Abstract: A method for manufacturing a handle for an electrically operated personal care implement comprises the following steps: providing a metal tube housing having a metal wall with an opening therein and an inner surface defining an inner cavity for accommodating an energy source; providing a hard switch component comprising a frame with a recess; attaching the frame of the hard switch component to the inner surface of the metal wall, the frame surrounding the opening and providing an undercut between the recess and the inner surface, the undercut being open towards the opening; and at least partially over-molding the opening to form a soft switch component in the undercut, thereby forming with the hard switch component a switch assembly for activating the energy source, the switch assembly sealing the opening from the inner surface of the metal wall.

Abstract: A brushing tracker configured to be mounted to a toothbrush has a motion sensor and a transceiver that collect and output raw motion data. The raw motion data is received by a relay and forwarded to a cloud-based remote processing system that processes the raw motion data to determine brushing adequacy based on predetermined criteria. The motion sensor and transceiver are disposed in a flexible case. An attachment band enables the brushing tracker to be affixed to a standard toothbrush for use and affixed to a different toothbrush when desired.

Abstract: A cooking utensil having a handle and a rigid metal scraper head connected to the handle is disclosed. The scraper head may include a squeegee blade holder formed thereon, or attached thereto. A squeegee blade may be securely disposed in the squeegee blade holder.

Abstract: Various exemplary attachments for hair care appliances and methods of using attachments for hair care appliances are provided. In general, a hair care attachment in an exemplary embodiment is in the form of a brush accessory that has a hollow body having first and second region, an attachment collar at a first end of the hollow body and having an inlet for receiving airflow, a plurality of bristles positioned along the first region of the hollow body, a plurality of outlet openings positioned along the first region of the hollow body adjacent the plurality of bristles, and a heater assembly positioned along the second region of the hollow body.

Abstract: A bug capture and disposal device includes a shaft having a working end opposite a handle end. A head plate is affixed to the working end and a pair of flaps are pivotally affixed along opposing sides of the head plate. The pair of flaps are selectively movable between an open position and a closed position. A rod is disposed within an interior of the shaft and is operably connected to a control disposed on the handle end and each flap of the pair of flaps. Upon actuation of the control, the rod moves the pair of flaps towards the closed position. A retraction control is slidably disposed on the shaft, wherein the retraction control is operably connected to the rod, whereupon actuation of the retraction control, the pair of flaps towards the open position. An adhesive pad is removably secured to an underside of the pair of flaps.

Abstract: An illuminated utility handle is disclosed and is configured for coupling to various household work toss, such a broom, a mop, a paint brush/roller, a squeegee, or the like. The illuminated utility handle is formed as an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end has a coupling for securing the work tool to the illuminated utility handle and one or more lights disposed along the elongate shaft. The one or more lights are oriented to illuminate a work surface operated on by the attachment. A battery source may be carried in the handle and a power switch is operable to selectively activate the one or more lights. The battery source may be recharged by a charging port.

Abstract: A brush head (12), an electric toothbrush (10), and a method of operating an electric toothbrush. The electric toothbrush (10) includes bristles extending from a base structure. A plurality of tufts (20) are formed as separate groups of the bristles (23) bundled together. A sensor assembly (28) is configured to generate, for each of the tufts, a signal representative of a force applied to each of the tufts. A controller (18) is configured to generate a tuft signature representing a distribution of the force applied to each of the tufts. This tuft signature may then be classified by appropriate algorithms to determine brushing parameters, such as applied pressure, angle, and the location in the user's mouth.

Abstract: A magnetic sweeper assembly comprised of a broom for sweeping up debris and a magnetic surface for picking up magnetic materials such as nails or metal shavings. The magnetic sweeper comprises a one-piece manifold having a brush cap, a curvilinear section, and a box section. One or more magnets are positioned in a cavity inside of the box section and the broom is attached to the brush cap. A shield is attached to the assembly adjacent to a side of the box section so that the magnetic items picked up by the magnets are held against the shield for eventual removal. Two or more wheels are attached to the assembly so the assembly can be rolled across the floor when the magnetic surface is employed.

