Abstract: An electric toothbrush is provided. The electric toothbrush has an elongated body including a handle, a head, and a neck extending between the handle and the head. A first bristle carrier having a plurality of bristles and a second bristle carrier having a plurality of bristles are disposed on the head and each of the first and second bristle carriers have an opening. An electric motor is operatively connected to a shaft, wherein operation of the electric motor moves the shaft in an orbital motion and wherein the shaft is operatively connected to the first and second bristle carriers to move the first and second bristle carriers.

Abstract: In a power toothbrush, a brush base portion is provided at a top end of a brush attachment which is detachably engaged with a main body containing an actuator generating driving force for driving at least the brush base portion. The brush base portion can be reciprocally moved in an axial direction of the main body with a predetermined stroke and a predetermined frequency, swing around a rotation axis perpendicular to the axial direction of the main body with a predetermined swing angle and a predetermined frequency, or rotated around the rotation axis with a predetermined rotation speed. A plurality of floating base member is floatingly supported in guiding hollows formed in the brush base portion, and a brush staple is planted on each floating base member. Thus, dirt or plaque remained in interdental portion of the tooth can effectively be removed, when top ends of the brush staples contact the surfaces of the tooth.

Abstract: The invention relates to the cleaning of contaminated accelerating or guiding electrodes of ion sources used for ion generation by desorption. A cleaning plate is used that has an outer contour similar to that of a standard sample support plate, and may be equipped with cleaning scrubbers that can be moved out when necessary to contact the electrodes. The scrubbers may include soft covers, and can carry out the cleaning by dry rubbing or with the help of high-boiling solvents for the matrix substances. The moving out of the cleaning scrubbers can be controlled by external light pulses from a laser or video camera spot light. Alternatively, the cleaning plate may be equipped with spray nozzles connected to a reservoir of cleaning fluid which is sprayed onto the electrodes, and the evacuation of the ventilated ion source chamber may be used to initiate the spraying.

Abstract: A powered toothbrush provides movement of cleaning elements which replicate the preferred method of cleaning teeth, namely up-and-down movement on the surface of the user's teeth. This preferred movement is obtained by translating rotational movement of a motor, first into reciprocation movement within the toothbrush through the interaction of a cam follower and helical tracks, and then translation of the reciprocating movement into oscillating movement of the cleaning elements through a limited arc. The translation of rotational to reciprocating movement is achieved through interaction of a cam follower in a helical track. The translation of reciprocating movement to oscillating movement is achieved through reciprocating movement of a volute through a mating groove in the head of the toothbrush.

Abstract: A toothbrush system using a combination of mechanical force and fluid dynamics to increase the efficiency of plaque removal from the teeth and gums. The toothbrush includes a head unit with an irrigator nozzle and a hydraulically actuated and continuously variable bristle platform which negotiates the complex surface geometry found in the mouth of a user. The irrigation nozzle is powered by the pulsing of an anti-microbial irrigant which gives the toothbrush head unit the distinguishing ability of being able to “feel” the contour of the teeth and to “find” the spaces between them. Once the sensing irrigator nozzle finds the spaces between the teeth, it extends into the area, and releases the anti-microbial liquid directly into the space. The configured bristle tufts of the head unit automatically adjust their position for cleaning under the gum line, between the teeth, as well as flat surfaces.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush having a detachable brush head assembly including a driven shaft that is driven by a driveshaft disposed with in a housing. The driveshaft is part of or secured to a torsion bar that supports an armature including a pair of magnets. An electric coil receives an alternating flow of current at a predetermined frequency that causes the magnets to be alternately attracted to the coil and causes the torsion bar to oscillate in an oscillatory rotary motion.

Abstract: A linear oscillator and an electric toothbrush capable of emitting a low noise and of being assembled compact are provided. The linear oscillator, which reciprocates a shaft in an axial direction thereof, includes a plunger movable together with the shaft in the axial direction of the shaft, an elastic member for applying an axially acting resilient force to the plunger, an electromagnetic driving unit operable to reciprocate the plunger in the axial direction of the shaft at a resonant frequency when an alternating current is supplied thereto, and a fixing member restricting rotation of the plunger about an axis thereof within a predetermined angle. The electric toothbrush includes the linear oscillator and a brush head attached to the shaft for use in brushing teeth.

