Patents by Inventor Wolter F. Benning
Wolter F. Benning has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20240097541Abstract: According to an aspect there is provided a motor (1) for a personal care device (10). The motor (1) comprises: a stator (2) comprising a stator surface; a rotor (3) comprising a rotor surface disposed opposite the stator surface; and a spacer (4) projecting between the stator surface and the rotor surface so as to define a minimum airgap between the stator (2) and the rotor (3). The spacer (4) is disposed on or at one of the rotor surface and the stator surface, and has a contact surface configured to engage with the other one of the rotor surface and the stator surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Stijn Willem BOERE, Jan Willem BRUGGERS, Nathan FARRELL, Wolter F. BENNING, Paul LEONARD
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Patent number: 11843294Abstract: According to an aspect there is provided a motor (1) for a personal care device (10). The motor (1) comprises: a stator (2) comprising a stator surface; a rotor (3) comprising a rotor surface disposed opposite the stator surface; and a spacer (4) projecting between the stator surface and the rotor surface so as to define a minimum airgap between the stator (2) and the rotor (3). The spacer (4) is disposed on or at one of the rotor surface and the stator surface, and has a contact surface configured to engage with the other one of the rotor surface and the stator surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2019Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Stijn Willem Boere, Jan Willem Bruggers, Nathan Farrell, Wolter F. Benning, Paul Leonard
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Patent number: 11648099Abstract: An actuator (12) for a personal care appliance (10) having an eccentric core (21) to preload the actuator (12) to prevent rattling caused by detrimental reactionary forces. The eccentric core (21) includes a pole assembly (24) radially extending from a spindle 22 having at least a first set (25-1) and a second set (25-2) of pole members. The first set (25-1) has a greater length as measured from the center of the spindle 22 than the second set (24-2), reducing the magnet gap on one side of the spindle (22) to create an eccentric core and preload the actuator (12). Alternatively, the preload can be mechanically created by a set of bearings (28) disposed within housing (18) of the actuator 12, where the bearings (28) have a centerline (A3) offset from the principal axis (A1) of the housing (18).Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2020Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Kevin Arnold Miller, Wolter F. Benning, Gregory Russ Goddard, Evert Alle Helfrich
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Patent number: 11083281Abstract: Various operational mode arrangements of an electric toothbrush (10) include pre-programming a controller portion (16) of the electric toothbrush such that a single brushing event of approximately two minutes comprises automatically at least two different operating modes and specified times for each mode. Another operational mode includes the capability of operating the on/off button (20) of the toothbrush within a specified short time following termination of a normal brushing event to provide the user a specified additional time, e.g. 30 seconds of toothbrush action. A special toothbrush interface arrangement includes a display (80) which encourages children to maintain brushing for the full brushing period. This is accomplished through sequential illustration of the progress of an article from an initial state to a final desired state as the toothbrush is used for increasing portions of a full brushing time period.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2017Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Charles B. Cook, Joseph W. Grez, Wolter F. Benning, Christopher Dabrowski, Rick Peterson, Gregg Heard, Martyn Gray Darnbrough Beedham, Hanne Lindholt Caspersen
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Publication number: 20210152066Abstract: According to an aspect there is provided a motor (1) for a personal care device (10). The motor (1) comprises: a stator (2) comprising a stator surface; a rotor (3) comprising a rotor surface disposed opposite the stator surface; and a spacer (4) projecting between the stator surface and the rotor surface so as to define a minimum airgap between the stator (2) and the rotor (3). The spacer (4) is disposed on or at one of the rotor surface and the stator surface, and has a contact surface configured to engage with the other one of the rotor surface and the stator surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2019Publication date: May 20, 2021Inventors: Stijn Willem BOERE, Jan Willem BRUGGERS, Nathan FARRELL, Wolter F. BENNING, Paul LEONARD
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Patent number: 10952813Abstract: An oral care device (10) with a pump assembly (12) including: a plunger assembly (52) having a rack assembly (74); a compressible spring (64) configured to exert a forward force on the plunger assembly; and a rack and pinion assembly (72) configured to exert a force on the plunger assembly opposite the forward force, wherein the rack assembly includes a plurality of rack teeth (74 a . . . 74 g) and the pinion assembly (76) includes a plurality of teeth (78) arranged around a portion of the pinion; where the plurality of rack teeth include an angled front surface (86) and an angled rear surface (87), the front surface of at least some of the plurality of rack teeth including a different angle than the rear surface, and further where at least some of the plurality of rack teeth include a pointed or rounded tip (82).Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2016Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Wolter F. Benning, Jeffrey Garrigues, Brian Johanski, Kevin Arnold Miller
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Publication number: 20200146796Abstract: An actuator (12) for a personal care appliance (10) having an eccentric core (21) to preload the actuator (12) to prevent rattling caused by detrimental reactionary forces. The eccentric core (21) includes a pole assembly (24) radially extending from a spindle 22 having at least a first set (25-1) and a second set (25-2) of pole members. The first set (25-1) has a greater length as measured from the center of the spindle 22 than the second set (24-2), reducing the magnet gap on one side of the spindle (22) to create an eccentric core and preload the actuator (12). Alternatively, the preload can be mechanically created by a set of bearings (28) disposed within housing (18) of the actuator 12, where the bearings (28) have a centerline (A3) offset from the principal axis (A1) of the housing (18).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2020Publication date: May 14, 2020Inventors: Kevin Arnold MILLER, Wolter F. BENNING, Gregory Russ GODDARD, Evert Alle HELFRICH
