US3119200A

US3119200A - Pulsing device

Info

Publication number: US3119200A
Application number: US94813A
Authority: US
Inventors: William J Curtin; Carbery Paul
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1961-03-10
Filing date: 1961-03-10
Publication date: 1964-01-28
Anticipated expiration: 1981-01-28

Description

Jan. 28, 1964 w. J. CURTIN ETAL 3,119,200

PULSING DEVICE Filed March 10, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet i Y mH-HI l I If 1! a INVENTORS William .I ('urbin Paul Carbery ATTORNEYS Jan. 28, 1964 w. J. CURTINV ETAL I 3,119,200

PULSING DEVICE Filed March 10, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 -||IIII 7 zla I I I I I II I I I I I I .95

INVENTORS n 4 William J. Uurz'n Paul Carbery ATTORNEYS Patented Jan. 28, 1964 3,119,200 PULSHNG DEVICE William I. Curtin and Paul Carbery, both of 119 E. Main St, Madison 3, Wis. Filed Mar. 10, 1961, Ser. No. 94,313 35 Claims. (Cl. 46-432) This invention relates to a pulsing device and more particularly relates to a pulsing device for producing a simulated heart beat and pulse in a toy doll or animal.

While the toy industry has a long history of striving to produce and market toy dolls and animals of a more lifelike nature, it has not to this date been successful in marketing toys having both a realistic heart beat and a a realistic heart beat and pulse in toys.

It is another object of the invention to produce a pulsing device of the forgoing type which through its single cycle of operation produces both a realistic heart beat and pulse.

It is another object of the invention to produce a pulsing device which is small in size, economical to manufacture, and rugged in construction so as to withstand the harsh usage to which toys are generally subjected.

It is still another object of the invention to produce a pulsing device for use in toy dolls and animals wherein the device is unitary in construction and produces both a realistic pulse and heart beat as an integral operation.

These and further objects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reference to the following specification and claims and the appended drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a vertical cross-section of a pulsing unit constructed according to the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a horizontal cross-section of the pulsing device taken along the line 22 in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a partial plan view showing the mounting of the contact spring on the pulsing device;

FIGURE 4 is a plan View of the underside of the diaphragm and coil assembly showing the placement of the contact carried by the diaphragm;

FIGURE 5 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the valve unit; and

FIGURE 6 is a vertical elevation, partly in section showing the pulsing unit completely assembled in its containing can.

Referring to FIGURE 1 the pulsing device is indicated generally at 10 and consists of a magnetic subassembly generally indicated at 12, a diaphragm and coil subassembly generally indicated at 14, a cap generally indicated at 15, and a valve subassembly generally indicated at 16.

The magnetic subassembly 12 is comprised of an annular magnet 18 having a central bore 20 and upper and lower faces 22 and 2d. The magnet is axially magnetized so that opposite magnetic poles thereof appear at the upper and

lower faces

22 and 24. A disc shaped lower pole piece 26 abuts the lower face 24 of the annular magnet 18 and carries in a central opening 28 a core 30 which extends up through the bore 20 in the center of the magnet 18. A washer-like upper pole piece 32 abuts the upper face of the magnet 18 and has a central opening 34 of the same diameter as the bore 20 in the magnet 18. The upper end 36 of the core 30 lies in the same plane as the upper surface 38 of the upper pole piece 32.

The magnet 18 is preferably formed of a ceramic magnetic material such as Indox 1, although other equivalent magnetic materials may be utilized. The pole pieces 26 and 32 are of a ferro-magnetic material such as 1010 steel. In a specific embodiment of the invention the magnet 18 was an Indox I magnet sold under the trade name of Stackpole Ceramagnet by the Stackpole Carbon Company of St. Marys, Pennsylvania. The magnet had an outside diameter of 1 inch, a bore diameter of .375 inch and an axial length of .250 inch. The pole pieces 26 and 32 were formed of 1010 steel and had a diameter of one inch and a thickness of .06 inch. The lower pole piece 26 carried a core 30 which was also formed of 1010 steel and had a diameter of .16 inch and a height of .370 inch.