Abstract: A lens and/or a view screen of an electronic device having at least one case can be cleaned by wiping the view screen with a cleaning component wherein the cleaning component is configured to selectively couple to the at least one case or some other substrate using a magnetic attractive force. The cleaning devices may have secondary applications such as securing fly fishing lures, activating or deactivating a device having a magnetic switch, or preventing sunglasses from sinking. They may also be manufactured without a cleaning component for use with the secondary applications.

Abstract: A tracking attachment for an oral care implement that includes a housing and a tracking unit configured to track position, orientation, or movement of the oral care implement. The housing may define a receiving cavity that is configured to receive a portion of the oral care implement. The housing may include a first housing portion having an inner surface that defines a first portion of the receiving cavity that is open at both of the first and second ends of the first housing portion and a second housing portion that mates with the first housing portion to detachably couple the second housing portion to the first housing portion. The second housing portion may have an inner surface that defines a second portion of the receiving cavity that is open at the second end of the second housing portion.

Abstract: Controllable brush, comprising a bristle carrier (BC) having a plurality of bristles (B), and a supplementary carrier (SC) having a plurality of protrusions (P), a distance (d) between the supplementary carrier (SC) and the bristle carrier (BC) being modifiable, whereby decreasing the distance (d) results in the protrusions (P) being inserted through the bristle carrier (BC). Decreasing the distance (d) results in the protrusions (P) being inserted inside the bristles (B). Alternatively, decreasing the distance (d) results in the protrusions (P) being inserted between the bristles (B). The controllable brush may further comprise an actuator for modifying the distance (d), and a control unit for controlling the actuator in response to a sensor output. The sensor may be arranged for measuring a force experienced by the brush. Alternatively, the sensor may be a camera of a smartphone.

Abstract: A lens and/or a view screen of an electronic device having at least one case can be cleaned by wiping the view screen with a cleaning component wherein the cleaning component is configured to selectively couple to the at least one case or some other substrate using a magnetic attractive force. The cleaning devices may have secondary applications such as securing fly fishing lures, activating or deactivating a device having a magnetic switch, or preventing sunglasses from sinking. They may also be manufactured without a cleaning component for use with the secondary applications.

Abstract: A multi-layer sponge assembly is disclosed which contains an abrasive portion and a magnet that mates with a separate magnetic element to allow the sponge to be elevated in a suspended position to dry.

Abstract: An applicator for beauty products comprises a lighting device for providing lighting when applying beauty products. In various embodiments, the lighting device is a hollow body enclosing a power supply, such as one or more batteries, with the power supply and including a light source. The light source is surrounded by an opaque body so the light source casts an even glow of light. Further, the light source has in such a shape or an orientation allowing the light source to emit beyond an outer perimeter of one or more interchangeable brush heads that are coupled to an outer circumference of the light source. The hollow body also includes a switch coupled to the power supply and to the light source. When activated, the switch completes a circuit providing power from the power supply to the light source, causing the light source to emit light.

Abstract: A toilet brush holder comprising a holder body and a barrel body, wherein the barrel body is movably sleeved with the holder body, and an elastic member is arranged between the holder body and the barrel body. The holder body is hinged with barrel covers which are opened and closed along with up-down movement of the barrel body. The barrel body comprises an inner barrel arranged in the holder body, and the holder body comprises a ventilation hole. When the toilet brush is placed in the inner barrel, the barrel body moves down relative to the holder body, propelling the barrel covers closed at the holder body, and allowing the inner barrel to communicate with exterior of the holder body through the ventilation hole. The ventilation hole allows residual water left on the toilet brush to be quickly drained and prevents the breeding of bacteria and generation of foul smell.

Abstract: An oral healthcare personal appliance (10), configured for use with a removable brush head (20) having a first light guide (28), comprises a handle (16), an actuator (14) with a hollow drive shaft (18), a second light guide (36) disposed co-axially between first and second ends of the hollow drive shaft, a rear stop connection adapter (62) coupled to the second ends of the hollow drive shaft and the second light guide, a light source (66) to emit light into the second light guide, and an optional front stop connection adapter (34) coupled to the first ends of the hollow drive shaft and the second light guide. Physically coupling the brush head to the handle enables both (i) a rotation of the brush head via a rotation of the hollow drive shaft and (ii) a transmission of light from the light source through the second light guide and into the first light guide.

