US4258709A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Device to combat dribbling
Assignee: University of Exeter
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Filing: 1979-03-26
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Granted: 1981-03-31
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Expires: 1999-03-26
Abstract
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.
Inventors
- 👤 Frederick C. Flack
- 👤 Richard E. Ellis
- 👤 Kenneth Bundy
- 👤 Francis Miners
- 👤 Wilfred G. Selley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 21:53
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F5/00; A61N; A61N1/00; A61N1/02; A61N1/04; A61N1/05; A61N1/0526; A61N1/0548
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
125 words
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.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
125 words
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.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein the second electrode has a depending portion for hooking behind the patient's lower lip.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A device according to claim 2 wherein the first electrode has a portion lying above the second electrode for making contact with the patient's upper lip.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
A device according to claim 2 wherein the depending formation is W-shaped.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
A device according to claim 2 wherein said depending portion of said second electrode is bendable to provide a good fit on the patient's lower lip.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
A device according to claim 1 including an insulating sleeve covering the first electrode to prevent electrical contact with the patient's lower lip, the first electrode having a bared, upwardly hooked tip to contact the patient's upper lip.
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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) | 1984-03-30 | 1984-09-29 | 1985-03-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-03-30 | 1988-09-29 | 1989-03-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-03-30 | 1992-09-29 | 1993-03-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |