4666results about "Tooth cleaning" patented technology

Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and system for transferring power wirelessly to electronic devices. The system can utilize magnetic coupling between two coils at close proximity to transfer sufficient power to charge an electronic device. Embodiments of the invention pertain to an array of spiral coils that can be used to transmit power for transfer to receiver coils. Potential applications of this technology include charging consumer electronic devices (cell phones, laptops, PDAs, etc), developing hermetically sealed devices for extreme environments, and less invasive transcutaneous energy transfer (TET) systems. Various embodiments of the subject system can be referred to as PowerPad system. Embodiments can incorporate one or more of the following: planar inductors, PCB transformers, and very high frequency power supplies. Embodiments of the invention also pertain to planar inductors having characteristics that allow the production of even magnetic field, as well as systems that incorporate such planar inductors.

A dental prophy angle includes a housing and a rotor. The housing defines a first bore and a second bore in communication with the first bore, and rotor is disposed within the second bore. The rotor includes a gearing system, and rotor includes a lock having a lock channel configured to receive a tip of a drive shaft. The housing includes a lock receiver for receiving the lock receiver permits rotation of the lock within the lock receiver and restrains linear movement of the lock in a direction substantially parallel to a rotational axis of the rotor.

The system periodically measures the battery voltage of the toothbrush and the current in a stator portion of the motor for the appliance. The amplitude of movement of the toothbrush workpiece is determined from the measured stator current. A circuit / control program changes the duty cycle or pulse width of the drive signal from the motor if the battery voltage drops below a first threshold value and a circuit or control program changes the drive frequency of the appliance if the amplitude of the workpiece movement falls below a first threshold value. A circuit / control program terminates the operation of the toothbrush if the voltage drops below a second threshold value or if the amplitude drops below a second threshold value, both of which are less than the respective first thresholds.

A trial (test) power toothbrush designed to emulate the performance of a corresponding commercial toothbrush, powered by a non-rechargeable battery. The power to drive the toothbrush is controlled by a control circuit which is responsive to the battery to maintain the drive power at approximately the level of the commercial unit and a short “trial use” period, i.e. one month / 30 days, and then to terminate operation of the power toothbrush. The trial toothbrush may then be readily disposed of by the user, including the battery therein.

The present invention provides a new family of ultrasonically powered medical devices and systems for powering such devices. Disclosed are methods for improving the overall power transfer efficiency of devices according to the present invention, as well as a wide variety of medical uses for such devices and systems. Devices of the present invention comprise a transducer that, during operation, converts electrical energy into high frequency, low amplitude mechanical vibrations that are transmitted to a driven-member, such as a wheel, that produces macroscopic rotary or linear output mechanical motions. Such motions may be further converted and modified by mechanical means to produce desirable output force and speed characteristics that are transmitted to at least one end-effector that performs useful mechanical work on soft tissue, bone, teeth and the like. Power systems of the present invention comprise one or more such handheld devices electrically connected to a power generator. Examples of powered medical tools enabled by the present invention include, but are not limited to, linear or circular staplers or cutters, biopsy instruments, suturing instruments, medical and dental drills, tissue compactors, tissue and bone debriders, clip appliers, grippers, extractors, and various types of orthopedic instruments. Devices of the present invention may be partly or wholly reusable, partly or wholly disposable, and may operate in forward or reverse directions, as well as combinations of the foregoing. The devices and systems of the present invention provide a safe, effective, and economically viable alternative source for mechanical energy, which is superior to AC or DC (battery) powered motors, compressed air or compressed gas, and hand powered systems.

