Abstract: A feeding analysis system reviews collected feeding data and provides analysis of data regarding nutritive sucking, feeding, and related activity.

Abstract: A neuromuscular enhancement system comprising engineered textile structures is worn by a user to increase strength, preserve energy, and increase motion accuracy. The system can be used in surgery and interface with operating room technology, together providing the surgeon with the ability to perform surgery for longer hours and with increased accuracy. The enhancement system is a flexible structure, worn over the user's body, comprising engineered textile materials that apply forces to different areas of the user's body. The engineered materials can be activated in order to apply a force to a particular region of the body to assist in a desired user output. The engineered materials can be embedded with sensors to detect and monitor motion and other physical properties. The engineered materials can also be embedded with a communication system that conveys information between a computer system and the neuromuscular enhancement system and its various sensors and components.

Abstract: Data manipulation using remote augmented sensing is disclosed. Wireless connectivity is provided between a processor and a wireless transceiver. The wireless transceiver is embedded in an oral sensing interface. A tongue position sensor (TPS) is coupled to the wireless transceiver. The tongue position sensor is attached to the interface. An inertial measurement unit (IMU) is coupled to the wireless transceiver. The IMU is attached to a location along the interface. An interface-embedded preprocessor is further coupled between the wireless transceiver and the output from the TPS and the IMU. Data manipulation is enabled in the processor, based on the wireless connectivity and outputs from the TPS and the IMU. Other sensors are coupled, including a barometric sensor, an ambient condition sensor, a microphone, and a sound generating device. At least one additional inertial measurement unit is coupled to the wireless transceiver.

Abstract: An in vitro dynamic mouth model includes an upper jaw that includes a plurality of protuberances simulating human teeth, a lower jaw that is coupled with a rounded silicone pad simulating human tongue, and a mouth wall that encapsulates food sample(s) subjected to in vitro mastication such that the food sample remains within the mouth model. The mouth wall contains at least one hole that allows injection of simulated saliva fluid. As simulated chewing takes place, the injected fluid directly interacts with the food sample.

Abstract: An ear nose and throat (ENT) imaging and analysis system includes an endoscope usable to capture images of the nasal canal and other aspects of patient anatomy. Endoscopic images may be presented to a user via a touchscreen display, and the software may provide different imaging modes that aid in identifying particular anatomical structures or areas within the nasal canal. In one mode, the system uses an object recognition process to identify the nasal valve opening within the images at a relaxed state, and during forceful inhalation, and then calculates the difference between the two states, which may be suggestive of nasal valve collapse. In other modes, the system is configured to identify abnormalities of the inferior turbinate, septum, or other anatomy, as well as empty spaces within the nasal canal, as well as areas and volumes of empty space and user defined boundaries.

Abstract: An object is to provide a device for analyzing occlusion pressure with which it is possible to measure occlusion pressure with a high positional accuracy by using data obtained by versatile methods, including an operation device, wherein the operation device calculates a formula of a first dental arch based on an occlusion pressure data, calculates a formula of a second dental arch based on an occlusal contact positional data, calculates a transformation matrix that approximates the formula of the first dental arch to the formula of the second dental arch, carries out an operation to transform positional information included in the occlusion pressure data to a new positional information with the transformation matrix, and outputs an occlusion pressure data including the new positional information.

Abstract: A sensor on an earpiece is used to attempt to detect a signal corresponding to a heartbeat. If a heartbeat is detected, it can be determined that the earpiece is being worn by a user. The sensor may be an acoustic transducer on a surface of the earpiece that is located within the wearer's ear canal, while the earpiece is being worn normally.

Abstract: The present invention provides an eating monitoring method for judging whether chewing is performed or not by a chewing judgment algorithm on the basis of a temporal variation in a measured value of a sensor unit configured to detect a movement of a jaw while a person takes a meal, the person wearing a detection device comprising the sensor unit. The method includes the steps of: adjusting the chewing judgment algorithm on the basis of a variation in a measured value of the sensor unit, the variation corresponding to a chewing action or a mouth opening/closing action of the person wearing the detection device; and judging whether chewing is performed or not by the chewing judgment algorithm which has been adjusted, and measuring the number of chews on the basis of a temporal variation in a measured value of the sensor unit during the meal.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a bioelectrical signal acquisition device, an interactive system, and related methods. The bioelectrical signal acquisition device includes a series of electrodes that are configured and positioned to effectively record bioelectrical signals from a user's head. The interactive system and related methods can be used to collect, display, and analyze the bioelectrical signals, especially signals related to sleep. The device, system, and methods can also be applied to modulate physiological or pathological conditions of the user.

