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:
Nov. 20, 2007
Filed:
Nov. 03, 2004
Pierre D. Mourad, Seattle, WA (US);
Francis G. Olson, Seattle, WA (US);
Roger Lee Thompson, Kirkland, WA (US);
Jason L. Seawall, Seattle, WA (US);
Pierre D. Mourad, Seattle, WA (US);
Francis G. Olson, Seattle, WA (US);
Roger Lee Thompson, Kirkland, WA (US);
Jason L. Seawall, Seattle, WA (US);
University of Washington, Seattle, WA (US);
Abstract
A power toothbrush () is disclosed having a handle () containing a rechargeable battery (), an ultrasonic drive circuit (), a sonic component () such as a motor, and a control unit (). The handle is connected to a toothbrush head () preferably having a plurality of bristles () and an ultrasonic transducer () that is operatively connected to a waveguide () that extends from the toothbrush head generally adjacent the bristles. The waveguide facilitates the transmission of acoustic energy into the dental fluid. It is contemplated that the waveguide may be utilized in manual or power toothbrushes, and in a combination without the sonic component, or in a combination without the ultrasonic transducer. Toothbrushes disclosed herein achieve improved plaque and stain removal from the teeth as well as interproximal and subgingival regions, while enhancing the user experience, massaging the gums, and stimulating dental tissue.