Optic, Otic Or Oral Scrapper Or Abrader Patents (Class 606/161)
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Patent number: 11937937Abstract: The invention relates to skin tape stripping methods to identify a subject at risk of having atopic dermatitis, or a subject having atopic dermatitis who is at risk of developing a food allergy, or a subject at risk of developing a food allergy in the absence of the subject having atopic dermatitis.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2019Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: National Jewish HealthInventors: Donald Leung, Elena Goleva, Evgeny Berdyshev
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Patent number: 11540850Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable tongue scraper which has a strong and simple structure, a durable and efficient operation, comparatively inexpensive to manufacture, and a novel combination and arrangement of parts comprising a scraper body that forms a curved shape after bending at an acute angle at a bending point for scraping operation, a pair of handle casings attached with the scraper body, and a storage tissue net attached to the bottom of the scraper body to store the scraped oral wastes and to absorb the oral fluid. The present invention aims to provide the tongue scraper not only utilized for scraping the coating from the tongue, but also for storing the scraped oral wastes and saliva wastes from the mouth to maintain hygiene.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2021Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Inventor: Shamar Llwellyn Stone
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Patent number: 11219554Abstract: An ear cleaning device (100) including a rod (102) configured to be held by a user and a plurality of fiber hooks (110) is disclosed. The rod includes a first end (104) and a second end (106) opposing the first end. The plurality of fiber hooks are disposed at the first end of the rod for insertion into the ear such that the fiber hooks are configured to grasp ear wax in the ear, and to hold the ear wax when the rod is removed out of the ear.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2018Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Inventor: Hamlet Siljkovic
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Patent number: 10765556Abstract: A device and method for removing intraocular lens condensation is presented. The device is generally comprised of a handle attached to a shaft which is attached to a rubber-like blade. In use, the device is inserted into the eye so that the edge of the blade is in contact with the posterior surface of the lens. Movement of the blade in a downward motion removes condensation from the surgical viewing field.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2018Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Inventor: Ahmad Bakir Tarabishy
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Patent number: 10736778Abstract: Devices can be implanted in an eye to treat glaucoma. The devices described herein include a body defining a lumen and having first and second ends and external and lumenal surfaces. The body has a length sufficient to provide fluid communication between the anterior chamber and tear film of the eye through the lumen when the device is implanted in the sclera. By the strategic selection of particular materials of construction, and/or by controlling the configuration and size of the lumen, in some embodiments, the device is a filterless construct. In some embodiments, a filter is included. The glaucoma treatment devices as provided herein are designed to prevent bacterial ingress and to provide the required level of outflow resistance to achieve a desired intraocular pressure. Methods of treating glaucoma wherein the device is implanted in the sclera of an afflicted eye are also described.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2015Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: MicroOptx Inc.Inventor: J. David Brown
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Patent number: 10272176Abstract: A shape memory polymer (SMP) intraocular lens may have a refractive index above 1.45, a Tg between 10° C. and 60° C., inclusive, de minimis or an absence of glistening, and substantially 100% transmissivity of light in the visible spectrum. The intraocular lens is then rolled at a temperature above Tg of the SMP material. The intraocular device is radially compressed within a die to a diameter of less than or equal to 1.8 mm while maintaining the temperature above Tg. The compressed intraocular lens device may be inserted through an incision less than 2 mm wide in a cornea or sclera or other anatomical structure. The lens can be inserted into the capsular bag, the ciliary sulcus, or other cavity through the incision. The SMP can substantially achieve refractive index values of greater than or equal to 1.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2016Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADOInventors: Malik Y. Kahook, Naresh Mandava, Robin Shandas, Bryan Rech
