Abstract: A vibrating device includes a motor housing, an electromagnetic coil coupled to the motor housing and a motor elastically coupled to the motor housing. The motor includes a pole plate, a magnet and a yoke, the pole plate bonded to the magnet and the magnet set within the yoke. The electromagnetic coil is disposed within an annular space defined between the magnet and the yoke.
Abstract: A means and method for arbitrarily coordinating a tactile vibratory stimulus with an audio stimulus. There is provided an adult-type sex toy, and associated method, with a vibrator and audio player in which the audio player is augmented with additional circuitry and firmware, such that the audio player is in signal communication with the vibrator to to control the speed of the vibrator motor. The motor speed, however, is not correlated with raw audio signal strength or frequency. Rather, the vibrator motor speed is regulated by motor speed information embedded with the audio file being played back. Accordingly, the apparatus audio player can play back an erotic story, for example, while automatically coordinating the vibrator motor speed in concert with the perceived content of the audible story as heard by the user-listener.
Type:
Application
Filed:
January 10, 2011
Publication date:
July 12, 2012
Inventors:
Cleve R. Tuck, Court H. Tuck, Lance Carlson, Joseph R. Chughtai
Abstract: In some examples, nerves surrounding arteries or leading to organs are targeted with energy sources to correct or modulate physiologic processes. In some examples, different types of energy sources are utilized singly or combined with one another. In some examples, bioactive agents or devices activated by the energy sources are delivered to the region of interest and the energy is enhanced by such agents or the agents are enhanced by the energy sources.
Abstract: A massager device providing multiple massaging effects with thermal enhancement is disclosed. The device comprises a cylindrical body with a first end which is closed and a second end which is open, a first cap coupled to the first end, and a second cap coupled to the second end, an assembly of DC vibrator embedded in the first end, and a switch embedded in the first cap. The cylindrical body comprises an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer is made of ABS materials. The outer layer is made of silicone rubber and comprises a base sheet and an array of evenly spaced identical elastic nipples positioned outwardly with their bottoms embedded in the base sheet. The first cap and the second cap have substantially identical exterior shape and size, each of which having an inner layer made of ABS materials and a silicone rubber ring coupled to the inner layer's exterior. The hollow space made by the cylindrical body and the second cap may contain thermal media such as water or gel.
Abstract: A Handheld Facial Massage and Microcurrent Therapy Device. The device includes a massage feature that enables the user to provide motorized agitation to a skin-contacting attachment selected from a group of detachable elements. The detachable skin-contacting element includes bristle brushes, massage sponges, smooth and rough applicators, among others. In addition to the motorized agitation from the attachment, the device also includes the ability to apply rejuvenating micro-current therapy to the skin. Both the motorized agitation and micro-current generation are independently user-adjustable in order to achieve the optimum treatment for each individual. Versions of the device that include galvanic current application as well as ultrasonic skin stimulation are available. The device is compact and easy to use so that the non-professional user can self-treat with professional results.
Abstract: A head massager includes a helmet (10) having a first parallel hoop (11) and a second parallel hoop (12) connected to each other for forming a ring surrounding the user's head. The helmet (10) has a first meridian hoop (21) and a second meridian hoop (22) connected to each other to form an arc structure and hang the head massager on user's head. The distance adjustment devices (3) are provided to connect the first parallel hoop (11), the second parallel hoop (12), the first meridian hoop (21), and the second meridian hoop (22) together for adjusting the size of the helmet (10) to provide a comfortable fit to user's head.
Abstract: A device for stimulating mechanosensory nerve endings can include: a housing having an internal chamber and first and second openings; optionally, a membrane covering the first opening of housing, said membrane being sufficient flexibility to vibrate upon receiving vibratory stimulation from a vibratory mechanism; and a coupling mechanism at the second opening configured for being fluidly coupled to the vibratory mechanism, wherein the entire device consists of magnetically unresponsive materials. The housing can be cylindrical, or any polygon shape. The membrane can be integrated with the housing or coupled thereto, such as with adhesive. Optionally, the membrane can be removably coupled to the housing. The membrane can be omitted such that the skin of a subject coupled to the device oscillates in response to the fluid vibrations.
Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument includes a tool assembly configured to eject staples. The tool assembly has a cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly movable relative to each other. The cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly are configured to move between open and closed positions. The surgical stapling instrument further includes at least one transducer disposed in at least one of the cartridge assembly and the anvil assembly. The transducers are adapted to effect vibrations to enhance stapling. In one embodiment, wires connect the transducers to a power generator. The power generator supplies energy to the transducers.
Type:
Application
Filed:
February 15, 2012
Publication date:
June 14, 2012
Applicant:
Tyco Healthcare Group LP
Inventors:
Peter Hathaway, Eric Taylor, Kenneth Blier
Abstract: The vibrator power control button is used to turn the device on/off and also has a seed controller, it also has for battery connectors, you will also need 4 triple aaa batteries for this device, It has more power as well as more seed control it has seed the can go high, medium, or low, and this device is also waterproof. Also it has a moving tube part, it is a air suction tube this helps the device operate better while moving. This device also has a suction cup you can also see were the air holes are located on each side, The air holes are made to fit the pearl tongue just right to receive a silky sensation. Also a more big and powerful motor that controls the entire vibrator from the suction cup to the air suction fan and also the vibrator. Here is a sketch of the button controls. They control the air suction fan, and vibrator. You also can switch to air suction fan to just vibrator. The high speed air suction fan can be used for the soft & sensual feel.
Abstract: Acoustical-based methods that increase tissue oxygenation, and equipment for carrying out the methods, are provided. The methods involve exposing tissue to low frequency sound in order to increase blood flow in the tissue, and hence oxygenation of the tissue. The methods may be used to treat or prevent disorders related to ischemia and low blood flow, such as shock, stroke and congestive heart failure.
Abstract: A sexual aid or dildo that is used to collect fluid from a woman's vagina before, during or after a woman's orgasm. A method of using a sexual aid or dildo for tasting fluid from a woman's vagina for increased sexual pleasure. A method of using a dildo for same sex or male to male sexual pleasure.
Abstract: A vaginal regeneration device is provided and method of promoting regeneration of vaginal tissue is provided. The method includes providing a patient having a vagina in need of vaginal tissue regeneration vaginal lubricant and a vaginal regeneration device. The vagina is lubricated and the regeneration device is inserted into the patient's vagina, wherein the vibrating mechanism is activated, allowing the vibrations to contact the vaginal wall for a therapeutic period of time. The device includes a shaft having a first end and a second end, a tapered insertion at said first end of said shaft and an end cap at said second end of the shaft, and a vibrating mechanism within the shaft. The invention further is directed to kits for promoting regeneration of vaginal tissue comprising at least two vaginal regeneration devices having different diameters along the majority of the length of the shaft.
Abstract: The object of the invention relates to a dildo for sexual stimulation, comprising a tubular body (1) with a hollow structure made of a smooth material, such as silicone or rubber, having a shape and size similar to a penis, filled with a non-Newtonian fluid (2), the viscosity of which increases as the tension gradient applied thereto increases.
Type:
Application
Filed:
May 28, 2010
Publication date:
May 31, 2012
Applicant:
INNOVACIONES SOSTENIBLES DEL SUR, S.L.U.
Abstract: A finger-mounted massage apparatus including a curved body defining a middle portion between a rear portion having a first vibratory motor and a head portion having a second vibratory motor is disclosed. The head portion and the rear portion may be configured to extend in a substantially perpendicular manner from the middle portion and in a substantially parallel manner relative to each other. The head portion may also be configured to extend more outwardly from the middle portion than the rear portion.
Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for reducing the effect of frictional forces on the operation of a surgical instrument, particularly when inserted within a tortuous body lumen. A vibratory mechanism coupled to the surgical instrument can be activated to vibrate the shaft and/or the actuator of the surgical instrument to reduce the effect of frictional forces generated between the shaft and the actuator of the surgical instrument, thereby reducing the force necessary to actuate the end effector.
Abstract: The present invention provides a vibration transducer which includes a main housing, a top cover, a supporting member, a magnetic yoke structure member, a coil frame, and a coil displaced around the coil frame. The main housing, the top cover, and the supporting member are firmly connected together, the supporting member has an elastic suspending portion, the magnetic yoke structure member is suspended on the suspending portion of the supporting member, the coil frame is fixedly attached to the main housing, and the coil frame has a junction portion made from heat insulation material, the coil frame is secured to the main housing through the junction portion, and a heat dissipating opening is defined in the main housing or the top cover.
Abstract: A device for eliminating poisons and pollutants from the human body and for revitalizing cells includes a temperature controlled upper cover having a natural five primary substance stone coating layer, a temperature controlled lower mat having vibrators and a natural five primary substance stone coating layer, a herb essence supplier connected to the interior of space formed by the upper cover and the lower mat, and a negative ion producing air pump connected to the herb essence supplier for supplying negative ions. The device adjusts the temperature of a user in the interior space between the upper cover and the lower mat and discharges the poisons in the human body through perspiration holes on the skin by the action of the natural five primary substance stone and absorbed herbal essence.