Abstract: The vibrating toothbrush includes a first arm portion with a brushhead mounted at a free end and a second arm portion joined by a hinge-like portion. The first and second arm portions have first and second natural resonant frequencies. A spring member connects the second arm portion to the first arm portion, and a solenoid actuator is also connected between the first and second arm portions. A contact switch assembly is responsive to a DC battery voltage such that when the switch is closed, the first arm portion is drawn in one direction by the actuator, which results in compression of the spring and opening of the switch, with the compressed spring moving the first arm portion in the opposing direction until the switch again closes, so that the brushhead moves back and forth with the opening and closing of the switch. A pressure feedback arrangement makes use of the spring element and a nodal mount which extends from the spring at a selected point therealong to the handle of the toothbrush.

Abstract: A detachable head for use with an electric toothbrush is provided. The electric toothbrush has a handle with a motor disposed therein that is operatively connected to a shaft. The detachable head has an elongate body with a longitudinal axis and a first end and a second end opposite said first end. The first end may be detachably coupled to the electric toothbrush. The detachable head has a first bristle holder with a first plurality of bristle tufts disposed thereon. The first bristle holder is located at the second end of the elongate body and can oscillate about an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The detachable head also has a a second bristle holder disposed between the first bristle holder and the first end. The second bristle holder has a top surface and a second plurality of bristle tufts that form an acute angle with the top surface of the second bristle holder.

Abstract: A method of using an electric stainbrush for cleaning inanimate surfaces is provided. The electric stainbrush includes a handle having a motor disposed therein, a head having a longitudinal axis, and a neck disposed between the handle and the head. First and second bristle holders are associated with the head. The first bristle holder oscillates or rotates. The second bristle holder reciprocates in generally the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the head but does not rotate or oscillate. The motor is operatively connected to the first and second bristle holders.

Abstract: An electrically driven toothbrush has a rotatable shaft with a cam preferably at a remote end of the shaft, which fits into a slot in a bristle holder. The holder is mounted for rotation in a toothbrush head. When the shaft rotates cam describes a circle and drivingly engages the slot to cause the holder to vibrate in a first brushing motion. A second bristle holder is also driven by the shaft, for a second kind of brushing motion. The second bristle holder is driven through and engagement with a portion of the remote end and/or with one or more additional cams or cam portions included on the shaft.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to an electric toothbrush. The toothbrush includes a housing, an electric motor, a first transmission and a second transmission. The electric motor is connected to the housing has a motor output member for rotation about a motor output axis. The first transmission is connected to the housing, and converts rotational movement from the motor output member into rotational reciprocating movement at a first average angular speed. The second transmission is linked to the first transmission, and converts rotational reciprocating movement from the first transmission into rotational reciprocating movement at a second average angular speed about a second transmission output axis that is parallel to the motor output axis. The second transmission drives an output member to reciprocate at the second average angular speed about the second transmission output axis. A brush head is removably connectable to the output member.

Abstract: An orthodontic toothbrush cleans braces and teeth effectively, including braces which have brackets protruding from tooth surfaces, wherein the brackets are connected by a spanning archwire. The orthodontic toothbrush has a longitudinally extending handle for manual use, or an optional plastic electric battery operated body, attached to a toothbrush head. The bristle head includes rows of bristles, which contact and clean both the orthodontic appliances attached to the surfaces of the teeth and underlying teeth. The height of the shortest group of bristles in the middle of all the bristle rows, represents an average protrusive depth of a typical bracket or band protruding from a tooth's surface. An intermediate row of bristles, bilaterally, is used to assist in cleaning the incisal/occlusal (top) and gingival (bottom) portions of a tooth's crown and orthodontic bracket or band.

Abstract: An electrical toothbrush having a longitudinally reciprocating brush head which automatically rotates about the longitudinal axis while undergoing longitudinal brushing movements in order to align the brush head with the curvature of the gum for better dental care. An example of a drive mechanism together with appropriate motion transformation means to gradually turn the plane of the brush head about the longitudinal axis during a reciprocating longitudinal teeth brushing motion is described.

