4487results about "Brushes" patented technology

A method and material for self-cleaning of the teeth and mouth using a source of light in the visible range in conjunction with a photosensitive oral hygiene composition possessing a broad absorption spectrum in the visible range. The invention selectively eliminates harmful bacteria by use of a photosensitive agent and a light source. The present invention involves the use of a light-providing dental device to activate a photosensitive agent and destroy harmful bacteria in the oral cavity. It prevents or deters oral diseases, inflammations, and infections.

A device isolation film and an active region are formed on a semiconductor substrate, using a first mask pattern to expose only a formation region of the device isolation film. Only the device isolation film is selectively etched by using the first mask pattern and a second mask pattern as an etch mask, to form a fin only on a gate formation region, the second mask pattern to expose only a gate electrode formation region. A gate insulation layer is formed on both sidewalls of the fin and a gate electrode covering the first mask pattern and the gate insulation layer is formed. Source and drain regions are formed on the remaining portion of the active region where the gate electrode was not formed. Gate electrode separation becomes adequate and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

A cleaning and whitening system for teeth having an electromagnetic radiation emitting toothbrush and a dentifrice with a photosensitive agent is disclosed. The toothbrush has a cleaning surface, such as bristles. The toothbrush is also adapted to direct electromagnetic radiation toward the cleaning surface. The electromagnetic radiation may be monochromatic or polychromatic. Further, the electromagnetic radiation may be substantially free of ultraviolet radiation. Additionally, the electromagnetic radiation may consist essentially of wavelengths within a range of 300 to 750 nanometers. The photosensitive agent is dispersed throughout the dentifrice. The dentifrice transmits the electromagnetic radiation through a varying thickness disposed over a target surface during use of the system. As a result, a significant portion of the photosensitive agent reacts, resulting in whitening stains, removing and / or disclosing undesired substances, and / or foaming. The dentifrice may be clear and may have clear abrasive particles. A method for tuning the cleaning and whitening system for teeth includes formulating the dentifrice with photosensitive agents that react to a range of electromagnetic radiation and providing a toothbrush that emits that electromagnetic radiation range. Another method of tuning the cleaning and whitening system includes designing a toothbrush that emits a range of electromagnetic radiation and formulating a dentifrice with photosensitive agents that react to the electromagnetic radiation range.

The present invention provides catheter cleaning devices that are effective at reducing microbial contamination of a catheter port entry. For example, the invention provides a catheter, a catheter cleaning device and a catheter cleaning injection port cap, each of which reduces potential microbial contamination at a catheter port entry.

Disclosed are a toothbrushing pattern analyzing / correcting device, a toothbrushing pattern analyzing / correcting method, a method and a system for interactively correcting toothbrushing behavior. The toothbrushing pattern analyzing / correcting device of the present invention includes: a body part formed in the same direction as a toothbrush surface; a sensing unit having a sensor with at least one or more axes for sensing a user's toothbrushing motion and a sensor with one or more axes for sensing two or more toothbrushing positions; and a controller for operating signals input from the sensing unit to classify a user's toothbrushing motion into at least two or more patterns and at least two or more toothbrushing parts. Further, the toothbrushing pattern analyzing / correcting method includes the steps of: detecting the start of a user's toothbrushing; displaying a guiding screen in response to the start of a user's toothbrushing; detecting a user's toothbrushing pattern; analyzing the user's detected toothbrushing pattern; and providing a toothbrushing correction screen with the intention of increasing compliance in accordance with the analyzed result. Accordingly, toothbrushing behavior correction compliance can be further enhanced with a method of interactively correcting a user's toothbrushing behavior through multimedia image substances in real time, and more systematic management and health consultation are possible by building a database of information of the user's toothbrushing behavior.

The present invention provides catheter cleaning devices that are effective at reducing microbial contamination of a catheter port entry. For example, the invention provides a catheter, a catheter cleaning device and a catheter cleaning injection port cap, each of which reduces potential microbial contamination at a catheter port entry.

Cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning head, a light source and a light guide. The cleaning head has a flexible contact member including photo-activating catalyst (photocatalyst). The light source emits short wave light rays to activate the photocatalyst. The light guide transmits the light rays from the light source to the contact member(brushes). The cleaning head may have a transparent brush supporter to support a group of brushes with many photocatalyst particles. The light guide may preferably include a transparent rod and / or an optical fiber. The cleaning apparatus may be applied for a vacuum cleaner. Therefore, such dirty component can be cleaned as bacteria, molds etc. by use of the cleaning apparatus of the invention.

An oral care device includes an electric motor, an air compressor operated by the motor, and an enclosed container for holding a slurry. A first conduit conducts compressed air from the compressor into the container. The compressed air is at a pressure of between about 20 psi to about 50 psi. A second conduit conducts the slurry and air from the container to an applicator from which the slurry and air is sprayed into the oral cavity of a human. The second conduit is at least about 24 inches in length.

A oral irrigator tip for an oral irrigator. The oral irrigator tip may include a shaft portion with a base, an apex, and a transitional portion linking the base to the apex. The shaft portion may be straight or angled. The shaft portion may be hollow from the base to the apex to define a fluid passage, thus permitting fluid to flow along the shaft portion. A retaining feature may be formed on the shaft portion to facilitate retention of the oral irrigator tip by an oral irrigator. A connector may join a nozzle to the shaft portion. Attached to the connector may be a bristle element, which may include multiple individual bristles glued or otherwise affixed to the connector. The bristles may be arranged in a circular pattern; water may flow around the individual bristles or through the center of the bristles.

One embodiment of the present invention includes a signaling device capable of assisting a child to develop a tooth brushing technique. The signaling device includes a toothbrush and an extension device, which is affixed to the tooth brush. The extension device is coded with a plurality of patterns that can be converted into motion and orientation information associated with the tooth brush in a tooth brushing session, and the motion and orientation information is further compared to a predetermined set of expected conditions that correspond to the tooth brushing technique to determine a reward tailored to promote learning of the tooth brushing technique.

A luer cleaner assembly (100) for cleaning luer fittings (190) secured to proximal ends of medical tubing. The luer cleaner (100) includes a luer-receiving cavity (124) within which are contained scrubbers (110) that scrub exposed outer surfaces of a luer fitting inserted thereinto through an open distal end (106) of the luer cleaner housing (102). The luer cleaner includes at a proximal end a fluid reservoir (160) containing a cleaning fluid (162) such as isopropyl alcohol. The assembly further includes a reservoir-penetrating array of sharp pointed projections (132), such that during luer cleaning the reservoir (160) is pressed distally toward the luer fitting in the cavity for the array of projections to penetrate a distal cover (166) of the reservoir to access the cleaning fluid (162) which then flows distally through passageways (134,126) into the luer-receiving cavity and onto the scrubbers (110) and the outer surfaces of the luer fitting (190).

A co-extruded tissue grasping monofilament and a method for making the same. The monofilament includes a core made of a first material and extending along a length of said monofilament, and a plurality of tissue grasping elements extending outwardly from the core at least along a predetermined portion of the length of the monofilament. The plurality of tissue grasping elements are made of a second, different material having a greater stiffness than the first material. The method for making the monofilament is by co-extrusion.

The present invention discloses a selective and a non-selective method and means of treating microbial diseases in local infections. The novel method comprising the step of emitting a beam of a blue light towards the tissue to be treated, wherein the beam is having a wavelength from 400 to 550 nanometers and further wherein the temperature of said tissue is not exceeding about 42° C. along the procedure or immediately after it so that a selective phototoxic effect is exerted. A cost effective device for selectively or non-selectively exerting phototoxic effect by emitting a beam of blue light towards a tissue to be treated is also provided useful, especially for dental application.

An oral hygiene device having an ultrasound transducer 22 and an acoustic waveguide 24 facilitating the transmission of ultrasonic acoustic energy to fluids in the oral cavity is disclosed. Preferred ultrasound operating parameters for operation in aqueous environments and in dental slurries are disclosed. Devices may incorporate a drive motor 16 for oscillating a device head 23, acoustic waveguide 24 and one or more bristle tuft(s) 26 at sonic frequencies, and preferred sonic operating parameters are also provided. Multi-element piezoelectric transducer assemblies 30, 40, and various control and communications features are disclosed. Oral hygiene devices disclosed herein achieve improved plaque and stain removal from the teeth as well as interproximal and subgingival regions, while enhancing the user experience, massaging the gums, stimulating dental tissue, and disrupting biofilm.

An oral care gaming system and methods are provided for promoting and rewarding proper oral care techniques and behaviors and for controlling an electronic and / or video game. The system and methods enable a user to play an electronic and / or video game while performing certain oral care activities. The efficacy of a user's oral care techniques enables the user to improve their game play and to achieve the goals of the game. The system includes an oral care tool configured as a game enabler / controller and a base unit configured as an electronic gaming apparatus. Using the oral care tool, a user performs oral care and interacts with an electronic and / or video game the base unit implements and runs. The base unit includes a video display that displays video outputs of an electronic and / or video game. The oral care tool is actuated to enable an electronic and / or video game, and includes sensors for detecting characteristics of a user's oral care techniques and behaviors that serve as inputs to an electronic and / or video game.

An oral care implement includes a reservoir containing at least one active agent. The implement has an activator for activating a delivery device which delivers a predetermined amount of an active agent to one or more outlets. A wide variety of types of active agents can be administered at appropriate and accurate doses for therapeutic, hygienic, and / or other benefits.

A method and apparatus for coating prostheses via contact patterning with an applicator. Applicators can include rollers, tampons, and ribbons. Coating materials include a variety of substances including polymers and therapeutic agents.

