Handle Mount Patents (Class 15/22.1)
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Publication number: 20130091642Abstract: An oral health care implement and system are provided for use during oral health care activities. The oral health care implement has an oximetry sensor, most often in the embodiment of a transmissive or reflective pulse oximeter. The oximetry sensor provides blood oxygen saturation and heart rate measurements. The oral health care system has an oral health care implement, a first data transfer medium, and any combination of: a second data transfer medium, a network storage device, and a third data transfer medium. The system provides means for collecting a user's vital signs and transmitting data into a readable, usable form for the user via an oral health care implement.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: BEAM TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: BEAM TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
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Publication number: 20130091643Abstract: An electro-polymer motor comprising a fixed member and a first actuator having a first end fixedly connected to the fixed member and a second end is presented. The first actuator comprises a polymer positioned between two electrodes. The electrodes are in communication with a power supply. The motor also comprises a driven member comprising a first leg and a second leg such that the first leg and the second leg are separated by an axis. The driven member is fixedly connected to the second end of the first actuator. The motor also comprises a compressible member having a first end fixedly connected to the fixed member and a second end fixedly connected to the second leg of the driven member. The compressible member is spaced apart from the first actuator. The first actuator elongates after the power supply applies a voltage across the electrodes to move the driven member.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: BRAUN GMBH (A GERMAN COPRPORATION)Inventor: Braun GmbH (a German Corporation)
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Patent number: 8418301Abstract: A toothbrush head of an electric toothbrush, the toothbrush extending longitudinally and having a hand part, the toothbrush head including a drive rocker, a brush-head carrier coupled to the drive rocker, a main bristle carrier and an additional bristle carrier, both carriers bearing a bristle arrangement and moveably attached to the brush-head carrier and driven in oscillation by the drive rocker, and a drive-coupler affixed to at least one of the bristle carriers and coupled to the drive rocker. The head can include two separately mounted bristle carriers, supporting bristle arrangements, which are driven about different movement axes by the drive rocker to enhance the cleaning action of the toothbrush.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2012Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Braun GmbHInventor: Gerhard Kressner
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Patent number: 8418300Abstract: A workpiece system with a reciprocating motion which includes a motor assembly for producing an output drive signal with a periodic force pulse. The drive signal is coupled to a driven member assembly through a magnetic arrangement, wherein the driven member assembly has a workpiece mounted thereon with a return spring assembly. The driven member assembly has a resonant mechanical frequency. As the RPM of the motor increases from zero following startup, the drive signal frequency increases to the point very near resonance, where the energy from the drive signal is transferred into the reciprocating motion of the driven assembly, producing an effective amplitude of workpiece motion.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Kevin A. Miller, John W. Pace, Wolter F. Benning, Patrick A. Headstrom
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Patent number: 8418306Abstract: The invention relates to a toothbrush that is produced by AFT and has a head part and at least one carrier element connected thereto. A front surface of the head part is formed by the top surfaces of the at least one carrier element and has a non-planar three-dimensional configuration, or is capable of assuming such a configuration during intended use. The invention also relates to a process for producing such a toothbrush.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2011Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Trisa Holding AGInventors: Philipp Pfenniger, Franz Fischer
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Publication number: 20130086759Abstract: The brush head of the toothbrush has filaments that are pointed at one end and led through clearances in the bristle carrier. These filaments have a length of about 10-20 mm. The tips of the pointed filaments produce a height profile other than that of a plane and the ends of the pointed filaments that are remote from the tips are melted.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2012Publication date: April 11, 2013Applicant: TRISA HOLDING AGInventor: Trisa Holding AG
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Publication number: 20130086758Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for dental cleaning or whitening. An example toothbrush including a body and a head comprises an electromagnetic-radiation generation component, a safety component, and a transmission component. The electromagnetic-radiation generation component is configured to generate electromagnetic radiation upon activation, the electromagnetic-radiation generation component being located in a body of the toothbrush. The safety component is configured to activate the electromagnetic-radiation generation component in response to an activation event. The transmission component is configured to transmit the electromagnetic radiation to the head of the toothbrush for dental cleaning or whitening.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2012Publication date: April 11, 2013Applicant: BIOLASE, INC.Inventor: Biolase, Inc.
