Patents by Inventor Ruth E. Martin

Ruth E. Martin has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20190307638
    Abstract: An oral device includes an intraoral bolus simulator comprising an exterior surface and having an interior volume Tillable with a fluid. An extraoral user interface extends from the bolus simulator, and can be used to locate or position the intraoral bolus simulator. In various embodiments, the fluid may be a gas or a liquid, or combinations thereof. In other embodiments, an oral device includes an extraoral handle, a shield connected to the handle, a tether extending from the shield, and a bolus simulator connected to the tether.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Applicants: Trudell Medical International, The University of Western Ontario
    Inventors: Ruth E. Martin, Marcus Sieffert, Peter Scarrott, Andreas Rifani, Kelly Armstrong
  • Patent number: 10413690
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an oral device, or mouthpiece, for delivering a fluid to the mouth or oropharynx of a user. In one embodiment, the oral device includes an intraoral portion, an extraoral portion, and an auxiliary support device that serves to stabilize the oral device. In various embodiments, the auxiliary support device may be configured with ear loops, a support band, a support frame and/or a support member. The intraoral portion generally includes at least one outlet port through which the fluid is delivered to the oral cavity or oropharynx. A method of dispensing a fluid using the oral device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignees: The University of Western Ontario, Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: Ruth E. Martin, Michael Nuttall, Bryan Finlay, Julie Theurer, Brandon Coultes
  • Patent number: 10363194
    Abstract: An oral appliance for use with a subject in his/her mouth includes a flexible tube having an input end and an output end and an electrode coupled to the flexible tube adjacent the output end. The flexible tube is adapted to be positioned in the subject's oral cavity with the output end positioned in a posterior region of the oral cavity. The electrode is adapted and configured to administer an electrical stimulation to the posterior region of the oral cavity. An electrode lead is disposed within the flexible tube and connected to the electrode. An electrical stimulation control unit is connected to the electrode lead. A method of administering an electrical stimulation to a posterior region of an oral cavity of a subject is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: TRUDELL MEDICAL INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Ruth E. Martin, Michael Nuttall, George Baran, Bryan Finlay, Julie Theurer, Sarah Trotter
  • Patent number: 10328217
    Abstract: An oral device for use with a person in which at least one non-toxic gas pulse is delivered to a predetermined location in the mouth via a device conduit. The oral device may be provided as a kit with at least one device for measuring the subject's responses and representing them as feedback to the subject/clinician. A method of creating a gas bolus pulse train, delivering it to a predetermined mouth area, and monitoring the subject's responses to it, is also shown. The oral device and method may be used as a diagnostic tool, or a therapeutic tool, in swallowing or speech rehabilitation of children and adults who have swallowing, speech, salivary, and/or oral sensorimotor impairments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: The University of Western Ohio
    Inventors: Ruth E. Martin, Frank Bihari, Julie A. Theurer, Rebecca C. Smith
  • Patent number: 10028885
    Abstract: An oral device, or mouthpiece, for delivering a fluid to the mouth or oropharynx of a user includes an intraoral portion and an extraoral portion, which may be integrally formed. In various embodiments, the oral device may be configured with ear loops. The intraoral portion generally includes at least one outlet port through which the fluid is delivered to the oral cavity or oropharynx. A method for making an oral device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignees: THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN ONTARIO, TRUDELL MEDICAL INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Ruth E. Martin, Michael Nuttall, Bryan Finlay, Julie Theurer, Brandon Coultes
  • Patent number: 10004657
    Abstract: A method of activating the brain of a subject by delivering at least one gas pulse or fluid pulse of a predetermined amplitude and duration to a predetermined area or areas on the subject's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN ONTARIO
    Inventors: Ruth E. Martin, Peter Soros
  • Patent number: 9855187
    Abstract: An oral device includes an intraoral bolus simulator having an exterior surface and an interior volume fillable with a fluid. An extraoral user interface extends from the bolus simulator, and can be used to locate or position the intraoral bolus simulator. In various embodiments, the fluid may be a gas or a liquid, or combinations thereof. In other embodiments, an oral device includes an extraoral handle, a shield connected to the handle, a tether extending from the shield, and a bolus simulator connected to the tether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignees: Trudell Medical International, The University of Western Ontario
    Inventors: Ruth E. Martin, Marcus Sieffert, Peter Scarrott, Andreas Rifani, Kelly Armstrong
  • Patent number: 9693928