Abstract: A personal care device (10) configured to generate a feedback signal in response to excessive pressure applied by a user includes: a body portion (12) comprising a first interacting portion (40); a shaft (24) comprising a second interacting portion (42), wherein the shaft and the second interacting portion are moveable, in response to a force applied by the user, from a first position in which the first interacting portion does not physically interact with the second interacting portion, to a second position in which the first interacting portion physically interacts with the second interacting portion; and a sensor (70) configured to detect the physical interaction between the first interacting portion and the second interacting portion, and further configured to activate a feedback signal, in response to the detection of the physical interaction, to the user that excessive pressure is being applied.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved dental drill and system of assisting patients with anxiety due to dental visits. The Audio Drill system collects data such as music and time for the purposes of receiving audio data packets from a mobile device. Mobile devices such as smart phones, tablets, Internet computers, and other hand-held mobile devices are ideal for submitting music to the proposed invention. The affiliations are determined based upon the audio date and other critical markers. The system may even be enhanced by use of features tailored by the user.

Abstract: An energy harvesting device includes a housing (2), a moveable device (12) disposed within the housing and including a first surface including a first material (15) and a second surface including a second material (17), wherein the moveable device is operable to move to bring the first and second surfaces together and apart to cause contact and separation between the first and second materials, a first strap (4) attached to the housing, a second strap (6) coupled to the moveable device, wherein movement of the second strap causes operation of the moveable device, and electronic circuitry (20) structured to harvest energy from the electrical charge generated by the contact between the first and second materials.

Abstract: A lens and/or a view screen of an electronic device having at least one case can be cleaned by wiping the view screen with a cleaning component wherein the cleaning component is configured to selectively couple to the at least one case or some other substrate using a magnetic attractive force. The cleaning devices may have secondary applications such as securing fly fishing lures, activating or deactivating a device having a magnetic switch, or preventing sunglasses from sinking. They may also be manufactured without a cleaning component for use with the secondary applications.

Abstract: A cosmetic applicator includes a non-porous base and a first porous cushioning member molded onto the base that is configured to retain a predetermined amount of cosmetic formulation. A method of forming a cosmetic applicator includes forming a non-porous base and forming a first porous cushioning member on the base.

Abstract: An apparatus for grooming an animal is disclosed herein. The apparatus for grooming the animal includes a handle and a grooming-head. In a preferred embodiment, the handle is ergonomically shaped to aid in grip-ability of the handle. In one embodiment, the grooming-head includes a first grooming-side having a first grooming-tool. In another embodiment, the grooming-head further includes a second grooming-side opposite the first grooming-side and including a second grooming-tool. Further, in the preferred embodiment, the first grooming-tool and the second grooming-tool are dissimilar. The apparatus is useful for providing effective multifunctional grooming of horses, canines, livestock, etc., saving time and effort while currying.

Abstract: Provided is a skin care device including at least one brush brought into contact with skin of a user, a motor configured to rotate or vibrate at least one of the at least one brush, a battery configured to supply power to the moto, a main body provided with the at least one brush disposed on one surface thereof and having an accommodation space configured to accommodate the motor and the battery therein, and a cradle having an accommodation space configured to accommodate the at least one brush and having a charging module configured to supply power to the battery.

Abstract: The systems and methods of automatically cleaning a wheel are disclosed herein. The systems and methods include a foreign matter detector arranged adjacent to the wheel, a cleaning device arranged adjacent to the wheel, one or more processors communicatively coupled to the foreign matter detector and the cleaning device; and a non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium communicatively coupled to the one or more processors. The non-transitory, processor-readable storage medium includes one or more programming instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause the one or more processors to: receive a signal from the foreign matter detector, the signal being indicative of possible foreign matter present on a surface of the wheel, determine from the signal, whether foreign matter is present on the wheel, and direct the cleaning device to remove the foreign matter from the wheel.

