Abstract: An endoscopic cleaning device capable of properly removing wet cerumen from an auditory canal while the interior of an auditory canal is illuminated. The device allows an image of the interior of the auditory canal to be acquired while the auditory canal is being cleaned. The device has an ear picking main body that also serves as a light guide to provide the illumination. The ear picking main body rotates about a light guide containing the micro lens used to acquire the image, so that the image remains stable. The ear picking main body is inserted through a removable, elastically deformable tubular ear picking part having a through hole and an outer layer made of fibrous material. In this way light can be delivered to the end of the ear picking main body, and the fibrous material of the ear picking part can be used to remove wet cerumen.

Abstract: A tongue cleaning device having an elongated planar member integrally formed of a flexible material and defining a handle portion and a head portion. The head portion is adapted to be pressed with the tongue against a top surface of a user's mouth to conform the head portion to the shape thereof. The cleaning portion includes a first layer and a second layer where the first layer is the head portion of the elongated member and the second layer is backing material. The cleaning portion includes a plurality of cleaning projections protruding outwardly from the second layer. The handle potion is made of deformable material for deforming around a user's teeth and has periphery sized and shaped to fit within a roof of the user's mouth.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held device is employed to clean the tongue. The device includes a housing configured to be grasped by a user during a tongue cleaning procedure, a fibrous brush configured to clean tongue surfaces as the brush is moved against the surface of the tongue, and a motor assembly configured to vibrate the brush as the brush is moved against the surface of the tongue. The brush has a height that is substantially less than the width thereof, such that the configuration of the brush minimizes the elicitation of a gag reflex when the device is used to clean the tongue.

Abstract: A toothbrush having a handle portion formed with a neck at one end thereof and extending along a first longitudinal axis. A head section is coupled to the neck. The head section includes a plurality of first cleaning members provided on a first head side thereof which extends outwardly from the first head side generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. The head section further includes a second cleaning member provided on a second head side thereof opposite to the first head side. In order to reliably clean the tongue surface, the second cleaning member includes a plurality of flat-tipped conical-shaped cleaning elements which extend outwardly from the second head side of the head section generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. Alternately, the second cleaning member can include a plurality of grated cleaning elements which extend outwardly from the second head side of the head section generally perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A low profile tongue scraper includes a handle and a scraping element extending from an end of the handle. A portion of the length of the handle is preferably curved to provide improved access to a bottom portion of the tongue and to reduce the tendency of the user to experience a gag reflex. The scraping element is rigid to facilitate removable of undesirable build-up on the tongue. The scraping element preferably extends from the handle at an acute angle relative to the handle. A plurality of tooth brush bristles are preferably formed on the other end of the handle.

Abstract: An all-in-one toothbrush that can be used at home or on the go for complete dental hygiene. Though it is the size of a regular toothbrush, it has added features for further benefits. The hollow handle conceals the refillable toothpaste, the dental floss and the tongue cleaner and the self adhering plastic cap covering the head of the toothbrush guarantees the bristle stay in shape and prevents the toothpaste from crusting. The toothbrush is not only compact and convenient because all the essential elements are housed within, but the simple exchanging of only the toothbrush head allows for use by additional users. This interchangeability and the refillable feature also make it both economically rewarding and environment friendly.

Abstract: Devices for cleaning the human tongue and methods for making such devices are disclosed. The tongue cleaner may include a tongue brush and a tongue scraper. The tongue cleaner may be of unitary injection molded construction. The tongue cleaner bristles may be tapered to a point for cleaning crevices of a human tongue, and the bristles may be angled or curved. The tongue scraper contains at least one blade for removal of undesirable material from the tongue by a scraping action. The tongue brush and tongue scraper may be combined into one unit or may be made and used separately.

Abstract: A disposable tongue plaque removing device which prevents the user of the device from having a triggering effect of the user's vomiting reflex and to reduce incompatibility (negative sensation) to the user, but allows the user to remove tongue plaque from as far back of the oral cavity reaching the deepest part of the tongue.

Abstract: The combination tooth brush and tongue cleaner includes an elongated tubular handle portion having a first end which is closed and a second end opposite the first end which is open. A tooth brush portion extends linearly outwardly form the first end and has a plurality of upstanding bristles. A tongue cleaner takes form of an elongated, linear, flexible strip disposed in a cavity of the tubular handle portion. The strip has a proximal end attached to a movable retainer and a distal end connected to a finger puller which normally closed the open end of the handle portion whereby a finger puller is used to pull out the strip from the handle portion for tongue cleaning and push back the strip into the handle portion when tongue cleaning is complete.

