Abstract: An interdental tooth-brush includes a support bar (1) with a transversal hole (2a) at one end, a small brush stick (3) with a filiform projection (3a) apt to engage into the transversal hole (2a), and a retention device to fix the projection (3a) into the transversal hole (2a) in an interchangeable manner. The transversal hole (2a) is formed into a support head (2) provided at the end of the support bar (1). This support head (2) has a protuberance projecting through a slot (4a) of a cap (4) fitted onto the support head (2). The cap (4), having two diametrically opposite slots (4a, 4b), is axially slidable between a position of release, in which both slots (4a, 4b) are aligned with the transversal hole (2a), and a locking position, in which the rear slot (4b) is axially offset with respect to the hole (2a ).

Abstract: A twisted stem internal abrading tool having molded axially curved swept back filaments is formed from a twisted stem internal finishing tool having strips of abrasive containing plastic arrayed in a radial pattern about a twisted tool stem. The filament end of the tool is inserted into an undersized mold cavity thereby forcing the filaments into an axially curved swept back configuration. With the filament end of the tool fully inserted into the mold, the mold is heated and quenched to permanently fix the filaments in an axially curved bent back configuration producing an abrading tool in which the lengths of the abrasive filaments are positioned for contact with internal surfaces, maximizing the amount of abrasive material put in contact with the work surfaces and increasing the abrading efficiency of the tool.

Abstract: A conductor cleaning brush has a handle which is a single integral plastic part, the handle including a grippable center section having at opposite ends a mounting section and a brush supporting section. The mounting section includes a portion of noncircular cross section which extends into and mates with an opening of noncircular cross section in a shotgun stick. Two brush parts each have a cylindrical bristle arrangement, and have a stem which is fixedly secured in the brush mounting section of the handle. The brush parts diverge with respect to each other in a direction away from the handle, the ends of the bristle arrangements nearest the handle having radially overlapping bristles and the opposite ends of the bristle arrangements being spaced.

Abstract: A hair-curling device has a plurality of substantially cylindrical handleless elements of different diameters each having a central supporting member and a plurality of radially extending bristles. One end of each element can have a hair-separating member, while the other end can have a holding member connectable with a handle. The elements can be arranged radially in engagement with each other to form an oval curl and releasably attached to each other.

Abstract: A brush is provided for cleaning endoscope channels which comprises a tubular cannula having a first end and a second end. A wire insert is fitted within the cannula. A first brush having bristles supported on a first core is secured within the first end and a second brush having bristles supported on a second core is secured within the second end. The first core is spaced apart from the wire insert by a distance so as to leave a length of unsupported cannula. A flexible tubular tip is also secured on the first core with a substantial length of the tip free of the core. A depth limit stop having a stop surface thereon is fixed on the cannula spaced from the end of the second core by a distance which prevents the end of the second core from contacting endoscope channels.

Abstract: A brush holder for a replaceable interdental brush having a body portion and a gripping member mounted on the body portion and movable relative to it. The stem of a brush can be inserted into the holder and is retained between opposed surfaces of the body portion and gripping member. Preferably the opposed surfaces may be textured or have ribs. Optionally the holder is adapted to retain the brush in a variety of orientations.

Abstract: A brush for a hollow structure with an open end includes brush bristles secured to a twisted wire. In one embodiment, a non-abrasive, heat-shrinking plastic tube is slip-fitted over the twisted wire at a section thereof that is free of brush bristles. The heat-shrinking plastic tube is heat-shrunk to form a tight fit with the twisted wire to form a brush handle therewith. In another embodiment, a non-abrasive solid cylindrical body is penetrated along the axis or center line thereof by a section of twisted wire that is free of brush bristles.

Abstract: An interdental toothbrush has a hinged locking retainer on the end of an elongated handle. The locking retainer has a hole which is positioned relative to a groove in the handle so that a twisted wire brush may be locked into place simply by inserting it and closing the retainer. A latch on the locking retainer has a top end with a double cam surface thereon. One of the cam surfaces guides the latch into a locking position as the retainer is closed. The other of the cam surfaces releases the locking retainer when pushed.

Abstract: A fur grooming apparatus includes a base portion (12) and a twisted wire (14) operatively connected to the base portion (12). Brush bristles are retained by and extend radially outwardly from the spiral twist of the wire (14) for brushing a live animal as it passes against the bristles.

