US2873739A

US2873739A - Colonic device

Info

Publication number: US2873739A
Application number: US320649A
Authority: US
Inventors: Myra D Whann
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1952-11-15
Filing date: 1952-11-15
Publication date: 1959-02-17
Anticipated expiration: 1976-02-17

Description

Feb. 17, 1959 J. F.A wHANN 2,873,739

coLoNIc DEVICE v 1 ENToR. '15 32' fdd Feb. 17, 1959 J. P. wHANN 2,873,739

coLoNIc DEVICE Filed NOV. l5. 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 l l 7/ l 2 9| I 3o' F02 ,230 INVENTOR United States Patent O ice 'COLONIC DEVICE .lesse P. Whann, Los Angeles, Calif.; Myra D. Whann,I administratrix of said Jesse P. Whann, deceased Application November 15, 1952, Serial No. 320,649

37 Claims. (Cl. 12S-4227) operator for the reason that it is automatic in its operation. is the one which requires the operation of a valve by an attendant and there is one which requires the operation of outlet valve means by the patient. In the present invention the filling and discharging cycles are performed automatically by simple control equipment.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a colonic wherein a predetermined pressure of water introduced into the colon cannot be exceeded, and therefore the patient is at no time in danger of being subjected to either pain or injury as the result of excess pressure of liquid introduced into the colon. In those devices now in use which require the operation of a valve by an attendant, care and constant vigilance must be exercized. If the attendant fails to shut off the water inlet valve when the indicator of the pressure gauge moves up to the selected limit, an excess of pressure will be introduced into the colon. Often, in anticipation of this it is diicult for the patient to relax and therefore some of the value of the treatment is lost. In that type of device wherein the patient controls outlet valve, his attention is constantly required, and complete relaxation is not attained. l

It is an object of the invention to provide a colonic having means for introducing water into the colon, and an outlet path for the water having no valves therein for preventing flow of water out from the colon. It is therefore impossible to build up a pressure in the colon which might result in injury.

It is an object of the invention to provide a device of `the general character set forth in the foregoing para graph having in the outlet path of ow from the colon an adjustable riser member which forms a barrier over which the outlet flow of water must pass, thereby producing a backpressure which veffects building up of a limited pressure in the colon, and means for releasing the back pressure in the riser member so that there may be a flow outwardly from the colon.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a colonic having an outow path with a riser therein to provide a barrier over which the outflow liquid must pass, and means for applying a suction to the riser so that liquid will be withdrawn from the riser and therefore from the colon.

A further object of the invention is to provide a colonic of the character described herein having a suction tube connected to the upper portion of the riser, and means adapted to introduce air at intervals so as to break the partial vacuum which may be created in the operation of the device for the purpose of evacuating the colon. A

Of the types of colonics in extensive use, there 2,873,739 Patented Feb. 17, 1959 further object of thek invention is to provide a colonic of the character described in the foregoing paragraph wherein the vacuum breaking means comprises valve means adapted to be opened so as to admit air into the outlet path of flow of the device at a point where it will effect breaking of the vacuum in the system.

It is a further object of the invention to provide in a colonic of the character described herein an arrangement for effecting alternate vacuum and release cycles in the outlet of discharge system, which arrangement includes a hydraulically controlled valve means and also one in which the valve effect is accomplished by a body of water delivered into a valve space in the control means.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a colonic having means for vibrating the column of water which is delivered into the colon through the water induction tube of the device, to produce a cleansing action and also to eiect a stimulation of the tissues of the colon engaged by the column of water tending toward the production of normal functions in the colon.

' Further objects of the invention are to provide a colonic device which is readily portable, to produce one which is adapted for use in a bath tub while the patient is subjected to the relaxing influence o f the bath.

It is an important object of the invention to provide a colonic device having an applicator adapted to be inserted through the anus so as to veffect communication of the colonic device with the colon, this applicator having a portion which is expansible in the area of the joinder of the rectum with the sigmoid so that the applicator will be retained in the rectum without any effort on the part of the patient. This enables the patient to relax and gain greatest benefit from the treatment for the reason that it is not necessary to expend the effort of contracting the anal muscles around the neck of the inserted portion of the applicator.

In a simple form of the device, the periodic operation of the apparatus is obtained by delivering measured quantities of water to the air opening of the riser.

Further objects ofthe invention may be brought out in the following part of the .specification wherein embodiments of the invention have been explained in extended .detail for the purpose of making a disclosure of the invention without, however, limiting the scope of the invention set forth in the appended claims.

Referring tol the accompanying drawings which are for illustrative purposes only:

Fig. 1 is a schemmatic view of the preferred form of the invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the simple form of control means for applying suction to the riser member of the invention to effect an evacuation of-liquid therefrom;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of a control which maybe used in the place of the one shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a partly sectioned view showing a hydraulically actuated control valve;

Fig. 5 is a schematic view showing a riser equipped with a mechanical timer for effecting colonvflling and evacuation cycles;

Fig. 6 is a schematic view of a rform of the invention adapted for home use;

Fig. 7 is a simple view showing a form of the invention adapted for use in a bath tub;

Y Fig. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of my new applicator forming a part of the invention;

Fig. 9 is a schematic view showing an alternative form of the invention employing valves;

Fig. 10 is a view showing a form of the invention similar to Fig. 9, but utilizing a different form of valve means; and

Fig. 1l is a schematic view of a control device for intermittently delivering a quantity of water into the colonic system.

