Motor-driven toothbrush comprising a sensor

Abstract

A toothbrush comprising a handle, a motor comprising a reciprocatable output shaft, and a brush head is disclosed. The toothbrush further comprises a sensor system, a motor control board in the handle configured to control the operation of the motor, and an electrical wire that places the sensor system in communication with the motor control board, wherein the electrical wire extends through a passage defined in the output shaft. The toothbrush can further include a stem mounted to the output shaft that is configured to have the brush head mounted thereto. The stem and / or the brush head can include one or more sensors of the sensor system. The stem can also include a control board that is in communication with the control board in the handle via the electrical wire.

Description

946353-OO-WO-Ol-TBMOTOR-DRIVEN TOOTHBRUSH COMPRISING A SENSORCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 736,725, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN TOOTHBRUSH COMPRISING A SENSOR, which was filed on December 20, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND

[0002] Previous motor-driven toothbrushes have comprised a handle and a replaceable brush head that is attachable to the handle. Employing sensors in such toothbrushes has challenges, which are addressed herein.SUMMARY

[0003] In one aspect, the invention can be a toothbrush comprising a handle, a motor comprising a reciprocatable output shaft, wherein the output shaft comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a passage extending between the proximal end and the distal end, a sensor system, a motor control board in the handle configured to control the operation of the motor, and an electrical wire that places the sensor system in communication with the motor control board, wherein the electrical wire extends through the passage.

[0004] In one aspect, the invention can be a toothbrush comprising a handle, a bipolar motor comprising a rotatable output shaft, a control board that rotates with the output shaft, a sensor that rotates with the output shaft, wherein the sensor is in communication with the control board, and a brash head, wherein the brash head is rotatable by the output shaft.

[0005] In one aspect, the invention can be a toothbrush comprising a handle, a motor comprising a reciprocatable output shaft, a stem mounted to the output shaft, a control board that rotates with the stem, a sensor system in communication with the control board, and a head comprising bristles mountable to the stem.

[0006] In one aspect, the invention can be a toothbrush comprising a handle, a bipolar motor comprising a rcciprocatablc output shaft, a brash head atachable to the output shaft, wherein the brush head comprises a memory device, and a control system. The control system is configured to interrogate the memory device, determine whether the brash head is authentic, operate the bipolar motor according to a first algorithm if the control system determines that946353-OO-WO-Ol-TB the brush head is authentic, and operate the bipolar motor according to a second algorithm if the control system cannot authenticate the brush head, wherein the second algorithm is different than the first algorithm.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The features of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the following drawings in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toothbrush and a battery charger in accordance with at least one embodiment;

[0009] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the toothbrush and battery charger of FIG. 1 ;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the toothbrush and battery charger of FIG. 1 ;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the toothbrush and battery charger of FIG. 1 ;

[0012] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the toothbrush of FIG. 1 ;

[0013] FIG. 6 is another exploded view of the toothbrush of FIG. 1 ;

[0014] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the toothbrush of FIG. 1 taken along line VII- VII in FIG. 1 ;

[0015] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the toothbrush of FIG. 1 taken along line VIII- VIII in FIG. 1 ;

[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a toothbrush in accordance with at least one embodiment illustrated with components removed;

[0017] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the toothbrush of FIG. 9 illustrated with components removed;

[0018] FIG. 1 1 is another exploded view of the toothbrush of FIG. 9 illustrated with components removed;

[0019] FIG. 12 is an elevational view of the toothbrush of FIG. 9 illustrated with components removed;

[0020] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the toothbrush of FIG. 9 illustrated with components removed;

[0021] FIG. 14 is a rear elevational view of the toothbrush of FIG. 9 illustrated with components removed;

[0022] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the toothbrush of FIG. 9 taken along line XV-XV in FIG. 9;946353-OO-WO-Ol-TB

[0023] FIG. 16 is another cross-sectional view of the toothbrush of FIG. 9 taken along line XVI-XVI in FIG. 9;

[0024] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a toothbrush in accordance with at least one embodiment comprising a handle and a removable brush head;

[0025] FIG. 18 is a partial elevational view of the toothbrush of FIG. 17 illustrated with the brush head removed;

[0026] FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view of the toothbrush of FIG. 17;

[0027] FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of the toothbrush of FIG. 17 illustrated with the brush head removed;

[0028] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a board assembly of the toothbrush of FIG. 17;

[0029] FIG. 22 is a front view of the board assembly of FIG. 21 ; and

[0030] FIG. 23 is a side view of the board assembly of FIG. 21.

[0031] Parts given a reference numerical designation in one figure may be considered to be the same parts where they appear in other figures without a numerical designation unless specifically labelled with a different part number and described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The features and benefits of the present invention are illustrated and described herein by reference to exemplary embodiments. This description of exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. Such exemplary embodiments are not limiting of the present invention.

[0033] In the description of embodiments provided herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as "lower," "upper," “horizontal,” “vertical,”, “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivative thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms arc for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar terms refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures,946353-00-WG-01-TB as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.

[0034] As used throughout, any ranges disclosed herein are used as shorthand for describing each and every value that is within the range. Any value within the range can be selected as the terminus of the range.

[0035] A toothbrush 1000 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-8. The toothbrush 1000 comprises ahandle 1100 and a replaceable end effector, or brush head, 1200 attached to the handle 1100. Referring primarily to FIGS. 5-8, the handle 1100 comprises a body 1110 including a distal end 1120, a proximal end 1 130 opposite the distal end 1 120, and a cavity 1 140 defined in the body 11 10. The handle 1100 further comprises a skeleton 1300, an electric motor 1400 positioned in and supported by the skeleton 1300, and a battery 1500 that is also positioned in and supported by the skeleton 1300. The skeleton 1300 comprises a frame 1310 including a battery cavity 1320 and a motor cavity 1330. The battery 1500 is positioned in the battery cavity 1320 and is releasably held in the battery cavity 1320 by retention arms 1325 extending from the frame 1310. The battery 1500 comprises a cylindrical body 1510 that is closely received within the baltery cavity 1320 such that little, if any, relative movement between the baltery 1500 and the skeleton 1300 is possible. That said, the battery 1500 can comprise any suitable configuration. The battery 1500 further comprises leads, or wires, 1530 that electrically couple the cells of the battery 1500 with a control board 1600 adjacent to the skeleton 1300 such that the battery 1500 can supply the control board 1600, and the electric motor 1400, with power. The electric motor 1400 is positioned in the motor cavity 1330 of the frame 1310 and comprises a housing 1410 that is closely received within the motor cavity 1330 such that little, if any, relative movement between the motor housing 1410 and the skeleton 1300 is possible. As discussed in greater detail below, the electric motor 1400 further comprises a stator, a rotatable motor shaft 1420, and leads, or wires, 1430 that electrically couple the stator with the control board 1600 such that the electric motor 1400 can be powered and controlled by the control board 1600.