Abstract: An ultrasonic medical treatment device takes the form of an elongate probe having an elongate wave-generating concave surface with a longitudinal axis and ultrasonic electromechanical transducer elements for vibrating said concave surface to generate ultrasonic pressure waves focused along a linear locus extending parallel to said longitudinal axis. The probe may include a monolithic piezoelectric crystal element and electrode pairs provided along the unitary or monolithic element in a spaced array.
Abstract: The present invention is an electronically controlled wide band vibrating tampon (ECWVT) apparatus to provide relief from feminine menstrual cramps and comprises a controllable vibration generator with selectable wide band vibration sources, an electromechanical transducer aka a vibration transmitter, and a disposable vibration transmitting tampon head (VTTH) to be inserted into the user's vaginal canal for customized and maximized relief from a user's menstrual cramps. Since only the VTTH is disposable and all other parts are reusable, the disposable cost is minimized.
Abstract: The current invention is a spinal and upper cervical impulse treatment device and controller, which delivers multiple impulses of variable frequency and variable force in a linear direction, as well as rotational forces, for patient treatment. Known chiropractic impulse devices are all hand held devices. In contrast, the spinal and upper cervical impulse treatment device is mounted on a fixed stand and armature, allowing reliable positioning and directional alignment in three dimensions. Fixed mounting also facilitates ease of use. A safety coupling is incorporated to avoid patient injury due to excessive force on the treatment site in the fixed mounting scenario Smooth sinusoidal waveforms are a preferred waveform for impulse delivery and sine waves are generated digitally in the apparatus.
Abstract: A powered massager having coaxially mounted first and second massage actuators that are positioned along the main axis of the powered massager is disclosed. The powered massager further includes a hand-held unit including a control panel for controlling the operation of the massager and a power source that is operatively associated with an electric motor that drives a rotatable output shaft through a gear arrangement. In one embodiment, the first massage actuator is a squirming massage actuator having a plurality of frames interposed between rolling members that are operable when the output shaft is driven by the electric motor, while the second massage actuator is a vibratory massage actuator that is operatively associated with the power source through a conductive pathway established between the power source and the vibratory massage actuator.
Abstract: A device that rejuvenates the skin of the brow, eyes, and body of a user comprising a small vibrating sheet to cover each area is disclosed. The vibrating sheet is composed of a first sheet of flexible material with a series of holes arrayed across the surface. Each hole aligns with an individual acrylic sphere, too large to pass through the hole but small enough to be partially contained therein. A layer of silicone, the same thickness as that of the sheet, sandwiches the spheres. Individual sheets contain coin-sized vibrating motors, powered by a battery, and are adhered to an area of the body with a belt member or blinds prior to operation.
Abstract: A device that is used to reduce the pain of a needle stick to a person, the device having a casing containing a vibratory device and a temperature reducing device, and a method for using the device to reduce the pain of a needle stick by applying both thermal and vibration analgesia to a subject during a needle stick.
Abstract: A vibrating pacifier comprising a housing, where the housing encompasses a vibrating mechanism, a set of wings extending from opposing sides of the housing, a nipple protruding from the housing, where the nipple is covered in a plurality of nubs on a blunt end of the nipple, and a handle attached to the housing, wherein the handle contains a battery compartment and a switch to activate the vibrating mechanism to enable the vibrating pacifier to oscillate thus providing comfort and relief to a baby while teething.
Abstract: A system and method that utilizes a massaging apparatus specifically for a person's temples with the expressed purpose of providing relaxation and headache relief, is herein disclosed. The apparatus is configured as a headband with battery-powered massagers at the temples. The apparatus is supported both with minimal elasticity from the headband and with ear supports. Power is supplied to the massagers from a rechargeable battery pack that can be worn about the arm or alternately the waist and is electrically tethered to the headband. Each small disc-shaped temple massager is separately powered by a small motor that produces the massaging effect which is intended to reproduce the sensation of rubbing/massaging the temples.
Abstract: The invention relates to an improved cranial device with a rotary inclination detector, including a container box which can be secured to the cranium of sleeping person and which contains an electric motor and an eccentric counterweight coupled thereto, forming a vibrator. The device also includes a battery or a battery holder for at least one battery, which is provided with two axially opposed projecting contacts or studs. The container box is provided with inclined formations with dielectric properties, on which the battery or battery holder can roll by means of the studs thereof, and two electric contacts on which the inclined formations terminate, such that, when the battery holder is placed on the electric contacts, the motor circuit is closed, thereby activating the vibrator.
