Abstract: The compensating/performance regulation system includes a power skin brush having a handle, an oscillating brushhead workpiece and a drive system, wherein the brushhead workpiece has an RFID tag. An RFID reader is provided in the handle and is responsive to the RFID tag moving past the reader to produce an indication of use of the brushhead. A microprocessor calculates a value of actual use from the RFID information and uses stored information to determine the decline in performance from the calculated use. A compensating change in drive frequency or duty cycle of the drive signal is then determined by the microprocessor from stored information and transmitted to the drive system to maintain performance of the appliance.

Abstract: An electronic appliance having control firmware includes an operating part which requires periodic replacement for effective operation of the appliance. The replacement operating part has an RFID tag attached thereto which includes updated firmware for the appliance. The appliance further includes an RFID reader which reads the updated firmware on the RFID tag when the replacement part is operatively positioned in the appliance, and updates/replaces the existing firmware or a portion thereof with the read firmware.

Abstract: The compensating/performance regulation system includes a power skin brush having a handle, an oscillating brushhead workpiece and a drive system, wherein the brushhead workpiece has an RFID tag. An RFID reader is provided in the handle and is responsive to the RFID tag moving past the reader to produce an indication of use of the brushhead. A microprocessor calculates a value of actual use from the RFID information and uses stored information to determine the decline in performance from the calculated use. A compensating change in drive frequency or duty cycle of the drive signal is then determined by the microprocessor from stored information and transmitted to the drive system to maintain performance of the appliance.

Abstract: A seatbelt retractor for storing seatbelt webbing that can be utilized to restrain an occupant of a motor vehicle. The retractor includes a retractor frame and a plurality of spools rotatably coupled to the retractor frame and spaced a distance apart from each other. Seatbelt webbing can be withdrawn from the seatbelt retractor to extend about an occupant of a seat of the motor vehicle and releasably coupled to a buckle provided to the motor vehicle in a withdrawn state, and collected by the seatbelt retractor in a retracted state. A length of the seatbelt webbing adjacent to a terminal end thereof is collected at least partially around the plurality of spools in the retracted state.

Abstract: A seatbelt retractor for storing seatbelt webbing that can be utilized to restrain an occupant of a motor vehicle. The retractor includes a retractor frame and a plurality of spools rotatably coupled to the retractor frame and spaced a distance apart from each other. Seatbelt webbing can be withdrawn from the seatbelt retractor to extend about an occupant of a seat of the motor vehicle and releasably coupled to a buckle provided to the motor vehicle in a withdrawn state, and collected by the seatbelt retractor in a retracted state. A length of the seatbelt webbing adjacent to a terminal end thereof is collected at least partially around the plurality of spools in the retracted state.

Abstract: The apparatus includes at least two skin-contacting elements, the elements having narrow end faces and a mounting assembly for holding the elements closely adjacent to each other. A driving assembly reciprocally moves one element relative to the adjacent element(s) at a frequency that produces an action on the pores of the skin to loosen sebaceous plugs present in the pores, by permitting their ready removal from the skin.

Abstract: A vehicle child seat restraining system automatically retracts out of the way of folding portions of the seat, so that the striker of the system does not impinge on and damage portions of the seat.

Abstract: The method includes the steps of preparing a beard or other skin area to be shaved for shaving by first applying the tips of a bristle skin brush to the skin area of the beard to clean the skin area, the brush having an outer brushhead portion and an inner brushhead portion, wherein the first portion remains stationary in operation, wherein the second brushhead portion oscillates through a selected range 18-26° at a frequency within the range of 120-220 Hz. The tips of the bristles are applied to the skin area to be shaved following or simultaneous with the wetting of the skin area with water, and then following or simultaneous with, lathering the skin area with shaving cream or gel.

Abstract: The brushhead attachment system includes a hub member which is secured to a drive shaft of a personal care appliance for oscillating action. The hub member includes a number of spaced locking elements in the form of protrusions around the periphery thereof. An annular outer brushhead portion with a first group of bristles includes a plurality of spaced grooves in the outer surface thereof which mate with extending pins in the body of the appliance for insertion and removal of the outer brushhead portion.

Abstract: The bristle arrangement includes a first brush portion which has a first set of bristles, the first brush portion being arranged in an annular configuration, and remains stationary in operation of the appliance. The bristle arrangement also includes a second brush portion which has a second set of bristles, wherein the second brush portion oscillates at a selected frequency. The second set of bristles has a circular arrangement, fitting within the opening of the annular arrangement of the first set of bristles. The first and second sets of bristles have a diameter within the range of 3 mils to 5 mils, and a length in the range of 0.3 to 0.425 inches. The first bristle set includes 40 to 100 bristle tufts and the second bristle set includes 40 to 120 bristle tufts, which are substantially evenly spread, respectively.

Abstract: The motor assembly which produces an oscillating action for a personal care device includes a horizontally positioned U-shaped stator portion, and an armature portion which includes a torsion spring shaft which is anchored at one end thereof. The armature portion also includes a U-shaped magnet mounting member which is fixed near the upper end of the spring shaft, the U-shaped member including two opposing legs which extend along a substantial part of the length of the spring shaft, away therefrom. At the tips of each leg are magnet assemblies, which interact with the stator portion in alternating torsion, to produce a back-and-forth oscillation of the armature and a brushhead or other workpiece attached thereto.

Abstract: The apparatus includes at least two skin-contacting elements, the elements having narrow end faces and a mounting assembly for holding the elements closely adjacent to each other. A driving assembly reciprocally moves one element relative to the adjacent element(s) at a frequency that produces an action on the pores of the skin to loosen sebaceous plugs present in the pores, by permitting their ready removal from the skin.