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Patent number: 10548687Abstract: A flossing appliance with a body portion which includes a system for generating bursts of liquid and/or a liquid/gas mixture. A neck portion extends from the body portion through which the bursts are delivered to a nozzle, which is shaped and adapted to fit into the interproximal spaces of the user's teeth. A use reminder system which includes a reminder timer which begins to time following the activation cycle of the appliance. An indicator is responsive to the timer, providing an indication to the user that the timer has exceeded a predetermined time, such as 24 hours, without use.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2015Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventor: Wolter F. Benning
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Patent number: 10548699Abstract: A drive train assembly (22) for a personal care device (10), the drive train assembly including a shaft (24) with a central axis and a plurality of pivot bearing notches (122); a motor (130) encircling at least a portion of the shaft and configured to oscillate the shaft about the shaft's central axis; and a plurality of stationary pivot bearings (120), where at least an apex of each of the plurality of stationary pivot bearings is positioned within a respective one of the plurality of pivot bearing notches.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2017Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Dave Ahlman, Wolter F. Benning
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Patent number: 10537414Abstract: An actuator (12) for a personal care appliance (10) having an eccentric core (21) to preload the actuator (12) to prevent rattling caused by detrimental reactionary forces. The eccentric core (21) includes a pole assembly (24) radially extending from a spindle (22) having at least a first set (25-1) and a second set (25-2) of pole members. The first set (25-1) has a greater length as measured from the center of the spindle (22) than the second set (24-2), reducing the magnet gap on one side of the spindle (22) to create an eccentric core and preload the actuator (12). Alternatively, the preload can be mechanically created by a set of bearings (28) disposed within housing (18) of the actuator (12), where the bearings (28) have a centerline (A3) offset from the principal axis (A1) of the housing (18).Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2015Date of Patent: January 21, 2020Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Kevin Arnold Miller, Wolter F. Benning, Gregory Russ Goddard, Evert Alle Helfrich
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Publication number: 20190365518Abstract: A drive train assembly (22) for a personal care device (10), the drive train assembly including a shaft (24) with a central axis and a plurality of pivot bearing notches (122); a motor (130) encircling at least a portion of the shaft and configured to oscillate the shaft about the shaft's central axis; and a plurality of stationary pivot bearings (120), where at least an apex of each of the plurality of stationary pivot bearings is positioned within a respective one of the plurality of pivot bearing notches.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2017Publication date: December 5, 2019Inventors: DAVE AHLMAN, WOLTER F. BENNING
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Publication number: 20180085189Abstract: An oral care device (10) with a pump assembly (12) comprising: a plunger assembly (52) comprising a rack assembly (74); a compressible spring (64) configured to exert a forward force on the plunger assembly; and a rack and pinion assembly (72) configured to exert a force on the plunger assembly opposite the forward force, wherein the rack assembly comprises a plurality of rack teeth (74a . . . 74g) and the pinion assembly (76) comprises a plurality of teeth (78) arranged around a portion of the pinion; wherein the plurality of rack teeth comprise an angled front surface (86) and an angled rear surface (87), the front surface of at least some of the plurality of rack teeth comprising a different angle than the rear surface, and further wherein at least some of the plurality of rack teeth comprise a pointed or rounded tip (82).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2016Publication date: March 29, 2018Inventors: WOLTER F. BENNING, JEFFREY GARRIGUES, BRIAN JOHANSKI, KEVIN ARNOLD MILLER
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Publication number: 20180064238Abstract: Various operational mode arrangements of an electric toothbrush (10) include pre-programming a controller portion (16) of the electric toothbrush such that a single brushing event of approximately two minutes comprises automatically at least two different operating modes and specified times for each mode. Another operational mode includes the capability of operating the on/off button (20) of the toothbrush within a specified short time following termination of a normal brushing event to provide the user a specified additional time, e.g. 30 seconds of toothbrush action. A special toothbrush interface arrangement includes a display (80) which encourages children to maintain brushing for the full brushing period. This is accomplished through sequential illustration of the progress of an article from an initial state to a final desired state as the toothbrush is used for increasing portions of a full brushing time period.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2017Publication date: March 8, 2018Inventors: CHARLES B. COOK, JOSEPH W. GREZ, WOLTER F. BENNING, CHRISTOPHER DABROWSKI, RICK PETERSON, GREGG HEARD, MARTYN GRAY DARNBROUGH BEEDHAM, HANNE LINDHOLT CASPERSEN