Type:
Application
Filed:
February 26, 2010
Publication date:
March 22, 2012
Applicants:
ADMINISTRACION GENERAL DE LA COMUNIDAD AUTONAMA DE EUSKADI, SIBEL, S.A.
Abstract: Systems and methods for applying vibration to the human body. A vibration system includes a vibrator capable of converting an electrical signal into vibration. In one aspect, the vibrator is arranged on or about the human body on a pectoralis major muscle and spaced away from a sternum. In another aspect, the vibrator is arranged on or about the human body such that a first pattern of vibrations are generated on the body's surface. The first pattern of vibrations matches in relative amplitude a second pattern of vibrations generated on the body's surface when the body generates sound.
Abstract: Provided is a massage apparatus for skin care, which is designed to be bent by its rotation. The massage apparatus for skin care has an elongated body and a head at one end of the body to apply a stimulus to a skin. The body is divided into a head section in which the head is located, and a grip section opposite to the head section, along an inclined plane sloped with respect to a longitudinal direction of the body. The head section and the grip section separated from each other are connected to be rotatable around a rotary shaft, which is provided in parallel to a normal direction of the inclined planes, in either or both of left and right directions, in a state that the inclined planes thereof contact each other.
Type:
Application
Filed:
September 8, 2011
Publication date:
March 15, 2012
Inventors:
JONG DEOK CHAE, UN-CHAE JEONG, Seon A. HWANG
Abstract: A back and body stimulator provides a variety of stimulation to body surfaces. The stimulator may comprise a frame that supports one or more stimulating elements. The frame may be held between two handles by one or more resilient or stretchable members. The stimulating elements may engage and be applied to a body surface via the handles. The user may stretch the resilient members to apply a force to the body surface. Stimulation may be provided by moving the stimulating elements across the body surface. The stimulating members may be mounted so as to rotate about distinct axis, to rotate irregularly, or both so that distinct sensations may be generated. The stimulator may include one or more vibration generators or vibrating elements.
Abstract: A device for manipulating circulation in the circulatory system of the body of a subject is disclosed. The device includes a flexible support dimensioned for covering a section of the body of the subject, a vibration inducing element embedded in or attached to the support. The support includes a patch and an attachment layer on the patch. The attachment layer includes a biocompatible adhesive suitable for attaching the patch to skin on the section of the body of the subject. The vibration inducing element is positioned in or on the support such that the vibration inducing element can transmit vibrations to the skin when the patch is adhered to the skin on the section of the body of the subject.
Abstract: A system and method of use for providing vibratory energy to a portion, e.g., the leg, of a living being for producing a beneficial effect, e.g., relief of RLS symptoms, is disclosed. The system is in the form of an elastic wrap or band arranged to be releasably secured to the portion of the being and holds plural electrical motors, which when operated vibrate. The vibrations of the motors are propagated to the adjacent portion of the being's body and topically apply random-like mechanical stimulations to tendons or ligaments to stimulate proprioceptors of the being. Power for the motors is provided from a power and control source. The elastic wrap is formed of at least one material adapted that is soft and pliable. The motors are arranged to be located at various positions and orientations along the elastic wrap.
Type:
Application
Filed:
August 16, 2011
Publication date:
February 23, 2012
Applicant:
BOEHRINGER LABORATORIES LLC
Inventors:
Christopher L. Radl, Robert Kropp, Allison Lloyd, Pat Paul
Abstract: Systems and methods for applying vibration to the human body. A vibration system includes a vibrator capable of converting an electrical signal into vibration. In one aspect, the vibrator is arranged on or about the human body on a pectoralis major muscle and spaced away from a sternum. In another aspect, the vibrator is arranged on or about the human body such that a first pattern of vibrations are generated on the body's surface. The first pattern of vibrations matches in relative amplitude a second pattern of vibrations generated on the body's surface when the body generates sound.
Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus to be worn by a user for providing sexual stimulus to a partner of the user. The apparatus comprises a harness to be worn by the user and a vibrating body supported by the harness. The vibrating body has at least one protrusion extending therefrom. The apparatus further comprises a pad securable to the vibrating body. The pad has at least one void corresponding to the at least one protrusion. The at least one void surrounds the at least one protrusion when the pad is secured to the vibrating body. The pad also has a bearing surface for transmitting vibrations from the vibrating body and the at least one protrusion to a surface of the user's partner's body.
Abstract: Apparatus and method for the conditioning of muscular fibrils by means of the application to a muscle in isometric contraction, a succession of mechanical pulses, where the apparatus includes means for the production of pressure pulses, means for the application of said pressure pulses on the epidermis adjacent the muscle and means for the transmission of said pulses from said means for the production of pressure pulses to said application means, wherein said application means and said means for the transmission of said pulses from said production means to said application means comprise a closed circuit inside which a compressed fluid or a substantially uncompressible fluid is present.
Abstract: A self-contained oral vibrator featuring an elastomeric band that is generally used as a sexual novelty apparatus. The apparatus is made of two basic parts. The first part, the integrated vibrator, is comprised of a motor used to cause vibration, a small battery power source and an external barrel 4. The second primary element of the apparatus is the elastomeric band itself. The band is designed to both fasten to the tongue during use and also house the vibration apparatus. The elastomeric band is essentially made of two parts; the first part, the bottom part, is a flat loop that wraps around the tongue during use while the second part, the top part, is designed as a barrel 4 to hold in place the vibration barrel in place. The vibration barrel and band together form an integrated tongue vibrator absent the necessity for multiple parts to achieve the same end result.
Abstract: A device having a number of exercise therapy systems contained within a single housing is capable of providing multiple exercise therapies to a predetermined position of a user's body and thus efficiently exercising those portions of the user's body. To provide additional convenience, the device includes a user control panel that is movably coupled to the housing, thereby allowing removal in a manner which allow for easy user access. The multiple therapies can include both a vibration therapy and an electrical stimulation therapy, thus providing for more efficient exercising of the user's muscle tissue adjacent the housing.
Abstract: This invention relates to devices targeted to resolving various conditions of a female patient in need thereof, the conditions being female sexual dysfunction and urinary incontinence. The present disclosure provides for a device which incorporates a variety of elements in an effort to treat certain conditions of a female individual in need thereof. Optionally, the device of the present invention may be used as prophylactic measure to prevent a condition selected from the group consisting of female sexual dysfunction and urinary incontinence.
Abstract: A hairbrush includes a control panel, an interior vibratory element for providing massage therapy and a plurality of LEDs carried by the brush head for providing light therapy at a preselected wavelength selected to be of benefit to the hair and/or scalp. In response to user control input mode selection, the light and massage multi-therapy hairbrush selectively provides phototherapy, massage therapy, and combined massage and phototherapies.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 14, 2008
Date of Patent:
December 27, 2011
Assignee:
Headwaters R+D Inc
Inventors:
Rudy A. Vandenbelt, Troy Gene Anderson, Bi-Chieh Lino
Abstract: A vibrator for use in enhancement of pre-hospital coronary thrombolysis comprising a vibration source operable to generate vibration at a frequency in the range of 1-1000 Hz with at least a pair of oscillatory contacts spaced to enable simultaneous seating to the anatomic left and right of the sternum (such as to match the geometry of the right and left coronary arteries) of a patient in need of coronary thrombolysis. The preferred vibrator is operable to emit vibration in the low frequency sonic range (at least 20 Hz) with an amplitude of about 1 mm-15 mm (and more preferably greater than 2 mm), such as to provide an effective transthoracic tool for acute coronary thrombolysis applications. In a variation, greater than a pair of contacts are utilized to provide oscillatory contact at differing intercostal space levels (in order to maximize vibratory penetration to the heart which is variably situated depending on the patient's anatomy).
Abstract: A device that stimulates bone tissue formation capable of generating vibrations with different frequency components at the same time and that can be applied locally to different parts of the patient's body, wherein such device comprises different frequency vibration generating means and variable fastening means to attach to different parts of the body.
Type:
Application
Filed:
October 27, 2009
Publication date:
December 8, 2011
Applicant:
Pontifica Universidad Catolica De Chile
Inventors:
Maria Loreto Reyes General, Micah Etan Ortuzar Dworsky, Rodrigo Eduardo Carmi Lahsen
Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to a device having a base and a stimulation module that can be attached to a patient's skin and actuated to mask the pain caused when sharp objects penetrate the skin. The stimulation module is designed to generate vibration energy, or alternatively, is designed to generate both vibration and electrical energy.
Abstract: A device for cooling cutaneous and sub-cutaneous tissues includes an applicator. The applicator has a head and a handle. The head has ports that are operative to dispense a pressurized fluid. The device also has a pressurizing section where the pressurizing section comprises at least one pump. The pump delivers pressurized fluid at a pressure of less than or equal to about 2 bars to the applicator.
