Abstract: The invention is directed to a dental cleaning device. It relates in particular to a handle section of an electric toothbrushing device, with a coupling section for coupling various cleaning tools thereto, a drive mechanism for driving the coupled cleaning tool, and a control device for controlling the drive mechanism. The invention further relates to such cleaning tools. According to the invention the handle section includes an electronic interlock device which is deactivated by an encoded interlock canceling element on the cleaning tool only when the cleaning tool is coupled to the handle section (FIG. 4).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automated brush assembly are disclosed. A method of end-rounding bristle ends with an abrasive surface in random orbital motion relative to bristle tufts held in a movable gripper is described. A novel tuft carrier adapted to hold a plurality of bristle tufts in an arrangement suitable for direct mechanical insertion into the tuft chambers of a brush mold is also described. The tuft carrier has a plurality of tuft insertion cavities and a plurality of movable clamps, each clamp adapted to at least partially occlude one of the cavities when closed. Individual bristle tufts, having a fused end and a rounded or non-rounded bristle end, are transferred from a movable gripper to the tuft carrier by direct mechanical insertion. In addition, an apparatus for direct mechanical insertion of bristle tufts from a tuft carrier into the tuft chambers of a brush mold is described.

Abstract: An oral care device includes an electric motor, an air compressor operated by the motor, and an enclosed container for holding a slurry. A first conduit conducts compressed air from the compressor into the container. The compressed air is at a pressure of between about 20 psi to about 50 psi. A second conduit conducts the slurry and air from the container to an applicator from which the slurry and air is sprayed into the oral cavity of a human. The second conduit is at least about 24 inches in length.

Abstract: A head for a toothbrush including a neck and, first and second sets of one or more bristles each. The first and second sets are indirectly supported by the neck and movable relative to each other such that at least one component of this relative movement causes the bristle(s) of the first set to be raised and/or lowered relative to the bristle(s) in the second set. The first and second sets of bristles both are movable relative to the neck.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a mold that includes a first cavity defining a toothbrush body, a first injection unit in fluid communication with the first cavity and a second cavity, and a second injection unit also in fluid communication with the first cavity. An apparatus is also provided that includes a mold that includes a first cavity defining a toothbrush body, a second cavity defining a toothbrush body, where the first cavity and the second cavity define substantially identical toothbrush bodies, a first injection unit in fluid communication with the first cavity and a second injection unit incapable of being in fluid communication with the second cavity.

Abstract: A head for a toothbrush including a neck and, first and second sets of one or more bristles each. The first and second sets are indirectly supported by the neck arid movable relative to each other such that at least one component of this relative movement causes the bristle(s) of the first set to be raised and/or lowered relative to the bristle(s) in the second set. The first and second sets of bristles both are movable relative to the neck.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a head having bristle tufts implanted therein. At least two of the tufts cross so as to permit at least some the bristles to intermingle. One of the two tufts is located adjacent a long side of the head.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a handle, a head extending from the handle, and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements, such as tufts of bristles, extending from the head. Each tooth cleaning element is supported for rotation about primarily only one axis. Each tooth cleaning element is rotatable independent of the other tooth cleaning element(s).

Abstract: An oral care device includes a handle, a head extending from the handle, and one or more oral care elements extending from the head. The device also includes a drive for engaging a base portion of each of the one or more oral care elements and for positioning each oral care element relative to that portion of the head from which the oral care element projects based on the motion of the oral care device. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each oral care element is a tuft of one or more bristles.

Abstract: A gripper includes a) a first element that includes a plurality of male components; and b) a second element that includes a plurality of female components dimensioned to receive the male components. The first element and the second element are moveable from an open position to a closed position and the male components engage the female components when the elements are in a closed position. The individual male components and the individual female components are capable of maintaining a plurality of bristles in fixed relation to each other when the elements are in a closed position.