Dental Cleaning Device

Abstract

An electric toothbrush with a removable brush section having a transponder communicating with a handle portion of the toothbrush via a non-contacting inductive coupling.

1 . An electric toothbrush, comprising: 
 a handle;    a first coil arranged within or on the handle, wherein when energized the first coil emits electromagnetic wave energy;    a brush attachment sized for use in an oral cavity that couples to the handle, the brush attachment comprising a bristle section;    a second coil arranged within or on the brush attachment, wherein the second coil can receive electromagnetic wave energy emitted by the first coil of the handle when the brush attachment is coupled to the handle.    
   
   
       2 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 1 , further comprising an electric motor operatively coupled to the brush attachment to move the bristle section when the brush attachment is coupled to the handle.  
   
   
       3 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 2 , further comprising a battery that powers the electric motor.  
   
   
       4 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 2 , wherein the motor oscillates the bristle section.  
   
   
       5 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 4 , wherein the motor oscillates the bristle section at a frequency of about 100 to about 400 Hz.  
   
   
       6 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 4 , wherein the motor oscillates the bristle section about an axis of rotation through an angle of from about plus or minus 10 degrees to about plus or minus 60 degrees.  
   
   
       7 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 2 , further comprising a shaft having a first end operatively connected to the motor and a second end that operatively connects to the brush attachment when the brush attachment is coupled to the handle.  
   
   
       8 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 7 , wherein the first coil is in the shape of a ring having a hole therethrough.  
   
   
       9 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 8 , wherein the shaft extends through the hole in the first coil.  
   
   
       10 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 7 , wherein the second coil is in the shape of a ring having a hole therethrough.  
   
   
       11 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 10 , wherein the shaft extends through the hole in the second coil.  
   
   
       12 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 1 , wherein the handle further comprises a first annular body arranged to improve a coupling factor of the first coil.  
   
   
       13 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 12  wherein the first annular body comprises ferrite.  
   
   
       14 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 1 , wherein the brush attachment further comprises a second annular body arranged to improve a coupling factor of the second coil.  
   
   
       15 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 14 , wherein the second annular body comprises ferrite.  
   
   
       16 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 1 , wherein the brush attachment further comprises an electric element that is powered by the second coil.  
   
   
       17 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 16 , wherein the electric element is connected to the second coil by a connecting line.  
   
   
       18 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 16 , wherein the electric element comprises at least one of a capacitor, a diode, a micro-controller, a rectifier, a resistor, and a transponder.  
   
   
       19 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 16 , wherein the electric element transmits a signal to the first coil.  
   
   
       20 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 19 , wherein the electric element modulates the signal to transmit information to the first coil.  
   
   
       21 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 16 , wherein the electric element comprises a resistor.  
   
   
       22 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 16 , wherein the electric element comprises a capacitor that forms a resonant circuit with the second coil.  
   
   
       23 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 16 , wherein the electric element is spaced axially from the second coil along a longitudinal axis of the brush attachment.  
   
   
       24 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 16 , wherein the handle further comprises an electronic control device that controls one or more operating parameters of the electric toothbrush.  
   
   
       25 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 24 , wherein the operating parameter is selected from the group consisting of cleaning speed and cleaning frequency.  
   
   
       26 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 24 , wherein the electronic control device comprises a micro-controller or microprocessor.  
   
   
       27 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 24 , wherein the electronic control device controls operation of the electric motor.  
   
   
       28 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 27 , wherein the electronic control device controls the speed of the electric motor.  
   
   
       29 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 24 , wherein the electronic control device communicates with the electric element of the brush attachment via the first and second coils.  
   
   
       30 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 29 , wherein the electronic control device controls the one or more operating parameters of the electric toothbrush in response to a signal from the electric element.  
   
   
       31 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 24 , wherein the electronic control device supplies a signal to the electric element of the brush attachment.  
   
   
       32 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 24 , further comprising a display for displaying information relating to the operating parameter.  
   
   
       33 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 1 , wherein a turn area of the first coil is arranged at or about at a right angle to a longitudinal axis of the handle.  
   
   
       34 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 33 , wherein a turn area of the second coil is arranged at or about at a right angle to a longitudinal axis of the brush attachment.  
   
   
       35 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 1 , further comprising a display for indicating a predetermined maintenance interval for the brush attachment.  
   
