Abstract Disclosed is a device which generates sound in selected waveforms and at selected frequencies via a transducer located in the mouth for conversion into intelligible speech by a person who has lost the use of the larynx or vocal cords. The device impulses the diaphragm of the transducer with pulses of generally rectangular waveform to provide the generated sound with a waveform comprising a series of damped sinusoids with harmonics. Such waveforms enable use of the device with practically any individual regardless of the resonant and other acoustical characteristics of the individual''s mouth, and permits the transducer and an included tube for directing the sound to be freely placed in and disposed at a variety of different locations throughout the mouth. The frequency of the generated sound may be varied by varying the pulse repetition rate, while the amplitude of the sound can be varied by changing the pulse width.
Inventors
👤 Jr Gilbert I Cardwell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number—
JurisdictionUS
Data Sourcegoogle_patents
Last Synchronized2026-10-23 17:37
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
92 words
An artificial speech device comprising: oscillator means for generating a succession of generally equally spaced timing signals; monostable means responsive to the timing signals for assuming an unstable state for a selected period of time in response to each of the timing signals and for thereafter assuming a stable state; an electro-acoustic transducer; means coupled to energize the transducer whenever the monostable means is in the unstable state; and a flyback damping circuit coupled between the monostable means and the transducer and comprising the serial combination of diode means and resistor means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
92 words
An artificial speech device comprising: oscillator means for generating a succession of generally equally spaced timing signals; monostable means responsive to the timing signals for assuming an unstable state for a selected period of time in response to each of the timing signals and for thereafter assuming a stable state; an electro-acoustic transducer; means coupled to energize the transducer whenever the monostable means is in the unstable state; and a flyback damping circuit coupled between the monostable means and the transducer and comprising the serial combination of diode means and resistor means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
110 words
An artificial speech device comprising: an electro-acoustic transducer adapted to introduce acoustic waves into the mouth of a user, the transducer having a pair of input terminals; pulse generating means for repetitively generating pulses of generally rectangular waveform At a pair of output terminals thereof, means coupling one of the output terminals of the pulse generating means to one of the input terminals of the transducer; and a flyback damping circuit coupled between the other one of the output terminals of the pulse generating means and the other one of the input terminals of the transducer, the flyback damping circuit comprising the serial combination of a diode and a resistor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
110 words
An artificial speech device comprising: an electro-acoustic transducer adapted to introduce acoustic waves into the mouth of a user, the transducer having a pair of input terminals; pulse generating means for repetitively generating pulses of generally rectangular waveform At a pair of output terminals thereof, means coupling one of the output terminals of the pulse generating means to one of the input terminals of the transducer; and a flyback damping circuit coupled between the other one of the output terminals of the pulse generating means and the other one of the input terminals of the transducer, the flyback damping circuit comprising the serial combination of a diode and a resistor.