The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 30, 2002
Filed:
Aug. 21, 2000
Stephen M. Meginniss, Seattle, WA (US);
Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V., Eindhoven, NL;
Abstract
The three point force sensing system includes three spaced sensor members which change in resistance linearly or monotonically over a selected range of force applied thereto. The sensor members are arranged in a triangle configuration in a flex circuit which is positioned between a brushhead and a brushhead body. The brushhead has three raised portions on a lower surface thereof which bear against the sensor members in a spring-like relationship. Electrically conductive trace lines extend from the sensor members along the length of the toothbrush to a connector at the rear end thereof. A microprocessor is used to evaluate the change of resistance as force is applied against the brushhead to determine force in the z direction against the teeth, as well as motion in the x and y direction in a plane parallel with a base portion of the brushhead.