Artificial Larynx, Electrical Patents (Class 381/70)
  • Patent number: 11430462
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a speech aid device comprising a mount configured to couple to a head of a user, at least one sonic signal transmitter coupled to the mount, and a power supply electrically coupled to the at least one sonic signal transmitter. The at least one sonic signal transmitter is configured to transmit a sonic signal into at least one of a nasal cavity or a mouth cavity of the user when the mount is coupled to the head of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: ProVal, LLC
    Inventors: Leo F. Valenti, Thomas J. Valenti, Dean A. Plowman
  • Patent number: 11424004
    Abstract: A memory system includes a non-volatile memory and a memory controller that controls the non-volatile memory. The memory controller includes a monitor circuit to generate a monitor signal indicating at least one characteristic that varies based on a variation in a manufacturing process condition under which the memory controller was manufactured; a digitization circuit to digitize the monitor signal at a plurality of timings to generate a plurality of digitized monitor signals, each of the plurality of digitized monitor signals having a first size; and a compression circuit to compress the plurality of digitized monitor signals data into first data having the first size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: KIOXIA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Junji Mori
  • Patent number: 11376118
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to voice prosthesis device that enables a laryngectomy patient to speak. The voice prosthesis device has a cylinder including a first end and a second end. An inner washer is attached to the first end and an outer washer is attached to the second end. A partial shutter is coupled to the first end of the cylinder. A shutter guard is placed at the inner part of the inner washer and is fixed to the cylinder. The device further includes plurality of rings. The partial shutter is made of platinum cured silicon and opens relatively to allow exhaled air to pass from the second end to the first end and prevents entry of food particles into the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Inventors: Vishal Uchila Shishir Rao, Shashank Mahesh
  • Patent number: 11205054
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for processing a set of communicated signals associated with a set of muscles, such as the muscles near the larynx of the person, or any other muscles the person use to achieve a desired response. The method includes the steps of attaching a single integrated sensor, for example, near the throat of the person proximate to the larynx and detecting an electrical signal through the sensor. The method further includes the steps of extracting features from the detected electrical signal and continuously transforming them into speech sounds without the need for further modulation. The method also includes comparing the extracted features to a set of prototype features and selecting a prototype feature of the set of prototype features providing a smallest relative difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Inventors: Michael Callahan, Thomas Coleman
  • Patent number: 11089396
    Abstract: Implementations of the subject matter described herein provide a silent voice input solution without being noticed by surroundings. Compared with conventional voice input solutions which are based on normal speech or whispering, the proposed “silent” voice input method is performed by using ingressive voice during the user's breathing-in process. By placing the apparatus (10) very close to the user's mouth with a ultra-small gap (110) formed between the microphone (100) and the apparatus (10), the proposed silent voice input solution can realize a very small voice leakage, and thereby allowing the user (1000) to use ultra-low voice speech input in public and mobile situations, without disturbing surrounding people.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventor: Masaaki Fukumoto
  • Patent number: 10885929
    Abstract: The present invention provides a computer-aided conversion system and method for generating intelligible speech that uses a transmitter disposed in the nasal cavity of a user and a receiver disposed in pairs with the transmitter, the transmitter transmits a detecting signal in waveform to the nasal cavity of the user, and the receiver receives a reflected wave from the user's nasal cavity. After analyzing the reflected wave, a spectrum corresponding to the acoustic model of an articulatory cavity is obtained. Through the spectrum, the intention in the speaking of the user may be known, that is, the present invention may detect a speech not originated from the vocal cord of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: TS VOICE TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Shu Wei Tsai, Hengchin Yeh, Tieh-Hung Chuang, Yi-Hsin Chen
  • Patent number: 10812917
    Abstract: Presented herein are bone conduction devices having housings that are complementary to the recipient's maxillary alveolar process such that the maxillary alveolar process supports the housing within the recipient's mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: COCHLEAR LIMITED
    Inventor: Marcus Andersson
  • Patent number: 10694009
