Abstract: A three-axis acceleration sensor is mounted to a body of an electric toothbrush. A CPU detects the three-dimensional attitude of the body based on an output from the acceleration sensor and, based on the attitude of the toothbrush, estimates which portion is being brushed. Then, the CPU performs control for switching between operation modes (such as the rotational direction of a motor and the frequency of vibration of the brush) according to the estimated portion being brushed.

Abstract: A three-axis acceleration sensor is mounted to a body of an electric toothbrush. A CPU detects the three-dimensional attitude of the body based on an output from the acceleration sensor and, based on the attitude of the toothbrush, estimates which portion is being brushed. Then, the CPU measures by using a timer a brushing time of the portion being brushed. Results of brushing for each portion are evaluated and outputted based on the measured brushing time.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush includes a driving source, a vibrating member having a brush, a transmission mechanism for converting output of the driving source into vibration of the vibrating member, and control means for controlling output of the driving source. The control means has a plurality of operation modes for allowing the brush to perform a predetermined operation. The plurality of control modes are switched at high speed to allow brushing using a transient state at a time of operation mode switching. It is suitable to switch at high speed between operation modes using two resonance points in which resonance occurs in different directions. Accordingly, the electric toothbrush is improved in plaque removing power and sense of medical treatment.

Abstract: A pulse wave measurement electrode unit includes an electrode group and a supporting member. The electrode group includes a first electrode portion including a first current application electrode and a first voltage measurement electrode, and a second electrode portion, positioned spaced apart from the first electrode portion, including a second current application electrode and a second voltage measurement electrode. The supporting member supports the electrode group such that contacting surfaces of the electrodes with respect to a living body are arranged substantially on an identical plane. The electrodes are arranged lined in a direction an artery extends when the pulse wave measurement electrode unit is applied to the living body. According to such a configuration, a pulse wave measurement electrode unit having a simple configuration and enabling high precision volume pulse wave measurement can be provided.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush includes a driving source; a vibrating member having a brush; a transmission mechanism which converts an output of the driving source into vibration of the vibrating member; and a control unit that controls the output of the driving source. The vibrating member has a first resonance point in which the brush resonates in a first direction, and a second resonance point in which the brush resonates in a second direction; and the control unit has a first operation mode which controls the output of the driving source so that a resonance in the first direction is generated, and a second operation mode which controls the output of the driving source so that a resonance in the second direction is generated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a small and thin spindle motor in which no uneven pressure is applied to a recording medium when the recording medium is fixed to a hub, a disc driving apparatus having the spindle motor, and a production method thereof. The spindle motor comprises: a sleeve which is supported by a fixed shaft and rotates around a predetermined axis; and a hub provided on an outer peripheral portion of the sleeve, which includes: a tubular portion to be inserted into a central hole of a recording medium having a disc shape, which is coaxial with the sleeve and has a male thread formed on an outer peripheral surface; and a first receiving surface which is connected to the tubular portion and which holds the recording medium to the axis.

Abstract: A vibrating linear actuator includes a mover having a permanent magnet, a stator having coils, a base on which the stator is mounted, a cover, and lands electrically coupled to the coils. The lands are provided on the surface of one of the base or the cover.

Abstract: A slim and efficient vibrating linear actuator includes a stator which sandwiches a coil generating vibrating magnetic field, and a first teeth section and a second teeth section. A mover, including a permanent magnet, is linked to the stator by elastic bodies and energized substantially to a midpoint between the first and second teeth sections. When the mover faces both of the first teeth section and the second teeth section, electric current is supplied to the coil, and when the mover faces only one of the first teeth section or the second teeth section, no electric current is supplied to the coil. This structure allows the vibrating linear actuator to be slimmed down and operate efficiently. A portable information apparatus employing this actuator can be slimmed down and work efficiently.

Abstract: A vibrating linear actuator includes a mover formed of an outer yoke having a heavy body, and a magnet. The actuator also includes a stator formed of an inner yoke having a coil and generating vibrating magnetic field to the outer yoke, and leaf springs, i.e., an elastic body, that couple the inner yoke to the outer yoke. The outer yoke is placed outside the inner yoke. This structure allows adjusting a magnitude of vibration of the actuator by simply changing a size of the outer yoke.

Abstract: A linear actuator includes a mover equipped with an outer yoke and a magnet, a stator equipped with coils and an inner yoke, and leaf springs for linking the movable section and the stator. The actuator is assembled such that the leaf springs are deformed when the mover stays at a balanced position. This structure can maximize a vibration stroke of the mover.

Abstract: A vibrating linear actuator includes a mover having a permanent magnet, a stator having coils, a base on which the stator is mounted, a cover, and lands electrically coupled to the coils. The lands are provided on the surface of one of the base or the cover.