    Abstract: An oral appliance for administering a stimulus, such as a substance, to the mouth of a user includes a flexible tube having an inlet portion, a first curved portion forming an ear loop connected to the inlet portion, a second curved portion forming a lip bend connected to the first curved portion, and an outlet portion extending from the second curved portion. Alternatively, a mouthpiece for delivering a substance to the mouth of a user includes a housing having an inlet portion, a riser portion extending upwardly from the inlet portion and a curved outlet portion. A flexible tube is coupled to the housing. A method of delivering a substance to a predetermined location in a user's mouth includes disposing a flexible tube between a row of teeth and an interior surface of a cheek. The flexible tube has an exit port positioned in a rear portion of the user's mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignees: Trudell Medical International, The University of Western Ontario
    Inventors: Ruth E. Martin, Michael Nuttall, Michael A. Baran, George Baran, Bryan Finlay, Julie Theurer, Sarah Trotter
  • Publication number: 20170128721
    Abstract: An oral appliance for use with a subject in his/her mouth includes a flexible tube having an input end and an output end and an electrode coupled to the flexible tube adjacent the output end. The flexible tube is adapted to be positioned in the subject's oral cavity with the output end positioned in a posterior region of the oral cavity. The electrode is adapted and configured to administer an electrical stimulation to the posterior region of the oral cavity. An electrode lead is disposed within the flexible tube and connected to the electrode. An electrical stimulation control unit is connected to the electrode lead. A method of administering an electrical stimulation to a posterior region of an oral cavity of a subject is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Applicants: TRUDELL MEDICAL INTERNATIONAL, THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN ONTARIO
    Inventors: Ruth E. Martin, Michael Nuttall, George Baran, Bryan Finlay, Julie Theurer, Sarah Trotter
  • Publication number: 20170035657
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an oral device, or mouthpiece, for delivering a fluid to the mouth or oropharynx of a user. In one embodiment, the oral device includes an intraoral portion, an extraoral portion, and an auxiliary support device that serves to stabilize the oral device. In various embodiments, the auxiliary support device may be configured with ear loops, a support band, a support frame and/or a support member. The intraoral portion generally includes at least one outlet port through which the fluid is delivered to the oral cavity or oropharynx. A method of dispensing a fluid using the oral device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Applicants: The University of Western Ontario, Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: RUTH E. MARTIN, MICHAEL NUTTALL, BRYAN FINLAY, JULIE THEURER, BRANDON COULTES
  • Publication number: 20160136041
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an oral device, or mouthpiece, for delivering a fluid to the mouth or oropharynx of a user, and to a pneumatic vibrating element. In one embodiment, the oral device includes an intraoral portion, an inlet line and the pneumatic vibrating element. The pneumatic vibrating element may include a shell defining a cavity and an inlet portion in fluid communication with the cavity. The inlet portion may be in fluid communication with the inlet line. A user interface is coupled to the shell and closes the cavity. Methods of dispensing a fluid using the oral device, and/or using the pneumatic vibrating element, are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicants: TRUDELL MEDICAL INTERNATIONAL, UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN ONTARIO
    Inventors: RUTH E. MARTIN, MICHAEL NUTTALL, BRYAN FINLAY, JULIE THEURER, BRANDON COULTES
  • Patent number: 9339441
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an oral device, or mouthpiece, for delivering a fluid to the mouth or oropharynx of a user. In one embodiment, the oral device includes an intraoral portion, an extraoral portion, and an auxiliary support device that serves to stabilize the oral device. In various embodiments, the auxiliary support device may be configured with ear loops, a support band, a support frame and/or a support member. The intraoral portion generally includes at least one outlet port through which the fluid is delivered to the oral cavity or oropharynx. A method of dispensing a fluid using the oral device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignees: The University of Western Ontario, Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: Ruth E. Martin, Michael Nuttall, Bryan Finlay, Julie Theurer, Brandon Coultes
  • Publication number: 20150283035
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an oral device, or mouthpiece, for delivering a fluid to the mouth or oropharynx of a user. In one embodiment, the oral device includes an intraoral portion, an extraoral portion, and an auxiliary support device that serves to stabilize the oral device. In various embodiments, the auxiliary support device may be configured with ear loops, a support band, a support frame and/or a support member. The intraoral portion generally includes at least one outlet port through which the fluid is delivered to the oral cavity or oropharynx. A method of dispensing a fluid using the oral device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Applicant: The University of Western Canada; and Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: RUTH E. MARTIN, MICHAEL NUTTALL, BRYAN FINLAY, JULIE THEURER, BRANDON COULTES
  • Patent number: 8992468