    Abstract: A communications system and method of use thereof in which communication system includes a substrate and an array of pumps of mounted on the substrate. The array of pumps are operable for operating at a first frequency to produce sound waves at a second frequency. The first frequency is higher than the second frequency. IN some embodiments, the pumps in the array of pumps can include a first cavity having a first inlet and a first outlet, a first plurality of electrically conductive traces located within the first cavity, and a continuous sheet of electrically conductive material spaced apart from and in close proximity to the first plurality of electrically conductive traces. The first plurality of electrically conductive traces are operable for creating a first time-varying deflection in the electrically conductive material. The first time-varying deflection moves in the first cavity from the first inlet to the first outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Clean Energy Labs, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Badger, Joseph F. Pinkerton, William Neil Everett, William Martin Lackowski
  • Patent number: 9860632
    Abstract: An electronic device is provided which includes a first substrate, a speaker disposed on the first substrate, a second substrate, and a sound conditioner. The sliding groove is formed at the second substrate, and a first sound outlet and a second sound outlet are connected to the sliding groove. The sound conditioner is slidably disposed in the sliding groove between a first position and a second position. With the change of the position of the sound conditioner, sound produced from the speaker is transmitted to the outside via the first sound outlet or the second sound outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: ACER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Feng- Ming Liu, Jia-Ren Chang
  • Patent number: 9772997
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a set of communicated signals associated with a set of muscles, such as the muscles near the larynx of the person, or any other muscles the person use to achieve a desired response. The method may include attaching a sensor near an area of a user's body associated with speech production, detecting an electrical signal from the user's nervous system through the sensor, and processing the detected electrical signal to provide communication capability for the user. The processing may include extracting a set of features of the detected electrical signal. The extracted set of features may be compared with a set of prototype features. The set of prototype features may correspond to at least one of multiple response classes. The multiple response classes may include an affirmative response class and a negative response class.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Ambient Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Callahan, Thomas Coleman
  • Patent number: 9496842
    Abstract: According to an aspect, an electronic device includes: a piezoelectric element; a sound generating unit that is vibrated by the piezoelectric element and generates a vibration sound to be transmitted while vibrating part of a human body; and a detection unit that detects contact of the part of the human body with the sound generating unit. A volume of the vibration sound is changed corresponding to a detection result of the detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomohiro Sudo
  • Patent number: 9373268
    Abstract: A speech aid system includes a tube for mounting at a tracheostomy of a user, a voice parameter acquiring device mounted to the tube and generating a voice parameter signal according to airflow applied within the tube resulting from attempt by the user to speak, a processor generating an audio signal corresponding to the voice parameter signal, and a sound generator for mounting in an oral cavity of the user. The sound generator produces a substitute glottal sound corresponding to the audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Inventors: Ching-Feng Liu, Hsiao-Han Chen
  • Patent number: 9124979
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in treating tinnitus, employs a sound processing unit, a tactile unit, and an interface therebetween. The tactile unit comprises an array of stimulators each of which can be independently actuated to apply a tactile stimulus to a subject, and an input for receiving a plurality of actuation signals from the interface and directing individual actuation signals to individual stimulators. The sound processing unit receives an audio signal at an input, analyses the signal with a digital signal processor to generate the actuation signals which are representative of the audio signal, and provides the plurality of actuation signals to the interface. In a preferred embodiment the digital signal processor divides the audio signal into a series of frames in the time domain, performs a transform on each frame to generate a set of coefficients representing said frame, and maps the set of coefficients to a set of actuation signals to be applied to the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: National University of Ireland, Maynooth
    Inventors: Paul O'Grady, Ross O'Neill, Barak A. Pearlmutter
  • Patent number: 9116539
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Inventor: Clifford Jay Griffin
  • Patent number: 9031249
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Clifford Jay Griffin
  • Patent number: 9020155
