Patent ID: 6561987
Filing Date: 2003-05-13
Classification: A61B,A63B

Abstract:
An indicating apparatus for indicating phases of a respiratory cycle of a user to aid in self-synchronization of speech and respiration, said apparatus comprising:a strap adapted to be secured around the chest or abdomen of the user, said strap having a variable condition that changes as the user inhales air during inspiration phases of the respiratory cycle and as the user exhales air during expiration phases of the respiratory cycle, said strap including a sensor sensing said variable condition during the respiratory cycle said sensor generating electrical output indicative of said variable condition during the inspiration phases and during the expiration phases; and a signaling device carried by said strap and operating in response to said electrical output, said signaling device, responsive to said electrical output indicating that the respiration cycle of the user is currently in the inspiration phase, producing a first tactilely sensible condition that can be felt by the user indicative of the inspiration phase, and said signaling device, responsive to said electrical output indicating that the respiration cycle of the user is currently in the expiration phase, producing a second tactilely sensible condition that can be felt by the user indicative of the expiration phase, said second tactilely sensible condition being tactilely distinguishable from said first tactilely sensible condition.