Referring to .Fig. 1, the invention includes an applicator or nozzle arranged for insertion into the rectum. Water is fed to the nozzle 10 from an elevated reservoir 11 through a feed tube 12 and an induction tube 13 which is connected to the nozzle 10 by means of a Y fitting 14. An outiiow tube 15 for the nozzle 10 is connected to the Y fitting .14. This outow tube 15 includes a rubber tube 16 which is connected to the iitting 14 and a glass tube 17 which is connected to the outer end of the rubber tube 16. The upper end of the glass tube is bent laterally.

A supporting member 18 has one end thereof connected by a hinge means 19 with a base member 20 to enable the swinging of the supporting member 18 from a substantially horizontal position, through the inclined position in which it is shown in full lines in Fig. 1 to substantially vertical position. A portion of the rubber tube 16 and the glass tube 17 are secured to the front face of the supporting member 18 to form a riser 21 for the outflow tube, the height of this riser 21 being varied by swinging it up and down around the axis dened by the hinge means 19. This swinging of the riser 21 is accomplished by swinging the supporting member to which it is attached or upon which it may rest.

A suction means is connected to the outlet end of the riser 21; this suction means may be of iuid operated ejector type such as shown in Dierker Patent No. 1,910,756, but in the preferred form of the invention the suction means consists of a suction tube 22, preferably of rubber, connected to the upper end of the riser 21, and which will function to draw fluid from the riser, as will be hereinafter described. The suction tube curves downwardly from the upper end of the glass tube 17 and then rearwardly to end in a downwardly extending portion 23 which is connected to a drain pipe 24 which has a vent tube 25 leading from the upper portion thereof. The strength of the suction created in the suction tube depends on the drop of the outlet end 23 thereof below the level of the nozzle 10. Ordinarily the end 23 extends down into the pipe 24 about one foot, so that the suction in the colon will be between one-half and one pound. A control device 26 is hingedly connected to the upper end of the supporting member 18, and a link 27 connects the control device 26 with the base in such a manner that the control device 26 will be held substantially vertical as the supporting member 18 is swung on the hinge means 19. As shown in Fig. 2, the control device 26 comprises a chamber 28 adapted to receive a small flow of water from the tank 11 through a tube 29 equipped with a pinch valve 30 for controlling the flow of water into the chamber 28. A tube 32 extends down into the chamber 28 vfrom the top thereof, and. a iioatable cup 33 is disposed around the lower portion of the tube 32, there being guide members 34 radially disposed on the tube 32 for holding the cup 33 in working alignment with the tube 32. The upper end of the tube 32 is connected by a rubber hose 35, equipped, with a pinch valve 36, with the outflow tube of the colonic in a manner to control the evacuation of liquid from the riser 21.

As shown in the preferred form of the invention presented in Figs. 1 and 2', the tube 35 is connected to the upper end of the glass tube 17 which has an upwardly directed opening 37 provided by a small tubular branch 38 arranged to receive the end of the tube 35 thereon as shown in Fig. 2. The cup 33 is oating to its highest level in the body of water 39 in the chamber 28 and the interior of the cup 33 and of the tube 35 are lled with air. As water is slowly added to the chamber 28 throuhg the tube 29 the level of the body of water 39 will rise until it' overows the lip of the cup 33 into the cup causing it to sink to the bottom of the chamber 28, the lower portion of the tube 32 being then lled with water.

The rightward or machine end of the induction tube 13 is connected to a pulser consisting of a hollow body 40 having a movable wall or diaphragm 41 arranged to be reciprocated by a link 42 which is actuated by a crank 43 in turn drivable at selected different speeds by an electric motor 44. When this pulser is operated, the column of water in the colon is vibrated at desired speed so as to assist in the cleansing action and to help in producing relaxation of the patient and stimulation of the tissues of the colon as the result of an increase in the circulation of bodily uids in the tissues. A segment 45 is extended upwardly from the base 20 so that the upper portion of the supporting member 18 may move therealong, a clamp 46 being provided on the upper portion of the supporting member for engagement with segment 45'to clamp the supporting member in any position of elevation to determine the height of the riser and the .back pressure it will exert against the liquid in the colon. The segment 45 has markings 47 thereon t0 indicate the height of the riser 21 in each position of the supporting member 1S.

An explanation of the operatio-n of the device is as follows. The nozzle is inserted into the rectum so as to have communication with the colon. Assuming that the condition of the control device 26 is as shown in Fig. 2, with the cup 33 tioating in the body of water 39 so that .the interior of the upper end of the riser 21 is in communication with the open atmosphere through the

tubes

35 and 32, a valve 4S for controlling the ow of water from the tank 11 is opened so that Water will tlow through the

tubes

12 and 13 to the nozzle 10 and into the colon 49. If the ow of water into the colon is stopped or reduced due to encountered resistance, water will flow into the outiiow tube 15 and will rise in the riser 21, increasing the pressure head or back pressure on the body of water which has been introduced into the colon, causing a greater ow of water into the colon.