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Publication number: 20170367802Abstract: An actuator (12) for a personal care appliance (10) having an eccentric core (21) to preload the actuator (12) to prevent rattling caused by detrimental reactionary forces. The eccentric core (21) includes a pole assembly (24) radially extending from a spindle (22) having at least a first set (25-1) and a second set (25-2) of pole members. The first set (25-1) has a greater length as measured from the center of the spindle (22) than the second set (24-2), reducing the magnet gap on one side of the spindle (22) to create an eccentric core and preload the actuator (12). Alternatively, the preload can be mechanically created by a set of bearings (28) disposed within housing (18) of the actuator (12), where the bearings (28) have a centerline (A3) offset from the principal axis (A1) of the housing (18).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2015Publication date: December 28, 2017Inventors: KEVIN ARNOLD MILLER, WOLTER F. BENNING, GREGORY RUSS GODDARD, EVERT ALLE HELFRICH
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Patent number: 9655702Abstract: The appliance (10, FIG. 1) includes a body portion (27) and a nozzle portion (30) through which a spray of liquid droplets exits from a distal end thereof for cleaning of dental regions. The nozzle includes an orifice (36) at a proximal end thereof adjacent the body portion, as well as a pump (38) for moving liquid into an area of the nozzle just forward of the orifice. A mechanical system (12, 13, 14) is provided for moving a plunger or piston element (16) first away from the orifice under tension, such as a compression spring (24), and then controllably releasing the plunger or piston toward the orifice, the plunger/piston moving with sufficient force that atmospheric air which has been drawn into the appliance between the plunger or piston is forced through the orifice at a sufficiently high rate of speed to produce a spray of fluid droplets for dental cleaning when the moving air comes into contact with the liquid in the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2014Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Dainia Edwards, Tyler G. Kloster, Wolter F. Benning
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Patent number: 9648945Abstract: Various operational mode arrangements of an electric toothbrush (10) include pre-programming a controller portion (16) of the electric toothbrush such that a single brushing event of approximately two minutes comprises automatically at least two different operating modes and specified times for each mode. Another operational mode includes the capability of operating the on/off button (20) of the toothbrush within a specified short time following termination of a normal brushing event to provide the user a specified additional time, e.g. 30 seconds of toothbrush action. A special toothbrush interface arrangement includes a display (80) which encourages children to maintain brushing for the full brushing period. This is accomplished through sequential illustration of the progress of an article from an initial state to a final desired state as the toothbrush is used for increasing portions of a full brushing time period.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2014Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Charles B. Cook, Joseph W. Grez, Wolter F. Benning, Christopher Dabrowski, Rick Peterson, Gregg Heard, Martyn Gray Darnbrough Beedham, Hanne Lindholt Caspersen
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Patent number: 9597168Abstract: The guidance assembly is used for precise cleaning of interproximal spaces of teeth. The guidance assembly includes a base portion (30) for contacting the surfaces of teeth and gum region, adjacent the interproximal space, the base portion being approximately 12 mm in diameter to provide stable contact with the teeth and gum region. The guidance assembly also includes a tip portion (28) which extends forward of the base portion and includes an opening (31) through which the droplet spray is directed coincident with the plane of the interproximal space.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2010Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Craig Kortick Black, Dainia Edwards, Donald Charles Baumgarten, Ahren Karl Johnson, Tyler G. Kloster, Wolter F. Benning
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Publication number: 20160324595Abstract: A flossing appliance with a body portion which includes a system for generating bursts of liquid and/or a liquid/gas mixture. A neck portion extends from the body portion through which the bursts are delivered to a nozzle, which is shaped and adapted to fit into the interproximal spaces of a user's teeth. A use reminder system comprises a reminder timer which begins to time following the activation cycle of the appliance. An indicator is responsive to the timer, providing an indication to the user that the timer has exceeded a predetermined time, such as 24 hours, without use.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2015Publication date: November 10, 2016Inventor: Wolter F. BENNING
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Patent number: 9410593Abstract: 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. In one embodiment, the V-shaped spring member includes two extended end regions, which extend below a longitudinal edge of the middle portion of the V-spring. The free ends of the extended portions are joined by a flat cross-piece. This “closed end” region is present at both ends of the V-spring.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2011Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Tyler G. Kloster, Hendrik Richard Jousma, Michiel Allan Aurelius Schallig, Martinus Bernardus Stapelbroek, Patrick A. Headstrom, Scott E Hall, Wolter F. Benning
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Patent number: 9145871Abstract: A V-spring member (18) for use in a driving system for a personal care appliance has regions (34, 36) at the ends of the spring which are large enough to support a contact with an end clamping assembly, the spring member including a cross-piece (40) extending between the longitudinal edges of the spring at the end regions, such that the ends of the spring member define a closed line. End clamping assemblies (16, 24) provided for such a V-spring member include a body portion (64) having a lower support portion (66) on which the V-spring is supported and a mating clamping member (88) positioned in registry with the support portion on top of the V-spring.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2013Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Tyler G. Kloster, Hendrik Richard Jousma, Michiel Allan Aurelius Schallig, Martinus Bernardus Stapelbroek, Patrick A. Headstrom, Scott E. Hall, Wolter F. Benning