Method and apparatus for oral motor therapy using a visual display

US5954673A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Volunteers for Medical Engineering · US

Inventors

• John H. Staehlin · Timonium, US
• Jack Light · Rockville, US
• Warren O'Reilly · Ellicott City, US
• Dan Buck · Youghal, IE
• John Knight · Ellicott City, US
• Mike Robinson · Cheney, US
• Erick Figueroa · Crofton, US
• Forest Platt · Columbia, US
• Phil Atkinson · Baltimore, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 6, 1997
• Grant date: Sep 21, 1999
• Expiry date: Aug 6, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B5/228
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method for determining muscle strength of elements of the musculature used in speech and swallowing. In particular, a tool is equipped with at least one pressure sensor. A person inserts the tool into the person's mouth and utters sounds of speech or swallows. While uttering sounds of speech or swallowing, portions of the oral musculature contact and exert force on the sensor. A representation of this force is displayed at a visual display device as an indication of muscle strength and position.