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Patent number: 10149785Abstract: A device for holding and aligning a trephine blade includes an elongated cylindrical component, a first alignment structure and a second alignment structure. The elongated cylindrical component extends along a first axis and comprises a hollow cylinder having an open proximal end, an open distal end, an inner cylindrical surface and an outer cylindrical surface. The first alignment structure is integral and co-planar with the proximal end and comprises a first circle attached to the inner cylindrical surface with one or more radially extending rods. The second alignment structure is arranged parallel to the first alignment structure within the hollow cylinder above the distal end and comprises a second circle attached to the inner cylindrical surface with one or more radially extending rods. The first and second circles are coaxial with the first axis and the first circle comprises a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the second circle.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2016Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Inventor: Kyle Thistle
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Patent number: 9855054Abstract: A nosebleed arrest element is placed into a human mouth to alleviate bleeding from a nose. An upper portion of the device is placed between an interior portion of an upper lip and the gingiva of a crest of a maxillary bone. Placement of the device provides sufficient pressure upon subjacent arterial passageways to stem a flow of blood. A lower portion of the device protrudes from the mouth of a user. The lower portion is provided with a grasp catch to obviate swallowing of the device as a whole and to assist with maneuvering and removal of the device.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2015Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Inventor: Tony Stcyr
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Patent number: 9808382Abstract: An absorbent article, the absorbent article being a personal hygiene article, includes a liquid permeable top sheet, a liquid impermeable back sheet, an absorbent core enclosed between the top sheet and the back sheet, and a fluid flow control member arranged between the top sheet and the backsheet. The fluid flow control member is a spacer fabric having a basis weight of 150-300 gsm and including a top layer, a bottom layer and an interconnecting layer of pile filaments between the top layer and the bottom layer. The pile filaments have a fineness of 80-130 dtex and the density of pile filament connections is 50-150/cm2.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2012Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS ABInventors: Per Bergstrom, Charlotte Persson, Malin Lundman, Frank Muller, Stefan Muller
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Patent number: 9808227Abstract: One embodiment includes an apparatus for retracting an animal tongue that includes a handle that is elongate and that includes a proximal portion and a distal portion and a tongue receiving cup coupled to the distal portion of the handle, the tongue receiving cup being generally concave and sized such that a first side of the tongue receiving cup extends over a first side of the tongue, a second side opposite the first side extends over a second side of the tongue that is opposite the first side of the tongue, a dorsal portion of the cup extends along the dorsal portion of the tongue and a posterior extending tip extends at least partially along the back of the tongue, the first side, second side, and posterior extending tip defining a tongue receiving cavity of the tongue receiving cup.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2008Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: Q-In Medical Technologies, LLCInventor: Gilbert William Mettler, Jr.
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Patent number: 9526659Abstract: A hydrophilic swab comprised of microcilios to transport water out of the ear canal in an “osmotic” fashion. The invention includes an enabling gyratory mechanism that impulses the cilia into the ear, and it also displays a water absorption-level indicator.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Inventor: Beniamino Pagán
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Patent number: 9277931Abstract: An oral care implement for cleaning a user's tongue and/or soft tissue surfaces. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle extending along a longitudinal axis; first and second prong members extending from a distal end of the handle, each of the first and second prong members diverging from the longitudinal axis and having a distal end; a blade for scraping soft tissue, the blade extending between the distal ends of the first and second prong members; and the blade integrally formed with the first and second prong members, the first and second prong members transitioning into the blade at the distal ends of the first and second prong members.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2010Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANYInventor: Eduardo J. Jimenez
