Experimental Electronic Larynx Uses Pulse Generator To Simulate Voice

摘要

An electronic larynx is being developed for persons who have lost their voices through larynx removal or vocal-cord paralysis. The miniaturized unit pulses vibrations into the throat, where they are transformed by ordinary movements into recognizable speech. Designed by Bell Laboratories, the device contains a modified telephone receiver acting as a driver, a pulse generator, and a mercury-cell power supply. It works this way: The operator presses the vibrator-end of the unit against his throat and switches on the transistorized pulse generator.