Device for volitional swallowing with a substitute sensory system
First Claim
1. An automatic stimulation controller device that cycles on and off to initiate and maintain vibro-tactile stimulation to induce swallowing by a subject during the day and/or night to provide saliva control by swallowing, the automatic stimulation controller device comprising:
- a vibro-tactile stimulator configured to perform vibro-tactile stimulation of a throat area of the subject;
an automatic timing circuit in communication with the vibro-tactile stimulator, the automatic timing circuit configured to control the vibro-tactile stimulation of the throat area of the subject by the vibro-tactile stimulator, the automatic timing circuit configured to at least;
output a first pulse to the vibro-tactile stimulator, the first pulse configured to initiate the vibro-tactile stimulation,cause the vibro-tactile stimulator to discontinue the vibro-tactile stimulation for a time interval following the first pulse, andautomatically output a second pulse to the vibro-tactile stimulator following the time interval to cause the vibro-tactile stimulator to resume the vibro-tactile stimulation; and
a control mechanism configured to cause the vibro-tactile stimulator to also control the vibro-tactile stimulation upon volitional input from the subject, the control mechanism comprising a switch configured to enable the device to switch between an automatic mode utilizing the automatic timing circuit and a volitional mode utilizing the control mechanism.
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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.
57 Citations
19 Claims
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1. An automatic stimulation controller device that cycles on and off to initiate and maintain vibro-tactile stimulation to induce swallowing by a subject during the day and/or night to provide saliva control by swallowing, the automatic stimulation controller device comprising:
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a vibro-tactile stimulator configured to perform vibro-tactile stimulation of a throat area of the subject; an automatic timing circuit in communication with the vibro-tactile stimulator, the automatic timing circuit configured to control the vibro-tactile stimulation of the throat area of the subject by the vibro-tactile stimulator, the automatic timing circuit configured to at least; output a first pulse to the vibro-tactile stimulator, the first pulse configured to initiate the vibro-tactile stimulation, cause the vibro-tactile stimulator to discontinue the vibro-tactile stimulation for a time interval following the first pulse, and automatically output a second pulse to the vibro-tactile stimulator following the time interval to cause the vibro-tactile stimulator to resume the vibro-tactile stimulation; and a control mechanism configured to cause the vibro-tactile stimulator to also control the vibro-tactile stimulation upon volitional input from the subject, the control mechanism comprising a switch configured to enable the device to switch between an automatic mode utilizing the automatic timing circuit and a volitional mode utilizing the control mechanism. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for initiating and maintaining vibro-tactile stimulation to induce swallowing by a subject during the day and/or night to provide saliva control by swallowing, the method comprising:
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stimulating a throat area of the subject with a vibro-tactile stimulator; automatically controlling said stimulating by an automatic timing circuit, said automatically controlling comprising; outputting a first pulse to the vibro-tactile stimulator, the first pulse configured to initiate said stimulating, causing the vibro-tactile stimulator to discontinue said stimulating for a time interval following the first pulse, and automatically outputting a second pulse to the vibro-tactile stimulator following the time interval to resume said stimulating; receiving a control signal from a control mechanism; and in response to receiving the control signal from the control mechanism, controlling said stimulating under volitional control of the subject in place of said automatically controlling said stimulating. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification