Abstract: A shaving system comprising a handle, a cartridge including at least one blade, the cartridge being releasably coupled to the handle, a detector, at least one sensor coupled to at least one of the handle and the cartridge, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to output an electrical signal in response to an infrared thermal radiation, detected and measured by the detector, of at least one skin property which is indicative of at least one skin characteristic, a processor configured to receive measurement data from the sensor and to at least one of identify and quantify the at least one skin characteristic based one the received measurement data, and a display configured to convey a message to the user based on skin characteristic data from the processor.

Abstract: A system for classifying the usage of a handheld consumer device having a sensor and an analyzer. The sensor determines usage data at successive time instants and provides a temporally successive sequence of usage data during a usage session. The analyzer classifies the usage of the device with respect to at least one set usage classes and assembles a temporally successive sequence of input tuples of usage data relating to a predetermined time period of the usage session, each of the input tuples having at least one element representing the usage data at the respective time instant and for inputting the sequence of input tuples into at least one artificial neural network arranged to output at least one output tuple comprising a number of elements in accordance with the number of usage classes, each element of the output tuple representing a prediction value that the usage of the consumer device at the given time instant relates to a respective usage class.

Abstract: A shaving razor has a cartridge containing one or more blades. A base unit supports the shaving razor and has one or more sensors, a processor, and circuitry configured to determine accumulation of debris in the cartridge and/or wear of the blades. The base unit directly, or indirectly via a handheld personal computer, provides a visual or aural alert to the user regarding the accumulation of debris in the cartridge and/or wear of the blades.

Abstract: An electronic personal care device with a housing defining a sealed cavity. A power source positioned within the sealed cavity of the housing. A first circuit board is positioned within the sealed cavity of the housing. A second circuit board positioned outside the sealed cavity and in electrical connection with the power source. A light guide is mounted to the second circuit board. The light guide having a body defining an opening. A light source is positioned within the opening, spaced apart from the light guide and mounted to the circuit board. A transparent adhesive layer is positioned around the light source and on the second circuit board forming water tight seal.

Abstract: A method of resetting a digital counter for a personal care appliance by sending an electrical output signal from an optical sensor to a control circuit. The electrical output signal is compared to a predetermined value with the control circuit or a change in the electrical output signal from the optical sensor is detected over time. A signal is sent to a consumer user interface by the control circuit based on the electrical output signal and the predetermined value or based on the change in the electrical output signal from the optical sensor. The digital counter is reset based on an input signal from the consumer user interface.

Abstract: The lubricating strip for a razor cartridge includes a first layer including a first lubricating material having a first color; and a second layer disposed under the first layer and including a second lubricating material having a second color different from the first color. The first layer and the second layer are configured to form at least one boundary line, which is not parallel to a straight line along a width direction of the lubricating strip, on a cross-section of the lubricating strip cut in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the lubricating strip; and define multiple shaving layers including a first shaving layer including the first layer, a second shaving layer including the first layer and the second layer, and a third shaving layer including the second layer, the multiple shaving layers being arranged along a straight line parallel to a height direction of the lubricating strip.

Abstract: A grooming device. The grooming device includes a handle having proximal and distal ends, an implement connecting structure, grooming implement, displacement sensor, and power source providing power to the displacement sensor. The implement connecting structure is pivotably connected to the proximal end of the handle about a first handle axis and has a connection element and an eject element that is moveable within the implement connecting structure along a second handle axis. The implement connecting structure also has a location element pivotably connected to the eject element such that as the implement connecting structure moves about the first handle axis the location element remains stationary relative to the handle and as the eject element moves along the second handle axis the location element is displaced relative to the handle and the displacement sensor detects displacement of the location element. The grooming implement is connected to the implement connecting structure.

Abstract: This application relates to an elastic pin for selectively attaching a blade assembly to a razor handle may be provided. The elastic pin may comprise a pair of prongs attached at a proximal end, extending to a distal end. The pair of prongs may have an angle ? therebetween. A respective distal end of each prong of the pair of prongs may form a convex head. The convex heads may be configured to define a substantially spherical envelope at the distal end of the elastic pin.