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Patent number: 9060583Abstract: A device for removing a composition from the skin (e.g. a depilatory composition) has a handle (44) and a non-shaving head (46), having an under-surface from which one or more fins (48) projects transversely. The device is held by the handle (44) and moved over the skin so that the fin(s) and the head can remove the composition.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2005Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser (UK) LimitedInventors: Andrew Barraclough, Michael Wu, Carl Dibnah
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Publication number: 20150119911Abstract: The tongue cleaner includes an elongated generally straight scraping member terminated at each end by grip structures. The scraping member is constructed of a flexible and resilient material allowing the scraping member to be bendable from its generally straight configuration into at least a curved shape, ‘C’ shape, ‘V’ shape or ‘U’ shape configuration. The scraping member resiliently returns to its straight configuration in the absence of any bending forces. The flexible and resilient material is preferably a plastic, silicone, rubber, metal, wood or a combination of such materials. The preferred material is silicone rubber.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2014Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventor: Gladys MCKENZIE
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Publication number: 20150100074Abstract: Provided is an intraoral cleaner capable of widely cleaning the interior of the oral cavity due to the fact that a head portion thereof does not include an element corresponding to a ring portion found in conventional tongue cleaners. The intraoral cleaner includes a rod-shaped grip and a flat and thin head portion provided on the front end of the rod-shaped grip. The head portion is composed of a pouch-shaped sheet and a core portion filling the interior of the pouch-shaped sheet. The entire outer surface of the pouch-shaped sheet is equipped with linear members for scraping out dirt inside the oral cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2013Publication date: April 9, 2015Applicant: SHIKIEN CO., LTD.Inventor: Michio Tanaka
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Patent number: 8974371Abstract: Apparatus includes Flexible Sheath extending from a proximal end which extends into living body; Capsule extending from a proximal to a distal end and having an opening formed in a proximal end thereof; Clip Assembly provided in Capsule and configured to be operably movable between a closed configuration in which first and second arms of Clip Assembly are drawn toward one another and an expanded configuration in which the first and second arms are separated from one another to receive target tissue therebetween; Bushing extending between a proximal end coupled to Sheath and a distal end releasably coupled to Capsule via a tab on the distal end of Bushing engaging the opening of Capsule; and Control Member a distal end of which is releasably coupled to Clip Assembly to transmit to Clip Assembly forces applied thereto to move Clip Assembly between the insertion and expanded configurations.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2011Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Russell F. Durgin, William C. Mers Kelly, Lance Alan Wolf, Brian Keith Wells, Vasily P. Abramov, Gregory R. Furnish
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Patent number: 8915837Abstract: An apparatus for deployment of a hemostatic clip comprises a handle assembly, a shaft connected to a distal portion thereof and a clip assembly releasably coupled to a distal portion of the shaft. The clip assembly includes clip arms and a capsule cooperating with the clip arms to provide a first user feedback indicating a decision configuration of the clip assembly. In addition, the apparatus includes a control wire including a ball connector, the control wire extending from the handle assembly and coupled to the clip assembly by the ball connector to maintain the clip assembly coupled to the shaft, wherein the ball connector is detachable from the clip assembly to provide a second user feedback indicating separation of the clip assembly from the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2011Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Brian Keith Wells, Lance Alan Wolf, Gregory R. Furnish, Vasily P. Abramov, William C. Mers Kelly, Russell F. Durgin
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Patent number: 8858580Abstract: A head portion for a tongue cleaning device is disclosed. The head portion includes a mechanical tongue cleaning section and a tongue cleaning electrode. The mechanical tongue cleaning section includes a cleaning protrusion. The tongue cleaning electrode enables a current flow into a user's tongue during operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2011Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Braun GmbHInventors: Norbert Schaefer, Vladimir Gartstein, Donald James White, Jr.