Abstract: A cleaning tool is disclosed for cleaning hard-to-reach and sharply curved passages, particularly those of endoscopes. The tool includes a brush connected to a spring. The spring is connected to a length of flexible tubing. A stiffening member is disposed within the flexible tubing. A fluid passage is provided within the tubing for delivering cleaning fluid or rinsing fluid to the interior of the object being cleaned.

Abstract: An improved mascara brush is formed according to the standard twisted wire method, but utilizing heavily waved bristles instead of straight bristles. During the brush forming operation, the bristles orient so that the ends of the bristles are generally evenly distributed along the cylinder outline of the brush, i.e. the usual spiral groove is eliminated. The improved mascara brush has improved properties in that it picks up more mascara and more evenly distributes the mascara on the eyelash.

Abstract: A specimen sampling device for the collection of microbiological biopsy specimen from a body cavity and, more particularly, a device which incorporates a cytology brush which is readily introducible into the biopsy channel of an endoscope. In particular, the cytology brush is especially adapted for brushing and thereby obtaining microbiological biopsy specimen from areas of the gastrointestinal tract which are difficult to reach. A flexible stainless steel sheath constituted from helical coils is encompassed by a plastic sleeve which is adhered thereto, such plastic sleeve preferably being constituted from teflon or the like, and in which a proximal end of the tubing includes structure cooperative with a manipulating component attached to a composite operating wire structure for a cytology brush located at a distal end thereof and extending through the sheath so as to be able to longitudinally displace and rotate the wire and resultingly the cytology brush in a controlled mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mascara brush with bristles bound by twisting in a twin-layer wire core, the bristles consisting of multiple fibres bound by means of a binding agent which can be dissolved out.Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of manufacture of a mascara brush, the bound multiple layer bristles being bound by twisting into the wire core and subsequently, as a result of the dissolving out of the binding agent with a solvent, being split apart into the individual fibres.

Abstract: A device for cleaning dental implant posts, includes a handle for grasping the device; and a brush secured to one end of the handle. The brush includes (i) a first flexible, springy resilient wire or plastic member secured to the one end of the handle and having a substantially part-circular configuration extending over an arc greater than 90.degree. and less than 180.degree., the first member having a first inturned free end, (ii) a second flexible, springy resilient wire or plastic member secured to the same end of the handle and having a substantially part-circular configuration extending over an arc greater than 90.degree. and less than 180.degree.

Abstract: An interproximal brush comprises a handle having an end portion provided with a transverse hole communicating with a longitudinal groove for receiving the elongated stem of an interproximal brush. The handle further has a cylindrical boss formed on the lower surface thereof through which the transverse hole extends, and the brush stem is retained securely in the longitudinal groove on closure of a cap, which is pivotably attached to the end portion.

Abstract: This brush is constituted in the conventional manner by an elongate central core around which there are implanted substantially radially disposed bristles (3) which are regularly distributed. According to the invention, the bristles (3) have at their surface at least partly, preferably all, at least one capillary channel (8) which is advantageously rectilinear, extending substantially from their base as far as their tip. In particular, a cruciform cross section is chosen, as represented below. The capillary channels constitute regularly disposed locations for mascara reserves and allowing on application a fast and efficient transfer of the mascara to the eyelashes with a view to a homogeneous make up.

Abstract: A back brush apparatus is provided with a flexible, helically wound wire core coaxially arranged through the brush containing a series of three separate sets of bristles, each randomly arranged with one another throughout the brush matrix defining a cylinder about the wire core. The first longest series of bristles are of a relatively soft character with the shortest and third series of bristles being of the stiffest character, with the second series of bristles being of intermediate length and stiffness relative to the first and third series. A hand loop is secured to a loop formed at each terminal end of the wire core and secured to the wire loop by means of a fastener to enable reciprocating the brush during use by an individual.

Abstract: A device for cleaning dental implant posts, includes a handle for grasping the device; and a brush secured to one end of the handle. The brush includes (i) a first flexible, springy resilient wire or plastic member secured to the one end of the handle and having a substantially part-circular configuration extending over an arc greater than 90.degree. and less than 180.degree., the first member having a first inturned free end, (ii) a second flexible, springy resilient wire or plastic member secured to the same end of the handle and having a substantially part-circular configuration extending over an arc greater than 90.degree. and less than 180.degree.