The pressure of the water in the colon will increase until the level of the water in the riser 21 reaches the upper end of the glass tube 17, which constitutes the upper extremity of the barrier against outflow of water formed by the riser 21. But, any further induction of water through the tube 13 cannot increase the pressure in the colon for the reason that the height of the column of water standing in the riser cannot be increased, for there will be an overow of water from the upper end of the glass tube 17 into the tube 22 and a discharge of such water through the descending portion 23 into the drain member 24. At this time the patient may be instructed to contract the muscles of the lower abdomen intermittently so as to effect an evacuation of liquid from the colon. As this is done, spurts of water will pass out of the upper end of the riser 21 into the carry-ofi tube 22. This action on the part of the patient constitutes beneiicial voluntary exercise of the muscles of evacuation. Furthermore, there will be a washing back and forth of water in the colon.

During the foregoing period, which may be referred to as the colon-filling period, water is flowing through the tube 29, under control of the valve 3G, into the chamber 23, Fig. 2, of the control device 26, gradually increasing the level of the body of water 39 until it finally overflows into the cup 33, causing the same to sink to the bottom of the chamber 28 as indicated by dotted lines 33a. The dropping of the cup 33, as described in the foregoing, ends the colon-filling cycle and initiates the evacuation cycle. The outflow tube 15', including the riser 21 and the upper. portion of the tube 22, is new cut oit from the open atmosphere due to the water closing the lower end of the tube 32. The result of this is that a vacuum is formed in the upper part of the riser and the system then acts as a syphon to draw liquid out through the outiiow tube. At the same time.

'described in the foregoing,

the suction will move water from the interior of the cup 33 through the

tubes

32 and 35, under control of the valve 36, until the cup 33 again rises to the position in which it is shown in full lines in Fig. 2. Water will be drawn olf from the interior of the cup 33 where-` upon air will pass through the

tubes

32 and 35 into the riser to break the vacuum which has been formed therein, thereby ending the emptying portion of the cycle and permitting the colon-filling period to start. The respective lengths of the filling and emptying cycle are determined by the adjustments of the

valves

30 and 36. Theapparatus will continue to operate in the manner continuously proceeding through the filling and emptying cycles. The patient, knowing that excess pressure cannot be produced at any time completely relaxes during the treatment so that a relaxation of the muscles of the colon is accomplished and in due course of time the treatment will extend back into the caecum. The relaxation of the colon is further assisted by the operation of the motor 44 so that the water in the colon will be vibrated with massaging effect. Likewise the rehabilitation of the bodily tiss-ues will be assisted toward the end of accomplishing restoration of normal functions. i, A further feature of the invention resides in the provision of a nozzle or applicator having a head portion 50 which may be expanded after insertion of the i nozzle through the rectum. The purpose of this arrangement is to provide a means for holding the nozzle in place without muscular exertion on the part of the patient. With many of the nozzles now in use, the patient must constantly constrict anal sphincter 61 to prevent escape of the nozzle. This necessity for constant constriction of the sphincter muscle 61 results in a strain which detracts from the effectiveness of the treatment. The expansible head 50 is disposed at the end of tube 51, the rearward portion of which is connected by a branch 65 with the Y 14. A contractile chamber member 52 is provided for the delivery of liquid into the head 50 to expand the same. For conducting the liquid from the chamber member 52 into the expansible head 50, I provide an outer tube 53 around the inner tube 51 and extending nearly to the front end thereof. The rearward portion 54 of the outer tube 53 is expanded so as to provide an abutment near the rear of the appliv cator 10, and a ring 55 is employed to make a seal between the inner and outer tubes 51 and 53. The contractile member 52 comprises a cylinder 56 which is connected to the space 57 between the tubes 51 and 53, and a piston 58 equipped with an operating extension 59 whereby it may be shifted so as to displace liquid from the cylindervinto the expansible head 50 to expand the same. The head 50 comprises a rubber wall 60 to define a space around the forward portion of the applicator, and when liquid is forced into the same it will expand substantially as sho-wn to form an enlargement on the applicator inwardly of the contracted portion of the rectum defined by the anal sphincter 61. A feature of the expansible head is that it not only prevents inadvertent removal of the applicator from the rectum, but also displaces the hemorrhoidal tissues 62 radially outwardly away from the mouth 63 of the applicator so that if so called hemorrhoids are present, they will not interfere with the discharge through the mouth of applicator.

The wall 60 comprises a gum rubber tube of substantially the same external diameter as the tube 53.- The outer end of this wall 60 is turned under and bound to the extending portion 64 of the inner tube 51. The rear end of the wall 60 is secured around the outer portion of the tube 53 near the forward end thereof. Accordingly, when the head is expanded, the wall 60 will be under tension, with the result that when the piston 58 is retracted, the liquid which fills the head 50 will pass out into the cylinupon thevapplicato may be readily withdrawn from the rectum. A chamber 66 is formed at the rear end of the tube 51 in which an olive-shaped rubber obturator 67 is containable, as shown in full lines in Fig. 10. A cap 68 is secured on the extremity of the tube 51, and through this cap 68 a rod 69 extends. Prior to the insertion of the applicator, the rod is moved forwardly so as to shift the obturator 67 vinto the position thereof indicated by dotted lines 67 wherein the rounded and tapered front end of the obturator projects from the mouth 63 of the applicator 10 to facilitate the insertion thereof into the rectum, after which the obturator is withdrawn to the retracted position thereof indicated in full lines in the chamber 66 at the rear end of the tube 51. The rod 69 has threaded engagement at 70 with the rear end of the obturator, so that it may be disconnected therefrom and removed from the position in which it is shown. Preferably, the function of the obturator as a closure for the front end of the tube 51 is utilized. At the end of the treatment, it is moved to a position ahead of the juncture of the branch 65 in the tube 51, or to the front end of the tube 51, to prevent leakage of liquid from the applicator when it is withdrawn from the rectum.