Abstract: A scraper 1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61 is provided which may be of a disposable nature. The scraper 1, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61 generally has an arcuate head 2, 12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62 which presents a distal end to compliantly engage a user's tongue. A distal end is typically formed from an elastomeric material in order to sympathetically engage the tongue whilst scraping but resistant a natural gagging reflex inherent with such scraping. A number of alternative embodiments of the scraper are provided in order to allow different degrees of construction complexity, cost and efficiency of performance.

Abstract: An improved microkeratome includes a guide ring assembly for placement on the ocular globe and means for temporarily fixing the guide ring to the ocular globe. A cutting head contains an improved cutting blade having an arcuate cutting edge suitable for corneal resections. A vertical support assembly is connected to the guide ring and supports the cutting head for rotation about a horizontal axis such that rotation of the cutting head about the horizontal axis moves the cutting blade along an arcuate cutting path into engagement with the cornea of the ocular globe, whereby the arcuate cutting edge of the cutting blade cuts a substantially rounded corneal disk. An improved method related to the use of the arcuate cutting blade is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tongue cleaning device suitable for cleaning the tongue of those who need a care-taker, such as demented aged persons or immobile aged persons, whereby the tongue plaque scraped from the tongue dorsum is retained, the scraped tongue plaque does not drop into the oral cavity, and an injury of the lingual mucosa is prevented. To accomplish the above, both ends of an outwardly curved brush for scraping the tongue plaque on the tongue dorsum are attached to both sides of the head of a grip handle, and a spoon-shaped cover is formed at the end of the grip handle, covering the inner side of the brush in order to retain the tongue plaque scraped by the brush.

Abstract: A tongue scraping and treating device for use in removing undesired matter from a user's tongue and applying a substance on the tongue, the scraper comprising a curved scraper portion and handles connected to the scraper portion, wherein the scrapper portion includes a peripheral container channel at an upper edge thereof.

Abstract: A tongue cleaner being fitted into a hollow opening inside the handle of a toothbrush. It is very accessible from the handle like a pocket knife. The material of the tongue cleaner is made of plastic, 0.5 mm in thickness, about 12 cm long, and 1 cm in width. The material can be easily bent in a v-shape pattern because in the center of the tongue cleaner there is a slight depression of 1 mm in the width of the material.

Abstract: Scleral plug system for occluding a hole in the eye and for controlling irrigation during vitreo-retinal surgery in order to maintain a closed system during the procedure, and angled forceps for handling a scleral plug.

Abstract: A brush for cleaning a user's tongue is disclosed. The tongue cleaning device includes an elongated handle that is sized and configured to be comfortably grasped by the user. A cleansing head is attached to the elongated handle having a brush portion. The brush portion has a plurality of flocked fibers. The brush portion may be permanently or removably attached to the cleansing head.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held device is employed to clean the tongue. The device includes a housing configured to be grasped by a user during a tongue cleaning procedure, a fibrous brush configured to clean tongue surfaces as the brush is moved against the surface of the tongue, and a motor assembly configured to vibrate the brush as the brush is moved against the surface of the tongue. The brush has a height that is substantially less than the width thereof, such that the configuration of the brush minimizes the elicitation of a gag reflex when the device is used to clean the tongue.

Abstract: A lollipop for breath freshening and of the type having an applicator head (12) affixed to a handle (14). The applicator head (12) is made of an edible substance (21) intermixed with an antibacterial means (19) and molded with a textured surface (24) for separating the folds of the tongue and accessing the grooves of the tongue for the purpose of eliminating the precursors of Volatile Sulfur Compounds.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods and apparatus for surgical removal of encapsulated tissue, and in particular removal of cataracts from lens capsules. These methods involve accessing the tissue in the capsule and maintaining control on the capsule, by gripping the capsule with an apparatus, a portion of which has been cooled, this cooling providing chilling to the apparatus portion and capsule, such that the apparatus portion adheres to the capsule by freezing. The apparatus is also heated, to limit any backwards conduction of the cooling, toward the remainder of the apparatus, with this heating keeping the apparatus at temperatures within a biocompatible range.