[0036] Further to the above, the control board 1600 comprises a printed circuit board 1610 that extends alongside the skeleton 1300. The printed circuit board 1610 is comprised of rigid non-conductive, or at least substantially non-conductivc, layers comprised of fiberglass and / or composite epoxy, for example. A layer can be considered substantially non-conductive when any power loss and / or signal loss through the layer is negligible or ignorable. The printed circuit board 1610 further comprises electrical traces or copper circuits that are positioned946353-OO-WO-Ol-TB within and / or between the rigid layers. In various other embodiments, the printed circuit board 1610 can be flexible. In either case, the printed circuit board 1610 also comprises electrical components comprising contacts mounted to the surface of the printed circuit board 1610 and / or pins extending into pin holes defined in the printed circuit board 1610 that place the electrical components in communication with the electrical traces. In various embodiments, the electrical components comprise at least one processor, at least one memory device embedded in and / or in communication with the processor, one or more motor drive circuits, and / or one or more pulse width modulation circuits, for example. The control board 1600 comprises a control system, or circuit, that includes the electrical components and controls the operation of the electric motor 1400. The control board 1600 further comprises a support plate 1660 connected to the printed circuit board 1610 that is configured to support the control board 1600 within the handle 1100.

[0037] Referring primarily to FIGS. 5-8, the handle 1100 further comprises an end enclosure 1160 attached to the handle body 11 10 that encloses, or at least substantially encloses, the bottom of the cavity 1140 defined in the handle body 1100. The end enclosure 1160 comprises a circular body 1161 that is closely received within the cavity 1140 such that there is little, if any, relative movement between the end enclosure 1160 and the handle body 1110. In various instances, a seal, such as an o-ring, for example, is positioned between the end enclosure 1160 and the handle body 1110 to prevent, or at least reduce, the ingress of water, for example, into the cavity 1140. The end enclosure 1160 further comprises latches 1150 that releasably engage the handle 1110 to releasably hold the end enclosure 1160 in position. The end enclosure 1160 further comprises through holes, or apertures, 1162 defined therein and female charging sockets 1 190 aligned with the apertures 1 162. The female charging sockets 1 190 are part of an electrical circuit that includes the battery 1500 and / or the printed circuit board 1600. When the toothbrush 1000 is set on a base 2100 of the charger 2000, upwardly-extending male charging pins 2190 of the base 2100 pass through the apertures 1162 and mate with the female charging sockets 1 190 to electrically couple the battery 1500 and / or the printed circuit board 1600 with the charging circuit of the charger 2000. In such instances, power supplied to the base 2100 of the charger 2000, via a cord 2200, for example, can charge the battery 1500 and / or power the control system of the toothbrush 1000.

[0038] Further to the above, the skeleton 1300 of the handle 1100 further comprises a motor cover 1390 that attaches to the frame 1310 to enclose the motor housing 1410 in the motor946353-OO-WO-Ol-TB cavity 1330 defined in the frame 1310. Referring primarily to FIG. 6, the motor cover 1390 comprises a lock tab 1394 that engages a lock recess 1314 defined in the frame 1310 which releasably locks the motor cover 1390 to the frame 1310. The motor cover 1390 further comprises a distal end 1395 and a cover aperture 1392 defined therein that is configured to receive the motor shaft 1420 there through. The distal end 1395 of the motor cover 1390 comprises a round, or cylindrical, bearing seat 1396 configured to rotatably support a motor shaft bearing 1900 thereon. The motor shaft bearing 1900 comprises a bearing collar 1910 that is rotatably supported by the bearing seat 1396 of the motor cover 1390 and at least partially encompasses the bearing seat 1396. Such an arrangement between the bearing collar 1910 and the bearing seat 1396 prevents, or at least inhibits, proximal thrust movement of the motor shaft bearing 1900 and, also, lateral relative movement, or shift, between the motor shaft bearing 1900 and the motor cover 1390.

[0039] Further to the above, the motor shaft bearing 1900 further comprises a sleeve 1920 extending distally from the bearing collar 1910 and a sleeve aperture 1922 extending there through. Referring primarily to FIGS. 7 and 8, the sleeve aperture 1922 is aligned with, or concentric with, the cover aperture 1392 such that the motor shaft 1420 extends through both the cover aperture 1392 and the sleeve aperture 1922. Referring primarily to FIG. 6, the motor shaft 1420 comprises a journal region 1424 defined by proximal and distal journal shoulders 1425. The journal region 1424 is engaged with and supported by the sleeve 1920 of the shaft bearing 1900 and the journal shoulders 1425 which prevents, or at least limits, longitudinal thrust motion between the motor shaft bearing 1900 and the motor shaft 1420. As a result of this arrangement, the motor shaft 1420 can readily rotate, but not translate, relative to the motor shaft bearing 1900.

[0040] In various instances, the shaft bearing 1900, the frame 1310, the motor 1400, the motor cover 1390, and the battery 1500 are assembled together and then inserted into the cavity 1140 of the handle 1100 as an assembly. In at least one such instance, the housing 1410 of the motor 1400 is installed in the motor cavity 1330 and then the aperture 1392 of the motor cover 1390 is aligned with the motor shaft 1420 and slid downwardly over the shaft 1420 to connect the motor cover 1390 to the frame 1310. At such point, the aperture 1922 of the shaft bearing 1900 can be aligned with the motor shaft 1420 and then slid downwardly over the shaft 1420 until an inner surface of the sleeve 1920 is seated between the journal shoulders 1425. At such point, the assembly can be inserted into the cavity 1140 of the handle 1100 and then the control board946353-OO-WO-Ol-TB1600 can be inserted intermediate the skeleton 1300 and the body 1110 of the handle 1100. In other instances, the control board 1600 can be attached to the skeleton 1300 before the assembly is inserted into the cavity 1140. In any event, the skeleton 1300 has resilient retention arms 1350 extending therefrom that engage the body 1110 and releasably hold the assembly in the handle 1100. That said, any suitable attachment between the body 11 10 and the skeleton 1300 can be used, such as one or more fasteners, for example. The above being said, the toothbrush 1000 can be assembled in any suitable manner.

[0041] Referring primarily to FIGS. 5-8, further to the above, the brush head 1200 comprises a shaft 1210 and a bristle portion 1230. The bristle portion 1230 comprises a base, or support, 1231 , bristles 1232 mounted to one side of the support 1231 , and bumps 1233 defined on an opposite side, or back side, of the support 1231. The brush head 1200 further comprises an internal cavity 1240 including an opening at the proximal end 1220 of the shaft 1210 and an insert 1250 positioned in the internal cavity 1240. The insert 1250 is secured in the internal cavity 1240 by a press-fit and / or snap-fit connection but can be attached to the shaft 1210 in any suitable manner. The brush head 1200 further comprises at least one seal 1253 positioned between the insert 1250 and the shaft 1210 to prevent, or at least reduce, the ingress of water, for example, into the cavity 1240. The insert 1250 comprises an aperture 1252 defined therein that is configured to receive the motor shaft 1420 when the brush head 1200 is assembled to the handle 1100. The distal end 1422 of the motor shaft 1420 comprises a flat, or key, 1423 that is received in a corresponding distal end of the aperture 1252 that has a corresponding flat drive surface that mates with the key 1423 when the brush head 1200 is attached to the handle 1100. The motor shaft 1420 and the aperture 1252 are sized and configured such that the motor shaft 1420 is closely received, and / or press-fit within, the aperture 1252 such that the brush head 1200 is snugly attached to the motor shaft 1420. In various instances, the brush head 1200 further comprises a catch 1254 which engages a detent 1256 defined in the motor shaft 1420 which assists in releasably holding the brush head 1200 on the motor shaft 1420. Owing to this arrangement, the brush head 1200 is releasably locked to the motor shaft 1420 and rotates with the motor shaft 1420.

