Abstract: A device and method for mechanically cleaning the surface of the root of the human tongue, the device including a cleaning head configured for entry between the soft palate and the surface of the human tongue root, and having abrasive means for mechanically removing pathological microorganisms from the surface of the tongue root, and a handle connected to the cleaning head for manipulation thereof, wherein the device has an overall maximum height at the cleaning head of no more than approximately 15 mm, and wherein the cleaning head is concavely bent. The method includes closing the lips to the rest position about the handle, so as to reduce the gag reflex and to position the handle and the cleaning head generally parallel to the tongue, and providing a relative motion between the cleaning head and the surface of the tongue root by reciprocally pivoting the cleaning 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 scraper for scrapping residue and debris off of a user's tongue. The tongue scraper includes a scraping body having a pair of opposite elongate end portions, and an arcuate middle portion interposed between the end portions of the scraping body. The arcuate middle portion of the scraping body has concave and convex edges and a pair of substantially flat faces. The faces of the arcuate middle portion each have therein a plurality of spaced apart residue grooves.

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 includes a sponge impregnated with a dorsal conditioning medium. The medium may include an antibacterial agent, an antiseptic agent, a flavoring agent, an oxidizing agent and an anesthetizing agent. The conditioning medium is applied as a coating to dorsal surfaces of a user. The scraper head is thereafter applied against dorsal surfaces of the user to dislodge food debris and other odor generating matter from the dorsum of the user. The appliance may be carried in a liquid impervious sealed packet.

Abstract: An oral vacuum and scraper device is disclosed for removing foreign matter such as mouth rinse, toothpaste, food particles, volatile sulfur compound producing bacteria, and the like from a mouth. The vacuum device, in a preferred embodiment, utilizes a venturi device to create suction when fluid flows through the venturi device. A mouthpiece has a suction area located near an edge of the head of the mouthpiece and incorporates either, or both of, a scraper and bristles.

Abstract: A tongue scraper system comprising a handle having a pair of forks extending from a distal end of the handle wherein the forks are constructed of resilient flexible material with a spring loaded notched adjuster provided between the two forks which allows a user to adjust spacing between the distal ends of the forks. A blade notch is provided in the distal ends of each fork while a plastic or metal flexible tongue scraping blade is designed to be held in a curved configuration by the fork ends. A sure grip extended handle provides easy gripping.

Abstract: An improved dental prophylaxis device for cleansing the teeth of a user and massaging the gums of the user of a type having a pair of absorbent core members that are convexo-concave-shaped and have convex surfaces and which are saturated with dental cleansing material and which are flexible but capable of retaining their shape and which are enclosed in a spaced-apart disposition within a saturable covering layer that has a longitudinal center line and a variegated surface and a portion between the pair of absorbent core members that is flexible and indented and defines a lateral centerline.

Abstract: A disposable oral cleaning apparatus for cleaning and removing particles and bacteria from the upper surface of the tongue and between the teeth, including an elongated handle, a head component and a flexible connector connecting the elongated handle and the head component. The head component has a pre-cleaning portion, a cleaning portion and an absorbent portion to provide an initial cleaning of the coating of the tongue, a secondary deep cleansing of the pores of the tongue, and a final absorption and removal of all debris. The oral cleaning apparatus is adapted to promote proper cleansing of the tongue and teeth so as to eliminate oral bacteria and bad breath, to reduce tooth decay, gum disease and plaque buildup, and promote proper oral hygiene with no deleterious changes to the tongue.

Abstract: An improved tongue cleaner includes a U-shaped scraper portion and handle portions integrally formed that extend from respective ends of the U-shaped scraper portion. The U-shaped scraper portion has a flange projected perpendicularly from an inner face of the scraper portion and extending therealong to define a corner space on each of two opposed sides of the flange and the inner face for containing matter scraped from the tongue or a user.

