Abstract: Vision limiting means limit the input of peripheral stimuli to the eyes of a subject, to prevent the onset of motion sickness when reading or writing during car or bus travel. The device may consist of a headband or “glasses” having two side screens or “blinkers” that extend downwardly to block off peripheral lateral visual stimuli from the user's eyes and may include corner pieces to block off the upper outer quadrants of the user's field of vision. Hook-and-loop fasteners permit ready removal and replacement. A unitary spectacle-like embodiment may be molded, or stamped from sheet plastic, with temple-pieces for looping to a user's ears.

Abstract: A process for producing at least one preselected article having at least one preselected scene imprinted thereon. The process comprises the steps of selecting at least one of a photograph and a painting having a desired scene disposed horizontally thereon then turning the photograph or painting substantially 90 degrees. Another step is determining if the resulting vertically disposed image is at least one of attractive and interesting enough to use on the at least one preselected article. Another step is placing an image, having the photograph or painting that was rotated in a previous step and determined to be at least one of attractive and interesting, on a preselected material to be used to produce the at least one preselected article and using the preselected material having the image placed thereon to produce such at least one preselected article.

Abstract: The necktie is made up of a single piece of material having a front panel area and a knot area and a back portion with the front panel area having given away if forced apart with slight tension from the knot area. The single-piece area displays the knot portion and a back portion to be joined together. A method of constructing a necktie includes cutting a tie from a single-piece of fabric into two-pieces by the neckband portion of the tie. By re-joining the tie into a single-piece with a break in between the neckband of the single-piece tie. Once joined together the necktie become a single tie displaying the knot area and the front portion area of the tie once more.

Abstract: An earmuff device is provided, including a connecting band having opposing first and second ends, a pair of earmuff cup assemblies connected to the opposing first and second ends of the connecting band, a first foam disposed at the earmuff cup assemblies, and a second foam disposed at the earmuff cup assemblies, where the first foam comprises a moderately high density foam having highly engineered polymer transition properties with precise loss factor values, modulus values, and polymer transition values and maximum damping at prescribed temperature and frequency conditions, and where the second foam comprises a moderately high density hydrophilic foam particularly employed for optimal property convergence in cell size, air flow, density, and static stiffness. An earmuff cup, an earmuff cushion, and an earmuff liner including the respective first and/or second foams, are also provided.

Abstract: A neoprene fly closure which provides for minimization of bulk through the fly area of a pair of board shorts, which further provides for a more comfortable pair of shorts when worn surfing. The use of a neoprene gore eliminates bulky seams in the fly area, allowing a user to pull shorts on and off and also providing for a privacy shield should the fly area become open. The neoprene gore further provides a plurality of holes in the neoprene having apertures disposed over a substantial portion of the gore such as to provide sand drainage during use.

Abstract: The invention relates to head or neck supports which support the head or neck in a tilted back position and comprises or includes: a) a harness locatable to the upper body portions of a person, b) a rigid member extending from a region of the harness stabilized in respect of and by the use of the harness relative to the body, and when in use, the harness is attached to the body of a person, the rigid member extending therefrom to provide a support region thereof which when the person is in a substantially upright position, and the head is tilted backwards to allow viewing of an object above the horizontal, the support region comes in contact with at least part of the back of the head and provides at least vertical support to the head.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for head protection is provided. The system includes a helmet body defining at least one hole. The system also includes at least one reinforcement member coupled to the helmet body. The reinforcement member defines an aperture that at least partially aligns with the hole of the helmet body.

Abstract: The invention concerns a dual mode seat system for a toilet. The seat system includes a toilet seat, a hinge, and a support. The hinge is joined with a seat back end and can also join with the toilet there. The supports is joined to a seat front end and is located between the toilet seat and the toilet when the toilet seat is positioned overlying the toilet. The hinge and the support together (a) cooperate to maintain the toilet seat in a low mode which provides a low spacing between the toilet seat and the toilet, and alternatively, (b) cooperate to maintain the toilet seat in a high mode which provides a high spacing between the toilet seat and the toilet, and in both modes with the toilet seat in a substantially horizontal orientation and where the high spacing is greater than the low spacing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sanitary seat cover assembly to cover the surface of a seat with a clean sanitary seat cover at every use, the sanitary seat cover assembly comprising: sanitary seat covers having a body part that covers the upper surface of the seat with a predetermined area range and a neck part extended and protruded correspondingly to a portion where the seat is hinged from the body part; a cramp for selectively fixing the neck part of the more than two sanitary seat covers piled and overlapped one another at a portion where the seat is hinged; and a supporting frame for maintaining the shape of the sanitary seat covers.