[0042] Further to the above, the toothbrush 1000 comprises controls 1700 and 1800 that arc accessible to the user of the toothbrush 1000. The controls 1700 and 1800 are electrically coupled and in communication with a control circuit of the control board 1600. The control 1700 can comprise an on / off button or switch, for example, that is depressable or actuatable by946353-OO-WO-Ol-TB the user. The control 1800 comprises a circular, or cylindrical, body 1810 that is rotatably secured on the handle 1100 and a projection 1815 extending from the body 1810. The control 1800 is rotatable by the user and the rotation of the control 1800 is detectable by the control circuit.

[0043] A toothbrush 1000’ is illustrated in FIGS. 9-16 and is similar to the toothbrush 1000 in many respects. For instance, the toothbrush 1000’ comprises a handle 1100 and a replaceable end effector, or brush head. Referring primarily to FIG. 10, the toothbrush 1000’ further comprises a skeleton 1300 and a battery, such as battery 1500, for example, positioned in the skeleton 1300. The toothbrush 1000’ further comprises an electric motor 1400’ which is similar to the electric motor 1400 in many respects. For instance, the electric motor 1400’ comprises a housing 1410’ , a stator 1430 positioned in the housing 1410’ , and a rotatable motor shaft 1420’. Similar to the housing 1410 of the electric motor 1400, the housing 1410’ is positioned in the skeleton 1300 and the motor shaft 1420’ extends distally therefrom. Referring to FIG. 15, the motor shaft 1420’ comprises a distal end 1422’, a proximal end 1428’, and a longitudinal aperture 1429’ extending there through. The proximal end 1428’ of the motor shaft 1420’ is rotatably supported in a bearing 1328’ defined in the skeleton 1300. The bearing 1328’ comprises a through hole defined therein that is aligned with the longitudinal aperture 1429’ of the motor shaft 1420’ and is configured to accommodate one or more wires, as discussed in greater detail below.

[0044] The replaceable brush head of the toothbrush 1000’ is similar to the brush head 1200 in many respects. That said, the toothbrush 1000’ comprises a stem 1250’ that is securely mounted to the motor shaft 1420’ and is configured to be releasably attached to the brush head when the brash head is assembled to the handle 1 100. Referring primarily to FIG. 10, the stem 1250’ comprises a first side 1251’ and a second side 1252’ assembled to the first side 1251’. The stem 1250’ further comprises a shaft cavity, or aperture, 1259’ configured to closely receive the motor shaft 1420’ in a snap-fit and / or press-fit manner, for example, such that the stem 1250’ rotates with the motor shaft 1420’. In various instances, the stem 1250’ further comprises a catch which engages a detent 1424’ defined in the motor shaft 1420’ which assists in releasably holding the stem 1250’ on the motor shaft 1420’. Owing to this arrangement, the stem 1250’ is releasably locked to the motor shaft 1420’ and rotates with the motor shaft 1420’. The exterior of the stem 1250’ is sized and configured to be inserted into and secured in a shaft aperture defined in the brash head such that the brash head rotates with the stem 1250’ and the946353-OO-WO-Ol-TB motor shaft 1420’. The exterior of the stem 1250’ comprises flat surfaces 1253’ defined thereon that are closely received between corresponding flat surfaces defined in the shaft aperture in the brush head and transmit rotational motion from the stem 1250’ to the brush head.

[0045] The stem 1250’ further comprises a sensor cavity 1254’ and at least one sensor positioned in the sensor cavity 1254’. The sensor cavity 1254’ defines a substantially enclosed space between the first side 1251’ and the second side 1252’ and is connected the shaft aperture 1259’ by a passage 1253’. The stem 1250’ further comprises a control board 1255’ positioned in the sensor cavity 1254’. The control board 1255’ comprises a printed circuit board comprised of rigid non-conductive, or at least substantially non-conductive, layers comprised of fiberglass and / or composite epoxy, for example. A layer can be considered substantially non-conductive when any power loss and / or signal loss through the layer is negligible or ignorable. The printed circuit board further comprises electrical traces or copper circuits that are positioned within and / or between the rigid layers. In various other embodiments, the printed circuit board can be flexible. In any event, the control board 1255’ comprises at least one sensor 1256’ mounted thereon and electrical contacts 1257’ in electrical communication with the electrical traces. The sensor 1256’ comprises a pressure sensor, for example, but can comprise any suitable sensor. In the illustrated embodiment, the first side 1251 ’ of the stem 1250’ comprises a window 1258’ defined therein that covers an aperture in the sensor cavity 1254’. In at least one embodiment, the window 1258’ comprises a clear piece of polycarbonate, for example, that encloses the aperture. In other embodiments, the window 1258’ comprises an opening and a portion of the sensor 1256’ extends into and / or through the window 1258’.

[0046] Further to the above, the control board 1255’ further comprises a control circuit including the sensor 1256’ and the electrical contacts 1257’. In various embodiments, the control circuit further includes a processor in communication with the sensor 1256’ and at least one memory device in communication with the processor. In other embodiments, the control circuit does not have a processor and / or a memory device. In any event, the control circuit is configured to receive data from the sensor 1256’ and provide the data to the electrical contacts 1257’. In various instances, the control circuit processes the data from the sensor 1256’ and provides the processed data to the electrical contacts 1257’, either in addition to or in lieu of the unprocessed data. The electrical contacts 1257’ are coupled to one or more electrical wires 1690 that extend through the passage 1253’, the longitudinal aperture 1429’ extending through946353-OO-WO-Ol-TB the motor shaft 1420’, and the bearing aperture defined in the bearing 1328’. The electrical wires 1690 are electrically coupled to a control board in the handle 1100, such as control board 1600, for example, such that the data from the one or more sensors 1256’ is received by a control circuit in the control board 1600.

[0047] Further to the above, the control circuit of the control board 1600 can comprise a processor including one or more inputs configured to receive data from the sensors 1256’ and is configured to process the data received from the sensors 1256’. With this data, the processor can execute one or more functions and / or commands to operate the tooth brush 1000’. In various embodiments, the processor further includes one or more outputs in electrical communication with one or more output devices of the toothbrush 1000’ that can be operated in response to a command provided to it at an output of the processor. In at least one embodiment, the output device comprises a display that is configured to display data and / or instructions to the user of the tooth brush 1000’ that can assist the user in using the tooth brush 1000’. In various embodiments, the display comprises a screen and / or a light emitting diode, for example. In at least one embodiment, an output device can comprise a speaker, for example, in the handle 1100.

