US2750598A - Speaking aid - Google Patents

Description

June 19, 1956 L. B. ROEMHELD SPEAKING AID 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 50, 1954 IN V EN TOR. 1 0734/92 5. POEM/IE4 0 A 77' A/E'Y June 19, 1956 B. ROEMHELD 2,750,598

SPEAKING AID Filed July 50, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Arr .e/VEY United States Patent C SPEAKING AID Lothar B. Roemheld, Wauwatosa, Wis.

Application July 30, 1954, Serial No. 446,759

Claims. (Cl. 3-1.1)

This invention relates to improvements in electrically energized means for providing a method of speech to persons who have lost their vocal cords or their entire pharynx, and particularly to a combination of parts which will minimize the handicaps imposed by such loss.

Persons who are handicapped by the loss of the vocal cords or the entire pharynx but who retain all other portions of the body involved in speech, are capable of speech if means are provided for replacing the usual vibrating action of the vocal cords upon movement of air in the throat. The cylindrical device heretofore available for that purpose requires the use of one hand to locate and to hold such device in the position on a persons neck at which vibrations are transmitted sufiiciently for coaction with the throat and head cavities, teeth, tongue, etc. for transforming the vibrating air column into word sounds, and to control energization of the device.

In prior devices it is diflicult to adjust either the diaphragm or the vibrator therefor to control the amplitude and frequency of vibrations to the several values suitable for difierent persons and different conditions. No means are provided to control the supply of electric current to the electro-magnet for vibrating the diaphragm whereby the same pitch and volume of sound can be produced regardless of the condition of the electric current source. Electric switch means are combined with the diaphragm and vibrator unit and have to be controlled by the hand holding such unit in position.

It is accordingly one object of the present invention to provide means for supplying vibration to the neck of a person without vocal cords or pharynx and thereby provide such person with a method of speech to minimize the handicaps otherwise imposed on such person.

Another object of the invention is to provide means for supplying vibration to the air in the throat and head cavities of a person without vocal cords or pharynx and in which both hands of such person are free for uses other than control of the vibration supplying means.

Another object of the invention is to provide an electrically activated device for vibrating the neck and head tissues of a person without vocal cords and which will be comfortable when in use, unobtrusive and readily concealable, while retaining full control of the operation of such device by the person.

Another object of the invention is to provide a vibration producing device for producing sound in cooperation with a users throat and head cavities and the teeth and tongue and in which the amplitude and frequency of vibration are easily adjusted by the user to a given form and quantity of electric current available.

Another object of the invention is to provide electrically energized means for supplying vibrations as a substitute for the vibrations usually produced by the vocal cords of a human being and to provide a plurality of adjusting elements whereby the user can readily control both the pitch and volume of the sound produced dependent on the conditions of the source of electric current, and in which parts may be replaced or repaired with a minimum effort and delay and by anyone capable of understanding the mechanical actions required of the several parts.

Another object of the invention is to provide an electrically activated device for producing vibration of and sound in cooperation with a users throat and head and in which the source of electric current is a multicell storage battery with the cells connectible selectively through a selector switch whereby the user may compensate for variations in the electric power supplied while the device is in use and without material interruption of use.

Another object of the invention is to provide an electrically activated device for producing vibration of and sound in cooperation with a users throat and head and in which the circuit is controlled by either of two microswitches so placed as to be operable upon slight movement of either of the users arms and without material interference with other uses of such arm.

Objects and advantages other than those above set forth will be apparent from the following description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 diagrammatically represents a person to show the manner in which the several sub-assemblies of the device are to be worn by the person.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the diaphragm-vibrator unit of the present device looking toward the side of the unit in contact with the persons neck.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the diaphragm-vibrator unit together with a band for retaining the unit in position, and in the relation in which the unit is worn by the person.

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal section on the plane of line 44 of Fig. 5, of the diaphragm-vibrator unit.

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal cross-section on the planes of broken line 5-5 of Fig. 7, of the diaphragm-vibrator unit.

Fig. 6 is a transverse cross-section on the plane of line 6-6 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is a transverse partial sectional and elevational view with a portion of the diaphragm-vibrator unit housing broken away.

Fig. 8 is a fragmental view similar to Fig. 5 to show sound and vibration absorbing means about some of the moving parts of the diaphragm-vibrator unit to silence and quiet the same.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of two control switch units and a band on which such units are mounted for wearing the same in the position shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of one of the control switch units.

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional View through one of the control switch units.

Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 11 but at a position from the position shown in Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view on the plane of lin 13--13 of Fig. 11.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of an encased storage battery as an electric current source with a cut-oil switch and with a selectively acting switch unit for connecting one or more of the storage battery cells in circuit by way of a socket receiving a plug on a connecting electric cord.

