Koninklijke Philips Corporation N.v.

Koninklijkle Philips N.v.

Christopher Dabrowski

Joseph W Grez

Wolter F Benning

Charles B Cook

Gregg Heard

Martyn Gray Darnbrough Beedham

Hanne Lindholt Caspersen

Rick Peterson

Hanne Caspersen

Charles Cook

Joe Grez

Wolter Benning

Martyn Beedham

Various operational mode arrangements of an electric toothbrush () include pre-programming a controller portion () of the electric toothbrush such that a single brushing event of approximately two minutes comprises automatically at least two different operating modes and specified times for each mode. Another operational mode includes the capability of operating the on/off button () of the toothbrush within a specified short time following termination of a normal brushing event to provide the user a specified additional time, e.g. 30 seconds of toothbrush action. A special toothbrush interface arrangement includes a display () which encourages children to maintain brushing for the full brushing period. This is accomplished through sequential illustration of the progress of an article from an initial state to a final desired state as the toothbrush is used for increasing portions of a full brushing time period. In another embodiment, a toothbrush () includes a capability of adjusting the performance/operating characteristics in accordance with the age of a child user.

System for operating modes for an electric toothbrush

The mode selection system for a power toothbrush includes a first switch () operable to control the ON/OFF condition of the toothbrush and a second switch () operable when the first switch is in the OFF condition to select one of a plurality of possible modes of operation programmed in the toothbrush. A pre-established time is set during which the ON/OFF switch must be operated to an ON condition after the mode selection switch has been operated to select a particular mode. The selected mode is indicated by a lit LED on a handle portion of the toothbrush.

System for selecting modes of operation in a power toothbrush

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Lynnwood, WA, United States of America

Christopher Dabrowski