Abstract: A centrifugal bowl (105) comprises a base (3) that can rotate about an axis of rotation. A filter sieve in the shape of a perforated peripheral side sieve wall (151) extends from an open end to the base, and a plurality of vanes (155a . . . 155f) is disposed in a predominantly radial direction on the inner surface of the perforated peripheral side sieve wall (151).

Abstract: The self-contained intraoral appliance includes first and second substantially rigid bands (12, 14) configured to fit along the outer and the inner surfaces of a row of teeth in the mouth. A motor (20) driven by a battery is connected to the bands through a connecting assembly (2, 24, 28, 34, 40 and 44) in such a manner that one end of the first band moves through a displacement to brush the teeth while the other end remains substantially stationary, and such that an opposing end of the second band moves through a displacement while the other end remains substantially stationary. Brush elements (16, 18) are mounted on the surfaces of the bands to provide cleansing of the teeth.

Abstract: The droplet spray teeth cleaning system includes in one aspect a window of temperature and volumetric flow ratio between air and gas for safe and comfortable yet effective operation, the volumetric flow ratio ranging between approximately 24 and 875 and the temperature from approximately 27° C. to a maximum of 60° C. The temperature is maintained by a flow-through heater (74) arranged around a liquid line portion (51) of the droplet spray system, preferably in a handle portion (52) of the system. Also included is a thermocouple heat sensor arrangement (78) which determines the temperature of the liquid prior to the nozzle portion and a control (76, 53) for maintaining the temperature within the temperature/flow ratio window. A filter (126) is provided, preferably in the head portion of the system, for filtering out particles from the liquid, while at the same time permitting adequate flow therethrough at least during the expected lifetime of the replaceable head portion of the system.

Abstract: A nodal-mounted spring arrangement for an electronic toothbrush includes a V-shaped spring member secured at both ends so that it can operate in out-of-phase torsion mode along the axial dimension thereof. A mounting plate is connected between a node point along the V-shaped spring member and the housing of the toothbrush. In one embodiment, the V-shaped spring member includes opposing slots on opposite sides of the node point, the slots extending in an axial direction, creating an integrated torsion bar node spring, while reducing stress in the vicinity of the nodal point.

Abstract: The interface structure includes a handle portion (12) having separate supply lines for gas and liquid, and a head portion (18) also having separate supply lines for gas and liquid, wherein the upper surface of the handle portion is configured relative to the lower surface of the head portion, with or without a separate locking member, that the gas and liquid lines in the handle connect in a fluid-sealing relationship with the gas and liquid lines in the head as the head portion is operatively positioned on the handle portion.

Abstract: The sprayhead device includes a housing (60) having an orifice plate (62) therein with at least one orifice opening (64) therethrough. A liquid line (36) delivers liquid to the sprayhead, where it proceeds through the orifice opening, wherein the liquid flow rate through the orifice and the liquid pressure are sufficiently great relative to the size of the orifice that the liquid moves through the orifice as a continuous stream. Gas is delivered to the housing and gas flows to the interior of the sprayhead through at least two openings (68) in the housing. The gas streams (flows) intercept the liquid flow perpendicularly, approximately 180° apart. The velocity of the gas flows is sufficient to break up the liquid stream from the orifice into a spray of droplets of desired size and velocity, accelerating them out of an acceleration duct (66) exit portion of the housing.