet through the conduit 44 is further assisted by the suction effect produced by the rear set of nozzles 46 disposed immediately in advance of the louvered opening 32, which suction tends to draw from the exhaust end of the conduit 44A the atomized water and air passing therethrough. As the water is atomized by the rear set of nozzles 46, it is, of course, projected into the interior of the cabinet where it oats in the air currents and if the water is heated it soon heats the air circulating within the cabinet interior. This heated air is then drawn by suction into the conduit 44 through suction induced by the nozzles 45 with the result that so long as water is delivered under pressure to the two sets of nozzles 45 and 46, there is a'continuous circulation of atomized water and heated air through the interior of the cabinet. The atomized water and air is thus conveyed by flotation in the current of air from the rear of the cabinet interior to the front thereof with the result that the body of the patient undergoing treatment is subjected to a continuous elileurage by the mist and air currents so produced. This light eiiieurage has a soothing effect upon the peripheral nerve endings of the body and when this warm current of water and air is applied for a sufcient length of time, there is produced a rapid and 55. easily controlled elevation in body temperature.

It has been found that by means of this apparatus a rise of from 2 to 7 degrees Fahrenheit in body temperature may be obtained in a period of from 30 to 60 minutes with a surface temperature (i. e. of the heating medium) not exceeding degrees Fahrenheit.

Because of the controls provided, it is a simple matter during treatment to safeguard against tachycardia, the operator being enabled to quickly change over from the hot side of the apparatus to the cold side for the purpose of momentarily cooling the surface of the body at intervals so as to drive super-heated blood from the surface of the body to the interior thereof and so refresh the patient. It has been found that in the use of this apparatus this momentary change over from the hot side to the cold side does not have the eifect of arresting the desired climb in temperature. This change over from the hot to the cold side of the apparatus is quickly accomplished by closing the hot Water valve 4l and opening the cold Water valve 48 or it may be accomplished by suitable manipulation of' the mixing valves.

By proper technique in the use of the apparatus just described, the body temperature may be elevated to the desired degree and maintained at that temperature for as long as may be re'- quired with a precision of control not heretofore possible, Because each drop of water delivered to the apparatus is finely divided, a nebulization or atomization of the Water is obtained which enables it to be circulated by flotation in air currents to impinge upon the entire surface of the patients body, the latter thus receiving directlyv the full benet of the caloric energy of the water, in consequence of which the body temperature is more rapidly elevated. Due also to the light eflieurage produced by the mist and air currentsl on the skin, the peripheral nerve endings are subjected to a more o1' less analgesic and soothing action. Further, because the apparatus is capable of being switched from the hot to the cool side, it is possible by momentarily cooling the body surface to refresh the patient without depressing the temperature. In addition, becausev desired, the operator upon the conclusion of a treatment can produce, through the use of the cool side, a condition of surface anemia preventing loss of body temperature during the time required to transfer the patient from the cabinet to a bed where he reclines until vhis temperature gradually subsides to normal.

The apparatus itself is of such rugged but nonetheless exceedingly simple construction as lends itself admirably to intended purpose. All parts thereof are readily accessible for inspection, maintenance and repair and through the use of the disinfectant chamber 64 the apparatus is automatically self-sterilizing. It may be noted in this connection that by means of the chamber 64 any desired solution may be introduced into the water line for subsequent atomization and circulation within the cabinet interior.

If desired and whenever necessary, the flexible hose 63 may be employed to spray Water directly upon the patients body or to flush the interior of the cabinet free of any accumulated matter. In such event, the valves 49 and 5U are normally closed, the valve 5i being that used for controlling the delivery of water through saidhose. The latter is also of value When it is desired to introduce hot water of a predetermined temperature into the cabinet without the delay involved When such water is attempted to be delivered by way of the nozzles 45 or 46. In such case, by opening the valve 5| Water of the desired temperature is quickly delivered to a point beyond the thermostat so that when the valve 5l is closed and the valves 49 and 56 opened waterj of the said desired temperature is immediately available for discharge through the nozzles 45 and 46.