The diaphragm and coil subassembly 14 consists of a latex rubber ring 40 having a latex diaphragm 42 across its lower edge. In manufacture, the diaphragm 42 is a separate sheet of latex bonded to the ring 40 so that an integral unit results. The ring 40 carries an inwardly extending rib 44 for a purpose presently to be described. Mounted on the underside of the diaphragm 42 is a coil 46 which is solenoidal in form and which is attached to the diaphragm by means of a suitable adhesive.

The diaphragm and coil subassembly 14- is mounted on a unitary cap 48 having a top Wall 50 and a cylindrical peripheral wall 52. The outer surface of the peripheral wall 52 is provided with a groove 54 which mates with the rib 44 on the ring 40 to secure the diaphragm in air tight relationship across the open mouth formed by the peripheral wall 52 of the cap. The cap and diaphragm thereby define a chamber 56. The top Wall 50 of the cap carries a valve port which consists of a bore 58 opening into the chamber 56. The upper end of the bore 58 connects to a countersunk opening 60 extending through the upper surface of the top wall 50.

The diaphragm and coil subassembly is mounted on the magnetic subassembly by means of a spacer washer 62 which is split at one side at 64, as best seen in FIGURE 2. The spacer washer 62 may be formed of fiber and may be secured to the upper pole piece 22 and to the diaphragm 42 by suitable adhesive.

Referring to FIGURE 2, a cylindrical lower contact 66 is secured to the upper face of the upper pole piece 22 by an electrically conductive adhesive. The contact 66 in a specific embodiment constituted a Fassaloy 99 wire having a diameter of .03 inch and a length of .20 inch. Since the magnet 18 is formed of a ceramic material it is electrically nonconducting and it is therefore necessary to utilize a conductive coating 68 down at least one side of the magnet to provide an electrical connection between the upper pole piece 22 and the lower pole piece 24 in order to complete the electrical circuit which will presently be described.

Referring to FIGURE 4, one lead 70 from the coil 46 is soldered at 72 to a cylindrical upper contact 74 which is glued to the underside of the diaphragm 42 with its axis normal to the axis of the lower contact 66. The upper contact 74 in a specific embodiment of the invention consisted of a 15% platinum silver wire having a diameter of 0.01 inch and a length of .20 inch. Referring to FIGURE 1 it is to be noted that the lead 70 from the coil 46 to the upper contact 74 is maintained out of en gagement with the diaphragm except at the point at which it is secured to the upper contact 74. It has been found that unless this is done the relative movement between the lead and the diaphragm causes an ultimate cutting and rupture of the diaphragm.

Referring to FIGURE 1, the upper wall 50 of the cap 48 carries at its outer periphery an upwardly extending tit 76 which serves as a securing post for a contact spring indicated generally at 78. As may be seen in FIGURE 3, the contact spring '78 comprises an elongated arm 80 which is arcuate in cross-section, as seen in FIGURE 1,

and which has at one end thereof a cross member 82 carrying a suitable slot for receiving the tit 76. In a specific embodiment the contact spring 78 was formed of beryllium copper. The unitary cap 48 is preferably formed of a plastic material and the contact spring 78 may be locked in position by simply applying heat to the top of the tit 76 so as to melt it about the opening in the cross member 82. The other lead 84 from the coil 46 is soldered to the cross member 82 of the contact spring 86 as is best seen in FIGURE 3. Again it is to be noted that the lead 84 is spaced from the diaphragm 42 except at the position where the lead is in engagement with the diaphragm between the diaphragm and the spacer washer 62.

Referring to FIGURES 1 and 5 the valve subassembly comprises a circular valve member 88 which overlies the top wall 50 of cap 48 and overlies the countersunk opening 60 therein. An aperture 90 is provided in the valve member 88 at a position out of alignment with the opening 60 in the cap 48. The valve member 88 is preferably formed of latex and in a specific embodiment comprised a latex disc .50 inch in diameter having a thickness of .001 inch and an aperture 90 with a diameter of .060 inch. While latex is the preferred diaphragm material, it is possible to use other resilient materials such as polyethylene or polyvinylchloride. The thickness of the valve member should not be less than .001 inch.

The valve member 88 is secured in position on the top wall 50 of the cap 48 by means of a paper or plastic ring 92 having a contact adhesive on its undersurface 94, as seen in FIGURE 5. The ring 92 is adhered both to the diaphragm and to the top wall 50 of the cup 48.