Abstract: A lens and/or a view screen of an electronic device having at least one case can be cleaned by wiping the view screen with a cleaning component wherein the cleaning component is configured to selectively couple to the at least one case or some other substrate using a magnetic attractive force. The cleaning devices may have secondary applications such as securing fly fishing lures, activating or deactivating a device having a magnetic switch, or preventing sunglasses from sinking. They may also be manufactured without a cleaning component for use with the secondary applications.

Abstract: A lens and/or a view screen of an electronic device having at least one case can be cleaned by wiping the view screen with a cleaning component wherein the cleaning component is configured to selectively couple to the at least one case or some other substrate using a magnetic attractive force. The cleaning devices may have secondary applications such as securing fly fishing lures, activating or deactivating a device having a magnetic switch, or preventing sunglasses from sinking. They may also be manufactured without a cleaning component for use with the secondary applications.

Abstract: An oral care implement including a handle and an oral care refill head. The handle has a gripping portion, an engagement component coupled to a distal end of the gripping portion, and a stem. The engagement component includes a plate portion and a first engagement feature. The stem extends through an opening in the engagement component and protrudes from the plate portion. The oral care refill head includes an oral care treatment portion and a sleeve portion. The sleeve portion has an inner surface that defines a sleeve cavity having a cavity axis and a second engagement feature. When the oral care refill head is detachably coupled to the handle, the first and second engagement features mate with one another to at least one of: (1) position the oral care refill head and the handle in an operational alignment; and (2) lock the oral care refill head to the handle.

Abstract: An oral care system includes an oral care implement and a smart device removably retained in a cavity of the oral care implement. The smart device may have a plurality of sensors for sensing conditions of the oral cavity and/or for sensing various parameters associated with the movement of the oral care implement within the oral cavity during use. The smart device may also include a transmitter for transmitting data/information obtained by the sensors to an electronic device, such as a smart phone.

Abstract: The invention relates mainly to an optical guide for diffusing a light radiation through a surface, which is essentially characterized in that it includes a base (3,31) comprising or able to hold at least one diffusion rod (2, 2a; 35a, 35b, 35c) whose lower diffusion end (7, 7a; 38a, 38b, 38c) protrudes from said base (3) and is intended to be applied on or near said surface, and whose upper collecting end (6,6a; 37a, 37b, 37c) is intended to be located near and opposite a power supplied light source (36a, 36b, 36c), and in that the diffusion rod (2, 2a; 35a, 35b, 35c) comprises a material able to transmit light from its collecting end (6,6a; 37a, 37b, 37c) up to its diffusion end (7, 7a; 38a, 38b, 38c). The invention also relates to an irradiation module and to an irradiation device adapted to the transcranial and/or transcutaneous irradiation by light radiation.

Abstract: A lens and/or a view screen of an electronic device having at least one case can be cleaned by wiping the view screen with a cleaning component wherein the cleaning component is configured to selectively couple to the at least one case or some other substrate using a magnetic attractive force. The cleaning devices may have secondary applications such as securing fly fishing lures, activating or deactivating a device having a magnetic switch, or preventing sunglasses from sinking. They may also be manufactured without a cleaning component for use with the secondary applications.

Abstract: Tooling and corresponding tool assembly configurations equipped with exemplary designs of tracking assemblies configured to track information, such as use history, and perform a variety of processing and storage functions relative to the same for more efficient use and maintenance of the tooling over their lifetimes. The tracking assemblies can have retrofit-ready constructions.

Abstract: A toothbrush for use by an operator and capable of being connected to a suction device and a syringe. The toothbrush includes a head, a handle, and a suction assembly. The head includes a plurality of bristles and an irrigation port configured to be in fluid communication with the syringe. The handle is coupled to the head and includes a user interface and a controller configured to actuate at least one of rotation, oscillation, and vibration of the plurality of bristles in response to feedback from the operator through the user interface. The suction assembly is coupled to one of the head and the handle and configured to be coupled to the suction device. The suction assembly includes a suction tip that is movable relative to the head.