Abstract: A toilet seat allowing a smooth lift up of the seat comprises a seat cover and a seat; two accommodation troughs on both sides of the seat and pivoted to the toilet; two boxes each divided into three compartments connecting through one another and containing a bypass trough; an air vent being provided between two troughs to balance pressure; a gap being provided on the partition in a V-shape between the second and the third compartments; and an inclined board further extending from the V-shaped partition.

Abstract: A toilet leak containment assembly for preventing water leaks from a toilet during flushing onto the support flooring into which the toilet is attached. The leak containment assembly contains a leak collector for installation between the toilet base and the support flooring for preventing the water leaks onto the support flooring during flushing. The leak collector contains an attachment flange for attaching the leak collector to the support flooring, a collector pan for collecting water leaks during flushing, and an outlet pipe in fluid communication with the collector pan for channeling the leaks into the plumbing drain pipe. It also contains a leak seal assembly for installation and sealing between the toilet base and the leak collector. The leak seal assembly contains a flow channel for channeling water flow into the outlet pipe of the leak collector, and a seal for sealing between the toilet base and the leak collector.

Abstract: Apparatus suitable for installation in a wye cleanout fitting of a waste line. The apparatus includes four elements. The first element is a pipe. The second element is a valve attached to one end of the pipe and in fluid communication therewith. The third element is a seal having a bore therethrough, the pipe positioned in and sealed to the bore of the seal. The fourth element is a first pipe connector having a bore therethrough, the pipe positioned through and sealed to the bore of the first pipe connector at a position of the pipe between the valve and the seal.

Abstract: A functional electronic toilet and flushing system capable of controlling the amount of flushing water according to the sensed occupancy time compared with predefined normal time durations for urination and bowel movement, in order to use an optimum amount of flushing water and to protect an occupant by detecting the sitting attitude or position.

Abstract: A replaceable advertising or promotional apparatus that cooperates with existing urinal screens and sink basins. The replaceable advertising apparatus provides a simple, inexpensive way to dynamically advertise and promote goods, services, etc. within a urinal or sink. This allows users of the apparatus to continually expand the range of services that they advertise, and respond quickly to perceived changes in the habits/requirements of visitors to a urinal or sink.

Abstract: A self-contained sanitary system includes a stand alone bench carrying a toilet with a flush tank for storing a source of flush water. The system further includes a holding tank. The holding tank is removably associated with the toilet and includes a pair of wheels and a retractable handle.

Abstract: A two stage toilet tank bowl control system includes a tank ball selectively positioned on the valve seat in the water tank. The tank ball is linked to a lifting lever so as to raise the tank ball from the seat when the lifting lever is rotated in its flushing direction. An air outlet tube communicates with the interior of the tank ball to permit air to be exhausted from the interior of the tank ball. The air tube communicates with a passageway in a air flow block mounted to the wall of the water tank. The passageway has a full flush branch and a partial flush branch. A partial flush valve maintains the partial flush branch closed during conditions of full flush. A full flush handle moves the lifting lever in its flushing direction with the partial flush valve maintained in a closing condition against the outlet of the partial flush branch.

Abstract: Described here are flush valves for delivering a selected amount of water from a toilet tank into a toilet bowl, particularly collapsible flush valves having substantial durability and resistance to wear and deleterious chemicals. These flush valves have a collapsible member extending from above the surface of the water in the toilet tank to the tank outlet in the normal (closed flush valve) state. Collapsing the flush valve allows water to flow into the toilet bowl through the flush valve until the toilet tank is drained to the level of the collapsed flush valve and buoyancy is restored. Flush valves may be made of a material that does not substantially deteriorate in the presence of halogen-containing toilet disinfectants, and the outer surface (the water contacting surface) of the flush valves may be a single continuous piece.