Abstract: A personal care appliance with a handle having a coupler at a first end. A control circuit is positioned within the handle. A consumer user interface is operably connected to the control circuit. A digital counter is operably connected to the control circuit. An optical sensor is mounted to the coupler that sends an electrical output signal to the control circuit. A cartridge is removably mounted to the coupler. The cartridge has an opaque surface covering the optical sensor and blocking ambient light from reaching the optical sensor when mounted to the coupler. The control circuit determines an attachment status of the cartridge by comparing the electrical output signal to one or more predetermined thresholds or by detecting a change over time in the electrical output signal of the optical sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a level of wear of at least one blade of a razor cartridge, which includes a sensing unit measures an electrical parameter including one of (i) a total resistance of the at least one blade measured across a length of the at least one blade, and (ii) an electrical conductance of the at least one blade measured across the length of the at least one blade. A processing unit compares the measured electrical parameter to a reference electrical parameter and determines a level of wear of the at least one blade based on an amount of deviation of the measured electrical parameter from the reference electrical parameter. Information regarding the determined level of wear of the at least one blade is provided to a user by at least one of (i) a light indication, (ii) an aural indication, and (iii) a haptic indication.

Abstract: Systems and methods here may be used to sense razor handle usage, and/or product content in a container, send information to a local wireless device which may in turn, inform a back end system. In some embodiments, the systems and methods may then utilize the information about the container and send a message regarding inventory status, place an order for a re-fill, and/or aggregate usage data of the container or handle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric shaver (1) comprising a cutter unit (3), an electric motor (4), a load detector arranged to detect a load current of the motor (4) and a controller. The controller switches the average voltage from a first level to a second level once the load current exceeds a first threshold value (TH_TH), and switches the average voltage from the second level back to the first level if the load current falls below a second threshold value (TH_TL) and stays below the second threshold value (TH_TL) for a predefined time period. By operating on a lower energy consumption when the cutter unit of the shaver is not in contact with the skin, energy is saved without the need for a proximity sensor.

Abstract: A skin engaging member for a razor cartridge includes an erodible first layer and an erodible second layer below the first layer. Each layer includes a lubricious water soluble polymer and can include a water insoluble polymer. The second layer includes a fragrance that can be in the form of microcapsules or a suitable additive of the polymeric material(s). As the first layer erodes during normal use of the razor cartridge the second layer is eventually exposed dissolving or fracturing the microcapsules or otherwise releasing the fragrance. The fragrance is malodorous indicating to e.g. a vision impaired user that the optimal life of the razor cartridge is at or nearing its end. The first layer can also be provided with a non-malodorous fragrance. A third erodible layer can be provided between the first and second layer and can also include a fragrance. End-of-optimal-life indication can be rapid or gradual.

Abstract: A safety razor has a handle and a cartridge selectively detachable from the handle. The cartridge has at least one blade with a sharp cutting edge and an expected shaving utility. A connecting structure is coupled to the handle and attaches or detaches the cartridge from the handle in response to a detachment action performed by a user. A detector within the handle has an actuator coupled to the connecting structure and a sensor for generating a signal, wherein the actuator applies an action on the sensor during the action and the sensor generates the signal in response to the action.

Abstract: A handle and stand apparatus for holding a razor in an upright configuration includes a housing defining an interior area and an open top and bottom. A plurality of gripping members extends upwardly in the interior area and each includes a distal end adjacent the open top. A clamping member is situated in the open top of the housing defining a bore configured to receive the handle of the razor into the interior area. The clamping member is rotatable between a clamped configuration in which the gripping members are urged inwardly about the razor handle and a released configuration in which the gripping members are released away from the razor handle. A vibration device may be situated in the housing interior area to cause water droplets to be dislodged from the razor when energized. The apparatus may include a counter circuit and display to monitor a number of razor uses.

Abstract: A safety razor has a handle and a cartridge selectively detachable from the handle. The cartridge has at least one blade with a sharp cutting edge and an expected shaving utility. A connecting structure is coupled to the handle and attaches or detaches the cartridge from the handle in response to a detachment action performed by a user. A detector within the handle has an actuator coupled to the connecting structure and a sensor for generating a signal, wherein the actuator applies an action on the sensor during the action and the sensor generates the signal in response to the action.

Abstract: A powered wet razor has a handle and a cartridge selectively detachable from the handle. The cartridge has at least one blade with a sharp cutting edge and is characterized by an expected shaving utility. An electrical arrangement that detects and tracks utility of the razor and determines a remaining shaving utility based on the expected utility and the tracked utility. The razor includes an indicator for providing a remaining shaving utility signal to a user.

Abstract: A strain-responsive visual indicator comprises a pair of overlapping shutter strips (1, 2) adapted to be mounted to a substrate such that strain in the substrate causes relative movement M between them. Each shutter strip comprises an alternating set of windows (5) or (6) and bars (7) or (8) and the distal strip (2) is backed by a strip (3) of a different color exposed through its windows (6), or the distal strip can instead be printed with a set of alternating colors in place of its windows and bars. The effect is that under different strain conditions different color indications from the distal strip (2) will be visible through the windows (5) of the proximal strip (1), in accordance with the relative positions of the two strips. The indicator can be incorporated e.g. in the shaft of a toothbrush to give a visual warning in response to flexure of the shaft if excessive brushing pressure is applied. Numerous other applications and the use of different types of indicia are indicated in the specification.