Abstract: The present invention is a dissolvable candy which provides effective tongue scraping action. The candy is preferably lozenge-shaped with the top side generally opposing the bottom side. The top side is a soft pliable edible dissolvable candy material, such as a GUMMI-BEAR type confection, and the bottom side is a hard edible dissolvable candy material, such as hard peppermint. The top side preferably includes a depression formed in the center of it for allowing the top side to be removably adhered by suction to the roof of a user's mouth. The bottom side has a cleaning pattern formed in it which is suitable for abrading the user's tongue in the mouth. Preferably, the pattern is a symmetrical raised pattern, such as a raised star pattern.

Abstract: Improved glaucoma filtration device materials comprise at least one monomer having the formula: ##STR1## wherein: X is H or CH.sub.3 ;m is 0-10;Y is nothing, O, or S;R is nothing, H, or an aliphatic, aromatic or aliphatic/aromatic combination of up to twelve carbon atoms, which can be unsubstituted or substituted with Cl, F, Br, or an alkoxy of up to four carbon atoms; anda cross-linking monomer having two or more ethylenically unsaturated groups.

Abstract: A keratome (10) and a method for using the keratome (10) for cutting a cornea of an eye (14) are provided which allow an operator to view the cutting operation as it occurs. The keratome (10) includes an annular housing (12) sized to contact the eye (14) and allow a portion (21) of the cornea to protrude therein. A motor housing (22) is mounted to the annular housing (12) for movement with respect thereto in a feed direction. A blade (36) is mounted by the motor housing (22) for movement in a cutting direction transverse to the feed direction, and a motor (26) mounted by the motor housing (22) is drivingly connected to the blade (36) to provide reciprocal movement thereof in the cutting direction. Movement of the motor housing (22) in the feed direction across the eye (14) accompanied by movement of the blade (36) in the cutting direction cuts the portion (21) of the cornea protruding into the annular housing (12), while an operator can view the cutting through the annular housing (12).

Abstract: The invention provides a tongue scraping and cleaning device, including a head configured to be comfortably moved along the top surface of a tongue inside and outside of a mouth, the head including a base portion having an upper face and a lower face and a plurality of spaced-apart blades formed with active scraping surfaces and at least partly projecting from the upper face so as to cause the material scraped off the tongue to be trapped between the blades, and means for grasping the head and imparting controlled scraping movements along the tongue to effect its cleansing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oral hygiene device, comprising an elongate handle having a bristle end and a scraper end, the bristle end having a plurality of bristles disposed thereon adapted to brushing the user's teeth as in a conventional toothbrush. An arcuate blade member is provided having a concave surface and an opposing convex surface and at least one blade edge disposed at a juncture of the convex and concave surfaces and wherein the curvature of the arcuate blade member is sized, shaped and adapted to scraping the upper surfaces of the human tongue. the arcuate blade member is disposed and attached by support member to the scraper end of the elongate handle such that the concave surface faces the scraper end of the elongate handle.

Abstract: An attachment head for a prophy angle comprises a convex shape body with a plurality of radial ridges on an outside surface of the body. The attachment head rotationally cleans the upper surface of a tongue and removes foreign material and bacteria from the tongue. The attachment head can be used with or without a cleaning compound.

Abstract: A disposable oral cleaning apparatus for cleaning and removing particles and bacteria from the upper surface of the tongue, including an elongated handle having a solution storage cavity, an attachment utensil partially stored in the cavity, and a head component. The attachment has a brush for applying the solution to a surface of the mouth, and a cap for sealably closing the opening of the cavity. A flexible connector connects the elongated handle and the head component. The head component has multiple cleaning portions including a pre-cleaning portion, a main-cleaning portion and an absorbent portion to provide an initial cleaning of the coating of the tongue, a secondary deep cleansing of the pores of the tongue, and a final absorption and removal of all debris. The oral cleaning apparatus is adapted to promote proper cleansing of the tongue and inner mouth so as to eliminate oral bacteria and bad breath, and promote proper oral hygiene.