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Patent number: 8413282Abstract: An oral care instrument, such as a motorized toothbrush, which activates upon exposure to the oral environment of the user, is described. The electrical conductivity of saliva, optionally mixed with toothpaste and water, may be utilized to complete an electrical circuit that powers a motorized device within the instrument.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2011Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Heng Cai, Thomas James Boyd
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Patent number: 8413285Abstract: The electronic toothbrush (10) includes a brush head (20) having an implantation area where bristles (22) for brushing of teeth are fixed and a handle (21) configured to carry the brush head (20). The brush head (20) includes a brush electrode exposed on its surface. The brush electrode includes a first electrode (23) located in the implantation area where the bristles (22) are fixed and a second electrode (242) located in a non-implantation area where no bristles (22) are fixed. The handle (30) includes a handle electrode (32) exposed on its surface. The handle (30) is configured to house a power source (35) for applying a voltage between the handle electrode (32) and each of the first electrode (23) and the second electrode (242). The bristles (22) are fixed directly to the first electrode (24).Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2009Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tomohiro Kunita, Suehisa Kishimoto
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Patent number: 8408157Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, an apparatus for painting a work surface including a handle housing. A disposable painting module is configured to be removably engaged with the handle housing. The painting module includes a paint applicator configured to be removably engaged with the handle housing. The paint applicator is configured to apply paint to the work surface. A paint reservoir is fluidly coupled with the paint applicator and is configured to be removably engaged with the handle housing. An urging mechanism is coupled to the handle housing and configured to interact with the paint reservoir to substantially uniformly discharge the paint from the paint reservoir and supply the paint to the paint applicator.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2008Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Depingo, LLCInventor: Jeremy Ling
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Publication number: 20130080295Abstract: An oral health care implement and system are provided for use during oral health care activities. The oral health care implement has a proximity sensor, most often in the embodiment of a capacitive sensor. The proximity sensor provides usage time and instance measurements in a plurality of proposed formats. The oral health care system has an oral health care implement, a first data transfer medium, and any combination of: a second data transfer medium, a network storage device, and a third data transfer medium. The system provides means for collecting usage measurements and transmitting data into a readable, usable form for the user via an oral health care implement.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: BEAM TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Beam Technologies, LLC
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Patent number: 8397332Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric toothbrush, specifically the toothbrush handle of an electric toothbrush, with a handle housing, with a preferably rod-shaped drive transmitter which protrudes from a first side of the handle housing and on which a brush attachment can be secured, and with a drive motor for moving the drive transmitter, wherein the drive transmitter is mounted, by means of a bearing device in the interior of the handle housing, in the manner of a rocker arm such that the drive transmitter can be pivoted to-and-fro transverse to its longitudinal axis by the drive motor. The invention further relates to the whole toothbrush, comprising such a toothbrush handle part and a brush attachment secured to the drive transmitter thereof. According to the invention, the bearing device holds the drive transmitter so as to pivot about a rotation point lying outside the handle housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2008Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Braun GmbHInventors: Bernhard Kraus, Frank Ziegler, Uwe Schober, Robert Schäfer, Christian Neyer
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Publication number: 20130061412Abstract: A toothbrush that contains an imaging device being camera for seeing teeth on an image display monitor before, during and after cleaning them and for storing and transferring images and videos of teeth and oral tissues for better maintenance of oral hygiene and health. The toothbrush with camera comprises a brush head (1) with bristles (3) and a camera (4), and a hollow handle (2) containing camera assembly. Different embodiments of the toothbrush with camera are disclosed herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Inventor: Nikhil Shankarlal Vashi
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Patent number: 8393338Abstract: A cosmetic applicator includes a handle, a drive coupled to the handle, an applicator head coupled to the drive, and a torque limiter coupled to or within at least one of the drive and the applicator head such that the torque applied via the applicator head does not exceed a predetermined allowable torque.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2007Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Peter Jonathan Wyatt, David Edward Wilson, Donald Frank Rainey, Tamela Suzanne Jadin
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Patent number: 8393037Abstract: A three-axis acceleration sensor is mounted to a body of an electric toothbrush. A CPU detects the three-dimensional attitude of the body based on an output from the acceleration sensor and, based on the attitude of the toothbrush, estimates which portion is being brushed. Then, the CPU measures by using a timer a brushing time of the portion being brushed. Results of brushing for each portion are evaluated and outputted based on the measured brushing time.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2009Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshiyuki Iwahori, Akitoshi Miki, Kuniyoshi Takahashi
