72results about "Larynxes" patented technology

The invention discloses a bionic TENG sensor unit for an artificial throat and a preparation method thereof, and relates to the field of artificial throats, and the sensor unit comprises a gradient micro-dome friction layer, a strain amplification layer, an electrode layer and a back cavity substrate layer. The gradient micro-dome array realizes gradual contact through gradient change of height and diameter; the strain amplification layer converts vertical vibration into horizontal strain by using a cantilever beam-sliding block structure; the back cavity array selectively amplifies vibration at a specific frequency based on the Helmholtz resonance principle. The invention further provides a corresponding preparation method. The preparation method comprises the steps of back cavity forming, electrode deposition, microstructure manufacturing, surface treatment and the like. The sensor has the advantages of high sensitivity, good frequency selectivity and strong durability, and is particularly suitable for detecting weak laryngeal vibration signals of laryngeal patients.

The invention relates to a device (100) for laryngectomised persons, comprising a respiratory prosthesis (120) comprising an adapted tube (122) for connecting to a new incision that is made in the neck and extends to the pharynx at the base of the tongue, and comprising at least one biocompatible membrane (124) for filtering liquids and solids and preventing them from passing through the tube (122), wherein a coupler (126) for coupling to the new incision is connected internally to the distal end of the tube (122) and externally to at least one pipe (130a, 130b) for exterior communication with a tracheostoma coupler (110), which comprises a sealingly and detachably accommodated HME filter (112), such that the new-incision coupler (126) is connected to the tracheostoma coupler (110).

A dysphonia treatment tool includes a pair of clamping portions that have a front surface piece arranged on a front surface of an incised thyroid cartilage, a rear surface piece arranged on a rear surface of the incised thyroid cartilage, and an end surface piece connecting the front surface piece and the rear surface piece, engaged with each of the incision ends of the incised thyroid cartilage;, and a bridging portion that bridges the pair of clamping portions. Wherein on an opposite surface to the abutting surface of the end surface piece, the bridging portion is bridging in a region from the one end side to the other end side, or in a region from the one end side to a side in a midway from the one end side to the other end side on the opposite surface to abutting surface of the end surface piece.

An example implant system to treat glottic insufficiency is disclosed. The implant system includes a fixation frame including a first set of flanges at a first edge of the fixation frame and a second flange at a second edge of the fixation frame, wherein the fixation frame is configured to secure the implant system at an opening of the patient's thyroid cartilage, a port system disposed in the fixation frame and configured to receive, deliver, maintain, or remove a filler, and a flexible member, coupled to the fixation frame and in fluid or air communication with the port system, wherein based on an amount of the filler in the flexible member, the flexible member is configured to inflate in a direction to push against the patient's arytenoid cartilage so the arytenoid cartilage is rocked, adducted and / or rotated inferomedially.

Stoma interface devices and methods for manufacturing the same for total laryngectomy and select partial laryngectomy patients that fit directly into the tracheostoma where the devices provide a support which can interface with standardized tracheostoma components (e.g., speaking valves) and offer hands-free alternatives for tracheoesophageal (TE) speech production. Devices hereof comprise a body having a self-expanding frame coated in multi-durometer silicone elastomers to form a distal portion with a distal flange configured to engage the tracheostoma of the patient, and a proximal portion configured to interface with the tracheostoma components.

The application discloses a kind of bionic TENG sensor unit for artificial throat and preparation method thereof, it is related to artificial throat field, the sensor unit includes gradient microdome friction layer, strain amplification layer, electrode layer and back cavity substrate layer.Gradient microdome array realizes progressive contact by the gradient change of height diameter;Strain amplification layer utilizes cantilever beam-sliding block structure to convert vertical vibration into horizontal strain;Back cavity array is selectively amplified to specific frequency vibration based on Helmholtz resonance principle.The application also provides a corresponding preparation method, including back cavity forming, electrode deposition, microstructure manufacturing and surface treatment and the like steps.The sensor has the advantages of high sensitivity, good frequency selectivity and strong durability, and is particularly suitable for detecting weak laryngeal vibration signals of laryngeal patients.

A cleaning device for a voice prosthesis including a brush element extending along a longitudinal axis of the cleaning device including a core column of twisted steel wire and a first plurality of individual filaments extending from the brush portion of the core column. An intermediate portion of the filaments is attached to the brush portion so that each filament extends generally radially from the core column. At least one of two opposing end portions of each individual filament is configured to form a bristle being at a predetermined first angle to the core column and pointing in the direction of the distal end portion of the core column seen relative to the longitudinal axis of the cleaning device.

Techniques for processing measurement data streams for a person's speech apparatus are disclosed. The measurement data streams can be recorded by different sensor modalities, such as audio recordings or articulatory measurements, for example, which have an observable which quantifies a characteristic property of the vocal tract. The measurement data streams can be processed by means of a machine-learned model in order to obtain a temporal sequence of feature vectors in an articulatory feature space. These specific feature vectors enable a variety of applications, such as articulation training, therapeutic applications in the event of speech restrictions, for instance after a stroke, vocal training or speech synthesis.

Techniques for processing measurement data streams from a person's vocal tract are revealed. These data streams can be acquired through various sensor modalities, such as audio recordings or articulatory measurements, which contain an observable that quantifies a characteristic of the vocal tract. The processing of these data streams can be performed using a machine-learned model to obtain a temporal sequence of feature vectors in an articulatory feature space. These specific feature vectors enable diverse applications, such as articulation training, therapeutic applications for speech impairments (e.g., after a stroke), vocal training, and speech synthesis.

Disclosed are a metal inner core, a placeholder and a preparation method for a hip joint bone cement placeholder. By designing the metal inner core including a frame body and a supporting portion inside the hip joint bone cement placeholder, the strength of the placeholder is enhanced; due to the fact that the metal inner core is hollow, the antibiotic bone cement can fill the inner portion of the metal inner core, the content of antibiotics in the placeholder cannot be affected, and infection is effectively controlled; the hollowed-out structure endows the placeholder with lighter weight and stronger structural strength, and meanwhile, the material cost is effectively reduced; and according to the preparation method of the hip joint bone cement placeholder, the size design of the placeholder and the metal inner core is carried out, so that the joint matching degree between the placeholder and the patient is high.

The invention discloses a neck-worn artificial throat which comprises a neck-worn shell, a key shell, a display screen shell and a sensor, the key shell and the display screen shell are fixedly connected with the two ends of the neck-worn shell respectively, and containing spaces are formed in the neck-worn shell, the key shell and the display screen shell; a circuit board is fixedly arranged in the accommodating space of the key shell, a microphone, an audio coding chip, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a communication module and a decoder are integrated on the circuit board, and a microphone port and keys are arranged on the key shell; a battery and a loudspeaker are fixedly arranged in the containing space of the display screen shell, a loudspeaker opening and a charging interface are formed in the display screen shell, and a display screen is fixedly arranged on the outer side of the display screen shell. The neck-worn artificial throat provided by the invention can be directly worn on the neck, and the sensor can be accurately positioned and adhered to the neck, so that the signal acquisition position is kept unchanged all the time, and the sensor can adaptively follow the dynamic change of the neck or the throat to prevent the signal from being interfered.

A sound generation system is disclosed. The sound generation system includes a housing with a first opening and a second opening. The housing defines an air passage between the first opening and the second opening. The sound generation system includes a movable member disposed within the housing. The movable member is configured to vibrate in response to air flowing through the air passage. The sound generation system includes a conversion module configured to convert vibrations of the movable member into an electrical signal. The sound generation system includes a speaker module configured to convert the electrical signal into sound and output the sound into the user's oral cavity. The sound generation system is configured such that, during use, air pressure at or near the second opening corresponds to air pressure within the user's oral cavity.