Abstract: A dual-use tongue scraper is described, which can be used for routine oral hygiene maintenance and also research collection, quantification and analysis of plaque deposited on a subject's tongue. The scraper includes structure such as protuberances, apertures and porous bodies which collect plaque as it is scraped from a subject's tongue. In some embodiments such structure also arrays the plaque in a manner for visual quantification. The plaque may also be removed from the device for direct measurement and analysis. The method of the device's use for collection, quantification and analysis of plaque, as well as the method of its use for application of compositions to a subject's tongue, are also described.

Abstract: A tongue cleaning system for cleaning the back of a user's tongue. The system including a tongue holding device and a tongue brush. The tongue holding device is a u-shaped element with textured forwardly disposed inward surfaces. The brush includes a thin head portion with a plurality of bristles of minimal height. The present invention is also described in terms of a method of cleaning one's tongue. The method involves holding one's tongue by way of holding tool, and then brushing the back of the tongue by way of the tongue brush.

Abstract: A tongue conditioning implement includes a handle, a head and a removable and replaceable cartridge including a conditioning element, the handle containing a vibrational motor to cause the implement to vibrate and reduce the manual action needed for the conditioning element to achieve the desired results. The handle can contain a switch and a battery. The head can provide a channel which extends generally transversely to the handle and the cartridge can include two end sections which enable it to snap fit onto the head. The cartridge element can be a scraper with one or more blades or a pad for the application of breath freshener gels or medications to the tongue surface.

Abstract: A hygienic applicator having a combination of moist and/or dry swab end sections made of absorbent material. The moist end section is pre-moistened with baby oil, cleaning solution, medicant, or any desired liquid. The dry end section can also be moistened with a preferred liquid and then dried, leaving this section impregnated with a desired residue. The end sections can be encapsulated with an easily removable wrap to prevent contamination. The wrap can be moisture-impermeable to retain the moisture of the wetted end sections. Wraps are incorporated for quickly unravelling the end sections just prior to use.

Abstract: An astigmatism reducing device includes an alignment tool having a bore, extending through said alignment tool, for enabling centering of said alignment tool by observation of a cornea limbus. A handle is provided for enabling placement of said alignment tool onto a cornea and sclera of an eye and a bottom curvature on the alignment tool engages and conforms to the cornea. A lid retractor including a channel adjacent said bottom curvature is provided for separating eyelids from said cornea and sclera and enabling a portion of the bottom curvature to be disposed thereunder. Tubular cornea cutter, having an outside diameter sized for insertion into the alignment tool bore means is provided for supporting at least one cutting blade for rotation within the alignment tool bore, the cutting blade being disposed with a longitudinal axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tubular cornea cutter.

Abstract: A tongue cleaner or scraper, of an absorbent, flexible, loop pile which conforms to the surface of the tongue and which improves cleaning effectiveness, while providing a soft, consumer acceptable tongue feel.

Abstract: A method for reducing irregular astigmatism and debris during lamellar surgery of the eye is practiced by preoperatively marking the corneal surface with a pattern or radial and pararadial lines. After making the incision, the incised corneal cap or flap is removed, followed by reshaping of the corneal stroma, irrigating the corneal bed to wash residual debris, and aspirating fluid from the eye. The corneal cap or flap is then repositioned on the cornea by realignment of the pattern of radial and pararadial lines.

Abstract: A motorized pierced body part cleaning device includes a substantially hollow, elongated tubular handle component having an open end and a plurality of cleaning stem gripping members at a distal end. The cleaning stem gripping members are selectively rotated using an electric motor disposed within the tubular handle. Integral with the tubular handle adjacent its open end is a storage reservoir for storing a plurality of cleaning stems in a cleaning or disinfecting solution. The open end may be selectively enclosed using a cap means.

Abstract: A hand held tongue cleaning device for applying the correct "downward" pressure on the tongue surface to release entrapped material without damaging the tongue. The device has a flat, curved cleaning element consisting of at least one blunted blade for cleaning the tongue on one end; and, a flat, curved handle on the other to form an elongated `S` profile. The curved blunted blade element is adapted for moving over the surface area of the tongue to dislodge the surface material from the tongue and withdraw the accumulated substance even from the back recesses of the mouth without injury to the tongue or triggering the "gag reflex".

