Abstract: Methods of and systems for automated color control are provided. These methods and systems are suitable for use in various oxidation processes for the coloration of heat treated steel, for example razor blade steel. A feedback loop (closed loop control) is established, including the steps of measuring color, comparing the measured color to a target color and quantifying the difference there-between, and, if the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold, adjusting a color adjustment parameter, e.g., the airflow to the oxidation zone, so that the measured and target colors are equivalent or within a predetermined variance.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for forming filament bundles of long, continuous strands of filaments. The methods include bonding the long, continuous stands of filaments together so that they cannot move axially with respect to any other filament in the bundle. Methods of bonding include ultrasonic welding, freezing or applying adhesive.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining the presence of cracks in razor blades during manufacturing. The methods may include, for example, providing a plurality of razor blades in a stack, inducing a current in the stack, and measuring a parameter that is related to the current and indicative of the presence or absence of cracks in the razor blades.

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: Methods are provided for determining the presence of cracks in razor blades during manufacturing. The methods may include, for example, providing a plurality of razor blades in a stack, inducing a current in the stack, and measuring a parameter that is related to the current and indicative of the presence or absence of cracks in the razor blades.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a function element carrier with function elements, for example, individual tufts made up of bristles and/or massage elements, interproximal cleaning elements, or other elements designed to be fastened to a toothbrush and also perform special functions. The function elements are equipped at their ends intended for anchoring in a toothbrush with an anchor, retainer or axle element. The method includes: (a) inserting several function elements in corresponding recesses of an injection mold, said injection mold being connected via grid or bar shaped channels formed in a die to recesses in the areas of the anchoring ends of the function elements; (b) filling the grid or bar shaped channels with liquefied plastic material and injecting said material at the anchoring ends of the function elements or embedding them therein; and (c) allowing the plastic material to cool and removing a function element carrier made up of a grid or bar shaped plastic frame and the function elements.

Abstract: A toothbrush head has a tooth cleaning element extending from the head. The head is divided into at least two portions which can be moved independent of each other. The tooth cleaning element is rotatable relative to that portion of the head from which it extends.

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: 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: Methods and devices are provided for forming filament bundles of long, continuous strands of filaments. The methods include bonding the long, continuous stands of filaments together so that they cannot move axially with respect to any other filament in the bundle. Methods of bonding include ultrasonic welding, freezing or applying adhesive.

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: Methods and devices are provided for tufting oral brushes. The methods include inserting free ends of continuous strands of filaments into blind holes in a moldbar, at least some of the blind holes having different depths and/or extending at different angles.

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 method is provided for manufacturing a function element carrier with function elements, for example, individual tufts made up of bristles and/or massage elements, interproximal cleaning elements, or other elements designed to be fastened to a toothbrush and also perform special functions. The function elements are equipped at their ends intended for anchoring in a toothbrush with an anchor, retainer or axle element. The method includes: (a) inserting several function elements in corresponding recesses of an injection mold, said injection mold being connected via grid or bar shaped channels formed in a die to recesses in the areas of the anchoring ends of the function elements; (b) filling the grid or bar shaped channels with liquefied plastic material and injecting said material at the anchoring ends of the function elements or embedding them therein; and (c) allowing the plastic material to cool and removing a function element carrier made up of a grid or bar shaped plastic frame and the function elements.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for tufting oral brushes. The methods include inserting free ends of continuous strands of filaments into blind openings in a moldbar, at least some of the blind openings having different depths and/or extending at different angles.