Abstract: A brush for applying makeup includes a multitude of bristles wedged into the spirals (9) of at least two branches (10, 11) of a helically twisted metal wire, which form the core (12) of the brush. Over at least a portion of the brush, bristles (8a, 8b) are provided the surface of which has at least one groove extending substantially from the base to the tip, and the cross sections of the bristles have different shapes, of at least two types. As a result, the bristles (8a, 8b) having different cross-sectional shapes are spaced apart differently with respect to the mid-plane (14) of the spiral, and there is a space (15) between the bristles to permit penetration of the eyelashes (16) or hair.

Abstract: This brush, in particular for the application of mascara to the eyelashes, is constituted by a central elongate core which is surrounded at least partly by bristles radially implanted along longitudinal rows, one row of longer bristles whose ends constitute a ridge alternating with one row of shorter bristles. According to the invention, the ends of the bristles situated between two adjacent ridges are contained in a surface-envelope with a non-convex profile (flat or with a concave profile). During making up, the lashes are separated by the bristles of each ridge and they are charged with the make-up product coming from the regions situated between the ridges which can constitute, by an appropriate choice of the number of ridges (four in particular), a large application surface. The manufacture of such a brush is extremely simple since it suffices to effect a peripheral milling of a brush of the conventional type.

Abstract: A method and device for simultaneously collecting cytology cell samples from the endocervix and exocervix are disclosed. The device includes a handle for manipulating and rotating the device. Adjacent the handle is an intermediate cell collecting surface which is sized and configured to scrape cell samples from the exocervix when it is in contact with the exocervix and the device is rotated. The device also includes a distal cell collecting surface adjacent the intermediate cell collecting surface. The distal section is sized and configured to scrape cytology cell samples from the endocervical canal when it is located within the canal and in contact with the walls thereof and the device is rotated. The distal and intermediate surface are further positioned on the device with respect to each other to enable the endocervical canal and exocervix to be scraped simultaneously as the device is rotated.

Abstract: A spiral mascara brush including both soft bristles for applying mascara and stiff bristles for combing applied mascara through a user's eyelashes. The soft and stiff bristles are intermingled throughout the length of the brush in specified proportion so that the entire brush may be used both for applying the mascara and combing the eyelashes.

Abstract: A tool cleaner for selected manual or powered use comprising a stem assembly with a brush mounted on one end of the stem assembly and a handle mounted to the other end of the stem assembly. The stem assembly includes a stem portion with a hexagonal member mounted on the stem portion. The hexagonal member is positioned between the brush and the handle. A second hexagonal member is mounted on the handle and is axially aligned with the first hexagonal member.

Abstract: Disclosed is an interdental tooth cleaning appliance for use in cleaning a space formed between adjacent teeth. In order to clean more effectively as compared with a known appliance, the cross-sectional shape of the bristles as seen in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the brush is such as to provide three circumferentially spaced groups of bristles which are longer than the remaining bristles. The interdental tooth cleaning appliance of this invention is provided with a guide which makes it a more convenient one. It also has a device for injecting a liquid medicine.

Abstract: A cleaning brush has a handle, an elongated stem formed from a flexible coil spring, bristles at the end of the stem and a stiff member extending axially within the coil spring from the handle a distance partly the length of the stem to allow flexibility only in the area between the end of the stiff member and the bristle portion.

Abstract: An interdental cleaning device having a clevis freely pivoted on one end of a shank. A brush carrier is detachably connected to and extends through the clevis and is engageable with a plurality of recesses formed on the end of the shank so that the clevis and associated brush carrier can be adjustably fixed at various angles to facilitate cleaning the interdental spaces from different sides of the oral cavity. A housing is provided which can be slidably mounted on the shank to provide either a handle for the device or a protective covering for the brush, carrier and clevis when not in use.

Abstract: An interproximal brush handle including a grip portion and an end portion and a transverse hole for accommodating a stem of an interproximal brush. The brush stem is retained securely in a longitudinal groove on closure of a cap which is pivotally attached to the end portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for obtaining cells from the uterine cervical canal (external os) by inserting a conically tapered brush into the canal and rotating the brush to cause cells to become entrapped by the brush. The brush employed utilizes a spiral wound bristle of 15-20 millimeters in length and of 3 to 7 millimeters in diameter at its widest end. The bristles are formed primarily of a nylon having a maximum diameter of 0.06 millimeters, and relatively soft such as that of a soft toothbrush to more readily bend and avoid damaging in the tissues.