Abstract: First intraoral images of a first portion of a three-dimensional intraoral object are received. The first intraoral images correspond to an intraoral scan of the three-dimensional intraoral object during a current patient visit. A pre-existing model that corresponds to the three-dimensional intraoral object is identified. The pre-existing model is based on intraoral data of the three-dimensional intraoral object captured during a previous patient visit. A first intraoral image of the first intraoral images is registered to a first portion of the pre-existing model. A second intraoral image of the first intraoral images is registered to a second portion of the pre-existing model.

Abstract: A method for semiconductor wafer inspection is provided. The method includes the following operations. The semiconductor wafer is scanned to acquire a scanned map, wherein the semiconductor wafer is patterned according to a design map having a programmed defect. The design map and the scanned map are transformed to a transformed inspection map according to the location of the programmed defect on the design map and the location of the programmed defect on the scanned map. The system of semiconductor wafer inspection is also provided.

Abstract: An earbud for detecting biosignals from and presenting audio signals at an inner ear canal and method therefor are disclosed. The earbud includes a nozzle and a housing including a body. The nozzle extends from the housing body and has a proximal end arranged for positioning within an inner ear canal of an individual. An earbud tip of the earbud attaches to the proximal end of the nozzle and is adapted to engage the inner ear canal. The earbud includes a speaker and various sensors including an infrasonic/vibration sensor. The infrasonic/vibration sensor detects the biosignals including infrasonic signals from the body of the individual in the canal, and the speaker transmits sound from an audio source into the canal via the nozzle. The earbud preferably seals the inner ear canal to block external sound while also decreasing an acoustic volume of the canal that amplifies the biosignals prior to detection.

Abstract: A method for modeling mandibular motion, executable by an electronic device and including: acquiring a point cloud representing a mandible; determining an initial condyle pose; determining natural movement parameters for the condyles including maximum protrusion displacement, a Bennett angle, and a Sagittal inclination path angle; receiving an indication of a translation and/or a rotation of the mandible; determining a first natural movement of translation including a protrusion followed by a first sagittal inclination; determining a second natural movement of rotation including a Bennet movement followed by a second sagittal inclination; applying the natural movement s to the point cloud to form a transformed point cloud; creating a model of the mandible having undergone the at least one of the translation and the rotation using the transformed point cloud; and displaying the model of the mandible having undergone the translation and/or rotation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method, a client, a server and a system for detecting a tongue image, and a tongue imager. The method for detecting the tongue image, which is applied to the client for detecting the tongue image, comprises: acquiring the tongue image, recognizing the tongue image by using an image analysis model, and generating and displaying a first label information; determining, after acquiring a correction information for the first label information, whether to adopt the correction information in accordance with an accuracy corresponding to the correction information, and generating a second label information; and analyzing the tongue image and the second label information by using an assistant diagnosis model, and generating an assistant diagnosis result.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cognitive training system (1) for providing a cognitive exercise. The cognitive training system comprises a head-mounted display (2) for providing a stereoscopic image (23) to a user (9). The system further comprises a controller (4) configured to control said head-mounted display (2) to provide the cognitive exercise by displaying virtual objects moving in a three-dimensional environment according to predetermined rules of motion, and by acquiring inputs provided by the user by means of an input unit (3). The cognitive training system (1) further comprises a perturbation unit (5) configured to control the head-mounted display (2) and/or the controller (4) to activate a virtual perturbation altering the appearance of the virtual objects. The perturbation unit determines the virtual perturbation based on a random or pseudorandom quantity.

