US 12,217,735 B2
Audio output module for use in artificial voice systems
Paul W. Forbes, Lexington, OH (US); and Clayton Prescan Smeltz, Mansfield, OH (US)
Assigned to FORBES REHAB SERVICES, INC., Mansfield, OH (US)
Filed by FORBES REHAB SERVICES, INC., Mansfield, OH (US)
Filed on Aug. 24, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/409,804.
Application 17/409,804 is a continuation of application No. 16/090,816, granted, now 11,100,915, previously published as PCT/US2011/001959, filed on Dec. 5, 2011.
Claims priority of provisional application 61/419,325, filed on Dec. 3, 2010.
Prior Publication US 2021/0383791 A1, Dec. 9, 2021
Int. Cl. G10L 13/047 (2013.01); G10L 13/00 (2006.01); G10L 21/057 (2013.01); H04R 1/02 (2006.01); H04R 1/04 (2006.01)
CPC G10L 13/047 (2013.01) [G10L 13/00 (2013.01); H04R 1/025 (2013.01); H04R 1/04 (2013.01); G10L 2021/0575 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A sound output device for use with a speech generating system comprising:
a housing having a sound generation port;
a sound output speaker in communication with the sound generation port;
a wireless module permitting the sound output device to wirelessly communicate with the speech generating system;
a lanyard connection point allowing the sound output device to be worn about a body of a user by a lanyard attachable to the lanyard connection point, wherein an artificial voice generated by the sound output device is perceived to emanate from a mouth of the body of the user when the lanyard is attached to the lanyard connection point and placed around a neck of the body of the user;
wherein the artificial voice is generated by the sound output device receiving communication from the speech generating device and delivering sound generating signals to the sound output speaker.