Abstract: An electrolarynx includes a case housing tone-producing circuitry, a power switch to turn on the circuitry, a control button (i.e., a pushbutton) to actuate the power switch, and a pressure-sensitive-resistor (PSR) that is physically coupled to the pushbutton. The tone-producing circuitry is configured to respond to variations in PSR resistance that are caused by a user depressing the pushbutton. User-selected modes, that are selectable in one embodiment with a mode switch, include multiple frequency-varying modes (FVMs) in which the frequency of the electrolarynx tone is varied with different sensitivities to variations in PSR resistance, and multiple volume-varying modes (VVMs) for varying the volume of the electrolarynx tone with different sensitivities. A preferred embodiment provides a nonlinear frequency characteristic that facilitates operation at the low end of the pushbutton-controlled (i.e.

Abstract: An electrolarynx includes tone-producing circuitry, a power switch to turn on the circuitry, a control button (i.e., a pushbutton) to actuate the power switch, a pressure-sensitive-resistor (PSR) that is physically coupled to the pushbutton, and a mode switch. PSR resistance is dependent on the amount of pressure applied to the pushbutton, and the tone-producing circuitry is configured to respond to such variations in PSR resistance according to a user-selected mode of electrolarynx operation set by operation of the mode switch. Said modes preferably include multiple frequency-varying modes (FVMs) in which the frequency of the electrolarynx tone is varied with different sensitivities to variations in PSR resistance, and multiple volume-varying modes (VVMs) having different sensitivities. A preferred embodiment also includes a communications-link mode, for receiving control information from an external device, and a disabled mode.

Abstract: A speech therapy system includes a portable voice-monitoring assembly with a voice-sensing first subassembly and a loudness-alert-producing second subassembly. The second subassembly (e.g., a microcontroller-outfitted electronic circuit) produces loudness alerts using a selected one of multiple loudness alert types to better aid the user keep speech characteristics (e.g., speech volume) within a specified range of acceptable voicing. Preferably, the second subassembly records a USAGE TIME parameter, and changes the loudness alert type if the USAGE TIME parameter exceeds a specified value. Preferably, the second subassembly records an EFFECTIVENESS parameter, based upon the duration of use required before the user adjusts their speech to acceptable voicing, and changes the loudness alert type if the EFFECTIVENESS parameter falls below a specified value. Preferably, alerts are included to indicated when voicing levels exceed user-inputted maximum and minimum levels.

Abstract: An electrolarynx includes a case and a thumbwheel component within its hollow interior that includes a wheel with a peripheral edge. A wheel-receiving slot extends from the exterior surface of the case to the hollow interior, and the wheel is disposed partially within that slot so that the peripheral edge of the wheel is accessible with a finger of a user from the exterior of the case for purposes of engaging and turning the wheel. The case includes a radially outward protruding wheel-protecting structure next to the wheel-receiving slot that shields (i.e., protects) the wheel from an impact directed parallel to the rotational axis of the wheel, without the radially outward protruding wheel-protecting structure preventing the user from engaging and turning the wheel with a finger of the user.

Abstract: An electrolarynx includes a case, a tone-producing diaphragm on a forward portion of the case, and a radially extending member circumscribing the diaphragm for holding the diaphragm on the forward portion so that the diaphragm is free to vibrate and produce an electrolarynx tone in response to a diaphragm-driving subassembly in the case. The radially extending member is composed of an elastomer (preferably silicone rubber) for improved sound while being less prone to collect dead skin, soil, saliva, food particles, and the like compared to foam counterparts. One such member is part of a diaphragm-holding ring disposed between the diaphragm and the forward portion of the case, while another is formed integrally with the forward portion, preferably having a thickness in a range of about 0.010 inches to about 0.060 inches.

Abstract: An electrolarynx includes a cylindrically shaped handheld case having an inner wall that defines a hollow interior. A circuit board within a mid portion of the hollow interior drives a sound-producing transducer component within a distal end portion. Two wires electrically connect the circuit board to the transducer component. First and second wire-guiding structures are provided that have been integrally molded with the rest of the case at diametrically opposite locations along the inner wall of the distal end portion, where they maintain bends in the two wires from longitudinally extending wire paths coming from the circuit board to circumferentially extending wire paths going to wire attachment points on the transducer, thereby facilitating fabrication while avoiding wire interference with transducer operation.