Abstract: An instrument for removing proliferative membranes in a treatment for proliferative vitreoretinal disorders includes an ophthalmic treatment tool for using in an ophthalmic surgery, the tool including: a grip portion; a rod-shaped body attached to one end of the grip portion; an elastic body fitted along a direction toward a front end of the rod-shaped body to the front end side of the rod-shaped body; and hard inorganic fine-grains or particles fixed on a tapered tip of the elastic body.

Abstract: A combined toothbrush and tongue scraper with anti-slip bumps therebetween including an elongated one-piece plastic base portion having a first end and a second end and with an intermediate extent therebetween, an integral tongue scraper formed at the first end having two symmetric legs with a cross-piece therebetween thereby creating an isosceles triangle with the apex angle being formed with the intermediate extent, the cross-piece having teeth, a plurality of bristles formed at the second end; and the intermediate extent being formed in a configuration with opposed faces and with a plurality of hemispherical bumps integrally formed in the opposed planar faces.

Abstract: An improved tongue scraper or oral hygiene tool is designed to most effectively and harmlessly remove plaque, tartar, bacteria, dead tissue, food debris, etc. from the tongue. The tool is made of a nonporous substance capable of withstanding high temperatures during repeated sterilization such as metal, and preferably stainless steel. The tool includes unique curves and smooth edges designed to define a working edge contoured similar to that of the tongue and having a nongagging and self-cleaning profile and size.

Abstract: A new instrument for cleaning the top of a tongue for cleaning the upper surface of a tongue. The inventive device includes a handle with an elongate arcuate head coupled to an end of the handle. A pair of side flanges extends from the head lower surface at opposite ends of the head. An elongate arcuate scraper member extends between the opposite ends of the head and extends away from the lower surface of the head. The scraper member includes a blade portion and an attachment portion and may be detachable.

Abstract: A device to be used for daily cleaning a user's internal walls of his or her nasal cavities. The device is elongated with two ends and an increasing diameter away from the ends. The device is made out of a soft material that conforms to the space defined by the internal wall of a user's nasal cavities. An inner elongated and longitudinally extending core made out of a firmer material is used to enhance the overall resiliency of the device. A plurality of soft filaments extend from the outer surface of the elongated body that with the longitudinally disposed grooves trap the secretions and facilitate their removal. Inserting the device causes it to exert an outwardly radial pressure to aid in the impregnated on the device to provide a user with relief and/or therapeutic treatment.

Abstract: An improved tongue scraper or oral hygiene tool is designed to most effectively and harmlessly remove plaque, tartar, bacteria, dead tissue, food debris, etc. from the tongue. The tool is made of a nonporous substance capable of withstanding high temperatures during repeated sterilization such as metal, and preferably stainless steel. The tool includes unique curves and smooth edges designed to define a working edge contoured similar to that of the tongue and having a nongagging and self-cleaning profile and size.

Abstract: A tongue scraper having a convex-shaped edge and a linear edge. The convex-shaped edge conforms to the lateral concavity of the tongue. The linear edge conforms to planar areas of the tongue. Tight gripping of the scraper is facilitated by a hole at each end intended to be pinched between the thumb and finger. In a first embodiment the scraper includes serrations on the convex and linear edges. In a second embodiment the convex and linear edges are smooth.

Abstract: A toothbrush provided with a flexible tongue scraper movably received in separable halves of a hollow toothbrush handle. Separation of the toothbrush handle reveals the tongue scraper. The tongue scraper has enlarged ends which are retained in reduced passages in the handle halves.