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Patent number: 8387196Abstract: An oral care implement having an turbine-like arrangement of cleaning elements. In one aspect, the invention is an oral care implement comprising a handle: a head connected to the handle, the head comprising a first surface, the first surface comprising an elliptical zone and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart spirals spreading out from the elliptical zone; and for each spiral, an arcuate cleaning element wall extending outward from the first surface of the head along the spiral. In another aspect, the invention may be an apparatus for incorporation into an ansate oral care implement that utilizes the aforementioned arrangement of cleaning elements.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2009Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Eduardo Jimenez, Michael Rooney, Robert Moskovich, Armin Baertschi
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Patent number: 8387197Abstract: An oral care implement or toothbrush includes a head and a tooth cleaning element. The oral care implement's mass centroid may be adjusted to guard against the application of excessive force against a user's teeth. Adjustment may be performed using a variety of systems and mechanisms including adjustment of a weight within a portion of the oral care implement. The location of the weight may be modified using a variety of techniques including a screw configuration and/or a slider control.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2007Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Robert Moskovich, Eduardo Jimenez
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Publication number: 20130047354Abstract: An oral hygiene device includes a handle and a cleaning head supported on one end of the handle. A vibratory source is supported on the handle and is operative to generate vibratory output. A mounting element is disposed between the handle and the vibratory source. A connecting member extends between the vibratory source and the cleaning head, and is adapted to generate motion at the cleaning head in response to the vibratory output generated at the vibratory source.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventors: Douglas A. Gall, Craig Saunders, John W. Spirk, John R. Nottingham
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Patent number: 8372207Abstract: A one handed hand washer/scrubber is provided enclosed in a self contained, counter placeable housing having an entry orifice at one side for insertion of a user's hand. A sensor monitors the entry orifice for detection of a user's hand accessing a washing cavity within the housing. Two scrubbing web assemblies are housed within the washing cavity, each having a proximal stepper motor placed near the entry orifice, opposite a second stepper motor spaced distally therefrom. Each stepper motor attaches to and supports a sanitizer, disinfectant, soap or cleanser soaked web draped between, and are used to dispense a new section of web for each subsequent use and to reciprocate a working section of web front to back (or back and forth) during use. A series of foam rollers align the rear of the working section of web. The rollers are spring urged to allow for intimate contact of the web against the variable contours of a users hand.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Inventor: Julie Shields
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Patent number: 8370984Abstract: A brush section for use with an electric toothbrush includes a relatively large brush head portion having a generally rectangular shape, although oblong, elliptical and other such shapes having a length to width aspect ration greater than 1 may be employed. The brush head portion is secured to a shaft portion of the brush section that may be configured to couple to a handle section. The handle section may include an electric drive including drive shaft, and the drive shaft may couple to the brush head via a coupling member positioned within the shaft portion. The electric drive may impart a rotary, oscillating rotary-oscillating or other suitable drive motion to the drive shaft that is, in turn, imparted upon the brush head by virtue of the coupling member.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2011Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Braun GmbHInventors: Mark Edward Farrell, Christopher Charles Blain, Phillip Maurice Braun
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Publication number: 20130031733Abstract: The head of a toothbrush includes a first tuft block having bristles and a second tuft block having bristles. The first and second tuft blocks are mounted for counter-rotational or counter-rotational oscillating movement in a direction parallel to the outer surface of the head. The toothbrush head also includes a third section having bristles extending outwardly from the head to provide an extended field of bristles to support an elongated ribbon of toothpaste and for enhanced cleaning.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2012Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: John J. Gatzemeyer, Thomas Mintel
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Patent number: 8365335Abstract: The transmission according to the invention for an electric toothbrush serves for the transmission and reforming of a rotational movement provided by an electric motor into a particularly careful and effective cleaning movement of a cleaning element. The ratio of the distance between the longitudinal mid-axis of an output shaft and the longitudinal mid-axis of a drive shaft of the transmission and of the distance between the longitudinal mid-axis of a shaft driving a cam of the transmission and the longitudinal mid-axis of the cam amounts to at least 10:1.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2007Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Trisa Holding AGInventors: Franz Fischer, Armin Baertschi, Christian Hilfiker