Abstract: A razor includes a load and a voltage conversion system coupled to a voltage source and the load for transforming a variable voltage provided by the voltage source into a constant operating voltage for driving a load.

Abstract: A powered wet razor has a handle and a cartridge selectively detachable from the handle. The cartridge has at least one blade with a sharp cutting edge and is characterized by an expected shaving utility. An electrical arrangement that detects and tracks utility of the razor and determines a remaining shaving utility based on the expected utility and the tracked utility. The razor includes an indicator for providing a remaining shaving utility signal to a user.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a wet shaving system includes two integrated components, namely a shaving device (e.g., a wet shave razor) and a base. The shaving device includes a handle and razor cartridge. During use, the shaving device is separated from the base and used by a user to shave. Between uses, the shaving device is stored on the base. The base is operable to detect when a user has removed the handle for the purpose of shaving, count the number of shaves the razor cartridge has been used by the user, and notify the user once a given number of shaves have been completed in order to, for example, prompt the user to consider replacing the replaceable shaving cartridge on the current handle or to begin using a new razor and handle.

Abstract: A razor includes a load and a voltage conversion system coupled to a voltage source and the load for transforming a variable voltage provided by the voltage source into a constant operating voltage for driving a load.

Abstract: A razor includes a load and a voltage conversion system coupled to a voltage source and the load for transforming a variable voltage provided by the voltage source into a constant operating voltage for driving a load.

Abstract: In a wet-shave razor, a handle is provided and has a razor cartridge mounted thereon at an end thereof. The razor cartridge has at least one razor blade positioned therein. A sensor is mounted to the handle for continuously monitoring and detecting movement of the handle and generating signals indicative thereof. A controller is also mounted to the handle and is in communication with the sensor for continuously receiving signals from the sensor. An indicator is mounted to the handle and is in communication with the controller. During operation, the indicator generates an alert in response to commands received from the controller, the alert being identifiable by a user and indicative of the remaining useful life of the razor cartridge.

Abstract: A shaving system includes a razor body having a blade releaseably secured at a first distal end thereof. A processor having a timing mechanism is positioned within the razor body. A pressure sensor is positioned externally on the razor body for selectively determining if the razor body is being gripped. A movement sensor is positioned adjacent to the blade and within the razor body for selectively determining whether the blade is moving along a surface. Both the pressure sensor and movement sensor are coupled to the processor. The system further includes means for indicating that the blade should be replaced. Upon the pressure sensor and the movement sensor being activated simultaneously, the timing mechanism is caused to count down from a predetermined initial value representing an amount of time required until the blade needs to be replaced which is indicated by the indicating means.

Abstract: A shaving unit that comprises at least one blade and a skin engaging member that has a surface for engaging the user's skin adjacent the blade edge is described herein. The shaving unit may be of a disposable cartridge type adapted for coupling to and uncoupling from a razor handle or may be integral with a handle so that the complete razor is discarded as a unit when the blade or blades become dulled. The blade edge (or edges) cooperate with skin engaging surfaces to define a shaving geometry. The skin engaging member is comprised of an elongated sheath (or skin engaging layer) made of a mixture of water insoluble matrix and an effective amount of shaving aid and a rigid core (or non-skin engaging layer) extending axially throughout said sheath. The axial position of the core need not be through the central axis.

Abstract: A shaving unit that comprises at least one blade and a skin engaging member that has a surface for engaging the user's skin adjacent the blade edge. The shaving unit may be of a disposable cartridge type adapted for coupling to and uncoupling from a razor handle or may be integral with a handle so that the complete razor is discarded as a unit when the blade or blades become dulled. The blade edge (or edges) cooperate with skin engaging surfaces to define a shaving geometry. The skin engaging member is comprised on an elongated sheath (or skin engaging layer) made of a mixture of water insoluble matrix and an effective amount of shaving aid and a rigid core (or non-skin engaging layer) extending axially through out said sheath. The axial position of the core need not be through the central axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pliers-type tool and to a method for cutting through optical fibre cables (OF). According to the invention, the OF cable is received between the jaws of the pliers precisely, in a specific position, and is securely and precisely held and supported there. The invention uses a novel round blade (14) which is accommodated in a separately operated cutting device (23). A switching mechanism (26, 28, 31, 32) is allocated to the cutting device for measuring the duration of use of the cutting blade.