Abstract: Devices for cleaning the human tongue and methods for making such devices are disclosed. The tongue cleaner may include a tongue brush and a tongue scraper. The tongue cleaner may be of unitary injection molded construction. The tongue cleaner bristles may be tapered to a point for cleaning crevices of a human tongue, and the bristles may be angled or curved. The tongue scraper contains at least one blade for removal of undesirable material from the tongue by a scraping action. The tongue brush and tongue scraper may be combined into one unit or may be made and used separately.

Abstract: A microsurgical instrument used in ophthalmic surgery to remove proliferative membranes during a surgical procedure treating proliferative vitreoretinal membrane disorders and other macular diseases where the microsurgical instrument has a instrument handle, a tip, and abrasive particles attached to a scraping edge projecting beyond the tip. The microsurgical instrument may be fitted with infusion, aspiration, or illumination sources, and these sources are directed to the surgical site in proximity to the scraping edge, the abrasive particles on the edge scrape membranes to remove tissue at the surgical site. In one embodiment, the microsurgical instrument may be configured with a retractable/extendable pick where the relative stiffness of the pick and the edge may be adjusted. In another embodiment the edge may also be angularly positionable as it is retracted/extended from the microsurgical instrument.

Abstract: A microsurgical endo-illuminator is provided with a distal end portion of an optic fiber that projects from a tubular sleeve of the illuminator and can be caused to bend relative to the illuminator sleeve by manual manipulation of a mechanism on a handle of the illuminator.

Abstract: A tongue cleaner having a housing in which a mechanical scraping blade is attached to a spraying fixture which can draw from a water source possibly with a chemical additive. When the user applies scraping blade of the tongue cleaner to the tongue, the surface of the tongue and the papillac of the tongue are exposed and sprayed with water; engaging and reducing bacteria buildup, which is the cause of Halitosis or bad breath.

Abstract: An automated mechanical device separates the epithelial layer of a cornea from the cornea. The device includes a separator such as a plate, wire or dull blade. The device can preserve a separated epithelial layer as a disk without rupturing the disk and without substantial epithelial cell loss. The epithelial layer is separated from the cornea without cutting the cornea.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating breath includes an intraoral a pad is conformed to fit a palate of a human mouth. The pad has a first surface that is configured to lie along the palate of the human mouth. It also has an exterior surface exposed to the tongue of the human mouth. The exterior surface is at least partially abrasive. The pad preferably includes a bio-adhesive on the first surface and a predetermined dosage of medication is embedded in the pad. The exterior surface is preferably a water-insoluble material, such as a silicate, polypropylene, a wax, a natural polymer and a synthetic polymers in other embodiments. A self-supporting layer is provided between the exterior surface and the first surface.

Abstract: A retractable brush structure is attached to a cylindrical rigid rod which in the closed position passes through a channel in an endoscope. After the closed brush passes through the endoscope, the brush is opened and moves transversely to the tissue in order to remove cells from an area under examination. The brush is closed and withdrawn from the endoscope and sample tissue is removed from said brush for examination after it is withdrawn from the endoscope.

Abstract: A device for treating glaucoma in an eye is described.

Abstract: A tonsil cleansing tool for removing a spot of debris and build up from a tonsillar pit on a tonsil comprises an elongate shaft having a loop shaped element attached to one end and a presser element having an opening therethrough attached to the other end. The method of using the tonsil cleaning tool includes: identifying the spot of debris and build up on the tonsil; applying pressure to a surface of the tonsil in close proximity to the spot for dislodging the debris and build up from the tonsillar pit; and removing the debris or build up from the surface of the tonsil.

Abstract: A dual action tongue scraper provides either a hard scrape or a soft scrape of the tongue, as desired. A hard scraping surface and a soft scraping surface are formed along at least one of the edges of a strip of flexible material. A user bends the strip of flexible material such that generally only one of the hard scraping surface and the soft scraping surface contacts the user's tongue at a given time during scraping.

Abstract: A tongue cleaning device includes a debris retention feature that helps the user remove debris from the tongue. In one embodiment, the feature is a suction system that removes the debris from the working area of the device. In another embodiment, the feature is a recess positioned adjacent the working edge such that the debris will collect in the recess. Another embodiment of the invention provides a tongue cleaning device having a working edge that is concave with respect to the tongue. Other embodiments of the invention provide flexible handle and head designs.

Abstract: A tongue and tooth cleaning device for cleaning the surface of a tongue and cleaning between teeth comprising a handle having a scraping end, the scraping end having a scraper, the scraper for removing from the tongue when scraped along the tongue. Further, the scraper has a toothed edged inner scraper blade for disturbing and breaking up debris lodged on the tongue, and a smooth edged outer scraper blade for scraping the debris off the tongue. The other end of the handle has a floss holding assembly having fork-shaped tines for holding floss therebetween.

