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US 4,308,861 AGranted
Pharyngeal-esophaegeal segment pressure prosthesis
AssigneeBoard of Regents, The University of Texas
InventorDan H. Kelly
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A pharyngeal-esophageal segment pressure prosthesis includes a rigid support band having a U-shaped configuration having a pad assembly pivotably and rotatably mounted to its central portion for providing direct pressure to the pharyngeal-esophageal segment area. Connected to the ends of the band is a flexible strap mechanism for securing the device around the neck of the person.
Claims7
A pharyngeal-esophageal segment pressure prosthesis for providing pressure to a weakened pharyngeal-esophageal segment area of the neck of a laryngectomized person comprising, in combination:
- a rigid support band having substantially a U-shaped configuration;
- a pad assembly having a substantially curvilinear exterior surface for providing diffuse pressure application to the weakened pharyngeal-esophageal segment area of the laryngectomized person, whereby the pressure provided establishes a degree of integrity for the segment area sufficient to permit resonance vibration of the segment area to effect esophageal speech, the pad assembly pivotably and rotatably mounted to the support band;
- and
- a flexible strap mechanism for securing the prosthesis around the neck, the ends of the strap coupled to the free ends of the support band.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.