Abstract: Mascara brush construction composed of a plurality of radially extending bristle filaments fastened in brush formation by a helically twisted metallic wire core. The bristles are tubular or hollow polyamide filaments, each crimped at the midpoint of its length by portions of the helically twisted wire so that the filament halves flare outward in various directions from the brush core. In an alternate embodiment the filaments are noncircular in cross-section and include a plurality of longitudinal, radially extending flange portions.

Abstract: An elongated, preferably plastic handle has a sleeve lock on each of its opposite tip ends. When a twisted wire brush is placed in the handle and the sleeve is slipped over it, there is a guy wire effect from the sleeve which holds the brush firmly in place, as the sleeve stretches slightly over a bent end of the twisted wire of the brush. Each end of the inventive handle also has a tapered bore that may optionally hold the end of a wooden toothpick, which may be broken. The same sleeve which slips over the twisted wire stem of the brush, to anchor it in place, has a longitudinal cutout. The cutout is in the form of a cove opening into a funnel-shaped opening, with a nip between the cove and the funnel. The nip snaps over the toothpick to capture and hold it. The unbroken side of the sleeve which is opposite the cutout slips over the broken end of the toothbrush to help capture and cover it without leaving any exposed jagged fibers which could form splinters to damage mouth tissues.

Abstract: An interdental toothbrush has a handle made from a mixture of a thermoplastic elastomer and a general purpose polypropylene. A twisted wire brush projects from the handle in axial alignment therewith. The toothbrush can be held within a loosely clasped fist, with one end of the brush held between a thumb and an index finger. By manipulating the thumb and index finger, the angle at which the brush projects may be changed at will. In this way, the insertion of the brush in more difficult to reach spaces in or around teeth is more easily performed.

Abstract: A convertible dusting and cleaning brush for venetian blinds and the like having a brush frame with a handle thereupon, said frame mounting a plurality of juxtaposed, finger-like, bristle dusting brushes extending longitudinally therefrom. Demountably associated with each of said brushes is a cleaning adapter whose outer diameter is substanially equal to the outer diameter of the dusting brushes and which incorporates an elongated bore adapted to receive the filaments of the elongated brush when the cleaning adapter is installed thereupon. As the installation takes place, the filaments of the brush compressed to impart a frictional grip by the filaments upon the wall of the bore of the cleaning adapter, thus preventing the inadvertent dislocation of the cleaning adapter from operative relationship with the associated brush. Positive detent means is also provided on the frame to hold the adapter on the brush.

Abstract: Methods for the treatment and prevention of diaper rash and diaper dermatitis caused by the prolonged contact of human skin with body waste are disclosed. The methods of the present invention employ the topical application of a minimum inhibitory concentration of a pharmaceutically-acceptable lipase-inhibiting agent to the area in need of such treatment, or the area where prevention is desired. The lipase-inhibiting agent is preferably a water-soluble metallic salt, such as ZnCl.sub.2, and is preferably applied in combination with a barrier-like vehicle. The effectiveness of these methods is surprising in light of the present confusion and controversy surrounding the actual causes of diaper rash, and the heretofore unrecognized role of lipase as a factor in the cause of diaper rash and diaper dermatitis.

Abstract: A bolster pin is provided which automatically cleans the flask bushing of a mold set. The bolster pin has brushing elements which clean the flask bushing each time the mold set is joined or separated. Use of the bolster pin provides a method for automatically cleaning the flask flange bushing of entrapped sand.

Abstract: A brush construction is disclosed which comprises one or more twisted wires having fixed filaments between turns of the wire or wires, the wire or wires having an electrically insulated, wear-resistant and elastic layer thereon. This prevents the wire from reacting with its surroundings, for example, producing a galvanic or electrical effect when used as a dental or oral cleansing brush.

Abstract: An interproximal toothbrush has an elongated handle having one end bent at an obtuse angle relative to the remainder of the handle, a bore along the central axis of the one end extending from the terminal portion thereof into the one end, an elongated bristle support carrying a plurality of bristles radially extending therefrom at a first portion and the second portion of the bristle support extends through the surface of the one end of the elongated handle to the bore and is then carried within the bore by that portion which extends toward the remainder of the handle.

Abstract: Cementitious material is applied to a mortar joint by the use of a center-wire axial brush. The brush is loaded with the material, placed in contact with the joint so that the longitudinal axis of the brush lies along the length of the mortar joint, and then drawn along the length of the joint thereby to apply the material along the joint in the form of a constant-width strip having sharply defined longitudinal edges.