[0048] In various embodiments, further to the above, the control board 1255’ and the control board 1600 are in communication with one another via the electrical wires 1690. As discussed above, one or both of the control boards 1255’ and 1600 has a processor configured to process the data from one or more sensors and communicate with one or more output devices of the toothbrush 1000’. In various embodiments, the processor of the control board 1255’ and the processor of the control board 1600 co-process data. In at least one embodiment, the processor of the control board 1255’ processes data from the at least one sensor 1256’ and transmits the processed data to the processor of the control board 1600. In such embodiments, the processor of the control bard 1600 can further process the already processed data and then communicate with the one or more output devices. In various embodiments, the control board 1255’ can receive data from a first sensor 1256’ and the control board 1600 can receive data from a second sensor 1256’ and process the data from the different sensors 1256’ independently of one another. In at least one such embodiment, the control board 1256’ controls a first output device based on data received from the first sensor 1256’ and the control board 1600 controls a second output device based on data received from the second sensor 1256’.946353-OO-WO-Ol-TB

[0049] Notably, further to the above, the motor shaft 1420’ is rotatable about a longitudinal axis LA. Also notably, the longitudinal aperture 1429’ is centered along the longitudinal axis LA, comprises a circular cross-section that extends along the longitudinal axis LA between the distal end 1422’ and the proximal end 1428’ of the motor shaft 1420’, and is sized and configured to accommodate the electrical wires 1690 therein with clearance between the wires 1690 and the sidewall of the longitudinal aperture 1429’. Owing to this arrangement, the electrical wires 1690 can extend along a neutral axis which limits the strain that the electrical wires 1690 may experience during use. In various instances, each electrical wire 1690 comprises a conductive core comprised of copper and / or brass strands, for example, and an insulative jacket extending around the conductive core comprised of one or more polymeric materials, for example. In some instances, the insulative jacket of the electrical wire 1690 may crack when exposed to excessive and / or repeated strains and the arrangement of the electrical wires 1690 along the longitudinal axis LA of the motor shaft 1420’ can prevent, or at least inhibit, the insulative jacket from cracking. Moreover, the strands of the conductive core may break when exposed to excessive and / or repeated strains and the arrangement of the electrical wires 1690 along the longitudinal axis LA of the motor shaft 1420’ can prevent, or at least inhibit, the strands from breaking. As a result, the possibility of the conductive core becoming unintentionally exposed, shorting to the motor shaft 1420’, and / or developing a short therein is prevented or at least reduced.

[0050] The electric motor 1400’ is a bipolar stepper motor. The bipolar motor comprises a brushless direct current (DC) motor including a stator system and a rotor rotatably positioned within the stator system. The rotor includes the motor shaft 1420’ and is rotatable about a longitudinal axis LA as described above. The stator system is mounted in the housing 1410’ and comprises a plurality of individual stator cores. For instance, the stator system can comprise eight stator cores, each comprising copper wire windings, for example. The stator cores are arranged in two phases, for example, where a first phase includes four stator cores and a second phase includes the other four stator cores where each phase is comprised of a single winding. The control board 1600 comprises a motor drive circuit which is configured to energize the stator cores and turn the stator cores into electromagnets which create fields that interact with the motor shaft 1420’, and / or permanent magnets on the motor shaft 1420’, to rotate and control the orientation of the rotor. In various instances, the motor drive circuit provides two control signals for each phase - one signal to control the current direction, i.e.,946353-OO-WO-Ol-TB the direction signal, and another signal to control the current magnitude, i.e., the step signal. The rotor and the stator cores have teeth defined thereon which are used to control the rotational orientation of the rotor. For instance, the rotor can have 50 teeth and each stator core can have five teeth, for example, although embodiments are envisioned having a different number of teeth. The motor drive circuit can utilize any suitable stepping mode to control the electric motor 1400’, such as single-phase step, full-step, and / or half-step modes, for example.

[0051] Further to the above, the motor drive circuit of the control board 1600 can rotate the motor shaft 1420’ in a reciprocating manner to create, in many instances, a vibrational motion of, or within, the brush head attached to the stem 1250’. The bristles of the brush head, such as bristles 1232, for example, when being vibrated by the electric motor 1400’ are well-adapted to clean teeth. Such motion of the motor shaft 1420’, the stem 1250’ mounted to the motor shaft 1420’, and the brush head attached the stem 1250’ does not damage, or at least significantly damage, the electrical wires 1690 owing to the electrical wires 1690 extending through the longitudinal passage 1429’ of the motor shaft 1420’ as described above. The above being said, the electric motor 1400’ can comprise any suitable motor.

[0052] As discussed above, the electrical wires 1690 can comprise power wires and / or signal wires. As also discussed above, the sensor 1256’ can comprise any suitable sensor, or sensors. In certain embodiments, the sensor 1256’ comprises a force sensor, for example. In at least one embodiment, the sensor 1256’ comprises a camera, for example. In various embodiments, the sensor 1256’ is part of a sensing system configured to detect myriad oral diseases and / or conditions. In various embodiments, the stem 1250’ can include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) that, for instance, can be used to detect and / or treat one or more oral diseases and / or conditions. In at least one such embodiment, a replaceable brash head comprises a lens, or translucent material, positioned in front of the LEDs that permits light to be emitted from the brush head into a patient’s mouth. In some embodiments, the lens is adjacent to and / or behind the bristles of the brush head, for example. In at least one embodiment, a replaceable brush head attached to the stem 1250’ comprises one or more LEDs. In at least one such embodiment, the brash head comprises a set of electrical contacts that engage a corresponding set of electrical contacts on the stem 1250’ that electrically couple an electrical circuit in the brush head with an electrical circuit in the stem 1250’ when the brush head is attached to the stem 1250’. In such embodiments, the stem 1250’ is powered by the one or more wires 1690 and the brash head is powered by the stem 1250’.946353-OO-WO-Ol-TB

[0053] In various embodiments, further to the above, a replaceable brash head can comprise a memory device, such as an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) chip, for example, that is electrically coupled with an electrical circuit in the stem 1250’ when the brash head is attached to the stem 1250’. In such embodiments, the memory device in the brash head can be used to keep track of how many times that the brash head has been used and / or to verify that the brash head is made by, or authorized by, the manufacturer of the handle 1100’. In at least one embodiment, the circuit of the brash head comprises a counter that can count how many times that the brash head has been assembled to a handle 1100’ and / or actuated by a handle 1 100’. In at least one embodiment, the counter is indexed each time that it receives power from the handle 1100’, for example. In at least one embodiment, the circuit can comprise a vibrational sensor that indexes the counter when the vibrational sensor detects an acceleration, or force, indicating that the brash head is being used.

[0054] In at least one embodiment, further to the above, the control system of the handle 1100’ can begin an authentication process when the handle 1100’ is powered on and / or activated, for example. The authentication process can include an algorithm employed by the processor of the handle control system that interrogates the memory device in the brash head by emitting an interrogation signal to the brush head via a circuit extending between the handle 1100’ and the brash head. If the memory device on the brush head provides, or emits, an expected response signal that is received by the processor in the handle 1100’ in response to the interrogation signal, the control system allows the handle 1100’ to enter into a fully operational mode in which all features of the handle 1100’ are available to the user of the toothbrush 1000’. If, however, the processor of the handle 1 100’ does not receive the expected response signal from the brash head in response to the interrogation signal, the control system of the handle 1 100’ can enter into a second operational mode in which the control system of the handle 1100’ is altered in some way. For instance, the processor of the handle 1100’ can limit the power available to the electric motor 1400’ when the control system is in the second operational mode. In some instances, a non-authentic brash head, i.e., a brash head not manufactured by the manufacturer of the handle 1100’ or not authorized by the manufacturer of the handle 1100’, may weigh more than or less than an authentic brash head and may respond in an unintended manner when vibrated by the electric motor 1400’. Reducing the vibrational power to an unrecognized or non-authentic brash head can reduce the possibility of an unpredictable performance. In addition to or in lieu of the above, the control system of the handle 1100’ can,946353-OO-WO-Ol-TB for similar reasons to those discussed above, reduce the range of motion through which the brush head is reciprocated by the electric motor 1400’ when the control system cannot authenticate the brush head attached to the stem 1250’ as compared to when the control system can authenticate the brush head. In some embodiments, the second operation mode of the control system does not permit the motor 1400’ to be operated. Such an arrangement can prevent the toothbrush 1000’ from being used with an unsuitable brush head and / or without a brush head attached thereto.