A light emitting electric toothbrush and method therefore is disclosed which is intended for use by children, is comprised of a robust high-strength, plastic construction, and employs both light and vibration to assist in the development of suitable dental hygiene skills. In its most fundamental embodiment, the light emitting electric toothbrush comprises a construction including a handle having a bottom end and a top end and a toothbrush shaft mounted to the top end of the handle. The brush shaft is comprised of a plastic resin including a fluorescent colored light refractive additive for optimizing light transmission through the brush shaft. A high intensity light source is mounted within the top end of the handle for generating light and a domed-shaped optical lens is positioned over the high intensity light source for directing the generated light into the brush shaft. Finally, a switched electrical source is included for energizing the light source and the generated light therefrom creates a glowing illumination in the brush shaft for illuminating a dental cavity of a person during brushing of the teeth. In a preferred embodiment, the toothbrush also includes a vibrating motor mounted within the handle for causing the brush shaft to vibrate. The vibrating motor is also energized by the switched electrical source simultaneously with the light source.

The present invention relates to a unique solution for relieving repetitive stress to dental professionals during the course of a day and is directed to sets of identical instruments, having handles made with varying diameters for grasping, designed to be used interchangeably throughout the day, thus cutting down on the repetitive grasping action through the change of grasp. Therefore, even if a dental professional uses the same type of instrument throughout the day, the hands, wrists and elbows can experience varying rather than repetitive action because the positioning of the hands, wrists and elbows are interchanging throughout the day. The dental instrument may also be ergonomically designed. Additionally, the instrument may also have a vibratory module. Further, a rotator may also be implemented.

Systems and methods related to ultrasonic microtube dental instruments designed to cut around a broken instrument by allowing the broken instrument to be placed within a lumen of the microtube instrument while simultaneously boring with the broken instrument and being guided by the broken instrument.

A cordless ultrasonic scaler includes a cleaning tip, an actuator, power supply, control circuitry, a water reservoir and a pumping mechanism within the hand piece. A piezoelectric stack actuator drives both the cleaning tip and pumping mechanism. The reservoir in the hand piece supplies liquid to the pump for cooling the actuator, the cleaning tip and the teeth being cleaned. The reservoir defines a battery compartment. A pair of electrodes enable recharging the battery in a docking station when the device is not in use. Controls are provided for the actuator and fluid flow.

The invention relates to a medical or dental-medical treatment instrument (1) having a grip sleeve (11), an oscillatory rod (13) which extends longitudinally in the grip sleeve (11) and is mounted therein in a radially or also axially elastically yielding manner, and an oscillation generator (31) for transmitting oscillations to the oscillatory rod (13). In order to attain a compact construction, the oscillatory rod (13) is of a base part and an attachment part which is fixed on the base part.

A dental device for exposing teeth to electromagnetic radiation includes a carrier and at least one source of electromagnetic radiation attached to the carrier and oriented so that the electromagnetic radiation is emitted from the source to a surface of a tooth. The dental device may also include a power source internally or externally disposed with respect to the carrier, and may include a circuit for controlling radiation emitted from the source. The dental device may be used for whitening teeth, and dental hygiene in general. Related methods are also disclosed.

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 toothbrush that utilizes a replaceable brush head having rubber gum guard on its top surface and a triangular shaped rubber pad on its bottom surface. The rubber gum guard is shorter than the height of the bristles and is positioned on the peripheral edge of a brush head for functioning as a sensor for providing feedback to prevent brushing at excessive pressures and improper angles as well as for massaging the gumlines without the risk of gum damages. The triangular shaped rubber pad is for conforming to and massaging gumlines at the back of teeth. The replaceable brush head having the rubber gum guard and massaging pad features is economically used in conjunction with a permanent handle that dispenses dentifrice material to the top of bristles. The handle has a resilient contractible connector for secure mounting of the replaceable brush head.

In one embodiment, an oral-care system is provided. The oral-care system includes an electric toothbrush having a motor, a power source in electrical communication with the motor, and a bristle holder operatively connected to the motor. A display is in data communication with the electric toothbrush.

A system and a method for automating a medical process including a memory storing a software program, a computer connected to the memory for running the software program, a display connected to the computer for generating a visual representation of output data generated by the computer running the program, a user interface connected to the computer for obtaining image data representing a configuration of a patient treatment space and fixed markers in the treatment space and storing the image data in the memory, a robot arm connected to the computer, and a medical tool mounted on the robot arm wherein when a human inputs a selected treatment procedure into the computer, the computer runs the software program to generate a tool path based upon the treatment procedure and the image data, and the computer operates the robot arm to move the medical tool along the tool path without human guidance, and wherein the data generated during the treatment procedure is stored, analyzed, and shared among collaborating computer systems.