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Publication number: 20140296890Abstract: An iris scraping surgical method using an iris scraping tool treats secondary pigmentary glaucoma. The iris scraping tool is inserted through an incision in the sclera made with a separate surgical instrument. The iris is lifted away from the lens and pigmentary debris and cellular debris gently scraped from the backside of the iris to relieve pressure buildup caused by the debris blocking fluid flow between the iris and the lens. An iris scraping convexly curved dull edge of the iris scraping blade conforms to the underside of the lifted iris. A lens clearing concavely curved dull edge conforms to the shape of the adjacent lens surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Inventors: Eva M. T. Slaughter, Tawan S. T. Slaughter, Javon Z. T. Slaughter
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Patent number: 8806693Abstract: An oral care implement or toothbrush 100 includes a head 104, a tooth cleaning element region 116 and a tissue cleaning element region 114. The tissue cleaning element region 114 includes a plurality of flexible, angled projections 120. The projections 120 are configured to flex from an at-rest position to a substantially flat position when the tissue cleaning element region 114 is in contact with the tongue and is pushed into the mouth. The projections 120 are also configured to flex to a substantially upright position when the tissue cleaning element region 114 is in contact with the tongue and is pulled out of the mouth. This arrangement aids in preventing debris from being pushed into the mouth and in removing debris from the mouth and tongue. The flexible projections 120 may be used in conjunction with rigid projections 122 having a generally vertical configuration to aid in removing debris from the mouth and in engaging the cheek to improve saliva production during brushing.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2013Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Thomas Boyd, Douglas J. Hohlbein, Joe Vazquez, Ian Nicholson
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Patent number: 8806695Abstract: An oral care implement having a head with a soft tissue cleaner disposed on a second side thereof. In one embodiment, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle; a head attached to the handle and having a first side and a second side; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements attached to the first side of the head; and a soft tissue cleaner disposed on the second side of the head, the soft tissue cleaner including a first portion comprising a plurality of projections and a second portion comprising a plurality of bristles.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Robert Moskovich, Douglas Hohlbein, Bruce Russell
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Patent number: 8800091Abstract: An oral care implement comprising tooth cleaning elements and a tissue cleanser. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a head and a handle; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from a first face of the head; a receiving cavity formed into a second face of the head opposite the first face; and a soft tissue cleanser formed of an elastomeric material positioned within the receiving cavity, the soft tissue cleanser comprising a base surface that is flush with the second face of the head and a plurality of projections extending beyond the second face of the head.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2013Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventor: Douglas J. Hohlbein
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Publication number: 20140171990Abstract: A gas pressure monitor system for a pneumatically-powered surgical machine includes a first transducer, a second transducer, and a controller. The first transducer is located upstream from a filter and is configured to read a first pressure of a gas before the gas enters the filter. The second transducer is located downstream from the Filter and is configured to read a second pressure of a gas after the gas exits the filter. The controller is configured to compute a difference between the first pressure and the second pressure. A state of the filter is determined from the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2014Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: Novartis AGInventors: Denis Turner, Robert Palino
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Patent number: 8740788Abstract: Some embodiments includes an apparatus for retracting an animal tongue that includes a handle that is elongate and that includes a proximal portion and a distal portion and a tongue retraction cup coupled to the distal portion of the handle, the tongue retraction cup being generally concave and sized such that a first side of the tongue retraction cup extends over a first side of the tongue, a second side opposite the first side extends over a second side of the tongue that is opposite the first side of the tongue, a dorsal portion of the cup extends along the dorsal portion of the tongue and a posterior extending tip extends at least partially along the back of the tongue, the first side, second side, and posterior extending tip defining a tongue receiving cavity of the tongue retraction cup.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2010Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Inventor: Gilbert William Mettler, Jr.
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Publication number: 20140088627Abstract: A tongue cleaning apparatus including at least one positioning body moulded to fit over at least some teeth of a user and associated with at least one portion having with a plurality of shaped protrusions protruding from at least one external surface thereof and a method of using the tongue cleaning apparatus is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Inventor: Thomas Hautaniemi
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Patent number: 8622898Abstract: Some embodiments includes an apparatus for retracting an animal tongue that includes a handle that is elongate and that includes a proximal portion and a distal portion and a tongue retraction cup coupled to the distal portion of the handle, the tongue retraction cup being generally concave and sized such that a first side of the tongue retraction cup extends over a first side of the tongue, a second side opposite the first side extends over a second side of the tongue that is opposite the first side of the tongue, a dorsal portion of the cup extends along the dorsal portion of the tongue and a posterior extending tip extends at least partially along the back of the tongue, the first side, second side, and posterior extending tip defining a tongue receiving cavity of the tongue retraction cup.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2010Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Inventor: Gilbert William Mettler, Jr.