[0055] Further to the above, the manufacturer of the handle 1100’ can provide, or authorize, more than one type of authentic brush head to be used with the handle 1 100’ . For instance, the manufacturer of the handle 1100’ can provide a first brush head having a first design and a second brush head having a second design that is different than the first design. In at least one embodiment, the first brush head comprises a first set of sensors and a first memory device and the second brush head comprises a second set of sensors and a second memory device. In such embodiments, the processor of the handle 1 100’ is configured to interrogate the first memory device or the second memory device, depending on which brush head is attached to the stem 1250’ , and based on the response signal received by the processor, the processor can implement a different operating algorithm. For instance, the processor can implement a first operating system, or algorithm, when a first response signal is received from the first memory device of a first brush head attached to the stem 1250’ or a second operating system, or algorithm, when a second response signal is received from the second memory device of a second brush head attached to the stem 1250’.

[0056] As discussed above, electrical wires 1690 can connect the control board 1255’ in the stem 1250’ with the control board 1600 in the handle 1 100’ to transmit power and / or data therebetween. In various embodiments, as also discussed above, the stem 1250’ may not have a control board. In such embodiments, one or more sensors 1256’ in the stem 1250’, and / or in the brush head attached to the stem 1250’, can be directly coupled to the control board 1600 via the electrical wires 1690. In addition to or in lieu of the above, at least one fiberoptic cable can be configured to transmit data, such as optical data, for example, between the one or more sensors in the stem 1250’, and / or the brush head attached to the stem 1250’, and the control board 1600 in the handle 1100’. In such embodiments, the fiberoptic cables can extend through the passage 1429’ extending through the motor shaft 1420’. Similar to the electrical wires, such an arrangement can allow the data being transmitted through the fiberoptic cables to be946353-OO-WO-Ol-TB unaffected by the vibrations generated by the electrical motor 1400’, for example. In various embodiments, such a fiberoptic cable can comprise a light pipe configured to transmit light generated by a light source, such as an LED, for example, in the handle 1100’ to a lens, for example, in the brush head attached to the stem 1250’.

[0057] Further to the above, a replaceable brush head for use with a toothbrush and / or the toothbrush itself can include at least one energy source and / or energy emitter for treating, for example, the teeth and / or gum tissue of the user of the toothbrush. In various embodiments, the energy source comprises a light emitting diode (LED), for example. In at least one such embodiment, the LED comprises a red LED that emits red light, an infrared LED that emits infrared light, a blue LED that emits blue light, and / or an ultraviolet LED that emits ultraviolet light, for example. In at least one embodiment, an LED can emit 405 nm light, for example, that can invoke a tooth whitening effect. In at least one embodiment, a red LED and / or an infrared LED can invoke a tissue healing and / or tissue growth effect, for example. In various embodiments, the energy source comprises an energy emitter configured to emit energy along an emission direction. In at least one embodiment, the emission direction is transverse to or lateral with respect to the longitudinal axis of the motor shaft. For instance, the emission direction can be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the motor shaft. In some instances, the emission direction can extend at a 45-degree angle with respect to the longitudinal axis, for example.

[0058] As described above, a toothbrush head can comprise a window 1258’ and, further to the above, a sensor and / or an energy emitter can be positioned within the toothbrush head and behind the window 1258’. In various embodiments, the window 1258’ is parallel to, or at least substantially parallel to, the longitudinal axis LA of the motor shaft 1420’; however, the window 1258’ can extend at any suitable angle. In various instances, a sensor positioned behind the window 1258’ can be configured to measure and / or sense a parameter on the opposite side of the window 1258’, for example. In at least one embodiment, the sensor faces, or at least substantially faces, toward the window 1258’ and away from longitudinal axis LA of the motor shaft 1420’. In various embodiments, the sensor and / or energy emitter positioned on and / or within a brush head can be used to measure a parameter and / or treat patient tissue while the toothbrush is being used by the patient to brush their teeth, for example. In at least one embodiment, the motor 1400, for example, is operated while the control system of the toothbrush collects data from the sensor and / or emits energy onto the patient tissue.946353-00-WG-01-TB

[0059] A toothbrush 3000 is illustrated in FIGS. 17-20 and is similar to the toothbrashes 1000 and 1000’ in many respects. The toothbrush 3000 comprises a handle 3100, a stem 3250, and a brash head 3200 removably attached to the stem 3250 by a spring clip 3290, for example. The handle 3100 comprises an electric motor 3400, such as a bipolar motor, for example, mounted therein which comprises a rotatable output shaft 3420. The stem 3250 is mounted to the output shaft 3420 such that the stem 3250 moves with the output shaft 3420. Similarly, the brush head 3200 is mounted to the stem 3250 such that the brush head 3200 moves with the stem 3250 relative to the handle 3100 about an interface 3050. Referring primarily to FIGS. 21-23, the toothbrush 3000 further comprises a control board assembly 3600 including a main board 3610 positioned in the handle 3100 alongside the motor 3400, a sensor board 3650 positioned in the distal end of the stem 3250, and a flex cable 3690 connecting the main board 3610 and the sensor board 3650, as discussed below.

[0060] The main board 3610 comprises a printed circuit board and is comprised of rigid non- conductive, or at least substantially non-conductive, layers comprised of fiberglass and / or composite epoxy, for example. The main board 3610 further comprises electrical traces or copper circuits that are positioned within and / or between the rigid layers. In various other embodiments, the main board 3610 can be flexible. In either case, the main board 3610 also comprises electrical components comprising contacts mounted to the surface of the main board 3610 and / or pins extending into pin holes defined in the main board 3610 that place the electrical components in communication with the electrical traces. In various embodiments, the electrical components comprise at least one processor, at least one memory device embedded in and / or in communication with the processor, one or more motor drive circuits, and / or one or more pulse width modulation circuits, for example. The main board 3610 comprises a control system, or circuit, that includes the electrical components and controls the operation of the electric motor 3400.

[0061] Further to the above, the sensor board 3650 comprises a printed circuit board and one or more sensors 3680 mounted thereto. Similar to the above, the sensor board 3650 is comprised of rigid non-conductive, or at least substantially non-conductive, layers comprised of fiberglass and / or composite epoxy, for example. Also similar to the above, the sensor board 3650 further comprises electrical traces or copper circuits that are positioned within and / or between the rigid layers. In various other embodiments, the sensor board 3650 can be flexible. In either case, the sensor board 3650 also comprises electrical components, such as the sensors946353-OO-WO-Ol-TB3680, for example, in communication with the electrical traces. In various embodiments, the electrical components comprise at least one processor, at least one memory device embedded in and / or in communication with the processor, one or more motor drive circuits, and / or one or more pulse width modulation circuits, for example.

[0062] When the brush head 3200 is attached to the stem 3250, as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 19, at least one of the sensors 3680 is aligned with a window 3280 defined in the brush head 3200. The window 3280 is comprised of a pane of clear, or at least translucent, material, such as plastic and / or glass, for example, that allows light and / or signals to be transmitted therethrough. That said, the window 3280 can be comprised of any suitable material. The window 3280 is positioned proximally with respect to a bristle section 3230 of the brash head 3200; however, the window 3280 can be positioned at any suitable location. As a result of this arrangement, the sensors 3680 are positioned behind the window 3280 and the sensor board 3650 is positioned behind the sensors 3680. That said, any suitable arrangement can be used.