A light emitting toothbrush is provided that includes three light emitting diodes, each having a different primary color. A battery is provided as a power source, and a control circuit is used to control the diodes. The control circuit is configured to sequentially or simultaneously power some or all of the diodes, and it can be configured to vary the power to each diode, thereby providing an almost infinite spectrum of colors of light. A switch is actuated when the brush head contacts an operator's teeth, thereby activating the diodes. A package is provided that allows a potential purchaser to apply a force to the brush head and activate the lights while the toothbrush is still in the package. The control circuit can be configured to control the diodes to provide signals to the operator and / or provide aesthetically pleasing light.

An electric toothbrush is provided. The electric toothbrush has an elongated body, a head, and a neck extending between the body and the head. A plurality of bristle carriers each having a plurality of bristle tufts are disposed on the head. An electric motor is operatively connected to a shaft, wherein operation of the electric motor moves the shaft in a reciprocating motion and wherein the shaft is operatively connected to at least one of the bristle carriers to move the bristle carriers.

The present invention relates to a powered toothbrush containing a decorative facade, which facade may be permanently attached to the brush handle or may be replaceable by the user.

An electric toothbrush comprising an elongated body portion and a head including a static portion and a moving portion, a handle, and an angled shaft between the head and the handle. The portion of the toothbrush containing the head is detachably connected to the portion of the toothbrush containing the handle. A shaft within the head is selectively connectable to a mating shaft within the handle by a cooperating notch and peg assembly biased into a locking position by a spring member disposed to bias the head shaft into the desired position.

Composition and methods that include potassium nitrate for whitening and / or reducing tooth sensitivity. The dental compositions may optionally include a dental bleaching agent, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The dental compositions may be applied directly to the person's teeth, or they may be loaded into a comfortable fitting, flexible, thin-walled dental tray and placed over the person's teeth. In that case, the dental compositions will include a tackifying agent, such as carboxypolymethylene, dispersed within a solvent, which assists the composition in retaining the dental tray over the person's teeth as a result of the adhesive properties of the dental composition rather than due to mechanical interlocking of the tray over the person's teeth. The dental compositions may further include anticariogenic and antimicrobial agents.

This invention relates to a toothbrush that utilizes a replaceable brush head having rubber gum guard on its top surface and a triangular shaped rubber pad on its bottom surface. The rubber gum guard is shorter than the height of the bristles and is positioned on the peripheral edge of a brush head for functioning as a sensor for providing feedback to prevent brushing at excessive pressures and improper angles as well as for massaging the gumlines without the risk of gum damages. The triangular shaped rubber pad is for conforming to and massaging gumlines at the back of teeth. The replaceable brush head having the rubber gum guard and massaging pad features is economically used in conjunction with a permanent handle that dispenses dentifrice material to the top of bristles. The handle has a resilient contractible connector for secure mounting of the replaceable brush head.

Compositions, methods and systems for whitening teeth. A whitening composition is applied to off-white or yellowish teeth in order to hide or mask the inherent underlying natural tooth color to yield whiter looking teeth. The whitening composition includes a complementary dye that, when absorbed by a tooth, will cause the tooth to reflect a color of light that is whiter than the natural or initial color reflected by the tooth. The tooth whitening composition may comprise a toothpaste that is applied like any conventional toothpaste in order to achieve whitening without significant alteration of a person's daily routine. Alternatively, the tooth whitening composition may be adapted for direct application onto the teeth in a more concentrated form, such as by means of a syringe, tooth cleaning paste, or cotton swab. The tooth whitening compositions can be used instead of, or in addition to, dental bleaching compositions in order to achieve whiter teeth while reducing or eliminating tooth sensitivity caused by some bleaching regimens. The inventive whitening compositions may also be used in conjunction with a bleaching composition in order to maintain whiter teeth for a larger period of time before undertaking subsequent bleaching regimens.