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Publication number: 20130325044Abstract: Multi-stage tubing connecting a pneumatic pulse generator to a surgical cutter and for transmitting pressure pulses from the pneumatic pulse generator to the surgical cutter. The multi-stage tubing includes a first-stage and a second-stage. The first-stage has a first end connected to an output port of the pneumatic pulse generator, a second end opposite the first end, and a first inner channel for transmitting the pressure pulses to the surgical cutter. The first inner channel has a first cross-sectional area. The second-stage has a first end in pneumatic communication with the second end of the first-stage, a second end opposite the first end of the second-stage, and a second inner channel for transmitting the pressure pulses to the surgical cutter. The second inner channel has a second cross-sectional area that is different than the first cross-sectional area.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2012Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: MEDICAL INSTRUMENT DEVELOPMENT LABORATORIES, INC.Inventors: Andrew Chen Wang, Daniel David Rogers
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Publication number: 20130310860Abstract: An oral care implement for cleaning soft oral tissue. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle extending along a longitudinal axis; first and second prong members extending from a distal end of the handle; a pad for engaging soft tissue, the pad having a first major surface and a second major surface, the pad positioned between and coupled to the first and second prong members.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2011Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANYInventor: Eduardo J. Jimenez
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Patent number: 8584364Abstract: A tool for slitting an elongate sheath from about an elongate member that is disposed within a longitudinally extending lumen of the sheath includes a longitudinally extending tail portion projecting rearward of a slitting edge and a nose portion of the tool; a lower surface of the nose portion is disposed beneath the slitting edge for engaging a portion of the elongate member. The tail portion of the tool, approximately aligned with the sheath lumen when the lower surface, engages the elongate member and a leading edge of the nose portion is within the sheath lumen, is sized to fit within the sheath lumen after the sheath is slit by the slitting edge. A passageway between the nose portion and the tail portion allows a proximal segment of the elongate member to bend away from the tail portion when the elongate member is engaged by the nose portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2011Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Johnson E. Goode, Ron A. Drake
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Publication number: 20130274774Abstract: An oral care implement for cleaning a user's tongue and/or soft tissue surfaces. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle extending along a longitudinal axis; first and second prong members extending from a distal end of the handle, each of the first and second prong members diverging from the longitudinal axis and having a distal end; a blade for scraping soft tissue, the blade extending between the distal ends of the first and second prong members; and the blade integrally formed with the first and second prong members, the first and second prong members transitioning into the blade at the distal ends of the first and second prong members.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2010Publication date: October 17, 2013Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLLIVE COMPANYInventor: Eduardo J. Jimenez
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Patent number: 8550736Abstract: An oral care implement with a handle includes a head with a releasable material (e.g., an oral medicament) and a tissue cleaner for cleaning the soft tissues and removing odor-causing bacteria from the mouth. In one arrangement, the releasable material is disposed on the surface of the tissue cleaner. In one arrangement, the releasable material is disposed behind the tissue cleaner. In one arrangement, the releasable material is incorporated in the composition of the tissue cleaner.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Douglas J. Hohlbein, Chi Shing Wong
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Patent number: 8528145Abstract: An oral care implement includes a head, a tooth cleaning element region and a tissue cleaning element region. The tissue cleaning element region includes a plurality of flexible, angled projections. The projections are configured to (1) flex from an at-rest position to a substantially flat position when the tissue cleaning element region is in contact with the tongue and is pushed into the mouth, and (2) flex to a substantially upright position when the tissue cleaning element region is in contact with the tongue and is pulled out of the mouth. This arrangement aids in preventing debris from being pushed into the mouth and in removing debris from the mouth and tongue. The flexible projections may be used in conjunction with rigid projections having a generally vertical configuration to aid in removing debris from the mouth and in engaging the cheek to improve saliva production during brushing.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2012Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Thomas Boyd, Douglas J. Hohlbein, Joe Vazquez, Ian Nicholson
