The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 04, 2014
Filed:
May. 24, 2012
Thomas J. Cunningham, Atlanta, GA (US);
Gilson J. Capilouto, Lexington, KY (US);
Timothy A. Butterfield, Lexington, KY (US);
Thomas J. Cunningham, Atlanta, GA (US);
Gilson J. Capilouto, Lexington, KY (US);
Timothy A. Butterfield, Lexington, KY (US);
CCB Research Group LLC, Lexington, KY (US);
Abstract
An apparatus for evaluating the tongue strength of a subject during a sucking event includes an insert positioned within a nipple element to provide an output in response to deformation of the nipple element during a sucking event. The output is at least one of resistive force exerted against the subject's tongue and movement measurement of deformation force exerted on the nipple element during the sucking event. The apparatus is configurable to evaluate nutritive sucking (NS) or non-nutritive sucking (NNS) capabilities of the subject. The insert may be a sensing device, a compliance element, an intermediate device or a combination of these. A coupling device is configured to position the insert relative to the nipple element and/or to receive output from the insert. A method includes evaluating tongue strength of a subject during NS or NNS and using inserts providing increasing levels of resistive force to exercise the subject's tongue.
Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile