Abstract: A toothbrush, having a handle and a resiliently flexible bristle-bearing head wherein, when the toothbrush is in its normal stress-free configuration, the free ends of bristles lying along a longitudinal and/or transverse axis of the brush form a generally concave profile adapted to suit the buccal surface of the teeth. The toothbrush head can flexibly conform to a convex profile to suit the labial surface of the teeth or to avoid damage to the gums.

Abstract: A process for forming an activated carbon fiber filter for removing viruses from liquids is provided. The process includes selecting a plurality of activated carbon fibers, placing the activated carbon fibers in a hollow form open at least one end, and applying a predetermined compressive force to the fibers along the axis through the hollow form parallel to the direction in which the liquid will pass until the fibers are densely and uniformly packed within the form.

Abstract: Processes for forming a filter material are provided. The processes include the steps of coating a filter particle with a lignosulfonate, carbonizing the coating, and activating the coating.

Abstract: An electrically driven toothbrush has a rotatable shaft with a cam preferably at a remote end of the shaft, which fits into a slot in a bristle holder. The holder is mounted for rotation in a toothbrush head. When the shaft rotates cam describes a circle and drivingly engages the slot to cause the holder to vibrate in a first brushing motion. A second bristle holder is also driven by the shaft, for a second kind of brushing motion. The second bristle holder is driven through and engagement with a portion of the remote end and/or with one or more additional cams or cam portions included on the shaft.

Abstract: A kit for purifying water comprises a first container for receiving untreated water, and a second container for receiving purified water and having a dispensing spigot. A water purification composition, when mixed with water in the first container, produces partially purified water having solid matter. A first filter held in a filter holder at an upper end of the second container removes the solid matter when the partially purified water is poured from the first container. A second filter in the second container comprises carbon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a product comprising tooth whitening substance which comprises a high concentration of water, a peroxide, a gelling agent, and carrier materials. The tooth whitening substance will remain stable when stored as a thin layer. The present invention also relates to a method of storage of a tooth whitening substance and a method producing a stable thin layer of tooth whitening substance on a strip of material. Additionally, the present invention relates to the benefits obtained from the tooth whitening composition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process of cleaning carpets and other large fabric coverings with a product dispensed from a device. The device comprises a reservoir for the product, means for dispensing the product, a spray arm and at least one dispensing opening. The reservoir is a removable non-refillable cartridge. Preferably, the reservoir comprises at least one compartment.

Abstract: A filter for removing microorganisms from a fluid is provided by the invention. The filter includes a substrate having a reactive surface, and a polymer covalently bonded to the reactive surface of the substrate. The polymer includes a plurality of cationic groups for attracting microorganisms. Faucet mounted filters and pour through filters containing the polymer coated substrate are provided. Also disclosed are methods for using and manufacturing filters for removing microorganisms from a fluid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process of treating carpets and other large fabric coverings with a product dispensed from an appliance. This appliance comprises a reservoir for the product and means for dispensing this product which comprises a detachable and extendible spray arm. Preferably, this appliance is a portable electrical sprayer, and the spray arm comprises a handle, a telescopingly extendible wand connected to this handle, and a dispensing tube that is attached outside the extendible wand, and at least one portion of the detachable and telescopingly extendible wand is arranged inside the handle, when the spray arm is in the collapsed position.

Abstract: Delivery systems for whitening teeth are provided. The delivery system includes a strip of material sized to cover a front surface of a plurality of teeth and a layer of a tooth whitening substance in contact with the strip of material. The tooth whitening substance includes a gelling agent and a whitening active selected from the group consisting of peroxides, metal chlorites, perborates, percarbonates, peroxyacids, hypochlorites, and combinations thereof. The delivery system further includes a release liner having a coating thereon, wherein the release liner exhibits less affinity for the tooth whitening substance than the tooth whitening substance exhibits for itself and for the strip of material.

Abstract: A toothbrush with a detachable/replaceable head, comprising a top section having a first aperture, a second aperture, a first end and a second end. The first end includes a notched portion. The first aperture extends from the top section first end along a length of the top section within the top section. The second aperture is located along a top surface of the top section, a bottom section having a first end and a second end. The first end includes a tabbed portion which matingly engages with the notched portion of the top section first end. The bottom section further includes an extension having a first end and a second end and a protrusion adjacent the extension first end wherein the extension is connected to the bottom section first end. The protrusion selectively cooperates with the second aperture in the top section to selectively lock and unlock the top and bottom sections. The extension is inserted into the first aperture of the top section.

Abstract: A process for forming a grooming implement is provided. The steps include providing a blank having a head and a handle, wherein the head has one or more void spaces which divide said head into at least two segments, and injecting an elastomer into the void space at a temperature of at least about 245° C. thereby fusing the elastomer to the segments and forming a resiliently flexible joint. The elastomer is the sole mechanical link between the segments such that the segments can flex relative to each other and the elastomer can be stretched to about 120% of its unstressed length without separation of the elastomer from the segments.

Abstract: A toothbrush is provided. The toothbrush has a handle with a longitudinal axis. A bristle-bearing head having an outer perimeter, a proximal end, and a distal end is attached to the handle at its proximal end. A plurality of longitudinal grooves are disposed in the head. The longitudinal grooves are aligned generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle and terminate at the outer perimeter of the distal end of the head.