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Patent number: 8522386Abstract: An oral care implement comprising tooth cleaning elements and a tissue cleanser. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a head and a handle; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from a first face of the head; a receiving cavity formed into a second face of the head opposite the first face; and a soft tissue cleanser formed of an elastomeric material that is injection molded into the receiving cavity to bond the soft tissue cleanser to the head, the soft tissue cleanser comprising a plurality of projections extending beyond the second face of the head.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2011Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventor: Douglas J. Hohlbein
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Patent number: 8523888Abstract: An oral care implement with a soft tissue cleanser is provided to effectively cleanse the soft tissue of the mouth with comfort and a reduced risk of injury to the user. In one construction, a projection is formed of a combination of a hard material and a soft material. The rigid material provides stability for cleaning debris from the tongue or other tissue while the soft material provides comfort and a reduced risk of injury.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2006Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: John J. Gatzemeyer, Douglas J. Hohlbein
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Patent number: 8500766Abstract: An oral care implement with a soft tissue cleaner. The inventive oral care implement comprises different kinds of soft tissue cleaners that offer expanded in-mouth cleaning. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle; a head having a structural body having a front surface and a rear surface opposite the front surface; a basin formed into the rear surface of the structural body, the structural body comprising a protuberance extending upward from a recessed floor of the basin, the basin surrounding the protuberance; a first cleaner formed of a resilient material for cleansing soft oral tissue located within the basin, the protuberance of the structural body extending through a central hole of the first cleaner; and a second cleaner formed of a resilient material for cleansing soft oral tissue, the second cleaner located on the protuberance of the structural body.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2009Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Eduardo Jimenez, Michael Rooney, Robert Moskovich, Jacob Pringiers, Luca Casini, Joachim Storz, Raimund Klausegger
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Patent number: 8281446Abstract: An oral care implement including a handle and a head with a tongue cleanser. The tongue cleanser has at least one ridge which is at least as wide as it is high. In one preferred construction, the ridges are shaped so as to define a concave surface facing generally toward the handle. The ridges also preferably include aligned segments from front to back that are oriented at different angular positions.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventor: Robert Moskovich
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Patent number: 8202286Abstract: An anatomically correct tongue scraping tool has a blade holder mounted at one end of an elongated handle and a replaceable blade selectively and rigidly engaged within the blade holder. A scraping portion of the blade extends outwardly from the blade holder and terminates with a smoothly integrated curvilinear edge having curve segments including: two spaced apart, concave segments, a convex segment, and two spaced apart, approximately circular segments which join the curvilinear edge with sides of the blade, wherein, the convex segment separates the concave segments and is positioned medially on the curvilinear edge.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2010Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Inventor: Colin Suzman
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Patent number: 8185999Abstract: An oral care implement or toothbrush 100 includes a head 104, a tooth cleaning element region 116 and a tissue cleaning element region 114. The tissue cleaning element region 114 includes a plurality of flexible, angled projections 120. The projections 120 are configured to flex from an at-rest position to a substantially flat position when the tissue cleaning element region 114 is in contact with the tongue and is pushed into the mouth. The projections 120 are also configured to flex to a substantially upright position when the tissue cleaning element region 114 is in contact with the tongue and is pulled out of the mouth. This arrangement aids in preventing debris from being pushed into the mouth and in removing debris from the mouth and tongue. The flexible projections 120 may be used in conjunction with rigid projections 122 having a generally vertical configuration to aid in removing debris from the mouth and in engaging the cheek to improve saliva production during brushing.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2008Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Thomas Boyd, Douglas J. Hohlbein, Joe Vazquez, Ian Nicholson