    Abstract: An electrolarynx includes a motor having a locating diaphragm, a bobbin, and a magnetic assembly. The bobbin includes a striker and coil wires wound about a coil cylinder of an electromagnet. The locating diaphragm maintains the position of the bobbin along the longitudinal axis of the housing. The magnetic assembly includes a magnet and a non-magnetic guide disc that sandwiches the magnet to the housing. The magnet and the coil wires drive the striker and, in turn, a contact diaphragm in the cap of the electrolarynx that makes contact with a patient's throat to produce vibrations similar to those produced by the larynx. To avoid “gravitational wear” of the coil wires against a magnetic cup used to center the coil wires, the walls of the cup are made thinner and the magnetic cup may be replaced with a non-magnetic cup or the magnetic cup is removed altogether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Engineered Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Kamradt, Bradley Allen Wheeler
  • Patent number: 8949129
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for processing a set of communicated signals associated with a set of muscles, such as the muscles near the larynx of the person, or any other muscles the person use to achieve a desired response. The method includes the steps of attaching a single integrated sensor, for example, near the throat of the person proximate to the larynx and detecting an electrical signal through the sensor. The method further includes the steps of extracting features from the detected electrical signal and continuously transforming them into speech sounds without the need for further modulation. The method also includes comparing the extracted features to a set of prototype features and selecting a prototype feature of the set of prototype features providing a smallest relative difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ambient Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Callahan, Thomas Coleman
  • Publication number: 20140079233
    Abstract: An electrolarynx includes a motor having a locating diaphragm, a bobbin, and a magnetic assembly. The bobbin includes a striker and coil wires wound about a coil cylinder of an electromagnet. The locating diaphragm maintains the position of the bobbin along the longitudinal axis of the housing. The magnetic assembly includes a magnet and a non-magnetic guide disc that sandwiches the magnet to the housing. The magnet and the coil wires drive the striker and, in turn, a contact diaphragm in the cap of the electrolarynx that makes contact with a patient's throat to produce vibrations similar to those produced by the larynx. To avoid “gravitational wear” of the coil wires against a magnetic cup used to center the coil wires, the walls of the cup are made thinner and the magnetic cup may be replaced with a non-magnetic cup or the magnetic cup is removed altogether.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: ENGINEERED MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Kamradt, Bradley Allen Wheeler
  • Patent number: 8613767
    Abstract: A laryngeal implant for treating glottic insufficiency includes a displacement member positionable in a larynx such that at least a portion of the displacement member is disposed between thyroid cartilage and a vocal fold of the larynx. The displacement member is at least one of selectively adjustable in volume and selectively adjustable in compressibility when the displacement member is positioned in the larynx to selectively position the vocal fold in a medial displacement position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Matthew Hoffman, Jack Jiang, Rachel E. Witt, Timothy McCulloch
  • Publication number: 20130294613
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electrolarynx devices and their use. In particular, the present invention relates to methods and compositions (e.g., devices) to provide electrolarynx (EL) users with greater intonation in their speech.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: George Nagel, Jael Jose, Nicholas Matiasz, Karen Panetta
  • Patent number: 8103012
    Abstract: An electromechanical system for the stimulating of vibration of biological tissue, particularly of the human throat tissue, is provided with an electromechanical converter (12) having a self-resonant frequency and being operative for converting electric energy into mechanical energy, designed as a linearly movable, driven element (14) arranged to osculate about a zero-point position or from a zero-point position into a positive or negative direction, and with a vibration surface (20) for acting on the biological tissue. The driven element (14) of the electromechanical converter (12) is supported by an elastic, resilient unit (24) having a self-resonant frequency above the self-resonant frequency of the electromechanical converter (12), whereby the vibration surface (20) is caused to oscillate across a certain frequency range with a swing which at a constant input voltage is substantially constant across the frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Servona GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Küper
  • Publication number: 20110051944
    Abstract: A method of transmitting the human voice comprising an apparatus worn around the user's neck that contains a laryngophone (“throat microphone”), a transmitter and a power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Lois Margaret Kirkpatrick
  • Patent number: 7212639
