Device to combat dribbling
First Claim
1. A device for teaching a patient to keep his lips closed, comprising a first electrode;
- a second electrode in the form of a frame around the first electrode; and
means for holding the two electrodes in a spaced relationship;
said device being constructed and arranged for insertion between a patient'"'"'s lips with said first electrode in contact with one of the patient'"'"'s lips and with said second electrode in contact with the other of said patient'"'"'s lips to complete an electrical circuit when the patient'"'"'s lips are closed;
electrical detector means for detecting the breaking of said electrical circuit when the lips are opened; and
an indicator operably connected to and controlled by the detector for providing an indication when said electrical circuit is broken.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device for teaching a patient to keep his lips closed, to combat dribbling, has a sensor electrode (12,22,46) for insertion between the lips, and an electrical detector (G1) and indicator (30) to indicate cessation of contact with at least one lip. The patient is thus reminded to keep his lips closed.
In one form, there is a secondary electrode (26) attached to a remote part of the patient'"'"'s body, the detector detecting when an electrical circuit through the body is broken by the sensor electrode falling from the lips. In another form, the sensor electrode (46) is upwardly hooked (50) to contact the upper lip, and the detector detects absence of electrical contact between sensor electrode and a frame (32) hooked behind the lower lip.
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Citations
6 Claims
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1. A device for teaching a patient to keep his lips closed, comprising a first electrode;
- a second electrode in the form of a frame around the first electrode; and
means for holding the two electrodes in a spaced relationship;
said device being constructed and arranged for insertion between a patient'"'"'s lips with said first electrode in contact with one of the patient'"'"'s lips and with said second electrode in contact with the other of said patient'"'"'s lips to complete an electrical circuit when the patient'"'"'s lips are closed;
electrical detector means for detecting the breaking of said electrical circuit when the lips are opened; and
an indicator operably connected to and controlled by the detector for providing an indication when said electrical circuit is broken. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
- a second electrode in the form of a frame around the first electrode; and
Specification