Referring now to FIGURE 6, the pulsing unit is mounted in a container 96 which is preferably of metal and which, in a specific embodiment, consisted of a zinc can having a wall thickness of .02 inch. The lower pole piece 24 is in electrical contact with the bottom 96 of the container. An insulating top 100 forms a closure for the can 96 and is secured in position by an inward curl 102 of the upper edge of the can. A hole 110 is provided in the top 100 to allow the air movement necessary to the creation of the pulse. The top 100 also carries a center contact 104 which is friction fitted into an opening 106 so that the lower end of the contact 104 engages the contact spring 78. The pulsing device is held securely in position in the can 96 by means of a cylindrical retainer ring 108 which abuts the top 100 and the upper pole piece 32.

According to the invention the container 96 is of a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of a Type D dry cell battery so that the pulsing unit may be conveniently inserted into contact with such a battery in the same manner as another dry cell.

In operation the pulsing unit is connected to a Type D dry cell with one terminal of the dry cell connected to the contact 104 and the other terminal to the container 96. In the rest position of the diaphragm shown in FIGURE 1 an electrical circuit is established to the coil 46 which rapidly drives the diaphragm 42 into the chamber 56 thereby expelling air through the opening 58-60. This causes the valve member 88 to lift so that air escapes through the opening 90 therein. The upward movement of the diaphragm 42 causes electrical contact between the upper contact 74 on the diaphragm and the lower contact 66 to be broken to arrest the driving force of the coil 46. The stretch of the diaphragm now causes the coil to settle back towards the rest position shown in FIG- URE 1. This return movement is slowed by the pneumatic effect as air is sucked slowly into the chamber 56 through aperture 90 in valve member 88 and opening 58-60 in the cap 48, with leakage occurring between the valve member 88 and top surface of the wall 50 of the cap 48 to establish communication between opening 90 and opening 58-60. Contact between the upper contact 74 and the lower contact 66 is ultimately reestablished thereby repeating the cycle.

The most important feature of the pulsing device of this invention is its ability to produce a readily detectable pulse and a realistic heart beat by the action just described, and in order to achieve this effect there are a number of criteria which must be adhered to in the construction of the unit. When the unit is properly constructed in observance of these criteria it need only be inserted into a hollow doll or a stulfed animal in order to produce not only a realistic heart beat sound but also the sensation of a pulse in synchronism with that sound. This is to say, a doll or stuffed animal into which the unit has been inserted not only produces the sound of a heart beat but it is also possible to literally feel a pulse by simply laying ones hand upon the doll or animal.

Of these criteria the most important is the relationship of the coil to the diaphragm and to the contact system. In a specific embodiment of the invention the coil 46 con sisted of 385 turns of number 39 copper wire having a nominal diameter of .0035 inch and weighing 0.50 gram. The diaphragm was of latex having a thickness of .002 inch. The ring 40 was also of latex having an outer diameter of .83 inch, an inner diameter of .75 inch and an inner diameter of the rib 44 of .65 inch. The cap over which this diaphragm is positioned had an inner diameter of .73 inch, a chamber depth of .120 inch, an outer diameter of .90 inch. With these dimensions the diaphragm was subject to a 20% stretch when in position on the cap. The diaphragm had a resiliency in this condition such that it deflects into the chamber .004 inch per gram of applied weight. The optimum relationship between the mass of the coil and the diaphragm was such that the weight of the coil deflected the diaphragm into the chamber .002 inch :20% when the diaphragm-cup subassembly is inverted from the position seen in FIGURE 1. In operation the energization of the coil deflects the diaphragm of the way into the cup.

In order to secure satisfactory pulse and heart beat utilizing a 1.5 volt battery the coil should have an ampere turn capacity of approximately 19-34, a resistance of approximately 20-40 ohms and a wire diameter of approximately .0025.005 inch.