    Abstract: An improved electro-larynx includes a linear transducer and/or an improved waveform generator. The improved electro-larynx sets up a sound wave within the pharynx of the user which closely approximates a normal glottal excitation. The linear transducer preserves the harmonic structure of a glottal source wave generated by the waveform generator and translates it into a vibration. The transducer includes an armature assembly, suspension assembly, and coupler disk coupled together to move in concert. The armature assembly vibrates as a function of the desired and input glottal source wave, which in turn causes an immediate and corresponding vibration of the coupler disk. The suspension assembly constrains armature movement to one dimension and provides additional compliance. The coupler disk includes a substantially flat surface suitable for engaging the surface of a user's throat and vibrates as a linear function of the input glottal source wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Houston
  • Patent number: 7107074
    Abstract: A computer system provides a wireless audio signal transmitter module which is capable of transmitting audio signal wirelessly from a host computer to at least one remote wireless signal receiver. The wireless audio signal transmitter module is connected to a sound effect interface for receiving audio signal from the computer. The audio signal is processed, modulated, and then transmitted out by an antenna. The wireless signal is received and processed by the audio signal receiver located within an effective transmission distance. The signal is then transmitted to a user via a microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Mitac Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Rong-Jung Lee
  • Patent number: 6975984
    Abstract: A technique for separating an acoustic signal into a voiced (V) component corresponding to an electrolaryngeal source and an unvoiced (U) component corresponding to a turbulence source. The technique can be used to improve the quality of electrolaryngeal speech, and may be adapted for use in a special purpose telephone. A method according to the invention extracts a segment of consecutive values from the original stream of numerical values, and performs a discrete Fourier transform on the this first group of values. Next, a second group of values is extracted from components of the discrete Fourier transform result which correspond to an electrolaryngeal fixed repetition rate, F0, and harmonics thereof. An inverse-Fourier transform is applied to the second group of values, to produce a representation of a segment of the V component. Multiple V component segments are then concatenated to form a V component sample stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Speech Technology and Applied Research Corporation
    Inventors: Joel M. MacAuslan, Venkatesh Chari, Richard Goldhor, Carol Espy-Wilson
  • Patent number: 6735315
    Abstract: This electric artificial larynx 1 comprises a sound source generating unit 3 which is held by interposition means 2 attached directly or indirectly to the human body 10 and can be always placed near the cervical region 10a and a portable controller 4 which is separated from the sound source generating unit 3 and operates the sound source generating unit 3. The controller 4 preferably comprises a control signal generating unit which includes a sensor for detecting ID biological information or a switch 12 for supplying a signal and a control unit 16 which drives and controls the sound source generating unit 3 in response to a signal from the control signal generating unit and has a power source unit 15 for supplying power to the sound source generating unit 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Densi, Inc.
    Inventors: Tohru Ifukube, Akira Koikeda, Yasunori Sugai, Shinichi Takabatake, Yoshinori Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6724898
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for assisting speech recovery in people with inability to speak due to aphasia, apraxia or another condition with similar effect. A hollow, rigid, thin-walled tube with semi-circular or semi-elliptical cut out shapes at each open end is positioned such that one end mates with the throat/voice box area of the neck of the assistor and the other end mates with the throat/voice box area of the assisted. The speaking person (assistor) makes sounds that produce standing wave vibrations at the same frequency in the vocal cords of the assisted person. Driving the assisted person's vocal cords with the assisted person being able to hear the correct tone enables the assisted person to speak by simply amplifying the vibration of membranes in their throat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Christen M. Frankle
  • Patent number: 6628195
    Abstract: The tactile stimulation device designed to be used by a deaf person includes, in particular, an electroacoustic transducer. The invention is noteworthy in that the device consists of a case which can be held in one hand and which has a sensor associated with the electroacoustic transducer, which sensor is designed to enable turning the device on by touching said sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Jean-Max Coudon
  • Publication number: 20030031324
    Abstract: A speech aid device having a housing and a solenoid disposed in the housing operatively coupled with a sounding head for movement therewith. The solenoid includes a wire coil with a top secured adjacent to an end of the wire coil. The top has an edge in which a groove is formed to receive an end of a wire forming the wire coil such that the wire is prevented from contact with the housing. A lead wire having two ends is electrically connected at one end to the end of the wire. The electrical connection is secured to the top with silicone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Richard Lukacovic
