Fred C Evangelisti

US Patent:

20030036041, Feb 20, 2003

Filed:

Aug 16, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/932108

Inventors:

Fred Evangelisti - Sacramento CA, US

International Classification:

G09B019/04

US Classification:

434/185000

Abstract:

A portable speech therapy device that enables postoperative cancer patients to practice voice exercises without direct supervision by activating a series of colored indicator lights in predetermined patterns associated with push-button actuation switches. The patient is initially taught to make a certain sound when an associated indicator light is turned on, and then allowed to practice with the device at home. The sequences associated with each actuation switch are made progressively more challenging as the patient masters the sequences associated with each switch (e.g., progressively shorter time periods allowed response, progressively greater number of prompts, or different patterns in which the colored indicators are turned on). The device is field programmable to allow the doctor to tailor sequences to correspond with a patient's recovery progress.