The diaphragm must be formed of a stretchable material with latex being the preferred material with a minimum thickness of .0015 inch. It has also been found that in order to operate satisfactorily in this particular device the latex must be handled in a specific manner in the manufacture of the units. It has been discovered that where the latex is exposed to the radiation from white fluorescent lamps after the time that it is stretched over the cap, the diaphragms fail in service after a relatively short period of time. Experiments to determine the cause of this failure were undertaken and, while the complete nature of the phenomena is not completely understood as of this time, it is believed that the deleterious effect is caused by the ultraviolet radiation from a white fluorescent lamp. When the light source was changed to yellow fluorescent light it was found that the deterioration no longer occurred. While it was at one time thought that the action of the ultraviolet light on the ozone in the atmosphere was causing the deterioration, subsequent tests proved that this is not completely accurate and that other agents are probably involved. As a result, in order to form satisfactory pulsing units it is necessary that the diaphragms, after having been stretched over the cups, should not be subjected to substantially any more ultraviolet radiation than is found in the atmosphere or than is encountered in exposure to the light of yellow fluorescent lamps.

During the time that the coil is energized and drives the diaphragm into the chamber, the shape of the diaphragm is that of a truncated cone. After the coil is deenergized and the diaphragm begins to settle, its shape becomes either dome-like or semi-toroidal. In any event, the portion of the diaphragm immediately adjacent to the coil moves into the chamber during the time that coil is energized. At the moment that the coil is deenergized, it

ceases its inward movement and immediately reverses its direction of movement to move out of the chamber.

It has been found, however, that other portions of the diaphragm intermediate the coil and the rim of the cup continue to move into the chamber after the coil has been deenergized and subsequently reverse their direction of movement after the diaphragm has assumed its dome-like or semi-toroidal shape. It is an important feature of this invention that the contact should be placed on the diaphragm at the position which moves the greatest distance inwardly after deenergization of the coil. In a specific embodiment the contact 74 was placed .090 inch from the outer diameter of the previously defined coil. This places the contact 45% of the distance from the outer diameter of the coil to the inner diameter of the chamber. For effective operation the contact should be at this position or no more than closer to the coil and farther away, with the percentages being percentages of the distance between the outer diameter of the coil and the inner diameter of the chamber. Stated differently, the upper contact should be spaced from the outer periphery of the coil by a distance equal to -65% of the distance between the outer periphery of the coil and the inner periphery of the cap.

With respect to the operation of the valve, the opening 5360 in the upper wall of the cap 43 must have a diameter at the inner end thereof which is smaller than the diameter at the outer end where the valve member 88 contacts the cap. In the specific embodiment of the invention the opening 58 had a diameter of .04 inch while the opening 66 was created by a 60-degree countersink and should have a maximum diameter of .125.250 inch. It is not necessary that the shape of this opening 60 be conical (the upper opening may be simply counterbored) so long as the upper hole is larger than the lower.

When the unit is constructed according to the foregoing criteria it is possible to obtain both a realistic pulse and heart beat using a Type D flashlight cell as a source of power. The pulsing device is capable of withstanding the rough usage to which toys are ordinarily subjected and can be economically manufactured.

While the illustrated embodiment of the invention shows a valving arrangement wherein air is forced out of the chamber on energization of the coil, it will be obvious that the converse may be true wherein air is sucked into the chamber upon energization of the coil. That is to say the coil and magnetic circuit may be arranged to cause fast movement of the diaphragm away from the chamber with a slow return to the rest position. With an arrangement of this type the direction of the opening 586@ is reversed, the valve assembly 16 is mounted in the chamber and the movable contact is similarly located. The pneumatic action desired is one which permits fast movement of the diaphragm upon energization of the coil with a slow return to the rest position and equivalent pneumatic arrangements are intended to be within the purview of this invention. While the converse of this movement is feasible, i.e., slow movement of the diaphragm on energization of the coil and fast return on deenengization, this arrangement does not provide as efficient an action.

Although the illustrated embodiment of the invention is believed to represent the optimum and uses a coil attached to the diaphragm in conjunction with a stationary permanent magnet circuit, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the portion of the electromagnetic circuit attached to the diaphragm may be a permanent magnet or a ferro-magnetic material, so long as the previously discussed mass and diaphragm resiliency requirements are fulfilled.