Fig. 15 is an elevation of the storage battery subassembly and with one wall of the unit casing cut away; and

the various sub-assemblies of the present device.

Generally, the present structure includes a diaphragmvibrator unit in which a floating diaphragm is vibrated upon electrical energization of an electro-magnet coil with a vibrating armature. The armature actuates a hammer for striking on a plate connected with the diaphragm, and also actuates a circuit-breaker for opening and clos ing the circuit of a D. C. (battery) supply of electric current which thereby causes vibration of the armature. Both the hammer and the circuit-breaker are adjustable relative to the electro-magnet armature to vary the amplitude and frequency of the diaphragm vibrations for a given amount of electric current available at a given voltage.

The source of electric current is a multicell storage battery with the cells so connected that one or more cells may be brought into electrical series connection by the user dependent on the electrical condition of the cells and the volume of sound desired, and without taking the device out of use. The electrical circuit including the diaphragm-vibrator unit and the battery sub-assembly is controlled by closure of either of the two control switches upon pressure by either arm on a switch unit. A known and reliable type of micro-switch is so mounted as to be worn by the user while protected from injury and while retaining the reliability of operation and the minuteness of closing movement inherent in such switches.

Specifically referring to the drawings by the parts numbers thereon, the diaphragm-vibrator unit is of gen erally arcuate shape to conform generally to the contour of the neck, and of a size which may be easily corrcealed by clothing and does not require special clothing. One end of the unit is rounded in two directions whereby the unit may be comfortably worn on the neck of a person. The unit is relatively thin at one end but increases in size from such end toward the diaphragm end to transmit most vibration to the diaphragm. The unit is retained in the desired position by an elastic band 21 detachably secured to and extending from the unit ends and around the users neck. An electric cord 22 extends from the diaphragm-vibrator unit to a connector 23 of the socket and plug type. Two identical control switches 27, 28 are mounted on a relatively broad elastic band 29 of a size to fit on the human chest without excessive pressure and the ends of such band are attachable to one another by a snap-type or other suitable fastener 30. The switches 27, 28 are urged toward open position and are closed by slight pressure to control the time at which the diaphragm-vibrator unit is put into action. An electric cord 31 connects the switches 27, 28 in electrical parallel and is adapted to be plugged into the connector 23.

Electric power is obtained from a multicell dry storage battery 35 in which the several cells are designated 35A to D inclusive and such battery is retained in a frame 36 of electrical insulating material on which is mounted an on-oil switch 37, a selector switch 38 and a socket 39 for receiving the plug end on a cord 4t). Upon connection of cord 46 with the connector 23 and the battery 35 and after closure of the switch 37 an electric circuit is completed whenever the selector is moved into one of the positions for connecting with one or more battery cells, and when one or the other of the control switches 27, 28 is closed.

The diaphragm-vibrator unit 20 comprises a casing of generally arcuate or crescent-like shape with the casing wall 46- rounded at one end. Such wall has an aperture therethrough which is defined in part by a flange 47 extending from one wall surface. The flange 47 is threaded externally and receives a generally circular diaphragm 48 with a striker plate 49 attached thereto in spaced relation by the spacers 59. The diaphragm is outwardly flanged to seat on a resilient ring 53 on one edge of the casing flange 47. A second resilient ring 54 rests on the diaphragm flange and is engaged by a flanged ring 55 threaded on the casingflange 47. The diaphragm is accordingly movably mounted relative to the casing and can vibrate at an amplitude and a frequency determined by various adjustments as will be described.

Another casing wall 53 has an aperture substantially closed by a plate 59 to receive grommets 6! through which the conductors of cord 22 severally pass in insulated relation. A third casing Wall 61 has a pair of studs severally adjacent to the ends thereof and an aperture into which is threaded a plug 62; attached to the casing by a cord 63. The casing is preferably formed or" relatively lard non-porous material which may be electrically non-conductive and a poor conductor of heat. Such material is preferably of a kind which can be readily cast or molded and which is susceptible to being colored. The casing is lined with sound and vibration absorbing material 64 and such liner is formed with holes matching the various apertures through the easing walls.

An electro-n'iagnetic sub-assembly is mounted in the casing and includes a base plate 66, on which is mounted an electric coil 67 and a core 63. One end of the core extends beyond the coil and at a right angle to the coil axis and serves for mounting thereon of a vibrating memher. A block 69 of electrical insulating material is attached to the base plate 66 and core 68 and thereby connects and secures the vibrating member to the core. The vibrating member includes a flexible strip 71 mounted on block 69 to act as a spring and a rigid strip 70 of magnetically permeable material. Strip 71 need not be magnetically permeable but should be resilient and highly resistant to flexure fatigue. The vibrating member 79, 71 is free at one end and has therein a threaded aperture in which is mounted a threaded pin 72 serving.

as a hammer for acting on the striker plate 49. The end of hammer 72 is slotted for receiving an adjusting tool upon removal of the housing plug 62 and is retained in adjusted position by a lock 73 of resilient wire engaging the hammer on the two sides and on the end of the vibrating armature.