Abstract: Managing a lifecycle of a container includes defining a plurality of states, each state corresponding to a particular phase in the lifecycle of the container, determining one or more current properties of the container while a current defined state of the container is in a first defined state of the plurality of defined states, and controlling an action associated with the container based on at least the first defined state and the one or more determined properties of the container. Determining one or more current properties of the container may include determining a current fill level of the container and information about at least one other current physical property of the container. Controlling an action may include changing the defined state of the container from the first defined state to a second defined state of the plurality of defined states.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining a first physiological parameter indicative of a non-invasively measured airway pressure of a subject, obtaining a second physiological parameter indicative of a non-invasively measured air flow into the lungs of the subject, and estimating a third physiological parameter indicative of an intra-pleural pressure of the subject based on the first and second physiological parameters and generating a signal indicative thereof. An other method includes obtaining a first physiological parameter indicative of a non-invasively estimated intra-pleural pressure of a subject, determining a second physiological parameter indicative of a lung volume of the subject that is based on a third physiological parameter indicative of a non-invasively measured air flow into the lungs of the subject, and determining a work of breathing based on the first and second physiological parameters and generating a signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device and method for acquiring and processing sensor signals on a host device. The device comprises a jack and connects to a socket on the host device. The device further comprises an instrumentation block which draws power from the host socket to power its operation. The instrumentation block further processes signals and conveys this information to the host device up on connecting the device jack to the host socket. The host device controls certain aspects of the electronics module for acquiring and processing plurality of signals. The instrumentation block in the device connects to one or more sensors through cables to sense at least one of electrocardiogram (ECG), Electroencephalography (EEG), motion, airflow of respiratory system, body temperature, light intensity of arterial oxygen saturation level, blood pressure and any other physiology signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a computer implemented method for automatic detection of teeth clenching and/or teeth grinding in a dataset representing the level of biting force vs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pacifiers (10), which can support a child in its oral development, from sucking to mature drinking and eating reflex or which helps in the process of teething. A pacifier (10) is provided, which comprises a shield (12), a cherry or nipple portion (14) with controllable hardness and a controller for controlling the hardness of the cherry or the nipple portion. By increasing the hardness of the nipple portion, the child is de-motivated to suck on a pacifier (10) and the child will lose the need for suckling. However, there are moments when the child does need to be nourished and comforted by engaging the sucking reflex. In this case the cherry can be made softer.

Abstract: A chewing detecting device includes: earphone-type external auditory meatus sensors which have a pair of a light emitting element and a light receiving element and in which the light receiving element receives reflective light of light emitted by the light emitting element into an external auditory meatus to output a voltage signal corresponding to a light receiving amount; association processing means associating an output signal of the external auditory meatus sensors with a motion of a jaw, and outputting a chewing signal showing that the jaw performs chewing; and chewing section sensing means which determines whether or not an output of the external auditory meatus sensors is based on the motion of the jaw (within a chewing section), and which invalidates the output of the association processing means when the output of the external auditory meatus sensors is not based on the motion of the jaw (without the chewing section).

Abstract: The wearable measurement device includes a mounting part for mounting the device to a human body, a variation detection part detecting a variation in distance from a predetermined portion of the human body, a posture detection part detecting a posture of the variation detection part in the case where the device is mounted to the human body through the mounting part, and a measurement part measuring the number of predetermined motions based on the variation detected by the variation detection part and the posture detected by the posture detection part. The variation detection part includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, makes the light emitting unit emit light and the light receiving unit detect reflection light reflected at a predetermined portion, detects a distance from the predetermined portion and outputs an electric signal (voltage or current) in accordance with the detected distance at a predetermined sampling cycle.

Abstract: A tongue pressure indicating device for the correct pronunciation of a selected letter in a preselected language includes a thin palate plate in the general shape of an individual's palate and sized to fit immediately under the individual's palate and in conformity therewith, a metal wire supports the palate plate positioned under the individual's palate. The palate plate includes a plurality of downwardly projecting stubs for indicating the position where the individual's tongue touches the individual's palate for the correct pronunciation of a specific letter in a preselected language. A method for teaching the correct pronunciation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for a procedure that can be performed on any appropriate subject. Procedures can include assembling any appropriate work piece or installing members into a work piece, such as an airframe, autoframe, etc. Regardless of the subject, tracking a substantially small tracking device in a plurality of degrees of freedom is provided. The tracking device can be positioned on or be formed in an instrument to be tracked.

Abstract: A method for detecting an accidental data binge includes obtaining a data usage category of a user equipment (UE) device based on historical data usage for the UE device over a cellular network, the data usage category associated with a binge data threshold. The method also includes receiving an amount data consumed by the UE device over the cellular network and determining whether the amount of the data consumed by the UE device within a threshold period of time satisfies the binge data threshold. The method also includes determining that the amount of the data consumed by the UE device within the threshold period of time may be accidental and instructing the UE device to output a notification indicating that the amount of the data consumed by the UE device over the cellular network may be accidental.