Oral phototherapy applicators are disclosed that are sized and shaped so as to fit at least partially in a user's mouth with a plurality of bristles of elongate shape coupled to an apparatus body. The Applicators can be adapted to brush the user's teeth and further include at least one radiation emitter coupled to the body to provide phototherapeutic radiation to a portion of the oral cavity other than tissue in contact with the bristles. In one embodiment, the phototherapy emitter irradiates both a region of tissue in contact with the bristles and a portion of the oral cavity that is not in contact with the apparatus. For example, the apparatus can include at least one emitter that irradiates tooth tissue in contact with the bristles and gum tissue surrounding the tooth tissue.

A dispenser for dispensing a substance, such as a pharmaceutical, ophthalmic, dermatological, cosmeceutical, cosmetic or other product, has a body defining a variable-volume storage chamber for storing the product. A dispensing portion of the dispenser is connected with the body and defines a bore coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber for receiving substance therefrom, and an outlet aperture coupled in fluid communication with the bore. A one-way valve of the dispenser includes an axially-extending valve seat and an axially-extending flexible valve cover seated on the valve seat and defining a normally-closed, axially-extending seam therebetween forming a fluid-tight seal between the valve cover and valve seat. The flexible valve cover is movable relative to the valve seat and the seam is connectable in fluid communication with the outlet aperture to allow the passage of substance through the seam and out of the dispenser. The dispenser further comprises an actuator and piston assembly including a piston receivable within the bore, a manually-engageable actuator connected to the piston for moving the piston between first and second positions relative to the bore to dispense substance within the bore through the outlet aperture, and an integral, dome-shaped spring coupled to at least one of the piston and the actuator for biasing the piston in a direction from one of the first and second positions toward the other.

A dispenser (10) for dispensing flowable materials has a container assembly (12) having a dividing wall (19). A first chamber (18) and a second chamber (20) are defined in the container assembly (12). The first chamber (18) is configured to contain a first flowable material (M1) (140) and the second chamber (20) is configured to contain a second flowable material (M2) (142). A membrane (34) is positioned in the container and cooperates with the dividing wall (19) to enclose the first and second chambers (18, 20). The membrane (34) has a first section (132) having a first weld seam (148) and a second section (134) having a second weld seam (150). The first section (132) is separated from the second section (134) by a non-rupturable member (33). Rupture of the membrane (34) allows the flowable materials into a third chamber (42) in which the flowable materials mix to form a mixture, and from which the mixture is dispensed.

A system consisting of a hand-piece with a lever operated hydraulic pump and a fluid reservoir, a connecting tube and a remote connector which will seal to a syringe body which contains a viscous material. The pump expels fluid from the reservoir into the top of the syringe via the connecting tube where the fluid presses on the syringe plunger expelling the viscous material from the primary chamber of the syringe.

A method and material for self-cleaning of the teeth and mouth using a source of light in the visible range in conjunction with a photosensitive oral hygiene composition possessing a broad absorption spectrum in the visible range. The invention selectively eliminates harmful bacteria by use of a photosensitive agent and a light source. The present invention involves the use of a light-providing dental device to activate a photosensitive agent and destroy harmful bacteria in the oral cavity. It prevents or deters oral diseases, inflammations, and infections.

A steam mop having a main body having a boiler with a water inlet and a steam outlet positioned therein, a pump having an inlet and an outlet with the pump outlet connected to the boiler inlet, a water container for storing water connected to the pump inlet, and a steam pocket frame connected to the steam outlet, where the activation of the pump pumps water from the water container to the boiler for generation of steam. In an embodiment of the invention, a steam mop having a main body with a boiler, a water container, a mechanical water pump between the boiler and container and at least one side arm connecting the boiler steam outlet to a fabric steam pocket frame. The water pump is actuated by movement of the mop when cleaning to send water to the boiler. The steam pad frame is substantially rectangular with a plurality of baffles in a square grid formation extending outwardly to distribute steam to distribute steam between the baffles. A replaceable fabric pad fits snugly on the frame to distribute cleaning steam to the surface to be cleaned.

A plural nozzle cleaning implement. The nozzles are oriented inwardly, to provide a converging spray pattern. The converging spray pattern provides more coverage of the target surface, which increases residence time of fluid sprayed onto debris.

A process of whitening a tooth provided by the invention includes the steps of providing a delivery device for mechanical dispensing of a predetermined amount of a whitening composition to an applicator tip; dispensing the amount of whitening composition to the applicator tip; applying the amount of whitening composition disposed on the applicator tip to the tooth to be whitened; and allowing the whitening composition to remain in contact with the tooth for a period of time sufficient to whiten the tooth. Optionally, the process further includes the step of exposing the whitening composition to light. A gum or candy for tooth bleaching is detailed along with methods of use. A device adapted to dispense an amount of a dental whitening composition optionally includes a light source for activating the whitener.