   
       36 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 1 , wherein the second coil converts electromagnetic wave energy received from the first coil to electrical energy.  
   
   
       37 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 1 , wherein the second coil is positioned to be spaced apart from the first coil when the brush attachment is coupled to the handle.  
   
   
       38 . An electric toothbrush, comprising: 
 a handle;    a first coil arranged within or on the handle, wherein when energized the first coil emits electromagnetic wave energy;    a brush attachment that couples to the handle, the brush attachment comprising a bristle section;    a second coil arranged within or on the brush attachment, wherein the second coil can receive electromagnetic wave energy emitted by the first coil when the brush attachment is coupled to the handle;    an electric motor operatively coupled to the brush attachment to move the bristle section when the brush attachment is coupled to the handle; and    a battery that powers the electric motor.    
   
   
       39 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 38 , wherein the motor oscillates the bristle section.  
   
   
       40 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 39 , wherein the motor oscillates the bristle section at a frequency between about 100 to about 400 Hz.  
   
   
       41 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 39 , wherein the motor oscillates the bristle section about an axis of rotation through an angle between about plus or minus 10 degrees to about plus or minus 60 degrees.  
   
   
       42 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 38 , further comprising a shaft having a first end operatively connected to the motor and a second end that operatively connects to the brush attachment when the brush attachment is coupled to the handle.  
   
   
       43 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 42 , wherein the first coil is in the shape of a ring having a hole therethrough.  
   
   
       44 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 43 , wherein the shaft extends through the hole in the first coil.  
   
   
       45 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 42 , wherein the second coil is in the shape of a ring having a hole therethrough.  
   
   
       46 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 45 , wherein the shaft extends through the hole in the second coil.  
   
   
       47 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 38 , wherein the handle further comprises a first annular body arranged to improve a coupling factor of the first coil.  
   
   
       48 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 47 , wherein the first annular body comprises ferrite.  
   
   
       49 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 47 , wherein the brush attachment further comprises a second annular body arranged to improve a coupling factor of the second coil.  
   
   
       50 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 49 , wherein the second annular body comprises ferrite.  
   
   
       51 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 38 , wherein the brush attachment further comprises an electric element that is powered by the second coil.  
   
   
       52 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 51 , wherein the electric element is connected to the second coil by a connecting line.  
   
   
       53 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 51 , wherein the electric element comprises at least one of a capacitor, a diode, a micro-controller, a rectifier, a resistor, and a transponder.  
   
   
       54 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 51 , wherein the electric element transmits a signal to the first coil and modulates the signal to transmit information to the first coil.  
   
   
       55 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 51 , wherein the electric element comprises a resistor.  
   
   
       56 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 51 , wherein the electric element comprises a capacitor that forms a resonant circuit with the second coil.  
   
   
       57 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 51 , wherein the electric element is spaced axially from the second coil along a longitudinal axis of the brush attachment.  
   
   
       58 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 51 , wherein the handle further comprises an electronic control device that controls one or more operating parameters of the electric toothbrush.  
   
   
       59 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 58 , wherein the operating parameter is selected from the group consisting of cleaning speed and cleaning frequency.  
   
   
       60 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 58 , wherein the electronic control device comprises a micro-controller or microprocessor.  
   
   
       61 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 59 , wherein the electronic control device controls operation of the electric motor.  
   
   
       62 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 61 , wherein the electronic control device control the speed of the electric motor.  
   
   
       63 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 58 , wherein the electronic control device communicates with the electric element of the brush attachment via the first and second coils.  
   
   
       64 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 58 , wherein the electronic control device controls the one or more operating parameters of the electric toothbrush in response to a signal from the electric element.  
   
   
       65 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 58 , wherein the electronic control device supplies a signal to the electric element of the brush attachment.  
   
   
       66 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 38 , wherein a turn area of the first coil is arranged at or about at a right angle to a longitudinal axis of the handle.  
   
   
       67 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 66 , wherein a turn area of the second coil is arranged at or about at a right angle to a longitudinal axis of the brush attachment.  
   
   
       68 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 38 , wherein the second coil converts electromagnetic wave energy received from the first coil to electrical energy.  
   
   
       69 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 38 , wherein the second coil is positioned to be spaced apart from the first coil when the brush attachment is coupled to the handle.  
   