Abstract: This disclosure includes magnetic field correction devices and methods for using the same. In particular, some magnetic field corrections devices include an arch-shaped body configured to be worn outside of a user's mouth such that the arch-shaped body follows a contour of the user's face; and where the arch-shaped body comprises one or more sidewalls configured to be coupled to a plurality of members comprising magnetically permeable material. Other embodiments employ a forehead support, frame, and one or more straps coupled to an arch-shaped body. Other embodiments employ a hybrid of intraoral and external embodiments.

Abstract: For indirect determination of digit movement, apparatus, methods, and computer program products are disclosed. The apparatus for indirect determination of finger movement includes a processor and a memory that stores code executable by the processor. The processor obtains frequency data corresponding to movement of a user's limb, extracts frequency data having a predetermined feature value from the measured frequency data; and determines from the extracted frequency data whether the movement of the limb corresponds to a predetermined digit motion.

Abstract: A head mounted system (HMS) configured to collect facial expressions of the user wearing the HMS. The HMS includes a frame and at least four cameras coupled to the frame. First and second cameras capture the user's right and left eyebrows, and third and fourth cameras capture the right and left sides of the user's upper lip. An optional computer utilizes the images captured by the cameras to detect facial expressions, microexpressions, and/or to improve the user's emotional awareness.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for monitoring a patient for seizure activity and for verifying the contact integrity of electrodes included among an EMG sensor may include generating a test signal of known periodicity and applying the signal to at least one electrode in a sensor system. The test signal may be monitored to verify contact integrity of the electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system device and method for monitoring infant oral motor kinetics (OMK), which can be used to assess the functional significance of the different sucking components, i.e., the plasticity of infant sucking skills in relation to their oral feeding performance, at a particular time, during the developmental period and/or during preventive or therapeutic intervention programs. It is a unique system and apparatus that provides a means to study the nonnutritive and/or nutritive sucking skills, i.e., the Suction and/or Expression components of sucking, of infants in the natural setting, i.e., during a normal feeding session.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for preventing, diagnosing, monitoring, and/or treating bruxism as well as related diseases of an individual. In a first aspect the invention relates to an apparatus for preventing bruxism of an individual, comprising: means for applying a plurality of stimulation signals for providing relaxation of at least one of the masticatory and/or facial muscles of said individual, means for applying said stimulations signals with a predefined setting, and means for applying said stimulations signals independent of activity of said muscle(s). The invention may be suitable for both nocturnal and awake bruxism.

Abstract: A system that detects an irregular physiological response while being exposed to sensitive data includes: a head-mounted display (HMD), an inward-facing head-mounted thermal camera (CAM), and a computer. The HMD exposes sensitive data to the user who wears the HMD. The CAM takes thermal measurements of a region of interest (THROI) on the user's face while the user is exposed to the sensitive data. And the computer detects, based on certain THROI taken while the user was exposed to certain sensitive data, whether the user experienced the irregular physiological response while being exposed to the certain sensitive data.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the tidal volume of an individual to diagnose a condition is disclosed. The system includes an electrically-conductive, elastomeric band; and a microprocessor having memory. The microprocessor is in electrical communication with said band and has functionality to monitor the respiratory activity of the individual during a period of time, collect raw data from 30 times to 34 times per second, average the data over 9-34 readings, blur from 0.3 seconds to 1.0 seconds of said averaged data to filter out artifacts; determine the beginning of a breath and the end of a breath based on said blurred data; and record an adverse event if a pre-determined period of time has elapsed without a new breath commencing.

Abstract: A handheld device detects and measures orofacial activity, including oral cavity pressure and one or more compressions, deformations, displacements, or deflections of a pacifier engaged to the device. The compressions, deformations, displacements, or deflections of the pacifier refer to changes in the shape of the pacifier, caused by patient, relative to an initial state of the pacifier. The device translates the oral cavity pressure and compressions into an electrical signal, digitizes the electrical signal, and performs analytical processing of the digitized signal to extract physiological artifacts salient to the patient's ability to orally feed using a software application executing on a processor within the device. The device automates and simplifies the assessment of a patient's readiness to orally feed by presenting graphical and numeric scores for organization and effort of non-nutritive suck.

