Patent ID: 8774943
Filing Date: 2014-07-08
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61N

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for training a reflex in a subject having a mouth and a tongue, the apparatus comprising: a sensor configured to generate a signal indicating at least one of (a) a position of the tongue relative to the sensor, and (b) force exerted by the tongue against the sensor; one or more electrodes configured to deliver electrical stimuli to the subject; and a controller connected to the sensor and the one or more electrodes, the controller being configured to: (a) determine when the tongue is in an undesired position based on the signal generated by the sensor, (b) provide the electrical stimuli to the one or more electrodes for delivery to the subject when the controller determines the tongue is in an undesired position, the electrical stimuli having an initial amplitude, (c) determine, based on the signal generated by the sensor, whether the tongue has moved to a desired position in the mouth in response to the electrical stimuli, and (d) when the tongue has not moved to the desired position in the mouth in response to the electrical stimuli, increase the amplitude of the electrical stimuli until the tongue moves to the desired position, wherein the increasing of the amplitude is configured to train the subject to move the tongue reflexively to the desired position in response to the delivery of the electrical stimuli having the initial amplitude.