Patent ID: 8663131

Claim:
An apparatus for evaluating the movement of the tongue of a subject, the apparatus comprising: a coupling device including a sensing device and configured to be operatively attached to a nipple element; the nipple element including an inner surface defining a nipple cavity; a cantilever element configured to be operatively attached to the coupling device only at one of: one side of the cantilever element; and two opposing sides of the cantilever element; such that the cantilever element is in operative communication with the sensing device; wherein the cantilever element when attached to the coupling device is positioned within the nipple cavity adjacent the inner surface of the nipple element and detached from the nipple element; wherein the cantilever element is configured to generate an output in response to deflection of the cantilever element in direct contact with the inner surface and in response to deformation of the nipple element by a deformation force exerted on the nipple element by movement of the tongue of the subject; wherein the output corresponds to the deformation force exerted on the nipple element by movement of the tongue of the subject; and wherein the output is received as input by the sensing device.