In Fig. 3, an alternative form of the control 26 is shown which periodically feeds a quantity of liquid into the riser and at the same time closes the tube 35 against flow of air therethrough into the outflow tube 15. At the lower end of the chamber 28 of this control 26, there is a water outlet tube 32' to which the hose 35 of Figs. 1 and 2 may be connected. In the upper portion of the chamber 28 there is a stationary cup 33 adapted to receive a flow of water from the tube 29 of Figs. l and 2. The cup or container 33 has a syphon tube 71 for periodically evacuating the same. The syphon tube has an upper portion 72 extending down into the container 33' to a point near the bottom thereof, and a lower portion 73 which extends down to a point near the bottom of the chamber 28'. Under control of the valve 30 water will flow through the tube 29 into the container 33 and after a period of time has elapsed will fill the container 33 and overow through the syphon, so as to empty the contents of the container 33 into the lower portion of the chamber 28', thereby feeding the quantity of water 39 through the

tubes

32 and 35 and closing the interior of the outflow tube 15 off from communication with the atmosphere so that suction may be established in the outflow system of the colonic for a period determined by the length of time required to drain the water out from the chamber 28 through the tube 35,

which period of time is in turn controlled by the valve 36.

In the foregoing, I have shown how the suction in the `outflow tube of the colonic may be established and broken by a body of water placed so as to obstruct the vent tube 35 or fed through the Vent. In Fig. 4, I show a hydraulically operated mechanical valve for making and breaking the suction in the outflow tube of the colonic. The tube 35 is connected through a check valve with a valve seat member arranged to be closed by a valve closure 76 which is mounted on one end of a fulcrum lever 77, the opposite end of which lever is connected to the upper end of a rod 78 which extends down through a tube 79 and is connected to a oat 80 which is vertically movable in a iioat chamber 81. The iioat chamber 81 is connected through a needle valve 82 with the water inlet pipe 13. In the operation of the valve means shown in Fig. 4, water gradually rises in the chamber 81 and lifts the float 80 to a position such as shown in Fig. 4, closing the valve. This will result in a partial vacuum being formed in the outlet tube 15 of the colonic and suction will be created in the tube 13 which will draw the water from the chamber 81 permitting the oat to drop and open the valve, thereby opening the valve 76 and breaking the suction cycle so that the subsequent filling cyclemay start.

As shown in Fig. 5, the control valve for the outflow der, allowing the wall 6() of the headto contract, where- 75 tube may be entirely mechanically or in part electrically operated. The outflow tube indicated at Fig. 5, has an adjustable height support 83 for the riser portion 17' thereof. The vent tube 35 is positioned so that it may be closed by a valve closure member 84 which is mounted on the upper end of a fulcrum lever 15 adapted to be reciprocated by a crank $6 which is rotated at selected speed by a motor 87. In order that the open and closed positions of the Valve 84 may be substantially equal, the lower end of the fulcrurn lever 85 is connected to the crank S6 by link means 8S characterized by yicldability in the direction of its axis which permits movement of the rank 86 after the closure 84 has come into engagement with the valve seat or opening at the outer end of the vent tube 35.

A simple form of portable colonic, embodying the invention and being adapted for home use or being portable so that the physician may readily take it to the home of the patient, is shown in Fig. 6. Herein, the riser portion 17b of the outow tube 15b is supported for adjustable height by a support 87. The water induction tube 13 is connected through a needle valve 83 with a chamber 89 so that water may rise into the chamber from the induction tube 13 as water rises in the tube 15b, but at a slower rate due to the valve 8S. The lower part of the chamber 89 is connected through a tube 913 and a check valve 91 with the outlet tube 15b at such a point that the introduction of air thereat will break the partial vacuum in the outlet tube 15b, and an air tube 92 is extended from the upper portion of the chamber to a level above the top of the riser 17b. As the colon lls the chamber S9 also fills, likewise the tubes 9) and 92, and when the water overows the top of the riser and a suction is created in the outlet tube 15b, this suction draws liquid from the colon and from the chamber S9 and the air tube 92, until the level of the water in the chamber drops below the lower end of the tube 90, whereupon air may pass from the chamber 89 through the tube 90 and the check valve 91 into the outflow tube 15b to break the suction therein and start a new colon-filling cycle. Here again, the pressure of liquid introduced into the colon cannot exceed the back pressure of the column of water which rises in the riser 17b. A rubber bulb 93 is connected to the outer end of the induction tube 13 to elfect an oscillation of the water pressure in the applicator 10 and the colon.

