Importance

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Abstract

A device for transmitting sound waves between a signal source and a user's ears, wherein the sound waves bypass the air. The invention generally comprises a signal source configured to produce signals representative of sound, and a sound-transmitting element operatively associated with the signal source to which the signal source can transmit such signals for transmission through the sound-transmitting element to a user's mouth, from which the signals are conducted by teeth and bones to the user's ears to be perceived as sound. The signal source generally comprises an source that may produce sound waves directly or indirectly with the assistance of a transducer. The sound-transmitting element generally comprises any element that may transmit signals representative of sound upon contact with a user's mouth and may include edible substances, eating utensils, and writing implements, among others. The device further may comprise an independent-selective-activity structure, a hand-manipulable structure, or an activity means that permits a user to practice a volitional function independent of sound transmission. The invention provides for the construction of a nearly limitless number of useful and novel devices.

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First Claim