Abstract: A toothbrush can include a handle and a head. At least one bristle can be attached to the head. The toothbrush can also have an illumination member, an illumination circuit and an activation device. A pliant base on the handle can be used to activate the activation device to initiate the illumination circuit.

Abstract: A lens and/or a view screen of an electronic device having at least one case can be cleaned by wiping the view screen with a cleaning component wherein the cleaning component is configured to selectively couple to the at least one case or some other substrate using a magnetic attractive force. The cleaning devices may have secondary applications such as securing fly fishing lures, activating or deactivating a device having a magnetic switch, or preventing sunglasses from sinking. They may also be manufactured without a cleaning component for use with the secondary applications.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing distraction of a user (10) of an oral health care device (102), includes: a sensor (112) configured to determine positions of the user during use of the oral health care device; a processor (150) in communication with the sensor and configured to calculate differences between the determined positions and to determine if the differences reach or exceed a threshold value for notifying the user; and a user interface (114) in communication with the processor and configured to alter from a normal state in an event the differences between the determined positions reach or exceed the threshold value for notifying the user.

Abstract: A hand tool is provided for the application of joint compound to drywall board joints, a planar blade affixed to a handle. The blade has a concave arcuate working edge, wherein the concave arcuate curve extends the entire length of the working edge to each corner of the working edge. The concave arcuate working edge may be used to apply a self-featured layer joint compound over drywall tape on planar butt joint or an inside corner joint. The blade is laterally flexible.

Abstract: An oral cleaning system (100, 200) configured to provide optimal oral cleaning using an oral cleaning device (10), the system capable of receiving, extracting, and assessing data from one or more sensors (28) of the oral cleaning device to determine whether optimal cleaning has been achieved during a primary oral cleaning session, and if not, generating a customized secondary cleaning routine configured to achieve optimized cleaning session. The customized secondary cleaning routine is offered to the user, and the system guides the user through the customized secondary cleaning routine to achieve optimal cleaning performance.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a video toothbrush. An exemplary video toothbrush may include a handle housing an exciter and a support element including a support neck and a support head. The support element may be configured to extend from a proximal connection with the handle to a distal end. The video toothbrush may further include a camera mounted near the distal end of the support head and a shaft extending from the support neck and configured to support a cleaning head toward a distal end of the shaft and configured to receive vibration from the exciter toward a proximal end of the shaft. The video toothbrush may also include the cleaning head having a plurality of bristles projecting in a first direction. The cleaning head may define a central opening. The central opening may be arranged to provide the camera with a view in the first direction.

Abstract: An oral cleaning device (10) configured to provide real-time feedback to a user. The oral cleaning device comprises a pressure sensor (12) configured to obtain pressure sensor data during a cleaning session; a visual indicator (46) configured to provide feedback about pressure to the user during the brushing session; and a controller (30) in communication with the pressure sensor and the visual indicator, wherein the controller is configured to: receive, from the pressure sensor, the pressure sensor data; determine an amount of pressure being applied by the user of the oral cleaning device; and provide, using the visual indicator, a visual indication of the amount of pressure being applied by the user of the oral cleaning device.

Abstract: A scraper sponge for cleaning and scraping away unwanted substances from an object or surface comprising a sponge body defining a first surface, first layer, second layer, third layer, second surface opposite the first surface, a continuous side surface around the perimeter; and the back of a scraper secured to the first layer opposite the first surface and the scraper defined by the first layer and an aperture through and approximately in the middle of the second layer, third layer and second surface of the sponge body. The entire surface area of the scraper, on it's front surface, is covered with pyramid shaped points extending outwardly in the direction of the second surface of the sponge body and is made level with the second surface of the sponge body when forces are applied to the first surface and subsequent back of scraper to manipulate the rigid scraper on a hard surface.

Abstract: An ice scraper comprising a handle and a scraper head connected to the handle. The scraper head includes a proximal end, a distal end having a scraping edge, a scraping side, a chipping side, and at least three chipping teeth for chipping ice, hard snow, or frost from a curved surface. The chipping teeth extend outwardly from the chipping side. Each chipping tooth has a contact edge. At least one of the contact edges is offset forward or rearward of contact edges of two of the other chipping teeth so that at least one point of each contact edge can simultaneously contact the curved surface regardless of the scraper's position relative to the curved surface and regardless of a direction of the scraper.

