US3773032A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Acoustical apparatus for treating stammering
Assignee: Technology Exchange Inc
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Filing: 1971-12-03
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Granted: 1973-11-20
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Expires: 1991-12-03
Abstract
Abstract An acoustical apparatus for producing audio frequency tones selectively modulated for use in speech therapy, suppression treatment and stammering. The tones are generated by two low frequency audio generators. One generator is connected to a multivibrator which has a multiposition switch so that the tone can be pulsed and its duration varied. The frequencies of both generators can also be varied by adjustable parameters.
Inventors
- 👤 G Donovan
- 👤 C Hansel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 13:20
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/12; A61B5/121; A61F; A61F5/00; A61F5/58
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
209 words
A therapeutic medical apparatus for the treatment of speech defects of a patient characterized by stammering, said apparatus comprising first oscillating means for continuously generating a speech masking audio frequency signal adapted to mask the patient''s ability to hear his own speech defect, means for transducing the audio frequency signal to an audible masking tone, means for attenuating the amplitude of the audible masking tone, second oscillating means for continuously generating a control signal of a preselected frequency, the preselected frequency being less than that of the audio frequency signal, and means interconnecting the first oscillating means and the second oscillating means, the interconnecting means including gate means adapted for interruptiNg the audio frequency signal transmitted to the transducer at a rate solely controlled by the control signal, and pulse shaping means, the pulse shaping means having means for varying the ratio of audibly transduced masking tone time to dwell time, the pulse shaping means interconnecting the second oscillating means and the gate means, the second oscillating means being adapted to trigger the pulse shaping means in response to the preselected control signal frequency, whereby an audible speech pacer is provided for supplying masking tone pulses in a preselected frequency wherein the duration of the pulses may be varied.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
209 words
A therapeutic medical apparatus for the treatment of speech defects of a patient characterized by stammering, said apparatus comprising first oscillating means for continuously generating a speech masking audio frequency signal adapted to mask the patient''s ability to hear his own speech defect, means for transducing the audio frequency signal to an audible masking tone, means for attenuating the amplitude of the audible masking tone, second oscillating means for continuously generating a control signal of a preselected frequency, the preselected frequency being less than that of the audio frequency signal, and means interconnecting the first oscillating means and the second oscillating means, the interconnecting means including gate means adapted for interruptiNg the audio frequency signal transmitted to the transducer at a rate solely controlled by the control signal, and pulse shaping means, the pulse shaping means having means for varying the ratio of audibly transduced masking tone time to dwell time, the pulse shaping means interconnecting the second oscillating means and the gate means, the second oscillating means being adapted to trigger the pulse shaping means in response to the preselected control signal frequency, whereby an audible speech pacer is provided for supplying masking tone pulses in a preselected frequency wherein the duration of the pulses may be varied.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A therapeutic medical apparatus constructed in accordance with claim 1 wherein the ratio varying means includes adjustable feedback means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
A therapeutic medical apparatus constructed in accordance with claim 2 wherein the adjustable feedback means includes variable resistance means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A therapeutic medical apparatus constructed in accordance with claim 2 wherein the adjustable feedback means includes means for varying the capacitance in the feedback means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
41 words
A therapeutic medical apparatus constructed in accordance with claim 1 further including switch means adapted to selectively preclude the control signal from the gate means whereby the user may select between an audible continuous masking tone or pulses of masking tone.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
A therapeutic medical apparatus constructed in accordance with claim 1 wherein the pulse shaping means includes a monostable multivibrator.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
A therapeutic medical apparatus constructed in accordance with claim 1 wherein the first oscillating means includes means for selectively varying and fixing the frequency of the audio frequency signal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
A therapeutic medical apparatus constructed in accordance with claim 1 wherein the second oscillating means includes means for selectively varying and fixing the frequency of the control signal.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-11-19 | 1977-05-21 | 1977-11-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-11-19 | 1981-05-21 | 1981-11-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-11-19 | 1985-05-21 | 1985-11-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |