Iron Lung - vac powered

[rocketwarrior]

People tend to leave interesting artifacts with me because of my visibility as an assemblage sculptor -- some time ago, a client with limited (if any) means partially paid a fee (smile) with a pump from an iron lung. Anyway, when polio first hit hard and iron lungs were needed in a hurry, make-shift lungs were assembled and cleaners were used to provide the vacuum!!! Did you know that? Believe it or not, here is a link with a diagram - you can build your own iron lung:

http://historical.hsl.virginia.edu/ironlung/pg6.cfm

 

[rocketwarrior]

Lung with two vacs

...and here is a link to reference to an iron lung powered by two vacuum cleaners.

http://americanhistory.si.edu/polio/howpolio/ironlung.htm

 

[rocketwarrior]

Suction Measured

Okay, so, did you look at those plans for the home made iron lung? It included a home made manometer to measure the air pressure (suction, folks!). What a riot. Anyway, here is a link about the Smithsonian dealing with just how hard to suck (see link below).
With respect to the iron lung, the effort and contribution of early vacuum cleaners was truly heroic (smile). I know, I know, I am dialoguing with myself.

http://www.si.edu/mci/english/research/technical_studies/gently_vacuumed.html