The valve action which is illustrated provides a valve means wherein air passes more rapidly through the valve means in one direction than in the opposite direction and equivalent arrangements for accomplishing this function are intended to be covered within thescope of this invention.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters Patent is:

1. A pulsing device comprising a container forming an air chamber, a rubber diaphragm forming one wall of said chamber, said diaphragm being in a stretched condition when at rest, said diaphragm in a stretched condition having been exposed to light having an ultraviolet component substantially no greater than is found in the atmosphere, valve means associated with said chamber for permitting transfer of air to and from said chamber, said valve means being such as to permit air transfer in one direction at a faster rate than in the opposite direction, electromagnetic means operatively associated with said diaphragm, means adapted to be connected to a source of electric energy for periodically enengizing said electromagnetic means to cause periodic distension of said diaphragm from said rest position, said distension causing one side of said diaphragm to move air through said valve means at said faster rate, the other side of said diaphragm being subjected to substantially atmospheric pressure as said air is forced through said valve means at said faster rate, said diaphragm returning to its rest position as air flows through said valve means in an opposite direction at a slower rate.

2. A device as set out in claim 1 wherein said means adapted to be connected to a source of electric energy comprises switch means having one elongated element attached to said diaphragm and a second elongated element having its axis substantially normal to the axis of said first element and adapted to be contacted thereby.

3. A device as set out in claim 1 wherein said container comprises a one piece cup and said diaphragm is formed of latex.

4. A pulsing device comprising a container forming an air chamber, a rubber diaphragm forming one Wall of said chamber, said diaphragm being in a stretched condition when at rest, said diaphragm in a stretched condition having been exposed to light having an ultraviolet component substantially no greater than is found in the atmosphere, valve means associated 'with said chamber for permitting transfer of air to and from said chamber, said valve means being such as to permit air transfer in one direction at a faster rate than in the opposite direction, electromagnetic means operatively associated with said diaphragm, switch means adapted to be connected to a source of electric energy for periodical ly energizing said electromagnetic means to cause periodic distension of said diaphragm from said rest position, said distension causing one side of said diaphragm to move air through said valve means at said faster rate, said diaphragm returning to its rest position as air flows through said valve means in an opposite direction at a slower rate, said switch means having one element thereof carried by said diaphragm and another element thereof stationarily mounted, said switch elements being in electrical contact when said diaphragm is stationary and separated when said diaphragm is distended from its rest condition.

5. A device as set out in claim 4, said diaphragm having portions thereof which reverse their direction of movement when said electromagnetic means is deenergized and portions thereof which continue to move in the same 7 direction after said electromagnetic means is deenergized, said element of said switch attached to said diaphragm being attached approximately at the portion thereof which continues its movement for the greatest distance after said electromagnetic means is deenergized.

6. A device as set out in claim 4 wherein said electromagnetic means includes a coil attached to said diaphragm, the weight of said coil being such that it distends such diaphragm .002 inch i20%.

7. A device as set out in claim 4 wherein said electromagnetic means includes a coil attached to said diaphragm and having an ampere-hour capacity of 19-34 with a 1.5 volt source of electric power. 1

8. A device as set out in claim 7 wherein said coil has a resistance of 20-40 ohms.

9. A pulsing device comprising a container forming an air chamber, a rubber diaphragm forming one wall of said chamber, said diaphnagm being in a stretched condition when at rest, said diaphragm in a stretched condition having been exposed to light having an ultra-violet component substantially no greater than is found in the atmosphere, valve means associated with said chamber for permitting transfer of air to and from said chamber, said valve means being such as to permit air transfer in one direction at a faster rate than in the opposite direction, electromagnetic means operatively associated with said diaphragm, said electromagnetic means having one portion attached to said diaphragm for movement therewith, switch means adapted to be connected to a source of electric energy for periodically energizing said electromagnetic means to cause periodic distension of said diaphragm from said rest position, said distension causing one side of said diaphragm to move air through said valve means at said faster rate, the other side of said diaphragm being subjected to substantially atmospheric pressure as said air is forced through said valve means at said faster rate, said diaphragm returning to its rest position as air flows through said valve means in an opposite direction at a slower rate, said switch means having one element thereof carried by said diaphragm and another element thereof stationarily mounted, said switch elements being in electrical contact when said diaphragm is stationary and separated when said diaphragm is distended from its rest condition, said diaphragm having portions thereof which reverse their direction of movement when said electromagnetic means is deenergized and portions thereof which continue to move in the same direction after said electromagnetic means is deenergized, said element of said switch attached to said diaphragm being attached approximately at the portion thereof which continues its movement for the greatest distance after said electromagnetic means is deenergized.

