Methods and Devices for Enhancing Fluency in Person Who Stutter Employing Visual Speech Gestures
Case Number: TT0006
Inventor(s): Joseph Kalinowski, Ph.D. Michael Rastatter, Ph.D. Andrew Stuart, Ph.D.
Department(s): Communication Sciences and Disorders
Description:
Fluency enhancement in persons who stutter via a second "auditory" speech signal has been known for over 50 years; however, our research group is the first to show that visual representation of the speech gestures produces fluency in those who stutter. The fluency induced is immediate, natural and stable. Thus, when speaking, persons who stutter can use the visual system to facilitate fluency enhancement when an auditory signal is neither feasible nor plausible.
Availability: Available for either exclusive or nonexclusive licensing
Case Manager: Mark Foley
Use of Exogenously Generated Speech Signals to Enhance Fluency in Persons Who Stutter
Case Number: TT0007
Inventor(s): Joseph Kalinowski, Ph.D. Michael Rastatter, Ph.D. Andrew Stuart, Ph.D.
Department(s): Communication Sciences and Disorders
Description:
Fluency enhancement in persons who stutter via a second "auditory" speech signal, which is not generated by the speaker himself, has been shown to enhance fluency. Experiments have shown that a simple sustained vowel on either a sustained or intermittent basis provides fluency enhancement. In fact, stuttering itself, if generated exogenously will induce fluency. Thus a hearing aid device, which will intermittently or continuously produce a voiced continuant sound, will be helpful for those who stutter.
Availability: Available for either exclusive or nonexclusive licensing
Case Manager: Mark Foley
Method and Apparatus for Treating Renal Disease with Hemodialysis Utilizing Pulsatile Pump
Case Number: TT0004
Inventor(s): Craig McCotter Paul Bolin
Department(s): Department of Internal Medicine
Description:
Dr. Craig McCotter and Dr. Paul Bolin have developed a device that introduces improved pulse flow into the dialysis process. Specifically, traditional hemodialysis devices produce a pulsatile flow of approximately 5mmHg by using roller head pumps. The device developed by Dr. McCotter, produces a pulsatile flow of more than 30mmHg at a rate of 50 to 60 cycles per minute (cpm). In addition, the device uses a combination of roller head and piston style pumps to introduce an effective pulsatile flow, defined at a rate of greater than 30mmHg.
Availability: Available for either exclusive or nonexclusive licensing
Case Manager: Mark Foley
Pulse Wave Generator
Case Number: TT9909
Inventor(s): Craig McCotter, M.D.
Department(s): Residency
Description:
Dr. Craig McCotter has developed a cardiopulmonary bypass and extracorporeal oxygenation system that incorporates a pulse wave generator. The in-line pulse generator is both simple and cost effective for continuous flow cardiopulmonary bypass (CBP) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation systems. The pulsatile pump or wave generator is not the circuit's only pump; it is simply added to the circuit of an existing CPB circuit. The speed of compression makes the system successful in mimicking the natural waveform produced by the heart. It allows the pulse wave to vary from a sine wave form to a sharp spike form and any combination in between. By adjusting the variables, one can produce a waveform and pulse pressure that mimics the patients, whether it is an infant or adult.
Availability: Available for either exclusive or nonexclusive licensing
Case Manager: Mark Foley
Catabolite Repression Control (Crc) Gene and Pseudomonas Virulence
Case Number: TT0109
Inventor(s):
Paul Phibbs Paul Hager David Collier
Department(s): Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Description:
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacterium responsible for many deadly infections in humans. It is recognized as one of the most naturally (intrinsically) antibiotic resistant bacteria known, with the capacity to develop resistance to most known antibiotics. Dr. Paul Phibbs and his associates have developed an assay that effectively identifies compounds able to block Crc gene expression or Crc protein function. These compounds can be developed as chemotherapeutic agents for treatment or prevention of P. aeruginosa infections. The invention is valuable for screening compounds that block Crc gene or protein function and it could lead to new and more effective treatment of infections. Animal data is available.
Availability: Available for either exclusive or nonexclusive licensing
Case Manager: Mark Foley
Pediatric Heart Sounds CD-ROM
Case Number: TT9808
Inventor(s):
Dr. Michael McConnell Alan Branigan
Department(s): Formerly of the Department of Pediatrics and the Center for Health Sciences Communications
Description:
Cardiac auscultation is a difficult diagnostic skill to learn with accuracy. East Carolina University has developed an educational tool to train and prepare healthcare providers in identifying and distinguishing abnormal heart sounds in a pediatric population. Pediatric Heart Sounds is an interactive computer application on CD-ROM that allows users to listen to digitally recorded normal and abnormal heart sounds from pediatric patients and learn about the congenital heart conditions that cause them.
Availability: Available for either exclusive or nonexclusive licensing
Case Manager: Mark Foley
Laser Tweezers Raman Spectroscopy (LTRS) System
Case Number: TT0211
Inventor(s):
Yong-qing Li, Ph.D.
Mumtaz Dinno, Ph.D.
Changan Xie, Ph.D.
Department(s): Department of Physics
Description:
This innovative combination of Laser Tweezers and Raman Spectroscopy (LTRS) now makes it possible to use one low-powered diode laser for both trapping and Raman excitation in the study of cellular processes and the diagnosis of cellular disorder. The near infra-red wavelength and power-switching operational design allow real-time Raman measurement without damaging the living cell. Possible applications for this system include; detection and identification of biological organisms (especially in the bio-terrorism arena), clinical diagnosis, monitoring of water and air quality, and to aid in research in molecular and cellular biology. The researchers seek to miniaturize the system to further enhance mobility.
Availability: Available for either exclusive or nonexclusive licensing
Case Manager: Mark Foley
Modified Spanish Program: Color Coded/Illustrated Spanish Flash Cards
Case Number: TT0306
Inventor(s): Carol Christian, M.Ed.
Ann Borisoff-Rodgers M.A.
Department(s):
Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures
Description:
Lecturers from East Carolina University's Modified Spanish Program have developed a teaching aid designed to assist students in learning the Spanish language. Their project involved the use of color-coded letters that assist in the proper pronunciation of the words and also the use of colorful pictures to reinforce the vocabulary terms. Originally designed for learning disabled students, the flashcards were also recognized as having value to students of all levels. A software version of the Project is currently under development.
Availability: Available for either exclusive or nonexclusive licensing
Case Manager: Mark Foley