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Publication number: 20120095486Abstract: A tongue cleaner in which a gap between a concavely curved surface formed in a cleaner head and a sheet for covering the same is minimized or eliminated, decreasing the likeliness of tongue coating to accumulate therebetween. A head is provided with a first sheet on a face of the head formed with a concavely curved surface. The sheet is fixed to a lateral side of the head, enabling the sheet opposed to the concavely curved surface to be slidable thereon. After arranging a sheet material on the concavely curved surface with the head being in a single-piece state as a component of the tongue cleaner, the sheet material is pressed against the concavely curved surface by means of a lower mold and an upper mold.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: Shikien Co., Ltd.Inventor: Michio Tanaka
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Patent number: 8151397Abstract: An oral care implement is provided includes a head platform having a plurality of faces with cleaning elements extending therefrom. The oral care implement can have flexibly mounted cleaning elements extending in opposite directions. The oral care implement can include a handle and a head with tooth cleaning elements extending from fixed pods and one or more central pods suspended between the fixed pods via a bridge. The bridge may be formed from an elastomer and permit the one or more central pods to move from an initial position toward and away from the head platform during use. The one or more central pods can include first cleaning elements extending in a first direction toward the first face and second cleaning elements extending in a second direction opposite the first direction. The second cleaning elements can extend through one or more apertures in the head platform.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Robert Moskovich, Douglas Hohlbein, Bruce Russell
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Patent number: 8150506Abstract: The subject invention utilizes the characteristics of in vivo tissue impedances to provide an embodiment of a retinal rake capable of providing a visible and/or preferably an audible signal to a surgeon that more clearly indicates which type of tissue(s) is in contact with the retinal rake. A preferred embodiment comprises a handheld, battery operated retinal rake having two electrodes, wherein at least one electrode is the modified retinal rake. Upon contact with different optical tissues, e.g., epiretinal membranes, retinal tissue, vitreous humor, etc., the electrodes detect varying impedances which are translated by onboard circuitry into various signals that indicate what type of tissue, fluid, structure, etc. is in contact with the retinal rake.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2007Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Shalesh Kaushal, Michael Darnall Furman, Jennifer Delight Simonotto, Abraham Miliotis
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Patent number: 8088061Abstract: An apparatus for deployment of a hemostatic clip comprises a handle assembly, a shaft connected to a distal portion thereof and a clip assembly releasably coupled to a distal portion of the shaft. The clip assembly includes clip arms and a capsule cooperating with the clip arms to provide a first user feedback indicating a decision configuration of the clip assembly. In addition, the apparatus includes a control wire including a ball connector, the control wire extending from the handle assembly and coupled to the clip assembly by the ball connector to maintain the clip assembly coupled to the shaft, wherein the ball connector is detachable from the clip assembly to provide a second user feedback indicating separation of the clip assembly from the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2009Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.Inventors: Brian Keith Wells, Lance Alan Wolf, Gregory R. Furnish, Vasily P. Abramov, William C. Mers Kelly, Russell F. Durgin
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Patent number: 8088133Abstract: A tongue cleaning device comprising a tongue cleaning surface supported for tongue cleaning by running the surface across the tongue, a reservoir for a tongue cleaning fluid, means to dispense the fluid either onto the tongue cleaning surface, or directly onto the user's tongue, with a cover part, the tongue cleaning surface and cover part being relatively moveable between a position in which the tongue cleaning surface is exposed for use and a position in which the tongue cleaning surface is covered by the cover part.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2005Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Glaxo Group LimitedInventors: Mary Lynn Bosma, Helen Chrisp, Martin Kay, Stephen Sayers
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Patent number: 8079110Abstract: An oral care implement with a handle includes a head with a tissue cleanser. The tissue cleanser may be a pad composed of an elastomeric material. The pad is disposed on the head on a surface opposite the tooth cleaning elements. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of nubs extending for cleaning between the papillae of the tongue. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of conically shaped nubs. A tissue cleanser can be used to reduce oral malodor problems and remove oral epithelial cells.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2010Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Douglas J. Hohlbein, Thomas E. Mintel, Armin Baertschi