Abstract: An elongated article comprising a handle attached to a bulbous, metal-covered head. The article is used to freshen the breath by swabbing the inside of the mouth with the head. The end of the handle opposite of the head may be flattened and ridged to facilitate scraping of the tongue.

Abstract: An illuminated ophthalmic membrane pick assembly is disclosed having an elongated housing and a throughbore extending between the housing ends. An elongated tubular probe has one end secured to one end of the housing in alignment with the housing throughbore. A membrane pick is secured to the other or free end of the probe so that a free end of the membrane pick overlies the free end of the probe. An optical fiber is longitudinally slidably disposed through the housing throughbore and the probe while a button mechanically secured to the optical fiber and slidably mounted to the housing moves the optical fiber between an extended and a retracted position. In its extended position, the optical fiber laterally outwardly displaces the membrane pick so that the free end of the pick abuts against a side of the optical fiber. Conversely, in its retracted position, the optical fiber is nested within the probe.

Abstract: A dual action tongue scraper provides either a hard scrape or a soft scrape of the tongue, as desired. A hard scraping surface and a soft scraping surface are formed along at least one of the edges of a strip of flexible material. A user bends the strip of flexible material such that generally only one of the hard scraping surface and the soft scraping surface contacts the user's tongue at a given time during scraping.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a tongue cleaning instrument consisting of an elongated rectangular blade made of a plastic material. The blade should be stiff but also flexible. The rectangular blade has at each end thereof a handle. The handles may be separably fastened to each other so that the instrument can be used with either two hands or one hand. One of the edges of the rectangular blade is pointed. The instrument is scraped over the tongue to eliminate bad breath and to enhance the tasting of food.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a tongue in the form of an elongated member including a head portion having a generally rectangular shape in plan view. A plurality of posts extends from a lower surface of the head portion wherein a total of a length of the posts plus a thickness of said head portion is less than about ¼ of an inch. An elongated, arcuate handle portion extends from the head portion and is aligned such that a longitudinal axis of the handle portion is transverse with a longitudinal axis of the head portion. The device may also include a lip downwardly depending from the front of the head portion to retain accumulated debris as the device is pulled along the tongue. The posts are preferably integrally molded with the head portion.

Abstract: A dual action tongue scraper provides either a hard scrape or a soft scrape of the tongue, as desired. A hard scraping surface and a soft scraping surface are formed along at least one of the edges of a strip of flexible material. A user bends the strip of flexible material such that generally only one of the hard scraping surface and the soft scraping surface contacts the user's tongue at a given time during scraping.

Abstract: A breath system appliance includes a planar thin elongate body having an applicator head at one end and a scraper head at the other end. The applicator head carries a troche having an oral hygiene and/or breath freshening active constituent. The active constituent may include an antibacterial agent, an antiseptic agent, a flavoring agent, an oxidizing agent and an anesthetizing agent. The active constituent is applied as a coating to dorsal surfaces of a user. The scraper head is applied against dorsal surfaces of the user to dislodge food debris and other odor generating matter from the dorsum of the user after application of the troche, before application of the troche, or both before and after. The appliance may be packaged in a sealed packet.

Abstract: A brush for cleaning a user's tongue is disclosed. The tongue cleaning device includes an elongated handle that is sized and configured to be comfortably grasped by the user. A cleansing head is attached to the elongated handle having a brush portion. The brush portion has a plurality of flocked fibers. The brush portion may be permanently or removably attached to the cleansing head.

Abstract: An electrically powered device for cleaning the dorsal surface of the tongue, including a handle having a longitudinal axis, and an elongate member extending from the handle and terminating in a cleaning head adapted to reciprocate in a predetermined direction. An electric motor is provided within the handle adapted to operate at a predetermined frequency and thereby reciprocate the elongate member. The cleaning head includes agitation members and one or more cleaning members, such as elongate blades or banks of bristles. The agitation are arranged substantially perpendicular to the predetermined direction of reciprocation, while the cleaning members extend across the width of the cleaning head. The elongate member has a predetermined configuration that is tuned to resonate when reciprocated at a predetermined frequency, preferably within the sonic range, i.e. between about 1,000 and about 20,000 cycles per minute, thereby inducing a resonance action in the cleaning head.