The free end of the vibrating armature 70, 71 also bears a rigid finger 75 engageable with a resilient contact 76 attached at one end to the casing and adjustable toward a fixed contact 78 by a screw 77. The screw may be turned by a tool extending through the aperture in the housing in registry with the screw. Both contacts 76, 78 are preferably somewhat resilient but contact 76 is so formed as to be urged away from the contact 78 to bear on the screw 77. The two contacts 76, 78 form a circuit-breaker by which direct current from the battery is interrupted at a variable rate and thereby causes periodic energization of the coil 37 and vibration of the armature 7071 to strike the hammer 72 on the plate 49 and thereby causes vibration of the diaphragm 48.

In addition to the sound and vibration absorbing housing liner 63, a block 79 with high sound absorbing qualities is placed in the casing cavity containing the hammer 72 and the circuit-breaker 75-78 with a cavity so cut out of the block as to allow free movement of the hammer and the circuit-breaker but otherwise substantially filling the diaphragm end of the housing. Thus the sound of the moving parts is reduced suificiently to avoid interference with either the hearing or speech of a user of the present device.

Referring now to Figs. 15 and 16, it will be seen that the selector switch 38 has a rotatable contact arm by which one or more of the cells A, B, C, D of the battery 35 may be brought into circuit when the shut-off switch 37 is closed. However, the vibrator is not activated unless either control switch 27 or 28 is closed. Such switches are identical and one of them is now described in detail. The control switches severally comprise a switch part which includes a rectangular box-like member on which are mounted pairs of flange members 86, 87 of which two similarly located flanges are slotted to receive the band 29 as shown and the other similar flanges each has a pair of holes therethrough. The members 85, 86 and 87 has mounted therein a so-called microswitch on a plate 88 and which is the well known mercury-containing tube provided with connections for the conductors of cord 31. Such switches are operable upon very slight pressure on a button 89 and are so located on the band 29 as to close a circuit when either arm is pressed on a switch sub-assembly.

A switch cover 91 is made box-like to receive the control switch 85, 89 and the several flanges 86, 87 with a space between the flange edges and the switch cover for permitting slight relative angular positioning of the switch 85-89 and of the cover 91 relative to one another. Guides 92 are fixed adjacent to each corner of the cover 91 for severally receiving a spring 93 and to extend through a hole in switch flanges 86, 87, the switch unit and its flanges being retained on the guides by nuts 94 threaded thereon. The switch button 89 bears on a boss inside the cover 91 when the cover is pressed for closing of the micro-switch, against the action of the springs 93. As soon as the pressure of the arm is released, the springs again lift the cover away from the switch assembly and the circuit reopens. Hence, a circuit from the battery to the diaphragm-vibrator unit is closed upon slight pressure with either arm and is automatically re-opened upon release of arm pressure thus reducing limitations on the use of arms and hands to an insignificant degree.

As compared to the only electro-mechanical device now on the market or in use for the present purpose, the device disclosed herein has the particular advantage of applying the vibration more effectively so that less power is required. It is therefore frequently possible to operate with only a few cells thereby lengthening battery life and keeping one or more cells in reserve for time when the greater volume of sound is required. More efiective application of the vibration also permits the use of a lower frequency than heretofore which makes extended use of the device much less tiring than heretofore. Easy adjustment of the diaphragm and its hammer and of the circuit-breaker contacts produces better tone and also aids in giving better control of volume. The provision of a sound and vibration absorbing liner throughout the entire vibrator housing and the enclosure of the hammer and circuit-breaker contacts within a mass of high sound and vibration absorbing material reduces the effort required to shut out extraneous sounds when the present device is in use and permits the user to concentrate on control of the vibrating air mass to secure better articulation and better understanding of the word sounds produced.

Although but one embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention or from the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a device for aiding in producing speech without use of vocal cords, an electrically-activated vibrator for partially surrounding the neck of a person, a band attachable to retain the vibrator in a given position on the persons neck, the vibrator producing vibration of the air in the persons throat cavities, a source of electric current for connection with and actuation of the vibrator, and a plurality of electric switches adapted to be located on the person for closure while leaving the persons hands free, the switches being electrically connected in parallel for severally connecting the source of electric current with the vibrator.