In Fig. 7, l show a form of the invention adapted to be used in a bathtub while the user is reclining submerged in a body of warm water, and including a stand pipe 100 having a rubber washer 101 at its lower end to fit into the drain opening 162 of the tub 163, and also having a bifurcated arm means 16:4.- with suction cups 105 for attachment to the side wall of the tube 103. A glass tube 106 is provided having a rubber ring 107 on the lower end thereof for sliding and sealing engagement with the inner surface of the standpipe 190 so that the height of the riser 108 of the outflow tube 1&9 may be varied by the raising and lowering of the tube 1556 which has a bend at the upper end thereof to receive the rubber tube comprising the outflow member 11D8. From the upper end of the riser portion of the colonic outow tube 109 an air tube 110 extends to a valve 111 which may be disposed conveniently to the hand or" the user for periodic operation. It will be understood that any one of the air control devices described in the foregoing may be employed inthe colonic device shown in Fig. 7. A water inlet tube 112 is connected to the lower portion of the tube 109, for conducting water from a source of supply, not shown, to the applicator 1l), under control of a valve 115 connected in series with the water inlet tube 112. With the valve 111 open, the user may cause discharge of water over the top of the riser and into the drain, by muscular contraction, thereby exercising those muscles which are involved in the physiological process of evacuation, and when evacuation of the colon is desired, the user may close the valve to effect a continuous suction in the outllow tubing of the colonic device when there is 'another do'wnow of water through the glass tube 106, this suction continuing until the partial vacuum is again broken by the opening of the valve 111. l

In the form of the invention shown in Fig. 9, the outflow tube 15 is connected to a riser portion 21 through a three way valve 120. The outlet or descending portion 22b of the riser 21 is connected to the suction tube 22 which extends rearwardly from the three way valve In the outlet portion 2219 of the riser there is a shut-olf valve 121. 4

A motor 122 is adapted to act through a linkage 123 to simultaneously operate the

valves

120 and 121 in such a manner that when the outlet tube 15 is connected to the riser 21 by the three way valve 121), the valve 121 will be open, and so that when the valve 120 connects the outlet tube 15 with the suction tube 22, the valve 121 will be closed. The operation of this form of the invention is as follows. Water oWs continually into the outflow tube 15 through the water induction tube 12. This water will iiow into the colon and also rise in the riser 21, from which it may overllow into the outlet portion 22b, but a syphon effect will not be created because the riser 21 is connected to the atmosphere through a tube 35b so that suction cannot be transmitted from the outlet portion 22h of the riser 21 back to the outflow tube 15. When suction in the outflow tube is desired, the linkage 123 is swung rightward, actuating the valve 121) so as to connect the rightward end of the outflow tube 15 with the suction tube 22, and so as to close the valve 121 so that air can not enter the tube 22 from the tube 35d. In the system shown in Fig. 9 the outflow tube 15 is at no time closed ot from the exterior, and the maximum pressure which may be built up in the colon is determined by the height of the riser 21.

Fig. 10 shows the manner in which the eiects obtained in Fig. 9 may be employed without use of metal valves, but wherein the flow of liquid is determined by pinching of a portion of a rubber tube. The outtiow tube 1S is connected to a riser 21 consisting of a rubber tube, and a rubber suction tube 225 is connected to the

tubes

15 and 21. .Motor means 125 is connected through a linlc 126 with bell crank levers 127 and 12S arranged so that when the lever 128 pinches off the tube 22S, the riser 21 will be left open, and so that when the bell crank 128 is swung in clockwise direction so as to permit the tube 225 to open, the bell crank 127 will be swung in clockwise direction so as to pinch off the riser 21. Accordingly, either one or thc other of the tubes 21 and 225 Will be open at all times so that pressure cannot be built up in the outow tube 15 and in the colon greater than the back pressure of the riser 21 which communicates with open atmospherc through a tube 129.

In Fig. ll I schematically show a form of control device which may be employed to quickly feed into the tube 15, the tube 1'7 or the tube 22 a quantity of water which will immediately effect starting of a suction cycle of the colonic device. This control is ordinarily connected to the branch pipe 38 of the over-flow tube 17, and for this purpose has a cup 26' provided at its bottom with an outlet tube 32 for connection to the branch pipe 38, which is preferably considerably increased in size so as to accommodate a relatively high rate of flow of water for a short period of time, to positively start the suction cycle of the colonic, as the result ofthe delivery of the slug of Water which will pass into the suction tube and therefore create the required suction. The outlet 32E/of the device shown in Fig. l1 is normally closed by a ball valve 231) which is mounted on a vertically movable stem 231. A oat means 232, having hollow ball floats 233, is vertically slidable on the stem 231, and is arranged to lift the stern 231 and the ball valve 230 through the action of a spring 235 arranged to bear against the lower face of a collar 236 which is lxed on the valve stern 231. n l* A guide member 237 engages the upper end of the .valve stem 231 with a movement-retarding action so that when the level of water, delivered through an inlet pipe 29' under control of a valve 30', rises in the cup 26', the tloat means 232 will be lifted, compressing the spring 235 upwardly against the collar 236, until the force of the spring 235 is sufficient to snap the` valve 230 upwardly into open position. When the valve 230 is thus opened, water will flow rapidly through the outlet 32' until the lowering of the iloat means 234 permits a closing of the valve 230. The small amount of water remaining in the cup 26' after the closing of the valve 230 will be drawn out through an inverted suction tube 32a which is connected to the outlet 32', whereupon air will then flow throughthe tube 32a and break the vacuum existing in the outlet 32 and the part of the colonic system to which it may be connected.