Abstract: A toilet tank valve seat structure mainly includes a body and an overflow tube located on one side of the body. The overflow tube consists of an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube has a gear rack on one side to couple with a hook located on one end of the outer tube so that the outer tube may be moved up and down to adjust the length of the overflow tube. The body has a valve opening covered by a plug. The plug has an anchor notch bordering by two slots on two sides that provide elasticity to make coupling of the anchor notch easier. The structure provides the overflow tube with an adjustable length according to the water level and makes replacement of the plug easier.

Abstract: A manual pressing device for a flusher includes a stop ring, a pressing rod unit, a spring, and a nut. The manual-pressing device is located in a lateral hole of the body of a flusher, normally stopping water in the flusher or pressed to connect a lengthwise hole in the body with a water-exhausting passageway for flushing water. The nut screws with the body to keep the stop ring, the pressing rod unit and the spring stably combined in the lateral hole. When the pressing member of the pressing rod unit fitted with an outer end of the pressing rod is pressed inward, the annular leak recess of the pressing rod unit may communicate with the water exhausting passageway to let water flow therethrough so as to flush water, and releasing the pressing member pressed makes the pressing rod return to its original position to block the water exhausting passageway.

Abstract: A gripe mechanism of a reservoir tank for a toilet bowl is assembled to a through hole defined in the reservoir tank. The gripe mechanism includes a bolt extending through the through hole of the reservoir tank, a position limit member locating at an inner side of the reservoir tank with the bolt extending therethrough, a positioning member, a lever, and a gripe. A plurality of positioning cutouts is evenly defined in the position limit member. A position limit frame extends from the position limit member. A screw hole is defined in the positioning member for engaging with the bolt. The gripe is connected to a projecting rod through a screw thereby linking the gripe to the lever. Movement of the lever is limited by the position limit frame of the position limit member.

Abstract: A control mechanism for preventing overflow of a toilet including a bowl, a water tank, and a filler float operatively communicating with a filler valve includes a knob or handle that can be manipulated to cause the filler float to occupy a position that shuts off the filler valve. The control mechanism includes a filler float guide member having a low guide section separated from a high guide section by a ramped section. By manipulating the knob or handle of the control mechanism, the filler float is forced up the ramp section to the high guide section, shutting off the filler valve.

Abstract: A novel safety suction inlet for use with conventional and safety suction circulation systems in hydrotherapy tubs, spas or pools, to avoid potential hazards including body, hair or other foreign object entrapment or entanglement, is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the safety suction inlet includes an internal gate positioned just beneath an internal suction cover. The internal gate provides a secondary point of safety in the event that the suction cover becomes lost or otherwise dislodged from the safety suction inlet. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the safety suction inlet may be combined with conventional circulation systems to provide additional levels of safety against injury or damage, should an object become entrapped or entangled in the safety suction inlet. Any of the embodiments of the present invention may be used with a conventional or safety circulation system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved support base of a shampoo basin, and the support base is made of a silicon gel material to further comply with the comfort pursued by ergonomics by taking an evacuation measure for the internal structure of the support base to achieve a more comfortable elasticity of the support base. The support base comprises a saddle section and a support section; wherein the saddle section comprises a latch groove for being latched to the edge of the shampoo basin and the surface of the latch groove having a plurality of gaps, and an evacuated space disposed inside the support section, so that the design of the gaps and evacuated space produces a comfortable elasticity when our neck and head rest on the saddle section and the support section.

Abstract: A fill and drain hydromassage water vessel having an acrylic surface, resin and fiberglass backing and antimicrobial in components of the water vessel system. The antimicrobial reduces bacteria in the water vessel system.

Abstract: A connecting device includes a tubular coupler which has an inner tubular wall that surrounds an axis and that engages a wall-mount water supplying pipe, a hollow adapter which has a surrounding wall turnable relative to an outer tubular wall of the coupler about the axis, and an outlet port extending radially relative to the axis for coupling with a shower head assembly, and a retaining member which is disposed to be kept in slidable contact with an end wall of the coupler so as to prevent removal of the adapter from the coupler.

Abstract: An improved shower arm. The shower arm includes an elbow portion adapted to fluidly communicate with a shower head and an arm portion adapted to fluidly communicate with a water supply. The arm portion is pivotably coupled with the elbow portion about a long axis of the elbow portion, with the long axis of the elbow portion and a long axis of the arm portion forming an angle. The arm portion and the elbow portion form a continuous channel configured to fluidly connect the water supply with a shower head. A mechanism allowing a user to selectively pivot and lock the position of the arm portion relative to the elbow portion is provided. The locking mechanism may include one or more sets of splines or similar features, such that engagement of the sets of splines securely locks the relative position of the arm and elbow portions.