Abstract: 18A powered toothbrush includes a head contains a first powered bristle bearing section and a second non-powered, moving, bristle bearing section hingedly connected to and spaced apart from the balance said head, which combination of sections provides enhanced cleaning, while helping to reduce the potential harm of brushing to the soft gum tissues of the mouth.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush includes a handle, a brush head defining a brushing plane, and a guide arrangement supported by the handle and, in turn, supporting the brush head to undergo movement along an endless path of revolution having an axis extending substantially parallel to the brushing plane such that the brushing plane is maintained in the same orientation relative to a surface of a set of teeth throughout movement of the brush head along the endless path of revolution.

Abstract: An electrically driven toothbrush having a replaceable head section with a plug part which is engageable with a socket in its handle to connect its driveable head to its motor in the handle. The head section has a resiliently deformable end surface, and there is an engaging concavity and convexity in the respective meeting end surfaces of the plug part and the socket. The concavity and convexity engage to facilitate locking together of the head and handle. A separate replaceable head section for such a toothbrush is also provided.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush includes a drive part, a driver, a brush part and a vibration-absorber. The drive part includes a drive shaft provided to be lineally movable and a brush part detachably attached to one end of the drive shaft. The driver is configured to apply reciprocal force to the drive shaft to reciprocally lineally move the drive shaft. The vibration-absorber is connected to the drive shaft via a second spring to be lineally movable along the drive shaft. A weight ratio of a weight of the vibration-absorber to a weight of the drive part is at least 0.9 and at most 1.1.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush having a particular assembly, bristle configuration, and drive mechanism is disclosed. The assembly, bristle configuration, and drive mechanism are such that operation of the brush is highly efficient and more economical than currently known toothbrushes. Specifically, an electric toothbrush is disclosed comprising a body, a head, and a neck extending therebetween. The head utilizes one of several unique and preferred arrangements of static and movable bristles. The static bristles at least partially surround the collection of movable bristles which are provided on a movable bristle carrier. A motor and drive train impart motion to the collection of movable bristles. Also disclosed is a toothbrush having a simplified and improved assembly. The toothbrush includes a unique assembly utilizing a one-piece housing in combination with a movable bristle carrier that is engaged on a brush head of the toothbrush, and a stationary brush head tip which is secured thereto.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention a pneumatic-operated toothbrush incorporates a pump that a user may utilize to pump are into and pressurize air in a reservoir. The reservoir is attached to a pneumatic motor, which utilizes the pressurized air inside the reservoir to rotate a drive shaft. Attached to the end of the drive shaft is a plurality of bristles that rotate when the drive shaft is rotating. The motor will continue to rotate the bristles as long as the pressure inside the reservoir is sufficient enough to force the air into the pneumatic motor. When the motor stops rotating the bristles, the user can pump air back inside the reservoir for continued use. It is important to note that the pneumatic toothbrush for the present invention is a self-contained device, meaning that the reservoir, motor and pump are incorporated into a single toothbrush. In addition the present invention does not use batteries or other electrical elements to power the motor.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush is provided. The electric toothbrush includes a handle having an electric motor, a head, and a neck extending between the handle and the head. The head has first end disposed adjacent to the neck and a second end opposite the first end. The head has a first bristle holder with a plurality of bristles disposed therein and a second bristle holder having a plurality of bristles disposed therein. The first bristle holder is located at the second end of said head. A rotating shaft is operatively connected to the electric motor and to the first moving bristle holder to reciprocate the first moving bristle holder in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the head.

Abstract: The head of a powered toothbrush includes a first tuft block mounted for rotational oscillation about an axis generally perpendicular to the outer surface of the head, and a second tuft block having fixed bristles or bristles independently movable by being mounted on an elastomeric base. The second tuft block oscillates perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the head and in an in and out direction perpendicular to the outer surface of the head. A third stationary block may also be mounted on the head of the powered toothbrush. The bristles on the first, second, and third tuft blocks may be of various lengths, colors and stiffness, and may be mounted perpendicularly to or at an angle to the outer surface of the head.

Abstract: A powered toothbrush refill head combines a typical round oscillating or primary tuft block which oscillates in a rotational manner with a secondary tuft block. The secondary tuft block may be oscillated in a rotational manner or may oscillate linearly back and forth in the same direction as the handle of the toothbrush. The secondary tuft block could be in the form of a pair of side by side plates mounted on the head adjacent to the round oscillating block. The invention could also be practice where the secondary tuft block is in the form of a plurality of sets of rows of bristles mounted for back and forth movement in a direction perpendicular to the handle.