Abstract: A tongue cleaning device having an elongated member integrally formed of a flexible material and defining a handle portion and a head portion, and cleaning portion attached to the head portion of the elongated member, is provided. The cleaning portion includes a plurality of cleaning projections protruding outwardly from the head portion of the elongated member. Due to the flexible nature of the elongated member, the head portion of the elongated member can be pressed with the tongue against the roof of the mouth to conform the head portion to the shape thereof.

Abstract: A dual action tongue scraper provides either a hard scrape or a soft scrape of the tongue, as desired. A hard scraping surface and a soft scraping surface are formed along at least one of the edges of a strip of flexible material. A user bends the strip of flexible material such that generally only one of the hard scraping surface and the soft scraping surface contacts the user's tongue at a given time during scraping.

Abstract: This invention is a surgical device for producing a circular, interlamellar channel within the corneal stroma. An intracorneal ring can be implanted into this channel at the corneal periphery modifying the corneal curvature while sparing the important central optical zone of the cornea. This channel is formed by the sequential use of two separate instruments. The first instrument, the channel-guide dissector, is a circular dissecting instrument which is a split ring dissector with the dissecting end having a blunt tip and the other end connected to a handle. The important aspect of this channel-guide dissector is that it has a relatively narrow width which results in production of a lamellar corneal channel that is typically too narrow for the insertion of a typical intracorneal ring for myopic adjustment.

Abstract: An oral cavity cleaning device, particularly for bedridden patients, which comprises a body which has a grip portion connected to a front portion provided with bristles and the like, a channel provided inside the body with an opening at the bristles and an inlet which can be connected to an air suction unit, a container with a liquid located inside the channel, fluid tight means and internal ribs for peripherally supporting the container so as to form an annular region of the channel for the passage of fluid.

Abstract: A portable electric motor driven ear cleaning device consisting of a rotary brush having soft hairs, a body, having a brush holder, which is capable of receiving and engaging the rotary brush and wherein the body is of three portions, a shoulder portion, a central body and an end and wherein the shoulder portion is tapered so that when the brush is inserted in the ear canal, the shoulder portion prevents ear drum penetration by said brush.

Abstract: A tongue cleaner having an elongate shank portion for holding thereof and a portion extending from one end thereof for supporting a tongue scraping edge. The support portion is skewed relative to the shank portion to slope downwardly for effecting engagement of the edge with a posterior part of the upper surface of the tongue so that the posterior part may be comfortably scraped.

Abstract: A tongue cleaning device has not been available which ensures easy and satisfactory tongue cleaning for prevention of halitosis. To solve the problem, a tongue cleaning device is provided which is adapted to suck a tongue surface through a cylindrical member 11 by a suction system while scraping the tongue surface with spatulate members 14 and brushes 15. Papillae on the tongue surface are successively raised or laid down by scraping the tongue surface with the spatulate members 14 and brushes 15. Therefore, fossae of the tongue papillae and fissurae and sulci between the tongue papillae are spread so that bacterial plaque and bacteria can be sucked out of the sulci and the like by the suction system. Thus, the tongue can easily be cleaned.

Abstract: A tongue scraper for cleaning the tongue of a user. The tongue scraper includes a resiliently flexible strip has first and second faces, a pair of opposite ends, a pair of side edges extending between the ends of the flexible strip, and longitudinal axis extending between the ends of the flexible strip. The flexible strip has a spaced apart pleated regions which divide the flexible strip into a pair of handle portions and a scraping portion interposed between the handle portions.

Abstract: An oral hygiene appliance for cleansing the dorsum by both scraping and irrigation includes an irrigational applicator having a bored stem, the proximal end of which is connected to the mouth of a container filled with an irrigating medium. The distal end of the stem includes an open head configured with a transverse blade supported by a pair of diverging struts. A surface of the blade is roughened for scraping the dorsum. The distal end of the stem includes a nozzle with irrigating medium being discharged onto the dorsum surface on the labial side of the blade when the container is squeezed.

Abstract: A device for cleaning and improving the hygiene of the oral cavity and in particular of the tongue, comprises a rod 1 having a flat head 2 fixed to one end thereof. The head has two opposite flat surfaces 2a, each surface having a plurality of protuberances 3 thereon designed for scraping and brushing the upper tongue surface during cleaning. A fluid tank 8 can be located inside the rod 1, the fluid flowing through a channel 5 toward exit holes 6 made on the surfaces 2a of the head 2, or a cartridge can be attached at an end of the channel outside the rod. In each instance, fluid such as mouthwash is applied during cleaning.