Abstract: A material mover includes substantially rectangular top and bottom sheets connected to perimeter sidewalls defining at least one chamber. The bottom sheet is perforated with orifices at least in a central portion and has a greater width than that of the top sheet at least in middle and lower regions of the top and bottom sheets. A plurality of partition members connect at least portions of the top and bottom sheets to one another within the chamber, extend parallel to lateral edges of the top and bottom sheets, and are spaced from the perimeter sidewalls. A fluid weir is defined along an outer periphery of the bottom sheet to provide a fluid film reservoir at least under the central portion of the bottom sheet including the orifices. Fluid in the fluid reservoir is substantially contained by the fluid weir.

Abstract: A rolling chassis supports dual lifting beams pivotably mounted on adjustable supporting pins. The beams are pivoted by rollers raised by dual driving piers. Each beam carried a pair of blocks for a rope running from a locking system on the chassis to one side of an upper harness, and another pair of blocks for a rope running from a locking system on the chassis to one side of a lower harness. A retractable knee pad assists lifting a patient from sitting to standing position as the beams pivot and retract the cables.

Abstract: A lifting sling for use with an invalid hoist, includes a flexible body support, and suspension elements for suspending the sling from an invalid hoist. The flexible body support has at least one inflatable chamber, for cushioning at least a part of an invalid when supported by the body support.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel microprocessor-controlled actuator which bounces a baby bouncer system at soothing frequencies that are optimized for the weight of a baby supported in the baby bouncer system bed. The invention also provides a novel baby bouncer system which includes the novel microprocessor-controlled actuator. In one embodiment, the microprocessor based control system which controls the bouncing motion of the actuator also emits soothing sounds.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for detecting anomalies in turbine engines emanating from the main shaft and/or main shaft bearings. The anomaly detection system includes a sensor data processor and a matrix analysis mechanism. The sensor data processor receives engine sensor data, including main engine speed data during spin down, and formats the engine sensor data into an appropriate matrix. The matrix analysis mechanism receives the sensor data matrix and performs a singular value analysis on the sensor data matrix to detect potential anomalies in the turbine engine main shaft and/or bearings. The output of the matrix analysis mechanism is passed to a diagnostic system where further evaluation of the anomaly detection determination can occur.

Abstract: A blanket constructed of nylon shell (1.1), polyester filling (1.2), and polyester lining (1.3), sown together using polyester binding (1.4). A nylon pouch (1.5) and polyester pouch (1.6) are sown directly to the top center of their respected sides with the open end facing outward. Either side can be used in any weather conditions whether as a blanket (6), pillow (2), or hooded pancho weather protector (21). While in blanket form (6) it is easily converted into a pillow (2) by folding the blanket (6) in a symmetrical manner (13-17), then inserting the folded blanket into the permanently attached pouch (18). No straps or fasteners of any type are needed to maintain the pillow form. To use the blanket (6) as a hooded pancho weather protector (21) the user can place their head into the open end of the pouch, allowing the blanket to drape over the backside and shoulders (20). The top end of the blanket is pulled together and fastened by Velcro strips (1.7a, 1.7b) located to the right and left of the pouch.

Abstract: A system for maintaining a height adjustable patient bed in a level position while adjusting height of the bed is provided. The system has electrically powered linear actuators having internal position sensors, the linear actuators operable to adjust the height of the bed. The system also has control means, electrically coupled to the linear actuators, which compares position information from the internal position sensors and then adjusts the power supply to one or the other of the linear actuators in response to the position information. This permits the trailing linear actuator to catch up to the lead linear actuator to maintain the bed in a level position while the height of the bed is being adjusted. Since the internal position sensors work on small changes in position, the leveling effect is not noticeable leading to less tilt of the bed and a smoother motion during height adjustment of he bed.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable mechanical bed consisting of a bed frame for support of a mattress and occupant attached to moveable leg means powered by a motor means. Operation of the motor means causes a bearing block attached to the leg means to move longitudinally along a guide rod means, thereby collapsing the leg means beneath the bed and moving the bed frame vertically. Collapsing the bed to its substantially lowermost position causes the bearing block to engage a spring, thereby compressing said spring between the bearing block and a transverse member of the bed frame. The energy stored by the compression of the spring is used to raise the bed from its substantially lowermost position. Pivotally attached to the leg means is a rolling means consisting of a caster and foot arrangement. During normal operation, the foot is firmly engaged with the floor surface.