10. A device as set out in claim 9 wherein said elements of said switch comprise elongated members having their longitudinal taxes substantially normal to one another.

11. A pulsing device comprising a container having an open end, a diaphragm disposed over said open end, electromagnetic means having one portion thereof attached to said diaphragm, switch means adapted to periodically connect said electromagnetic means to a battery, one element of said switch means being mounted on said diaphragm, a second element of said switch means, said diaphragm being formed of a distensible material which retains substantially the same distensibility for a greater period of time than the life of said battery, valve means in said container permitting a more rapid rate of air passage in one direction than the opposite direction, said diaphragm having a rest position which causes electrical contact between said elements of said switch means to energize said electromagnetic means to cause said diaphragm to move away from said rest position at a first rate thereby forcing air through said valve means at said more rapid rate and ultimately breaking said electrical contact, whereupon said diaphragm returns to its rest position at a second rate slower than said first rate thereby forcing air through said valve means at a less rapid rate until said elements of said switch means again make electrical contact to reenergize said electromagnetic means.

12. A pulsing device comprising a container having an open end, a diaphragm disposed over said open end, electromagnetic means having one portion thereof attached to said diaphragm, switch means adapted to periodically connect said electromagnetic means to a battery, one element of said switch means being mounted on said diaphragm, a second element of said switch means, said diaphragm being formed of a distensible material which retains substantially the same distensibility for a greater period of time than the life of said battery, valve means in said container permitting a more rapid rate of air passage in one direction than the opposite direction, said diaphragm having a rest position which causes electrical contact between said elements of said switch means to energize said electromagnetic means to cause said diaphragm to move away from said rest position at a first rate thereby forcing air through said valve means at said more rapid rate and ultimately breaking said electrical contact, whereupon said diaphragm returns to its rest position at a second rate slower than said first rate thereby forcing air through said valve means at a less rapid rate until said elements of said switch means again make electrical contact to reenergize said electromagnetic means, the air on one side of said diaphragm being connected to the air on the other side of said diaphragm through said valve means, when said air is moving through said valve means at said faster rate.

13. A pulsing device comprising an open ended container having peripheral walls, a resilient diaphragm mounted over the open end of said container in a rest position, electromagnetic means operatively associated with said diaphragm, said electromagnetic means having one portion thereof attached to said diaphragm, switch means for periodically energizing said electromagnetic means to cause periodic distension of said diaphragm from said rest position, said switch means having one element thereof mounted on said diaphragm and a second element stationarily mounted and in electrical contact with said first element when said diaphragm is in said rest position, said switch means energizing said electromagnetic means when said diaphragm is in said rest position to cause its distension from said rest position whereby said electrical contact is broken and said diaphragm returns to its rest position, and valve means in said container permitting air flow therethrough in one direction at a first rate and in the opposite direction at a second slower rate, said air moving through said valve at said first rate as said diaphragm moves away from said rest position during the energization of said electromagnetic means and moving through said valve at said second rate as said diaphragm returns to said rest position, said diaphragm having portions thereof which reverse their direction of movement when said electromagnetic means is deenergized and portions thereof which continue to move in the same direction after said electromagnetic means is deenergized, said element of said switch attached to said diaphragm being attached approximately at the portion thereof which continues its movement for the greatest distance after said electromagnetic means is deenergized.

14. A device as set out in claim 13 wherein said resilient diaphragm comprises latex stretched approximately 20%.

15. A device as set out in claim 14 wherein said portion of said electromagnetic means attached to said diaphragm comprises a coil having a weight which causes a distension of said diaphragm of .002 inch -':2O%.

16. A device as set out in claim 15 wherein said coil has an ampere hour capacity of 19-34 ampere-hours with a 1.5 volt voltage source.

17. A pulsing device comprising an open ended container having peripheral walls, a diaphragm mounted over the open end of said container in a rest position to form a chamber, valve means communicating with asid chamber, electromagnetic means operatively associated with said diaphragm, said electromagnetic means having one portion thereof attached to said diaphragm, switch means for periodically energizing said electromagnetic means to cause periodic distension of said diaphragm from said rest position, said switch means having one element thereof mounted on said diaphragm at a distance from said one portion of said electromagnetic means equal to 35-65% of the distance between said one portion of said electromagnetic means and said peripheral wall, whereby energization of said electromagnetic means causes periodic distension of said diaphragm from said rest position at a first rate of movement and return of said diaphragm to said rest position at a second rate of movement slower than said first rate.