  • Publication number: 20030031325
    Abstract: A speech aid device having a housing with two ends. A sounding head is secured to one end of housing and a solenoid is disposed in the housing. A post affixed to the solenoid has an end operatively associated with the sounding head. The post has an annular groove therein. A diaphragm having a periphery supported by and connected to the housing is captured in the groove. The diaphragm is constructed from an elastomer such as silicone and has a plurality of annular ridges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Richard Lukacovic
  • Publication number: 20030031326
    Abstract: A speech aid device having a housing and a solenoid disposed in the housing operatively coupled with a sounding head for movement therewith. A magnet assembly is mounted in the housing adjacent to the solenoid and operatively associated therewith. The magnet assembly has first and second pole pieces with a magnet disposed therebetween. A threaded fastener engages the first and second pole pieces and the magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Richard Lukacovic
  • Patent number: 6359988
    Abstract: In electrolaryngeal speech, an excitation signal is provided by means of a buzzer held against the neck. The buzzer is usually operated at a constant frequency. While such Transcutaneous Artificial Larynges (TALs) provide a means for verbal communication for people who are unable to use their own, the monotone F0 pattern results in poor speech quality. In the present invention, cepstral analysis is used to replace the original F0 contour of the TAL speech with a normal F0 pattern. Spectral analysis shows that this substitution results in two changes: (a) a varying F0 contour and (b) removal of steady background noise due to the leakage of acoustic energy. Perceptual tests were conducted to assess speech, before and after cepstral processing, produced by four laryngectomized speakers (2 males and 2 females). All speakers used the Servox TAL. The results indicate a clear preference for the processed speech.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Trustees of Boston University
    Inventor: Carol Espy-Wilson
  • Patent number: 6252966
    Abstract: An artificial larynx includes a case containing a circuitboard subassembly, a battery subassembly, a transducer subassembly, and a switch subassembly that are interconnected to function as means for producing an artificial larynx tone. A radially inwardly extending flange component is bonded with glue or other suitable bonding agent to the cylindrically shaped interior wall of a central case component to provide a screw-less circuitboard mounting stop component for stopping the circuitboard from moving forwardly within the central portion of the case interior in response to battery terminals bearing against a set of rearwardly facing battery connectors on the circuitboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Griffin Laboratories
    Inventor: Clifford J. Griffin
  • Patent number: 5828758
    Abstract: A system of the present invention includes a sound source for providing sound in the oral-nasal cavity, a microphone to receive sound modulated by the user's mouth, tongue, teeth, and lips as he or she speaks or attempts vocalization, and a circuit. The circuit, coupled to the microphone, generates an output simulating a male or female voice that conveys the modulation as intelligible speech. In one embodiment, the sound source provides subaudible sound. In another embodiment, the circuit includes a sampling circuit for digital signal processing. In yet another embodiment, the circuit with a transducer constitute the sound source for providing overtones and diagnostic waveforms in the mouth. According to a method of the present invention, a modulated sound signal with a first period is received from an oral-nasal cavity and used to form a second signal having a longer period for conveying the first signal's modulation at a lower fundamental frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventors: Michael L. Byce, Joel E. Just
  • Patent number: 5812681
    Abstract: An artificial larynx of the type having a case and a battery-powered, tone-producing, electrical circuit within the case, includes control components for enabling a user to turn on the circuit and vary the frequency of the tone. The turn-on control components include a switch having a switch actuator and a pushbutton or other suitable depressor component, while the frequency-control components include a pressure-sensitive resistor (PSR) electrically connected in the circuit and physically disposed intermediate the depressor component and the switch actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: Clifford J. Griffin
  • Patent number: 5326349
    Abstract: An artificial larynx consists of (1) a first unit mounted in the mouth comprising a dental prosthesis, including a loud speaker, a power amplifier, a self-contained power source, plus a radio frequency receiver, and (2) a second unit held in the hand equipped with an input control device, self-contained power source, electronic circuitry and transmitter allowing the user to alter the frequency and volume produced by the unit in the mouth. The construction and components of the unit allows laryngectomees to speak with both a natural sound and a high degree of intelligibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Inventor: David R. Baraff