Abstract: A patient cooling system comprises an inflatable patient mattress having an airflow system and integral manifold incorporated therein and a patient enclosure or tent coupled to the inflatable patient mattress and supported by a framework of inflatable tubes drawing air off of the same air supply used to supply the mattress and to thermally control the area in the tent. The framework of inflatable tubes is divided into left and right sections, which are further subdivided into lower body and upper body sections. An inflatable connector with a stem and protuberance is provided to secure the framework in a closed position. The patient-supporting mattress comprises a plurality of inflatable compartments extending transversely across the width of the mattress that can be alternately pressurized for pressure relief therapy. Air is recirculated from the area in the tent and the integral manifold through the airflow system and into a thermal control unit.

Abstract: An electrically activated emergency system for a patient bed comprises: an electrically powered linear actuator for driving a back rest of the patient bed from a lowered back rest position to a raised back rest position and operable to permit the back rest to lower from the raised back rest position to the lowered back rest position without being driven by the linear actuator; and, an independent emergency back rest lowering feature comprising an electrical activation means for activating the linear actuator to permit the back rest to lower from the raised back rest position to the lowered back rest position without being driven by the linear actuator, the electrical activation means not requiring continued operator attendance for continued lowering of the back rest.

Abstract: An infant positioner and positioning system, and methods of use and manufacture, are disclosed for preventing SIDS, plagiocephaly, torticolli, or suffocation from regurgitation. The device and system includes an infant positioner with a concave back support and abdominal support for positioning an infant on its side. A position marker can also indicate how to position the infant within the infant positioner.

Abstract: A system of tools for use by an electrician made up of three principle parts; a hammer holster, a specialized hammer and a fastener holder. The hammer is comprised of a head with a single claw having a generally bell-shaped portion and terminus connected to a handle. The handle is configured to receive a portion of a wire-cutting device therein. The holster and the fastener holder are each configured for connection with a belt, such as are commonly used by individuals in various construction trades. The holster includes a rotatable magnetic portion that is configured to rotatably connect and attach to a metal portion of another tool such as a hammerhead. A clasp is preferably fixedly connected to the holster and acts to hold the handle of a hammer within the clasp when the hammer is positioned in a designated position and orientation. The fastener holding device includes a magnetic portion connected to a belt-connecting portion.

Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure This invention relates to a process for cleaning and/or refreshing soiled fabric article(s) by placing the soiled fabric article(s), together with a cleaning composition, into a bag, sealing the bag, placing the bag into the drum of a laundry washing machine, inflating the bag and running a wash cycle on the washing machine. The invention also relates to a fabric cleaning and/or refreshing kit.

Abstract: A method of determining an imbalance condition in a horizontal axis washing machine is disclosed. The method comprises several steps, including establishing a speed profile for the washing machine, having at least three increasing speed steps, operating a motor to rotate the washing machine drum sequentially through the three speed steps, measuring the power output of the motor at each speed step, calculating an average power output by averaging the power output at the first and second speed steps, calculating the difference between the power output at the third step and the average power output, comparing the difference to a predetermined threshold difference value, and sending a signal indicative of an imbalance condition if the difference exceeds the threshold difference value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus control a drum-type washing machine during a dewatering process in which a motor, coupled to a drum, rotates the drum to extract water from laundry contained in the drum. The method includes rotating the motor at a first rotating speed; performing at least one eccentricity detection at the first rotating speed, to obtain an eccentricity value; accelerating, if the obtained eccentricity value is within a nominal range, the motor from the first rotating speed to a second rotating speed, the second rotating speed being lower than a resonance range of the motor and rotated drum; and entering a main dewatering phase based on the at least one eccentricity detection. The second rotating speed of the motor is maintained at a constant level for a predetermined time before the main dewatering phase is entered. The constant level may be applied to a preliminary dewatering stage performed prior to the first rotating speed acceleration.