[0063] Further to the above, the sensor board 3650 in the stem 3250 is in communication with the main board 3610 in the handle 3100 via the flex cable 3690 of the control board assembly 3600. The flex cable 3690 comprises a flexible substrate and one or more electrical conductors or circuits embedded in the flexible substrate. In at least one such embodiment, the flexible substrate is comprised of polyimide and / or polyester, for example, and the electrical conductors are comprised of copper wires, for example. In at least one embodiment, the flex cable 3690 is comprised of non-conductive cloth and / or fabric and the electrical conductors are comprised of conductive cloth and / or fabric, for example, extending therethrough and / or woven therein. In at least one embodiment, the electrical conductors are comprised of one or more conductive inks, for example. The flex cable 3690 extends within the stem 3250, across the interface 3050, and into the handle 3100 to connect the sensor board 3650 and the main board 3610 as described above. In particular, the flex cable 3690 extends alongside, but not through, the output shaft 3420 of the electric motor 3400 in the handle 3100. As a result of this arrangement, the output shaft 3420 can rotate relative to the flex cable 3690 without damaging the flex cable 3690.

[0064] As described above, the sensor board 3650 of the control board assembly 3600 moves relative to the main board 3610 during use. The flex cable 3690 is sufficiently flexible to accommodate such relative motion between the sensor board 3650 and the main board 3610. In various embodiments, the flex cable 3690 comprises a serpentine section 3695 comprising946353-OO-WO-Ol-TB one or more curves configured to provide strain relief within the control board assembly 3600 which reduces the possibility of the control board assembly 3600 failing as a result of repeated twisting during use. The curves can extend in one plane and / or more than one plane. In various embodiments, some curves are larger than others while, in other embodiments, the curves are the same size and configuration. The flex cable 3690 comprises a first, or distal, end rigidly mounted to the sensor board 3650 and a second, or proximal, end rigidly connected to the main board 3610 at a connection 3615 wherein the serpentine section 3695 extends between the first end and the second end. The serpentine section 3695 extends laterally alongside the motor shaft 3420 and through the interface 3050. However, the serpentine section 3695 does not extend all the way to the sensor board 3650. That said, the serpentine section 3695 can extend any suitable length of the flex cable 3690.

[0065] Further to the above, the flex cable 3690 is flat, or at least substantially flat, for example. In various embodiments, the flex cable 3690 comprises a rectangular cross-section having opposing flat sides with one of the opposing flat sides facing the motor shaft 3420. The other opposing flat side of the flex cable 3690 faces the outer perimeter of the handle 3100 and the brush head 3200. As a result of this arrangement, the flex cable 3690 can accommodate the twisting thereof during use while reducing the possibility of the flex cable 3690 becoming broken during use. In at least one alternative embodiment, the opposing sides of the flex cable 3690 can be curved so as to accommodate a curved space between a round motor shaft 3420 and a round perimeter of the handle 3100, for example.

[0066] The entire disclosures of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0257968, entitled Toothbrush, System, and Method for Detecting Blood in an Oral Cavity During Toothbrushing, which published on August 18, 2022, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2024 / 0016393, entitled System and Method for Detecting Blood in an Oral Cavity During Toothbrushing, which published on January 18, 2024, International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2024 / 086412, entitled Apparatus, System and Method for Detecting Biomarkers, which published on April 25, 2024, International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2024 / 063922, entitled Oral Health Monitoring Device, which published on March 28, 2024, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2024 / 0324884, entitled Technologies for Three-Dimensional Spectroscopic Imaging of Tissue Properties, which published on October 3, 2024, are incorporated by reference herein.946353-OO-WO-Ol-TB

[0067] As described herein, a toothbrush can comprise a bipolar motor, a stepper motor, and / or a DC motor, for example. Such motors, as also described herein, can have an output shaft, a longitudinal aperture defined through the output shaft, and one or more wires and / or cables extending through the longitudinal aperture. In various instances, the output shaft is moved in a reciprocating manner, for example. That said, the motor can comprise any suitable motor and the output shaft can be moved in any suitable manner. For instance, the output shaft can be excited or vibrated. In at least one embodiment, the output shaft comprises an eccentric mass and the output shaft is rotated to create a vibratory motion which is transmitted into the toothbrush head. In at least one embodiment, the output shaft is vibrated by a rotating eccentric mass in the motor. In various embodiments, the output shaft rotates repeatedly about a longitudinal axis. In all of the above-discussed embodiments, the output shaft can comprise a longitudinal aperture defined there through and one or more wires and / or cables can extend through the longitudinal aperture.

[0068] Examples

[0069] Example 1 : A toothbrush, comprising a handle, a motor comprising a rotatable output shaft; a control board that rotates with the output shaft, wherein the control board extends distally with respect to the output shaft; a sensor that rotates with the output shaft, wherein the sensor is in communication with the control board, and wherein the sensor is positioned distally with respect to the output shaft; and a brash head, wherein the brash head is rotatable by the output shaft.

[0070] Example 2: The toothbrush of Example 1, wherein the sensor is mounted to the control board.

[0071] Example 3 : The toothbrush of Example 1 or 2, further comprising a stem attached to the output shaft, wherein the control board is mounted to the stem.

[0072] Example 4: The toothbrush of Example 3, wherein the stem comprises a board cavity and a shaft cavity, wherein the control board is positioned in the board cavity, and wherein the output shaft extends into the shaft cavity.

[0073] Example 5 : The toothbrush of Example 4, wherein the stem further comprises a stem passage connecting the board cavity and the shaft cavity; and at least one electrical wire that is connected to the control board and extends through the stem passage.946353-OO-WO-Ol-TB

[0074] Example 6: The toothbrush of Example 5, wherein the output shaft comprises a shaft passage extending there through, and wherein the at least one electrical wire extends through the output shaft into the handle.

[0075] Example ?: The toothbrush of Example 6, wherein the control board comprises a stem control board, and wherein the toothbrush further comprises a handle control board in the handle, and wherein the stem control board and the handle control board are in communication via the at least one electrical wire.

[0076] Example 8: The toothbrush of any one of Examples 1-7, wherein the brush head comprises bristles, and wherein the sensor is positioned behind the bristles.

[0077] Example 9: The toothbrush of Example 1 , wherein the output shaft comprises a passage extending there through, and wherein the toothbrush further comprises at least one wire extending through the passage.

[0078] Example 10: The toothbrush of Example 9, wherein the control board comprises an end effector control board, wherein the toothbrush further comprises a handle control board positioned in the handle, and wherein the end effector control board and the handle control board are in communication via the at least one wire.

[0079] Example 11: The toothbrush of Example 10, wherein the handle control board comprises a processor.

[0080] Example 12: The toothbrush of Example 10 or 11, wherein the end effector control board comprises a processor.

[0081] Example 13: The toothbrush of any one of Examples 1-12, further comprising a second sensor that rotates with the output shaft, wherein the second sensor is in communication with the control board.

[0082] Example 14: The toothbrush of any one of Examples 1-13, wherein the output shaft defines a longitudinal axis, and wherein the sensor faces laterally away from the longitudinal axis.