Abstract: A tongue scraping apparatus is provided for use in cleaning the upper surface of a user's tongue. The apparatus includes a curved blade 10 presenting a parabolic plan shape and including a pair of proximal ends 14, and a pair of elongated handles 12, each including a distal end 24 connected to one of the proximal ends of the blade. The blade includes a relatively sharp lower edge 16, an opposed, relatively smooth upper edge 18, and opposed front and back faces 20, 22 extending between and connecting the lower and upper edges together. The handles 12 are each provided with a depending thumb press 28 for facilitating gripping of the apparatus, and the center of gravity of the apparatus is offset from the thumb presses in a direction toward the free ends 26 of the handles so that the apparatus rests on the free ends and thumb presses when placed on a horizontal support surface.

Abstract: A hygienic tongue cleaner includes a support member having an upper surface area arranged so as to fit snugly within the roof area of a mouth of an individual user. The lower surface of the support member includes a tongue cleaner element or elements against which one's tongue may be rubbed to obtain a cleansing action of the upper surface of the tongue while the support member is retained in position within the roof area of the mouth. The support member may include teeth engaging portions that secure the support member against motion during the tongue rubbing and cleansing procedure. The location and arrangement of the tongue cleaner avoids generation of a gagging reflex in a user.

Abstract: A wiping or scraping device, particularly for cleaning a human tongue, is provided having one or more wiping teeth or wiping elements. Each tooth or element has at least one scoop-like side which terminates at a wiping edge or ridge in an undercutting fashion. Various embodiments are provided for providing bi-directional or planar-directional wiping or cleaning action. For example, embodiments of the invention include wiping devices, linear wiping elements or circular wiping elements with outwardly-directed and/or inwardly-directed annular wiping edges. The wiping device may include a plurality of wiping elements arranged in a row or array. Embodiments are provided wherein the wiping device is configured for use as a windshield wiper or squeegee.

Abstract: A tongue cleaning device for personal use or use by an oral hygiene professional. The device has a relatively flat cleaning head integral with a handle that preferably is angled to permit ease of use without causing tissue damage. The cleaning head is provided with a plurality of cleaning ribs that extend the length of the cleaning head, which is oriented perpendicular to the handle. Each of the cleaning ribs depends from a lower surface of the cleaning head, and each has a cleaning surface configured for removing unhealthy films and deposits from the tongue. To reduce the likelihood of damaging tissues of the mouth, the ribs are configured without harsh or rough edges, and the cleaning head is flattened so that the user will not scrape the rear portion of the soft palate. The tongue cleaning device of the present invention is made from a polymeric material, such as a food grade plastic, that will withstand temperatures necessary for sterilization.

Abstract: A scrubber pad for a rotating epithelial removal tool is made of a single piece of substantially rigid plastic which has formed thereon a scrubbing surface equipped with a radial channel or channels to retain cell debris and lubricating fluid. An eccentrically located fluid supply conduit can provide additional fluid and can also serve with the radial channels as a visual centering indicator to the patient. The edges of the scrubbing surface can be undercut to give them a desired flexibility.

Abstract: The clean breath wand comprises an elongate hollow body having a distal end, a proximal end and a proximal handle portion, a coupling member for coupling the proximal end to a source of liquid, a head end fixed to the distal end of the hollow body, and the head end having an outer end face with at least one tongue scraping rib or blade thereon and at least one irrigating opening extending through the front end and opening onto the outer end face.

Abstract: A tongue scraper formed of a handle having a spoon shaped head at one end. The head has a relatively sharply rounded tip and increases in width from the tip to a mid-portion of the head. The head has substantially flat front and back surfaces. A scraper blade projects from the front surface and extends along the edge of the head from the tip to the mid-portion of the head. A plurality of scraper pins project from the front surface of the head and are arranged in a plurality of rows. The scraper pins have tapered top surfaces to provide them with a scraper edge. A plurality of holes extend through the head and are arranged in a plurality of rows. Each of the holes is of an area which can hold a liquid by capillary action.

