The Velotrace: a device for monitoring velar position

This paper describes the Velotrace, a mechanical device designed to allow the collection of analog data on velar position. The device consists of two levers connected through a push rod and carried on a pair of thin supports rods. The device is positioned in the nasal passage with the internal lever resting on the nasal surface of the velum and the external lever positioned outside the nose. The movements of the external lever reflect the movement of the internal lever as it follows velar movement and are recorded as an analog signal using an optoelectronic position-sensing system. Results of evaluation studies indicate that the Velotrace accurately reflects the relatively rapid movements of the velum during speech.