  • Patent number: 4993071
    Abstract: A speech aid for laryngectomy patients is described and comprises an electromechanical transformer with a power output stage connected upstream, a pulse generator for the production of a basic frequency, manually operated switches and electrical filters designed to vary the pulse frequency as a function of time. The power output stage in this respect comprises an electronic switch which is controlled by the basic frequency and a controlling pulse generator which switches the electronic switch off at least with temporal priority over the basic frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: Dr. Kuhn & Co. GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Griebel
  • Patent number: 4821326
    Abstract: A non-audible speech generation apparatus and method for producing non-audible speech signals which includes an ultrasonic transducer or vibrator for projecting a series of glottal shaped ultrasonic pulses to the vocal track of a speaker. The glottal pulses, in the approximate frequency spectrum extending from fifteen kilohertz to one hundred five kilohertz, contain harmonics of approximately 30 times the frequency of the acoustical harmonics generated by the vocal cords, but which may nevertheless be amplitude modulated to produce non-audible speech by the speaker's silently mouthing of words. The ultrasonic speech is then received by an ultrasonic detector disposed outside of the speaker's mouth and electrically communicated to a translation device which down converts the ultrasonic signals to corresponding signals in the audible frequency range and synthesizes the signals into artificial speech.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Macrowave Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Norman MacLeod
  • Patent number: 4726066
    Abstract: A touch switch contacts on a unit housing are bridged by the fingers of a person's hand when holding the housing to trigger operation of a signal generating oscillator driving a transducer from which "voice" sound is generated and transmitted through a sound tube into the person's mouth for articulation of speech. The oscillator is operated at a low duty cycle for moderate battery consumption when the sound tube is extended from a retracted storage position within a recess formed in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1988
    Assignee: P. O. Vox Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Bloomfield, III
  • Patent number: 4706292
    Abstract: In a speech prosthesis, a direct radiator speaker, a rubber membrane over a speaker for sealing against liquid and food, and an O-ring seal for a battery compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Assignee: Joseph A. Resnick
    Inventor: W. Lee Torgeson
  • Patent number: 4691360
    Abstract: A hand held housing encloses a battery powered sound generator from which an audible voice simulating tone is transmitted through a tube when a push button switch is depressed also causing illumination of an indicator lamp. The tube is displaceable relative to the housing between extended and retracted positions. In the extended position, the tube may be inserted into the mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1987
    Inventor: John W. Bloomfield, III
  • Patent number: 4672673
    Abstract: The present invention provides a completely self-contained intraoral larynx comprising a power source, tongue activated controls, power saving signal generation circuitry, acoustic and audio amplifiers, and an intra-oral speaker. These components are contained within an otherwise conventional denture or dental prosthesis. The device produces a high amplitude sound while minimizing current drain from the power source. Laryngectomized patients require only short term training by a speech pathologist to use this device. Intelligible speech is usual within an hour of such training, and facility rapidly improves. The psychological barriers, post-operative physical limitations, aesthetic concerns and limited gestural communication traditionally associated with the use of extra-oral larynges is eliminated by the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Assignee: Thomas Jefferson University
    Inventors: Philip Katz, Henry S. Brenman, Louis D. Lowry, Harold Schwartz
  • Patent number: 4669643
    Abstract: A carrier for supporting an electronic larynx adjacent portions of the throat of a user so that muscles of the user can be employed to switch on and off the larynx without manual action. The carrier employs a base plate to which are mounted an interfacing plate member on the inside face and a formed sheet member on the outside face. An extension on the interfacing plate member engages the plunger switch of the electronic larynx which switch extends through a cutout formed in the base plate. The formed sheet member provides a pocket for receiving and holding the electronic larynx.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Assignee: Linda E. Hymes
    Inventor: Carl Ley
  • Patent number: 4633399
    Abstract: A method for developing a novel seismic data attribute enables improvements in seismic data processing and interpretation. Seismic signals or trace data are first rectified and then Hilbert transformed and processed with the arc tangent function to develop a new instantaneous phase parameter referred to as phase of rectified trace (PORT). Output data may be further enhanced with tri-modal, interactive color display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventors: Beverly Stebens, Roger K. Parsons, Robert T. Baumel, Donna K. Terral, Matthew J. Yedlin