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an oral device, or mouthpiece, for delivering a fluid to the mouth or oropharynx of a user. In one embodiment, the oral device includes an intraoral portion, an extraoral portion, and an auxiliary support device that serves to stabilize the oral device. In various embodiments, the auxiliary support device may be configured with ear loops, a support band, a support frame and/or a support member. The intraoral portion generally includes at least one outlet port through which the fluid is delivered to the oral cavity or oropharynx. A method of dispensing a fluid using the oral device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: The University of Western Ontario and Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: Ruth E. Martin, Michael Nuttall, Bryan Finlay, Julie Theurer, Brandon Coultes
  • Publication number: 20140371643
    Abstract: An oral device, or mouthpiece, for delivering a fluid to the mouth or oropharynx of a user includes an intraoral portion and an extraoral portion, which may be integrally formed. In various embodiments, the oral device may be configured with ear loops. The intraoral portion generally includes at least one outlet port through which the fluid is delivered to the oral cavity or oropharynx. A method for making an oral device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: RUTH E. MARTIN, Michael Nuttall, Bryan Finlay, Julie Theurer, Brandon Coultes
  • Publication number: 20140194792
    Abstract: An oral appliance for administering a stimulus, such as a substance, to the mouth of a user includes a flexible tube having an inlet portion, a first curved portion forming an ear loop connected to the inlet portion, a second curved portion forming a lip bend connected to the first curved portion, and an outlet portion extending from the second curved portion. Alternatively, a mouthpiece for delivering a substance to the mouth of a user includes a housing having an inlet portion, a riser portion extending upwardly from the inlet portion and a curved outlet portion. A flexible tube is coupled to the housing. A method of delivering a substance to a predetermined location in a user's mouth includes disposing a flexible tube between a row of teeth and an interior surface of a cheek. The flexible tube has an exit port positioned in a rear portion of the user's mouth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicants: University Of Western Ontario, Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: Ruth E. Martin, Michael Nuttall, Michael A. Baran, George Baran, Bryan Finlay, Julie Theurer, Sarah Trotter
  • Publication number: 20140031745
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an oral device, or mouthpiece, for delivering a fluid to the mouth or oropharynx of a user. In one embodiment, the oral device includes an intraoral portion, an extraoral portion, and an auxiliary support device that serves to stabilize the oral device. In various embodiments, the auxiliary support device may be configured with ear loops, a support band, a support frame and/or a support member. The intraoral portion generally includes at least one outlet port through which the fluid is delivered to the oral cavity or oropharynx. A method of dispensing a fluid using the oral device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: The University of Western Canada; and Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: RUTH E. MARTIN, MICHAEL NUTTALL, BRYAN FINLAY, JULIE THEURER, BRANDON COULTES
  • Publication number: 20130296751
    Abstract: An oral device includes an intraoral bolus simulator comprising an exterior surface and having an interior volume fillable with a fluid. An extraoral user interface extends from the bolus simulator, and can be used to locate or position the intraoral bolus simulator. In various embodiments, the fluid may be a gas or a liquid, or combinations thereof. In other embodiments, an oral device includes an extraoral handle, a shield connected to the handle, a tether extending from the shield, and a bolus simulator connected to the tether.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Ruth E. Martin, Marcus Seiffert, Peter Scarrott, Andreas Rifani, Kelly Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20130255674
    Abstract: An oral device for use with a person in which at least one non-toxic gas pulse is delivered to a predetermined location in the mouth via a device conduit. The oral device may be provided as a kit with at least one device for measuring the subject's responses and representing them as feedback to the subject/clinician. A method of creating a gas bolus pulse train, delivering it to a predetermined mouth area, and monitoring the subject's responses to it, is also shown. The oral device and method may be used as a diagnostic tool, or a therapeutic tool, in swallowing or speech rehabilitation of children and adults who have swallowing, speech, salivary, and/or oral sensorimotor impairments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: The University of Western Ontario
    Inventors: Ruth E. Martin, Frank Bihari, Julie A. Theurer, Rebecca C. Smith
  • Patent number: 8540660
    Abstract: An oral appliance for administering a stimulus, such as a substance, to the mouth of a user includes a flexible tube having an inlet portion, a first curved portion forming an ear loop connected to the inlet portion, a second curved portion forming a lip bend connected to the first curved portion, and an outlet portion extending from the second curved portion. Alternatively, a mouthpiece for delivering a substance to the mouth of a user includes a housing having an inlet portion, a riser portion extending upwardly from the inlet portion and a curved outlet portion. A flexible tube is coupled to the housing. A method of delivering a substance to a predetermined location in a user's mouth includes disposing a flexible tube between a row of teeth and an interior surface of a cheek. The flexible tube has an exit port positioned in a rear portion of the user's mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignees: University of Western Ontario, Trudell Medical International
    Inventors: Ruth E. Martin, Sarah Trotter, Michael Nuttall, George Baran, Mitchell A. Baran, Bryan Finlay, Julie Theurer