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Patent number: 8074360Abstract: A tool for slitting an elongate sheath from about an elongate member that is disposed within a longitudinally extending lumen of the sheath includes a longitudinally extending tail portion projecting rearward of a slitting edge and a nose portion of the tool; a lower surface of the nose portion is disposed beneath the slitting edge for engaging a portion of the elongate member. The tail portion of the tool, approximately aligned with the sheath lumen when the lower surface engages the elongate member and a leading edge of the nose portion is within the sheath lumen, is sized to fit within the sheath lumen after the sheath is slit by the slitting edge. A passageway between the nose portion and the tail portion allows a proximal segment of the elongate member to bend away from the tail portion when the elongate member is engaged by the nose portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2010Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.Inventors: Johnson E. Goode, Ron A. Drake
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Patent number: 8070763Abstract: Described are packages and systems for conveniently dispensing tongue cleaning devices. The packages include containers containing a plurality of tongue cleaning devices. The package and devices are arranged in such a fashion that the tongue cleaning devices are presented individually for dispensing from the container. Arrangements for achieving convenient dispensing include strips containing a plurality of tongue cleaning devices attached to one another and wound around a spindle within the container. The strip exits an opening in the container and conveniently presents devices sequentially which can be separated from one another at relatively weak points along the strip and/or using cutting elements on the container. Additional embodiments include a plurality of tongue cleaning devices in a stacked relationship in a container, and presented individually for sequential dispensing from the container.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2004Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Inventor: Ramarao V. Gundlapalli
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Patent number: 8052705Abstract: A scrubbing instrument for scrubbing the human eye corneal epithelium, including a handle, having a grip portion, a scrubbing head having a curved main scrubbing surface, and a connection arrangement for enabling connection of the scrubbing head to the handle and disconnection of the scrubbing head from the handle, thus enabling the scrubbing head to serve as a sterile, disposable, single-use component.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2007Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Inventor: Yariv Bar-On
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Patent number: 8042214Abstract: An oral care implement with a soft tissue cleanser is provided to effectively cleanse the soft tissue of the mouth with comfort and a reduced risk of injury to the user. In one construction, a projection is formed of a combination of a hard material and a soft material. The hard material provides good stability for cleaning debris from the tongue or other tissue while the soft material provides comfort and a reduced risk of injury.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2009Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventor: Robert Moskovich
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Publication number: 20110213394Abstract: An iris scraping surgical method and tool to treat pigmentary glaucoma by making an incision in the sclera, lifting the iris and scraping away the pigment and debris attached to the backside of the iris thereby relieving the pressure buildup caused by the pigment blocking fluid flow between the iris and the lens and allowing the fluid to flow, and closing the sclera. The tool comprises a pointed sharp tipped double edged flat blade and handle surgical tool two opposing dull non cutting scraping blade edges extending back from the front tip, the entire aluminum handle and aluminum blade including the tip, and scraping blade edges having a durable plastic coating to withstand operating conditions and all forms of sterilization procedures.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Inventors: Eva M. T. Slaughter, Tawan S. T. Slaughter, Javon Z. T. Slaughter
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Publication number: 20110152909Abstract: An oral care implement with a soft tissue cleaner. The inventive oral care implement comprises different kinds of soft tissue cleaners that offer expanded in-mouth cleaning. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle; a head having a structural body having a front surface and a rear surface opposite the front surface; a basin formed into the rear surface of the structural body, the structural body comprising a protuberance extending upward from a recessed floor of the basin, the basin surrounding the protuberance; a first cleaner formed of a resilient material for cleansing soft oral tissue located within the basin, the protuberance of the structural body extending through a central hole of the first cleaner; and a second cleaner formed of a resilient material for cleansing soft oral tissue, the second cleaner located on the protuberance of the structural body.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANYInventors: Eduardo Jimenez, Michael Rooney, Robert Moskovich, Jacob Pringiers, Luca Casini, Joachim Storz, Raimund Klausegger