As an alternative means for feeding a quantity of water into the cup 26', I place a cup 33' in the upper part of the cup 26' and provide a syphon tube 71' for transferring water from the cup 33' to the cup 26', in the manner described with relation to the syphon tube 71 Fig. 3. The water inlet tube 29' may be disposed so that it will deliver a slow flow of water into the cup 33', for a period of time during which air is passing outthrough the tube 32a into the outlet 32. When the quantity of water in the cup 33' reaches the top of the syphon tube 71', water will overflow through the syphontube and the contents of the cup 33' will be rapidly transferred to the cup 26', rising therein to actuate the iloat means 232 in the manner previously'described.

Referring to Figs. l, 6 and 9, the

members

18 and 87 may be swung to horizontal position to start a suction cycle or to empty water from the system at the end of a period of use. Of course, if the suction cycle is to be maintained for a period of time, the outtlow piping must be shut off from the open atmosphere so that there will be no entry of air into the system to break the partial rvacuum therein.

I claim:

l. In a device for cleansing the colon with liquid from a supply: induction means for delivering a liquid from the supply into the colon at a controlled rate; outllow tube means connected so that it will carry liquid awayfrom the colon vcomprising a riser and a drain tube connected to the riser; and Va vacuum breaking means connected to said riser so that said riser can be alternately connected to and closed off from the atmosphere.

2. In a device for cleansing the colon with liquid from a supply: induction means fordelivering a. liquid from the supply into the colon at a controlled rate;. outflow tube means connected so that it will carry liquid away from the colon comprising a riser and a suction tube connected to theriser; and a vacuum breaking means connected to said riser so that said riser can be alternately connected to and closed off from the atmosphere, to effect alternate suction and filling cycles in the colon, thepressureof the liquid applied to the'colon being determined by the height of said riser.

3. In a device for cleansing the colon with liquid from a supply: vinduction means for delivering a liquid from the supply into the colon at a controlled rate; outflow tube means connected so that it will carry liquid away from the colon comprising a riser; means for varying the height of said riser so that the maximum pressure which may be applied to the liquid in thev colon may be varied; a drain tube connected to the riser; and a vacuum breaking means connected to said riser so that said riser can be alternately connected to and closed off from the atmosphere. l

4. In a device for cleansing the colon with liquid from a supply: induction means for delivering a liquid from the supply into the colon ata controlled rate; outtlow tube means connected so that it will carry liquid away from vthe colon, comprising a riser so as to create a back pres sure which determines the maximum pressure of liquid which may be applied to the colon; means for periodically releasing liquid from said outilow tube means and said colon; and a drain member connected to the upper end of said riser through which the overtlow therefrom may be carried off.

5. In a device for cleansing the colon with liquid from a supply: induction means for delivering a liquid from the supply into the colon at a controlled rate; outflow tube means connected so that it will carry liquid away from the colon comprising a riser so as to create a back pressure ,which determines the maximum pressure of liquid which may be applied to the colon; means a'djustable to vary the height of said riser so that the pressure of liquid in the colonv may be varied; means for periodically releasing liquid from said outtlow tube means and said colon; and a drain member connected to the upper end of said riser through which the overflow therefrom may be carried off.

6. In a device for cleansing the colon with liquid from a supply: induction means for delivering a liquid from the supply into the colon at a controlled rate; outllow tube means connected so that it will carry liquid away from the colon comprising a riser and a suction tube connected to the riser; and means operating to intermittently feed a separate flow of liquid to the device so that it will flow out through the suction tube.

7. In a device for cleansing the colon with liquid from a supply: induction means for delivering a liquid from the supply into the co-lon at a controlled rate; outflow tube means connected so that it will carry liquid away from the colon, comprising a riser and suction means connected to said riser for removing liquid therefrom; and air conducting means connecting said outow tube means to the atmosphere to break the suction in said riser and effect a flow of liquid from said induction tube means into the colon.

8. In a device for cleansing the colon with liquid from `a supply: induction means for delivering a liquid from the supply into the colon at a controlled rate; outtlow tube means connected so that it will carry liquid away from the colon, comprising a riser and suction means connected to said riser for removing liquid therefrom; and hydraulically operated means intermittently connecting said riser to atmospheric pressure to effect alternate iilling and suction cycles in the colon.

9. In a device for cleansing the colon with liquid from a supply: induction means for delivering a liquid from the supply into the colon at a controlled rate; outflow tube' means connected so that it will carry liquid away from the colon, comprising a riser and suction means connected to said riser for removing liquid'therefrom; hydraulically operated means intermittently connecting said riser to atmospheric pressureand effect alternate filling and suction cycles in the colon; and means arranged to discharge the liquid utilized in said hydraulic means so that it will flow through said suction means.

l0. In a device for cleansing the colon with liquid from a supply: induction means for delivering a liquid vfrom the supply into the colon at a controlled rate; outflow tube means connected so that it will carry liquid away from the colon, comprising a riser; and power driven means adapted to intermittently apply pressure to the liquid in said induction means and effect a massaging action of the liquid on the walls of the colon.

