Abstract:
A brilliant gemstone cut, having a crown, a girdle and a pavilion. The crown has a flat table shaped as an equilateral n-sided polygon. The girdle is also multi sided polygon. The corner, lower girdle, bezel and star facets are at significantly angles of inclination, with respect to the table to provide significantly improved brilliance. The upper corner facets are spaced from the girdle. The space between the corner facet vertices and the girdle is left open to be covered by a prong of a jewelry setting.
Abstract:
A system for quadriplegics and for others having less than full use of their limbs for controlling the environment is disclosed. The system includes an intra-oral lingually operated switch located on a dental appliance. The switch activates an intra-oral power supply and intra-oral FM transmitter which directs control signals from the inside of the oral cavity to an external FM receiver. A controller responsive to the receiver generates output signals for operating call devices, and for controlling various appliances such as televisions, lights, bed position, etc. In one embodiment, a delay circuit is interposed between the intra-oral switch and the power supply such that inadvertent closure of the switch with the tongue does not cause undue power drain. An improved FM transmitter circuit is also disclosed which has low power drain, has low mass and temperature sensitivity and is not directional.
Abstract:
A stimulator for inducing salivation by neural stimulation comprises a housing which may be received in the oral cavity of a user, the housing enclosing electronic signal generating means and electrodes for applying a signal to neurally sensitive areas of the oral cavity to induce salivation. In its method aspect, the invention involves stimulation of salivation by the application of an electrical signal to neurally sensitive areas.
Abstract:
A system for quadriplegics and for others having less than full use of their limbs for controlling the environment is disclosed. The system includes an intra-oral lingually operated switch located on a dental appliance. The switch activates an intra-oral power supply and intra-oral FM transmitter which directs control signals from the inside of the oral cavity to an external FM receiver. A controller responsive to the receiver generates output signals for operating call devices, and for controlling various appliances such as televisions, lights, bed position, etc. In one embodiment, a delay circuit is interposed between the intra-oral switch and the power supply such that inadvertent closure of the switch with the tongue does not cause undue power drain. An improved FM transmitter circuit is also disclosed which has low power drain, has low mass and temperature sensitivity and is not directional.
Abstract:
A stimulator for penile erection comprises a body member which may be inserted into the rectum of a user, the body member being so shaped as to closely conform to the topological configuration of the rectum from the anal area to a site adjacent to the prostate gland. Within the body member is electrical circuitry for generating a neurally stimulating electrical signal. Electrodes, placed at particular locations on the surface of the body member, apply the signal to the user. At least one of the electrodes closely contacts the prostate gland when the body member is operatively disposed, at a region or spot on the prostate gland previously determined to be sensitive to electrical stimulation. Also disclosed is a method for making the aforesaid body member by taking an impression of the rectum of the user, and a method for inducing penile erection which includes the steps of locating sensitive regions or spots on the prostate gland, and applying electrical stimulation directly to those spots so as to induce erection.
Abstract:
An intra-oral artificial larynx is provided including a signal generator and a speaker mounted on a prosthesis for mounting the larynx within the intra-oral cavity. A horn is provided having an input opening coupled to the speaker for acoustically amplifying the output of the speaker, the horn also having an output opening. A saliva barrier is removably mounted to the output opening of the horn for precluding penetration of saliva into the horn, the barrier having a first end which is telescopically received within the output opening of the horn and the second end having a mouth formed on a bias to the longitudinal axis of the mounting and a microporous membrane sealing the mouth. The mouth of the mounting has an elliptical shape which has been found tends to increase speaker volume. Moreover, the telescopic mating of the mounting and the horn provides a saliva barrier which is easily replaceable by the user.
Abstract:
A glove of thin, flexible elastomeric material carries electrodes, electrically connected to a connector disposed at the cuff of the glove, the connector permitting the electrodes to be electrically connected to a source of electrical energy or to a load, so that electrical energy may be applied to or drawn from living tissue.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a completely self-contained intraoral larynx comprising a power source, tongue activated controls, power saving signal generation circuitry, acoustic and audio amplifiers, and an intra-oral speaker. These components are contained within an otherwise conventional denture or dental prosthesis. The device produces a high amplitude sound while minimizing current drain from the power source. Laryngectomized patients require only short term training by a speech pathologist to use this device. Intelligible speech is usual within an hour of such training, and facility rapidly improves. The psychological barriers, post-operative physical limitations, aesthetic concerns and limited gestural communication traditionally associated with the use of extra-oral larynges is eliminated by the present invention.