Abstract: A method, a device, and a system for interactive video display, relate to the field of multimedia technologies, and can resolve a problem in the prior art that browsing experience of a user is not real because a visible region is simply changed only according to a panning change of a location of the user. A specific solution is acquiring posture information of a user, where the posture information includes viewing angle information of the user and location information of the user, and adjusting, according to the posture information, an unadjusted visible region, in a video, for being displayed on a client in order to obtain an adjusted visible region currently for being displayed on the client. The embodiments of the present invention are used for performing interactive video display.

Abstract: A wearable EEG monitor for continuously monitoring the EEG of a user through capacitive coupling to an ear canal of a user comprises an ear insert (1) for positioning within the human ear canal, comprising at least two capacitive electrodes (16) for recording a signal. The electrodes are coated with a dielectricum for electrical insulation. The electrodes are connected to an amplifier (17). The amplifier has an input impedance matched to the impedance of the electrodes. The invention further provides a method of monitoring brain waves.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a therapeutic system and methods of using the therapeutic system. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a system for improving an oral feeding ability of a patient including an assessment device to contact a patient and collect data related to an oral feeding ability of the patient, a computing device containing a processor to execute an assessment and therapy application, and the assessment and therapy application to receive the data related to the oral feeding ability, predict one or more areas of neurological muscle activity that need further development, and develop a neurological therapy treatment for improving the one or more areas of neurological muscle activity that need further development.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for measuring muscular activity, in particular in relation to bruxism, and providing an electrical stimulation in response to the measured muscular activity through electrodes applied to the skin of an individual, wherein the quality of the connectivity of the electrodes to the skin is monitored and the electrical stimulation signal is changed based on said quality measurement.

Abstract: A system can be used for contactless communication of information between a first device and a second device, each having an antenna intended to be coupled via a near magnetic field. The first device includes a transmit chain having first circuitry configured to generate a digital data stream corresponding to the information to be transmitted, and second circuitry configured to generate a first amplitude-modulated and dithered signal in the antenna of the first device from this stream and from an application of a first dithering. The second device includes a receive chain having third circuitry configured to carry out a frequency transposition of a second amplitude-modulated and dithered signal originating from the first signal, with application of a second dithering synchronous with the first dithering.

Abstract: A system (800) for processing accelerometer data is disclosed. The system (800) includes an accelerometer (806), a first processor (810), a power supply (816), and a second processor (804). The accelerometer (806) measures a physiological acceleration parameter. The first processor (810) is operatively connected to the accelerometer (806). The first processor (810) is configured to receive the acceleration parameter from the accelerometer (806) and configured to output machine readable acceleration data. The machine readable acceleration data includes time domain accelerometer data. The power supply (816) is electrically connected to the first processor (810). The second processor (804) is configured to receive the machine readable acceleration data and transform the time domain accelerometer data into frequency domain accelerometer data. The frequency domain accelerometer data may be used to estimate patient healing status.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the recognition results produced by a speech processing system (which may include two or more recognition results, including a top recognition result and one or more alternative recognition results) based on an analysis of a speech input, are evaluated for indications of potential significant errors. In some embodiments, the recognition results may be evaluated to determine whether a meaning of any of the alternative recognition results differs from a meaning of the top recognition result in a manner that is significant for a domain, such as the medical domain. In some embodiments, words and/or phrases that may be confused by an ASR system may be determined and associated in sets of words and/or phrases. Words and/or phrases that may be determined include those that change a meaning of a phrase or sentence when included in the phrase/sentence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a therapeutic system and methods of using the therapeutic system. In particular, the present invention relates to systems having hardware, software, and appliance components for assessing and entraining a neuromuscular pattern or behavior in a patient. The methods include configuring the hardware and software systems to receive data from an orofacial stimulation appliance and to generate a precise therapeutic pulse profile that is actuated as a tactile stimulus. In one embodiment, the system and methods also include collecting data using the orofacial stimulation appliance and delivering the tactile stimulus via the orofacial stimulation appliance to entrain an organized neuromuscular pattern or behavior.