1l. In a device for cleansing the colon with liquid from a supply: induction means for delivering a liquid from the supply into the colon at a controlled rate, said induction means comprising a rectal nozzle having an expansible head on the inserta'ble end thereof and means for expanding said head after it has been inserted in the rectum to hold said nozzle in'place without muscular effort of the patient; continuously open outflow tube means connected to said nozzle so that it will carry liquid away from the colon comprising a riser and a drain tube connected to the riser; and a vacuum breaking means connected to 1 1 saiclriser so 'that said 'riser can be alternately connected to and closed on from the atmosphere.

12. In a device for cleansing the colon with liquid from a supply: induction means for delivering a liquid from the supply into the colon at a controlled rate; outow tube means connected so that it will carry liquid away from the colon comprising a riser and a drain tube connected to the riser, said outow tube means having an opening for communication with the atmosphere .so that vacuum-breaking air may enter said outflow tube means; and means for controlling the tlow of air through said opening so that suction in said outflow tube means is intermittently broken.

13. In a device for cleansing the colon with liquid from a supply: induction means for delivering a liquid from the supply into the colon at a controlled rate, said induc- 'tion means comprising a rectal nozzle and means to obstruct the passage through said nozzle during the time it is being withdrawn from the rectum; continuously open outflow tube means connected to said nozzle so that it will carry liquid away from the colon comprising a riser and a drain tube connected to the riser; and a vacuum breaking means connected to said riser so that said riser can be alternately connected to and closed oli from the atmosphere.

14. ln a device for cleansing the colon with liquid from a supply: induction means for delivering a liquid from the supply into the colon; outlet ilow tube means connected so that it will carry liquid away from the colon, said outflow tube means having a riser portion the height of which determines the pressure which may be built up in the colon; and means for delivering a quantity of liquid into said outow tube means so as to effect a syphoning action therein.

15. In a device for cleansing the colon with liquid from a supply: induction means for delivering a liquid from the supply into the colon at a controlled rate, said induction means comprising a rectal nozzle and means to obstruct the passage through said nozzle during the time it is being withdrawn from the rectum; continuously open outflow tube means connected to said nozzle so that it will Vcarry liquid away from the colon said tube means having a riser therein; and means temporarily creating a suction in said outow tube means.

16. A colon cleansing device as dened in claim 1, wherein said drain tube is connected to the upper end of said riser and said vacuum breaking means comprises means for effecting communication of said outtiow 'tube means with a source of air so that the air will flow into the riser and inhibit formation of a partial vacuum therein.

17. A colon cleansing device as dened in 'claim l 'wherein said drain tube is connected to the upper end of said riser and said vacuum breaking means comprises an air inlet opening communicating with said outliow tube means so as to deliver air thereinto and inhibit syphoning action through said riser and said drain'tube.

18. In a device for cleansing the colon with liquid from a supply: induction means for delivering a liquid from the supply into the colon at a controlled rate, comprising a nozzle member insertable in the colon; outilow "tube means connected so that it will carry liquid away from the colon comprising a riser and a drain tube connected to the riser; a vacuum breaking means connected to said riser so that said riser can be alternately connected to and closed off from the atmosphere; a pulser member connected to said nozzle so that operation of said puiser will elect vibration of the water in the colon; and Vpower driven means for operating said puiser.

19. In a device for cleansing the colon with liquid from a supply: induction means for delivering a liquid from 'the Vsupply into `the colon at a controlled rate, comprising a nozzle member insertable in the colon; an expansible head on the end of said nozzle; means operative to expand said :head within the rectum so 'that the nozzle will be retained without muscular effort on'the pa'rt 'of the user; outow tube vmeans connected s'o 'that it "will carry liquid away from the colon comprising a 'riser and a drain tube connected to the riser; a Vacuum breaking means connected to said iiser so that said riser can be alternately connected to and closed 'off from the atmosphere; a pulser member connected to said nozzle so that operation of said pulser will effect vibration of the water in the colon; and power driven means for operating said puiser.

20. A colon cleansing device as defined -in claim 2 wherein said vacuum breaking device comprises Ian air duct connected to said outflow tube means and means for lclosing and opening said duct.

2l. A colon cleansing device as detined in claim 20 having means adjustable to vary the ow of liuid through said duct.

22. A colon cleansing device as defined in claim 2 wherein said vacuum breaking device comprises an 'air duct connected to said outflow tube means and means for bringing a body of water into a position to close the outer end of said duct.

23. A colon cleansing device as dened vin claim 2 wherein said vacuum break-ing device comprises an air duct connected to said outow tube means, a chamber member connected to said duct and means for delivering a 'quantity 'of liquid into said chamber member 'pso that it -will close said duct and prevent passage of air thereinto.