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Publication number: 20130025079Abstract: A linear electro-polymer motor includes a fixed member, a linear shaft having an axis, a polymer actuator, and a bias member. The polymer actuator includes a first end fixedly connected to the linear shaft and a second end fixedly connected to the fixed member. The bias member includes a first end fixedly connected to the linear shaft and a second end fixedly connected to the fixed member. The polymer actuator changes length after receipt of voltage to linearly move the linear shaft along the axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: Braun GmbHInventors: Uwe Jungnickel, Benedikt Heil
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Publication number: 20130025078Abstract: A personal care device is disclosed. The personal care device includes an electrically powered driving unit for driving a working implement of the personal care device at a desired speed and/or amplitude and/or frequency; and a control unit for controlling the driving unit in response to load onto the working implement. The control unit includes a detector for detecting an operating parameter of the driving unit responsive to load onto the working implement, and a powering unit for varying the electrical powering of the driving unit in response to a detected change of the value of the operating parameter such that speed and/or amplitude and/or frequency of the working implement is changed from an idling value to an operation value.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: Braun GmbHInventors: Benedikt Heil, Thomas Fritsch, Ingo Vetter
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Publication number: 20130025080Abstract: An oscillatory system for a motorized drive unit for the generation of a rotary oscillatory movement is provided. The system includes a first oscillatory component and a second oscillatory component, the components capable of oscillating relative to one another around an axis of oscillation; and at least two elongate spring elements, each spring element having a first fastening point and a second fastening point spaced apart from one another. The spring elements are elastic in the direction of the rotary oscillatory movement. For each spring element the first fastening point is connected to the first oscillatory component and the second fastening point is connected to the second oscillatory component such that the spring elements intersect at the axis of oscillation, the axis of oscillation having an angle of intersection different from 0 degrees.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: BRAUN GMBHInventor: Braun GmbH
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Patent number: 8359697Abstract: A toothbrush includes a head portion having bristles thereon, a neck portion, and a handle. One end of the neck portion is connected to the head portion, and the other end is connected to the handle. The axis of the bristles is substantially parallel to the axis of the neck portion. The axis of the neck portion and the axis of the handle form an angle. Accordingly, the toothbrush can be used easily for brushing, and it reduces angle limitations when cleaning the inner surface of teeth.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2008Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Inventor: Jui-Chi Wang
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Patent number: 8359693Abstract: An oral care device includes an electrical toothbrush with integral tongue scrapers. The device includes an electrical tooth cleaning device and an electrical tongue cleaning device operated by a single motor. Cleaning gears disposed in a head portion of the device include both bristles for cleaning teeth and nodules for scraping the surface of the tongue. The bristles protrude from a first end of the cleaning gears and the nodules are formed on an opposite second end of the cleaning gears such that rotation of the cleaning gears provides movement of both the bristles and the nodules.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2011Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Inventor: Wang Ken Lee
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Patent number: 8359692Abstract: Powered toothbrush systems that provide improved bristle positioning and bristle contact with tooth surfaces that reduce the time and effort required for effective brushing. Some embodiments use alternating or oscillating pneumatic pressure and suction to move a tooth brush head. Various configuration of the brush head provide different areas of coverage ranging from individual tooth to quarter mouth (U-cross section), to half (U-cross section or H-cross section) or whole mouth (U-cross section or H-cross section) coverage. Some embodiments include flexible fingers and/or bladders to keep the bristle tips properly engaged with the teeth and gums, providing bristle contact over a wide variety of malocclusion. The shape of the brush heads adapts to conform closely to the shape of the user's dental arch and to any malocclusion that may be present. The power toothbrush automatically generates motion of the brush head that simulates the “Modified Bass Method” of brushing.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2009Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Inventor: Gerald K. Brewer
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Publication number: 20130014331Abstract: A full mouth toothbrush for simultaneously brushing the facial, lingual, occlusal and incisal surfaces of all the maxillary and mandibular teeth is provided. The full mouth toothbrush can include a handle, a power source, a motor assembly, and a drive assembly. The full mouth toothbrush can further include a mouthpiece configured to collectively contact multiple surfaces of multiple teeth simultaneously that brushes and, thus, cleans the teeth and gums.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2011Publication date: January 17, 2013Inventors: Robert Garner, Heather Brundage, Nathaniel Sharpe, Alexis Hornstein, James Brewster
