An intra-oral artificial larynx includes a signal generator encapsulated within a custom-molded prosthetic means for mounting the larynx within the intra-oral cavity, as well as a speaker and tongue activatable switch for enabling the signal generator and the speaker. A compartment is molded in the custom-molded prosthetic means for receiving a power source, the power source being mounted on a carrier removably mounted in the compartment for powering the signal generator and speaker. The power source carrier is slidably received within the compartment and includes a means for isolating the compartment from saliva in the intra-oral cavity.
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 438,376, filed Nov. 1, 1982 which is, in turn, a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 249,140 now U.S. Pat. No. 4,473,905 filed Mar. 30, 1981 and is also a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 428,848 now U.S. Pat. No. 4,502,150 filed Sept. 30, 1982 which, in turn, is a continuation of the said Ser. No. 249,140 now U.S. Pat. No. 4,473,905 filed Mar. 30, 1981, all of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth in full.
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.
An intraoral interactive communication system wherein through a mouthpiece tongue pressure coded electrical signals are delivered to a processor. The mouthpiece is constructed to conform to the shape of the roof of the mouth, and is positioned behind the upper teeth. The mouthpiece is laminar in structure with an array of pressure responsive locations. A separate pressure responsive location is provided which may actuate a head aimed light. A display is connected to the processor and viewable by the human communicator providing feedback to the communicator.
A tongue activated communications controller for use by disabled or other persons to control a wide variety of devices, and which includes a dental appliance fitted to the user's palate, and a keyboard with a plurality of tongue activatable switches for generating a signal depending upon which switch has been selected, and upon the status of a battery voltage level. The communications controller includes a radio frequency transmitter which uses magnetic flux linkage for transmitting the signal. The communications controller further includes a receiver for converting the transmitted signal into digital form, and also includes a micro-processor based controller unit for processing the received data, and for communicating with the attached devices which the user wishes to control. Data is sent from the transmitter using a fixed transmission time, digital pulse code modulation technique to achieve ultra low power consumption in the transmitter. The controller unit processes the encoded data signal from the receiver by measuring and storing the intervals between level transitions, and then by processing these intervals in non-real time.
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.
The present invention is directed to methods for amplifying vocal (i.e., speech) and other sounds produced by humans and other animals. The present invention provides implantable microphones and sound amplification systems suitable for use in diagnostic and research settings, as well as for use by subject's in need of assistance to vocalize.