Abstract: Insole (1) intended to be placed removably in a shoe (8), said insole comprising a long and thin body (2) and a vibrating device (4) embedded in said body (2), said vibrating device (4) comprising an electric accumulator (12), a control system (14) and a vibration generator (16).
Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument for treating biological tissue, including a housing, in which is disposed a ballistic device for generating extracorporeal shock wave-like pressure waves and a transfer element permanently placed on the biological tissue, said element coupling the pressure waves into the body of living creatures, wherein the transfer element couples non-focused, ballistically generated, shock wave-like pressure waves into the biological tissue, the waves generated by a striking member that is accelerated to a high final velocity of over 5 m/s by a pneumatic medium which is under an operating pressure in a pressure channel. A quick-acting valve releases the pneumatic medium, which is under working pressure, into the pressure channel, wherein a control circuit controls the duration of opening of the valve as a function of at least one or a combination of the following parameters: working pressure, impact frequency or pressure in the back-pressure chamber.
Abstract: Disclosed is a method for lessening the effect of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by inducing increased urine flow and bladder emptying by a device including a plurality of protrusions configured to produce at least one stimulating effect on a predefined area of a foot.
Abstract: The hair-band type apparatus 100 for preventing sleepiness of the present invention comprises a wearing part 110 formed to be mounted on the head, in specific, the back of the head of a user, a stimulating part 130 installed on the both ends of the wearing part 110 for stimulating the neighborhood of the temple in various types such as pressing, beating, and rubbing and so on; and an operating part 150 installed on the middle of the wearing part 110 for operating the stimulating part 130.
Abstract: The toothbrush includes a handle portion and a brushhead assembly which comprises a head portion and a stem portion. The head portion includes a bellows-like acoustic action member for creating acoustic wave action as it moves in and out in response to an acoustic driving force. A drive system is located in the handle and includes an audio speaker-type assembly to create acoustic waves which are transmitted through a transmission line to the acoustic action member. The acoustic action member is driven toward and away from the teeth when the toothbrush is operatively positioned within the mouth. The action of the acoustic member is directly or indirectly coupled to the fluid in the mouth, producing a foam which couples shear forces between the acoustic action member and the teeth/gums to produce a desired cleaning/therapeutic effect.
Abstract: A method and device for improving the detection of a vibrotactile stimulus. Such method may include the steps of temporarily altering the threshold of vibrational detection prior to the onset of a vibrotactile stimulus. This allows the vibrotactile system to achieve improved detection of the intended vibrotactile alert or communication stimulus without necessarily increasing the vibratory displacement amplitude of the stimulus. A corresponding enhanced vibrotactile transducer device is able to produce, over a wide frequency range, or at multiple frequencies, a vibrational stimulus against the body of a user.
Abstract: The present invention is a vibratory patient support system. The support system has at least one bladder, at least one vibrational device, and first and second control units that respectively control (a) the inflation and deflation of the at least one bladder and (b) vibrational device. The at least one bladder (i) inflates when receiving a fluid at a faster rate than the fluid exiting the bladder; (ii) deflates when the fluid leaves the bladder at a faster rate than the fluid entering the bladder, and (iii) has a top surface that allows a user to apply pressure thereon and a bottom surface. The vibrational device (a) is positioned (i) under the bottom surface of the bladder, or (ii) within the bladder and below the top surface of the at least one bladder so it does not contact the top surface; and (b) generates a vibrational force. The first control unit can adjust the inflation of the at least one bladder. The second control unit can adjust the vibration forces generated from the vibration device.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 24, 2007
Date of Patent:
October 18, 2011
Assignee:
Stryker Corporation
Inventors:
Roland E. Flick, Raymond P. Paolini, Jeffery Joseph Thompson
Abstract: The toothbrush includes a handle portion and a brushhead assembly which comprises a head portion and a stem portion. The head portion includes a bellows-like acoustic action member for creating acoustic wave action as it moves in and out in response to an acoustic driving force. A drive system is located in the handle and includes an audio speaker-type assembly to create acoustic waves which are transmitted through a transmission line to the acoustic action member. The acoustic action member is driven toward and away from the teeth when the toothbrush is operatively positioned within the mouth. The action of the acoustic member is directly or indirectly coupled to the fluid in the mouth, producing a foam which couples shear forces between the acoustic action member and the teeth/gums to produce a desired cleaning/therapeutic effect.