24. A colon cleansing device as delined in claim '2 wherein said vacuum breaking device comprises an air duct connected to said outow tube means having a downwardly extending outer end, a chamber member receiving said outer end of said duct, means for delivering a liquid into said chamber member, and a cup arranged to move upwardly and downwardly on said outer end of said duct, said cup oating on said liquid -as it accumulates in said chamber member and maintaining Vcommunication of the end of said duct with the atmosphere, and Ithen sinking in said .liquid when it overows 'the .lip of the cup andexposing thelower end of the duct to the liquid.

25. In a device for cleansing the colon with liquid from a supply: induction means for delivering a liquid from the supply into the colon at a controlled rate; outiiow tube means connected so that it will carry liquid away from the colon comprising a riser and a suction tube connected to the riser; land a vacuum breaking Ameans connected to said riser so that said riser can be alternately connected to and closed off from the atmosphere, to elect `alternate lsuction and lling cycles in the colon, the pressure of the liquid applied to the colon being determined by the height of said riser, said vacuum breaking means comprising a rstchamber member having an opening member in its lower end connected to said outllow tube means so that passage of the air through said opening will prevent formation of a vacuum in said riser, a second chamber member, means Vfor delivering a ow of liquid into said second chamber member, and a syphon connecting said chamber members for intermittently delivering liquid from said second chamber member to said vfirst chamber member wherein the liquid will prevent passage of air into said duct.

26. A colon cleansing device as defined in claim 25 `having float-actuated means for opening and closing said 13 syphon connecting the lower part of said first chamber member to said outflow tube means.

29. In a device for cleansing the colon with liquid from a supply: induction means for delivering a liquid .from the supply into the colon at a controlled rate; outflow tube means connected so that it will carry liquid away from the colon comprising a riser and a suction tube connected to the riser; and a vacuum breaking means connected to said riser so that said riser can be alternately connected to and closed off from the atmosphere, to effect alternate suction and lling cycles in the colon, the pressure of the liquid applied to the colon being determined by the height of said riser, said vacuum breaking means comprising a chamber member having an opening communicating with said outo-w tube means, means for feeding the liquid into said chamber member, valve means operative to open and close said opening and a syphon connecting the lower part of said chamber member to said outilow tube means.

30. A colon cleansing device as dened in claim 4 wherein said means for releasing liquid from said outflow tube means and said colon comprises a valve having its inlet connected to the lower end of said riser and its outlet connected with the sewer.

31. A colon cleansing device as defined in claim 4 having vacuum breaking means for entry of air into said outflow tube means so that said riser and said drain member will not act as a syphon and wherein said means for releasing liquid from said outow tube means and said colon comprises a valve having its inlet connected to the lower end of said riser and its outlet connected with the sewer, said device including means operating in timed relation to the opening of said valve to prevent ilow of air from said vacuum breaking means through said valve.

32. In a colon cleansing device for use in a bathtub: a drain tube having means at its lower end for connecting it to the bathtub drain opening, the upper end of said drain tube being elevated; a riser-forming tube extending from the upper end of said drain tube to the anus of the user; a rectal nozzle for connecting said riser-forming tube with the colon; means for effecting delivery of water into said riser-forming tube so that it will flow through said nozzle into the colon at a pressure limited by the height of the outlet end of said riser-forming tube; and vacuum breaking means comprising an air duct connected to one of said tubes for alternately connecting said tubes with and shutting said tubes off from the atmosphere, thereby controlling the colon iilling and colon emptying cycles of the device.

33. A colon cleansing device as defined in claim 32 wherein said air duct comprises a tube adapted to be opened and closed by the user.

34. A colon cleansing device as dened in claim 32 wherein said drain tube and said riser-forming tube are in telescoping relation for varying the height of said riser-forming tube.

35. In a device for cleansing the colon with liquid from a supply: induction means for delivering a liquid from the supply into the colon at a controlled rate; outow tube connected so that it will carry liquid away from the colon; valve means for opening and closing said outllow tube; a riser extending upwardly from said tube at a location upstream from said valve means the height of said riser determining the liquid pressure which can be built up in the colon, said riser being open when said valve means is closed; and means operating in consequence of the opening of said valve means to close said riser so that air will not pass therethrough into said outflow tube.

3'6. In a device for cleansing the colon with liquid from a supply: induction means including an induction tube for delivering a liquid from the supply into the colon at a controlled rate; outow tube means connected to said induction tube so that it will carry oif liquid from the colon; means for controlling the outflow of uid from said outow tube means so as to build up a 'pressure therein and in the colon; a chamber member connected to said induction tube, said chamber member having a movable wall; power operated meansv for reciprocating said movable wall for eifecting vibration of liquid in the colon and producing a massaging action therein; and means for releasing liquid from said outow tube means so as to release liquid from the colon.

37. A colon cleansing device as defined in claim 36 wherein said induction tube has an expansible head on the end thereof, and means for expanding said head within the rectum so that an effective seal will be maintained between the induction tube and the engaged body aperture during the vibration of the liquid in the colon, without muscular effort on the part of the user.

v References Cited in the iile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,243,840 Jessup Oct. 23, 1917 2,024,967 Dierker Dec. 17, 1935 2,050,407 Wolff Aug. 1l, 1936 2,420,586 Welles May 13, 1947 2,478,876 Nelson Aug. 9, 1949 2,486,405 Henderson Nov. l, 1949