18. A device as set out in claim 17 wherein said container comprises a one piece cap and said diaphragm comprises a latex film attached to a latex ring attached to said cap by its resiliency.

19. A device as set out in claim 18 wherein said diaphragm has a thickness of no less than .0015 inch.

20. A pulsing device comprising an open ended container having peripheral walls, a diaphragm mounted over the open end of said container in a rest position, electromagnetic means operatively associated with said diaphragm, means adapted to be connected to a source of electric energy for periodically energizing said electromagnetic means to cause periodic distension of said diaphragm from said rest position, flap valve means on said container, said container having an opening therein having a larger diameter on one end than on the other end, said flap of said flap valve means acting to close the larger diameter end of said opening.

21. A pulsing device as set out in claim 20 wherein said flap is secured to said container about its entire periphery and has an opening therein.

22. A pulsing device as set out in claim 21 wherein said opening in said flap is out of alignment with said opening in said container.

23. A pulsing device as set out in claim 20 wherein said container comprises a one piece cap having a top and cylindrical peripheral walls, said diaphragm being latex.

24. A pulsing device as set out in claim 23 wherein said opening in said container is in said top of said cap and said flap is secured to one surface of said top.

25. A pulsing device as set out in claim 24 wherein said flap is formed of latex.

26. A pulsing device as set out in claim 25 wherein said flap is on the outside surface of said top.

27. A pulsing device comprising a one piece cap having a top and cylindrical walls extending therefrom a diaphragm mounted over the open end of said cap to form a chamber therein, said diaphragm comprising a latex film atltched to a latex ring resiliently secured around said cylindrical walls to maintain said diaphragm in a stretched rest condition, valve means associated with said chamber for permitting transfer of air to and from said chamber, said valve means being such as to permit air transfer in one direction at a faster rate than in the opposite direction, electromagnetic means operatively asso ciated with said diaphragm, switch means adapted to be connected to a source of electric energy for periodically energizing said electromagnetic means to cause periodic distension of said diaphragm from said rest position, said distension causing one side of said diaphragm to move air through said valve means at said faster rate, said diaphragm returning to its rest position as air flows through said valve means in an opposite direction at a slower rate, said switch means having one element thereof carried by said diaphragm and another element thereof stationarily mounted, said switch elements being in electrical contact when said diaphragm is stationary and separated when said diaphragm is distended from its rest condition.

28. A pulsing device as set out in claim 27 wherein said diaphragm is no less than .0015 inch thick.

29. A pulsing device as set out in claim 28 wherein said valve means comprises flap valve means, said cap having an opening in its top having a larger diameter on one end than on the other end, said flap of said flap valve means acting to close the larger diameter end of said opening.

30. A pulsing device as set out in claim 29 wherein said flap is secured to said top about its entire periphery and has an opening therein.

31. A pulsing device as set out in claim 30 wherein said opening in said flap is out of alignment with said opening in said top.

32. A pulsing device comprising a container having an open end and having peripheral walls, a distensible diaphragm mounted over the open end of said container in a rest position to define an air chamber, electromagnetic means including coil means attached to said diaphragm, switch means adapted to be connected to a battery for periodically energizing said coil means to cause periodic distension of said diaphragm from said rest position, said switch means having one element thereof mounted on said diaphragm in electrical contact with a second switch element stationarily mounted, said switch elements when in contact causing energization of said coil to thereby cause distension of said diaphragm from said rest position, means associated with said air chamber for causing said distension from said rest position to occur at a first rate of movement thereby breaking said contact and return of said diaphragm to said rest position at a second rate of movement slower than said first rate, said coil having an ampere turn capacity of 19-34 with an impressed voltage of approximately 1.5 volts.