   
       70 . An electric toothbrush, comprising:  
     a handle; 
 a first coil that is arranged within or on the handle, wherein when energized the first coil emits electromagnetic wave energy;  
 a brush attachment that couples to the handle, the brush attachment comprising a bristle section;  
 a second coil that is arranged within or on the brush attachment, wherein the second coil can receive electromagnetic wave energy emitted by the first coil when the brush attachment is coupled to the handle and wherein the second coil powers an electric element located in the brush attachment;  
 an electric motor;  
 a shaft having a first end operatively connected to the motor and a second end that operatively connects to the brush attachment when the brush attachment is coupled to the handle, wherein the electric motor oscillates the bristle section when the electric motor is energized; and  
 a battery that powers the electric motor.  
 
   
   
       71 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 70 , wherein the motor oscillates the bristle section at a frequency between about 100 to about 400 Hz.  
   
   
       72 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 70 , wherein the motor oscillates the bristle section about an axis of rotation through an angle between about plus or minus 10 degrees to about plus or minus 60 degrees.  
   
   
       73 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 70 , wherein the handle further comprises a first annular body arranged to improve a coupling factor of the first coil.  
   
   
       74 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 73 , wherein the first annular body comprises ferrite.  
   
   
       75 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 73 , wherein the brush attachment further comprises a second annular body arranged to improve a coupling factor of the second coil.  
   
   
       76 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 75 , wherein the second annular body comprises ferrite.  
   
   
       77 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 70 , wherein the electric element is connected to the second coil by a connecting line.  
   
   
       78 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 70 , wherein the electric element comprises at least one of a capacitor, a diode, a micro-controller, a rectifier, a resistor, or a transponder.  
   
   
       79 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 70 , wherein the electric element transmits a signal to the first coil and modulates the signal to transmit information to the first coil.  
   
   
       80 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 70 , wherein the electric element comprises a resistor.  
   
   
       81 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 70 , wherein the electric element comprises a capacitor that forms a resonant circuit with the second coil.  
   
   
       82 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 70 , wherein the electric element is spaced axially from the second coil along a longitudinal axis of the brush attachment.  
   
   
       83 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 70 , wherein the handle further comprises an electronic control device that controls one or more operating parameters of the electric toothbrush.  
   
   
       84 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 83 , wherein the operating parameter is selected from the group consisting of cleaning speed and cleaning frequency.  
   
   
       85 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 83 , wherein the electronic control device comprises a micro-controller or microprocessor.  
   
   
       86 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 83 , wherein the electronic control device controls operation of the electric motor.  
   
   
       87 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 86 , wherein the electronic control device controls the speed of the electric motor.  
   
   
       88 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 83 , wherein the electronic control device communicates with the electric element of the brush attachment via the first and second coils.  
   
   
       89 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 88 , wherein the electronic control device controls the one or more operating parameters of the electric toothbrush in response to a signal from the electric element.  
   
   
       90 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 83 , wherein the electronic control device supplies a signal to the electric element of the brush attachment.  
   
   
       91 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 70 , wherein the second coil is positioned to be spaced apart from the first coil when the brush attachment is coupled to the handle.  
   
   
       92 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 70 , wherein the first and second coils are each provided in the shape of ring having a hole therethrough and the shaft extends through the hole of each coil.  
   
   
       93 . An electric toothbrush, comprising:  
     a handle; 
 a first means that is arranged with or on the handle that emits electromagnetic wave energy when the first means is energized;  
 a brush attachment that couples to the handle, the brush attachment comprising bristle section;  
 a second means that is arranged within or on the brush attachment that receives electromagnetic wave energy emitted by the first means when the brush attachment is coupled to the handle and wherein the second means powers an electric element located in the brush attachment;  
 an electric motor;  
 a battery that powers the electric motor;  
 a shaft having a first end operatively connected to the motor and a second end that operatively connects to the brush attachment when the brush attachment is coupled to the handle, wherein the electric motor oscillates the bristle section when the electric motor is energized; and  
 an electronic control device disposed in the handle that controls the electric motor.  
 