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Publication number: 20130014332Abstract: A device and method for brushing all surfaces of all of a user's teeth simultaneously. The device comprises bristle strip surfaces that envelope all of a user's teeth, the bristle strips comprising bristle bundles that scrub all surfaces of a user's teeth due to a reciprocating motion of the bristle strips. To use the device, a user inserts the toothbrush bristle strips into their mouth so to engage the user's teeth. A power source, motor, and drive assembly are utilized to cause the bristles to reciprocate, cleaning all a user's teeth surfaces simultaneously.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2012Publication date: January 17, 2013Inventors: Robert GARNER, Heather BRUNDAGE, Nathaniel SHARPE, Alexis HORNSTEIN, James BREWSTER
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Publication number: 20130007968Abstract: A cleaning section for an electric oral hygiene device having a handle section includes a first end adapted to be connected to the handle section; a second end remote from the first end, the second end including a carrier mounted for rotation or oscillation around a rotation axis; and a plurality of cleaning elements mounted on the carrier, the cleaning elements being arranged in at least an inner band and an outer band. The inner band includes a plurality of first cleaning elements having a first color and a plurality of second cleaning elements having a second color. The outer band includes a plurality of third cleaning elements having a third color and a plurality of fourth cleaning elements having a fourth color. The cleaning elements of the inner band and the cleaning elements of the outer band have a Color Contrast (?E) of from about 85 to about 140.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: Braun GmbHInventors: Georges Driesen, Alex Thalheim-Martin, Bernd Trebitz, Heidrun Schmelcher, Eva Susanne Dominique Thurnay, Michael Wolf, Holger Port, Guenter Helbig
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Publication number: 20130011177Abstract: Dentifrice dispensing electrical toothbrush comprising a driver-pump head with a dispensing platform, a replaceable brush unit and a handle having a battery and a cartridge containing dentifrice material. The replaceable brush unit includes a oscillatory brush element and a brush element having a circular or an elongated spout opening as well as a snap-on mounting bracket for fastening to the driver-pump head. The dispensing platform contains a flow channel and a self-sealing spout to prevent drying of the dentifrice material at the spout. The self-sealing spout opens and closes automatically during a pumping action. The brush element with a spout opening is detachably mounted over the spout fixed on the dispensing platform to allow for brush oscillation around the spout and receive the dentifrice material dispensed from the flow channel. Different drive mechanisms are used to impart rotary, lateral or longitudinal oscillation on a brush element in a brush unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Inventor: Youti Kuo
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Publication number: 20130000059Abstract: An oral hygiene implement is provided. The oral hygiene implement includes a handle; a head including a plurality of contact elements; a neck disposed between the handle and the head; an indication element; and an electromagnetic energy output source. The electromagnetic energy is directed from the output source to the indication element such that a Total Visible Projected Angle (?T) of the oral hygiene implement is greater than about 300 degrees.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: Braun GmbHInventors: Uwe Jungnickel, Niclas Altmann, René Guebler
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Patent number: 8341790Abstract: The power toothbrush includes a toothbrush body and a stem portion extending from the toothbrush body which has a workpiece with a flexible membrane at a remote end thereof, and a flexible membrane at a near end thereof as well. A movable piston is positioned in the stem portion, as well as a fluid which is in communication with the flexible membrane at the workpiece end of the toothbrush and the flexible membrane at the near end of the stem portion. The body includes a solenoid coil which, when actuated, moves the piston in opposing directions in a controlled manner within the stem, which acts on the fluid in the stem and moves the flexible membrane at the workpiece in and out at a desired frequency and amplitude.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2005Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Martijn Van Baren, Klaas Kooijker, Wilhelmus Gerardus Maria Ettes, Pawel Leshem
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Patent number: 8341791Abstract: An electric toothbrush includes an electric toothbrush main body that includes a grip portion; a brush member that includes a brush; a motor that moves the brush; an actuator that relatively rotates the brush member with respect to the electric toothbrush main body in order to change an orientation of the brush; an acceleration sensor that detects an attitude of the main body; and a CPU that controls the actuator such that a brush angle becomes a predetermined optimum value based on the detected attitude.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2009Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Omron Healthcare Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toshiyuki Iwahori
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Patent number: 8332982Abstract: A toothbrush has a head extending from a neck which extends from a handle, and the head has a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending therefrom. A first group of tooth cleaning elements is located towards a free end of the head, and a second group of tooth cleaning elements is located towards the outside of the head. A third group of tooth cleaning elements, which alternate with the second group of tufts, are oriented at an acute angle to a top surface of the head in a direction that is across the width of the head. A fourth group of tooth cleaning elements is located toward the inside of the head, and each is made of a thermoplastic elastomer and each is in the shape of a curved wall. A fifth group of tooth cleaning elements is located towards the inside of the head.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2009Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: The Gillette CompanyInventors: Phillip M Braun, Joseph Syndosis, Ronald R Duff, Jr., Richard H. Cohen, Thomas Craig Masterman
