Patent ID: 8449445
Filing Date: 2013-05-28
Classification: A61H,A61N

Abstract:
1. An automatic stimulation controller device that cycles on and off to initiate and maintain vibro-tactile stimulation to induce swallowing during the day and/or night to provide saliva control by swallowing, the automatic stimulation controller device comprising: a vibro-tactile stimulator configured to initiate vibro-tactile stimulation of a throat area of a subject; an automatic timing circuit in communication with the vibro-tactile stimulator, the automatic timing circuit configured to initiate vibro-tactile stimulation of the throat area of the subject by the vibro-tactile stimulator at an adjustable time interval, the automatic timing circuit comprising: a control mechanism configured to also cause the vibro-tactile stimulator to initiate the vibro-tactile stimulation upon volitional input from the subject, the control mechanism comprising a switch configured to enable the device to switch between an automatic mode utilizing the automatic timing circuit and a volitional mode utilizing the control mechanism.