What is claimed as new and useful is:

1. In an apparatus for inducing artificial fever, in combination, a cabinet having` a substantially sealed interior, means for supplying atomized Water into the interior of the cabinet at one end thereof, means located adjacent the opposite end of the cabinet for atomizing a separate supply of water, and a conduit disposed externally of the cabinet interior with the opposite ends thereof re'- spectively in communication with the interior of the cabinet in the immediatevicinities of said separate atomizing means, the latter being respectively operative to induce a continuous circulation of the atomized Water in and about the interior of said cabinet andrthrough said conduit.

2. In an apparatusfor inducing artificial fever, in combination, a cabinet, means for accommodating a patient therein, means for circulating a thermal medium consisting of water reduced to a nebulized state and iioatable in the form of demonstrable droplets in air through the interior of the cabinet and about the body of the patient, and means for alternately supplying hot and cold water as desired for atomization and subsequent circulation as aforesaid.

3. In an apparatus for inducing artificial fever, in combination, a cabinet, a sliding couch operatively associated therewith for supporting the Abody of a patient within the interior of the cabinet, primary Water atomizing means in the rear of said cabinet for discharging atomized Water directly into the interior thereof, secondary Water atomizing means disposed externally of the cab-- inet interior, a conduit embracing the secondary atomizing means with the opposite ends thereof in communication with the interior ofthe cabinet, said secondary atomizing means being operative to induce a suction at the input end of said conduit to draw atomized Water into the conduit from the interior of the cabinet and said primary atomizing means being operative to induce a suction at the output end of the conduit which is additive to the suction produced at the input end to thereby effect a positive circulation-of atomized Water through the interior of the cabinet and about the body of a patient supported there- 4. In an apparatus for inducing artificial fever, in combination, a cabinet for receiving within the interior thereof the body of a patient undergoing treatment, a duct in communication with the interior of the cabinet at longitudinally spaced points, Water atomizing means respectively disposed adjacent each of said points, one of said means being adapted to project atomized water directly into the interior of the cabinet and the other of said means being adapted to project atomized Water into said duct, said atomizing means beingjointly operative to induce a unidirectional draft in said duct whereby to effect the circulation of atomized water and air through the interior of the cabinet, and means for supplying each of said atomizing meansvvith Water.

5. In an apparatus for inducing artificial fever, in combination, a cabinet for receiving within the interior thereof the body of a patient undergoing treatment, a duct in communication With the interior of the cabinet at longitudinallyv spaced points, water atomizing means respectively disposed adjacent each of said points, one of said means being adapted to project atomized Water directly into the interior of the cabinet and the other of said means being adapted to project atomized water into said duct, said atomizing means being jointly operative to induce a unidirectional draft in said duct whereby to effect the circulation of atomized Water and air through the interior of the cabinet, means for supplying each of 'said atomizing means with Water, and means for regulating the temperature of the water supplied to said atomizing means.

6. In an apparatus for inducing artificial fever, in combination, a cabinet for receiving Within the interior thereof the body of a patient undergoing treatment, a duct in communication with the interior of the kcabinet at longitudinally spaced points, water-atomizing means respectively disposed adjacent each of said points, one of said means being adapted to project atomized water directly into the interior of the cabinet and the other of said means being adapted to project atomized water into said duct, said atomizing means being jointly operative to induce a unidirectional draft in said duct whereby to effect the circulaf closed chamber, in effecting a unidirectional con-y tinuouscirculation of the mist Within and about the interior of said chamber, and in subjecting the body of a patient to 'the effleurage eiect of said circulating mist.

8. A method of inducing articial pyreXia which consists in subjecting the body of the paytient to a heating medium consisting of atomized particles of heated Water floating in air in the form of demonstrable droplets and in controlling the rate of heat transfer to the patient by varying the number of particles of Water impinging upon the body of the patient per unit time While maintaining the temperature of the Water constant.

9. A method of inducing artificial pyrexia which consists in subjecting the body of the patient' to a heating medium consisting of atomized particles of heated Water floating in air in the form of demonstrable droplets and in controlling the rate of heat transfer to the patient by varying both the temperature of the particles of Water and the number of particles of Water impinging upon the body of the patient per unit time.

` CHARLES C. HONSAKER.

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