Abstract: An electric apparatus unit comprises electric apparatus and charging stand. Electric apparatus includes rechargeable battery, a driver that drives through electric power supplied from rechargeable battery and power receiver that supplies the electric power to rechargeable battery. Charging stand includes power transmission coil that supplies electric power to power receiver and support that supports electric apparatus.

Abstract: A toothbrush with a handle having a base and a head and defining a cavity positioned between the base and the head. The toothbrush also includes a plurality of bristles attached to the head of the handle, a green light configured to flash for a first period of time and a red light configured to flash for a second period of time. The toothbrush also includes a switch coupled to the handle for activating the green light, and a circuit for automatically activating the red light after expiration of the first period of time.

Abstract: An oral-care system includes an oral-care device having a treatment head, a position-determination unit for determining position information of the treatment head in relation to a user's treatment area at a plurality of time instances during a treatment session, a sensor unit for determining treatment-parameter values of at least one treatment parameter at the plurality of time instances, a processor unit for processing the determined position information and the determined treatment parameter values to generate at least position-resolved treatment data, a memory unit for storing at least the position-resolved treatment data, and a control unit for triggering an action of the personal-hygiene system based at least on a current position information and on the stored position-resolved treatment data.

Abstract: A water extraction device includes a flexible plastic rod, an absorbent blade, and an elongated handle. The device removes water/liquid from automobile compartments such as mirrors after an automobile wash. The device further prevents streaking on the body of automobiles after an automobile starts moving post wash.

Abstract: A method includes inserting a flexible cable into a cleaning region of a channel of a component via a cleaning port, rotating the flexible cable about an axis within the channel to interact a tip with deposits disposed within the cleaning region of the channel, moving the flexible cable within the cleaning region of the channel along a length of the channel, and removing portions of the deposits from the cleaning region of the channel via a second port. The flexible cable includes the axis and the tip. A diameter of the tip is different than a diameter of the flexible cable. The tip is configured to loosen the portions of the deposits.

Abstract: An oral care implement comprises a head with a plurality of cleaning elements, the head comprising a chamber. The oral care implement may include a reflective or refractive membrane positioned within the chamber. A light source may also be positioned within the chamber such that light from the light source is directed at the reflective or refractive membrane. The oral care implement may also include a head plate with a plurality of tooth cleaning elements coupled thereto, the head plate positioned over the chamber. The light from the light source may be emitted through the head plate. In some embodiments the oral care implement may be a toothbrush. In other embodiments the oral care implement may be non-toothbrush type implements that include a body forming a chamber within which the lighting components are positioned.

Abstract: Shear-reduction cushioning devices are provided for the prevention of shear related wounds. Cushioning devices include upper and lower cushioning layers that contact each other through at least one internal shear reduction layer provided between the cushioning layers and extending over a shear reduction region, such that dynamic relative translation of the two cushioning layers is permitted within the shear reduction region while absorbing friction and shear internally. The interface between the cushioning layers (where the shear reduction layer is provided) may be angled relative to an external surface of the cushioning device. The cushioning layers may be attached or attachable to one another beyond the shear reduction region, to limit an amount of relative translation of the cushioning layers and to re-center or reset the cushioning layers after use.

Abstract: An oral cleaning device comprises a body which carries a set of projections. An actuator device is associated with one or more of the projections in the form of an electroactive polymer structure for adjusting a position of the associated one or more projections. This enables dynamic control of the cleaning function.

Abstract: A hand tool is provided for the application of joint compound on wall board, a planar blade affixed to a handle. The blade has a concave arcuate working edge, wherein the concave arcuate curve extends the entire length of the working edge to each corner of the working edge. The concave arcuate working edge to may be used to apply a self-featured layer joint compound over drywall tape on planar butt joint or an inside corner joint. The blade is laterally flexible.