Abstract: An electrically driven toothbrush has a rotatable shaft with a cam preferably at a remote end of the shaft, which fits into a slot in a bristle holder. The holder is mounted for rotation in a toothbrush head. When the shaft rotates cam describes a circle and drivingly engages the slot to cause the holder to vibrate in a first brushing motion. A second bristle holder is also driven by the shaft, for a second kind of brushing motion. The second bristle holder is driven through and engagement with a portion of the remote end and/or with one or more additional cams or cam portions included on the shaft.

Abstract: An electrically operable toothbrush, in particular an electrically operable toothbrush which includes an oscillatingly rotatable brush head, with the brush head being connected with a drive shaft, so as to be supported for rotation about its longitudinal axis. An electric motor is arranged in a handgrip of the toothbrush and a gearing having the input thereof connected with the electric motor and the output thereof with the drive shaft.

Abstract: Toothbrushes are taught that may included a main body having a brush portion provided with brush bristles and protrusions for oscillating the brush bristles in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the main body. For example, the protrusions may be provided on the main body and on a sliding member so as to generate oscillations when the protrusions slide relative to each other. In addition or in the alternative, an electric motor may be coupled to the sliding member to reciprocally move the sliding member along the longitudinal axis of the main body. Teeth may be brushed by holding the main body in a substantial fixed position with respect to the teeth and simultaneously sliding the sliding member along the shaft of the main body in order to cause the brush portion to oscillate in the direction perpendicular to the teeth.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush is disclosed. The electric toothbrush includes a body having an interior hollow region for retaining a motor, one or more batteries, and a drive mechanism. The toothbrush includes multiple bristle carriers. Each of the bristle carriers undergoes some type of movement and is driven by the motor. Various combinations of movement of the bristle carriers are described.

Abstract: An electrically driven toothbrush has a rotatable shaft with a remote cam, which fits into a slot in a bristle holder. The holder is mounted for rotation in a toothbrush head. When the shaft rotates the remote end describes a circle and drivingly engages the slot to cause the holder to vibrate in a first brushing motion. A second bristle holder is driven by the first bristle holder, for a complimentary brushing motion. The second bristle holder is driven through and engagement with a pin or cam extending from the first bristle holder.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush is disclosed. The electric toothbrush includes a body having an interior hollow region for retaining one or more motors, batteries, and drive mechanisms. The toothbrush includes multiple bristle carriers. Each of the bristle carriers undergoes some type of movement and is driven by the one or more motors and drive mechanisms. Various combinations of movement of the bristle carriers are described. And, numerous drive train mechanisms are disclosed for achieving the noted motions.

Abstract: An electrically driven toothbrush has a rotatable shaft with a cam preferably at a remote end of the shaft, which fits into a slot in a bristle holder. The holder is mounted for rotation in a toothbrush head. When the shaft rotates cam describes a circle and drivingly engages the slot to cause the holder to vibrate in a first brushing motion. A second bristle holder is also driven by the shaft, for a second kind of brushing motion. The second bristle holder is driven through and engagement with a portion of the remote end and/or with one or more additional cams or cam portions included on the shaft.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush is provided. The electric toothbrush includes a handle having a motor disposed therein, a head having a longitudinal axis, and a neck disposed between the handle and the head. First and second bristle holders are associated with the head. The first bristle holder oscillates or rotates. The second bristle holder is reciprocates in generally the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the head but does not rotate or oscillate. The motor is operatively connected to the first and second bristle holders.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush is disclosed in which a brush body is simultaneously oscillated and reciprocated for brushing every gap between teeth. The electric toothbrush includes a casing main body, an arm extending above the casing main body, a brush body arranged in a top end of the arm, and an ultrasonic motor arranged in a top end inside of the arm for driving the brush body. An output shaft of the ultrasonic motor and the brush body are connected to each other by connecting piece. In this construction, the brush body is movable along the output shaft. The electric toothbrush further includes a reciprocating mechanism, which is provided between the arm and a holder of the brush body, and which reciprocates the brush body.

Abstract: This invention provides an ultrasonically driven nail cleaner, where the ultrasonic frequency both loosens hand and nail soil, as well as providing motion to at least a pair of brushes for removing the soil from the user's hands and nails. The moving force for the brushes and the ultrasonic loosening action are enabled by linkages providing straight line bilateral motion for both of the brushes. A rechargeable battery and a battery charger are provided for multiple uses for the structure provided, without the necessity of an AC outlet proximate the user.