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Patent number: 8328452Abstract: The combination of a power toothbrush and an oral fluid, in which the oral fluid has the characteristic of changing viscosity, depending upon the action of a workpiece element portion, such as a flexible membrane, of the power toothbrush. The power toothbrush has two operating conditions. In one condition, the membrane moves toward and away from the teeth at a speed such that the fluid is liquid and flows easily to and around the teeth, including the interproximal regions. In the second condition, the membrane is moved at a significantly higher speed, in response to which the viscosity of the fluid increases substantially, having a shear rate at least as great as necessary to remove biofilm from the teeth.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2005Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.A.Inventors: Joseph W. Grez, Michiel Allan Aurelius Schallig
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Patent number: 8327858Abstract: The present invention is an improved vibrating mascara applicator. The head is caused to vibrate in a controlled manner through electromechanical urging. The source of the vibration is substantially close to the applicator head. The improved vibrating applicator improves applicator performance, mascara performance, consumer experience and energy efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2008Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: ELC Management LLCInventors: Charles P. Neuner, George H. Kress
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Patent number: 8327490Abstract: An interdental treatment device, such as a toothbrush, includes a handle configured to accommodate an electric power source, a head carrying an interdental treatment tool, and a neck between the handle and the head. The head or neck includes a mechanical motorized vibratory device, including a drive which causes the head to vibrate. Electrical connections are operably connected to the mechanical vibratory device and the electric power source to power the mechanical vibratory device via the electrical connections. In various embodiments, a switch may be operably connected to at least one of the electrical connections to interrupt power from the power source to the mechanical motorized vibratory device. In various embodiments, a vibration-damping structure dampens vibration transmission from the head to the handle.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2011Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Trisa Holding AGInventors: Peter Hafliger, Franz Fischer, Gunther Elster
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Patent number: 8327488Abstract: An actuator allows miniaturization by realizing back-and-forth rotating motion of, for example, an electric brush without a drive transmitting mechanism which constitutes a separate entity from a drive source. In a movable body (160) of this actuator (100), an outer yoke (110) is provided with inner wall planes (112a and 113a) located opposing each other spaced a predetermined interval apart and magnets (121 and 123) of different magnetic poles opposing each other in the inner walls planes (112a and 113a). The movable body (160) has a center yoke (140) located between the magnets (121 and 124) through air gaps. The movable body (160) is provided with a shaft (150). The fixed body (180) has a coil (170) which is located in the air gaps and which circles the center yoke (140). The fixed body (180) movably supports the movable body (160) through elastic bodies (190).Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2008Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuki Takahashi, Shigenori Inamoto, Kensuke Yamada
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Patent number: 8327489Abstract: A vibrating toothbrush is provided with vibration-isolating zones that substantially isolate vibrations in the head and reduce vibrations transmitted to the handle without sacrificing structural integrity around the vibration-isolation zones. Such zones may generally comprise neck material that is reduced in cross-section, thinned, replaced by dampening material, or removed altogether to create transmission-inhibiting voids. The vibration-isolating zones may be further supported by the housing of the vibratory element to maintain the structural integrity around the zones and to thereby alleviating weakness conditions that might subject the toothbrush to fatigue and breakage conditions.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2011Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventor: Alan Vincent Sorrentino
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Patent number: 8316496Abstract: A toothbrush for brushing the bite surface and two sides of a tooth simultaneously including a handle and three brush head connected to the handle. The head assembly includes three brushes that are rotated about 3 parallel vertical axis while the assembly itself is rotatable about an angle of at least 180° so that a single brush cleans/polishes the inner surface of the teeth in the individual's mouth as the assembly is moved from one side of the individual's mouth to the other side.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Inventor: Qasem Al-Qaffas
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Publication number: 20120284937Abstract: The power toothbrush includes a driving assembly which in turn includes a DC motor (14) and a battery. The DC motor has a rotating drive shaft (16), supported at its free end. The drive shaft has an eccentric portion (18). Mounted on the eccentric portion is a plastic sleeve (20) having an extending portion which engages one end of a spring member (38). The other end of the spring member is secured to a yoke (36) which is secured to a brushhead shaft (32). Rotation of the drive shaft results in the extending portion of the plastic sleeve, moving the spring between a compressed state and an extended state. The action of the DC motor excites the spring to produce an oscillating action of the brushhead shaft and a brushhead assembly (40) mounted thereon.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2010Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Tyler G. Kloster, Wolter F. Benning, Yu-Wen Chang