The invention, which relates to a filter element (1) for respiratory gas conditioning with a speech function, is based on the objective of providing a filter element (1) for use with a tracheotomized or laryngectomized person, wherein the filter element (1) is robust, easy to operate, and inexpensive to manufacture. This objective is achieved by the housing (2) comprising a first housing part (5) and a second housing part (6) connected to the first housing part (5), the first opening (3) being arranged in the second housing part (6), the first housing part (5) being a single piece comprising an outer ring (7), a central upper part (8), and elastically deformable webs (9) arranged between the outer ring (7) and the upper part (8).

A speaking assistance device according to the present invention comprises: a mounted body mounted inside the oral cavity of a person and having an opposing part opposing the palate of the person; a vibrating plate provided on the opposing part and capable of outputting, as an original sound, a sound recorded by a device having a sound recording function; and a passage provided in the opposing part to convey, to a rearward side in the oral cavity, the original sound output from the vibrating plate.

This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for robotically assisted positioning of an implant in a patient to alter position and shape of a soft tissue. A soft-tissue manipulator system includes an implantable positioning unit (IPU) to engage a soft-tissue implant, and an external control console to dynamically control the IPU to position the implant to interface with the target soft tissue. A user may use the external control console to remotely and transcutaneously control the position and motion of the implant, and to adjust shape and contour of the implant via a micro-actuator array on the implant. The system may be used in a thyroplasty surgery to position and manipulate a thyroplasty implant to modify a vocal cord, such as to medialize or lateralize the vocal cord to restore or improve voice quality.

This invention discloses an artificial laryngeal sensor based on magnetic repulsion coupling of a dual-layer heterogeneous magnetic thin film and its fabrication method. The sensor includes upper and lower sensing units, each having a first flexible magnetic layer that has been directionally magnetized and a flexible hard magnetic thin film layer that has been patterned and magnetized to form a microscopic magnetic domain array. The two layers, with their like poles facing each other, generate a uniform magnetic repulsion force, forming a dynamically adjustable gap between the triboelectric layers. This gap can passively and adaptively change with the intensity of laryngeal vibration: during strong vibration, the repulsion force surges to prevent contact saturation, while during weak vibration, a small local gap is maintained to preserve high sensitivity. This invention solves the problems of uneven magnetic force and discomfort in traditional magnetic repulsion schemes through all-thin film fabrication and patterned magnetization technology, achieving a balance between high signal fidelity, wide dynamic range, and ultimate wearing comfort, making it particularly suitable for wearable artificial laryngeal speech acquisition systems.

A tracheoesophageal sounding prosthesis comprising: a tubular body comprising: a one-way valve, a first protruding element and a second protruding element, where the second protruding element is displaceable along a longitudinal axis of the tubular body at least between: a first position in which the one-way valve is inserted into the first protruding element and a second position in which the one-way valve is inserted into the second protruding element; wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the tubular body and / or at least a portion of the second protruding element comprises a coupling element configured to couple the second protruding element and the tubular body at least in the first position and the second position.

An assembled stent delivery system comprises: a primary delivery member comprising an actuation-wire conveyance housing at least a portion of an actuation wire distally attached to the primary delivery member at a point located proximal to the electrocautery-enhanced tip, and a wire conduit housing a portion of a tip-actuation wire; and a secondary delivery member, partly constrained distally by a surface feature of the primary delivery member. In a first-stent deployment configuration, distal advancements of the first stent and / or proximal withdrawals of the primary delivery member are effective to release the constrained distal portion of the secondary delivery member to deploy the first stent. In a second-stent deployment configuration, distal advancements of the second stent and / or proximal withdrawals of the secondary delivery member are effective to deploy the second stent.