  • Patent number: 4627095
    Abstract: An artificial voice apparatus including a pump for producing an airflow within a tube. The tube is connected to a sounding mechanism for combining an audible sound with the airflow. A mouthpiece including a second tube is connected to the sounding mechanism to transport the combined sound and airflow to within a person's mouth. The combination of airflow and sound within the person's mouth enables the person to use the tongue, lips and teeth to articulate the sound to form speech.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1986
    Inventor: Larry Thompson
  • Patent number: 4612664
    Abstract: The present invention consists of a novel device for the production of a tone suitable for use in artificial speech aids. Artificial speech aids provide for a method of speech, for individuals who have either temporarily or permanently lost the use of their vocal cords, through the production and delivery of a substitute vocal tone to the user's oral cavity, thereby allowing such individuals to speak through articulation of the tone into words. The present invention concerns a novel device for the production of the substitute vocal tone. In the present device, the tone is produced by actuating a solenoid reed valve to a sufficient frequency that sound is produced, which sound is then amplified by the passage of pressurized air through the valve as it is actuated. The invention herein includes an electrical pulse generator for producing the pulsed electrical signal needed to operate the solenoid reed valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Assignee: Dacomed Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Walsh, Michael W. Walsh
  • Patent number: 4571739
    Abstract: A prosthetic tone emitter for laryngectomy patients which in combination with natural apparatus enables comprehensible speech. Components of the tone emitter are constructed into an artificial tooth such that articulation is relatively unhindered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1986
    Inventor: Joseph A. Resnick
  • Patent number: 4550427
    Abstract: The present invention provides a completely self-contained intraoral larynx comprising a power source, tongue activated controls, power saving signal generation circuitry, acoustic and audio amplifiers, and an intra-oral speaker. These components are contained within an otherwise conventional denture or dental prosthesis. The device produces a high amplitude sound while minimizing current drain from the power source. Laryngectomized patients require only short term training by a speech pathologist to use this device. Intelligible speech is usual within an hour of such training, and facility rapidly improves. The psychological barriers, post-operative physical limitations, aesthetic concerns and limited gestural communication traditionally associated with the use of extra-oral larynges is eliminated by the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1985
    Assignee: Thomas Jefferson University
    Inventors: Philip Katz, Henry S. Brenman, Louis D. Lowry, Harold Schwartz
  • Patent number: 4547894
    Abstract: An intra-oral artificial larynx is provided including a signal generator and a speaker mounted on a prosthesis for mounting the larynx within the intra-oral cavity. A horn is provided having an input opening coupled to the speaker for acoustically amplifying the output of the speaker, the horn also having an output opening. A saliva barrier is removably mounted to the output opening of the horn for precluding penetration of saliva into the horn, the barrier having a first end which is telescopically received within the output opening of the horn and the second end having a mouth formed on a bias to the longitudinal axis of the mounting and a microporous membrane sealing the mouth. The mouth of the mounting has an elliptical shape which has been found tends to increase speaker volume. Moreover, the telescopic mating of the mounting and the horn provides a saliva barrier which is easily replaceable by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1985
    Assignee: Xomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon M. Benson, Craig A. Castle
  • Patent number: 4539698
    Abstract: An intra-oral artificial larynx is provided including a signal generator and a speaker mounted on a prosthesis for mounting the larynx within the intra-oral cavity. A horn is provided having an input opening coupled to the speaker for acoustically amplifying the output of the speaker, the horn also having an output opening. A saliva barrier is removably mounted to the output opening of the horn for precluding penetration of saliva into the horn, the barrier having a first end which is telescopically received within the output opening of the horn and the second end having a mouth formed on a bias to the longitudinal axis of the mounting and a microporous membrane sealing the mouth. The mouth of the mounting has an elliptical shape which has been found tends to increase speaker volume. Moreover, the telescopic mating of the mounting and the horn provides a saliva barrier which is easily replaceable by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1985
    Assignee: Thomas Jefferson University
    Inventors: Philip Katz, Henry S. Brenman, Louis D. Lowry, Harold Schwartz