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Volunteers for Medical Engineering

Jack W Light

John H Staehlin

Warren O'Reilly

Dan Buck

Erick Figueroa

Mike Robinson

John Knight

Forest Platt

Phil Atkinson

A method for determining muscle strength of elements of the musculature used in speech and swallowing. In particular, a tool is equipped with at least one pressure sensor. A person inserts the tool into the person's mouth and utters sounds of speech or swallows. While uttering sounds of speech or swallowing, portions of the oral musculature contact and exert force on the sensor. A representation of this force is displayed at a visual display device as an indication of muscle strength and position.

Method and apparatus for oral motor therapy using a visual display

This electrical cord, plug and receptacle retainer is made from one piece that holds together plugs and receptacles by retaining their cords. Likewise, the line retainer, with the same end element as the cord retainer, can hold a boat fender to a desired position when line is secured in line retainer.

Electrical cord, plug and receptacle retainer and line retainer

A complemental series of handheld, tactile devices in kit form to assist in behavioral modification training techniques as well as utilizing the techiques of 'resisted movement' and 'successive approximation'. Each positioner device is handheld, with one portion protruding from the lips and the other portion loosely fitting on the patient's hard plate. Different shapes are introduced to the tongue and lips on each respective device. A commonalty within the interdependent positioner devices is presented by an elongated palatal base defining a convex upper surface to engage the palate, a manipulable handle projecting from the base and the respective devices are further characterized in configuration. Variations in configuration such as elongation, thickenings and apertures of the positioners involve primary modification to the palatal base and adjacent interconnection of the handle, whereby upon activation the patient may exercise his tongue and lips to achieve consonantal speech sounds, perfect swallowing techniques, and aid in mastication.

Devices used to improve speech, swallowing and mastication

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Matlacha, FL, United States of America

Jack W Light