Abstract: A cartilage fragment removal device and method permits the removal of articular cartilage fragments, without undue risk of harm to the healthy cartilage surface. The device consists of a brush attachment located at the end of a shaft, which shaft is in turn coupled to a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism imparts a desired brushing motion to the brush attachment, the bristles of which are brought into contact with the articular cartilage fragment during an arthroscopic procedure so as to cause the fragment's removal. The removed fragment is then suctioned from the joint cavity, preferably using a suction tube that is integral to the cartilage fragment removal device.

Abstract: An electric tooth flossing and brushing apparatus includes a crown having teeth engaged with a pinion of an electric motor so as to be rotatably driven by the motor. A brush drive housing has an end associated with a cam rotatably associated with the crown. The brush drive housing is configured to move generally transverse to a longitudinal axis thereof as the cam is rotated. A floss drive rod also has an end associated with the cam, but is configured to move generally parallel to a longitudinal axis thereof as the cam is rotated. Thus, as the crown is rotated, the floss drive rod and brush drive housing simultaneously move independently of one another, allowing a brush head to be placed on the brush drive housing and have appropriate brushing movement, or a floss unit to be attached to the floss drive rod and have appropriate flossing movement.

Abstract: A modular surgical prep sponge holder is provided for improving the cleaning of hands and arms prior to medical procedures. The device includes a tubular member containing a flexible cable and a flexible water line that extend through the tube. A rotating head is attached to the end of the tube, which moves 180 degrees in any direction. The disposable part of the device, being encased in a plastic housing, is connected to the rotating head. The housing includes a main gear, and a movement-plate with end clasps. Once the housing is inserted onto the end of the flexible cable, and a motor is turned on, the flexible cable will rotate. The rotational motion of the flexible cable will be transferred to the main gear and will be converted to lateral motion, causing the movement-plate to move in a lateral direction. Depending upon the setting of the motor, the system may deliver several hundred more strokes per minute than could manually be performed by an individual.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush has a housing incorporating a motor with a drive shaft rotatable about a longitudinal axis A. A shank extends beyond the housing and is integrally formed with a brush head at its remote end. The shank is pivotably supported intermediate its length in an end wall of the housing. An eccentric cam mounted to the shaft cooperates with a cup on a near end of the shank to form a mechanical coupling. When the shaft rotates both the near end and the brush head moves through a circular path.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush is provided which includes an elongate body having an interior cavity, a power source mounted within the cavity, an elongate drive shaft driven rotatably by the power source, a camwheel mounted on the drive shaft, a yoke with projecting arms which confine travel of the camwheel, a crankshaft section driven by the drive shaft, an output shaft axially aligned to the drive shaft, and a collar with a guide track eccentrically coupling the crankshaft section to the output shaft thereby imparting both lateral and rotary reciprocating motion to the output shaft. A brushhead mounted on the front end of the elongate body accepts the motion from the output shaft. The mechanical drive system is fully enclosed within the housing of the elongate body. Brushheads are replaceably mountable outside the cavity on the front end.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus having a housing, a battery, a motor, an output drive shaft and a movable cleaning section. The connection between the drive shaft and the cleaning section provides linear reciprocating motion of a portion of the cleaning section. In another embodiment orbital motion is provided. In another embodiment rotational motion and linear motion are provided. In another embodiment the user can switch between two types of motion.

Abstract: A brush attachment for a reciprocating saw comprising a number of brushes including wire brushes, hard bristle brushes, etc. that are provided with an attachment shank that fits into the blade receiving chuck of a conventional reciprocating saw.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush comprising an elongated body portion and a head including a static portion and a circular portion, a handle, and an angled shaft between the head and the handle. The circular portion rotates or reciprocates about an axis normal to a longitudinal axis of the head. The circular portion includes stiff bristles and the static portion includes soft bristles. The elongated body portion is hollow and further includes a motor in the hollow portion, which is operatively connected to the circular portion for rotating or oscillating or reciprocating the circular portion. A battery is located within the hollow section for powering the motor. A switch is operatively connected to the motor to provide momentary and continuous operation of the toothbrush. A worm gear and a pair of step gears are located in the hollow portion. The motor is operatively connected to the worm gear and the step gears are operatively connected to the worm gear and to each other.