[0083] Example 15 : The toothbrush of any one of Examples 1-14, wherein the control board is configured to obtain data from the sensor while the motor is being operated.

[0084] Example 16: A toothbrush, comprising a handle; a motor comprising a rcciprocatablc output shaft; a stem mounted to the output shaft; a control board that rotates with the stem; a sensor system in communication with the control board; and a head comprising bristles946353-OO-WO-Ol-TB mountable to the stem, wherein the control board is configured to obtain data from the sensor while the head is mounted to the stem and the motor is being operated.

[0085] Example 17: The toothbrush of Example 16, wherein the output shaft defines a longitudinal axis, and wherein the sensing system comprises a sensor that faces laterally away from the longitudinal axis.

[0086] Example 18: The toothbrush of Example 16 or 17, wherein the control board is mounted in the stem.

[0087] Example 19: The toothbrush of any one of Examples 16-18, wherein the stem comprises a sensor of the sensor system.

[0088] Example 20: The toothbrush of any one of Examples 16-19, wherein the head comprises the sensor of the sensor system.

[0089] Example 21: The toothbrush of Example 20, wherein the head comprises a first electrical contact and a first electrical circuit, wherein the stem comprises a second electrical contact and a second electrical circuit, and wherein the first electrical contact is configured to engage the second electrical contact when the brush head is mounted to the stem to place the first electrical circuit in communication with the second electrical circuit.

[0090] Example 22: The toothbrush of any one of Examples 16-21 , wherein the control board comprises a sensor of the sensor system.

[0091] Example 23 : The toothbrush of any one of Examples 16-22, wherein the control board comprises a stem control board, wherein the output shaft comprises a passage extending from a distal end of the output shaft through a proximal end of the output shaft, and wherein the toothbrush further comprises a motor control board in the handle configured to control the operation of the motor; and an electrical wire that electrically couples the stem control board with the motor control board, wherein the electrical wire extends through the passage.

[0092] Example 24: The toothbrush of Example 23, wherein the output shaft has an axis of rotation, and wherein the passage extends along the axis of rotation.

[0093] Example 25: The toothbrush of Example 23 or 24, wherein the stem control board extends distally from the output shaft.

[0094] Example 26: The toothbrush of any one of Examples 16-22, wherein the output shaft comprises a passage extending from a distal end of the output shaft through a proximal end of the output shaft, and wherein the toothbrush further comprises a fiberoptic cable extending through the passage.946353-OO-WO-Ol-TB

[0095] Example 27: The toothbrush of any one of Examples 16-26, wherein the motor comprises a bipolar stepper motor.

[0096] Example 28: A toothbrush, comprising a handle; a motor comprising a reciprocatable output shaft, wherein the output shaft comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a passage extending between the proximal end and the distal end; a sensor system that extends distally with respect to the output shaft; a motor control board in the handle configured to control the operation of the motor; and an electrical wire that places the sensor system in communication with the motor control board, wherein the electrical wire extends through the passage.

[0097] Example 29: The toothbrush of Example 28, wherein the motor comprises a bipolar stepper motor.

[0098] Example 30: The toothbrush of Example 28, further comprising an end effector driveable by the output shaft, wherein the end effector comprises a sensor of the sensor system.

[0099] Example 31: A toothbrush, comprising a handle; a motor comprising a movable output shaft; a brash head attachable to the output shaft, wherein the brash head comprises a memory device; a control system configured to interrogate the memory device; determine whether the brash head is authentic; operate the motor according to a first algorithm if the control system determines that the brush head is authentic; and operate the motor according to a second algorithm if the control system cannot recognize the brush head, wherein the second algorithm is different than the first algorithm.

[0100] Example 32: The toothbrush of Example 31, wherein control system is configured to supply more power to the motor when employing the first algorithm than when employing the second algorithm.

[0101] Example 33 : The toothbrush of Example 31 , wherein the control system is configured to move the brush head through a first range of motion when employing the first algorithm and a second range of motion when employing the second algorithm, and wherein the first range of motion is larger than the second range of motion.

[0102] Example 34: The toothbrush of Example 31, wherein the brash head further comprises a sensor, wherein the control system is configured to use data from the sensor when employing the first algorithm, and wherein the control system is configured to not use data from a sensor in a non-authenticated brush head when employing the second algorithm.

[0103] Example 35: A toothbrush, comprising a handle; a motor comprising an excitable output shaft; a control board that moves with the output shaft; an energy source that moves946353-OO-WO-Ol-TB with the output shaft, wherein the energy source is in communication with the control board; and a brush head movable with the output shaft.

[0104] Example 36: The toothbrush of Example 35, further comprising an energy emitter, wherein the output shaft defines a longitudinal axis, and wherein the energy emitter is configured to emit energy in an emission direction that is transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0105] Example 37: The toothbrush of Example 35, further comprising a light emitter, wherein the output shaft defines a longitudinal axis, and wherein the light emitter is configured to emit light in an emission direction that is transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0106] Example 38: The toothbrush of Example 35, further comprising an energy emitter that extends distally with respect to the output shaft.

[0107] Example 39: The toothbrush of Example 35, wherein the energy source comprises a light emitting diode.

[0108] Example 40: The toothbrush of Example 39, wherein the light emitting diode emits blue light.

[0109] Example 41 : The toothbrush of Example 39, wherein the light emitting diode emits red light.

[0110] Example 42: The toothbrush of any one of Examples 35-41, wherein the output shaft comprises an eccentric mass.

[0111] Example 43: The toothbrush of any one of Examples 35-42, wherein the motor comprises a bipolar motor.

[0112] Example 44: A toothbrush, comprising a handle; a motor comprising a movable output shaft; a stem mounted to the output shaft; a control board that moves with the stem, wherein the control board extends distally with respect to the output shaft; and an energy emitter in communication with the control board that moves with the output shaft.

[0113] Example 45: The toothbrush of Example 44, wherein the energy emitter comprises a light emitting diode.

[0114] Example 46: The toothbrush of Example 45, wherein the light emitting diode emits blue light.

[0115] Example 47: The toothbrush of Example 45, wherein the light emitting diode emits red light.

[0116] Example 48: The toothbrush of any one of Examples 44-47, wherein the output shaft comprises an eccentric mass.946353-OO-WO-Ol-TB

[0117] Example 49: The toothbrush of any one of Examples 44-47, wherein the motor comprises a bipolar motor.

[0118] Example 50: The toothbrush of any one of Examples 44-49, further comprising a head comprising bristles, wherein the head is mountable to the stem.

[0119] Example 51: The toothbrush of Example 50, wherein the head comprises the energy emitter.

[0120] Example 52: The toothbrush of Example 50, wherein the energy emitter is mounted to the control board.

[0121] Example 53: The toothbrush of any one of Examples 44-52, wherein the output shaft defines a longitudinal axis, and wherein the energy emitter is configured to emit light along an emission direction that is transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0122] Example 54: A toothbrush, comprising a handle; a motor comprising a movable output shaft, wherein the output shaft comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a passage extending between the proximal end and the distal end; an energy source comprising an energy emitter, wherein the energy emitter is positioned distally with respect to the output shaft; a motor control board in the handle configured to control the operation of the motor; and an electrical wire that places the energy source in communication with the motor control board, wherein the electrical wire extends through the passage.

[0123] Example 55: The toothbrush of Example 54, wherein the energy source comprises a light emitting diode.

