Bladder and bowel training system with removable voice module system

• US 6,325,066 B1
• Filed: 12/07/1998
• Issued: 12/04/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 08/26/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Charles B. Hughes, Emory D. Hughes
• Original Assignee: Charles B. Hughes, Emory D. Hughes
• Inventors: Hughes, Charles B., Hughes, Emory D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Brown, Michael A.
• Application Number:
  US09/206,596
• Time in Patent Office: 1,093 Days
• Field of Search: 128/846, 128/885, 128/886, 128/DIG.25, 340/539, 340/573, 340/604, 340/620
• US Class Current: 128/885
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 85/01 with light emission, sound emission, scent dispersal or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 13/42 with wetness indicator or alarm
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/48 Devices for preventing wetting or pollution of the bed
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/26 Cannula supporters

Abstract

Circuitry for providing playback of an audio message responsive to activation of a device is provided. The playback circuitry and storage for the voice signal may be provided in the form of a module that plugs into a receptacle in the device, and receives an activation signal and electrical power from the device. In some embodiments, the module may be recorded by an instructor or clinician for instructional or therapeutic purposes and changed as a subject progresses. In other embodiments the module may be prerecorded and selected depending on a situation. Applications range from instructional audio messages in a toothbrush or rental car, to advertising modules responsive to proximity of a potential customer or instructions in a medical device such as a defibrillator or glucose monitor. In another embodiment, the module may record audio responsive to activation of a driver upon which a crime is being committed, such as a carjacking.

Claims

1. A system for providing an audio message responsive to activation of a device comprising:

circuitry for storing and playing back said audio message,

a housing for containing said circuitry, said housing provided with a first set of electrical contacts for conveying power and signal levels to and from said circuitry,

a receptacle associated with said device for coupling said housing to said device, said receptacle provided with a second set of electrical contacts, one of each of said second set of electrical contacts contacting a respective one of said first set of electrical contacts,

activation means responsive to activation of said device so that upon activation of said device, said circuitry is energized to play said audio message.

2. A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said receptacle is incorporated in an electronics package of a moisture sensing strip disposed to be incorporated in an incontinence garment.

3. A system as set forth in claim 2 wherein said receptacle is incorporated in an operating area of a vehicular contrivance.

4. A system as set forth in claim 2 wherein said receptacle is incorporated in a keyless entry system.

5. A method as set forth in claim 3 wherein said energizing means is provided in a driver seat switch of a automobile, and enables recording of said audio message responsive to changing drivers of said automobile.

6. A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said circuitry for storing and playing back said audio message further comprises recording means for recording said audio message.

7. A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said receptacle is incorporated in a toothbrush.

8. A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said receptacle is incorporated in a medical device.

9. A system as set forth in claim 8 wherein said medical device is a glucose monitor.

10. A method as set forth in claim 8 wherein said medical device is an emergency defibrillator.

11. A method as set forth in claim 8 wherein said medical device is a chiropractic device.

12. A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said receptacle is incorporated in a cigarette case.

13. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said receptacle is incorporated in an automobile, with said circuitry for playing back said audio message energized by a pushbutton.

14. A system for providing an audio message responsive to activation of a device comprising:

a separate, discrete housing, circuitry within said housing for storing and playing back an audio message,

a first set of electrical contacts on an exterior side of said housing for conveying power and signals to said circuitry,

a receptacle in said device for removably receiving said housing, said receptacle having a second set of electrical contacts for contacting a respective one of said first set of electrical contacts, whereby said housing is removable and replaceable within said housing,

activation means responsive to activation of said device so that upon activation of said device, said circuitry is energized to play said audio message.

15. A system as set forth in claim 14 wherein said device is a medical device, and said audio message includes instructions for operating said medical device.

16. A system as set forth in claim 14 wherein said device is a toothbrush.

17. A system as set forth in claim 16 wherein said audio message is of a duration sufficient for adequate brushing or one'"'"'s teeth.

18. A device for replicating an audio message system comprising:

a housing,

audio storage and playback circuitry mounted in said housing, said circuitry provided with a first set of electrical contacts for at least providing power and an energizing signal to said circuitry,

a mating socket in said device for removably receiving said housing, said socket provided with a second set of electrical contacts physically communicating with said first set of contacts for conveying said power and said energizing signal to said circuitry,

a switch associated with said device for energizing said audio circuitry.

19. A device as set forth in claim 18 wherein said switch is a proximity switch.

20. A device as set forth in claim 18 wherein said audio and playback circuitry includes circuitry for recording said audio message.