2. In a device for aiding in producing speech without use of vocal cords, an electrically-activated vibrator to be retained on the neck of a person for vibrating the air in the persons throat and head cavities, a source of electric current for connection with and actuation of the vibrator, a plurality of electrical switches electrically connected in parallel for severally completing a circuit with the vibrator and the source of electric current, and a band to be worn by the person and supporting the switches for closure thereof by pressure while leaving the persons hands free.

3. In a device for aiding in producing speech without use of vocal cords, an electrically-activated vibrator comprising a housing shaped for partially surrounding the neck of a person, an electro-magnet in the housing for vibrating its armature and a diaphragm vibrated by the electro-magnet armature for transmitting vibrations to the air in the persons throat cavities, and a source of electric current for connection with and actuation of the vibrator, and a plurality of electric switches adapted to be located on the person for closure while leaving the persons hands free, the switches being electrically connected in parallel for severally connecting the source of electric current with the vibrator.

4. In a device for aiding in producing speech without use of vocal cords, an electrically-activated vibrator comprising a housing generally of arcuate shape and having a rounded end portion for partially surrounding the neck of a person, an electro-magnet in the housing for vibrating its armature and a diaphragm vibrated by the electromagnet armature, the diaphragm extending from the housing whereby only the rounded housing end and the diaphragm bear on the persons neck, a source of electric current for connection with and actuation of the vibrator, and a plurality of electric switches adapted to be located on the person for closure while leaving the persons hands free, the switches being electrically connected in parallel for severally connecting the source of electric current with the vibrator.

5. In a device for aiding in producing speech Without use of vocal cords, an electrically-activated vibrator comprising a housing for partially surrounding the neck of a person, an electro-magnet in the housing for vibrating its armature, a diaphragm vibrated by the electro-magnet armature and a sound and vibration absorbing liner for the housing, the liner substantially covering the interior surfaces of the housing, a source of electric current for connection with and actuation of the vibrator, and a plurality of electric switches adapted to be located on the person for non-manual closure, the switches being electrically connected in parallel for severally connecting the source of electric current with the vibrator.

6. In a device for aiding in producing speech without use of vocal cords, an electrically-activated vibrator comprising a housing enclosing an electro-magnet having an armature vibrated thereby and having a hammer thereon for impact on the diaphragm and having the movable contact of a circuit-breaker thereon and a sound and vibration absorbing block retained in the housing adjacent to the diaphragm and filling the housing excepting for cavities therein receiving the hammer and the circuitbreaker, a source of electric current for connection with and actuation of the vibrator, and a plurality of electric switches adapted to be located on the person for non manual pressure closure, the switches being electrically connected in parallel for severally connecting the source of electric current with the vibrator.

7. In a device for aiding in producing speech without use of vocal cords, an electrically-activated vibrator to be retained on the neck of a person for vibrating the air in the persons throat cavities, a source of electric current comprising a carrying frame, a multi-cell storage battery supported in the frame and a selector switch mounted on the frame for connecting any number of the battery cells in series, and a plurality of electric switches adapted to be located on the person for closure while leaving the persons hands free, the switches being electrically connected in parallel for severally connecting the source of electric current with the vibrator.

8. In a device for aiding in producing speech without use of vocal cords, an electrically-activated vibrator to be retained on the neck of a person for vibrating the air in the persons throat and head cavities, a source of electric current comprising a carrying frame, a multicell storage battery supported in the frame, a selector on the frame for connecting any number of the battery cells in series and a switch mounted on the frame for connecting the battery in circuit with the vibrator and the selector switch, and a plurality of electric switches adapted to be located on the person for closure while leaving the persons hands free, the switches being electrically connected in parallel for severally connecting the source of electric current with the vibrator.

9. In a device for aiding in producing speech without use of vocal cords, an electrically-activated vibrator to be retained on the neck of a person for vibrating the air in the persons throat and head cavities, a source of electric current for connection with and actuation of the vibrator, a plurality of control switches severally comprising a switch member and a cover shell resiliently supported on the switch member, and a band to be worn by the person for supporting the control switches for selective closure of the switches by pressure on the shell 8 while leaving the hands free and for connection of the source of current and the vibrator.

10. In a device for aiding in producing speech without use of vocal cords, an electrically-activated vibrator to be retained on the neck of a person for vibrating the air in the persons throat and head cavities, a source of electric current for connection with and actuation of the vibrator, plural switches severally comprising a switch member and a cover shell resiliently supported on the switch member, guides fixed internally in the shell and having the switch member movable thereon, springs coacting with the guides and acting between the switch member, and a cover shell for moving the shell relative to the switch member and thereby causing the switch member to open the circuit, and a band to be worn by the person for supporting the control switches for selective non-manual closure of the switches by pressure.

Schermerhorn Mar. 10, 1908 Wright Feb. 17, 1946

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