[0124] Example 56: The toothbrush of Example 55, wherein the light emitting diode emits blue light.

[0125] Example 57: The toothbrush of Example 55, wherein the light emitting diode emits red light.

[0126] Example 58: The toothbrush of any one of Examples 54-57, wherein the output shaft comprises an eccentric mass.

[0127] Example 59: The toothbrush of any one of Examples 54-57, wherein the motor comprises a bipolar motor.

[0128] Example 60: The toothbrush of any one of Examples 54-59, wherein the output shaft defines a longitudinal axis, and wherein the energy emitter is configured to emit light along an emission direction that is transverse to the longitudinal axis.946353-OO-WO-Ol-TB

[0129] Example 61 : A toothbrush, comprising a handle; an electric motor comprising a rotatable output shaft; a stem attached to the output shaft; a brush head attached to the stem, wherein the brush head is rotatable relative to the handle about an interface; and a control board assembly in communication with the electric motor, wherein the control board assembly comprises a first circuit board positioned in the handle; a second circuit board positioned in the stem; and a flexible portion extending between the first circuit board and the second circuit board, wherein the flexible portion comprises a serpentine section configured to provide strain relief within the control board assembly.

[0130] Example 62: The toothbrush of Example 61, wherein the flexible portion does not extend within the output shaft.

[0131] Example 63: The toothbrush of Example 61 or 62, wherein the serpentine section extends laterally alongside the output shaft.

[0132] Example 64: The toothbrush of any one of Examples 61-63, wherein the serpentine section extends across the interface.

[0133] Example 65 : The toothbrush of any one of Examples 61-64, wherein the second circuit board comprises one or more sensors.

[0134] While the foregoing description and drawings represent exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, it will be understood that various additions, modifications and substitutions may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope and range of equivalents of the accompanying claims. In particular, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, sizes, and with other elements, materials, and components, without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. In addition, numerous variations in the methods / processes described herein may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. One skilled in the art will further appreciate that the embodiments may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, sizes, materials, and components and otherwise, used in the practice of the disclosure, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the principles described herein. The presently-disclosed embodiments arc therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the disclosure, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents.

Claims

946353-OO-WO-Ol-TBCLAIMS1. A toothbrush, comprising: a handle; a motor comprising a rotatable output shaft; a control board that rotates with the output shaft, wherein the control board extends distally with respect to the output shaft; a sensor that rotates with the output shaft, wherein the sensor is in communication with the control board, and wherein the sensor is positioned distally with respect to the output shaft; and a brush head, wherein the brush head is rot at able by the output shaft.

2. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the sensor is mounted to the control board.

3. The toothbrush of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a stem attached to the output shaft, wherein the control board is mounted to the stem.

4. The toothbrush of claim 3, wherein the stem comprises a board cavity and a shaft cavity, wherein the control board is positioned in the board cavity, and wherein the output shaft extends into the shaft cavity.

5. The toothbrush of claim 4, wherein the stem further comprises: a stem passage connecting the board cavity and the shaft cavity; and at least one electrical wire that is connected to the control board and extends through the stem passage.

6. The toothbrush of claim 5, wherein the output shaft comprises a shaft passage extending there through, and wherein the at least one electrical wire extends through the output shaft into the handle.

7. The toothbrush of claim 6, wherein the control board comprises a stem control board, and wherein the toothbrush further comprises a handle control board in the handle, and946353-OO-WO-Ol-TB wherein the stem control board and the handle control board are in communication via the at least one electrical wire.

8. The toothbrush of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the brush head comprises bristles, and wherein the sensor is positioned behind the bristles.

9. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the output shaft comprises a passage extending there through, and wherein the toothbrush further comprises at least one wire extending through the passage.

10. The toothbrush of claim 9, wherein the control board comprises an end effector control board, wherein the toothbrush further comprises a handle control board positioned in the handle, and wherein the end effector control board and the handle control board are in communication via the at least one wire.

11. The toothbrush of claim 10, wherein the handle control board comprises a processor.

12. The toothbrush of claim 10 or 11, wherein the end effector control board comprises a processor.

13. The toothbrush of any one of claims 1-12, further comprising a second sensor that rotates with the output shaft, wherein the second sensor is in communication with the control board.

14. The toothbrush of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the output shaft defines a longitudinal axis, and wherein the sensor faces laterally away from the longitudinal axis.

15. The toothbrush of any one of claims 1-14, wherein the control board is configured to obtain data from the sensor while the motor is being operated.

16. A toothbrush, comprising: a handle;946353-OO-WO-Ol-TB a motor comprising a reciprocatable output shaft; a stem mounted to the output shaft; a control board that rotates with the stem; a sensor system in communication with the control board; and a head comprising bristles mountable to the stem, wherein the control board is configured to obtain data from the sensor while the head is mounted to the stem and the motor is being operated.

17. The toothbrush of claim 16, wherein the output shaft defines a longitudinal axis, and wherein the sensing system comprises a sensor that faces laterally away from the longitudinal axis.

18. The toothbrush of claim 16 or 17, wherein the control board is mounted in the stem.

19. The toothbrush of any one of claims 16-18, wherein the stem comprises a sensor of the sensor system.

20. The toothbrush of any one of claims 16-19, wherein the head comprises the sensor of the sensor system.

21. The toothbrush of claim 20, wherein the head comprises a first electrical contact and a first electrical circuit, wherein the stem comprises a second electrical contact and a second electrical circuit, and wherein the first electrical contact is configured to engage the second electrical contact when the brush head is mounted to the stem to place the first electrical circuit in communication with the second electrical circuit.

22. The toothbrush of any one of claims 16-21, further comprising an energy emitter positioned distally with respect to the motor output shaft.

23. The toothbrush of any one of claims 16-22, wherein the control board comprises a stem control board, wherein the output shaft comprises a passage extending from a distal end946353-OO-WO-Ol-TB of the output shaft through a proximal end of the output shaft, and wherein the toothbrush further comprises: a motor control board in the handle configured to control the operation of the motor; and an electrical wire that electrically couples the stem control board with the motor control board, wherein the electrical wire extends through the passage.

24. The toothbrush of claim 23, wherein the output shaft has an axis of rotation, and wherein the passage extends along the axis of rotation.

25. The toothbrush of claim 23 or 24, wherein the stem control board extends distally from the output shaft.

26. The toothbmsh of any one of claims 16-22, wherein the output shaft comprises a passage extending from a distal end of the output shaft through a proximal end of the output shaft, and wherein the toothbmsh further comprises a fiberoptic cable extending through the passage.

27. The toothbmsh of any one of claims 16-26, wherein the motor comprises a bipolar stepper motor.

28. A toothbmsh, comprising: a handle; an electric motor comprising a rotatable output shaft; a stem attached to the output shaft; a bmsh head attached to the stem, wherein the bmsh head is rotatable relative to the handle about an interface; and a control board assembly in communication with the electric motor, wherein the control board assembly comprises: a first circuit board positioned in the handle; a second circuit board positioned in the stem; and946353-OO-WO-Ol-TB a flexible portion extending between the first circuit board and the second circuit board, wherein the flexible portion comprises a seipentine section configured to provide strain relief within the control board assembly.

29. The toothbrush of claim 28, wherein the serpentine section extends laterally alongside the output shaft.

30. The toothbrush of claim 28 or 29, wherein the serpentine section extends across the interface.

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