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.

A U-shaped, ultrasonic toothbrush module to be used with currently available ultrasonic toothbrush hand pieces made of soft thermoplastic, silicone, or latex material with upper and lower bridge receiving spaces formed on opposite sides. The receiving spaces are designed to receive a user's upper and lower bridges when placed into the user's mouth. Disposed on the three inside surfaces of each receiving space are a plurality of bristles which completely contact the exposed surfaces of every tooth when the device is used. The module includes a housing with a pivoting T-shaped member and magnets attached at one end that connects to a standard ultrasonic toothbrush hand piece. Motion generated by the hand piece is transmitted through the T-shaped member and to the U-shaped member. The movement of the U-shaped member generates ultrasonic waves that are transmitted to the surfaces of the teeth and move the brushes when teeth are placed into the upper and lower bridge receiving spaces.

A powered toothbrush to provide oral hygiene having a brush section with a first bristle carrier that is powered and driven to rotate in an oscillating manner through a prescribed angle. A second bristle carrier is pivotally connected to the first bristle carrier and also pivotally connected to the brush section. The second bristle carrier oscillates in accordance with the oscillation of the first bristle carrier in a sectorial manner. The bristle carriers may include a variety of elastomeric and non-elastomeric bristles or combinations thereof to provide cleaning, polishing, whitening and stimulating to the teeth and gums.

Oral hygiene devices employing an ultrasound transducer are disclosed. The device is user-activatable to commence an operating cycle, and has a controller that may provide a timing function and may provide a variable level of ultrasound transducer output during an operating cycle. The controller may provide a monitoring function that is capable of detecting an ultrasound transducer fault condition and alert a user, through a user interface, when an ultrasound transducer fault condition is detected. The controller may be programmed to count the number of device operating cycles or accumulate the total device operating time and activate a transducer replacement signal following a predetermined number of uses or a predetermined accumulated operating time. The ultrasound transducer assembly may be provided in operative communication with an ultrasound drive circuit and power supply by means of a transformer assembly that inductively couples and transfers power from the ultrasound drive circuit to the ultrasound transducer.

The invention is directed to a dental cleaning device. It relates in particular to a handle section of an electric toothbrushing device, with a coupling section for coupling various cleaning tools thereto, a drive mechanism for driving the coupled cleaning tool, and a control device for controlling the drive mechanism. The invention further relates to such cleaning tools. According to the invention the handle section includes an electronic interlock device which is deactivated by an encoded interlock canceling element on the cleaning tool only when the cleaning tool is coupled to the handle section (FIG. 4).

A toothbrush has a handle and a head part, on which bristle filaments and at least one flexible cleaning element are arranged. The at least one flexible cleaning element is arranged on a carrier element which consists of a hard material and is connected to the head part. A process for producing such a toothbrush is also disclosed.

A dental bleach that includes a bleaching agent and a thickening agent. The bleaching agent is typically a peroxide and the thickening agent is polyvinylpyrrolidone. A viscous or sticky dental bleach results. Optionally, a basic agent, light or heat may be added to accelerate bleaching. Bleaching may take place with the use of a dental tray. Bleach may be placed into the dental tray from a single barrel, double barrel or multi-barrel syringe containing the components of the bleach. Bleach may be placed against a flexible strip which is placed onto teeth to be bleached.

A diagnostic oral health care implement and system are provided for use during oral health care activities. The diagnostic oral health care implement has a diagnostic sensor. The diagnostic sensor provides diagnostic measurements in a plurality of formats including the biofilm thickness of dental plaque. The diagnostic oral health care system has a diagnostic oral health care implement and a first data transfer medium. The system optionally has any combination of a second data transfer medium, a network storage device, and a third data transfer medium. The system provides for the collection of diagnostic measurements and transmission of the data into a readable, usable form for the user via an oral health care implement.