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Device for volitional swallowing with a substitute sensory system

  • US 8,852,074 B2
  • Filed: 05/24/2013
  • Issued: 10/07/2014
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/30/2006
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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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:

  • 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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