Abstract: A glove for recording and displaying the critical set of electromyography (EMG) signals representing consecutive hand movements. The glove is for measuring EMG signals in a hand, and includes a glove body, and/or a plurality of EMG electrodes disposed at predetermined locations on an inner surface of the glove body, configured to sense a magnitude of a plurality of EMG signals over a period of time, a data acquisition circuit coupled to the plurality of EMG electrodes, configured to receive at least one of the plurality of EMG signals and to generate an output proportional to the magnitude of the at least one of the plurality of EMG signals sensed by at least one of the plurality of EMG electrodes, and a user feedback module located on an external surface of the glove body for providing a representation of the output of the data acquisition circuit.

Abstract: Systems, methods, electronic devices and computer-readable media for charting dental information are described. The method includes generating or retrieving a dental data set including separately-modifiable parameters defining dental information relative to a base parametric model, the parameters providing information for generating signals for displaying a three-dimensional (3D) representation of at least a portion of a dentition represented by the dental data set; receiving an input via the 3D representation; and based on the received input, adjusting at least one of the parameters.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring muscle activity, said apparatus comprising means for providing signals indicative of muscle activity, for example EMG-signals, means for processing of said signals in order to detect a particular activity and means for providing a feedback signal, wherein said device is designed in order to be individually adaptable in a set-up mode. The apparatus can be used for detecting and prevention of undesired activities such as bruxism, movements that are damaging or unwanted etc. The detection can be performed with great certainty since the individual parameters of the user are utilized for laying down reference values, threshold values, criteria for triggering of feedback signals, etc., which may take place at a set-up procedure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for using the system. In particular, the present invention relates to an application, executable by a processing device to assess the organization of a non-nutritive suck (NNS) pattern of a patient and to entrain an organized NNS pattern in the patient. The software system receives data from an orofacial stimulation appliance to assess the patient's natural NNS pattern and generates a precise therapeutic pulse profile that is actuated as a tactile stimulus via the orofacial stimulation appliance to entrain an organized NNS pattern.

Abstract: The present invention includes a device and method for measuring skin elasticity that comprises: a probe, wherein the probe comprises one or more holes, a vacuum source, a pressure sensor, and one or more proximity sensors aligned about the one or more holes; and a processor for recording the deformation of the skin using a control unit comprising a microcontroller connected to the proximity and the pressure sensors, wherein the proximity sensor and the processor is adapted to automatically initiate a test when the sensor is positioned at a pre-determined distance from the skin, wherein a vacuum in the probe is capable of pulling skin into the one or more holes and the proximity sensor is capable of measuring an amount of skin drawn into the one or more holes to determine an elasticity of the skin.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting motions of a lower jaw relative to the upper jaw of a vertebrate, comprising a first holder (30) to be fixed to the head of a vertebrate with a fixed assignment relative to the upper jaw for accommodating transmitter or receiver units of a position determining system (1) for the detection of motion, a second holder (40A) to be fixed to the lower jaw on the left side for accommodating corresponding left-sided receiver and transmitter units of the position determining system, a third holder (40B) to be fixed to the lower jaw on the right side for accommodating corresponding right-sided receiver and transmitter units of the position determining system, and a first evaluation unit (13) for processing signals from the receiver units so as to generate a differentiated dynamic image of the motions of the left and right sides of the lower jaw from relative positional changes of the transmitter units (11) which are associated with the motions of the lower jaw and are detected by the receiver un

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating the tongue strength of a subject during a sucking event includes an insert positioned within a nipple element to provide an output in response to deformation of the nipple element during a sucking event. The output is at least one of resistive force exerted against the subject's tongue and movement measurement of deformation force exerted on the nipple element during the sucking event. The apparatus is configurable to evaluate nutritive sucking (NS) or non-nutritive sucking (NNS) capabilities of the subject. The insert may be a sensing device, a compliance element, an intermediate device or a combination of these. A coupling device is configured to position the insert relative to the nipple element and/or to receive output from the insert. A method includes evaluating tongue strength of a subject during NS or NNS and using inserts providing increasing levels of resistive force to exercise the subject's tongue.

Abstract: An intra-oral pressure monitoring system is provided. The system is beneficial for measuring or monitoring teeth clinching or grinding during sleep. The system includes a generally horseshoe-shaped, elastomeric mouth piece. The mouth piece is dimensioned to reside between the upper and lower teeth of a patient. The mouth piece has a two or more fluid-containing cells embedded therein. The cells are configured to receive pressure applied by the teeth of a patient. The system is able to monitor bite pressures during a patient's sleep or time of resting. A method for monitoring bite pressures of a patient during sleep is also provided.