33. A pulsing device comprising a container having an open end and having peripheral walls, a distensible diaphragm mounted over the open end of said container in a rest position to define an air chamber, electromagnetic means including coil means attached to said diaphragm, switch means adapted to be connected to a battery for periodically energizing said coil means to cause periodic distension of said diaphragm from said rest position, said switch means having one element thereof mounted on said diaphragm in electrical contact with a second switch element stationarily mounted, said switch elements when in contact causing energization of said coil to thereby cause distension of said diaphragm from said rest position, means associated with said air chamber for causing said distension from said rest position to occur at a first rate of movement thereby breaking said contact and return of said diaphragm to said rest position at a second rate of movement slower than said first rate, said coil having a resistance of 20-40 ohms.

34. A pulsing device comprising a container having an open end and having peripheral walls, a distensible diaphragm mounted over the open end of said container in a rest position to define an air chamber, electromagnetic means including coil means attached to said diaphragm, switch means adapted to be connected to a battery for periodically energizing said coil means to cause periodic distension of said diaphragm from said rest position, said switch means having one element thereof mounted on said diaphragm in electrical contact with a second switch element stationarily mounted, said switch elements when in contact causing energization of said coil to thereby cause distension of said diaphragm from said rest position, 3621115 associated with said air chamber for causing said distension from said rest position to occur at a first rate of movement thereby breaking said contact and return of said diaphragm to said rest position at a second rate of movement slower than said first rarte, said coil being wound with copper wire having a diameter of approximately .00 25.O()5 inch.

35. A doll having a simulated heartbeat and pulse, comprising a doll body enclosing battery means and including a container forming an air chamber, a rubber diaphragm forming one wall of said chamber, said diaphragm being in a stretched condition when at rest, said diaphragm in a stretched condition having been exposed to light having an ultra-violet component substantially no greater than is found in the atmosphere, valve means associated with said chamber, said valve means being such as to permit air transfer in one direction at a faster rate than in the opposite direction, electromagnetic means operatively associated with said diaphragm, means connected to said battery means for periodically energizing said electromagnetic means to cause periodic distension of said diaphragm from said rest position, said distension causing one side of said diaphragm to move air through 12 said valve means at said faster rate, the other side of said diaphragm being subjected to substantially atmospheric pressure as said air is forced through said valve means at said faster rate, said diaphragm returning to its rest position as air flows through said valve means in an opposite direction at a slower rate.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,009,892 Leece July 30, 1935 2,791,765 Kahn et a1. May 7, 1957 2,936,450 Smith May 10, 1960 2,954,642 Jackson Oct. 4, 1960

Claims

1. A PULSING DEVICE COMPRISING A CONTAINER FORMING AN AIR CHAMBER, A RUBBER DIAPHRAGM FORMING ONE WALL OF SAID CHAMBER, SAID DIAPHRAGM BEING IN A STRETCHED CONDITION WHEN AT REST, SAID DIAPHRAGM IN A STRETCHED CONDITION HAVING BEEN EXPOSED TO LIGHT HAVING AN ULTRAVIOLET COMPONENT SUBSTANTIALLY NO GREATER THAN IS FOUND IN THE ATMOSPHERE, VALVE MEANS ASSOCIATED WITH SAID CHAMBER FOR PERMITTING TRANSFER OF AIR TO AND FROM SAID CHAMBER, SAID VALVE MEANS BEING SUCH AS TO PERMIT AIR TRANSFER IN ONE DIRECTION AT A FASTER RATE THAN IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION, ELECTROMAGNETIC MEANS OPERATIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH SAID DIAPHRAGM, MEANS ADAPTED TO BE CONNECTED TO A SOURCE OF ELECTRIC ENERGY FOR PERIODICALLY ENERGIZING SAID ELECTROMAGNETIC MEANS TO CAUSE PERIODIC DISTENSION OF SAID DIAPHRAGM FROM SAID REST POSITION, SAID DISTENSION CAUSING ONE SIDE OF SAID DIAPHRAGM TO MOVE AIR THROUGH SAID VALVE MEANS AT SAID FASTER RATE, THE OTHER SIDE OF SAID DIAPHRAGM BEING SUBJECTED TO SUBSTANTIALLY ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE AS SAID AIR IS FORCED THROUGH SAID VALVE MEANS AT SAID FASTER RATE, SAID DIAPHRAGM RETURNING TO ITS REST POSITION AS AIR FLOWS THROUGH SAID VALVE MEANS IN AN OPPOSITE DIRECTION AT A SLOWER RATE.