Abstract: A razor system includes a razor cartridge having a blade and a handle attached to the razor cartridge. A sensor is disposed in the razor system for generating a sensor signal indicative of parameters sensed during a shave. The sensor includes at least one of an electromagnetic induction sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a hall effect sensor, a capacitive sensor, a charge transfer sensor, an electric field sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a magnetostrictive sensor and an angular rate sensor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a shaving system having an indicator for indicating when the blades are becoming dull and in need of replacement. As razor blades dull, the user must exert greater force during shaving to achieve a satisfactory shave. Upon exertion of this extra force, a piston which is adjacent to the blades moves away from the blades in response to the increased forces encountered by the blades during shaving. Upon moving a sufficient distance, the piston activates a sensor, such as a potentiometer, which initiates a signal processing circuit which in turn activates an indicator, such as a light-emitting diode. The activation of the indicator is a signal to the user to replace the blades.

Abstract: A shaving unit that comprises at least one blade and a skin engaging member that has a surface for engaging the user's skin adjacent the blade edge is described herein. The shaving unit may be of a disposable cartridge type adapted for coupling to and uncoupling from a razor handle or may be integral with a handle so that the complete razor is discarded as a unit when the blade or blades become dulled. The blade edge (or edges) cooperate with skin engaging surfaces to define a shaving geometry. The skin engaging member is comprised of an elongated sheath (or skin engaging layer) made of a mixture of water insoluble matrix and an effective amount of shaving aid and a rigid core (or non-skin engaging layer) extending axially through out said sheath. The axial position of the core need not be through the central axis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wet shaving system having an electronic indicator for indicating when the blades are becoming dull and in need of replacement. As razor blades dull, the user must exert greater force during shaving to achieve a satisfactory shave. Upon exertion of this extra force, a piston which is adjacent to the blades moves away from the blades in response to the increased forces encountered by the blades during shaving. Upon moving a sufficient distance, the piston pushes into an electronic device, such as a potentiometer, which initiates a signal processing circuit which in turn activates an indicator, such as a light-emitting diode. The activation of the indicator is a signal to the user to replace the blades.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wet shaving system having an electronic indicator for indicating when the blades are becoming dull and in need of replacement. As razor blades dull, the user must exert greater force during shaving to achieve a satisfactory shave. Upon exertion of this extra force, a piston which is adjacent to the blades moves away from the blades in response to the increased forces encountered by the blades during shaving. Upon moving a sufficient distance, the piston pushes into an electronic device, such as a potentiometer, which initiates a signal processing circuit which in turn activates an indicator, such as a light-emitting diode. The activation of the indicator is a signal to the user to replace the blades.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an auxiliary part (7) for mounting and removing accessories such as a skin-stretcher (9), a lubricator (14), etc. on and from the outer cutting member (4) of an electric shaver.

Abstract: Wear indicating means are located on the head or frame of a disposable razor or razor cartridge, in close proximity to the shaving edge of the blade. The wear indicating mans comprises a mass of material that gradually wears away as the disposable razor or cartridge is used in shaving, the amount of material wearing away being correlated with the amount of wear on the blade edge to provide a visual indication of the relative wear on the blade. Preferably, letters or indicia are provided on the head or frame and are covered with said material, the letters or indicia being revealed as the material is worn away during shaving. The letters or other indicia may be printed or painted directly on the frame, or may be provided as raised protrusions or as depressions formed in the frame.

Abstract: The present invention features a disposable razor cartridge unit or disposable razor system having a shaving aid in the form of a comfort strip mounted on a razor head, wherein the shaving aid provides a sensory change over a period of time so that the user knows that the razor head should be replaced. In one embodiment, the strip is in the form of a single layer and comprises a polymer of a first color. A coloring agent of a second color is added such that the resulting color of the shaving aid is a third color when the strip is new. The first coloring agent gradually leaches from the strip due to exposure to water, abrasion during usage, or a combination of the two, such that after a certain number of uses the color of the strip changes from the third color to the first color of the polymer.

Abstract: The electric haircutting machine includes an electrical drive motor, cutting blades driven by the drive motor, a device (22) for oiling the cutting blades and a device (20) for detecting an oil deficiency of the oil lubricating the cutting blades. The device (22) for oiling the cutting blades is connected with and responsive to the device (20) for detecting the oil deficiency, whereby the device for oiling the cutting blades is automatically activated to oil the cutting blades when the oil deficiency is detected. The device for detecting the oil deficiency detects whether or not motor current consumption, cutting blade vibration noise, haircutting machine sound level, cutting blade temperature, force acting on one of the cutting blades or drive motor rotation speed exceeds a corresponding predetermined threshold or not in order to establish the presence or absence of the oil deficiency.