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Publication number: 20120285485Abstract: A cleaning apparatus (10) comprises a drive arrangement (16). A discrete holding means (12) is mountable on the drive arrangement. The holding means comprises a flexible elongate cleaning member (14) and a housing (18) for housing at least a portion of the elongate cleaning member. The cleaning apparatus further includes a transmission arrangement (20) for transmitting drive from the drive arrangement to the elongate cleaning member.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2010Publication date: November 15, 2012Inventor: Ali Waqar Majeed
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Patent number: 8307488Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a toothbrush having a body, which comprises a handle region, a head region and a neck region located between the handle region and the head region, and having functional elements which are arranged, at least in part, within the body and comprise an electrically operated functional unit and an electric supply device which has an energy store and is intended for the functional unit, in the case of which the body is produced, by injection molding, from at least one hard component, which serves as a reinforcement, and at least one soft component, and at least some of the functional elements, during the production of the body, are encapsulated, at least in part, directly by the plastic which forms the soft component.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2010Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Trisa Holding AGInventors: Philipp Pfenniger, Franz Fischer, Beat Huber
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Publication number: 20120279002Abstract: A sonic toothbrush system includes an electric motor, a brush shaft, and a drive assembly. The electric motor includes a drive shaft. When the electric motor is caused to operate, the drive shaft continuously rotates until the motor is caused to stop. The drive assembly is coupled between the drive shaft and the brush shaft. The drive assembly is configured to convert the rotation of the drive shaft into sonic oscillation of a toothbrush head supported on an end of the brush shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: Water Pik, Inc.Inventors: Gary L. Sokol, Harold A. Luettgen
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Patent number: 8302239Abstract: An electric toothbrush with improved brush head motion is provided. The electric toothbrush includes a head comprising a fixed base having a concave portion, and a brush head having a convex portion. The convex brush head nests within the concave base to allow for rotational and tilting movement of the brush head relative to the base. The brush head movement may be driven by a motor housed within the toothbrush.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2009Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Inventors: Igor Lantsberg, Gregory Greenspan, Alexander Greenspan, Gene Alter
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Patent number: 8302238Abstract: A toothbrush tip for a motorized toothbrush with a first brush head and a second brush head. The second brush head encircles the first brush head. The first and second brush heads has different axes of rotation. The first and second brush heads are driven by an elongated shaft. The shaft engages the second brush head. Interactive gear teeth associated with each first and second brush heads allows the first and second brush heads to rotate at opposite direction, upon being driven by the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2009Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: East Coast Medical & Dental Devices, Inc.Inventors: Ladislau Biro, Howard Cohen
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Patent number: 8304938Abstract: An oscillatory system for a motorized drive unit for the generation of a rotary oscillatory movement is provided. The system includes a first oscillatory component and a second oscillatory component, the components capable of oscillating relative to one another around an axis of oscillation; and at least two elongate spring elements, each spring element having a first fastening point and a second fastening point spaced apart from one another. The spring elements are elastic in the direction of the rotary oscillatory movement. For each spring element the first fastening point is connected to the first oscillatory component and the second fastening point is connected to the second oscillatory component such that the spring elements intersect at the axis of oscillation, the axis of oscillation having an angle of intersection different from 0 degrees.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2010Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Braun GmbHInventors: Uwe Jungnickel, Benedikt Heil
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Publication number: 20120272464Abstract: The power toothbrush (10) includes a small electromagnetic actuator (24) positioned within the brushhead for driving a brushhead assembly which includes a brushhead portion (14) with bristles extending therefrom. The actuator includes a fixed lower element (26) and a moveable upper element (28), with the lower and upper elements each having curved roller contacting portions (24, 36, 46, 48) at opposing ends thereof. Roller members (52, 54) are positioned between the roller contacting portions of the upper and lower members. At least one coil is mounted on the lower element, responsive to an alternating current energizing signal. At least two permanent magnet assemblies are positioned on the upper element, having alternating polarity positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2010Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Pieter Johannes Bax, Johannes Hotze Bernhard De Vries