The invention discloses a modular electronic throat, and belongs to the technical field of electronic throats. Comprising a fixing sleeve, the two ends of the fixing sleeve abut against a bottom cover and an end cover respectively, a supporting frame is arranged in the fixing sleeve, the two sides of the supporting frame abut against the inner wall of the fixing sleeve, the two ends of the supporting frame are fixedly connected with the bottom cover and the end cover through screws respectively, a control module is installed on the top face of the supporting frame, and a power supply module is installed on the bottom face of the supporting frame. The end, close to the end cover, of the supporting frame is a columnar head, a containing cavity is formed in the columnar head, a sounding module is installed in the containing cavity, the position, close to the sounding module, of the end face of the end cover is open, the control module, the power supply module and the supporting frame are detachably connected, and the sounding module abuts against the inner wall of the end cover. When any module in the technical scheme is damaged, the equipment does not need to be integrally disassembled, and the corresponding module or part can be independently disassembled for maintenance and replacement, so that the maintenance difficulty and cost are reduced, the maintenance period is shortened, and the situation that a patient cannot normally communicate with a language in a short time is avoided.

The present invention relates to voice prosthesis device (100) that enables laryngectomy patient to speak. The voice prosthesis device (100) comprises cylinder (101) comprising first end (107) and second end (108). An inner washer (102) is attached to the first end (107) and outer washer (103) attached to the second end (108). A partial shutter (104) is coupled to the first end (107) of the cylinder. A shutter guard (105) is placed at the inner part of the inner washer (102) and is fixed to the cylinder (101). The device further includes plurality of rings (106). The partial shutter (104) is made up of platinum cured silicon and opens relatively to allow the exhaled air to pass from the second end (108) to the first end (107) and prevents entry of the food particles into the second end (108). The voice prosthesis device (100) is non-invasive, simple and cost-effective.

An apparatus, method and computer program for controlling an earphone device is disclosed. The apparatus may comprise means for detecting a condition corresponding to an earphone device becoming disengaged from a user's ear and for operating said earphone device in an adjustment mode based on detecting the condition, wherein, in the adjustment mode, an operation associated with a touch sensor on said earphone device is changed.

According to the present invention there is provided an artificial voice generation system designed to restore or augment speech for individuals experiencing voice loss or desiring an alternative vocal quality. The system comprises a controllable air pump, an airflow member delivering air to the user's oral cavity, and a sound generation member— such as a replaceable membrane cartridge—configured to vibrate and produce sound in response to airflow. A user interface allows manual or automatic modulation of airflow and voice parameters, enabling real-time adjustment of pitch, loudness, and voice quality, including male, female, or non-binary characteristics. The system may include sensors for pressure and airflow, anti-jamming features, and can be adapted for use with or without a neck stoma, making it suitable for a wide range of users, from laryngectomy patients to those with temporary or chronic voice loss. By providing a customisable, high-quality artificial voice source with improved naturalness and intelligibility, the invention addresses limitations of existing devices such as electrolarynxes and tracheoesophageal prostheses, offering a versatile and user-friendly solution for voice rehabilitation and enhancement.

The invention discloses a modulus gradient heterojunction-based triboelectric sensor for an artificial throat and a preparation method thereof. The sensor comprises a heterogeneous laminated friction pair formed by a high-modulus first friction layer made of PDMS / BST composite materials and a low-modulus second friction layer made of Ecoflex / ZnO composite materials, the response range of throat muscle vibration (100-1000 Hz) is effectively widened, and consistent high-sensitivity collection of broadband signals is achieved. In order to solve the problem that a heterogeneous material interface is easy to peel off, a gradient modulus transition layer with components changing in a stepped mode is designed between two friction layers, interlayer chemical bonding and integrated forming are achieved through an alternate spin coating and ultraviolet stepped curing process, and the mechanical durability and signal stability of the sensor under long-term dynamic vibration are remarkably improved. According to the invention, a high-fidelity and high-reliability voice signal acquisition solution is provided for the artificial throat.

A vocalization assistance device includes: a mounting body that is mounted in an oral cavity of a person and that has a facing portion facing a palate of the person; a diaphragm that is provided at the facing portion and that is capable of outputting a sound recorded by a device having a recording function, as an original sound; and a passage that is provided at the facing portion and that is configured to transmit the original sound output from the diaphragm to a rear side of the oral cavity.