Romet R series

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Romet R is a series of electrolarynxes developed by an American company Romet Inc. The series consists of four devices: R120, R210, R310, and R440 ECHO. As of February 2016, all four models are available for purchase.

Main characteristics

The overall appearance between the individual models differ only marginally. The devices are roughly palm-sized and shaped as a barrel. The control features are present on the body of the devices. The material the devices are made of plastics with soft outside cover more comfortable handling. Each is powered by a one 9V rechargeable lithium-ion battery. All the models have an adjustable head, that allows for finer tuning of the produced sound.[1]

The individual differences between the devices are discussed below:

R120 - This is the most basic model of the series. It has a plastic barrel and features a basic on and off setting button. The user has no control over the volume or pitch of the artificial voice.

R210 - This model replaces the R120. It's body is made from polished aluminium and the device features on and off switch as well as two sliders that allow the user to control the volume and the pitch of the produced voice.

R310 - This model features a nonslip coating of the device's barrel. It is otherwise identical to R210.

R440 ECHO - This is the most recent, and the smallest, model the company produces. Additionally to features inherited from the previous models, the R440 also allows for adjusting the timbre of the voice. All these setting are now programmable and can be saved as different pre-sets.

R355CP - A discontinued model that featured an accumulator instead of a 9 V battery. The device is recharged wirelessly via the included charging pad. It is not featured on Romet's official website but it can still be purchased from a third-party.[2]

All models come with an additional rechargeable battery and a battery charger that are sold together with the devices.

Purpose

The series of devices is directed towards laryngectomy patients that lost their ability to produce speech. The usage of an electrolarynxs allows the to communicate in a quick and natural manner without resorting to other means such as pen and paper.

Company & People

Romet Inc. is an American biotechnology company headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. The company was established in 1979 and sells it's devices internationally.[3][4]

Important Dates

  • 1979 - Romet Inc. Established. The company introduces it's electrolarynx model the R100.
  • 2010 - An improved model R200 launches.
  • 2011 - Romet receives a full CE 93/42EEC Directives Certification
  • 2015 - The company introduces a smaller, programmable R440 ECHO.

Enhancement/Therapy/Treatment

Treatment - Electrolarynxes are meant to return the ability to communicate by voice for laryngectomy patients.

Ethical & Health Issues

There are no ethical or health issues connected to this particular device.

For more general issues connected with smartglasses, please see the Electrolarynx synopsis.

Public & Media Impact and Presentation

TODO: Video testimonials.

Public Policy

TODO: FDA approval?

Related Technologies, Projects or Scientific Research

There are no related projects or research relevant to this device specifically.

For more information about this type of devices, please see the Electrolarynx synopsis.

References