Abstract: A brush for cleaning mud from anchor chain mounts on a boat hook so that the staff of the boat hook can serve as the handle of the brush during cleaning operations.

Abstract: An elongated preferably plastic handle has a sleeve lock on the tip end. When a twisted wire brush is placed in the handle, there is a guy wire effect from the sleeve which holds the brush firmly in place, as the sleeve stretches slightly over a bent end of the twisted wire of the brush. The inventive handle also holds the end of a wooden toothpick, which may be broken without leaving any exposed jagged fibers which could form splinters.

Abstract: A circular brush having two mutually intertwined wire sections serving as a bristle carrier, wherein the bristles of the brush are fixedly clamped between the intertwined wire sections in a helical- or spiral-like manner. A tubular element coaxially surrounds the wire sections. This tubular element is provided with openings at its jacket surface or shell and through such openings there extend towards the outside the ends of the bristles.

Abstract: The structure of a hand duster having soft yarns retained on the end of a spirally wound metal wire is disclosed wherein the soft yarns are bunched together by means of a single loop at the end of the spirally wound metal wire. The yarns consist of crimped synthetic fibers in two state permanently secured at their intermediate region by the single loop of the twisted wire. The method comprises preparing a bunch of yarns and retaining same against the curved end of the bent wire shaped in a hairpin configuration, and retaining the curved end of the wire while the generally parallel extending legs are spirally wound around one another along a straight line resulting in a tightly gripping loop around the middle portion of the bundle of yarns. The yarns are then teased and trimmed thereby to produce a round fluffy head portion. The spirally wound stem is then cut to a predetermined length and then a handle component is permanently secured to the free end of the stem.

Abstract: A tool for scarifying at least end areas of generally cylindrical members has a wire brush mounted thereto against axial and rotational movement by securing a brush mounting member to an end portion of the brush spine and trapping the mounting member between separable parts forming a body member of the tool. A hole through the body member for receiving at least the ends of cylindrical members is lined with scarifying material, and elastomeric material is positioned between the peripheral surface of the tool and the scarifying material for providing yielding movement of the scarifying material radially of the hole axis.

Abstract: An elongated member dimensioned for receipt within a wind instrument for removing moisture from the valve pads and inside walls of the instrument including a base, filament members extending from the base to the wall and valve pads of the instrument. The filaments either absorb, moisture or absorb moisture from the walls and pads. A cotton strip may be included to hold the moisture collected by the filaments.

Abstract: A scraper brush for collecting cells from internal body passages includes a twisted wire root portion 2 mounting hairy fibers 1 between the twisted wires, and a flexible wire winding 4. A tip portion 5 of the winding 4 is stretched to present an increased pitch, and the root portion is threaded into the tip portion with the lay of the twisted wires matching the increased pitch. An additional stretched portion 5b may be provided to increase the flexibility of the brush.

Abstract: An improved grill cleaning brush in which the cleaning of the grill ribs is effected by portions of the bristles intermediate the ends thereof, rather than the ends of the bristles. As a result, a more efficient cleaning of the grill ribs is effected. Further, the improved grill brush permits the application of additional pressure to the brush by providing a V-shaped construction of intermeshing brushes, with the bristles at the lower end of the brushes engaging the shank portion of the adjacent brush element.

Abstract: A tool for scarifying the ends of pipe or the like includes a generally rigid body member adapted to be held in a person's hand for manipulation. The body member has opposite ends and includes a longitudinal axis extending across such ends. Wire brushes are secured to the body member against axial and rotational movement relative thereto in outwardly extending relationship to the opposite ends, and with the longitudinal axes of the brushes extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body member.

Abstract: There is disclosed a handle for a disposable appliance that is particularly useful as a dental instrument for holding a disposable swab or brush that is mounted on a bendable stem, which device includes a handle that is of a size and shape to be manipulated with the fingers and having on at least one end a holding means for the stem. The holding means includes at least one groove of a size to receive the stem snugly and a slot located between the groove and the handle with the thickness of the slot being slightly greater than the diameter of the stem. A removable sleeve that is formed with internal contours to provide a friction fit with the holding means cooperates with the holding means, when installed thereon, to form a channel including at least one groove, the channel closely embracing the stem and holding it against slipping axially.