Device for volitional swallowing with a substitute sensory system
US8852074B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 24, 2013 |
| Grant date | Oct 7, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 24, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61H2205/04
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device for volitional swallowing with a substitute sensory system comprises a band wrapped around the neck with a vibrator positioned over the larynx. Upon activation by a button on a spoon held by an operator, such as the subject, the vibrator moves and vibrates the larynx. The patient initiates the sensory stimulation immediately prior to the patient's own initiation of a swallow by viewing on a display screen a movement feedback signal, possibly from a piezo-electric sensor also contained in the band which will also be displayed on the display screen. The signal from the switch device initiating sensory stimulation will be presented on the same display screen for the patient and trainer to observe when the button or switch is activated for sensory stimulation in relation to the onset of the swallow.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.