   
   
       94 . An electric toothbrush, comprising:  
     a handle; 
 an electromagnetic emitter that is arranged within or on the handle, wherein the electromagnetic emitter comprises a plurality of windings and wherein the electromagnetic emitter emits electromagnetic wave energy when energized;  
 a brush attachment that couples to the handle, the brush attachment comprising a bristle section;  
 a electromagnetic receiver that is arranged within or on the brush attachment that receives electromagnetic wave energy emitted by the electromagnetic emitter when the brush attachment is coupled to the handle, wherein the electromagnetic receiver comprises a plurality of windings and wherein the electromagnetic receiver powers an electric element located in the brush attachment;  
 an electric motor;  
 a battery that powers the electric motor;  
 a shaft having a first end operatively connected to the motor and a second end that operatively connects to the brush attachment when the brush attachment is coupled to the handle wherein the electric motor oscillates the bristle section when the electric motor is energized; and  
 an electronic control device disposed in the handle that controls the electric motor.  
 
   
   
       95 . An electric toothbrush comprising: 
 a handle;    a brush attachment that couples to the handle, the brush attachment comprising a bristle section;    an electric motor arranged within the handle;    a shaft having a first end operatively connected to the motor and a second end that operatively connects to the brush attachment to move the bristle section when the brush attachment is coupled to the handle;    a first coil in the shape of a ring with a hole therethrough arranged within or on the handle, wherein when energized the first coil emits electromagnetic wave energy;    a first annular body arranged within or on the handle to improve a coupling factor of the first coil;    a second coil in the shape of a ring with a hole therethrough arranged within or on the brush attachment, wherein the second coil can receive electromagnetic wave energy emitted by the first coil when the brush attachment is coupled to the handle;    a second annular body arranged within or on the brush attachment to improve a coupling face of the second coil; and    a display located on the handle for indicating a predetermined maintenance interval for the brush attachment;    wherein the shaft extends through the holes in the first and second coils when the brush attachment is coupled to the handle.    
   
   
       96 . An electric toothbrush, comprising: 
 a handle;    a brush attachment that couples to the handle, the brush attachment comprising a bristle section;    communication means for non-contacting electromagnetic wave communication between the handle and the brush attachment; and    an electric element located within or on the brush attachment;    wherein the handle transmits electromagnetic waves comprising energy to the brush attachment to power the electric element, and wherein the brush attachment transmits electromagnetic waves comprising an identification signal to the handle.    
   
   
       97 . A toothbrush attachment for use with an electronic toothbrush, comprising: 
 a body that couples to a handle of an electronic toothbrush;    a bristle section arranged on the body;    an electric element arranged within or on the body; and    an electromagnetic wave receiving means arranged within or on the body and in electrical contact with the electric element and configured to provide electrical power to the electrical element in response to receiving electromagnetic wave energy.    
   
   
       98 . The toothbrush attachment of  claim 97 , wherein the electromagnetic wave receiving means comprises a ring-shaped coil.  
   
   
       99 . The toothbrush attachment of  claim 98 , further comprising an annular body arranged within or on the body to improve a coupling factor of the coil.  
   
   
       100 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 97 , wherein the electric element comprises at least one of a capacitor, a diode, a micro-controller, a rectifier, a resistor, and a transponder.  
   
   
       101 . The electric toothbrush of  claim 97 , wherein a turn area of the coil is arranged at or about at a right angle to a longitudinal axis of the body.  
   
   
       102 . A dental cleaning device, comprising: 
 a handle section; and    a cleaning tool that couples to the handle section and comprises 
 an electric element; and  
 an electromagnetic wave receiving means in electrical contact with the electric element and configured to provide electrical power to the electric element in response to receiving an electromagnetic wave.  
   
   
   
       103 . The dental cleaning device of  claim 102 , wherein the electric element is operable to transmit a radio signal, and wherein the handle section is operable to control one or more operating parameters of the cleaning device based, at least in part, on radio signals transmitted from the electric element.  
   
   
       104 . The dental cleaning device of  claim 102 , wherein the handle section comprises 
 a signal receiver that can receive signals transmitted from the electric element; and    an electronic controller in electrical contact with the signal receiver and operable to control one or more operating parameters of the cleaning device in response to signals received from the electric element.    
   
   
       105 . The dental cleaning device of  claim 102 , wherein the handle section includes an electric motor in electrical contact with the electronic controller, and wherein the controller controls one or more operating parameters of the electric motor based, at least in part, on signals received from the electric element.