Abstract: A corneal surface marker is used to improve centration of surgical laser instrumention and repositioning of a corneal cap or flap in corneal surgery, particularly lamellar corneal surgery. The marker has inner and outer concentric rings with marking radials extending off the rings to provide adequate reference points for marking indicia to be placed on the corneal surface. The method involves positioning a patient's head with direct light thereby fixating and centering the laser instrumentation over the visual axis of the eye, preoperatively marking the corneal surface with a plurality of radial lines spaced about the visual axis, and aligning a reticule of a surgical laser instrument over the radial lines thereby permitting anatomic centration of the instrument over the visual axis for subsequent accurate surgical reshaping of the cornea.

Abstract: A laser beam is shaped by eclisping it with a mask of desired shape. The shaped beam is used to drill a hole corresponding to the shape of the beam.

Abstract: A disposable oral-hygiene instrument for loosening, collecting, and removing debris from the surface of the tongue. The device comprises a handle at one end with a textured surface at the other end for scrubbing the dorsal surface of the tongue. Along the distal perimeter edge of the scrubbing surface extends a scraper for moving debris from the back to the front of the tongue. Affixed to the same end of the instrument as the scrubbing surface is an absorbent material for collecting and removing debris. The instrument is designed to avoid gag reflex due to its low profile.

Abstract: This invention relates to an ear cleaning device in the form of an elongate member having a collecting formation at one end and a handle at its opposite end. A stop formation is located intermediate the handle and the collecting formation. Intermediate the stop formation and the collecting formation is a resiliently deformable, soft plug of cleaning material for engaging and cleaning the ear surface in the region of the entrance to the ear canal.

Abstract: The toothbrush includes a handle (1) with a head (3) furnished with bristles (5) and a device for cleaning the surface of the tongue. The handle (1) is composed of two parts (1A, 1B) joined by a thin, flexible, arc-shaped strip (7) at the base of the handle (1) opposite the head (3). The thin, flexible strip (7) serves as a scraper for cleaning the tongue.

Abstract: A corneal surface marker is used to improve centration and repositioning of a corneal cap or flap in lamellar corneal surgery. The marker has inner and outer concentric rings with marking radial and pararadials extending off the rings to provide adequate reference points for marking indicia to be placed on the corneal surface. The method involves preoperatively marking the corneal surface with suitable indicia in a pattern of radial and pararadial lines extending over the area of the cornea through which an incision will be made to excise a cap or flap and, after the keratotomy is performed, the cap or flap is replaced by realignment of the radial and pararadial lines with the area of the cornea surrounding the incision.

Abstract: An apparatus for brushing teeth 20 including a handle 22 attached at an end 26 to a central brush arm 28, a left brush arm 38 and a right brush arm 36 with a cellulose acetate butyrate glue. The central brush arm 28 attached to the left brush arm 38 and the right brush arm 36 with a cellulose acetate butyrate glue such that the brush heads 52, 54, 56 are flexibly positioned relative to each other. The bristles 58 of the three brushes aligned to contact the ends and sides of teeth of varying sizes.

Abstract: An ophthalmic method and apparatus preferably for removing the relatively soft cellular epithelium from a predetermined region of the relatively hard fibrous cornea of the eye preparatory to reshaping the cornea as by laser ablation or the like, preferably by an abrasive surface formed by the ends of a bundle of thin soft filaments constrained against lateral movement and rotatable to comminute and emulsify the epithelium into tiny removable cell-particles, with features, where desired, of concavely contouring the surface formed by the free ends of the filaments to correspond to the anterior convex cornea, and interiorly hollowing the bundle to provide an annular abrasive surface formed by filament ends surrounding the hollow.

Abstract: A device for cleaning the surface of the tongue comprising an elongated handle having a brushhead attached to one end thereof which extends from the brush head at an angle of at least 15.degree.. The brush head has a flat surface with a plurality of bristle cells extending therefrom at least 4-6 mm with the opposite side of the brush head being rounded.

Abstract: A method for reprofiling or otherwise smoothing and enhancing the anterior or stromal cornea by scraping. The method is useful as a primary technique for reprofiling the stromal portion of the cornea following a lamellar keratectomy or as a secondary technique for use in combination with other corneal refractive procedure to dislocate debris and smooth and enhance a worked area of the cornea.