Abstract: By using separate cold and warm water connections in a washing machine, and by a laundry drum mounted to rotate horizontally and whose drum casing is provided, for the exchange of detergent solution between the laundry drum and the washing tub, with openings formed to act as scoops for the detergent solution in the washing tub, the laundry drum is filled with warm water in a simpler manner and without placing heat-sensitive textiles at risk. The warm water is conducted onto the drum casing from above at a shallow angle during the rotational phase and in a rotation direction. The warm water does not flow into the drum through the openings, but rather into the washing tub over the drum casing, and mixed with the previously introduced cold water there. Therefore, direct contact between the items being washed and the warm water supplied is avoided without complicated conduction systems.

Abstract: According to the invention, a metal salt and an oxygen source are applied to penetrate or impregnate a suitable substrate sequentially in effective amounts so as to react in contact with the substrate and produce a mineral compound fixed within the surface of the substrate. The inventive combination of a mutually compatible metal salt, oxygen source, and substrate brings about an in situ reaction, and modifies the substrate to bring about a lasting desired effect. The mineral compound that is produced according to the invention is linked to the substrate, is stable and long-lasting or permanent, and is immobilized or insolubilized in the substrate. The mineral compound is bound or contained within and on the surface of the substrate, so it may be said to be ingrained in the fibers or matrix of the substrate, or embedded within the substrate. The desired effect is preferably a color. A wide variety of metal salts may be used depending on the desired effect.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions for dyeing keratin materials, for example, compositions for hair dyeing comprising at least one 1,3-indandione derivative, a method for dyeing using such compositions and a multicomponent dyeing agent used for carrying out such a method. The present disclosure makes it possible, for example, to obtain a color of the keratin fibers which is fast, resistant to light and to washing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions for dyeing keratin materials, for example compositions for hair dyeing, comprising at least one 1,2-indandione derivative, a method for dyeing using such compositions, and a multicomponent dyeing agent used for carrying out such a method.

Abstract: A temporary hair color composition and a method of using this color composition. The temporary hair color composition is in a form suitable for application to hair and includes water, a co-solvent, a gelling agent selected from a soap gelling agent and a gellan gum gelling agent, and a coloring agent. The color composition results in a that may by applied using pressure and which does not drip. As such, the color composition may be easily applied. The color compositions may be used such that the same color results even though the color of the underlying substrate is substantially different.

Abstract: This invention is a two part system for coloring or bleaching hair which comprises (i) a thin lotion optionally comprising an oxidative dye and comprising a solvent system and a surfactant system to trigger a thickening upon dilution with a developer, and (ii) a developer which comprises a scalp-irritating amount of an oxidising agent. In the system of the invention, the lotion has a Lamellar Phase Index of greater than 80%.

Abstract: A method of constructing a bridge including forming a concrete slab remote from a the bridge, the slab having a side with at least one bolt hole therein, orienting the side of the concrete slab substantially parallel to the side of a girder so that the bolt hole of the concrete slab is aligned with a bolt hole in the side of the girder and connecting the bolt hole of the concrete slab with the bolt hole of the girder using a bracket and a pair of bolts.

Abstract: A thruster pig for sending through a pipe from an entrance facility to a receiving location, for servicing or monitoring, by pumping a thrusting fluid into the pipe to force the pig forward is disclosed. The thruster pig includes a body having a front end and a back end, where the back end includes a reaction surface to which said the thrusting fluid applies a motive force. The body is slightly smaller in diameter than the inner diameter of the pipe. The pig also includes a seal circumferentially arranged on the pig to seal between said body and said pipe. A desired differential pressure is maintained over the pig to urge said pig forward through the pipe by pumping a fluid into the annulus between the pipe and the return flow line while returning fluid through said return flow line utilizing connected servicing or monitoring equipment. A connector releasably connects a return flow line to the pig.

Abstract: The toothbrush includes a handle portion and a brushhead assembly which comprises a head portion and a stem portion. The head portion includes a bellows-like acoustic action member for creating acoustic wave action as it moves in and out in response to an acoustic driving force. A drive system is located in the handle and includes an audio speaker-type assembly to create acoustic waves which are transmitted through a transmission line to the acoustic action member. The acoustic action member is driven toward and away from the teeth when the toothbrush is operatively positioned within the mouth. The action of the acoustic member is directly or indirectly coupled to the fluid in the mouth, producing a foam which couples shear forces between the acoustic action member and the teeth/gums to produce a desired cleaning/therapeutic effect.