Artificial speech aid tone generating device
US4612664A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 22, 1985 |
| Grant date | Sep 16, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 22, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16K31/0682
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.