Abstract:
A speaking endotracheal tube (10) includes, in addition to a primary ventilating channel (11), a secondary speaking channel (12). The speaking channel (12) contains an array of exit ports (16) for the introduction of a tone into the posterior oral pharynx of the intubated patient. This tone is then conducted into the oral cavity where it is articulated into speech by the patient. This substitute vocal sound is produced by a tone generating device (19) connected to and in air communication with the speaking channel (12) of the present invention.
Abstract:
A novel device for the production of a tone suitable for use in artificial speech aids. Artificial speech aids provide for a method of speech for individuals who have either temporarily or permanently lost the use of their vocal cords, through the production and delivery of a substitute vocal tone to the user's oral cavity, thereby allowing such individuals to speak through articulation of the tone into words. The present invention concerns a novel device for the production of the substitute vocal tone. In the present device, the tone is produced by actuating a solenoid reed valve (12, 13) to a sufficient frequency that sound is produced, which sound is then amplified by the passage of pressurized air through the valve (10) as it is actuated. The invention herein includes an electrical pulse generator (30) for producing the pulsed electrical signal needed to operate the solenoid reed valve.
Abstract:
Un appareil (10) permet de mesurer une rigidité ou dureté prédéterminée du pénis dans le cas d'une tumescence du pénis. L'appareil (10) comprend une structure en forme de bande (12) s'engageant de manière libérable autour d'un pénis (11). Des organes d'attache (15) libérables fixés et associés de manière appropriée à la structure en forme de bande (12) sont prévus pour détecter une force prédéterminée dans le cas d'une tumescence du pénis de manière à mesurer la rigidité ou dureté du pénis.
Abstract:
An external male anti-incontinence device (20) including a cradle member (22) and elastic strap assembly (24). The cradle member (22) includes a dorsal arm member (26) and a ventral arm member (28) in axial alignment with an opening (29) defined intermediate thereof. The ventral arm member (28) includes an integral urethral occlusion pad (30). The cradle member (20) includes integral hinges (32) interconnecting the dorsal and ventral arm members (26, 28). The cradle member (22) being hinged about an axis perpendicular to the axial alignment of dorsal and ventral arm members (26, 28) such that when positioned onto a penile shaft (60) the cradle member (22) is hinged about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the penile shaft (60).
Abstract:
A bistable penile prosthesis (20) designed to be surgically implanted in the penis for the treatment of erectile impotence. The prosthesis includes an articulated column (26) enclosed within an outer elongated sheath (28). The articulated column (26) has segments (250) including interlocking means for reducing radial slippage between the facing ends of adjacent ones of the segments (250) whereby the likelihood of the segments (250) becoming disjointed is reduced.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a vessel occlusive apparatus for reversibly occluding a fluid conveying vessel in a human and/or animal. In one embodiment the vessel occlusive apparatus comprises an elongated member at least partially encircling the vessel, and means connected to the elongated member for applying tension to the elongated whereby pressure is applied to the vessel to prevent fluid from passing therethrough.
Abstract:
An apparatus (20) for assisting in erection of a penis comprising: an elongated vacuum cylinder (21) sized for accommodating the penis in an erect state, the cylinder (21) being open at a first end to receive the penis in an interior of the cylinder (21); and a vacuum pump (23) mounted at the second end of the cylinder and in fluid communication with the interior of the cylinder, the pump including a handle portion (60) reciprocally movable along an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cylinder (21), the pump (23) evacuating the cylinder (21) upon reciprocal movement of the handle (60) so as to create a partial vacuum.
Abstract:
A penile prosthesis (20) including an articulated column (28) of segments (90) disposed intermediate of first and second end portions (24, 26) of an elongated body (22) of the prosthesis (20). Friction causing means (31) cooperates with the segments (90) for causing frictional contact between the segments (90) at joints (96). The frictional contact results in a frictional force sufficient to provide the prosthesis (20) with positional stability throughout its range of motion, whereby the prosthesis will remain in any position where placed throughout its range of motion.
Abstract:
A penile prosthesis (20) designed to be surgically implanted in the penis for the treatment of erectile impotence. The prosthesis comprises an articulated column (26) having alternating joints (56) enclosed with a switch (30) within an outer elongated sheath (28). The switch (30) is aligned for reversibly extending the articulated column (26) against the ends of the seath and tensioning a tension member (32) whereby frictional resistance at the joints (56) increases causing an erect state.
Abstract:
An apparatus (70) for testing and/or strengthening pelvic floor muscles includes an external casing (72) having two separate (74, 76) pieces threaded or snap fit together, and a set of inserts (86) having different weights (15) being individually positioned in the external casing (75).